Michael Holliday

I'm Mike Holliday, 23, professional poker player. When I'm not traveling for my work, or with my wife, Selene, I'm here in Philadelphia.

[selene-holliday]

Preparations | Milene

[selene-holliday]

Selene could feel the change in his breathing, and she knew she’d hit some kind of nerve with him. She resisted the urge to look up and comfort him, just hugging him a little tighter. Selene had always been alone too, seeking comfort and attention desperately in anyone she could find, the reason for her addictions in the past. Now she had that comfort and a place to really call home, and she was will him right now. “I love you too.” She said softly into his warm chest. 

[michaelholliday]

Mike leaned down and placed a kiss on her temple, then her lips. "Come on," he said gently, with a small boyish grin, "Let's go out to dinner or something. While we still can." He knew they'd be ordering more takeout than ever once the babies arrived, it would be nearly impossible to go out without them. Neither Mike nor Selene would want to leave them for more than a minute at a time.

[selene-holliday]

Preparations | Milene

[selene-holliday]

Selene stepped back as Mike put the books up on the shelves after he’d finished. She grabbed a few of the stuffed animals they’d already been given and stuck them on the ends as book ends. She smiled, taking his hand and squeezing his hand back gently. “Well, I hope they sleep like me, but I hope when they get older they’re not, I used to throw tantrums everywhere." She chuckled a little as he pulled her into a hug and she wrapped her arms around him tightly, the twins making it hard to hug him and she couldn’t wait until they were out for many reasons, but that being one of them. “Yes, they’ll never have to worry about being alone." She smiled a little “They’ll have us too though." She reassured him, before leaning up and kissing his cheek, a soft reminder she was so glad he was alright. 

[michaelholliday]

Mike was suddenly glad he was taller than Selene. He could hide the tears that sprung to his eyes as he leaned over her and kissed the top of her head. They'll never have to worry about being alone. It was something he'd always yearned for growing up, even when he was taking care of the kids, he always felt so alone. No one understood him. Even when he first came to Bradford. He was alone. All the time. Until Selene, he was completely alone. And now, he had the most amazing woman in the world, and he had a family. And he was happy. He still hadn't gotten used to that part. Being happy. "I love you." he whispered, afraid that if his voice got any louder, it'd crack.

[selene-holliday]

Preparations | Milene

[selene-holliday]

Selene knew she was probably overdue for twins, but she wasn’t too concerned, and the little ones seemed in no rush to get out just yet. She knew it would be sooner than later. She smiled as Mike knelt before her, kissing the sides of her stomach. She reached out to his cheek, gently holding his face as he kissed her. She was still as she held the boards in place, until she finally broke the silence. “What do you think they’re going to be like?” She said thinking, she knew their lives were going to be drastically different than anything either of them had been through, and she knew she’d do anything to make sure they were loved unconditionally. 

[michaelholliday]

It didn't take long for Mike to nail the shelves in. As soon as they were up, he started putting some of the children's books they'd gotten along the top. Some of their favorites. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Stella Luna, Rainbow Fish, and everything by Dr. Seuss. When his wife spoke he smiled fondly and turned to squeeze her hand. "I don't know. I hope they're like you. I was a terror as a child. My mother told me I only stopped crying when I was sleeping," he laughed, pulling her into a hug. It was awkward, given her belly, but warm nonetheless. "I'm glad, you know. That they're twins. They'll have someone to grow up with. To rely on."

[selene-holliday]

Preparations | Milene

[selene-holliday]

Selene looked at Mike as he stood up, wiping his forehead and turning to her. She was about to reply when he kissed her softly. She smiled at him and kept her hand against the right side. “Our little girl, she just keeps kicking all day long.” She said, slowly standing up next to him, looking over at his work. “You did a great job with those.” She said, leaning over and kissing his cheek. “Do you want me to hold the shelves in place while you nail them up?” She asked looking at the wooden bookshelves they had yet to put on the wall. “I promise I won’t even break a sweat.” She said with a laugh. 

[michaelholliday]

Mike thought carefully before nodding. He was constantly worried about Selene, but she was due to go into labor soon anyway. If hanging up bookshelves brought that process along, so be it. As soon as she stood up, he knelt to kiss both sides of her stomach, each of his children, and then stood to kiss his wife. His heart was warm and full and he couldn't be happier. He used the leveler and marked off where he wanted the shelves. As Selene held them up, he nailed them in place.

[michaelholliday]

7: Have you ever cheated?

Never.

29: What do you notice first about another person?

Hair.

42: Have you ever read "Romeo & Juliet"?

Yes I have.

51: Would you rather date someone who's rich but a douchebag or someone who's poor but a nice guy?

This question isn't relavent because I am married to the most wonderful woman on the planet.

58: Are you the "dominant" or the "submissive" part in a relationship?

We are and will always be equals.

[michaelholliday]

VALENTINE'S DAY | ASK SPECIAL

1: Do you have a crush at the moment?

2: Have you ever been deeply in love?

3: Longest relationship you've ever been in?

4: Have you ever changed for someone?

5: How is your relationship with your ex?

6: Have you ever been cheated on?

7: Have you ever cheated?

8: Would you date someone who's well known for cheating?

9: What's the most important part of a relationship?

10: Do you like to be in serious relationships or just flings?

11: When you are dating someone do you believe in going on "breaks"?

12: How many people have you ever hooked up with?

13: What's one thing you regret saying/doing in a previous relationship?

14: What age do you think is appropriate for kids to start having sex?

15: Do you believe in the phrase "age is just a number"?

16: Do you believe in "love at first sight"?

17: Do you believe it's possible to fall in love on the internet?

18: What do you consider a deal breaker?

19: How do you know it's time to end a relationship?

20: Are you currently in a relationship?

21: Do you think people who have dated can stay friends?

22: Do you think people should date their friends?

23: How many relationships have you had?

24: Do you think love can last forever?

25: Do you believe love can conquer all things?

26: Would you break up with someone your parents didn't approve of?

27: If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice about dating what would it be?

28: Do you think long distance relationships can work?

29: What do you notice first about another person?

30: Are you straight, bi, gay or pansexual?

31: Would it bother you if your partner suffered from any mental illness?

32: Have you ever been in an abusive relationship?

33: Do you want to get married one day?

34: What do you think about getting your partner's name tattooed?

35: Could you be in a relationship without sex?

36: Are you still a virgin?

37: What's more important: Looks or personality?

38: Do you enjoy love films?

39: Have you ever given anyone/received roses?

40: Have you ever had a valentine?

41: What's your imagination of a "perfect date"?

42: Have you ever read "Romeo & Juliet"?

43: What's more important: Your partner or your friends?

44: Would you consider yourself "romantic"?

45: Could you imagine to date one of your current friends?

46: Have you ever been "friendzoned"?

47: Which "famous couple" is your favorite?

48: What's your favorite love song?

49: Have you ever broken someone's heart?

50: If you're single, why do you think you are?

51: Would you rather date someone who's rich but a douchebag or someone who's poor but a nice guy?

52: Are you good at giving other people advices regarding dating/ relationships?

53: Are you jealous of couples when you're single?

54: How important is it to make a relationship official (p.e. on facebook)?

55: Would you consider yourself "clingy", "overly attached" or "jealous"?

56: Have you ever "destroyed" a relationship?

57: Do you think it's silly to consider suicide because of a broken heart?

58: Are you the "dominant" or the "submissive" part in a relationship?

59: Have you ever forgotten important dates like your partner's birthday or your anniversary?

60: What's your opinion on open relationships?

61: Who's more important: Your partner or your family?

62: How do you define "cheating"?

63: Is watching porn while being in a relationship inappropriate?

64: Do you think Valentine's Day is overrated?

65: Would you consider yourself a "cuddler"?

[selene-holliday]

Preparations | Milene

Selene sat in the rocking chair, her arms cross as she watched Mike with a pout. He wasn’t letting her help with much of anything. She wanted to say she helped put the babies’ room together too, but they both knew it was better for her not to push herself. There wasn’t much time and she could sure tell. She felt a slight motion in her stomach, a gentle nudge from one of the babies moving and she smiled a little, pressing her hand gently to the side of her round tummy. “Someone’s going to be a soccer player.” She  noted quietly. 

[michaelholliday]

Mike had been working on this second crib for an hour already. The first one went up easy-as-pie, but apparently that luck didn't hold. A few choice swearing and a sore thumb later, the thing was finally up. Mike stood and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He turned and grinned proudly at his wife. "Which one?" he asked. He knew from the multiple ultrasounds that their daughter preferred the right side, while their son preferred the left. Before she could answer, Mike gave her a quick kiss, unable to stop himself. It was getting closer and he couldn't be more excited to be a father. His aunt and little sister were on speed dial for when Selene went into labor and all they had left to do was finish setting up the nursery. 

[michaelholliday]

thank you, sweetheart. I love you.

[michaelholliday]

First of all, every woman deserves red roses on Valentine's Day.

Next, I know it's not the real thing, but I found this place that serves chocolate-strawberry mocktails.

.... and I hired their chef to come by on Friday nights for the next few months. You know, when Mickey has yoga and can't cook.

He'll make you whatever you want. Weird cravings and all.

I love you. Happy anniversary. 

[selene-holliday]

Christmas Relaxation | Milene

[selene-holliday]

Selene leaned forward as he continued, her head turning again slightly as he leaned against her. Selene had been thinking about it for days now, and she had an idea finally, but she wanted to make sure he didn’t have any thoughts in case he decided to just be agreeable. “Well, I was thinking.” She started. “If you don’t have anything, I was thinking maybe we could name the little one after your parents?” She said, sort of shifting in his lap for a moment to look at him. “I think it would be nice.” She smiled at him softly. 

[michaelholliday]

Mike's hands stilled on her back and he froze in shock. He couldn't believe what she'd just said. It settled down in his heart and warmed his whole body through. He moved his hands to frame her face, shifting so they were facing each other. He kissed her gently, once, twice, again and again until he lost count before leaning his forehead against hers. "I love you," he whispered, the emotion evident in his voice, "So goddamn much, baby." 

One hand slid down to the back of her neck, puling her into another, longer kiss. He turned her back around before he did something stupid. Like tear up. His hands settled back on her back, working out the knots. He loved this woman. More than breathing. More than anything. "Yes," he finally said, nodding behind her, "I would love that..."

[selene-holliday]

Christmas Relaxation | Milene

[selene-holliday]

Selene could clearly see he was still mad, but didn’t want to talk about it. Sometimes with him, it was better not to talk about it, in case he just got more angry. She nodded, moving towards the bath and shedding her own clothing, before taking his help and moving slowly into the bathtub. She smiled, settling into the warm water between Mike’s legs as he reached out, his fingers rubbing into her back, soothing the ache there. “That feels really nice.” She said, tipping her head a little to look at him. She sighed contently, letting him continue, before speaking softly. “You know, we haven’t really talked about names.” She was quiet, not wanting to disturb the growing peace, but she was curious what he had been thinking.

[michaelholliday]

Mike kept his fingers working steadily at Selene's back, working out the knots and the tension as she spoke. He leaned his forehead against the back of her shoulder and sighed. He felt like a bit of an idiot. All that wishing for a child, and finally finding out she was pregnant, and Mike didn't have the first clue what to name their baby. It was a huge decision. The name their child would be stuck with forever. "I don't have a clue, honey." he mumbled honestly, feeling silly for the answer, "You?"

[selene-holliday]

Christmas Relaxation | Milene

[selene-holliday]

Selene was still dressed as she heard the door open, glad to hear Mike had at least made it upstairs. Either that or it was Mickey come to tell her the boys had killed each other. She didn’t want them to fight anymore, it was ridiculous at this point in  time after all they’d been through, all with their own families to worry about. Selene looked up as Mike walked naked into the room and she smiled up at him, seeing the red on his eye. She turned at his touch and she leaned into him, hugging him carefully. “Are you okay? Do you need me to get you an ice pack?” She asked, leaning back, gently touching the side of his face, hoping he wasn’t in too much pain. “Or do you just want to relax?” She asked, looking at the inviting bath, trying to ignore the dull ache in her back.

[michaelholliday]

"I'm fine," Mike grumbled, growling indignantly, before catching himself and looking apologetically at his wife. He motioned to the bath silently, trying to keep himself in check as adrenaline still coursed through him, causing his muscles to twitch and thrum. He shook out his shoulders as best he could as he helped Selene into the bath before climbing in behind her.

He began pressing his thumbs in slow circles in her lower back immediately. This was about her. Mike knew Selene's back was aching already during the pregnancy and it likely wouldn't get any easier for her. He had talked to the masseuse who'd given Selene a few pregnancy massages for tips and he was trying to do the best he could at making his wife comfortable. Even if it meant putting up with that miserable blonde fuck in their house.

[selene-holliday]

Bringing Home Baby | Selene, Mike, Mickey, Sawyer, & Syd

[cityof-sawyerly-love]

Sawyer smiled a little at the sight of Selene holding their daughter, at least a little happy that they could give her some joy through their daughter. He glanced at the couple with her as Mickey grabbed his hand and led the way to the pizza. They seemed happy, but he was all too aware of their issue as he tok in the tableau, a small slice of guilt cutting into him. It was silly to feel it, though. Who knew why some people who had it together couldn’t have, while others like himself were blessed with something as special as Little Syd? Gently, he tugged at Mickey’s hand and brought her into his side, tightening his arm around her middle as the smell of the pizza really hit him. It smelled delicious to Sawyer, although anything would considering he had barely eaten anything during Mickey’s stay at the hospital. He picked out four slices for himself before putting a couple on a plate for Mickey. Setting them both down, Sawyer gave her a look of concern. 

“You sure you’re okay?” He turned so that they were facing each other. A genuine smile graced his face as he looked down at her. He was still worried, but it was so good to see her looking healthy. So good to see her outside of the hospital and…home, safe. For now. 

“We’re parents. That still sounds crazy.” Yet wonderful.  

[mckenzieparks]

Mickey gave Sawyer a wide smile as she snagged a slice of pizza from the plate and started eating. “We have a family.” Mickey corrected, looking over, not just referring to their daughter. To her, Selene was more than Syd’s godmother. She was Mickey’s sister. She was her best friend. And Mike… Mike was the big brother she’d always needed. Looking out for her when she didn’t have the strength to look after herself. Giving her support without expecting anything in return. It was something she hadn’t experienced outside of Sawyer and was something she greatly appreciated. 

Her hand found Sawyers and she laced their fingers together, squeezing gently. “I’m fine. Better than fine. Perfect.” She whispered, moving onto her tiptoes to give Sawyer a quick kiss before turning back to her pizza.

[selene-holliday]

Selene looked up and Mike with further joy as he leaned in and kissed her forehead softly. She could only imagine how wonderful it would be to look down on someone so precious and see the love of her life and her own face reflected back at them in a little bundle of joy. The thought made her heart want to burst and tightly hug the little girl. She settled for a grin, watching her husband smile at the little life in her arms. “You want to hold her?” She asked, motioning at the sink, knowing Mike was going to be a perfect dad. Selene hummed for a second. “I think maybe once they’re finished eating. I don’t want anyone coughing on pizza while hearing the good news, you know?” She smiled at his nudge, gently brushing her elbow back into him. She was just glad things were hopefully coming back together with peace.

[michaelholliday]

Mike nodded in agreement, "Let them finish their dinner. Good idea," he said, his eyes brightening considerably at the thought of holding the child. It'd been years, since his youngest sister, really, that he'd held a baby in his arms, and he missed it. He practically ran to the sink to carefully wash all the way up to his elbows, scrubbing every nook and cranny before returning to his wife. He carefully lifted the tiny bundle from her arms, supporting her head as he took her in against his chest.

Mike tickled Sydney's nose, watching it scrunch in confusion at the unfamiliar feeling. He smiled fondly, the girl was wrapping him around her little fingers already. "Hey little one," he said gently, letting his finger run down her perfect cheek, watching as she turned toward it, a natural instinct for the child. He watched, enthralled as her big blue eyes opened to take in the world around her and she gave a gurgling, contented smile. He loved this little girl already. And it only made him that much more excited to have a child of his own.

[selene-holliday]

Christmas Relaxation | Milene

Selene could hear the arguing downstairs, she could hear the voices getting louder and the tumbling of the fight. She took a sigh of relief as she heard Mickey’s voice raise above it all, she didn’t want to have to go down at deal with it right now. She was tired and her back was sore, this whole experience was making her a lot more miserable than she planned on. She missed so many basic parts of her day, and she found herself sitting down on the bed for a moment. They’d been trying for so long, and she was so glad they’d finally been blessed with the news. She gently rubbed her tummy before standing up. Mike was clearly occupied downstairs with Sawyer and Mickey for the moment.

Selene walked into the bathroom and turned the water on, making sure it was almost on the edge of too hot knowing it would feel better on her stretching muscles. She sat on the edge of the tub, grabbing some bubble bath and pouring some of the lavender scented solution into the water. She stood up, lighting the candles in the room and sighing, hoping he wouldn’t take too long with the fighting.

[michaelholliday]

Mike was pissed as fuck and he didn't want to deal with that blonde douchebag anymore. He gave the angry Mickey a gentle kiss on the forehead and promptly walked out of that damn room, surely sporting what was soon to be (if not already) a black eye. At least he got a few good hits to Sawyer as well. 

He stripped off his shirt just as soon as he entered the room and the rest of his clothing soon followed as he headed for the master bathroom, fists still clenching to avoid doing something like punching a wall. The room was lit only by candlelight, and smelled like lavender. He was immediately hit with a sense of calm. Not enough to completely calm him down, but it certainly took the edge off. He put a hand on his wife's shoulder apologetically, unable to actually voice it for fear of going off on a rant, insulting one of her friends. 

[michaelholliday]

Mickey: Sorry, but where he goes, I go.

...fine. We'll work something out. But only if he will. 

[michaelholliday]

Mickey: Cut it out. I know he can be argumentative, but if he tries to start a fight, let it go. Please. I don't want you guys to kick us out, and I promise we'll be out of your hair as soon as we can be. Just... please ignore it? Don't make it worse?

Selene and I would never kick you and Munchkin out. Him, yes. You two, no. I'll work on it, but if he pulls that shit again, I'm not backing down.

[cityof-sawyerly-love]

Hey Mike

[cityof-sawyerly-love]

I can protect and take care of my family, thanks. Maybe you should worry about your own more - you know, since it took you a long time to make one…

[michaelholliday]

Yeah? By getting money from your grandparents? It's taking about as long for you to actually tell them you're still with Mickey. You know she worries about it? That you'll pick them over her? Pretty pathetic, you think? You won't take help from people that actually care about your family, but you'll take money from the people who don't even know you're still with her. Maybe you should think about putting your pride aside, or better yet, put it to better use and actually admit to being proud of your family. Or are you? Because if you add all that up... doesn't really seem like it, does it?