coralmoore

[coralmoore]

talking to royalty was always easy, it just was. she didn’t have to think, just let things out as they came to her. "of course i’ll welcome any of his babies, if he wanted to have five i wouldn’t even be opposed," she pointed out, "but for my sanity i’m setting the limit at two," she confessed. "do you know how hard being pregnant is? and not being able to be as active as we used to? sure, you don’t need sex to survive but it’s fucking hard, dude," she laughed, completely honest. she’d do anything for celeste—she had, many times—but if she was honest, not being able to be as intimate, to show casey how much she loved him with more than words, sucked. "we’re great parents, look at us," she smiled warmly, "no, the best. we’re not even giving her sugar, which is really hard," she added. "the last thing she needs is going on a sugar rush, imagine if they matched each other’s energy—i’d die," she joked. "she’s an icon and she doesn’t even know how to talk yet, just wait," she chuckled, glancing at the most perfect baby she’d ever seen. "if she gets it from casey, she’ll be a menace—a cute menace," she added, smiling. "yup, that’s it, the only girl in the band," she clarified. "oh, trust me, i would’ve been way sadder without his digits," she winked at him. "okay, i’m needy and i keep making sexual jokes, stop me please," she added dramatically, bursting into laughter. she loved that man more than anything, and it showed—every time his name slipped from her lips, she smiled. it was obvious coral was in love. she was sad royalty couldn’t be out like she was, but so happy to love someone freely. "i know you want to be there for him, that’s why you’re the best person he could’ve met," she said, soft and sincere, "but don’t burn yourself trying to be there in the shade," she added gently, "i don’t want to see you hurting." she listened—royalty knew what he was talking about, he’d been through it before, and that’s how she knew this new guy was lucky to have found him. "you’re gonna be there for him, he’s lucky to have you," she assured, "you’re gonna be the best thing that’s ever happened to him," she smiled, walking over to the couch and sitting down. when he talked, it was clear he was ready to go through anything for benjamin. "my friend, you’re in love and you don’t even know it," she smiled. "it’ll be hard, but i know you’re going to be happy with him, i really do," she added, hugging him. "ugh, i can’t wait to meet him!" she said, trying to lift the mood. "oh my god, we can go on double dates—plus baby! doesn’t it sound amazing? i mean, once we get celeste to sleep," she laughed.

When Coral joked about how Celeste and Casey together made her question having more kids, Royalty laughed—because yeah, he could see it. He knew Casey already and Celeste was a tiny, adorable force of nature. Royalty laughed with her, the sound rich and genuine, warmth blooming in his chest not just from the joke, but from the way Coral always found humor in the exhaustion. Even when she had one eye on Celeste, her attention never really wavered. That was just who she was—loyal, present, and sharp as hell. "You'd welcome any of his babies. I know you and I know what great parents you are." And when the conversation turned playful again—her flipping her hair, smirking like she owned the room—Royalty couldn’t help the amused smile that tugged at his own lips. “She’s the moment,” Royalty thought, watching her throw in that sly joke about Casey. He chuckled, shaking his head, “Arden's the one that likes girls, right?" Royalty knew of the band but didn't know all the in and out details. "Casey would've been devastated if you didn't give him your digits." Coral had this glow when she talked about Casey, like even when she was teasing, there was an anchor underneath it—deep love, deep security. Royalty admired that, even envied it a little, especially now. Because then the conversation turned. He hadn’t meant to bring it up, but it had been weighing on him. The guy he was seeing… wasn’t out. And yeah, Royalty liked him—more than he expected to. But it was complicated. He nodded, exhaling slowly. God, she got it. “It’s just…” he started, pausing to find the right thread, “I want to be there for him. Like, really be there. Not just for the soft, hidden moments behind closed doors, but for the rough ones too. The ones where he’s scared, or unsure, or feels like he’s carrying this huge weight alone. But I don’t want to push him,” Royalty said finally, voice softer. “I know what that pressure feels like—being asked to be ready when you’re not. And I remember how much it hurt when people wanted me to come out before I was ready to carry that part of myself openly.” He rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling. “I don’t want to be another person in his life making him feel like he’s behind, or broken, or failing for not being ‘out enough.’ I just want him to know that when he’s ready—if he’s ever ready—I’m already here. I’ve been here.” Royalty laughed out loud, heart lighter, body buzzing from the honesty between them as she talked about him being thirsty over Benjamin. “Yeah,” he said, his smile tugging wider, warmer, “let’s sit and talk about how in love we are with our boyfriends.” He leaned back, settling into the couch beside her like they were about to spill secrets under a blanket fort, teenage sleepover style. His voice dropped to something softer—not heavy, just sincere. “Because, honestly?” He glanced at her. “Even when it’s complicated, even when it’s quiet, I’ve never felt anything like this before. Not just crushes or infatuation. It’s deeper than that. It’s… knowing someone sees your mess and still wants to stay. And I’ve never had that, not really.” He looked toward Coral. “I don’t know what the future looks like with him. But I know I want to be there. And I know I’m already in too deep to pretend I’m not.”

[coralmoore]

coral and casey couldn't share this kind of moments as many times as they did in the past, they could get all over each other any time they wanted to before celeste came into the picture, but now it was more difficult, it didn't mean that their chemistry had left, it wasn't possible, not when they were always so ready to show each other how much they appreciated each other. they were the perfect couple in every sense of the word. the way they looked at each other, the way they made each other feel seen and loved ... she couldn't ask for more. and in that moment all she wanted was to show him with more than words that she loved him more than anything in this world. her eyes were on him, looking at him hungrily, she didn't need to tone it down, not when they were alone and he was naked in their kitchen. the way their bodies melted against each other was enough to make coral think once more they were made for each other, as if they were pieces of the same puzzle. the way his hands made her way up her chest, cupping her breasts and touching her made her head tilt back, a relieved sigh leaving her lips. the way they both reacted the same way was enough to make her smile. they were both so desperate. "that would be the easy thing" she whispered, "i want to work you up" she confessed before she started leaving a trail of kisses down his body. as she kept teasing and tasting him, she could feel him tensing, and it was making her feel so excited. the way his hand instinctively held her hair, like it had done a million times before, the way he looked at her so breathless. "of course i can" she smirked, "i love how you look at me when i'm on my knees" she smiled. the way his hand reached down to brush her cheek and traced her lips made her feel butterflies in her stomach. "oh, i can tell," she assured looking at his member before looking up at him. "honestly, i was hoping you'd make me forget mine" she smiled, before she cut the talking, taking him in her mouth, looking up at him before she started with casey's torture, ruining him the way he liked, just the way he needed and she did too.

From the moment Coral had come into his life, Casey knew something fundamental had shifted inside him. She didn’t just fit into his world — she became it. With Coral, the weight of his past didn't matter. Whatever came before, whoever he was before her, it all faded the moment she looked at him like he was everything she’d ever wanted. He had never felt more like a man than he did in those moments — loved, needed, trusted. She often said he’d erased her pain, made her feel seen, made her feel whole. But the truth? She did the same for him. More, even. Coral had this way of loving that felt sacred. Fierce. Like she could tear you down to your bones and rebuild you with just a look, a touch, a word. And that night — finally, finally just them again — he saw the fire in her eyes that he’d missed. The smirk on her lips, playful and challenging, sent a pulse of heat straight through him. The way she looked at him—bare, bold, chest rising with a slow breath as the last towel fell to the floor—made his mouth go dry. Her eyes roamed over him with aching hunger, but also with something gentler… reverent. As if even after everything—the baby, the exhaustion, the chaos—she still saw him as the one thing she craved. When he moved closer, her body molded into his like it belonged there, like it always had. Her skin was warm and soft under his hands, every breath she took making her chest brush against his. Her lips parted on a soft gasp as his hands slid up from her waist to cup her breasts, and her fingers instinctively found his hair, tangling with purpose. Casey let out a breath, half-laugh, half-groan. God, she knew exactly what she was doing. And she knew he’d give her exactly what she asked for—and more. "Just say fuck me,” he murmured low in her ear, “and I’ll ruin you—in the best way.” He shivered, her nails lightly grazing his scalp as her mouth curved into a knowing smile. And when he kissed down her chest, slow and deliberate, he let out a breathy moan. "Forever mine." He groaned as she moved lower, her tongue tracing a slow, hot path from the base of his stomach upward, teasing, tasting, owning every inch of him with her mouth. His hands twitched at his sides, aching to grab her, but she had him rooted there, breathless, undone by the heat in her gaze. And then—God help him—she knelt. Her eyes locked on his with a look that made his pulse thunder. She reached for his hand, gently guiding it to the back of her head, her fingers closing over his, gathering her blonde hair into a messy, makeshift ponytail. The sight alone nearly buckled him. And Casey? He knew, right then, there would never be anything hotter—or more real—than this. “Ah, shit,” he muttered, voice rough, chest rising. “You can’t look me right in my eyes and then go down onto your knees like that.” His grip tightened just slightly, more from instinct than control, and his other hand reached down to brush her cheek, thumb tracing the edge of her lips. “I think all my blood just ran south in one second,” he breathed, his voice ragged, half in awe, half in desperation. “You ruin me." It wrecked him. And he loved every second of it. “You get like this,” he whispered, leaning slightly closer, “and I forget my damn name.”

[coralmoore]

talking to royalty had always been so easy, maybe because they just clicked—not in a romantic way, but in that effortless, platonic kind of way. she was there for him, he was there for her. “the two of them? they’re the reason i’m seriously considering that one kid might be enough,” she joked, “okay, that’s a lie, but imagine if we have another and they team up with those two? three against one? i know i can take casey down, but those cute babies would absolutely destroy me,” she laughed, a playful smile on her lips. coral was focused on her best friend, but a small part of her mind stayed on celeste, making sure she was okay—though she was usually easy to entertain with whatever was in front of her. “oh i know, i must be special for that,” she said, flipping her long blonde hair with a smirk. “oh, he did more than just date me,” she laughed. “i don’t know if he was that bold back then, but he called dibs on me—even though he only had to fight off one of his bandmates, and honestly, as much as i love arden, she’s not really my type,” she chuckled. she had replayed the night they met so many times, knew every version of the story, and they all had one thing in common: they fell for each other the moment their eyes met. the conversation got heavier when royalty brought up the guy he was seeing being in the closet. it was clear royal liked him, but coral couldn’t help worrying—liking someone and not being able to show it was tough, and not everyone wanted to go through that. “that’s how i know you like him,” she smiled as he explained he wasn’t going to pressure him to come out. “i guess we all end up coming out, one way or another, but he deserves to have his space,” she said, sighing gently. “exactly—just be there to catch him if he falls,” she nodded. coral’s love language had always been physical touch—it wasn’t just with her boyfriend; hugs were her quiet way of telling people she was there, always would be. “don’t thank me, i’ll be here till the end,” she promised, pulling her hands away from his cheeks as a soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “you walked out of that closet, he will too eventually—and when he does, he’s going to have the most amazing boyfriend he could hope for,” she said with a nod. “oh, so you just want to thirst after him?” she teased, giving him a playful shove. “you’re so naughty. if you’re gonna get the hots, can we at least sit down?”

Royalty could feel the warmth in Coral's words as she laughed, her affection for Celeste clear as she pressed a kiss to the little girl’s hair. "The two of them together must be up to tons of mayhem, huh?" Royalty couldn’t help but grin too, leaning back slightly as he observed her playful nature with Celeste. He appreciated her laid-back yet protective approach to motherhood. When Coral shifted the conversation back to Casey, mentioning his charm and acknowledging his past, Royalty leaned in a little, listening carefully. The playful laugh that slipped from Coral’s lips was a reminder of the connection they all shared, no matter the history or complexities. “Your boyfriend dated around, yeah," he began, his tone thoughtful but direct. "But you stuck. He didn’t want to just date you.” He paused for a moment, letting his words hang between them before continuing, his voice softening. “I think he planned out his whole life the moment your eyes connected. It’s like he knew, even if he didn’t want to admit it right away.” He nodded thoughtfully, tapping his fingers on his leg before she teased him about the details. Royalty smirked, rolling his eyes playfully as he handed her his phone, amused by her enthusiasm. As she scrolled through the photo, he felt a hint of pride as she complimented him on the guy he was seeing. His chest puffed up just a little, but the shift in the mood, the mention of the guy still being in the closet, made the air between them feel a little heavier. Royalty could feel his stomach tighten slightly, unsure of how to even begin explaining the complexities of what they were going through. He hesitated, his thoughts moving faster than he could keep up with. "I really like him," he started, his voice low and thoughtful. "But it's complicated, and I get it." He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle between them. "I won’t rush or force him to come out either," he continued, his eyes meeting hers. "Sometimes, it’s about letting him find his own time and space, no matter how tough it gets. You know?" He sighed, a little smile tugging at his lips as he leaned back. The weight of the situation lingered as Coral wrapped her arms around him, offering the support he knew he needed. Her words were soothing, reminding him of the strength he sometimes forgot he had. When she pulled away just enough to cup his cheeks, he looked at her with a softness he reserved only for those who truly understood him. He smiled faintly, a little embarrassed by the compliment, but grateful all the same. "Thanks, Coral," he replied, his voice softer than before. "I just want to make sure he’s okay... that he knows he’s not alone in all of this." His gaze softened, his thoughts drifting to the guy he was seeing, wondering if he was making the right choice, even if it felt like navigating a storm. “Can we go back to talking about his build and his arms though?” he asked, his voice playful and teasing. “I mean, if we’re being honest here, those arms are a thing of beauty.” Royalty smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “I know I’m the older one—just slightly,” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes. “But I’m definitely an arms guy, and this dude? He’s got biceps for days.”

[coralmoore]

coral never felt like she'd been as lucky in anything else except meeting casey, and after that? everything just felt right. she didn’t have to think about her family, didn’t have to think about the people she’d dated before. casey came into her life and, without even trying, managed to erase her past, her pain, replacing it with love and care. she’d hit the jackpot with casey. not to mention, he’d helped bring celeste into the world—their little joy, the sweetest, most perfect baby. casey wasn’t just her boyfriend or the father of her daughter; he was the one person coral could count on no matter what, someone she didn’t have to filter herself around, someone she could be happy with even when they had nothing. casey made her feel like the most amazing girl in the world. all she needed was his love to get through the day. sure, things had changed since the baby came—sleepless nights, barely any time for each other—but that night was different. it was just them. they were both ready to spend the night together, yet kept teasing each other in the kitchen, barely touching when that was all they really wanted. “and i'm not waiting for anything,” she smirked playfully, her lips curled. as they discarded the last bits of clothing and towels onto the kitchen floor, she took a deep breath, her chest rising as she bit her lower lip, taking him in, taking in the whole moment—slow, electric, a current running through her every time casey’s hands pulled her closer, every time she felt his body against hers. at her silent plea to be touched and cared for, she smiled as he responded, leaning in while her hand instinctively reached for his hair, fingers tangling in it. “oh, what’s the word i need to say to be limping all weekend?” she whispered, smirking, as his hands slid from her waist up to cup her chest, her brown eyes locked on his as he leaned down to kiss her breasts. coral let out a shaky breath, a soft smile on her lips. at his playful words, she smiled again, “at some point you won’t have to share them anymore,” she said gently. seeing casey in front of her, pulling her close, needing to feel her, was enough to drive her wild. “maybe you don’t need to be the one to start,” she teased, leaning down to kiss his chest, her lips trailing lower and lower. “maybe i can start,” she added, a playful smirk on her lips before her tongue slowly moved from the base of his stomach up to his chest, a teasing, challenging motion. she steadied herself, placing her hands on his thighs and kneeling on the cold floor in front of him, the message crystal clear. her eyes met his as she guided one of his hands to the back of her head, gathering her hair into a messy ponytail.

Casey could feel the weight of her words—not heavy in a burdensome way, but in a way that settled deep, somewhere between appreciation and longing. She wasn’t blaming anything or anyone, least of all Celeste. He knew that. They both knew the reality of being new parents—how time seemed to fold in on itself, how moments of intimacy became something you had to plan around cries and feedings. Still, it hadn’t changed the way he felt about her. If anything, it made the rare quiet moments like this one feel even more precious. He watched her with a quiet intensity as she joked about the towel, the corner of his mouth twitching into a grin at her boldness. That playful look in her eye? God, he missed that. Missed her. Not just physically, but that version of her—the unfiltered, confident woman who used to crawl into his lap just because she could. He couldn't remember the last time she had done just that.Her words landed like a challenge, one he had no intention of backing down from. The way she said it— lit a fire in him. She wasn’t just teasing; she was daring him to remember who they were before the baby, before the exhaustion, before the quiet resentment of a schedule run by tiny cries. "I don't know. Can I? I'll try and make myself recover quickly if needed. I'm not wasting tonight." When she told him to drop the towel, his smirk widened. She called him out on his theatrics, and she was right—he was teasing her. He loved how she looked at him, openly admiring, like he was still the guy who could turn her on just by walking into a room. He let the towel fall, not with bravado, but with a kind of reverence, watching her as much as she watched him. The way she undressed in front of him—it wasn’t just about sex. It was about permission. About saying I still want you like this. I still need you like this. Casey’s heart twisted a little when she joked about wanting to be touched because someone wanted her, not because of hunger or motherhood. He could hear the vulnerability under the humor. He stepped in close, hands reaching for her not out of habit, but with purpose. “Yeah,” he said, voice low, fingers grazing over the curve of her waist with something like awe. “I can do that.” And he meant it. For tonight, he wasn’t just her partner, the co-parent, the one who warmed bottles in the middle of the night. He was hers—and she was his. He leaned in close, lips just brushing her ear. “Say the word, and I’ll make sure you don’t walk straight 'til Monday.” His hands moved up slowly, sliding over her waist, fingers trailing the curve of her sides before easing up to her chest. He cupped her gently on both sides, thumbs brushing over her skin in a way that was more reverent than rough—like he was taking a moment just to appreciate her. His lips brushed over her breasts in hot wet kisses, warm and slow. He pulled back with a playful smile, eyes meeting hers. “These were mine before they were hers,” he said softly, his voice teasing but full of affection. “I want you always, just saying,” he said, his voice low, playful, and full of intent. Casey’s hand moved to the small of Coral’s back, pressing her flush against him with a slow, purposeful pull. His gaze darkened with desire, as his eyes slowly raked over Coral, taking her in with a steady, intense gaze. He didn’t rush it—his eyes lingered on her, his smirk growing as he looked her up and down. Once his gaze reached her face, he glanced to the side, a chuckle slipping from him as he licked his bottom lip slowly, biting it afterward. “Fuck, baby… I don’t even know where to start,” he said, his voice low and heavy with desire, his confidence undeniable.

[coralmoore]

they couldn’t have those moments whenever they wanted anymore, not like they used to before celeste. she didn’t mean that in a bad way, but raising a baby wasn’t as easy as movies made it seem—they didn’t have time for those little love sessions. it wasn’t that anything had changed between them, they still loved each other so deeply, they’d just learned to wait. even though she loved their daughter more than anything in the world, the feeling of not having to care about cries or feedings felt oddly relaxing—she could enjoy one night of peace and quiet, and she was ready to make the most of it. she couldn’t deny how excited she was, dying to put her hands all over casey. "i get horny every time i look at you, don’t blame the towel," she joked, sending a playful wink his way. she bit her lower lip at the mention of sexual frustration. "and we’re going to make the most of this night—you’re not the only one who's frustrated, trust me," she said, looking down at casey. "the question is, can you recover as fast as me?" she smirked, her dark gaze dropping to his hand, waiting for him to let the towel fall. "take it off already," she laughed. "dignity?" she scoffed. "you don’t know what that is, casey—you’re just teasing me." as the towel hit the floor, she smirked, openly admiring her boyfriend in all his glory. "don’t talk about your dick like it’s got its own mind, casey," she said, rolling her eyes playfully. her hands slid to the sides of her underwear, easing it down before stepping out of it. "now, are you gonna make me limp around tomorrow or what, owens?" she smirked. "just for one night, i’d love for someone to touch my boobs because they want me, not because you're hungry" she laughed softly. "can you do that?"

For Casey, finding time to be alone with Coral had become one of the rarest luxuries. Life had changed so much since the baby—beautifully, chaotically—but the quiet moments between just the two of them had started to slip through the cracks. Still, it amazed him how easily she could make the rest of the world disappear. One glance, one smile, and suddenly it was like nothing else mattered. They had raised a little human together. A whole baby. That alone deserved a celebration, a pause—just one night that belonged to them, the way it used to. No bottles, no cries, no background noise. Just Coral and Casey, enjoying each other. She hadn’t changed in all the ways that counted. That playful spark still danced in her eyes, and she still knew exactly how to push his buttons in the best ways. Like licking the chocolate off his fingers slowly, eyes locked with his, making him grin despite himself. "I just showered, baby. I don't think that it's completely my fault that you get horny at the sight of me wrapped in nothing but a towel." Casey adored Coral in a way that felt almost otherworldly. Every stolen glance, every fleeting touch, carried a weight of emotions that words could never quite capture. Their lives were a whirlwind of responsibilities and chaos, leaving them with precious little time to simply be together. Yet, in those rare moments of solitude, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them. Casey's gaze fell from Coral's eyes to her lips and back up again. "Three different rooms? Are you sure?I have one night and a shit ton of pent up sexual frustration to get out of my system." Casey's hand pressed to the part of the towel that he'd folded to keep everything up right and in tact. A slip of his hand that the towel would fall to kitchen tiles in seconds. "The towel's covering my dignity." Unfortunately, Casey didn't have no dignity inside of him anymore. Not when both him and his girlfriend were in the same mood tonight. He twisted his hand and let it drop to the kitchen tiles and shoved his arms out to his sides proudly as if to show what was now on show. He probably should've felt a little embarrassed but he didn't. Not one bit. "He's missed you. Your turn."

[coralmoore]

at royalty's words coral couldn’t help laughing, her best friend wasn’t wrong. "just like her daddy, for sure," she chuckled, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips before she pressed a kiss to celeste’s hair. coral didn’t want to be one of those controlling moms who obsessed over sugar and calories, she just tried to find sugar-free options because she’d read somewhere that giving sugar to kids before age two could lead to preventable diseases like heart issues or high blood pressure. she wasn’t being a hypochondriac, just doing her best to keep celeste healthy—she could have all the sugar she wanted in a year. "a heartbreaker just like casey," she nodded, a soft laugh slipping out. she knew his past and didn’t care how many people he’d slept with—he was charming, and if they hadn’t met at that wedding, she probably would’ve fallen for him too. "of course i want the details," she grinned, "i do tell you details," she smirked. "noelle is so cute, but she couldn’t handle this," she teased, taking the phone he handed her. the guy in the picture was seriously handsome. "he is really cute," she nodded, "look at those arms? wow, bestie, you got yourself a really cute boy," she said, handing the phone back. "oh…" was all she said at first when he mentioned the guy still being in the closet. "how do you feel about that?" coral asked softly, knowing how complicated that could be, especially if royal wanted more. she could feel the shift in the mood and waited for him to finish, then wrapped her arms around him—because it wasn’t easy for that boy, but it wasn’t easy for royalty either. she sighed against his chest. "you’re under a lot of pressure," she said gently, "this isn’t easy for you either, but if you know that boy the way i know you do—because you offered him a safe space to just be himself—then i know you’re doing the right thing. you might be the only way he learns how to be okay with who he is." she pulled away just enough to cup his cheeks. "you have a heart of gold, royalty summers."

"Well, looks like she’s got the dramatics down already, just like her daddy" he remarked, eyes glinting with amusement as he watched Celeste focus on her treat. "Sugar’s gonna be the end of you both," he added with a knowing grin. He had no doubt that once Celeste got a taste of it, the chaos would be unstoppable, especially with Coral trying to hold back the inevitable. A sugar rush was definitely incoming at some point. Royalty’s smile widened when Coral started talking about her daughter’s future. "Oh yeah, she’s definitely gonna be a heartbreaker," he agreed, nodding seriously. "Blonde, blue eyes, and that cute little pout." When Coral teased him about a story, Royalty raised an eyebrow, not backing down from her playful grin. "You want the details?" he asked, giving her a smirk of his own. "Oh, Noelle would definitely blush," he admitted with a chuckle. "She's so sweet and shy around new people, it’s cute." When Coral mentioned pictures, Royalty’s grin grew wider. He knew this was coming. "A picture, huh?" He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his phone, swiping through it to find the perfect one. "Here," he said, passing the phone to her with a smug smile. The picture showed the shy guy he had been talking about, looking effortlessly handsome, but there was a quiet confidence in the way he carried himself—exactly what Royalty had been trying to describe. He leaned back, crossing his arms again, watching Coral’s reaction. "So, what do you think? He's handsome, huh?" Royalty couldn’t help but feel a little proud. Royalty’s tone shifted slightly as he looked at Coral, the playful smirk fading into something more serious. He leaned back, running a hand through his hair as he thought about the situation. "Well... he’s kind of in the closet," Royalty said, his voice quieter now, the usual teasing edge gone. "I don’t think he’s really comfortable being out yet, you know?" He glanced down at his phone, fiddling with it for a moment before looking up at Coral again. "I’m just trying to help him figure things out, give him some space. I offered him a place to stay in case things turn to shit with his family. He deserves to feel like he has somewhere to go, especially if he needs a safe place." He let out a quiet breath, the weight of the words settling in. It wasn’t the easiest thing to talk about, but he knew Coral would get it. "I know it’s not easy, but I’m just trying to be there for him. He’s a good guy, just... figuring out how to be himself."

[coralmoore]

finding time to be alone had become a challenge for them, but it was so easy for them to forget about everything; she only needed a glance or a smile to lose track of it all. they had managed to raise a little baby, they deserved one night—like in the past—just them, enjoying each other and their time together. she still had her playful attitude, knowing exactly how to get him as excited as she was, licking the chocolate off his fingers and making him smile. "and you came out of the shower into the kitchen to torture me with how amazing you look barely naked, you're evil, carey owen?" she smiled, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she leaned in to kiss him just as teasingly. coral's eyes never left his as she removed her top, noticing by the way he looked at her that he was definitely enjoying the view. a giggle escaped her lips as he placed her on the kitchen counter, her hands instantly sweeping everything to the side as he leaned in to kiss her again, this time with a hunger she felt deep in her chest. "even better?" she asked, raising her eyebrows at him, her words coming out as a breathless whisper. "i want you to do everything you want to me, in the kitchen... on the couch... on our bed," she smiled, leaning closer. "the world is your oyster," she added with a wink, just as his attention shifted to trail kisses down her neck and chest. her hands moved to rest behind her, steadying herself as her breath hitched and her heart raced inside her chest. as he ever so gently discarded another piece of her clothing, coral smiled. "i couldn't agree more but... you should do the same with that towel."

Casey’s heart swelled as he watched Coral’s playful, confident energy fill the room. It had been a while since they'd had a moment like this, just the two of them, and he cherished how easily she could make him feel so connected to her, even in the midst of everything. Her teasing smile, the way her eyes held his—everything about her made him feel like they were still the same couple they’d always been, even after everything had changed. When she licked the chocolate off his fingers, Casey felt an instant spark. There was something about her playful nature that always drew him in, no matter how much time had passed. He loved how effortlessly they could keep things light and fun, always making each other swoon in the simplest ways. As she leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, he felt that familiar warmth rush through him. Every little touch, every moment felt so intimate. "Too under-dressed? I just came out the shower, baby." When she pulled off her shirt, revealing the soft baby blue set underneath, his breath caught in his throat. He watched the shirt slip down onto the kitchen tiles. Casey wasted no more - surging his own body forwards so he was chest to chest against the blonde. He backed her up against one of the smooth sides of the kitchen counters. His hand gently gripped the back of Coral's neck as he hungrily pressed his mouth against hers. "Better. Could be even better though." He pulled back and looked around knowing they were in an empty house where nobody would see them. The two were having an interrupted night tonight. "You want me to strip you off in the kitchen?" He couldn't hide the excitement from his face. That could be arranged. His mouth kissed down the girls' neck, to her chest, as his free hand unhooked the girl's bra without even looking at the latches at the back of it. Casey thumb hooked underneath one of the shoulders straps before he tossed the material across the room. "The less clothes the better, wouldn't you agree?"

[coralmoore]

coral loved spending time with noelle. she was one of the best people she had ever met. she was sweet, loving, and caring, which in her opinion made her the best friend anyone could ever ask for. she knew the girl well enough to know how to get under her skin—the way her cheeks flushed and how she tried to hide it when she was blushing was so cute, she wondered if hunter made her blush too, just to see her all nervous and flustered. she could talk about anything with noelle, and she knew that even if she blushed, noelle would never judge her. they were similar and different at the same time, but what they had was so pure and real that she knew the other would never dare to judge her. coral noticed how noelle smiled as she looked at celeste, and that alone was enough to show her that her best friend cared deeply about her daughter, and that meant a lot to coral. "she's lucky to have her aunty noelle to take care of her too," she added, a soft smile on her lips. if she had to trust her daughter to someone other than casey's mom, it would be noelle. she knew she'd take care of celeste like she was her own kid. that was another thing she loved about her. yet, even though the conversation started out sweet, coral couldn’t help wanting to tease her best friend—the topic shifted naturally to a more playful one after a little while. "of course he does, have you seen yourself? you're like a 12 out of 10, of course he looks at you like you're his everything," she nodded, "and i have to add, he looks at you in a way a lot of people wish they were looked at, he's a... clumsy angel," she teased, sticking her tongue out at her best friend. "wait, no way he looks away when you catch him staring! he gets nervous? that’s so cute, noelle," she chuckled, a warm smile on her lips. their boyfriends were different, but if there was one thing they had in common, it was that they loved them the same way. coral couldn't help rolling her eyes as noelle wiped away the tears she'd spilled from laughing too hard. "you're laughing a lot, but honestly, if i wanted to, i could have eight kids with him," she laughed—that was definitely an exaggeration. "of course i want to," coral chuckled. "oh, that's what i always get," she shrugged, a smug little smile playing on her lips. "baby-making season? i think hunter’s right—you’re half werewolf or something, that didn’t sound human at all," she teased. "have you ever talked about it?" she asked softly.

Noelle could feel the warmth of Coral’s words wrapping around her like a cozy blanket, but she couldn’t help the heat creeping up her neck as Coral teased her again. Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red at the mention of her boyfriend, and she awkwardly shifted, trying to hide the blush that always crept up onto her cheeks. Of course, Coral knew how to get under her skin in the most endearing way, and Noelle loved that about their friendship—how easily they could get each other laughing, even in the most awkward moments. She stole a quick glance at the baby, taking in the sight of Coral’s little one and how peaceful she looked. The small, tender smile that tugged at Noelle’s lips was a result of the genuine joy she felt for her best friend. They had come so far together, not just as friends, but as women who had built something beautiful with their lives. Their careers, their passions, and seeing Coral starting her little family. Coral’s words about her baby growing up were met with a quiet nod from Noelle, her heart swelling with that bittersweet feeling that came with watching life move forward. "She’s really lucky to have you," Noelle replied, her voice soft and sincere. She understood the complexity of being a mother and the beauty of it—how every moment felt precious, but also fleeting. As the conversation shifted back to teasing, Noelle could feel the warmth on her cheeks again when Coral’s words turned to her boyfriend. She couldn’t quite figure out if it was the flustered reaction or the fact that Coral’s teasing felt like an extension of their deep bond that always left her both embarrassed and oddly charmed. "You are impossible," Noelle managed, her voice a little breathless from the sudden wave of heat. She had never been great at talking about her love life with anyone but Hunter, let alone in front of Coral—though she knew her best friend meant well. Still, she couldn’t help but appreciate how easy Coral made it to be herself, no matter how red her face got. Coral’s next words about Hunter made Noelle pause, her heart skipping a beat. "I notice. He zones out, like he's deep in thought or something, and I notice. It's like, I’ll glance his way, and sometimes he’ll quickly look like he was just... searching for something." She rolled her eyes playfully, a small grin tugging at her lips. "But I know better." Noelle leaned back a little, looking at her best friend with with a smirk. Noelle burst out laughing at Coral’s teasing, shaking her head in disbelief. "Oh my god," she said between laughs, wiping her eyes as she tried to catch her breath. "You want Casey to pounce? Seriously?!" She let out another laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She leaned back, still giggling a bit as she glanced at Coral. "I can’t believe you just said that," she added, her voice still full of laughter. "You really are something else, you know that?" The conversation shifted, and Noelle let out a contented sigh, feeling a soft smile tug at her lips as she glanced at Coral. Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she spoke, her voice light but teasing. She looked down at Celeste - toddling between the wedding dresses. “Who knows?” she said with a playful shrug. "Maybe Hunter and I will get inspired by you, Casey, and Celeste, and get into baby-making season ourselves." She grinned, the playful banter between them effortless and fun.

[coralmoore]

coral was growing faster than coral would like, now little by little understanding what casey and her told her. she looked at them when they said her name and was slowly starting to babble, which was a great sign. she was growing and learning more every day. as she picked up the treat and gave it back to celeste, she couldn’t help but chuckle. "i think i just noticed what casey means when he says celeste’s pout is exactly the same as mine," she laughed. "she’s a little drama queen," she added, watching her daughter focus back on the treat in her hand. "just wait until i tell her she can’t eat it because it has sugar in it—get ready for the chaos," she joked, even though she knew that moment would come. she was trying to introduce sugar as late as possible—not because she was against it, but because people had told her it was for the best, so she’d give it a shot. "if she starts talking about politics, stop her, she loves talking about that," she teased as she walked into her best friend’s place. "i try to be a good mom," she added with a small smile. celeste really was the prettiest baby she had ever seen—not that she’d ever admit otherwise, she was just so perfect. "right? she’s going to be a heartbreaker when she grows up—blonde, blue eyes… casey won’t be happy seeing all the attention she’ll get," she joked again. as she set celeste down on the floor, her attention shifted to royalty, though part of her kept glancing back at her daughter just in case. "a bit of story? do tell—all the details," she grinned, raising her eyebrows playfully at him. "oh, he’s got skills? wow, you know who’d be blushing already... noelle," she laughed, eyeing the male. "aww, you got yourself a shy boy? that’s so cute, and look at you, probably being the worst influence," she teased, sticking her tongue out. "okay, you’re saying he’s hot and all, but do you have a picture? i need to see it," she smirked, "c’mon, royalty."

Royalty couldn’t help but laugh lightly as the baby clapped her hands with excitement, her little face lighting up as though she were already celebrating something grand. It was a small, precious moment that made his heart swell. She was so darn cute that it melted his heart. But then, just as quickly, the treat in Celeste’s hand slipped from her grip, and her face immediately scrunched into a pout, the kind of expression that instantly pulled at Royalty’s heartstrings. He could see her little lips trembling, and before she could start crying, Coral was already there, swooping down to pick it up. His lips quirked when Coral joked about the baby’s chatter, even though Celeste hadn’t really started talking yet. "I think she’ll be just fine," he said with a knowing grin. "And I’m sure you’ve got all the patience in the world for her." He watched as Coral’s affection for her daughter radiated, and it made his heart ache in the best way—he could see how deeply she cared for her little one. "You are such a good mom, Coral." At Coral’s thoughtful response about Celeste’s resemblance, Royalty’s smile softened. "She really is the perfect mix," he agreed, his gaze lingering on the baby for a moment longer. He could see both Coral and Casey in her, but it was the eyes that really stood out to him. "She has got stunning blue eyes, huh? I never noticed until now." When Coral smiled and hugged him back, Royalty’s heart warmed. He missed these moments, missed this closeness between them. She was one of his best friends, and nothing could replace the bond they shared. As they moved inside and Coral set the toddler down, he leaned against the wall, watching Celeste toddle about in front of him. "Life’s always crazy with little ones, but you’re doing amazing." At the mention of Royalty's boy-toy - his face lit up. "Well, there’s a bit of a story there, actually." He flashed Coral a playful look before continuing. "I’ve got a guy who’s been keeping me busy lately, let’s say that. He’s... got a few skills that are making me second-guess my independence," he grinned, leaning back as if savoring the moment. "I kinda fell for an introverted guy... he’s really shy, you know? Like, super quiet most of the time.” He paused, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Adorable, honestly." His grin widened, his eyes sparkling with a mix of affection and mischief. “And don’t even get me started on how hot he is. Like, it’s ridiculous how good-looking he is, but in this understated, I’m-not-trying kind of way. It’s... it’s got me hooked. He’s definitely got that quiet charm, but when he smiles? I swear, it’s like the world just… stops for a second. It’s wild."

[coralmoore]

coral and casey’s time alone had disappeared ever since celeste was born. she had brought them so much happiness, but she had also taken away many moments they used to have just for themselves. still, coral could never be mad at their baby girl for it—they just had to find the right moments. and when they did, they made the most of them. seeing the way casey’s expression shifted as she licked the chocolate off his fingers made her want to tease him even more. her movements were deliberate, her eye contact unyielding. she couldn’t help it. "you know me too well," she smiled. he did—he knew exactly how to get under her skin, just like she knew how to make him lose his mind. that was how they worked, always teasing, always making each other happy. as he leaned in closer to whisper those sweet words against the shell of her ear, coral felt her knees weaken. how was he able to be this hot? "maybe you’re a little too underdressed to be in the kitchen," she smirked. the moment he leaned in further, her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, pulling him even closer. she could feel his hand grazing the hem of her t-shirt, and it was already driving her crazy. "i feel really hot right now," she whispered against his lips, kissing him again before pulling away just enough to tug her shirt over her head, revealing a delicate baby blue set underneath. she let the shirt fall to the kitchen floor. "oops," she smiled playfully. "better?" she smirked, tilting her head. "if you think this is too much… undress me yourself."

Casey stood there in the kitchen, a towel hanging low around his waist, damp hair dripping ever so lightly onto his shoulders. His eyes were fixed on Coral, every movement of hers drawing him in deeper, like he couldn’t tear himself away if he tried. She was everything to him—every second spent with her felt like a reminder of how lucky he was to have her in his life. His jaw nearly hit the floor when she leaned in, taking his chocolate-covered fingers into her mouth with that slow, deliberate motion of hers. His breath hitched, a shiver running down his spine as he watched her, completely captivated. She could probably see the goosebumps and chills running down both his arms. When she pulled back slightly, that teasing glint in her eyes was enough to make him forget where he was. “I knew you'd enjoy that.” His voice was a little rougher than usual, his words almost a whisper as he watched her, still in awe of how she could make him lose all sense of time and space. He stepped closer, his gaze not leaving hers, and his heart thudded hard in his chest. She always knew how to get to him. With a smirk of his own, he leaned in just enough to close the gap between them, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “I feel like you're still a bit too overdressed for my liking." He wasn’t sure what kind of magic she had, but whatever it was, it worked. She had him wrapped around her finger—and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Casey’s hand gently moved down, his fingers still warm from the shower, brushing softly against the fabric of Coral’s t-shirt. The heat of his skin contrasts with the coolness of the fabric as he lets his fingers linger there, his voice light with a hint of playfulness. "Are you feeling a little hot right now, or is it just me?"

[coralmoore]

the universe had made coral and noelle inseparable. not only were they incredibly close, but even their jobs were practically connected. every time someone came to her office to plan their wedding, the first thing she did was send them straight to noelle’s boutique—not just because it was her best friend’s pride and joy, but because she truly believed the most beautiful wedding dresses were waiting for them there. coral already knew exactly where she’d get her dress when the time came—there was no doubt about it. "she really has so much energy," coral nodded, smiling. "just like her daddy." her gaze flickered back to the brunette. "oh, i usually recharge whenever she falls asleep. she’s been sleeping for longer stretches without waking up, so that’s something. honestly, i’m happy it’s working for us." she nodded again, glancing at her baby with a soft smile. "little by little, my baby is growing up, which is nice… but i also want her to stay this little forever. just look at her." seeing noelle blush was adorable—coral loved how flustered she got whenever her boyfriend was mentioned. "of course, sometimes you just need your man," she teased. but noelle’s reaction to her next words sent coral into a fit of laughter. "what?" she chuckled, knowing exactly what had caught her off guard. coral had no problem talking about her sex life—she was just being honest. "honestly, i’m ready for him to do it whenever he wants," she laughed. "don’t be so surprised, you know this kind of thing happens. it’s not my fault we decided to have a family," she shrugged playfully. her eyes twinkled as she watched noelle’s face turn an even deeper shade of red. "i love seeing you blush, you’re so cute, noelle." she grinned. "but hey, if it makes you feel any better, hunter definitely looks at you like that. maybe not in the ‘i-will-make-you-a-baby-right-now’ kind of way, but he looks at you like you’re his entire universe."

Spending time with her best friend was always something Noelle cherished, and working together on something that allowed them to be even closer was the icing on the cake. She felt incredibly lucky to have someone like Coral in her life—someone who was always there for her, no matter what. When Coral spoke about Celeste's grandma, Noelle’s heart warmed. She could see how much love and gratitude Coral had for that woman, who had been a guiding light in her life. Noelle smiled, her eyes softening as she watched Coral, feeling the depth of the words. "The cute little one is definitely a bundle of energy, isn't she? I bet it’s nice to have someone to drop her to when you need a moment to recharge though." Noelle chuckled softly, her cheeks coloring slightly—not from embarrassment but from the warmth that came with such a teasing moment. Hunter was another subject Noelle couldn't help but smile about. Hunter was such a pure, kind soul. It was impossible not to adore him. "It’s hard to find time between everything, but when you do, it feels so worth it. And sometimes, all you really need is that one person, you know?" Noelle’s eyes widened in playful shock, and she quickly covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a giggle. “Oh my god, Coral, did you just—” She shook her head, still laughing, a teasing glint in her eye. "You know Casey’s got that look in his eyes like he’s ready to pounce on you at any moment." She smirked, leaning in slightly. "I mean, seriously, have you seen the way he looks at you? Like you’re the only one in the room - even if the room is full of people."

[coralmoore]

at the sight of royalty bowing for celeste, the baby clapped her hands excitedly—a little trick coral had taught her, so she did it every time casey played a song or sang. the treat she had in her hand slipped from her grip, and as soon as she realized it, her little face scrunched up in a pout, ready to start crying. coral quickly bent down to pick it up before her gaze met her best friend’s. "you're not going to regret having us here," she assured with a nod. "this little one talks a lot, but i'm sure you can just tell her to shut up whenever you want," she laughed, even though celeste hadn’t really started talking yet. "i do have my hands full, but i love it. i wouldn’t have it any other way." at his question about whether celeste was more of a mini casey or a mini her, coral looked down at the baby thoughtfully. she could see herself in her daughter, but when it came to personality, there was no denying that she saw so much of casey in her. "i think she's the perfect mix," she nodded, "plus casey’s mom’s eyes—she really got the prettiest blue eyes ever." as royalty hugged her back, coral smiled—she had missed this. once inside, she bent down to set the toddler on the floor. "i know, it's been too long," she said softly. "she caught a little cold, and everything was just crazy." but at the mention of a "boytoy," her eyes lit up with playful curiosity. "boytoy?" she echoed, raising a brow. "you haven’t told me anything—I need all the details." she grinned, already making her way toward a seat. "please, let’s sit. i need this gossip moment."

Royalty couldn’t help but chuckle at Coral’s words, his smile widening as he straightened up from the bow. He took a moment to admire Celeste’s little face.“Well, if Celeste is the mastermind behind this delicious offering, I bow to her as well,” he said with a mock bow in Celeste’s direction, his voice rich with affection. He looked back at Coral and laughed softly, shaking his head. “I’d be honored to have the company of two such fine ladies, even if it’s just chocolate and jokes that bring us together.” When Coral mentioned Celeste’s earthquake-like energy, he grinned, eyes twinkling with warmth. "A little whirlwind, isn’t she?" he remarked, watching the tiny feet kicking with enthusiasm. “But I love it. You’ve got your hands full, Coral. Is she a mini you or a mini Casey?" As Coral bent down to place Celeste on the floor, Royalty’s gaze softened. The bond between the two of them was so evident. When Coral wrapped him in a hug, his arms instinctively encircled her in return. “I missed you too,” he said, his voice sincere and gentle, the weight of the past few weeks melting away as he stood there. “It’s been too long, Coral. You know I always look forward to seeing you.” His smile lingered, genuine and warm, as he pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes. His eyes twinkled with that mischievous glint he always had when he was about to share something personal—and maybe a little scandalous. He crossed his arms, giving Coral a sly smile. "By the way," he began, his tone casual but with a playful edge. "Have I told you about my boytoy yet?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the question, as if it was a story he couldn’t wait to spill.

[coralmoore]

at thalia's words, coral couldn't help laughing. "i didn't mean it because of the food, they're probably no longer tidying things up," she pointed out, "they're probably playing or something," she nodded, a chuckle falling from her lips. "but now that i think about it, you're lucky there's no food involved, celeste is in that stage where she wants to eat everything, and if you don't give it to her, she cries. you need to remind her she only started solids two months ago, she needs to chill," coral laughed. thalia had gone through a difficult past, and when coral heard her husband died, her heart broke — she didn’t know the man well, but if thalia had loved him, coral knew she was hurting too. "we've missed you too, i bet your mom, knowing how she is, is preparing you a party or something," she nodded, a playful smile on her lips. "oh, it's so fun, but i won't use it, so i won't steal it from you, you're in luck," she laughed.

Thalia chuckled at Coral's warnings about Casey's being in the kitchen "Oh I know, that's why there's no food here yet, he won't find anything" She joked playfully although it was true, she hadn't gone to the grocery store yet, all she really had were left over snacks from her road trip over here. She smiled widely at Coral's mention of them being family, she had really missed being close to and around her family, especially after her husband passed away, being alone had been dreadfully hard. "I'm really glad to be back and closer to all of you, I really missed you too, all of you," She said warmly, it was nice having a girl chat with her sister as well, thats what she often called her, to her coral had become her sister as soon as she started dating Casey to be honest. "Now how about that hat huh?" she said playfully and grabbed the sunhat from Coral's head" It really fits you, were you planning on stealing it?"

[coralmoore]

hey had been busy—busy with work and even busier with a one-year-old who constantly demanded their attention. coral and casey loved every second of it, but it had definitely made it harder for them to enjoy their alone time the way they used to. before emily and celeste, they had been all over each other—maybe that was even how she got pregnant in the first place. and after a year of barely getting more than fifteen uninterrupted minutes together, tonight was finally theirs. she tried to stay focused on what she was doing, but it was impossible with casey walking around the kitchen like that—long, damp hair, a towel slung low around his waist. all her concentration? gone. just the anticipation of him getting closer sent a rush of butterflies through her stomach. she tried to guess what he had, but she was wrong. "oh, so no strawberry for me?" she pouted. as his hand dropped from her eyes, she noticed his chocolate-covered fingers right near her lips. her smirk deepened as she looked up at him before leaning in, taking his fingers into her mouth. her tongue worked slowly around them, her gaze heavy, locked onto his. when she finally sucked them clean, she pulled back just slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "mm, tastes amazing," she murmured. "way better than a strawberry."

Casey had just stepped out of the shower, still feeling the lingering warmth of it as he moved around the kitchen. He could sense the shift of energy in the air - they had been waiting for this night. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched her, how she didn’t even notice him at first, lost in her own world of preparations. When he finally spoke, he caught the shift in her expression—the way her eyes lit up, and the smile she gave him. He loved that about her, how she still looked at him with that spark. He was in there with his towel hung low, his damp hair framing his face and he knew it wasn’t just the physical that caught her eye. As he popped the chocolate-covered fruit into his mouth, he noticed how her gaze lingered on him, and it gave him a quiet confidence. He smirked - unable to hide his amusement. He was teasing her, just a little, but it seemed like it was working—he could feel the tension building between them. He crossed the room towards her. When he reached her, her covered her eyes with his hand, and smiled, amused by her reaction. Her chuckle was exactly what he needed to hear in the moment. She trusted him and he knew that much already. "You're wrong," he whispered, feeling the playful, teasing connection between them deepen. "It's my finger dipped in the chocolate sauce I was just whisking." He slowly and deliberately brought his finger up to Coral’s lips. He hovered there for a moment, savoring the teasing tension, before gently placing his chocolate-covered finger near the girls mouth, a quiet challenge in his eyes. He let his over hand fall away from Coral's eyes -wanting Coral to met his gaze. "You gotta let me know if it tastes good."

[coralmoore]

spending time with her best friend was always amazing, and working together on something that let them spend even more time together? even better. she was so grateful noelle was always there for her. "she loves her grandma," she nodded. "that woman is a saint. she’s always been so kind to me—I can’t even express how grateful I am to have her in my life." coral smiled, watching the toddler toddle around, giggling. "aww, look at you blushing, you little perv," she teased, winking playfully. coral wasn’t the type to shout from the rooftops about what she and casey got up to, but it was obvious she wasn’t someone who blushed about it either. "he’s such a teddy bear," she nodded. she adored hunter—he was the purest soul ever. "plans? of course. we’ll wait for mamma owens to come home, hand over our little parcel, and then maybe we can just have chocolate and try for baby number two," she joked with a smirk.

Noelle couldn't help but smile at the sight of the toddler’s pure curiosity as she explored the wedding boutique. She had to admit, it was a welcome distraction from what was supposed to be a work meeting, but then again, anything with Coral usually ended up being more fun than planned. As Coral mentioned her gratitude for Casey's mom’s help, Noelle's eyes softened, and she nodded. "Is Casey's mom one of Celeste's favourite people too?" Noelle didn't remember making any plans for valentine's day. It was too busy around this time of year for her to even think about going out and doing something. "Only plans for once we get home." She blushed slightly - not one to say too much about her personal life. "He is the cutest. I love him so much." Hunter was Noelle's happiness and joy. She knew she could come home from a hard work day to be greeted by the love of her life. "Got any plans with Casey?"

[coralmoore]

coral couldn't help but smile as she saw her best friend's reaction to their little sweet surprise. as he bowed after taking the chocolate, coral grinned. "it's all celeste, she was the one who paid and drove here," she joked, a smile on her lips. "i thought she couldn't see past the wheel, but she got us here, so i won't ask questions," she jested. "chocolate will have to suffice. our presence will make it better, i promise," she smiled. "thank you, your majesty," she joked, walking inside his place. celeste started kicking her little feet, wanting to be put down. coral bent down and placed her on the floor. "she's a little earthquake, god," she joked. she turned to look at royalty and hugged him. "i missed you."

Royalty opened the door with a dramatic flair, his eyes immediately lighting up at the sight of his best friend and her little bundle of joy. He gave Coral an exaggerated once-over, his lips curving into a mischievous smile as he eyed the chocolate box. Celeste, the precious little pretty princess, was holding out the chocolate as if she knew exactly what she was doing. Royalty took the chocolate with a flourish, bowing low. "You two are the sweetest" he cooed, taking the offering with a hand pressed against his heart. Turning back to Coral, he shook his head in mock disapproval. "Doctor appointments can only keep us apart for so long. But for now, I suppose chocolate will have to suffice." He winked, clearly more than willing to forgive her. He held his hands out for a cuddle. "Bring it in, Moore and Owens."

[coralmoore]

coral looked at casey's sister, now wearing one of thalia's beach hats she’d found in one of the boxes. she mindlessly folded some clothes as she talked to her "sister-in-law," as she liked to call her, even if she and casey weren’t married yet. at thalia’s words, the blonde smiled. "you don’t have to thank me, we’re family, it’s the least i can do," she said, her tone warm. "you should be more worried about what those two are doing in your kitchen though," she joked, "knowing casey, his mind’s probably not on putting things inside the cabinets." she laughed softly, knowing she was right. "i’m glad you get to live closer now, casey and your mom really missed you," she added, "and i missed you too." her smile softened as she glanced over. "how have you been?"

Boxes were stacked haphazardly around Thalia’s new room, some still taped shut, others half-unpacked with their contents spilling onto the floor. She hadn’t realized how much she had accumulated over the years until she had to pack it all up and bring it here. Now, surrounded by it, she felt the weight of starting over all over again.

“You sure you don’t want me to just dump this all in the closet and call it a day?” Coral teased as she lifted a box onto the bed, flashing Thalia a grin.

Thalia huffed out a laugh, sinking onto the mattress beside the growing pile of clothes. “Tempting, but I think I’d regret it when I’m looking for a sweater and end up buried under a mountain of junk.”

Coral plopped down next to her, nudging her shoulder lightly. “Fair point. But for the record, I wouldn’t judge you.”

A comfortable silence settled between them as they started pulling things out of boxes, folding clothes, and occasionally tossing something ridiculous at each other—like the old sunhat Coral had just placed on her own head with an exaggerated flourish.

From somewhere in the house, the faint sound of Casey’s voice and Celeste’s giggles drifted into the room, a gentle reminder that this wasn’t just a pit stop. Thalia was home now.

She let out a breath, glancing at Coral. “Thanks for helping. I don’t think I’d be getting through this without you guys.”

@coralmoore