come away with me

21+ onlyLove the drama gimme the angst No smut, fade to black

[luciddream5]

Hello!

Welcome to my little corner. Let me start by saying that, yes, indeed, this is an all female page and they are all straight. That is what I'm comfortable writing. If a time comes when I'm comfortable attempting a male, I'll do it. Currently, I don't feel I write males well, and I'd rather not give anyone something poor just to appease someone else's issues. :) Truly, if you have a problem with what someone writes, that's a you thing, not a me thing. I'm not trying to be rude, but it's all about having fun and writing what's fun to you.

I am open to romantic ships, obviously, but also friendships, siblings/relatives, exes, and more.

I don't write smut so it's fade to black. Please see my rules for more info.

I promise I'm nice. I just tend to be black & white thus I can be rather direct. I LOVE to plot so come at me, message me, chat with me - let's do ALL the things, ok?!

Feel free to let me know if any links don't work properly or, even, if you see typos on any of these pages. I want to fix those things. :) Nav if my page is working:

Rules Nav Muses Open Starters Wanted Plots Wanted Plots (muse specific) Wanted Opposites Alternative Nav, if my page/links above aren't working:

Rules Muses [with access to bios]

[brokensbcys]

Finn knew first-hand how difficult it could be to step into someone else's world, to learn their traditions, understand their jokes, and hope to be accepted without having to change who you were. Yet Emma had never seemed overwhelmed by any of it. She embraced every conversation, every playful argument, every chaotic family gathering with genuine warmth, and his siblings had welcomed her just as naturally. His family wasn't always easy for outsiders to understand. They were protective, cheeky, and often overwhelming, but they loved with everything they had. Seeing Emma return that love without hesitation made something inside Finn settle. It reassured him that the future he secretly imagined, and a home filled with the same warmth he'd grown up with might actually become a reality. She wasn't just someone he loved; she had become part of the people he loved most, and that meant everything to him.

A soft smile spread across Finn's lips as Emma settled comfortably on his lap, instinctively drawing closer until there wasn't any space left between them. His hands found their familiar place against her waist, gently holding her there while his arms wrapped around her with quiet affection. He rested his forehead briefly against hers before burying his face near her neck, breathing in the comforting scent that was uniquely hers. It grounded him instantly, washing away every lingering worry until all he could focus on was the warmth of her body against his and the steady rhythm of her breathing. Closing his eyes for a moment, he pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek before pulling back just enough to meet her gaze. "I promise you can do whatever you want to me, whenever you want," Finn signed with complete sincerity, a small, lovestruck smile tugging at his lips. "I'll never say no to you." His thumbs traced slow circles over her waist before his expression softened even further. "I won't," he signed after a brief pause, honouring the promise she'd asked of him. "Because you asked me not to." His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, protective instincts surfacing despite his gentle demeanour. "But you know I'd hurt anyone who put their hands on you."

[luciddream5]

In some ways, it was really hard stepping into Finn’s world. She had some small introductions to it with befriending Remy before she and Finn got together. Even still, it was simply so incredibly foreign to her that she sometimes got quiet, just watching to try to understand. It took a little time for Emma to open up about her past to Finn. She didn’t want to wait too long in case it was too much for him and he wanted to end things. She did tell him that Remy didn’t know, that most people didn’t know. She knew it might be tough for him to keep this secret from his family, but the last thing she wanted was to freak any of them out or for them to pity her in any way. Over time, she grew to really love his family, and telling them her history became harder, not wanting them to see her differently. She truly tried not to think about it, but she wasn’t typically successful. As it was, so much of who she was, how she acted was shaped by all of it, and sometimes it stood out in her mind or something caused a flash of a memory or, like tonight, a nightmare.

Settling on Finn’s lap, Emma seemed to relax more, to feel some of that weight and fear slip away. Just being close to him helped, like some tangible reminder everything was alright. She hugged him, mostly needing the contact, but also this small push to remind herself touching him was okay. He wouldn’t punish her for doing it without permission. When they finally drew back, she smiled softly at him. His signed words had her unable to help the quiet little laugh, the smile on her lips, “Don’t tell me that. We might never leave this house,” she teased, a brow raised slightly with a playfully flirtatious look. “You can do whatever you want to me whenever you want, too,” she added, the words flirtatious but also genuine, “I’m yours,” she added. She shifted her body to straddle his lap so they could face each other. Fingers lifted slowly, brushing them against his cheek, leaning in after he signed to her, and kissing him softly, slowly, letting it linger. She drew back so she could sign to him once more, “I know, but I don’t want you to do anything that could get you hurt or arrested."

[brokensbcys]

Isaiah stepped out ahead of her without looking back, welcoming the sharp bite of the cold air as it settled against his skin. The chill filled his lungs with every steady breath, grounding him in a way the crowded room never could. He could feel the tension sitting heavily in his shoulders, buried deep in his muscles and bones, making every movement seem stiffer than it should have been. When he felt her hand lightly brush against his arm, he instinctively pulled away. It wasn't meant to be cruel or rejecting; he simply wasn't ready to be touched. Right then, affection felt impossible beneath the weight of his emotions. He needed a little distance, a chance to untangle the knot in his chest before he could be close to anyone again. The silence between them stretched as they crossed the parking lot, broken only by the distant hum of traffic and the crunch of their footsteps. Reaching the car, Isaiah opened the driver's door, slid into the seat, and shut the door behind him with a quiet thud. He adjusted himself until he was comfortable, leaning back against the seat.

"You were giving some other guy attention," Isaiah explained, his voice calm but carrying the frustration he'd been trying to suppress. "I was sitting there at the table and you didn't even introduce me. I was just sitting there." He turned to face her, his expression no longer angry so much as disappointed, wanting her to understand rather than simply defend herself. "As your boyfriend, is it wrong for me to get jealous seeing you getting all giddy and playful with someone else? I don't like that, and the longer it was happening, the more it was pissing me off." He let the words hang in the air instead of rushing to fill the silence, taking another measured breath before continuing. "It wasn't just that you were talking to him. I know you're allowed to have conversations with people. It was feeling invisible while it happened that got to me." His eyes dropped briefly to his hands before returning to her. "If you'd introduced me, included me in the conversation, or even looked over once in a while, I probably wouldn't have felt like this. Instead, I just sat there wondering if you'd forgotten I was even there."

[luciddream5]

Inside the party, with the noise, already Aspen’s nerves were more frayed. She wasn’t as kind or understanding or willing to talk or anything of her normal self. The more he tried to have that conversation there, the more on edge she’d become. She could feel the frustration bubbling over, not with him, but with the environment, with her inability to really hear him well or understand what was happening. She caught pieces, understood he wasn’t happy about her chatting with her friend, Aidan. Had Aidan flirted with her? Well, that honestly never even dawned on her so she wouldn’t know. Maybe, but even now, she didn’t think about it, didn’t even consider it possible. Once they were outside, she eased a little, and being closed up in the car was even better. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Looking over at him, she spoke, waiting for him to talk, watching his lips out of habit. The fact of it was, her hearing had gotten a little worse, but Aspen was in full denial. Her family said something to her, but she blew them off. They knew not to push just yet. She wasn’t ready. Did some part of her realize it? Yes. She simply didn’t want to accept it, accept this might mean hearing aids now. Her nose crinkled slightly when she realized why he was bothered, the mistakes she had made. But when he continued, she shifted, brow raised, “Playful and giddy?” she huffed a bit, signing at the same time without really thinking about it. “Ok,” she paused a moment, “I messed up, and should’ve introduced you,” she admitted, “but I was not playful and giddy with Aidan. You act like I was flirting with him. I wasn’t,” she pressed back. “I am sorry I didn’t introduce you or try to include you. We were talking in ASL, and you don’t know it, yet so even if I tried to pull you in, you would have no idea what we were saying. More than 90% was signing, Isaiah.” Aspen paused, taking in another breath, “I’m sorry I talked to him for so long. I didn’t realize. I should’ve told you the noise was getting to be too much for me. I – I just – we hadn’t been there long. I was trying to hang in there. Maybe I don’t belong at parties anymore. I – I knew it’d be a struggle, but… I guess didn’t know it’d be that rough.”

[oddctelier]

MOST DAYS DANTE FOUND HIMSELF quickly wrapping up sessions at the gym. Any chance that he could get to have some ring time he would take, and he could really only do that if he finished his day job. Luckily for him he'd only had a couple of clients in the afternoon, for some reason not a lot of people liked to workout too late in the afternoon. Unless they were in the palates or a yoga class of some sort. Just as he'd finished wiping down the last of his equipment he had turned to the sound of someone clearing their throat behind him. "Mia? I'm surprised to see you here." She'd always been so soft spoken when he stopped by the women's shelter, mostly keeping to herself. He couldn't exactly blame her since he'd seen what she'd gone through on the news, by all accounts it was incredibly traumatic. "You're never too small to learn some type of self defense." He gave her a smile and crossed his arms over his chest as she said she wouldn't be able to pay. "Well, the gym owner will definitely want you to pay for a self defense class. As for working it off, I don't know if he'll do something like that, I can ask but...." he trailed off with a small shrug. "Though since you'd be learning from me anyway, we can just meet somewhere outside of the gym and I can teach you some stuff."

[luciddream5]

Mia remembered Dante from the shelter. She’d kept quiet, to herself the couple times they had him there to talk to the ladies about safety, ways to protect themselves. They weren’t actual classes, but it sparked something in the back of her mind. Maybe if she’d just been a stronger or smarter or knew what to do… maybe she wouldn’t have had so many terrible things happen. Maybe she would’ve had freedom before she was 21, receiving by chance, really. She didn’t want to be an easy target – and they’d told her, told all the women they had to be careful. It was more common for victims to end up re-victimized. That possibility ran in her head so many times, so many nights, especially. Now that she was living on her own, she just felt… well, small, scared, woefully unprepared for such a daunting task. And she knew a few people who helped run the shelter didn’t know if she’d make it on her own either which was hard to ignore.

Entering the gym, she took in a breath, glad he’d been there. If he hadn’t, well, she might’ve just walked out. She wasn’t terribly certain, hadn’t planned out that possibility. Brushing it aside, she dipped her head shyly, “Y-Yeah… you remember me?” she was surprised, then again, she knew her face had been on the news for months. It made it hard to exist. Even now, Mia went very few places alone. This had been an undertaking as it was, nervous being out by herself. Glancing down at her very tiny form, she looked back up at him. He was so much bigger, in her eyes, but she simply nodded slowly. “Oh – uh – um… I… um…” she stammered, then simply nodded. “Ok,” she settled with a rough breath. “I – I think that – that’d be better. I’m not so sure how I’d do in a whole class and I – I’m not always so good with people touching me,” she admitted quietly, shyly, almost like she was embarrassed by it. “But if – if it’s j-just you I – I think I, um, I think it’ll be ok,” she added even though she had no idea.

[brokensbcys]

Giovanni couldn't help feeling grateful that Mia had become such an important part of his life. Being with her never felt complicated or forced; everything between them seemed to settle into place naturally, as though they instinctively understood one another. Where he was impulsive, she often brought calm and perspective. Where she hesitated, he encouraged her to be bold. It created a balance that neither of them had expected to find, but one they had both come to rely on. He admired the way she challenged him without trying to change who he was, and he hoped he offered her the same sense of reassurance in return. Looking at her now, he smiled with quiet sincerity, wanting her to know exactly where she stood with him. “I'm always going to look out for you as well. You know that, Mia,” he promised, his voice carrying an easy confidence that made it clear those weren't empty words. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before drifting over her outfit with open admiration, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I like it when you wear those pretty milkmaid dresses,” he admitted. “They really suit you.” He chuckled softly before tilting his head. “Have you got one of them upstairs?” he asked with genuine curiosity. Giovanni had always appreciated classic, feminine fashion, and there was something about those flowing dresses that caught his attention every time. To him, they complemented Mia perfectly.

Without waiting too long, Giovanni turned and headed upstairs, taking the steps two at a time with the restless energy that seemed to follow him wherever he went. He disappeared briefly into the hallway before pausing outside the bedroom, glancing back over his shoulder toward Mia with an expectant grin. “I'm going to find myself a jacket,” he called. “Do you think I should wear my brown leather one, or just go for a blazer over my shirt type of look?” Although he enjoyed putting outfits together, he valued Mia's opinion just as much as his own. He wanted to make a good impression, but more importantly, he wanted to wear something she genuinely liked seeing him in. Pulling open the wardrobe, he studied the rows of neatly hung clothes before lifting the leather jacket from its hanger and holding it against himself.

[luciddream5]

Mia tended to feel like she was a lot, in some ways. She knew she was different, which she figured was really the nice way to say it. But Giovanni never made her feel badly about her struggles, about the things that required extra patience or extra help from him. It was something she appreciated, this ability to simply breathe and relax around him. And when she did get overwhelmed or freaked out, she absolutely trusted he’d be right there. Those moments certainly happened. One of the things she adored, appreciated, though, was he made it feel equal. He made her feel like he didn’t just love her, but he needed her, too. A smile formed, nodding, “I know – definitely. You are really good at looking out for me, taking care of me.” When they stood, she glanced down, tugging at the oversized shirt – mainly so due to her very tiny size, and the shorts that even hung a bit, like they were a little big and definitely not made for her small frame. She’d quickly discovered how hard it was to shop at her height and size. Lifting her gaze to him, she smiled, “You do?” she perked up, making a mental note of it. Nodding, “I have a couple of ‘em, yeah.” It was clear she was now more eager to change, knowing he’d like the outfit. She didn’t have a ton of clothes as she never had any expendable income before moving in with him. She knew she needed to shop, but Mia mostly still refused to go places alone, especially anything large like a mall.

Following Giovanni upstairs, it took her slightly longer, though she couldn’t help the slight smile at him taking 2 at a time. She wasn’t sure her short legs could manage that, but she was momentarily tempted to try before thinking better of it. His words actually distracted her as she reached the top, nodding. There was a pause at his question, slowly, she smiled, appreciating that he asked what she thought. Sure, there were times even such a simple decision might throw her, overwhelm her because she wasn’t in the right headspace, but she was currently able to consider. Tapping her lips with a single finger, she glanced over him, “I think…. Leather cause it’s soft,” she nodded like that made it more definitive Heading to the closet, she glanced through the dresses, she pulled out her favorite one. She thought it fit her the best, a very light green color with dark green tiny flowers on it. She stripped out of her outfit, slipping the dress on before turning to him, “Do you like this one?” she asked, lightly brushing her fingers through her long red hair to make sure she hadn't messed it up too much.

[oddctelier]

WHEN LUCAS HAD FIRST ENCOUNTERED Sierra he thought the young girl was a lot braver than any child he has ever encountered. Walking into a hang out where violence was the norm is nothing that he would have done when he was her age. Then again the two had completely different upbringings so he had little to base things on. To be fair, meeting all of Cass's family was a bit of a shock to him. They acted so differently from his own and none of his fellow gang members came from really well off family situations so he didn't have a positive outlook on how a father should treat his children. It's probably one of the reasons he has grown fond of her dad, he's the kind of father Lucas wished he had growing up. At least when it comes to her dad he isn't angry at her the way he's angry at his sister for getting a better father. "You know me so well." He said, grinning at her assumption. "Good news is all of them love kids, so they wouldn't hurt one if they knew what was good for them."

There was a certain level of comfort that Lucas felt with Cass that he didn't get with anyone else. Even though his fellow members had their own fare share of trauma, Cass's just felt closer on a personal level. Shared scars meant that he didn't have to hide them or at least he didn't have to hide them from her. That was a scary thought, being vulnerable meant that he would have to admit that he wasn't as strong as he would like to be. He can't be a leader if he isn't strong, but sometimes strength is found in being in that vulnerable state. The thought made him cringe, it sounded like he got it from an after school special. Cass was stronger than he would ever be, Lucas leaned into the darkness that came from his past while Cass chose to be the kind girl in front of him. That kindness always had a way of pulling Lucas right to her like a beacon of hope. "Well, I think the two of you were perfect for your parents. Even if they were wanting one more." He let out a chuckle at the thought of her dad having multiple wives to have all of those kids, as outlandish as it sounded he could still picture her dad having all those kids. And he'd be damn good at it.

It felt good to finally talk to someone about his sister, someone who he didn't think would judge him for his hatred of her. Lucas felt his skin burn where she touched him, his arm instinctively flexing from the gentleness of it. "It's just, I know it's not her fault. I know she can't control how our dad treated me but it just proves that he could have been a good father. He just didn't want to be a good father to me." It was a tough thing to admit, that jealousy has been gnawing at him pretty much since he'd met Alexis and spoken to her. Her words were reassuring and he welcomed the hug. Her arms wrapping around him caused him to tighten around her, tugging her that much closer to him. "I doubt my sister even wants to see me. I was pretty rude to her last time we spoke, I called her spoiled." He admitted, the familiar feeling of regret seeping into his chest.

The hug should have lasted longer, he should have kept her pressed against him even if he wasn't sure they were on the same page. Because the moment they separated he regretted it, his skin hit with the harsh cold air instead of feeling the warmth of her body against his. Lucas didn't like to think of himself as a desperate man, that he couldn't live without someone else in his life. But he just might feel that way about Cass. He did not know it was possible to ache for someone who is right in front of you, but she is able to make him feel that way. And it would be so easy to just lean down and kiss her, so easy to pull her into his lap and pick right back up where they had left off. He couldn't tell if he was wanting to hear the doubt in her voice or if it was actually there, but it caused him to swallow thickly. If he was being honest with himself then he would admit that he hadn't even been that drunk, that he'd wanted to kiss her for so long and the buzz of alcohol just helped him get the guts to do it. "I wanted to apologize, I shouldn't have let things escalate to that point. I'm sorry." The words were heavy on his tongue because he didn't want to be sorry, he wanted to kiss her.

[luciddream5]

It was funny how bravery could show up when you wanted to help or protect someone you loved. She saw that plenty in herself and her little sister. It was harder to muster it for yourself, but for those closest to you – Cass would do just about anything and knew Sierra would, too. She was certain it was the main reason she had the courage to go to Lucas and his crew. As much as Cass tried not to let Sierra see her in her worst moments, it was hard, especially once she was home. Her little sister heard and saw the horrible nightmares, the panic attacks, the PTSD. No matter how much she and their father tried to protect her, it was impossible. She knew it scared her little sister, even if Sierra never said it. Looking over at Lucas, Cass grinned when he said she knew him well. She did, but it was nice to hear, even in playful ways – not that she wanted to consider he’d kill someone, but if it was ever justified, well, harming a kid would be the best reason as far as she consider. “Definitely very good for lil Sierra. She was small for her age back then, too. She didn’t shoot up until she was 14,” she offered, not that she was very tall, but she was an inch taller than Cass.

Cass knew that being vulnerable was hard, absolutely cherishing how he trusted her with his own wounds. It wasn’t an easy thing, something she knew first hand. She’d changed a lot since that night in the woods. In so many ways, her life felt divided into before and after that night. Even with the horrible things Garreth was doing to Cass in secret, she could kind of curtain it off to some extent, pretend, find times and moments where she felt like herself. After, though, it was different. Everything felt like it shattered on top of her, around her, inside her – and people knew about it all, too. The whispers and stares were hard, on top of learning a whole new way of life. She got softer, in a sense, quieter, even a bit unsure of herself. Slowly, she’d found better ground, but she still felt that edge of insecurity, shyness, even. Lucas, though, being around him helped. She just felt like Cass with him, all the other stuff fell away, and she hoped more than anything she did the same for him. Offering a slight shrug, “I guess we were… well… for my dad,” she countered. Her mom was a sore subject, Cass always wondering if she left because she knew what Garreth was doing to her – even if she had no evidence or inkling towards it.

Listening to Lucas, she was quiet, simply letting him talk. Sometimes that was the best thing – just getting it all out of your head. Her hand rested on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze before moving to rub his back. She couldn’t imagine what he went through, couldn’t even begin to imagine her own father acting like that. “I’m so sorry, Lucas. I can’t even imagine what that was like for you. It was probably confusing, seeing how he was different with her than with you,” she offered. Hugging him for a few moments… likely a few moments longer than she should, she released him to look at him when he spoke. “Maybe, but you won’t know if ya don’t try… but only if you want to,” she added, “I’m not tryin’ to push ya, just sayin’ if you did, I’d go with you if you wanted.”

Cass let out a soft, quiet breath when they released the hug. It was like she immediately felt this ache in her, this craving and need to be close again, one she had to fight to ignore. It wasn’t working well. All she wanted was to wrap herself up in him once more, to feel his heart beating beneath her fingers, to have his lips against her own, to feel his warmth and weight atop her… she had to stop. She was going to get aroused, to get flushed, and she didn’t know if he’d notice it. She blushed lightly despite her best efforts, head tipping down. Did he regret it? She couldn’t fully tell. Quickly though, her head lifted, “No, no, Luke… it – it’s not your fault. I don’t even remember how it started,” and that part was true. Cass couldn’t say who leaned in, who closed the distance, but she didn’t really care. “It’s both of us, we – I, I guess we drank too much and… you – you don’t have to apologize.” Cass felt like she sounded like a rambling idiot, not knowing what to say. All she wanted to do was tell him exactly how much she liked kissing him, how good he made her feel, how she thought she was too damaged to even enjoy that… but with him, it was different. She wanted to tell him how right he felt, but she was far too scared.

[lostxones]

Andrew knew all too well how opening for someone could launch a career. It had worked for his band, after all. They'd started off playing in bars and small venues around town while posting on social media. "By the end of show one, you're gonna notice a difference." A soft laugh escaped him and he shook his head slightly. "You say that now, but you don't know how persistent some of these girls get."

[luciddream5]

Aria had been gaining a little traction, but certainly nowhere near to Andrew and his band. Sure, she could have shortcut it, taken the advantage of her name, her parents, but she was far too stubborn for it. Smirking slightly, she finished off her drink, "Yeah?" she offered, "'m lookin' forward to it." There was a bright laugh, a brow raised as if he offered a challenge, "'ey... yeh don' know how persistent I can be too," she joked. "Don' worry, I can handle some groupies. If I 'ave to stick by yer side and keep yeh safe, I'll do tha'," not that she'd mind. He was one of her best friends and she did enjoy his company. "Probably will start some rumor we're datin'," she shook her head, knowing well enough how that all happened so easily.

[brokensbcys]

A satisfied grin tugged at the corners of Fletcher’s mouth as he caught the compliment in Effie’s words, his expression immediately shifting into one of exaggerated confidence. “Oh, so it’s not me you like as a person,” he began dramatically, placing a hand against his chest as though deeply wounded. “It’s the muscular and sculpted body that reels you in?" He missed Effie whenever she wasn't staying over. The apartment felt quieter without her, almost too orderly, lacking the warmth and life she naturally brought with her. He found himself reaching for his phone more often on the evenings they were apart, wondering how her day had gone or whether she had managed to get a moment to herself between everything she now carried on her shoulders. Life had changed so quickly for her, throwing unexpected responsibilities into her path and making her a mother to children she had never given birth to but had chosen to love all the same. Fletcher admired that about her more than he could ever properly explain. Watching her step into that role with patience, compassion, and unwavering determination only made him want to be beside her more.

“I didn't mean with everyone there,” he chuckled, laughing at the image that had clearly crossed both of their minds before rubbing the back of his neck. His own place wasn't anything impressive. It was a modest two-bedroom apartment that had served him perfectly well for years. He wasn't wealthy, and he had never pretended to be, but the apartment was comfortable, clean, and more than enough for him. Still, it wasn't exactly designed for a growing family, which was why his thoughts naturally drifted toward what would make the most sense for everyone involved rather than what would simply make him happiest. “Would you want me here?” he asked more quietly, the teasing giving way to genuine curiosity. “How about when I'm coming back late and walking in after work? Would it wake the kids up?” His concern wasn't really about himself; it was about making sure he didn't disrupt the routine the children needed. He knew consistency mattered, especially after everything they had been through, and the last thing he wanted was to become another source of instability in their lives. At the same time, the thought of spending more evenings together, sharing breakfasts, helping with bedtime, or simply existing in the same space sounded far better than returning to an empty apartment night after night. He smiled softly as another idea came to him, one that didn't require either of them to make a huge commitment overnight. “We could always test it out and see how it works out for us?” he offered, leaving the decision entirely in her hands. There was no pressure in his voice, only hope. “I just want to see you some more,” he admitted with an affectionate smile, his gaze settling warmly on her. “If it works for you and it works for the kids, then great. If it doesn't, we'll figure something else out. I don't need everything to change all at once.”

[luciddream5]

Effie couldn’t help the slow but bright smile that eased onto her features, eyes gazing up at him. “Exactly. I’m only with you for this sculpted body and handsome face,” she teased with a soft laugh, fingers playfully tracing down his chest with a light scrape of her nails. “You can’t blame me, you are pretty hot,” she added. Though it was true, it was clear it took far more than a hot guy to catch her attention. She had too many responsibilities for that to be the thing that drew her into a guy. He had to have much more substance, something that anchored her, and Fletcher certainly did. She quieted, simply looking at him, fingers carefully trailing through his hair, “Though I guess I could say you keep me sane,” the words pure and honest, “grounded,” she added.

A brow raised at his words, “If not with everyone there, how would that work? Who would raise them?” Effie was sure he’d never want her to simply abandon her younger siblings. They didn’t have anyone else nor did she trust anyone else. They tried that when their parents left the kids with their aunt and uncle. That went poorly, the couple in prison now. She brushed the thought, the memories aside when they flashed briefly into her head. Shifting slightly, Effie’s fingers trailed along the back of Fletcher’s neck, listening to his words. “Of course I’d want you here,” she assured. “Unless you come in like a marching band, they’ll be fine. I come in pretty late sometimes cause of work,” she shrugged. “I – I mean, if you don’t want to, I get it. It’s a lot. My life is a lot,” she spoke softly, glancing down. She couldn’t do anything about that. She did whatever was needed to take care of her brothers and sisters, and she’d keep doing it until they were raised. Hearing his compromise, she quickly looked back at him, “Yeah?” she asked, “we could do that. I think the kids will be fine. They adore you. Rio will be over the moon, obviously,” she chuckled, “but it’d be good for the boys to have a man around for – I don’t know – guy stuff. Not that you have to do anything or take on the responsibility... I don't mean it like that,” she quickly added the last part.

[lostxones]

He had been angry with her when she’d broken up with him. Incredibly angry. It had taken years for him to come to terms with the fact that that wasn’t who he wanted to be. His father had been absent and his mother had been angry. Daniel refused to be both. Years had passed before he got a handle on that rage, realizing that maybe it was what needed to happen for all of them to live better lives. “I used to be,” he admitted with a shrug. “It didn’t help.” It didn’t make him love her less. It didn’t make it hurt less.

He let out a soft laugh. “What was I supposed to do? I barely graduated high school.” If he hadn’t found a job at a local mechanic shop, he probably would have ended up in trouble. “How’s the music stuff going?”

[luciddream5]

Riley knew he was angry back then, probably hurt, too. It hurt her. As soon as she did it and left, she regretted it, but she was too stubborn and high to push herself to fix it. It was a barely lucid moment, some part of her far too afraid of dragging him down with her. She was certain, by that point, she couldn’t stop, and she’d end up dead. The last thing she wanted was for him to have to deal with that. It was bad enough she’d leave Savannah. But that helped pull her out, eventually – that and two overdoses then ending up back in front of a judge. She truly had no idea how her lawyer managed to convince the DA and judge to forgo any prison time, but he’d done it. She was beyond grateful.

“I know,” she breathed, “I thought I was doing what was best for you,” she offered quietly, slowly, eyes lifting towards him. “Things were pretty bad for awhile after that.” She’d certainly spiraled at that point, but didn’t get into it. Laughing softly, she shrugged, “I don’t know – hobbies, fun stuff. Honestly thought you might be married with kids by now... y’know… to someone less… trouble,” she settled, half tempted to call herself toxic or damaged, unsure if he’d see that in her features or not. When he brought up music, though, she shifted, a smile formed, “It’s good. I, I’m getting there. I work as an A&R Coordinator, but I also record my stuff. The first album came out, second one is getting there. I get recognized sometimes… it’s surreal,” she admitted. “It’s helped us afford this place – and her school,” she offered.

[brokensbcys]

Reed turned his head toward Jade as she admitted that she knew exactly who to call the next time she found herself in trouble, a slow, satisfied nod accompanying the faint smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. There was a quiet reassurance in the gesture, as though hearing those words eased a concern he had not even realized he had been carrying. "I'd be a good call for that. I also don't cost much. I probably wouldn't cost you anything now I've knocked you up," he chuckled, the teasing grin spreading wider across his face as he leaned back slightly. "It would be on the house since you're carrying my child now." The joke came easily, but beneath the light hearted remark sat a genuine sense of disbelief that still hadn't worn off. Reed still struggled to wrap his head around the fact that Jade was pregnant. Of all the things he'd expected when she'd turned up at his place, hearing that she was carrying his baby had never crossed his mind.

Even now, the reality felt surreal, like something he was still catching up to despite the conversation unfolding in front of him. Taking another sip from the drink he had mixed for himself, he let the cool liquid settle before answering her earlier comment. "I don't work all the time, but I do work a lot of hours," Reed explained evenly. "People's cars always need fixing." There was no complaint in his voice, only the matter-of-fact acceptance that came with years spent in a trade where work was constant and customers never seemed to run out. His gaze remained fixed on Jade, his dark eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he considered what lay ahead for both of them. "I'm sure I can ask for some shift adjustments to make sure we both can work alongside each other rather than apart." The idea sounded practical enough, one small step toward making an unexpected situation manageable. Another drink followed before he lowered the glass once more, his expression settling into something more serious. "It's something we can go into further detail with as time goes on," he explained, his tone softer now than it had been moments earlier. "I reckon there are a lot of things we'll need to talk about."

[luciddream5]

It was sort of a joke, not that Jade made it clear. The truth of it was that she was absolutely awful at asking for help. Might she swallow her pride from time to time, sure, but it usually had to be significant. Either way, she noted the nod and smile he offered. She figured he liked the idea. From what she knew, men liked to feel useful, needed. A laugh fell, shaking her head, “If I had to pay for parts of something or whatever, it’s fine. I’d figure it out. But yeah, I could handle labor being free given I have nine month plus labor and delivery for our kid. Who knows, maybe you’ll get laid if you come over and fix something,” she teased – not that she was exactly kidding. The brunette had a high sex drive, which she knew he was aware of, of course. Lifting the tea, she sipped on it carefully once more, starting to feel like her body was settling.

The whole situation still felt surreal to her, too. She hadn’t expected to turn up pregnant, to try and figure out how to fit another kid into her apartment, even. It was two bedrooms, eventually, they’d need more space and that meant more money. She had to push that aside for now. It was a problem for the future. Smirking slightly, “Don’t I know it,” she shook her head. She wasn’t sure if he ever noticed her car, but it was a total piece of junk, very old, and breaking down often. She half thought the thing ran on her willpower and determination not to let it die. Looking over at Reed, she gave a small nod, “My shifts aren’t completely regular. I work during the day 3 days a week, when Amelia’s at school, but the manager definitely still schedules me other times, too,” she offered. The man always made sure nobody hit 40 hours, max 35, generally. He always made sure they didn’t get any overtime.  Jade nodded in agreement, “Yeah, we have time to figure it all out. We’ll have to figure out a schedule for you getting to see the baby, have time with him or her.”

[brokensbcys]

Bryn suddenly felt a heavy knot of guilt twist in his stomach as he stood there, realizing just how absent he had been from this little girl’s life without even meaning to be part of it in the first place. He didn’t know her, not truly, and yet the weight of that absence pressed down on him as though it carried expectations he hadn’t even been aware existed. A flicker of anxiety followed quickly after, what would people think of him now that he did know? The thought of judgment from others made his jaw tighten slightly. His parents, would they be disappointed or angry? His friends, would they joke about it, label him something cruel like a deadbeat and let the nickname stick until it defined him? He hated that possibility more than anything. Still, Bryn forced himself to keep his expression steady, turning his attention back to the moment in front of him. He offered Aurora a small, careful smile and nodded toward her. “She’s cute like her mom. There’s no doubting that,” he said honestly, his gaze drifting over the little girl’s features as he noticed just how unmistakably similar she was..

Bryn lifted an eyebrow slightly when Aurora mentioned that he would need a background check before being allowed to interact with his own daughter, the idea catching him somewhere between disbelief and frustration. “I mean… he must know the baby has a father?” he asked, his tone more confused than accusatory as he tried to piece together the situation logically. His brow furrowed, and he gestured lightly as he spoke, falling briefly into a familiar, almost rehearsed explanation of how families were supposed to work. “When a man and woman love each other very much,” he began, trailing off as he realized how outdated or oversimplified it sounded even to his own ears. He exhaled softly, shaking his head before continuing more carefully. “Can’t you just talk to him and say I’m a good man?” he asked, his voice softer now, tinged with concern. “I don’t want my family being looked into when we haven’t done anything wrong. It’s between you and I. Not you, I and your father.” He paused.

[luciddream5]

Ari wasn’t aware of the guilt plaguing Bryn, only her own guilt. Had she made a mistake? Should she have tracked him down? She shouldn’t have been so selfish as to run from that feeling she had with him that one night which deprived her daughter of a father for 2 years. There was no way to go back in time, change anything, all she could do was try to do a better job, be a better mom now by allowing them to meet, giving him an opportunity to be there. She couldn’t help but wonder if Bryn might be angry with her if and when he figured out that she certainly had the means and ability to find him sooner. If so, she figured she’d deserve it. Sure, she’d been a mess at first, during most of the pregnancy, but after that, when she got onto stable ground – well, she had no excuse for doing nothing to find him. A soft smile formed, nodding slightly, “She’s pretty amazing,” she offered.

Taking in a breath, Aurora started slowly, mentioning her father. She had no plans to bring up her uncle or cousins – the Morettis – and delve into all that. That was possibly a topic for some other time. As it was, she wasn’t involved in their dealings aside helping Alyssa from time to time. A hint of a smirk graced her features, “Oh he knows she has a father,” she assured him, “But I told him we weren’t in touch, I didn’t have your number or last name,” and that part was true. Could she, back then, have probably found her way back to his place? Definitely. And that was mostly cause the driver she’d called to pick her up could’ve done that. A brow raised at all the protests. It made her wonder if Bryn did have something to hide – and made it very clear he had no clue about Malcolm Sterling. A dry, vague little laugh fell, “You clearly don’t know about my dad. He, uh… he’s helped me a lot with the pregnancy and Nyla,” she left it at that, not wanting to bore him. “Even if I tell him not to do it, he’ll do what he thinks is necessary to protect her – but I want you to know that’s not me. I – I can’t stop him. Malcolm Sterling is a force. I’ll talk to him, but I know my dad. He’s going to run the check, make sure you’re not some criminal.” Aurora paused, lips pressed together in thought, “But he has no control over what I do so… if you want to meet Nyla tomorrow or this week – whatever, just let me know. We’ll find a time that works. You can come over or we can meet at the park.”

[oddctelier]

JORDAN JUST DIDN'T KNOW, IT wasn't like their relationship was normal. He'd done fucked up things, things he needed to do in order to survive. Had lied and cheated his way through life to get where he is today. He'd never really told anyone what his childhood had been like, he didn't want pity and really he didn't know if he wanted anyone knowing knowing what had happened. "That's not what I meant." He sighed, rubbing his hands on his face as he tried to collect his thoughts. Jordan raked his head and tried to figure out how he could make things make sense, clearly his mind was too scattered and he wasn't getting his point across. "It's not that I don't want to be with you, Aurora, I thought not taking your money would have proven that I want to be with you I just...." He gestured vaguely as if that would make his sentence complete itself out of thin air. It didn't.

"Conning people, it's not even the worst thing i've done. I have a lot of heavy things in my past and I don't know, I don't know if you can love me in-spite of it." He admitted, his voice sounding more bitter than he'd like it to. "I'm not saying this to get you to break up with me, obviously I want to be with you it's just.....our relationship is all built on a lie that I created, and i've broken your trust and i've had to do some messed up stuff to survive. I guess i'm just scared that you'll accept it now and then realize that i'm not good enough for you." He whispered the final half of his sentence and could not bring himself to look at her. In truth Jordan was terrified. He was not the man that Aurora had fallen in love with, he was not the love that she knew before. She'd been fed a lie, and while he was grateful she could see that he was remorseful he still knew that with his secret out he couldn't pretend to be the man he'd been when they met.

"This wasn't me lying and you knowing about it the entire time, it wasn't chipping away between us. I was the only one who knew I was lying and had my ex not said anything then you may never have found out. I am not saying people don't argue or that you're not allowed to be upset, of course you're allowed to be upset. And I am not saying that we cannot find a common ground to be together. What I am saying is that you only know me as a liar, as this facade that I have created over years of deceit. Whatever we choose to build from here will be based on truth and the truth is that I am a fuck up, Aurora. I know you said you love me, that you're happy I didn't take your money and run but.....can you really find it in your heart to fall in love with me again? If you knew everything i've done, all the things I can't undo, would you really still love me?"

[luciddream5]

There was no way Aurora could relate to his past, his life, not in the least. She was an absolute princess, mostly spoiled, even – though Malcolm Sterling had tried to ensure his kids weren’t brats. He’d mostly succeed, though Aurora had her bratty moments in the past, likely still, even. But Jordan, his life had clearly been one struggle after another, and Aurora couldn’t begin to wrap her head around what that was all like. It meant, though, she could feel for him, perhaps even offer some grace to him because she always had anything she wanted or needed easily available to her. She didn’t know what it meant to be hungry or cold or worry about anything that money couldn’t solve. And money, according to her family, solved nearly anything and everything.  Standing there with him, she was quiet, simply waiting, allowing him to talk and process aloud, hoping somewhere along the way he’d make it clear to her what was going on in his head.

This was complicated. Beyond complicated. And yet, somehow, beyond explanation, she wasn’t afraid or worried. She couldn’t explain that in the least. Her gaze drew down, brows furrowed in thought as she paced simply for the sake of it before finally dropping down to the couch. Elbows sat on her knees, head dropping to her hands with a sigh as she took a moment. Slowly, she dropped her hands away, looked up at him, “My father likes to say nobody is innocent. I can't say I completely understood that statement. I probably still don’t in a lot of ways, but it feels… relevant here,” she offered. “You’re spinning out about how I might react without finding out. My life wasn’t like yours, I get that, but I have my own skeletons, Jordan. Do we just need to lay it out? Tell me what you’re so afraid of me knowing,” she offered. As it was, she hadn’t told him about her step-brothers, the baby she lost, but more than that… she hadn’t told him that she’s related to the Morettis. That was something that had her worried would scare him off.  “And I – I’ll tell you what I’m afraid of you knowing,” she admitted quietly.

Aurora’s gaze narrowed slightly, exhaling, “so you would’ve never told me?” she couldn’t help the question because that thought certainly stung – that he’d have kept lying. She wasn’t sure what to make of that idea. “We are where we are, Jordan. Your ex did find me, she told me, and that’s how it is now.” Her shoulders dropped, that fatigue of all this arguing and debating setting in, but she was still there. “I know that all I’ve known are the lies until now. So tell me the truth, then, Jordan. Talk to me. I’m right here. You’re asking me these questions that I can’t answer cause you haven’t told me everything, clearly. Unless you tell me you’re a serial killer or something horrible like that, I think we can work through basically anything else. I – I won’t know, though, until you talk to me.”

[brokensbcys]

Hayden watched as Remy slowly curled herself into him, the weight of her settling against his side in a way that felt both familiar and grounding. He instinctively responded, pressing his lips gently to the top of her head, lingering there for a moment before letting his head rest lightly against her cheek. The closeness made his voice soften as he murmured, “I'm not sleeping yet, baby. I've got to do my lesson plan for the rest of the week.” Even as he spoke, he made no move to pull away from her. Instead, his arm stayed around her as though it belonged there. “Do you want to help me with it?” he asked, the suggestion half playful, half hopeful, because having her near made even work feel easier. With a small sigh, he leaned over the side of the bed and reached for his laptop from the bedside table, pulling it onto the mattress. The screen glow lit the space between them as he adjusted his position.

Hayden glanced at Remy as she stayed tucked against him, his eyes softening at the sight of her so close and content. Without thinking too much about it, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, letting it linger as if it anchored him more than it did her. “I love when you get all cuddly and cute like this,” he admitted quietly, a smile tugging at his lips as he pulled back enough to see her face. “It reminds me how lucky I am to be around you. How lucky I am that I'm the person you want to settle down with.” The words came more honestly than he intended, carrying a vulnerability he didn't often show. Hayden didn't think anyone wanted him long term, not really; he often saw himself as something temporary, a fleeting moment in people's lives that eventually faded out. But around Remy, that belief softened, like it didn't quite fit anymore. Here, with her warmth against him, he felt steady in a way he didn't fully understand yet. “You can sleep if you want, baby,” he added.

[luciddream5]

Remy snuggled into Hayden, but, on the inside, curled into herself a bit, too. Even drunk, this sort of shyness settled in her, like an uncertainty of herself. She felt the lips against her head, his form so close, and her drunken mind couldn’t quite wrap around why he wanted her. Well, moreso, her drunken mind was sure he didn’t want her. She half murmured at his words, nothing really coherent, just a quiet little sound of confirmation she’d heard him, sort of absorbed his words. There was a little shrug, but she simply nuzzled into his chest like it would somehow quench whatever insecurities filled her. It was clear, though, she was fading. The alcohol’s effects were pulling her into a drowsy state, lids heavy as she finally tipped her head to look up at him.

Fingers curled slightly over his chest, sliding across to hold onto him more tightly. His words helped her a bit, settled some of that bit of restlessness that held on just beneath the surface. “’m lucky,” she mumbled, words still slurring. The blonde was fighting to keep her heavy eyes open, simply wanting to be with Hayden, but it was a battle she was quickly losing. Eyes shut briefly before pulling open. She mumbled something mostly incoherent, “… no… don’ … wa-ant…,” the words seeming that she was talking negatively about herself, but the phrase fading out before she finally simply passed out against him. Before sinking fully into the deep sleep, her small form curled into him just a little more.

[brokensbcys]

Finn pursed his lips as Remy explained who had been making her uncomfortable, his easygoing expression fading into one of quiet concern. He didn't interrupt, simply watching her as she signed, committing every name and detail to memory. If he had it his way, he would spend every spare moment by her side, acting as her personal bodyguard whether she wanted one or not. The thought of anyone mocking her or making her doubt herself was enough to make his jaw tighten. Even though Remy was grown now, capable and independent in so many ways, Finn still couldn't help seeing flashes of the little girl who used to reach for his hand without a second thought. To him, she would always be his little sister, someone he felt instinctively responsible for protecting. Age hadn't changed that. Distance hadn't changed that. Nothing ever would. “I'm just curious,” Finn signed back with a small shrug, hoping his casual demeanor would stop her from worrying. In truth, he wanted to remember every one of those names, just in case something happened again. He wasn't planning to start a fight, but he liked knowing who was who, and he wanted to be prepared if she ever needed him.

A grin slowly returned to his face as he caught the teasing look in her eyes. “It's a good job Mom isn't here to see my sign right now then, isn't it?” he signed back with an exaggerated expression of innocence before laughing quietly. “Trust me. I'd call them a lot worse to their face.” It wasn't entirely a joke. Finn had always struggled with holding his tongue when someone crossed a line, especially where the people he loved were concerned. Rules had never come naturally to him, and while he genuinely tried to be a decent person, his temper had a habit of arriving before his common sense. More than once he'd landed himself in trouble for acting first and thinking later, though he rarely regretted defending someone who mattered to him. Deciding to steer the conversation toward something happier, he smiled. “Hayden still treating you well?” he asked, genuinely interested. Finn didn't know him particularly well and was still quietly assessing the man, but everything he'd seen suggested Hayden was a good bloke. Being a teacher kept him busy, yet Remy never had a bad word to say about him, and that counted for something. When Remy returned the question, Finn's expression softened immediately. “Em is great,” he signed with unmistakable affection. “Still as beautiful as ever.” He shook his head with a self-deprecating laugh before adding, “No idea how I managed to bag that, by the way.”

[luciddream5]

Remy could’ve named names, but the last thing she wanted was for Finn to get some wild idea of tracking them down. No matter how much he might promise to behave, she knew there was always a chance that his protectiveness over her would win out. She loved and appreciated how he looked out for her, but she couldn’t help worry about him at the same time. It was clear to her if he could somehow guard her 24/7, keep her safe, wrap her in bubble wrap, he’d probably do it. The idea sometimes did make her laugh, though. He was her big brother, but he truly was one of her closest friends, as well – someone she trusted completely. If something were to happen, God forbid, he’d certainly be one of her first calls – right behind Hayden and, of course. It was a toss-up on if she’d call him or their parents first, depending on the situation. Nodding, “I’ve known you my whole life. I know how your curiosity is sometimes,” she teased. She reached over and gave his hand a small squeeze before drawing back to sign, “You’ve always been my protector, but sometimes I need to keep you safe from yourself. Those guys aren’t worth the trouble.”

Laughing, Remy shook her head slightly, “Very good thing,” she agreed. Their dad was a little more chill about a small bit of language, but their mom definitely didn’t like it at all. A brow raised, “I’m sure you would – and probably hit one of them or more,” she offered a smile though she wasn’t joking, either. It’s exactly why she didn’t bother naming specific names. If she had to pick someone in their immediate family who had the worst temper, it was probably Finn – but Remy never saw it as necessarily negative. From what she’d seen it was usually because of someone hurting someone he loved. The problem was his reactions, often needing to calm him down or for someone else in the family to do it. At the mention of Hayden, though, Remy smiled, nodding, “He is, absolutely. I’m definitely blessed to have him. I can’t wait to marry him. And you know mom is beyond excited. Every time I talk to her, she brings up the wedding,” Remy couldn’t help but laugh. The couple hadn’t even picked a date yet, but she did appreciate having the help with planning it. Mentioning her good friend, Emma, she smiled at Finn’s expression. It was clear to her that he was very smitten with her, something that she was thrilled about. Another laugh fell, “I have no idea, either. She’s way out of your league,” she teased her brother – though she’d certainly had friends with crushes on him, telling her how hot he was which always made her crinkle her nose. After all, he was her brother so she couldn't see it. "I am glad you married her, making one of my closest friends my sister."

[luciddream5]

PLOT IDEA

We were together, in a serious relationship (time frame is up to you - a year, two, etc). Things fell apart, but it wasn't some huge thing in that nobody cheated. Maybe we both got busy or one or both felt it wasn't working or one's family hated the other making things ridiculously complicated. The thing is, we're still in love, and it's so hard to move on, to let go. We don't talk, but do share some mutual friends. They tell each of us how the other clearly misses him/her, but neither does anything. And then... Muse A disappears from everyone's life for almost an entire year because Muse A was pregnant with Muse B's baby. She texted him once, asking to talk, but didn't hear back. Then she chickened out of reaching out further or she thought it was best not to bother him. Now she's a frazzled single new mom. It's hard to do this alone, perhaps she doesn't have family or they're far away. She shows up on his doorstep one day, teary eyed with a tiny baby (anything from 1-3 months old).... "I can't do this alone. This is partly your responsibility!"

What happens next? Does Muse B step up? Maybe or maybe not. Do they get back together and try to make it work for the baby? Or do they try to co-parent and deal with the feelings and sexual tension? What happens now?

[spiritusmuses]

Calvin wrapped his arms around Mia when she curled up into his side. "I'm okay Mia. Yes it's a lot, but I can handle it. I just need... sometimes I just need you to take a minute and breathe and just sit with me okay? Just like it takes you a bit to process sometimes it does for me too." Calvin admitted as he smiled at the kiss. "No we will be fine even if you stay part time, and I am sure that baby will give you hell soon enough. If you want to give me your checks you can and I will put that money towards the baby." He told her as he rubbed her arm. "Now, no more okay? No more talk of working or anything tonight. Can we just enjoy the fact that were together?" He offered

[luciddream5]

Snuggling into Calvin, Mia sighed contently. Sure, she wanted ice cream, but once he pulled her close, she was more than happy to stay there. In fact, she shifted and climbed onto his lap simply to be closer. It was funny, for a girl who hated to be touched, with the right person, she was very affectionate, even craving it. With him, she couldn’t get enough of being close. Eyes drew up to him, nodding, “I understand,” she offered quietly, and she truly did. Sometimes it took her time to absorb or process something. Sometimes she absolutely tripped all over her words, everything getting muddled in her head. “I’m always happy to sit with you or cuddle or whatever you need,” the words spoke quietly like a delicate little promise. Resting her head on his chest, she smiled, “I can’t imagine. I – I hope it’s not bad – like morning sickness and other symptoms,” she remembered some with her mother, but the woman didn’t really talk about it. “I’d like that. I don’t really like managing money… it’s kinda boring,” she giggled softly. “Oh, sorry, yes, of course, Daddy,” she quieted and simply stayed close to him. She wasn’t sure it all fully hit her. It was still hard for her to completely wrap her head around a baby growing in there, but seeing the ultrasound, hearing the heartbeat, that definitely made it all more solid.

[brokensbcys]

Wyatt had never been particularly close with his parents. They had always been present in the technical sense, drifting in and out of his life just enough to be considered involved, yet never enough to build the kind of relationship he had secretly hoped for as a child. For years, he had convinced himself that time would change things, that adulthood would somehow bridge the emotional distance between them. Instead, the gap had remained, and eventually he had stopped waiting for something that never seemed to come. It wasn't resentment that filled him anymore, just quiet acceptance. He had learned to build his own support system and create a life that didn't revolve around their approval. Looking across at Nova, however, he couldn't help but smile. She had a way of reminding him how fortunate he really was. Every glance she gave him made him feel seen in a way he rarely had growing up. Wyatt knew plenty of men admired her from afar, and the fact that she had chosen to spend her time with him was something he never took for granted.

“The pain is more like a dull ache now,” Wyatt admitted with an easy shrug, a pair of dimples appearing beside his smile as he spoke. “I'm man enough to deal with it.” There was a playful confidence in his voice, though the truth was that Nova made enduring the discomfort far easier than he would ever admit. Whenever she was around, the ache seemed to fade into the background, replaced by laughter, conversation, and the comfort of her company. Reaching over, he gently rested his hand on her leg, giving it the softest squeeze he could manage before returning his attention to the road ahead. “It's not too far from here,” he said. “Fifteen minutes at most.” His grin widened as excitement crept into his expression. “I've actually never been there before either, so it'll be something new for both of us.” The thought of discovering a new place alongside Nova somehow made the destination feel even more worthwhile.

[luciddream5]

Maybe all, or most, families had their issues. She knew Wyatt’s did from what they’d shared thus far. The only family she could think of that she half swore was basically perfect was Remy’s. They argued, sure, but it didn’t seem to be often, and they were all so close. She knew Remy talked to her parents and brothers almost daily. They were the type that had a family group text. Sure, her family was close to some degree, but not group text close. She knew she couldn’t complain, though. Her parents and siblings loved her, loved each other. There was no doubt in her mind they’d be there for her in a heartbeat. There were certainly problems, difficulties in her relationship with her mom, in particular, but she tried to remind herself that she still had a much better situation than most. They did care, did check in on her, ask about her life, and she knew she needed to appreciate that, even if her mom could be a lot sometimes.

Getting attention wasn’t hard for Nova. Sometimes she did that as this need for validation, but once she started dating Wyatt, she tried her best not to do things intentionally to make him jealous. She didn’t always succeed, but she made the effort. The truth of it was, his attention, affection, and validation meant more than anyone else’s, and she made every effort to return that to him. Giving a small nod, “Yeah?” she asked, looking over at him as if attempting to inspect his features, somehow make sure he was really alright. A laugh fell, “Man enough, huh? I swear, you could cut off a limb and try to say you’ll walk it off,” she teased, “but, like, don’t do that,” she added. Her hand moved to rest atop the one he hand on her leg, making sure not to block his fingers if he went back to strumming against her skin. “Really? I love that, getting to experience it together – whatever it is… and if it’s not food, we should get food at some point. You know I’m not nice when I’m hangry,” she teased though it was certainly true.