#once upon a time they trusted themselves to read ortega

[novy2sirius]

random astrology notes volume 4

༄ ҉ tw: trauma and abuse - please do not read this post if you’re sensitive to any of these subjects and understand that astrology does not guarantee anything

༄ ҉ these notes are based upon isolated placements and aspects, so take these with a grain of salt and remember that the entire chart matters

☁️ every taurus i’ve met has been super shy in the beginning but then once i get to know them they’re one of the craziest people i’ve ever met. i think it’s crazy when i see people call them boring. if you think they’re boring it usually means they haven’t come out of their comfort zone around you yet. what i love about them is that they can be really fun but at the same time have a good balance of knowing when to be serious/chill as well

☁️ cancer suns are often good at understanding peoples emotions and if evolved this can be a good thing because they will have a sweet and caring nature. if unevolved though this could manifest as them trying to emotionally manipulate others and use their weaknesses against them

☁️ i’ve heard people say leo’s or sagittarius’ have the biggest egos but from my perspective it’s the pisces suns. i believe this to be true when they’re unevolved because the sun is associated with the ego and pisces is ruled by both jupiter and neptune. jupiter represents abundance and neptune represents delusion which means having an abundance of ego and extreme delusion in regards to your identity/self

☁️ libra suns daddy issues aren’t talked about enough. the sun is associated with the father and it’s in fall when in the sign libra. 7h suns can also have a hard time forming a close bond with their father because of this since the 7th houses natural ruler is libra, or they could have a father who was abusive in some way

☁️ pisces tend to do this thing where they try to heal everyone around them and have this mentality of “i can fix them”.. trust me you can’t fix everyone. it’s best to be with people who bring out the best version of you and help you grow as a pisces

☁️ everyone i know with a gemini moon in the 9th house is fucking hilarious. like i die every time i’m with them. they’re also just really friendly usually and i feel like i learn so much random things when i’m with them. some of these things may not even be useful but it still fascinates me

☁️ gemini/sagittarius risings typically have lots of hobbies. they usually dabble in everything and are happiest when they’re constantly doing something or learning new things. when they sit still for too long or isolate themselves they usually spiral into a depression from what i’ve seen

☁️ every person i know with a capricorn rising or capricorn rising degree (10°/22°) talks in such a classy and intelligent way. for example: ariana grande, olivia rodrigo, jenna ortega, etc. they come off as old souls to me. a lot of them have dry humor as well

☁️ gemini/virgo placements make really good mental health advocates and are good at relating to others and making them feel like they’re not alone. especially if these signs are in their big six

☁️ everyone talks about mars/pluto in 1h people coming off as intimidating but chiron in 1h people be scaring me too sometimes. i don’t know what it is. some people say chiron has no effect on appearance but when in the 1h i’ve noticed it does make someone have an rbf and seem like they’re judging everyone when they’re not

☁️ venus at 27° can indicate being attracted to really intelligent and spiritual people. the downside is sometimes it can bring challenges in your love life due to numerology. 2 doubles the energy of any number it’s next to and 7 is the most challenging number when it comes to romance. this isn’t because anything is wrong with people that have this placement but because people with this placement are often extremely misunderstood by others. even when it comes to their platonic connections

☁️ placements that are at 1° in your chart can show areas in which you may be more immature or have a lot of growing to do. someone having more than two of these degrees could indicate anger issues and having a big ego if the person is at a lower vibration in life

☁️ the sun/uranus at 5° can indicate someone who’s a daredevil and loves having fun and doing a lot of crazy shit. random but they always have the weirdest kinks also

☁️ chiron can tell about your traumas. for example: having it in the 9th house can indicate having deep spiritual wounds involving religious trauma

☁️ juno to jupiter synastry is not ideal in my opinion considering jupiter (zeus) in mythology cheated on juno. more ideal marriage asteroids would be orpheus (3361) to eurydike (75) synastry because orpheus in mythology literally crawled into hell for his wife eurydike. if these asteroids are conjunct, sextile, or trine in synastry it can be very beneficial for a relationship and indicate loyalty as well as the man’s willingness to do anything for the woman

☁️ the fama asteroid (408) tells the specifics of someone’s fame and what it’s like for them as well as drama they tend to get into when famous. for example: hailey bieber and justin bieber have fama to venus synastry and they’re a famous couple but there’s lots of drama surrounding their relationship as well

☁️ venus in the 12th house in composite is so underrated. i see such beautiful couples with this placement. it typically indicates a couple having a deep spiritual connection and possibly knowing one another in multiple past lives. there is the possibility of an obstacle involving delusion in the relationship if there’s harsh aspects to this placement though

☁️ hot take: if you think 6th house energy in synastry or composite is boring it’s likely because you enjoy toxicity or crave someone who acts uninterested in you (at least a little bit). 6th house energy creates the desire to constantly be doing things for one another and helping each other. it makes you want to constantly improve the relationship together. at worst it usually only means being judgmental or critical of each other, but this is typically for the sake of wanting improvement to occur in the relationship or having concern for the other person about something

☁️ a 10th house stellium in composite isn’t always related to being work partners, doing things for the public, or being famous together. the 10th house is also associated with responsibility and stability. this stellium can create a long term relationship/friendship where two people bring out the more humble and responsible sides of one another because of this. at worst it could create a dynamic where one person feels like the other is too bossy and acts like their parent

☁️ having your venus in the 10th house in a relocation chart can mean being more likely to gain success and wealth in that specific location. you could possibly meet lovers through work as well or socialize a lot more in that area. you could even possibly become famous there for something involving the arts such as acting/theater, singing, dancing, painting, etc

☁️ in my personal opinion i think sun lines really are the best lines to live under in your astro world map. there isn’t a lot of cons to them besides maybe having an ego death or obstacles involving the ego in general. other than that these lines can show locations where we’re happiest, attract success, feel most confident, and can gain lots of popularity or even fame

☁️ living under your sun and pluto line in your astro map at the same time will cause you to have lots of ups and downs with happiness. one day you could feel on top of the world and the next you could feel like you wanna reincarnate into a rock instead of going on

☁️ living under a moon zenith on your astro map can be challenging emotionally if your soul is at a lower vibration at the time. you could experience lots of depression or feel more sensitive in a location with a moon zenith. if you’re at a higher vibration this zenith can bring lots of creativity and help your soul grow emotionally though

☁️ your D9 chart in vedic astrology can give hints about what your spouses name will be

☁️ in 2026 people born under the horse vietnamese zodiac will have a beneficial year or learn a very important lesson that helps them in the long run. since it’s a 1 universal year people born under the horse year are especially likely to become more confident this year and have lots of important new beginnings in their life

☁️ in 2027 people born under the ox vietnamese zodiac should lay low. this is because it’s their enemy year and typically in our enemy year either bad karma strikes or we must learn really challenging lessons. as long as you’re a good person this isn’t a negative thing though

☁️ in 2027 people born under the goat vietnamese zodiac will have a beneficial year or learn a very important lesson. since this is an 11 universal year people born under the goat are especially likely to becoming more spiritual this year or gain fame during this year

[sky-scribbles]

I’ve been feeling emotional about Ortega’s inability to let themselves be vulnerable, so here’s some pre-Heartbreak rambling that got away from me. It ends soft, I promise. ~1700 words, Ortega POV, m!Ortega x nb!Sidestep. 

Sometimes, you feel a lot like screaming.

The reasons are always different, but the sensation is the same. You felt it for the first time at Hood’s funeral: grief and uncertainty and rage, crushed together until the resulting mess crackled and spat like electricity. Searing through your veins and pressing against your skin until you were sure it had to burst out, the same way static spills from your emitters.  

But you choked it down, and wept in private instead.

You feel the same thing whenever they update your mods, when you lie down for the newest surgery and remember: this will be your whole life. This is your body’s future, to be disassembled and built up stronger, like a phone that gets thrown out and replaced so its owner can keep up with the times. It’s true that you love watching the lightning spark from your fingertips. You love the Rangers, you love your job. But sometimes you remember that there’s a yoke around your neck, and you clutch your own body and grit your teeth until they ache.

And you feel the urge again on days like this.

Three major attacks in a single week. It happens sometimes, when the Rangers take enough of a beating at the hands of one villain for another to decide you’ll make soft targets. Which is a mistake, and one they always pay for. But now Sentinel’s in hospital, Steel’s in a wheelchair until his right leg is fixed, Anathema is more subdued than you’ve ever seen them, and Sidestep is cooped up in headquarters until the Rangers are less woefully short-handed.

You didn’t ask Sidestep to stay. They just stuck around, even though prolonged social interaction drives them crazy. They’re a tiny thundercloud of tension right now, and they’re doing it for you.

You could kiss them for it if they’d ever take their mask off for more than sixty seconds.

(Which is a thought you didn’t need, because now you’re thinking about actually kissing Sidestep, your lips on theirs, your hand in their hair, how they might relax against your body and let the stress trickle away. And the idea is very, very attractive, but it’s a punch to your mind that throws you right off balance. You don’t even know their name and they’re very much not a woman and you’re not sure what this means for you and maybe you could not do this right now.)

Your team is tired. Your friends are tired, and you’re trying so hard to keep them going. Smiling for the press until they stop making pointed remarks about the Rangers’ ability to protect the city. Throwing jokes at Anathema to make them laugh again. Helping Steel get around without his leg. Visiting Sentinel, assuring him that the Rangers can manage without him for now. Making sure Sidestep has coffee and a book on hand so they can retreat when things are just too loud for them. 

Every time one of them smiles, it’s a victory, as much as it was when that third and final villain crashed unconscious into the dirt. But it’s not enough. You still haven’t finished all the mission reports, and until you do, the higher-ups won’t give Steel the grants to repair his leg. They might not even cover Sentinel’s medical fees. You need to keep going, you need to do more. So Steel can walk again, so Sentinel and Sidestep can go home, so Themmy can start smiling again.

You need to do more.

Your hand tightens around the pen. The mission reports sit before you, blank.

Just write. But your ribs howl with pain every time you move, your mods ache from overuse, and you’ve barely slept in a week. There was hurt in Chen’s eyes when you admitted that you hadn’t even started the reports. He needs this. So he can walk. You know how that feels.

You need to do more.

You want to cover your head with your arms and scream.

And sometimes you wonder why they can’t hear you. Why the whole world can’t hear you when this scream’s pounding at the insides of your mind. Why no one ever comes to find you, to pull you to your feet and gently cover your eyes until the world stops feeling so bright. You hurt, you hurt inside and out and you’re tired –

(selfish –)

You breathe in. Set the pen to the paper. That’s not how it works. You’re the Marshal; you take care of them.

(you miss Hood —)

You’re the hero. You’re the one who does the saving, the last-minute rescues, the hands around people’s wrists to pull them back to their feet. You’re the one who’s needed, not the one who needs, so you can damn well swallow that scream into the bottom of your lungs where it belongs and get to work –

There’s a thump at the door.

‘Open it for me.’ It’s Sidestep’s voice. You remind yourself to smile, then realise you already are. ‘My hands are full.’

Full, it turns out, with two cups of coffee. One in the mug they got for you, the other in the mug you bought them in return. It takes you a moment to speak as they set your cup down and perch on the edge of your desk, because the lump that’s been in your throat all afternoon has got larger.

‘Sidestep,’ you say, ‘I could kiss you.’

They’re not masked for once, so you get to look them in the eyes, grinning over the rim of your mug as you take a sip. They freeze for a half-second at your words, their lips twitching slightly, and you probably enjoy seeing that a bit too much.

For a moment, you wonder if they might say then do it. You wonder what would happen if they did.

No, you don’t. You know exactly what you’d do.

(Take the mug from their hands. Set it down on the desk. Wrap your own hand around the back of their head, pulling them in, gentle, careful. Kiss them deeply and kiss them slowly, so you can focus on every catch in their breath, every point of contact between you. Kiss them because they’re them, and because you want to, and because they’re here, they’re here right when you needed them – )

But Sidestep doesn’t say that; they pull a book from their coat and wave it at you. ‘Is it okay if I stay here for a while? It’s getting too loud to read down there.’

Your stomach sinks. ‘What, are they bickering? Do I need to go down there and put them in time out?’

‘Not that kind of loud. Loud up here.’ They gesture towards their head. ‘They're not arguing or anything. But there’s a feeling in the air, when I’m around people who’re at the end of their ropes. Like heat. Or… you know when you’re listening to music that’s turned up too loud? And it’s not even music you like, and it’s grating at you until you can't think. Either you walk away or you end up screaming. So I came up here.’

‘And this place is more peaceful? I very clearly recall you calling my brain ‘fuzzy and annoying’ more than once.’

They shrug. ‘It is. But it’s different. You're different. It's like a song you’ve listened to so many times that you don’t even think about it when you hear it play. It fills the silence without taking up room in your head.’

Sidestep lifts their mug to their lips, and you wonder if they’re hiding their face. Because they might just be blushing. ‘Besides, you looked like you needed a pick-me-up. So. Coffee.’

They open their book, no longer looking at you. You could point out that they had plenty of empty rooms to go to, but you don’t. You’re too glad they’re here.

Here for you.

A second passes in which you want more things than you can really process. You want to let out that scream, because then Sidestep might hold you until your throat goes dry and you can’t scream any more. You want to know their name, even more than you want to kiss them. You want to tell them that you love lifting people up and fixing them and making them feel warm and whole again – but that just once, once, you want someone to read your mind and realise when you’re an inch from screaming. Which is impossible. Your brain is static; obscured, illegible.

Except, apparently, to Sidestep. Who can’t read your mind. Who’s here with coffee and quiet smiles anyway.

You breathe in and out, and the moment passes. In the end, all you do is smile at them, hoping they can tell how much you mean it, and say, ‘Thanks, Sidestep.’

A moment of silence, as their hands hover over their book and your pen hovers over the mission reports. And then –

‘Wren.’

Your head snaps around to face them. There’s an odd, breathless ache in your stomach, and it has nothing to do with your battered ribs.

‘With a W.’ They’re still looking at their book, gripping it so hard their knuckles are turning pale. ‘Like the bird. Wren Serrano.’

You stare at them, because you feel like that’s the only thing worth doing right now. Tiny and quiet and dark-eyed, the name couldn’t possibly suit them more, and they have a name and they shared it with you. Their name is Wren and they brought you coffee and they’re here for you, right when you thought no one would come, and you don’t have words for everything you’re feeling right now –

So you don’t try to speak. You just kick back your chair, stand up, and hug them.

They let out a faint noise of protest and pull their arms free – but only for a moment, long enough to put down their book and their mug. Then they’re holding you, Wren is holding you, fiercer and tighter than you expected. Small hands pressed against your back. Fingers clenching into your shirt. Breath sounding close to yours.

And that choking, electric scream sinks back down your throat. Into your chest, into silence.

You think it’s going to be a while before you hear from it again.

[cheion-writes]

Regrets

Guilty!Steel POV, angst. What motivated Steel to investigate Heartbreak?

.....

You should have asked. You should have asked, then maybe it wouldn’t have happened.

The first time it does was the first time you saw them in action. Sure, you've heard countless stories about their exploits from Ortega, but you've never actually seen them before. Until now.

It had been a raging fire at one of those old apartment blocks, and when you arrived, you found out you were not the first - a certain hooded figure had already evacuated every resident in the building.

From the whispered words of awe around you, you learnt that they had repeatedly run into the smoke-filled building, each time emerging with one or two civilians in tow. You learnt that they refused to stop until everyone was out. You learnt that they had single-handed saved the lives of thirty five people that day.

But you didn't know that they were having trouble breathing beneath the mask. That if they had opened their mouths to speak their voice would be much hoarser than it should have been. So when they turned to you, eyes unreadable beneath the hood, you didn't ask. Because those who hid behind a mask were those with malevolent intents they wanted to hide.

Right?

____

The second time it happens, it was a mission that was shot to hell. It all started off ordinarily enough; a deluded man, distressed from the loss of his job and savings, had barricaded himself in a bank together with twenty terrified people. Armed with a shotgun, he had screamed for the Rangers and the swarming officers to back off or he will shoot every single hostage dead. He did not respond to Ortega's desperate pleas, nor to Anathema's gentle reasoning, nor to your thinly-veiled threats and concessions.

They are the one to finally get through to him.

You had watched as they slowly approached the bank, arms raised calmly in the air. As they told them, in a soft and soothing voice, that they just wanted to chat. Through the communication channel, you heard as they talked with the man. As he began to cry when they promised to help his struggling family, as they managed to convince him to let the hostages go. As they told him that they believed he was a good person and didn't really want to hurt anyone, that he was just hurting inside in a way no one could understand.

Once the hostages came running out, some crying and others laughing in hysterical relief, they had gently taken the shotgun away from the man and quietly led him out of the bank.

Then, a trigger-happy officer had squeezed off a single shot.

One moment, he was standing beside them, expression resigned yet hopeful, saddened yet relieved. The next, he was crumpling against their chest, fingers limp and eyes unseeing, a growing patch of red upon his chest.

You had watched as they laid the man on the ground, movements too stiff and eyes too wide. You had watched as Ortega and Anathema moved up to them, demanding for a reason why the shot was deemed necessary while telling them that the death was not their fault. You listened as they replied, with voice too tight, that it certainly was.

And it was their fault, wasn't it? It was their mistake that allowed the man to die, because wasn't that what telepathy was supposed to prevent?

So you ignored the way their fists turned white as they gripped the papers reporting their failure with a sadistic glee. The way they disappeared for a few days, uncontactable and unreachable. Their gaunt expression when you saw them at the man's family's doorstep, as they passed them a package you now knew contained a sum of money meant for three months of their rent, and the child's first three years of school.

And you didn't ask.

____

The third time it happens was the time they saved your life. It was an ambush, one you still curse yourself for getting into, and before you knew it you had been kicked down, the wind knocked out of you and an energy rifle charged and aimed at your head.

Then suddenly they had come swooping in, taking the shot meant for you before dispatching the villains that kept you pinned after a brief struggle.

You swear you didn't know that they were hiding the fact that their ribs were broken. You swear you didn't know that the shot had left them with a burn that required urgent medical attention. You swear you didn't.

Because they looked fine, and they said they were fine. Because they weren't a Ranger and they weren't entitled to medical care. Because they were a vigilante hiding from the government and that meant they weren't to be trusted.

So you didn't ask. Again.

____

The fourth time it happens was the time they saved Ortega. You had seen them as they came limping into the Rangers base, their weight all but completely supported by Ortega. You had watched as Ortega hovered around them, eyes alight with worry and concern. You had watched as they conceded to 'borrowing' some bandages and painkillers (something they never did before), as they adamantly refused anything else.

Perhaps, when they limped past you, visibly in pain and avoiding putting weight on their injured leg, you should've asked. Because weren't they a familiar face now? Sure, you weren't friends (you probably never would be) but weren't you, at the very least, allies?

____

The fifth time it happens was the day they saved everyone. You were there as they held those nanovores in place, as their nose bled and their knees buckled in visible strain at the exertion. As they all but collapsed when the threat was finally contained. As they once again refused medical aid for reasons you don't know and now will never know.

A part of you wonders why you didn't ask then. Because hadn't they well and truly proven themselves to be a hero? From the way they had dashed into that burning building, never stopping until all were safe? From the way they still blame themselves for that man's unfortunate death? From the way they would put the safety of others above their own? From the way they would care for those abandoned mutts in the dog park and help them all find a home?

But your hand had frozen in the air inches away from their shoulder, never reaching out to touch them in the way you should have all those years ago.

And just as you always have before, you didn't ask.

____

The last time it happens, you didn't even have the chance to say goodbye. A large part of you still regrets not looking out for them, for dismissing their fierce willingness to be there despite the dangers, for doubting their intents for the sixth and final time.

You know you'll never forget the heart- breaking sound of Ortega's scream. The heart- stopping echo of shattering glass. The heart- wrenching sight of a broken window and an empty space where they should have been.

Numb for days, you would not feel the gaping hole they had left. Not when Ortega turns to you, eyes red-rimmed and swollen and so unlike the confident Marshal you have always known. Not when the eulogies are read and the crowds gather with silent candles in hand. Not when the empty coffin is lowered into the grave and white roses are laid atop the cold, gleaming stone.

But when it all dies down and you find yourself alone in the Rangers base, your eyes will fall upon the stupid mug they had given Ortega. And on a paper by its side, you will see the scrawled measurements in Ortega's handwriting, detailing the dimensions for a blue-and-white suit for a certain hero who had proven themselves worthy of the title and more.

And finally, you realize that you should've asked. You should've asked if they were alright the first, second, third, fourth and fifth time they were hurt, shaken or both.

For now, it's far too late to tell them you do respect their skills and heart as a hero, that you do consider them as one of your own. It's far too late to show that you care.

But for all your regrets, you know it isn't too late for everything.

So you begin your quest to unravel the mystery of Heartbreak. Because you don't like things you don't understand, and because they deserve that much. Because it's the only thing you can do.

And perhaps, if and when you find the answer as to what truly happened that fateful day, you will find it in you to forgive yourself.

[choiceslife]

When Worlds Collide: Part Eight (Limited Series)

Disclaimer: Based upon characters in Choices - Endless Summer, It Lives in the Woods, The Royal Romance, #LoveHacks, Home for the Holidays, and The Elementalists series. All characters presented are the property of Pixelberry Studios. I claim no ownership. This story is purely the work of the poster as fanfiction.

Overall Series Rating: 18+

Warnings: Adult Language, Adult Content, Sexual Discussions. Future chapters may contain SMUT and Gratuitous Sexual Descriptions

Overall Series Summary: The sisters are together again and Ava Cunningham believes only they can help her.

Author’s Note: This Limited Series is a companion/sequel to Divided By Circumstance. I suggest you at least read that series in order to understand this one. As with most of my stories, this is a crossover and is part of my interconnected Chromatic AU. My MC’s are as follows: Carrissa Monroe (TRR), Abby Bennett (#LH), Scarlett Joy (HFTH), and Taylor Reed (ES). Previous Chapters can be found in my Master List located in my header.

Tag List: @ladynonsense @cinnamonroll-duffy @darley1101 @brightpinkpeppercorn @debramcg1106 @regrettingnathan @katurrade @teamtomsato @luxurylives @akrenich @riseandshinelittleblossom @jlouise88 @thehonorarybeaumont @eileendannie @marshmallow-ortega @littlecrookedheart @i-choose-liam @tmarie82 @bobasheebaby @boneandfur @europeanguy @walkerismychoice @pixieferry @sstee1 @endlessly-searching-for-you

***

La Huerta

“I’m worried about him, Aleister,” Grace said as she stepped beside her boyfriend. The two looked over to see Lucas meticulously pouring over data in an effort to verify his calculations for the Power Core alterations. “He’s been so focused the past three days and has barely spent any time with his friends.”

Aleister respected the drive. He didn’t understand Grace’s concern at all. Seeing Lucas’ determination reminded Aleister of himself. “I don’t see a problem Grace. He’s a hard worker and on a mission.”

“And he’s completely suppressing that he’s hurting inside. How can you not see it?” Grace watched Aleister stare at her blankly with a shrug. Her boyfriend may be intelligent, but when it came to picking up emotional cues, he was severely lacking in knowledge. “I’m gonna go talk to him.”

“Okay love.” Aleister knew better than to protest Grace when it came to these things. She had much more emotional depth than him.

Grace pulled up the stool beside Lucas as he ran his fingers through his uncharacteriscally unkempt hair. She was sure the frustration of the task before him felt insurmountable because of his unexpressed feelings. “You should take a break Lucas.”

“I can’t Grace. I’ve gotta figure this out.”

Her heart went out to him. Lucas was hurting and Grace could see it plain as day. Sure, he could try to bury himself in work and solving this problem to get the Power Core to calibrate properly, but she knew that until Lucas actually dealt with his pain that progress would come to a grinding halt. “Lucas?” Grace placed a comforting hand over the young man’s own hand. His eyes met hers. “Talk to me.”

Everything about Grace Hall was trustworthy and Lucas knew it with every fiber of his being. That’s all it took for him to let the flood gates open. “He doesn’t love me,” Lucas sobbed as he wrapped his arms around Grace and buried his head into her shoulder. Despite not having any children yet, Grace’s maternal instincts kicked into gear. She pat Lucas’ shoulder and gently caressed the back of his head as he sobbed into the softness of her orange sweater. “I waited too long to tell him how I felt.”

Grace gently rubbed Lucas’ back in soothing circles. “I’m sorry. I know it’s hard when you have such intense feelings for someone, but they don’t feel the same way.” She really did. Grace instantly recalled the one summer in college that she spent in London visiting her mom, when she developed a crush on the one intern in her mom’s office. Paolo was cute beyond her wildest imagination, but his ambitions left little room for him to have feelings for anyone other than himself. It took some time for Grace to deal with her pain, but eventually she began to heal. “You might not think it now, but it will get better. One day you will find someone that loves everything about the man you are inside and out.”

Lucas stepped back from the woman comforting him and nodded his appreciation for her assurances. “Thank you Grace. You’re right. I know you’re right. I just wish I had actually told Dan my feelings instead of making up a lie, but I saw how he looks at your friend and I knew I didn’t have a chance. Dan looks at Jake with the same passion and desire that I have when I look at him. And I think Jake might see that too.”

While Grace had a feeling that Lucas was crushing hard on Dan, the revelation that Dan had feelings for Jake came as quite a surprise. At some point, Grace knew she would have to have a conversation with her friend. Everyone was here for Jake so they could help bring Taylor home and Grace needed to know that his heart was all there. If what Jake had told them upon arriving back to the island was true; that everyone’s love is what kept Taylor from fading from existence, then Grace needed to know if he was having any doubts whatsoever. “Go rest up for a little Lucas. It’ll help you clear your head. You can come back fresh later to tackle the Power Core calibration.”

As soon as Lucas left for his room, Grace excused herself from the lab, intent on finding her pilot friend.

___

Jake stretched his arms in the air before folding them behind his head as he sat on one of the elongated poolside lounge chairs. He never imagined that he’d be relaxing at The Celestial once again, soaking up the sun’s warm rays, but that’s exactly what he’d been doing for the last few days while the brain trust toiled away in the laboratory. He certainly preferred being poolside compared to being stuck indoors. Jake enjoyed the energy soaking into his skin, hoping it would give him a much needed tan. He watched the others, in various groups, frolicking in the water or conversing at the tiki-style bar, while he just sat back enjoying some alone time.

“He’s quite fetching, isn’t he?” An all too familiar voice asked.

The shaggy haired pilot turned his haze, arms still folded behind his head, to see the most unexpected sight. “B-B-Boy Scout?” He stammered.

Taylor looked at Jake with a playful smile before nodding his head in the direction of the pool towards the subject of his question. Jake’s gaze shifted from his long lost love to the muscular figure extracting himself from the distant side of the pool. Dan’s back muscles flexed as he hoisted himself up. The water rolled down his body, highlighting every definition Sexy Mop Top earned from hard work in the gym. Jake’s eyes instantly traveled to Dan’s tapered waist and, once again, fixated on the lower back dimples situated just above his round bottom.

Forcing himself to break his objectification, Jake turned back to Taylor. “How are you here? We haven’t performed...”

“I’m always here Jake. With you. I’ve never left.”

“But you did Taylor,” Jake challenged. He dropped his hands to his lap and turned to face his husband. Sure, it was an unofficial hand-fasting, but that didn’t make it any less real to Jake. Taylor was his soulmate. The first person to capture his heart and make him want to be a better man. Jake blinked several times fighting back the tears he felt forming. “You left me alone. You made the decision to sacrifice yourself to save us all, but we never really got to talk about it first. One minute you’re with me and the next...” Jake’s voice cracked and he trailed off unable to finish his thought. He lost the battle with the tears as a steady stream rolled down his cheeks.

Taylor reached over and cupped Jake’s face in his hands. He gently ran his thumb across his sobbing husband’s cheek while turning Jake’s face up to look into the pilot’s blue eyes. “If I did Hotness, I never would’ve had the courage to go through with it. I couldn’t stay and let the world burn around us. Rourke had to be stopped. In time, I knew you’d find room in your heart to love again.” Taylor softly turned Jake’s face towards where Dan was sitting and laughing with his friends. “I know you’re feeling something for him Jake. It’s okay. If for some reason this plan with The Sisters doesn’t work; I want you to be happy.”

For a few moments, all Jake could do was look at Dan while pressing his face to Taylor’s palm. “How can I...” Jake began to say turning to face his love, but he was no longer there. “Taylor?” Jake looked around the pool area frantically, but Taylor was nowhere in sight.

Jake opened his eyes to find himself still outstretched and lounging poolside. His hands were still laced behind his head and he realized that he must have dozed off. Jake saw that the others were still enjoying themselves in the pool area. Stacy sat atop Ava’s shoulders in the pool, battling Cade who was perched upon Varyn’s shoulders. Dan sat on the pool’s edge with his feet in the water beside Sean and Craig, the latter of which was animatedly miming football moves during conversation. Michelle sat under a canopied table sipping drinks with Carissa, Abby, and Scarlett, while Raj stood behind a nearby grill, no doubt whipping up something delicious. Meanwhile, Estella and Zahra practiced grappling moves on the nearby beach.

It must have been a dream, but it felt so real, so vivid. Jake turned his head and was immediately startled to see Diego sitting on the lounger beside him just staring. “Jesus Short Stuff. You scared me. How long have you been sitting there?”

“Long enough to see that something bothered you in your sleep. Wanna talk about it?” Diego placed a comforting hand on Jake’s leg.

“It’s nothing Diego. Just... just go back and have fun with the others.” Jake quickly got up from his seat, not wanting to discuss his feelings. He appreciated Diego’s concern, but Jake just needed some alone time. “I’ll catch you later,” he said before walking off towards The Celestial lobby.

From across the pool area, Dan noticed Jake depart, appearing to be upset. He excused himself from Craig and Sean and the football conversation they were having; quickly jogging toward the hotel.

___

The lobby was empty, as was the bar. Jake wasn’t in The Celestial’s massive fitness center either. Rounding a corner into another long corridor, Dan finally spotted his friend through the windows of the grand hotel’s large game room. He watched as Jake’s shirtless form stretched while rolling billiard balls by hand across the velvet table rather forcefully. Dan couldn’t help involuntarily hitching his breath as his eyes roamed over the pilot’s attractive body. Dan leaned his strong frame against the doorway as he folded his arms across his bare chest. “Hey,” he said lowly, finally exhaling that held breath.

“Hey Dan,” Jake replied without looking up from the pool table. He rolled another billiard ball across the table, sinking it into a corner pocket. “You didn’t have to come find me. I’ll be fine. You can go back and have fun with the others.”

“You’re not fine now though Jake. You didn’t even call me by my nickname.”

Jake glanced up to see his new friend smiling from ear-to-ear. He wanted to be angry, but how could he be when Dan was standing right there looking so damn adorable? Although he tried to fight it, Jake felt the corners of his mouth curl upwards ever so slightly. And he was pretty sure Dan noticed. “Why’d you come looking for me?”

“I can’t sit back and watch someone I care about struggle to cope,” Dan replied. He ran a hand through his slightly damp hair; still wet from his earlier dip in the outdoor pool.

Jake slowly made his way towards where Dan was standing. He got within inches of the younger, taller man who made him have conflicting feelings inside. “Why do you care about me? We barely know each other,” Jake whispered, his hot breath rippling across Dan’s neck causing goose bumps.

“I... uh... I...” Dan swallowed hard causing his Adam’s apple to bob in his throat. He was unable to find the words to express how he felt, but that didn’t stop his body from giving away his lust for the pilot. Dan felt his manhood grow, pressing tightly against the waterproof fabric of his swim trunks as it yearned to be set free. He could practically feel the almost invisible tiny hairs on Jake’s pecs tickling his own smooth, bare chest as he finally found words. “I don’t know why exactly. Something inside me just feels drawn to you. I know it’s wrong. We’re here to get Taylor back, but I don’t know how to make a feeling stop.”

“I’m confused too,” Jake replied. He gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Dan’s forehead before drawing the back of his fingers down the young man’s cheek. Jake brought his lips dangerously close to Dan’s, desperately wanting a taste. “If this were any other time, I’d be bending you over that pool table Sexy Mop Top.” Jake’s finger traveled slowly down Dan’s neck to the muscular divide of his chest eliciting a slight gasp. And then he took a small step back. “But Taylor has my heart. I’m a different man because of him. I’ve waited for him to come back to me and I have to believe he will return.” Jake pulled Dan’s forehead to his own. “I’m sorry.”

The two men stood together, forehead-to-forehead, for a few moments before Dan finally retreated. “You have nothing to be sorry about Jake. I completely understand.” Dan ran his palms down the front of his swim trunks and took a deep breath to regain his composure. While he was disappointed, he also knew chances with Jake were a long shot. “Taylor is a lucky guy and we’re gonna get him back Jake.” Dan gave Jake’s shoulder a comforting squeeze before he exchanged one final nod with the shaggy haired pilot and turned on his heel back towards the pool area.

Standing around the corner, Grace had heard everything. “So Lucas was right. Dan does have feelings for you.” Grace said as she made her presence known after Dan’s departure and approached Jake in the game room doorway. “And you have some feelings for him too?”

Jake was stunned to see Grace appear. “It’s not like that...”

“Just listen Jake,” Grace said raising her hand and cutting him off. “I heard what you said. You really need to be sure, without a scintilla of doubt that Taylor is the one. Everyone is here because we know what losing him meant to you, but if you’re not sure...”

The pilot placed both of his hands onto his friend’s shoulders. “Grace. I’m sure. For a moment my mind tried to tell me that Taylor would want me to find happiness with someone else, but when I saw Dan up here, I realized that it was just my fear that this plan might not work causing me to have doubts. In that moment, I knew I had to stop thinking that way. You all came here and had faith in me and supported me. It’s time that I have that same faith. I love Taylor and I know he will be back.”

Grace wiped the single tear from her cheek, content that Jake’s words were true. She wrapped her arms around his bare torso. “Good cuz if you said something else I would have hurt you.”

The two friends shared a laugh as Grace linked an arm into Jake’s elbow, about to walk towards the lobby when Aleister came running down the hallway.

“Oh good! I found you both,” Aleister panted breathlessly. “I’ve got it. I found the error that Lucas mentioned. I’ll have the Power Core fully recalibrated tonight and we can finally perform the ritual tomorrow.”

***

(To Be Continued)