Detroit native

family ties︱2029

thequeengenovese:

Quickly giving her husband a small nod while a light smile followed. “Yeah, but you should wake her up,” softly replying as if her only concern today were her family’s breakfast, Jennifer noticed just how different Reese’s voice was. It was normal, the words that he was letting out, but the tone of his voice, it was colored quite seriously. The thing was, a devil was onto them, and despite all of her efforts, it was following their every step, getting deeper into their lives, the life of the whole family. “By the way,” Jennifer looked at Reese, “I think we should try talk to her? About her morning visits to our bedroom?” Their four year old loved waking up her parents in the dawn, getting a cuddle session with them, only to fall asleep quickly in between them, which Jennifer, of course, loved, but she also wanted to have a morning or two with Reese only. It were things like those that reminded her how in some ways, they were just an ordinary family. And the young boss was thankful for it.

Turning around, the brunette started making her way towards their bedroom, to fulfill her husband’s wish before the fun would start for him. Most of her morning, while her family was asleep, was spent thinking about the possible solutions, only to end up calling her father in Italy. They were on the same page, the father and the daughter, certain things had to be done for the family to be saved. And Jennifer would do everything to save her family from the threats coming their way. However, she hated that Reese had to be the one doing it, but it was her husband that had all of her trust. Of course she trusted Sean and Christian, not to forget Bobby and Luca, but it was different with Reese. With him, all of her doubts were forgotten, all of her fears buried. “Babe,” she stopped walking, “I think,” she looked around because of course she didn’t fully trust their staff, “how about you change that run into a night one? It would be much safer and I believe,” she bit her bottom lip, “that Mrs. Fox will be alone tonight. I think Sean told me her boyfriend will be out of town.”

“You sure you need me there for that conversation?” His smile was impossible to contain. Arching a brow at his wife because he actually tried that conversation not long ago. In very few words, usually his style. Of course Sienna had not heard any of it and still found her way to their bedroom. Something else he never got use to – sleeping next to a small person that loved tossing and turning. But he liked his space, so much that he would wonder off to a downstairs couch or another guest room for a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. If he were lucky no one would notice his disappearance until breakfast. “Alright .. It might work, but I’m going on the record now and say it hasn’t been that bad?” It was beyond funny to him.

As if on cue, Reese could hear his name being called down stairs. Rowan sometimes could be impatient, and Reese wondered was he ever like that. Barely down a step or two, he stopped when he heard Jennifer call to him as well. His hand rested on the wooden banister he listened to her suggestion with heedful eyes. Reese let her words sink in, already understanding what she wanted. And he never questioned her, Genovese knew how to protect their own better than anyone else. "Hm," Reese ducked his head down after hearing how she'd be alone tonight. "It's gotten to that point hasn't it?" He asked more himself than to Jennifer. Some people just didn't know when to stop even if that meant putting their own life on the line. With a quick nod of his head, Reese accepted that plan of action. He wouldn't divulge of any details or say anything further until later when alone. "--I'm gonna make breakfast this morning, since change of plans.." That natural warmness returned to his eyes. "Did you want anything in particular and before you say it, coffee is not breakfast food and I'm not making it."

#family ties

family ties︱2029

thequeengenovese:

For someone who used to was known for their rather long sleeping habits, Jennifer had certainly forgotten that feeling. Nowadays, she sometimes was even getting up earlier than her husband. It all started with the birth of their son, but then her career took over and to find the right balance between her role as a mother and wife, and the role of the boss, certain things had to suffer, sleep being one of them. But, Jennifer wasn’t complaining, never would because she truly had everything she wanted, and difficulties, well, they were expected, no? It was certainly quite easier for a man to be the boss, to be the one to take care of the business, while the family matters were left in the hands of his wife. Yes, it was indeed easier, but it wasn’t a life that was meant for Jennifer - and she would never want it. She loved power, the feeling of being the one in charge, pulling all the strings, but she knew that nothing of that would be possible without having such a strong support from Reese, in every way she could imagine.

When she heard the commotion coming up from the upstairs, she knew that one of her children, definitely Rowan if you asked her, had to be up, because even though Jennifer loved trouble, her son was a troublemaker, very much like his father. Sometimes it seemed to her that trouble and energy were running through his veins, never being able to be stopped, but even more so, Rowan knew that that smile of his, could get him away with anything. Sienna on the other hand, was very much like Jennifer, from her looks all the way to her personality, and it was incredible to see just how much she had her father wrapped around her little finger. It was certain that their lives were enriched due to their children, having them being the biggest adventure of their lives, the most frightening and serious one at the same time. When it was just the two of them, things were easier, it was easier to go after things they wanted, because who could do something to Reese & Jennifer? Many tried, all of them failed, but now the stakes were higher. Rowan and Sienna, they were their everything, their reason to live, to fight, to kill. They were everything their love was and meant, in flesh and body.

When she walked upstairs, the first thing she saw in the hallway was Rowan laughing uncontrollably, while Reese was trying to put a shirt on him. Immediately, she pulled the corners of her lips into a huge smile, only hoping that Rowan wouldn’t awake his younger sister. It was her turn to leave her worries behind her and to fully turn into Jennifer, just a mom and wife. And it was never hard for her, because her family meant everything to her. All the blood on her - their hands, was well worth it because of them. But, as soon as Rowan had heard her mother’s laugh, he used to opportunity to run away from his father, laughing at his own mischief. Jennifer could only shake her head as he passed by her and went running downstairs before she fixated her eyes on her husband and the shirt he was still holding in his hands. “I’m sorry, babe,” still smiling, she walked over to Reese and gave him a good morning kiss, quickly finding a way to wrap her hands around his neck. “I’ll deal with dressing both kids today, how does that sound?” Because even though Rowan hated wearing clothes, their daughter was just the opposite - very much like her mother, she was obsessed with it, “You should go have breakfast with Ro,” her smile disappeared from her features as she let out a small sigh before speaking again, “and please, do look at the today’s headline.” Apparently, Jennifer wouldn’t be getting what she wanted, and of course, that had to be changed, at whatever cost.

With a look of defeat in his tired blue eyes, Reese watched as Rowan ran down the stairs passing his mother. There were good days and not so good days when Rowan wanted to be good. He was capable, he just chose not to be - why did that remind him of someone, they really were far too much alike. That look of defeat easily turned into a short snort. Just what he needed his wife to come in and save the day or rather save him. "I was this close-- this close babe.." He was tired, but more than anything amused by his son's actions. Reese never knew how to handle defeat well, even from his own children.

"Sounds like a plan?" Reese answered with a soft chuckle. But he'd accept it for now as being able to steal a moment or two for himself sounded rather nice. With having children, all of Reese's routine went out of the window. In fact once having them there was no routine to be had. In the start it was frustrating but he understood it came with the territory and he wanted this life. Some parts of it however, he could do without. Reese could hear the enthusiasm in her voice, and truthfully he wanted to ignore it all, just for the day. Putting a bit of space between the two, to fully look at his wife's face he could tell today would be one of those days. There was a definite change in him, in the past he didn't care about a thing. He wasn't careless per se, but he didn't spend time thinking about his actions as long as the message got across nicely. Now he found himself walking a thin line and he of course hated it. Dare say, he missed those days, but he loved his family more.

"I'll go have breakfast with Ro and then I'm going on a quick run." He spoke as if everything were normal for them. A normal morning in their household, breakfast with his son and a kiss from his wife. If only Reese's eyes matched his tone of voice. It was like clock work, when she became upset, it always managed to tick him off. Sometimes a quick kiss on the cheek or a babe I'm going out for a run could mean he was going to break someone's legs or worse. Whatever was necessary to make wrongs --right. “--But I wanted to see Sienna when she gets up, she could have breakfast with us?” That charming smile of his appeared, if it wasn't obvious enough that little girl had stolen his heart.

#family ties

AU: Amore eterno

#au #he went into a state of shock I'm sure

thequeengenovese:

Accepting the game he was trying to play, Jennifer teasingly raised her brows up as if she was surprised by his words. “Oh, you don’t say, Steele, a few conditions? Hmm,” and usually that would be it, just a couple of more words exchanged between them and they would be all over each other, but today was quite different. They needed to get the answer to their question and see if their lives would be changed forever or they’d just have to keep working on it. “What is that supposed to mean? Are you trying to say that I love danger? Steele,” the petite brunette innocently smiled pretending to have no idea what he was talking about, but if anything was certain it was that she was a magnet for danger, just like Reese was the danger she loved the most. “Well, I had to ask because here I was thinking that you’d have chosen your little girlfriend instead of me,” of course, she was teasing him because through all of her fears, doubts and darkness that was at times her best friend, Jennifer was sure that she’d always be able to get through Reese, to get him back, to be with him, because that kind of love never dies. “With me?” Giving him a small shrug, she softly smiled at him before her lips parted. “Just love me.” ———————————————————————————————————-Sitting at the edge of bed in their hotel room in Athens, Jennifer was staring at the small white stick that was lying next to her. Nothing was showing quite yet and the wait was killing her, although two minutes had to pass, apparently. But, if she was indeed pregnant, then wouldn’t it show in a less second? She needed that sign, now. “I can’t do this, Reese. It’s pathetic, slow and it feels as if I’m on my way to hell. These things don’t work, Steele. Besides, I’ve said to myself, no, I ordered to my body on our flight here that I’m pregnant and I’m a Genovese, so,” she looked aside quite angry, not to mention how impatient she was with the lack of results. Jennifer wasn’t accustomed to waiting, she never had to wait for anything in her life - when she wanted something, she’d get it - immediately - not after two minutes. “I hate this.” If she wanted to be pregnant, then she’d be pregnant - it had to be like that, she thought to herself knowing perfectly well that things weren’t working like that. A wish was one thing, but reality was something entirely else, no matter how much she was scared of finding out she was not pregnant. Truth to be told, she’d give up every other dream of hers, every other wish and a plan just to have a baby with Reese, just to see that one dream of hers coming true. “I should have just gone to the hospital and be done with it because this is awful,” she rolled her eyes as she brought her gaze back to the current cause of all of her pain and despair, yet her eyes widening upon the quick realization. But, was she imagining things or was that for real? “Baby, Reese,” Jennifer picked up the white stick and stared at it for some time. “This is a plus, right?” Rhetorically she asked before she looked once more at the stick praying that the plus sign would still be there. The confused, if not even a bit scared look on her face had disappeared turning into a huge grin - the plus sign was still there, stubbornly waiting for it to be properly acknowledged. “Reese,” Jennifer threw herself into the arms of the man whose child she’s carrying, “love, this is happening. It is really happening - we’ll have a baby.”

the end.

family ties︱2029

Early November.

Finding love was quite the adventure, in fact he was still on that ride and enjoyed it more with each day. How unexpected was it to find someone that could bear his darkness enough to see his light -- and there was a fair amount he held onto as it was all he knew. Those long struggles were a distant memory, fatherhood had taken him by storm. The weight of that darkness couldn't be felt when he looked into the eyes of someone so innocent. Half him, half her, but still his wife's twin. Reese felt a bit more grounded and he was certainly mesmerized by his Sienna.

-- Although the tension was running high in the house. Reese felt it, and was sure Jennifer had with the special elections coming up. Certain trial dates coming up far too quickly. The tension could be felt by the two, however neither would show it in front of Sienna or Rowan. It was just a normal Saturday for them and mommy and daddy acted no different for them. He still was there to tuck them in at night and was one of the first faces they saw in the morning. Could there be a day when they wouldn't see him or Jennifer - it was a thought he held in the back of his mind. Once unimaginable, but with the changing times even he could not be too sure, or too cocky. The times were changing. Powers shifting and the family he started to realise was going to have to make some necessary moves to stay in control of it all. And if there was one constant factor in all of this, he'd do anything to make sure his family was safe. Joseph's wise words now coming to fruition, Reese was learning more and more on how to separate the two lives. One had to have many faces in this lifestyle and after watching his wife take on that task - how right Joseph was. But also it was his job to help make the transition smoother. Nevertheless they'd both be learning how to be in this world together.

-- The tooth fairy couldn't possibly know the worth of the Steele-Genovese tooth, it was a discussion he didn't think he'd be having with a six year old. Correction six and half. Yet, somehow it was his morning along with running after a toddler that did not like clothes no matter how nice. They just had to have that in common and how it came to bite him in the ass later. These were actually mornings he enjoyed, before everything else would set in and he had to put on another face. By no means was fatherhood a piece of cake, but he definitely preferred it. After calling Rowan by his full name, it usually did the trick and Reese didn't know how he felt about having a dad tone. Somethings about fatherhood did leave him uneasy. Rowan could do nothing but laugh uncontrollably and wonder over to a spent Reese - they shared the same smile. "I hope you have this much energy for your mother tomorrow." Of course it was only met with more laughter from Rowan. There was no way Reese would miss a morning of this.

#family ties #R is 50 that year #who thought he'd make it lol

fuckyeahonerepublic

OneRepublic - Let’s Hurt Tonight (Official Video).

#music #muse is too strong

bhucewayne

#muse #just everything in this..#is future R aesthetic

leopoldjamesfitzs

#muse #because R is such the comedian

leopoldjamesfitzs:

when your boyfriend chooses the worst possible timing to crack a joke, but you’re too in love to care.

AU: Amore eterno

thequeengenovese:

And it made her wonder would Reese and she be the ones similar to her own parents, her father especially, and try to forbid their children from seeing someone despite their own story? And she could say she’d support them through everything, but would that really be the truth? Parents always want only the best for their children and she knew that many times parents and children aren’t on the same page. “Of course I would,” she nonchalantly shrugged as if it were the most common thing in their relationship, but she loved it. The banter between them, the way they were talking, so easily and relaxed because they wanted the exact same thing. And despite their disagreements, all the little fights, at the end of the day all of those were unimportant. “Well, joking or not, that’s something you have to do as soon as you find out you’re pregnant if you want to send your baby to the best kindergarten. It’s the first step for everything that comes later on - elementary school, high school.. college,” she finished already knowing their children would have it all. There was no way she’d not be spending a fortune when it comes to their education. “Which reminds me, my family will have to speak with them only in Italian because they will have to know it as if it were their mother tongue. But, yeah, Athens,” she smiled a bit sad knowing that despite the fact she was certain she was pregnant, they still needed to do a pregnancy test. A sharp pain passed through her heart, feeling it as if it was stabbing her, due to the thought of perhaps not being pregnant because now, after all this talking, she really wanted to be pregnant. “If I’m not pregnant, love, then we’ll just have to do everything that’s in our power so I become pregnant. What do you say?” Jennifer winked at her fiancé having a feeling he would have nothing against it. After all of those years, they still couldn’t get enough of each other and it was sometimes beyond her how that was still possible, but she guessed that came with great love and passion as theirs. “Bother me? Well, not at first. I didn’t know how it is to go to school without someone driving you or waiting for you in front of school or going to library and always have someone by your side that was protecting you, but when I got older, then it started to bother me, all three of us actually. I remember, when I was thirteen or fourteen, we talked to our dad and even though we got more freedom, we still knew they were somewhere there watching us. Remember my 20th birthday? Christian was there.. someone is always there, although we do have our tricks and we learned how to escape them.” Suddenly, all of her memories of her teenage years passed through her mind which made her grin. Truly, some things they had done were not to be shared with anyone else except of Jack, Tristan and Emily, and of course, sometimes her sister as well. And what was even funnier, now Jack and Emily were about to be married. Jennifer couldn’t be happier for her brother and her best friend - they were soulmates, and if anything, she was glad they have had enough bravery and luck to recognize each other as such. “Who, my dad?” Jennifer laughed. “Yeah, because what is it for him, really? He doesn’t even have to lift up his small finger and it would be done. My dad has this almost scary calmness about him, but as we both know, he has a really bad temper beneath the surface.” Just as they both knew was something Jennifer was fighting with, but thankfully, the beast was still sleeping and she was praying it would always stay so. However, hard times would be in front of them after she takes over. “Thank god? Wait, you wouldn’t have done anything if I hadn’t stumbled upon you in the gardens that night? You had no thoughts whatsoever about me that night? Steele,” she lightly nudged him in his chin with her shoulder before she rolled her eyes - truly unbelievable he was, but she still smiled when he said how lucky he was and she had to give into their kiss, even deepening it.

She gave him plenty to think about. The schools to consider - along with every other important decision they would have to make. Reese definitely felt she she was right. He just didn't want to get his hopes up, let alone hers with them discussing their child's future. How could he not notice the excitement in her voice as it matched his own. It was all something to think about, and soon enough they'd be in Athens and would have their answers. From there everything would change. "Sounds like a plan?" Their children learning Italian in their first years was he expected. He imagined it'd be something close to a sin if they went their entire lives not knowing it. However, it was something he couldn't wait to witness himself. Would they grasp it quickly? Having all the conversations with their grandparents, it was all so easy to imagine. Plus it was comforting in knowing they would have an actual family to grow close to, already they would have a better life than him. "If--" Nodding along to every word of hers, of course this made him laugh because she was never shy with her words. "I have a few conditions, but we can work something out," Reese shrugged, only teasing her. The topic of security was inescapable when a Genovese was in question. He never imagined his future kids needing bodyguards, it was very different from how he grew up. "That would get on my nerves, to have someone follow my every move. It makes me appreciate the freedom I got from my parents." Granted his parents had very busy careers which was why he became so independent. Just thinking of someone always being there left him feeling smothered. But it was for their own protection, being in the lifestyle such as theirs it was necessary. "So you knowingly escaped those that were put in place to protect you -- why doesn't that surprise me Genovese?" He didn't blame her he would have done the same, yet knowing her record with danger was it the smartest choice. Placing judgement aside, Reese thought of the different times he witnessed Joseph's temper. Sometimes directed at him, he realized it was something Genovese fought with keeping in control. Just when you thought you scratched the surface, they left you with another mystery. Never could you be bored with this family. "What? Actually I was thinking of what excuse to say to your mother so I could leave early. And of course I thought of you, that's why I had to get out of there, that room with those people. All of a sudden I felt like I couldn't breathe--" He opted for the truth. With such a confession there wasn't a bit of sadness to it since his attempts to leave her in the past had been pointless. "You were right, I wanted to run." He still ended up right there with her, having to face his feelings. Reese remembered how the air left him when he heard her voice that night in the gardens. Thinking it was god's idea of a cruel joke. Reese took his time ending that kiss of theirs, but he had to or it could lead to other things. And believe it or not he didn't want to miss their flight to Athens, "What am I going to do with you?" Reese touched her chin, a grin at his lips he found those brown eyes of hers. She was the one that was unbelievable, always kept him guessing. Getting to his feet, he felt the need to put some distance between the two. It wasn't that he didn't have the willpower but there were far too many things they still had to do. Reese held out his hand to pull her up as well. "I know I'm irresistible and all, but you should probably eat something --although it’s more than likely cold by now, and we still have somewhere else to be."

AU: Amore eterno

thequeengenovese:

Pretending to be annoyed, she rolled her eyes as she knew exactly what he was up to. “Well,” she repeated, “I wanted to say that you’re not wrapped, but that you love me more than your own life. People are jealous of that,” she winked at him because despite their playful conversation, she actually truly believed in her own words. “You really think that cancel dating all together would actually mean something to them? Honey, when and how my parents found out about our relationship,” if anything, it only proved how excellent Jennifer was at keeping secrets - she could have kept it hidden even longer if she wanted to do so, without anyone in her family raising any questions. “Oh, you’re so, so damn funny, Steele, but is it really smart to laugh at your full-of-raging-hormones fiancee?” She countered back as she crossed her arms over her chest pretending to be angry at him, before she joined his laughter because she had to give it to him, it was funny. “Oh my God, kindergarten. Oh God, as soon as we come back home, I need to put them onto the list for all the best kindergartens in the city. Well, in Manhattan,” because she knew how those things went - a family name, wealth and influence were the most important thing on that small island they of theirs. Fortunately for them, their children had all of those boxes ticked off. “But yeah, they will be more than protected and more than loved by everyone in my family - it will be insane. And as soon as they are born, my dad will give them their own bodyguards because we had them as well, all three of us, on our way to school and all our activities,” which was such a different way to be raised compared to the one Reese was a part of. However, their children would have the same upbringing as she did, and just like Juliana, Reese will be the sense of a reason when it comes to their children - Joseph was after all, an only child - a rather spoiled one, just like Jennifer was spoiled. “No, no, he didn’t mean it like that. What he meant was that David’s a good guy, but that’s simply not enough because he isn’t you. My dad knows how much I love you and trust me, he knows that I’m happy, truly happy only when I’m with you. He would never ever do something to keep us apart and trust me, he would hurt you only if you hurt me,” but that was something Reese knew without even Jennifer saying it aloud. Those were the terms one had to sign for when falling for a don’s daughter, more so, his favorite child. “Come on, perhaps he won’t be repeating it anytime soon, but he respects you. You know that, don’t you?” She left a small kiss on his lips before she turned around and leaned onto his back, getting cozy in his arms. Finally they would have it all, and she wondered could she even be happier than she was at that moment? “No, they weren’t, but I was rather silly, thinking that I would be able to see you and be in the same room with you without wanting to be with you. Because as soon as I saw you that night, all I wanted was to find myself in your arms. David stopped existing, all my feelings for you just woke up.”

Usually this kind of back and forth banter could go on forever, if they allowed it. But her response was spot on, and he had no desire to dispute it. “No, I know it won't stop them. I kind of hope they won't go down the exact path we did.” Shaking his head, not too often did Reese look at himself and realize how stubborn he was. Naturally, his kid would be - it was in their DNA. Thus it was pointless to imagine them being able to control their kids in any way. Reese could only hope love was kind to them. "Probably not, but would you really harm the father of your child?" Innocently, speaking. Reese had even more time to calm himself from that bit of laughter. Truly never a dull moment. "Okay, I was definitely joking about the kindergarten thing. And we don't even know if they are coming yet? Can we get to Athens first and then plan their first years?" Her excitement made him smile, yet they weren't even sure there was a baby. Reese could be hopeful but he was also not one to get his hopes up. He found himself going back and forth with excitement and the other possible reality. All current paths led to Jennifer being pregnant but what if she wasn't. "That is a lot," Reese was taking it all in, of what would happen with their child. "Did that ever bother you? Having someone always there?" With all the talk of security, Reese at one point thought it was excessive. But, that was a thought he had a long time ago, while working for Gambino. He was new to the city and wondered why on earth did two spoiled kids need twenty four hour security. Once it set in what he was apart of - a lot of his previous questions now answered. Before he knew it he was a part of the talks to keep those kids safe. But to have his own, where would he even start? "I know, I like to be dramatic." He was more often than he would ever admit it. But he understood how Joseph worked. Not claiming to be an expert or anything but with Joseph it was the little gestures one should notice. “And I know that too, he never lets me forget how without notice I can go missing, and he's always so casual about it. It's terrifying with how calm he always is. --And I've been around Gambino, and Colomba, and neither one of them can threaten your life like your father.” Speaking as if it was all normal, which for them it was normal. His and Jennifer's father relationship was a tricky one, but he knew there was respect there. Reese nodding to her words while she got comfortable in his arms, they were suppose to be packing for Athens. Getting ready for the next part of their trip, but this moment seemed perfect as it was. That night she spoke of, he remembered not wanting to go at all. The need for closure unwanted. The safest thing for him to do was to focus on other things like Philadelphia, or Brooke. Reese somewhere along the way stopped trusting his heart - what made him, him was lost for a moment. "Thank god, Genovese." Giving her a smile that finally reached his eyes, he placed a kiss to her temple. It was pointless, he'd always love her. He rested his chin on her shoulder for moment, truly excited for what was to come with her. "Damn, how did I get so lucky?" Sealing those words with a simple kiss.

AU: Amore eterno

thequeengenovese:

Raising her brows up, she sweetly, almost saintly nodded before she started laughing - Genovese women were definitely something and even Genovese men had troubles keeping up with them. “Well,” she stopped as he continued to talk. Was he wrapped around her little finger? Jennifer would argue that, considering Reese was always doing what he wanted to do, but she could understand that to the outside world their love seemed perhaps as him being wrapped around her finger. It wasn’t her fault that not so many people these days were ready to die for each other. “My age? You do understand that we started dating when I was twenty? Remember our first night spent together? My age didn’t stop you then,” she recalled the memory of the two of them being together for the first time in that shower in Rhea’s home, only to move into his bedroom and not stoping all night. It seemed so long ago, yet she was certain she could remember all the details from that night. “Besides, if they would be anything like me,” which they for sure would be, “they’ll cause you a lot of headaches and trouble, just ask my father.” If Joseph couldn’t handle easily his children, no one else could, especially not someone who was not part of the family. Everyone knew Genovese family was something, and with each generation it was becoming more obvious that they were doing what and when they wanted - not to mention that danger was a part of them. “Yeah, we did, but this will be different. Not that we wouldn’t be able to handle it, but we’ll be parents. They say you don’t often know what love is until you become a parent? It’s unconditional, not to mention they become our world. Imagine something happening to that world,” which made her think. Reese and Jennifer were more than overprotective over each other, always putting each other on the first place and more than ready to do everything for the other. Now, if that was the case with them as lovers, how would it be when the products of their love would be a part of this world? And it scared her - the fact that because of their first child, a lost one, a whole family had to die.. what would they be doing for the ones they’d meet, raise, take care of, love more than anything? “As too fast? Honestly, I think nothing considering the two of us surprises them anymore, and besides, they have accepted you as someone I love and want to be with. And I haven’t told you this, but on the night of my mom’s birthday, after you went to talk to Brooke, I went back to my room and my dad was there - he knew immediately where I was and with whom. He said it himself, “David is a good guy, but Reese is Reese,” and I really, but really think,” she chuckled, “that half of my family was placing bets on how long will take for us to get back together. No one was surprised it happened the same night because they know we are meant to be.”

"Well?" Her response could be seen as perfect, for a person that wasn't him. Crossing his arms in front of him, he let that response sit with him for a moment. "I'm sorry what were you about to say?" Of course he found this all funny, he didn't even care what others thought. Yet he was quite interested in knowing what she would say. Reese tried his best to cover the increasing grin, his eyes gave away how he appreciated the reminder. "Fine. Let's cancel dating altogether. I can live with that." Whatever to help him sleep at night, he was open to. It was a bit frightening that he was starting to think like a dad. He felt a bit uneasy at the thought of putting a car seat in his Audi and of course baby proofing everything else. But it was hilarious to imagine him being so protective, he almost felt bad for their future children. "As if I need to ask your father---" To know how truthful her words were. He almost fell over. Reese could hardly make it through that sentence before he started laughing. Shortly after he collected himself, avoiding Jennifer's eyes. "God, have I told you how grateful I am for your parents? Also I love you." A quick save, but she walked right into that one. Truthfully, it was easier to joke around about everything for Reese. Something he realized he wouldn't be able to do for much longer. If she was pregnant, he would have to think about what kind of parent he would be and all the changes to come. It was overwhelming and scary when factoring in their lifestyle. Yet he welcomed the challenge, "What I can imagine is our kid being surrounded by their family. You and I are already thinking of their protection, look at us. Probably thinking of the security detail when they go to kindergarten. Imagine what your parents will do, your siblings and everyone else. I have my worries, but knowing we have so many people in our corner, I can breath a bit easier. They'll be well taken care of." She had to know him, he didn't work to well with fears. Her latest confession was surprising. Perhaps he knew her parents were more accepting of him, that time Joseph tried to kill him was so far in the past. Those bruises long gone. However it was nice to hear it. "So David gets the good guy compliment and I got Reese is Reese? Your father has such a way with words." Genuinely curious, yet Reese had been with this family long enough to know how they worked with compliments. "I guess that is as good as I'm going to get. And I can't get anything in writing with this family so he'll probably conveniently forget he ever said that. Story of my life." Reese shook his head, it was all amusing to him. He wasn't so much surprised her family took out bets on them. Reese had been a part of this family long enough to learn them and their ways. "That doesn't surprise me at all, but were they wrong?" Not in the slightest.

AU: Amore eterno

thequeengenovese:

Anything was indeed possible, but having twins was something Jennifer didn’t necessarily want. To have one baby would be enough of a challenge, and she was certain twins would be end of her. However, it was easier to breathe knowing Reese would be by her through everything. “A boy and a girl immediately, yeah.. that would be a challenge, or perhaps we’d have two girls? They’d have you wrapped around their little finger,” which was something she definitely wanted to see happening, no matter would it be a girl or two girls. It happened to her father as well - even though he perhaps didn’t want to admit it, he was much softer when it came to Jamie and Jennifer, compared to his relationship with Jackson. But, whether their first child would be a boy or a girl, or perhaps even twins, she was more than certain that they would be loved and adored by Reese and herself more than anything else. Their lives would be forever changed, but it was such a sweet change that was coming upon them that she couldn’t wait for it to be indeed confirmed as a true one. “No more jumping,” she agreed thinking how the same should be applied to him, but she knew better than to say it aloud. Jennifer had faith in her man, knowing that from this moment on he’d at least try to be more careful, but she was also well aware of the fact that he’d be even more concerned about her safety than ever before. Just the thought of it made her smile because even though she hated to admit it, she loved the way he was always so protective over her, yet at the same time was allowing her to breathe. “They’ll probably drive us out of our minds,” she laughed before Reese kissed her on her lips, and if it were any other situation she’d deepen that kiss, but at the moment she was so excited that she simply continued to laugh just as he did into the second small kiss they shared. “I don’t know, but I think it’s the best thing that is happening to us and that it is the biggest adventure we’re ever go through and I can’t wait for it to really start. It is all I ever wanted to have with you,” she softly laughed because to have children together was their longtime dream and now it was coming true in the best possible way. To just remember that two months ago they were not in each other lives anymore and now they were almost certainly expecting a baby together was incredible. “God, I need to tell my dad that he’ll have to wait with his retirement plans for a bit longer,” as if he’d ever really leave his place, “and I think my mom will be even happier than the two of us, I’m not even joking, Reese,” because knowing Juliana, she’d be all over their baby, just like all of her family would be. “Imagine, my dad would be taking our kid for a walk, while Michael would be taking his daughter. Funny, isn’t it?”

"Me in the house with not one but three Genovese women, huh? I did not think that through.." Reese sighed loudly. He wasn't even speaking to Jennifer, but to himself in general as the image went through his head. He was sure he could handle it, but did he want to test those waters so soon? Of course not. But he couldn't say that aloud to Jennifer, "What are you trying to say? That I'm wrapped around your finger?" Reese tried to sound offended. He was slightly - but he also didn't want to admit that perhaps there was some truth to her statement. "--on second thought don't bother to answer that. For your information, I plan to be fair and stern, like first rule? They can't date until they are your age, that's fair?" He had a feeling Joseph would agree with him, which he realized may be a card he could use in the future. It also hit him at once, that he wouldn't be able to get any advice on parenthood from his own parents. But, in typical Reese fashion he quickly shoved that thought out of his mind. It made him breath a bit easier knowing Jennifer was on the same page as he. Her safety came in the first place, but he was also well aware of Jennifer ending up in the craziest scenarios. Sometimes he could predict them, sometimes he was just as surprised as the rest. But if he learned anything from Sean, you have to stay on your feet around a Genovese. They may have been wiser than most, but danger followed them around like an old friend. "I don't know? something tells me we should give ourselves more credit than this. We've survived a lot, I think we can handle what else comes our way, like a baby." Reese had to take a short breath after that. While he was excited about the future, he was definitely nervous. "Your parents?" They were something he hadn't thought much about. It'd be a lie to say they didn't make him nervous too. "You don't think they'll see this as too fast?" It was a thought. Reese could only imagine what they'd think after learning about them marrying in Santorini, and to add a baby to that. "That's something I'd like to see, Michael interacting with children." The guy had no filter. Granted Michael already had two from a previous marriage, but Reese didn't know that guy or how different he was from the current one.

AU: Amore eterno

thequeengenovese:

It didn’t come as a surprise to her that they were on the same page. Understanding that they both were harboring those feelings of uncertainty and fear when it came to bringing a new life onto this world made Jennifer’s heart on that matter so much easier. To have children in their world was never an issue - of course it brought into their lives up until then an unknown sort of fear, but that was happening to every person who was about to become a parent. However, what was an issue was that both of parens were caught up in the mafia lifestyle, and everyone knew what kind of dangers that exactly meant. After all, not even old laws were respected anymore, which Jennifer had tasted on her own skin. “Yeah,” she agreed with him - there was no denial that a permanent target would be placed on her head once she takes over her father’s place, but who says something would even happen to her? Her grandfather, her father.. the first died from a natural cause, the latter was still very much alive and soon to enter into his sixties. “What? Babies? Now we are already on babies?” For the first time after she entered into their suite, Jennifer laughed from the depths of her heart, with her whole body and soul. “I don’t know, Steele, that only means we’ll be spending quite a lot time in bed - again,” Jennifer teased, but she was more than happy to hear that he wanted to have more children with her. Obviously, she knew that, but hearing it made it even better - this baby, if she was indeed pregnant, caught them by a surprise, but he wanted to have more kids, planned ones. “I know, and I love you so much because of that,” she stood up and walked over to where he was sitting on the floor. Kneeling down in front of him, she smiled. It was unbelievable to her just how much that man of hers loved her, wanted her, or was ready to be by her side in every possible thing a human mind could imagine. Throughout all of their adventures, and God knows they’d been through everything and anything, this one would be for certain the biggest one. Leaning closer, she found his hands and took them into hers, her eyes falling down on her toned stomach. “If this is true and if it is really happening to us, then I think that we should definitely marry here, but go back to New York much sooner.” Despite the fact that she’d be buying a pregnancy test as soon as she lands in Athens, Jennifer still wanted to go to her doctor as soon as possible because all she wanted was to make sure that this baby would be okay. Looking up to meet her fiancé’s eyes, she tenderly smiled. “I hope he or she will have your eyes.”

There was some confused on his face once he realized what he had said to her. Babies, he couldn't believe the word came out of his mouth. Reese was always the advocate for them taking things slow, even slower if possible. Yet that was never their reality or pace they tended to take, but still he had to try. "Well what if you're carrying more than one? Anything's possible right?" He looked around them, at the entire suite. Their life together was more than enough for him to believe those words of his. He had to laugh at her teasing words, truly she was the jokester of the two. Reese could feel his hands trembling at the thought of it all. What had they done? For the most part he had fallen quiet, which wasn't strange on his part at all. His eyes fell on Jennifer the moment she moved closer to him. He couldn't stop looking at her - taking turns from those brown eyes to her stomach. That signature grin of his present behind his eyes. Reese simply needed a moment or two to process it all. When she found his hands, he knew she'd feel them trembling. He thought about hiding it, feeling the need to be stronger for them both. Reese could not imagine what was going on in her head. Coming to from his own thoughts, they both at the very same time looked at her stomach. With a simple nod, he agreed with her on them marrying in Santorini and leaving for New York sooner. "Also no more jumping off of cliffs, agreed?" Pregnant or not. He made sure to catch her eyes as his were serious. But what was he most excited to witness, them having his eyes or maybe Jennifer's. Honestly, he couldn't pinpoint one thing, and he still didn't want to get his hopes up. "It's possible. But I've always loved your brown eyes--." To see them on a little boy or girl that was a mix of them would probably take his breath away. He remembered noticing Jennifer's for the first time, when they were in central park, as she revealed to him her desire to take her father's place. "With your looks and my sense of humor, they'll be a handful." Probably knowing how to talk their way out of everything. Reese closed off that bit of space between the two and kissed her for the first time on the lips. "But any combination of us will be a handful so..," Cupping her face in his hands, he laughed into the second small kiss - showing how excited he was. "Are we really sure we know what we're getting ourselves into?" The third was a kiss to her forehead. Again Reese thought of how their story was never predictable nor ordinary.

AU: Amore eterno

#au #it's funny I really did try to shorten this #I really tried

thequeengenovese:

Barely nodding, Jennifer thought about what Reese was saying to her. Never, not even in her wildest dreams would she be thinking that Reese would leave her for someone else or because of someone else’s opinion of her, not even when it came to the opinion of his own family. However, she still hated the fact that one of his brothers would never accept her, even more so, was against the idea of getting to know her. “I know, but it still hurts, kind of,” she laughed it off as if it was nothing important. “Look, I honestly have nothing against Nathan being your best man. It’s the only right thing to do and perhaps it will help us to bond? Hopefully? So, you should really talk to him about it when we come back home,” Jennifer truly meant it. “But, if he even dares to screw something up, he’s going to face Sean and Luca.” And she meant that as well, despite saying it as a joke. It was their wedding day, the one they’d be never repeating again and everything had to be perfect, just like she had always wanted and dreamed of. – Still with her eyes glued to her phone as she was counting the days, Jennifer looked up only to watch Reese taking a seat on the floor aside her. She let out a deep breath, not knowing what to say or what to even think. What did she want? Did she want to have a baby now? It was beyond her how these things were happening to them. “How do I feel? I honestly don’t know. The first thing that comes to my mind is that I don’t want to marry in the St. Patrick’s cathedral in a white dress with a baby bump,” she chuckled, but the humor in her voice was absent. Reese’s words were comforting, but the thing was that he didn’t even need to tell her that - she knew he’d be by her side whatever she wanted to do. “I know, baby, you don’t even have to say it,” she smiled lightly as she finally let go of her phone, being more than certain now that she was pregnant. There was no other solution. “Honestly?” She shrugged. “I don’t know if it is smart to bring a child into our world. You’re a capo, I’m about to go back to New York and tell my dad that I will take his place. We could both end up in prison, or even worse, dead, and I don’t know should we ever have kids? Would it be selfish of us to have them? It was different for my parents - my mom was never a part of it, but you and I - we are both in it. If something happens.. I don’t even want to think about it,” she bit her bottom lip before she continued, “but at the same time, we could die in a car accident - something so common and compared to everything else in our lives, so ordinary. But to be perfectly honest, all I want for us is to have a family together, just like we promised to ourselves a couple of years ago. I want to have this baby, more than anything else.”

"Fair enough," Reese prayed it would not go that far, to put him in a place between his brother and his fiancee. Still, he wasn't certain who would be standing beside him - but he would be lying if he did not think of his younger brother first. But he appreciated Jennifer in allowing Nathan to be a part of the day. Funny, who would have took Reese for a traditionalist? He somewhat cringed at the idea of him following anyone's tradition. Also he could not believe he was about to get married. This was not the same person that came to New York years ago, always thinking and believing he needed no one. His entire world changed and no matter how much he tried to fight it, he matured and gained things he never imagined he could have. To have a family of his own was something out a dream, for people like him. Perhaps, her nerves were getting the best of her, Reese could not focus on one emotion to feel. Truthfully, the entire time she spoke his eyes glued to the wall in front of him. Off in trance, it was as if it was all setting in what was happening to them. The trance broke when he heard her ask was it selfish of them to bring a child into the world, specifically their world. How was he to answer that, Reese had not a clue. Maybe she was right, that their lives were far too dangerous for a family. And yet, Reese thought of how they never let the chaos of it all stop them from being together, from building a future. "Honestly, I don't know if it is right to bring a kid into our world. I'm a target, I'm a capo.." Reese mindlessly shrugged at the declaration. He didn't care what could happen to him. "--but you'll become an even bigger one once you take his place." There was a hint of sadness in his tone. The need to protect her would be even stronger with her accepting the position. It was a lot to consider, and he didn't want to make promises he couldn't keep. But a family was what they wanted. "Exactly, there is always risks. Whether you're boss of the family or a lawyer in some firm something could happen to us. I don't want to live my life afraid to take the next step. Whatever happens, we'll face it. that I can be sure of, like we've done everything else. I'm terrified of being someone's father but I want this baby, or babies, I don't care?" He hated the uncertainty of it all, it scared the hell out of him because what if they were making the wrong choices. But who knew the answers to everything? He too released an empty laugh, but the spark of hope returned soon after. Finally, he looked up at Jennifer from her place on the bed. "I said with you, I'd take on anything, I meant that."

AU: Amore eterno

thequeengenovese:

Observing him as he was almost desperately trying to come up with a way out of her plans made her laugh. “You’re adorable, love,” the brunette playfully stuck her tongue out at her fiancé, once again silently thanking for having him once again in her life. It was funny to think about the fact how everyone was doubting in them as a couple, yet here they are stronger than ever. So many obstacles thrown in their way and they overcame each and every one. However, there were still those close to them who had their doubts. “I don’t know, I think he also hates the fact that I ruined your chance for true happiness by coming back,” she offered almost mockingly because as if Reese was ever happy with that nurse. It was only his attempt to try to kill his love for her that, despite all of his tryings, couldn’t die. It was the same thing with Jennifer and David - there was always that horrible truth of knowing that she belonged to someone else - that her heart truly and only loved and wanted just one man. – Sitting on the edge of their bed, Jennifer was staring at her phone in an almost disbelief because there had to be some mistake. “What?” She asked Reese when he came inside, but she barely paid any attention to him as she was counting days in her head. “It started today, after that jump, but,” she bit her bottom lip before she looked up to meet those piercing blue eyes. Once again, they thought they were in a control, but that was never really the case, was it? Life always found a way to laugh in their face. “But there was only one time before that I can remember when I couldn’t stand eggs. No matter what,” she confessed as she sighed. This was not happening, not now. “It was when I was in London,” she chuckled, “on that fashion week with Em and Rhea.. do you remember?” Only for her to come back home, be kidnapped, lose Reese and find out that she lost a baby she never knew about in the first place.

There was a great chance Jennifer was right, and Nathan would never change how he felt about her. All Nathan showed Jennifer was how cold and disapproving he could be. Truly, he was their father's twin, but Reese knew there was more to him. The last time he spoke to his brother, the message had been clear - it would always be Jennifer. After every attempt to guide Reese in what Nathan saw as the right direction. It all unraveled the moment Reese saw Jennifer again. Reese shook his head at her words, "He knows where I'm most happy, trust me." Wasn't she the one that said Nathan would one day understand and stop. Still it was bizarre that Reese was the one full of hope, he'd deny it later - the reason had to be love, nothing but love. "I do remember, I also remember not remembering anything--" He tried to make light of the situation. Truthfully, Reese was still at a loss for words. Thinking back to London and everything that took place afterward was quite difficult. It changed them. Tested them in countless ways, to pull them apart and still they came back together. "Okay--" Reese sighed before opting for the floor aside Jennifer instead of on the bed. Coupled with him not knowing what to say, he also had trouble with what he was suppose to feel. There was a brief moment of silence before he found his voice again. "So let's say you are pregnant..how do you feel about it?" They were going off of speculations at the moment, nothing confirmed. However, he couldn't gauge her emotions, perhaps they were both in some state of denial, even shock. "And no matter what I'm right here."

AU: Amore eterno

thequeengenovese:

Annoyed, she looked aside before she spoke. “You’re annoying, Steele.” Fine, he had a point, but she absolutely hated the idea of being the one who needed protection. Which she of course, needed and would be needing in the future even more. Once again, she wondered how would that work - Reese as a capo, she as a boss. They’d be in a constant danger and despite of that, they still wanted to have a family. Was that even smart? “Oh, really? Now all of a sudden he has plans.. what, you don’t care about my safety anymore? What if I get dizzy in the middle of Athens?” Jennifer chuckled quite amused with her fiancé and the way his brain worked. “Nice try, Steele, but you’re going shopping.” She pulled up closer to herself a nearby chair and put her legs on it. Trying to relax, to calm her head and body down, she listened to Reese as he spoke about his younger brother, the one who never tried to hide how much he disliked Jennifer and even more so, her family. God, she remembered how hard he tried to stop her from seeing Reese in the hospital a couple of years ago. It was as if he would never ever accept her and would be always seeing her as an unnecessary evil in his brother’s life. More so, she was certain Nathan was mad at her for coming back and entering into Reese’s life once again. That woman, Brooke, had to be the one for Reese in Nathan’s eyes, definitely not Jennifer, that was for sure. “No, that’s not it. I want him to be your best man if you want him - he’s your brother after all, your family, so that makes him my family, but I don’t want for him to stand at the altar and stare at me with such a hate in his eyes. I mean, in all of these years he’s never tried to get to know me. It’s as if he has an image of me in his head and that’s it. I’m a daughter of a boss and just because of that I’m pure evil.. love, I just don’t want for him to ruin our day, okay? Promise me that.” – Even if she tried, Jennifer couldn’t hide the fact that she was more than disgusted by Reese’s choice of breakfast. “I know, but today I can’t stand them.” Which was odd because it was just the smell of it that bothered her, and perhaps the yellow color, but the smell itself was so intensive that she was certain she would be sick in any moment now. “Can’t you eat my pancakes? Or even, better order something else? Those eggs.. baby, don’t eat them, please. Do it for-,” she stopped in the middle of her sentence when it dawned on her. “Oh, my God, this is not happening, not now. God,” she murmured and jumped up from her chair only to run into the inside of their suite.

“You knew I didn’t have plans to begin with but still I had to try. And I don’t know Jennifer ..I’ve always been we’ll cross that bridge when we get there kind of guy.” Reese countered, it was worth a shot. And of course he didn’t stop trying either, “But what if I went with you to---” He attempted at bargaining with her, but fell short because what else would he be willing to do instead. “But what if we did,..well no I don’t want to do that either,” With the faintest smile threatening to appear, Reese cursed under his breath, muttering a short “fine” - it was barely audible. If he hadn’t truly put effort into getting out of it, he’d find this all too funny. “I can promise you that he won’t do anything to ruin our day,” As narrow-mined as Nathan was, Reese knew his brother believed in the idea of love. “And I can’t excuse everything he’s said or done, but I don’t think he hates you. Yes he likes to hear himself talk, but I hope one day you get to meet the side of Nathan I know and I believe you will.” Reese also knew only time would be able to help the relationship between Jennifer and Nathan. “--but I don’t want pancakes, hence me ordering eggs.” Reese deadpanned. However, he was really starting to question Jennifer’s behavior. There was never a dull moment with the two, but today of all days everything was just different, at least to him. When she rushed into the suite, Reese at once moved from his place by the balcony. “Babe, come here,” He called out. Already having few questions on his mind. “Jennifer, how long have you been feeling like this?” Finally, reaching their bed, he had not a clue what to do first only to make sure she was okay.

AU: Amore eterno

thequeengenovese:

Happy with their decision, she relaxed. “Two it is.” Jennifer would never tell that to Reese because she was really happy here in Santorini and she could be anywhere in the world as long as Reese was with her, but she was happy they would spend a couple of days in Athens. She was a city girl, she loved the noise and the never ending crowd, not to mention all the options when it came to restaurants, bars and shopping. “Oh, is that so? Have you been waiting all morning to tell me that I shouldn’t be jumping off cliffs?” Jennifer rolled her eyes and if she weren’t feeling so bad, she’d put on an even bigger fight. Of course she knew he was right, more than right, but to admit that to him? To admit that she shouldn’t be doing something? Never. “Yeah, I am still dizzy, but it is just because I haven’t eaten anything and that’s what you get you when you decide to do something with no energy, dizziness. And perhaps that’s why those cigarettes feel awful as well. I’m sick so that’s it, everything goes bad all of a sudden. I’ll be fine.” Jennifer concluded. “So fine that in fact we will spend all our afternoon in Athens shopping, just so you know.” That is what he would get for trying to imply that she shouldn’t be doing things. Oh. he had to know better, no, she was certain he knew better. But, that was Reese Steele and one of the reasons she fell for him - no other man would even dare to say something she didn’t want to hear. “Nathan?” She raised her brows because when was Nathan ever supporting their relationship? Oh, she was certain he was the happiest man after hearing Jennifer left Reese. “If you want to go with Nathan, do it. He’s your brother, after all. If you want him to be by your side, then choose him.” Of course, she was seriously hoping Nathan would not ruin their wedding ceremony by saying he’s against it, but then again, somewhere deep in her heart she knew Nathan wouldn’t be failing Reese. “Oh, look, all this gorgeous food,” she happily clapped not knowing what to choose or where to start from after Reese came back with the service. Cinnamon rolls, pancakes, fruit salad, coffee.. and eggs. Reese’s eggs. “What? How can you eat eggs? Ugh, horrible. They smell so bad. Reese, did you really had to order eggs? I can’t stand eggs, not today.” Which was a new thing as well.

“Me?” Reese pointed at himself, taking the dramatic route, “Watching out for your safety? Why would I do such a thing?” Passive aggressive at best, all he could do was shake his head at her. Something told him everything would be fine, so he could not argue with her reasoning. In fact he was in agreeance with everything she said up until she mentioned them shopping. Suddenly the blue ocean off in the distance was far more interesting. “I would love to spend my entire afternoon in Athens shopping with you, but damn--I realized I have other plans that don’t involve that so--.” It was a terrible lie, but he chose to follow through with it. “So sad I’ll miss out on that.” To add insult to injury since he knew she wouldn’t buy any of it. Reese didn’t miss the raised brow at the mention of Nathan, and it was an odd choice because of Nathan’s stance on everything concerning Reese. She also knew Reese well enough to know that he did care, he may never show people he cares in the way they want -- the bond he had with Nathan was different was the only way to describe it. And maybe one day he’d explain it to her, but for now it didn’t seem necessary. “If you don’t want Nathan involved with the wedding, I won’t ask him. He has changed. Not a lot,” He grinned, but he had to emphasize. When the time had passed the food arrived, he was at once reminded how hungry he was. Thanking the two servers it took to help with the food, Reese was beyond ready to dig in. Earlier something told him everything would be fine, they were fine, but he also kept getting this thought in the back of his mind something was off. “What? Babe, I always have eggs for breakfast? --I’ve cooked eggs many mornings in our apartment? You sure you’re not getting sick? First the dizziness, then the cigarettes now you hate the smells of eggs?”