#my cleaning notion from last night decided to carry over i’m impressed

[umemiyan]

did my laundry and then did a big cleanup of my apartment. since when did the executive in my brain decide to function?

[wildroseofarran]

Plans for the Future || Captain Issott

Leslie: Leslie dropped another shell in his pocket. Quite a handful after an hour of strolling the beach. Calves and feet hidden behind perfect white sand. His nose was tender but ignored. Another shell gently cleaned and inspected.

Every offense to Regina Lawson was replayed. It was the little things. Forgetting to eat, dismissive of his own meditation. Irritability from his circumstances causing less than pleasant passes. A sharp look. A sigh. A forced smile. Pebbles became mountains. The man he was, was still the man walking the beach.

'The old me is gone,' people say in these situations. A ridiculous notion. People could improve, worsen, but they were the sum of their parts. He could smile now, sober, with the same kind intentions he was raised by, but Gina would forever carry every part of his sum.

Another shell for his pocket. Better to wait today.

Tristan: "You're gonna have me working like a dog, you know that?"

"Blame the mother-in-law for talking them into five courses!" Gina shook her head and handed Tristan a large bag.

Tristan took it and willed his stomach not to growl at the scent wafting from it. "Oh, I do. Gonna charge her out the ass."

Gina laughed. "So am I. Go on and eat that before it gets cold. I'll email you the purchase order."

"'Kay, thanks. See you soon."

Tristan emerged from the inn and immediately scanned the beach for Leslie, feeling decidedly cheerful despite the long hours of work in his future.

He was going to buy Les so many presents.

Leslie: Leslie was but a blond and blue speck in the distance. Rolled up jeans, shoeless, and nearly shirtless. His blue flannel mostly unbuttoned and arguing with the wind. Certainly not suitable for a luncheon. On purpose, of course, to better drive home how unsuitable he was to be there.

Tristan: Not just any speck; that was his speck. And maybe it was the romantic in him, but Tristan swore his eyes went right to Leslie with almost magical speed and accuracy.

He made his way over, stopping only once to pick up a piece of sea glass.

"Hey, sunshine," he called when Leslie was in earshot.

Leslie: A smile to mimic his namesake was given in greeting.

"I've found you a bounty!" he called. Turned to close the distance between them. Various cockle and murex on offer. More coquina than necessary.

Tristan: God, that smile was a beautiful punch to the gut.

"Look at you!" Leslie was greeted with a kiss the second he was close enough. "My fish tanks are gonna look so good."

Leslie: "How did it go?" he asked. Pocketed his findings and began setting himself to rights.

Tristan: “Got the gig and also a king’s ransom of work. Five course meal for one hundred and fifty people.”

Leslie: "All seafood? Really?" Color him impressed.

Tristan: “Only three of them, unless they decide to put fish in the dessert and the salad.”

Leslie: "Shrimp in a salad is delicious, I'll have you know. Scallops are better." Seafood dessert? The idea put a cringe on his face.

"A customer once tried to convince me shrimp and white chocolate go together."

Tristan: Tristan made a face of pure disgust. "Ew, no. It was a tourist, wasn't it?"

Leslie: "One of the first when I started with Myrtle."

Tristan: He shook his head. "That's some nonsense only someone who didn't grow up eating seafood would like."

Leslie: "I can't say I've heard worse."

Tristan: "I don't think anyone has, honestly." Taste couldn't get much worse than mixing seafood and white chocolate.

He held up the bag. "Hungry, sugar pie?"

Leslie: Leslie looked from the bag to Tristan. "Did you actually eat lunch or ...?"

Tristan: "Nope, got us lunch to go. Baked cod, salad, and some bread."

Leslie: "Tristie." He could just manage to sound disappointed. Baked cod sounded absolutely delicious.

Tristan: "Hey, it still counts as a lunch meeting if lunch is involved in some way. Besides, this way I get to eat with you."

Leslie: That sigh through his nose was of utter disapproval. He would have to make himself scarce next time.

"Where do you want to eat?"

Tristan: A kiss to the cheek was offered in apology. Leslie didn't have to say a word; that sigh said it for him.

"Anywhere you want, sweetheart. I can grab the blanket I've got in my truck and we can have a picnic or we could go home or to the square. The town is your oyster."

Leslie: He felt the kiss for its worth. His mind was made up, but this was no hill to die on.

"Somewhere with good light. I have something to show you on my phone. Preferably a laptop. Home, then?"

Tristan: Tristan nodded. "Home it is. Your place or mine?"

Leslie: "Yours is closer. Mine is what I want to talk about."

Tristan: “Oh yeah? Well now I’m intrigued,” said Tristan, holding his free hand out to Leslie.

Leslie: The offer was taken and brought to his lips. A few playful bites to follow.

Tristan: He chuckled and tugged Leslie closer to kiss him.

"I better get you fed before you start eating me."

Leslie: "You'll taste like seafood, too. When was the last time you had a land mammal?"

Tristan: "Couple days ago. I was craving a hotdog like you wouldn't believe."

Leslie: "That's not mammal. That's an abomination."

Tristan: "It's beef! The proper hot dog way!"

Leslie: "There's enough sodium to kill a horse - that it's probably made of anyway."

Tristan: “Come on now, don’t ruin hotdogs. They are good wholesome junk food made of cows and not horses.”

Leslie: "Keep telling yourself that, love."

Tristan: "I will." Have another kiss. "All right, baby, let's go home."

Leslie: "I'll drive." Announced while climbing into the driver's seat.

Tristan: “Ain’t gotta tell me twice,” said Tristan, sliding into the passenger’s seat and handing over the keys.

“You know what we need? A hammock.”

Leslie: "Where are we gonna buy one out here?"

Tristan: “That I don’t know. Think Home Depot sells them?”

Leslie: "Are we going to Home Depot?"

Tristan: “Nah, not today. But it’s been on my mind. The weather we’ve been having makes me wanna nap outside with you.”

Leslie: "We'll have to look into it, then."

Tristan: “Hell yeah.”

Tristan spent the ride home sharing more of the details of his meeting with Leslie. It was the biggest contract he’d gotten in a while; enough to put some money where it was needed and have some leftover for a decent bonus.

Leslie: Talk of money with Tristan. Little slaps of reality. Not entirely sure of his decisions. A lingering ailment of his past.

"How many investors do you have?"

Tristan: "Just the one. I've had a few really great years, the Adrianna is in beautiful shape. Business is good."

Leslie: "Would you be uncomfortable with my contributing?"

Tristan: He smiled. "You wanna invest in my fishing business?"

Leslie: "I do, but I don't want any say in what you do."

Tristan: "What percentage would you like?"

Leslie: "This is so much easier on Robinhood."

Tristan: Tristan chuckled. "You don't want a percentage? Can I tempt you with a small token at the end of my fiscal year?"

Leslie: Leslie put his best effort into a sober tone. One difficult to do in Tristan's presence. Not unlike their first night together. "I don't want you to feel like I have something over you, in the future."

Tristan: "Les, come on. I know that's not who you are. If I thought for a second that you were offering for any reason other than genuinely helping me, I wouldn't accept. And I know you wouldn't offer for any other reason."

Leslie: Softly he sighed. "How about we... we touch base on the subject again after what I have to tell you when we're home."

Tristan: "Okay, baby, that's fine. Kinda making me a little nervous." Was Leslie about to tell him some heavy life-altering thing? Had something awful happened?

Leslie: Tristan's tone told him to take his hand and give a mighty squeeze. "Get out of your head. It's not like that."

Tristan: He squeezed back. "You sure? I'm getting a capital 's' Serious feeling."

Leslie: "You think I'd be holding your hand right now if I planned something like that?"

Tristan: “I don’t know.” He smiled. “You could be about to tell me my face turned blue and ugly in the middle of the night and you’re trying to soften the blow.”

Leslie: "I know I tease, but you should know me better than that. I'd tell you your face is blue immediately," he grinned.

Tristan: “Awww, thank you, babydoll.” He brought Leslie’s hand to his lips. “Did you know I love you?”

Leslie: "No fucking idea! Holy shit, really?"

Tristan: “Really really. Crazy, I know.”

Leslie: "I know there is a balance, and things will happen the way they are meant to, and Fate only has one eye, but I'm still stumped at the two of us."

Tristan: “At how it took us so long and how we managed to end up here?”

Leslie: "Mhm."

Tristan: “Well, things slow down when you’ve only got one eye that you have to share with your sisters.”

Leslie: "Could also just say we're idiots."

Tristan: “Yeah, that too,” he chuckled.

Leslie: Leslie pulled into the driveway and cut the engine. Keys tossed between hands as he stared out the window.

Tristan: "Talk to me about what's going on in that head, doll."

Leslie: "Your nervousness has rubbed off on me."

Tristan: "Sorry about that. Mama always said I emoted a lot."

Leslie: "You emote all you want."

Tristan: Tristan leaned over and kissed Leslie's cheek. "Come on, let's have some lunch."

Leslie: "Right." Tristan was helped inside. Locking the truck with the fob before shutting the front door and tossing the keys on the nearest table.

"Where's your laptop?"

Tristan: He set the food down in the kitchen and set about gathering bowls and forks.

"It iiiiiis.....on the bed. Should be charged and ready to go."

Leslie: He returned with the laptop and a lack of shirt. The results of his beach stroll apparent on his shoulders and chest.

"Alright. I'll pull up what I wanted to talk about. I want your honesty. That's all I want."

Tristan: "If honesty is what you want, then I'm here to give it to you." He started plating their meal. "Lay it on me."

Leslie: Pictures were downloaded from his email and minimized. Leslie leaned back in his seat and itched at his burn.

"A lot of love went into my house, but," deep breath, "I'm...thinking about tearing it down and expanding. But the thing is...I..."

Tristan: Tristan walked over, gesturing with a bowl. "Hey, hey, hey, leave that sunburn alone. I'll slather it in aloe here in a bit."

He leaned in to look at the laptop, only to lean back out in surprise. Not any negative surprise either. "You wanna expand? That's great!" He gestured again. "What's that hesitation for? Don't know how big you wanna go?"

Leslie: A song Tristan had sung before. Funny, he couldn't recall Oliver getting similar treatment. Another sign he should have noticed.

"It'll be healed by tomorrow." He could invest a conscious effort, but he simply didn't want to.

"No. Not that. Clive's had some blueprints in mind the moment he saw my place. It's just deciding between them. But...these weren't drawn with anyone else in mind. I don't...know...what kind of future I'm going to have and how many people should be included."

Tristan: That didn’t mean Leslie couldn’t be comfortable until then, but there were bigger fish to fry at the moment.

Very significant and important fish.

Tristan took a seat beside Leslie and reached for one of his hands. “And you want to know if now that we’re here, they should be revisited, right?”

Leslie: Tristan could have one of his hands. The other to fidget beneath the table.

"We've only just started. I don't want you to feel pressured into anything about the house, or why I want this. But the thing is... It feels wrong to move forward without your input. If why I want this, if any of it is too much, I won't - I won't guilt you into being with me. I won't do anything like that. I promise. We have to have the same vision and I don't know if we have the same vision. I'm just... verbal diarrhea right now. Sorry! You know that Charles - my friend you met with the locked chest, that Charles - runs a school for gifted children. Gifted like... me, kind of gifted. But not me. They call themselves mutants. There are these two girls. Ruby and Ester. They... They don't have family..."

Tristan: A soft smile played at Tristan's lips as he listened. He didn't mind the wave of words and thoughts; he wanted to know, wanted to understand, wanted to have the full picture in front of him. He liked to think he and Leslie were open books for each other, and that made conversations like this matter all the more.

"We have only just started, but when you think about it, we also haven't. Yeah it took us a while to get to this exact spot, but we've been with each other for years. I don't know, maybe it's me being a romantic or me being idealistic, but I've let my mind go to that place. To the wedding bells and the house and the kids running around. Not to say I want the bells right the hell now, I would never push that on you or pressure you.

"But I've always been able to see us take those kinds of big steps." He kissed Leslie's knuckles. "The way I grew up made me wanna have kids. My mom made me wanna have kids. For me it was never an if, it was always a when, and I'd like that when to be with you. It feels right that it's you. Right and good.

"Tell me about Ruby and Ester."

Leslie: "It does sound romantic. I love romance, I do, but I also know... this house... " Leslie waved his free hand. "This didn't happen in a day. I remember all the times you went on and on about projects. Here I'm talking about a new house. Children."

Swallowing, determined to push the conversation as Tristan encouraged.

"They're made of rubies and diamonds. They're hungry for knowledge. Not just about what I can do, but everything. Just touching on a subject they don't know, they dive into it. Ruby especially. She's fiercely protective. Ester is nurturing. They've been through so much. I'm... I'm scared. I've wanted to be a father for years, but I don't know how to - where to begin this."

Tristan: Now that took Tristan aback. Not the children themselves, no, it wasn't that.

"Rubies and diamonds? Actual rubies and diamonds that people make jewelry with? And they call that a mutation?" He gave a breathless chuckle and shook his head. "That's so much more. That's something bordering on ethereal and...divine. Two protective and nurturing little girls should know nothing but nurturing and protection.

"And I can't think of anyone better suited for that than you. No one knows how to be a parent until they are one. Mama says she became a parent the day she decided to keep me. I think that once you make that choice, that's it. You're a parent."

Leslie: "Charles is... apprehensive of their learning witchcraft. I tried to explain that a good education is better than delving into something way over their head because they have no one. We all were raised with guidance. If a witch is determined to go down that road, they will, no matter the cleared path in front of them, but -"

Leslie closed his eyes. Well aware of how he must look. His usual confidence, impressive even by his perspective, had receded like a tide.

"The end of the day, they have to want me to be their father. By the time the house is done, they might not. I might just be a novelty to them. And Charles... Charles could say no. He has the final say. I can state my case, but I'm not going to fight him. And also, none of this is going to happen if you don't want it to."

Tristan: "I don't know your friend Charles all that well, but it...surprises me that he can have two kids in his care made of precious stones and be apprehensive of witchcraft. From what you've told me, it's not even something--I don't know, unnatural? that they'd be diving into. It's in them already, in everyone."

While Leslie's eyes were closed, Tristan leaned in and pressed a kiss to his forehead. It was hard to miss that shaky confidence, and even harder to miss the reason.

"Leslie Issott, you could never be just a novelty to anybody. Not to me, not to those kids, not to anyone. I am in this with you. I want this with you. If Charles says no, it'll be to both of us, after we've made our case."

Leslie: That was precisely the point Leslie wanted to make for anyone interested in the craft. And Tristan just said it. Just accepted it. Damn near rendered his witch speechless. Only finding his voice after the press of lips to his skin.

"Y-Yeah. Exactly." Eyes slowly opened. "Are you sure? Tristie, I want you to be sure you mean what you say."

Tristan: Leslie would see a brilliantly smiling Tristan looking back at him. “There is nothing in my life I’ve been more sure of than you. I want to build a home and a family with you.”

Leslie: A deep breath later, Leslie nodded. Something felt off, but he couldn't put his finger on what. This was what he wanted to hear, but something felt missing. What that was, he couldn't see. Beyond a fog and just out of reach.

But he would smile anyway. "Want me to show you the blueprints?"

Tristan: Tristan kissed his witch's cheeks. This was only the first of many conversations they would probably end up having on the subject, he was certain. And that was exactly the way it should be. One conversation simply wasn't enough when you were talking about your future together with someone.

"Show them to me while we eat. Our stomachs and your blood sugar are going to start complaining at us here in a bit."

Leslie: "You mean my blood sugar," he smirked.

Tristan: “That’s what I said, you beautiful man.” Have more kisses to your face. “What do you want to drink?”

Leslie: "Thought you said our," he laughed as he was kissed. "Just water. I think I had the last of the tea."

Tristan: That laugh would never not be absolute music to his ears. It made him want to shower Leslie with more kisses and affection but he'd save that for later.

For now he got both of them some water and settled in to look at blueprints.

"All right, sweetheart, show me your vision."

Leslie: Sometimes all those affectionate names could be overwhelming. He knew they came from a place of honesty. The look in Tristan's eyes, it was impossible to think otherwise. But still, sometimes, he caught himself wondering if this was Callum's work. Leading a man on and dropping him. Those dropped pieces were delicate. He really did not like that druid.

But the witch just smiled, pulling up blueprints for two designs his father had drawn. A larger A-frame than his current model, and something a little more contemporary for the area. Larger ceilings versus a more intimate feel.

Tristan: Tristan took a bite of his salad and took a good look at the design, unaware of Leslie's thoughts and worries. Had he known them, he would've done his best to lay them to rest. The last thing he wanted was for his slew of nicknames to seem like they came from a place of overcompensation or some sort of residual issue. They came purely from fondness.

"I really like all the windows and that it's still an A frame. The upstairs, too. All that storage space."

Leslie: "I could flip a coin and live in either. I'm partial, but no one can beat these designs. I want a large kitchen. Maybe culinary lessons in the future. Private chef will only go so far in this town. So, classes."

Tristan: "I really like the porch on the one with the bigger kitchen, and the part that's screened in."

Tristan smiled. "You'd make a great cooking teacher, and private chef, and caterer. You could do it all."

Leslie: "But which kitchen, which house would best give me that?"

Tristan: “The bigger one that’s not an A frame, I think.”

Leslie: "Can you see yourself there?"

Tristan: “Maybe I’m biased because I live somewhere with a screened patio/porch area and I really like it, but yeah. I totally can. And look at that huge deck. You could grow so many magic plants on that deck. And I can get us some Adirondack chairs and we can sit out there in the evenings.”

Leslie: "I'll give it some more thought, but I'll let you know what I choose." Leslie stared at the screen for some time. "But..."

Tristan: “Honestly, whichever you choose will be amazing. They’re both great designs.”

Tristan turned back to Leslie. “...But?” he prompted softly.

Leslie: "Is this supposed to be only my decision? Do you want to live with me? See my craft day in and out? It's more than just herbs and playing with pixies."

Tristan: “I don’t know, yes, and yes.” He set his plate aside. “Part of me thinks that since you bought this house, your opinion holds more weight than mine. I do want to live with you. I want to wake up to you and fall asleep with you and see your magic and learn more about it and about you through it. I want to understand it all, not just the herbs and playing with pixies.

“Do you want to live with me?”

Leslie: "But that would mean," Leslie looked around Tristan's home. "That would mean the end of this, wouldn't it? I feel like one of Peter Pan's lost boys. Asking us to live together means growing up in a way I don't know if I'm ready for."

The laptop was closed.

"I want to live with you. But I think, first, I need to... do some things."

Tristan: Tristan mimicked Leslie and looked around at his furniture and trinkets. “This being my house? It is definitely a grown-up thing to do, moving in with your boyfriend, but it’s not an end. Well, it’s an end to living alone but it’s also a beginning.”

Still, he nodded. “You do what you have to, Les. We’re not on a deadline, there’s no rush. But if it would help, maybe we could do a trial run?”

Leslie: "A trial run, as in, my being here?"

Tristan: “Yeah, or my being at your house. Why don’t we live together for a couple weeks, see how we feel?”

Leslie: Leslie took a breath. "What would you say to, a counteroffer?"

Tristan: “Lay it on me.”

Leslie: "While the house is built, I live with you?"

Tristan: He smiled. “Works for me. Work for you?”

Leslie: "The house with the largest kitchen, can you see yourself there?"

Tristan: “I’m already in it putting our chairs on the deck and hanging up those cool backyard string lights like you see in magazines.”

Leslie: "All of your shells, your fish?"

Tristan: “How you do feel about living with fish, shells, nautical antiques, and the occasional rehabilitated hermit crab?”

Leslie: "As well as I hope you'll feel with spell books, dried herbs, and a record player."

Tristan: "I feel pretty good about spell books, herbs, and a record player. Got a ton of records from my mama we can play."

Leslie: His smile bloomed. "Will you have me for however long it takes?"

Tristan: "However long and then some."

Leslie: Leslie brought himself to his feet and into Tristan's arms. "I'll start putting things in storage, then."

Tristan: He was immediately embraced and kissed on his forehead.

“Let me know any way I can help. And also the best place for Opal’s cage.”

Leslie: "Maybe out there?" Tristan's face was held in both hands, given several kisses across the forehead and down the nose.

Tristan: Tristan smiled and closed his eyes, basking in the affection. “Out in the patio? She can have the fish as roommates.”

Leslie: "She might try n'eat the fish. We gotta find a way to keep her out."

Tristan: “The tank out there has a top that goes to it, just have to put it on. And the one by the stairs is covered all the time so the fish should be safe.”

Leslie: "I know I'm gorgeous and irresistible and fun at parties, but do you really, really want me day in and day out for what could be a year?"

Tristan: Tristan nodded. “You sure are and I definitely do. I want you in my bed all the time, to fall asleep to you and wake up to you.”

Leslie: Sounds better than a proposal. "I'm whelmed just the right amount right now. Kiss me?"

Tristan: “The perfect amount of whelmed, huh?” Tristan leaned in to kiss those beautiful lips. “I’m glad.”

Leslie: "Just right. Suffocating in happiness. Up to my ears in elation," he grinned.

Tristan: He laughed and kissed all over Leslie's face. "I'm even more glad. Hell, I'm friggin' delighted." One more kiss for good measure.

"Eat your food. Gotta nourish that beautiful body."

Leslie: "But what if I'd rather ravish your body?"

Tristan: "Far be it from me to stop you, but your blood sugar definitely will."

Leslie: "Thirty minutes? I'll survive thirty long luxurious minutes with you."

Tristan: "Okay, thirty minutes. I'm setting a timer though, to keep us both honest."

Leslie: "Timed sex? Sounds sterile."

A knowing smile his only tell, before lifting Tristan into his arms.

"How about that? Hmm?" To hell with a bedroom. The nearest cushioned surface would do.

Tristan: "I'd rather sterile than--oop!" A rather squeaky sound of surprise escaped Tristan as he was scooped up and carried to the couch, followed by an equally surprised laugh.

"You got me! Whatcha gonna do with me, oh mighty sexy witch?"

Leslie: There was something satisfying to carrying the man determined to haul him this where and that for the past months. He would be placed on the couch with a little more care than his lift. A witch between his legs, on his knees. Hands on either side.

"Do you mind if I do whatever I want?"

Tristan: Satisfying for them both. Tristan hummed and stretched as luxuriously as a cat, looking up at Leslie with a soft, adoring smile.

"I don't mind one bit. I'm all yours to do with whatever you will."

Leslie: "Whatever I will?" Tristan's shirt was slowly lifted, revealing a stomach worth kissing. "Are you sure?"

Tristan: He nodded. “I’m sure, baby. I trust you.”

Leslie: Please protect this beautiful body and mind and spirit, whispered against his skin. His prayer was safe and mysterious in Portuguese. His little secret. Kisses roamed from one side to the other. Buttons slowly undone for further blessed exploration.

Tristan: Tristan looked curiously at Leslie, wondering what language he was speaking but loath to interrupt. He could always ask later.

At the moment he was content to be loved on and explored, to let one of his hands play with Leslie's hair.

And if Leslie wanted to slide his jeans down, well Tristan would oblige that, too.

Leslie: He was going to enjoy every stage of undress. Socks, jeans, underwear, all pooled to his side and forgotten. The last was done sacredly, sliding hands underneath Tristan's shirt, slow in their climb over his ribs and encouraging the lift of his arms to do away with the final bit of barrier.

Tristan: He hardly needed any encouragement at all. He happily stretched his arms above his head so Leslie could finish undressing him, all the while growing more and more curious about what his boyfriend planned to do with his naked sailor.

"Want me to take my hair down?" Tristan whispered. It seemed like the right thing to do.

Leslie: "Absolutely down," he smiled. "Do you want me naked?"

Tristan: Tristan reached around to take the various ties out of his hair. "Every hour god sends, baby doll."

Leslie: His hands were taken, brought to the hem of Leslie's shirt. His smile unshakeable.

Tristan: "I get to do it?" Tristan sat up, smile matching Leslie's as he did away with his shirt. "Lucky me."

Leslie: "Luck does many things. Maybe luck brought me to a little fishing town."

But enough of that. Tristan's hands were returned to himself. Just a moment of tease. Keep those hands to yourself while I kiss your swollen needy body.

Tristan: "Maybe it did. And if it did, I'm grateful for it every single day."

Any protest Tristan had at being stopped in the middle of undressing Leslie died on his lips as those kisses touched his skin.

Tristan reached for him, suddenly needy for those kisses everywhere.

Leslie: A gentle protesting noise answered Tristan's wanting touch. He turned his head to find the wandering hand, kissed his palm. "Keep your hands to yourself, Tristie."

Tristan: “Aw, but you’re so pretty and half naked and touchable.”

Leslie: "Tell me more." While I kiss where you want most.

His warm tongue traced the shape, down the length to nuzzle his scrotum.

Tristan: "You're--mmmmm....." Tristan's back arched off the couch in pure pleasure, eyes closing of their own accord as sensation washed over him. He could swear he felt all the blood in his body rushing through his veins to pool between his legs and harden him nearly to the point of ache. It was pure hell not being able to reach for him.

Leslie was perfect, is what he was, and as soon as some of the blood rushed back to Tristan's head, he'd make sure to tell him that.

Leslie: Saying more than words could manage. He took him and swallowed, popped him from his mouth and went again. Down to his scrotum and back for more. This was deliberate sweet torment. An appetizer.

"Lube, baby?"

Tristan: Tristan's back arched again as a ragged moan was torn from somewhere in his chest. Maybe from his soul. He couldn't quite tell when his brain was leaking out his ears. All he knew was that the heat between his legs was spreading throughout his body and making that needy ache better and making it worse all at once.

"Uh...um...." He gestured toward where he thought the bathroom was. "Cabinet."

Leslie: "I want you ready for me by the time I get back." Back on his feet, shedding the last of his clothes for Tristan's viewing pleasure. Slowly and deliberate as his tongue. His briefs were tossed onto Tristan's lap before strolling to the bathroom.

Tristan: Leslie's departure was met with a mighty groan of protest, which was easily soothed as his witch finished getting naked. Viewing pleasure didn't even begin to cover it; it was pure torture of the best kind.

"M'ready for you now," he called after Leslie, tossing the briefs aside and stretching luxuriously. Everything was throbbing and begging for relief. "Come back, baby doll. I miss youuuuuu..."

Leslie: Leslie would be heard laughing from the bathroom. A quick swish of Listerine and a bottle of lube later he returned to straddle Tristan's lap, offering minty lips as he slicked two fingers for prep.

"Are you allowed to say you miss me? Dunno if you should."

Tristan: Tristan greeted Leslie with a slow grin, pulling him in for a kiss the second he was within reach. "Aw, come on. I'm already not allowed to touch you. Have mercy on a poor weak sailor."

Leslie: "Hmm." Lubrication was warmed in his hand, stroked over Tristan's tumescent cock.

"We need more condoms." Not for any other reason than textural pleasure. "Ready for me?"

Tristan: It felt like his whole body breathed a sigh of relief at Leslie's touch, even if it was short-lived. His shaft damn near twitched in a silent plea for more.

"I'm ready," he said with a vigorous nod. They could get condoms later. It was still afternoon right? Was he saying all this out loud? He couldn't tell with his blood roaring in his ears.

Leslie: The air left his lungs as he sank into Tristan's lap. That familiar wave of heat ascending to his chest, leaving a void preventing another breath. His first intake of breath was against Tristan's lips. Holding his face in both hands as he moaned with relief.

Tristan: Tormented relief. That's exactly how it felt being inside Leslie, how it felt having him exactly where he wanted him. He had to take a deep breath while he let himself adjust to the wet heat, tiny panting moans spilling from his lips. No matter how slowly his witch got into position, it was always a shock to his system in the best possible way. Had to be the magic.

"Les...Les...."

Leslie: Fingers pushed into Tristan's luxurious hair. Squeezed and made a bun with the tangles of his fists. Rather than bounce, he rolled himself forward and back, grunting softly cheek-to-cheek.

"Fuck me, Tristie. Touch me now."

Tristan: Tristan's hands were on Leslie before he could finish his sentence. They swept over his witch's body from shoulders to perfect ass and back again, all while his hips began a rolling rhythm of their own.

His lips would be just as busy, lavishing every bit of Leslie they could reach with affection. You'd think Tristan had gone weeks without touching and kissing him instead of a few minutes.

Leslie: Leslie leaned forward, giving Tristan ample freedom to thrust himself upwards at a rhythm worthy enough to jostle his senses. He clung to his head and offered his mouth, his tongue, and his desperate noises to their kiss.

Tristan: Calling his movements a rhythm was perhaps a bit too generous, but what Tristan lacked in finesse he made up for in enthusiasm.

There would be other occasions for savoring, for lingering, for teasing. On this moment on this occasion, all Tristan wanted was more of those gorgeous, needy little noises. Leslie was the center of the universe and the only thing that mattered was bringing him to orgasm; Tristan didn't have the presence of mind for anything else.

Leslie: This was a desperate cling, and he could feel the beginning stages of sweat. He had to let go of that hair and help himself, but he couldn't. Not yet. Just a few more rolls of his hips. One more rise to the very edge and down to the hilt and his sanity.

"Can you jerk me off?" Finally releasing Tristan's hair, he leaned himself back in his living seat. Both hands squeezed Tristan's knees as he braced himself.

Tristan: Leslie didn't have to ask. Tristan was already taking his witch in his hand, lovingly stroking Leslie's cock while his hips continued their desperate pace.

"That feel good, sweetheart? You're so fucking beautiful."

Leslie: A series of expletives escaped his chest. Not with or against his will. His mind too far north to care about fuck filling the room over and over again as he writhed, spilling hot white over his stomach and both their thighs.

And there it was. That post-orgasm laughter tightening his muscles. Head thrown back as he clung his hands to Tristan's knees.

"Cum for me, baby."

Tristan: The word fuck had never sounded better or more poetic.

Tristan gave a rumbling purr in approval, dragging Leslie down to take his lips again. He wanted the flavor of him making his head swim as he gave those final few thrusts and spilled inside him.

Leslie: Leslie shivered in Tristan's arms. Hugged around his neck and nuzzled into his hair. His thighs and cock were spent. Leaning dying weight into his lover's chest.

"I don't... even... remember what we were doing."

Tristan: Having Leslie lean his weight against him was what Tristan lived for. He loved it.

"Um..." He chuckled breathlessly and kissed Leslie's hair. "No fuckin' idea. I smell food though."

Leslie: "I want to eat everything in the house, but I'm so tired," he laughed.

Tristan: "You need to eat everything in the house. Blood sugar."

Leslie: "Five more minutes," he pleaded to those lips.

Tristan: "Three," Tristan countered with a teeny tiny kiss.

Leslie: "We won't know," he purred, eyes closing.

Tristan: "Mmm, you're right. Guess that means you better eat now," he said a grin.

Leslie: "Three minutes." It's already been one.

[worldcakecakecake]

The Red Mask

In 18th century Valencia, Spain, thrives the legend of the Red Mask, a character with stories of bravery and heroism that have enchanted Lovino Valenti since he was a young child. On a new business deal, his family moves from Naples and Lovino finds himself wishing for adventure and action away from his duties in this new Spanish city. He is given that chance when he joins a group of masked heroes that fall under the command of the famed Red Mask. He grows a close and fiery relationship with the masked man of his tales and dreams, and without knowing his identity, he lets himself be swayed by his seduction, trust and daringness, to passions surely forbidden when he doesn’t even know his actual name or who he really is.

So, yes, I know I said that The Red Mask will be in hiatus, but after thinking about it, I decided that instead I’m just going to post whatever amount is good for a chapter instead of filling a full draft page. Either way you guys were gonna be kept waiting, but I think this is the option that makes you guys wait less. I hope you enjoy!

                                                              Chapter 2

Lovino had awakened early, unusual for him, but in all honesty, he was excited to be in a new place, a new city, a new country and wanted to enjoy well from his first morning, adjusting and getting to know how the sun shone.

 Perhaps only two servants were working. He left his brother asleep in the bed and he hadn’t heard of nonno yet.  The house was in a delightful silence, his steps adding to this melodious morning, letting himself breathe it all in, trying to control himself from skipping to the breakfast room. He was proud to admit he was happy.

 “Buenos dias!” It had broken the moment he was met with the other, already taking sitting in the table and enjoying from a drink. Lovino froze at the entrance, nervous, fretting, forgetting his words or how to even react.

 “How do you feel?” Antonio smiled in utter calm.

 “What are you doing here?” Lovino found himself asking, his eyes suspicious, locking into the Spanish man as if it could give him some sort of truth.

 “Um…” Antonio gazed about, wondering truly what the problem could be. He looked over himself, to his drink, even patted his hair to make sure he presented himself as he intended. “…having breakfast,” he shrugged.

 Lovino rolled his eyes, then remembering he was to live there and thus it was obvious he would want to have breakfast with them. “Never mind,” he simply uttered, taking seating, blessing that there was already bread and fruits on the table, filling a small presented plate. Lovino continued with his food like he was the only one there, not sparring a word and Antonio would just sit there…staring, taking occasional sips from his drinks, as if waiting for some kind of show.

 “What?” Lovino easily tired of it.

 Antonio shrugged, “was kind of hoping you would give me your good morning as well.”

 “I don’t feel like it.”

 “It’s simple courtesy.”

 “I don’t feel like giving it to you right now,” he took a harsh bite of his bread, loud and messy as to keep it sole in the room.

 Antonio still kept his smile and continued his watch, switching from the other to the decorations on the walls, on the plates, on the table, letting that silence reign. “Maybe tomorrow you’ll give me a good morning,” he hoped.

 Lovino shrugged, “let’s see if I’m in the mood.” He was done, he could pretty much stand and leave by now, but he was used to always spending his mornings with his grandfather and brother, chatting and being granted his duties for the day. It didn’t seem like he should go clean anything, or go to the marketplace, or help his brother with something he couldn’t carry…but he had to be given something. He refused to give another word to this stranger or to stand without having spent the morning with his family, so he joined him on the non-impressive staring, on the same details, colors, admiring, one pretending the other wasn’t there. Graciously they heard other sounds, footsteps, some rushed, stumbling, surely a fall, the other prepared, sure and with clear direction. Lovino could easily tell who with a roll of his eyes.

 Feliciano was the first to reach, still in his night clothes, legs bare but as excited as if he was properly dressed for a party. “Good morning!” He shouted well for the entire house surely.

 “Good morning!” Antonio returned just in earnest, with a glance to Lovino surely hinting at how it should be done. Lovino scuffed and completely turned away.

 “It’s so nice to have someone new for breakfast. Is it all right? Do you like it? If anything I can go make you something!” Feliciano excited.

 “Feli, amore, calm down, no need, we now have cooks that can do just that,” and so Augusto introduced himself to the day, dressed poised and well to deal with business surely.

 “I would still like to make something from time to time,” the younger pouted.

 “And you will have that chance! But for now, let us relax and enjoy our fist morning here, properly.” He sat down and Feliciano followed along, starting instant conversation with all in the table. Antonio joined simply to have a chat, while Lovino remained mostly silent, glaring whenever Feliciano mentioned something too over the top.

 “-and now I am sure that this mansion is in fact, not haunted,” he declared with a deep smile, flowing his knife around as he spread butter on his bread.

 “I told you so,” Augusto commented with his own smile, enjoying his younger grandson’s childness.

 “Honestly, Nonno just mentioned the couple and you suddenly made up this tale and you actually believed it,” Lovino rolled his eyes.

 Feliciano shrugged, “you never know.”

 “I told you they died in Morocco.”

 “Maybe they were really attached to this place.”

 “It is a gorgeous house, I can see why someone would want their spirit to continue on here,” Antonio seemed to defend Feliciano’s absurdity.

 “Exactly!”

 “Well, last night gave you enough proof that not.”

 “I hope you actually go back to your own bed tonight.”

 “Don’t you like sharing the bed with me?” Feliciano pouted.

 “It’s not that I mind, I just think we should enjoy from our chance to have our own space and privacy.”

 “This is really your first time having a home like this?” Antonio wondered.

 Lovino wished that they didn’t inform so openly to a stranger.

 “My boys, yes.”

 “Nonno belonged to a noble family of merchants in Rome, but after he met our Nonna, he eloped and ran away!” Feliciano eyes always glowed this way whenever he told the tale.

 “I confess, yes. She was Greek and from very poor standings. My family heavily disagreed with the match as they didn’t think it would be fruitful for our business. But my love for her was stronger than whatever scorn my family held. So we ran away and settled in Naples where I started building my own trade. We also spent some years in Florence and Venice.”

 “And he had Mamma, then Mamma had us! And we were really happy…even though we never got to meet our Nonna,” Feliciano saddened, Lovino giving in but only slightly, while Augusto seemed like he had been heavily pierced.

 “If…I may ask…what happened?” Antonio wanted to dare.

 “Died in childbirth…” Augusto drank to try and swallow whatever despair, “I had to raise our daughter by myself.”

 “And…where is your daughter?”

 The air became tense, frowning instantly when it had been so joyous.

 “She was killed,” Lovino made the instant blow, wanting to get over it and let it pass before it lingered and made them think about it longer.

 “Oh…that’s…that’s…awful, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have intruded-”

 “If you are to live here, you were bound to find out at some point and I’m sure you will learn more.”

 Antonio still held deep questions but preferred to leave it for a time they could be more comfortable with his presence, perhaps considering him a friend by then. “She must have been a good soul. I am sure it is resting well in heaven with our lord.”

 “Lovino and I think she’s an angel up there,” Feliciano admitted such childish notion, making Lovino want to sink beneath the table. Antonio found it endearing, smiling at Lovino to show how sweet he thought it.

 “But now,” Augusto dropped his cutlery on his plate to signify he was done, “I want my boys to get to know their surroundings and discover everything this city has to offer,” he smiled to them, expectant and excited. “I was hoping you could perhaps offer them some sort of tour, if you do not mind that is, Antonio.”

 “I’ll be glad to!” He sounded truly delighted.

 Feliciano clapped, ready to jump that instant and head off.

 “Nonno, I really think I should help you with-”

 “Oh, Lovino, there is no need! I’m sure your time will come, but for now, enjoy yourself, learn about your new city and then you can properly focus on business… all right?” His grandfather cradled his head sweetly, a gesture that hadn’t changed since his childhood and he hoped shall forever remain, for it did well to calm, remind of love no matter the harsh circumstances…even his age and their partnership in business now.

 “…sì, Nonno.”

 “I leave you to enjoy the day,” he smiled in farewell and left them to their plans.

 Feliciano hurriedly went to change, while Lovino sighed, moving over to wait for Antonio and Feliciano by the main door. He preferred not to spend more silent alone time with the cleric.

  It was a weekday, yet the Italian boys found the city to be as plentiful as if a festival was occurring. It was hard to move themselves between when they walked down small gorgeous streets with sellers offering the most fantastic wares, but when they reached open squares, they could breathe and admire buildings formed with arm and unique craftsmanship. Antonio did well to tell countless of stories, explaining and bringing more knowing to the boys’ mind of the city. Feliciano was already enamored, while Lovino constantly craved for either something to eat or to head back home.

 “And he went alone…to Thailand?!” Feliciano was incredulous.

 “Not completely alone…he did bring Miss Luna Odalis Gutiérrez Martirio!”

 Lovino thought it would have been more exciting if Antonio had not dramatized and sung the name so well, but it had Feliciano clapping.

 “Oh! So, they did runaway together! I hope they’re happy over there!”

 “There’s a rumor that the last message that was sent to the Ibarras spoke of a coming child.”

 Feliciano got even more excited and Lovino rolled his eyes, in its change noticing a stand with gorgeous artistry of stone, in wondrous colors, some shinning with precious jewels. He didn’t care if he stood back alone as he gazed at a particular one, depicting a splendorous harbor. In his distraction, he was unaware of an approaching carriage, running widely and ignorant to the calls of guards. By the time Lovino heard and noticed, he was well on the way, cowered for a coming hit surely. He was pulled to an alluring scent, feeling a strong chest and a comfort he didn’t think he could feel in such crowded streets. In this sudden fear, he lounged and wrapped his arm well around this body, practically cuddling into it as he breathed heavily, watching the carriage continue its rampage throughout the city unaware of what it had almost done.

 “Are you all right?” And Lovino met enchanting green eyes, with a smile and a frame that exhilarated his heart in a way he rather it wasn’t in.

 “I-I..I’m fine!” And he pushed him away, rubbing his suit off as if it could remove the gesture.

 “We’ll be done in a short while, I just want you to see this amazing view, so I’ll need you to stay close.”

 “Fine…fine,” and Lovino followed, keeping his head on the ground now, on Antonio and Feliciano’s footsteps, hoping for no more distractions.

 The walk took a couple of more minutes, elevating high walls and roads until they stood at a good height, the city well-presented around them, close, gorgeous and with a wonderful warming sky to complement. Lovino awed as Feliciano, both coming to the edge, to the hold of the railing as if with it they could take the city into their hands.

 “Oh…it’s spectacular, Antonio!” Feliciano worded the compliments surely Lovino thought as well.

 “I’m very glad you like it,” he smiled, taking Lovino’s side in the leaning.

 “Have you lived here your whole life, Antonio?” It seemed like Feliciano was going to do most of the talking and questioning.

 “I only moved when I was sixteen, so…I’ve lived about fourteen years here.”

 “With you family?”

 “The church is my family.”

 Lovino finally raised with a questioning gaze, half open mouthed that Antonio was eager to hear words from.

 “Oh, that’s very nice! Antonio, you’ve told us many great things about the city and it was all wonderful, but, is there something I can ask about that I hope won’t be too much?”

 “Go ahead.”

 Lovino was terrified he would mention it.

 “I, and I know Lovino too, want to know if you’ve ever seen the Red Mask!” At the famed hero, he came close and whispered.

 “The Red Mask? …You know about him?” Antonio tried to contain large amount of surprise.

 “Of course, we do! We’ve been hearing all the news ever since they started with a sword fighting contest in Salamanca! The Spanish sailors and merchants that visited Nonno would sit me and Lovino down and tell us the stories. We still love those tales dearly!”

 “You do?” Antonio directed it with a smirk to Lovino.

 “Used to…”

 “Don’t lie, Lovi. Just last night you told me one of them.”

 Lovino cringed and tried to sustain himself from shutting Feliciano with a hurting grasp of his ear.

 Antonio chuckled, a heavenly ring to get Lovino smoothed. “No shame! I myself tell the stories to some of the kids in the church and I get as excited with them as if the first time I was seeing him.” Or as he wasn’t him.

 “So you have!” Feliciano raised and Lovino had to grip to contain his own.

 “Well, this is his city, everyone has taken a glimpse at all kinds of actions.”

 “Like which one?” They begged wanting a tale, and Antonio could see that Lovino held that same openness of his ear. Antonio smirked and began one of his most recent adventures.

 “-and thus the ladies were saved. The Red Mask prevented that cart from reaching and dealt with the culprits. I was waiting for the shipment actually and met with the Red Mask himself telling me what happened, along with one of his companions, Neblina, the Mist Mask.” And the two smiled, a story well told. Antonio felt successful.

 “Does he really wear the Red Mask? All in red? Is it true that his eyes are as green as they say?”

 “How about we wait?”

 “For what?” Lovino questioned, showing disappointment for not being able to hear.

 “For you yourselves to meet him.”

 Feliciano glowed and clapped at such a coming chance.

 “Will we…really?” The was the most excitement Antonio could get out of Lovino that moment.

 “Like I said, this is his city, and from what I’ve heard, he’s working on a big rescue right now.” He grew serious, leaning more so to the views, looking, finding the dark palace nestled well, one Feliciano and Lovino could spot with his intense stare.

 “Do you know what about?” Feliciano asked.

 Lovino left his gaze on that palace, imagining it had something to do with it. To prove him so, Antonio pointed at the very place.

 “Keron Montaje.”

 Feliciano instantly gasped and whimpered, moving aside, shaking and tears quickly reaching his eyes. Lovino came to him, embraced, soothed and hummed words of comfort. Antonio hated that he could only but watch, only an extension of his hand ready to help in what the brothers needed.

 “Are you all right?”

 “I-I’m fine, I…I’m fine.” Yet Feliciano’s eyes were still reddened, leaning into his brother’s neck, wanting remain in that shield for now, not at all an assurance to Antonio.

 “Sorry, we just…don’t like hearing that name,” Lovino spoke.

 “I’m very sorry I mentioned it, I didn’t know…”

 “It’s all right, we…don’t like talking about it.” He hoped those words were enough of a warning to not ask any questions.

 “You…you know the Montaje?”

 “Yes…in ways we would prefer not to.” Lovino held Feliciano tight, caressing on, continuing his hums. “…he’s here…isn’t he?”

 Antonio sighed, looking once again to the palace, still hauntingly there. “Yes…I’m afraid.” Antonio held himself well from going on, Feliciano still in his state, not at all liking the glowing person he had recently met reduced to this.

 “Let’s head back now. We need to relax.” The brothers nodded and Antonio followed behind them, his body covering whatever glimpse to the evil place.

  Feliciano’s dinner that night was short, heading straight to bed afterwards, well, Lovino’s.

 After that discovery, Lovino doubted whatever chance at getting Feliciano sleeping in his own room, but understood, and let it, caressing his hair, whispering words of love and mentioning as many times as he needed that he was there, as well as Nonno and even Antonio.

 Two weeks had passed since the event, since they moved and since they found out. Antonio did well to not question despite how highly he wanted to. He continued his work as their guest, offering help in the household, in Feliciano’s teachings, bible readings, even words of advice in the business.

 Three days and Lovino was back into papers, numbers, accords, being an apprentice to his grandfather and learning as much as he could of what would one day be his company. It was hard to concentrate when that single name repeated, raging, sometimes taking it out on papers with complains or numbers that drove him mad. There had to be something that could be done, he could get justice, revenge, finally act and save, but a look to the thrown letters, checks and bills on the ground reminded him that his mind shouldn’t go as wild, shouldn’t endanger, shouldn’t worsen.

 “Lovino…these stories are just that, stories to excite your mind and keep your hopeful. We all need this sort of escapade from our dull, but they should remain as that. Let them do their job to protect, they know well the consequences and have prepared themselves for them, but you should focus on being safe. I’m sure it’s what the great Red Mask would want,” he heard his mother’s past voice in his head, he could almost feel her caress on his shoulders, taking his hair, kissing it, with another tale, another distraction, not these tragedies…not these papers.

 He sighed, noticing the darkness the day had become, dropping everything and decreeing himself done. He was comfortable in his chair, leaning back, stretching, even giving himself space to breathe. He should probably get to bed then…Feliciano was probably waiting for him…or he could surprise and could have gone to his own room. He stood, decided on snatching some frosted cookies from the kitchen while everyone was surely asleep and he thought he had the house pretty much for himself. He took four, successful, no one to spot him, munching happily, sucking his fingers and aweing at the taste, but even that wasn’t enough to distract him from the guarded object.

 It was kept in one of the reading rooms, centered along with all the shelves filled with books of history, art, science, poetry and of course their adventure and fantasy stories. Lovino entered the room, hypnotized by the elegance of the sword that was kept well in place. It was beautiful, crafted by what Lovino used to think were merfolks, using the aquamarine of their seas and smoothened soft stones from their shores, with golds, greens and looking like it could glide well in his hands as he swung and thrusted.

 It belonged to his grandfather…from his days as a soldier back when he was Lovino’s own age. He had proved to be ferocious, powerful, earning a well named place in the ears of all Rome. Smiths had given him this as a gift for his time, shortly before he had retired and settled more on the business. He didn’t like talking about those days much, while all Lovino wanted was to hear about them, hard to not imagine himself be that very proud soldier, earning those medals and recognitions that he doubted he would stop talking about to all.

 His arms were raised, his hands neared to the glass, to the key Augusto for some reason always left there, easily turning, opening and it was there for the air of the night, for Lovino’s touch.

 It wasn’t the first time…the handle was familiar to him, the weight nothing, the length Lovino knew well to guide without hitting a single object. He took the stance he had heard and seen many times, taken for himself as well. He imagined an enemy, going at him with precision, fierce, every swung surely death for whoever was unlucky to be there that instant. It was amazing how quiet he could while doing all this, Antonio wondered by the door, loving how the moonlight shined on him, making it seem like he was an angelic entity of dreams.

 “Incredible…” he found himself uttering, a break, a noticing. Lovino gasped, for a moment dropping the sword, luckily, he caught it with just as much grace, only letting the point fall at the carpet, grimacing and hoping it wouldn’t do anything to leave a noticeable mark. And from that serene glow of beauty, came deadly glares, frozen yet, fearing that any other movement could expose him more.

 “What are you doing here?” Lovino said with just as much edge.

 Antonio only moved forward, ignorant to his question, instead gazing to his final stand and then the enchanting sword that fitted well not only on his hands, but also on his entre persona.

 “Straighten up!” Came a surprising militant voice, power enough to get Lovino to do as commanded, and to Antonio, it came out elegantly placed without a single breath lost.

 Perfect, he kept repeating to himself as he rounded, making sure that it repeated in every part of his body…and it well did.

 “Forward!”

 And Lovino did so, sword well extended, posture immaculate, ready vengeance in his eyes to fight.

 “Very well…” Antonio faced him again, with cocky ease that Lovino didn’t fail to notice. He was standing nonchalant, unafraid of the sword pointed well at him. Lovino had a rather hard temptation to continue the extend and win if a slight drop of blood. He hated that look on his face and wanted it gone with even show of violence if he had to.

 “Now…” and from a hidden scabbard Lovino had never noticed until now, he raised his own sword, thin, small, rusted, not at all like the one of jewels and purest silver he himself held. Antonio was confident, spinning and letting it fly in the air before it faced him just as dangerously.

 “…we fight,” he curtsied and welcomed.

 “Are you serious?” With that ugly thing? Yet he dared hit it against his silver, a powerful strike that got Lovino completely lost on his standing and yet Antonio continued, Lovino turning rather messy as he focused on defending, many times practically falling, his knee hitting the ground more times than he should, eyes side glancing to make sure the furniture was still intact.

 “Are you insane?” He shouted, in his try to halt finding his stance again, the hold of his sword with Antonio’s kept, doing well to not grant any more movements. Antonio was impressed at how Lovino could well force him in his place, while the other’s worried expression was more on the surroundings, looking over to the halls for any that could come.

 “Nonno can wake up!” He growled.

 “So what?”

 “He can’t-he can’t…” he couldn’t tell him either.

 “He can’t know your using his priced possessed military days sword?” Antonio dared smirk.

 “Oh god! Just stop!” And there he was with deadly slashes, Antonio now taking the defense, but how he loved this fury, this fire, knowing, powerful and- oh wait! That was almost his head gone.

 “You are amazing!”

 “Shut up!” He only reigned more, Antonio’s stances and back leans the sole thing keeping him from landing on the ground. It was becoming straining, he stood again, grinding down Lovino’s sword with his own, the spark and force getting him to level back up so their swords could properly clash in battle, high, downward.

 Yes, Lovino was skillful, admirable, promising for so much more…but like many he had weaknesses, clear ones that showed that he was indeed still learning. Antonio took advantage of it, using that breath, an instant new force on his strength, a powerful slash that had the sword flying from Lovino’s grasp. He himself felt to the ground to catch it, saving the room from the loud clang, heavily breathing, defeated, kneeling…yet with so much sun in his hazel eyes that Antonio though it a defeat unlike any he had seen.

 “May I suggest breathing exercises to help keep them more controlled in battle, as well as trying new handle hand positions to make it easier at whatever change and outcome.” His smile was as an unchanging, with no trace of battle or exhaustion, while Lovino was sweating and finding it hard to even stand again.

 Antonio offered a hand to help him up, and Lovino took it without complain, balancing well, yet needing rest, his hold on the sword trembling, but he would not switch to anything when he looked to Antonio, bearing obvious questions and…impression at how a mere cleric could best him in a sword fight. It was a wondered gaze that had Antonio fueling, smiling on and thinking himself surely an object of dreams for Lovino.

 “It’s getting pretty late,” he put his own sword back in its hidden scabbard, “how about we both head to bed. We can make another match some other time.” He turned with a wave, his usual skip and direction…while Lovino was still debating with himself if this had all happened.

< previous chapter

[mypassionfortrash]

Nothing Serious (Parts 7 & 8)

SUMMARY: You and Roger decide to make a go of it and behave ‘like a normal couple’ in the wake of The Sun running a damning exposé on Roger’s love life and his divorce – and your disastrous attempts at dating other people. He also drunkenly makes you an offer you find hard to refuse.

Roger Taylor x Reader; Modern AU; Strictly 18+

💫 CATCH UP HERE! 💫

TAGS: @jennyggggrrr​​​; @sarahgurl09​​​; @sunshine112​; @biscuit-barrel​; @sitonmyhot-seatoflove​; @jhoemazzellhoe​; @justgivemethekeys​; @qweenly​; @picturepowderinabottle​

NOTES: Thank you so much for all the lovely feedback on this; I honestly didn’t think anyone still gave a shit about my fics anymore, so I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Again, any and all feedback is greatly appreciated!

[Part 7]

The morning after that awful date, you and Roger decided to – in his words – “Make a go of it.”

This meant him sleeping over at your place every other night. According to Roger, this was to avoid rousing suspicions. But actually, Roger just loved being around you.

Your habit of neglecting your dishwashing duties didn’t bother him. And you couldn’t care less that he was more of a morning person than you; you enjoyed lying in bed, listening to him singing Taylor Swift in the shower. His day didn’t start until his bandmates kicked into action, so with time to spare, he always made you breakfast in bed, and packed you lunches to take to work. He insisted. When he learned that you always skipped breakfast, he was dismayed. This became a habit for him, looking after you. Mornings, evenings, everything, ran like clockwork.

Even sex.

That promise Roger made in Ibiza about teaching you a thing or two? That was long gone. Tamed and domesticated,  he loved missionary and whispering sweet nothings in your ear while he pumped you full of baby batter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – with double helpings on Saturdays. And neither of you minded. 

What your sex life lacked in kink and depravity, it made up for in a kind of intimacy that you doubted you’d find elsewhere.

So that was love. Finally.

A fortnight on from the Night of Terrible Dates, a sunny Sunday morning, Roger slid out of bed. He fumbled in the dull orange glow, tugging on a pair of jeans and a tattered t-shirt; he didn’t bother to comb his hair. It didn’t matter. He was only going to the end of the street to bring you your Sunday coffee. A proper one. 

Roger gently kissed your forehead and left you in a sweaty heap in bed. 

You shot him a dumb, delirious smile, watching him leave and trying to psyche yourself up for the notion of getting out of bed. You only knew one move in the bedroom, but you sure knew how to tucker yourself out, you huffed to yourself.

You got up, slipping on one of Roger’s t-shirts. Then you padded through to the bathroom. Your makeup from the night before had burrowed into caked lines around your eyes, and your foundation flaked around your nose. Drawing your cheeks up into a measly grin, you assessed the damage. And wondered how Roger put up with seeing your ugly mug in the morning.

You had no idea how he did it.

You got a bit carried away, though, feeling the last of Roger’s seed dribble down your thigh. Staring down at the offending swimmers in disgust, you fumbled for some loo roll to dispose of them once and for all.

Above the flush of the toilet, you heard the door slam. Roger was home. And it made your heart race. Kind of like the way dogs get excited to see their owners when they come home from work. You laughed at the thought. 

“Hey, Roger… Am I a pug or a lab?” you asked, watching as he slipped off his shoes.

“Huh?” he asked, turning around. He looked gormless, peering at you through his glasses with his mouth hanging open.

“I was thinking,” you began, throwing your arms around him, almost sending your coffees flying, “About how excited I get when you come home. I’m like a dog that gets all hyper over seeing its owner.”

“Right?” he asked, wondering where this was going.

“So I was wondering whether I’m a pug or a labrador. What do you think?”

He narrowed his eyes, a goofy smirk spreading over his lips. “I think you’re more of a terrier. Small and yappy.”

“Well, in that case,” you pouted, crossing your arms. “You’re a chihuahua.”

“Very funny. We all know I’m more cat than dog,” he quipped. When he safely managed to remove you from him, avoiding any spills, he made his way into the living room and slapped a newspaper down on the coffee table.

The bold, red stripe at the top made your heartbeat accelerate. “What are you buying that muck for?”

“Brian texted me this morning. Dom’s told them everything. That Charlotte girl’s sold her story. And they have eyewitness accounts of how I forced a crying girl out of the toilets in a French restaurant two weeks ago.”

“Fuck,” you sighed, folding your arms and trying not to laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“All of it,” you said. “This is just our luck, isn’t it? The girls at work are constantly pestering me for information about you and I don’t even know what to tell them anymore. They know more about us than we know about each other.”

“How are we supposed to be a normal couple if this is going to keep happening?”

And then a lightbulb dinged above your head. Your eyes lit up as you threw yourself on to Roger’s lap. “Why don’t we do that?”

“Do what?” Roger asked, narrowing his eyes.

“Be a normal couple. Keep our noses clean. Do everything normal couples do.”

Roger tucked strands of your hair behind your ear as a smile broke across his face again. “How do you propose we do that?”

You shrugged. “I don’t know. See our friends. And if they talk, they talk. We need to be careful about what we say, though. But it might go well for us.”

Roger nodded, pressing his tongue against the inside of his cheek. “This could definitely work. But if we fuck up, they’ll never stop hounding us.”

“It’ll die down soon, though, won’t it?”

“I wouldn’t be so certain. Remember, I’m going to Montreux at the end of the month. So, you’re on your own if anything goes wrong.”

Feeling defeated, you sighed. That had slipped your mind. He’d be gone for two months. Maybe even more if arguments got the better of his bandmates.

Roger stroked the base of your back. “I’m only thinking about you,” he said, his baby blue eyes turning more and more watery. “I want you to be safe and for no one to bother you. And if anything else got out, how are you going to take it?”

You cupped Roger’s face in your hands. Your noses touched and your bodies pressed together.

“We’re going to need to get your friends on board,” he sighed, twirling strands of your hair around his fingers. 

“Do you want to meet them?” you asked.

“It can’t hurt, can it?”

A week later, you and Roger sat in his Panamera outside your building. It looked so out of place parked on a rammed residential street; it belonged outside a mansion or an opulent Notting Hill townhouse. You were dressed to the nines, poised for Roger to meet all of your coupled off and drowse-inducingly dull friends. He vibrated with nervous energy, but that much you could deduce from how he talked.

“Now tell me again what I’m not supposed to say to Cassie?”

“Don’t crack dead baby jokes in front of her. I, personally love them. But her and whatshisface have been trying for over a year and they’re looking at IVF now, which is going to wipe them out. She’s had like three miscarriages.”

“Got it,” Roger nodded, chewing his lip. “So is there anyone going tonight that’s actually… you know… fun? Do they have a sense of humour?”

You shook your head, loathe to admit that these people were your friends. You collected them back when they were much more adventurous; in high school when the only things that bothered you were which Charlie body spray your mum was going to buy you that week, or how you were going to score a packet of cigs on your lunch break. Now they were all paired off with kids. Some of them dropped out of uni when they met ‘the one.’ Some of them didn’t even make it to uni. “None of them are particularly funny. Their humour got dumped out of their uteruses.”

“Right,” Roger said, starting the car. “This is going to be a long night.”

“I’ve got a bottle of fizz in the fridge for when we get back. Thought we’d need it.”

“I knew there was a reason I kept you around.”

“What? The mild drink problem or the disdain for boring people?”

“Mild? I’ve seen how much you swallow on a school night.”

“Impress my pals and I’ll swallow more than a bottle of prosecco.”

“You mean, you’re actually going to shove the whole bottle down your neck? Now that, I need to see.”

You and Roger sat side by side as your friends grilled you. It felt like you were on trial. They asked him everything. Why he got divorced. Why he was on Tinder. Why you. And then. The question of your thirteen year age gap came up.

It was Grace. The gossip. She leaned over the table, as far as she could, with eyes bulging out of her head. Her stubby fingers gripped her glass of gin and tonic. 

“So, he’s so much older than you,” she guffawed, darting her eyes between you and Roger. “Bet it turns him on.”

Roger’s fingers found their way to your lap, and tangled with your own, locking your hands together. “Actually,” Roger began, glancing at you, “I think she’s lovely. She could be twenty-four or eighty-four and I’d still adore her.” When he finished that sentence, he looked so proud of himself – flushed cheeks and glassy eyes. He gave your hand another squeeze.

But that wasn’t the answer Grace the Gossip was looking for. “Oh, come on! I’ve heard you like shagging younger women.” Then she turned her attention to you, jabbing her finger at you. “And don’t pretend you don’t like him because he’s famous and rich.”

“What are you?” Roger asked, narrowing his eyes. “You’re starting to sound like one of those rats working for the red-tops. Are you?”

“Come on, that’s enough. Both of you,” Jade said, trying to mediate.

“No, I want to hear Grace’s answer, actually,” you piped up. You and Roger exchanged smug looks, while Grace rolled her eyes.

She sighed. “I’m curious. There are plenty of men out there your age. And there are plenty of girls out there Roger’s age. Thirteen years is a lot.”

You sensed Roger slumping in his chair beside you; you felt his disappointment.

“I don’t fucking know, Geraldine–”

“It’s Grace, actually.”

“I don’t give a fuck. We’re both bloody adults and as far as I’m concerned, your mate’s more mature than most people my age.” He looked at you, visibly annoyed. “Are we done here, can we go home?”

“I was thinking the same thing,” you huffed, looking around at your friends. “You should all be ashamed of yourselves, by the way. All of you. You’re all coupled up and you constantly tell me that I should be too. And now I am–”

“It’s not that,” Lily – the mouthpiece – interrupted. “It’s him.”

“And that you met him on Tinder,” Jade added.

You regained your composure, painfully aware that your friends were beyond seeing sense. “And now that I am,” you seethed, “You don’t have it in you to be happy for me.”

“We are,” Cassie, the doormat, cooed.

“Is it because I’m not stupid enough to get myself pregnant within two weeks of meeting someone new?” you asked, glaring at Grace. “Or that I haven’t had to give up my career for a man?” you continued, shooting daggers at Cassie. “Or perhaps it’s because my boyfriend isn’t a fucking deadbeat?” you concluded, directing that remark at Lily and Jade.

Your friends looked at each other in stunned silence.

Lily slapped her hand on her husband’s. “He’s not a deadbeat. I mean he’s quiet, but at least I know when he gets bored, he’s sensible enough not to trade me in for a younger model.”

Cassie was next to refute your claim: “I quit my job by choice. He got a better job and he supports us both. I’m happy.”

James, her husband, nodded.

“Well, if you’d like to keep lying to yourselves, then I’m sorry but I’m out of here. I don’t have the patience for this,” you announced, throwing down you and Roger’s share of the bill, plus a tip. You got to your feet, stretching out your hand which Roger gladly took. “We’re going home.” You cast an eye over the stunned table. “And if any of you want to apologise, remember what you did wrong before you go bashing us. We’re happy. This is the happiest I’ve ever been. And if you were any kind of friends, you’d support that.”

Your friends said nothing as you and Roger stormed out of the restaurant at breakneck speed. But when the pair of you got to the front door, Roger mumbled something, staring straight on ahead.

You didn’t quite catch it, so you leaned in closer to him. “What was that, Roggie?”

“You were amazing,” he repeated with a faint simper on his lips.

You gave his hand another fleeting squeeze, feeling a swell of pride in your chest. “So were you.”

When you were safely inside Roger’s car, you both sank with relief. “That was a nightmare, wasn’t it?” Roger said.

“Yup.”

“Suppose that’ll end up in The Sun?”

You turned in your seat to face him, wearing a serious expression. “Hope not.”

“You never know who to trust,” he warned, speeding off in the direction of home.

He didn’t say much for the rest of the journey back. Choosing to drown out the thought of your horrible evening, he turned his playlist up. The one he made for you. And belted no less than five love songs at you on the journey.

It earned a few cautious laughs from you, too. But the seed of doubt grew in your mind. What if you couldn’t trust your friends anymore?

The pensive silence stuck around like a bad smell well until you arrived home. You stood in the hall with your back to Roger as he shuffled your coat off your body and hung it up.

Then his arms snaked around your waist, his chin propped on your shoulder. “You’ve been awfully quiet, Kitten. Anything I can do to help?” he asked.

You exhaled, turning towards him. Your eyes had gone glassy and your lips curved into a frown. “It’s been a bad night, hasn’t it?” you lamented. 

“It’s not gone that badly,” Roger reasoned.

“Yeah, but what if they hate me now?”

“They can’t possibly hate you.”

“Why?”

“Because… it’s…” Roger paused, shrugging, “Illegal?”

You rolled your eyes and stormed into the kitchen in search of something to take the edge off. “That’s the best you can do?” you asked opening the fridge and plucking out the bottle.

“You know what I mean,” Roger said, trailing behind you. “You’re lovely. And an amazing friend. They should be lucky to have you. And if they can’t see that, then I’m sorry, but they were never your friends to begin with.”

You grimaced, slapping the bottle down on the countertop. A deluge of sadness dropped on to your body like a lead balloon. “I’m twenty-four and I’m back at square one when it comes to friends,” you squeaked, leaning against the counter. The tears weren’t far off; you could feel the warmth burning your eyes. Not wanting Roger to see you in this state again, you bowed your head. Of course, it made the tears fall faster. “This is fucking awful.”

“Hey,” he said in a low, warm voice. “You’ve still got years to meet new people. And makeup with everyone else. You’ve got me. And Freddie was saying the other day, he’d love to meet you. He knows a few characters. You’re only twenty-four. It doesn’t matter.”

But it did.

Roger wrapped his arms around you and leaned his head against your shoulder. “It’s not the end of the world. I’m sure they’ll come round.”

Your whole body shook with grief as Roger held you close. “It feels like it is.”

The following day, you woke up to the sound of the intercom ripping through your empty flat. Your eyes shot open as you turned over, clawing at the empty space in your bed in search of Roger.

You heaved yourself on to your feet and padded through to the door, picking up the receiver. “Hello?” you spat.

“Hello, my love,” a sort of familiar voice beamed. “Is that Roger’s lovely girlfriend there?”

Your stomach sank. Surely Roger wasn’t behind all of this?

“Well, is it?” he pressed.

“Uh, yeah. Come on up.” You smacked the receiver down and sped through to your bedroom, slipping into more modest attire. With any luck, you thought, you might be able to brush your teeth before your guest arrived. But you were wrong.

Three loud knocks boomed into your home as you pulled on one of Roger’s shirts, earning a pained sigh from you.

And then another three while you hurried back to answer the door.

“Alright, alright! Hold your bloody horses,” you hissed. When you flung open the door, you found Freddie standing in the hall. He looked inconspicuous in his leather jacket and ripped up jeans, aside from the bottle of Moët he clutched. “Christ, it’s ten in the morning,” you remarked.

“I know,” he grinned, looking pleased with himself. “Aren’t you going to let me in, dear? This bottle’s getting warm and we can’t have that!”

You shuffled aside, allowing Freddie to barge in. “Make yourself at home,” you hummed, throwing your arm out in the general direction of your humble abode.

Freddie sashayed through to the kitchen like a wrecking ball through your lazy Sunday morning. “Roger says you were very down last night.”

“Oh, did he now,” you shrugged, following him. “Suppose he sent you here to make me feel better, then?”

He threw himself into a chair at your kitchen table. “No,” he began, popping open the champagne. “I’m here to talk to you about planning a party, my dear.” He held up the bottle, silently asking for glasses.

“A party?” You threw open the fridge and pulled out a bottle of orange juice; you couldn’t stomach straight champagne this early in the morning. “What kind of party?”

“Oh, I love mimosas,” he smirked. “Get some glasses and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“Already ahead of you.” You opened the cupboard where all the glasses went to die and pulled out two mismatched flutes. You slid them across the table towards Freddie – along with the orange juice – and he got pouring the drinks.

“Well,” he began, placing your glass in front of you. “I’m sure you know, it’s Roger’s birthday next week?” It was more of a question than an explanation.

You nodded in response.

“Well, I thought it might be a nice idea, as one of Roger’s best friends, and you, as Roger’s very beautiful lady friend, to organise a party for him. It’d be nice to celebrate, and it’d be lovely for you to meet everyone. How does that sound?” Freddie asked with a manic look in his eyes.

You knocked back your mimosa in one swift gulp and sighed. “That doesn’t sound too bad.”

Freddie excitedly clapped his hands together. “Excellent! I was hoping we could have it at my house. I have a few ideas for the cake, too! And invites! Yes, I’ve drawn these up,” Freddie rambled, scooting over towards you and whipping out his phone to show you some crisp, white invites with gold borders and greenery around the edges. “What do you think?”

“They’re beautiful!” you smiled. “I’m not sure they’re very Roger, though.”

A mischievous smirk emerged from beneath his moustache. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s make it filthy.”

[Part 8]

“I don’t see why we can’t stay at home and celebrate with a take away,” Roger grumbled, staring out of the window of the car.

“I  thought it’d be nice to get a bite to eat somewhere nice,” you explained, brushing your fingers against his thigh.

The sweltering July evening seemed never-ending and the sun still hung high, even though the clock approached nine.

It was weather for light linen shirts and cropped jeans and sunglasses, hair that smelled like the beach and tanned skin on display. It suited Roger down to a tee, you thought, as your eyes wandered. He scratched at the undersides of his arms, his sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Then, slipping his hand beneath his shirt collar, he sighed as he rubbed his aching shoulders. “But I love your cooking.”

“Would it stun you to know that I’m sick of cooking?”

Roger’s lips curled into a smile as he shook his head. “But it’s my birthday. It’s as good as steak and blowjob day.”

“Well, you can eat some nice steak tonight and I’ll give you a blowie later. How does that sound?”

“Oh, alright!”

The pair of you went back to absentmindedly staring out the windows, every now and again, reaching across the seat to touch hands. The nerves in your stomach brewed, wondering what he would make of the party you and Freddie planned. 

“Hang on?” Roger said, edging forward in his seat as he peered out the window. “Where are we going again?”

“For dinner, Roggie,” you stated. “Why?”

“Why are we going to Freddie’s?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“You’ve been spending an awful lot of time with Fred recently.”

“And what of it?”

“You’ve been planning something, haven’t you?” Roger asked, his voice streaked with giddiness.

“No!”

“Why are we pulling up in front of Fred’s house then?”

“We’re going to pop in and see him so he can wish you a happy birthday.”

“Oh great!” Roger tutted mockingly. “That’s half the night wasted then. No blowjobs for me.”

“Don’t be like that,” you scolded. You reached into your bag and handed the fare to the driver, then you both stepped out on to the street outside Garden Lodge.

“This better be quick! I’m fucking starving,” Roger warned, rubbing his tummy.

You knew how grumpy he could be when he was in the throes of hunger and you hoped the catering and free booze would be enough to sustain him through the night. But there was one thing you were certain of: Roger loved a good party. “Come on,” you urged, grabbing his hand and tugging him in the direction of the large wooden door that insulated the mansion within. You jabbed your finger against the intercom. “Fred? We’re here!”

Fred’s laughter came over the intercom, and then he finally spoke. “Come in, darlings!”

You and Roger exchanged puzzled looks at how jovial he sounded, but then you shrugged and pushed open the gate.

“SURPRISE!”

The garden was packed with anyone who was anyone in the music business. Producers, musicians, even actors and actresses, and models, too. They had all assembled to celebrate Roger’s birthday. You were certain Roger hadn’t even met half of the guests – most of them looked like Freddie’s circle.

Roger laughed nervously as he took in the sight of the garden, decked out with strings of twinkling gold lights and picnic benches. And then, his face settled into a look of wonder, eyeing the waitresses in knee high boots and leather bikinis, doling out canapés. One tall and stony looking blonde thrust flutes of champagne into your hands, and a friendlier flame-haired floozy moseyed up to you and Roger, popping tiny cherry pies into your mouths. “Good?” she purred, relishing how flustered Roger became.

Roger mumbled enthusiastically, catching crumbs that tumbled from his mouth. He had turned a delightful shade of pink as he took in his surroundings. He shuffled up the garden path towards a pair of oversized inflatable legs, spread eagled. Between them, in lieu of the female anatomy, was the door to Freddie’s house. Roger marvelled at them, open mouthed.

From the crowd, ever the perfect hostess, Freddie emerged with a cake. You and him had spent days in bakeries all over London, sampling their wares. But you had finally decided on one. Two glorious mounds of chocolate cake, moulded into an ample bosom, complete with a set of erect, rosebud nipples. The number 38 blazed away beside it. The throng surrounding Roger erupted into a bout of ‘happy birthday.’

Roger looked at you, bewildered and wondering what part you played in this, but you nodded towards his cake.

Roger was always the life and soul of the party, and it didn’t take him long to bust a few moves that you feared might seriously injure him. After all, 38 was two years shy of forty. And that would be really old.

You admired him from one of the picnic benches, as you drained another glass of champagne. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and you felt completely at home and relaxed on the sidelines. Until Freddie burst into view, dragging none other than Elton John with him.

“My dear, there’s someone I need you to meet!” he beamed, throwing a rather drunk Elton down opposite you. “This is Elton!”

Elton waved and nodded, giving you a quiet, “Hi.”

“Elton, this is Roger’s girlfriend, isn’t she a peach?”

“She’s lovely, yeah!”

“I’m going to leave you two to get acquainted,” Freddie cooed, wandering off to pester someone else.

Unsure of what to say to Elton, you searched your brain for something, anything, to make inroads into a conversation with him. “So,” you began, dragging out that vowel. “How do you know Fred?”

“Me and Fred go way back! All the way to the nineties, would you believe? Back when I was practically bald. You probably don’t remember that, though,” he slurred. “How old are you again?”

“Twenty-four,” you mumbled.

Elton’s eyes bulged. “I knew Roger liked them young, but you’re half his bloody age! I heard you met on Tinder, too? Bold move on Roger’s part!”

“Yeah, he was telling me about some of the experiences he’d had before he met me,” you laughed. “Must’ve been desperate. Hence why he set the bar this low.”

“Oh not at all,” Elton said, flapping his hands. “It’s  nice to see him with a girl who doesn’t look like she’s in it for the money. God knows, that’s all Roger’s got going for him.”

You shook your head. “I don’t know about that.” You glanced over at Freddie and Roger, who were huddled in a corner of the garden, blathering away at each other like a pair of gossiping old biddies. You loved the way Roger laughed with his entire body when Freddie presumably told him a dirty joke and the way Freddie’s eyes bulged when he embellished his stories with theatrical action. “He’s kind and does everything he can to drag me out of my shell. And he doesn’t seem to mind that my friends hate him or that the world feels like we shouldn’t be together. He’s always so positive. I love that.”

“So you’re smitten, then?” Elton said, leaning in. “And you’re serious?”

Your cheeks burned as an awkward smile cracked over your features. “I think so,” you said, nodding with youthful enthusiasm.

“Well, you’re absolutely lovely,” Elton said, grabbing your hands and speaking to you with the wisdom of an old babushka. “I hope this works. Because you clearly make each other happy. And don’t let anyone or anything, take that away from you. Fred and I know what it’s like, having everyone out to get you.”

On the other side of the garden, Roger was busy gushing to Freddie about his party. He had already sunk a bottle of champagne all to himself, and, having loosened up, he was prepared to tell anyone who would listen how glad he was to be spending his thirty-eighth birthday, surrounded ‘by people he cared about.’

“This is so different from last year,” he smiled, looking out at the partygoers. “And it’s the first birthday in a while that I’ve actually been happy. Remember how Dom and I used argue at these things?” He turned to Freddie, looking bleary eyed. “I  love her, Fred. I fucking love her.”

“I know you do,” Freddie said, linking his arm around his friend’s shoulder. “This was all her idea, you know? The legs and everything. I think she knows you better than I do!”

He shook his head, wearing a cute, dumb expression. “I think she gets me. And to think she thought she wouldn’t be enough for me.”

“Nonsense!” Freddie exclaimed, slapping Roger’s arm in a ‘fuck off’ kind of way. “Why ever would that beautiful thing think that?!”

“She was nervous because she’d never really seriously dated anyone before. And then I went and told her how many women I’d slept with. And she got cold feet.”

“Did you tell her how many men you’ve shagged too?”

“Fuck off,” Roger said bashfully. “I mean it, though. I could definitely see myself really making a go of it with her.”

“She loves you very much,” Freddie explained, bolstering his friend. “She told me you make her a nice breakfast every day before she goes to work and that you have her lunch packed for her. Sounds like you bloody well do everything for her. Spoilt little thing.”

“I just worry about her,” Roger admitted, crossing his arms. “Sometimes, when you look at someone, do you ever  see that tiny flicker of sadness there in their eyes? And then you promise yourself, you’ll never allow it to really get a grip on them? Because I see that all the time. I want to look after her. I never ever felt that way about Dominique.”

Freddie glanced at his best friend. “You did all those years ago. I remember you used to make any excuse to see her. Hell, you even sprawled yourself across her desk in Richard’s office one Monday morning, a big fucking rose between your teeth.”

“But this is different.”

“How?”

“I thought I wanted sex and filth and something to take my mind off the whole bloody thing. All that excitement you get when you first meet someone and you fall for them. But I don’t. I don’t have that with her,” he slurred, gluing his eyes to you and only you.

“What do you have? A sore arse? I bet she’s good with a strap.”

“No.” Roger glared at Freddie. “I have this overwhelming need to protect her, like she’s the most precious thing I’ve ever had in my life.”

“Does she know that?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well you should tell her before you go to Montreux.”

Roger’s eyes widened. “Fuck. That’s soon, isn’t it? Why – has she told you anything?”

Freddie shrugged. “It’s not really my place to say.”

“But she did tell you something…”

“Yes and no.”

“What is it then?”

“I think she’s worried it might be a bit too soon for you to be apart.”

“And she told you that, did she?” he asked with a pout. 

“Not in so many words. But yes.”

“Do you think I should invite her out?” he asked, turning his head to look at Freddie again. “To Montreux?”

Freddie’s eyes widened as soon as he heard Roger’s plan. “That’s a bloody wonderful idea! I’m planning on bringing my new man, Jim out with me. He could probably do with the company when I’m holed up in the studio with you.”

“You think so?” Roger asked, patting his hand on Freddie’s shoulder.

“I think you should go and ask her now!”

Roger stood up straight and puffed out his chest like a great, brave emperor penguin, ready to journey across a continent. “I think I will!”

“Go get her, tiger!” Freddie called, sending all eyes at the party on to Roger as he staggered up the garden.

You were still deep in conversation with Elton, but silence fell as Roger approached.

“Does he look drunk to you?” Elton asked.

“He looks fucking wasted.”

Roger wore that dreamy look in his eye that could make you do anything, even if he was three sheets to the wind. When he arrived at the table, he almost fell over as he leaned forward to plant a sloppy kiss on your cheek.

“Hello, birthday boy!” you cooed. “I see you’re having a good night!”

“Elton, my man!” Roger exclaimed making finger guns at him. “I’m gonna need some alone time with my woman. Can I steal her away?” he slurred.

“Excuse me?” you blinked. “Your woman?”

Roger flung himself down beside you and put his arm around you. “Sorry. What I meant to say is, I’d like some alone time with this absolutely delectable creature, where I shall seek to woo her with my potent, sexual allure,” he elaborated, dragging his palm down his exposed torso.

You gave Roger a glare that told him he was done for, and, not wanting to attract further attention, took his hand. You led him up between the pair of giant inflatable legs, through the vagina, and into Freddie’s kitchen. Much to your annoyance, there was a crowd of kitchen dwellers dotted around the room, so you continued your journey, further into Freddie’s not-so-humble abode. “Come on,” you said, pulling Roger up the spiral staircase in the hall. “There’s bound to be a room up here for us.”

“Oh, we’re going upstairs,” he purred, giving his eyebrows a knowing wiggle. “I know what that means.”

You continued to lead him by the hand through the tastefully decorated hallway, until you reached what Freddie liked to call the ‘Pink Room.’ You and Roger entered and stood in silence in the middle of the room, gawking at each other.

Roger obviously found the situation hilarious as he searched for something to focus on to take his mind off the fit of giggles that simmered away under his dishevelled exterior. His shoulders bobbed every now and again when a small laugh escaped.

“What’s so funny, Roggie?”

“It’s nothing, sorry.”

You crossed your arms and tilted your head, gauging how drunk your boyfriend was. “It’s something.”

“No, I’m thinking about how we’re gonna shag in Fred’s house.”

“We’re not going to shag in Freddie’s house, Roggie. At least not until you’ve sobered up and told me what you wanted to tell me in the garden.”

Roger’s mouth formed an ‘o’ shape as soon as he remembered why he wanted to get you alone. Then he nodded. He shuffled his feet as he looked at the floor to pluck the words out of his champagne-addled brain. “Fred and I were talking,” he began.

“Uh huh?” you urged him on, crossing your arms. 

“And we were talking…” He continued, his eyes rolling up in his head as he still wore that boyish, naughty expression.

“You were talking and…”

“Well, all the other guys are bringing their girlfriends, and Freddie’s got his new boyfriend and I was wondering, if…”

Unable to contain your annoyance for Roger’s penchant for trailing off mid sentence, you erupted: “For goodness sake, Roger, spit it out!”

Roger puffed out his cheeks at your sudden outburst and exhaled. “Do you want to come to Montreux with us?”

Roger’s proposal came as such a shock to you that you had to stumble around to find a place to sit. Eventually, you found a dusty pink chaise longue that overlooked the garden and flopped on top of it. “Jesus,” you muttered.

Roger dropped to his knees and shuffled over to you, pouting and silently attempting to convince you that this was a good idea for both of you.

“How long do you want me out there for?”

“However long you’d like. Montreux’s really beautiful. We could maybe even stay there?” Roger begged, clasping your hand in his. Shimmering gold flecks from the lights in the garden danced in his tired eyes. “I’d love it if you came with me.”

“It’s a big ask,” you sighed, leaning your forehead against his. “I’ve got work to think about. I can’t just quit. I don’t want to be like my friends.”

“I’ll look after you, though. And you’ve got all of us. We’re a family.”

“I don’t know, Roger,” you admitted. “I think I’m gonna need some time to think about this. I can’t get up and leave. It’s not that easy.”

Roger’s entire body deflated right in front of you, his disappointment palpable as he slouched. “Take as long as you need, Kitten,” he said. His tone became measured and calm now; the sparkle and optimism had disappeared. “Even if you’re able to come out  for a day or two, it’d be better than nothing. I’m gonna miss looking after you when I’m out there.”

“I’ll let you know how I feel in the morning. More importantly, how are you feeling?”

“I’m a bit drunk,” Roger spluttered. “But I’ve enjoyed myself.”

“You’ve had a good birthday?”

He nodded with enthusiasm. “Best birthday in years. And I’ve got you to thank for that,” he said, pressing a kiss to your cheek. “You make me so fucking happy.”

The pair of you scrambled to your feet, your arms enveloping his body. Your head rested against his chest, so close you could hear his heart racing and his lungs slowly sucking in air as you danced together in the window of the Pink Room, and gazed down at the party below. “I love you, Roggie,” you whispered, burying your nose against his shirt to inhale his scent. 

“I love you too, Kitten.”

“How about we head home? Hm?” you asked looking up at him.

He swept the hair out of your face with a contented, heavy lidded smile. “That’s a fantastic idea,” he whispered, kissing your forehead. “I’ll even bring you a nice breakfast in bed to thank you for this in the morning.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

The following morning, you felt the bed dip beside you and the soft, warm sound of Roger’s voice. Bliss. Turning on to your back, you stretched letting all the tensed muscles in your body unfurl and your bones crack back into place with a groan. “Morning, Roggie,” you purred with your eyes still closed.

“Morning, Kitten,” he said. 

You could see the smile behind his words inside your mind. And you could also smell bacon. Your eyes flicked open to find him wafting a bacon roll right under your nose.

“Knew that would wake you up in no time,” he grinned, pulling the duvet over both of your bodies. “I’ve made you some tea, too.”

You grabbed the cup from Roger’s hands and took a swig like it was the holy grail. Your mouth was so dry from all the alcohol the night before that you almost finished the cup in one big gulp. “Thank you,” you sighed, sitting the cup down on your nightstand. Then you went back to the most important meal of the day.

Roger took small bites of his own, in between stroking your hair and admiring you in the golden rays cracking through the blinds. “Did you sleep well, Kitten?” he asked.

You gave a contented groan. “Like a log – how about you?” you asked, curling yourself against his body. “Hungover?”

“No,” he mused, “I feel good.”

“You look tired.”

“I am a bit, but that’s nothing a little siesta can’t fix,” he sighed.

But there was something off. You could tell Roger was holding something back; his body was tense and he had a habit of moving his lips to start a sentence with no sound coming from them when he was too apprehensive about asking you something. Then you remembered his proposition from the night before.

“About last night–” you both began in unison.

“You first,” he said, sounding uncharacteristically coy.

“No, no… you asked the question.”

Roger sucked his lips together, and stayed silent for a moment. Then the lightbulb pinged above his head. “I know I asked you to come over to Montreux, but I don’t want you to feel any pressure to go. You’ve got a life here. You can’t abandon that. I was a bit drunk and over excited.”

“It’s fine,” you said, shaking your head. “I  need to see how many holidays I can realistically take off work this summer.”

Roger nodded. “Ok. I’m not going to pester you about it,  have a think. It might do you the world of good to go out there.”

You gave a haughty laugh, still feeling raw from the invasion of your privacy back in Ibiza. “What like it did when we spent that weekend at the villa?” you asked.

Roger’s features fell. “I’m trying to do what’s best for us. Montreux’s not like Ibiza at all. Fuck, no one even knows where Montreux is. No one pesters us there. Not even Freddie.” He sounded hurt. “Please think about it.”

And then your phone rang. Convenient timing, if only to prevent an argument. You fumbled around on your nightstand for your phone and looked at the screen. It was Jade. “What the fuck does she want?” you mumbled to yourself.

“Who?” Roger asked, peering over your shoulder. Then he scowled in disgust. “Her?”

“Should I answer it?” you asked, glancing up at Roger.

“It’s up to you.”

You answered the call, putting Jade on speaker for Roger to hear. “What do you want?”

“Please don’t read The Sun today,” Jade said, sounding panicked.

Roger sat upright, looking puzzled.

“Why?” you asked, feeling a pit of dread growing larger and larger with every passing second. “What have they done now?”

“Just don’t read it, please.” She repeated her plea with more desperation. “I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry? What for? What have you done?”

Roger tapped away on his own phone and then showed you the screen. On the homepage of The Sun’s website, there were a series of articles about you and Roger. One about Charlotte and Lewis. Blurry phone photos of Roger leading you out of La Rouvenaz after your date from hell. A photo of Roger’s ex wife, with the headline: “Dominique Taylor: My Side of the Story.” And another headline. “Pals Spill the Beans on Queen Drummer’s New Squeeze.”

By the time you had finished reading everything on the page, you could hear Jade whimpering on the other end of the line.

“You fucking bitch,” Roger hissed. “You snake. How much did they pay you?”

“Please,” Jade cried. “I’m so sorry. They got it out of me without me knowing I–”

“I want to know how much they paid you!”

“Ten grand.”

Too stunned to speak, Roger verbalised exactly what was on the tip of your tongue. “Ten grand? Is that how much your best mate’s worth?”

“If I could  come over and explain, I could make things–”

Without saying a word, you hung up. Still in a state of shock, you took Roger’s phone and began at the very top of the page, scanning every single article for opinions on everything from how much you weighed to what you wore. All of your friends had something to say. Some of them even surrendered photos of you from your school days, back when the gang was much more close knit – before life got in the way of your friendships. You were too exhausted to shed tears. Too humiliated to want to set foot in the office again. You turned to Roger, whose eyes had clouded over as he seethed. “Montreux doesn’t sound like such a bad idea after all,” you said.

“I’m sorry I dragged you into this.”

“I think you’re probably the only person that actually cares about me at this point.”

“I hope I’m worth it.”

Realising what was at stake, you spent the rest of your Sunday preparing yourself for Monday. You drafted your letter of resignation, organised boxes to empty the contents of your desk into, and you had packed a suitcase with  enough to get by in Montreux until you found your feet. 

The next morning, you and Roger sat in his car outside your office building in silence.

“Just remember, I’m out here,” Roger said quietly, stroking circles above your knee.

You took a series of deep breaths, doubting your ability to march into the office and drop the letter on your boss’ desk. “All I need to do, is give Stephen the letter, clear my desk and then we can go.” You nodded, walking yourself through the perfectly plotted road map in your brain. “What if someone stops me?” you groaned, throwing your head back against the headrest. “I don’t know if I could face the Spanish Inquisition.”

“Just tell them it’s a family emergency and that you don’t want to deal with it right now.”

“But you’re better at these things than I am. You only have to breathe their air and people like you.”

“What do you care if those idiots like you?” he snorted. Then he grabbed your shoulders, ready for another one of his world class pep talks. “You’re never going to see them again. And if they talk to the papers, you’re not going to be in the bloody country to read it. You’re gonna be chilling on a lakeside promenade, with a cocktail in your hand, enjoying night after night of boring missionary sex with me, your adoring and very rich boyfriend. You’re better than that fucking dump behind you and you know it!”

“Yeah, I guess I am,” you reluctantly agreed. Staring down that the carefully typed and labelled letter in your hands, you huffed. “Guess I’m gonna have to do this now, before everyone else arrives.”

“You’ve got…” Roger paused, looking at his watch. “Five minutes, to complete your mission, Agent Kitten. Good luck.”

You chuckled and grabbed the boxes in the footwell. 

The walk into your poky marketing agency went well. Your legs managed to function and your head stayed high as you sauntered through the doors one final time. The nerves dissipated as you entered the office, weaving your way through the gigantic fishbowl, looking at all the soulless drones, sitting at their desks, tapping away at their keyboards on the company’s next big brand project. And you knew, in that moment, how much you hated it. 

That swell of hatred spurred you on as you stopped by your desk to dump the boxes. Of course, Steph and Cheryl looked up from their computer screens with raised eyebrows.

“What are those for?” Steph asked.

“Nothing,” you spat, turning on your heel towards your boss’ office.

He sat in a glass room at the far end of the main office. He loved to look out on his sea of minions and watch them waste their lives while he collected a vastly overinflated salary that said more about his greed than his talent or work ethic.

You breathed a sigh of relief when you realised his office was empty. You were able to slip inside his glass tank and pop the envelope on his desk, feeling the weight lift off your shoulders once and for all.

Mission accomplished.

Time to clear your desk.

Like a panther on a hunt, you slunk back to your desk undetected, and cleared your personal belongings away, erasing the two years of your life you had spent at this very spot. You removed the photos of your friends from the grey partition boards, and ripped them up. You safely stowed your collection of cacti and succulents in one box. Then you moved on to your drawers; rifling through them for the essentials.

It astounded you how much crap you accumulated in two years. But then, you couldn’t remember the last time you tossed anything out. There were spare packets of star shaped confetti from your first Christmas party, birthday cards, five half empty jars of instant coffee, not to mention a stack of unfinished notebooks and pens in abundance. Knowing where your real priorities lay, you scooped up the bundle of notebooks and pens and dumped them alongside your plants.

You eyed your prized possessions with overwhelming satisfaction. Standing there with your hands on your hips, you realised that you managed this with no resistance from your co-workers. Until Steph lingered beside you.

“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” she asked, jabbing her finger painfully into your arm. “You’re leaving and you didn’t tell us! Did you get the sack?” she prodded.

“No, it’s an urgent family thing abroad that I need to get to. I don’t now when I’ll be back,” you bumbled, trying to remember the spiel Roger taught you, for use in emergencies. 

“Won’t you have time for drinks?” Cheryl piped up, peering over the partition.

“I’m afraid not,” you said, shaking your head in an attempt to sound disappointed. Inside you were elated. “I need to be at the airport in an hour. Flight takes off soon.” And with that, you grabbed your belongings and headed for the door as fast as your legs could carry you.

But then, your boss slipped through, his face falling when he saw the box in your arms. “Where do you think you’re going? Get back to your desk, I haven’t given you permission to leave.”

You barged past him. His mistake for holding to door open for you, you thought. You could still hear him bellowing down the corridor as you headed for the exit. “Fuck you, Stephen!” you roared, throwing up the middle finger behind you.

Roger was waiting for you as you practically ran to his car. He stood, leaning against it. Sunglasses on, sleeves rolled up, pushing his thick, messy mane out of his face. “How’d it go, Kitten?” he asked, taking the box from you and looking inside at your loot.

“It was amazing,” you wheezed, realising how cathartic the experience was for you. “Threw my boss the middle finger as I left. It felt so fucking good. Better than sex. Better than driving one of your cars. I can’t even describe it,” you wittered as Roger put your box in the boot.

He closed it and turned to you, a smile trying to burst from his lips. “I’m really fucking proud of you.”

“So, now we go to the airport?” you asked, pressing your toe into the pavement.

“To the airport,” Roger grinned, getting back into the car.

“I’ve always wondered,” you pondered as the car hurtled down the motorway, “what happens when you leave the car at the airport?”

“I’m not leaving the car at the airport. Some poor intern at the label is going to come and collect it, and they’re going to put it into storage for me for when I make my return. Whenever that’ll be.”

“Right,” you sighed, remembering that you had a flat to empty. “And what about my place?”

“That’s easy. We can get some removal men in when we get to Montreux and they’ll put all your stuff into storage with my car. For when you make your return!” he explained excitedly. “Whenever that’ll be!”

“Fuck. We’re really doing this, aren’t we?” you sighed.

“Yeah!” Roger grinned, his eyebrows peeking out from the rims of his shades. “We really are!”

Just like the first time you and Roger boarded a plane together, your stomach stretched itself tight with apprehension. But that wasn’t to say you didn’t feel like you were making the right choice. Roger made you happy, you thought as he led you across the tarmac towards the small private plane. When you got inside, you realised it was exactly the same one as before and again, you took care not to touch anything, for fear that some other couple had done exactly what you and Roger had done between your trip to Ibiza and now. 

You and Roger plonked yourselves down next to each other on the leather sofa as stewardesses flocked to you, offering canapés and flutes of champagne. Something to make the flight to Geneva go in  a  bit faster.

The plane took off, and the pair of you watched like excited children as clouds shrouded the plane, and then dissipated just as fast, leaving you soaring through the air, high above home and not knowing when you’ll ever return.

“Should we put on some music?” Roger murmured, twirling stands of your hair around his fingers. “Spice things up a bit?”

“What like last time?”

He grinned, looking utterly irresistible with his half-buttoned shirt and his dark sunglasses. “Exactly like last time. But better.”

You watched from the sofa as Roger got to his feet and wandered over to the stereo.

“Taylor Swift?”

“Nah.”

“Springsteen?”

“We always listen to Springsteen.”

“I know,” Roger giggled, waggling his finger in the air. “I’ve got just the song for this occasion.” 

You narrowed your eyes, waiting for him to hit play on his phone.

The first few bars of ‘Danger Zone,’ boomed through the speakers, sending you into a fit of giggles. But nothing could prepare you for what came next as Roger moved towards you, swaying every part of his body to the beat.

“What are you doing?” you laughed.

“Just sit back, relax,” Roger said, turning away from you. He batted his hips from side to side, bending over to give you an unrestricted view of his bottom as he wiggled and writhed. “And enjoy the view.”

>>NEXT>>

[monsta-sextories]

Poolside- 10

Son Hyunwoo

word count: 1868

🎧 Notion- Tash Sultana

You’re dressed in a typical looking summer dress. It’s a pale yellow that compliments the new tone of your skin from all those days out in the sun. It feels like summer is nearing the end, even though it’s not. Just the good part… the best part. You look at your hair in the mirror, your mother will probably comment on needing a trim but that’s okay. Your nails could use a manicure, sure. None of that had mattered these last weeks.

You check your phone once again for the time and decide to leave it behind in your bedroom. As you make your way down the steps you avoid looking in the direction of the small library- your sanctuary. Your temple of hope… and the dreams that had been blooming just a few days ago. It makes your stomach uneasy.

You make your way through the quiet house and notice a few people finishing up the last bit of work. Looking for the smallest details to be buffed. It makes you sigh, and it feels like your body gets ten pounds heavier.

Down the hallways and to the large front doors, you walk and shed the last bits of memories. The last bit of feeling you had left. Its easier to abandon it.

Your parents should be here any moment. So you open the front door, leave it open, wide open. And you sit down in the entry way, resting your head against the door frame. A few moments go by unbothered. You suppose it will be a nice welcoming gesture when they’re chauffeured up the drive way. They will see you waiting for them and they might be surprised… but they won’t notice the left over tears lining your face. Or maybe they will… and in their self absorption they will surely mistake it for happiness to see them… relief to have them back. Something absurd.

So when the gates open, and you see the black recognizable car sail up the drive, you allow the tears to fall one by one, quietly and secretly before wiping them away and picking yourself up.

…

Dinner that night is treated like a celebration, or a gift. Your parents have Betsy prepare dinner and they talk and talk about their brief travels. You notice the glow of your mother’s skin, but there’s something unnatural about it, especially in comparison to your father’s. You assume she didn’t spend nearly as much time out in the sun as the tan would lead you to believe, but instead had a spray tan applied to fit in on whatever beach she had visited. You can see her now- large brimmed hat, sunglasses, drink in hand as she sits somewhere shaded fanning herself from the “terrible heat.”

Despite that, she has sweeter stories to tell than your father who seems to be unhappy about the entirety of the whole vacation.

The patio was swept and hosed down and you insisted on eating outside tonight. It was your idea to suggest Betsy make extra food for everyone else to be able to enjoy. This meant of course, Hyunwoo, Betsy, George, and whoever stuck around this late could relax a bit and take a second to suck up to your parents for their generosity and mention how nice it was to have them back.

“So,” your mother began noticing the way your eyes would drift in the direction of the guest house waiting your Hyunwoo to appear. “How has Hyunwoo liked his stay so far?”

Her honey voice and narrowed eyes were a mere insinuation, but not a direct one.

“I think he says how much he appreciates it at least three times a day. He doesn’t think he deserves it, but I personally believe I’ve never seen the yard look better.”

Your father nods in approval and your mother’s lips purse just enough to hide her accusatory smile.

“He has a gift,” your father grunts, but there’s something dismissive about it.

“Its nice that he’s about your age. I’m sure that helped, having someone to talk to while we were away.” In contrast to her demeanor she was snake like, intuitive, and quick to judge.

“Yeah, I believe he might almost consider me a friend,” you say hoping that Betsy delivers the food soon. You take a sip of your wine glass, swirling it around out of boredom but also anticipation. Hyunwoo surely will stop by, if anything to say hello.

“I think he’s very attractive,” your mother goads with a lift in her brows. Your father looks at her approvingly.

“Don’t you start,” he huffs.

Just before the conversation can progress you watch as Betsy carries out a roasting pan with a steaming chicken, browned and seasoned. Your mouth waters at the sight alone, but the smell is strong full of flavor.

“Betsy this is absolutely amazing!” your mother coos as she places it on the table and begins to cut it. You’re so distracted that you don’t notice the quiet footsteps approach behind you until Betsy speaks.

“Ah, Hyunwoo, why don’t you help be bring out the rest of the dishes.”

You turn your head to see him wearing a short sleeve button down, clean and neat. His khaki shorts wrinkle free as if he had planned to impress tonight.

“I’ll help too,” you say jumping to your feet. He briefly glances in your direction.

“Nice to see you again, hope you enjoyed your trip,” Hyunwoo says with a smile directed at your parents. Your mom looks at him with a wide grin, and your father responds pleasantly reaching out a hand to shake.

“Ah, we wont get into it just yet. But, my, the work you’ve done out here is absolutely spectacular.”

You don’t wait to hear the rest, but instead make your way into the kitchen and wait for Hyunwoo to follow. When he steps inside, expression softening from the praise, he looks at you.

“That’s a nice dress,” is all he says.

“Thank you,” you say nervously as you pick up a dish off of the counter. You don’t move until he’s there as well doing the same.

“You look nice as well,” you say. Because he does. He always does.

He responds with a curt smile and takes his dish and begins to walk away, you hesitate, wanting to say something, but he’s already strides ahead of you.

…

Dinner goes smoothly. Hyunwoo sits across form you next to your father, and you notice how your mother watches each time you look in his direction. They talk, hyunwoo politely listening with brief interjections of agreement or questions. Your father rants about business, and the economy. Your mother sits quietly, eating… occasionally rolling her eyes and only speaking up when she disagrees with your father.

You aren’t paying close attention to notice when exactly it gets brought up, but you notice the moment both of your parents eyes land on you.

“Cooking? She can’t cook” you hear your father snort.

“Where did you learn to cook?” your mother asks looking at you in amazement.

You look at them both, over to Betsy and then back at Hyunwoo.

“Uh, I’ve watched Betsy,” you say with a shrug.

“It was delicious,” Hyunwoo compliments casually, with a slight awkward smile. The shock on your parents face is annoying to say the least, and Hyunwoo must pick up on it because he gracefully switches their attention towards the hedges, asking for their opinions on the additional height.

Afterwards you notice a slight apologetic look from Hyunwoo, and a rather distrustful one from your mother, as if whatever suspicions she had have been proved true.

Not long after, the conversation begins to slow and Hyunwoo is first to excuse himself. Its not too much later that its just you sitting across from your parents with a pit in your gut as you cant manage to finish your plate.

“So, you’re a cook now?” your mother begins, “that doesn’t sound like you.”

You look up at her, noticing the way your father seems to mimic her curiosity.

“I got bored, like you anticipated,” you answer raising an eyebrow.

“Hyunwoo seems to enjoy it,” she says with a slight challenge.

“He’s just being polite,” you say tightening your jaw just a bit.

“That he is,” your mother says a bit softly. “he’s a very nice young man.”

Your father looks over at her, a question on his face.

“What’s your point?” you ask trying to remain amicable.

Your mom shrugs, “there isn’t one. Just an observation.”

“His parents also aren’t millionaires, and he didn’t graduate from an Ivy League school. I’m sure you’ve already observed that.” You let a bit of bitterness leak into your words, and your father is first to respond.

“What does that matter to us?” He says, showcasing his offense.

You only roll your eyes, and your mom keeps quiet for a moment.

“He’s a very nice young man,” your other says with a sigh. It sounds like realization, it gives you a weird sliver of hope. Like maybe… they really do think he’s great.

“And it is too bad he’s less fortunate than us, but we can’t continue to pity him,” your mother adds. The words strike fire in you, because… pity? She thinks this is all for pity?

Your father nods in agreement. “yes, dear, I enjoy his work but cooking for him? Cleaning out a guest house? the… charges on your credit card?”

Your throat tightens. You forgot about the purchases you made at all of the male clothing stores…

“That’s not.. its not… not like that…” you stammer out.

“So what is it like then?” your mother asks with a serious expression.

“you said it yourself,” you say shyly, “he’s just a really great… worker.”

You finish the words the safest way possible. The only way you know how to. the only way that would make sense.

“Yes and we pay him for that. It’s unprofessional to give him special treatment just because you might fancy his appearance,” your father says with a roll of his eyes

“its not about his appearance,” you say quickly, “i… I enjoy his company. We get along.”

“You don’t have anything in common,” your mother charges immediately.

“Well, I’d like to!” you say with a quick flare of your temper. “He’s hardworking, smart, funny, kind… he’s… he’s-“

“what are you saying?” your father interjects, face red.

You think for a moment… you try to relax. You remind yourself it doesn’t have to go there, nothing good will come of this. But, instead you remember all the time you spent together. all the feelings that you had suppressed out of fear, and here they were face to face ready to fight.

“I’m saying, I think….” You look at both of your parents mustering the confidence you have. Its then you notice Betsy peeking out of the back door. Her eyes are wide, mouth open… but you can see the excitement in her surprise. She’s been listening, and she gives you a look of amazement , which is enough to push the last sentence out.

“I’m saying I think I’d like to start seeing him.”

<< previous                                                                                         next>>

[chrysalispen]

xi. the pity war distilled

"Seedseer?" a diffident voice called from the nearby doorway.

Kan-E-Senna barely spared the runner an upwards glance from the document she was scribing. Her fingers were chilled and aching from the damp cold, cramped and stained with ink from a day's worth of work, and the proceedings had only just begun. Though she was well accustomed to administrative matters when necessity called for her intervention, it had been a long time since the Padjal had found herself compelled to confine herself to a room in this manner.  

She scratched out her signature and set the quill back in its pot, reaching for the well-used scrap of blotting paper nearby. The room was darker than it should have been in mid-afternoon. A distant rumble of thunder shook the stones; combined with the grey bank of clouds she'd seen earlier this morning, it promised another bout of foul weather.

At this point, she thought with an internal grimace, it was a safe bet that most of the summer crops this year would be a bust. This was going to-

"...Ma'am? There's a man outside wanting to speak with you."

"One moment, I pray you." Carefully she dabbed her signature with the paper, then relaxed in her seat with a grimace and used the back of her hand to move stray strands of blonde fringe from her eyes without smudging herself with the ink. "Does this man have a message, or does he ask a boon?"

"It's a request. Says he's passing it on from a prisoner."

"If he is here about witness statements, we have given ample time-"

"He says it's not. I told him the trials would start at first light, and he said that's fine, he'd sleep on one of those old mess hall benches until first light to have the chance to speak to you if needs must."

She stifled a regretful sigh.

"Very well," she said with a serenity she was struggling to feel. "Send him in."

"At once, ma'am."

Kan-E-Senna cast a somewhat longing look at Claustrum leaning placidly against the wall, its stark white outline beckoning her to plead fatigue or some other excuse that would allow her to take her leave and rest for the night. But the notion that this man - a soldier, presumably - was willing to subject himself to some considerable inconvenience on behalf of an enemy prisoner was too intriguing to pass up.

A series of loud rapping noises echoed from the other side of the door.

"Second Lieutenant Cheerful Sparrow of the Foreign Levy," the runner called.

She'd known by the name that the soldier who entered would be a Roegadyn. He was an older man, his brown hair interspersed with shocks of glittering silver and sun-wrinkles winging outwards from the corners of his eyes. He'd taken off his hat as he entered the room, dressed in civilian garb, and was carrying a pack over one shoulder. A heavy-looking black bag of strange make dangled on straps in his left hand.

"A fine evening to you, Lady Seedseer," he said politely. "I know 'tis terrible late, but I was hoping to speak with you personally. It concerns the conscripts, you see."

"I was merely finishing the day's work." She gestured for him to pull up a spare chair leaning against the wall, and watched him as he set his packs down to pull it over to the desk. "Tomorrow begins the hearings for the Garlean prisoners. As long as I've made sufficient preparations before I seek my bed, 'tis of no import. How can I be of service?"

"If this is a bad time-"

"Forgive me, Master...?"

"Just Sparrow. I'm an old mercenary, I don't stand on ceremony."

"Master Sparrow, then." She folded her hands in her lap. "If you'll permit me a moment of honesty, at present there is no such thing as a 'good' time. We are trying to see the matter of the enemy's prisoners resolved as quickly and quietly as possible so that we can attend to vital business in our respective cities. Would that I could promise these poor people a truly fair trial, but..."

"I know you aren't doin' any of this to be cruel, Lady Seedseer." His hands kneaded nervously at his woolen traveling cap. "A trial's unpleasant business, 'specially a rushed one, but there's no jury in all Eorzea impartial enough to give a Garlean aught but short shrift. Although... if you don't mind me askin', do you know what's to be done with them?"

"That is not a matter I am at liberty to discuss," she said mildly. The note of rebuke in her voice was unmistakable, however, and in the dim light she thought she could see his cheeks flush.

"Right. Sorry. It's just-" The Limsan Roegadyn coughed to clear his throat, obviously ill at ease by the way he shifted in his seat. "It's just that I were asked by Mistress Aurelia to make sure their conscripts were treated fairly, is all."

"Who?"

"Mistress Aurelia," he repeated. "One of the Garleans. She'll not be hard for you to spot on the morrow, seein' as she's the only lass in the lot -- down in the keep gaol by her lonesome at the minute, I shouldn't wonder."

"...She's expressed concern for the conscripts' fates? I was under the impression Garleans looked down on those not of their race."

"Aye, well, she's a strange one,”  Sparrow shrugged. “I'm sure she's worried for her own neck, but she didn't ask after what's to happen to her, just them."

"They've been sent to each city-state to serve out their sentences in rebuilding efforts, with immediate effect." At the sight of his frown, she continued: "I've obtained promises that the conscripts will be allowed to remain in Eorzea once their time is done, if they wish it. 'Tis unlikely they will be able to return to their homes, at least until relations with the Empire can be normalized. If that should ever come to pass."

"She'll be that glad to know they've been spared," he acknowledged, but the grin he gave her was decidedly rueful. "...Don't rightly know how she's survived military life for this long, between you an' me. I've spent nights on feather mattresses not half as soft as that girl."

"Service in the imperial army is compulsory even for Garleans, so I'm told."

"Mayhap that's so. Anyroad," Sparrow grunted, his knees creaking as he stood, "I'd best be seekin' my own bed afore this storm breaks if I’m to head out at first light. Give her my regards if you're able. If things turn out for her, I hope she an' I might could meet again - under better circumstances, o’course."

"If I chance to speak with your friend alone, I shall do so," she promised quietly. "You have given me much to consider this evening, Master Sparrow. Thank you."

"Consideration's all a body can ask. Aught you'll care t'read is in the statement." He gestured with his chin to the smaller of the two bags, still sitting on the floor. "Should you decide not to have the poor lass swing from a gallows, mayhap you could find a way of gettin' that medicine bag back to her."

"Medicine bag." She paused. "Your friend is a healer, then?"

"Aye, that she is."

In response, she offered a slow and thoughtful nod.

"I shall review the statements carefully," she said, and meant it. "A good night to you, Master Sparrow."

"Good evening to you, Seedseer."

Kan-E-Senna's leaf-green gaze lingered on the door long after it had shut behind him.

~*~

A full turn of the sun had passed, and the conscripts had not returned.

Aurelia had known something was amiss when the rattle of footsteps preceded the smack of the door against the wall much earlier than expected; it was early morning, the cellblock still full dark. Even though she was awake for the loud banging against the iron bars, she still cringed at the ringing scrape of its echo in her ears.

The occupants of the cells began to stir in earnest, squinting bleary-eyed into the sudden intrusion of light, their wakefulness punctuated with muffled coughing and sniffling. Wincing as a particularly strong cough sent a lancing pain through her chest, she leaned forward to reach for the crutches that leaned against the wall.

"All right, imperials," the man had said gruffly, handing his torch to one of the other guards at his back, "get up. We're clearing you lot out-- not you, Garlean."

Confused, she had retreated, watching the others file out of the cell one at a time, unwilling to meet her eyes. She had caught one last glimpse of Sayaka's pale, fearful face as the Doman glanced back over one shoulder, before the exit to the keep slammed shut and she was left in near-total darkness with a single torch by the door the only light in the room.

That had been at first light, and the angle of the light through the mortar cracks had lengthened before dimming to naught, and she was still alone.

Fighting back her anxiety for the nonce she leaned back against the damp wall, carefully flexed her healing leg, and reached beneath the filthy dressing to adjust it - the wound itself had healed clean despite all odds - and winced. Without any chance to exercise it on a regular basis, the muscle had begun to atrophy despite her best efforts. She'd need to put some work into rectifying that problem in the coming weeks.

Assuming you have weeks remaining, murmured a tiny voice in the back of her mind.

"By the bleeding Twelve," she muttered aloud. A derisive snort echoed from the other side of the block.

"Desperate enough to invoke false gods already, I see. They'll not save you, you know."

Aurelia frowned in the direction of that voice. Squinting at the barest hint of a man's silhouette against the far opposite wall availed her little save the suggestion of silver-white hair and the scruff of an unshaven face. "We shan't know the outcome until we've had a chance to speak our piece."

"To speak?" he scoffed. "Were I you, girl, I'd not waste my breath attempting to reason with savages. It's clear our fates have been decided."

"Perhaps if you have resigned yourself to die."

"Turning coat to the Eorzeans like a coward, then, are you? Hoping to save your own neck? If you believe they've considered aught for any of us besides a hangman's noose then you're a greater fool than I took you for."

"You chose to surrender rather than fight to the death, along with everyone else here," she shot back. "The Empire would have us fall upon our swords rather than submit to captivity. What call have you to lecture anyone upon cowardice?"

There was no response save the sound of soft muttering, another series of coughs, and then nothing. 

She found herself thankful for his silence, as she didn't want to argue with the man any longer: disagreement or not, he was still one of her countrymen. The thought occurred to her that he had spoken so harshly not out of anger but out of fear, and she could hardly fault him for it were that the case.

Aurelia herself was terrified, though she had largely kept her own counsel on the matter of her personal feelings. She had a better inkling of what was to happen than the rest of them thanks to Sparrow's information, but that didn't mean she knew whether this trial would be an empty gesture for the sake of show or whether the Eorzeans actually meant to give them a fair judgment.

And what had been done with the conscripts--whether they would return, what would become of them - was currently a mystery. Her best guesses hinged upon whether their captors were inclined to anything resembling mercy, and she wasn't certain of that, either.

She knew so very little, really.

With a short and bitter sigh the Garlean drew her legs carefully upwards until both feet rested on the edges of the cot and rested her cheek against her knees, listening to the slow drip of leaking water. And waited.

~*~

The clacking turn of the door's tumbler broke the ominous silence that had descended upon the gaol. Another storm had rolled in overnight, and with the lack of light there was no way to tell it was morning. Aurelia coughed, roused from her restless doze by the loud clattering of multiple footsteps.

Three Eorzeans stood on the other side of the bars looking in at her, Lu among them. The Miqo'te looked at her and nodded once before deliberately focusing her green eyes straight ahead.

Fear twisted at her stomach once again. None of the guards had been forthcoming with information as to the whereabouts of the others, and none of the remaining Garleans had asked -- nor had any of them spoken to each other once they had been left alone with watery, unappetizing gruel from rations now running low. Aurelia knew they feared the worst just as she did.

"When your name is called, stand and come forward." The Elezen, whom she surmised must be their commander, was holding a piece of parchment in one gloved hand. "...Caelus pyr Betto and," he checked the names once more, "Marcus pyr Nerva."

Across the block, she watched two tall, pale men shuffle out of their cell.

"You two stand here," he said. "Hands out."

The pair looked at each other, sullen and resigned, and held their hands out with their wrists facing up. The chains attached to their heavy iron manacles rattled with the movement as the guards clamped them securely in place. Two more names were called, and two more men came forward. Aurelia watched them all file out of the cells one by one, disheveled, bitter, and disconsolate, all staring at the ground or the ceiling or really anywhere save at their captors.

When her name was called, all of the remaining prisoners lifted their eyes to stare at her. The guard's lips were drawn as though he'd bitten into an especially sour fruit. "Seeing as some small accomodation must needs be made for your current condition, Sergeant Zhisi has agreed to accompany you to the hearing chamber. I assume you're aware of the consequences should you attempt escape."

She nodded. Even if she'd had any intent to try, friend of a friend or not, she knew the Miqo'te wouldn't hesitate to sink a dagger into her throat.

"Along with you, then," he said, and for the second time within the last day, the door to her gaol cell creaked open. 

Aurelia limped through to freedom and felt the woman's hand wrap about her elbow, guiding her behind the chain line as it rattled past her up the stairs into the keep proper. Her limbs felt unsteady after so little time spent on them, and the bright sunlight streaming through the keep's windows screwed sharp calipers into her eyes, making her wince.

Single-file behind the chain gang, she entered a room barely larger than the cell block. It was clear this was some sort of holding area by the additional personnel posted at the door on the far end, and they would be expected to wait here until they were summoned. Before she could ask whether she was to sit or stand, Lu guided her to a small stool in one corner of the room and gestured to her to sit down.

She did so, fidgeting fitfully as she watched the Garlean men. As before they held themselves apart from their captors: stiff and hostile, expressions cold and proud. Haughtiness fair leaked from them despite everything, and she thought she understood, at least in part, the antipathy she'd faced thus far - not that the Eorzeans put any particular effort into hiding their animosity, either.

With steadily increasing anxiety she observed that none of them tarried overlong: no more than a half-bell at the outside, and for most of them it was closer to a quarter bell. Minutes stretched into hours - bells - as one by one, the others were called by name to enter.

"Aurelia jen Laskaris," the Elezen read after what seemed an eternity, and the abrupt cadence of her own name startled her enough to all but jump from her perch. 

She fumbled with the crutches and slid off the stool, limping towards the door. Her heart was hammering in her chest; she could hear her own pulse in her ears. 

Lu was standing by with a hand firmly gripping her arm to prevent either an escape or a fall. The look in her eyes made it clear she had sensed the prisoner's terror. 

"Here now, Garlean, you look like you're marchin' to your doom. 'Tis the culls what's to be hearin' your case, naught else. They'll not be loppin' off your bleedin' head on the spot."

Aurelia blinked at her, surprised that the woman had actually made something approaching an attempt to reassure her. Bracing herself for whatever lay on the other side of the door, she took a few deep breaths and nodded.

There was an unceremonious shove against her shoulder as the door opened, and she found herself flanked by two men in scarlet jackets who caught her mid-lurch. She thought she heard a muttered 'good luck' in her ear, but it was so quick and quiet that it could have simply been wishful thinking after all.

In that same instant she heard the latch fall at her back. She was alone.

=

The room was dimly lit, a fire crackling away in the hearth. In the center, taking up a good deal of space, sat what appeared to have once been a war table that she surmised had been appropriated from the keep itself. Six people sat on the opposite side, watching her as she entered the room. She swallowed down her fear, wavering in place near the threshold, uncertain what she was supposed to do.

"Prisoner," commanded a deep alto with the broad vowels that Aurelia was beginning to recognize as the cadenced speech of Limsa Lominsa, "approach the bench."

The hands on her arms were released, but she could sense the men standing behind her with their watchful eyes. She adjusted the crutches enough to let herself limp carefully towards the chair - no, bench, she realized, an actual bench.

As she approached she was able to get a better look at the adjudicants hearing her case. The woman who had spoken was a pale and very tall Roegadyn woman with silver hair and a piercing grey gaze. Next to her sat a rugged-looking Highlander with his hair bound in locs and pulled away from his face, a slim and pretty blonde Midlander who surely was no older than Aurelia herself, two more Elezen, and-

Seated at the grey-eyed woman's left, his dark eyes impassive, was a Roegadyn man she immediately recognized. His arm was still bound in a sling, the dressings freshly changed, and the expression he wore was devoid of any emotion, a clean slate. The man she'd verbally scoured in the infirmary pavilion.

Her vision swam at the edges.

"You may sit," the grey-eyed woman intoned again, her voice ever so slightly sharp. Aurelia was quick to obey, squeezing her eyes shut as she did so until the sensation of lightheadedness had passed and she trusted herself to focus. The man's attention was now on a piece of parchment lying upon the table. He wasn't even looking at her, though she sincerely doubted he had forgotten their exchange.

It's all right, she told herself. It'll be all right.

"State your name and rank for the court."

"Aurelia jen Laskaris. Medicus, Third Cohort, VIIth Imperial Legion." The quick and automatic response, learned through long weeks of protocol drills in basic training, felt dull and leaden on her tongue. It wouldn't be strictly necessary to quote chapter and verse, she knew, but she might as well go through the motions.

"Do you acknowledge the sovereignty of the Eorzean Alliance over this realm and all territories within?"

Aurelia found herself unconsciously correcting her posture beneath the woman's scrutiny, feeling rather like she was seventeen summers again, back home on a term break and sitting through an uncomfortable dinner party while her aunt talked to her guests as though she weren't in the room. 

"Yes."

"Do you acknowledge the authority of the presiding court?"

"Yes." Her voice had faded to all but a whisper.

"As an actor of an enemy state, you did make entry into Eorzean territory with the intent to invade and subjugate multiple sovereign nations. Is this correct?"

"I was deployed as part of a-"

"Prisoner will respond with a yes or no," was the curt response. "Is this correct?"

She wet her lips with the tip of her tongue and considered the question. While she'd acted under orders, the accusation wasn't untrue.

"Yes."

"As an enlisted servicemember of the VIIth Imperial Legion under Legatus Nael van Darnus, were you part of the cohort responsible for the dissemination of imperial propaganda in relation to the summoning of primals?"

"No. Eikon summoning wasn't my-"

"Were you at any time subject to the details of Project Meteor?"

Aurelia raised her eyes from the floor at last to fix the entirety of the panel with an appalled stare.

"I pray the court will excuse my confusion," she said, "but I must ask for clarification. Are you asking whether or not I would possess intimate knowledge of a top secret military operation?"

"Prisoner will respond with a yes or no."

She felt a surge of affronted fury.

"Of course I didn't know what the legatus was planning! Why in the world would you make the assumption-"

"Yes or no-"

"-that an army chirurgeon would be privy to such knowledge?"

"Prisoner-"

"How am I to expect a fair trial if I stand accused of matters beyond all reasonable ken?" She was all but shouting, having risen into something resembling a standing position. Her leg throbbed in angry protest from knee to ankle and she knew it would be unbearably sore later, but she barely paid the pain any heed. "I shall not be made to place a noose about my own neck!"

The guardsman yanked her backwards by one arm and forced her back down onto the seat, hard enough for the wood beneath her to make a cracking sound. His grip dug into her shoulder hard enough that she could feel the bite of his fingernails through his gloves.

"That's enough out of you," he snarled.

From her seat the silver-haired Roegadyn woman snapped: 

"The prisoner will henceforth remain seated and address this court as she is bid, or be held in contempt and subjected to additional punishment. Respond with a yes or no. You will not be asked again."

She glared at the assembled panel from beneath greasy fringe, heart pounding. Her fingers bunched in the filth-caked fabric on her thighs, gathering tight handfuls as she stared down at her feet.

"...No," she growled between clenched teeth. 

There was a pause and a series of low murmurs as the panel exchanged words she couldn't hear. She sat stiffly, every muscle thrumming with tension, her previous fear replaced by her anger. The rough-hewn Ala Mhigan man cleared his throat, glancing at his fellows before turning his attention to her.

"Admiral, I think we have established the prisoner is not one of the Project Meteor masterminds," he said, a somewhat dry note in his voice that surprised her. "Let us move on. We've all reviewed the statements from the three officers of the Grand Companies vouching for-"

The scraping sound of a chair's wooden legs against the floor interrupted the proceedings.

Aurelia tensed, her heart leaping into her throat upon seeing that the man she'd treated in the camp had pushed back his chair and stood, drawing himself to his full height. In the day's light he was handsome enough, dark eyes and a broad nose, his long dark hair pinned back in a tail and various medals and badges of office affixed to his jacket. Even the burly Highlander looked startled.

"...Loezwyrn?" The silver-haired woman was staring at him as though he'd started to speak in tongues. "You can't... we're in the middle of the hearing."

"Aye, I know it's highly irregular, Admiral, and I apologize. I should like to give a statement to the court."

"This isn't-"

"’Tis but a moment of our time."

Somewhat reluctantly, her expression bemused, the Admiral gave in.

"...I take your point. The whole godsdamned situation is 'irregular'," she said with a sigh. "Very well. We might as well attempt to do this the procedural way regardless, I suppose. State your name for the record."

"Commodore Loezwyrn Sletteidin. Maelstrom, Foreign Levy."

Aurelia felt her heart drop straight into the pit of her stomach. 

She didn't know much of Eorzean military structure beyond the basics, but she knew enough to realize this man was probably equal in rank to an imperial legion's tribunus militum at least, and she'd dressed him down like a child. Surely not, she thought. Surely fate was not this cruel.

The pause before he continued felt as though it stretched into years.

"During the battle," he began, "I was struck by shrapnel. My wounds were minor and 'twas my thinking at the time that my leadership was too necessary in the heat of the fight to bother with seekin' a conjurer. Hadn't expected it to turn bad, of course."

"Perhaps the greatest hazard of all," murmured the Midlander girl in white. Her voice was soft and soothing, like sunlight rippling over water. "But I digress. Continue, please."

"My thanks, Seedseer. Weren't until we'd set up the temporary camp that my assistants realized I'd taken ill, and I found myself dragged to the infirmary pavilion. The wait was long, and my fever worsened, and Storm Lieutenant Pavin had the foresight to try and jump the queue in order to call for aid. The prisoner happened to be working the triage lines at the time. I wanted naught to do with a Garlean. I said I would have none of her aid, in no uncertain terms."

"And then?" the Ala Mhigan prompted. "What did she do?"

To Aurelia's shock, a grin cracked the stony neutrality of the man's features.

"Lost her bleedin' temper, that's what. Told me to 'place my arse on the sodding table and keep my mouth shut.' Then said I'd probably lose the arm due to my own neglect. I was fit to chew ingots and spit nails, I'll not lie."

"Did she?" the girl asked gently. "I see you have not in fact lost your arm, Commodore."

"Aye, she was able to save it. Wouldn't promise aught at the time, but she came through. I thought I'd lose my hand for sure if only for the insult I dealt her. But she did all that she promised and the wound healed clean."

Commodore Sleitteidin's smile faded somewhat. His gaze had shifted to Aurelia's face, and she found that for the first time she was able to look him in the eyes.

"I watched this woman treat our wounded with the same care I'd expect of one of our own. That said," he added, speaking now to the Admiral, "I’m afraid I must needs recuse myself, ma’am. Personal involvement with the case and whatnot."

The other five exchanged glances.

"Right, well," the Highlander said, "I suppose we'll burn that bridge when we cross it. In the meantime, should the prisoner have aught to say in her own defense, now is the time to do so."

Aurelia tried to ignore their expectant stares, knowing precisely how pathetic she must appear. She had managed only the most broken of sleep in the past few weeks and she now felt every ilm of that deprivation. Her golden hair was lank and flat and filthy, the rough homespun she wore having fared little better during her incarceration, and by its ill fit she knew she had dropped a noticeable amount of weight.

She straightened her back, summoned all of the remaining poise she had at her disposal, and looked each one of them in the eye. Carefully she folded her hands in her lap, as if she were addressing a guest at one of her aunt's afternoon salons.

"I shall not make excuses for myself," she said simply. "Nor shall I defend the actions of my countrymen. What we did to your people was unforgivable, and you are well within your rights to seek recompense.  I served the Empire in my capacity as a healer. When I was rescued and taken prisoner by your people, I felt it only right that I offer what succor I could in exchange."

"Then you admit that you are motivated by guilt?"

"Think you we Garleans are such monsters that we lack the capacity for pity? Or remorse?" Aurelia spread her hands in a helpless gesture. "What could I possibly offer as sufficient proof of my intentions? I cannot bring back those who were lost. I doubt very much I could ever begin to atone for what the VIIth has done. But if it is within my power to provide aid, I will do so."

The woman in charge of the proceedings still looked grim, but the young girl in white was... smiling and nodding, very gently, in what appeared to be approval.

"Is this your final statement, prisoner?" the Ala Mhigan asked.

Her hands clasped tightly, shaking in her lap, Aurelia said, "It is."

"Then," he responded, his voice slow and deep and measured, "I move to adjourn unless the court has further questions.” 

None of them spoke. Into the lengthening silence, he continued: 

“The men here will escort you outside whilst we complete deliberations."

She was almost unable to support herself when she regained her footing. Her legs felt like gelatin and her heart was pounding. She hadn't intended to lose her temper but it had happened all the same, and looking at the collection of faces behind the table she wasn't sure whether they would rule in her favor or not. The girl appeared openly sympathetic, but she was the only one.

She felt as though she’d just placed her head on a chopping block.

Forcing herself not to look back, she turned her back and, flanked by the stone-faced guards, slowly limped out of the room.

[spacemilkies]

How about something spicy with big daddy Jacob Seed and the rook? I can see him getting jealous and having to assert his dominance over others. Like John Seed, maybe?

Only the will of your lord and savior, stopped me from locking John in a cage and having Jacob fuck little Rookie against those bars.

He blearily makes out the bulky form of his brother dragging a figure up to bars, pressing them firmly with barely restrained strength. A modicum of light slowly filter through his vision carefully piecing together the image of the deputy.  The visage only partly makes sense, like a plethora of images massacred and glued together to make something new. John knew the deputy was currently in Jacob’s territory. He’d been watching them for weeks, likely adding their profile to his organized stock of statistics. They’d all been watching them, himself included. These were all concrete facts, yet these new additions failed to line up.

John never remembered even entering his brother’s territory. And even in the off chance event that he did, being thrown in the cages like some animal was well below his stature. Perhaps not thrown(, though tied to a chair seemed to harbor the same sentiment. How ironic given his own methodology.

He doesn’t bother testing the restraints. They’re firm and tight, he learned from the best after all. So he relaxes. No point on putting effort into some insignificant dream.  Regardless of how his mind still wonders what the underlying prompt is to even produce this kind of stupor.

The deputy looks dazed, too compliant. And he ponders if his brother’s ‘conditioning’ is the only element at play. Eventually, the baited silence gets to him, and his brow rises, voice shrouded in snark,”So what does big brother Jacob plan to do today? Bore the deputy with some childish memory to promote embarrassment.” His eyes briefly widen, almost comically, ”Oh, or maybe you’re planning to make yourself fly? A pig in the air shouldn’t be such a daunting task here. “

Confidence billows over his words, cloaked in a coat of invincibility, John is a countenance of control.

‘Dream Jacob’ isn’t much different than his actual brother, such a boring component to this obscurity. He merely peers down at his deep blue depths, the eyes of a hardened solider never relaxed for anything. John briefly wonders if he hadn’t been caught up, would he have challenge his brother in ways he never dared to conscious? Would he win?

Probably he had sovereignty here.

“Honestly, at least do something to entertain the poor deputy. They look awfully fatigued in your care.” That’d never happen with him.

The pinch of concern in his brow goes ignored as he watches the lips of his brother pull into a snarl. Part of him thinks he’ll transform then. Becoming the hungry wolf he always knew he was and swallow him whole. At least it would bring this useless fantasy to a close.

“I just wanted to put the deputy through some training. Figured you’d want to witness the transformation.”

The lines furrowed further in confusion, John’s eyes dancing all over the scene for clues. His brother was too content, almost giddy. It was unsettling. All the while, the deputy quietly stood-leaned- ironed into the smooth bars of metal almost absent from the stage entirely. He found it odd to already find them so biddable. Jacob was good at what he did, yes, but his deputy was strong, fiercer than this. Not like this lifeless mannequin before him.

What an utter nightmare this was becoming.

Jacob, it seemed, wasn’t finished. “You see, in their time here, they’ve come to this conclusion. Decided that, they’re done with the resistance, that they’d rather stay here. With me.”

Rook never seemed to focus on one thing or another, eyes fluttering just outside of his reach. Yet even in that notion, their body remained in tune when form behind them. Jacob, naturally, was cognitive aware of this fact. Smug bastard.

“Naturally, I agreed. With some conditions, of course. I can’t just allow anyone into my ranks. So together we came up with a new regiment.”

It was still lost to John as to what subconscious imitative would bring together such obscure scenes in this way.  Because all dreams were manifestations of thoughts. Or so he believed. Joseph dared to condemn them as precognition of the future. But John would have to disagree in this situation.  

What had Jacob done to earn such a future? He lacked the stability to raise himself properly, let alone a family. They had to consistently remind him a human necessities his get him to complete a task as simple as a shower. Why would God bring favor to such an unfortunate soul?

“One more fitting to there new role in life.”

Bile battled with pure rage as John witnessed the same dirty hands defiling his precious deputy. Fingers curling around the softness of their throat while their cousins gripped the arch of their hip and drew them back slightly into a bend. Jacob’s head lowered to their ears as voiced what could only be a command, and the deputy obliged, hands sliding up to grip the bars obediently.

What happened next was a utter damnation as John jerked in his chair, testing his own limits and those of his bonds. His mind willing a scene change as his brother slowly stripped the deputy down to nothing. It shouldn’t be like this, he justified. This was his dream. His deputy. Why wasn’t Jacob riddled with bullets? Doused in flames?

Except, no projected death seemed to endanger his brother’s integrity as he carried on without a hitch. An Rook … no, no, no they were oh so accommodating. Legs parting without bidding, almost to the point of wanting it. They keen under the pressure of Jacob’s fingers entering them, opening them up for John to witness.

It was all so wrong. Too fast, too rough. Not once did Jacob’s lips brush their shoulder affectionately or nip playfully at the shell of their ear. To them they were just another tool, utilized to his benefit. Another waste left to be abandoned.

Rook is far from ready when Jacob takes them, but John realized then that he never planned for that. He wanted his brother to hear their cries. Demanded that he witness every twitch and wrench of limbs as they submitted under his brutal blitz of archaic thrusts. The obscene smacking is loud and uncaring, almost daring anyone to come watch and it burned that last of his resolve.

How dare he display their fruits without a care? No one deserved to see them like this.

“You piece of shit. I’m going to fucking kill you.” Once more he willed a thousands blades to strike his brother death but the same of image of Rook shuddering in thralls of pleasure rolled before his eyes in sequence. The clap of Jacob’s pelvis hitting the roundness of their backside is enough directive for them to wantonly call out for more. More, more, more.

More of Jacob. Not John. Red hair, not black. Green eyes, not blue.

Rook’s head finally falls back against his broad shoulder, and allowance that Jacob renders them as he buries his face into their neck in return. It’s almost scripted. Their pliant skin just seeming to fall into his awaiting mouth, teeth tearing at their flesh in possessive brand. It’s difficult to tell if its the pain or pleasure that ajar open their mouth, heavy pants straining their breath.

Rook is already there, John reasons. There is no need for Jacob’s hand to lower to their core, fingers pushing alongside the rhythmic push and pull of his turgid cock. They come then, hard and vocal as explicative and gratitude muddles their articulation. Jacob falters soon after, his leaving coating them throughly on the inside. He lets them sag in his arms, no fatigue witnessed in his form shown as he balances their weight.

“I think they preformed beautifully, don’t you think, little brother?”

John doesn’t respond, only simmers in hatred wondering if he can justify murdering his brother when he rouses from this terror. Jacob, however, appears undeterred, or at least that was the impression he had before a strong grip yanks him by the collar.

“You-”

He isn’t given the chance to rebuttal when the tug comes again, this time the distance closing too close between his head and the bar, the harsh contact blackening his vision.

When he wakes up, he’s welcomed by a new setting. Somehow he finds himself still in the Whitetail mountains. Though the odd comfort of his brothers office is more ideal than the grimy environment of the cages he deems unnecessary to clean.

Hands, finally, untrained comes up to smooth away the sharp tension in his temple. Only he hands don’t quite make it as a meaty paw dwarfs them.

“You knocked your head pretty hard when you knocked into that crate.”

John eyes crews in disbelief and fight the urge to poke at the tender bruise. When had he been bruised? His brother stood above him, holding his wrist captive, but there was little concern on his face as he recounted the events.

“Dumbasses stacked the shipment of bliss incorrectly. You stumbled over one and it knocked you out all night. Most of the beds are occupied,” he concluded. 

None of it made sense to John, the whole story seemed fabricated but there was neither any evidence to prove anything else to light. There were times he could be absentminded, he supposed. Perhaps, Joesph had sent him to the mountains to check on something. Or rather, his own drive pulled him to this destination in order to see the deputy for himself. Frankly, it all seemed to add up to double the trouble than the worth. 

“That’s why you have to be careful little brother when you step into someone else’s territory. “

Jacob rose then, and John felt the inking urge to question the whereabouts of his own men. But Jacob interrupted him, not quite finished. The affirmation was there, flickering just behind the identical blue hues that stared down at him, but he was just too blind to see it for what it really was.

“Who knows what could go wrong next time.”

Just kidding, I went through with it anyway :-)

[betweensceneswriter]

Imagine Amy-Episode 3: Some Sort of Torture Chamber

​Premise:  Amy is a wife and mother of two teenage boys who suddenly finds herself inhabiting the female characters of the TV and movies she watches.  Usually she wakes up in the story and the next time she sleeps and awakens, she’s back home again.   Originally chapters from “Stuck in the Classics” on AO3, I’m reworking this for the Outlander crowd, focusing on the ridiculous chapters that feature Jamie. 

Previously on Imagine Amy

   I woke up crying, feeling bereft. I had awakened several times during the night, searching in the darkness with my hands for something; something warm that was not there.

     It took time to realize what I searched for, time for the memories to rise up: of Jamie’s blue eyes, his furious red hair, the solidity of his body behind me on our horse. The crackle of Gaelic phrases, the rumble of his voice. Even now, it was as if I could hear him in the static of the radio.

     The male announcer’s voice was rich, husky, and kind. “Aye, she’s slept for hours, poor wee thing.”

     And the female announcer: singsongy, matronly, accented. “Well, then she’ll have a bath ready for when she awakens, Jamie.”

     “Jeff,” I groaned, keeping my eyelids scrunched closed. “Why is Mrs. Fitz on the radio?”

     Wait, no, that wasn’t static. It was the crackling of a fire. In my bedroom?

     “Jeff,” I murmured sleepily, “Why is there a fireplace in our bedroom?”

     A weight settled onto the bed next to me, and a hand pulled back the quilts and stroked my back gently. It was a big hand, warm as if it had its own power source. The thumb dug into the sore spots on my lower back, sore spots put there from riding for countless hours on a horse with Jamie’s belt behind me.

     “There now, Sassenach,” murmured a comforting male voice. “We’re home at Castle Leoch.”

     “Jamie?” I asked, bewildered. With a hand covering my eyes, I rolled slowly over. The warm hand remained where it had been, which meant it now generously cupped my breast.

     There was a groan, after which the hand removed itself reluctantly. “Claire, will ye wake up, woman?”

     I winced and blinked my eyes in the bright light intruding through the window.

     I was still here.

     I sat up, flung my arms around Jamie, and burst into tears. “Where were you last night?!” I demanded. Jamie laughed, then realized I asked in earnest.

     “I carried ye up here when we arrived. Ye were dead to the world. And no matter how many times I smacked yer head on the wall in the hallway trying to wake ye up, ye still slept.” His lips twisted into a smile.

     “Why didn’t you sleep here with me?” I asked, struggling to understand, and fearfully wondering whether Laoghaire already had her claws in him.

     “I had a raging cockstand all day yesterday, Sassenach. With our morning cut short, and your round arse wedged up between my thighs as we rode…” his voice trailed off, and he shook his head.

     “Well, I couldna take a comatose woman in good conscience, and I couldna sleep next to ye for fear I’d wake up ruttin’ ye like a wild boar.” Jamie’s lips curled in an amused smile.

     “Where were you all night then?” I asked. 

     “In the hayloft. I’ve had a cold swim in the burn this morning, but it won’t stave off this ache in me clach much longer.”

     Satisfied with his answer, I smiled and rested my hand on his kilted thigh, covered with the Fraser colors. I patted the lean, hard line of his leg, then rubbed my hand back and forth a few times over the worn wool. When I met his eyes, there was a desperation there that he could not mask. 

     “You could take me now, Jamie,” I offered. “I’m awake. Poor boy, you’ve waited long enough.”

     Jamie pursed his lips. “Have ye smelled yerself recently? A wild boar would find ye quite attractive.”

     I punched him in the arm, pouting at him.

     “Take a bath, Sassenach,” ordered Jamie. “But don’t bother dressing. I had all night as we rode to plan what I’m going to do wi’ ye, and it’s a long list.”  

     He reluctantly got up from the bed.  “I’ve got to see Colum this morning, but I will be back directly.  We have business to attend to.”

    As he exited the room, his hand on the door, Jamie turned back to me.  I stared at this miraculous apparition, my heart pounding.  My eyes raked him from the floor up, from his tall boots to his gorgeous curly red hair. He was so heartbreakingly handsome in that kilt, the fabric ruched at his shoulder in a brooch, the plaid fabric pleated and draped around his body, adding to the overall impression of the raw size of him.  Under his buttoned vest he wore a cream colored linen shirt with a cravat tied at his neck.  His sporran on his hip, his dirk hanging between his, I mean in front of, his legs.  His arched eyebrows, those piercing blue eyes looking at me.  His red hair was tousled around his ears in damp ringlets, but he looked freshly shaven.  My heart pounded in my ears as I anticipated running my hand over his cheek, and him running his cheek over my…  Damn. Was he saying something?    

    “On second thought, lass, at least put a clean shift on.  I’ll send a maid in with some breakfast, and you should answer the door.  And I’ll quite enjoy taking it off ye when I come back.”

    The water felt heavenly and the warmth soothed my aching muscles.  I still struggled to understand my presence here, but this experience was completely realistic.  My inner thighs ached from clinging onto the horse all the previous day.  I inspected my right thigh.  There was still a faint pink flush to it, despite the hours that had passed.  Looking more closely I could see the sign of burst capillaries under the skin.  I hadn’t taken it easy on myself, that was certain.  And Jamie hadn’t beaten me, so there was no bitterness for us to overcome.  What did that mean for Laoghaire? I wondered.  If Jamie doesn’t have to escape a resentful wife…

    I used the fragrant soap to scrub my underarms, and then decided I needed to use the washcloth to scrub everything…

    My long, curly hair was another story. Having grown up with stick-straight hair, it was a novelty to work a small amount of soap through my ratted locks, but I quickly tired of running into tangles with my fingers and accidentally jerking my head backwards.

    After rinsing I pulled myself, dripping, from the tub.  I dried myself with the linen sheet that had been left over a chair.  Wrapping the sheet around myself and tucking it in at my chest, I wandered over to the dressing table.  I opened all of the jars and bottles, and finally found one that held a mildly scented oil.    

  “This’ll have to serve as conditioner,” I remarked to myself.  I worked a small amount of oil through my curls, and then used the brush on the table to tame the unruly mess.  Looking in the mirror I was pleased at the results.  Claire was truly beautiful, with blue eyes and sweetly curving lips.  With her locks of dark hair dangling in graceful curls, she was stunning.  Or I was stunning.  Or whatever.  

    I surreptitiously opened the towel to look at my body in the mirror.  Um, hot! I inspected myself from several angles, and looked hopefully in the direction of the doorway.  Jamie better get back here soon, or Claire was going to need to spend some quality time by herself.

   Now that I was thoroughly awake, my body was telling me it was thoroughly empty.  I found a fresh shift, pulled it over my head, and then peeked out into the alcove of the room entrance.  Where was my breakfast?

    I was about to step out into the hallway, when I heard voices, one male, one female.  The rich, deep male voice was Jamie.  And the female? Gah, that she-devil Laoghaire.

    “Why?  Why did ye do it?” Her voice was quavering and tearful.  On the one hand, I could completely understand her attraction to Jamie.  She wasn’t the only one enamored by him. Just get in line, honey, with Captain Jack Randall, Lord John Grey, Claire, me, and about a million other people.

    “I waited for you, Jamie.  I was counting the days ‘til you’d return.  I had no notion about yourself and…”

    “It wasna something I planned, lass.”  Jamie spoke quietly, kindly, the way he spoke to horses and humans alike.  “I had no notion ‘twould happen, when I left.  ‘Twas Dougal’s arrangement, ye ken…”

    “And ‘twas a gallant thing ye did,” she said. “Marrying the Sassenach to spare her from the British.  But you barely know her.  I’ve pined for you, I’ve watched you, Jamie Fraser, since I was a girl of seven.  My heart leapt when you returned to Leoch.”

    “Ah, caileagh,” Jamie interrupted.  “Ye dinna let me finish.  As I said, ‘Twas Dougal’s arrangement, true, but it was also something I wanted, and I had wanted, for some time.”

    “But,” Laoghaire sputtered, “When you returned; when you took the beating for me in the Great Hall, I thought ye felt the same as I!  And then, that day in the alcove, the way you kissed me—I was certain you felt it too!”

    “Oh, lass,” Jamie sighed compassionately.  “I fear I’ve used ye ill, Laoghaire.  Surely you could see the way I followed Mistress Beauchamp like a wee cuilean, how I felt about her even before we left to collect the rents.  I wanted her from the day I met her.  I just had no notion she’d have me.”

    I heard a choked sob, and the echo of footsteps running down the stone hallway.  “I’m sorry, lass!” Jamie called out.  He sighed deeply.  I heard his boots squeak on the floor, and I realized I was standing outside the door of our room, having just eavesdropped on him.

    I could not have one more impediment get in the way of my being with Jamie.  

    “Jamie, is that you?” I asked quietly.

    “Yes, Sassenach,” he answered.  

    “I have to have you now, or I will die,” I said.  I heard a rumbling Scottish grunt, and my darling husband appeared around the corner, a relieved smile playing about his lips.  I stopped him at the doorway with my hand on his chest.  “Was that the truth, Jamie?  Have you wanted me from the beginning?”

    He looked away from me, rubbing his chin thoughtfully with his hand.

    “You told Laoghaire,” I said, waiting for him to meet my eyes.  “Will you tell me?”

    When he did, the look on his face made my heart jump.  “I have wanted you from the first day I met ye; more than anything I’ve ever wanted before, Claire.”

    Then, looking down at me with his eyebrows raised, Jamie asked, “And what about what you said, Sassenach?  Is that the truth?  That you have to have me now or you will die?”

    “Yes,” I said, earnestly. “Don’t make me wait, Jamie,” I grabbed his hand and pulled him into the room, then barred the door with a final metallic clang.

   I rushed him, pushing him up against the wall and reaching my hands up to his neck to pull his lips down to me, but he stopped me firmly with his hands gripped tightly on my upper arms.  He pushed me away so I had to look up into his serious face.

    “Now, Sassenach.  I didna beat you last night.  I understand why you disobeyed my orders.  But I am your husband, and you need to trust me.  When I make a command, ye must obey me. Sometimes a light action can have serious consequences.  Lives can be lost.”

    “I know, Jamie, you’re right.  I’m sorry,” I said, pleading with him with my eyes to relent, to kiss me.

    “Ye vowed to love, honor, and obey, Sassenach,” Jamie said earnestly.  “Now, I understand that you canna love me yet.  But the other vows, you can keep.”

    I couldn’t keep my lower lip from quivering. “Oh, Jamie, you’re not going to beat me now, are you?”

    A look of horror darkened Jamie’s face.  “No, no, Sassenach.  I will never raise a hand to you.  But I will have you obey me.  And today, in this room, I will be your master.”

    I bit the tip of my finger, and I have a feeling there was a look of fear on my face.

    “I willna hurt you,” Jamie chuckled, shaking his head, “But it will be torture.” He smiled impishly, and I gulped.

    “Now, mo nighean donn,” he said.  “You asked that I not make you wait.  Unfortunately, I canna comply with this request.  Sit down on the bed, lass.  I must ready myself.”

  Jamie walked deliberately over to the table and faced me.  Without looking away, he removed the strap holding his sword and sheath, and laid them on the table.  He untied and removed his cravat, followed by his jacket and then vest, unbuttoning each button with deliberate slowness.  

    Next he unbuckled the belt with his sporran and dirk attached, which he dropped to the ground with a solid thud. He put each foot in turn on a chair as he unfastened his boots and peeled them off with his stockings. Barefoot, he pulled his shirt tails out of his kilt, then undid the buttons at his wrists and neck.  Keeping his eyes on me, he pulled his shirt up and then off.

    Jamie had a magnetic gaze, and he was completely unashamed.  He had nothing to be ashamed of, either.  I was enjoying the view, but found it somewhat unsatisfying.

    “You’re killing me here, Jamie.” I shook my head and glared at him as my breath came faster.  He was enjoying it, too, having removed each item slowly.  “Can I at least touch you?” I asked.

    “Aye, ye will, but that’s much farther down the list,” he said, grinning at my eye roll.

    “Now, Sassenach,” he said.  “You will lay on the bed on your stomach.”  He still had his kilt on, and I looked down at it and then up at him.  “I think it best to leave it on,” Jamie said, nodding and widening his eyes slightly.  Finally, at least there was an admission that he was struggling to restrain himself, too.

    He pulled back the bed covers, and I padded barefoot over to the bed.

    “Ah, you won’t need this,” he said, stopping me with a hand on my shoulder.  He reached for the strings of my shift and slowly untied it, his gaze directed at my breasts.  He was breathing heavier; I could hear it.  I let the shift fall off my shoulders, watching his face as my body was revealed. He wanted me.

    “Lie down, lass,” he said.  I did as I was told, feeling exposed, extremely aroused, and a little cold.  Jamie quickly resolved at least two of those issues at once.  He freed the long draped portion of his plaid as he knelt over me, and I was quickly covered and much warmer.  Nothing helped the arousal; in fact, it worsened, as he began gently kissing and nuzzling my back from my neck and shoulders downward.  

    He seemed to take delight in my body’s shivering response to his touch.  I could hear him chuckle every time I stiffened or lurched under him. He was moving lower, to my waist, my lower back, my hips, my…arse!  Then it was the back of one thigh, knee, calf and ankle.  He even planted a kiss on the arch of my left foot.

    “Please, Jamie, please, can you be done?”  I begged, rolling sideways under him.  “Skip to the place on the list where you’re inside me!”

    “No, lass,” he said, kissing my right instep, then my right ankle.  Heavenly Lord, he was heading back up again!

    This time, though, there was a pause, and I heard the welcome sound of a belt unbuckling and then the airy collapse of his kilt on the floor.  I did feel colder, but that was remedied when he replaced the quilt over us, folding his massive frame to fit at the foot of the bed by my legs.

    He resumed his journey upward, this time with his hands generously joining his mouth.  Calf, knee, thigh, and. . oops! . there it was.  I started panting, and I heard a deep chuckle.

    “And here I thought Scotland was wet!” Jamie exclaimed.  I writhed under him, grabbing his hair with my right hand, rolling to my left side so I could lift his head and see his face.  He was flushed and smiling, giddy with his power to rouse my body.  He continued moving upward with his lips, and I closed my eyes, soon insensible to anything but the feel of him, fingers and lips and tongue on and in me.  A strong hand reached up and cupped my breast.

    “Jamie, please,” I begged.  I wrestled out from under his solid weight enough to turn onto my back.  “Please. Please.  Please!”  I tried to pull him upward to me.

    “Aye, I meant to make you beg!” he exclaimed triumphantly, remaining solidly in place with his face quite near to my nether regions.  He furrowed his brow. “I think that was to be later on, but ‘tis fine now.” He nodded in satisfaction.

    I groaned and covered my face with my hands.

    “But this,” he said, his breath warm on me, “I think this was next…”

    Suffice it to say, I had Morning-at-Castle-Leoch Jamie.  And then I had Wedding Night Jamie, and when he was too tired to demand to be called Master anymore, I made him beg for mercy.  

    Jamie fell asleep first.  I sat up in bed and watched him, his face flushed and slack with sleep.  Just before I fell asleep myself, I stroked his arm.  A little smile spread across his lips, and then faded.  I leaned over and kissed him gently, one last time.

    “Goodbye, James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser,” I whispered.  “Lord, keep him safe.  Him, and the real Claire.”  I cuddled up against his broad body, reveling in the comfort of his radiant warmth, and finally fell asleep.

[theonlyjelly-iwillput-inmybelly]

Escapade- Chapter Two

A/N: Hi, friends, here’s chapter two! You can read the full fic here on my AO3 (this link will take you to the beginning), or you can read Chapter One here on my Tumblr (this link will take you only to Chapter One). Reblogs are deeply appreciated! 

Please let me know through a comment, reblog, or message if you want to be added to the taglist! Chapter Three is scheduled to be posted this Saturday

Tagging people below the cut

After Roman had shut the door to his room, he took a deep breath and shook his head. The ache in his heart had acutely throbbed when he had turned his back on Virgil. Despite the warm rays of sun that filtered down onto his uniform, he felt a distinct chill around the areas Virgil had touched. He licked his lips, tasting a faint trace of cookie, and sighed. Spreading his shoulders back, he strode off into the direction of his stables.

It had been decided unanimously by all the Sides to keep from Thomas the knowledge that Roman had a horse called Maximus. There was, of course, a reference to Tangled in Roman’s choice of name. Roman found it a little difficult to merely sink into the darker corners of his kingdom, a corner of his room that fell into the darker portion of Thomas’s mind. Whether it was because he was harboring a well hidden fear of that corner of his kingdom, or whether he had too poor of a mental map of the area, Roman loved an excuse to ride his horse just like the stereotypical prince he was.

Maximus was a powerful white steed who stood at a solid fifteen hands high. His coat, mane, and tail were snow white. He was, of course, another child of Roman’s mind, so he had some good qualities unusual to other horses. Roman sensed that the horse possessed a certain level of intelligence abnormal to his equine brethren, and that he was empathetic and brave. This notion was often questioned whenever Maximus was frightened by his own shadow, or walked into posts. Despite his clumsiness, Roman knew Maximus was an intelligent creature.

Roman took the time to explain to Maximus their mission as he readied his gear for the long journey through his kingdom. Maximus always watched him with careful eyes whenever he spoke, his ears pointed forward, and he nickered at all of the right places. However, the horse’s eyes usually strayed to the saddle bags full of supplies for the trip; the horse knew that a number of treats lay within those bags.

Within ten minutes, Roman had stepped up into the saddle, and urged Maximus to a gallop as they headed West into the sunset. The cliche was not lost on Roman, but it also could not be denied that it lent him a great thrill.

As the sun began to set and the familiar terrain began to be cloaked in shadow, Roman became lost in thought. It was easy for him to daydream as he rode a horse. He knew he was an expert horseman, and Maximus was an easy horse to handle. The pounding, repetitive rhythm of the horse’s hooves was conducive to deep thought.

He found himself worrying about the Dragon Witch.

Roman had faced many a foe in his day, but none was ever so difficult to face as that vile serpent. He often came back from battles with her battered, bruised, and recovering from her various charms and spells; all she had were mere scratches. However, the most impressive damage Roman had inflicted on her was blinding her in her right eye.

She, in return, had torn a terrible gash along his back. Fortunately, Roman always carried a Dragon Witch first aid kit, in which he was able to stitch himself up and stop himself from bleeding to death. The wound had taken a while to heal, yet none of the other Sides had seemed to notice his stiffness and unwillingness to take off his shirt, as he often did when he slept. Virgil was the only one who knew of its existence, due to his recent upgrade from ‘friend’ to ‘ lover’.

Roman was slightly apprehensive of his imminent encounter with the Dragon Witch, but something in his gut told him that this would be his last time venturing to the Witch’s lair. The wounds he inflicted on the dragon’s body seemingly could not be healed by magic; as the ruler of this world, Roman had his own version of magic, and he had enchanted his sword so that the wounds it inflicted could not heal.

After a long while of galloping, Roman slowed Maximus down to a swift trot. The horse seemed to protest by a sharp flick of his mane and a tug on his reins; he wanted to keep going. But Roman knew his limits, and resolutely kept him at a trot. Roman focused on the terrain around them; the area was scrubby, with low growing shrubs and and knots of of sage. There were occasional groves of ash trees, and a twitch of movement could be attributed to a rabbit frightened by the powerful hooves of Maximus. A chilly breeze swept across the land. Roman shivered slightly, pressing his arms closer to his sides. A slight twinge in his chest reminded him of how warm Virgil’s embrace had felt just hours before.

He already missed him.

Maximus nickered, turning his head slightly to look at him. Roman smiled softly, once again certain that the horse possessed deep emphatic mindsets. He patted the horse on the neck.

“Thanks, pal- Merlin’s beard! ” Roman said, ending his sentence with a swear and a cry as Maximus stumbled down a shallow bank and into a creek. The horse whinnied with fright, and bucked several times, splashing up sprays of chilly water.

Roman, recovering from his shock quickly, leapt off of Maximus, and with a calm voice and soothing gestures, calmed the stallion back down.

“How about we stop for the night, buddy?” Roman suggested, shivering as he stood in the chilly flow of the creek. Moonlight quivered and quaked on the slight trickle of the water.

Maximus blew into his hand, and under Roman’s lead, walked onto the pebbly banks of the small creek. Roman did a quick inspection of the horse to make sure he had not injured himself in the slight tumble. Satisfied that he was fine, Roman unpacked a picket line from Maximus’s saddle bag as the horse gracefully lowered his neck for a drink. Unhitching and caring for Maximus was a simple task for Roman, so he found his thoughts wandering again. As he curried the sweat from Maximus’s sleek coat, he wondered how the others were doing.

Logan was probably in his room, an arch of notebooks, books, and crumpled papers littering his desk, a pen skittering enthusiastically over notebooks, post-it notes, and graph paper. He would rocket back and forth between his vast desk and his whiteboard on his wheeling stool, working on one of the great mysteries of the universe, enjoying every moment in his weird, nerdy way.

Patton was probably just cleaning up from dinner, washing the dishes and not at all feeling bitter that Logan usually disappeared directly after dinner to work on some idea that had been fed to life by the sustenance. Roman occasionally helped with cleaning, but he too often had a rush of ideas after eating. It was sort of a ritual of Virgil and Patton’s to wash up after dinner. Though Virgil would never admit it, it was their bonding time. The two were probably quietly talking about how cute or dorky (depends upon who you asked) it was that Logan always put his whole soul into his work, or that Roman always worked on his ideas from the bottom of his heart. After cleaning, Patton would probably return to his room, tidy up, and settle down to nostalgize or play on his gameboy.

Virgil, after helping Patton clean, would also return to his room. Depending upon his mood, he would either go straight to bed, or stay up to browse the Internet while listening to music. Roman now knew that he also sometimes wrote little stories or poems, but he had been sworn to secrecy. He would stay up late into the night and early into the morning, naturally being a night owl. Roman alway had to fight hard to stay awake with Virgil as they lay together in the living quarters of Roman’s room. That was one fight he was willing to lose.

Roman blinked as Maximus nuzzled his hand softly, his nostalgic train of thought interrupted. He hadn’t noticed that he had stopped currying until Maximus had licked his hand, the other of which was clinging tightly to the horse’s soft mane.

Roman sighed. “I’m sorry, old friend,” he whispered. “I just...miss him, is all.”

Dejected, Roman packed Maximus’s gear away and scrounged around the surrounding area for wood. He could hear the soft breeze whistling over the stones, and the grinding of Maximus’s teeth as the horse picked and chewed the sweet grass.

Within half an hour, Roman was settled against Maximus’s side, the horse having laid down beside the fire, his ears pricked and alert. Roman was snapping twigs and tossing them into the small flame he had going. The sound of summer crickets and katydids chorused quietly in the air.

A chilly breeze blustered from the west. Roman inhaled deeply, closing his eyes; the scent of the darker corner of Thomas’s mind hit his nose. He faintly smelled the characteristic scent of burning and decay. He shuddered, bringing Patton’s care package up to his face; it smelled of cookies and of the moral side’s sweet caramel and vanilla scent. He smiled, feeling slightly closer to home. Roman rooted around in the package, withdrawing a first aid kit filled with excess gauze, sutures, disinfectant, and morphine syringes (Virgil’s gift), a small, handmade pamphlet on navigation (Logan’s contribution), and two treat apples for Maximus (Patton had a special spot in his heart for the horse).

Roman dug around one last time in the satchel, listening to Maximus making delighted horse noises as he nibbled the apples, and pulled out a bag of Patton’s home baked cookies. They were already opened. Roman smirked as he imagined Virgil unable to resist the urge to steal a cookie even as Roman was saying goodbye. The man never could deny a sweet.

As Roman settled down to read the manual on navigation he had read a hundred times already, as this was not the first time the pamphlet had made its way into the Roman’s care packages, he suddenly felt a chill that was unrelated to the eerie breeze to the west. Even though Maximus’s living warmth was keeping his shoulders and back warm, and his feet were warm in the heat of the flames, a distinct chill roamed his midsection.

Roman closed his eyes and listened intently; all of the sides were deeply connected, and they could feel one another’s presence if they listened hard enough. It was a simple heartbeat that they heard. Roman was listening for Virgil’s.

Virgil always had a quick heart rate. This was hardly surprising, as he was the literal embodiment of anxiety. But as Roman focused, he noticed that Virgil’s heart was pounding unnaturally fast, and that it occasionally skipped a beat. Roman knew at once what this meant; Virgil was having an anxiety attack.

Hot guilt and shame washed over the prince as he curled closer to Maximus. He wished he could be there to comfort his boyfriend, but all he could do was listen to his heart. So he did the next best thing; he took deep breaths to steady his own heart, and sent out an aura of reassuring vibes, hoping that the anxious side would listen. If the sides listened hard enough, or if one of them was feeling something particularly strongly, they could feel what the others were feeling.

Soon, Maximus began to grow restless. He whickered quietly, licking Roman’s ear to gain his attention. The prince turned, and saw Maximus nudging the care package.

“No more apples, Max,” Roman said, taking the bag and turning it upside down to demonstrate its emptiness. To his surprise, a small, plump book tumbled out, along with a scroll of hastily torn notebook paper tied with a strip of fabric.

Roman raised an eyebrow at Maximus, who immediately lost interest in everything Roman was doing and contented himself by watching the stream go by, and snatched up the letter before it was lost to the breeze.

It was tied closed with a long strip of fabric. In the dark of night, Roman could not read the note nor see the fabric or the book, so he leaned forward to the light of the flames.

The scroll was tied shut with a thin strand of purple plaid.

Roman tore it open at once. He recognized Virgil’s untidy scrawl: Here’s some better reading material, because Logan has no taste- V.

Roman, grinning like an idiot, picked up the book and saw that it was his favorite; a volume containing the tale of King Arthur and his fellow knights on the search for the Holy Grail. Virgil must have snuck it in when he was stealing a cookie.

Setting the book aside, Roman tenderly tied the strip of purple plaid around his wrist. A lover’s favour to their knight. Suddenly, he felt a distinct warmth spread through his chest. He focused back again on Virgil, sending all of his gratitude and positive vibes. To his relief, he could feel a steady heartbeat and happy yet aching aura from Virgil. Roman sighed, patted Maximus on the nose, and curled back up to read.

The breeze continued to blow as Roman read, and despite the token on his wrist and the steady heartbeat he heard suggesting that Virgil was sleeping, he became achingly more aware that the space beside him was so, so empty.

Taglist:

@celiawhatsherlastname @monikastec @jordandobbertin @greymane902​ @lostgirlggwen @kittenvirgil @iamahumanwaitnothatsalie

[coeurdastronaute]

Giant: Ch. 12

Tell everybody waiting for Superman That they should try to hold on the best they can He hasn't dropped them, forgot them or anything It's just too heavy for a Superman to lift

The longer that Kara worked it over in her head, the more that she realized how Lena got the opinion that she was second in Kara’s life. Never once, did the hero feel like that about Lena, and if anything, she started to see how she actually was a priority in the CEO’s day. The entire conversation from that night burrowed and infected her thoughts, and while the fight came and they moved forward, Kara lingered, mulling such things over repeatedly.

There were small things, tiny things, that didn’t seem like a big deal, but when she took a step back, saw what they all collectively said. Meetings were pushed in favor of lunches that inevitably lasted too long. Work came home or was delayed in favor of times when it was just them. Lena spent time and effort planning alien amnesty benefits, lobbying for better education and community programs, asking Kara’s opinion on all manner of everything.

She shifted her research and tech to clean energy and health, designating an infinitesimal amount to weapons to help Kara solve problems before they started. If anything, Lena was the proactive one, while Supergirl became reactive, managing whatever disasters loomed. All of it was done to keep Kara safe, to give her more days off. Lena’s life molded to Kara, and Kara wanted to do more than be someone who brought dinner or spent the night sometimes more at Lena’s. She wanted to do more.

Even something as simple as talking, Lena did it. Lena, who was mistrusted by all, who mistrusted all after the betrayal of her own family, never lied to Kara about what was happening. She told her about her father’s letters, the information she knew, told her every time her contacts, who were less than legal, found some kind of whisper of Kryptonite. From the beginning, Lena never shied away from what she did. They weren’t even small things. They were to protect the girl she loved.

“She can help us,” Kara insisted as her sister crossed her arms. “You’ve admitted she’s impressive when it comes to this kind of things. Her network is just… she has it covered.”

“We’re not giving your girlfriend classified information about her father, who already blew up one building before, and is now, we think, planning something bigger,” Alex scorned. “That’s not how it works.”

“She has a right to know, and she--”

“Or she’s involved with him.”

“Alex, are you serious?” Kara actually laughed at the notion. “There’s no way.”

“She just bought a--”

“You are serious.”

“We’ve been tracking him for weeks, and we’re not going to be in the habit of telling anyone who does not work here, about ongoing investigations,” J’onn decided. “And if that means Lena Luthor, then that is what it means, but the DEO is here to stop alien attacks.”

“And attacks on aliens,” Kara added, furrowing as she looked between her boss and her family, then to her friends who all inconspicuously looked away. “That was what you meant to add, right? Protect good, honest people making a living here, just like me? Refugees from unspeakable tragedies like yourself?”

“Of course.”

“Lionel Luthor is planning something. It’s quiet and the attacks that we’ve seen don’t make sense. The leaders we brought in from Judgement keep repeating the same message, and we know he’s working with them. The things they were doing to aliens,” Alex explained. “Lena’s letter sounds like a man who isn’t going to get caught or go easy. He’s dangerous.”

“All the more reason to have her help!”

“She doesn’t play well with others, and refuses to adhere to DEO guidelines,” J’onn shook his head before bracing himself on the table. “I can’t have someone like that compromising the integrity of this investigation.”

“You have to tell her something else, when you go to Metropolis,” Alex said.

“I can’t do many things,” Kara stood up a bit straighter. “But I won’t lie to her, Alex. I won’t do it. I don’t care what that means, but I draw the line.”

“It’s for her own safety.”

“I’m sick of secrets because we think they help,” she threw up her hands. “If I don’t tell her, then she investigates herself, and keeps things from me. She’s been nothing but honest, puts up with so much. I won’t.”

“That’s the job.”

“No,” Kara shook her head and crossed her arms defiantly. “That’s not the job I do. You’re asking me to do the only thing I can’t do. If I trust her, that’s enough.”

With a look, she clenched her teeth and shook her head before leaving them standing there, eyeing her warily, unsure of what she was going to do.

“Kara, wait!” her sister followed, jogging to catch up. “Just wait.”

“I can’t believe you would ask me to do that,” she shook her head.

“It’s for your safety.”

“If you think she’s not worried about that, then you haven’t heard her rant about my fighting style and how I should wear a thicker suit.”

“What if you’re wrong about her?”

“If I was wrong about her, she’s had plenty of chances to stab a Kryptonite knife in my chest in the middle of the night.”

“What if you’re the only one she’d save?”

“Alex, you’re being ridiculous.” Crossing her arms, Kara turned away before looking back at her sister, already so beyond disgusted with the entirety of her day.

It wasn’t an everyday battle, but it still came up enough to bother her. Most were not over the moon about her relationship with Lena, most were kind enough to keep their mouths shut. But when information made its way to them, and Kara was specifically asked not to tell Lena, it reminded her of how people still saw her. It crawled under her skin.

“She works beyond us, the things she does, the people she works with. You can’t be okay with that.”

“I’m not having this conversation,” Kara stomped a few steps.

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to go make dinner at my place, Lena is coming over, and we’re going to plan our vacation.”

“What about Lionel?”

“He’s not invited,” she muttered, stepping outside and taking off a second later.

Even from the hall, Lena could smell dinner and smiled. She nodded a hello to a neighbor who now knew her by name, and adjusted her bag as she debated knocking. The entire day, she wanted nothing more than to see Kara, and now, she felt those little butterflies that came when she knew she was close. Little bits of the day disappeared, and suddenly the mask of the Luthor disintegrated, leaving Lena behind.

“Come in, Lena!” the voice carried through the door. “What’s taking you so long?”

“I heard the banging of pots and pans, and I had to prepare myself for the inevitable mess,” she laughed as she pushed through.

“It’s not that bad,” Kara furrowed as she surveyed the counters and stove and her mess there. “I got you wine. I got me wine.”

“Oh you did?” she hummed, intrigued by the news of wine that would actually make her girlfriend tipsy. “What’s the occasion?”

“Long day at work,” Kara mentioned over her shoulder as she slung a towel on it and stirred something.

Lena tossed her bags on the couch, slipped off her coat, stretched her arms over her head as she moved toward the island where the bottles sat, and picked them both up, comparing them as best she could.

“Do you want to tell me about it first, or should I pour?”

“How about a little of this first?” Kara asked, leaning over, smiling softly. She earned a kiss and struggled to pull away from more of that. “And a lot of that later, if you don’t mind.”

“Never,” she chuckled, letting her girlfriend get back to work. “So wine first then.”

Lena moved around the kitchen, grabbing the corkscrew and glasses, she stole a carrot and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend as she chopped vegetables. She kissed her shoulder through her shirt.

“You’re tense.”

“Long day at work.”

“Which work?”

“Both, actually,” Kara confessed.

“It smells good in here.”

“I got a late start, but it’ll be ready soon.”

“I’ll get the wine,” Lena promised, leaning her forehead against Kara’s spine, letting her chop and just holding her, even with her hands full. It was nice, and it was needed. “Now, what exotic place does this hail from?”

“Garion, in the Summer Galaxy. My parents would go there on vacation. It’s not exactly wine, they aren’t grapes, but it’s a similar fruit.”

“It smells… um… sweet?” she guessed as she poured and tried not to inhale it. “Bitter, maybe?”

“It’s not my favorite, but it’s not terrible.”

“Should I start with my day?” Lena asked, handing over the glass before filling up her own. Kara paused her preparing to take a large gulp, followed by another before setting it down, almost in need of a refill.

“Please. You don’t have jerk bosses and stupid non-disclosure contracts.”

The chopping got a little rougher, and Lena quirked an eyebrow as she watched the hero go at a cucumber with a slight vengeance.

“Alright, nevermind. Moratorium on the work talk. Do you want to hear what I started planning for our trip?”

“Yes please.”

It lasted all of five minutes. Lena digging in her bag and pulling out notes she’d made in a folder. She had a million ideas, but her favorite was a beach house on an island. Remote, removed, quiet, disconnected. Lena pitched it with vigor though it seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Before the plates were made, Kara was into her second glass.

“If the island doesn’t sound good, I was thinking maybe a week in an apartment in Buenos Aires. I remember we had dreams about that place,” Lena continued. “I know it’s a long shot, but I’d love to take you to actual Paris instead of your flyovers. I know someone--”

“Lena, it’s your dad,” Kara finally huffed, unable to hold it any longer. “I was asked not to tell you, but I can’t do that. I told them I wouldn’t, and I signed contracts, and he’s my boss and this weirdly parental figure in my life, which makes this even more complicated, but I am hard to love. I know that. I don’t make it easy, and you’ve never once lied to me, about even the hard stuff, and that’s where I’m at. I wanted to make dinner and have wine, and that was just in me--”

“Easy there,” Lena furrowed at the information. “What’s going on?”

“He’s planning something. We think your brother gave him plans or an idea, or helped him escape. He’s taken up with that group that attacked me a few months ago.”

“There’s no way Lex helped him,” she shook her head.

“What?”

“He blames Dad for killing our mother. He wouldn’t help him.”

“Oh,” she nodded, thinking deeply. “See,” her hands waved. “This is why I said we needed your help with this!”

“I think something is coming though,” Lena nodded.

“You-You do?”

“Do you think I haven’t been investigating my escaped convict, mass-murdering father?”

“Well, I mean,” Kara scrunched up her face and looked for an answer. “You’re a busy woman. I honestly hadn’t thought about it. I was very upset earlier.”

“I see that,” Lena smiled. “Being upset and defending me sounds like another full time job.”

“It is,” she breathed out, drinking the rest of her wine. “Wait. I didn’t mean that. I meant… that the pulling. I’m pulled in half, Lee. Three halves. Lots of pulls.”

“Alright. Hey, calm down sweetie,” the CEO soothed, pulling out a stool and patting it before ushering her to it. “If you don’t want to tell me anything about it, that’s alright.”

“I don’t like that. Telling you things is what I do.”

Lena poured a little more more into her girlfriend’s glass before sliding a plate toward her. It didn’t take much to get Kara distracted with the food.

“There you go, eat up,” she offered, grabbing her own as well. “Remember when we used to have dinner and talk about things that weren’t terrible?”

“That vacation can’t come soon enough.”

Quietly they ate and Lena complimented her girlfriend. Kara smiled shyly and clinked her glass with Lena.

“So today at work, I spent the day planning a small business forum. The idea being we look into some of the smaller business proposals that banks deem too risky. I have a few professors offering clinics for financial stability. Thinking about buying a stretch of empty shops down on Euclid, you know, West End.”

“Wow,” Kara sighed, entranced by the way Lena explained.

“It will help, I think, that part of town.”

“Definitely.”

“It felt good, to do something worthwhile all day. I’m thinking of promoting Jess. But I’ll never find an assistant as good as her. What do you think?”

“She’s smart, good, loyal.”

“Right,” Lena agreed, picking up the plates and moving them to the sink. “I want to put her in charge of this type of thing. But I like doing it, too.”

“This is all I wanted from dinner,” Kara sighed, watching as Lena moved around, cleaning up the mess from her cooking. “Just to catch up with you.”

“How long has this been stressing you out?”

“Two weeks,” she confessed, running her hands over her face. “Ever since I was following that lead on your mom’s birthday, we’ve been putting a lot into hopefully preventing an attack on aliens by your dad. I’m so tired.”

Lena kept cleaning up, kicking her heels to the side as she ran water and opened the dishwasher.

“Go take a shower, and let me clean up.”

“You’re not worried, are you?”

“Why would I be? You told me the truth, and look at how it tore you up. I trust you, Kara,” she shook her head at the ridiculous idea. “You and me. We’re a team.”

“I meant about your dad.”

“What about him?”

“My first thought was him hurting you,” Kara confessed. “Honestly, that’s most of my motivation to catch him. I want to, soon. I can’t keep burning the candle at all ends.”

She sat at the island and swirled her wine, watching Lena’s shoulders move as she rinsed. In the morning she would have to tell Alex that she told Lena everything, and she still had to tell Lena everything.

“He won’t,” she promised. Even without looking up she could feel Kara’s eyes on her as she leaned against the counter, closer than before. “He wouldn’t.”

“He’s unhinged, Lee. You can’t be certain--”

“I’m the last thing my mother made. He wouldn’t,” she swore. “I don’t want you to tell me the things you want to tell me. I don’t want it to tear you apart. You told me you were looking for him and he’s planning something. Do I need to know anything else?”

“No,” Kara finally sighed. “I guess not.”

“Go take a shower, relax a bit.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Lena assured her girlfriend. “Just trying to get you naked so I can massage those shoulders and enjoy tipsy sex with my alien girlfriend.”

“You should have led with that,” she chuckled and kissed Lena’s temple. “I’ll keep you safe, you know that right?”

“That’s why I’m not worried.”

Kara put down her glass after she finished it, enjoying the feeling of static and dizzy in her blood. She wrapped her arms around Lena’s waist and kissed her neck.

“Do you know what’s better than a hot shower?”

“Clean dishes, stop distracting me,” she giggled as Kara held her tighter and snorted against her neck, causing her to squinch up her shoulders.

“I was going to say a hot shower with a naked Lena in it.”

“Kara!” Lena yelped as she was lifted quickly and slung over a shoulder, spraying water across herself and part of the counter. “You’re a caveman!”

“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Kara countered, easily dragging her to the bathroom. She earned a few slaps as Lena laughed and wiggled. “And I’m going to show you just how grateful I am.”

Gone quickly was the idea of Lionel Luthor and his attack. But as Kara pressed against her in the shower, propped herself up on her elbows, pressed away the hair that fell on her eyes, kissed her. She couldn’t help but think about the threats she’d heard directed toward the girl in her arms.

The office was a testament to her hard work and reserved nature. Situated high atop the new LCorp building in the center of downtown, it looked out at the rest of the city with a kind of magnanimous disinterest, a quiet kind of presence.

The white walls towered, while the art was a nice mix of relaxing and beautiful, pieces from every kind of corner of the practice, it did not impose itself on the space. It was tasteful and pristine, mimicking its owner completely.

Left alone in it, the older Danvers sister was almost afraid to move, and the longer she avoided it, the more she fought against her very nature to investigate. But she wasn’t there for that, and she knew she would never hear the end of it from Kara if she tried something.

Instead, Alex tried to find things that would make her understand why her sister was so head over heels for the notorious business owner. She surveyed the few books that were there, not recognizing most of the titles. She flipped through one, only to be surprised by notes made in the margins of poems, lines underlined, corners folded over. There were different colors of ink, indicating different times it’d been read through. Casually, Alex glanced at the words, the neat little cursive in corners, attached to arrows and lines, before feeling oddly invasive when she spotted her sister’s name on a page.

The flowers were real. Alex ran her hand along some of the petals and smiled at the additions. She walked around, gazing at the diploma on the wall, looking at the awards on a shelf, at the leather chair in a corner which showed the most amount of wear, as if it were a nice quiet corner that saw Lena working late often.

The view was captivating. Alex was almost certain it rivaled the DEO. She could imagine it at night, with the other buildings twinkling.

The office itself lacked much, was nothing but mystery, generic, unobtrusive. But still, Alex looked because she had nothing else to do while she waited. And then she looked at the desk.

The picture frame in the back was almost hidden, but still it was there. It felt like a relic from a long forgotten era, from a parallel timeline in which things would have been very different. Lena, smudged black lines on her cheeks, sweaty and dirty from a soccer game, her uniform red and dingy, with her mother kissing her cheek, a terrorist stood behind her, foam finger in place, smiling wide and warm and genuine, a mass murderer made a face in front, held up his finger to signify number one. All clad in matching red plaid, they looked like a family. Alex imagined that picture hurt to see.

Beside it sat one of Lena on her graduation day, her mother smiling proudly beside her.

The rest of the few frames were Kara. Plain and simple, just moments of their life together. A small one from high school, another that was just a photobooth slip. Another was some gala, both dressed up and smiling politely to the camera. The most recent was what looked like something personal, just a snapshot of Lena smiling so big her cheeks were inflated and Kara happily kissing her cheek. Another was them on their vacation, swim suits and sunglasses on with a beautiful beach and clear water behind them.

Alex found herself smiling as she perused the life that somehow existed in her sister that she hadn’t wanted to see. But there she was, at ease and happy. It was perfect.

“Agent,” Lena greeted her as she breezed into her office. “Not the Danvers sister I’m used to having in my office.”

“I was in the neighborhood,” she decided was the safest bet. Lena moved behind her desk and took a seat, motioning for the agent to help herself to a chair in front of it.

“I’m sorry I was running later than expected.”

“Not a problem. I know it’s last minute.”

There weren’t many times that the two found themselves face to face and without a certain buffer reminding them to be kind to the other. Lena harbored all of the ill-will Kara was too pure to know how to wield. Sitting across from her was the sister who ran away with her own grief, who worked for an organization that was just a sneaky as the tactics she accused Lena of using, who hated the name Luthor.

On the other side of the desk sat someone who witnessed the absolute brutality of the name, someone who feared for her sister.

Both were on pins and needles.

“So,” she smiled and clasped her hands together. “How may I help you?”

Firmly in place was the pseudo politeness that had been bred into her and learned over the course of numerous meetings and dinners she would rather cut her own leg off then partake it, but had to nonetheless.

Alex pursed her lips and took a deep breath. She wasn’t entirely sure anymore why she was there, just that she had to do something.

“My sister loves you very much,” she began. “You’re very important to her.”

“This isn’t one of those, don’t hurt her, talks, is it?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Alex shook her head. “I don’t think it’d be very effective on you.”

She earned a small smile, before Lena caught herself and looked down at the files she’d brought in with her. When Jess told her a Ms. Danvers scheduled an appointment, she’d assumed it’d been a nice visit with Kara, and then she realized the truth, remembering that Kara was across town doing interviews for a piece about the election, and felt a little uneasy to know which Danvers was in her office.

“I don’t remember you much, from before everything,” she continued. “I barely remember the funeral myself, but I’m very grateful that you were there for my sister when I… couldn’t be.”

“It’s ancient history.”

“You’re important to Kara, and therefore you have to be important to me.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, let me finish,” she swallowed. “I know you’ve… I know you’ve tried to reach out, and I’ve disappointed my sister by not accepting them. And I know how hard it must have been to include me, or try to. I’m… trying to say that I--”

“We don’t have to do this,” Lena offered, after seeing how much she struggled.

“She said you asked her when she would stop being Supergirl.”

“I did,” she nodded, waiting to weigh the response.  

“I’m glad she has a reason to want to stop.”

“I don’t want to change her. I couldn’t imagine it. I just--”

“No, no, it’s good,” Alex nodded. “Kara has never asked me for anything. We have to be able to be in the same room together without wanting to fight.”

“I don’t know what you think of me, but I don’t dislike you, Agent Danvers. I never have. I know what my name means to your family, to the city. But even if I granted you unlimited, unrestricted access to every single part of my company, of myself, we would still be sitting in this room, having the same conversation.”

“I don’t know. That’d be a start,” she grinned.

“I love Kara. I love her because my mother told me to open up and good things would come. I did and in waltzed Kara. Sometimes I feel like I owe the universe a debt for bringing her into my life. She’s the reason I do most of what I do here at work. She makes me a better person, and I could never do anything that would change the way she looks at me. If nothing else, I hope that makes you at least sleep a little easier.”

Alex listened to the words, and still, she could not let herself believe them, despite how much she did. It was the skeptic in her, the pessimist, the person who saw too much, who knew too much of human nature.

“We need a truce then.”

“Come have dinner with us this weekend.”

“I was thinking of slowly not looking daggers at each other whenever we’re in the same room and a joint custody agreement.”

“Saturday at seven sound good? Bring wine.”

“Oh I will. Don’t worry about that.” Alex stood after a moment, preparing to leave. She couldn’t help herself though, not if they were attempting to be civil. “On your desk, you have a picture of your family…”

“Don’t you have one on yours?” Lena quirked her head slightly, not bothered at all. She fully anticipated running a bug and surveillance scan on her office as soon as the agent disappeared.

“My brother didn’t murder hundreds of people.”

“July nineteenth. From the age of four until July nineteenth, the day my mother died, I had a family. I had twenty years of memories. Twenty Christmases, twenty birthdays, family trips, taco nights, and snow days. My entire family died that day,” she swallowed and looked at the offending frame. “I look at it every day and think of what we could have been, and what I have to be. My brother is a monster, my father is a villain. They still came to my soccer games and sang me happy birthday. I’m the last of my line. I mourn the loss of them both.”

The weight of it must have been unbearable, the agent realized, to lose an entire family, to feel as if to not know them at all, to have it taken willingly. Lena had a heavy past, not just a complicated one, and Alex realized she’d never considered it until she saw that picture and heard the CEO speak so honestly.

“Kara always had a knack for picking up strays,” Alex finally muttered. “She has a way of making everyone her family.”

“She does.”

“You don’t want to be like them?”

“I want to be like my mother,” Lena confessed. “But no. I don’t want to blow up a city or species, or people. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I harbor no ill will toward any inhabitant of this planet or another. Honestly? I just want to be left alone, and I want to do a little good.”

For too long, Alex stared at the woman behind the desk. She wanted to find the lie, and for her entire being, she wished she had J’onn’s powers to read Lena’s truest thoughts. She fell back on her training, though she didn’t want to believe it, the words seemed true.

“Maggie is allergic to shrimp, if that makes a difference for dinner.”

“Well that is where I draw the line.”

For the briefest of seconds, Lena was sure she saw a smile.

“Thank you for taking the time.”

“We’re practically family. I’m a bit rusty, but I heard that’s what we do,” Lena tried as she walked the agent toward the door.

As quickly as she earned the smile, so too did she earn a scowl, though she found it well worth it.

As soon as the sister was gone, Lena took a few moments and sat behind her desk, careful to look at the old picture in question.

“Once an orphan, always an orphan,” she smiled sadly before tipping it down to the desk, unable to stomach much more thought. “Not too bad for one though.”

With a small movement, she picked up her phone and sent a text to her girlfriend about their new dinner plans before reclining and gazing at the other picture frames and smiling wider.

The clouds hung heavy and low, muting the world in all grey tones. Slowly, Lena stretched and tried to open her eyes as she woke. Her body moved toward the middle of the bed until she sensed she was well past where she should have met another body. Begrudgingly, she opened her eyes finally and growled gently in complaint.

For a moment, Lena held her breath before rubbing her hands along her face in protest of the day. She’d been dreading it for weeks, ever since Kara brought up the mere idea of celebrating Lena’s birthday. All mention of it ceased when Lena reminded her that she didn’t celebrate it very much. Kara had done great the previous year, taking her away for a weekend. But the presents and doting, it just reminded her too much.

Lena wasn’t like Kara. Kara adored her party. She loved the feeling of her friends and family together. She was even actually surprised when Lena led her to the bar filled with cupcakes and everyone she loved ready to celebrate her. Lena even got her a good present, and if no one else had known, they might have guessed that the CEO was actually very good at birthdays. She didn’t care. She got to spend the night wearing a stupid hat beside Kara and she got to take her home, to get all kinds of tipsy, greedy Kara lips and hands all over her body. And she got to make Kara break her own bed, and that was a bit of victory.

But her birthday was a different story. And from just the past few days, the past few calls Kara disappeared to take, and the way she deleted texts as soon as she answered them, Lena was pretty certain that she had something in the works.

With a small groan, Lena finally pushed off her sheets and looked at the clouds outside, grateful that they mimicked her mood.

She pulled on Kara’s old shirt that lived at Lena’s house. It got well worn and many miles whenever Kara wasn’t around.

“Is that… Those are…” she smiled to herself as she looked at the spread waiting on the counter.

There was no sight of her girlfriend at all, just piles of scones and muffins from all of her favorite places. The two cups of coffee were still steaming.

“Hey! Lena, hi!” Kara sprinted through the balcony door as the CEO picked up the first coffee cup and inhaled its warmth. Fruit fell on the floor from Kara’s arms as she balanced two other cups in her hands. “You were supposed to be asleep.”

“I woke up to an empty bed.”

“I was in London, and then… Well,” Kara tried to explain as she bent over and picked up what she could. “I went to get that tea you love, and then the espresso from Rome. The jam from Lyon.”

“Kara, honey.”

“But I thought it was a sweet and heavy breakfast, so I had another thought to get some fruit. I went to get that juice you liked in Brazil, and I wanted it to be very authentic. I planned this out better, but then I kept second guessing it--”

Lena didn’t care about all of the running around. She found it astounding, but she would have been okay with toast and coffee. She fell in love with the effort, and Kara’s sheepish grin knowing full well that it was too much, and still she would have run out to other corners of the world for more if she had a few more minutes, just to make Lena smile at her like she was.

She slipped her arms around the hero’s hips and kissed her sweetly. Still slightly out of breath and antsy, Kara calmed slightly. She relaxed as Lena tied her arms around her neck and smiled at the idea of being loved so greatly by someone who was so perfect. She held onto the sun.

“Happy Birthday,” Kara smiled as she wrapped her arms around the scantily clad girl in the kitchen. “I love you so much. I’m very glad you’re my best friend.”

“Thank you so much for this. You didn’t have to...”

“Just wait until you see lunch.” Still they hung together, still Lena felt Kara’s heart beating against her own.

“You’re spoiling me.”

“Just wait until you see what I picked out to wear tonight.”

With a kind of smirk, Lena let her eyebrows peaked slightly at the information. Kara kissed her again. Picked Lena right up off the ground and set her on the counter, kissed her harder and earned a moan. She gripped her thighs and she gave her a good morning.

It was one of her favorite things to do, to just pick Lena up and have her way with her. She loved the feeling of her scalp being tugged because Lena was yanking on her head. She loved the feeling of Lena’s grinding hips. She loved the noises, and the way her heartbeat went wild, like raindrops on a tin roof, all out of rhythm and without any rhyme or reason. She loved making Lena feel so good she couldn’t speak. All of it was bonus for Kara, because at the end of the day, she just plain loved the CEO, like every silly story she gobbled up when she came to earth, about soulmates and missing pieces and romantic movie cliches.

By the time Kara finished, by the time Lena caught her breath, she didn’t want to ever leave the kitchen. It was their place. It saw more sex than most kitchens, Lena considered as she sat up on the counter.

Kara warmed their coffee and blushed as she apologized for being so eager, though Lena promised her that if she had to celebrate her birthday, that was the only acceptable way. They had their breakfast, with Lena sampling, while Kara did a great job of cleaning up after her, hungry after her morning activities.

“Now, before you start complaining about your birthday, just suck it up because it is important to me that you have a good day, even if we never talk about it being your birthday,” Kara reminded her girlfriend who savored her cup of coffee from her favorite shop.

“You know I don’t care about it,” Lena shrugged, adjusting her leg under her on the stool as she watched Kara clean up the last bit of what was left.

“Just close your eyes for a second. I’ll be right back.”

“I don’t know why I have to clo--” In a whoosh, her girlfriend was gone, through the window without time for her to interrupt. “Close my eyes. You’re too fast to see.”

With a smile, the CEO shook her head and sipped her drink, sure to keep her eyes closed because Kara would pout and that was absolutely too much to handle.

Stuck there, prepared to pretend to enjoy the day for the sake of the literal child she was dating, Lena pondered her life since the year and change that Kara had made a reappearance. She had a rough patch there, of about four years where everything was just mundane and terrible, with no light, and then the sun came up, and she found humanness again.

They fought, sometimes. Small things, snippy things when both were tired or missed each other too much. They argued about Lena’s non-disclosure policy with the DEO, and they argued about the DEO itself. But it was nothing terrible, both retreating and coming back not a few hours later. Kara couldn’t handle being angry, and unfortunately could always see Lena’s points. In the end, there was that partnership, that come hell or high water, it was them against it all, and Lena was so far in love with the damn hero, she couldn’t imagine a moment without her again. The three years were a dream.

“Okay, just give me a second. Don’t peek,” Kara whooshed back into the room.

“This isn’t necessary.”

“I know it’s not, but I want to, and that should count for more than anything.”

“It does. But I think your present on the counter was more than enough. Plus, I’d like to unwrap you later. So unless you’re naked when I open my eyes--”

“Lena!”

“How can you be so prudish after you just ate m--”

“Lena!” Kara yelped.

“It’s my birthday. You can’t yell at me,” she taunted.

There was some movement in the kitchen, and Lena smiled to herself as she drank the last bit of her coffee, waiting for the reveal. Toying with her girlfriend might be her favorite hobby, especially when it came to explicit things.

“Okay, open them.”

The living room was filled with balloons. A Happy Birthday banner was hung haphazardly from the window where Kara hurried to slap the tape and make the one end stay as she balanced a bouquet in her hand. Abashedly, she righted herself and held out the flowers.

“I got you flowers, because I know you love them,” Kara explained. “And before you tell me I didn’t have to, know that I wanted to. And I also know you don’t like celebrating. Which is why I have a special, non-birthday, birthday planned.”

With a slight movement, she handed her girlfriend the flowers, blushing slightly because she caught green eyes and sometimes it was too much to know that Lena was her’s.

“These are gorgeous,” Lena gave in, digging her nose into the flowers.

“I also have all of the Star Wars movies. We’re going to watch them in order and pig out and make a good blanket bed on the ground.”

“That’s what you planned for my birthday?”

“Well, yeah. I know your favorite things. Nerdy, scientifically inaccurate movies,” Kara smiled at her description of the films. “Terrible food that you’ll spend too long in the gym trying to work off, even though you’re perfectly beautiful. Not putting on pants. And me. And no one else. And talking through the movies. And wine. I have wine somewhere.”

“Seriously? No party, no fancy dinner?” Lena sighed happily.

“Nope. I made too big of a deal last year. This year, is lowkey, but still celebrating. I’m trying to walk a thin line here.”

“This is perfect. My perfect day.”

“I have one more thing for tonight. But I don’t know if you’ll want to do it. And you don’t have to, just so you know. I don’t want you to feel bad if you don’t want to, and you don’t have to just for me. I just thought it’d be a great way to really--”

“Kara, take a breath,” Lena reminded her, watching her sputter and spin out slightly in the Kara way she did when she got nervous. It was too endearing. “I’m sure I’ll love it. You’ve aced the day so far.”

“Two tickets to the game tonight,” Kara breathed, holding her breath. “Hawks and Minutemen.”  

“I own the team.”

“I guess I could have just given you the money,” she laughed to herself nervously, fiddling with her fingers. “But I just wanted it to be something I did for you. They’re not good seats. They’re the best I could manage. Did you know it’s a playoff game?”

“I did,” she smiled.

“I want to take all your bad memories and replace them with good ones, Lee,” Kara offered, shaking her head and professing it with such honesty, she was uncertain she knew where it came from exactly. “That’s what I want to do for your birthday.”

It was a simple move, but Lena didn’t care. It was the most she could do. She hugged her hero tightly, wrapping her arms around her, burying her nose in her shoulder, soaking up all of the warmth she could from the girl who used to laugh at cartoons on the weekends.

The day was perfect. It was real, and Lena thought it might have been her best birthday ever, if she was one to keep track of such things. Buried in the nest of pillows and blankets, she half laid on Kara, switching positions often, scratching her back or head, letting her rub her shoulders or knee while she talked through the entire thing.

The game was better than Lena could remember. She enjoyed telling Kara stats and things that she knew the hero wasn’t particularly interested in hearing. She enjoyed being on the kiss cam with her and earning applause. She even enjoyed the fact that they won and Kara promised to take her to the next playoff game.

By the time they made it back to the penthouse, Kara made her wait, made her blow out the candle to a silly little cupcake that they shared while dreaming about the next year of the Luthor’s life, recounting the previous one.

“Well, how did I do?” Kara grinned, tugging the old jersey over Lena’s head until she appeared, brimming and beaming and less clothed. “Not a terrible way to spend a birthday, right?”

“It was my perfect day.”

“Did you get everything you wanted?”

“I didn’t want anything, but I got everything,” Lena promised, returning the favor and tugging off Kara’s jersey. “Except one thing.”

“If you say…” she lowered her voice as her girlfriend undid her jean button. “Sex… you’ll ruin the last present I have for you.”

Little bits of lace appeared and Lena cocked her head appreciatively, proud of her girlfriend’s ability to know full well what she was about.

“I wasn’t though,” she looked back at her, fingers lingering on the waist of the jeans before they moved up her sides, played with muscle and bone and lace.

“Okay, then what did I miss? You have everything. It’s impossible to shop for you, just so you know--”

“Move in with me.”

“You should make a wishlist that you can’t buy anyth--” Kara tried to rant though the words her girlfriend said made it to her ears and took a second to be analyzed and interpreted in her brain and it finally caught up with her mouth. “What?”

“You’re here or I’m at yours every other night. I have a balcony. Or we can live at yours. I don’t care. The point is, I’m in this so damn hard. I want every memory to be with you. I’m so deeply in lo--”

Kara grabbed Lena’s cheeks and kissed her through her smile, so surprised and overjoyed and unsure what to say. It was all of that rolled into one.

“Are you serious, Lee?”

“We have a future. You made me learn that,” she swallowed and shook her head, hands hanging from Kara’s biceps as hands encased her head. “I just want to sleep beside you every night. I want your stupid clothes on the floor. I want you to have more than a drawer because I want to steal all of your shirts when you get them worn in just enough. I want to put you to bed when you work too hard, and I want you to yell at me for leaving dishes in the sink. I want all of it. Good and bad. I just… I want us.”

“You’re serious,” Kara sighed, watching Lena’s eyes look everywhere but back at her because they couldn’t when she was talking about feelings.

“I’m serious,” she nodded, exhaling deeply.

“Let’s do it.”

“Yeah?”

“Of course!” Kara laughed, hugging her tightly, spinning her around. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of it. I just… we kind of already did live together. Why not condense it?”

“Practical of you, Danvers.”

“I’m so happy.”

“Me too,” Lena hummed.

For the first time, she actually felt it, felt that she’d made a good decision, felt that she’d picked right, that she actually had one of those elusive futures that Kara kept talking about constantly. She had a dream, and she had a girl, and she was happier than she’d been in her lifetime.

The thought of Lionel Luthor and his inevitable attack gradually waned from the forefront of everyone’s collective imagination. They all knew it was coming, they just ran to the end of the road with all of their leads, and with the lack of any new information, were resigned to the helpless kind of state in which they distracted themselves as best they could.

The snow finally came after Thanksgiving. The cold and the season generally made it a quieter time of year. It wasn’t the first holiday they’d spent together, though this one felt different, more official, more real, perhaps because it wasn’t the first.

“Mmmm,” Lena hummed against Kara’s ear as lips moved along her neck. Her hips moved of their own accord, uncontrollable save for a certain alien’s will. “I like this,” she whispered, grabbing the back of the couch to keep herself steady.

“Me too,” Kara reached, following her as she moved.

Hands slid under her shirt, a thumb traced along her rib, slid under bra. A little gasp accompanied the teasing.

“But no more decorations.”

“Are you sure?” Kara asked with a smirk, squeezing and earning a tiny moan. “Just a few more.”

“Kara, I’m serious.”

“You said to make it feel like home. I like Christmas decorations.”

“We moved in together, and our first fight is going to be over tinsel,” Lena groaned as her hands knit into Kara’s hair as lips moved down her chest.

“I don’t think we’re going to fight,” she whispered, tugging the shirt off and tossing it somewhere on the floor. “I have a few other ideas.”

“Promise me, no more decorations.”

“I promise not to lie to you,” she countered with a grin. “And not promise something that I’m obviously going to break.”

The Christmas lights all twinkled while the fire crackled. Living together for three months, and Lena thought it’d been going well. Until she returned home from work to find a Christmas tree in a corner, stockings on the ledge, candy canes in a jar on the table. Every day, there seemed to be more and more, which seemed impossible considering they lived in a penthouse and had no yard, but wreaths would appear, and poinsettias would pop up. Smaller trees ended up in different rooms, while tiny little presents began to accumulate in the living room.

“Dammit, Kara,” Lena complained, half-hearted and very distracted by strong hands below her waist.

“It’s our first Christmas living together. I want it to be special.”

“No more decorations.”

“I’ll try.”

Kara’s shirt went next, tossed somewhere. She didn't notice much other than the way the orange glow of the fire looked on Lena’s pale skin. She would have even sworn to destroy every Christmas tree in the city if Lena were to put a shirt back on now. She would never admit it, but it wasn’t far from her mind.

It was a slow kind of session, right there on the couch. Lazy and good, tentative, even. Lena kissed her hard, ground her hips into Kara’s, a slow kind of delicious rhythm that she controlled while her hands rooted in strong shoulders, ghosted over chest, skated up into the nape of her neck.

The fireplace crackled, and Lena couldn’t think of anything other than the feeling of warm lips on her skin driving her up a wall.

“Let’s go to bed,” she whispered, pressing against the girl beneath her on the couch.

“But the movie.”

They spoke with lips trailing, hovering near each other, bumping noses, countering moves like a fight ready to break out, waiting on a first punch.

“Santa won’t bring presents if you don’t go to bed,” Lena chuckled before pressing closer. “And if we don’t go to bed soon, I’m going to need another new couch.”

“But I like this,” Kara growled as her girlfriend’s hips kept moving against her. “A lot.”

“I have something you can unwrap early, since you’re so good,” Lena promised, kissing her once more before she made herself stand up.

From her spot on the couch, Kara tried to think coherently. But she watched Lena unhook her bra and toss it somewhere on her trail to the bedroom. Pants slithered down legs a second later. Kara felt her mouth go dry.

As quickly as she could, she blew out the fire and stumbled down the hall toward their bedroom, nearly tripping as she tugged off her own pants and the rest of her clothes.

[redsdesktop]

HTF: Red Velvet Cake

Pairings: Splendid x Flippy

Warnings: Violence/Blood

AU: Yandere

FRIDAY.

"O-Oh, I'm sorry..."

Splendid glanced down at the person he had turned around and bumped into. The bell for lunch had just sounded off and Splendid was a bit eager for lunch, so he hadn't actually been watching where he was going. He glanced down to see none other than a mop of pale green hair a head shorter than him. Flippy was the quiet kid who sat at the back of class, easily looked over and forgotten as he tended to just blend right into the crowd. Flippy had never actually talked to him, which wasn't surprising as Splendid was usually surrounded by his outgoing friends or the other members of the football team. Splendid raised a brow as he looked down at Flippy who seemed to have a habit of not looking directly at his face, it was strange.

"No problem, it was my fault really. Here, you can have this." He dug into his backpack and retrieved a small Tupperware box and held it out to Flippy. The other boy looked surprised and a little nervous as if Splendid was pulling a trick on him. An understandable notion as there were a few bullies around that teased Flippy at times."I made too much red velvet cake last night, if I eat another bite, the coach will kill me. So you'll be doing me a favor by confiscating it from me before my will breaks." He said with a hint of humor, putting Flippy at ease enough that he gently retrieved the box from Splendid. The looked on Flippy's face was one of wonder beneath the wariness, making Splendid smile in accomplishment.

"Thanks." Flippy murmured, there was a faint pink tint to his cheeks, making Splendid pause for a brief moment. He couldn't stand around all day though, so he patted Flippy's should and eased past him so he could head to lunch. Splendid wished he could stay but he was certain that people would come to the conclusion that Splendid had a thing for the quiet boy. School was a harsh place, Splendid was the popular kid and football star. So if word got out that he liked other boys, then things would go downhill, maybe after he graduated he would have a bit more freedom but for now he had to play it casual. One day, he might be able to finally admit his feelings towards Flippy and maybe Flippy would even share those feelings.

THE PREVIOUS DAY

Splendid was having problems with his History grade and he wasn't above asking for help. He wanted to ask Flippy, but it was safer to go with a girl instead. So, he had asked Flippy's best friend, Flaky, to come over to help him do his homework. She was pretty smart herself, but a shy, nervous type. He liked that though, it meant he didn't have to impress or be loud and obnoxious. When the doorbell rang, he set down the two mugs he retrieved from the upper cabinets. Cleaning his hands off on his faded jeans, he made his way to the front door and opened it up. Flaky was turned to wave goodbye to Flippy, they always walked home together since they lived nearby. Flippy glanced at Splendid but quickly looked away, making Splendid frown a little in disappointment.

"S-Sorry I'm late..." Came the timid voice of Flaky, interrupting Splendid's thoughts, making the blue-haired male look down. He gave her a comforting smile and moved back to let her in.

"Its fine, I was just making us some tea and cakes, I hope that's alright. I didn't put any nuts in them." He gave a proud nod, pleased with himself for remembering that Flaky was allergic. She seemed pleasantly surprised by the fact Splendid remembered despite them not being exactly close friends. He closed the door behind her as she entered, then guided her to the living room where he already had his books and homework laid out. "I'll go fix the drinks and food, you get settled, won't take me long." Splendid made sure she had a seat in one of the chairs before he hurried back to the kitchen so the water he'd been boiling in the kettle wouldn't cool. He carefully arranged and prepared a tray with the two now filled mugs and a plate of teacakes in the middle. Cooking was one of his secret hobbies, not something he wanted the whole school to know about.

He returned to the living room with the tray in his hands, having to balance it to push his homework to the side to make room on the coffee table. "Here we go, as promised, free snacks for helping me out." He gave Flaky her drink before sitting down, she was grateful for the warmth, the autumn days were getting a little bit chilly. She took a drink while Splendid opened up his history book, turning to the correct page they were studying this week. Splendid glanced over at Flaky who seemed a little nervous still, then again Splendid had never seen her not nervous. "Hey, you're best friends with Flippy, right?" He blurted out without a thought, throwing his carefully laid plans to know more about Flippy out the window.

"Yeah, he's, um, he doesn't have a lot of friends." She occupied her mouth by taking another drink, not one to talk much which was going to be a problem if Splendid wanted to learn more about his secret crush.

"So are you guys dating? I always see you two hanging out together." Flaky's face turned red at the question, ducking a little as if trying to disappear into her jacket. Splendid laughed a little and shook his head. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be blunt, I just think its cute. Everyone deserves to have someone in their life."

"I-It's not like that." Flaky murmured, at this rate Splendid would have to pour her more tea.

"Oh? I didn't mean to assume. You've got a crush on him, though, right? The way you're blushing definitely says it!" He teased, leaning over to poke her cheek playfully as she looked like she was going to burn up from blushing so much."Don't worry, I won't tell anyone, even if its pretty obvious. Why don't you ask him out?"

"I-It's not that easy." She mumbled, admitting it finally since Splendid had hounded her. "I know h-he likes me back, b-but... he has problems."

Splendid's brows knitted together, he had suspected Flippy liked Flaky, but hearing it outloud hurt a little. He frowned as he watched Flaky yawn and rub her eyes. "Didn't get enough sleep last night?" Splendid inquired, looking a bit concerned.

"No... Maybe I was more tired than I thought." Flaky mumbled, her words slurring a bit. Splendid straightened up from hunching over his book, watching Flaky slouch and way her mug was slowly starting to slip from her grasp. Quickly, Splendid reached out and caught the mug before the remains of the tea could spill out on his nice couch, not wanting to have to clean up the stains. He sighed out, looking at Flaky as she was already out cold. He hadn't anticipated she'd drink so much of the tea he'd laced, so she passed out sooner than he expected. Setting the mug on the table, Splendid then reached out to heft Flaky up and over one of his shoulders. He was home alone, Splendont was the only one who lived with him and he was doing whatever he did. Splendid never asked but Splendont would only come home when it was time for sleep.

Splendid carried the knocked out girl down to the basement, the place was musty and only used to store junk and various holiday decorations. It was perfect for him to use as he already had everything set up for what plans. Using a heavy chain, he wrapped it around Flaky's ankles, making sure it was tight so she wouldn't be able to slip free.Then he tossed the free end over onve of the steel support beams, using it to heft Flaky up so she was hanging upside down from the ceiling. He tied it off around one of the metal pillars so he wouldn't have to keep her up with his own strength and giving him the freedom he needed to work. While he waited for the drugs to wear off, he pulled on his plastic apron he used whenever he was doing deep cleaning on the house and a pair of rubber gloves. While it made him look less of a man wearing things that were stereotypical viewed as womanly things, he didn't really care. Someone had to clean and he didn't see his twin volunteering anytime soon.

When he heard a drowsy groan, Splendid looked over to see Flaky starting to come to. Good thing, he'd been afraid she'd be asleep all night and Splendid wanted to get this done before Splendont got home and catch him in the act. He bent down and picked up a plastic bucket, bringing it over to place it under where Flaky was hanging. She began to struggle a bit, slowly waking up to realize she was restrained and upside down. "Wh-What's going on?"

"Rise and shine, sleepy head." Splendid called out as he crouched down in front of Flaky so they could be sort of face to face. "Sorry it had to come to this, but I can't have someone taking Flippy right out from under me while I'm waiting to graduate. You understand, right?" He reached out and patted her cheek, making her flinch away from his touch in fear.

"P-Please, I won't! I'll stay far away f-from him if you j-just let me go!" Flaky cried out, struggling more in her attempts to get free. Already tears were leaking out from the corners of her eyes, but Splendid was too far in to back out now.

"No can do, I can't take that risk. Flippy belongs to me even if he doesn't know yet." Splendid sighed out as if he was being forced to do this. In his mind, he had no other choice, he couldn't risk it, couldn't risk losing Flippy. He reached down to pick up the kitchen knife he had set on the floor in preparation for this moment. Flaky's eyes widened in fear as she spotted her own reflection in the well polished blade. It was then that she decided to start screaming for help, the shrill noise causing Splendid's ears to ring. He had to stop it and with one free hand, he grabbed a handful of her red hair and yanked her head back. In one swift and precise motion, the blade easily cut through skin and muscle. With Flaky's head tilted back, her neck was stretch, causing the wound to gape open like a gruesome smile.

When he hit the veins and arteries, blood spilled out over his pink gloves and dribbled down into the bucket below. The pattering of the life fluid being caught was not the only thing making noise in the room as Splendid had cut deep. He watched in some sort of sick fascination, taking the life of someone for the first time was euphoric. To have such power in his hands, to be able to defend what was his at any cost.His hands trembled as they kept Flaky's head back, she was clinging to life, but he could see that light slowly beginning to fade as she was unable to breathe and the blood was draining from her to the point her skin was ghostly pale. By the time the blood stopped flowing and had trickled off into a slow drip, his classmate was already gone.

LATER THAT NIGHT

Splendid was in the kitchen, wearing his pink frilled cooking apron as her held a bowl in the crook of his arm while using his free hand to stir the batter. It was the usual time he started cooking, since his brother would likely go hungry without him. While he didn't like Splendont, they were still brothers and Splendid begrudgingly couldn't let his twin go without. Speak of the devil and he shall appear, Splendid heard the door shut and as predicted Splendont sulked into the kitchen. Both didn't really enjoy each other's presence but when it came to needing each other to survive, they would bend a little. "Lasagna's in the oven, help yourself."

Splendid was too busy making dessert to be bothered getting dinner out and Splendont could at least handle that. Splendid began to pour the blood red batter into a pan so he could get ready to bake it. However, Splendont inched over and tried to reach out and dip his finger into the batter to get a taste. Splendid quickly swatted his hand away, giving his twin a glare and Splendont returned it but didn't make another move to taste the specially made cake. This wasn't for Splendont, once he poured the rest of the batter into the pan, he put the bowl in the sink with a soaking plastic bucket.

"Get your own dessert, I'm making this for a special someone."

[policeadult92-blog]

Postgame Quotes - Pistons vs. Warriors, March 24, 2019

PISTONS HEAD COACH DWANE CASEY

ON THE FRUSTRATION WITH THE WARRIORS KNOCKING DOWN KEY SHOTS: “I think every team in the league goes through that. It tells you the type of defense you have to play on every possession because with this group the basket is always open. They’ve proven that; it’s nothing surprising, it shouldn’t be surprising, but again I thought our execution for three quarters was pretty good. The second quarter is what bit us in the behind, I thought our intensity level and our sense of urgency was there in the third and fourth quarter to get back into the game and that is something we have to build on. My thing is at this time of year, is we have to play desperate and we did the last quarter, I didn’t think we did in the second quarter and that is when they kind of got their rhythm and got their confidence going. And when you give a team like this a rhythm and flow type feeling you know it is hard to turn it off. I thought in the third and fourth quarter of tonight especially our second unit came in and competed. And again we have to be that way if we are serious about making the playoffs.”

ON THE TEAM’S THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTER IMPROVEMENT: “We got to. We got to carry it over to the next game. We gotta take that feeling, take that intensity and again put thought with it, put our basketball IQ with it and take that to Denver, not only for Denver but for the next eight or nine games, whatever it is and leave it on the table. Because what we don’t want to do is go back in and say what if, what if I had done this, what if I had done that, what if I hadn’t taken that possession off going into the summer. Again, what we are building is the beginning of building our program the way we want it to be, to be on this level to play with this type of team each and every night.”

ON THEIR THREE-POINT DEFENSE AS OF LATE: “It’s troubling, very troubling. That is one area against this team it is an outlier, I would say this is a different animal. But, again like we said before the game that is an area of concentration that we have to worry about. I think we have to take this team out but everybody else we have to make sure we attention to detail of how we want to cover the pick-and-roll and not give up the three-point shot or at least be there within six-feet of them to make sure we have a good challenge.”

PISTONS FORWARD BLAKE GRIFFIN

ON BALANCING CRASHING THE GLASS AND STAYING BACK: “I think it kind of depends on the team. With a guy like Andre (Drummond), I think you see a lot of teams dedicating a lot of attention to him on the defensive glass, but rebounding is always a thing for us. Teams that shoot a lot of threes, obviously coming back in and protecting that mid-range area, cleaning it up. You can’t give it up to teams, especially teams as good as them, second-chance opportunities, second-chance points off of missed shots.”

ON NOT SHOOTING WELL FROM THREE AS A TEAM LATELY: “That’s been a point of emphasis for us since the beginning of the season, three-point line, transition and defending the paint. I don’t know what it is. I think we’ve been a little bit too pulled in. Early on, our biggest emphasis is handle pick and roll two-on-two like everyone else, and I think we’ve gotten away from that, everybody. Also, a lack of practice, a lack of getting to work on some of these things I think has hurt a little bit. But down the stretch we look for us to be a lot better at that.”

PISTONS CENTER ZAZA PACHULIA

ON COMING BACK TO ORACLE ARENA AND GETTING HIS RING: “Very emotional. It kind of feels like it was a long day when it was not, it was an early game obviously. Loved everything besides like you said that we lost. I’m very thankful for everything that this team, this organization, this city has done for me and for my family. Truly blessed and very thankful for each individual that I had worked with and I had played with and that has coached me and the fans that supported me. Those guys are special for my career. I only spent two years here, but two special years. It’s something that’s going to carry over this year and the rest of my life, career and just life. My family was here, my kids experience that. I’m very thankful for the love and support those fans showed me.”

ON WHAT LESSONS THE TEAM CAN LEARN FROM THE PAST FEW GAMES: “You know two different kind of losses we had last night and tonight. Last night, the last two minutes of the game were brutal. I don’t think we executed as well as we were supposed to. To close out the game you have to have the appropriate mentality, no turnovers and pay attention to every single detail, especially when it’s a close game like that. Today, obviously, playing against this kind of team, understanding you can’t let them have a 20 point lead. It’s hard to come back, especially on the road. Even in the fourth quarter, we tried to, we made a run, but having those guys, that kind of talent over there, it doesn’t happen that often or that easily. Understanding it’s 48 minutes every game. We have to be ready to play against the top teams because in the playoffs there’s no easy game, there’s no easy round. We have to learn from it, take advantage of these type of games to prepare ourselves for the playoffs. It’s not given that we’re going to make it, so we have to value our next nine games, or whatever we have left.”

ON TRYING TO DEFEND THE WARRIORS’ OFFENSIVE WEAPONS: “Right, it can get frustrating. Especially today’s talent, looking all over the league, every teams has shot makers, players. You can play as good of defense as you want, but those guys are too talented and have been working on the game, especially shots. A lot of guys can shoot from beyond the three-point line, so it can get frustrating. You have to keep pounding, pounding and keep playing, executing defensively and offensively. Most likely you’re going to put yourself in a situation to win a game. Then it’s all about closing the game right away like we didn’t do late yesterday. But again, it’s a learning experience and hopefully we can learn from last night and get better. We have another tough game coming up in Denver, one of the best teams we have in the league. We have to come out there and hopefully finish this trip with a win.”

PISTONS GUARD ISH SMITH

ON WHETHER THE SECOND QUARTER WAS THE ACHILLES HEEL FOR THIS GAME: “Yeah. They went on a run and got separation. Then they went on another little run at the end of the third and kind of got some separation. We could have kept that at 13 or 12 or where it was at, then when we made a run in the fourth, then it would have been a tie ball game or within striking distance. The second and the third when you look back you can say it was the difference maker.”

ON HOW THEY NEED TO IMPROVE: “You just have to keep playing with pace. You just have to keep flowing, keep playing, and keep moving the ball to get the ball in the spots where you need to get the ball to. We are all right, we are playing good basketball. We just played the two best teams in the west. We can look back and kick ourselves because we could have won those games. We just kept fighting and battling. We knew they were going to come out hard because of last night’s loss. I thought we competed but you don’t get moral victories, you have to come out with wins.”

ON WHAT THEY CAN TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR LAST TWO GAMES: “To just keep pushing. You know me, I don’t get to high or too low. I just have to keep pushing, keep pressing. You have to remember that this was the same team that was 10 games under .500, so for us to be in this position, I’m sure a lot of people think that we shouldn’t be here. I don‘t get to high or too low, we just have to keep pushing and pressing and we will get to exactly where we need to.”

ON IF THE TEAM HAS TO BRACE FOR WHEN THE WARRIORS GO ON SCORING RUNS: “Yes. You are exactly right. You just have to keep playing and playing with pace. When they score you have and the crowd is going crazy that is actually the time when you go right back at them to get some easy ones. You just have to keep pushing, pressing, and not get to high or too low and when you do that you put yourself in a position to win at the end of the game.”

WARRIORS HEAD COACH STEVE KERR

ON THE DEFENSIVE ENERGY THEY HAD TO START THE GAME: “Nothing surprising. This group has showed a lot of resilience to do what they have done the last few years. Anytime that we’ve had a bad loss we generally bounce back pretty quickly. I was impressed with the effort defensively, with the energy and a lot of guys came off the bench and did a really nice job. It was a good win. A good, solid win.”

ON HOW STEPHEN CURRY LOOKED TO START THE GAME: “He looked fresh right from the outset. Obviously the rest is not just for one night, but for the long haul. I think it was the right the thing to do. He looked great out there tonight.”

ON KEVIN DURANT’S 11 ASSISTS TONIGHT: “Kevin is such a great, talented player that he can just do whatever he wants on the floor. He decided to be a distributor tonight with obviously 11 assists. I thought his defense was great. He’s just one of those guys who is so talented he can kind of – whatever he chooses do that night, that’s what he does.”

ON DRAYMOND GREEN’S DEFENSE TONIGHT AGAINST THE PISTONS FRONTCOURT: “I thought Draymond’s energy and defensive effort sparked us all night. He takes the challenge when he faces Blake (Griffin). They have been going head-to-head for many years and it’s a hell of a challenge, Blake is tough as anybody to guard and Draymond was fantastic.”

ON IF HE DISPUTES THE NOTION THAT THE TEAM IS ‘NOT CARING’ AS MUCH: “Here’s what I think: I drove home last night and as disappointed and surprised as I was I realized that over five years what’s more surprising than that game last night is not having any of those games for three years. The first three years of this run, I don’t think we had a single game like that. You think about what these guys are doing night after night after night, taking everybody’s best shot, playing deep into June – it’s actually surprising that we haven’t had more of those nights over those years. What you have seen the last couple of years, the last two seasons, is that we have had some letdowns and some nights like that. It’s hard for anybody to understand what these guys go through physically, emotionally and spiritually just trying to defend the crown, trying to win the title and stay on top of the mountain. It’s hard and last night they had nothing. They had nothing in the tank. The great thing about this team, as I mentioned, is they always bounce back because they have so much pride. What they have accomplished – this team has the best record over the last four seasons as any four-year run in the history of the NBA. What they have done is just remarkable. Last night was tough, but it’s really tough to do what they have done too. We are going to give them a pass and we are going to move on. We played a good game tonight and we roll on. I prefer to look back at how few games there have been like last night over the last five years rather than the opposite.”

WARRIORS GUARD STEPHEN CURRY

ON TAKING LAST NIGHT OFF: “Honestly, nobody really likes taking days off. You’re a competitor and there’s a game to be played, but you keep the big picture in mind; obviously, it was a decision that was kind of thrown at me from the powers at be. There’s a difference, just having a little bit fresher legs and trying to get energy back, and knowing we have ten games left until the playoffs, or nine now, it’s important. I doubt it will happen again but definitely got to take advantage of it.”

ON HOW HE IS FEELING PHYSICALLY THIS YEAR: “I feel great. To be honest, before they brought the idea about (sitting out) it wasn’t on my radar at all. I was feeling good. Obviously, I pride myself on being durable and being available, obviously with the injury early in the year, missing 11 games it was tough to sit out. I know I hadn’t been shooting the ball extremely well but to me it wasn’t really a fatigue thing it was just kind of how the game was going and again, it’s a lot about rhythm now at this point. Getting close to the playoffs and want us to be fresh and want us to have a great vibe and good chemistry, so you balance all of that.”

ON HIS EVOLUTION FROM WHEN HE STARTED WITH THE WARRIORS TO TODAY: “It’s kind of surreal to be honest. When you talk about the history of the organization, and how hard it is to win NBA games, win championships and string together year after year after year. It takes a collection of talented guys, commitment to trying to put together the best team possible every year, and that’s front office, coaching staff all the way down. I think I haven’t shown a true appreciation for what we’ve been able to do, but want to continue this for as long as we can.”

ON THE TEAM’S FOCUS GETTING THE FIRST SEED IN THE PLAYOFFS: “I think it goes hand in hand with how we want to finish the season. If we take care of our business then more times than not, this last stretch of games that should take care of itself. And then, in doing that you can judge how we’ve been playing defensively, find that offensive rhythm, and balance and all the talent we have out there on the floor, and building momentum. Unlike last year, where we were kind of depleted because of injuries, and Houston was kind of running away with that one seed, it was kind of a built-in goal to how we want to finish the year. Definitely important, because you want to finish on a high note.”

WARRIOR FORWARD KEVIN DURANT

ON HOW MUCH OF TONIGHT’S SUCCESS HAD TO DO WITH STEPHEN CURRY’S RETURN: “Pretty much everything has to do with Steph being on the floor. He brings so much for us, pick-and- roll, with his movement and three-point shooting, just his presence out there opens up a lot of us, so it was good to have him back.”

ON ONLY ATTEMPTING SIX SHOTS TONIGHT: “I mean, I’m a well-rounded player and I can still affect the game without taking a bunch of shots. I thought I passed the ball well, played a great floor game, and I know you’re used to putting me in a box as a player but I’ve grown.”

ON HOW HE DECIDES IF HE WILL BE MORE OF A FACILITAOR OR SCORER EACH NIGHT: “Look, we got a lot of scoring out there on the offensive side of the ball. How many assists did we have? 31. So, that’s the formula for us and when I get the ball in the post we usually have a lot of movement on the side or everybody setting the pick-and-roll, and then I see somebody open and I got to pass them the ball. I didn’t want to force shots tonight and some of the shots I would have took tonight would have been forced, and last game I forced a bunch, so trying to help us get back in the game. Just tried to play a different game tonight.”

ON WHY THE FOCUS WAS BETTER TONIGHT: “We got beat by 40, that was the reason why. It don’t matter what the game was, no matter what time of the year it was, you get beat by 40 you don’t want to get embarrassed like that again or just lose the next night, so I think we came out with a nice sense of urgency. We let go of that game but everybody in that locker room from the coaches on down are competitors, so in the back of their mind they just wanted to avenge that terrible loss. I like our energy from the start.”

ON IF YOU KNOW EARLY ON IF THE TEAM HAS IT OR NOT EACH NIGHT: “Look, you just got to tip your hat to the other teams. We aren’t just going to come out and kill them from the gate. Teams are prepared and get ready for us now. Just look at the progression of the game. We started off up one in the first, then we kind of controlled the game the next two quarters and I think that’s kind of been the trend for us. It looks different the last two years because we’ve been dominating out there most games, but it’s a different level of basketball, different brand. Teams are starting to understand what we do a little bit more, so it might be a little tougher in some games.”

WARRIORS FORWARD DRAYMOND GREEN

ON THE HUSTLE PLAYS TONIGHT: “It was great. We were all on a string together, diving for loose balls, getting 50-50 balls and we needed an effort like that after the letdown yesterday.”

ON HOW THE TEAM FUNCTIONS WITH DURANT IN THE ROLE OF FACILITATOR: “We function better when he’s just playing basketball and being aggressive. I think he was very good distributing the basketball, 11 assists and two turnovers. Can’t complain about that, but when it boils down to it we are going to need Kevin Durant taking more than six shots. Nobody is complaining about it that he only took six shots tonight, it’s not the end of the world, but when it’s money time we’re not going to have Kevin Durant taking six shots so it is what it is, but I thought he played a good game tonight.”

ON WHAT HE ENJOYS ABOUT GOING UP AGAINST BLAKE GRIFFIN: “I enjoy playing against great players and taking on a challenge. Blake is a great player, he’s gotten a lot better since the last time I faced him, so it’s always a challenge and I just try to be physical. Very strong, likes to go to bully ball from time to time, just staying my ground and trying to make him take tough shots.”

Source: https://www.nba.com/pistons/news/postgame-quotes-pistons-vs-warriors-march-24-2019

[thisdaynews]

AOC’s voting bloc looks to its next targets in New York

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/aocs-voting-bloc-looks-to-its-next-targets-in-new-york/

AOC’s voting bloc looks to its next targets in New York

While the DA race is a New York City post, Cabán supporters are looking to wield their influence beyond the borders of Queens County and are in search for their next targets. | Hans Pennink/AP Photo

NEW YORK — The voting bloc that helped carry Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to victory has identified its next targets and is looking for more.

The group came within striking distance in the Queens district attorney Democratic primary of having Tiffany Cabán, a left-leaning public defender who ran on a criminal justice reform platform, beat Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.

Story Continued Below

After a two-week, unprecedented manual recount, Cabán conceded Tuesday night with Katz holding onto a lead of just 55 votes.

The close race shows that the voters who propelled Ocasio-Cortez’s unexpected win last year over an entrenched candidate are willing and able to extend their influence to other races. While the DA race is a New York City post, Cabán supporters are looking to wield their influence beyond the borders of Queens County and are in search for their next targets.

“My takeaway is a new coalition is nascent in Queens, and there is a lot more upside for this emerging progressive coalition than there is for the calcifying machine,” said Neal Kwatra, a Democratic consultant who has worked with New York politicians from Mayor Bill de Blasio to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Kwatra represents the Hotel Trades Council, a union that endorsed Katz but did little work on her campaign.

Younger voters in gentrifying neighborhoods of western Queens turned out en masse for Cabán, who was also able to cut into Katz’s expected base of support among older, middle-class black homeowners in southeast Queens.

The Democratic Socialists of America, which backed both Ocasio-Cortez and Cabán, is talking to roughly 10 people about possible challenges to local incumbents in Queens, said a source who would only speak on background about political challenges that have yet to be decided.

The group is looking at seats that appear winnable in western Queens — where it has a solid voting bloc — including those of Assemblymembers Aravella Simotas, Cathy Nolan and Michael DenDekker, said two sources.

And then there are left-leaning candidates who have already declared their intent to run against congressional incumbents.

Jamaal Bowman, a middle-school principal from the Bronx, is running against 30-year incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel. Bowman hasentered the racewith the support of Justice Democrats, the political action committee that backed Ocasio-Cortez.

Melquiades Gagarin, a Queens DSA member who volunteered for Cabán’s campaign, plans to launch a campaign against a formidable incumbent, Rep. Grace Meng, whose district stretches from Glendale to Flushing. Gagarin said he is seeking an endorsement from DSA and the Working Families Party, both of which backed Cabán and pull from a similar voter base.

“She’s very comfortable with the centrist wing of the party,” Gagarin said of Meng. “The voters deserve a choice on whether they want to stick with that or a more progressive vision.”

Meng said in a statement that she’s “honored” voters have had confidence in her to be their voice in Washington.

“Anybody is entitled to run and I take nothing for granted,” she said. “I will continue to fight tirelessly for the people of Queens whether it’s opposing the policies of the Trump administration, ensuring access to affordable healthcare, working with our labor unions to ensure safe working conditions, fighting for women and equal pay, helping veterans, standing up for underrepresented communities such as working families and immigrants, and being a voice for the voiceless.”

Erica Vladimer, an attorney and former state Senate staffer, is running against Rep. Carolyn Maloney, whose district includes Manhattan’s East Side and western Queens. Vladimer is a cofounder and former member of the Sexual Harassment Working Group that successfully advocated for New York to hold its firstsexual harassment hearing in 27 years.

Vladimer, who also volunteered for Cabán’s campaign, said she is positioning herself as a progressive candidate. She said the support of groups like DSA would “reflect the values” she is trying to represent.

“There’s a new generation of voices that are not only tired of the status quo, but are seeking ways to actually overhaul it,” Vladimer said. “We know we’re part of that solution and tired of waiting for it to happen.”

The DA primary race showed that the same groups that supported Ocasio-Cortez in her upset win against former Rep. Joe Crowley have fortified their base in western Queens. Roughly twice the number of people in western Queens turned out to vote in the district attorney primary compared to the congressional primary a year prior.

Political insiders say gentrification has played a role in allowing western Queens to become a hotspot for DSA-backed candidates, ushering in younger, white voters that skew more liberal than traditional homeowners in southeastern and eastern Queens. They’re also less likely to be swayed by the record of a longtime Queens politician, like Crowley or Katz.

“If you’ve only lived in Queens county for five years, then you’re probably less inclined and less impressed by someone who has been a household name for 20,” said Stu Loeser, a Democratic political consultant who used to serve as former mayor Mike Bloomberg’s press secretary.

“I wouldn’t say eastern Queens matters less — it’s that the pie is getting larger and the pie is getting larger in the western part of the county,” Loeser continued.

But expanding elsewhere in Queens could still pose a challenge, as Katz’s win showed.

Katz secured the most support in Southeast Queens neighborhoods like Jamaica, St. Albans and Hollis — though turnout was muted compared to former primary years. Those areas primarily consist of middle-class, black homeowners who are more moderate than the voters to whom Cabán was appealing.

The sheer size of the race could have also cut into Katz’s margin over Cabán.

Greg Lasak, a longtime assistant district attorney and judge, secured roughly 13,000 votes in the race. The bulk of his support came in more moderate to conservative pockets of Queens that could have potentially swung for Katz, such as Breezy Point, Rego Park and Middle Village.

“For the more middle-of-the-road to conservative Democrats, when it comes down to a choice between [Katz] and Cabán, there is no choice. [Katz] clearly carries those votes,” said Jonathan Greenspun, a political consultant who used to work for Bloomberg.

The Van Wyck expressway has become something of a demarcation line, separating the gentrifying western Queens neighborhoods — where incumbents are vulnerable to progressive challengers — from eastern Queens, a more ethnically diverse area with homeowners that skew moderate. That could make challenging powerful incumbents like Meng a heavy lift.

“The DA race proved that the progressive community in western Queens is a force to be reckoned with in the borough, but that it’s support is strongest west of the Van Wyck,” said Evan Stavisky, a partner at the Parkside Group, who represents candidates in Queens — several of whom have been backed by the county organization. “That makes taking on Grace Meng a real challenge.”

Kathryn Dale, a member of the DSA’s Queens electoral working group, said the organization plans to do more outreach and voter registration drives in southeast Queens. Cabán secured about one-third of the vote in the area.

“The fact that we got within a hair of winning shows there is a good, strong progressive base in Queens,” Dale said. “But there are certain people we need to talk to more outside of electoral politics. We definitely need to go into other areas of Queens, particularly southeast Queens, and talk to them more.”

DSA looks to challenge incumbents whom they view as “not standing for the people,” and one of the biggest markers of that is whether they have ties to real estate, Dale said.

“One of the biggest things to DSA is housing,” Dale said. “Anyone who accepts copious amounts of money from real estate or shows consistent support for real estate policies that harm the middle class and lower class — those are the biggest things we look out for.”

A central focus of the Cabán campaign was its refusal to accept money from real estate or corporations.

The group also looks for candidates that more closely reflect the diversity of the community they would represent, Dale added.

Ocasio-Cortez is the first Latina to represent her district in Congress. Had Cabán won the district attorney race, she would have become the first Latina and first openly queer person to assume the role.

There’s also a desire to challenge incumbents perceived as being too closely aligned with the political machine.

“I think there’s some element of, well you have some power so you’re part of the problem,” said a political insider in Democratic politics.

The incumbents vulnerable to future challenges pushed back on the notion that they can’t appeal to a so-called progressive surge in Queens.

“I’m proud to be an activist member of the Assembly, fighting for the progressive values that my constituents care about,” Simotas said in a statement. “Whether it’s holding big corporations accountable, working with victims to hold landmark hearings about sexual harassment in the capitol, or modernizing antiquated rape laws to protect women, I’m proud of what I’ve already accomplished and look forward to achieving even more.”

Maloney also touted her record when asked about an upcoming primary challenge.

“After so many years of making noise and passing laws that promote equality, clean government, consumer protection, women’s rights and more, it is gratifying to see more candidates join me in embracing these values,” Maloney said in a statement. “Debate and discussion make our party stronger and are exactly what we need to win in 2020.”

DenDekker said in an interview he will focus on his legislative record and ties to the community in the upcoming primary. The Jackson Heights native ran unopposed in the 2016 and 2018 primaries and general elections.

“It’s funny people call me the establishment — I don’t know how you got that,” he said, referencing that he was a sanitation worker before entering politics.

DenDekker referenced several bills he said would demonstrate his voting pattern aligns with his constituents, including one introduced this year that would implement a cigarette butt recycling program.

He also introduced a bill that was signed into law in 2010 that allows people charged with an offense to make a call to any number in the United States to either obtain legal counsel or contact relatives. Before the bill’s passage, only local calls were allowed.

“So I thought that was pretty progressive 11 years ago,” DenDekker said of the bill.

A spokesperson for Nolan did not return requests for comment.

Read More

[airoasis]

"Are You Right There Father Ted?" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/are-you-right-there-father-ted-father-ted-series-3-episode-1-dead-parrot-3/

"Are You Right There Father Ted?" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

What about select it will probably you do the 11 o’clock mass children I do the eleven and the 12 you should have a rest after that weekend away good Paris does are inclined to take it out with her i am off her game Ted Kerr become a member of me no thanks Darren what time we long gone to the colour for the races I consider after lunch Oh mrs. Carried out hopes you like puzzles i like pheasant however this is what it can be all about best port stunning environment and clever organization did you not have all that at your final parish no anything appears to fit your needs although you’ve acquired a newfound gleam in your eyes sure I will have to be staying here for a good file there is a little bit steel of myself for doing some thing silly however some of these money owed seem to ensure that this letter I need to cry ask father credit about one or two of these things that he’s put down under expenses goodness what’s making that enormously disturbing noise oh that is Ronaldo it was a bit lonely with out it head so I obtained a hamster rather yes can i ask although does he ever discontinue going for walks in that 2nd wheel he is need to use the wheel ever given that he rolled this into a seed tray but do not worry hiya I think there’s simply whatever fallacious with the brake how long has father Jack been dwelling in there I began only some days after you left perhaps he’s agoraphobic Jack frightened of combating i do not consider oh hell mrs.Doran just fell off the roof I believe i’m going to exit google visit father Fitzpatrick I consider he has a guide belonging to me let’s examine that – my lady here you understand many times I leap by way of this to see simply how a ways we have come Syl normal Christian mysteries dis Canada web beneath ah Stephen King’s The Shining good thanks for the tea father see the subsequent time we we’re sorry for the father i hope you intellect your having you booked them why must we bought a padlock on that door telephone is there whatever high-secret in there my collection oh sure oh so you how does this you accumulate this struggle memorabilia apart you wish to have a appear really more often than not taken from the German improve on Russia you’ll find the place the hammer hits the shell casing reduce that is very fascinating these are helmets traditionally infantry sure these would be German as well wouldn’t it that is correct you do not need something from the Allied side no no that style of thing wouldn’t interest at all an affair that is my curiosity satisfied and this is the final photograph taken of hair Hitler he’s signing just a few demise warrants they may be funny how you get more right-wing as you become old twice well grace this that is all distinguished stuff now some men and women once they see it they are now not too certain that you simply seem virtually although i am genuine you sisters watching you going yeah I told you little sleepy year old associates of mine ok appear on the desk it is so dirty i will be able to write in a minute there’s a gene Dubin the place our 2d as an alternative of dwelling in spin we’re simply going to have to get this situation clean do –gel and look at you look at that gap for your tank high what if the man or woman noticed that we’re good all proper dogs would you appear at that this 12 months appear a perfectly square little bit of black dirt on the window I mean how might you get a perfectly rectangular but a black dart on a window i would have thought that was virtually impossible it is just mrs.Darling can not do any cleansing her back is very dangerous for the reason that she fell off the roof form of keep her steadiness at all that is it then i’m just going to have got to come out and say it we’re going to have to smooth this place ourselves what you heard me doogal are you with me what yeah correct then let’s go let’s clean this mom kid anything it is up into the lamp that came off I could decide on that up just right notion i am bored no appear i am chinese authorized come on Google lighten up do not with or chinese individuals’s there o.K. Jack there I mean what mom’s a mement that is the N household living over there not old Chinatown subject town there there is a Chinatown and craggy Island Sokol i wouldn’t seem tall the Chinaman affect if I do not know her to be a Chinaman there to see which different variety of mine impression why not useless huh now not it is racist they feel i’m a racist i’m gonna ought to meet up with them and provide an explanation for i’m no longer a racist and truly if i don’t specialize like commonly i assume matters simply intent spaz i have a reservation X is one time see you bye twice the quick oh that is carried out alright what’s that I ordered some new stuff on the apartment do away with this old hash Google you do not think I upset those chinese people er dude I do not know Ted it was like the time we placed on that variety exhibit and you did that influence of Stephen Hawking he was once the last person you would assume to turn off that used to be one million-to-one shot God he can barely move in that wheelchair when he’s indignant i do not worry about its head anyway who did your foam habitat no Hobbit hash like habitat itself gentle furnishing but additionally clergymen garments does it now not get careworn with habitat although no that’s under no circumstances occurred before besides just there whilst you did anyway what else did you order priest sucks fairly black ones I read somewhere I believe within a piece of writing about pre sucks the pre socks are blacker than any other kind of stuff that is proper Google typically you see lay people wearing what appeared like black socks however if you happen to appear intently you can see the very very very very very very very dark blue that’s real I notion my uncle Tommy used to be wearing black socks but after I checked out them closely they were simply very very very very very very very very very very darkish blue in no way purchase black socks in a traditional shop it shaft you at any time when no they’re fired look residence out no bows and equal as your self excellent excellent I hear you’re restless no father what how did you get interested by that sort of thing son of a racist all people’s saying this father will have to all of us be racist understand what the reliable line the torch is taken is oh no simplest the farm takes up many of the day and at night oh identical to a cup of tea I like to be competent to devote myself full time to the ancient racism insider what Oh mrs.Gorrie excellent for you father however any individual either obtained to face as much as the mid lap coming over here taking our jobs and our ladies like father like are you you failed to agree sister chinese language attorney right there best get London I are not able to restrict the Greek they invented gayness seem any person i am not a racist all right god sagging Rick how’s Mary she’s fine she’s got that job lavatory good day hiya is that the indignity Fowley yes this is Sean Yin her father Ted Cunha right here I suppose I owe you an apology like then have you learnt why’s a hydrogen that the whole lot cleared up they’re coming straight around I simply be very pleasant to them and men and women will stop saying i am a racist it can be great nothing could go incorrect wonderful so the story is you are now not a racist as soon as no it is not a story i am not a racist howdy all people rather right here you are a racist no mrs.Canine just isn’t a racist i am not i am not a racist mrs. Doyle we’re gonna must do whatever on your again you can’t go on like this i am just going to check out some no do not worry mrs. Doyle oh no no simply run Mac oh oh yes much better oh yes yes yes it is exceptional let me to find no father no seriously father my fetus two decades younger hey the chinese language are coming all proper where are they Beckett this massive mark continues to be in the window certainly not intellect whats up howdy I have no idea why we ought to speak to this fascist come on now it should have just been where are they going I invite them circular they usually don’t even let me inform them my facet of the story this is terrible people think i am some form of Nazi racist and i am no longer fuckin Isis howdy here’s an inspiration proper off the top of my head now occurs harder to so it can be quite often no longer awesome however what the hell i do not speak and notice what comes out anyway tremendous some sorta particular occasion celebrating all of the exceptional cultures and craggy Island after which individuals would think you are a remarkable man as a substitute of a huge racist for the reason that but that is a just right notion no it’s it’s real it is famous simply most of the time anything fallacious with it I just have not notion it by means of no i’m going to do it you have had a superb suggestion but destroy it down for me a bit more what would an event celebrating all distinctive cultures in craggy Island sincerely be like what what wouldn’t it contain I mean occasion sure but what form could it take Ted i want condominium appear at me I went too a ways to tune I didn’t know what I used to be entering Ted I did not understand you need to follow up a just right inspiration with loads more little excellent strategies i am sorry okay i will sleep in the spare room oh girl i’m sorry you are full a sheltered you for 50 years you’ve got not ever even made me a cup of tea you are making metropolis i know a lot about our traditional washing up I suppose it’s for the entire of 1947 and today in 1973 you rewrite you broke all of the location of and you went okay i am so worn out and that i never had to hurry up plates fill I was in the Verma – certainly not you’re using me insane i will take a valium – so – oh why does your ate the whole thing I do wait he’s on valium these are the cyanide we kept for emergencies you set cyanide subsequent to the valium younger fool that is asking for situation you close up up Ramona got 50 so you sir leave me that’s just noted books that is best through me to put angelicus collide and ok good good just right I stepped on the hamsters bike and fell down the stairs father Dugan I proposal I advised you to position away that is like safely did to it that is what breaking the cage oh no no do not fear father it can be temporary I feel exceptional I utterly forgotten that i can turn my head around like this all right good hear that stuff from habitat is arriving at present so when it comes give father jacket where is father Jack I believe consume up the chimney will I burn the monk father smoked with backoffice could be all over the place the house anyway when that stuff comes pull all of it up the entire new puppies and the matters for the chairs and that is your factor fairly i might recognize but that variety of stuff since i am a man anyway we’re almost always party of Craig island ethnic diversity good this normal beer Widow it’s a fine honor and privilege for me to gift this celebration of the extensive variety of cultures that exist at present on craggy Island specifically chinese language folks and men and women from prag Island I secured a brief slide presentation which reflects this multicultural mix so with out additional ado that’s a stack to show it’s now not visited the island just a few years in the past I disregard his title now however them I bought on very well with them Sajal alternatively good the beam is pretty drunk at this yes there might be a confined supply of free drink afterwards the satisfactory Wall of China a miracle of chinese engineering so big you can find it from at any place on the planet Chairman Mao Secretary of the Communist celebration of China one of the crucial largest communist events on the planet in my opinion the excellent mr.Miyagi from the karate my favourite film now not when you consider that of the Karate kid himself but when you consider that of mr. Miyagi now not ample day goes by way of after I do not do not forget considered one of his many words of wisdom kiddo we already spring from them the Maori sorry I do not know find out how to cuss in there and seem for our no Mary’s on calculator ring the message the excellent of the entire chinese language people themselves seem at them there and so they create that vibrant a high-quality bunch of that so I suppose it is simply all facets of chinese tradition thank you enthusiastic about coming here well slide show free drink very so much liked thanks father obviously sure well I just desired to clear matters off i’m not a trend and the priest I must dress in black and go around telling men and women what to do whereas clergymen more drink wherever in the air would you adore a cup of tea oh no no thanks no i’ve a form of hypersensitive reaction to as you are aware of it’s very infrequent we’re lovely critical if I drink tea there may be a 70% chance of dying you are making cope any approach that you can to change your mind no thanks anyway to China hooray – cookie Islands hiya more drink i’m sorry Tabasco how about each person comes again to my location for a drink wait I need to go to the bathroom first this joy we have yet do that stuff like sure and that i mentioned so notable I’ve blown up in lower than an hour and there was this layer yeah expensive father critic on the guidelines of a recently deceased client father Seamus Fitzpatrick here are some gadgets which he designated you will have to have in the occasion of this death i will explain everything truly no I can’t hey sorry once more and then most importantly have you ever opened that gift but no looking ahead to it although a year’s provide of whiskey how very generous sure the trouble there is essentially you see there is been a bit of a transformation of plan Oh you Oh you you

[batterymonster2021]

"Are You Right There Father Ted?" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/are-you-right-there-father-ted-father-ted-series-3-episode-1-dead-parrot-3/

"Are You Right There Father Ted?" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

What about select it will probably you do the 11 o’clock mass children I do the eleven and the 12 you should have a rest after that weekend away good Paris does are inclined to take it out with her i am off her game Ted Kerr become a member of me no thanks Darren what time we long gone to the colour for the races I consider after lunch Oh mrs. Carried out hopes you like puzzles i like pheasant however this is what it can be all about best port stunning environment and clever organization did you not have all that at your final parish no anything appears to fit your needs although you’ve acquired a newfound gleam in your eyes sure I will have to be staying here for a good file there is a little bit steel of myself for doing some thing silly however some of these money owed seem to ensure that this letter I need to cry ask father credit about one or two of these things that he’s put down under expenses goodness what’s making that enormously disturbing noise oh that is Ronaldo it was a bit lonely with out it head so I obtained a hamster rather yes can i ask although does he ever discontinue going for walks in that 2nd wheel he is need to use the wheel ever given that he rolled this into a seed tray but do not worry hiya I think there’s simply whatever fallacious with the brake how long has father Jack been dwelling in there I began only some days after you left perhaps he’s agoraphobic Jack frightened of combating i do not consider oh hell mrs.Doran just fell off the roof I believe i’m going to exit google visit father Fitzpatrick I consider he has a guide belonging to me let’s examine that – my lady here you understand many times I leap by way of this to see simply how a ways we have come Syl normal Christian mysteries dis Canada web beneath ah Stephen King’s The Shining good thanks for the tea father see the subsequent time we we’re sorry for the father i hope you intellect your having you booked them why must we bought a padlock on that door telephone is there whatever high-secret in there my collection oh sure oh so you how does this you accumulate this struggle memorabilia apart you wish to have a appear really more often than not taken from the German improve on Russia you’ll find the place the hammer hits the shell casing reduce that is very fascinating these are helmets traditionally infantry sure these would be German as well wouldn’t it that is correct you do not need something from the Allied side no no that style of thing wouldn’t interest at all an affair that is my curiosity satisfied and this is the final photograph taken of hair Hitler he’s signing just a few demise warrants they may be funny how you get more right-wing as you become old twice well grace this that is all distinguished stuff now some men and women once they see it they are now not too certain that you simply seem virtually although i am genuine you sisters watching you going yeah I told you little sleepy year old associates of mine ok appear on the desk it is so dirty i will be able to write in a minute there’s a gene Dubin the place our 2d as an alternative of dwelling in spin we’re simply going to have to get this situation clean do –gel and look at you look at that gap for your tank high what if the man or woman noticed that we’re good all proper dogs would you appear at that this 12 months appear a perfectly square little bit of black dirt on the window I mean how might you get a perfectly rectangular but a black dart on a window i would have thought that was virtually impossible it is just mrs.Darling can not do any cleansing her back is very dangerous for the reason that she fell off the roof form of keep her steadiness at all that is it then i’m just going to have got to come out and say it we’re going to have to smooth this place ourselves what you heard me doogal are you with me what yeah correct then let’s go let’s clean this mom kid anything it is up into the lamp that came off I could decide on that up just right notion i am bored no appear i am chinese authorized come on Google lighten up do not with or chinese individuals’s there o.K. Jack there I mean what mom’s a mement that is the N household living over there not old Chinatown subject town there there is a Chinatown and craggy Island Sokol i wouldn’t seem tall the Chinaman affect if I do not know her to be a Chinaman there to see which different variety of mine impression why not useless huh now not it is racist they feel i’m a racist i’m gonna ought to meet up with them and provide an explanation for i’m no longer a racist and truly if i don’t specialize like commonly i assume matters simply intent spaz i have a reservation X is one time see you bye twice the quick oh that is carried out alright what’s that I ordered some new stuff on the apartment do away with this old hash Google you do not think I upset those chinese people er dude I do not know Ted it was like the time we placed on that variety exhibit and you did that influence of Stephen Hawking he was once the last person you would assume to turn off that used to be one million-to-one shot God he can barely move in that wheelchair when he’s indignant i do not worry about its head anyway who did your foam habitat no Hobbit hash like habitat itself gentle furnishing but additionally clergymen garments does it now not get careworn with habitat although no that’s under no circumstances occurred before besides just there whilst you did anyway what else did you order priest sucks fairly black ones I read somewhere I believe within a piece of writing about pre sucks the pre socks are blacker than any other kind of stuff that is proper Google typically you see lay people wearing what appeared like black socks however if you happen to appear intently you can see the very very very very very very very dark blue that’s real I notion my uncle Tommy used to be wearing black socks but after I checked out them closely they were simply very very very very very very very very very very darkish blue in no way purchase black socks in a traditional shop it shaft you at any time when no they’re fired look residence out no bows and equal as your self excellent excellent I hear you’re restless no father what how did you get interested by that sort of thing son of a racist all people’s saying this father will have to all of us be racist understand what the reliable line the torch is taken is oh no simplest the farm takes up many of the day and at night oh identical to a cup of tea I like to be competent to devote myself full time to the ancient racism insider what Oh mrs.Gorrie excellent for you father however any individual either obtained to face as much as the mid lap coming over here taking our jobs and our ladies like father like are you you failed to agree sister chinese language attorney right there best get London I are not able to restrict the Greek they invented gayness seem any person i am not a racist all right god sagging Rick how’s Mary she’s fine she’s got that job lavatory good day hiya is that the indignity Fowley yes this is Sean Yin her father Ted Cunha right here I suppose I owe you an apology like then have you learnt why’s a hydrogen that the whole lot cleared up they’re coming straight around I simply be very pleasant to them and men and women will stop saying i am a racist it can be great nothing could go incorrect wonderful so the story is you are now not a racist as soon as no it is not a story i am not a racist howdy all people rather right here you are a racist no mrs.Canine just isn’t a racist i am not i am not a racist mrs. Doyle we’re gonna must do whatever on your again you can’t go on like this i am just going to check out some no do not worry mrs. Doyle oh no no simply run Mac oh oh yes much better oh yes yes yes it is exceptional let me to find no father no seriously father my fetus two decades younger hey the chinese language are coming all proper where are they Beckett this massive mark continues to be in the window certainly not intellect whats up howdy I have no idea why we ought to speak to this fascist come on now it should have just been where are they going I invite them circular they usually don’t even let me inform them my facet of the story this is terrible people think i am some form of Nazi racist and i am no longer fuckin Isis howdy here’s an inspiration proper off the top of my head now occurs harder to so it can be quite often no longer awesome however what the hell i do not speak and notice what comes out anyway tremendous some sorta particular occasion celebrating all of the exceptional cultures and craggy Island after which individuals would think you are a remarkable man as a substitute of a huge racist for the reason that but that is a just right notion no it’s it’s real it is famous simply most of the time anything fallacious with it I just have not notion it by means of no i’m going to do it you have had a superb suggestion but destroy it down for me a bit more what would an event celebrating all distinctive cultures in craggy Island sincerely be like what what wouldn’t it contain I mean occasion sure but what form could it take Ted i want condominium appear at me I went too a ways to tune I didn’t know what I used to be entering Ted I did not understand you need to follow up a just right inspiration with loads more little excellent strategies i am sorry okay i will sleep in the spare room oh girl i’m sorry you are full a sheltered you for 50 years you’ve got not ever even made me a cup of tea you are making metropolis i know a lot about our traditional washing up I suppose it’s for the entire of 1947 and today in 1973 you rewrite you broke all of the location of and you went okay i am so worn out and that i never had to hurry up plates fill I was in the Verma – certainly not you’re using me insane i will take a valium – so – oh why does your ate the whole thing I do wait he’s on valium these are the cyanide we kept for emergencies you set cyanide subsequent to the valium younger fool that is asking for situation you close up up Ramona got 50 so you sir leave me that’s just noted books that is best through me to put angelicus collide and ok good good just right I stepped on the hamsters bike and fell down the stairs father Dugan I proposal I advised you to position away that is like safely did to it that is what breaking the cage oh no no do not fear father it can be temporary I feel exceptional I utterly forgotten that i can turn my head around like this all right good hear that stuff from habitat is arriving at present so when it comes give father jacket where is father Jack I believe consume up the chimney will I burn the monk father smoked with backoffice could be all over the place the house anyway when that stuff comes pull all of it up the entire new puppies and the matters for the chairs and that is your factor fairly i might recognize but that variety of stuff since i am a man anyway we’re almost always party of Craig island ethnic diversity good this normal beer Widow it’s a fine honor and privilege for me to gift this celebration of the extensive variety of cultures that exist at present on craggy Island specifically chinese language folks and men and women from prag Island I secured a brief slide presentation which reflects this multicultural mix so with out additional ado that’s a stack to show it’s now not visited the island just a few years in the past I disregard his title now however them I bought on very well with them Sajal alternatively good the beam is pretty drunk at this yes there might be a confined supply of free drink afterwards the satisfactory Wall of China a miracle of chinese engineering so big you can find it from at any place on the planet Chairman Mao Secretary of the Communist celebration of China one of the crucial largest communist events on the planet in my opinion the excellent mr.Miyagi from the karate my favourite film now not when you consider that of the Karate kid himself but when you consider that of mr. Miyagi now not ample day goes by way of after I do not do not forget considered one of his many words of wisdom kiddo we already spring from them the Maori sorry I do not know find out how to cuss in there and seem for our no Mary’s on calculator ring the message the excellent of the entire chinese language people themselves seem at them there and so they create that vibrant a high-quality bunch of that so I suppose it is simply all facets of chinese tradition thank you enthusiastic about coming here well slide show free drink very so much liked thanks father obviously sure well I just desired to clear matters off i’m not a trend and the priest I must dress in black and go around telling men and women what to do whereas clergymen more drink wherever in the air would you adore a cup of tea oh no no thanks no i’ve a form of hypersensitive reaction to as you are aware of it’s very infrequent we’re lovely critical if I drink tea there may be a 70% chance of dying you are making cope any approach that you can to change your mind no thanks anyway to China hooray – cookie Islands hiya more drink i’m sorry Tabasco how about each person comes again to my location for a drink wait I need to go to the bathroom first this joy we have yet do that stuff like sure and that i mentioned so notable I’ve blown up in lower than an hour and there was this layer yeah expensive father critic on the guidelines of a recently deceased client father Seamus Fitzpatrick here are some gadgets which he designated you will have to have in the occasion of this death i will explain everything truly no I can’t hey sorry once more and then most importantly have you ever opened that gift but no looking ahead to it although a year’s provide of whiskey how very generous sure the trouble there is essentially you see there is been a bit of a transformation of plan Oh you Oh you you

[wanderlearn-blog1]

About honey face mask

Do that before you decide to check out mattress and go away the mask on right away. Rinse your face with warm water the subsequent morning. https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Your-Skin is usually recommended to try this for 2 months and afterwards evaluate the final results. Does your skin seem pale, worn out and dehydrated all the time? Are you aware that a skin care routine and straightforward facial guidelines can cheer your skin up? Get started by Checking out our intensive assortment of skin care merchandise, which includes products to your eyes, lips and face. We stock goods from several of the best names during the elegance business which include Nivea, Lakme, Vichy, Lotus Herbals, Olay, Biotique and Neutrogena, to name several. Rate: This is one of the best portions of this procedure! A lot of the components talked about higher than are previously accessible in many households, besides Kelp and Tea Tree Oil which aren’t very high-priced. Honey has long been haled because the wonder overcome for skin of all types. It has been used due to the fact historical occasions to treat cuts, burns, and reduce skin swellings. Tech and M. Tech (Chemical Engineering) from IIT Bombay and continues to be actively composing about health and fitness and diet given that above previous 12 years. When not Doing the job he likes to trek and do gardening. Generating on the face pack is probably the easiest Do it yourself do-it-yourself techniques to deal with the oily and acne vulnerable skin. Let's have a trip to obtain an notion of methods of preparation with the orange face mask for oily skin and acne. • Get 50 % a banana, mash it within a bowl with the assistance of the fork or spoon, and blend one tablespoon Each individual of orange juice and honey in it. Apply this home made elegance recipe for quarter-hour and then clean it off with lukewarm h2o.   Any Woman worth her smooth skin understands the various body scrub Gains. However , you don’t must run to your parlour whenever you want sleek, glowing, healthful skin. And nor do you need to buy pricey, chemical-laden scrubs from the market. This face mask is black in colour and intended with air flow holes to assist you to breathe effortlessly. Additionally, it has an activated charcoal filter, a broad proof hook and loop closure that may make sure a snug match. Historical past: Lots of of those masks have now been in use for many hundreds of a long time as a conventional household treatment for skin disorders like acne. Application: Apply a layer of the Kelp – Aloe Vera – Honey Mask completely with your face and other impacted places. Depart it on for fifteen to 20 minutes after which you can rinse with lukewarm h2o. A couple of minutes later on, clean your face yet again with cold drinking water. You understand how a compliment can lift your spirit and make your working day? It’s a similar on your skin! It has to be complimented on a regular basis to appear and feel its ideal. And there’s practically nothing like a superior exfoliation to carry back again your glow and assurance. I have compiled some excellent facial scrubs that work just and also the dear scrubs, but all definitely all natural and organic and cost actually pennies. This written content is exact and correct to the most beneficial of the writer’s know-how and isn't meant to substitute for official and individualized suggestions from a certified Specialist.

Facts About honey face mask Revealed

Spread the orange peels inside of a tray and area them in a place that gets lots of sunshine. Depart them there until finally They may be extensively dried—this generally can take 1 to two days, but will take up to 5 in chilly, cloudy climate. Creating your own private do-it-yourself face masks and scrubs is pretty simple. Why buy a store-purchased face mask when You should utilize primary substances observed across the dwelling to create masks that Expense pennies? Should you have oily skin and therefore are struggling, the Enhance of citric acid in lemon juice will truly help to cleanse and exfoliate skin. Mash a ripe banana with juice from 50 % a lemon, rub on your face and depart for ten to fifteen minutes, and rinse. Turmeric is a common component in Southeast Asian attractiveness solutions. It is beloved for its skin lightening abilities. Just be careful, the orange can stain incredibly light skin. Rinse the mask off with heat h2o, and pat dry your face.[thirteen] Aloe allows to lessen redness and irritation, and that is common with people who have delicate skin.  Merge the nutrients of banana along with other impressive substances, we formulate impressive banana face mask that actually works wonder and aids in resolving several skin difficulties. This orange peel powder has uses manifold. The peel includes citric acid that can help in the brightening of skin Normally. Incorporate the strength of banana with baking soda, that's a purely natural deep cleanser and oil remover. You merely must increase about one/2 a teaspoon of baking soda in your mashed banana mask for it to work. Permit the mask sit with your face for approximately 10 minutes in advance of rinsing. I only use just one egg every time and doubtless use only 50 % of it as it doesn’t take Substantially to address the realm. When you’re about to help save the egg white for another software then continue to keep it in the fridge. Hey !!! Am satisfied to get this coffee idea … It’s far better to try fairly experiencing sip over a mug Many thanks all .. .. By way of example, include yogurt or product and honey For those who have dry skin. Add lemon juice In case you have oily skin. In case you have Tremendous dehydrated skin, oils operate in its place for dairy. Get a listing of essential oils that do the job for all skin styles. Not all crucial oils work for all skin types. Some could burn off or harm sensitive skin, by way of example. 4 tbsp. finely floor espresso or coffee beans (by now ground coffee and in many cases immediate coffee operate if you do not have your own personal grinder) Consuming an excellent degree of water day after day will help a whole lot. Also, wash your face and just take off all make-up each and every night.

honey face mask Things To Know Before You Buy

Wash your face very first and your arms as well simply because you don’t to apply a face mask on soiled face. So right after this apply a thick layer of the mask on the face. Hi i saw your publish on pointless and beloved it I am know hoping the coffee mask. Thank you for using house products that get the job done. As it burns I'm able to’t depart it on for too long. I clean it off and implement the remainder of the banana and go away it on for 15-20 min and wash it off with cold drinking water and complete off that has a moisturiser. I am loving it. Perfect for troubled skin. At last, splash cold h2o on your own face to close the pores and retain the nutrients with the mask penetrated within the pores. Head into a posh spa and you will deal with on your own (to get a mere $100-$three hundred) to an all-in excess of physique scrub. Or you may spend up to $50 on a flowery physique scrub. Why purchase when you can also make a do-it-yourself body scrub out of simple components oneself? All you may need is salt or sugar, system oil and a nice, warm tub. Get seven to 9 several hours of slumber each night. Not acquiring ample slumber will make your skin look uninteresting and sallow. It might also result in baggage or shadows less than your eyes. Receiving plenty of rest will decrease wrinkles and less than-eye puffiness. It will likely provide you with a healthy, glowing complexion.[fifteen] Certainly, You should use banana with orange peel powder. For much better success increase in full product milk also and produce a thick paste. Use this mask on your complete face, preventing eye area and go away it about half an hour. Then Carefully remove it with heat h2o (don’t rub your face as it may possibly irritate your skin). To check In case you have oily skin, press a paper napkin in your forehead. Once you pull it away, it ought to be soaked in oils. Hello, I have oily skin, very prone to acne, so much so that I can’t don't forget a time when i had distinct skin….. will the banana mask still work on my skin??? I preserve acquiring Lively acne which leaves dim and deep places, generating my skintone uneven. This extract has natural antioxidant Houses that enable restore elasticity for your wrinkled skin. Therapeutic massage the grape seed extract into your deep wrinkles daily to keep your skin seeking younger. As you have got oily skin exceptionally vulnerable to acne, you should apply acne distinct treatments. I suggest you pay a visit to This great site that has most effective acne household therapies ans see for purely natural remedies specific for your acne difficulties: Reports have revealed that egg proteins drastically add in keeping the elasticity of skin. An egg incorporates about 69 distinctive proteins, which have the magical electric power of decreasing good lines and give momentary aid with the deep types. i am acquiring pimples for 1 yr i employed many but practically nothing worked .is it possible to recommend me by using pimples and marks got by them Combine collectively the coconut oil and ground coffee and use to your face utilizing round motions. Stay away from getting the mixture in the eyes, nose and mouth.

face mask Options

Guidance: To sort this anti getting old skin care face mask which also provides a lightening outcome, put all the components within a blender, or mash by hand in a bowl. Use your fingers to unfold the mask more than your face and neck and leave it on for at least 30 minutes, preferably more time, in advance of removing. Reply: Any serious honey will do, but my personalized most loved is raw, unfiltered honey because it retains more of its potent therapeutic Houses. I can actually inform the distinction between the types of honey I’ve utilized for my honey mask. Really don't use moisturizers with sunscreen at nighttime, the elements will not be meant for use 24/seven and may aggravate skin. When selecting a sunscreen, ensure that it includes Mexoryl. Usually there are some potent natural vitamins and minerals in bananas that make them Mom Character's outstanding magnificence repair! Dr. Oz even goes as far as to which the tropical fruits are character’s pain-free, cheap Botox. They also work wonders on acne and oily skin. Increase the honey to your egg white and lemon juice, and blend every little thing once more. You will require ½ tablespoon of honey. Make https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMaHxDIaWaQ that it's the translucent, runny kind. Honey is antibacterial and acts as being a pure antiseptic. It is usually moisturizing and will help replenish the skin.[3] Blend honey and cinnamon with each other, and use in your face. Depart the mask on for 10-half an hour. The antibacterial Houses of the two honey and cinnamon make this honey mask fantastic acne-prone skin. Use simple, unsweetened and unflavored one particular. If your skin is oily, you would possibly like a reduce Excess fat content, but entire milk yogurt (goat or sheep milk yogurt are known to be even more effective) may have probably the most nutrients. Hey Chandni, The banana Lime and Honey face mask you advised is excellent,thanks for it.. I have just begun it and am experience good. Sure You should use the encouraged face pack without having egg yolk. It will make your skin delicate and glowing.. For https://steptoremedies.com/homemade-avocado-face-mask/ care pure face masks, there's no all-natural component that may be a reasonably near substitute for turmeric. Working with honey with other elements in this face mask ensures that this mask clears only excess oil with the skin instead of the humidity information on the skin. Besan (Gram flour) removes additional oils that your skin cells release. Yogurt has lactic acid, which is excellent for oily skin as it can help exfoliate and refresh the skin. I washed it off quickly and dint Enable the banana do the job its magic. What can be the challenge ? Thanks You could combine them, but this concoction will not have extensive shelf lifetime. It’s often better to arrange refreshing fruits masks for finest benefits……

sugar face mask - An Overview

I have in no way heard about an egg white face mask ahead of. All round, I am happy which i found this hub. many thanks for the recipe plus some Perception regarding how to have a cleaner and more healthy seeking face. Voted up and shared. Turmeric masks have an everyday location in my splendor schedule — I do them after each week. They’ll go away a slight yellow hue over the skin, but that fades in about thirty minutes. In case you notice residue after the thirty minute mark, you'll be able to soak a cotton ball with milk and go above All those locations. "My face necessary just a little help with moisturizing, which aided me with that. " Rated this informative article: If I have been to create a larger batch of the, can it be Protected to retailer? Or is creating person batches the very best idea? You need to use about three teaspoons of lemon juice, and in order to enable it to be a peel-off, just insert some lotion onto your face and hold out a couple of minutes, then put the mask on. "It is really refreshing and effective. It is the best face mask to produce with what is currently on-hand. I tried it and got very good success."..." much more CK Corrina Knape Omg thank you very beneficial I just finished washing my face Using the Banana,limon,honey and allow me to tell u my skin is flawless I really like how you won't need to use to quite a few ingridience.. And u get a terrific outcome very contented thank u:) No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs are going to be hyperlinked. Feedback usually are not for promoting your content or other internet sites. Combine your elements. The procedure for mixing your ingredients is usually to stir the sugar and oil in a very bowl until finally These are just merged, then to incorporate during the finely chopped fruit or vegetable. Following, muddle the combination with each other.[23] Just completed this face mask, my skin feels fab! Very like the idea of turmeric extra to it so I’ll try this future time x I'm hardly ever with out avocados and yoghurt ; I go away it on my face although I shower , it definitely helps make a difference . I'll check out the egg white following time . This short article was co-authored by our experienced team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Collectively, they cited facts from 17 references. Groups: Honey Face Masks This can be the first time I've examine egg whites as face masks. I locate the ideas on how to use these actually useful. To have the most bang to your buck and the very best effects, try to find chilly pressed, unrefined coconut oil. I use THIS coconut oil. You could find cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil in many grocery and overall health foods shops.

Top Guidelines Of yeast face mask

This can be an advancement more than the traditional Aloe Vera Honey Mask to the procedure of acne and it could possibly enormously increase the benefits. Merge matcha powder, honey and oil in a small bowl and mix very well. (In the event you don’t have matcha powder, Reduce open a green tea bag and use the leaves.) Utilize this on the face and go away it for 15 minutes prior to washing off heat h2o. Recommendations: Use this mixture three to four occasions each week (even a day-to-day software is ok), but make sure to get ready it fresh each and every time, as it is vitally quick to arrange and only at that time. Amazing hub. I'm a Skin therapist myself And that i take a look at a whole lot of different skin care products and solutions out there now. I do on the other hand agree with also making your very own homemade skin care recipes! This a single does get the job done and Many individuals Really don't comprehend how good egg whites are to the skin! Thx for sharing! Excellent task! Does your skin glimpse pale, fatigued and dehydrated constantly? Do you know that a skin care schedule and simple facial suggestions can cheer your skin up? Commence by Discovering our considerable collection of skin care merchandise, which includes items for your eyes, lips and face. We stock things from many of the most effective names from the magnificence small business which includes Nivea, Lakme, Vichy, Lotus Herbals, Olay, Biotique and Neutrogena, to call a number of. • Take fifty percent a banana, mash it in a very bowl with the assistance of the fork or spoon, and mix a person tablespoon Just about every of orange juice and honey in it. Implement this homemade attractiveness recipe for 15 minutes then clean it off with lukewarm h2o.   For those who have complete coffee beans, finely grind beans in the grinder. Keep in https://twitter.com/steptoremedies/status/1087123555727405058 , beans need to be finely ground so they don't scratch your face. If you merely created coffee, You should utilize the freshly brewed coffee grounds, While they will not comprise just as much caffeine. 3. Your face could be a little bit crimson once the scrub. This is due to in the sugar scrub which stimulates appropriate blood circulation as part of your face. The redness will vanish right after some time and your face will be glowing and free from peeling skin and useless cells. Have on dark clothes while you are working with this mask because it stains the garments (I learnt it the challenging way!). I am questioning if You should utilize these facial masks only for the sake of having fresh new skin? Or could it be a good idea only to use them for acne or other skin irritations? Examine carefully If they're suited to your skin kind. If you pick one thing ideal you will be delighted with the outcome: Inside of a clean up mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white and lemon juice right up until the mixture becomes frothy. The lemon juice masks the odour in the egg white. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcIg5xpL80o of honey and stir effectively. Egg whites tighten the skin and shrink your pores though the yogurt nourishes your complexion. It’s like getting a Botox treatment! Points: The citric acid in lemon juice is a superb cleanser, and so is milk. Yogurt can also be an excellent cleanser, in addition to a good softener. This is significant because making use of lemon juice alone can make your skin truly feel stretched and dried.

Details, Fiction and face mask

Wash your face with a mild soap and pat it dry by using a smooth towel. Utilizing thoroughly clean fingers, rub the mask into your face. Implement the mask in a slightly thick layer and hold it on for 10 to 15 minutes so that it could soak in. You can nonetheless it's recommended that you just use a darkly coloured glass bottle, not plastic, for purity. Certainly use inside of a couple of days because the oil Homes will reduce with time and warmth. Do you've got any recipes for bad acne employing cinnamon and coconut oil? I actually need assist for my actually genuinely bad acne.. Whisk while in the honey. Do that until finally the lemon juice, olive oil, and honey Blend into a medium-thick Alternative. You could alter the quantity of honey and olive oil you employ based upon how thick or skinny you would like the scrub to be. Clean your face. Use a mild cleanser to clean your face with lukewarm h2o, then pat your face dry using a clean, dry washcloth. By: Unfold the paste onto your face, staying away from your eyes and nostrils. Massage the mixture gently into your skin to exfoliate lifeless cells. I've troubled skin together with clogged pores on my forehead and a lot of blackheads on my nose, what would you recommend is the greatest normal cures for extracting the Dust and oil in my pores? my skin could possibly get dry extremely very easily but it surely tends to be extremely oily :(( Independent the egg and preserve the yolk. Crack open up an egg more than a bowl and transfer the yolk forwards and backwards among the two shells. Each time the yolk falls into a shell, a small amount of the egg white need to slide to the bowl. Keep performing this until eventually every one of the egg white is inside the bowl. Get ready your face for the mask by washing it with warm h2o. This could open up your pores, that can Enhance the success from the mask. Given that this mask tends to acquire really messy, You can even pull your hair back again right into a ponytail, braid it, or pin it back. Implement this mask with thoroughly clean fingers to your freshly cleaned and dried face. The baking soda may sting somewhat, but This is often no trigger for alarm. This mask is rather very important in preserving cleanse and healthier skin. The egg is an extremely interesting meals with lots of nutrients. It Is that this richness which makes it great even with the skin. Wash the mask off and pat your face dry. Use lukewarm water to rinse your face off. Try out not to clean far too really hard. Gently pat your face dry by using a smooth, cleanse towel. Shower after. In the event you shower just before, the eggs will don't have anything to "seize on to". Following, you need the mask to generally be well and definitely off your face, in addition to a shower can help with that. In accordance Along with the regulation of 8th December 1992, you'll be able to access the database containing your individual facts and modify this data at any time by making contact with Link to Media (info@linktomedia.Web)

An Unbiased View of yeast face mask

Our companions use cookies to guarantee we demonstrate promotion that is certainly pertinent to you personally. If you proceed without Altering your options, we will suppose that you're delighted to receive all cookies on Boldsky Site. On the other hand, you can adjust your cookie configurations Anytime. Learn more Points: Honey has antimicrobial properties and antioxidants which are beneficially sticky. This stickiness pulls away the dust, dead skin, and microbes with the pores while the antimicrobial properties hold the skin from turning out to be contaminated once more. Applying honey with other components On this face mask makes certain that this mask clears only excess oil through the skin and not the moisture articles of the skin. Steer clear of the eye and mouth area when making use of the combination, as these are typically much more sensitive when compared with other aspects of your face; as well as tightening and stretching on the mask may well lead to wrinkles. > Who doesn’t want to scent fantastic all day lengthy? A very good scent can not just cause you to scent amazing, it could improve your self-confidence manifold. It is actually rather prevalent awareness that oranges can be a godsend for the skin. What isn’t emphasized adequate, nevertheless, is that In regards to rejuvenating your lackluster skin, essentially the most strong Component of the fruit is, in actual fact, it’s peel. This can be employed to collect info on traffic to articles along with other web pages on our website. Except if you're signed in to your HubPages account, all personally identifiable information and facts is anonymized. (the scientific identify to the widespread type of acne) can be an Virtually common issue, with approximately Everybody on earth struggling from some type (gentle or intense), faster or later of their lives. Get 7 to nine hrs of snooze Each individual night. Not finding enough snooze could make your skin seem uninteresting and sallow. It could also result in baggage or shadows below your eyes. Having plenty of slumber will reduce wrinkles and underneath-eye puffiness. It will likely provide you with a healthier, glowing complexion.[fifteen] Vitamin E – Acts for a barrier for your skin in opposition to the free radical hurt. In addition it guards the skin with the dangerous UV rays. Software: Apply a person layer of this mixture on your own entire face and down on to your throat. Look forward to a couple of minutes till it dries. Then, use a 2nd layer and keep implementing right until you've made use of the whole batch. Tips: Performs ideal when fresh new. Permit the combination stand for around ten minutes just before implementing it to the acne-affected areas. It really is a thing that many of the cosmetic industries are already working with of their merchandise as a result of it various skin Gains. Now, this one particular could be very good for dry skin. Olive oil moisturizes skin and has vitamin E content too. Include 1 tbsp of coffee powder with 1 tbsp of olive oil, blend nicely, and use the paste on face and neck. Rinse off when its semi dry.

New Step by Step Map For face mask

What much better than receiving the many benefits of exfoliation and comforting in a single face mask? Properly, the Oatmeal and banana face mask may be the 1 that gives you scrubbing and smoothening influence simultaneously. > Onion juice is greatly utilised to be a pure remedy to treat hair decline and hair thinning. It contains wide quantities of sulfur, which is a ingredient of your amino acids present in the hair. Hello Samm! Indeed You should use honey and small drops of h2o. But milk or milk derivatives perform best in mask but I have sensitive acne inclined skin (with a few new wrinkles also :/ I'm only 27 years previous even though) is it Alright for me?! Am i able to retail outlet almond oil plus the vitamin E capsule fall by Placing each with each other in a very plastic bottle and making use of for couple days on my facial skin? During this oneHOWTO write-up we'll demonstrate how to make a coffee face mask making use of employed floor coffee beans - we are all about a no-squander Life-style, In spite of everything. Many thanks Martha & yes I absolutely agree along with you..At times It is better to make use of the regular kitchen products for skin care than high-close skin care products and solutions. Turmeric powder and orange juice have powerful skin-lightening Houses and make this mask an very powerful solution for acne scars and dark places, too. "My face is extremely oily and I have blackheads on my nose and chin. This labored really well, I will be making use of it two times weekly Any further."..." far more AO Afi Owusu Probably the greatest things about working with coconut oil for skincare is always that it fits all skin types. So no matter whether you've got dry, oily, acne vulnerable, ageing or delicate skin, coconut oil can tremendously gain you. Using tobacco also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that provide your skin energy and elasticity. Additionally, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking cigarettes — including pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to help keep out smoke — can add to wrinkles. Author Details Lately, beauty manufacturers started putting coffee extract in several in their formulas. And permanently reason! 1. As already described, orange juice is full of ascorbic acid information and deep cleanses the skin completely. It lightens present acne location and blemishes. Orange juice also brightens complexion and keeps in Test extreme oil secretion.

New Step by Step Map For skin care

Hello Shay, happy it was useful! I’ve under no circumstances left it on overnight ahead of. I feel it’s best to remove ahead of mattress Inuit groups vary broadly and don't share a typical mythology or language. Not incredibly their mask traditions are also usually diverse, While their masks are frequently produced outside of driftwood, animal skins, bones, and feathers. See also: Masks among the Eskimo peoples The existing utilizes are as miniature masks for tourist souvenirs, or on mobile phones, the place they cling nearly as good-luck talismans. Japan Lots of African masks symbolize animals. Some African tribes believe that the animal masks can assist them communicate with the spirits who live in forests or open up savannas. Individuals of Burkina Faso often called the Bwa and Nuna call for the spirit to stop destruction. The Dogon of Mali have intricate religions that even have animal masks. I’ve been employing an historic Asian masks for a couple of days now and my skin feels excellent! The recipe for a huge bowl is: 1 spoon of pure termeric powder (yellow-brownish spice), two spoons of pure honey, two spoons of all normal yogurt ( any will do), two spoons of brown rice powder, 50 % of a lemon, and you could add one egg white however the egg white isn’t in the original recipe. Instantaneously refreshes the skin, reduces the dimensions of pores, balances pH degree within the face, safeguards skin for trapping air pollution and dirt in everyday life. Welding mask to safeguard the welder's face and eyes in the brightness and sparks made in the course of welding Throughout ceremonies, these visages are provided active variety in the great mask dramas on the South and South-eastern Asian area.[37] Indonesia These 4 honey face mask recipes use diverse added components, depending on your skin sort. They may be all created with foodstuff-centered substances which can be most likely in your kitchen area right this moment. Uncomplicated and simple! The proteins which are contained within an egg white mask enable the skin increase and retain its elasticity, which can be critical In relation to cutting down the looks of wrinkles. Mix effectively using a motorized blender and use a cosmetic brush to use this egg white face mask in your skin. @vishnum969: Without a doubt, egg white is extremely successful for many skin circumstances like acne inclined skin and growing older skin. I have never tried out working with it Along with the yolk. Happy to hear it's assisted your skin! I will definitely give it a try out now! No HTML is allowed in remarks, but URLs will probably be hyperlinked. Reviews are not for endorsing your content or other websites.

5 Easy Facts About sugar face mask Described

For the reason that peel is rich in vitamin C, it shields skin from free radical destruction, retains acne at bay and encourages a nutritious glowing skin. The oatmeal deep cleanses your pores and drives out any Filth, grime and oil in the surface of the skin. Listed here are five powerful face packs for an acne-absolutely free skin. Fantastic Hub! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/722616702689548197 examining mines out? By the way if everyone would want to stick to me I'll stick to you suitable back! I need to produce a community of followers, the greater the merrier, you scratch my again I scratch yours! Following the pointers below and usually using excellent care of yourself (eating effectively, acquiring more than enough slumber, working out, handling anxiety effectively - you'll find articles or blog posts on each one of these subject areas below if you want them) can assist. Exercise good hygiene, avoid touching your face, clean your apparel and pillowcases/sheets frequently, use a organic laundry detergent If you're able to, and stay clear of making use of dryer sheets or material softener (they could aggravate acne for some individuals). Any time you say Egg White, will it essentially should be an precise egg white or am i able to use egg white from a carton? I have an Egg white Carton And that i would like to talk to whether it is the same as using an Real Egg white Egg. Is any individual finding this? LOL! This material is precise and true to the ideal from the creator’s information and isn't meant to substitute for official and individualized advice from a qualified Skilled. Later on splash some chilly drinking water in your face and using the guidelines within your fingers Carefully massage the face mask deep into your skin for two mins. As this mask could possibly get messy, It will be a good idea to tie or pin your hair back again. https://www.facebook.com/steptoremedies/posts/2099734926786443 may also want to contemplate draping a towel above your chest and shoulders to protect your clothing. So The easiest way to contend with a natural issue as skin problem would be to try out a handful of residence cures working with completely pure ingredients.Most of the above-talked about banana face masks are actually experimented with and examined by providing the most beneficial skin care benefits. No, mainly because it has a lot of oil in it. The easy mask will work as the lemon juice functions as an astringent, even though the honey may help filter the acne-resulting in micro organism. Thanks! Indeed No Not Valuable 14 Handy forty six This provider will allow you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can get paid money from advertisements on your own content. No details is shared Until you engage with this particular characteristic. (Privateness Plan) The orange powder is An important and big ingredient component of the full process. It can be organized quickly in your house by making using subsequent ways. 2. Be Light. Never rub the sugar face scrub far too difficult in your face. This provides you with a burning feeling together with red, Unattractive skin. When implementing organic masks similar to this, it's preferable to stand over your sink or with your toilet to circumvent unwanted messes on the ground. The components required for earning orange peel face mask to the oily skin and acne are offered underneath.

The Single Best Strategy To Use For banana face mask

Many of you have to be asking yourself how to make it at your home, as it's not an merchandise available in shops. In reality, producing orange peel powder is quite simple! Do-it-yourself is often better, fresher and more practical! Without the need of further ado, let's roll up our sleeves and acquire in the zest Have you ever attempted a variation on the honey mask? Exactly what are your favorite foods-based elements to employ on the skin? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaY5MxQcglQ under! I tried it yesternight …… The effects had been astounding …… My face was truely glowy glowy ……. I utilised the rice powder wnich i have grinded myself…. It's got a little bit of gritty construction which gave a wonderfull scrubbing xperience ….. Totaly in appreciate with the results….. *Thankyou* *thankyou* Your face would be the ‘showroom’ of your lifetime that lens 1st effect on anyone you meet up with. If exactly the same isn't favouring you, you significantly have to work out for a better face. Just washed it off. Skin is smother, complexion just a taaaaaaad bit brighter (not as dull) and also. Pimples and redness just as distinguished, it's possible a bit extra (considered I suspect that’s from your cinnamon’s The natural way granular and abrasive texture). Sit for 15 to half an hour to Enable the face mask settle and obtain absorbed deep into your skin. When the time is up, rinse off with warm h2o, and pat dry with a clean towel. Egg White Face Masks—Egg whites are noted for their ability to tone large pores and reduce excessive sebum, producing them great for those with Normally oily skin. Hi! I've really dried my orange peels but.. :-/ I forgot to not include the white aspect (which you reported it shouldn't be). Can I continue to utilize it? Could I know what difference does it make, using 'just the best most element' and 'such as the white element'? Rinse it off with lukewarm drinking water, and utilize a toner. If you don't Have got a toner, just use lemon juice or a mix of one component apple cider vinegar and two components distilled h2o. You can utilize this acne face mask almost day by day. [24] Use brown sugar for your gentler scrub and white sugar for a daily scrub. You should utilize any type of oil you need, but coconut oil or olive oil would do the job finest. Need to have a little something much better? Try salt! बिना एक्सरसाइज व डाइटिंग के आसान तरीके से कम कर सकते हैं वजन will definitely try dis tomarow ….aaj i have to prepare my chandan pack…. Kal pakka isko try karoongi waise me tooo love ingesting oranges a great deal These seem to be superb face masks, honey does miracles on your skin and leaves your face unbelievably sleek! An additional face mask that's Tremendous uncomplicated and very beneficial is an easy honey and cinnamon mask. If it could lick Mr. Edwards’ unpleasant bug, envision what it can perform to acne, which stems from inflamed sebaceous glands within the skin that can become contaminated by germs.

5 Essential Elements For banana face mask

i have acne and acne holes on my cheeks, not far too serious although, i tried the banana face mask and when i utilized it, it had been seriously itchy around my face, hey i have pimple marks remaining on my skin from previous one particular thirty day period and now am getting tablets but i am unable to get rid of People spots from my face and am also having tanned skin thanks to my do the job within the fields. This content material is exact and correct to the most effective of your writer’s expertise and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized assistance from a certified Experienced. Right here’s An additional excellent banana face mask for glowing skin that will also help in lightening the overall skin tone. Below it is possible to find out more about the benefits of oats for the skin and how to make oatmeal scrubs for the face. (i) Choose a little bit of banana peel and rub within it on the afflicted location for a few minutes until finally The within from the peel turns brown. The calcium sandalwood assists within the renewal of the worn out cells and forestall DNA hurt. Also, Check out these household-produced packs to battle wrinkles. Bit by bit peel off the dried layer. You will come to feel a sensation that is like slight pinpricks since the facial hair is waxed from your skin. This uncomplicated banana face mask makes use of turmeric and baking soda that will help you get glowing skin and minimize pimples and blemishes. Continue to be acne-cost-free with frequent application. The caffeine content material should help lower swelling and restore the skin's misplaced blush, brightness and vitality. https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Organic-Face-Masks are ideal to wash and scrub, while caffeine contains a tightening impact on your skin pores. I use a raw honey mask several occasions per week (often every single day), And that i’ve discovered a definite advancement inside the tone and softness of my skin. I like it even more for The point that it’s totally edible and doesn’t expose my skin on the chemicals present in most beauty goods. Banana is full of skin-useful nutrients and one of them would be to lessen the signs of growing older.Of course, banana can help you banish Those people high-quality traces and wrinkles. (i) Conquer 1 egg white until you have a foamy regularity. Information Carefully the egg white on the surface of the attention spot and alongside the cheekbones. Depart it on for 10 minutes after which cleanse the realm employing a cotton swab soaked in cold water. Try this 2 times weekly. Mix honey and cinnamon together, and use for your face. Depart the mask on for ten-thirty minutes. The antibacterial Attributes of the two honey and cinnamon make this honey mask perfect acne-susceptible skin.

Top yeast face mask Secrets

Im likely to check out your mask this week I just wish to clarify warm drinking water to open up pores, apply mask beaten egg whites with witch hazel, usel facial cleanser and moisturizer soon after You'll constantly detect that yogurt will give you that cooling comforting emotion when utilized, that’s as it has that anti-inflammatory agent. Cucumbers will also be outstanding. They are extremely very good in your case either you eat them or introduce them in your beauty treatment method program. Jointly, they cited information from 27 references. wikiHow's Material Management Staff carefully displays the perform from our editorial team to ensure that each short article fulfills our superior standards. Attempt a spa working day. Most spas will Allow you employ some in their facilities without acquiring a dear treatment (For example, they'll cost a different entrance cost), so if you want to sometimes check out a incredibly hot tub or steam room, or maybe go Eastern European design with a cold plunge and after that a sauna to invigorate your skin, sweat out toxins, and improve circulation, it's thoroughly doable and you could like it! https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Face-Masks-Using-Natural-Ingredients can be utilized to establish certain browsers or units once the access the company, and is used for safety good reasons. If made use of with regularity, yogurt has gentle bleaching powers which can lower discoloration, age spots and blotches. When you mix it with other incredible natural elements it will with each other make a fantastic mask. This face mask don't just allows to treat acne but also combat wrinkles, sunburn, and lots of many skin issues. Restrict bathtub time. Incredibly hot h2o and prolonged showers or baths eliminate oils from a skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use heat — instead of very hot — h2o. In case your feels limited following employing a facial cleanser, then It is really also solid and you must utilize a gentler one. But I make mine right into a peel off mask through the use of Kleenex Tissue, I place some egg white on then the tissue and set the rest of the egg white on top and go away it on for about 25-30 mins and when it feels dry I just peel it off. What's more, it gets rid of blackheads. Thanks so much to your posts Lori!! Strategy: Crush the elements effectively collectively and allow it to be a paste with the lemon juice. The pack is effective fabulously If you're wanting to go that more mile. For skin which is healthier seeking and generally delighted, this pack is a terrific way to make sure that smile. good face masks tried it yesternight …… The final results have been remarkable …… My face was truely glowy glowy ……. I employed the rice powder wnich i have grinded myself…. It's got a little bit of gritty structure which gave a wonderfull scrubbing xperience ….. Totaly in appreciate with the final results….. *Thankyou* *thankyou* You may use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in towards your Hubpages account. No facts is shared with Facebook unless you interact using this type of attribute. (Privacy Plan)

The Basic Principles Of egg white face mask

My skin is mixture of both of those, extreme oil normally on my forehead. I worn out working with medicated soaps ( I made use of med cleaning soap acne, salic lac foam etcetera) now I ended applying each one of these. Be sure to propose some great face packs to prevent oil on my forehead and modest acne on my forehead. • Those people with oily skin can implement a handmade face mask geared up by including two tablespoons of green clay, just one tablespoon of powdered milk, and slightly water in freshly squeezed orange juice taken from the medium-sized orange. Hold it on for 15 minutes As you lie down to stop gravity from pulling the mask downward. If the time is up, gently scrub from the dried mask out of your face and apply moisturizer. An excellent organic moisturizer is 3-4 drops of olive oil. She genuinely has a baby face but I suppose the face mask assisted. I have to attempt many of your recipes. Thanks for sharing. It is a good hub. I voted and shared. Utilize the sugar-oil mixture towards your face. Utilizing your fingers, work in Light round motions to apply the sugar-oil mixture in your face. Be careful to stay away from your eyes and mouth during application. Good hub. The egg white mask has been around for good. via steptoremedies.com keep in mind my mother referring to how her mom released her to this. Thanks for bringing everyday living to it once more. Guidelines: It offers Superb effects, but it really does consider time to see them. When you don’t straight away see a adjust, don’t quit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er4IlcWqSrw can’t anticipate effects in a day or two. Also, the mixture is very best utilized when freshly made. As this mask could get messy, It will be a good idea to tie or pin your hair again. You might also want to consider draping a towel about your upper body and shoulders to safeguard your clothing. Remember to propose some very good face mask in order that my skin are going to be crystal clear from compact acne on forehead and oil. Hope you may me to get fantastic skin:) Hi I produced the face mask but experienced not honey so just designed it with egg and lemon I fell asleep and experienced it on the majority of the evening After i work up and squandered it off my face was sore and pink have you any ideas please @vishnum969: Certainly, egg white is extremely helpful For several skin circumstances which includes acne vulnerable skin and getting older skin. No HTML is permitted in opinions, but URLs will probably be hyperlinked. Reviews are usually not for advertising and marketing your posts or other websites. @Llzziforan: It is not suggested to continue any face mask on overnight. Preferably you'll want to continue a face for 15 minutes. Somebody in fact asked me about preserving their yogurt face mask on for The full night and I gave precisely the same response. You could find the remark listed here: ... By drying out the skin and bringing each blood and oxygen to your skin’s surface, cinnamon would make an excellent acne fighter. (ii) Orange juice is stuffed with Vitamin C, so function to rejuvenate skin cells and lessens fine traces and wrinkles.

New Step by Step Map For pineapple face mask

The moment a week, use a sugar scrub or exfoliating fabric to eliminate lifeless skin cells. In the event you have on make-up, thoroughly clean your makeup brushes frequently to forestall the Construct-up and distribute of microorganisms. To learn the way your diet regime can have an impact on your skin’s wellbeing, keep reading! Combine all components jointly in a little bowl. Utilize a skinny layer about your total face and neck. Rest for 20 minutes and rinse with warm h2o. Repeat the mask weekly or utilize the mixture to be a each day location treatment by dabbing it on to discoloration. Effects will just take two-3 months. Thanks for creating your account on EverydayMe. This article or item has been included in your favorites. Warning: A lot of people are allergic to cinnamon and it might at times make discomfort in people with an unusually delicate skin. Consequently, this mask must be utilized after testing someplace other than within the face. Blend matcha powder, honey and oil in a little bowl and mix well. (In the event you don’t have matcha powder, Reduce open up a eco-friendly tea bag and utilize the leaves.) Utilize this for the face and leave it for 15 minutes in advance of washing off warm drinking water. An impressively stylish nonetheless easy hairstyle that anybody can do Hair 6 An impressively stylish nevertheless simple hairstyle that any person can do favourite53 Tdas Face mask for dust pollution for men Ladies Young ones bike bikers air anti pollution dustproof mask washable reusable (Navy Blue) Don't be afraid of fats, but make sure that They may be The nice variety. Olive oil has monounsaturated fatty acids, that may support keep your skin on the lookout youthful. Orange peel incorporates strong Houses that support continue to keep frustrating pimples absent. Apply a thick coat of this zit-busting orange peel face mask to deep-cleanse your pores and push out the Filth, grime, extra oil, and germs, all of which trigger pimples and blackheads to form about the skin surface. Being full of Vitamin C and also other antioxidants, orange peels are great for your skin. In truth, the peels have larger levels of nutrients compared to the flesh in. Incorporate honey and avocado to a little bowl and mash together. Stir in the bottom almonds. Spread in excess of the face and neck and following 15-twenty minutes, rinse with heat h2o. This can be utilized to gather data on visitors to article content together with other internet pages on our website. Until you might be signed in to some HubPages account, all Individually identifiable data is anonymized. Individual the egg and help you save the yolk. Crack open up an egg in excess of a bowl and transfer the yolk forwards and backwards among The 2 shells. Every time the yolk falls into a shell, a small amount of the egg white must drop in to the bowl. Keep carrying out this right until most of the egg white is from the bowl. It will provide you with the glow that you’ve often preferred. Your fantastic skin care products s that exist as acne creams, or cleanses, or oil equilibrium merchandise have to comprise this component.

Not known Facts About egg white face mask

Research have shown that egg proteins significantly add in sustaining the elasticity of skin. An egg consists of about 69 diverse proteins, which have the magical electrical power of lessening good traces and give momentary reduction for your deep kinds. Make sure to not smile or talk to the face mask on! This will stretch your skin throughout the mouth and eyes and really induce wrinkles to variety. Lemon juice is often a more robust component, so based on your skin time, you might want to limit the amount of times you use this mask to one-two instances each week. Wonderful and valuable post. I like something homemade - It really is normally the purest and Finest! I might use only natural and organic oranges because of each of the pesticides that happen to be Typically sprayed on them. She is an award winning dermatologist for outstanding contribution in the field of dermatology. Apart from dermatology, she's a skilled cosmetologist from renowned Harley Avenue, London. She has labored with a number of the well-founded British isles dermatology institutes with publicity on the whole and specialised dermatology for 8 many years. Her clinical know-how involves acne remedy, facial rejuvenation and various characteristics of beauty dermatology. Finally, whisk the mixture together with a fork and utilize it to your face using your fingers or simply a cotton ball. To learn how to create a nourishing egg facial mask, scroll down! In case you have oily skin you could possibly change milk with h2o or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. To make orange peel ability, maintain orange peels out within the Sunlight for a week or so for drying and after that grind them. Becoming https://www.pinterest.com/pin/722616702689548155 of Vitamin C together with other antioxidants, orange peels are perfect for your skin. The truth is, the peels have bigger amounts of nutrients when compared to the flesh within just. Crystal face movie storage is breathable, dampness and nutrients attributes, such nearly as good biocompatibility with human skin, its Unique body skin membrane framework can keep the impact of extra nutrients than similar merchandise. When used in the crystal surface under the action of internal strain and stress, the influence of membrane in nutrients absorption principle by osmosis, immediate penetration into the human system 0. Incorporate some heat water if needed to continue to keep the lather heading. When the lather dies down, incorporate a certain amount of h2o. Just don’t include an excessive amount of, or maybe the sugar will dissolve. Include several drops of important oil. It is possible to increase whichever vital oils you wish to this mixture. Just make sure you don’t add so much that the scent in the mask is overpowering. An excessive amount of important oil could also irritate your skin. Many of you need to be questioning how to make it in your house, because it's not an product available in outlets. Actually, building orange peel powder is really easy! Selfmade is often superior, fresher and more practical! Without having even further ado, let's roll up our sleeves and obtain into the zest Marginally warmth the honey and incorporate it towards your egg white combined with the yogurt (ensure it’s fresh). • Mix orange peel powder and raw milk in equal amounts to form a smooth paste. Established it aside for a handful of hrs.

5 Simple Statements About face mask Explained

Rub the answer in round motions over your skin for 3 to 5 minutes. You needn’t be as careful as you have been using your face, as the skin on the remainder of your body is much less sensitive. The continued level of popularity of wearing masks at carnival, and for youngsters at events and for festivals for example Halloween are excellent illustrations. Nowadays these are usually mass-created plastic masks, usually connected to well known movies, Television set programmes, or cartoon people - they are, on the other hand, reminders from the enduring electric power of pretence and Enjoy and the facility and charm of masks. Ritual masks Steer clear of making use of any exfoliators on broken skin for example zits or cuts. The substances while in the scrub may well irritate any damaged skin, and also the friction of exfoliation might make breakouts even worse and in many cases cause new kinds to form. facellite facemaking faceman face mask face mill face milling face mite Stats for face mask बिना एक्सरसाइज व डाइटिंग के आसान तरीके से कम कर सकते हैं वजन To open up up your pores, you can also have a quick splash with warm h2o in its place to steaming. That is one particular intriguing mask! Once i to start with observed the Image I thought it had been a mask based on Turmeric, considering the fact that it is also an orange powder, but a mask produced from floor orange peel would haven't transpired to me. Many thanks for sharing! Honey is naturally antibacterial, which aids your skin fight off acne. As well as it's got an a tremendous antioxidant ability, and you wish antioxidants about to fight the absolutely free radicals that injury the skin. Should you have under-eye circles, mix in some drops of olive oil and use it on the realm to note the revitalizing influence. You may additionally have an interest in: How to use a Face Mask The right way Actions to observe: In case you have h2o, which you ideally do have at hand, use that to make your facial somewhat more watery if required. You could carry on with all your facial If you need. Sometimes https://en.search.wordpress.com/?src=organic&q=facial+mask for your prosecution appears in court in a very mask in order to avoid becoming regarded by associates on the accused. The components you will need are primary and common in almost any kitchen. Get a container wherein To combine every little thing, similar to a cup; a spoon; a little bit drinking water; and what continues to be just after building your early morning coffee. The sugar scrub must be from the regularity as found during the impression. Utilize it for One's body to get skin that feels rejuvenated and smells new. To start with peel a ripe banana and using the again of the spoon mash it nicely and transfer to the mixing bowl.