#tw Sabrina and Marti

[spellbcok]

a starter for @tragcdysewn between sabrina & davina

sabrina wandered aimlessly around flourish and blotts. there were so many books to choose from that she was unsure where to even start. in part, it seemed ridiculous. magic and spells and endless books on how to wield them. but then she'd remember the strange things she can do and all doubts were wiped away. tiring of roaming, sabrina picked a book at random. latin, of course she thought as she skimmed the pages with mild interest, stopping at what seemed to be the simplest phrase. "par-vum ig-nem," the half-witch whispered, sounding out each syllable. almost instantly a fire erupted in the middle of the page. "oh, crap.." she said as she slammed the book close. once and then twice to ensure the fire was out. hazel eyes surveyed the area to see if anyone bore witness. sadly, her gaze met another's. "would you believe me if i said that was a very strange case of spontaneous combustion?"

[pha55ed]

Diet Pepsi || F2

type :: smut! tw/cw :: size kink (ollie), corruption (paul), fem!reader (all) contains :: ollie, paul, pepe, zane summary :: certain kinks that the drivers have, - "break all the rules 'til we get caught" diet pepsi - addison rae (my first smut on this acc!)

request :: i desperately need a paul fic based on diet pepsi by addison rae i dont know why i js think its such a perfect combination 🤧 also maybe bed chem by sabrina carpenter is also perfect for him - 🧸 (thank u for the request! i love ovulation songs LOL)

f1 masterlist || f2 masterlist || more here!

Ollie Bearman | 87 size kink

He's aware that he's bigger than most people, but he loves comparing how much smaller you are to him. Hand sizes, height, weight, anything. It makes him so happy to know that he's stronger than you, it makes him feel so masculine and protective.

It's a bit rude, but honestly he doesn't care - he loves treating you like a rag doll. Using one hand to pin both of your hands down above your head so he can use you without you clawing at his back. Easily separating your thighs from each other with his strength even if you try to close them. Or his favorite, simply lifting you up into the air and fucking you while standing up - gripping your waist with two hands and lifting you up and down on him with such ease.

But don't worry, after being so mean to you he's gentle at the end. Cuddling you in his arms, he's always going to be the big spoon. Brushing your hair to the side and cupping your face, telling you that you did amazing even though you were a pillow princess.

Paul Aron | 17 corruption

There's just something about ruining your innocent image. It doesn't matter if you're a virgin or not, but the way that you're perceived by the public being so different from how he sees you. The media sees you as a sweet and quiet person, more reserved than others.

Yet he sees you in ways no one else is allowed to. And he loves that, he loves knowing that he's ruining your image, he's the one making you act so out of character.

Wearing things like a cute sweater, innocent skirts, and bows in your hair make him go crazy. He doesn't want you to take them off, he'd rather fuck you while wearing those so he can see this sweet girl get her brains fucked out.

Pepe Marti | 21 cock warming (lwk edging but it depends)

He's a busy guy with a lot of training to do. So the best way to stay close together is to simply just cock warm, it makes perfect sense. You sit on his lap, his dick in you, while he stim races for hours on ends. His bare chest is so warm and comfortable, you can't help but try to fall asleep.

But you're never able to, because the second he crashes or finishes his race - he relieves his feelings onto you. Thrusting into you by surprise, going at a rapid and fast pace. He'll only stop once he's over his anger or the next race loads in.

And once it does, he stops instantly and locks into his race. So you're left there, edged and overstimulated from the past times you've came all over him. It's confusing in your guts, but it's better to feel full than empty.

Zane Maloney | 05 overstimulation

Being a racer requires being an adrenaline junkie and good health. Perfect for you, since you get the honors of having your brains get fucked out by Zane every time he's free. He loves using all his energy and pent up anger on you. He'll spend hours fucking you without him even cumming once, to make sure that you get the best experience.

But it's never boring, as if could be with him. He loves trying new positions and adding different stimulations for you. Reverse cowgirl, doggy style, 69, every position ever made has been tried by Zane and you. Every single sex toy has also been tried by Zane and you, no matter how odd or weird.

Not only is it a good way for him to get his energy out, but he's also just a curious person. Seeing you react to certain touches, hearing you moan just a bit louder, all of it is worth it to him. It makes him so happy to know that he's making you feel good. He doesn't even care how long he has to wait till he finally cums, because any time with you is good time.

(Zane is deadass so cute like omg, why have I never looked at him??? he has tattoos? listens to podcasts for fun?? loves the US and the diverse culture??? the cutest fucking gummy smile I've ever seen????? I love him now)

f1 masterlist || f2 masterlist || more here!

[flowers-shouldnt-die]

Tochter aus Elysium - part 1

My contribution to the teeny tiny Tissaia bang!

Prompt: That post about Tissaia getting pregnant but it’s Myanna’s birthday so it’s going to end on a happy note eventually.

TW: miscarriage scare, blood, depression and being completely broken. I also should add that I only pretend to speak english

Characters: Tissaia, Yennefer, Sabrina, basically most of the girls, and mentions of yours truly, Vilgefortz

Pairing: vague enough mention of past Tissaia/Vilgefortz and vague enough to be Yennaia

Hope you enjoy it<3

~~~

Elysia blew the sand from her hand and it turned into tiny butterflies in the wind. Their wings carried them higher and higher, until they disappeared between the trees. The young girl laughed in that special way only children could. Her voice still had the innocence and wonder people lost while growing up. She was still full of life and curiosity, her uncontainable energy clear as day as she ran around in the forest, yet mindful of never getting out of her mother’s sight. She was barely five years old and already just like…

“Just like you.” Tissaia turned to face Yennefer, her eyebrows arched instead of voicing her question. She didn’t notice when the young sorceress arrived and she had no idea how long she had been watching them. “She scolded the birds for being too loud. Already a little control freak.” She smirked, then added, “Although a sweet one.”

“In her defense, they were loud.” The brunette turned back to her daughter and let out a shaky breath. Yen followed her gaze, and smiled softly as she saw the little firecracker trying to reach for a mushroom that grew on a tree. It was just out of her reach and when even jumping couldn’t help, she called for her mother to help her. Tissaia picked her up and let her examine it but didn’t let her get it off of the tree’s trunk. The little girl made a disappointed face that was so much like her mother’s, Yennefer found it almost uncanny. So many things about them were uncanny, if she was honest with herself. But over the years, seeing the two of them so happy together made her forget about all the uneasy feelings she had, most of the time. There were still nights when she woke up in cold sweat, reliving the day when they all found out about Elysia.

~

The funeral just started and she wondered what took Tissaia so long to get down here. Then the flower petals started to fall and soon Yennefer was falling too, with a sharp pain coursing through her. There was no time to waste. She rushed back, praying for the first time in decades. She prayed for any god who’d listen, just please, please, let her get there in time. The sight that greeted her knocked the breath out of her: Tissaia lay motionless on the cold floor, a pool of blood glistened around her in the candlelight. She was searching for her pulse and cried in relief when she found it. But the blood was still warm and flowing, the light nightgown now darkened with its menacing presence. She asked her to wake up, to pull herself together, they had to get to a doctor. But Tissaia was still. It took a moment too long for Yen to realize she was catatonic.

With all the strength she could muster, she picked the smaller woman up and carried her to her bed. Desperately, she opened a telepathic channel and screamed for anyone who would listen. Preferably a healer. Moments that felt like eternity passed when the girls arrived. Thankfully, Marti was one of them and she wasted no time, examined her with the touch of an expert and began her incantations and spells. What followed was one of the biggest shock of their lives: Tissaia was with child. She very nearly wasn’t anymore, but they got here just in time.

The second shock came when Sabrina managed to ask “So is it his?” As if their former rectoress was sleeping around with everyone and not being in a committed relationship with him for years. The blonde quickly corrected herself when she saw her friend's looks, saying she was only hoping it wasn’t. That was fair enough. Yennefer couldn’t decide which revelation left her more baffled before she remembered what she learned only a few hours ago. It was Tissaia who made the sterilization mandatory, sorceresses could get pregnant back in her younger days. She never said she went through with it. A conflicting anger began to burn in her chest, hypocrite, the voice in the back of her mind whispered. But then she looked down at her, bruised, bloody and broken. Another kind of anger flared up - pure rage and a need for vengeance. Even if that fuckhead helped with the creation of this child, she would not let that cloud her mind. This was her baby, Tissaia’s baby and no one else’s. And Yennefer would do anything for them.

~

It was easier said than done. After the initial shock wore off and life went on, Tissaia was just a ghost compared to her former self. Yen was sure she only ate because of the growing baby inside her. She only went for a short walk because Marti suggested it would be beneficial - she had to insist that it was beneficial for the baby and it is not just a lie to get her to leave her room. The only time they could catch a small, unsure smile on the white haired woman’s lips was when she gingerly touched her growing belly, possibly feeling the small movements underneath her skin.

The world went into pure chaos, Aretuza was still in ruins and Tissaia wasn’t, no, couldn’t be sure of anything anymore. Except for the all consuming love she felt for her child. She thought she lost it forever, and when that happened, when she thought she finally lost everything, she let go of her will to live. If it weren’t for her friends she would probably be dead. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to talk to them, not after she failed all of them. Repeatedly. And now, to add insult to injury, she was carrying the child of the man who used and abused them and in the end, destroyed all of what mattered to them.

And despite all of this, she never felt a love so strong like the one she felt for her baby. Every little flutter it made, reminded her that she still had something to live for. As much as it hurt her to acknowledge who the father is she was determined to not let anyone treat her child as someone of his and not hers. Slowly, and with a lot of help, she found her way back to the land of the living. Although she made it clear she would resign her role, she was willing to stay as a friend to help her former students rebuild what was left of the Brotherhood. They understood for the most part, especially as time went on and her child kept growing in her.

~

The day she decided to enter the world was a blur of pain and blood. In the late morning hours she felt the first sensation of pain in her lower abdomen. She paid it no mind, it wasn’t unusual for her to feel uncomfortable during the late stages of her pregnancy. However, by noon she needed help to get back to her room. Tissaia never imagined her birthing experience would be witnessed by so many, but then again, she never imagined having one at all. All of her friends, who have truly become her family in the last few months, were there, supporting her.

When her water broke, it surprised her that it’s not only the water that comes out. Blood also poured from her and if it weren’t for her friends reassurance, she probably would have panicked. Minutes turned into hours and her baby refused to show its face to the world. Tissaia was screaming in the end as sweat glistened on her body. Her face was flushed and breathing became difficult amidst the jolts of pain. The sun disappeared a long time ago and she wondered if this was yet another of his cruel tricks on her. Their child was already as stubborn as he was and it terrified her.

The moment she felt her baby leave her body was a relief but despite the end of her torment, she felt oddly empty.

“It’s a girl!” Yennefer beamed with joy. It was a rare sight and Tissaia couldn’t take her eyes off of them, as she walked up to her with the baby safely wrapped in a blanket in her arms. When she finally held her daughter she couldn’t help the tears that escaped her eyes. The little girl had a shock of black hair and when she opened her eyes for a moment Tissaia’s breath got caught in her throat. The same eyes she had fallen for in every sense of the word looked back at her. Her sweet little baby girl had her father’s eyes and she felt this was his final act of twisting the knife in her heart. “She looks just like you!” Yen continued smiling like she never did before. Tissaia slowly shook her head but her raven haired friend insisted. “She has your face, your nose, her mimics already… she looks like you, Tissaia.”

She looked down at her daughter once more, and she had to admit, she saw some resemblance between them. The baby made a soft sound and she couldn’t help but smile. Her fear evaporated the longer she looked at the tiny bundle. She won’t let him take this moment away from her. She kissed the top of her newborn’s head and gently caressed her face. The love she felt for her while pregnant multiplied and in that moment, Tissaia de Vries never felt more at peace, more at home.

[on-a-lucky-tide]

I've been thinking about how book Eskel might have got his scar (as much as I do like the Deidre storyline, it's a CDPR invention, and having two canons - three, I guess, if you count Gwent - that I adore means I can substitute one for others if I want to dabble and world build). With thanks to @lohrendrell, who gave me her ear, heart eyes and some amazing reflections to bounce off of, too.

I revisited my favourite book Eskel art. I also read the Thanedd Banquet again recently....

TW: mention of canonical grossness re: consent/sexual assault; reflections on book canon; deliberate mutilation.

For reference, the bit that started my reflection (from Time of Contempt):

‘. . . with Yennefer?’ enquired the redhead, playing with a pearl necklace, coiled around her neck like a dog’s collar.

‘Are you serious, Sabrina?’

‘Absolutely,’ answered Sabrina Glevissig. ‘You won’t believe it, but it’s been going on for several years. And I’m surprised indeed he can stand that vile toad.’

‘Why be surprised? She’s put a spell on him. She has him under a charm. Think I’ve never done that?’

‘But he’s a witcher! They can’t be bewitched. Not for so long, at any rate.’

‘It must be love then,’ sighed the redhead. ‘And love is blind.’

‘He’s blind, more like,’ said Sabrina, grimacing. ‘Would you believe, Marti, that she dared to introduce me to him as an old school friend? Bloody hell, she’s older than me by . . . Oh, never mind. I tell you, she’s hellishly jealous about that Witcher. Little Merigold only smiled at him and that hag bawled her out and sent her packing in no uncertain terms. And right now . . . Take a look. She’s standing there, talking to Francesca, without ever taking her eyes off her Witcher.’

‘She’s afraid,’ giggled the redhead, ‘that we’ll have our way with him, even if only for tonight. Are you up for it, Sabrina? Shall we try? He’s a fit lad, not like those conceited weaklings of ours with all their complexes and pretensions . . .’

‘Don’t talk so loud, Marti,’ hissed Sabrina. ‘Don’t look at him and don’t grin. Yennefer’s watching us too. And stay classy. Do you really want to seduce him? That would be in bad taste.’

‘Hmm, you’re right,’ agreed Marti after a moment’s thought. ‘But what if he suddenly came over and suggested it himself?’

‘In that case,’ said Sabrina Glevissig, glancing at the Witcher with a predatory, coal-black eye. ‘I’d give it to him without a second thought, even lying on a rock.’

‘I’d even do it lying on a hedgehog,’ sniggered Marti.

Sorceresses (and probably sorcerers) use magic to sleep with people fairly often. Triss does it to Geralt in the books and the games. There are references here to it and elsewhere.

But what if Eskel was resistant to it? As in, it didn't work/had no effect. He was a devilishly handsome man. What if someone like Sabrina, with her coal-black, predatory eyes, propositioned him openly - he declined - then she used magic, and he still declined, charming smile in place?

How insulted would they be? How much would it offend their arrogance and sense of entitlement? Perhaps the offended magic-user captured Eskel and decided to carve that charming smile permanently in place; he fought them and got away before they could finish the other side.

It would certainly put a really heartbreaking angle on the whole 'bending the knee' to Triss. Not everyone deals with trauma in the same way. What if Eskel's way to 'deal with it' is to make sure there's never a chance of it ever happening again? He practically grovels at Triss' feet, kisses her hand. (In this potential interpretation, when she draws her hand back, his heart plummets because he thinks he somehow fucked it up, only to breathe a sigh of relief when he hasn't). And then later, well... he learned the hard way not to resist a sorcerer/esses advances.

Eskel doesn't smile at strangers now; no flirtatious winks or roguish grins. He reserves the pitiful grimaces that pass as a smile for his family and friends; people he knows won't hurt him. Besides, it's not a smile anymore, it's... well, it's something, isn't it?

When he returns to Kaer Morhen after that season, he makes up some story about an endrega and a lucky shot. Completely fobs it off. Perhaps Geralt senses there is something else amiss, but he doesn't say anything. Why would Eskel lie?

He sits under that tree most of the time now, sketching in his journal, writing things. Geralt knows he used to write lewd poetry, but he doesn't think that happens anymore. Eskel still drinks with the remains of the school, but there are shadows behind his eyes now. They all have them, but Eskel's are different, somehow. One day, Geralt might ask. One day he might be strong enough to take on a little of what is pulling Eskel down. One day.

Building on the above, what if this was the moment Geralt and Eskel's paths truly divided? They are commonly referred to as 'like brothers' due to their similarity. But what if it used to be more than just appearance? They did everything together; trained, played, dreamed. Maybe Eskel wanted to have a similarly absurd name as Geralt; the others used to tease him about all the swooning women that would fall at his feet. Eskel was always slightly more pragmatic - he never reached the same heady heights of idealism as Geralt - but he still believed the world was going to be better than it was. He still allowed himself to be swept up a little in Geralt's fairytale. Perhaps that's what made his fall all the harder; he knew the drop was there, but he still let himself believe...

Geralt and Eskel were broken by the world in different ways, and they wear it differently, too.

Fuck, now I want to give them nice things again. *opens the Word Doc*

[imaginyimagines]

Unexpected Reunion - Ch 1.

A/N: I was inspired by @let-me-love-you-loki​ and her amazing fics and I decided to write out the fictions I wanted to, for me. This is an AU pairing of my main OC Sabrina ‘Rina’ McMahon and Nick Jackson of the Young Bucks! I also tried going back and forth between perspectives for the first time! 

TW: Marty Scurrl is mentioned as a background character only, I don’t intend to mention him in further chapters. 

Always looking for feedback, and I hope you enjoy it! 

Nick 

Seeing her again, I felt like a giddy 21-year-old all over again. I remembered meeting her and the Machine Guns. Caly met Matt, and they were a thing after she dated Shelley. Rina. Rina dated Sabin for what seemed like forever, but they called it quits too. I never thought I would see her again after we left TNA, but now we were sitting across from her on the public transit system in Tokyo, Japan. She was tucked up on her seat, reading from a paperback book, and curled against AJ Styles. They had been best friends then, and clearly, that was the same. She had seen his New Japan career since she had just left TNA and was at a career crossroads.

The feelings in my stomach were just as strong, and it scared me how deeply I still felt for this woman who barely knew I existed. Matt smacked me in the chest with a knowing look, stupid older brother senses. I’d been staring. Again. I wasn’t the only one, though. Kenny seemed interested or at least curious. They didn’t know each other at all. After the eager conversation died, she dug out her book and sat cross-legged, resting against AJ’s shoulder. Their lips moved, and I couldn’t hear them, but it appeared they were having just a regular conversation. She slipped her phone out and tapped the screen a few times before tossing it into her purse with a dainty growl.

“Him again?” AJ asked loud enough to gather the entire group’s attention. Rina let out a big sigh as she turned the page in her book before closing it around a worn ticket stub bookmark.

“Mhmm. Delusions are powerful, especially ones you’ve believed your entire life.” She cracked her neck and sat upright, and stretched her legs. I studied her movements, how she held and moved her limbs, and the utmost grace she carried herself. Everything about her marveled me.

“You never did tell me the whole story,” AJ goaded her with an elbow.

“Randy and I were born a day apart. I was born on March 31st, and he on April 1st. Our fathers thought this was somehow cosmically connected; why else would two wrestling families have kids one day after the other, right? That it somehow meant we were destined to be together. Randy believed that lie our fathers told us from day one, whereas I never did. Even now, as a married man with children, he doesn’t stop. I hoped with the first marriage he would. Now we’re on the second, and it’s like I can’t escape him.” She shuddered in what could only be hatred. The others all shook their heads and returned to their devices.

Rina

I can’t believe I just shared my stalker life story with AJ and a handful of men I didn’t know well on the Tokyo bullet train. I stood up to finish stretching, turning around to face the group and holding onto the rail as I felt the stretch deep in my back. Their eyes studied me, likely thinking I was crazy. Of course, I was, I grew up in a professional circus-style life, and it’s the life I chose for myself even now at nearly 35 years old. Could you call this a midlife crisis? Or just unsure of what road to take next? Who knew. I was looking forward to some good Japanese food and maybe try a glass of sake. AJ had found new life and heights in Japan, and I was only too happy to join him to see what it was like. 

It was surprising to see the Jackson brothers all these years later. Matt is still a smart ass and almost as obsessed with coffee as I was. And then there was Nick. How he looked at me gave my heart butterfly wings and hovered in my throat. Sweet, crystal blue eyes and a baby face should be on some winged marble statue. He was also delightfully goofy and light-hearted, obsessed with basketball despite not clearing 6 feet in height. Their other friends I didn’t know, Adam Page, Marty who was far too flirty but then again, he was British. Kenny was quieter, but his blue eyes were bright and observant. He was buried in a Japanese video game magazine; clearly, he had adopted Japan more than the rest. I saw a few other Japanese wrestlers on the same train, nodding hello in recognition. Returning to my seat, I sighed and let my head fall to the bench. Maybe this would be rejuvenating for me as well.

Nick

I wish I knew how to make her feel more at ease. Or how to make her smile, forget that Randy guy who bothered her. She wore black jean leggings, a faded pink t-shirt, and an oversized Disney Tinkerbell hooded sweatshirt. Her hair was faded purple and blond and hung in a loosened braid over her shoulder. Her head tilted to the side as she dozed off to sleep.

“Do I need to stick your head in a cold shower?” Matt demanded once we were sure she was asleep. I chuckled; perhaps if I let myself continue to study the curves of her chest and legs, he might need to.

“Not yet,” Matt shook his head as he never did understand why I felt so much for her. She was nearly a decade older, not exactly the type of girl I was known to go for. Sabrina McMahon was opinionated, stubborn, sometimes loud, and could be pretty vulgar. She was also maternal to a fault, caring, wise, and possibly the most intelligent person I ever met. She idolized her older brother the way I did mine. She was likely crazy, but in pro wrestling, we all were. And I was still head over heels for her. As the train slowed to a stop, AJ shook her awake and helped her up. We were all half-dead on our feet and trudged our way to the hotel.

In the quiet of the elevator, I caught those big blue eyes of hers and couldn’t stop myself from grinning like an idiot. She smiled at me back, and a hint of pink bloomed on her cheeks. I looked down at my scuffed sneakers to avoid breaking my face with a somehow even bigger grin. Having watched the little exchange, Matt shook his head. The elevator dinged, and we all piled out and scattered to our rooms. We’d meet up in a while for food, as was tradition, and I could only hope she’d join us.

Rina 

After stumbling into my hotel room, I carefully removed my shoes and dragged myself to the bathroom. A long hot shower was in order, and then hunt down some coffee. I plugged my phone in and turned on some music as I let the water run to temperature. I remembered catching Nick’s eyes in the elevator and feeling like a teenager. Get caught staring at your crush. I felt my face heat up and looked away, silly woman. He was 25 to my almost 35, like he would want someone like me anyway. I pulled my hair out of its plait, peeled off my travel clothes, and finally stepped into the cascading shower.

A short while later, happily clean and feeling somewhat human, I made my way down to the lobby, searching for coffee. I had seen a cart around here, and my nose was keen on the hunt as I bumped into Matt Jackson. He had found the cart first, and I was delighted to have found him at this moment. He poured two cups and gave me one with a small smile. We toasted and enjoyed the caffeine treat as the rest of the group formed around us.

“Now, two of them need coffee,” AJ remarked.

“Ooh, you betcha, Mr. Styles their sir,” I teased in an overly pronounced Canadian accent. I stuck my tongue out at him, and he returned the gesture. A laugh went through the group as it appeared I would get along with everyone just fine. “You need two things to keep Rina happy and not complaining. Coffee and food. Either of these offerings will keep you alive; take notes, boys. Chocolate can be deployed in emergencies.” Marty and Kenny both made fantastic pantomimes of taking notes on their phones.

“Matt can’t function without coffee. Find him, and you’ll always find coffee. Now, regarding food, any of us can help you there. Everyone ready for our usual welcome meal?” AJ was a de facto leader. Everyone nodded, myself included. Food was always a welcome idea. We wandered down the street to this restaurant tucked away in a corner. The food smelled delicious, and I appreciated the English translations besides the kanji. The staff seemed to know the group as they took two corner tables and shoved them together. Soon everyone was laughing and sharing stories from the last tour. Sipping on coke, I ordered some dumplings and satay or kebab things. The others all called different things, and we exchanged promises of bites of this for that. I was wedged between Marty and Nick as I waited for a spot in the conversation and scrolled through photos on social media. I kept glancing at Nick; I could feel his presence beside me quite acutely. His khaki cargo shorts, gray tank top, and hair pulled back in a ponytail. He felt warm, and my hand would accidentally touch his leg or arm. Cramped quarters made not touching someone impossible. I was also aware of Marty on my other side, who attempted to stretch without noticing his arm slide behind me.

Nick 

I was going to chicken wing Scurrl if he didn’t stop. He was typically quite flirty, and I usually didn’t mind, but when it was Rina, I did. I know I had no reason to be jealous or even have a leg to stand on to tell him to stop. My heart seized when I felt his fingers on the back of the booth, and I gritted my teeth to push the thoughts away. She wasn’t mine, and anyone could flirt with anyone. But Marty was suave and British and could have any girl that walked by. Why did it have to be her? I was used to never being able to get the women as some guys could; I was awkward and goofy. So when Marty tried to put his charm into overdrive on Rina, it ground my gears.

However, I knew I couldn’t and shouldn’t say a thing; I couldn’t show my feelings this way. Especially not knowing how she felt, either about him or me. I could feel Matt across the table, inventorying my reactions. Staff soon brought the food to us, and the concentration shifted to eating, which I was glad for something to do with my hands. I could look down and see her leg, now sheathed in regular jeans and pressed against mine.

Rina 

Once the food arrived, the atmosphere lifted just a bit. I gave Marty a look, and he slid his arm back carefully. I was grateful I hadn’t need to express myself verbally, as that could have made the table awkward. I looked up and saw Nick smile just a little, and it sent my heart fluttering again. I wanted to stare into those eyes like the reflecting pools, those lovely eyes, and long eyelashes. To get lost in them, maybe even be in the circle of his arm’s embrace, leaning against his frame and staring up into those impossibly blue eyes. Our hands bumped, and we looked at each other sheepishly; he smiled and mouthed sorry. My eyes darted down with a smile before I felt AJ gently nudge me under the table. I looked at my best friend; he had a questioning look, followed by a smug-ass grin.

I bowed my head as I felt my cheeks heat up again. This would require an explanation. After dinner, we wandered the ward to keep awake and get our bodies used to the time change. The guys would be stopped for photos and autographs, and I went blissfully unnoticed until someone needed help getting a picture taken.

Nick 

I couldn’t get the look on her face at dinner out of my head. Our hands had touched, and our eyes met, and at that moment, I thought maybe she liked me too. She blushed and looked away, bowing her head and redirecting her attention. I noticed her sneak looks at me after that, the pulse racing in my ears as I would think of her thinking of me. Thankfully we had to walk around to get our bearings and stave off a food coma. We stopped at a small cart, and she got an iced drink. The stall owner smiled at her and gave her a bright blue hairpin that was part of the display.

“Arigato,” She said sincerely and pushed the pin into her bun. The stall owner said something about her beauty putting aside all flowers; they were undoubtedly correct. Kenny pointed out some of the scenery and told myths and legends of the area. She listened rapturously, sipping on her hibiscus tea drink. The conversation lulled again, and I found myself walking beside her.

“So, how do you like it? Here in the ward,”

“It’s beautiful. I’d always imagined Japan would be magical, but I had no idea how much so. The stories, the people, the food.” She spoke animatedly, even using both hands after tossing away her empty cup. I could hear her go on about anything and everything under the sun. “I don’t know how I could ever want to leave at this point,” She and I locked eyes again, and I swear the world around us ceased. I could feel the breeze fluttering the leaves and hear our friends chatter and laugh, but all I could genuinely see was her. Her lips, stained rosy from her drink, slightly parted. How badly I wanted to taste the fruit of her kiss. Or even take her in my arms at that moment.

Rina

Somehow the talking between us ceased; I know I had been rambling, but the way he was looking at me, I had never seen another person look at me that way. Not lustful, but wondrous. I had the urge to throw myself into his chest and be held and looked at like that. My mouth was suddenly parched, and Nick Jackson was the only water that appealed to me. He was such a sweet soul, so goofy and light; he looked like the perfect angel that the heavens had created. As they always do, the moment was shattered by our friends as Marty threw a small football and hit Nick square in the forehead.