#Bryce & Luna

[peonierose]

Losing Game (3/4)

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Rating: Mature / Angst

TW: Mental Health

Words: 3,000+

Summary: Bryce visited his dad in prison and now he and Luna are oceans apart, but after a scare during his surgery he can only think of one person to call.

A/N: In case you missed the parts before here they are: Part 1, Part 2

2nd A/N: I went a bit off canon with Bryce and what happened with his parents, just as an fyi. Also thank you for everyone for reading this story and giving it a chance 🩷

Side note: I also made a playlist for Part 3, the previous two parts include a playlist as well.

Maui, Hawaii 

A few years ago…

Bryce

I sang along to some song playing on the radio, still pumped from a round of basketball with my friends. I kicked Kainalu‘s ass and ran laps around him. I still can’t believe I beat him this time around, he cursed throughout the game. But it was just a game between friends.

When I turned the corner to our house I saw blue flashing lights, alerting me that something was wrong. I put the car in park and slammed the door as I got out.

Did something happen? This is a pretty safe neighborhood. My parents made sure we had the best-equipped security system around. The best money could buy.

Several cop cars have pulled up in front of our driveway. I saw two police officers escorting my dad into a police car. My eyebrows rose high. Not able to make sense of this whole situation and what is unraveling right in front of my eyes.

I ran towards the entrance of our house where officers were carrying out some of our things. Such as computers, laptops, phones, everything, and putting them into evidence bags. I kept staring as if this was a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.

When I wanted to enter our house an officer stopped me.

”You can’t get inside.“

”What do you mean I can’t get inside? I live here.“ I replied, with a sharpness I reserved for people who get on my nerves.

”Please Officer, that’s my son.“ My mom‘s voice came from the entrance. The officer looked me up and down and finally, after what felt like hours passed, he nodded and let me enter.

”Alright. He can enter. But don’t touch anything.“ He called out after me.

I got inside and my mom pulled me to the side.

”Let’s go to the kitchen.“ I followed my mom as if I were in a trance. My body moved, but my mind was somewhere else.

The questions kept circling in my head like hungry vultures ”What the fuck is going on here? Why are there cops in our home? Why did Dad get arrested? What did my parents get themselves into?“

I whirled on my mom, but she put her forefinger on her lips telling me with her eyes not to ask any questions that were burning on my tongue. Then she hugged me and whispered into my ear.

”Listen carefully, we don’t have much time. There’s a small bag in your sister's closet. Take it and get her out of here. There’s enough money that should last you for a while. Since I’m sure they froze all of our accounts.“

I wanted to break off the hug and look at my mom. But she held on tight.

”But…“

”Do as I say ku’uipo. Know that your father and I love you. Take care of your little sister until we figure things out. You hear me?“ My mom hissed. I nodded slightly. ”Good.“

We broke off the embrace and it’s as if I’m seeing a different mom. Not one who kissed my bruised knee when I fell from my bike as a seven-year-old, or who sang me Hawaiian songs when I had the flu.

She put her hand on my cheek as if she sought comfort from me. She kissed my cheek and a feeling of dread settled in my stomach. I let out a breath I’ve been holding in.

After a few seconds, I went upstairs. Before heading up, I took another look at my mom, tired lines had etched themselves into her bronze skin. I turned around, taking one last close look at her before I climbed the stairs leading to our bedrooms.

As I went up I looked for the bag my mom mentioned. Though Keiki is nowhere in sight. I sprinted to the closet and when I opened it I whistled when I saw all the cash, fake IDs, and passports inside the bag. Whatever they did, they must’ve had a backup plan.

I recognized a fake ID when I saw one. I used one to get into clubs and bars while still underage. This isn’t a simple bag, this is a run-for-the-hills, get-out-of-town for a while kind of bag.

I replaced the bag my mom prepared with my gym bag that was slung over my shoulder a few minutes ago. Making sure no one saw me swap the bags I went outside and looked for my sister.

”Kei-Kei?“ I went to my room, and there she was. Hugging her green sea turtle to her chest. I gave it to her last Christmas.

She was sitting on my bed. Scared to death if her tear-streaked face was any indication. Her dark brown hair was held in a ponytail by a pink elastic. I kneeled next to her.

”Keiks? Come on, let's go.“

She looked at me and I took her little hand into mine. Her hands were shaking and I covered them with mine to lend her some strength.

”Go where? I’m so scared.“ Her big brown eyes, so much like my own, were full of more unshed tears.

”I know you are scared. But I’ve got you Kei-Kei.“ When she hesitated I smiled and squeezed her hand.

”I’m scared too, Keiks. But why don’t we go to a safer place? Hmm?“

”Today is my birthday, Bry. Are we going to celebrate with mom and dad?“ She asked, looking up at me.

I closed my eyes. Shit. It’s her birthday. How do you explain this shit show to your six-year-old sister?

”We‘ll go to some friend's house for a few days. You and I will celebrate with some cake and ice cream. Mom and Dad will join us when they can, okay?“

”Okay. But I want a big cake. With mango flavor.“ She said excitedly.

”You got it Kei-Kei.“ I said and smiled at her. When she saw me smiling at her she smiled back, nodded, and wiped her tears away.

I put the bag over my shoulder and hoisted Keiki up, carrying her downstairs. She clung to me and I winked at her which made her smile. Officers were still taking everything and bagging it as evidence.

Damn what the hell happened? I’ll have to ask my parents another time. First I needed to make sure Keiki was alright.

Though from the looks of it, our lives would inevitably change forever.

Honolulu, Hawaii’

Present Day…

Bryce

With a start my eyes snapped wide open, looking left and right, seeing familiar surroundings, making me relax in bed. I reached for my glass of water on the white nightstand next to me, since my throat was all dried up.

I haven’t had memories resurface like this in a long time. Moments from when my parents were arrested. I’ve always wanted the memories gone and I’ve suppressed them. Guess they’re coming back in full force now.

I rubbed my tired eyes. When I turned my head I saw that Luna's side of the bed was rumpled. Though her side was empty.

I didn’t have to be at work until later in the afternoon. As I turned my head I looked at the clock at my bedside. The green numbers said 7.35 am and I just wanted to stay in bed all day, but I knew I’ve got to get my shit together and get out of bed. No matter how hard it is.

I rubbed my eyes again and got out of bed. I went into the bathroom to take a cold shower. Maybe that’ll wake me up.

15 minutes later I was dressed and ready to face the day. The first thing I noticed as I got downstairs was that the kitchen was empty except for Keiki and Evie sitting at the kitchen table talking in hushed tones.

After the flashback I just had, it feels weird to see Keiki all grown up now. As if you fast-forwarded turning Keiki 23, instead of 6.

When I entered they stopped talking.

”Good morning,“ I walked towards the coffee machine to get some coffee. Starting the day without coffee? Impossible.

”Morning Bryce,“ Evie said while Keiki kept herself busy with Cheerios and some mango slices.

Looking at me, her eyes full of questions I don’t have the answer to. I put it aside to answer later. Because as of right now? I don’t know what to say. Honestly.

”You know an apple would be good for you. Instead of all that sugar, you eat all the time,“ I said pointing to the bowl in front of her.

”How about no? Also, I have some mango smartass.“ She said and stuck out her tongue at me.

I grinned.

”Real mature Keiks,“ I replied and sat down at the kitchen table, across from Evie. Keiki's phone chimed and she went upstairs to take the call.

Evie scooted closer.

”Is everything okay Bryce? Luna is usually up before you. She’s usually in the kitchen preparing breakfast or ordering in and singing around. You know, since you and making breakfast usually almost turns into having to call the fire department,“ she grinned but her green eyes turned serious within seconds.

I chuckled but the sound was more hollow than rich with joy.

”It’s complicated. Let’s leave it at that Eves,“ I said, not really in the mood to hash out what happened last week. Too restless to sit, I get up and just lean against the fridge.

Evie got up too and she squeezed my arm.

”I get it, this is between you and Luna. And you want to solve this on your own. I won’t pressure you for details. But Bryce? You’re one of my favorite guy friends, well make that the only one. So if you ever need to talk, or just get wasted? I’m your girl. You went through a lot. I can tell. So if there’s something you’d like to get off your chest I’m here. Don’t bottle it up. When you’re ready we’re all here. For you and Luna. You’re family okay? You’re not alone,“ she aimed a watery smile at me.

I nodded and hugged her, not able to say more than that. She gave me another hug and grabbed an apple from the fruit basket.

”At least one person in this house eats healthy,“ I said teasingly.

”I heard that,“ came Keiki's shout from upstairs.

”Good,“ I shouted back.

I do what I always do when everything gets too much. I go to Manoa Falls when I feel upset. It’s my and Luna’s favorite place in the world.

Sitting there on the moss-covered stones and hearing the rush of the waterfalls? It’s like you’re one with nature. That peacefulness? Food for the soul. When I get there I let the silence and chirping of birds envelop me and ground me. My phone chimes with a text, my heart sped up and I think it might be Luna, but it’s just a Spotify alert. Suggesting a new song to one of my playlists. I unlock my phone to see which song it is. It’s , which must be for Luna she loves Maddie & Tae. I sigh when I lock my phone again.

Only too soon do I have to get back because my shift is about to start.

I got dressed for work and before I was out the door I heard Keiki calling my name and I turned around keys in hand.

”Hey are you guys okay? I could tell Luna was upset about something,“ she asked gently.

I nodded.

”We’ll be okay again. We’re just going through a rough patch. It’s all going to work out,“ I said and kissed my sister on the forehead.

She nodded.

I walked out the door to get to work. Hopefully, work will distract me from my problems for now.

Later that day…

Aubrey got out of the OR. Her brown eyes blazing.

”What the fuck is wrong with you Lahela?“ She asked me.

I leaned on the wall. Trying to get a breath out. But all that came out was a wheezing sound rather than an actual breath.

She noticed I was not saying anything and must’ve seen my face. Pale as a ghost.

”Deep breaths Lahela. Come on. You got this. Deep breaths. In and out,“ she instructed me and I did as she said.

My hands started to tremble earlier during surgery. Again. What the fuck is going on?

I tore the surgical cap away and threw it onto the floor. Tearing at my longer hair. Not seeing where the cap landed and not really caring at this moment.

”Okay talk to me. What’s wrong?“

When my breathing was under control again I looked at Aubrey.

I was breathing slowly, still not able to talk to anyone.

”I had a fucking panic attack. That’s what’s wrong.“ I said a heartbeat later.

”Okay. Just breathe and relax. Just stay here, okay?“ She said and left to give me some space.

This happened before but I didn’t see it as a panic attack.

I thought I just had some anxiety left from the day before when I talked to a family who were seeking answers for a surgery I couldn’t perform because it was too risky.

What if complications occur? They will blame me for it.

It’s a pretty complicated surgery and I didn’t know how well they would handle any complications or repercussions I told them about.

I sighed again. I didn’t even realize that I pulled out my phone and dialed Luna’s number.

”Hey B, what’s wrong?“ She said and I could hear other people mutter in the background. She must be at the store or something.

”Can you come to the hospital? I know we’ve fought, but I really need you.“ I said quietly.

”Of course, I’ll be right there.“ She said. It‘s as if our fight was forgotten.

I don’t even know how I got to the locker room as I’m sitting on the cold, hard linoleum floor. My head is resting between my knees.

As I’m trying to get my breathing and my heart rate under control.

Breathing exercises didn’t cut it. But slowly my heartbeat normalized and I could breathe freely again.

I didn’t know if she’d even come if I called her. After our fight, everything seemed out of balance.

But Luna is the only person I wanted to see. I just wanted to feel her soft touch and smell her guava shampoo. Knowing she’s close and I can hug her when my anxiety is high? Deeply comforted me.

I was still sitting like that on the floor when I felt soft hands caressing the hair at the nape of my neck.

I shivered and when I turned around I saw Luna’s concerned face.

”What happened?“ She asked and opened her arms for me.

I hugged her because I needed her. For the first time in a week after our fight, I felt good again.

It’s as if I‘m a functioning human being, who’s been deprived of human touch for so long. However weird that sounded, it helped to hug her. That physical contact from the person I love is exactly what I needed.

We barely talked, just exchanged a few words here and there. But it’s not like it’s usually with us. Jabs and teasing here and there. Laughter and kisses.

I missed her. I didn’t know you could be in the same room with the person you love, yet feel so lonely. As if you’re miles apart.

She stroked my hair and just whispered some lyrics of a song to me. I think it was ”I Have a Dream by ABBA“.

”My hands started shaking and I panicked during surgery.“

”Oh B I‘m sorry that happened, but I think ever since you visited your dad you came back differently.“ She pointed out carefully as if she wasn’t sure what my reaction would be.

”Of course I did. There are way too many emotions eating me up right now. I just needed to sort them all out.“ I remarked.

”B please tell me what’s going on. Please, I don't know how to help you if you don’t tell me,“ Luna whispered.

”I feel lost. Lost and sad and I don’t know.“ I admitted. I broke down. I wrapped my arms around her as I cried silently and she held me close, showing me she was right here with me.

”I’ll give you anything you want Bryce. I love you so damn much. I’d even eat some oatmeal.“ She shivered involuntarily. The disgust of having to eat oatmeal was evident on her face. She hates it. I laughed through my tears. She pushed some strands of my hair that had gotten longer out of my face and I squeezed her hand.

”Would you be willing to go to therapy? We could go together if you want. Or you could go alone. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable.“

To be honest I’ve been thinking of going to therapy for a while. I’ve been a wuss to go though.

”I’d like that. Know any good ones?“

Luna nodded.

”I do. We can make an appointment. And we can go whenever you feel like you want to go.“

I nodded and just kept leaning into her. I turned my head and looked into her blue-green eyes.

”I never meant to hurt you when I didn’t tell you I visited my dad. I…just don’t know…“

Luna took my face into her hands.

”It’s okay B. We’ll figure it out together. And if you want to spend some time figuring things out with your parents I support you.“ She said and after a heartbeat, she continued.

”I suffer from anxiety and depression. I know what it’s like when it’s getting too much and when I don’t know what to do with my emotions. When I want to scream and cry and just get out of my skin for a while. I get it. That’s what painting is for me. Maybe we can find something you can find comfort in.“ I smiled. Even now when we’re still not sure where we stand exactly, she tries to help and support me. I couldn’t love her more if I tried.

”I always liked working with my hands. Building things. I was always good at it. I once built a princess castle for Keiki.“

”That is so sweet. I bet it was pink.“ Luna smiled softly and I smiled back at her. If there’s one person who loves pink? It’s Luna. But it’s endearing and I love that about her.

”Maybe you can work something out with Adam?“ She suggested.

”You think he’d let me?“ I asked not sure if Adam would let me help with any of his projects.

”Of course. Adam loves you like a brother. He’d help you. Especially if he knows it helps you to feel calm.“

I admit feeling ashamed and mortified that my hands would start to shake again. Is something wrong with me?

”There’s nothing wrong with you B. Sometimes emotions boil over. It’s when you’ve bottled things up too many times. I know that. That’s why I’ve turned to art. When I create art it lets me get out some emotions I‘ve been feeling. We can do some painting together if you want.“

I didn’t realize I'd spoken out loud. I nodded, not able to look at her, afraid she’d see how emotionally exhausted I was.

First visiting my dad, our fight, and now this panic attack during the surgery. Maybe some vacation would do me some good. I‘m sure I can work something out with the chief of medicine. Alana is amazing and she‘s very understanding.

”I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my dad. I just didn’t want to share it because I was scared that if you saw and knew everything you’d…“

”What? Run away? B there’s nothing that could make me run away from you. No matter what happens. Sure I was hurt that you didn’t say anything, but I understand that sometimes certain conversations aren’t that easy. Especially when it’s with a family member you haven’t talked to in a while. But whether we fight or if we have a make-out session all day, a relationship is never easy. But we work on it. We compromise, and most importantly we love each other. Come hell or high water.“

I looked up at her and I could tell from the expression in her eyes that she meant every word.

She hugged me again and I simply leaned into her, borrowing some of the strength that she was offering. We sat like that for another 10 minutes, until Luna had a pained look on her face and I could’ve slapped myself by letting her sit on the ground.

”B not to be rude, but can we maybe go somewhere else? I feel a bit uncomfortable sitting like this.“

”Oh my god I’m sorry of course. Here let me help you up.“ I got to my feet and helped her up.

”Thank you. For being there for me.“ I kissed her soft lips, giving you that warm, cozy feeling as if you were coming home.

”Always.“ She smiled tenderly.

I knew we’d fought, but things will get better again. I believe that.

[barclaysangel]

Headcanon: Junior is still pissed at Logan for everything and takes it out on Father Bryce the second he arrives at Lord Incarnate because of how similar they look

100% agree with this!

Junior holds so much resentment and never got to confront Logan for everything he did to Junior. So meeting Father Bryce just makes it worse and it lashes out at him a lot and is extremely passive aggressive

[txemrn]

Kāhāhā

��� Happy Birthday, PeonieRose! 💚

Synopsis: Ethan and Tatum finally take a vacation to Hawaii! But even though they try to escape all reminders of the hospital, they're in for a bit of a kāhāhā, er, a surprise.

Word count: ~2477

Warnings: fairly fluffy; language; an innuendo; Ethan's grumpiness

A/N: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, @peonierose! You are such a ray of sunshine! I know I probably sound like a broken record, but seriously, that is the absolute best way to describe you. 🌞 Any chance I get to interact with you--even if it's just seeing one of your posts in passing, I can't help but feel your warmth and joy. I am so, so grateful that you are part of this community, and even more so, I am so grateful I get to call you friend. I hope you had the best 25th birthday ever! 😉 Sending you the warmest hugs, my OC sister! Love youuuuuu! 😘

A/N: This is an AU; some of the characters belong to our friends at Pixelberry; some of the characters belong to our birthday girl PR (who I am hoping will forgive me for attempting to write them 🤣). This work was not preread or beta'd; please excuse me errors.

~💚~

The peaceful morning sunrise blankets the island of Oahu with a warm pink glow. A gentle symphony of tranquil waves and the brush of palm fronds drift through the open balcony doors of the private beach-side bungalow. The soft fragrance of exotic florals infused with notes of the citrus sand pirouette across Ethan's face, the luxury of it all making him stir from his sleep.

Breathing in deeply, he contorts his bare body into an intense stretch, the tight burn sending pleasurable shocks through his nerves. With a heady growl in his chest, he lets out a yawn, relaxing back into his pillow. With his eyes fluttering close, he reaches over to the other side of the mattress, his fingertips searching for his wife.

He quickly sits up, noticing he was alone in bed. "Tate?" He calls out, a deep gravel in his throat. He looks around the room, but there is no evidence of her anywhere–that is until he hears soft mumbles coming from outside on the terrace. He climbs out of bed, cinching the sheet around his waist and saunters to the balcony.

Approaching the doorway, he sees that she's on the phone, a knee pulled up to her chest as she tosses her tangled tresses with her fingers. With a curious expression, he stealthily leans against the siding, crossing his arms as he intently watches his bride.

"... for about four minutes… uh-huh… right, and then it will play a little song… right… right…" Tatum gives a quiet, cordial laugh. Wearing her husband's waffle knit pajama top, she mindlessly fidgets with a loose thread at the hem as she continues to whisper. "I get it… thanks, again, Alan. Call me if he's still fussy after that bottle."

"We haven't even been gone for twenty-four hours–"

"Ethan!" Tatum startles, clenching her phone to her chest. She exhales a big breath, a faint blush tinting her cheeks.

"What are you doing?" He motions at the phone, his eyebrows furrowing. "We talked about this."

"I was… just… checking in," she feigns innocence.

"Tatum," Ethan sighs, slowly stalking to her chair, "we're supposed to be on vacation." He leans over her, their lips meeting in a tender kiss.

"We are on vacation–"

"And we trust Dad and the Aveiros with our son–"

"Yeah, but," she starts picking at her nails, "being on vacation doesn't mean we stop being parents, Ethan."

"I never said we stop," he leans up against the balustrade, folding his arms again. "Cord," a corner of his mouth curls as he stares out onto the beach. "Cord's my boy, my little bean sprout, he's… my everything. But, baby," he chuckles, blowing away a breath as he turns back to Tatum. "We need a break--especially you."

"I just miss him," Tatum twists her mouth, her eyes fixed on her husband’s crystal gaze. "It's weird. Our lives have changed so much since that little guy showed up."

"Almost eight months," Ethan smiles endearingly.

"But even before that," Tatum rubs her hands across the flat planes of her abdomen, "he was literally a part of me for nine months. I'm feeling a little…"

"Incomplete?"

Tatum shakes her head.  Standing up, she takes a step towards Ethan, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You complete me, Mr. Ramsey," she croons, "but I do feel like I'm missing something. I guess," she titters under her breath, "I have forgotten what it's like to just be me, to just do what I want without planning ahead, without worrying about diapers and pumping and naptimes.  I guess I'm having a hard time remembering life before Cord–ha!" she snorts, "B.C.! Get it?"

Ethan shakes his head before laughing to himself. "Well," his voice grows dark, "how about… I help you remember what it was like B.C.?"

"Yeah?" Tatum bites her bottom lip as her eyes train to Ethan's mouth. "And… how would you help me remember?"

Ethan wraps his arms around Tatum's waist, and without warning, he lifts her up, tossing her over his shoulder before giving her ass a firm swat.

"Ethan Jonah!" She squeals with glee before he jogs inside their bungalow.

—

Later that afternoon and feeling much more relaxed, the Ramseys decide to venture out and explore the island. Tatum slips on a smocked fuschia maxi dress with a pair of espadrilles and a floppy sun hat while Ethan dons a pair of khaki shorts with a sage green linen top, complete with his white Vans.

Casually walking hand-in-hand, they are drawn to the beautiful drumming of a group of Polynesian musicians outside an open market. They stop to admire the cultural beat, complete with awe-inducing twists and twirls of their mallets and several hula dancers with hypnotizing moves.  

Tatum playfully sways her hips to the music, Ethan smiling and nodding to the beat–that is until two of the dancers place a lei around his neck before pulling him reluctantly out of the crowd to dance with them.  He tries to maintain a stoic-look of displeasure, but as he looks back to his hysterical wife, he finally busts out laughing and starts to move his body clumsily along with the hula dancers.

When the dance comes to an end with a roaring applause, Ethan and Tatum stumble into each other, holding their aching bellies as they continue to laugh uncontrollably. It had been so long since they had been free of responsibilities, free of schedules and expectations, free to just be themselves as a couple.

Tatum hugs onto Ethan’s arm, their hands interlocking as they enter the open market. They stop at the different vendors, tasting new and exotic foods, watching local artisans design furniture, clothes and jewelry. One tent catches Ethan's eye with master carvers intricately cutting, sanding and sewing traditional Hawaiian weapons.

"These are really neat," Ethan cautiously holds up a knife, testing the sharpness of the blade. "What do you think? Cord's first knife," he jokes.

"Eh," Tatum swallows thickly, running her finger over an instrument with real shark teeth. "Maybe he should master his pincer grasp first. Or, I don't know, learn to walk?" They snicker between one another when suddenly, a colorful tent with art canvases catches Tatum's eye. "Rams, I'm going to look over there."

Already in a conversation with one of the craftsmen, Ethan nods while giving a wave to his wife.

Tatum moseys over to the tent, instantly taken aback by the artwork lined up along the walls and wooden easels. Brilliant splashes of color, expertly mixed and brushed, tell colorful secrets about the island.

"Aloha!"

Tatum looks deeper into the tent, noticing a young, beautiful blonde with gorgeous waves sitting at an art easel as she captures another story with her brush strokes. Tatum ducks into the canopy, noticing sculptures and stunning pieces of glass art everywhere.

"Aloha," Tatum smiles at the woman before turning back to look at all the beauty. "Did–did you create all of this?"

The young woman giggles, bowing her head coyly. "Yes, I did."

"It's exquisite work," Tatum continues to observe the various crafted pieces. "They're…" she stares off at a canvas with a kaleidoscope of colors forming waves crashing along the shoreline. "They're dreamy. "

"Well, thank you… Are you an art enthusiast?" The artist chuckles as she adds a new swipe of paint to her canvas.

"Oh," Tatum chuckles, "not really an enthusiast. I mean, I appreciate beauty when I see it." Tatum slows down, focusing on a stunning oceanic scene with iridescent jellyfish. She leans in, noticing the strokes and gradients of color.

"Hrmm," the blonde chuckles, putting down her paint brush. "Anyone that sees beauty in the world… is an artist." 

Placing a hand on the back of her chair while steadying herself with a grip on her easel, she cautiously stands, balancing herself onto her feet. Noticing the struggle out of the corner of her eye, Tatum looks over–and gasps into a smile. 

"Well, aren't you full of surprises!" Tatum titters, watching the young blonde place her hand on her heavily pregnant belly. "When are you due?"

"Oh gosh," she giggles, out of breath, "not for another seven weeks." Tatum's face drops, staring at her abdomen. "I know, I'm huge."

"What? No! I–I'm sorry," Tatum puts a hand over her face, "I didn't mean to make a face."

The blonde laughs harder, massaging her tummy. "Don't be. That's the reaction I normally get from people, and I don't blame them. I'm almost as wide as I am tall!" she jokes with a titter, "but I also don't get the chance to tell people there are two in there instead of one–"

"Twins?" Tatum’s eyes widen, her lips curling into a smile, "my goodness! Well, congratulations to you! And by the way," she becomes serious, "you look phenomenal."

She blushes, "thank you."

Tatum holds out her hand. "I'm Tatum."

The kind artist eagerly takes Tatum's hand. "Luna. Luna Auclair."

"Well, Luna Auclair," Tatum beams brightly, "is this your entire collection at the moment?"

"Not all of it," she twirls around, looking at her work. "I still have some pieces in storage, plus I have an art exhibit with some of my students tomorrow."

"You teach art, too?"

"Yes," Luna beams, "down at the university–"

"Tate?" Ethan calls from outside.

"I'm so sorry," Tatum holds up her hand apologetically to the interruption.  "In here, Rams!" Tatum shouts walking towards the entryway of the canopy.

Ethan struts inside the tent, his eyes instantly intrigued by the swirls of color and intricate placement of designs. "Wow," he whistles with his teeth. He takes off his sunglasses as he begins to focus on a few canvases.

"Aren't they extraordinary?" Tatum bumps up next to him, her attention swept away in the paintings. Ethan hums in approval as he steps in front of the same beach design she had checked out minutes ago. "Do you like it?"

Ethan's eyes stay focused on the art nodding his head. "I do. I really do."

Tatum looks back, but realizes Luna has stepped away. She turns to Ethan, linking his arm with hers. "How about," her voice is soft, "this piece in the study? Or maybe the guest room?"

"No."

Tatum's eyebrows crinkle. "No?"

"No," Ethan tilts his head to his wife, "the playroom." The corner of Tatum's mouth curls as her husband continues. "This… this is Cord." He grins as Tatum nods, brushing her pout against his lips.

"I'm sorry I had to leave you like that," Luna waddles back in, "my fiancé called to let me know he's coming by."

"Oh wonderful," Tatum claps her hands together in joy. "Oh, Rams, this is Luna. She painted all of these pieces... And even designed these sculptures."

"Aloha," she coyly greets as Ethan holds his hand for her to shake. 

"Aloha, Luna," he grins kindly. "Very nice work–"

"Nice?" Tatum playfully swats his arm, rolling her eyes at the younger blonde. "Don't believe him," she giggles. As she wraps her arm around his waist, he pulls her in by the shoulders.

"They are phenomenal," Ethan clarifies, "is it possible to have something shipped to the mainland?"

Luna nods. "You two vacationing?"

"Yes," Tatum answers. "We're from the East Coast."

"Oh wow," Luna's eyes widen, "a good ways from home–"

"Thank goodness," Ethan jokes under his breath. "I don't want to even look at something remotely related to work."

"Ethan is an administrator of sorts, a leader of our organization and," she glances at him innocently, "his patience gets tested. A lot. Plus, we haven't gone anywhere in…" Tatum looks curiously at Ethan.

He squints, looking up towards the sky as if calculating something in his head. "Eesh, well over a year. At least."

"No wonder you two got away," Luna shakes her head. "Your work sounds stressful."

Ethan looks at his wife, "That, and–" he smiles proudly, lacing his hand with hers, "we just had a baby."

"Awww!" Luna coos. "Boy or girl?"

"Boy."

Luna squeals. "Is he here?"

Tatum's face falls, Ethan squeezing her hand. "No, he's back home."

"Oh… I bet you miss him."

Tatum kindly smiles and nods. Ethan brushes his lips against her temple before answering. "We very much do… which is why… we are… looking at the art pieces."

"Right!" Luna chirps, snapping her fingers. "Is there something here that is speaking to you?"

Making their way around the showroom, Luna helps pick out a few canvases for Cord's playroom that also boast the essence of the Polynesian culture through the artwork. Returning to her clerical station in the tent, Luna begins carefully packing them up before pulling out paperwork.

"So, you said the East Coast," she starts filling out the document, "where specifically is this heading?"

"Boston."

"Oh my gosh, you're kidding me!" She giggles. "My fiancé–"

"Lunes?" A handsome voice calls out from behind the tent. "I gotcha a rainbow shaved ice."

Ethan feels a strange spike in his blood pressure, his expression falling with concern. "That voice," he mutters under his breath to Tatum. "I… I know that voice."

"Give me a second, B," Luna yells over her shoulder, tearing Ethan and Tatum away from their private conversation. "I'm with a customer." She turns her attention back to the transaction.  "Okay, now… where was I? Oh!"  She grabs a pen, "I just need your name–"

"Ethan Ramsey?"

Tatum and Ethan slowly look towards the voice, appearing behind the tarp before slowly turning to stare at one another.

Ethan gnashes his teeth in irritation, his jaw ticking.  There standing in front of him is an old thorn in his side from Edenbrook, Dr. Bryce Lahela. "We…" he growls softly, "are over five thousand miles away from home. How in the fuck–"

"Ethan, fix your face. Right now–"

"Oh my God!" Luna squeals, her bright eyes staring at Ethan. "You're the Dr. Ethan Ramsey?"

"You have got to be kidding me," Ethan groans. Tatum pinches his side in warning as Luna bounds towards him, shaking his hand emphatically again.

"I've heard so many amazing things about you, sir."

Ethan freezes. "You–you have?"  Tatum quirks an eyebrow, stifling a grin.

"Are you kidding me, Doc?" Bryce pipes up, slinking an arm around Luna.  "You and Tanaka helped shape my career, made me tougher. I took a lot of scary chances in residency, but… you always believed in me, had my back."

Silence falls over the tent. Bryce and Luna both stare happily at Ethan with wide, toothy smiles and stars in their eyes, making the old mentor feel even more awkward. He looks to Tatum, compassion written on her face as she casually nods towards the couple.

Ethan sighs. He extends his arm to shake Bryce's hand; but instead of leaving it at that, Ethan pulls Bryce into a hug, giving him a few pats on the back.

"It's good to see you again, Lahela."

~💚~

[phoenixxxlily]

Favorite Books I Read in 2022

Love and Other Cursed Things (Krista and Becca Ritchie)

"But steel and iron and diamonds---they don't care. They don't love. And I've never been loved the way that I know October used to love me. To me, October Brambilla is made of compassionate things. Romantic things. Everlasting, affectionate, loving things."

Misfits Like Us (Krista and Becca Ritchie)

"My heart is a chasm of everything I know and love, and it will always be filled with you."

Daisy Jones and the Six (Taylor Jenkins Reid)

"I had absolutely no interest in being somebody else's muse. I am not a muse. I am the somebody. End of fucking story."

The Song of Achilles (Madeline Miller)

"He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature."

The House of Sky and Breath (Sarah J. Maas)

"If you're looking for How Not to Be an Asshole, it's shelved between Bye, Loser and Get Out."

A Light in the Flame (Jennifer L. Armentrout)

"Needing me or anyone to look out for you doesn't mean you're weak, that you can't defend yourself, or that you're afraid. We all need someone to watch over us."

[lilyoffandoms]

💞✨ send this to the 12 nicest people you know or seem to have a good heart and if you get 5 back you must be pretty awesome 💞✨

You are so sweet! Have a little drabble I wrote for you this morning.

Open Heart AU (Bryce x Luna)

For day 27 (Superhero/Villain AU | Raisin toast | “Oh my god, this is happening.”) of the @choicesaugustchallenge. Bryce as the villain and Luna as the hero. I don’t know. Just a silly, flirty Bryce because I can. But seriously thank you for thinking of me and sending an ask to my little ole box 💕

Based on this prompt.

They stood facing off, a few steps away from each other, circling as they tried to catch their breath after their last few blows. The rain was easing and the last few days of the sun were peeking through the lingering clouds.

“You could always walk away,” the villain grinned.

“And let you have all the fun?” the hero scowled.

“You want to join in the fun? I had no idea you had that villainous streak in you. So here is the plan,” he began before he launched into a series of new attacks.

Attacks quickly countered by the hero.

“The only fun I want to have is hauling your ass before a judge and seeing you pay for your crimes,” she smirked as she landed a blow to his gut.

The two separating again as he recovered from the punch and she let him.

“Getting slow after all these years, my friend,” she taunted.

“Gotta let you feel like you can win some of them, sweetheart,” he responded, all bravado, grinning as her smirk turned into a frown.

“You-“ she stopped and let out a frustrated sigh.

“Me?” he asked.

“You are impossible,” she scoffed.

“And you’d have it no other way,” he grinned as she attacked again.

“If two plus two equals four,” he began after a few moments of fighting.

“What?” she faltered in surprise and nearly took a knee to the ribs.

“Then you plus me equals four-ever,” he finished with a grin.

Her hands fell to her sides and his punches halted right along side hers, as she stood dumbfounded and he drew his lower lip between his teeth.

“We are literally in the middle of a fight,” she said still very confused.

“I can multitask. It’s one of my many talents,” he winked.

“I cannot believe I like you,” she mumbled and went to throw a punch.

“Wait! What?” he smirked as he caught her halfhearted punch and pulled her closer to him. “What did you just say?”

“What? Nothing. Let me go,” she said as her face heated up.

“Oh!” he grinned and leaned in, whispering against her lips. “I knew it.”

And her lips were on his in that moment. Anything to shut him up she told herself. It was just to shut him up. Nothing more.

[bryceslahela]

Oh wait it’s truly been so long that I’ve forgotten. You said Bryce and ur MC r ride or dies so which ending did you choose? Honestly OPH3 was a fever dream and I barely remember the endings you could’ve picked lol

i originally played and had my mc take the promotion but that didn’t rlly make sense w/ my mc so i had luna leave edenbrook and in my world, bryce left edenbrook and they moved somewhere sunnier than boston and took promotions obviously. bryce was the best surgeon edenbrook had to offer and luna was doin shit not even medically possible soo they rich asf rn <33

[super-jane5]

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas

This is the sequel to House of Earth and Blood and its just as good as its predecessor. Bryce and Hunt are trying to live a normal life after the events of the last book. However, they end up being dragged into a rebel movement. Reluctantly, Hunt, Bryce and their friends end up getting deeper involved.

I loved Bryce and Hunt’s relationship, it seemed like the most grown-up relationship Sarah J Maas has written. All the relationships in this book are well written. As their development continues, you start to get even more invested in their individual stories. The story is very gripping, I read it in just two days and couldn’t stop turning the pages. There was also some very funny moments, especially if Ruhn and his roommates were involved. Sarah J Maas fans will not be disappointed, and the ending alone was brilliant.

Throughout the book I did find myself starting to dislike Danika. The way she was portrayed seemed as if she didn’t care or trust Bryce at all.

You definitely had to have read the last book and other Sarah J Maas books to understand this book. However, if you are a big fantasy and romance lover, I suggest reading the Crescent City series.

My Rating: 5 stars

Started Reading: 26/02/2022

Finished Reading: 28/02/2022

[ggblasts]

Spotted: The next round of arrivals for my reveal event! Ella looking like a savvy business woman in her adorable black suit. Chanlder looking like he's only here to stop me talking about his upcoming break up with Sabrina. Luna looking like she's about to go yacth hopping, if you know what I mean. Chuck looking like he's about to attend the funeral of his foe. Roxanne looking like a mistress...I mean, looking hot in her outfit. Dean looking like he's about to be in a Green Day cover band. Pope looking jlike he's slowly turning into a Kook. Caine looking like a hottie. Bryce looking lke Evelyn's secret boyfriend. Dan looking like...well Dan. Reid looking like he's trying to make up for not being in Asher's life. Frankie looking like a soon to be MILF. Brandon looking like a whole snack Keep the looks coming! XOXO, Gossip Girl @ellaxhampton @iamchandlerford @iamlunala @chuckbbass @roxannelong @iamdeanadler @pope--heyward @caine-evans @bryce-cunningham @danhumphreyx @reidthorton @frankieastor @brandonadamsx

[alltrekvarnews]

Star Wars Celebration 2023: James Mangold y Dave Filoni dirigirán nuevas películas, imágenes de 'Indiana Jones' y detalles de la serie revelados....

[peonierose]

Las hijas de Luna

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Bryce Lahela (M!MC) x Luna Auclair (F!OC)

Rating: General. It’s a birth story. But there won’t be any graphic scenes.

Words: 5,000+

Summary: It’s time for Luna and Bryce to welcome their twins into the world. Will there be any complications? Or will the birth go without a hitch?

A/N: I just wanted to say thank you to the whole choices fandom. I couldn’t have come this far with my writing, my stories and my beloved characters, if I didn’t have such amazing and encouraging friends to cheer me on and support me. So thank you to anyone who’s given my writing, my stories and my characters a chance 💚

2 A/N: I’m by no means an expert with birth stories so please excuse any errors. I used my basic knowledge, friends knowledge and the internet to find out more about births but remember this is fiction, I was bit more freely with the details, but nothing too vivid or such pinky promise.

Side note: If you're curious how Luna and Bryce found out that they're expecting you can find out in my story "Cake by the Ocean"

I also included a playlist if you want to you can give it a listen here

2 Side note: I participated in the March Challenge @choicesmonthlychallenge and used the prompt plumeria flower. The plumeria flower symbolizes positivity & new beginnings 🥰 (I think it wasn't among the flowers that were mentioned, but since the story takes place in Hawaii I thought I'd use this beautiful flower).

Honolulu, Hawaii

March 30th

Luna

Bryce is about to head out on a camping trip with Keiki. They’re going to Waianae Mountain Range.

It usually took over an hour to get there. But the view was breathtaking and made up for the time it took you to get there.

I've been there with my family before. It’s marvelous. The fresh mountain air. The chirping birds, the rush of a nearby waterfall. And the light is perfect for painting. It’s truly a magnificent experience.

My cousin Skyler, Sky for short, didn’t like it so much, he got scared by spiders. Other than that it was pretty fun.

So when Keiki asked Bryce if he’d like to go? Bryce was excited to spend more time with his sister.

Because of his demanding job as a surgeon, he doesn’t get to spend as much time with his family as he would like to. Working odd hours, and being on call does that to your private life.

They’re going to spend the whole day together, going hiking, fishing and just sitting by the campfire. It was a beautiful idea, sans the camping. I’d rather go glamping, thank you very much. One time camping was enough. I grinned at the fond memory. I went camping with my family once and had to share a tent with Evie and Soraya.

It was great. It was like a sleepover. But I could’ve sworn I’ve seen a snake or two crawl outside and that kinda ruined the experience and sleeping on the cold hard floor wasn’t a picnic either.

I stood outside our house and watched as Bryce packed up the Jeep with their bags, tents, and some food my mom made for them earlier. I would’ve gone with them but I was told this could be straining for me since I’m due to give birth soon. With twins, you never know.

I’ve been having small contractions since this morning but I didn’t want to ruin Bryce’s trip with Keiki.

Gnawing on my lip I’m trying to decide if I should tell him, because if I do then he’ll cancel his trip and I don’t want to do that.

So I’ve been a bit worried all day.

Bryce looked up at me as if he felt my stare.

”Don‘t look so worried Lunes. We can go another weekend if you’re so worried. It’s close to your due date, Lu. I mean I know that twins usually arrive earlier than the expected due date.“

He looked slightly concerned and was torn if he should cancel the trip. His brown eyes were full of worry. The usual spark in his eyes was dimmed.

I walked towards him and tried to lighten the mood.

”I’m fine. See? Totally peachy!“ I smiled and did a little pirouette. Or tried to at least. It looked more awkward than what a pirouette should look like.

Bryce wasn’t convinced by my little performance.

We both heard some barking. That must be Knox, Adam‘s dog. Adam had a meeting with a potential client in Maui. He makes and builds his own furniture, and has his own company right here in Honolulu.

So when he asked us if we could look after Knox? We were more than happy to.

So both Maxi and Knox joined us in the house and are currently in our garden enjoying the sun and playing a round of catch.

I smiled and Bryce relaxed a little too. I hugged him, he pulled me closer, and I breathed in the fresh cotton scent and some cherry from his shower gel.

I looked up at him.

”If I should go into labour I’ve packed my bag just in case. Maxi and my mom are inside, my cousins and Meilani will be here shortly and I have your and Keiki's number on speed dial. It’s all good. Go have fun. We‘ll still be here when you come back.“

Bryce sighed and went to close the trunk of the Jeep. He walked over to me again.

”I hate leaving you here. Maybe I should just stay here. Yeah, that’s a good idea. Keiki will understand.“

I laughed as he tried to walk back into our house and I pushed him towards the car.

”Go and have fun B. I mean it. But don’t have too much fun without me.“

He took one last look at me and gave me a lingering kiss. One that made my toes curl. I smiled against his lips.

When he broke off the, he kissed me on the top of my head and got into the car.

I grinned at him and he smiled back, though the worry isn’t completely gone, it’s dimmed down a little. So I tried a reassuring smile.

”It’s going to be fine babe.“

”Alright Lunes. I’m sure things will work out.“

He nodded as if more to himself and grinned.

”Keiks let’s go. You can text your boyfriend in the car.“ He yell d towards the house and Keiki ran out the door with a blue metallic bag over her shoulder.

”Fyi he’s not my boyfriend. I was calling a guy who’s name I’m not telling you, so that you can win the betting pool.“

”Jesus.“ Bryce muttered, making me and Keiki laugh out loud.

She hugged me, smelling like peaches.

”Bye Looney.“

I grinned at them.

”Have fun guys. Love you.“

Bryce honked once and they were off, the headlights getting smaller.

My mom, Maxi, and Knox Adam’s dog were keeping me company. My mom said she’d spend the day with me until Bryce got back.

I walked inside our house once Bryce and Keiki were on their way.

As I closed the front door, a sudden pain made me clutch my stomach. I let out a slow breath. Okay, this was definitely a stronger contraction.

Maxi walked towards me, Knox in tow. She grinned but then took one look at me and rushed towards me.

”What’s wrong sugarplum?“

She guided me gently to the couch.

”I don’t know. It felt like a contraction. But that’s not possible. I'm not due yet.“

Once I sat down the pain was almost gone. I sighed in relief. Maybe it was because I overexerted myself today?

Meinlani said that could happen. I lifted my legs and laid down on the couch. Damn, this felt good. I sighed in relief.

Knox puts his head on my knee and I pet him behind his ears. Which makes him lick my hand. He’s a sweet dog.

My mom came over. She took one glance at me and a worried look entered her blue-green eyes.

”You okay baby?“

I nodded. Eyes closed. And I am. The pain was gone. At least for now. Maybe it was just a false alarm, and the small contractions I’ve been having since this morning were just preparation? I hoped that’s true.

”Why don’t I make you some chamomile tea? Hmm?“ She put a strand of my dark blonde hair behind my ear. I sighed in bliss.

”Two sugars?“

She kissed me on my forehead.

”You got it, baby.“

The next couple of hours were pretty uneventful. We chatted and watched Bridgerton. But I just couldn’t concentrate. I love that show. But I had a bad feeling.

Earlier I tried to reach Bryce to check in if they got there okay, but the call didn’t go through. Maybe they had bad cell signal? Of all days for the cell service not to work? Seriously screw you cell towers.

I was almost fast asleep, Knox by my side when the doorbell rang. I opened my sleepy eyes as Maxi got up and pinpointed me with a look.

”Don’t you dare get up. I’ve got it.“

I laughed and stayed on the couch.

”Who missed us?“

I turned my head and saw my cousins Evie and Soraya walk in. Followed by our friend and my OB/gyn Meilani, and Soraya‘s wife.

They all leaned down and hugged me.

”Good to see you’re following my orders to rest.“

”I’m a good student.“ I grinned.

Maxi snorted.

”That’s not true. You were up and about almost all day.“

”Luna!“

”Ohh. Someone’s getting a lecture.“ Evie said from across the room.

My mom let out a laugh.

Meilani was holding back a smile I can tell.

”Well you’re resting now, which I’m counting as a win.“ Meilani said and sat in the other armchair next to Meilani. Soon we were all laughing.

My mom's phone rang on the counter.

”Hey love.“

I could tell from the tone of her voice that it was my dad. She only talked like this when my dad was near.

”No, I haven’t heard anything about thunderstorm warnings. I’m with loon-moon, you know since Bryce went on that trip with Keiki.“

She listened some more and she was darting concerned looks at the phone.

”Yeah I agree. We’ll stay inside, don't worry. Love you too.“

My ears perked up at the words ”thunderstorm warnings“ and I sat up with Meilani's help.

My mom disconnected the call and we all looked at her.

I stared at my mom expectantly.

”Brian called and told me there were severe thunderstorm warnings issued. They’re urging everyone who doesn’t need to be outside to stay at home. I hope Bryce and Keiki will be okay. Looney, have you tried reaching him?“

I nodded.

”My calls and texts didn’t go through. What if he gets hurt? And they can’t reach anyone? Oh god.“

I tried not to cry but it was no use. I was full-on crying because I was worried about Bryce. Maxi reached me and hugged me.

”Hey come on don’t worry. Bryce is a tough guy, and he’s pretty resourceful. But don’t tell him I told you that. He'll tease me until eternity. So try to think positive. He’ll be okay.“

She kissed my temple and I tried to relax, but a shrivel of worry stayed where it was.

I nodded, got up and slowly walked to the bathroom. After drinking that chamomile tea I had to pee all the damn time.

It was good thinking that Bryce and I had installed another bathroom downstairs. To be honest I couldn’t walk upstairs right now just to use the bathroom.

As I opened the door I felt a wetness dribble down my feet. I stood frozen to the ground. Not moving an inch.

I was scared that if I moved I’d make it worse. I know that‘s technically not possible. But I’m scared. And a slight panic settled in the depths of my stomach.

Oh no. Not now. Please, not now. It’s too early.

I tried using the breathing techniques I used when I have an anxiety attack. Maybe that would calm me down a little.

Is the water supposed to break? I thought that was just a thing from movies and TV shows. But apparently, it’s a thing.

I must’ve made a tiny sound because I heard some tiny little footsteps clacking on the wooden floorboards.

Knox must’ve heard me. He stood there and watched me. When I didn’t say anything, he barked and I put my hand through his soft golden fur.

”It’s okay. No need to worry right? Women have given birth before, right?“ Even I could hear the panic in my voice.

”Lunes? Do you need help to sit down on the toilet?“ I heard the others snicker.

But I was not in the mood for jokes.

”My water just broke.“

They stopped laughing and I could hear them coming closer.

Meilani was the first one followed by my mom, Maxi, Soraya, and Evie.

Meilani shot me a reassuring smile.

”Okay no need to worry. Why don’t you go and wash up? We’ll grab your packed bag and drive you to the hospital?“

I nodded and Maxi was by my side and coached me through my breathing.

”Deep breaths sugarplum. Come on. In and out.“

She instructed me and I repeated it a couple of times before I was able to breathe normally again.

”I’ll go wash up.“ I said.

”I’ll bring you a change of clothes.“ Maxie said and went upstairs.

Evie and Soraya stood there unsure what to do, so I turned to them.

”Can you guys try Bryce’s phone again? I’d feel better knowing that he and Keiki are okay.“

Evie nodded and Soraya went outside to see if Meilani needed any help.

”I couldn’t reach him before. But I’ll keep calling him.“ Evie said.

I went inside the bathroom to wash up. Hoping we’ll make it to the hospital in time. Hopefully, the streets will be cleared despite all the storm warnings.

When I went outside I saw Soraya rushing in. A concerned look on her face.

”We’ll have a problem getting to the hospital. As I was turning on the engine, I noticed that the car was stuck. It hasn’t stopped raining, so the trails are too muddy from the rain.“

I sighed and when a contraction rolled around I tried breathing through it. But I couldn’t help the whimper that escaped.

”I was afraid of that. The calls to the hospital didn’t go through either. I tried calling my head nurse Valerie. But I can’t reach anyone.“

She looked around trying to reassess the situation.

”Okay we’ve got this no problem.“

”What do you need?“ My mom sprinted into action.

Meilani looked around.

”We need to make a make-shift birthing room. The contractions are pretty early on, so it could take hours before Luna is ready to push. She has to be fully dilated. Again that could take hours, and maybe the streets will be cleared up by then. We also don’t have any medical supplies or an epidural that I could give to Luna. I’m not going to risk an infection to either her or the twins.“

My mom nodded.

”Okay Meilani and Maxine you stay with Luna and make her feel comfortable. She doesn’t need any added stress to her right now. Soraya, Evie, and I will try to get the car rolling again. So that we can make it to the hospital.“

Everyone nodded while I was walking back and forth, not able to sit still. When I’m anxious I tend to walk a dent into the carpet.

When everyone was done making a makeshift birthing room, Meilani pointed for me to lie down.

”Alright. Let’s make you comfortable.“

Meilani sighed and looked up at me. A serious look on her face.

”How long?“ I asked, my eyes full of tears because Bryce wasn’t here and I couldn't reach him.

”We’ve got time. So try and relax. I know it sounds a lot, but you’ve got this okay?“

”Sure I’ll just lie down and feel all peachy. That’s a-okay.“

Meilani smiled at me, completely ignoring my sarcasm.

”But just so you know the contractions are only going to get more painful. So I’m going to time the distance to know for sure when it’s time to push okay? That way we’ll be able to at least have some time to prepare alright?“

I sucked in a breath and nodded.

”The contractions are going to be worse than what I’m feeling now? Yeah sure no problem.“

”You got this babe.“ Meilani smiled and her smile put me a bit at ease.

Bryce

Nothing but the blue sky above us as we drove towards Waianae Mountain Range. Listening to Elvis Presley songs. The top is rolled up, and we’re singing out loud.

Keiki laughed at my singing technique. Making me sing even louder.

It took us a little longer than an hour, but hey that’s fine. We made it and that’s the most important thing.

I turned off the engine of our Jeep when we arrived at the campsite. We got out of the car and put our bags, the tents, and the food we packed out of the car trunk.

I grinned at Keiki. Then I heard her curse as she tried to get the tent up and I grinned.

”Need any help there Keiks?“ I smiled.

”Nope. I’ve got it.“ She replied.

”Hopefully this time you can get your tent up, not like last time. When it all fell apart.“

Keiki turned around and pointed an accusing finger at me.

”That‘s so not true. You helped me build it. So technically it’s your fault it fell apart.“

I laughed.

While putting up the tent, I couldn’t shake off this bad feeling I’ve had ever since we started the trip. I tried reaching Lunes but there’s bad cell service out here. I barely have any bars on my cell phone. It seems as if there won’t be any cell service for some time.

When we heard thunder roaring in the distance we both stopped setting up our tents.

My gut feeling was confirmed when I saw dark grey clouds rolling in, where just a while ago the sky was brilliantly blue before.

”Damn it.“ I cursed again.

I went to my car and turned on the radio to see if there were any severe thunderstorm alerts issued for Honolulu. I found a radio station and only caught the last sentence.

”…urge people to stay inside. There are severe thunderstorm warnings for Honolulu, Kailua, Waipahu…“

I turned the radio off and walked towards Keiki who looked up from building her tent.

”You okay?“ She asked with apprehension written across her face.

”There were several thunderstorms issued and I have a bad feeling. I also can’t reach Luna.“

I pushed my hand through my hair.

”I’m sure she’s fine.“ Keiki tried to reassure me, but the worry stayed with me.

Keiki reached into her bag and gave me a signal booster for my phone.

”Luna's dad gave me a signal booster for my phone when he heard we were going camping. I’ve brought it with me just in case.“

”You’re a lifesaver Keiks.“

She smiled at me.

I tried reaching Luna and when I did it was not her voice I heard. It was Evie‘s. Luna’s cousin.

”Thank god Bryce. We’ve been trying to reach you for hours.“

I could hear a voice in the background.

”Evie? What’s wrong? Is Luna okay?“

Evie was back on the line.

”Her water broke. We’re on our way to the hospital.“

Her voice stopped me in my tracks, my heart started beating faster and I could feel the blood rush through my veins.

”What? When? Is she okay?“

Keiki looked towards me and when she saw my panicked expression she walked towards me and put her hand on my shoulder. I gripped her hand tightly.

”Wait, I'll give her the phone.“

I heard some rustling and then Luna was on the line.

”B?“

When I heard her voice I breathed out a breath of relief. I didn’t realize how tense I was. My shoulders dropped, since Luna’s voice instantly relaxed me.

”Are you okay?“ I asked because I wanted to hear if she was in any pain.

”I…yeah. I’m fine. But B? I can’t do this without you. Please tell me you’ll be here?“

I sighed. And activated my doctor mode. I tried to act as if this was one of my patients. But it only worked for a short amount of time.

”I’ll make it. Don’t worry, and don’t start without me. But seriously you’re in good hands. Meilani is an exceptional doctor…“

I didn’t get to finish when I heard her cry out.

”Lunes?“ I said and then I heard Meilanis' voice.

”She’s fine for now. We’re on our way to the hospital. So you better get your ass there Lahela.“

”How far along is she until she has to push?“

”We’ve got a little bit of time, but soon. We wanted to go there earlier but with the thunderstorms, it was raining and the car was stuck. The others are trying to get the car out so we can get to the hospital.“

I nodded as if she could see me.

”Alright I’ll be there.“

I heard more noises.

”I have to go Bryce. Luna needs me. Please be there. She can’t do this without you.“

”I promise I’ll make it.“

That’s when we ended the call. And I pinched my nose. And then I had to laugh because it reminded me so much of something Ethan would do.

”What’s wrong?“ Keiki asked me. And when I didn't answer her immediately she yelled my name.

”Bryce!“

Her voice shook me out of my daze.

”Luna’s water broke.“

”Wait, didn't you say she wasn’t due yet?”

She looked at the dark sky above us and her eyes turned worried.

I rubbed my neck nervously.

”Yeah. But sometimes you can go into labor earlier. Especially with twins.“

”Then we should go. I don’t think this camping trip will take place today. The weather is too bad. There could be landslides, especially in the mountains. And we don’t want to be here when that happens.“

I nodded and we both got our stuff packed up.

”You’re right Keiks. We should head back. Before the roads get too bad.“

I was loading everything into the car when I heard Keiki's voice.

”I think it might be too late for that big brother.“

I stuck my head out of the car to see where Keiki was pointing.

She pointed at the trail that was completely covered in mud. Even with our Jeep, we’ll have a hard time getting the car going.

Dammit. Of all days for a thunderstorm to arrive it had to be today of all days. I don’t know if that’s a good or bad omen. Though I truly hoped that it was a good omen and that the Hawaiian gods would be merciful with the weather today. Saying a silent prayer I looked up and hoped I would be there to witness the birth of my children.

I breathed out and turned to my little sister.

”Alright. Let’s not panic. Let’s try if we can get the car onto the road.“

Keiki nodded, but I could tell she was not convinced that we’d get the car on the road.

I turned on the engine and after a couple of seconds we got on the road and I swerved to avoid any muddy parts on the street.

We made it halfway home when we hit a pothole and got stuck.

It rattled the car for a second, and I tried to back out of the pothole, but no dice. No matter how hard I tried we were stuck.

”What now? Should we try to move the car?“ Keiki asked.

I shook my head and I hit my hands on the steering wheel. Frustrated.

”Fuck. I hate that we got stuck. Today of all days.“

Keiki slapped me on my arm.

”Well we won’t solve it by sitting inside the car. Let’s see how bad we’re stuck.“

I felt myself nodding and we got out to see how big the pothole was.

”Yeah okay we’re screwed.“ Keiki whistled.

I shot her an annoyed look.

”What? I’m just saying.“ She grinned and I laughed half-heartedly, as I was trying to calculate how long it would take us if we made a run for it.

”How long would it take us if we made a run for it?“ I voiced my thoughts aloud.

I looked at my sister who got her phone to see how far it would take us.

”It’s 10 miles from here.“

”We could make it in time.“

Keiki chewed on her fingernails. Painted in a deep pink shade.

”You’re faster than me. I could stay here in the car and you could go to the hospital. I’d only slow you down. I’m not exactly a sports person.“

I was torn if I should just go, leave my sister behind, and miss the birth of my twins or if we should make a run for it.

Keiki sighed.

”We’re wasting time debating this. Just go. Give me the booster for my phone and we can stay in touch. I’ll be fine I promise.“

I sighed and looked at her.

”Are you sure Kei-Kei?“

She nudged me forward.

”Go! I don’t want my big brother to miss the birth of my nieces. I’d never hear the end of it. Also if you faint please take pics, I want to remember this day.“ She said grinning.

”Very funny Keiks. I’ll stay in touch.“

”I’m going to be a dad.“ I shouted and she grinned at me, shaking her head.

I gave her the signal booster for her phone, kissed her on her forehead, and made a run for it.

As I was running I kept praying that I made it on time for the birth of our twins.

Which spurred me to run faster.

Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu Hawaii

Luna

As another strong contraction hit me I cried out.

Meilani kept shooting me dirty looks.

”Luna. As your doctor, I’m telling you we can’t wait any longer.“

”Please, Mei. I can’t do this without him. Please. Just 5 more minutes, please?“

Meilani closed her eyes.

When she opened them again, she crossed her arms over her chest and sighed, seeing that I wouldn’t budge on this.

”Alright, fine. We’ll wait 5 more minutes. After that, it’s pushing time.“

I nodded.

Bryce

I was wheezing. Almost wept from joy. My calves are killing me, but I’m almost there. Just a couple more steps and I‘m at the hospital. I could see the building already coming closer.

I made it to the hospital, and rushed through the hospital doors all muddy and sweaty.

As I was on my way to the elevator a voice stopped me.

”Where do you think you’re going, young man? This is a hospital.“

When I turned around Brenda gave me the evil eye.

”Lahela you know the rules.“

”Yes I know. Please! Luna is upstairs, she's about to give birth. I can’t miss that. Please.“

”At least get a little cleaned up!“

I groaned. Seriously?

”Could you be a Karen somewhere else?“ I muttered under my breath.

”What was that?“ She cleared her throat.

”Nothing. I’ll get cleaned up, upstairs. Thanks, Brenda.“

”Yeah. Yeah.“

I sighed in relief as I punched the elevator button and the elevator rode up.

All I cared about was that I made it to the hospital to be there for Lunes when our twins were born.

The elevator dinged and I almost stumbled out of it, because I couldn’t wait to get out into the hall.

The first person I saw was Grace, Luna’s mom walking back and forth. Soraya and Evie were next to her sitting on the hard plastic chairs.

When Grace saw me coming in she started to cry and hugged me. I hugged her back. Though I’m anxious to see Luna.

”Thank god you made it Bryce.“ She put her hands around my face and I smiled at her.

I turned to look at Grace when I didn't see Luna anywhere.

She pointed to a room to the right and that’s when I heard painful screams coming from inside.

Luna must’ve already started pushing. I winced. Hating I couldn’t be there for her from the start. But I tried to not dwell on that. I’m here now and that’s what counts.

Grace smiled at me.

”Luna has already started pushing. She waited until the last minute. But she had to start.“

I nodded and got going.

”She’s inside with Meilani and her head nurse Valerie.“

I nodded and opened the door. Meilani didn’t look up as she guided Luna through the birth.

I quickly scrubbed in as fast as I could and joined Luna and Meilani.

”Okay that’s good Lu. That’s good. Just keep pushing.“ Meilani said in a soothing voice when I got to Luna’s side who shot me an angry look.

”Where the fuck were you B?“

I winced and then I smiled at her for using a curse word.

”Let’s leave story time for after you’ve given birth. What’s important is that I’m here.“

”I’m going to kick your ass for this later.“

I grinned and kissed her forehead.

”I wouldn’t have it any other way.“

Meilani grinned and her head nurse Valerie stood next to Meilani, keeping track of the heart monitor.

Meilani‘s voice got me out of my trance.

”Dad? Wanna do the honors?“

I squeezed Luna‘s hand and stood in the front to catch the first baby.

As I did, a loud cry filled the room and I suddenly held one of my girls in my arms.

”I forget how tiny they are when they’re born.“ Valerie smiled next to me and I nodded.

I looked at my little girl, and a whole new love entered my heart. I wasn’t prepared for this feeling.

It’s as if my heart was going to burst from all this love. Making space for new people entering my life. I still couldn’t believe Luna and I created these beautiful babies.

I took my daughter's little hand in mine and kissed it.

”Hi there, beautiful. Look at you being all pretty huh?“

”A new member in your Ohana.“ Valerie kept sniffing.

I nodded and kept rocking the baby and when she opened her eyes she looked at me and stopped crying.

”It’s your awesome dad. So cool right? Look at your mom. Super strong and going at it.“

Valerie laughed softly at my comment and I grinned.

I turned to Luna and waved with my daughter's little hand at Luna.

I kissed our baby's tiny forehead and Valerie took her from me. Taking care of the washing and weighing.

Then I was at Luna’s side again and together we got to see our second baby. Another loud cry just like her twin sisters filled the room, as she entered the world.

My heart couldn’t be fuller at this second, as I looked down at Luna and saw her tired but happy face look up at me. I kissed her and she sighed.

Meilani‘s voice got us out of our reverie. We must’ve looked as if we smoked too much weed. Goofy expressions on our faces as we looked at Meilani.

”Congratulations you two. I’m so happy that I could be a part of it.“

”I already know my vagina won’t be the same after this.“

Meilani laughed out loud and I grinned too. If Lunes can make jokes then she’s okay.

Valerie walked towards us and handed me Kehlani and Alaia. We heard the door open and when we looked up all we saw were the faces of Grace, Evie, and Soraya.

They all opened the door wider and entered the room.

”Look Keilani Mae and Alaia Rose are finally here with us, Lunes. They’re just as beautiful as their mom and dad.“

Luna rolled her eyes.

”I knew you’d bring yourself into the conversation.“

”What can I say? I’m good-looking. Says so on the onesie.“

Luna just shook her head and grinned, probably too tired for a comeback.

”You’ve done it. You gave birth to two beautiful girls.“ Meilani wiped away some tears. And we all just smiled, letting this little miracle, er…miracles, seep in.

I couldn’t stop smiling.

Soraya and Evie walked towards us and held the little twins. Cuddling them and peppering them with kisses.

”Sky is going to be so jealous that he didn’t hold the twins first. Let’s call him.“ Evie said and Soraya nodded.

They handed them back and I held them close as I put them on Luna’s chest.

Luna started to sob when she saw the twins for the first time. She touched Kehlani's little cheek with her forefinger.

”They’re so tiny and smell so beautiful. Like a new book. For a new chapter of our lives.“

She looked up at me and I nodded, too full of emotions to form a proper sentence so I just nodded and we enjoyed the time with our twins.

Luna

Holding your babies? It was a whole new level of love.

It’s something I didn’t know I wanted so much, as I held them close and took in their newborn smell. My love, my life.

I‘d lay down my life for my twins. I’d do anything to keep them safe.

As I looked down at them. I couldn’t believe they were here. It seemed as if I’ve been waiting for years to see their tiny little faces. I swore I’ll be a good mom.

A new exciting and thrilling feeling filled my body.

Giving me a new superpower. I’ve never felt this strong. I felt invincible. That’s probably the meds talking. But I don’t fucking care. It’s exactly where we belonged. I never thought this was the road my life would take me.

With Bryce, Kehlani Mae, and Alaia Rose. Our beautiful little family. Our Ohana. Our lives, no our love has grown ten times fold.

I smiled up at Bryce who had the same look in his cinnamon brown eyes as I did.

He leaned down to give me a gentle kiss, making this moment perfect.

Bryce

Luna fell asleep and was resting in the hospital bed. As I kept holding the twins.

There was a rocking chair in the corner and I sat down with the twins.

I've been rocking the twins to sleep for over an hour, but it felt as if we were in our tiny pink bubble of love. Nothing could touch us.

I heard a soft knock and looked up as the door opened.

It’s Grace and Brian. Luna’s parents.

Grace just started crying when she saw me again. She tugged at her husband's jacket.

”Do you see what I see? Oh my god Brian, look at those two beautiful angels! I mean I know I’ve seen them earlier, but my heart is about to explode.“

Grace shook Brian’s arm. Almost ripped it out of its sockets and I chuckled to myself. I can see where Luna got her excitement from.

”I know I’m standing right next to you so I see exactly what you see darling.“ Brian replied softly.

Grace rolled her blue-green eyes, just like Luna‘s.

”I don’t even care about your sarcasm right now.“

I smiled at them.

”Do you want to hold them?“ I offered knowing that if I don’t, Grace will just take them from me and cuddle them close to her.

Grace just nodded.

”Say hi to Kehlani Mae and Alaia Rose.“

”Hi there Lani.“ Grace held Kehlani‘s little hand and she blinked her sleepy brown eyes open.

Brian smiled fondly.

”Rosie looks so sweet.“

I sat back down next to Luna who was sleeping peacefully after not only giving birth to one but two babies.

Our rockstar.

I loved that we were able to experience the moment of our twins' birth together. Our love and genetics made this happen.

This is our Ohana. And I’m grateful that we‘ve started a new chapter in our lives.

[txemrn]

Hii Em 💖

I wanted to ask you for some advice for one of my stories - it’s the story where Luna gives birth to her twins. But it’s the first time ever that I write a birth story though I won’t reveal any gross/weird details 😅

But since it’s twins, do you have any tips regarding timing the contractions? I’ve went online but…umm…let’s just say I’d rather ask my friends on tumblr 😅 I don’t know I fell more comfortable to ask you 🥰

I just don’t know how to put that into the story. Do I let Meilani Luna’s ob/gyn say okay this one lasted 30 seconds of something like that? 😅 Hope it’s okay I’m asking, and it’s not a too touchy or sensitive question for you 🙈

Thanks so much in advance Em 🥰💖

Eep! Is it time for our sweet babies to arrive?! I'M SO EXCITED! And I am so honored that you'd ask me about this! I'm kind of a nerd about this stuff... 😉

But before I dive in, remember this is fanfiction! I totally understand wanting to get things right (and I think it's our responsibility to do at least some research on things before we write about them--which you are doing), plus not to mention... the actual process... IT'S SO FRIGGIN COOL! 😍 But you're also not writing a textbook, so even if it's not medically perfect, NO DOUBT it's going to be a beautiful story. So, I don't want you to worry yourself too much about what's actually correct. 😘 BUT I am here to help where I can!

*This info is for fanfic purposes ONLY and should not be used for medical help; if you are ever concerned about your health and/or pregnancy, please contact your doctor

We measure contractions from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction (there are a lot of contraction apps that can help with this, and it's a great distraction for nervous dads/moms/partners). Generally speaking, labor contractions (painful, rhythmic tightening of the muscles in the uterus that cause the cervix to open) are 2-3 minutes apart (we tell our first-time moms to come to the hospital when their contractions are taking their breath away, lasting for a minute, 5 minutes apart for at least an hour [5-1-1]). As labor progresses, the contractions become shorter (relatively than at the beginning of labor), but are a lot more painful.

During the actual labor process, women are left on their own to... well, labor. lol As a nurse, I am there to ensure you and your baby are safe, so I will intervene when appropriate. Doctors are usually in and out as their schedule allows (and depending on the location, they're not even in-house). A lot of patients ask, "When is so-and-so coming?" and honestly, it's when you're baby is just about to crown (but we keep them up-to-date through phone calls and secure text messages. The doctor-nurse relationship in the ER and L&D is fairly tight; tons of trust).

Because a woman can feel the pain sensation SO MUCH better than anything we see on the monitor, there really isn't a need to tell a patient how long their contractions are (THEY KNOW lol, they don't want a reminder).

I think one of the most important things the healthcare team can do for each patient is to create a calm, positive atmosphere that empowers a laboring woman. Speaking can be so distracting, so I (personally) think the only times a voice should be used is to either give vital information, or to be used softly for encouragement, like, "Uh-huh," "That's it," "You are so strong," "Feel your body relax," "You're doing great, Mama."

Just in case you're wondering... a lot of doctors are on a time crunch: get that patient delivered. The prudent doctor, however, will allow a woman to labor. First babies usually take a while (the body has never done this before) and the cervix should be changing about 0.5 cm-1 cm/hr. A cervix should only be checked to assess labor progression (I recommend every 2-3 hours or if a woman complains of needing to push).

You probably already know this, but there are three main pain management options (pharmaceuticals) for labor (here in the US): an epidural (continuous infusion of medication in the epidural space in the back), patient-controlled nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV Pain medication. IV pain medication should be used sparingly because the only medication that will even touch labor pains are the same medications that can cross over and make for a sleepy baby (BUT they are safe in small quantities). Laughing gas is designed to help take the edge off the pain that burns out of the system very quickly, safe for mom and baby. Moms are able to stay mobile. Epidurals are designed to get women more comfortable, more in control with labor pains, but she is now committed to staying in bed.

Twins. Oh, twins. LOL Twins are an interesting breed (literally, it's "freak" thing that happens!). Contractions are the same. The only difference between laboring a single baby and multiple babies is where you deliver. As a mom goes complete ("10 cm"), it's important she is in a room that can quickly convert into an operating room (simple solution: transfer her to an OR to push). The reasoning for this is to prepare for Baby B. Just because Baby A comes out smooth-sailing does not mean Baby B will be easy peasy. Sometimes the baby can turn. Doctors are specially trained in various maneuvers to prevent this or even correct this, but in L&D, seconds = lives. Just to prepare, it's a good idea to have your anesthesia team and OR team ready for an emergency section. Also, a doctor will highly recommend an epidural for twins (the meds for a c-section can be used through the infusion line).

Whew... Did I answer anything you were dying to know? LOL Hopefully so. But seriously, if you need me to read over anything or if you have ANY specific questions, believe me, I'm not uncomfortable talking about this stuff. I would love to help sweet Luna (and Bryce) through the birth of their babies!

Just let me know! Happy writing! 💚

[yazthebookish]

House of Flame and Shadow

Prologue and Chapter 1 reading updates

(Warning: spoilers below!!)

Prologue (Lidia's POV)

Morven and Einar are pieces of shit.

I guess Cormac is gone for good 💔

At least we got some descriptions of how some of the other Asteri look like. It still bothers me Rigelus chose the form of a 17-year-old boy. Ugh what a creep.

"Quinlan and Athalar are mates. She will return to this world because of that bond. And when she does, she will go straight to him."

THEY 👏🏼 ARE 👏🏼 MATES 👏🏼

"Athalar and Baxian dangled unconscious from the ceiling, their torsos patchworks of scars and burns. And their backs..."

The Asteri better start counting their fucking days.

"Lidia couldn't look at the third figure hanging between them. Couldn't get a breath down near him."

UGH!!!!

"Baxian still hung unconscious. Pollux had beaten him into a bloody pulp last night after severing his and Athalar's wings with a blunt-toothed saw. The Helhound didn't so much as stir."

Pollux I hope you'll burn in the deepest pit of Hell and get to have the worst death in the history of SJM character deaths.

"They'd never spoken mind-to-mind outside of their dreaming, but she'd been trying since he'd arrived here. Again and again, she'd cast her mind toward his. Only silence answered."

This sounds a whole lot like a Daemati. Like I'm still not sure if she is but it seems like it.

---

Chapter 1 (Bryce's POV)

"The darkness seemed inherent to the three people standing across from her: a petite female in gray silk, and two winged males clad in black scalelike armor, one of them-the beautiful, powerful male in the center of the trio— literally rippling with shadows and stars. Rhysand, he'd called himself. The one who looked so much like Ruhn."

Let's fucking gooooo!!

"You said your name is Bryce Quinlan. That you come from another world —Midgard." Rhysand murmured to the winged male beside him. Translating, perhaps.

Yes Rhys show us how useful your Duolingo lessons were.

Rhys seems to be agitated about her.

Master of spinning bullshit, indeed. "So maybe I'm here for that. Maybe the sword sensed that dagger and ... brought me to it." Silence. Then the silent, hazel-eyed warrior laughed quietly. How had he understood without Rhysand translating? Unless he could simply read her body language, her tone, her scent—The warrior spoke with a low voice that skittered down her spine. Rhysand glanced at him with raised brows, then translated for Bryce with equal menace, "You're lying."

Bryce, honey, that's the Spymaster of the Night Court.

"I just watched my mate and my brother get captured by a group of intergalactic parasites," she snarled. "I have no interest in doing anything except finding a way to help them." Rhysand looked to the warrior, who nodded, not taking his gaze off Bryce for so much as a blink. "Well," Rhysand said to Bryce, crossing his muscled arms. "That's true, at least."

Not Azriel functioning as Rhysand's personal lie detector. Impressive though.

" I do not pry where I am not willingly invited." Bryce lurched back in the chair, nearly knocking it over at the smooth male voice in her mind. Rhysand's voice. But she answered, thanking Luna for keeping her own voice cool and collected, "Code of mind-speaking ethics?"

LOLOLOLOLOL 🤣🤣🤣🤣

"So this is it, then. This is where we-the Midgard Fae— originated. My ancestors left this world and went to Midgard. .. and we forgot where we came from."

The theory I had since before even HOSAB came out is finally confirmed. I mean it was semi-confirmed in HOSAB but some readers still debated it.

The corner of Rhysand's mouth curled upward. "We will not torture it from you, nor will I pry it from your mind. If you choose not to talk, it is indeed your choice. Precisely as it will be my choice to keep you down here until you decide otherwise."

Bryce couldn't stop herself from coolly surveying the room, her attention lingering on the grate and the hissing that drifted up from it. "'ll be sure to recommend it to my friends as a vacation spot."

Of course Rhys has to pull the "choice" speech whenever he can 🤣 also, BRYCE LOL!!!

"You haven't seen it in fifteen thousand years, or spoken this language in nearly as long-which lines up pertectly with the timeline of the Starborn Fae arriving in Midgard."

So they exist in the same timeline then but Midgard happens to be more advanced.

"It is in our history, Rhysand," Amren said gravely. "But the Asteri were not known by that name. Here, they were called the Daglan."

Asteri are the Daglan, we guessed as much in HOSAB but that's another theory confirmed now!

"Azriel, without Rhysand to translate, watched in silence. Bryce could have sworn shadows wreathed him, like Ruhn's, yet... wilder. The way Cormac's had been."

Ruhn's darkness seemed more similar to Rhys, but Cormac was close to what we know of Shadowsingers. But if Shadows are an Avallen Fae's gifts then how is Azriel one? We're told Shadowsingers are not specific to any courts but there are no Shadowsinger Fae in Midgard than Avallen Fae. But Azriel has a unique way with his shadows (given that magic is more powerful in Prythian.

"The Veritas orb?" Amren said, and Azriel lifted an eyebrow.

Oh damn.

Rhysand mastered himself, a cool mask sliding into place. "You live in such a world." It wasn't entirely a question. But Bryce nodded. "Yes." "And they want to bring all of that ... here." "Yes." Rhysand stared ahead. Thinking it through. Azriel just kept his eyes on the space where the orb had displayed the utter destruction of her world. Dreading-and yet calculating. She'd seen that look before on Hunt's face. A warrior's mind at work.

She showed them the destruction and all the weapons the Asteri have. She even showed them Rigelus. Rhys, Azriel, and even Amren seem at a loss for words.

Bryce examined the silver bean that lay smooth and gleaming in her hand. Amren said without looking at her, "You swallow it, and it will translate our mother tongue for you. Allow you to speak it, too." "Fancy," Bryce murmured.

Of course they have a pill for translating any language and here we've been pondering about how they would communicate.

Amen turned to Rhysand and said in that new, strange language -their language: "The glowing letters inked on her back... they're the same as those in the Book of Breathings."

Oooooh Leshon Hakodesh 👀

Then Azriel said in a soft, lethal voice, "Explain or you die."

Holy hell that's hot—I mean—Azriel that's not a way to treat a woman chill the fuck out.

---

And we got to the end. This is what SJM only had available on her website. 4 more days until I get the full book and continue then 🤩!!

Also, Azriel's shadows seem to be around and thriving after all 😌 I recall being told they're gone for good based on HOSAB's ending, not that I took it seriously Lol.

[l14099l]

“I don’t see much of a reason to hang around,” Bryce said coldly. “I don’t see why you’d want to, either. You’re chattel to them. To the Autumn King, to Morven, to your dad. Your only value comes from your breeding potential. They don’t give a f*ck if you’re smart🌸 or brave🌸 or kind🌸. They only want you for your uterus, and Luna spare you if you have any troubles with it.���

- Bryce Quinlan (House of Flame and Shadow)

The one thing SJM did right in this book.

[kopfkino-o]

Questions I Hope HOFAS Answers

Are Ruhn and Lidia mates?

What about Ithan and the wolf mystic? And why did miss missy smell like "pine and snow" (ahem, Terrasen)?

Whyyy and howww does Azriel have Truth-Teller? AKA the Starsword's Twin? AKA the second half of a prophecy? Where did he find this dagger?

Did Bryce happen to fall through worlds with her cell phone?

Rhysand's last name. His connection to Ruhn. All of it.

Why was Nesta's bargain tattoo an eight-pointed star 👀

Is Elain a mystic? Can she see through worlds and time?

WHAT HAPPENS TO RUHN AND HUNT AND BAXIAN? I am so worried for them.

What's going on with the Dusk Court?

In Luna's Horn the 4th Dread Drove Item? I'm like 98% positive it is. And I also really want to know how one just like... grinds a relic into tattoo powder.

What is Armen?

Just about everything around Theia, Pellias, Helena, Fionn, and the unnamed princess This really hurts my head, so I'm going to need SJM to serve some tea on this.

Is "Parthos" the Library in Velaris? Is it in the Torre Cesme from TOD? And what does Jesiba have to do with this?

ALSO:

WHERE IS VAUGN?!?

[theywhowriteandknowthings]

The Princess and the Duke: Chapter 3 Eye of The Storm

This blog is a 18+ space, Minors, do not engage. If you are under the age of 18 you are not welcome here. Please heed these warnings and the warnings put in place on each individual fic and chapter. Your reading and consumption of my work is your responsibility but I will endeavour to mitigate any discomfort for you, the reader, as possible. Once again, this is a 18+ space and minors should not interact.  Specific Warnings: SA mention/implied, Dave gets violent with the SA'er, alcohol, past SA, trauma, women having to take precautions because of men's shitty behaviour, drinking, male masturbation, sex work, cam work, let me know if I missed anything.

Graphics made by me Please consider checking out my ko-fi or patreon if you want to support me!

Word count: 4.2k~

Read on AO3

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The next few weeks pass without incident, your mom seems to take a break from her current fling. That, or she’s getting better at hiding it.

But you’ve decided it’s none of your business anyway. You’ve set up your room to block the light better, re-arranged a few bits of furniture, and ditched the sad beige sheets for black and purple satin ones.

You’re almost certain Dave caught you looking at him the other day when he was swimming. Fucking yourself to the thought of him in the shower became a regular occurrence after that. You hated yourself a little for it, but at the end of the day, light masturbation over a fantasy couldn’t hurt anyone, right?

You shake it off as you prep for your stream, your new cream and gold masquerade mask in position as you sit in a gold silk robe and black lace panties. You log in to your Cam Dolls account and start up the test footage lobby.

You nod to yourself as you flop down onto the bed, testing out the angles as you lay on the bed with a sweet smile on your face. You practice a few poses, making sure your face is nice and concealed with the new mask before resettling into your office chair.

You check your inbox, grateful for the automatic filtering of images the site provides. You have the option to click through to view any image that comes in, but the default blur protects you from what you can only estimate have been thousands of dick pics men have sent over the years.

DukeSilver09 sent you a photo.

The notification shows up mere seconds before you’re due to start streaming, but on some strange whim you open it, almost hoping to see what your most generous patron is packing. He’d recently removed the anonymous flag from his username and when you had looked back through the transaction logs, you’d almost fallen off your chair at the lifetime tip total.

You click the image and there’s a strange warmth in your chest as you see the beautifully captured photograph of a single flower in a vase. A lily. Pink hues bleeding through the centre of the white petals, orange anthers almost luminous in the evening light.

You look up to see you’re already overdue to start. You yelp softly to yourself as you hit the space bar, starting the stream.

~*~

Dave hopes Luna likes lilies, he’d seen the bouquet at a local florist, purchasing it on a whim as he thought about how much your mom might like it. He was really trying, especially since she’d clearly taken a break from Bryce.

But your mom was in one of her usual moods, punishing Dave for her mistakes, for the fact she wouldn’t be able to see Bryce for some time. So, the flowers had gone unnoticed, or actively ignored, so naturally, his thoughts drifted back to Luna.

Because if they didn’t drift to her, it would be you he’d be thinking of, and he can’t let those thoughts take root. He had taken a photo of the single stem, choosing the prettiest of them all, and snapped away for over an hour until he got the perfect shot.

 As long as the job goes well tomorrow, he’ll be home by dinnertime. He wonders absently if you’ll be home, you’d been texting frequently throughout the business trip, and he justifies it by telling himself he’s just trying to be a good stepdad.

“Hey there Daddy, you miss me?”

Dave’s mind goes blank as he discards all thoughts about his life at home as he reclines on his bed in his hotel room in Tbilisi. Luna has recently started calling her viewers Daddy and it nearly gave Dave an aneurism the first time he heard it. She’s dressed in Dave’s favourite set, the black lacey thong and matching bra with peekaboo slits. Her nipples are already stiff and inviting.

“You bet I did baby.”

Dave hums under his breath as he pulls his dick out of his sweatpants, it’s too hot and he wishes he were nude, but after the incident in Borneo he vowed to never sleep commando on a mission again.

“I’m missing you so much,” She says with a soft coo as she pouts at the camera, “Haven’t gotten laid in weeks, and these toys just don’t cut it. Might put on a slutty red dress and try my luck this weekend.”

Dave watches in reverence as Luna goes through her new routine, with a generous sprinkling of Daddy added in for effect. He comes hard over his fingers and abs, breathing heavily as he hears Princess Luna come undone as well. A name falls from his lips without thinking, your name, but it’s not until he’s coming down from his high the realisation hits him.

He’s thinking less and less about Princess Luna when he watches her, and more and more about you.

~*~

It’s been a week since Dave got home, and he’s been giving you the cold shoulder. Your mother keeps nagging you about getting a job, or maybe even re-applying for the bar. She assures you lawyers get better pay in Texas due to the cost of living being so much lower than somewhere like New York.

But you’re just not interested.

A notification comes up on your phone as you’re sprawled out on your bed, covered in just a hoodie and yoga pants.

Dave: Have you seen my USMC hoodie?

You look down at the olive-green article of clothing swamping your upper half as you smile. The USMC logo faded and worn, but still very visible as it stretches across your breasts, and you chuckle to yourself. It still smells like him, even though you stole it weeks ago, before his business trip to the Middle East. You should feel guilty, you should wash it and put it back where you found it, but you don’t want to.

 You: Not seen it, sorry old man.

Dave: Dammit woman, relent with the “Old Man” shit.

You smile to yourself as you know he’s been watching Parks and Rec, the tongue-in-cheek use of “Dammit woman” something he’s picked up from Ron Swanson.

You: Never, also, I have a bone to pick with you.

Dave: Oh?

You: The Last of Us is fucking sad, I gave you a light-hearted, whimsical series about friendship and joy. I just cried my fucking heart out over Bill and Frank.

Dave: You started watching it without me?

You scoff, as if he has any right to be annoyed at you after the cold shoulder, he’s been giving you.

You: Not my fault you’ve been avoiding me.

You hit send and instantly regret it. Fear pools in your stomach as you consider un-sending it before he can read it. But you’re out of luck, the double blue tick under the message tells you there’s no going back. He types for a few seconds, the ripple of three dots flashing once, then stopping, then flashing again until he stops typing completely.

“Shit.”

You grumble to yourself before throwing your phone to the foot of the bed. You lie back, exhaling through your nose as you try to devise the best way to walk this back. Your text tone pings, and you scramble to the edge of the bed to read it.

Ashleigh: You still on for tonight babe?

You groan at the prospect of going out, but maybe it’s what you need, to get away from Dave. To clear your head. Maybe you’ll even bring someone home.

~*~

Dave doesn’t see you, nor hear from you for the rest of the day. He checks his emails, watches some more of Parks and Rec, then works out. He pushes himself to overexertion, trying to burn the feelings away through sore muscles and the inevitable endorphin rush.

He heads up the stairs, fresh out of the shower, in just a pair of grey sweatpants and a white short-sleeve Henley. Water droplets bead in his hair as he lets it air dry. He grabs a beer from the fridge and sits at the breakfast island to scroll through the news on his phone. International news was surprisingly quiet on his recent job, which both relieved him and made him a little bitter at the lack of infamous, anonymous, acclaim he so often basked in after a job.

“Hey mom, I’m heading out, Ashleigh’s here!”

His head snaps up at the sound of your voice and he curses the way his body reacts to it. Dave takes a steadying breath as he hears you coming down the stairs, your steps are slower, more purposeful than your normal hurried stomping. Dave hates that he can tell something is up just from hearing your footsteps. He convinces himself it’s because of his line of work, but he knows it’s not that.

“Oh, hey Dave, found your hoodie.”

Your voice sends shivers down his spine as he looks up from his phone. His nostrils flare and his mouth is suddenly drier than the Sahara. The red dress is impossibly tight, showing off every dip, curve, and swell of your body. A small silver clutch in one hand and a very familiar looking green hoodie in the other. Your heels are so tall he can barely understand how you are able walk in them, which explains the change in your gait.

“Hey, thanks.”

He nods curtly before taking a swig of his beer, his eyes flicking straight back to the news on his phone. He has to look away, he’s already at half-mast and the guilt that gnaws at his stomach is already too much to bear.

“Jesus Dave, lighten up, it’s Friday night.”

You sigh before throwing the hoodie over the stool opposite him. You both turn to look towards the front door as Ashleigh blares her horn.

“Have a good night,” Dave murmurs your name as he rakes his eyes over you once more, he sees the way you look at him, devouring his domesticity as he consumes your purposeful display of raw sexuality in turn. He doesn’t understand you and that pisses him off. It’s his job to read people, to know them, and yet here you are, making him feel more nervous than he has done in decades.

“Sure, you too, Duke.”

Dave’s blood runs cold as he chokes on his beer. You give him a confused look as Ashleigh blares her horn again.

“Duke, like Duke Silver from Parks and Rec? Fuck, I’ll remember not to crack wise at you again.”

Before Dave can answer you’re gone, slamming the front door, which in turn makes your mother yell after you. He groans as he drops his head into his hands. His dick aches as he adjusts himself in his sweats before finishing his beer. He heads to the fridge, grabs the rest of the six pack before scooping up his hoodie.

He almost comes in his pants as he pulls it over his head. All he can smell is you. That coconut body wash you get imported from the UK, your caffeine shampoo that smells like black pepper and pine, and something he’s never had the pleasure of experiencing before. Your natural scent, like nothing he has ever known. Sweet, but musky. Soft, but tinged with perspiration. It’s intoxicating and cloying, he feels like he’s being smothered to death but making no attempt to stop it.

“I’m going to hell for this.”

~*~

You don’t know where it all went wrong.

You’re sat on the wet, filthy tiles of Tristan – the guy you went home with because you thought might have been a good lay – and his housemates’ bathroom. Mascara tracks down your cheeks and you think your nose is broken, blood drips onto the floor between your legs as you sob into the palm clamped over your mouth.

“Open the fucking door.”

Tristan’s nasally voice barks as he slams his body against the flimsy barrier between you. Your dress is torn, you don’t know where one of your shoes is, and you’re fumbling with your phone to try and get hold of Ashleigh. But every time it goes to voicemail. You grind your teeth together in frustration as you swallow your pride and call Dave.

It rings twice before he declines the call. Your heart clenches tightly in your chest as more tears spring forth. You try again, and again, and on the fourth attempt he finally picks up.

“What?”

He barks down the phone, and you let out another hiccupping sob at his tone. You pull your phone away from your face ready to hang up but as your finger trembles over the red “End Call” button you hear his voice again.

“Hey? Hey, what’s going on?”

His voice immediately softening as he hears your distress.

“Dave I-,” You sob again, “I need you to come get me.”

“Where are you?”

You reel off the address, inwardly praising yourself for making sure to jot it down on your notes app when you decided to go home with this asshole. Unfortunately, it isn’t the first time you’ve had to get someone to help after a one-night stand has gone wrong. You thought you’d learned from your mistakes, but if that were the case you wouldn’t be here right now.

“Maps says it’ll take me fifteen minutes, think you can hold on for that long sweetheart?”

“I think so.”

“Want me to stay on the line?”

“I don’t have much battery left, but yes, please.”

“So, want to talk about what happened?”

“Sure,” You take a steadying breath, grateful for the distraction, “Was having a great night, Ashleigh found someone to go home with, nice looking girl too.”

“Oh yeah? And what about you?” You hear the Mustang roar to life in the background as a car door slams.

“My guy was nice looking, not so nice when it came to fully informed, enthusiastic consent.” You laugh bitterly as your toes curl in discomfort. There’s silence on the other end for a few seconds and you have to check your phone hadn’t died.

“This fucker hurt you?”

Dave’s tone is impossibly dark, menacing even as you try not to think about how much that turns you on.

“No, but I think I broke my nose when I headbutted him.”

Dave laughs at that; a soft exhale and you feel like he approves of your ill-gotten injury.

“You make the fucker squeal?”

“Something like that,” You laugh, finding Dave’s voice soothing as you hear the engine snarling in the background as Dave races through the streets of Austin, “I’m sorry Dave, sorry about being such an ass.”  

“Enough of that, I’m not far now, hang on baby, I’ve got you.”

Baby.

The pet name shouldn’t get you so hot and bothered, but it does, despite sitting in some shit-head’s bathroom, his blood and your own smeared on your lips and your eyes raw from crying. Despite everything, you’d give anything to hear him call you that again.

“Dave it’s been like ten minutes at most, how?”

“Ran a few red lights, might be speeding a little, doesn’t matter.”

“Dave, don’t do anything stupid for me.”

“I’d do anything to keep you safe,” Your name spills from his lips and you finally let go. Tears stream down your cheeks as you finally admit to yourself that you like Dave way more than you should. All you want is to be wrapped up in his arms as he just holds you.

“Ok I’m out-.” The line goes dead, and you look down to see a blank screen.

~*~

Dave sprints up the stairs, pistol tucked into the back of his sweatpants as his breath comes in short, aggressive bursts. Logically he knows it’s just that your phone died, but the moment the line went dead something inside him snapped.

He composes himself as he reaches the apartment door. He can hear multiple male voices on the other side and his jaw ticks to the side as he tries to control his rage. He knocks gently and waits for the door to swing open. A broad, blonde-haired, blue-eyed asshole appears as the smell of cheap cigarettes and booze rolls over the threshold. Dave smirks at the state of the larger man’s face, his right eye is swollen, and his nose plugged with tissue.

“Hey there, which one of you fine gentlemen is Tristan?”

“Who the fuck are you?”

“That doesn’t matter, all that matters is you’re going to let me in, show me where your bathroom is, and I’m going to take the woman hiding in there home, understood?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, get lost.”

Tristan tries to slam the door in Dave’s face, but he anticipated this. He slams his palm against the flimsy door before shoving with all his might. Tristan is caught off guard and stumbles back into the apartment.

“I’m so glad you decided to be a prick.”

Dave’s smile doesn’t leave his face as Tristan comes at him swinging but unlike Tristan, Dave is sober. He ducks under the blow with ease, he jabs Tristan twice in the side, precise strikes to the kidney and liver. Tristan makes a sound like a wounded animal as he thrashes around.

Dave dances around the lumbering oaf – toying with his prey – loving the thrill of dominating such a bigger man with just good footwork and keen reflexes. It makes his blood sing in his veins; his smile is so wide it burns his cheeks with exertion. He could do this for hours.

He lets Tristan flail for a bit longer, but the joy quickly fades as Dave remembers why he’s here. He cracks a swift uppercut to the asshole’s jaw to finish him off. Tristan crumples like a sack of shit and Dave flexes his hand, working out the pain from the impact.

The other two spring up off the couch and before they can cross the distance Dave has his gun pointed at Tristan’s head.

“Either of you touch the girl?”

Dave barks as he cocks the hammer back in a warning. Both men shake their heads, holding their palms up in surrender as Dave nods slowly.

“Good, now I’m going to get the girl and take her home. I’m a federal agent, so if you two shit heads or this one,” Dave gestures with his gun at the unconscious lump on the floor, “Come after her, or try and report this to law enforcement, I will come back, and I won’t be as merciful.”

Dave stalks through the apartment, calling out your name and the moment he hears your voice it’s as if nothing else matters. He makes a beeline for the only closed door in the apartment and knocks gently. The door opens and his heart seems like it stops as he takes you in.

Your dress is ripped, there’s so much blood on your bare skin, your eyes are puffy, and your make-up is smeared all over your face.

“Let’s get you home.”

Dave scoops you up into his arms and he carries you out of the shitty apartment, you don’t miss the way his lips brush against the crown of your head as you bury your face into his chest.

~*~

Your mom is asleep – or more accurately, passed out – by the time you and Dave return home. Dave tries to take you upstairs, to your room, but you protest meekly.

“No,” You breathe as you fist your hands in Dave’s blood-stained hoodie, “Don’t want to be alone, can we go downstairs?”

“Whatever you need.” Dave responds, his voice barely more than a whisper as he lowers you down. You test your balance and the moment you can stand you pull away from Dave. You’re embarrassed, you’re almost thirty years old and you’ve just relived one of many horrific moments in your life that you swore you would never let happen again.

Worst of all, you got Dave mixed up in it.

“I’m just going to lock up, head on down, I’ll be with you in a minute.”

There’s a brief pause where your eyes meet, and you know he didn’t mean it that way but the look on his face tells you he realises how it sounded. He coughs awkwardly and turns towards the kitchen. Your eyes widen as you see the gun tucked into his sweatpants, the hem of his hoodie caught up around the handle, exposing the piece to you with mother of pearl grips glinting as he walks.

You stumble downstairs into the basement and make your way into Dave’s room. His PC is on, but you don’t notice the Cam Dolls website open as you stumble into the ensuite, if you were in any other state of mind, you probably would have.

You strip off, your damaged dress practically coming undone at the seams. You spend what feels like hours under the hot water, lathering Dave’s shower gel over your body. You wrap yourself in his scent and wash it off. Only to repeat the process again and again as you try and wash the touch of your assailant from your skin. Eventually you give up, the intrusive thoughts muted as much as you can hope for as you wrap yourself up in one of the fluffy grey towels on the shelf.

You step out into his bedroom to see a grey US Navy t-shirt, a pair of black sweatpants and your baby blue moccasin-style slippers in a neat pile on the end of Dave’s bed. The bedroom door is closed, and you quickly slip into the clothes left for you. The PC monitor is now off, but you’re not paying much attention to your surroundings anyway.

You head into the basement to see Dave sat on the edge of the sofa, elbows on his knees and hands clasped together as his strong chin rests atop them. He’s lost deep in thought as you approach. You seem to startle him as you sit down next to him. He turns to look at you with a vacant stare.

You can’t help but drink him in, his plush lips part softly, his dark eyes swimming with emotion as he looks you over. You want to straddle his hips, kiss him, and lose yourself in him, just like with his body wash. You want him to make you forget, you want him to comfort you.

But most of all, you just want him.

“Hey.” You say softly as you search his dark eyes for any indication of what he’s thinking.

“Hey.”

“I think I just popped my nose, doesn’t seem broken.” You say as you scrunch up your face and wiggle your nose, only wincing slightly at the stab of pain the action brings.

“Good.” Is all Dave can muster as he feels his heart break at the sight of you. You’re forlorn, lost, vulnerable. He laments that your usual sass and barbed tongue are ostensibly muted.

He feels responsible somehow, maybe if he’d not been so wrapped up in his own internal struggle, he would have gotten you to stay in, watch tv together. Do anything else but let you go out and let someone hurt you.

“Dave?”

His head snaps up as he realises that he’s been spiralling.

“What? What can I do?”

“I don’t want to be weird,” You take a deep breath as you try and muster the courage to ask for what you need, but you fumble, “But could we put something on the TV?”

“Of course.” Dave answers almost without thinking but he can’t understand your hesitancy.

“Cool, cool,” You nod quickly before you just let go and ask for what you want, “Shit, no, that’s not what I wanted to ask. Can you- can you hold me?”

Dave’s brain almost short circuits as he replays the words over in his mind like a broken record. He opens his mouth and closes it a few times before you chicken out. You feel the sting of rejection constrict tightly in your chest and you feel the tears burning in your eyes as you realise how fucked up you must sound.

“Sorry, forget it, I’m just drunk,” You lie, “I think I should just head to bed.”

You move to get up but the press of Dave’s broad hand on your thigh stops you in your tracks. You look up to see longing in Dave’s eyes as he gives you a soft, vulnerable smile.

“Come here.”

Dave removes his hand from your leg as he leans back, spreading his arms wide, an invitation.

You take a shaky breath, and do as you’re told. You scoot closer to him, pulling your feet underneath you as you lean into his chest. You let out a soft hum as his one arm moves from around the back of the sofa to curl around you. His other hand falls to your knee, squeezing gently as you press into him. He removes his hand from your knee for a brief moment to start the next episode of Parks and Rec.

You both know it’s wrong, that this is crossing a line and coming back from this would be difficult, if not impossible. But neither of you can bring yourselves to stop, not now, and maybe not ever.

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Secret Pal Event Masterlist—April 2024

Kindness is never wasted! Thank you to everyone who joined this Secret Pal event! I hope you enjoyed learning more about your matches' characters and pairings and enjoy the gift given to you. I've loved seeing what everyone created! Keep spreading kindness and sharing your characters and pairings with our wonderful fandom! 💖

Alphabetical by user name of the giftee Please let me know if you see any errors or any links that are wrong

💖 To: @aallotarenunelma 💙 From: @noesapphic

Dan Pierce x MC moodboard and poem

💖 To: @abelflints 💙 From: @storyofmychoices

Lincoln x MC Art

💖 To: @cadybear420 💙 From: @lilyoffandoms

Tom x MC Art

💖 To: @jerzwriter 💙 From: @peonierose

Trystan x MC Art

💖 To: @ladylamrian 💙 From: @moominofthevalley

Blades MC Moodboard + Tavern Playlist

💖 To: @lilyoffandoms 💙 From: @cadybear420

Trystan x MC Edits

💖 To: @moominofthevalley 💙 From: @jerzwriter

Springs Eternal: Trystan and Emily enjoy a perfect spring day.

💖 To: @noesapphic 💙 From: @aallotarenunelma

Lucas x MC Aesthetic

💖 To: @peonierose 💙 From: @tveitertotwrites

Luna Moodboards

💖 To: @princess-geek 💙 From: @ladylamrian

Desire & Decorum edits, moodboard, and drabble + Blades drabble

💖 To: @storyofmychoices 💙 From: @thosehallowedhalls

Comfort: Alex is less than happy with her performance. Can Thomas offer comfort?

A Stagger in the Woods: Mal had a little too much to drink. It's up to Daenarya to help him make his way through the woods.

💖 To: @thosehallowedhalls 💙 From: @abelflints

Blades MC Edit

💖 To: @tveitertotwrites 💙 From: @princess-geek

Tobias x MC Moodboard

Thank You Mini Moodboards for Participants

@aallotarenunelma — Ash Clark

@abelflints — Lincoln McQuoid

@cadybear420 — Aiden Zhou

@jerzwriter — Tobias x Casey

@ladylamrian — Nik x Alex

@lilyoffandoms — Tyril x Maiele

@moominofthevalley — Trystan Thorne

@noesapphic — Vasili Thorne

@peonierose — Bryce Lahela

@princess-geek — Beatrice Foredale

@thosehallowedhalls — Trystan Thorne

@tveitertotwrites — Derek x Charlie