#v small halloween thing for our halloween couple while we hold the other <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[cruelangcls]

@ctrldchaos

"I may have gone a little far decorating your apartment-" First words out of his mouth once West walked through the door. Indeed, the place was suddenly Halloween central. "We g-got a...a big tip from our last graveyard video so I bought it all with that."

[heauxplesslydevoted]

Dress Up (Ethan x MC)

Summary: On Halloween night, Ethan gets a big surprise

A/N: Okay so this was the tooth rotting fluff I was talking about earlier this week. 

A/N 2: I haven’t written something this short in years. Issa miracle

A/N 3: Happy Halloween! Enjoy!

~v~

The words on the paper in front of Ethan start to blur together the longer he stares at the page. He’s been at the hospital for nearly 18 hours and it’s finally starting to have an effect on him, the exhaustion finally creeping in.

It’s been a long shift. He put in some hours in the free clinic on top of helping with his patient for the diagnostics team, and dealt with a particularly exhausting meeting with a few other department heads. On top of the usual business, it’s Halloween, and the holiday has never bode well for the hospital. By the time midnight rolls around, the ER is typically packed with college students and other young 20-somethings that have gotten way too drunk, started fights, and injured themselves.

His cell phone rings and he reaches into his coat pocket to retrieve it. His mood instantly perks up when he sees ‘Naomi R’ flash across the screen accompanied by a picture of his wife’s smiling face.

It takes him mere seconds to answer the phone, balancing it delicately between his shoulder and ear. “Hello?”

“Hi handsome,” Naomi greets back.

The cheeriness in her voice cheers him up slightly. While it’s been less than a day, he’s missed the sound of her voice. “Hi.”

“What are you doing?”

“My job,” Ethan deadpans.

“Obviously smarty-pants. Are you working hard or hardly working?”

“I'm always working hard,” Ethan insists. “I’m trying to prepare myself for how busy the ER is going to be once the sun goes down. I hate Halloween.”

“You hate everything.”

“I hate pointless consumer holidays,” Ethan says. “Especially ones that promote candy and alcohol consumption.”

“Oh, so all the fun ones,” Naomi teases. “Where are you? Are you in the office?”

“Yes, I’m taking a break right now.”

“Perfect. Open the door.”

“Open the–” Ethan looks up, intrigued. He can’t make out any figures on the other side of the door, the frosted glass not doing him any favors. Either his lovely wife had food delivered for him, or she’s pulling some sort of Halloween trick on him. “Why?”

“It’s a surprise, so open the door.”

Deciding to play along, Ethan gets up from his huge leather chair and in a few quick strides, he’s on the other side of the room, opening the door. Looking straight ahead he doesn’t immediately see anyone standing outside. He should’ve known this was some prank of hers.

“Hi, daddy!”

The tiny voice cuts through the otherwise silent hallway. Out of the corner of his eye, Ethan sees a tiny blur practically flying towards him. The small figure collides with him with a soft thud, wrapping around him tightly.

“Oof!”

Chuckling to himself, Ethan glances down at the 3 year old clutching his pant legs like a life raft. “You are very strong for a toddler.”

“Valentina Marie Ramsey, what have I told you about running away from me!” Naomi’s voice is what captures Ethan’s attention as she speed-walks down the hall in an effort to make it to the office.

Ethan looks her up and down, confused. She’s wearing her work clothes, a simple blouse, pencil skirt and her white coat, as well as her purse and a plastic bag from CVS hanging off of her shoulder. Naomi isn’t supposed to be working today and she never dresses this formally in their casual life outside of work. “Did you take a shift?”

“Daddy, look, we're doctors because it’s Halloween!” Valentina says, garnering her dad’s attention. 

The couple had given up on picking a costume for Valentina over a week ago, as the precocious toddler wasn’t good at picking one thing and sticking to it. In the past month, she’s wanted to be a pirate, a bear, a fairy, a princess, a princess fairy, and Baby Shark.

Ethan looks down at her and sees she has on a white coat of her own, one that is entirely too big for her which only makes her look that much more adorable. He smiles at her. “You make a very cute doctor, my darling.”

“Mommy says doctors are supposed to be very smart, not cute,” Valentina corrects, and while she’s already the spitting image of her mother, she sounds just like her too. She’s just as stubborn and argumentative.

“You’re the smartest 3 year old I know,” Ethan says honestly. As if a child born to him and Naomi would be anything but.

“You promise?”

“I pinky promise.”

“We were just coming by to show off our costumes, and to grab my doctor’s bag,” Naomi says. She leans forward and presses a soft kiss onto Ethan’s lips, one he doesn’t let end to quickly. Wrapping an arm around his wife’s waist, he pulls her in closer to deepen the kiss. 18 hours is far too long to go without her.

The kiss is broken up by Valentina aggressively wedging herself between the two of them. “No kissing.”

Naomi pulls away with an eye roll. “Okay, okay.” Leaving the doorway, Ethan moves backwards and allows them inside the office. Naomi instantly goes behind Ethan’s desk and grabs her physician’s bag. She usually doesn’t carry it unless the diagnostics team has to make a house call, and she empties it, making it easier for Valentina to carry around and use it as a candy bag. Before she hands it over, she empties the plastic bag she’s holding, a box of pink band-aids, popsicle sticks (aka tongue depressors), a roll of stickers, and a pair of small reading glasses fall onto the table.

Ethan watches as Naomi puts the final touches on Valentina’s costume. “Why the glasses?”

“Because you wear glasses,” Valentina answers as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

Ethan raises an eyebrow in question, not understanding the point Valentina is trying to make. He turns to Naomi for further clarification.

“Val didn’t want to be any old doctor,” Naomi says. “She wanted to be...you.”

“Mommy said I can wear your big doctor coat!” Valentina exclaims.

And that’s when Ethan notices she is in fact wearing his spare white coat; Dr. Ethan Ramsey, M.D., F.A.C.P., stitched into it underneath Edenbrook’s logo.

While he already thought his three year old dressing up as a doctor was a sight to behold, something inside his chest warms as the thought of her wanting to be dressed up as him. Her entire world is comprised of doctors, but she wants to be a mini him.

He doesn’t realize how long he’s been silent until Valentina tugs on his hand. “Are you okay, daddy? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong,” Ethan assures her with a smile. He crouches down so they’re able to look each other eye-to-eye. “Daddy is just very happy that you want to wear my coat, that’s all.” Valentina does a spin for him, spurred on by the positive affirmation and Ethan looks up, catching Naomi’s eye. “She wants to be me, not you.”

“Whatever. She looks like me, so when people see us together, she’ll automatically assume she’s dressed up as me.”

“But you and I both know the real intent. You know, I think your costume is missing something.” Reaching around his neck, Ethan takes off his stethoscope and drapes it around her instead. “There. Now you make a perfect Ethan Ramsey.”

“So now I have to make you feel better,” Valentina says. Dramatically, she places her hand on Ethan’s forehead, as if she’s taking his temperature. “Uh-oh.”

“What’s the diagnosis, Doc?” Ethan asks.

“You have a boo-boo,” she replies matter-of-factly. “But I can make it all better.” With some help from her mother, Valentina manages to open the box of band-aids. She sticks one on her dad’s cheek, just above his mustache, and follows that up by kissing his cheek. “There! How do you feel?”

“I feel much better,” Ethan says. “Thank you for being such a good doctor.”

“You’re welcome.” She then shoves a big Hello Kitty sticker into the palm of Ethan’s hand. “And you get a sticker for being good.”

“Even better.” Ethan tugs on one of Valentina’s curls, earning a giggle.

A few more minutes pass, with Naomi and Ethan snapping as many pictures as they possibly can and Valentina putting a few more band-aids on her parents.

The door opens and Baz comes in this time, eyes downcast as he’s staring at a file. “Hey Ethan, Dr. Banerji wanted to–” he stops short, laughing as he zeroes in on the bright pink band-aids covering Ethan. “That is quite the look you got going for yourself, Ethan.”

“I’ll have you know that my lovely doctor here put these bandages on me.”

Baz’s grin turns into a wide smile as he takes in Valentina’s appearance. “Well aren’t you the cutest doctor I’ve ever seen, Teeny!”

“I’m not a cute doctor, I’m a smart doctor, Uncle Baz,” Valentina practically growls.

“I apologize for the mistake.”

Naomi glances at the large clock hanging behind Ethan’s desk. “Okay, Val, we have to go so we can get some candy before it gets too dark. Say bye-bye to daddy.”

Valentina wraps her tiny arms around Ethan’s neck, squeezing tightly. “Bye daddy. I love you.”

“I love you more.”

As Naomi gathers up all of their things, Valentina tells him all about how she can’t wait to show off her costume and get candy. It was her first time trick-or-treating, as Naomi and Ethan decided it was better to wait until she was a bit older before participating in the holiday. 

Her excitement is palpable and Ethan can’t help but to feel excited too. And while it’s true he’s no fan of Halloween, the thought of not witnessing it through his daughter’s eyes makes his chest tight. “How long do you plan on taking her around?”

“An hour,” Naomi answers. “I think that appropriate enough time for a 3 year old, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Ethan turns to Baz. “Do you think you can hold down the fort for an hour?”

Baz shrugs. “Sure. But only if you bring me back a Reese’s peanut butter cup.”

“That can be arranged.” Ethan stands up, his arms still firmly secured around Valentina. “Come on, Dr. and Dr Ramsey, we have some trick or treating to do.

~v~

Tags: @professorkingslay @nikki-2406 @maurine07 @aka-calliope @edgiestwinter @soft-for-drake @greenbean-kylie @akshara16 @bluebellot @kaavyaethanramsey @honeyandsunfl0wers @blossomanarchy @takemyopenheart @fanmantrashcan @whatchique @ao719 @x-kyne-x @colourmeshy @paulfwesley @the-pale-goddess @writinghereandthere @ramseyandrys @perriewinklenerdie @aworldoffandoms @thatcatlady0716 @drakewalker04 @canknot @hatescapsicum @lapisreviewsstuff @senseofduties @badchoicesposts @ethandaddyramseyx @chasingrobbie @zodiacsign1 @choices-lurker @my-heart-beats-for-ya @adrian-motherfucking-raines @riverrune @edith-eggs1 @thatysn @bellcat2010 @theeccentricbibliophile @cecilecontrera @junehiratas @choices-love-affair @openheart12 @caseyvalentineramsey @desmaranj @nazario-sayeed @aestheticartsx @ruinedbypixels @mvalentine @nooruleman @rookie-ramsey

[bobasheebaby]

Costume Face-off (NSFW)

Pairing: Bastien x Olivia; Liam x Ellie

Word count: 3,284

Warnings: smut, Bastien’s abs

Summary: Beaumont Bash Halloween party and a couples costume bet...

A/N: @stopforamoment sent me the bottom center picture last year and said Baslivia, I promised her and a year later I have fulfilled said promise. I played around with the “prompt” a little. Thanks to @sirbeepsalot for graping and prereading. This is set in the future, 15 months from the beginning, 11 months from opening up about their relationship. Pic # 3 belongs to @metalslimer and @sintwisted, all pictures found on google.

“Ohmygod, look at that one!” Ellie exclaimed as she scrolled through Pinterest with Olivia.

Olivia rolled her emerald eyes. “That’s nothing.”

“Yea, Okay Liv, but we both know we’d never get the guys to agree to something like this. She kept scrolling through. “I mean they are fun, Mario and Princess Peach, Oh. My. God! Look at Jessica and Roger Rabbit!” She scrolled down further, blue eyes going wide. “I take it back! This Roger Rabbit and Jessica, look at her she’s freaking ripped! How the hell did these women talk these men into their costumes?!” Olivia arched her brow knowingly. “Ummm yea, that, but really that won’t here.” She pointed at a picture of seven guys all dressed as different Disney Princesses. “I mean…”

“You underestimate yourself if you don’t think you could get Liam in one of these.”

“Okay Liv, you really could get Bastien to agree to something like this.”

“I could, and I guarantee it would blow anything you and Liam came up with out of the water.”

“Of course you would make it a bet.”

“Does that mean you don’t accept the challenge?”

“Oh no, you’re on, best gender swap costume wins, the loser has to wear the losing costume to brunch the next morning and pay.”

“You’re on, and so going down. A Nevrakis never loses.”

*

Olivia pulled her long crimson hair back into a low bun, her eyes trailing down the rest of her costume in the bathroom mirror. Perfect. She smirked at her reflection, as she gently brushed her hand over the small bump visible in her tight white v neck. She turned to look at the shirt she discarded, still hanging on the hanger. No more crop tops for now. She grabbed her belt, adding the final touch. “You might want to cover your ears, Papa isn’t gonna be thrilled when he sees his costume.” As if on cue she heard the door to their suite open and shut. Even retired, he refused to give up on security, always double checking to ensure everything was secure. “Your costume is on the bed.” She gave herself one last cursory glance, straightening her black vest, before exiting the en-suite.

She stifled a chuckle as she saw him standing at the end of the bed holding the thin maroon material in his hand. She knew this wasn’t what he was expecting when she suggested they go as Han Solo and Slave Leia, she was certain of that by the way he had said yes before the entire suggestion left her lips. She was sure he had visions of her dressed in the barely there bikini, while he was a dashing Han Solo. Think again, I have a bet to win.

Bastien turned, a perplexed look on his face. “What’s this?”

“Your costume, like I said.”

“Livvy, you can’t actually expect me to wear this.” He looked up, eyes slowly trailing up her body. He took in her black knee high boots, skin tight blue jeans, white v neck, black vest. She isn’t kidding. “I can’t wear this.” He shook his head in dismay. There isn’t enough fabric to cover me.

She smirked as she crossed the room to him. “Sure you can.” She unbuttoned his dress shirt. “You certainly have the body for it.” She traced her hands down his firm chest and impressive twelve pack for emphasis.

He shivered under her touch. Don’t give in. “This won’t conceal much, if anything.” He held up the sheer maroon loin cloth.

“Relax, I got you a banana hammock.” She gestured to the small flesh colored material on the bed, sitting next to his collar and chain.

He looked at the barely there undergarment that more resembled dental floss than actual underwear with a grimace. Banana hammock? It’s a g-string! He knew she was only calling the flesh colored scrap of fabric by that name as a means to tease him for his dislike of bananas.

She teased her finger along the waistband of his pants, smiling as he sucked in a sharp breath. “I don’t beg...” Her fingers undid his buckle. “...but I’d be willing to get on my knees.” She winked, pulling down his zipper. She sank to the floor, settling on her knees before she pulled his pants and boxer briefs down, releasing his half hard cock.

He groaned as she wrapped her hand around his length, pumping it in slow, smooth strokes. She smiled as she watched him react to her ministrations, his cock becoming fully hard in a matter of seconds.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be the hottest Leia they’ve ever seen.” She continued to slide her slender hand up and down his thick shaft, feeling heat pool in her core. Later. “You have such a spectacular body; it would be a shame to not show it off.”

“You’re just saying that to get me to…” His words trailed off as she wrapped her plush red lips around his swollen head. His hand gripped the back of her head, steely eyes locked on emerald as he gently bucked into her mouth. “Fuck Livvy.”

She bobbed her head up and down his length, her tongue swirling around his shaft. She gripped his firm buttock with her other hand, giving it a hard squeeze.

He moaned, one of the things he fell in love with was her ability to take charge. He watched as his thick length disappeared into her mouth again and again. His mind swirled; he knew the second he saw his costume he didn’t really have a choice. She doesn’t play fair.

God she’s a goddess with her mouth. He felt his balls tighten and he knew he wouldn’t last much longer. “Livvy.”

She nodded her head, her hand cupping his balls, rolling them in her hand. She hollowed her cheeks, creating suction as she increased her pace.

He fisted her bun as he bucked into her mouth. His eyes remained locked on hers as he came with a groan, spilling down her throat. He softened the hold on her hair as he watched her swallow every drop.

Olivia eased up her pace, gently licking his softening cock clean before releasing it from her mouth. She rose to her feet, wiping the corners of her mouth. “I still think you can pull it off.”

“It was never a question of could… it was more should.”

“You should always show off your impressive physique.”

Bastien laughed shaking his head. God I love this woman.

“So you’ll wear it?”

He looked at the costume in question, knowing it was too late to change costumes. “It’s not like I have another option.”

“Very true.”

“You know you didn’t have to…”

“I know.” She smiled trailing her hand down his bare chest. “I could help you make sure everything is put away.” She licked her lips suggestively.

He forced himself to focus on anything other than her soft hands ‘helping’ him conceal himself in the small undergarment. He knew what would happen the instant her hands were on his body again. God she’s more insatiable than ever. “Thank you for the offer, but we both know that we’ll never leave the room if you do.”

She bit her lip as she hummed her agreement. “You’re absolutely correct.” Her heated gaze scanned his chest, taking in the toned tanned muscle covered in dark chest hair. She felt the heat in her grow. “Go get dressed before I change my mind about going to the party.”

He chuckled as he picked up the small pieces of his costume. He’d much rather stay in the room all night wrapped in her arms, but if he knew one thing about his wife, it was she chose this costume for a reason, one he wouldn’t find out if they were a tangle of sweaty limbs all night. I’ll just have to persuade her to come back early.

*

Olivia nervously toyed with her rings with the pad of her thumb. Large cushion cut emerald and simple platinum band, the perfect mix of him and her, past and present. She smiled as he squeezed her right hand in his, his ability to understand her only growing over the course of their relationship.

“Don’t be nervous.”

“I’m a Nevrakis, we don’t get nervous.” Her voice falling flat, belying her feelings. She turned to look at him. “So few know…” Her hand grazed her visible bump.

“No one will notice, they will be stunned speechless by my costume.”

Olivia chuckled. “Blinded by your impressive abs.” She’d picked the costume before finding out, now she was even more glad she went so extreme to show Ellie and Liam up. Her emerald eyes scanned the front room as they descended the grand staircase. Now where are Ellie and Liam so we can win this bet?

She slipped her hand from his, sliding it around to his backside giving it a hard squeeze as they weaved through the crowd. He removed her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. “If you keep that up, we will have a wardrobe malfunction on our hands.”

“I’d rather not make Adelaide’s night, I’ll behave.” For now.

*

Adelaide bit her lip as Bastien caught her eye. She allowed her gaze to shamelessly roam his exposed form, her eyes slowly raked down his sculpted chest and abs. What I wouldn’t give to lick them. She shivered slightly as she allowed herself to imagine his chest hair brushing against her erect nipples as she ravished him. Why do all the young men of Cordonia believe a woman wants a smooth chest? A real woman wants a real man; rugged, buff, with hair on his chest. She tilted her head slightly to the side as she reached the sheer maroon fabric. Covered, what a pity. She licked her thin lips as she allowed her mind to wander. She could tell by the barely concealed bulge that he would be a sight to behold. Is it all length or does he have girth too? A shiver ran down her spine as she allowed herself to imagine his large hands manhandling her. She shook her head sadly before draining her glass of champagne. Another opportunity missed. She turned going off in search of another glass of champagne, there was no point in trying to speak to him, she knew Olivia had her claws in far too deep to let him venture off alone looking like that.

*

Drake’s chestnut eyes went wide and he quickly averted his gaze as Bastien and Olivia joined them. He nervously cleared his throat as he struggled to erase the image of Bastien from his mind. “I love you Bas, but I didn’t need to see so much of you.”

“Admit it Walker, you're just jealous you won't look this good in a decade.” Olivia looked Drake up and down, fighting back a chortle at his stay puff marshmallow costume. “Or ever.”

Drake went to run his hand through his hair forgetting the ridiculous hat on his head. Stupid costume! Next time I’m not letting Ellie pick what I dress as.

"Drake, it's no different than when we do laps."

"Really Bas? It’s a huge difference. I mean that's a speedo. This is…” His words trailed off as he reluctantly looked over Bastien’s costume. “I don't know what it is, but it’s not a speedo!"

“Drake, it really is no different.” Ellie stated. “I’m impressed Liv, getting Bas to show off his impressive form, he will be the talk of court for weeks to come.”

“Excuse me my queen?” Liam asked looping his arm around her waist.

“Relax Li, I’m just saying he has an impressive body and I’ve noticed several party goers checking him out as well.”

Olivia smiled, Ellie and Liam’s costume was so perfectly them, but she and Bastien had clearly won. Ellie wore a royal blue waistcoat, cut low almost like a corset and trimmed in gold. Her black locks were mostly down with two pigtails at the front of her head twisted to form horns, she wore minimal face paint, just a nose and a bit of lines to give the appearance of fur, but not too much as to conceal her identity. She nearly laughed at Liam’s long wavy wig. Instead of a dress he’d opted for a gold tailcoat and matching pants, complete with ruffles at the sleeves and collar. Both costumes were well made, clearly professionally made just for the royal couple, yet the idea wasn’t inventive enough. “Liam, I assure you, you have nothing to worry about, your queen only has eyes for you. But I just need to know, what do you think of Bastien’s costume?”

Liam easily slipped into his kingly persona. “Your concept is certainly... forward thinking”

Ellie and Olivia snorted at his polite answer. Even among friends he found it hard to be harsh.

Maxwell danced up to his friends, Olivia lost it at the sight of his gold lamé parachute pants, airbrushed tee and red, white, and blue jacket, topped off with thick gold chain. “Dare I ask who you’re supposed to be Maxwell?”

Maxwell clutched his hand to his chest as he feigned hurt. “Olivia, how could you not recognize Vanilla Ice?” She raised her brow in question. “He’s a rapper, you know ‘ice ice baby. He’s from the nineties...” He trailed off as his brilliant blue eyes fell on Bastien. “Be honest, do you think I could pull that off? I think I could pull it off.” Maxwell rambled to himself. “OMG WE CAN BE TWINS NEXT TIME!" He screamed excitedly.

The group erupted in laughter.

“It’s not that funny guys.” Maxwell pouted deflating ever so slightly.

“Lord Maxwell, I wanted to thank you for implementing the no mask or full face paint rule for costumes.” Bastien said, glancing at the nearby faces.

Maxwell nodded, he’d originally been upset by Bastien suggestion. He soon remembered how badly he’d taken finding out Justin wasn’t who he thought, especially after getting in trouble with Ellie for the cronut incident.

“Bas, you no longer have to use formalities, we are all friends here.” Liam stated.

“Sorry sir, force of habit.” Bastien replied to a chorus of new laughter.

*

Savannah rolled her eyes as Bastien and Olivia joined their group. Could she have picked a tackier costume? “Olivia, for a woman who was born into nobility and raised in the palace, you sure lack taste.” She wrinkled her nose at Bastien’s costume. “As Duke and Duchess shouldn’t you have less revealing costumes?” If you could call it that. I’ve seen more fabric on Penelope’s poodles.

“I have more taste in my pinky finger than you have in your entire body. You’re just jealous that your husband couldn’t pull this costume off in a hundred years.”

Savannah eyed Olivia up and down, eyes widening slightly as she opened her mouth to speak.

Oh no bitch, you don’t get to announce it. “You want to talk about taste and class, yet we both know you have none. Why else would you run off to another country when the father of your child turned you down?”

Savannah gaped at Olivia, stunned speechless by her words.

“You may have married a Duke and gained a title, but I assure you, you’ll never be worthy of the title you bear. I mean, all it took was a ring and you forgot everyone who was there for you.”

Savannah felt steam leave her ears. “What is that supposed to mean?!”

“It means your guest list seemed to be missing a key person in your life growing up. But I guess since you take after your mother that’s to be expected.”

“I seem to remember your own guest list forgetting a house.”

Olivia feigned a frown. She didn’t forget, maybe it was petty but she knew Savannah would feel slighted the way Bastien had. “I distinctly remember extending an invitation to every house. I even believe I sent two separate invitations to Ramsford.”

Savannah seethed, her hands curled into fists. “Lord and Duke of Ramsford, what about the Duchess?”

“Oh dear, must have slipped my mind like a certain invitation slipped yours. Not that it stopped you from showing. Bertrand really does need to revisit etiquette lessons with you; it’s very rude to show up to an event uninvited.”

“It’s not like you didn’t have enough food.”

“That’s because a good hostess is always prepared, even for the uninvited guest that may show up.” Olivia smirked at Savannah’s obvious anger. “But really I’m not sure what Bertrand was thinking when he married you.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?!” Savannah growled, she was sick of Olivia’s attitude towards her, she’d put up with it all her life, not anymore.

“I mean, after the stunt you pulled leaving the country with his child, taking money from his house, that the last thing he should have given you was a ring and a title. If it had been me I would have taken custody of the child.”

Savannah took a step forward. She’d spent her entire life trying to live up to the other nobles, now she was one, she refused to allow Olivia to disrespect her in her own house.

“Savannah!” Bertrand grabbed Savannah by the wrist, pulling her back to his side. “You will not attack a member of one of the oldest houses and tarnish the House of Beaumont.”

Savannah let out an annoyed scream. Of course he’s more worried about the status of the family than his own wife. “Fine.” She straightened, hands brushing the sides of her plain blue regency inspired costume. She spun before she stalked off, steam leaving her ears.

*

Neville felt his face grow hot with rage. The indignity! He straightened the jacket of his perfect recreation of his ancestral costume, the very first Earl of Cormery Isle, a man to be feared and respected. He’d stood idly by long enough watching nobles of so called higher houses make a mockery of his country by choosing so called love over duty to country and picking commoners.

He stalked up to the small group, his dark eyes alight with anger. “Duchess Olivia.” He sneered. “You and your husband,” the word fell from his tongue like acid, “are making a mockery of this party.”

Of course he would find himself important enough to interrupt his betters. “There are horses inside, I guarantee you this party was a ‘mockery’ well before it started.” Olivia turned her back towards Neville, signifying she was done speaking to him.

Bastien wrapped his arm around her back. “She means no offense Maxwell.”

Maxwell bounced on the balls of his feet like a small excitable child. “It wouldn’t be a Beaumont Bash if it weren’t a mockery.” He turned to the party, raising his hands in the air. “Let the revelry continue!”

Olivia rolled her eyes as Maxwell danced away being swallowed into the screaming crowd. She turned to Bastien, standing on her tiptoes to reach his ear, she ran her hand up and down his arm, her hot breath fanning against his neck as she spoke. “We’ve been thoroughly seen and you’ve been ogled by more than half the people here. Let’s get back to our room.”

He took her hand in his, eager to  get out of the costume. He still had one question, one that he had hoped to have had answered over the course of the night. “Why this costume?”

“There may have been a bet but, don’t worry, we won.”

A bet?! His eyes went wide at her admission. “You soo owe me.”

“Don’t worry, there might be a small gold bikini waiting for you in Lythikos…”

Let me know if you want on or off the taglist.

Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters, I’m just borrowing them from PB.

Feedback fuels me, please like, comment or reblog to let me know how much you like it. I can handle the screams, so scream away.

Masterlist can be found in my bio.

Taglist will be reblogged.

[bee-kathony]

Four Years | Year Three - “October 31st, 2016″ 

a/n: thank you so much for reading and the support on this fic! The last chapter for the third year will come out on Thursday! <3

Year One | Year Two

January 9th, 2016 | January 24th, 2016 | March 3rd, 2016 | March 30th, 2016 | April 10th, 2016 |  May 17th, 2016 | June 16th, 2016 | July 28th, 2016 | August 26th, 2016

It was officially our first Halloween as a family of three — well, four technically. I knew Jamie had been counting down the days until we would all take Fergus out trick or treating.

I was just putting the finishing touches to my costume, Morticia Addams, when Jamie knocked on the bathroom door.

“Are ye almost ready?” He stood in the doorway, his hair slicked and sprayed black, and of course he had Gomez Addam’s signature mustache.

“Almost,” I smiled and finished applying my red lipstick. I’d done the best I could with what limited makeup I owned, and my skin was already pale so that was a plus.

“You look beautiful, Sassenach,” he came up behind me, staring at me in the mirror. “Or should I say… Morticia.”

Standing up, I showed off my costume, it was a simple long sleeved black dress, much like one that Morticia would wear. I had been looking at costumes for almost a month and Jamie had wanted me to pick one with a really deep V.

“What about this one?” He turned his phone around to show me a dress with a plunging neckline.

“Jamie…” I blinked at him. “You do realize that I’m pregnant, and a mother of a three year old. I can’t be walking around the street like some hussy!”

“But you’re my hussy,” Jamie pouted, his bottom lip sticking out. “Come on, Sassenach, you’d look so sexy in it.”

“I wouldn’t be able to even fit in that thing,” I rolled my eyes. “My boobs would be popping out,” I looked at him. “But that’s probably what you want hmmm?”

“Not just that,” he furrowed his brow and went back to looking at his phone. “I just really think you can pull it off.”

“Nope, sorry babe,” I sighed. “What about this one?” I showed him my phone, a plain black dress with a deep enough V down the front that I hoped would appease him.

“Hmmm,” he took the phone to get a closer look. “It’s nice.”

“Nice?” I laughed. “Jamie, I’m not getting one with a deeper neckline and that’s that so you take this or leave it.”

“Oh, so if I say no to this one then ye’ll go naked then?” He tried to wink and moved forward towards me on the couch, with one thought on his mind.

“No,” I giggled when his hands found my sides, fingers moving rapidly. “I didn’t say that!”

“Get that wee dress ye want, Sassenach,” Jamie kissed my neck. “And take off these damn clothes now!”

I was happy with my dress choice, and apparently Jamie was too. His hands now slid to my side, his eyes looking down at my stomach between us.

“Are you alright?” I asked when he didn’t say anything.

“Yes,” he grinned and then slid one hand over my small bump. “The dress just shows off yer wee belly so nice. It’s a lovely sight to see, Sassenach.”

“It’s probably the most snug dress I’ve worn in years,” I took a deep breath then, as if the material was in fact crushing my lungs. “I kind of can’t wait to take it off tonight.”

“I’ll help with that,” Jamie smiled and kissed my cheek, knowing not to mess up my newly applied lipstick.

“And you look rather dashing, Gomez,” I smiled and placed my hands on his velvet suit jacket. It was a dark maroon color. “I can’t wait to take you out of that tonight either.”

“Too bad we have to go out,” he sighed, pressing his forehead against mine. “I’d press ye up against the wall, but I’m practicing my self control.”

“Oh are you now?” I laughed. “Well done then, babe.”

“Maaaaaaaa!” Came a small voice from the hall and I pulled away from Jamie.

“That’ll be the penguin,” I smiled and grabbed my small purse off the bathroom counter and went to find our son.

He’d insisted on being a penguin whenever we told him what Halloween was. We told him he could dress up as anything he wanted in the whole wide world and he still chose to be a penguin. When I found him just outside our door, my heart nearly leapt out of my chest.

“Oh, darling! You are so cute!” He was dressed in a small penguin costume and had red cheeks to match. His curly hair helped tie the whole thing together and he reached his arms up for me to pick him up. “I don’t think I can carry you anymore, you’re getting a bit big for Mama.”

Jamie came and picked him up, setting him against his hip. I hadn’t been able to pick him up for a few weeks ever since my belly had started to grow. He loved to sit with me and press his ear against my stomach, listening to his baby sister’s heartbeat. Jamie and I had wanted everything about this pregnancy to go smoothly, which meant taking things easy.

“Treat?” He echoed our words from earlier, placing his hand on his little tummy.

“Oui, monsieur!” Jamie smiled and started to bounce him around. “Maman will carry your wee bucket and we’ll get ye some treats lad.”

“Treat! Treat!” He smiled and with that we were off, walking out the door and out to join the rest of our neighbors on the street. It was pretty early in the night, just 5pm and we’d said we’d only be out for an hour.

A few other trick or treaters passed us on the sidewalk. A little girl dressed as a princess, a small boy as a mouse and then a mum and dad dressed as Captain America and what could only be a female version of Thor, cape and all.

I always loved Halloween. Or Samhain as it was better known over here. The smells of autumn and the changing colors of the trees. Jamie had grown up listening to Scottish fables about ghosts and witches and he wasn’t too keen on the idea of taking Fergus out, but came around when I told him who I wanted to dress up as.

The first house we went to handed out snickers and we collected a couple of those. I was hoping for some Twix bars, my favorite. Fergus wouldn’t possibly be able to eat all his candy, nor did he need it all, so Jamie and I would take out half and hide it in a secret stash for us later.

“Can ye press the button?” Jamie asked Fergus while holding him up to press the doorbell.

“Trick or treat!” Jamie said for a shy Fergus and held up the bucket where more candy was thrown in.

Our little penguin wanted to hold both our hands, so we walked down the rest of the street with him in the middle.

We passed our neighbors, waving hi and chatting with them briefly. It was nice to get out and see everyone, join in on the festivities. I knew that in a few years, Fergus wouldn’t want to trick or treat with us anymore, but instead go out with his friends, so I was savoring up every moment of it.

I looked over at Jamie, smiling, “Just think… next year we’ll have our daughter with us.”

“We can dress her up too!” Jamie said excitedly and I could see the possible costume ideas flitting through his mind.

“Please don’t say as a pumpkin,” I laughed.

“But she’d be sae cute as a wee pumpkin, Sassenach…” Jamie tilted his head to the side. “But we dinna have to decide now, we have plenty of time for that.”

We visited a few more houses, nearly filling up Fergus’s bucket to the top and decided that we should return home to start getting Fergus ready for bed. He yawned as Jamie lifted him up onto his shoulders.

I took a few photos, wanting to always remember this night. Our house was warm whenever we entered it and I welcomed the heat. As the sun had gone down, it’d gotten colder as well and this dress was pretty thin.

“Bath time wee lad,” Jamie said, taking Fergus down from his shoulders. “Need to wipe that stuff off yer cheeks then ye can have a piece of candy before bed.” I looked over at him, eyes wide — candy before bed would just keep him awake.

“Ah, come on, Sassenach. Tis Halloween, the lad needs at least one piece of candy.”

“One,” I squinted my eyes at him. “And I’ll know if he has any more than that.”

“Aye, one piece,” he grinned and swept Fergus off to take a bath while I went to our room to scrub my face.

Fifteen minutes later, still in my dress, I walked upstairs to find Jamie lifting Fergus out of the bath and wrapping him up in a towel. “Alright lad, Mam said one piece of candy tonight and one piece only. We canna disobey her or she’ll ken it.”

I hid myself behind the door and watched them, trying not to laugh.

“More?”

“Tomorrow,” Jamie grinned and dressed him for bed, sitting him down on his bed. He then pulled out a tiny snickers bar and unwrapped it for him. “Enjoy that.”

Fergus happily started to munch on the chocolate and I decided to let myself be seen and walked into his room.

“One piece right?” I asked Jamie, smirking as I sat down on my knees beside him.

“Of course, a nighean,” he nodded at Fergus who nodded back.

Once Fergus finished the snickers, I took him to brush his teeth, making sure to get every crevice of his mouth before leading him back to bed to tuck him in.

“Goodnight my little munchkin,” I kissed his nose.

“Goodnight my wee lad,” Jamie followed, kissing his nose, something we had started doing every night.

“Nigh night,” he grinned back, waving his little hand as we walked out of the room, leaving the door propped halfway open.

“I’d call that a pretty successful first Halloween,” Jamie said softly as we made it out of earshot of Fergus’s room.

“Yes,” I smiled, pushing open the door to our room. “It was actually. No drama or fussing.”

“I think he was just so excited,” Jamie said and started to unbutton his shirt — he’d already taken off his velvet jacket when we first came in.

“Can you help me with my zipper?” I asked him, standing with my back to him and he came over, his shirt now lying on the ground.

“It’d be my pleasure,” he kissed the back of my neck and his fingers found the zipper, tugging and pulling on it. I was standing in front of the full length mirror we had in our bedroom, watching the material fall from my shoulders. Once the zipper was fully down, he pushed it down my arms and helped me step out of it.

“Yer so beautiful, Claire,” he kissed the back of my neck again, his eyes looking at my body in the mirror. His hands found the clasp of my bra next and he unhooked it, and I let it fall to the ground. “And all mine… mon amour.”

“Oooo, I like it when you talk French to me,” I blushed and squirmed only a little when his hands traveled down my side and hooked into my black panties.

“Je vais te manger,” he said into my ear and my stomach twisted at knots and the thought of him ravishing me… or more correctly — eat me up. My panties slid down my legs and I was left bare, staring at myself in the mirror. Jamie’s hands came up and cupped both breasts, softly kneading them.

“When yer belly is full wi’ child… God, Claire, I want to weep wi’ how beautiful ye look,” he said and slid one hand to cover my stomach. “Knowin’ that we’ve been give a second chance…”

I covered his hand with mine, squeezing it tight. “It’s a miracle, Jamie.”

“You’re a miracle,” he kissed my shoulder and then met my eye in the mirror. Without a word, he slid his hand from my belly to between my legs which I parted for him. His finger teased my entrance, already wet for him.

“Je t’aime,” Jamie said and placed another kiss to my other shoulder. His bare chest pressed against my back and I felt his nipples hard on my skin and his thick cock against my lower back.

“Tha gaol agam ort,” I replied and then his finger slid inside of me. My lips parted and I watched as he began to slowly pull me to pieces. Jamie was still wearing pants, and this was clearly just for my pleasure, but I knew he enjoyed it too.

I couldn’t take my eyes off of his face watching his hand in between my legs. It was the most erotic thing I’d ever seen in my life, seeing the way he bit his lip and his cock twitched behind me.

He added another finger and his other hand still on my breast flicked my sensitive nipples. I was close and he knew it. His hand never faltered and my orgasm raced through my body, making my body tremble against his. Jamie held me to him, watching as my body racked with small spasms.

“Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ,” I muttered whenever I regained consciousness and looked at him.

“Just me, Sassenach,” he smiled and I turned in his arms. “Now, what do you say we watch a scary Halloween movie?”

“And by watching you mean….” I smirked, my hands already on the waistband of his trousers.

“I mean watch the movie, a nighean,” his eyes widened. “I’d no take advantage of a pregnant lady!”

“Oh, but I made no promises to not take advantage of you,” I growled and pressed my lips to his.

We ended up on our bed, limbs entwined and hearts racing with The Addams Family playing quietly in the background. It was a happy Halloween after all…

[weeklyfangirl]

Frat Boy Part 12

part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7 (1), part 7 (2), part 8, part 9, part 10, part 11

cheers my dears! here’s a little chappie before Halloween. I live for your thoughts/feelings as per usual so please come on in and say hi!! hope everyone has a fun & safe Halloween ;) 

I knew I wasn’t high anymore when the seal stopped understanding what I was saying. Its round orbs were once again expressionless, and it slid back beneath the wave whence it came.

Cliffs and a quaint village-like port painted cotton candy pinks and seafoam greens welcomed us into the bustling harbor of Gardenia Island. In the past, it was the weekend getaway for Hollywood starlets, but as a kid, I used to run up and down the only main street the island had, ice cream dripping down my face, and shoes forgotten somewhere else. Now, it looked like I’d returned- but with a slightly foggy high and without the warmth from making family memories.

“I forget it only takes less than an hour to get here,” Lynn said.

“That’s because you’re literally hauling ass on this thing,” Viv replied.  

Lynn popped a hip and Viv popped on her shades - but the distant whistles of other yachters made her raise a hand. Two boys blasting some horrific EDM were doing pelvic thrusts as if it were some kind of mating call.

“There’s not as many tourists now, so hopefully there’s some local hotties.” Karli nudged Viv, but she rolled her eyes.

“I think I need a boy cleanse.”

“I’m going to second that,” I said. I reached for the water glass I’d been nursing, and guzzled it down. I’d been peeing every two minutes but the hydration was worth it. Begrudgingly, I had to admit Harry was right.

“Really?”

It took me a hot minute to realize Viv was looking at me. I faltered. “I don’t know... it’s nice being just girls.”

“I agree,” Karli said, pulling out her phone. “But-”

The yachting boys blared their horns and we all nearly jumped out of our skins.

“JESUS WOULD YOU CALM IT DOWN! WE’RE NOT ON A POLE OR ANYTHING,” Renny screamed.

“YEAH!!” Lynn yelled back between laughter. Her breaths came in short little gasps. “Boys are wild, man.”

They yelled something else incoherent, but we ignored them. The strip of shops and waterfront restaurants weren’t as crowded as the summertime, the fall pushing people to return inland or back across the pond. Gardenia Island never lost its charm though. And with the fall clouds parting to let in the sun’s blazing heat, it was like us locals got a do-over of summer in a very small paradise. And I meant really small. Besides the single strand of inns, shops, and restaurants along the half-circle harbor, the rest of the island was protected land left for deer and bison.

“So, what’s the plan?” I asked.

“Hmm, we can get massages, or we can chill here, tan...” Karli shrugged. “I really don’t care what we do.”

Viv clutched her stomach. “I think we should get off the boat. Jonathon can take us to shore with the dingy.”

“You good?” Lynn asked.

She nodded, but I’ve seen seasickness enough to recognize it. There was a bit of commotion as the girls grabbed their purses, and the yacht captain I hadn’t even noticed before left with a couple deckhands to lower the dingy into the water. My brows rose. This boat was either larger than I thought, or I must have been really out of it. I still was, slightly.

I grabbed my purse from the underground cabin and shoved my sarong further in. Out of instinct, I checked my phone, and I almost choked when I saw his name.

You okay now?

An instant smile broke out across my face, and I hated it, loathed it! From the second I’d felt a spark with Harry, I knew it was dangerous. But maybe it was too late.

“Y/N?” Renny’s distant voice carried, and I heard the sound of the motor. I locked my phone without replying. How many times had he left me hanging? He could wait for once.

At the back of the boat, the girls were already adjusting themselves semi-comfortably on the dingy. Though seemingly harmless, the harbor water was rocking the yacht from all the passing yachts. The platform was seeping with water, and there was an ever increasing gap between the dingy. This wasn’t going to be necessarily easy.

“Do I just… hop in? I haven’t changed..”

“We’re going to the beach, if anything you’re overdressed!”

Fair point.

I placed my foot out, but with another swell of the water, I was lifted way too high.

“Come on,” Renny urged.

“I’m trying.”

I stretched my leg, barely reaching it.

“We’re getting further away, hurry.”

I reached it- well, barely. My calf slid and burned against the dinghy’s rubber as I tried with all my gusto to lean into the little boat. Another yacht was coming in on my peripherals, and I suddenly felt even more ridiculous than I looked.

“It’s not that hard,” Kiki said. And if she wasn’t half-smiling I would’ve flipped her the bird. That, and if I wasn’t preoccupied.

“Got it, got it!” I was stretched out like a starfish, and I was just leaning into the dinghy when-

“That’s a view.”

The husky voice made my head around, and with another swell of the water, I was sent away from the dingy and sloshing in the water like unwanted seaweed. 

There was a shirtless figure before I went under.

Frick, frick, frick- FRICK. I can’t see him in a thong bikini!!

I wasn’t sure if I was more in shock from him or the cold. Goosebumps sparked across my skin.

Breaking the surface, I gasped for air, making sure to face away from him. The girls were talking, and I hung off the side of the boat like a wet dog.

“You good? Can you get in?” Renny asked, scooting over to make room for me.

Ah, yes. What an excellent time to test the upper body strength I don’t have. I sucked in a cheek, and from pure determination to not look the complete fool, I hoisted myself up from the clear water. Lynn grabbed my arm.

A whistle sounded when I swung my leg over, and it clicked. My heart dropped. BIKINI THONG ALERT. Which was now, ever so perfectly positioned in front of them. I’d never twisted and slid so fast in my life, and my head hit the dinghy floor with a thunk the same time I heard a splash.

“Ow,” I touched my head. Renny’s double chin came before her laugh, and then I started laughing. This would happen to me.

Viv sat a little straighter when I heard someone in the water, and I debated waiting on the floor. A lucky seagull flew towards shore. It must’ve been nice to escape.  

Hands smacked on the side of the boat, and I jolted again, hitting my head against Lynn’s knee. Effortlessly, and with the light shining in those speckled green eyes, he rose from the water, perching himself with crossed tanned arms on the side. He looked down at me with a quizzical brow.

“Tired?”

I shook my head, tight lipped. Renny snorted, and I slyly pinched her ankle. I gave myself a pinch for good measure. I shouldn’t be noticing the droplets that fell from his lips.

“You girls gonna go ashore?” Little rivers of water ran along his chest, and I tried to look at the sky, but there weren’t enough clouds on Earth to distract from his toned body. A heartbeat pounded in my temple, and it wasn’t from the sun.

“Yeah, wanna come?” Viv perked up.

Harry nodded. “Yeah, gonna drink a few with Niall first and we’ll be there.”

“Niall’s here?” Renny asked. She studied the boat and came up empty. She did a good job hiding the hurt in her voice, but not good enough to hide it from me.

Harry paused a bit. “Yeah..s’in the cabin.” 

“Cool!” Renny said. She nodded, smiling at the other girls.

Definitely not cool.

“We’ll jus’ meet you there then,” he said, and when his eyes slipped down to mine for the briefest second, I wondered what it’d be like to make eye contact from this angle in a completely different situation.

He tapped the side again and pushed off into the water, while I swatted the thoughts away.

Since when was I trekking through the gutter before noon?

-------------

“I want to punch him in his stupid face.” Renny licked her cone where the ice cream was making melted streams. “Like this is so weird. He’s not even inviting us to do anything with them.”

“Okay same, I totally agree- but, um… when was the last time you talked?”

“This morning.” Her frown solidified, a pouty toddler holding ice cream.

“Harry didn’t tell me he was coming either.” I offered, eyeing their yacht in the harbor. Annoyingly, it was bigger than V’s. But perhaps not surprising.

“Okay, right?! It’s just like… why not tell us? He must have known I was going to be here.”

“Maybe he wanted to surprise you?”

She pinched her lips to something sour. “Well he didn’t come jumping into the water like Harry.”

A blush lit up my cheeks.

“He said hello to everybody.”

She bit the ice cream and rolled her eyes. “Right.”

Toddlers ran past us to the Spanish-tiled fountain in the center where Harry and Niall sat leaning back in the sun.

Harry looked up with squinty eyes, but they pierced right through me.

“When do Viv and them get back from their massages?”

“I don’t know. I don’t care. ” Renny shrugged. “Kiki’s voice was giving me a damn near headache anyways.”

I shouldn’t have felt relief at those words, but I couldn’t help it. Any other day of the week, I would’ve pictured Renny running to join them in a massage, but here she was, opting to get a double scoop of mint chip with me instead. I knew my best friend was still in there.

“Want to go in a few shops?” I asked. The sheer sarong was doing little to cover me, and I was down to buy a cheapie sundress to cover myself. Especially because the only way back to the boat was to call the Captain from Viv’s phone.

“The wait was too long at the restaurant,” Harry called. Behind them, the fine dining grill on the harbor was surprisingly packed with last chance locals getting the final tastes of summer.

Renny turned to me, shrugged, and walked over. I followed, sheepishly.

“So what’re you guys going to do?”

“I know a spot. S’like a private beach and there’s a bar and restaurant there on the sand.” Harry licked his lips, biting the lower one just slightly. I wondered if he was trying to hold back any profanity.

“Sounds good,” Renny nodded, flashing him the million dollar smile that would seduce any poor unsuspecting boy. Well, any boy except Niall. She’d completely ignored him, and with his hands in his pockets beside Harry, he resembled a pup who’d just peed on the carpet. Again.

Harry took in my silence.

“But if you girls want to do something else, that’s fine.”

“No!” Too eager. “I mean, if you guys had other plans I don’t want to intrude. We didn’t really have anything on the to-do list, but, I don’t know… I don’t want us to- erm, stop you guys from doing..anything..else?”

Renny’s eyes narrowed as I rambled on. Honestly, I didn’t know what I was talking about either. I just sure as shiitake mushrooms didn’t expect us to be hanging out with Harry and Niall this afternoon without the others.    

Harry started, “Yeah, I understand-”

“You were our plans,” Niall.  

He stopped mid-sentence, and looked to Niall. He sighed.

Renny perked up.

“Well in that case…”

“Let’s go then?” Niall asked. Proud and stubborn, she didn’t answer, and turned to me. She shrugged.

“I’m fine with that,” I said, communicating both our thoughts.

If there wasn’t drama between Harry and I, there just had to be drama somewhere…

I didn’t know why those real housewives put up with it all the time.

Oh wait, hahaha. Money.

Speaking of which, I pulled out my phone and raised a finger. One minute. Renny nodded, and they waited by the golf cart.

He picked up on the third ring.

“Hello beautiful daughter of mine, what’s cracka-lackin?”

The hustle and bustle of the office could be heard in the background, and I could picture him now with his hawaiian t-shirt, the most professional attire he’d wear.

“Hey dad, I was wondering if you got the e-mail? About my tuition?”

Harry walked a little closer to me, but I turned my back.

“Yeahh, I saw it. It’s taken care of.”

“Really? Are you sure? I can’t register for next semester without that.”

“Yup! Payment will take a couple days, but you should be fine when you go back cutie.”

A rush of relief filled me. “Okay, thanks padre.”

I turned and Harry was waiting, but he showed no signs of knowing anything about the conversation. “Ready?”

I nodded, and we hopped in the golf cart they’d rented, boys in the front, girls in the back. Besides Niall’s portable speaker playing, it was a pretty silent ride. I caught Harry’s emerald gaze in the rearview mirror twice before I committed myself to staring at the ocean. On the harbor’s edge, the old decadent casino whizzed past us - the one that all the Hollywood stars used to visit in the 20s, and I thought about Marilyn Monroe soaking up rays on this exact same island before her fame. It was weird how time passed, and yet how some things didn’t change. She had been looking out at the same horizon, the same span of hilly island…

A white-speckled line of umbrellas and cabanas along the private beach strip caught my attention. It was about half-full, hardly like the summer when it was rare to find standing room, and I could almost taste the pina colada on my lips.  

We parked the buggy, and approached the beach attendant booth barring entry to the sand. He looked up from his full moustache and sweat-stained shirt, but his smile grew genuine when he saw Harry.

“Little Hazza, is that you?”

Harry’s brows furrowed only to lift with his laugh. “Ben, my God-”

Ben came around the booth and pulled him in for a hug with “how long’s it been?” and “how’s the pops?” while the rest of us exchanged looks. Not even Niall was in the know.

“And who are these beautiful women? And handsome man?”

Harry smiled, but his eyes lingered on mine a little longer when he said, “Friends from university.”

Friends. I ignored the jab.

“You’ve still got that accent too.” He grabbed Harry’s chin, and looked him square in the face. “Staying out of trouble.”

Harry pulled his chin away. “Yeah.”

Ben swatted him. “That’s a yes from you.”

“Yes,” Harry repeated. But he didn’t seem bothered.

“What are you doing down here? Little vacation?”

“Daycation,” Niall piped up.

“Even better,” Ben replied. “Well here, you want a cabana? Towels? If you need anything…”

“Ask someone else,” Harry and Ben said at the same time.

“You remembered!” Ben smiled.

A shy smile lit Harry’s face.

“Well, pick any one you want.”

Harry reached in to his wallet, but Ben held up a hand. “On the house.”

“No-”

But Ben held up his hands and walked away to the bar. Harry ran a hand down his face, shaking his head.

“Okay, well, you guys choose,” he said.

Renny all but ran to the center-front cabana, and with the sun’s rays beating down on me, I suddenly felt much, much sleepier.

“What was that about?” Niall asked.  

“I came here when I was younger a lot. He’s been working here for ages, nice man.”

It didn’t come as a surprise to me that Harry had come here when he was younger. But it was hard to picture him as a youngster. There hadn’t been any photos of him at his house mansion, and it was weird to think he’d had a different personality back then. You can’t really have a toddler shooting back shots and whispering sweet nothings to too many strangers.

Realizing I was staring, I faced away from him, walking more towards Renny as I started to undo my sarong.

“Think your outfit will be a bit more appropriate there, too. Don’t you think?” Harry leant down at me, a slight smirk tugging on his cheek.

A shocked breath pushed through my nostrils.

“Excuse you, sir. I’ll have you know this is Puritan modesty compared to most, okay?” The sea breeze ruffled the sarong, and I ran my palms against the scant material covering my thighs, knowing just how much I was showing. I hadn’t been this exposed to him since the DG’s back to school party bent over a sink in a barely-there skirt. I shuddered at the memory. “I was actually going to pop into the shops to get something to cover up. Kind of trapped here without the dinghy boy.”

“Dinghy boy?” He smiled and shook his head. “I was teasing Y/N, you look fine.”

Fine? I made a face.

“More than fine, alright. Great, even.”

“Gee, thanks for the pep talk dad. You look great, too.”

He stopped in his tracks.

“Gross, did you just call me dad?”

“I would’ve called you something else, but it would’ve done more than stop you.”

He arched a brow, and for once I could say I’d seen him speechless.

“What’d you say?”

“Are you going deaf?” I bit my bottom lip in a wide smile.

A little glimmer appeared in his eyes again, and he slyly shook his head. “Haven’t even heard you yet.”

“What?”

And as soon as it came, the naughty glimmer was gone, replaced with something innocent. “Are you going deaf?” he mimicked. I rolled my eyes and felt the buzz every flirty conversation gave me. I thought the feeling was going to be gone forever with him.

But I was also a tad dramatic.

Renny and Niall were already cuddled up on the cabana lounge cushions- her Arctic behavior quickly thawing in the global warming that was Niall’s charming personality. Harry didn’t make a move to sit down, and I didn’t lower my sarong… in the silence that settled, I wasn’t sure if we were just pretending to be okay again, or if there was some dark cloud waiting on the other side of paradise island.  

“You’ve been good though?” I asked. “You seem really happy today.” His brows pinched a little, but they quickly returned to normal.

“Yeah,” he shrugged. He turned to me. “You?”

I sucked in a breath. No, you idiot. I’ve been thinking about you and the bundle of nerves you’ve turned me into. FanTASTIC to know you’re doing so well without me :)

“Yeah,” I nodded.

“Cool,” he said. And just like that the awkward vibes had returned. I laid down with my sarong on, only lifting it off when I was sitting on my bum, but he crashed next to me.

“I’m not very well going to lay on the sand.” He opened one eye, and shoved me a bit, but I stiffened.

“Never expected you, too. You’re fine.”

I closed my eyes, feeling my heart pound against my chest. The last time I’d been with him, I’d been beside him in bed. The positioning was a little too close to comfort, especially knowing the caramel capable tattooed body of his was a hair’s width away. A feather-light touch grazed my fingers, then stayed.

I heard him lightly clear his throat. I swallowed, letting our fingers slowly touch. Were the sun’s rays giving me heat stroke? Was I imagining this gentle touch? I didn’t want to open my eyes and break the moment because if I was imagining our fingers coming closer, I didn’t want to know. But each second felt longer, and he never pulled away...

I slowly cracked an eye, and with his sixth Harry sense, he opened his.

My hand instinctively twitched towards me and the electric current running up my arm fizzled out.

“S’fine?” A lazy shy smirk appeared.

“Yeah, fine.”

His gaze lingered. “You’re not burning or anything?”

In my peripherals, Niall and Renny were lathering each other up in sunscreen. Renny smiled as Niall rubbed in her tanning lotion and my brows stitched. He didn’t think…

“I’m fine,” I repeated. “Are you?”

It looked like he was going to say something else for a second, but he said, “Yeah, I put some on at the boat.”

In another life he would’ve jumped at the chance for a sunscreen innuendo, so why the change? Was he afraid I was falling in love with him? Was the physical perk of touch not worth the emotional girl he’d be left with after? I felt an embarrassed flush take over and I moved on my side, placing my sarong over my bum.

Whatever, Harry.

I yawned, the crash of the waves lolling me.

A cool breeze stirred me and the next time I opened my eyes, the sun was much lower in the sky.

Either it was the weed hangover, or Harry’s pheromones had some sleep-inducing traces in its perfume.

When I turned over I rolled right into his chest.

“Woah!”

His brow quirked.

“Were you watching me sleep?”

I didn’t mean for there to be a slight edge to my tone, but he found it and bristled anyway. “We’re on an entire beach. You moved. I happened to glance over.”

“Right, sorry.”

He relaxed a bit, but he didn’t comment. Renny was already putting her sundress back on.

“Come on losers, we’re leaving.”

I looked at the sun only several hours’ distance lower.

“Back home?”

“No, silly. To karaoke.”

Harry and I exchanged horrified glances, and if I wasn’t so preoccupied in the fact I was being dragged off to karaoke, I would’ve been thinking about how cute that was.

“I’ve avoided Karli and the girls for as long as I could but my phone is blowing. Up.”

“Turn it off,” I grumbled. Harry let out a short laugh before covering it up with a cough.

“Feisty,” he said. I rolled my eyes, slowly getting up and fastening the sarong tighter around my body. The cabana now completely covered in shade, a slight chill ran through me.

“Cold?” he reached for his discarded sweatshirt laying among the tanning lotion.

I looked to him. “I’ll be fine.”

He paused, then grabbed it anyways.

“I said I’m-”

He threw it on himself.

“- oh.”

Of course. Why would he give me his jacket? Without waiting for the others, I made a beeline for the cart. It’d be better to be around the other girls, actually. Someone else would be there to take the pressure off saying something completely ridiculous.

Even from this distance, I saw him peer up from his mussed up beach hair before shuffling through it with his hands. It was ridiculous, how I thought it was attractive. But then again, I was a mere mortal beside Harry. And I’m pretty sure many mere mortals had fallen for that before.

Ben saw me in the cart and waved, walking over as the rest of them packed up.

“Headed home so soon?”

“Yeah, unfortunately,” I sighed. “Homework and work work await me.”

“Bleh,” Ben waved a hand. “Work will always be there. You’re young.”

His words eerily reflected my mothers, and he followed my gaze to the horseshoe beach. “Tell him to come back more, would you? I haven’t seen him since he was this high.” A hand to his hip emphasized how little. “Okay, maybe more here.” He raised it to his rib cage. “You get the point.”

“I do,” I laughed.

“See that home up there?” he pointed to a Spanish-style home at the top of the hill. Much smaller than the Style’s gargantuan abode, but still a cozy place. Probably 2 million.

“That’s his folk’s place. Perfect spot, just sits empty though.”

“You’re joking.”

“Wish I was. It’s a sin, ain’t it? But they always liked staying in the boat anyways. The wife didn’t like being photographed all the time. Bet she wishes she was being photographed more now, though.”

I nodded, wide-eyed. Not really sure why I was that surprised Harry had another home here.

Hell, his family probably held homes in multiple countries.

“Why was the mother photographed?”

Ben paused. “You don’t know? Eh, you’re probably too young.”

He waited for me to drop the topic, but I simply waited for him to expand.

“His mom, Mrs. Styles… she used to be one of the housewives. Not sure why she stopped, there’s been speculation but..” his voice wandered as he looked over his shoulder. “Really sweet guy, Harry. Really sweet. Anyways, tell him thank you for me.”

He tapped the golf cart and gave a little salute goodbye, but before I could ask why he’d want me to thank him, someone else had waved him over to the bar. Something about an exploded pina colada.

Later, sitting at the karaoke bar two pina coladas in while an off-duty mom sung Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Woman, I felt like I was going to explode. Every possible girl in sight was hitting on Harry, and I could do nothing but sit and watch. Alright, most hadn’t approached, but nearly every girl had conveniently placed themselves by his side at the bar, and whispered to their group of staring friends about his insane jawline.

Like now, when a girl nudged her friend and “accidentally” bumped into him. Her apology didn’t last long because Viv plucked something off his sweatshirt and stole his attention right back.

WHY WAS EVERYONE TOUCHING HIM.

Renny felt my pain and slid a shot over to me, but Lynn grabbed it instead. My bladder was nearly exploding already, so I didn’t mind.

“What’re they talking about?” I sighed.

Lynn shook her head. “I wouldn’t worry about that.”

I scoffed. “Yeah, okay. You’re just saying that because you had my shot.”

She held up a finger. “Fair point, but no. I’m good at reading guys. He’s not into her like that. Wait-”

I followed her gaze, Viv and Harry were close together now, talking about… what??

“What?”

“Let me just preface this by saying I don’t get any vibes that he’s into her, at all, BUT I also don’t stand that close to just friends.”

I nodded, then shook my head.

“That didn’t help. At all. I’m going to the restroom.”

They didn’t notice as I snuck past them, and when I was washing my hands in the mirror, I noticed how ridiculously sheer the makeshift sarong dress was. The bubble of excitement I had in my stomach thinking of Harry had turned sour and was about to rise up in my throat to drown me.

I should just swim back to the boat. Between Harry getting all this attention and Renny making out with Niall I really couldn’t stomach anything more.

Water. I needed water. And then afterwards I was going to swim in it to get home.  

Voices outside beckoned me to enter my torturous reality again, but as I put my bum against the bathroom door, dramatically pushing it centimeter by centimeter, dreading my return to the plastic bar seat that stuck too much to my upper thighs -

I heard his voice.

“-take it, I don’t want it.”

“A deal’s a deal. What kind of businessman are you?”

“A fair one. Not here.” His tone was biting.

I peered through the crack I’d created, and saw Viv against the wall, hands - Harry’s hands - placed on her shoulders.

“C’mon,” she teased, wiggling out of his grasp. “Viv,” he said, this time more stern. 

“Fine.” But her lips were a little too enunciated for my liking.

She stuffed a wad of cash back in her pants.

My eyes widened, but I must’ve breathed a little too loud because her eyes shot right to mine.

“Hello,” she said, and this time I wasn’t high to misinterpret the something sly behind her smile.

The jig was up. I opened the door, not even pausing to conversate.

“Y/N,” Harry said, but I ignored him, pushing past to the bar.

The bartender was busy, and it took but a minute to have a stranger stand next to me. I could feel his gaze, and I was begging for him not to-

“What’re you drinking?”

I threw on a fake smile and turned to the boy. He was tall, lanky. Not unattractive, but after staring at Harry for the better half of the day, I couldn’t say I felt a spark. His brown hair lay flat, and he had a killer smile.

“Water.”

“No! Really? Ending the night early?”

I saw him look up and briefly scan the bar, probably looking for another easier, less sober target.

“Ha, I wish, just wanting to get back.” I looked over to Renny, but she was busy. Lynn was on her phone.

“Ouch, come on. I’m really that awful to talk to? Marcus, by the way.”

The bartender saved me from having to answer. He handed Marcus a beer and a water. He passed me my drink, then raised his beer for a toast.

“To a good night,” he said.

“To a better night.”

I tipped my glass to his, but it almost shattered when a hand snaked around my waist, and I jolted when I felt a head sit on my shoulder.  

“There you are,” he mumbled.

“Harry…” I opened my mouth, but closed it, much too focused on the fact that his hand had pulled me flush against him.

I saw Marcus read Harry’s possessive stance, his arm completely draped around my body.

“Who’s this?”

Harry stopped nuzzling into my neck, and stood tall without moving his hands. His hands were warm against the barely-there material, and I shivered.

The stranger didn’t answer Harry’s question - or was it to me? Marcus just nodded, slowly, and awkwardly grimaced as it registered.  

“Okay,” he nodded again, stumbling back, “Cheers to you too, man.”

As soon as he’d disappeared, Harry’s arm dropped.

A third of me thought it was adorable. The other third of me wanted to smack him that it was all for show. The ridiculous third was frustrated he could be jumped on by any girl in the world while I couldn’t be hit on by one guy without him being pushed away.

Instead, I settled with, “You didn’t have to do that.”

His brows rose, clearly not expecting that answer.

“Oh, I thought you didn’t want that attention.” He leant against the bar in his oversized hoodie, looking soft and impenetrable at the same time - like a cuddly boy, but also a boxer who just got off training and would whoop your ass if you gave him a reason to.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Most girls don’t. It’s not like you’re trying to get a free drink or anything.”

He looked at the water, and I sighed.

“Excuse me for trying to have some fun.” I gestured to the table where Viv was keeping tabs. Surprise, surprise.

“I need some air.”

“But it’s cold out there-”

I walked away, determined to find a dinghy, a raft, anything that would get me away from this headache, this constant reminder of what I’d never have. What kind of business deal did Harry and Viv have going on? What could possibly constitute Viv giving Harry that thick of a stack? I didn’t remember if they were $1s or $20s, but it was a fat stack. And he’d said not here??

The only businesses I could think of involving that much money were drugs and tech start ups and I highly doubted Harry was the next Bill Gates. I’d never seen his report card, but a girl could assume.

What use would he possibly have in dealing though? It wasn’t like he needed the cash.

Harry also hadn’t been joking. The sea breeze was ten degrees cooler than what it was earlier in the day. I had nearly reached the turquoise docks by the time I heard footsteps get close to me. He called my name, but I wasn’t going to turn around, I wasn’t. So I just stopped.

“Why are you running?”

I didn’t answer.

“Hello?” he continued around me. The streetlamps on the dock illuminated his confused frame.

“Hi,” I said. “I wasn’t running.”

If I knew him any better, I’d say he looked annoyed. Tufts of hair blew in his eyes, but his hands were firmly placed in his pockets.

“Why’re you always rushing off?”

“Why’re you always chasing after me?”

He paused, caught off-guard. I knew it was bold, and maybe I had a bit of the buzz to thank for it, but I couldn’t handle this wishy-washy secretive behavior any longer. And I wasn’t going to let him think that I could.

“We can hang out here, if you want,”  he said. Ignoring the question and answering as if I’d invited him to join me, as if we normally “hung out.”

I sighed, waiting for him to say something else, but he didn’t. Just when our moment of silence was getting too long, he started taking off his sweatshirt.

“What’re you doing?”

“If you’re just going to stand there, you might as well be warm.”

“What about you?”

He let out a disinterested grunt, offering the cozy material. Left in a flimsy gray t-shirt while I stood in my sarong, he did a once-over, lingering a fraction of a second longer on my middle - or was it somewhere lower? I didn’t think too hard before grabbing it and slipping it over my sarong.  

“You’re so confusing.”

He waited ‘til I was putting it on to answer, “I know.”

“You do?”

A hand came up and scratched the back of his ear.

“I’m sorry,” he said, but the words fell flat.

“You realize I have no idea what that means, right? And what was Viv trying to give you back there?”

“What?”

I narrowed my eyes. He was not about to play dumb.

“Look, I just don’t want to talk about that with you, not right now.”

“Okay.” I bit my tongue, and if I’d done it any harder, I would’ve tasted blood.

“I’m not trying to be a dick, Y/N.”

Said every dick in the world.

“Ben told me to say thank you, by the way,” I said.

“He told you?”

A part of me wanted to say yes just to mess with him, but what good what that do me. “No, just thank you. He also wanted to know why you don’t come here anymore.”

I walked to the pier’s edge, looked down into the dark water that was so clear under the sun. I wonder if that’s why Harry was constantly unreadable - because he was constantly shrouded in his own darkness, and there was no light let in to illuminate his truths.

Maybe he liked it better in the dark.

There was a deep hum at my ear.

“I guess I didn’t have anyone to come with.” He joined me leaning over the water’s edge, his tats tensing with the motion. There was the sailor’s ship covering the majority of his bicep, the anchor below it… I wondered how much he loved the sea.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m sure you’d really have to pull some teeth to get people to join you here.”

“S’different here. The people back home don’t- they don’t mesh here. With what this is to me.” A moment, then- “This is where no one knows me.”

“What about Ben? You don’t strike me as a person who liked anonymity.”

He rolled his head around. “Besides Ben… and besides, he has a better image of me.”

I recalled the beaming smile Ben had when he’d seen Harry, and imagined a brighter version of the shadowed boy beside me. What’d happened since then to make him so stoic? Had life really been that hard for the boy on the hill?

A surge of compassion filled me. My hand ran down his jaw, feather-light, and I could’ve sworn his breath caught.

“Which one’s true then?”

“Both. Neither. I don’t know,” he let out a sigh. “Full of questions tonight are we?”

“Hope this doesn’t count as my third one,” I said, alluding to the night he’d walked me back to the campground when the game of get to know you turned sour.

A gentle crash of the water on the rocky shore made him smile. He shook his head softly. “No, you still have it.”

I gave him a gentle smile before looking at the elderly couple walking along the harbor. With gray hair and canes... what full lives they must have led. Hand-in-hand, my heart surged with a little feeling of hope. I wonder what we looked like to others, two young people huddled closely on the pier, overlooking the only port of the island.

“It’s okay to not know, you know. Who you are, which version of yourself you are. Sometimes I think humans try to categorize too much and we end up more confused then we left off. Why can’t we be it all?”  

He hummed, intensely focused on each word. Then there it was, the electrically sparked air like someone had flipped an energy switch and started a magnetic pull. I looked to his lips, to his eyes, then back again. He moved to close the space between us..

“There you are! Niall threw up in the alley, it’s time for us to bounce.”

We froze, looking to Lynn running towards us. The spell broken, I cleared my throat, moving away from Harry.

“I haven’t paid yet.” I moved for the bar.

“I already did.”

“Harry!”

“Are you going to hate me for it?” he asked.

Begrudgingly, I shook my head. “Thank you,” I said.

Niall stumbled out of the bar, supported by Renny, and Viv and Karli weren’t too far behind. When she got close enough, Viv did a once-over to my new sweater. She forced a smile. I walked to Renny.

“Hey, wait.”

I faltered at the rasp, and when Harry caught up to me, he cleared his throat.

His jacket.

“Right, sorry,” I said, easily slipping my arms out of the material.

“Wait, what?” He let out a light laugh. “No, keep it. S’fine. Um…”

He paused, I waited, putting my arms back through the sleeves.

“My parents host a halloween party each year, there’s a maze ‘n stuff, and I know you’re looking for an internship, ‘n… I dunno. It’d be good for you to meet my dad again.”

“Your dad, really?” Though getting an internship with the Dr. Styles would look ridiculously well on my resume, I couldn’t believe that was the only reason he wanted me to come over. I could almost hear my mother yelling, Do it!! Do it, woman!!

“I know, I’m confusing. I don’t care,” he was smiling now, and the innocence of it gave me a clear picture of toddler Harry - little curls, wide smile, running along the sand. “It’d be more interesting, anyways,” he added.

“I am quite interesting aren’t I?”

‘Y/N!” Renny waved, Kiki and Viv already boarding the dinghy. Niall was on his own at a lamp post, one hand supporting his bent-over frame.

“I’m not sure which version of you is inviting me,” I started, backing away.  

“Don’t think too much.” He matched my steps forward, using my own words against me.

“Fine. I’ll see if I can go.”

Harry pursed his lips at the non committal response, but there was a trace of humor in them. He could probably read my bluff from a mile out.

“Okay, well-” he lightly punched my shoulder- “See you later.”

“Uh, yeah, see you.”

And as I walked away, I felt the burn of his gaze at the back of my head. A shoulder punch? Really?

Maybe he just wanted to be friends.

But friends don’t almost kiss.

The water almost still now, I climbed in the boat much more graceful than before. The cool air no longer bothered me with his sweatshirt cocooning me in warmth.

And his scent.

I looked back to the pier while Renny nuzzled up against me, eyes closed in exhaustion. It’d been a long day. On the pier, Harry’s dark figure stood watching the water, and I wondered how much he could perceive from the shadows.  

I hope he didn’t catch a glimpse of a girl raising the fabric up and inhaling, deep, the intoxicating combo of him and the sea.

part 13

[huntergoebel]

Week 6. Guys, Harry Potter is probably okay now.

YWAM LA SOMD

I'm gonna make this a 2 part deal similar to my first blog. Part 1 is all about this weeks learning. Part 2 is a surprise.

Part 1

Week 6 has been quite awesome.  This week has all been about receiving a new “Spiritual Worldview”. That means the way we see the world should be seen through the lens of how spirituality relates to the WHOLE world, not just how he relates to me as a white American, or to me as reformed protestant, or anything else I've probably been caught up in in my life.  

Like most Midwestern Christians raised in christian families, I had a really closed mindset of how to view my world.  I grew up believing that America was the best country in the history of ever, Christianity was the best religion because it was Americas religion, and since Christianity is the best religion, it qualifies anything else outside of it as evil, or simply “doesn't exist”.  Wasn't allowed to watch Harry Potter but I could watch Chronicles of Narnia.  Wasn't allowed to play Pokemon, but I could shoot guns at targets shaped like humans.  If I liked a girl from a liberal family, then my parents would sit me down and tell me that I shouldn't like girls who are probably going to hell.  Halloween was evil. Witches, ghosts and anything else supernatural were as non-existent as aliens.  

I'm not trying to paint you a bad picture of my family. This is just to show you how every christian family is in the regional culture of my neck of the woods.  Now I began my journey out of that worldview in 10th grade and since then, I feel that I have finally escaped.  From different spiritual mentors and discipleships I've had In my life, I've had the necessary influence and teaching to be ready for a life of discerning worldviews.  So I like to think I came into this week prepared!

That's just what happened.  Heather came in with information bombs and just obliterated what was left of my original worldview. All her teaching was mostly made up of stories from her life of research and experience.  Those stories were used to show us the opposites or extremes of what we thought was myth or “not-real”. Then she would throw down loads of scripture to prove that spirituality is not what it seems to have been, and that it continues to be half of all influence in our lives.  

One of the revelations I had in class was one that will stick with me without even needing to write it down.  She was explaining to us the differences in religion and witchcraft. Religion is suppose to be supplicative, concerned with worship, having general aims with an emphasis on the group and a relationship with beings, and is considered benevolent. Witchcraft is entirely used to be manipulative, its concerned with power, having specific goals, its employed by the individual, its impersonal, and its used for good and evil. When i heard those traits of witchcraft I immediately made the connection to how I was raised.  My culture from back home, while being under the title of “christian”, their whole mindset was to do their best to manipulate their lives, using specific goals to attain the most power (usually social, economic, or physical) as possible over others around them. Usually that means having impersonal relationships with people, focusing on individuality or bending others to their will or ideology. That also goes for how our cities, political parties, and the political agenda of our country.

Its as if the very thing we are taught to despise is the exact thing we are caught in! I look at the world and I see a world in a cycle of every generation, hopeless and hopeful alike, endlessly trying to meet their own needs by their own means. While doing that, they hold a gun to the world saying “Follow me or else, but either way, you're still being left behind.” 

Gods beauty is not found in that self-service that we are blindly carrying out. Instead its found in purposeful relationship with God and other humans which is founded on the principle that self-sacrificial love is the most powerful and beautiful thing in all of creation (Philippians 2:10) . 

I could rant forever, but I can’t.

Part 2

This is me taking time to tell you how i’m doing. Last night in my guys small group, I got asked what my level of effort was that I am putting into this school. I think i’m at a 9. I’m making my class time and assignments count. I participate and i’m learning as much as i had hoped to learn coming here.  

Then I got asked what level of joy i thought maybe i was at here. Every day is different, but really i’d say maybe i’m a 4 or 5. That sounds suuuuper depressing, but it’s not I hope. I attribute several of those missing joy points to being away from Ariel for 6 weeks, and knowing i have about 14 weeks left to be apart from her. I thought it would be easier, but the past 3 weeks have been really, really hard.  We talk when we can during the week, but i miss just being with her in my day. So many times when we get asked questions in class, i can see Ariels hand shooting up to answer. If she was here, we would be spending all our free time talking about what we just learned, and building on each others excitement to go back into the world and build the kingdom of God through our lives. 

We’ve been apart like this before, but that was before we had 2 years invested into our relationship. I miss watching watching movies with her, listening to each others new music, worshiping together, exploring the city with her, playing board games, trying out a new beer together, splitting sandwiches from my old work, fixing our friends problems like a couple of relationship experts, googling directions to the cheapest sushi in town, listening to her sing in my car,... the list goes on. (Sorry that was lengthy, but you need perspective to just how much I miss Ariel)

I also miss by best friend, Taylor. He’s my favorite person to argue movies, music, comics, politics, and God with. His opinions are always slightly different but just as strong and precise. He’s the best dude ever and it sucks not having him around.

My relationship with God is really great, and i really  mean that. God gives me loads of joy without Ariel or Taylor around. I love my classmates and the staff, and my work duties, and all the other people here on the base. I just miss talking to people about the stuff I’m passionate about. Obviously we talk heaps about God here, which is the coolest, but I also wanna talk about punk, or metal music with people, or really firm cinephiles to argue movies with. My laptops disc drive won’t play dvds anymore so my movie library is limited to netflix... yikes... 

This is not a complaint, so don’t think i’m whining. I just need to let more people know how i’m doing. I hold on to Lordship, knowing i daily give up my right to comfort and independence. God is the best, and i’m here to know Him more, and I’m here to serve other people and not myself. I’m making moves to make up for that missing joy. I’m talking to more people about movies which is easy. Taking to people about punk or hardcore isn’t as easy, but there’s progress. Some great things that have happened though! We had a sweet movie night and watched some old school horror movies! I've really enjoyed reading the bible with everyone, driving around places, and my personal favorite, playing Munchkin!

Bottom line: things are good!

This week I read Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and V for Vendetta by Allen Moore.

I also watched a few movies: Judge Dredd, The Village, The Brain that Wouldn’t Die, and The Blob!

Listened to a lot of Sorority Noise, Mystery Weekend, The Devil Wears Prada, Church of Agony, and Park Jefferson.