#I trust him to do what he needs with Harriett. he has yet to do her wrong | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

purplesurveys · 5 years

Text

529

Trigger warning for the entire survey lols

hows your life at the moment? Tough. Not great. My friend passed away. I see him in everything; every song is about him; all my thoughts are him. There isn’t a day I haven’t cried since finding out. I miss him, and nothing can heal this grief for the meantime. what are you doing? This, remembering Nacho, staying up, on the phone with my girlfriend. who was the last person to call you? Gabie is on the line with me at the moment. is there anyone that you love and hate? No. do watch funny tvshows like family guy and south park? South Park was never funny to me, but there are references in Family Guy that have made me crack up in the past. It’s very select, though. The two aren’t really my type of comedy.

what color are your toenails at the moment? I never paint my toenails. < have you ever had a close friend move away? Yeah, Aubrey suddenly moved to the US in senior year of high school. We had gotten really close when we were juniors so it was a real sucky shock when she dropped the news to me and told me she only had a few weeks left in the PH before leaving forever. what was the last thing you said aloud? I was telling Gab how unfortunate it is that I always seem to be wearing more shabby outfits whenever I see our mutual friend who dresses very well. I saw her at Starbucks today and lo and behold I had a lazy outfit on HAHAHAHA. Oh well. how many friends do you trust fully? I trust all of them. It’s when they abuse it that I can easily cut off that trust. who was the last person to hug you? Jo. I was surprised she reached in for a hug this morning considering SHE HATES THEM. But then again Nacho passed, and everyone’s been giving everybody hugs lately in the college. have you let someone down recently? I feel like I let Nacho down. I hope I didn’t, but that’s between me and me now. I just wish I did something more. has someone let you down recently? Me lmao are you upset about anything at all? If the overarching theme of this survey isn’t clear enough yet - YES!!! what are you looking forward to? El Camino on Netflix, bitch. That’s the only good thing I have going for me. Oh and finishing part uno of my thesis. quick lyrics from the last song you heard.. I forget what the last song I listened to was at the moment. have you ever had a friend choose their bf over you? Yes, but I don’t mind. I would typically do the same, unless said friend is in an emergency situation or genuinely needs me. when was the last time you took a shower? This morning before heading to class. who is your favorite female celebrity? Kristen Stewaaaaaart. were you nervous on your first day of highschool? I think I was, but I’ve mostly forgotten freshman year. three words to describe your bestfriend: Gab is intelligent, insightful, and ambitious. Angela is approachable, generous, and hilarious. what is your latest reason to be mad? Our President (yes, Duterte) attended Nacho’s wake and halted the entire wake for an hour just because of his appearance. It became all about him and no one was allowed to either go in or out of the room for that period of time - not even Nacho’s friends who came to see him and say goodbye. There was a huge barrage of police all over the damn place and it pissed everybody beyond belief - even Nacho’s fucking mom was barred from seeing her son and she was forced to be at the back of the room along with everyone else just because of this dipshit President who felt the need to have an entire security team with him to go to the wake of someone who completely fucking despised his guts when he was still alive. who have you talked to on the phone today? Just my girlfriend. what color shirt do you have on? Navy green. are you literally afraid of anyone? Rapists, I guess. where are all of your friends right now? I’m sure they’re all at home/dorms. Either that or studying in a coffee shop. what is today? Wednesday. who was the last person to tell you a secret? Kate. make a wish. right now. anything. I want Nacho back. do you know who harriett tubman was and what she did? Yes. what kind of mascara do you use? I dunno. It’s been a while. do you own a pea coat? I don’t need any in this climate. which team are you going for in the super bowl? Nope. if you had to live at one of your bestfriend’s houses, where would u live? Angela’s. Her family treats me like family already, anyway. how are you on this fine day? Day 4 of grieving. It’s not getting any better, especially when everyone else is just as sad. The week kind of came through by giving me all the deadline extensions I mentally asked for, so am thankful to my profs for that haha. Still shitty nonetheless. My girlfriend’s great-grandmother passed away too. 2019 is out to give everybody a harder time before ending, I guess. who did you last take a picture with? Kate. who was the last person to comfort you? Jo. who was the last person to unsurprisingly disappoint you? My mom, lmaoooooo. who was the last person to get on your nerves? Filipino drivers. who was the last person you saw? Chesca. sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare? Hehehehehe I appreciate the Beyoncé reference, thanks. are there any stressful situations in your life? Right now? Stressful is a bit of an understatement. what are your plans for tomorrow? Do thesis, do other homework, study for next week’s exams. are you missing anyone at the moment? Way too much. if you answer a question wrong in class, does it embarrass you? Yes, it’s why I don’t recite - so I don’t have to be wrong lol. can you love and hate someone? It’s possible, but I myself am incapable of doing that. It’s one or the other, for me. I can love someone and be disappointed in them, but never love and hate at the same time. what was the last movie you watched fully? Hello, Love, Goodbye. are you currently hung up on anyone? Nope. single ladies or constant relationship people? ??? how many missed calls do you have on your cell phone? Within the past week, two. do your parents annoy you? My mom does. what color looks best on you? Black, navy green, maroon. are you jealous of anyone? More envious than jealous. what’s your favorite Lady Gaga song? SPEECHLESS Favorite Lady Gaga lyrics? Anything from Speechless. Seriously. Way underrated. where was the last place you went? Starbucks, to study for a few hours. what was the last thing to make you laugh? We were sharing stupid stories about Nacho yesterday to lighten up the mood, like how he was dressed up head to toe in Uniqlo in his casket HAHAHA. We’ve also come to develop our own conspiracy theory for laughs that Nacho actually just moved to Germany so he can finally achieve his dream of becoming fluent in German and that the person we saw in the coffin wasn’t him, and that he’s not actually gone. I found comfort in that and it’s helped me cope with the loss, and I’m sure it’s helped others too. He would’ve found the jokes funny, anyway. is letting go hard for you? Yes. any last words? I’m exhausted. I miss you, Nach.

#survey #surveys

8 notes · View notes

rose-of-pollux · 4 years

Text

Inktober for Writers, Day 28

Prompt: Ride Fandom: Perfect Strangers Title: It’s a Hard Life Summary: [Season 5] In which it’s a dark and stormy night, and Larry is down in the dumps again.

Notes: This vignette takes place after the events of episode 5x13, “Because They’re Cousins,” and also references the events of episode 5x2, “Lie-Ability.”

Cross-posted to AO3 & FFN.

The thunder was so loud that it could be heard even from the basement of the Chronicle building. Larry flinched at the sound of it as he typed away at his desk, and even Gorpley, who has in a grumpy mood having to cover for Balki on his day off (he’d requested it in order to see his Myposian cousin Bartok off at the airport that day), paused for a moment to listen to it after finishing the day’s work.

“Nothing like a cold, stormy downpour,” he sneered.

“Mmm-hmm,” Larry returned, continuing to type.

“Have fun getting soaked in it, Appleton.”

Larry looked up now, giving Gorpley an unamused glance.

“I have absolutely no intentions of getting soaked in that storm,” he returned. “My Mustang can handle this weather just fine.”

“Ah, but it’s not your Mustang anymore—or did you forget that you came here this morning on the bus?”

Larry froze, and then facepalmed. Of course… How could he have forgotten that he’d sold his cherished Mustang to pay for his sister Elaine’s Julliard tuition? It was truly ironic—he’d timed the purchase of the Mustang just a week before leaving Madison for Chicago just so that he could avoid sharing it with his eight other siblings—and, lo and behold, one of them had still caused him to give it up.

“Like I said, Appleton, have fun getting soaked,” Gorpley smirked. “I am heading home in my cozy, warm car—a car that no one can make me sell because I, unlike some people, am not a patsy.”

Larry shot him a glare now.

“What did you say!?”

“You heard me, Appleton. You’re a living doormat—which is why you’re stuck down here in the basement, because you let Marshall and Walpole take credit for your best work. Bartokomous shows up on your doorstep four years ago, and you take him in like the fool you are—you’ve got yourself an idiot under your care, and you can’t even write him off on your taxes! And now, you’re going to have to wait in the rain for the bus like the rest of the peasants because you sold your car to give the money to your sister—and you can’t write that off, either! Oh, and your stewardess girlfriend—how often do you actually see her? If she were my girlfriend, I wouldn’t let her out of my sight—and you let her gallivant halfway around the world, serving drinks to first-class passengers who will be richer and more successful than you can ever hope to be! Are you asking her to leave you for someone else? Because that’s what it looks like from over here. Face it, Appleton—you’re going nowhere fast, and you’re going to be left behind, because no one cares about a loser.”

Larry had stood up now, slamming his hands on his desk, but anything he had intended to say was preempted by a familiar voice clearing his throat.

“Appleton, I highly suggest you stop yourself now before you do something you regret,” Mr. Wainwright instructed. “And Gorpley, if you have nothing better to do than antagonize Appleton, perhaps it is in your best interest to leave.”

Larry stood frozen, silently thanking providence that he hadn’t reacted in front of his boss, who had descended down the staircase with Lydia.

Gorpley merely shrugged.

“Of course, Sir. I’m out of here.” He headed for the parking garage, pausing on his way out. “Have a nice bus trip, Appleton.”

Larry still didn’t move—he didn’t say anything until Wainwright addressed him again.

“Appleton—”

“Sir, I can explain everything—!”

“There’s no need to explain anything, Appleton. Gorpley has the unfortunate knack of pushing everyone’s buttons. It would just mean a lot of unpleasant HR fallout if you ended up retaliating, and you don’t need that right now.”

“…Yeah, that’s right. Thank you, Sir.”

“And anyway, Larry,” Lydia added. “I’m the resident advice columnist around here, not Sam—and if you want my advice, I would suggest not taking the advice of a divorced misanthrope who flinches at the word ‘alimony.’ Sam’s certainly gifted in the physical department, but that’s about all he has going for him.” She paused, noting the odd look that Larry and Wainwright were both giving her. “…Well, nevermind. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go frontload my advice column so that I can take my vacation next week.”

She headed off, leaving Wainwright looking back at Larry.

“Appleton, I suggest pulling yourself together and calling it a day; you’ve been working late for the last several days, and it’s already late tonight as it is.”

“But, Sir, I want this article to be perfect…!”

“Then get a good rest and give me your best tomorrow.”

“…Yes, Sir. Thank you,” he mumbled.

He waited a few minutes to collect himself after Wainwright left, gathered his things together, and, with a sigh, steeled himself and headed out into the downpour, running for the bus stop. He knew Lydia was right about Gorpley’s “advice” being worthless, and yet… Gorpley wasn’t wrong about everything, was he? Larry certainly did feel like he was trapped, going nowhere fast, as Gorpley had said. And perhaps he was too nice for his own good—but was that really why he trapped? Reduced to an insignificant blip on the radar of the world?

He exhaled, feeling the familiar grip of depression and self-loathing closing its cold fingers around him. Flinching as the wind blew the rain into his face and lightning cracked overhead, he had to slow down as he made his way to the bus stop, hoping that the bus wasn’t running late. …Of course, knowing his luck, it would be par for the course if it was late…

He was jolted out of his thoughts by a car pulling up alongside him bedside the curb, and stared, blankly, as the passenger window lowered, revealing Harriette. He blinked in surprise; he hadn’t seen much of Harriette since she was no longer the elevator operator and had moved up to the assistant director of security for the Chronicle building.

“Larry!” she chided. “Get in here before you catch pneumonia!”

“I… But I’m soaked!” he said, having to raise his voice to be heard over the wind and rain.

“Larry!” she said again, more sternly this time.

He got the message; he stumbled into the front passenger seat, shivering from having been out in the cold rain. He glanced into the mirror, sighing as he saw that he had been so soaked, the rain had taken the curls out of his hair, plastering his hair down instead; he also flinched as he saw the rain he was bringing in with him.

“I’m sorry about—”

“Don’t you even think about it,” she instructed.

Larry gave a glum nod.

“You alright?” Harriette continued, as she pulled back out into traffic. “Mr. Wainwright said that you having a bad day and could use a ride home; I’m glad I caught you before you got even more soaked.”

“Um… Well… You don’t need to hear my problems.”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to hear them,” she pointed out.

Larry nodded and tried to undercut his woes, but the dam eventually burst and it all came out—what Gorpley had said, and how Larry couldn’t help but feel there was some truth to it. In spite of Lydia insisting otherwise.

“Alright, let’s handle this one at a time,” Harriette said. “First of all, Mr. Wainwright is no fool—he knows what’s been going on with Marshall and Walpole. He was an investigative reporter, too, you know—he’s collecting evidence, too.”

“Hmm…” Larry sighed.

“Now, as for the other things Gorpley brought up—you selling your car for your sister’s tuition, taking Balki in, and you letting Jennifer focus on her career, even if it means a lot of time apart… You’ve got to ask yourself why you made those choices. Let’s start with Balki.”

“Well… What was I supposed to do?” Larry asked. “He’s family, and he’d just traveled thousands of miles, needing a place to stay; I couldn’t turn him away! He didn’t know anything about life in a big city like Chicago; he wouldn’t have lasted without help!”

“And four years later, he’s still here.”

“He’s my best friend now,” Larry said. “I can’t imagine life without him.”

“Okay, and what about your sister?”

“Elaine and I were always the closest among the nine of us,” Larry explained. “She always looked up to me; she was just asking me to help her out of another jam. I didn’t want to sell my Mustang, but the thought of her dreams being crushed because she couldn’t afford to go to Julliard…” He shook his head.

“And Jennifer?” Harriette asked.

“Jennifer loves her work—she loves being able to travel around the world. And she’s always bringing me back souvenirs, so I know she’s still thinking of me, even when we’re apart. …I don’t like being separated like that, of course, but…” He sighed. “I love her, Harriette—I just want her to be happy, and I don’t want to be one of those jerkish boyfriends who tries to keep a girl on a leash. Even if… Even if I worry some first-class Casanova will try to sweep her off of her feet… I know that’s just my anxiety talking. I trust her—just like how she trusts me not to chase after other women when she’s not here.”

“So, it sounds to me that everything you did for Balki, Elaine, and Jennifer, you did out of love,” Harriette finished. “Gorpley is where he is today because of his selfishness. I know you say you have problems with being selfish, too, but you always put your loved ones first in the end, and that’s the difference between you and Gorpley. That’s why he’s the one divorced and alone, and why you’ve got something he doesn’t have.”

“He’s got money.”

“But you’ve got something better,” Harriette finished, as she pulled up to Caldwell Avenue. “And if you don’t believe me, go through those doors and see for yourself.”

Larry sighed again, but looked back at Harriette.

“Thanks for the ride,” he said. “And the talk.”

“Anytime, Larry. You hang in there, alright?”

Larry nodded, and made a mad dash from the car to the interior of the building. Still soaked, he trudged up to his floor, pausing as he heard Mary Anne’s voice coming from inside the apartment he shared with Balki.

He opened the door, seeing Mary Anne on the phone.

“Oh, Lydia, he just walked in!” she said, as she saw him. “Sure thing—thanks for letting us know! Bye!” She put the phone down and ran over to him, and Jennifer darted out of the kitchenette, also running over to him.

“Oh, Larry, you’re soaking…” Jennifer fretted. “You didn’t walk all the way in the rain, did you!?”

“Harriette gave me a ride…”

“Well, thank goodness for that!” Mary Anne exclaimed, and she turned her head to Larry’s room. “We wanted to pick you up at work, but we had no idea how late you’d be working. Balki! Larry’s back!”

“Oh, Cousin!” Balki exclaimed, dashing out of Larry’s room with his pajamas and robe. “Here, I knew you would want to change, so I ironed these so they would be warm for you.”

“And I’ve made a summer corn soup,” Jennifer said. “I’ll get you some while you go change.”

“And I’ll go get my hairdryer,” Mary Anne added, leaving to do just that.

Somewhat dazed, Larry went to his room to change out of his wet clothes and into the dry pajamas, which were wonderfully warm. The robe was also warm, as well, and he was feeling much better when he went back to the living room. Mary Anne handed him the hairdryer, and after he’d finished with it and his curls were back in place, he handed it back to her with a heartfelt thanks and sat down on the couch, gratefully taking the soup from Jennifer.

The others were soon beside him on the couch as he drank the soup, which was both delicious and warming. He gave a quiet, contented sigh.

“Did Bartok make it out of Chicago alright?” he asked.

“He did,” Balki said. “His plane left just before the rain started. Oh, and Cousin Elaine called!”

“She did?”

“She was asking about you,” Mary Anne said. “And she wanted us to tell you that she got a 4.0 in her first semester—she says she couldn’t have done it without your financial assistance taking the stress off!”

Jennifer gave Larry’s arm a squeeze as he looked away for a moment.

“Elaine is really lucky to have you for a big brother,” she said. “We all know how much you loved that Mustang.”

“And I am lucky to have you for a cousin, too,” Balki added, sounding a little choked up. He managed a smile as Larry looked to him in concern. “Nothing is wrong,” he assured him. “I just had a lot to think about today when I saw Cousin Bartok off… When he arrived in Los Angeles, the roommate who took him in, he changed him—changed him from the person I knew, told him to forget his Myposian heritage and become this… dishonest person just to fit in with everyone else. But you… You took me in, and though you taught me to adjust to life here, you did not try to change me—you did not try to make me forget my heritage, even if you didn’t fully understand why I did the things I did. You let me be different—you let me be me. If I had not met you, I might have ended up like Cousin Bartok, forgetting who I really was just to fit in.”

The idea of Balki being anything other than himself was so unthinkable, and yet… could things have really turned out that way if Larry hadn’t stepped up and taken him in?

Larry placed the bowl of soup down on the coffee table and drew an arm around his cousin.

“I’m glad I could help you, Buddy,” he said, sincerely.

“You don’ know how much you have,” Balki insisted, hugging him tightly.

The girls soon joined in; ah, these group hugs—as frequent as they seemed to be, Larry cherished each and every one of them. And it was one of the few things that could successfully pry him free from that icy grip of depression and self-loathing.

And it was in that moment that he realized that this was what Harriette had been talking about. The choices he had made were ones he had made out of love—and he had received love in return.

Even if he was going nowhere fast, he wasn’t alone.

He could live with that—gladly.

#Larry Appleton #Jennifer Lyons #Mary Anne Spencer #Balki Bartokomous #perfect strangers #inktober for writers

1 note · View note

buffyfan145 · 6 years

Photo

Fandoms: Victoria, Vicbourne, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Rating: M

Summary: For the Vicbourne FB group's Halloween Dark Vicbourne event I've made this long one-shot fic combining it with my very first online fandom and the one I wrote my very first fic for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". :D This reimagines Victoria's life if not only was she destined to be a queen, she was a slayer too and her Prime Minister also happened to be her Watcher. I loved writing this short story, included some "Buffy" shotouts as well as one with "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" as the Duke of Wellington was a character in it and it fits, hope you enjoy, and Happy Halloween!!! :D

"In every generation there is one, a chosen one. One to defend against the vampires, demons, and all else that is evil. She is the slayer."

The slayer line has long since existed since almost the beginning of time it's self and many girls are marked as potential slayers, but only one will become the slayer. They are only replaced when the previous slayer has died and are activated as a teenager. While there have been many slayers, only one so far has also been a queen.

Princess Alexandrina Victoria had been born in England to carry on the monarchy and keep the succession line going for the House of Hanover. She was destined to be queen and with luck a great one. She would need training to complete that task but was held almost captive at Kensington Palace by her mother and Sir John Conroy. But little did they know that she also processed the potential to be the slayer.

The Watchers Council had kept as close of an eye on her as they could, but it was difficult with her controllers. The Duke of Wellington had long since been a member of the Council and even employed the help of warlocks/magicians in his battles against Napoleon and the dark forces. This could never be revealed even to the monarchy, even if the next queen could be a slayer herself. The princess was appointed a Watcher, just like every potential slayer, but this Watcher was reluctant to go back to the life he held before and complicate his current position as Prime Minister. But for Wellington that was why he thought it was the perfect choice.

William Lamb had seen so many things in his lifetime both as a Watcher and in his chaotic personal life. His now deceased wife was driven to madness by a poet who acted like a vampire but was just truly a horrible person. The potentials William trained hadn't become slayers so he focused on politics instead since the Watchers Council approved. He was trading one group of quarreling men or another.

When he was approached with the task of being the princess' Watcher, William at first was angry. This poor girl would be their queen and they already had no idea what she would be like as she was hidden away and treated unfairly. He would be her Prime Minister and advisor. Surely that would be enough and some other girl would be slayer.

"But it must be you William." Wellington said matter-of-factly. "If she becomes the slayer it would only be wise for her to use your assistance and guiding in both politics and supernatural things. Please William, this is your duty."

With a sigh William conceded. "I will carry out my duty as best as I can."

On June 20th, 1837 King William IV died and the princess was now Queen. William rode up to Kensington Palace to meet her and found a small girl dressed in black. She surprised him with all her determination and he assisted her when she met the privy council. He saw a fire in her eyes and the queenly nature. "I wish to be called Victoria." She announced and he smiled in approval. "Queen Victoria." He repeated as the new name was perfect.

Since the shock of becoming queen was enough for one day William decided to wait a few days to bring up Victoria's other calling. As the staff was readying everything for the move to Buckingham they had some time alone. "Ma'am, there's something I must tell you."

As he explained everything about the slayer line, the Watchers Council, and that all things from fairy tales, myths, and legends were real something changed in Victoria's face as if things became more clear to her. "And I will protect everyone with these powers if I am chosen?"

"Yes," he confirmed. "The whole world will depend on you to keep everyone safe. It's a much bigger calling than being a queen."

She still didn't seem afraid. "That explains the dreams. I have vivid dreams with all sorts of people and creatures in them."

"Yes, that is part of the slayer abilities. It all will be fully awakened if you are activated."

"And I will need training? By you?" She asked.

He nodded. "As your Watcher it will be another duty of mine."

Victoria smiled. "You already have helped me so much and I know I can trust you to guide me with this too Lord M."

A smile came to his face too hearing his new nickname again. "I will do my best your majesty."

The shared another smile thinking it could be put off a while, but however in only a week the current slayer in France would be killed by Angelus, one of the most feared vampires of their time.

~*~

That late July morning was almost a month to the day she became queen and Victoria awoke in her new bedroom with a start, startling Dash. She knew something had changed. She felt different, more stronger, more powerful. Lord M came to the palace earlier than usual requesting he meet with her alone for an urgent matter had come up. That moment confirmed it for her: she was the slayer.

Hearing Lord M explain everything about slayers was both fantastical yet also right. Things made more sense to Victoria with the horrors this world possessed. She always knew she was destined to govern and protect, but this was a new exciting challenge and she wanted to make the best of it. Lord M being her Watcher was amazing. Ever since they met she had been captivated by him and his character. He was a good man and a good advisor. He would teach her so much, and there was so much she needed to learn. Once he shut the door she asked, "I'm the slayer now, aren't I Lord M?"

He seemed sullen but prepared. "Yes, it's begun. We must find a way to train you to be ready for your first patrol. There must be a reason why it's you and London for you to protect directly. England needs it's queen so we must be careful." He then picked up a vase. "But first, just to make sure..."

Before she realized it he threw the vase at her. Without thinking she caught it extremely fast before it could hit her or break. "What in the world?"

"Your reflexes have been enhanced.. Now we can begin."

And begin they did. Lord M secured time after their daily dispatches to take her below stairs to an unused part of the palace. The servants and others wouldn't think they'd be down here and there was plenty of space to train. Lord M, with the help of the Watchers Council secured various weapons, books, and ingredients for spells. He revealed he knew some magic thanks to his mother and grew things for spells in his glasshouse at Brocket Hall. Harriet Sutherland and Emma Portman were more practiced in witchcraft and would be of assistance as needed.

Victoria was thrilled when she discovered her new strength. She could lift things nearly double her weight. The weapons, even a sword, felt light and easy to handle. The sword fighting with Lord M, which they did more at Windsor, was exhilarating. Lord M was so much more trained and muscular than she thought. She got to see him in a state of disarray as they trained and wished she could wear less restricting clothing but she couldn't fight without that in town.

For her first patrol they enlisted her ladies maid Skerrett to obtain clothes for a woman who could get to town unnoticed. Skerrett kept her word not to tell anyone what she saw and helped along with Harriett to dress Victoria for patrol, hiding weapons about her person. When Skerrett saw a stake she figured out what was happening but agreed to help sneak Victoria out and let her back in when finished.

Lord M met her at the gate, dressed himself in modest clothes. Victoria also felt excited to go to town pretending to be a normal couple. He would be with her to assist and protect like he always did.

It wasn't too long after they got to town that night that they heard screams. Victoria drew her stake, as did Lord M, and they ran into an alley behind a tavern. Victoria finally saw in person a vampire, and it was more grotesque than what the "Vampyre" book's drawings showed. Their faces were distorted and fangs drawn.

"What's this?" The vampire asked. "The Calvary come to save the day?"

"Something like that." Victoria said smartly and the vampire dropped the young woman before charging for Victoria. The two started fighting and the vampire was surprised by Victoria's strength. He must have not known about the new slayer being in town. While they fought Lord M rushed to the lady to make sure she was alright.

"What are you?" The vampire asked after Victoria threw him to the ground.

Victoria gave him a grin. "I'm the slayer." Then she drove the stake through his heart which caused him to explode into dust.

The woman thanked them for saving her life and they made sure to escort her back home. As they walked on afterwards Lord M spoke. "You were brilliant ma'am."

"Thank you Lord M. Maybe I can use that on Sir John to get rid of him." They both shared a laugh and she actually did prove that true when he did confront her and Victoria lost her cool lifting him off the ground by his neck threating to snap it. He finally took that peerage in Ireland and left for good.

~*~

Over the next year Victoria progressed in her training and took on her slayer duties as wonderfully as her queenly duties. The Watchers Council was worried though as most slayers didn't live long into their twenties and England needed their queen. They spent so much time researching to see if there could be a way to transfer her powers into that of another potential but so far couldn't find a way expect death. For now it would be William's main role besides all his others to keep her alive.

Victoria's patrols went well. They saved so many people, including a boy from the Pratt family would wound name his son William after Lord M, not realizing this son would end up being more well known in his second life as the vampire Spike. Many vampires, demons, werewolves, and creatures were stopped by Victoria and Lord M. She took her roles as slayer and queen to heart and would do anything to protect her people. William couldn't be more proud, especially at her coronation watching her get crowned.

Of course he knew part of this was the feelings he was developing for her. Even though it was discouraged it was natural for a Watcher to develop feelings whether romantically or fatherly towards a slayer, and vice versa, but for William he didn't expect the former. Victoria was both alike and unlike the women in his past and the more they spent together the more he couldn't help but love her. He knew if they had been the same age there was nothing that would've stopped him from acting on his feelings. But with age came wisdom and he couldn't jeopardize the crown.

For Victoria she felt the same. She had fallen for Lord M the moment she saw him dismount his horse when she became queen. It just got stronger every day they spent together going over the boxes, riding, at events, and their trainings and patrols. Victoria in particular loved the training as it was like dancing and Lord M could touch her even more than when they danced. He would linger sometimes as his hands would be on her waist or he would be behind her to show her a proper stance to be in to fight off an attacker. She sometimes hoped he would move his hands to other places or kiss her neck. It wouldn't have been that hard and she fantasied about it often enough that only her own touches would stop the thoughts at night so she could sleep. She read in the slayer and Watcher journals too many of them had paired off over the centuries much to the Council's warnings. It was understood that being so close together and trusting the other so much that things would happen. She smiled often at the thought of being able to be with him.

William, meanwhile, thought of these touches too during training and was at war with himself to stop. He was close to committing treason and he had to control it. Things were made much hard the night of the coronation ball when Victoria had the night off from slaying and drank too much champagne. He danced with her, which they both enjoyed, but she grabbed a hold of his hands saying "I want to dance with you all night." There was a moment when they both couldn't speak as she stared up at him with her chest heaving and he wanted her so badly it hurt, but he backed away. He could tell she was hurt by it but he wasn't mad, just grateful they weren't seen.

It did cause a distraction though when Victoria did go on patrol a few nights later. William was doing a spell to stop a gang of vampires from entering Dover House while Victoria was battling one of them with her stake. The female vampire withdrew a dagger and plunged it into Victoria's side as Victoria was staking her.

Lord M rushed to her side as his butler finished off the other two vampires. The spell had worked and he carried Victoria back into his house. Even with the fast healing abilities of a slayer she needed to be attended to quickly. One of the maids came to help undress Victoria to check her wound, while William got some supplies he kept on hand for this. Thankfully the cut wasn't too deep but needed to be sterilized to prevent infection. He took the alcohol and heard Victoria let out a cry of pain as he dabbed the wound. Soon she was asleep and he hoped the salve he made would work to excel the dealing as she needed to be back in the palace in the morning.

After a few hours he checked on her and at first just watched her sleeping form. She looked so at peace and beautiful. It then dawned on him that she was naked, only covered by the sheet as to treat her they had to cut away her clothes. There already was a fresh change of clothes for her to dress with once she was awake. He readied himself as he needed to check her wound but now had to be extremely careful so she would stay modest and him not seem deceitful.

"Victoria." He quietly said to wake her and she started to stir.

"Lord M?" She opened her eyes and smiled, which was a good sign. "You used my name."

"That I did." He couldn't help but smile back. "You remember what happened?"

She nodded and looked a bit worried. "I got hurt."

"Yes, and I need to check your wound." He explained.

"Alright." It was then she realized her nakedness and a blush came over her face and chest, which William tried hard not to react to. "It seems I'm not decent." Instead of being shocked she seemed amused.

He shook his head. "We had to cut away your clothing to tend to you. There was some blood." More than what he expected. "Just keep the sheet around you and it'll be able to cover the rest of you."

She nodded and gingerly sat up, keeping the sheet secured around her chest. "It doesn't hurt to move."

"That's good." He came around and sat on the bed. "I'll just need to move the sheet a little to see the wound." She nodded again and he first moved her hair aside before taking the sheet to see the left side of her body. There were a few bruises on her back from the fighting but she mostly looked alright. He tried his hardest not to see her backside but there it was, as was a partial side of her left breast as the sheet barely covered it. Then he focused again once he saw the wound. Thankfully it had healed much already, though it would still be sore. She winced a bit when he gently touched it.

"It's healing up nicely ma'am. I'll put some more salve on it for the pain and give some to Skerrett but you'll be fine."

"Thank you Lord M." Victoria said. She was so grateful to him for saving her. It was scary but they had stopped the attack and prevented an infection. Being naked in one of his bedrooms was unexpected but a part of her was thrilled. She felt the urge to rid herself of the sheet and to thank him in other ways, but now wasn't the time. Hopefully it would be soon.

His fingers both felt cool on her skin as the salve relieved the pain, but she also felt fire and something else start to coil in her belly. She closed her eyes as he rubbed more of the salve on her wound and felt a sort of please at his touch.

"There. We can get you back to the palace now." He said as he moved away to wipe his hands, but he was still seated next to her.

Victoria turned towards him. "Thank you William, for everything." He was stunned by her use of his first name that she took her chance and met his lips with her own. It was a quick kiss and she backed away shortly afterward. The look of desire on his face was confirmation enough that he felt the same. They could continue this later. "Call for the maid Lord M so I can get dressed. My country won't wait."

He was still dazed but finally nodded. "Yes, yes I'll call her now ma'am." William couldn't believe what happened but he had to get out of that room before he did something he'd regret. Little did he know his slayer queen had a plan and she would get what she wanted.

~*~

A few weeks later they had moved to Windsor. London would be watched over by the Council and thankfully there wasn't too much supernatural activity in Windsor. It was a place they could relax more and Victoria could rest from her slaying duties as well as her queenly ones. The timing couldn't have been more perfect for what she was planning.

She was restless in so many ways but one in particular that she knew only her dear Lord M could provide relief for. Victoria knew that being a slayer made her senses amplified and she could even feel emotions from others. Harriet confirmed to her this sensory amplification was an ability from the slayer side but only part of why she was feeling this way. The woman side of her was still mostly in control and what she was feeling was normal. That even she could tell Lord M felt the same way about Victoria. It was the perfect timing of the month for Victoria if she chose so.

After Victoria went on patrol and arrived back at the castle she was informed by Skerrett that Lord M had already retired. It was the result she hoped for and Victoria prepared herself. She would get what she wanted tonight and she wouldn't be denied. Making her way through the servants stairwell and passages she usually used to meet Lord M to train Victoria followed Skerrett's directions to Lord M's room.

Victoria opened the door quietly and saw Lord M was still awake but appeared to be reading as his glasses were perched on his nose. He only used them for this task but she liked how distinguished he looked.

He didn't realize she was there till she shut the door and he looked up at her startled. "Ma'am, what are you doing here?"

She smiled at the sight of him in bed with those glasses wearing his night shirt and being able to see his neck and forearms so clearly. It reminded her of seeing him in disarray at Dover House but she preferred this. "I had to see you Lord M." She placed her candle down on the side table.

"But I was already informed you returned from patrol." He took his glasses off and set them down on the night stand with the book he was reading.

"Yes, patrol went well and I seem to have the whole night free." She walked over a bit closer starting to feel nervous. She felt insecure a lot but Lord M was always there to reassure her about whatever was worrying her, whether it be a speech, her training, or even her looks. Hopefully he would do the same now like she wanted.

"Ma'am, are you alright?" Lord M looked at her confused but she saw his expression changed as she got closer to the bed.

"I've been feeling things Lord M, things I didn't know I could. I thought it was due to being a slayer but I know it's so much more now." She paused and watched him look at her with those intense green eyes. "I know I'm young and my duties as both slayer and queen mean so much, but those of me as a woman and my heart shouldn't be denied either."

Lord M looked at her and she saw what looked like fear come over his face. "Ma'am, you need to..."

"No." She said it with the voice she used as queen. She was in charge and she would remind him of that. He stayed quiet. "I know what I feel and I love you Lord M. I have for so long and I know you feel the same for me." When he didn't respond but still looked at her with amazement she knew she had guessed right. "As a slayer I usually have a short life and the council is trying everything to keep me alive and change my fate. Make another girl slayer. But we don't know if that will work or how much time I'll have left if they can't. So I won't be denied the chance to experience love and be with the man I love with my whole heart."

She took the final step to Lord M's bedside. "William, you've taught me in so many ways that I'm so grateful for. Now I trust you to teach me in one final way so I may know what it's like to make love with a man that fully loves me more than anything." Before he could utter a word back Victoria untied the knot of her dressing grown and pushed it off her shoulders to the ground.

William stared at her in shock seeing her completely naked body before him. He couldn't believe this was happening. This woman he loved with his whole heart and soul standing before him asking him to make love to her. Something he had fantasized about for months, especially after that kiss, never thinking it was possible. Now here she was and she was glorious and so bold. She looked like a painting with all those curves, pert breasts, and hair cascading around her shoulders. He hardened so suddenly just staring at her but he did force himself to rise from the bed to stand beside her.

She looked up at him with those large blue eyes and he felt her tremble as he placed his hands on her shoulders. How could he push her away? This woman meant everything to him and she was giving herself to him. He couldn't deny her or himself anymore. Even if it was just this once he would show her how much he loved her. "You are so beautiful my love."

Victoria felt tears come to her eyes and she couldn't help but smile as she saw him smile too. He called her "my love". She was right about his feelings. "You love me."

"Yes, I love you with everything I am." Lord M replied before leaning down to kiss her. The kiss was so much more than that chaste kiss she gave him. He enveloped her into his arms and deepened the kiss. It felt so good kissing him, their hands exploring each other, pulling each other close as they could. He started kissing her neck as his hand went in between her legs to where she wanted his fingers to go, letting a moan escape as he teased her.

"You're so wet for me." He said as he kissed her again and she could tell this was a good thing as his fingers kept playing in her and she didn't want him to stop.

But they did separate as he had to get his night shirt off. When he did he was standing now before her just as naked as she was. Though he had the part till now she had only seen an artist paint or sculpt. He was made beautifully and still so muscular for his age. He could tell she was confused though. "It's so large."

"Yes," he couldn't help but laugh as it was amusing, but his laugh was playful. "It doesn't look like that normally."

"It's smaller?" She asked him and he realized he had so much to teach her.

He nodded. "It only does this when I'm aroused." He touched her face. "When I feel desire for someone." His hands went into her hair. "You feel it too with the fire in your stomach and your wetness between your legs."

She felt another jolt in both places when he said that. "Yes," she moaned. "I made you feel that way?" She asked amazed.

He kissed her in reply. "So many times." He replied. "I've had to touch myself many nights to make it stop."

"So have I." She admitted and saw a grin come over his face. Then looking in his eyes she asked, "Can I touch you?"

"Please." He replied in a desperate voice which she liked.

Victoria placed her hands on his chest slowly going down to feel his muscles. His skin felt so good and warm. Then she got to this new part of him and gently took him in her hand. He made a hissing noise and she realized she didn't know what to do. "Just stroke it my darling. From the base to the tip." She did as he said and got a loud moan from him in return. "Perfect, Victoria. God, just perfect." After a few strokes she realized she wanted what came next and kissed him again. She could've picked him up and carried him to the bed with her strength, but she wanted him to take her instead.

Lord M did as she wanted and took her hand leading her to the bed. After she lay on it he climbed in and hovered over her. Looking into her eyes he asked, "Are you sure you want this?"

"Yes," she replied. "I love you."

"I love you too." He replied with a kiss.

They kissed some more till she felt him align with her center. They locked eyes as he pushed in and she did feel some paint but only for a slight moment till her body adjusted to the feel of him inside her. It felt so glorious and so right together that she couldn't believe it would feel any better till he started moving. He came in and out of her with such exquisite movements that she felt like she was in heaven. Why was this deemed so wrong when it felt so wonderful? They found a rhythm so perfect and kissed and touched when they could. Then Victoria reached the moment she knew would be the end and felt herself shatter into bliss. Lord M followed soon after with a cry of his own and spilled himself into her.

It took a few moments to come back down and they rested against each other. He was still inside her and she never wanted to let him go. She was his friend, lover, the slayer to his watcher, the queen to his prime minister. They would always be entwined but this was the real connection between them. They were two halves of the same whole, supposed to be together. She would never regret this night and was glad he didn't either. Tomorrow was a new day but they would face it together.

~*~

As the months went on Victoria made a balance out of each day for the royal duties, her slayer patrols and battles, and indulged in time with Lord M whenever she could. Some of their training sessions would turn into kissing or hastily touching. An uneventful night on patrol would turn into a passionate night in bed. They were cautious to protect her virtue as best as they could and her monthly time came as it should, both grateful to be without that consequence. But they couldn't escape the rumors or talks of them always being together, and Victoria's uncle Leopold insisting she marry, and preferably marry her cousin Albert.

The country needed their queen safe and needed heirs to keep the monarchy going. The Watchers Council worked endlessly to find a solution, while Lord M slowly dreaded and accepted he was going to lose Victoria. It would break him to where he could never recover, but if they could transfer her slayer abilities and she would live a long life, so be it. Victoria had no idea what the Council would do or if she would have to die, something that oddly started not to be frightening. She had experienced love of the purest kind with her William that she would be happy. But the people needed her.

Then one day as they were in the library Lord M had brought one of the Watchers Council members Edward Giles to consult on anything they could do. Giles found a possible answer when he spotted Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein" in the shelves. "You know somewhat of Mrs. Shelley, William, did you not?"

"Yes," Lord M answered uneasy. He was always reluctant reliving that part of his life with the whole acquaintance with Caro and Byron. "I never met her or her husband though."

"But the story of the monster being reanimated was based on something she saw?" Giles asked.

Lord M nodded. "Yes, I believe she was at a demonstration using electricity to give life to someone."

"What does this have to do with me?" Victoria asked.

"There's been some research into using an electrical charge to revive someone after their heart stops beating." Giles explained. "If it would work it would save many lives, especially when used for medical procedures."

It dawned on Lord M what Giles meant and it scared him. "What you're saying is if we control how to stop Victoria's heart we could revive her through this?"

"Precisely." Giles responded.

"And a potential slayer would be called in my place." Victoria realized.

"Yes, your majesty, and you would live again as normal as a queen does." Giles smiled.

Lord M turned and walked brusquely to the window alarmed. Victoria noticed and went over to his side. "This could work Lord M."

He turned towards her and she could see the anguish in his eyes. "But it might not ma'am and you could lose your life." The emotion was hard to hide in front of Giles but Lord M didn't care.

"I'm willing to take that risk." She touched his hand as their backs were turned. "I'm ready to just been a queen and a woman again. It's time."

Then it was decided Giles took the idea to the Watchers Council and they all agreed to investigate the idea. They procured a doctor who had already been testing his new machine on patients and his results had worked most of the time. The council made sure to gather all the potentials they had kept track of in London and hopefully if the plan worked one of these girls would be the next slayer.

When the day approached Victoria felt an odd calm. They had found a type of spell that would allow her to fall asleep while the doctor would inject a fluid to stop her heart. Then once that was confirmed and electricity would be used. Lord M was a nervous wreck. He never thought he'd watch another person he loved die, even if there was a possibility of a revival. But this time was more like that of when he lost his children as he loved Victoria with everything of his being, and she equally loved him too.

They waited till nightfall when the royal household would believe Victoria to be asleep, that way if there was a death it wouldn't be as suspicious. When it was time Victoria followed Skerrett in the passageways through Windsor to the old dungeons below. No one would hear anything and they could conduct what must be done in quiet.

The doctor awaited for them and bowed low to Victoria. She was glad he was a faithful subject and she hoped she'd be able to thank him when she woke again. Lord M stayed at her side and helped her get on the table. Giles stood aside as did a few others from the Council, including the Duke of Wellington.

Victoria took Lord M's hand and smiled. "Don't be afraid Lord M. I'll see you soon."

He's couldn't help the tears that came to his eyes and he leaned down to kiss her in front of the others, not carrying anymore as he needed to kiss her. "You are so strong and brave my love. Don't leave me yet."

"I love you." Victoria said with tears of her own.

Lord M kissed her hand. "I love you too." Then he slowly let go to back away and stand with the others.

Victoria then looked at the doctor and nodded. One of the Watchers Council members came over and cast the spell with aid from Harriet and Emma, causing Victoria to fall suddenly asleep. Then the doctor took a syringe and injected a dark liquid into Victoria's hand. Giles went to Victoria's neck to feel her pulse. After a few moments he spoke. "Her heart's stopped."

Lord M felt a huge blow to his chest. She really was dead.

They all then saw what looked like a bird fly in and then go into the Watcher that cast the spell. "The next slayer had been activated." He said in a weird voice of one of the ancient ones, which was how they knew the slayer line went on. Later they would know it was a 16 year old Italian girl.

Now the doctor's machine started as a great whirling sound took over the room. He held what looked like two paddles and he rubbed them together before he moved towards Victoria. When he lowered the paddles onto Victoria's body they heard the release of the charge and were all frightened to see Victoria's body convulse. Giles held his hand to her neck but shook his head. The machine whirled to life once more and the doctor pressed the paddles to her again. Giles still shook his head no and everyone was scared that it might not work and never would've guessed how violent it would be. Lord M prayed at that moment with all he had for God to bring her back to them. Even if she did marry another and he lost her forever, as long as she was alive that was all that mattered.

The doctor turned the dial and it whirled louder before he lowered the paddles again. Victoria's body convulsed harder but they heard what sounded like a gasp. Giles check her neck and smiled. "She's alive! Her heart is beating again."

Everyone was overjoyed, but nowhere near as much as William. After thanking God he rushed to his love's side. He gently took her hand and bushed back her hair with the other hand. Victoria started to stir and he couldn't help but smile.

It took a little while before she came to, but when she did she started to smile too. "Did it work?"

"Yes." Lord M took her hand and kissed it. "We have a new slayer and you're alive."

She took a deep breath feeling a huge weight leave her. Her life would go back to somewhat normal, that of which a queen could do, and be in much less danger. She was so happy that tears came. For now she was so glad to be alive and have Lord M with her. Whatever came next they would face it, but she had her whole life ahead and she hoped it'd be long and Lord M would be with her for a long as possible. "I'm so happy."

"We all are your majesty." The Duke of Wellington answered before the others started to leave to go help the newest slayer and watcher, leaving the doctor and ladies to watch over Victoria so she would be taken back to her room when ready.

Victoria placed her hand on Lord M's face and wiped his tears away. "See I wouldn't leave you."

He smiled an laughed slightly. "I should never doubt you again."

"Never my darling. Now kiss me." She demanded.

"Yes, ma'am." Lord M said as he leaned down to kiss her, both so happy they found a way to save her from a terrible fate and keep the world safe with a slayer to take her place.

#vicbournefic #Vicbourne #queen victoria #lord melbourne #jenna coleman #rufus sewell #buffy the vampire slayer #my fics #my art #victoria

15 notes · View notes

i-may-have-a-point · 7 years

Text

Chicago: Chapter 6

Alright, here is chapter six. Sorry this one took a bit longer to post. I was traveling for the holiday, so I didn’t have much writing time. It’s a bit shorter than the others, but like I keep saying, this is my first fanfic and I wasn’t quite sure what all to include in this part. I love reading all of your reviews, and I hope you like this chapter! Thanks for reading!

Chapter 6

Her expression is unreadable. He waits what feels like an eternity for her to say something, anything.

Finally, she does. “What?”

“You want me to ask again?” He laughs. “Cause I will. I’ll ask over and over again. You and me. April, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And I know that we messed things up the first time, but I also know we can get it right this time. Look at everything we have been through, and yet, here we are.“ He reaches out and takes her hands in his. “I can’t imagine my life without you, April. And I don’t want to. I want us together. You, me, Harriett. I want our family.”

“Jackson, are you sure? I mean, we’re divorced…this isn’t…you didn’t want me. What if you change your mind again? I don’t want to confuse Harriet, and things are working well how they are now.”

After hearing her response, Jackson lets go of her hands. That isn’t what he expected to hear, “Are you saying no?”

“Of course not! I’m mean no! I mean, I’m not saying no. The only thing I want, the only thing I think I have ever wanted is to be with you. I just want you to be sure. I don’t want you to feel like you have to do this because of Harriet or anything. That’s what I was trying to avoid actually. I just – what I’m trying to say is, I want you to be happy. Do you think you will be happy with me again?” April wanted Jackson to know that she didn’t expect anything from him just because they share a child or because of what happened in Montana. Of course, it had meant something to her, but she didn’t expect him to feel the same.

“April.” Jackson says, stroking her cheek with his thumb. “I am only happy with you.”

April’s entire face lights up with her smile, “Really?”

“Really.” He whispers, and his lips find hers, gently at first, and then with more need as they realize there are no more reasons to hold back. They can be honest with each other in every way.

Jackson’s hands move from her face to her waist to find the bottom of her shirt. He slides his hands underneath, and he sighs when he feels the warmth of her skin. He wants to be closer to her and grabs for the bottom of her shirt again. He pulls up to take it off but stops when he feels April pushing back against his hands. Gasping, she breaks away from his kiss. She tries to catch her breath for a moment before looking up at him to say, “I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry.” He can’t believe he forgot. He had been so happy that she wanted to try again that he got caught up in the moment. He completely forgot about Dotson and everything she had been through the last two days. “April, I am so sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I should have thought – God – I feel like such a jerk. April, we do not have to do anything you are not comfortable with. You know that, right? I don’t want you to feel pressured to do anything, okay?”

April scoots closer to Jackson, locking her hands behind his neck. “Please don’t be sorry, Jackson. I’m fine. I just – I just needed a minute. And you aren’t pressuring me to do anything. I trust you completely. You aren’t him, and I know that. I mean, for a second I was back there…but no. I’m not giving him that power. He already ruined my memories of my trip to the Avery Trauma Center, but I refuse to let him in our relationship, too. I love you, and I trust you, and I want this.”

“You want this?”

“More than anything.”

Jackson’s mouth finds hers again as April reaches down and removes her shirt on her own. She takes his hands and places them back on her body, against her skin, so that he knows she is okay. His hands slowly explore her skin, careful not to push her too fast, but still full of need.

She feels his hesitation, but she is not afraid – not with him. She grabs his shirt and quickly removes it. He takes a moment to just look at her, his eyes glistening with love. Wanting him to see that she wants this as much as he does, she removes her bra and his eyes fall to take her in. When he returns his gaze to her face, she is biting her lip and smiling up at him, waiting.

He doesn’t hesitate any more. His mouth is on her neck kissing down to her collarbone. His hands slide up her back as he lays her down on the bed. He holds himself up on his elbows so that he can continue to kiss down her body spending extra time at her chest and continuing down her stomach. She squirms beneath him as his tongue teases her belly button and he laughs against her stomach, knowing exactly where her most sensitive spots are. She gasps his name, “Jackson!” and runs her fingers though his hair sending shivers down his body as her nails graze against his skin.

His facial hair is rough and scratchy against her skin as he kisses along the line of her pants. Stopping, he looks up at her with dark, hungry eyes and slides a finger under the waist of her pants silently telling her he wants them off. She lifts up off the bed so that he can pull her remaining clothes down and off of her legs, tossing them to the floor beside them. He positions himself between her legs, lowers his body to hers, and kisses her deeply and fully. She raises her knees to close the space between their hips and she wraps her arms around him pulling his chest down to hers. Her hands explore down his body until she reaches the top of his jeans. “Jackson?” she whispers between kisses. “What?” he answers her without taking his mouth from hers. “Why are you still wearing these?” she unbuttons his pants and slides the zipper down. He stops kissing her to look down at her with a smirk. “I guess I was waiting for you to help me take them off.” She pushes down at the waistband of his jeans, and he pulls away from her for a moment to quickly take the rest of his clothes off and throw them on the pile of discarded clothes.

His eyes trail over her body lying, waiting for him, on the bed. He leans down over her and positions himself over her again. He presses his forehead to hers and, for a second, just appreciates that she is here with him again. “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispers. She blushes at his words and brushes her nose against his. “I love you.” she whispers back.

And their bodies fall together, finding their home.

April wakes to the feeling of kisses down her back. She moans quietly but keeps her eyes closed, smiling as she remembers her night with Jackson. The kisses stop and she opens her eyes to see Jackson smiling back at her. Her voice is still groggy with sleep as she asks, “Why did you stop?”

He sighs and moves her hair back from her face. “I don’t want to, believe me, but we have to get going. We have to leave for Seattle in a couple of hours. I told Bailey I would go over the data from Diane’s clinical trial with her today so we could decide how to proceed. So, as much as I would love to spend the day in bed with you, we can’t.” He leans over to kiss her on the forehead before getting out of bed.

April reluctantly agrees and drags herself to the shower. “Jackson?” she yells over the running water.

“Yeah?” he calls back.

“You know it would be much faster if we saved time and just showered together…” her suggestion is more than tempting, but the knock on the door tells him their breakfast has arrived. He opens the bathroom door just a bit to stick his head in, “Our room service is here so I have to get the door, but don’t think I won’t remember this suggestion when we get home.”

When April emerges from the shower, she sees that Catherine has joined them for breakfast and she is silently thankful that she decided to wear clothes coming out of the bathroom. “Good morning, Catherine,” April greets her as she sits down to eat with them.

“Good morning, sweetheart. How are you feeling?”

“I’m good. Great actually.” She smiles across the table at Jackson. “Jackson being here was exactly what I needed.”

Jackson looks to his mom with concern and asks, “So what happened with Dotson? He’s still in jail, right?”

Catherine’s face grows serious and she leans back in her chair and folds her arms. “No. He’s not. Another doctor at the hospital posted his bail. I’ve already asked the board to review that doctor’s file as well. I can’t imagine defending a man like that, much less posting his bail. There must be a reason.”

April feels her stomach drop and suddenly, she is no longer interested in breakfast. “So, he – he’s out? He’s just out? What happens next? What do we do?” She looks back and forth from Jackson to Catherine hoping for an answer.

Jackson reaches across the table and covers April’s hand with his own. “You and I, go home. We go home to our daughter. And you don’t worry about Dotson anymore. Like I said, we will handle him. He’s already been fired from the hospital and he has a court date. He won’t get away with this, April.” His words are reassuring, but his eyes are not. As much as she wants to believe he his right, she can’t miss the look of uncertainty that passes across the table from Jackson to Catherine.

#japril fanfiction

27 notes · View notes