#ALSO LEGGY???... HMMM | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

itstheimpossibledream · 3 years ago

Text

Finished

Pairing: Henry Cavill x you

Prompt:Henry & y/n invited to his moms for thanksgiving. Mom also invites his ex.His mom is super strict so everyone is supposed to have separate rooms, mostly for his ex to slip into his room but she opens the door to find you sitting on his face.

This one was kind of tough but, ended up being a super fun story to write!Hope you guys enjoy it !Thanks for your ask, hope this lives up to the expectation.

“Are we going?” you ask quietly.

“Do you want to go?” he says, cocking an eyebrow in your direction.

“I mean….. It’s your mother. We kinda have to.” he pulls you in closer letting out a low hmmm.

“Yes. but, I don’t visit her often for a reason.” he says quietly. The heft of his arm and the sheets around you calling you to relaxation.

“And what’s that reas-”

“She’s crazy.” he says bluntly. You laugh,immediately knowing he’s joking . It was very out of character for him to call anyone out of their name. Much less his own mother. You look up at him to notice he isn’t laughing, not even smiling.

“O Henry, come on! She is not crazy, I’m sure she just misses you. That’s why she calls so often.”

He caresses your face “My mother is a tiny, blonde psychopath. I love her with all my heart but, everytime I bring a woman home she gets so attached I- it’s hard to explain.” he trails off.

“Guess I’ll just have to meet her then!” you squeal sleepily into his chest before drifting away in an ocean of plans.

You packed, you brushed your teeth, and were ready early in time for the flight. Henry slept most of the way but, you were too filled with questions of if she would like you, and what he of all people meant by calling his mother an attached psychopath. The hours ticked away and you looked worriedly from the clock on your phone to Henry.

“Maybe she just forgot we were coming today?Should we call?” you ask

“Nooooo. No. She has forgotten nothing. This is what she does. Constantly trying to keep me on my toes, I guarantee you she’s up to something.”

You snort through your nose “Henry I guarantee your mother is not that malicious.”

“Have you met her yet?” he jokes flatly. Just then the car pulls up a decently clean but embarrassingly tiny red kia soul, flying like a bat out of hell.

You exhale, taking a step off of the curb and waiting for your moment of truth.

She jumps out of the car and runs to her son, jumping into his arms. He smiles for a minute holding her and you see the light of a little boy flicker in him for a moment. He pulls back at the sound of the trunk popping open and begins to load the bags into the back for the weekend.

“Mrs. Marianne I am just so excited to finally get to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you and I’m really excited to-” She cuts you off turning back to her son.

“And Hen you remember Ellen.”

That’s when you see her, a leggy blonde with a perfect smile stepping out of the car that just makes your heart drop. Ellen fucking Whitaker. Ofcourse, champion show jumping horse rider from a family of professional horse trainers and not to mention gorgeous but, most importantly Henry’s ex- fiance.

“Cool, cool ,cool ,cool” you can hear yourself muttering under your breath trying not to explode.

“Mum this is y/n! She was very excited to be invited.” he confirms, giving you some comfort that he’s on your side.

“Mmm. Well that’s darling.” she spins on her heels heading back towards the driver’s side of the car.

You follow Henry as you both hug Ellen and exchange your greetings. She seems to think his mother bringing her here is just as ridiculous as you do and while you still despise her presence that knowledge makes it vaguely reassuring that she hasn’t come to fight for his love.

“Henry, dear sit up here with me I want to hear all about LA.” he rolls his eyes, making his way to the passenger side while you and Ellen assemble yourselves in the back of the tiny car with the luggage. You flip your phone over in your lap and notice a text from Henry. “I love you.Don’t stress out. She’s just like this.” you text him back a heart emoji but, it’d be a lie to pretend your heart wasn’t still caught in your throat. Not only did his mother refuse to acknowledge you. But, she brought some random ass woman that she obviously plans for Henry to be with instead. Actually , no.Not random, which is even worse! Am I spirialing ? I feel like I’m spiraling. You had completely zoned out of the sweet family reunion happening infront of you an attempted to string some words together in your head that would help you explain how you feel to him when you finally got alone time. You entered the driveway of the estate and his mother handed the keys to the valet , excusing herself and calling Ellen to follow her inside. Being excluded from the girl’s powwow didn’t bother you as much since if gave you a chance to speak to Henry. The Butler offered to help but, he insisted on doing it himself, calling him by name. And you were momentarily reminded of the things you did love about Henry. You followed behind him as he carried things to the room. You tried to make small talk with him as you unzipped your suitcase and began pulling out your necessities for your facewash routine. “O ummmm-” Henry looked at you as if trying to hide back from saying something. More bad information you were sure.

“You actually have the room down the hall.”he says sheepishly.

“What do you mean?” your eyes widen despite your attempts to quell your emotion. He has to be crazy. There’s no other way to explain.

“My mom doesn’t want me to share a bed in her home unless its with the woman I’ve marrried.” he says , hands up in a defensive position.

You exhale slowly repacking your things. “Sure. Ofcourse. What wouldn’t she want that.”

You knew it sounded bitter but, you couldn’t help it.

“Hey -” he grabs your arm as you head towards the door, pulling you in and kissing you .His hand coming to your cheek, fingers resting on the back of your head, giving you the comfort he couldn’t offer with words.

“Plus” he whispers into your lips “It will be fun to sneak around like kids for a few days.”You roll your eyes at him as his hands make their way to your ass. He gropes you for a bit before you escape his grasp headed to your room or Marianne created dungeon. Actually the room was quite nice. The flowers on the wall paper felt like a bit much but, the room got great sun and wasn’t to far from the bathroom . You liked that the estate had an old-timey feel of walking down the hall to use the toilet. Plus, it allowed you more excuses to be where Henry is. You unpacked your room and then sat on the bed next to your empty suitcase before exhaling,and finding the strength to get dressed for dinner.

You stepped gently down the stairs ,trying to avoid the steps that creak when your hear the door close behind you. Looking up over the landing you see Henry at the top of the stairs.

“What are you doing?”he asks flatly.

You become aware of your hunched back and your body language from testing the step with your toe.

“I- I just don’t want to go.” you confessed.

He rushes in your direction, “Sweetheart you don’t have to.”

“No I mean I want to I just ….I was so excited to meet your mother and she just-”

“Listen” he leans against the wall scratching the side of his face. “I was trying to protect you. I should have tried to explain her more but it’s- she’s just so embarrassing. If you want, we can cut it short and go home tomorrow.” he seems genuinely saddened that his mom had been so rude. You hadn’t even had the chance to tackle Ellen’s presence before you hear a fumbling downstairs and his mother calling for him. He looks at you silently giving you time to decide.

“I still want to try and win her over.” you whisper back to him. He laughs a little at your determination and offers you his arm. You walk to dinner together and his presence gives you comfort.

At dinner your seats are assigned. Shockingly your seat is not next to Henry’s but one of their family friend’s who was also visiting. You thought it a smart call on Marriane’s part. Had it just been the four of you for dinner the meal was sure to mostly be had in silence. You sat across from Henry and although he and Ellen had a few hushed moments this test actually caused you to feel more confident in your relationship. His mom was being a bitch but, when she did he’d nudge your foot under the table. This nudge eventually turned into a quiet game of footsies but, as adults your were grateful for the reminder that no matter how it seemed he was always prioritizing you. By the time dessert came you decided you wanted to try pushing the boundaries. His mother hadn’t said anything rude to you, she simply had not spoken to you at all. And if she had already decided she hated you then there wasn’t much left for you to do but, enjoy the sculpture of a man that she had created. You slipped your foot from your shoe and let your footsies progress to you rubbing him through his pants with your foot. His eyes shoot to you across the table,but he doesn’t give you away. You can feel him growing harder under your toes as he melts into his chair. His face looks so small and innocent, looking at you, trying so hard to be in control, to be good. His mother hurls a few rude words but, you are to turned on by the view across from you to care. Once dismissed from the table, the tempered dash to the bedroom is quick. His hand presses into your back as he practically pushes you up the stairs. His room was the closest to the stairs , as you walked past he grabs your arm , pulling you in.

“Heeeeey hey hey.” you whisper to him as he slips his hand up your dress. “I think your mother will notice if I’m not in my room.” he groans into you. “Shhhh. I’ll come back later” you pull back winking at him. He slowly removes his hand and you turn, switching out of the room.

You promptly switch into your best lingerie and robe while counting the minutes, listening as the sounds of the house grow softer and softer. When the coast seems clear, you softly make your way to Henry’s room. You push the door open slowly trying to mitigate the creak as much as possible.You can see his figure sitting up in the dark. You drop your robe to the ground as he closes his book. “ I thought you’d never come!” he exhales. He places his book on the nightstand and you jump into bed, straddling him. His hands reach around to cup your ass and your grab him by the wrists.

“Don’t touch.” you warn. He cocks his head to the side as if to question the change from your usual power exchange.

“Only with your tongue.” you smile, leaning in to kiss him. He smiles coyly and you move yourself up the headboard of the bed. You grab onto it as he pulls your panties to the side. He hums into you and you are doing your best to keep quiet as you grip down onto the headboard beneath. You reach your other hand down cradling the back of his head while his tongue explores further into you. Biting your bottom lip in an attempt to keep from crying out ,you pull his hair and his hand smack your ass in response.

“Fuck” you exhale into the darkness and just then you hear the door creak open.

“Oh no!” you turn around to see Ellen, and no sooner than you lock eyes, you grab the duvet pulling it over both of your bodies.Henry is confused and ends up being mostly exposed during the shuffle.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

“Ummm your mom told me to- I’m sorry I-” She turned , rushing out of the room; a flurry of nerves and embarrassment. The door slammed behind her and you both looked at eachother, momentarily embarrassed too. But, then you both broke into laugher. This entire trip had been absurd, this is almost just on brand. You lift your leg in an attempt to end your straddling of him , when he stops you with a hand to your lower back. Smiling while looking up at you he says

“I wasn’t finished yet.” and you melt back into him.

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missamyrisa2 · 3 years ago

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This may seem like a simple ask but how would you tickle tease a guy starting from head to toe?

Sometimes the simplest asks are the very best ~<3 because I love to tease a guy from end to end ~ we can call that the full package works from Miss Amy ~<333 We start with a gentle gaze from above, a little tracing massaging on your scalp, with my fingers digging in and playing about ~ Scratchies down your temples, loving touches but I'm really after your ears ~ does it tickle when my fingertips trace the rim and lobe? Maybe when I gently stroke and dip my nails in slightly~ How cute. Most people don't think of a face as being ticklish y'know, but I find that palming the cheeks ever so lightly as I watch your eyes and coo at you to be most effective. You can let out those giggles you know. I'm gonna find them. Oh yes, because we're at your neck now. And I'm going to plant little kisses there. One under each side of your jaw, then in a line. Little teasy light purpley kisses as my fingers play at your shoulders. Muah muah. Don't get too fuzzy now, because I'm laying you back so I can lift your arms. Keep them up cutie. Don't move or I'm gonna tickle you more ~ Hmmm little fuzzies in those underarms. How sweet and adorable. Do you have armpitty hairs alll around here? Let's see. That outer edge is mighty sensitive. Are you ticklish there? I wanna dig now, let's diiig in and find those laughs. Hold still now, keep those arms up baby ~

Maybe a vigorous nipple tickle will get you back to the goody feelings. Rubby rubby now. Little circles on your cute buttons. Are these giggle buttons? Yeah? They make you giggle? Well I gotta push them then. Oh yes, gonna push these buttons and also get a taste of these ribbies. Muuuuah. Why I do believe that was a nibbly on your ribby. How delightful. Your belly is bouncing and twitching so badly. It wants some tickly love too huh? Yeahhh. Hold on cuteness, this is gonna tiiiickle. We're spidering that tum and probing that navel and there's nothing you can do about it. Oh my, keep those arms back and legs down sweetheart or I'll really give you something to laugh about. And now we tickle the sides. A nice vigorous brisk tickle to get all those squeaky sounds out. Yep, gotta make sure we get them allll outtta you. I hope you don't mind, I'm doing a back to basics program here today at Amy's spa. Just good old fashioned tickles by hand lips. Ooh, and also hair. Yessir just my natural tickle tools. You like my braids? Let's see how they work on your thighs. Oh yes, brushy brushy. Look at you blussssh. It's because I'm tickling right by that royal area huh? Oh yeah I noticed. I want to see how hard and helpless you'll get from tickles, and then maybe I'll do something about that royal part who just wants to join the tickle show.

But as punishment for being such a naughty boy I'm gonna squeeze those knees. Well not the knees. Everyone always says knees but what we really mean is that utterly clamp-able spot just above. It's like a bridgework of tickles. Mmmhm gotta massage these legs reallll good. That's the Amy leggy special. Ooh yeah, kick those legs baby, wiggle those toes. You're really feeling it. Tickle, tickle, tickle! You can't get away. I'll just squeeze your legs if you try and then you'll fall and I'll tickle you all over again. So just sit back relax and let Amy tickle those toes. This is where the braids really help cutie pie. See I take them like so, and we thread betweeen each toe. Hair between the toes. You feel that? Feelin' it? Yeah? Nice and tight softness in those crevices, all ticklish and sweet. And then I take the ends and we tickle your soles. Oooh isn't that fun? You wiggle and it makes the tickles jitter in your toes. Aren't braids so fun? Don't you just love my tickly tickly hair? Keep still or I'm gonna ooop you popped out the braids silly! Well now we're gonna have to nibble those toes. And I think my tongue is gonna go exploring in the crook underneath. What, you don't like your toes being pampered so? Maybe you do. I see what's going on up there!

Now I said head to toe but it's really head to toe to head, because I see an adorably aroused prince part and a very ticklish head. So we're just going to hold you here at your base, and I think you need to pay attention so I'm gonna squeeze like this. Yeah, you're not going anywhere tickle boy. No escape for you now. And now the tip of my braid. Oooh it's so soft baby, you know how it felt on your toes and soles. Well, get a load of thissss. Why yes that is my braid tip softly kissing the underside of your head. Ahh tickle boy look at you squirm and quiver. Does it tickle sooo bad? Is it just so unbearably ticklish and sensitive and arousing? You don't know what to do huh? You want me to continue but it means more teasing and you want it to end but that means you won't get any more loves. What to do huh? You want me to stop? Yeah? No? Yeah? Tickle tickle? Oooh are you gonna? You're gonna make some fireworks for me baby? I bet you will if I kiss you right here. Yes, soft purple lips riight on that deathly sensitive spot while my hair goes brushy brushy brushy up and down the length. My, my what a ticklish lil glutton. You want all those tickles mm? Go ahead, let it all go, I'll tickle you all the way through and ~~ there we go, look at you making all those creamy giggle fireworks for me, what a good boy. And guess what? We're not stopping~ I'm gonna tease that head with my fingers ever so lightly through every aftershock and I'm gonna keep pinching those thighs and poking your bellybutton until you're a complete wreck.

And then we're flipping over, yep c'mon. I'm gonna keep poking your sides and tickling your soles until you do. What an adorable peach. Let's see. I'm gonna trace those curves and dig at the small of your back now. You know your outer thighs back here are loaded with tickle spots, I've seen it on some people. I bet you're soo sensitive now too. Tickle tickle cutie butt, you can bounce and struggle all you like. I'm gonna sit here and just tease up and down your backside and there's nothing you can do about it because you love your tickles and you'll take every one I give you~<3 and once I get you all worked up again we'll go for round two!

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obaewankenope · 3 years ago

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Obae obae tell us about barnicles!! 👀 And their cursed lil leggies!

Barnicles!! Hmmm what do I know about barnicles... [thinking face]

I know I don't like them, that I do know. Their leggies are indeed cursed and looking at images of them for this ask was very not nice for me xD

So:

Barni-barnacles!

Barnacles are arthropods basically meaning they're invertebrates (no spiney-spine) with their bones on the outside rather than the inside (exoskeleton), with a segmented body and paired joints. They're related to lobsters and crabs via all the fancy scientific classification of animals aka: sub-class of Cirripedia where they're a sub-phylum of Crustacea (aka lobsters and crabs) and honestly, I enjoy knowing None Of This.

They're marine only (thank the gods), live in shallow and tidal waters and, depending on the type, either attach to anything that is substrate (basically any material that has some sort of layer to it that allows for grabby grabby attachment to happen; like rocks) or a symbiont like a whale or whatever which is can gain food from without having to do literally anything.

The most common kind of barnacles are acorn barnacles and I bet you'll recognise them because they're basically like the ones that show up on whales and boats all the damned time. Like. All the time.

[image source: hakaimagazine]

Whale barnacles are a specific type of acorn barnacles that show up a heckin lot. They're usually seen on baleen whales and toothed whales (aka filter feeders or hunty boys: blue whale or orca is what I'm saying). They're actually used by scientists to study whale migration because they typically last on a whale for about a years, usually falling (is it falling? I don't think that's the right word but eh) off when the whales are doing their migration for baby making etc.

[image source: theethogram]

Acorn barnacles are the ones that look, well, actually kinda like a half-furled flower that doesn't know if it wants to open fully or not. This is because they grow six hard calcaeous plates around themselves for protection. With just enough space for their leggies to stick out and get food and water to their body lying on its tummy inside the carapace (hardened shell designed to protecc).

These sods don't have real hearts (heartless bastards) but a sinus alongside their throat which pumps blood via muscles in a similar manner. They also don't have gills and absord oxygen through their leggies.

Not creepy at all.

The ocean is fucking terrifying, I stand by this.

Anyway. Their leggies.

They have eight pairs of leggies which stick out and floof around the way they do like all feathery and shit, absorbing food and water particles (actual water, like hydration, not salty water). I don't think I want to know much more about their cursed leggies but... well.

[image source: seahistory]

*googles*

FUCKING WHY DO I HAVE TO LEARN ABOUT BARNACLE DICKS WHAT THE FUCK

OKAY NOPE

I'M DONE

I'M OUT THIS IS ALL YOU'RE GETTING

GOOD. FRICKIN. D A Y

#barnacles #education #marine life #marine biology #kat answers #kat replies #i never wanted to know about that last bit thanks

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sammy8d257 · 4 years ago

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There's two things I thought of when I saw those Minecraft frogs. 1) They look like Hop Pop from Amphibia but tiney and orange. 2) I hope we can murder them so we can eat their leggies 👀

AJDJAJDJJS

I MEAN

YOU AREN'T WRONG-

Minecraft frog my beloved

Also AH-

I didn't even think of frog legs as food...

but why would you kill the little frog friends?? <:O

Although new food is new food, hmmm

#Sammy8D says #sammy8d answers #Minecraft #minecraft wild update #minecraft frog

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ellewords · 4 years ago

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hey elle! i saw your answers for the questions i sent—i love coffee and cookie dough ice cream too! i’ve found that i like a lot of coffee-flavored stuff like ice cream, cake, and candy lol. i also really love cookies and cream! i’d say that’d be my favorite with coffee and cookie dough being VERY CLOSE seconds

BABY DON’T STOP IS ICONIC WHEW but may i propose....haikyuu boys dancing to it.......

anyways today i’ve got some headcanons for a past written on the margins question! first it was a karaoke party with the seijoh 4, and now it’s a road trip! aka you and iwaizumi are the only ones with any braincells in this godforsaken car (they make you handle the gps stuff since you’re the best with it). i can imagine each of them rotating and driving for a set number of hours or at least until they reach a rest stop, especially on long trips. whoever’s sitting shotgun (they rotate between this seat too) has control over the radio and aux cord and oikawa jokes that it’s the best part of going on road trips (but is he really joking though...)

makki and mattsun pretend to groan when you sit shotgun, but in actuality they don’t mind and will probably sing along to some of the songs you play (if there’s a rap part in the song currently playing everyone makes mattsun rap along i feel like his voice just fits it) while oikawa would be like UGH FINALLY SOMEONE WITH SOME MUSIC TASTE just to get a rise out of the other boys (but he really does think those kpop songs you blast lowkey slap he’s been listening to some of them while he works out or goes on his morning runs). iwa generally doesn’t have much of a preference but i can see him being partial to more upbeat songs to keep him or whoever’s driving awake, but even during slow songs the rest of you guys sing loud enough and chaotic enough to prevent anyone from getting any shut-eye (oikawa, makki, and mattsun dramatically act out a whole SAGA)

when you guys reach any rest stop makki is the first one out of the car and he makes a beeline towards the bathroom because he drank a lot of water during you guys’ impromptu karaoke session (gotta keep those vocal chords taken care of!). oikawa and mattsun are usually the ones in charge of getting snacks, they always end up getting a lot but they make sure to get everyone’s favorites! the amount of snacks they buy seems overkill but they’re athletic boys with voracious appetites and getting this many snacks ensures that the car is never short on food. if this is during or post-timeskip iwa is probably a little more strict on the snacks everyone eats (especially with regards to oikawa, being a professional athlete and all) but eventually decides to let up a bit—it’s not everyday he gets to go on a trip with his close friends, plus all those calories are gonna get burned right away once you guys reach your destination and go from place to place.

god help anyone who actually falls asleep in the car because oikawa and makki are taking photos of whoever’s sleeping with their phones AND with the polarioid camera you brought. despite this, though, everyone makes a conscious effort to be quieter when someone’s napping, and the volume of the radio is turned a bit lower. one of your favorite pictures on your phone is a selfie you took of everyone while you were sitting in the passenger seat: mattsun was driving at the time and though he wasn’t looking at the camera, a smile is on his face as he makes a peace sign with one hand; oikawa, iwa, and makki are sleeping in the back seats with oikawa and makki leaning on iwa’s shoulders (he lost a few rounds of rock paper scissors and had to sit in the middle). this also extends to when you’re asleep in the car as well—oikawa jokingly made his phone background a selfie of you leaning on his shoulder while napping (featuring a blurry iwaizumi at the side) but he actually finds it quite cute and doesn’t want to change it to his usually background quite yet.

it’s evening when you guys finally reach your hotel and everyone’s a bit tired from being cooped up in the car all day but surprisingly enough no one’s really sleepy because everyone at one point had the opportunity to nap on the way there. if you’re dating one of the boys the others DEFINITELY make you two take one room while the other three take the room adjacent to it. after everyone’s gotten ready for bed you’re all gathered in one of the hotel rolls just vibing on your phones and you and oikawa decide it’s the perfect time to bring out The Sheet Masks™️ that you kept in the cooler in the car during the trip so they’d remain cold. many more goofy photos of everyone with the masks on their faces are taken.

by this point it’s late at night and eventually you guys fall into having some nice, genuine heart-to-heart conversations. if this is during or post-timeskip everyone’s sharing what they’ve been up to ever since graduation or ever since you guys last saw/talked to each other. it’s just such a nice and comforting environment to be in because everyone’s a little tired from the day’s events and so it’s not as loud and boisterous, but at the same time this tiredness and it being nighttime means everyone’s filters are a little looser than usual and you could ask for advice on just about anything and everyone else would chime in with both lighthearted and actual suggestions. the boys are just SOFTER during this time like you could bring up how you’ve been getting back into something you did during high school (like playing piano or guitar or something) and they’d want you to show them videos or pictures of what you’ve been up to! maybe one boy brings up something that’s been worrying them for a while and you and the others are giving him words of encouragement while also cracking jokes. it’s just really chill and nice and everyone likes these late night talks because they bring you all a little closer.

everyone ends up sleeping in the same hotel room. you wake up sandwiched between oikawa and mattsun (oikawa’s got an arm thrown around you and mattsun’s long leggies are literally on top of yours and you wonder how you managed to sleep soundly last night) and iwa and makki are on the pull out sofa bed and you’re like Hey Guys. What The Heck (makki takes this opportunity to snap a photo of the three of you wrapped up in the bedcovers) and when you guys go to get breakfast at the hotel buffet it’s strangely quiet because almost everyone is still sleepy lol.

after getting some food in your system and getting ready for the day you’re all back to your usual energetic selves! you snap a mirror selfie of everyone gathered around the sink in one of the hotel rooms because oikawa was finishing getting ready (he takes the longest i just know it) and the other boys were just hanging around him talking about what’s planned for the day. the schedule you guys have isn’t super specific but there’s a few choice locations that you guys looked into in advance and try to visit no matter what! a day out with them is definitely filled with photos. you’ve got a lot of them in which they’re trying to recreate some funny pose in a picture oikawa saw online (like the one of nct in the ask i sent you earlier!!) and they either turn out really great or really horrible (funny) because you have a knack for taking photos where everything looks normal but someone’s face would be really blurry. but they would also try and take some really nice photos too—they’ll all even help you if you want to take some solo shots! oikawa and makki know the best angles for aesthetically pleasing photos, mattsun has a knack for taking panorama photos that look perfect, and iwaizumi’s really good at taking those types of photos of you guys jumping in the air without them looking weird. you’ve basically got four tall hypemen it’s great!!

overall i think it’d be so fun to go on a trip with them because it’s the perfect balance!! they’re chaotic clowns but they also won’t hesitate to give you a piggyback ride if your feet really hurt or if your shoes are giving you blisters (oikawa will try and make iwa give him a piggyback ride too, though). you guys end up getting a lot closer and having a TON of photos and inside jokes at the end of the trip, and though you’re all reluctant to go back, you also all know that this is only the beginning of a lot more outings together! if you take little clips of various events throughout the trip and compile them all together into a little vlog they’ll all probably watch it together through zoom or discord screenshare or something loool

THIS IS SO LONG take a shot (of water) every time i say one of the guys’ names or if i say “everyone” or some variation of it FJDJSNS seijoh 4 brainrot things am i right.....i hope you enjoyed reading this as much as i enjoyed writing and thinking of this! i think in the future i might think of stuff for if you go on a trip with the miya twins (and maybe suna too?).....hmmm hmmm hmmm!!! —🌸

— from elle ! i love this so so much >_< like literally what do i have to do to go on a road trip with the seijoh four??? it would be so much fun and chaotic and i want that for me,, i love them and their friendship so much it's insane ;-; anyways, thoughts + additions under the cut <33 thank you for this !!

everyone who isn't driving makes it their mission to annoy the one who is; whether it's through repeatedly poking their cheek, asking how long of the drive they have left, etc. the person who can last the longest in driver's seat would probably be iwaizumi, all his years playing volleyball with them as prepared him for this moment — but also looked up breathing exercises to avoid getting angry.

the best person to have riding shotgun would most be mattsun, especially when it's really late or super early ; keeps the conversation going and doesn't fall asleep, even when everyone in the backseat is. he shotguns energy drinks every hour or so.

i love the idea of oikawa, makki, and mattsun acting out a whole saga in the backseat omg !! in my head it's a song like taylor swift's love story wherein makki is the love interest, oikawa is taylor, and mattsun is like the dad who doesn't want them together. they really go all out on the acting — oikawa might have let out a couple of tears — and even iwa cracks a lil smile from the driver's seat.

awe timeskip!iwa watching out for everyone's diets ;-; but i do agree that he's gonna let up a bit considering that everyone doesn't see each other all the time. but i feel like he gives everyone the look™ every now and then despite this.

aw cmon don't hit me with oikawa making his background me leaning on his shoulder as i sleep that's so adorable i might cry :<< but other photos taken during naps include : iwa leaning on oikawa’s shoulder, makki sleeping with his eyes halfway-open ??? mattsun’s face covered in stickers that you impulse-bought at a random stopover.

sheet masks with the boys ??? yes pls !! though iwa would definitely be the type to almost wash his face after and oikawa screeched just before he was able to splash water on his face.

but late in the night heart to hearts ??? ugh, peak softness from the boys — everyone cries at some point because woah all of you really grew so much since high school and it made everyone feel all warm and tender.

but at some point, without thinking, and also bec it’s late and what does he have to lose, iwa just goes “you know, i had a crush on you when we were in high school” at yn and everyone just goes ?!?!?!?!?

yn : what the hell i had a crush on you ????

and oikawa’s just cackling in the background like, “i knew it !!!! both of you kept saying i was crazy for pushing it i feel so vindicated rn”

meanwhile makki hands mattsun some money because they bet on it years ago and they were finally getting answers — makki thought you would confess first and mattsun thought it would be iwa ; several years too late but at least ;//

also i would just love to fall asleep in between oikawa and mattsun,,, please how do i get that

also on mattsun’s panoramas: everyone likes moving around a lot when he takes those photos and it’s the perfect mix of weird and cool because yeah there are like five makki’s but one of them looks like he has a third arm and a triangular head

and the vlog and we all get to watch it together over discord ???? that’s it, that’s what i want ;-;

tldr; I would give anything to go on a road trip with the seijoh four ;((

᠃ ⚘᠂ ⚘ ˚ ⚘ ᠂ ⚘ ᠃

a question: what are the hq characters like on a road trip? | written on the margins masterlist

taglist : @haikyuutothetop @crystal-lilac @tobioespresso @sushijimawakatoshi @itsmeaudrieee @pantherhappy @jesssobs @mysticstrawberryballoon @cloudedsky_29 @sakusasimpbot @aoirohi @kokogxddess @tooru--o @meiankolia

join my hq taglist here. <3

#seijoh four road trip how ???#I wanna go on one with them so bad :<<#written on the margins 🔖#haikyuu hcs #🎐 — 🌸sakuranon! <3

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hopetofantasy · 5 years ago

Text

‘Tout oublier’

Title: ‘Tout oublier’ Square Filled: Crackship Ship: Jens Stoffels/Robbe Ijzermans Trigger Warnings (if applicable): none applied. Mostly longing and softness, no kissing or smut - only hinted at. Created for @skamevents

Notes: As a huge VDS and Sobbe supporter, I challenged myself to write something outside my own comfort zone. A crackship that I don’t entirely support, but hey, I tried my best! :) (Btw, who can spot the cameo?)

The title comes from an ‘Angèle’ song, a Belgian singer Luca referenced (and sang along with) in S2. I thought it fit this work like a glove.

“Well, if it isn’t the man of the hour. It’s about time that you showed up!”

A seemingly casual statement, answered by a mischievous smile. Long brown locks radiating a ‘I just got laid’ look, covered by a two sizes too big sweatshirt. Clearly not his own. Dark eyes anxiously darted towards his.

Oh yes, my dear, you are in so much trouble now.

“Robbe, what were you thinking?! You just went with the guy, like that, without saying anything to us. We couldn’t find you anywhere! You didn’t answer any texts or calls, we had no clue where you were! He could’ve been a rapist for all we know! How could you be so irresponsible?!”

Wow, back up there, turbo. You need to relax.

He slowly lifted up his hand to pinch his nose, in a desperate attempt to relax. Breath in, breath out. Damn, it wasn’t his intention going off like that, especially since he looked like a parent now. Robbe didn’t deserve this. Not only because they were best friends, but also roommates. Broerrrs, but there was still a line.

Don’t go there, Jens. You’re not responsible for everything he does.

He just wished the boy would listen. It’s a harsh world out there, especially for LGBT youngsters. And they didn’t know the neighborhood that well. They’ve only just moved in, like, a month ago. The boysquad knew a thing or two about Antwerp, but Ghent? A whole other ballpark. Even though, you know, the fishing pond was bigger here than it ever was in Antwerp, he had to admit.

Soooo not the point, Stoffels.

Robbe pulled out a smile, watery smile. He knew exactly what he was doing, with the innocent Bambi look. A hand on his shoulder, a reassuring nod, yet with a hint of irritation.

“Yeah, okay, Jens, I’m sorry I didn’t leave a message. But if I wanted to have sex with some random dude, then that’s my choice. Something I decided. What I wanted to to! Alright? I don’t want people parenting me. I already have a father, well, only my father, but-”

The smaller boy paused for a while. A glimpse of hurt clouded his face, for just a second. Just enough to weaken Jens’ anger. He knew how hard it all had been, coming out in the midst of his father’s mental health. Oliver had worked too hard for his family. To keep it all together. Completely burned out, the specialist had said. He kept trying to provide a good home for his son, despite every financial struggle they faced in the past.

Jens knew Robbe blamed himself for this. Even though it was never his fault, the scars were there nevertheless. He sighed and pulled him in for a tight hug.

“I’m sorry.”

Ever since high school, he had felt responsible for the boy. Trying to compensate for everything people did that made it all harder. So when Robbe asked him to be his roommate, he said ‘yes’ on the spot. Now he only needed to learn about their boundaries, where they lie and what they were.

Since Robbe walked into the room, he had felt something stir in his stomach. Relief? What else could it have been? That the other was safe, at home. Or what you could call their home. A four-by-four dorm room, entirely filled with boys’ sweatshirts, leftover pizza boxes and mismatched furniture.

Yet, something still gnawed in the inside. To be honest, he never knew Robbe was the type of guy for random hook-up with a random stranger. Jens always thought that was more his forté. Robbe was the romantic, doe-eyed boy with the heart on his sleeve. So maybe Jens didn’t want to be left behind? Especially now that they’re both out and proud, with way more game than their small town high school.

Was it that what’s bothering him?

“Hmmm, whatever, bro. Next time, chill out. I’d rather not tell you every time I go with a guy. It’s bad enough that we share a space with barely any breathing room. I’ll be hearing too much of you anyways. And vice versa”, Robbe huffed. He pushed his roommate out of the way and started to undress for bed, before flopping down. Almost passing out immediately.

Jens’ features started to soften a little. Gosh, it was sometimes unnerving how easily Robbe could get away with things, by pulling his infamous puppy eyes and awkward jokes. It turned everyone’s insides into mush.

Nobody could stay mad at him, ever. His roommate was wired like that. So it also didn’t come as a shock when Robbe mumbled the following:

“I still have his number, by the way, if you would like to ‘have a go’ at it”

What did came as a shock, however, was how fast a pillow could hit a face that didn’t expect retaliation.

The topic of hook ups came up again a few weeks after that.

“So, Jens, if you had to choose: would you rather kiss a boy or a girl? I mean, you do have a preference, right?”, Moyo coughed out with great effort. This question was instantly answered by a bitch slap to the head, followed by a collective fit of laughter.

The boys were lying on the common room floor, in the midst of their building, passing around the joint. They had been binging on chocolate bars before. Empty wrappers still scattered around their heads, close enough to ball one up and hit Moyo. He deserved it. The boy wasn’t exactly known for his friendly behavior. On the contrary.

“What kind of question is that? I don’t care. So why would you?”, Jens answered hazily. He’d already grown tired of these questions in the first months of his coming out, when everyone walked up to him to ask really personal stuff. ‘Did you have sex with boys before?’ ‘Are you sure that you are bisexual and not just homosexual?’ ‘You’re now attracted to everyone, right?’

“I don’t, bro. I’m just asking, because I have some options for you. As in, hot girls’ numbers in my phone and friends who know hot single gays. So, if you’re want, just say so. I can hook you up with anyone. Male or female. I mean, it’s been ages, right? When was the last time you got laid?!”

Another laugh accompanied Moyo’s loud howl. “It’s true, you know, I’ve gotten more D than you in these last few months.” Gosh, Robbe was such a traitor. Jens sighed and pulled himself up by the elbows, looking around the group of misfits. Aaron was already dosing off next to him. No surprise there, he never could handle his weed.

Especially Dutch marihuana.

Out of nowhere, Moyo started humming a popular rap song, instantly forgetting what he asked minutes before. Robbe joined in by tapping his fingers on his bleached jeans. A burgundy beanie covered his eyes as well as the messy mop of hair. Jens found himself more and more fascinated by his best friend’s locks lately, ever since he started growing it past his shoulders again. He never noticed how nicely they framed his face.

“I can fix my own hook ups, broerrrs. I don’t need any help.”, Jens huffed out eventually after being distracted by the sudden change.

“Don’t bullshit me, Jens, you don’t even hang out with anyone but us lately!”, the brunette retaliated. He immediately snatched the joint out of Jens’ hands, blowing some smoke clouds into the air. Jens caught himself looking at it.

The smoke...

The eyes...

The lips...

Euhm, what? What the hell was this? Since when I stare at my roommate’s lips? Okay, maybe, maybe I do need some relief after all. That could be the only reason I want to stare at Robbe.

Right?

His mind was still frazzled, but he was eventually able to huff out an agreement towards Moyo. The latter one pulled out his phone immediately to check out the options. A tall leggy blonde? A beautiful chocolate colored man? A petite pixie-cut brunette? Wow, Moyo didn’t overreact when he said that he knew people.

They finally settled on a guy Jens had spotted in the local skatepark before. A somewhat rugged, beach blonde with beautiful eyes. Leather jacket, artsy vibe? He seemed cool. Moyo’s friend Noor had been to school with this dude. It wasn’t necessarily his type, but hey, it was just for one night. Nothing more.

So it was a date.

Kinda.

Then why was his brain still picturing smoke on a certain someone's lips?

The thought still occupied his mind a couple of days later. Jens never knew how this situation came to be. How he suddenly felt something towards Robbe. Attraction. Because that’s exactly what it was. There was no way of denying it. He had felt it for weeks, maybe even months, without acknowledging it. He couldn’t be feeling this. It was wrong, so completely wrong!

Robbe was Robbe, he was like a brother, he was his best friend and roommate.

Okay, there was only one way to get over someone, Moyo always said:

“Get under someone!”

So why didn’t he?

The cute guy in front of him was the perfect distraction. He was a smooth talker, a sight for sore eyes and surely knew his way around guys as well as girls. He was pansexual, he explained, gender didn’t matter to him. When he liked someone, he liked someone. Didn’t think twice about it. And he seemed to like Jens. Enough to kiss him. Enough to go back to his dorm room.

Except...

Something in Jens closed down the moment they arrived at the door. His date seemed to have felt his hesitation, immediately stopping the trail of kisses from his ear to his shoulder. The air between them seemed to cool down in mere seconds, filled with insecurity and unanswered questions. A leather jacket was the only sound heard in the heavy silence.

“You don’t want to do this, do you?”

Jens’ eyes said it all. He knew that he didn’t need to tell the stranger what he felt. People always claimed the dark haired boy was an open book, which was a blessing as well as a burden. God, why couldn’t he just do this? Just be with a guy, any guy, especially one as attractive as this one and get it all over with? Stop being such a frikking dumbo and take him inside!

But he didn’t move. He wasn’t truthful to himself, to the other boy, to Robbe. He needed to end this before it even started. It wasn’t right. So he slowly backed away from the beach blonde and said his fast goodbyes along with a string of sorrys. The other seemed to accept this sudden change of behavior, with a knowing glint in his eyes. As if he knew how much of a mess his head felt. As if he’d experienced something like this before.

Once inside, he’d only wished he had stayed with his date. Robbe was lying on the floor, seemingly upset, clinging to an old stuffed animal. Red rimmed eyes. His hair a total mess. Sobbing like a baby. His own heart shattered on the spot.

A chernobyl explosion.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?”, he whispered silently.

He tried to look inside those brown eyes he liked so much. The ones who moved his world, made him feel all things at once. He needed to see what caused this distress. Because Robbe didn’t cry. Ever. He didn’t cry when his mom left at age 10, he didn’t cry when he father got diagnosed at age 15 and he didn’t even cry when his grandparents called him hurtful names when he came out to them at age 17.

Jens slowly crawled towards the smaller boy, hauling his body off the floor and cradling his head into his arms. The soft touch confused his heart. He knew Robbe was able to hear the thrumming beat, but he could care less at the moment. His boy was crying. His boy needed reassurance. So he held him tight and listened. Listened to the hiccups and the slurring speech, the wails and the cries. Half an hour later, Robbe was finally able to answer the question.

“Dad... he couldn’t deal with me leaving. Broke down completely. He’s inside the hospital, psychiatric ward, Jens. They don’t know if he’ll ever heal from this. He’s empty. He’s clinically depressed. He doesn’t even know how to feel love anymore. I’ve got nobody to love me anymore. And it’s all my fault, I left him...”

The sobbing continued at a louder volume. The beautiful brown eyes filled with such pain, it made Jens sick to his stomach. He couldn’t take it anymore. He pulled the boy out of his arms, his hands firmly gripping Robbe’s upper arms. It’ll bruise, but he didn’t want to let go. Robbe needed to know.

“Robbe, listen to me! Clinically depressed doesn’t mean your dad doesn’t love you anymore, okay?! Your dad is going through a hard time in his life. He probably struggling with this for a while and it only now faced the world. It’s not your fault! He held on as long as he did, because of you, Robbe. Because you were the light in his life. You still are! You always are, for everyone I know. For your family, for your friends, for me. Especially for me... Gosh, I love you so much, you don’t even know.”

Oh my god.

What did he say?!

Fock, fock, fock.

Oh no. Robbe suddenly looked at him with a puzzled expression. He saw the mechanics whirring inside his head, linking every accidental touch with his upped heartbeat, every soft sentence with his longing stares. Jens knew he went too far. It’ll only take a couple of seconds to realize how much the raven haired boy had concealed. From the world, from Robbe and from himself. He loved him? Really? Since when?

Robbe had pulled away quickly, like a deer caught in headlights. Making his heart ache for a do-over, another chance to explain everything. To come clean and tell him it was a mistake saying this. But before he could say a word, he felt a slight pressure on his chin. Lifting it up. It was the smaller boy again, sitting up this time.

Brown eyes stared into his, like he wanted to communicate something without forming a sound. They didn’t need any words. They would never. The sorrow was forgotten, the love was touched. The heart was healed again. Their sweet touches, their soft sighs, their teasing glances. Between them and their feelings.

Everything was said that night.

It was always them.

Against the rest of the world.

Only the two of them.

And the next morning?

Well, the next morning,

they never spoke of it again.

Everything was forgotten.

Tout oublier.

Pour y croire, il faudrait tout oublier.

#wtfock #wtfam #skambingo #don't judge me okay? I'm trying something new #something fun

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mysynthfetish · 6 years ago

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Triple-C & Volca Power DIY

Hello kiddies. Been a bit busy here in wackoland. I saw a TC Electronic Triple-C Stereo Channel on the old auction for cheap, but the listing said it had weird issues. Something like “...seems the backup battery is weak or dying so to get it to work you have to plug it in, leave it sit for a few days, unplug it for an hour, plug it in and turn it on and then it works.” Say what? I thought yeah yeah I’ll just replace the battery, and bid on it, and won. As soon as it arrived I opened it up and lo and behold NO BATTERY! I mean, nope, nu-uh, nada, not even. Whaaaaaaaat?!?! Crazy shit, my brethren (and what would the feminine equivalent of that be, sistren? weird). Anyway. Google snooping revealed the memory system works in a weird way, and that most times a power supply cap has shat itself and replacing it will fix the problem. Ok let’s have a look.

Hmmm. There’s one in the center there bulging suspiciously at the top. Let’s desolder that bastard and see what gives.

Well ain’t that purdy? Jeeesh. That one really shat itself. Ok so maybe a general recap is in order then. Not a problem.

Yay, all new Nichicon caps. The moment of truth...

YES!!!!!! IT’S ALIVE!!!! But there was still another issue to fix: jumpy encoder. That was also detailed in the item description on the auction. Jumpy encoders are easy enough to fix though. Cleaning/refurbishing or outright replacement, no big deal. In this case, the central encoder is a push-button type, and I didn’t feel like searching for half an hour to find a drop-in compatible replacement so I just said fuck it and took it apart and cleaned it, raised the little leggie-thingies that ride along the track inside the encoder, put it back together, and then did the same for the big ass outer encoder thing too. That one was a pain. They both work perfectly now though. Here:

In other news, I’ve used the Volca Modular for exactly a week now and the batteries that came with it died yesterday already. I don’t really wanna go buy shitloads of batteries all the time so I thought maybe I could buy a power supply for the two Volcas I have, maybe one with three or four outputs just in case I decide to pick up another Volca in the future. Hmmmmm. Nothing really tickled my fancy so I thought fuck it I’ll just build one. NJM7809A regulator, two electrolytic caps, a wee bit of soldering and drilling holes in a plastic mini project box, and that was that. Here’s some photos:

Wee project box. Cost like a buck or something.

Regulator, strip board, caps, wiring, that was it. Took maybe fifteen minutes. Works fine. I think the total cost was under five bucks for this. Ah but the Volcas don’t use 2.5mm power plugs, and they’re center positive, so that was a pain or else you could just use a power brick for pedals. Bad dog, Korg! Bad! But yay DIY!!!

#fucktrump #behriwhat #volca modular #synth diy #satan solders #tc electronic triple c #it's alive #encoder repair

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lala-kate · 7 years ago

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The Hungover Games: Ch. 19

So this chapter has been sitting half-finished for a couple of months now. My brain and body have finally rested enough to allow me to enjoy writing again. As always, thank you for your patience! And I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed finishing it! :D

Read on ff.net or AO3.

“Holy shit!”

“For God’s sake, Ruby,” Mary whispers. “If you say that one more time…”

“You’ll what?” Ruby cuts in. “Send me to my room?”

Mary eyes June Gillingham’s back, trying to gauge whether or not their host can hear her assistant’s comments, knowing that Tony’s quiet younger sister is unlikely to say anything, even if she can.

“In a place like this, I have no issues with that,” Ruby continues. “Especially if our esteemed host stops by to check on me.”

Ruby wiggles her eyebrows as they continue towards their assigned bedrooms.

“Willington Manor is beautiful, but you’ve seen impressive estates before, Ruby,” Mary murmurs, nudging Charles in the ribs as he snickers under his breath.

“Yes,” Ruby returns. “But this one’s attached to Mr. Tall, Dark, Dreamy and Single.” The brunette looks over her shoulder, trying to catch another glance at Tony Gillingham before they turn a corner. “And God, how that man fills out his trousers.”

Ruby licks her lips suggestively.

“Told you she’d like him,” Charles says, somehow managing to disguise his remark in a cough.

“Don’t act so smug,” Mary shoots back, rolling her eyes at the next holy shit Ruby whispers as they ascend the staircase. She pauses, biting down a grimace as her knee chooses this particular moment to protest all of the recent activity she’s required of it.

“Do you know what it would cost to construct railing like this?” Ruby whispers,oblivious to Mary’s discomfort.

“More than either of us are likely to see in a lifetime,” Mary replies. “One reason I love designing with other people’s money.”

“Here, here,” Ruby agrees before stopping in her tracks to ogle a large landscape framed on the wall.

“Don’t say it,” Mary instructs preemptively. Ruby shoots her a friendly glare and mouths holy shit instead. “You’re sadly predictable, you know.”

“I prefer to think of myself as consistently exciting,” Ruby replies.

“Hmmm,” Mary murmurs. “ I wonder how Mr. Tall, Dark and Dreamy would describe you?”

“The way he was checking out my cleavage, I’d love to know, too,” Ruby replies, tossing Charles a wink. Ruby’s dress did little to discourage such perusal, dipping down in the front to a level somewhere between daring and risquee.

Mary rolls her eyes again before wincing.

“You all right?”

Charles gazes from her knee to her face, and she nods, determined not to let him know just how much she’d love to prop her leg up for a mere ten minutes.

“I’m fine,” she insists, annoyed by the sluggish pace she’s been forced to adopt.

“I still think you should have let me carry you up the stairs,” Charles muses. “Your knee is still healing, and we couldn’t ask for a more romantic vista than this for such a cavalier move.”

“In your dreams, Casanova,” Mary quips. “Now shut up and walk.”

“As you wish,” Charles hums, earning himself an exasperated sigh.

June remains predictably quiet as she leads them to Ruby’s room first, finally smiling as the leggy female surveys her quarters with obvious appreciation.

“This place is fantastic,” Ruby states, making her way to the window beside her bed and peering through the glass. Tony’s outside now, Mary notices, in full view of Ruby’s not-so-subtle perusal. “And the view is second to none.”

“I’m glad you like it,” June replies, blinking rapidly as she seems prone to doing. “I personally prefer the garden view, but there is a lovely copse to be seen from this vantage.”

“I have a soft spot for copses,” Ruby hums.

“Is that what she’s calling it these days?” Charles murmurs into Mary’s ear, prompting her to elbow him lightly in the ribs.

“We’ll leave you to get settled, then,” June states, tucking a tight black curl behind one ear and eyeing them as if fully aware that she’s missing something in conversation. “If the two of you would just follow me.”

Charles’s arm slides around Mary’s back, settling dangerously close to her derriere, and she reaches up to rub her right temple, trying her best to ward off the beginnings of a headache. Her knee hasn’t seen this much activity since she was injured, and she hadn’t suspected that moving around so much could make her feel both worn out and somewhat lightheaded.

“I’ve got you,” Charles whispers. “Lean on me as much as you need.”

“I’m half-tempted to go with that sweep me off my feet move,” she confesses.

“I’ve had lots of practice, if you remember,” he says. “I won’t drop you. I think you know that by now.”

She does know it, in more ways than one, and something squeezes tight inside her chest, still unsure of what to do with this man she relies upon more than she’s ever relied upon anyone. It’s still somewhat terrifying, if she’s being honest with herself, even though it’s also the most reassuring sensation she’s felt in her adult life.

“I know,” she breathes. “But as I’m getting paid for this weekend, I believe I should at least attempt to make it to our room on my own two feet.”

June guides them down a lengthy hallway and turns a left corner, directing them to a door to their immediate right. Mary sighs in relief as they step inside, her knee practically screaming at her by this point, her head now joining in the melee.

“Still no garden view, I’m sorry to say,” June states, tossing them a nervous smile. “If we’d not already promised that room to our other guests…”

“It’s perfectly alright. I actually prefer a lake view,” Mary interjects. God, she’d take a circus view at the moment if she could just lie down for a few minutes.

“I’m afraid that our gardner is getting on in years,” June explains, gesturing out the window. “I know the lake area needs some tending before we open our doors to the public. It has a rather wild look at the moment.”

“Looks very natural, in my opinion,” Charles says.

“Tony says the same thing,” June replies. “But I fear that potential paying guests who might enjoy a walk by the lake would prefer an easily accessible path unencumbered by nature.”

“I freely admit that landscaping is not my specialty,” Mary says as Charles’s grip on her tightens. “But I do have two landscapers I can recommend with confidence who specialize in complementing nature rather than reworking it entirely. Their work is exceptional, and their prices are fair. I can contact them and get you some estimates and ideas if you like.”

“Thank you,” June sighs in relief. “That would be very helpful. There’s so much to think about in this transition process.”

Her knee is throbbing now, and Mary isn’t sure if she’d rather vomit or collapse onto the large, ornate bed.

“That there is,” she replies instead, swallowing down a tinge of bile. “But you have a lovely estate here, June, one with excellent potential. I want to do everything I can to make this a successful venture for you and your brother.”

“I’m so glad,” June replies, tucking another curl behind her ear. “It means a great deal to Tony and me, being able to keep the estate in the family.”

“I’m all for keeping estates with the families who’ve tended to them for generations,” Mary says, fighting down a second wave of nausea. Shit. This is not good.

“I must say, Mary, that I was both surprised and relieved that you agreed to work with us,” June continues, seemingly oblivious to the other woman’s discomfort. “After what happened between you and Tony, I mean.”

Charles’s eyebrow shoots up in her direction, but she can’t worry about that now, not when her legs are melting out from under her.

“Are you alright, Mary?”

“I’m fine,” Mary insists as Charles’s grip around her middle strengthens, his face now creased in concern.

“If you don’t mind, I think Mary should lie down for a bit,” Charles interjects. “Her knee is still out of sorts, and I fear the trip here along with all of the walking have worn her out.”

Mary attempts to look apologetic.

“Of course,” June states, blinking as she moves quickly to the door. “Take all the time you need. Dinner will not be served until seven, so you have a few hours to recuperate.”

“Thank you,” Charles returns. She’s wilting, and he knows it. “We’ll see you then.”

June smiles as she exits, shutting the door behind her.

“Sit,” Charles commands, backing her up to the mattress and guiding her down. “Christ, Mary, you’re as pale as a ghost.”

“I’m alright,” she insists, reaching up to rub her aching head.

“Liar,” he retorts. “You’ve been wincing your way down the hall and rubbing your temples repeatedly. You’re hurting, and you need to rest.”

“I may need to vomit, actually,” she admits. He curses under his breath and grabs the first dustbin he can find, placing it at her feet. He begins to rub her back as she breathes in and out, feeling the acuteness of the nausea begin to fade little by little.

“Better?” he asks.

“Somewhat,” she replies.

“You still look like shit,” he states, earning himself a quirked eyebrow. “Now tell me, do you want a pillow for your knee?”

“That would be divine,” she hums, closing her eyes as he props her knee gently on the softest pillow he can find.

“I’ll fetch some paracetamol from your bag,” he continues, making his way to the bathroom to pour her a glass of water. “If you think you can keep it down.” She nods, so he fetches the medicine. “I might just lie down with you.”

“How late did you stay up writing last night?” she asks, propping herself up just enough to swallow the painkillers without spilling water all over herself.

“Until after two,” he replies. Her brows crease in consternation.

“Then it’s your own fault that you’re tired,” she states, sinking back into her pillow with a sigh.

“And what’s your excuse?” he asks. “You went to bed with the chickens.” His eyes study her intently, and she closes her eyes again, trying to fight back the mild nausea that punctuates his question. “You’ve been tired a lot this week. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

“You’re far too observant sometimes,” she murmurs.

“One of my many faults,” he states.

She’s noticed the changes in her body, as well. Christ, she couldn’t miss them, an almost bone-crushing fatigue that would hit her out of nowhere, occasionally accompanied by mild headaches or bouts of nausea.

“Are you late?”

His question is gentle, as is his touch on her leg.

“Yes, but barely,” she answers. “Not enough to worry over. Not yet, anyway.”

He smiles as he gathers her hand in his own.

“I’m not worried, Mary” he murmurs, placing a kiss on her palm. “I promise. Just curious.” She wishes she could be as calm as he, and tears begin to pool.The mere possibility of having a baby right now scares the shit out of her. “But you are?” he questions, gently stroking her cheek.

“I’m terrified,” she confesses as a tear breaks free. He catches it before lying down beside her and gathering her into his arms. “And exhausted.”

“Shhh,” he breathes, kissing her hair as he strokes her back. “Just rest. Everything will sort itself out when you wake up.” Somehow, his logic makes sense to her, at least for the moment. Fatigue takes over as he continues tracing soft patterns on her spine, lulling her eyes shut, and she’s under before she realizes what’s happened, her body lax, her mind blissfully blank.

She awakens slowly, startled to see that she’s slept for over two hours. Charles is nowhere to be seen, and she wonders where he’s off to as she props herself up and gazes blearily around their room.

Who in God’s name decided that wallpapering this room was a good idea? She shakes her head, gratified to discover that both her headache and nausea have receded as she sits up and moves to the edge of her bed. Her knee feels decidedly better, and she bends and straightens it slowly, warming up muscles that aren’t used to being worked so hard.

Then everything hits her again, and she swallows bile. Shit.

She breathes in and out until the waves begin to settle, and she takes a sip of water, closing her eyes as it soothes the slight burn in her throat.

Maybe she’s not pregnant. Maybe all of these symptoms stem from the stress of worrying about the mere possibility of it. After all, she’s never really been the maternal type, has she? It was probably for the best that she lost Matthew’s baby when she did, as much as she grieved the loss in silence. He would have married Lavinia anyway, and then things would have been as complicated as hell. How in God’s name would she have managed as a single parent? Would Charles even be in her life if she’d come as a package deal with another man’s child in tow?

Can she even see herself as a mother at all?

She shivers, not entirely certain of the answer as old pain and regret slide their way up her legs, enveloping her skin like a pair of worn silk stockings.

“Oh, God,” she murmurs, shaking her head. “What have we done, Charles?”

Her hand settles on her stomach, and she tries to visualize she and Charles with a baby. It’s so easy to see him as a father--Christ, he’s a natural, and when she thinks about his mother, his entire family, actually, it all just fits. He was both born and raised to be a nurturer. The manner in which he’d jumped in to take care of her after she’d sprained her knee when they’d only just met is evidence enough of that. Yes, he needs to be a father, needs a horde of children tugging at his trouser legs and snuggling into his chest as he sings them to sleep just as he has her on more than one occasion.

But her? Would she be a good mum?

Yes, she loves her mother, they get along well, thankfully. But Cora has never been what anyone would call a traditional mum. Lord, she’s as far from that distinction as Madonna ever was. And then there’s her practically non-existent father, one who allows his young wife to keep their son away from his sisters out of nothing more than petty spite.

God, what a family lineage. What could she, a workaholic ice queen have to offer a child other than a some decent physical genes and a good sense of style? And would having a baby this soon in their relationship strengthen it or damage it beyond repair? After all, she and Charles have been together only a short amount of time. How thoughtless it was of her to neglect making certain that a child couldn’t be conceived until they were certain of where they stand and where they’re going.

Stress twists her stomach and pokes at her temples once again.

“No better?”

His voice both soothes and unnerves her.

“I was much better just seconds ago,” she corrects, dropping the hand she realizes too late is still cupping her abdomen. “Until…”

“Until?” he questions, coming to sit beside her on the bed. He smells good--like fresh air and new leather, scents that don’t bother either her head or her stomach, thank God.

“Until I started thinking about what a shit mum I’ll probably be.”

He chuckles as he takes her hand within his, stroking her skin with his thumb.

“If you are pregnant, I’d say that’s the hormones talking.”

“And if I’m not?”

He looks right at her then before leaning over to kiss her cheek.

“Then it’s just your overwhelming sense of optimism showing itself again.” She elbows him without force, unable to keep from grinning. “Trust me, love,” he continues. “Any children we have will be the luckiest kids in the world to have you as a mum.”

“Now who’s lying?” she quips.

“There’s that optimism again,” he grins. “And I’m not lying--not by a longshot. If you remember, when we first met, I promised that I wouldn’t lie to you, and I meant it.”

She looks at him and sighs.

“And you honestly don’t regret it?”

“What?” he questions. “Being honest with you?”

“No,” she replies. “Being with me.”

He stares at her as if she’s just spoken Swahili.

“Mary,” he begins, turning on the bed until he’s facing her fully. “I’ve done many things that I do regret in this life, as you well know. But I can assure you that making you a part of my life is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Tears come out of nowhere, and she wipes her cheek, trying to best to stifle their journey.

“I don’t think anyone’s ever called me their best decision,” she says, swallowing down a sob.

“All the better for me,” he returns, reaching out to cup her cheek with his palm. “Less competition, more time for this.” He kisses her then, a soft touch that borders on a whisper, and she closes her eyes, soaking it in, letting it fill her in ways only he can. “Are you up for going down for dinner? If not, I can always ask for a tray to be sent up.”

“I’m fine,” she insists, standing up slowly so as to not rock the proverbial boat. “Truly.”

He looks unconvinced but wisely says nothing as she wipes her face.

“Perhaps the food will do you good,” Charles muses as she stifles a sniff. “Pregnant or not.”

She pauses, gazing directly at him.

“Do you have a preference? As to whether or not I’m pregnant?”

The question hangs between them as he stands to take her hand.

“I prefer having you in my life,” he answers, his tone so genuine it melts something inside her. “Whether or not we’re expecting a baby won’t change that, Mary. I’m not with you because you could be pregnant, nor will I be in the least bit upset if you’re not and I get to keep you to myself for a longer period of time. I’m with you because I want to be, because I love you.”

Shit. She’s going to cry again.

He holds her through it, stroking her hair, kissing her temple, murmuring reassurances into her pores that wash over her like a warm shower. In the end, they’re lying down again, wrapped up in each other, limbs tangled, bodies connected in a manner she’s loathe to break.

“If we’re going to make dinner, we’d best get up,” he finally states.

“Then let’s do it,” she states, hoping to God her eyes aren’t as red as a poppy.

Getting ready is a rushed affair, and she’s convinced her face still looks splotchy, regardless of his assurances otherwise. But she won’t be late, not when she’s here in a professional capacity, so she lets him help her down the stairs, noting that creating accessible rooms for guests will top the list of recommendations she gives to Tony and June. They turn the corner towards the foyer where they’ve all agreed to assemble, and she breathes in deeply in an attempt to settle her mind and stomach before facing their dinner companions.

“Oh my God.”

A familiar voice catches her attention, and Mary turns to see one very startled female staring at her and Charles open-mouthed.

“Lu?” Charles mutters, gaping back at his sister. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Mary blinks repeatedly, trying to wrap her mind around the fact that Charles’s sister is standing just in front of her.

“We were invited,” Lucy answers, taking a step towards them as the man Mary assumes is Lucy’s husband takes in the entire situation with curiosity. “Rob and Tony are old friends from their uni days. How do you know Tony and June?”

“Through Mary,” Charles answers, leaning in to give Lu a kiss on the cheek. “The Gillinghams have asked her to help them convert their estate over into a bed and breakfast. I just tagged along for entertainment value.”

“If you’re the entertainment, I want my money back,” Rob quips as he reaches out to shake Charles’s hand.

“Rob, let me introduce you to my girlfriend Mary,” Charles says, tossing the other man a playful glare. “Mary, this is my oaf of a brother-in-law, Rob Maguire.”

Mary shakes his hand, watching the man’s blue eyes crease into a smile. The streaks of silver in his fair hair and trim beard only make him more attractive, and she wonders not for the first time at how gray hair seems to compliment men and aggravate women.

“Mary,” Rob returns. “So nice to finally meet you. You’re rather famous among the Blake family, I must tell you.”

The Irish lilt in his voice compliments his easy smile, but he’s watching her a bit too intently, as if he’s trying to figure her out. If he’s a friend of Tony’s, he might well know about their past, and this isn’t something she wants to deal with, not when she feels like shit. But she inhales sharply and forces herself to smile, hoping to God she looks better than she feels.

“That’s somewhat frightening,” Mary quips as Lucy shrugs. “And it’s lovely to meet you, too, Rob.”

“Sharon is going to be livid that Rob got to meet you before she has,” Lucy smiles. “She’s already more than a little miffed that Charles hasn’t driven you up to her place to meet the family and the newest baby.”

“Travelling hasn’t been easy with Mary’s knee,” Charles points out. “This is our first trek out of London since she was injured.”

“I’m glad to see that you’re doing better,” Rob remarks. “And I promise not to lord the fact that I met you first over Sharon too terribly much.”

“You won’t have to,” Lucy says. “The mere mention of it will send her into a frenzy.”

“Then may I suggest that you refrain from texting her about it until after she puts the children to bed,” Charles states. “At least give her a little peace before you upset her apple cart.”

“With three boys, do you honestly think her apple cart is still standing?” Lucy quips, tossing Charles a half-smile so much like his that it catches Mary off-guard. Her mind drifts for a moment to new babies, to the possibility of her own baby--would he look like Charles and Lucy, or would she resemble Mary? Could she possibly inherit Cora’s blue eyes, or would his eyes be nearly black like the two Blake siblings standing in front of her now.

“So Tony hired you?” Rob asks. The words startle her, pulling her out of her musings and back into the present. She shakes her head and smiles at the man.

“Yes,,” Mary replies, getting the word out just before Lucy pulls her into hug. The sudden motion doesn’t set off any nausea, but Lucy pulls back quickly when she feels Mary wince.

“Your knee,” Lucy says. “I’m so sorry, Mary. It’s still bothering you, then?”

“She’s making remarkable progress, but she’s still having some pain,” Charles states, prompting his sister to look back at Mary in concern.

“Then I’ll tell Tony that we need to find you a chair,” Rob says, heading towards their host before Mary has the chance to stop him.

“I’m fine, really,” Mary protests.

“She’s not,” Charles counters, tossing her a brow to meet her scowl. “Although she’s likely to skin you alive if you mention this fact to our hosts.”

Lucy presses her lips together and nods.

“I understand,” Lucy says. “And I’ll say nothing more to Tony. But you have to keep in mind that Rob and I are both doctors, so you should expect some hovering this weekend.”

“Trust me,” Mary returns. “Your brother hovers enough for ten people.”

Charles’s shrug is unconvincing.

“Mum would be proud,” Lucy observes, tossing her brother a grin. “Oh God, wait until I tell her that you and Mary are here at the same time that we are!”

“Don’t you dare,” Charles insists. “At least not until this weekend is over. We don’t want to wake up tomorrow to find her camped out on the Gillingham’s doorstep.”

“Fair point. Knowing mum, she might do just that,” Lucy replies as Tony and Rob walk in their direction. Mary’s stomach sinks to her knees at the look of utter concern on her former lover’s face.

“Mary,” Tony begins. “Why didn’t you tell me that you’re unwell? We could have rescheduled for a more suitable weekend.”

“Because I’m not unwell,” Mary insists. “It’s just that I sprained my knee several weeks ago, and it’s not yet fully recovered.”

“Then we’ll go through to the dining room at once,” Tony insists, turning to give a nod to his sister. “Perhaps some food and wine will be helpful.”

“Thank you,” Mary returns, feeling a bit like a sack of flour as Rob moves to her right side and he and Charles practically carry her into the dining room. “I can walk, you know.”

“Why walk when you have your own personal chariot?” Charles asks.

“So you all know each other?” Tony asks, tossing Mary a quizzical gaze over his shoulder. “What a coincidence.”

“Charles is my brother-in-law,” Rob explains as he pauses to help Mary into her seat. “I’ve only just met Mary, although I’ve heard nothing but raves about her from Lu and her mum.”

“Have you been together long?” Tony asks. His brown eyes bore into Mary’s, revealing old insecurities she’d rather not see.

“A few months,” Charles replies, clasping her shoulders in a gentle yet possessive manner. “Best months of my life by far.”

The two men stare at each other for charged second before Tony steps back and smiles.

“Mary’s extraordinary,” he states. “You’re a lucky man, Charles.”

“Don’t I know it,” Charles agrees. He doesn’t sit down until Tony moves to his seat, and Mary releases a breath she didn’t realize she’s been holding.

“Merely a fuck buddy, you said?” he whispers, smiling and nodding as everyone else claims their seats.

“For my part,” she replies. “He actually proposed a few times.”

A coughing fit catches him out of nowhere. He grabs his water glass and manages a sip as Lucy casts him a quizzical glance from across the table.

“No wonder he was looking at me like he’d like to challenge me to a duel,” Charles finally manages. He blinks repeatedly and clears his throat as Mary pats him on the back.

“Don’t be ridiculous. It was a long time ago.”

She takes a drink of water herself, wishing for something stronger, knowing she needs to avoid alcohol until she knows one way or another if she’s pregnant or not. God, what ridiculous timing.

“Tell that to him,” Charles whispers. Mary casts a glance at their host and catches him blatantly gazing at her. At least he has the good manners to look embarrassed when their eyes meet before redirecting his attention towards an all too eager Ruby.

“I did,” Mary breathes. “I turned him down flat each and every time and threatened him with a restraining order if he didn’t stop asking.” She closes her eyes as bowls of carrot soup are set before them, thankful that the aroma is soothing and bright rather than hearty. The scent of ginger tickles her nose, helping her stomach to settle as she indulges in another sip of water.

“Just how many times did he propose to you?”

Her brow creases as Lucy catches her eye from across the table.

“Five or six,” Mary replies, hearing Charles spoon clatter back on to the table. What a weekend it was turning out to be.

She makes it through the first two courses without incident, her confidence growing as her stomach relishes its new contents. The food is exquisite, and she notices that June finally seems to be relaxing as she watches everyone enjoying their meals.

“I’m glad to see you eating,” Charles muses. “I was half-afraid I was going to have to force feed you.”

“That’s a rather dangerous proposition,” she mutters. “Especially when I have utensils in my hand.”

“Should I cross my legs if it comes to that, then?” he questions. “To protect the crown jewels?”

“I think it’s a bit late to be discussing protection now,” she muses. He chuckles as she takes another bite, savoring the cool bite of greens in her mouth. “Don’t you?”

“At least for the time being,” he agrees, taking a sip of his wine, catching his sister’s eye from across the table. Lucy was watching them a bit too closely, Mary thinks, making her wonder if the woman is aware of her past with Tony. That’s all she needs--Charles’s family becoming privy to the sordid details of her past dating life before she’s ready to share them.

“Do I have something in my teeth?” she asks, feeling more than a little self-conscious.

“No,” Charles answers. “Why?”

“Because Lucy keeps looking at me.”

Charles tosses a pointed glare towards his sister, obviously encouraging her to mind her own business before leaning directly into Mary’s ear.

“I love Lu, but she can be nosy as hell,” he says. “Just like mum.” She hears his sharp intake of breath just as she refuses the next offered glass of wine.

“What?”

“The wine,” he whispers. “God, I’ll bet she’s noticed that you’re not drinking any wine.”

Mary’s brain catches up quickly, prompting her to look at him directly.

“Do you think she suspects anything?”

“She’s a doctor,” Charles replies. “And a damn good one, unfortunately for us.”

Mary sits back in her chair, inhaling slowly, trying to keep everything in perspective. There’s no way in hell she wants anyone else even aware of her possible pregnancy, not now, not when she’s not even certain of it herself.

Especially not Charles’s sister.

“Suspicions aren’t facts,” Mary states. “We can tell her I’m not drinking because of the pain medication I’m still taking for my knee.”

“Not bad,” Charles says with a nod. “That should at least keep her at bay until the two of us know for certain.”

Her stomach tingles, and her hand glides to her abdomen self-consciously.

“It’s a plan, then,” Mary breathes, taking a final bite of her salad as he gives her good leg a gentle squeeze.

It’s then that everything goes to hell.

“So Tony, how is it that you know Mary again?”

Rob’s question freezes her fork on its way to her mouth, and she tosses a look in Tony’s direction, hoping he’ll be discreet.

“We’re old friends,” Tony replies, catching her gaze, his lips pressing together in a tight line.

“You’ve already said that,” Rob says. “How did you meet?”

“We met through a mutual friend one night at a dinner party,” Mary cuts in, doing her best to sound nonchalant. Rob nods, apparently satisfied with her answer, and she reaches for her wine before she thinks better of it and grabs her water instead.

“I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the room and decided I had to know who she was,” Tony adds, stilling Mary’s hand on its way to her mouth. “The rest is history.”

“You’re exaggerating,” Mary states, sipping her water slowly.

“Not at all,” Tony returns. “You were and are one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met, Mary. Time hasn’t altered that fact in the slightest.”

He’ trying to be charming, but his words do nothing but rattle nerves already frazzled and worn. Rob’s staring at her quizzically then, and they make eye contact for two seconds too long.

“Oh my God,” Rob mutters as his eyes light up. “She’s the Mary who broke your heart, isn’t she? The one who kept turning down your proposals!”

A collective hush hovers over the table as Charles sits up taller in his seat. His body is tense, but his expression is smooth as his arm slides around her shoulders in a possessive gesture.

“It’s history, Rob, and one I daresay neither Mary nor Tony would care to discuss at the dinner table,” Charles states. Lucy fires her husband a glance that could kill, making the man lean forward at once.

“God, I’m sorry,” Rob states. “I spoke before I thought. Forgive me, Mary.”

She wants to speak, but her tongue feels numb, her fingers frozen, her mind at a standstill. Just then, the scent of Beef Wellington assails her, conjuring a wave of sickness that tightens her throat and makes her mouth salivate. Cold sweat beads across her forehead, and she clasps onto the edge of the table, closing her eyes as she fights the urge to vomit with everything she has.

“Mary--what’s wrong?”

It’s Lucy’s voice she hears, followed by expletives from Charles as he turns in his seat and reaches his arm around her immediately. She’s hoisted out of her seat and surrounded before she realizes what’s happening.

“I need some air,” she manages as Charles gathers her up in his arms and makes his way towards the front door. Rob has it open for him, and they’re outside then, the scents of nature and evening tickling her skin and allowing her to breathe for a few blessed seconds before the first three courses begin to push their way out of her body.

“Put me down,” she hisses, and Charles does just that, giving her just enough time to stumble towards the nearest bush before her stomach empties its contents. She feels his arms come around her, keeping her upright, rubbing her back, holding back her hair as she puts on a show that nobody expected to see.

“Better?”

His question caresses her, and she inhales before she nods, thankful for the breeze against her neck. Another set of gentle hands clasp onto her arms, and she raises her head to see Lucy staring straight into her.

“Mary,” she begins. “How far along are you?”

Mary swallows at Lucy’s whispered question, raising herself up slowly until she’s standing as upright as she can manage without getting sick again.

“I-,” Mary begins, pausing to swallow and catch her breath.

“You are pregnant, aren’t you?” Lucy continues, keeping her voice down so only the three of them are privy to their conversation.

“What makes you think that?” Charles cuts in.

“Well,” Lucy begins. “She’s as pale as a ghost, she didn’t touch her wine at the table, and the smell of meat just made her ill. I’m a doctor, Charles. I’m fairly certain I know what this is.” She pauses then, looking back at Mary, her tone gentle. “It’s all right, Mary. I just want to help.”

“We don’t even know for certain, Lu” Charles states as Mary feels the fight drain out of her. She leans into him, allowing him to hold her up, wishing to God that her knee will continue to cooperate. “It’s too early.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” Rob cuts in, moving to stand beside his wife. Mary looks over her shoulder, trying to make certain that nobody else has overheard what’s being discussed. “Pregnancy can be detected fairly early these days. Are you at all late, Mary?”

“As if she’s going to tell you after you just embarrassed the hell out of her,” Lucy hisses, sending her husband a death glare. Rob takes a step back and has the grace to look ashamed.

“I’m so sorry,” he says, looking at both Charles and Mary. “That wasn’t my intention at all. Truly.”

“I know, Rob,” Charles states. “We can talk about this later. Right now I just want to get Mary comfortable and off of her feet.”

“Can I please just sit down somewhere?”

Her question comes out harsher than she’d intended, but it has the desired effect as a chair seemingly appears out of nowhere, allowing her to sit. She sighs and closes her eyes, blocking out Tony, Rob and Ruby, blocking out everything and everyone for a few blessed seconds as the wind caresses her skin.

“Is she going to be alright? Shall I get her some water?”

It’s Tony who’s asked, and Mary opens her eyes and watches as Lucy nods.

“And some crackers if you have them,” Lucy adds as Tony dashes back inside. “They might help settle her stomach.”

Ruby steps forward, laying a hand on Mary’s shoulder as she bends over at the waist.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Ruby whispers. “I would have packed some saltines in my purse for you. I did that for my best friend back home for months when she was pregnant.” She then leans down and hugs Mary, squelshing the words trying to come out of her mouth.

“Ruby,” Mary finally manages. “I--I’m not sure…”

“Well I am,” Ruby interrupts. “I’ve been suspicious since you made me stop burning my scented candles in the office last week and turned down pho for lunch twice.”

Words fail her then, and she just sits there, breathing in and out, wishing everyone would just disappear and she left alone with the night air. Ruby then shiftss her attention to Charles, startling him by throwing her arms around his neck and squeezing him with enthusiasm.

“Congratulations,” she murmurs when she pulls back. “You’d better take good care of her--you hear me?” Then the brunette turns and heads back into the house before either of them can get a word in edgewise.

“Do you think she suspects anything?” Charles mutters, watching in concern as Mary’s form seems to crumple up inside herself. “Christ, are you all right?”

“I’m not sure,” she replies honestly. Everything hits her then--the fact that she’s probably pregnant, the fact that her lover’s family and her assistant are now well aware of this fact which means the Gillinghams will be, as well, the fact that she’s supposed to be here to further her business and her career, not to be an item on display for an evening’s entertainment. Anger and fear begin a disjointed tango through her insides, something Charles seems to sense immediately.

“Get everyone out of here, Lu. Please.”

Lucy looks at Mary a split second before nodding and taking Rob’s hand, practically dragging him behind her. She says something Mary can’t quite make out with all the blood pounding in her ears, but she doesn’t really care as long as everyone leaves her alone. She watches as June and Rob make their way inside just as Tony comes back with the water and crackers, handing them off to Lucy who presses them gently into Mary’s hands.

“These should help,” Lucy states, kneeling down so she’s eye to eye with Mary. “You need to replenish your fluids more than anything right now, so drink slowly. If it’s alright with you, I’ll check in on you later.”

Mary swallows and nods, unable to keep a lone tear inside that tickles her cheek on its way down. Lucy squeezes her shoulder gently after standing upright.

“It’s going to be alright, Mary,” the other woman assures her. “Although I’m sure it’s a bit overwhelming right now.”

“It is,” Mary agrees, wiping her cheek as Charles wraps his arm around her body. Lucy nods and squeezes her brother’s should before turning to go back inside, leaving Mary with Charles who has also somehow been been provided a chair. She wishes she could think, could process everything that’s just happened, but her mind seems to have been reduced to some sort of disjointed puzzle she can’t put together to save her life.

“God, I’m sorry.”

She shakes her head and breathes in slowly.

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“Getting you pregnant is,” he states. “Or very likely pregnant, at the very least.”

She leans against him, closing her eyes as another breeze feathers across her cheek.

“We both did that, Charles,” she says. “If we are pregnant, I mean.”

She knows it then, as sure as she knows her own name. She’s only had symptoms like this one other time in her life, but then she had no arms wrapped around her in support. No, she’d been alone then, alone and sitting on the kitchen floor of her flat as she’d stared in shock at a plus sign on a stick she’d held in trembling hands. She’d cried then, too, just as she’d cried when she’d cramped and started bleeding a few weeks later, grieving a hidden life only she’d known had ever existed.

“I want this baby.”

The words leave her before she even realizes they’ve formed, but they hover in the evening air like a pair of intertwined moths.

“So do I,” he says, kissing her cheek with utmost tenderness. She smiles then as more tears start to fall, and he gets out of his chair to kneel down on one knee in front of her, taking her hands within his own, placing kisses on both of her palms. “God, I’m thrilled and terrified at the same time.”

She nods. “So am I.” Their foreheads touch as noses slide against each other. “If it turns out that I’m not pregnant, I’m actually going to be disappointed now.” Her own statement surprises her, even as its truth warms her chest.

“Shhh,” he breathes. “If you’re not, we’ll just have an excuse to try harder.”

“But we weren’t even trying,” she murmurs, actually eliciting a chuckle from him. He releases her hands so he can cup both sides of her face, his dimples on full display.

“Shows just how talented we are,” he quips as this thumbs trace the corners of her lips, and she laughs, feeling freer than she has in weeks.

“Is there anything I say that doesn’t inflate your ego?” she questions, leaning into his palm.

“Not that I’ve found,” he replies before leaning forward and kissing her fully. Her arms snake around him, then he’s standing and lifting her up, pulling her off her feet and kissing her like mad for a breathless moment. It is alright, she realizes, this crazy, uncertain situation they’ve created, this child they’ve more than likely made, this life they’re building together one unexpected moment at a time. He sets her down gently, grinning madly at the smile he’s managed to draw out of her.

“God, you are a hopeless romantic,” she notes, prompting him to take her hand and draw it to his lips. She touches his face and smiles, opening her mouth to say more when they both hear a shriek and turn towards the front door. Ruby’s standing there, her mouth agape, her hands framing her mouth, her motion suspended in time for a fleeting second before she squeals and dashes towards them.

“Oh my God!” the brunette squeaks, turning back towards the others who are now following her outside in concern. “You all just missed it!”

“Missed what?” Tony questions, looking from Ruby to Mary and Charles in the same utter confusion she feels.

“The proposal!” Ruby exclaims. Mary’s eyes widen as Charles mutters something she can’t quite make out under his breath. “These two just got engaged!”

#Mary Crawley #Charles Blake #The Hunger Games #Downton Abbey #Laura writes

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