thanks for the tag @ettawritesnstudies ! Sorry it’s so late! The rules are to share the last 7 lines that you wrote (give or take). This is from Wedding Bells and Blood.
Pierce took Amara’s hand and raised it to pop it back into place. Amara grunted but didn’t cry out again.
Avery flinched as she watched. She could feel Amara was in more pain than she was letting on. But it wouldn’t do any good to voice that knowledge. So she stood quietly, waiting for her turn to be needed.
When it was done Amara felt much better. There was a dull soreness but she could move her arm again. “Thanks,” was all she could manage.
Pierce tilted her chin left and right, inspecting her scrapes and bruises. “We’d better get you cleaned and stitched up. Maybe to the hospital to check out your head.”
“And maybe showered.” Kiva brushed white dust from Amara’s shoulder. “Is this... flour?”
And I’ll tag: @adie-dee @bardicfool @dustylovelyrun @sleepyowlwrites @raevenlywrites @cirianne
Yesterday morning I was listening to the radio and there was the daily “Top Ten” list on 102.3 WBAB. The topic was the Top Ten Role Playing Roles in the Bedroom and, I’ve got to say, I was shocked at what I heard!
Did you know people are still playing “French maid/master of the house,” and “‘But I don’t have enough for the rent’/landlord”?!
I don’t want to kinkshame anyone, but ... c’mon, get a little creative! At least the “criminal/cop” thing comes with accessories!
Sigh...
Here’s a link if you want the whole list (https://www.wbab.com/entertainment/morning-show/roger-clip-the-day/cPWvBI7teG5Ceif2sLiA2O/)
In the meantime, I’m gonna be in my costume closet, lovingly stroking my corsets, capes, and Batgirl costume.
Have a little fun between old friends! From Wedding Bells and Blood:
Avery and Amara went to their lunch together. Fargo and Felicity were overjoyed to see them. Felicity answered the door with a squeal.
“Avery! Amara!” She cried as she flung her arms around them both. “I’ve missed you guys!”
“We’ve missed you too!” Avery laughed at Felicity’s excitement. She was always so happy. It was one of the things they loved about her.
“Come in, come in!” Felicity let them go and ushered them through the door. “Fargo’s out back cooking. Hope you’re hungry!”
They went through the kitchen to the back deck. Fargo stood at a grill, flipping burgers and corn cobs. He turned when he heard them, his shaggy hair swaying.
“Girls! So glad you could make it!”
“Fargo!” Both girls ran to hug him as he took a few steps away from the grill.
“It’s been too long,” he said as they embraced.
“It certainly has!” Amara pulled away and held up her left hand to show her ring.
“No way!” He grabbed her hand and examined the ruby. “You finally let someone propose to you?!” Everyone laughed.
Felicity came over to have a look too. “Not just anyone!” She added. “Tucian finally got up the nerve, huh?”
“Yes,” Amara chuckled.
“Where is he? He didn’t come so we could congratulate him?” Felicity asked.
“He wanted to come, but he had to work today.”
Fargo turned back to the grill. “He’s going to miss out on some epic fooding! Poor guy.”
“You know Tucian and his healthy eating. He doesn’t like this kind of stuff anyway, he won’t miss it.” Amara smiled.
“True true,” Fargo said. “There are drinks in the cooler, which he probably wouldn’t approve of either.” He laughed.
Avery and Amara walked to a cooler and grabbed some cans of soda. They sat at a patio table with Felicity and sipped while they chatted.
“I was wondering,” Amara turned to Felicity seriously, “if you would be my bridesmaid?”
Felicity squealed in joy and hugged Amara tight.
“Of course! Of course I will!” She pulled away a little and quietly said, “Maid of honor?” She winked at her.
“Oh, no! That one’s mine!” Avery cried. “I’ve been waiting her whole life! It’s my birthright.” She laughed.
“Can’t blame a girl for trying.” Felicity shrugged.
When the food was done, everyone topped their burgers and helped bring things out from the kitchen. The table was filled with bags of chips, corn on the cob, butter, potato salad, and sodas.
“You make the best burgers!” Amara gushed with a mouthful of food.
Fargo laughed. “Thanks! We’ll have to get Tucian to eat them sometime. See if we can’t break his healthy food bubble.”
“I love your hair,” Avery told Felicity as she pulled some of it through her fingers. It was a lovely light teal color, which matched her powers and her brother’s too.
“Thanks!” Felicity had tried a few fun shades over the years. It had been purple for a while, then red, blue. It had been blue black the last time they saw her. Her natural hair was a dark brown, like Fargo’s. But it hadn’t been that color in years. She loved color and Avery and Amara truly enjoyed seeing the different colors on her. They all looked gorgeous. But this one was their favorite. It complemented her tan, Latin skin well.
“How are both your businesses going?” Felicity asked.
“Mine is going great!” Avery answered. “I have three young newbies and two more experienced students.”
“Any trouble ones?” Fargo asked curiously.
“Ugh, yes,” she groaned. “Not the newbies like you’d think. One of my more experienced students, a guy, is giving me some flack.”
“Oh yeah,” Felicity put in. “The experienced guys hate getting their butts handed to them by us little ladies. No matter how much they need help controlling their powers.” She rolled her eyes and sighed.
“I know! And it’s annoying because he asked for help! He wanted me to teach him! And then he refuses to accept what I’m telling and showing him! So frustrating!”
“Stick with it though.” Felicity put a hand on Avery’s. “Sometimes the most stubborn ones hit a realization and turn into the best students!”
“I sure hope so!” Avery clinked her soda can against Felicity’s.
“And how about yours, Amara?” Fargo asked.
“Well, I’m keeping my client base a bit smaller right now with my other work. I only have two. But they’re learning. They have a lot of trauma to overcome but they’re strong. I have faith in them.”
They spent two hours catching up, telling stories, laughing, reminiscing. They had a great time. But Amara had a strange feeling. Like she was being watched. She tried to brush it off and enjoy herself anyway.
Eventually Avery and Amara both had training sessions to get to. Fargo walked her to the door and hugged them each.
“Congratulations,” he said as he held onto Amara. “I’m so happy for you.” He kissed her cheek, let go, and opened the door for her.
“Thanks, Fargo.” Amara tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Don’t forget to send me an invite. I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle. You’re going to be a beautiful bride and Tucian is a lucky man.”
“Thank you. I would never forget to send you an invitation. I can’t get married without my best friends there.”
Fargo nodded. The pairs were each others’ best friends. He waved goodbye as she walked away.
I was tagged by @adie-dee to find rain, beam, bath, West. Thanks so much for the tag! These ones are from Wedding Bells and Blood.
Rain
Amara was soaked from sitting in the rain. It was late but she needed to think, needed the clarity of the rain. So, she sat on the roof, resting her chin on her knees that were pulled up to her chest. Rain was the perfect weather for her pensive mood. But it seemed rain always fit her mood somehow. Whether she was happy or sad, rain understood. It pounded the roof all around her, trying to soothe her, giving her its wisdom.
Beam
“Where next?” Amara asked.
Kiva and Danelea smiled at each other knowingly. They took the girls’ hands and transported out. They reappeared in front of a store. It held white gowns on mannequins in the window.
“Really?” Amara beamed. A dress was the one thing she was missing for her dream wedding. She hadn’t found that perfect one yet.
“Really. You can’t get married without the perfect dress.” Kiva squeezed Amara’s hand.
“Today’s the day!” Danelea said. “We’re not going home until we find your dream dress. Even if we have to shop all over the world.”
Bath
Amara ran a hand through her hair. It was messy. It had been pulled up before they’d passed out and now it was a tangled mess with an elastic stuck somewhere in it. “I need a bath.”
“And you can have one,” Avery stood from her bed. “after me!” Purple sparks erupted as she transported out. “Hey!” Amara yelled to no one. She laughed and lied back down. Nothing to do but wait.
West
I don’t have any references to West in any of my writing! Weird!
And I’ll tag @raevenlywrites and @thescreamingtwenties and anyone else who wants to jump in because I never know who to tag! Find the words: mess, worth, flower, sun
Here’s a scene that I cut from Wedding Bells and Blood. It’s Tucian and Amara’s first kiss! Since it got cut I didn’t bother editing it too well but it’s perfect to share for OC Kiss Week!
“Let me see you tomorrow,” Tucian said later that night. He and Amara stood in front of her house. Avery had already gone inside and Jett had started home.
“I’ll ask Avery.” She started to turn to the door. Tucian put a hand on her shoulder and she turned back.
“Amara.” Tucian looked into her eyes. “Let me see you. Only you.”
“The two of us? Alone?” Amara asked. She wasn’t sure why she was nervous to be alone with Tucian. Maybe it wasn’t him she was worried about, but herself. Being with him made her want to do things... so many things. Things it was much too early for.
“Yes. You and I. Alone.” Tucian grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close. She gasped, bracing her hands against his chest. “We’ve been doubling for two weeks. I’m not a stranger anymore.” He ran his hand down the hair on her shoulder. “Two whole weeks and I haven’t even gotten to kiss you.” Amara’s heart jumped. He wanted to kiss her. She didn’t say anything, now unable to stop watching his lips. Wanting his lips. “How am I supposed to really get to know you when we’re being watched every minute?” He moved closer, their cheeks nearly touching. Amara closed her eyes and tried to breathe as Tucian pressed a hand up her neck and into her hair. “I want to really get to know you,” he whispered, lips brushing against her ear.
“Okay,” she gave in with a shaky breath.
“Perfect.” Unable to hold himself back any longer. He pulled her tighter against himself and slowly let his lips connect to hers.
Amara’s heart jumped in her chest. She let go of her caution for a moment and allowed their kiss to become more intense. Her lips parted and she knew why she’d waited to be alone with him. Her hands ran down his chest, found his waist, held on tight.
Tucian savored each new sensation. Feeling Amara’s warmth, smelling her sweet scent, tasting her vanilla coated lips. He had been holding himself back for too long. His fingers brushed along her collarbone, down her arm to grip her hip. Everything in between was so tempting. He wanted to do so much more. He pooled his willpower and inched his lips from hers. He kissed her cheek, then her ear.
“Tomorrow night. Six o’clock. My place,” Tucian whispered. He kissed her neck, not wanting to let her go. The butterflies in Amara’s stomach warred, threatening to make her faint. Speech seemed impossible. Instead, she nodded. “Good. I’ll see you then, my Amara.” Tucian let her go and sauntered away without looking back. Amara stayed outside for a minute to catch her breath before going inside.
“So what’s the plan now?” Amara’s father, Pierce, asked as she walked in the front door. “How are you going to catch Cliff?” A huge grin spread on his face.
“Oh not you too!” Amara cried.
Kiva and Avery laughed alongside Pierce. Amara sat on the couch, pulling her legs under her. It looked like she didn’t have a choice any more. Cliff had caught on. There was no going back now. She smiled at her silly but supportive family. She couldn’t wait for Tucian to be officially part of it soon.
“The plan will be to try some location magic. Not tonight though. I’m too tired. Getting thrown over the edge is exhausting.” Amara leaned her head back and let out a long breath. “I need something fizzy.” She walked to the kitchen and returned with a soda in hand.
“What does Tucian think of you helping hunt down Cliff?” Kiva asked.
“He’s supportive,” Amara answered. “He worries about me but wants me to chase my dreams.”
“And Cliff.” Everyone chuckled.
Working with the police wasn’t her only dream. She was living one of her other dreams already. She’d started up her own branch of their family business, self defense training. Her family usually worked with people with powers. She’d decided to break tradition and teach women without powers how to defend themselves. Her family was very supportive even though she wouldn’t be contributing much to the family wealth. Most of her clients couldn’t afford to pay much. Luckily her family had been doing well for generations, accumulating a large fortune along the way. It had allowed her to do what she truly wanted without worrying about where her next meal would come from. She knew how fortunate she was and tried to pass it along to others.
An eerie squeaking sound radiated from behind Amara. “What’s that sound?” She asked as she turned around. The only thing behind her was the window on the front of their house. Against the pane, letters were being drawn in blood by an invisible finger. She stood from the couch in confusion as two words were formed.
Say
Goodbye
“Say goodbye?” Amara pondered aloud. What do you think that—“ She turned around to look at her family. All at once her parents’ and sister’s heads turned in an unnatural way and made a loud cracking sound. “NO!” She screamed as she sank to her knees. Their bodies slumped down and she looked back to the window in panic. It was blank. No smeared blood, no words. She didn’t understand. Her thoughts jumbled all over and she couldn’t form a coherent thought through the shock. She turned back to the couch where her family was, no broken necks.
“Amara?” Kiva asked with worry. “Honey? Your eyes are turquoise. Are you okay?”
“You were…” Amara struggled to push her thoughts back together. “You were all… you were dead.”
“Dead?” Pierce asked. “No one here is dead.” His dark curly hair swayed as he shook his head.
“You were dead!” Amara cried as she buried her face in her arms on the coffee table. Sobs shook her and Kiva went over to rub her back until she calmed down.
“Deep breaths,” Kiva cooed. “That’s it.”
Amara followed her mom’s instructions and tried to fill and empty her lungs slowly. It was hard at first. Her body wouldn’t obey her commands. But as Kiva ran her fingers over her back, a tickle worked up her spine and her muscles relaxed. She turned to face her mom and the rest of her panic drained away as Kiva trailed her fingers across her forehead, pushed her hair from her face.
“We’re okay,” Kiva whispered.
Amara’s heart slowed to normal and she noticed Pierce and Avery sitting next to Kiva. They sat staring at her with the same worry.
“What happened?” Pierce asked quietly.
“I saw writing on the window.” Amara turned to look again at the window. She stared at it, remembering what it had held only moments before.
“Writing?” Avery asked.
“Yeah. It was in blood. It said ‘Say goodbye’. When I turned around your necks snapped. You were…” A sob slipped past Amara’s lips. Realization slid into her thoughts as they came back together. It hadn’t been real. Someone had deceived her. Who would do that?
“How—“ Avery started.
“Cliff.” Amara’s eyes shifted from their sad turquoise to angry black.
“It was a threat.” Pierce took Amara’s hand in his. “You need to be careful.”
Amara’s heart wrenched. Her work was now putting her family in harm’s way. “You’re in danger. If his threat is real, you’re not safe.”
“Don’t be dumb,” Avery told her. ”We can take care of ourselves.”
“She’s right,” Kiva agreed. “We’ll put a shield on the house. Only those who we give permission to will be allowed in. And outside the house, I think we’re all pretty good at defending ourselves.”
“That’s true.” Amara nodded. “But what if—“
“No what if.” Avery hugged her. “We’ll be good. You go on and catch him.”
Amara laughed at her sister’s intuitiveness. “Fine. But we better put up the shield right away.”
“Deal. Help me out?” Avery held her hand out and Amara took it.
Purple and green sparks followed their hands as they swirled in front of them. A translucent shield appeared. It was almost as tall as Avery and Amara, it's bottom point nearly touching the floor. They each pushed a hand flat against the shield then spun a full circle with that hand still outstretched. The shield laid itself flat. They dropped to one knee in unison and slammed their fists straight down into the floor. Purple and green sparks sprayed upward. As their fists hit, the shield expanded outward, encircling the house, then disappeared.
Thanks for the tag @writingamongthecoloredroses! Here’s the last line I wrote!
“Is someone there?” Amara called into the abyss. She couldn’t see anything. Flour in one hand, she held her other hand out. She focused and let out what was supposed to be a small fountain of magic to see by. Instead, a geyser gushed up from her palm, nearly burning her own face. She immediately closed her hand to stop it.
“Stupid expansion,” she muttered to herself.
“I heard,” an electronic voice called, “you’ve been benched”
