A new chance - Emmett (Cillian Murphy in movie AQP2) master list

Moodboard by incredible @zablife

🪴 Requested by anon + a similar idea I already had in mind. (Mini series)

Summary: After being hurt, Emmett returns to camp in poor condition. A doctor found a way to combine ancient medicine with modern knowledge.

Both have lost their love ones, both have been so lonely, but soon they’ll find out they have more in common than they ever imagined. Will they take this chance?

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Epilogue

(Complete)

'Cillian Murphy, the acclaimed Irish actor, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with his captivating performances. From thrilling science fiction to historical dramas, Murphy's versatility shines through in his roles. This list ranks his finest movies according to Rotten Tomatoes scores, showcasing his ability to embody diverse characters with depth and authenticity.

Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 73%

Join Cillian Murphy as he masterfully portrays the complex emotions of Pieter in this underrated romance film. Set against the backdrop of a renowned painter's world, Murphy's performance shines in a tale of love and jealousy.

Intermission (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 74%

Murphy's portrayal of John in this crime-comedy film adds depth to the exploration of relationships and life choices. The movie delves into dark humor and unexpected twists, with Murphy's performance as a highlight.

Sunshine (2007)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 76%

In this sci-fi thriller, Murphy's role as physicist Robert Capa showcases his ability to convey inner turmoil. His performance adds layers to the narrative of a desperate mission to save humanity.

Red Eye (2005)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 79%

Murphy's portrayal of an assassin in this thriller adds complexity to the character dynamics. As tension escalates on a red-eye flight, Murphy's performance keeps viewers at the edge of their seats.

The Party (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82%

Murphy's role as Tom in this witty political drama demonstrates his skill in instilling various emotions. As secrets unravel during a party, Murphy's performance adds depth to the film's sharp humor.

Batman Begins (2005)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%

Murphy's compelling portrayal of Scarecrow adds a layer of fear to Christopher Nolan's Batman universe, solidifying his presence in the superhero genre.

Inception (2010)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%

Murphy's performance as an adversary in this mind-bending thriller cements his status as a top-tier actor. His portrayal adds complexity to the exploration of dreams and reality.

28 Days Later (2002)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%

Murphy's role as Jim in this innovative zombie film showcases his ability to navigate a post-apocalyptic world. His performance adds depth to a story of survival and humanity.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%

Murphy's portrayal of Damien highlights his ability to convey inner conflicts within historical contexts. His performance adds power to a story of war and sacrifice.

A Quiet Place Part II (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%

Murphy's role as Emmett in this sci-fi sequel demonstrates his emotional range. His performance adds depth to a world ravaged by sound-sensitive creatures.

Dunkirk (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92%

In this intense war thriller, Murphy's portrayal of a shivering soldier reflects his skill in depicting raw emotions. His performance captures the horrors of war and survival.

Oppenheimer (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%

Murphy's exceptional performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer showcases his ability to embody complex historical figures. His portrayal adds depth to the life and struggles of a renowned physicist.

Cillian Murphy's filmography is a testament to his remarkable talent, as he continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema with each unforgettable performance.'

Twilight Fanfiction

✨🤍🌲✨

Bleeding Hearts

Read on FFN or AO3

Summary: Vampire vigilantes Edward Masen and Rosalie Hale quench their bloodlust by murdering and feeding on common criminals. When their paths cross with Bella and Emmett Swan—pure-hearted siblings who’ve never seemed to experience any luck, let alone be down on it—Edward and Rosalie are compelled to help them.

Bleeding Hearts won 6th best fic completed in November 2022.

~~~

Totality 

A much needed Eclipse fix-it fic

Read it on AO3 and FFN. 

Summary: Edward has finally returned to his love and his life in Forks. As he struggles to put back the pieces of his broken relationship, he realizes they didn’t fit quite right to begin with. Bella and Edward must learn to reshape the pieces, so what they rebuild can stand strong for their forever together. 

More completed works under break...

Undertow

Read it on A03 or FFN

Summary: Edward Masen has just been adopted by a young couple with a heart for orphaned teens. When he discovers life as the shiny new toy to the even shiner Cullen family may be worse than life as a faceless nobody, he finds comfort in the oddest place: in the dark eyes of a stranger, as deep and mysterious as the ocean itself. Will he find the solace he had been always searching for in this strange, quiet girl, or will he find something greater than he could ever imagine? 

Undertow won 4th best fic completed in May 2022

~~~

Dazzled

Read on AO3 or FFN

Summary: Bella Swan and Edward Cullen are self-imposed outcasts. Edward: the freak among monsters, the unwanted seventh wheel, the invasive mind reader. Bella: unable to see her worth past her dress size. When their paths cross, they're struck by one another.

~~~

See the Stars

A Sequel to Solar Eclipse

Read on FFN or AO3

Summary: "I like the night. Without the night, we would never be able to see the stars." The Twilight of Bella's life is over. She will finally have the love, the family, and the life she fought to keep. Though it was once everything she wanted, Bella discovers her new life with the Cullens under the stars drifts between a dream and a nightmare.

~~~

Flaws

Read on FFN or AO3

Summary: Bella expects her transformation from human to vampire to fix the flaws that kept her from being a worthy partner of Edward. When Edward’s venom does not seem to work on her appearance, Bella fears he will not want to tolerate her flaws for the rest of eternity.

Feat. plus-size Bella!

Flaws won 10th best fic completed in June 2022.

A quiet place part 1

#A QUIET PLACE PART 1 MOVIE#

#A QUIET PLACE PART 1 MOVIE#

The first movie delivered a gut punch with the sacrifice of Krasinski's character, and Simmonds ensures that we feel that loss as heavily as Regan does. It's through her that A Quiet Place Part II manages to land emotional beats to go with the sheer terror of its set pieces. She was great in the first movie, but this truly feels like a star-making turn. Millicent Simmonds effectively becomes the lead of the sequel, with Emily Blunt in more of a supporting role, and Simmonds rises to the occasion with a magnetic and powerful performance. Regan's journey with Emmett as she tries to live up to the legacy of her father is by far the movie's strongest story. When they all come together in a gripping finale, you'll forgive any minor flaws as Krasinski crafts another terrific climax. However, it succeeds in making the sequel unique as it manages to deliver the tension of the first movie without being a direct retread. The approach might make you long for the tight focus of the first movie at times, especially whenever it cuts to Marcus who is lumbered with the weakest story of the three. Instead, he branches out the action to follow three different plots, cross-cutting between them to ramp up the tension at key moments. It's not only the bigger set pieces that make A Quiet Place Part II an expansive sequel as Krasinski avoids grounding the family in another single location. But while they might have the key to beating the aliens, the Abbott family are about to realise that the aliens might not be the only threat to their survival. It doesn't take long for them to come across old family friend Emmett (Cillian Murphy), who reluctantly helps them and gives them shelter. The house isn't in the best shape after the traumatic events of the previous night, so Evelyn is forced to head out into the world with Regan (Millicent Simmonds), Marcus (Noah Jupe) and her newborn baby. You'll already be clenching every muscle (even though you know the Abbotts survive) and the title hasn't even been shown.Ī Quiet Place Part II then jumps from Day 1 of the apocalypse to Day 474, moments after Evelyn killed the first alien. While you might think the Part II suggests the sequel picks up immediately after the memorable ending to A Quiet Place, Krasinski decides to take us right back to the beginning.ĭuring an astonishing cold open, we see the true horror of the alien invasion unfold, showcasing Krasinski's confidence as a filmmaker, blending intense action with character beats that fill in gaps from the first movie.

A quiet place part ii

In their B+ review for IndieWire, Kate Erbland states that there's "an inherent tension in watching anyone do anything that might kick up a bit of noise. "The layered sound design, fittingly, is a thing of beauty," writes David Rooney for The Hollywood Reporter. And like the first film, this one also benefits immeasurably from Marco Beltrami’s vigorous orchestral score, which shifts between ominous groans and thundering high drama, dialing up the tension throughout." Parts teeming with noise-sensitive monsters that kill anything unlucky enough to move above a whisper. Once out in the open, the family crosses paths with a jaded survivor named Emmett (Peeky Blinders' Cillian Murphy). Naturally, the sound design once again takes center stage as Evelyn Abbott (Emily Blunt) and her two children Regan and Marcus (Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe) leave the relative safety of their farmhouse for parts unknown. Per Deadline's Pete Hammond, the follow-up feels even scarier in the wake of the global health crisis. "This is a sequel that seems viable, particularly after living through a pandemic that weirdly reinforces the themes of survival that run through the heart of Krasinski’s horror show and might give it more pertinence that had it been released when initially planned," reads his review. "On the most basic level, it definitely is a terrifying time at the movies, if that is what you are looking for this summer." "Krasinski so effectively embraces the opposite strategy: Less is more, suggestion can be scarier than showing everything, and few things are more unnerving than silence." "If you’re vaccinated and feeling safe enough to step foot outside your home, Krasinski has crafted a followup that justifies the trip," writes Variety's Peter Debruge. But is writer-director John Krasinski's horror sequel worth an in-person journey to the theater? According to the first reviews, that answer is yes. After more than a year of COVID-related delays, A Quiet Place Part IIis finally scheduled to noiselessly makes its way into theaters next Friday (May 28) for Memorial Day weekend.

A Quiet Place Part II

Wow, I just came back from the movie theatre, and I am so pleased that this movie was everything I wanted it to be. So here it goes, another movie analysis/review.

Dare I say iconique? 

There was a lot hinging A Quiet Place Part II. It is one of the first movies “back in theaters.” There was a lot of anticipation because the movie got delayed for over a year. But I don’t think it could’ve come out at a more perfect time. One of the things I noticed about the world of A Quiet Place was that, in thematic ways, it reflects our own. In the height of the pandemic, everyone in our world was scared, worried about supplies running low, losing loved ones, and grieving a life they once had. Like in the movie, we were all forced to lay low by staying inside. Maybe I was projecting my own feelings, but I found it to be highly relatable and touching in that way (without being tragic but rather uplifting instead).

Onto the actual contents, though. The opening scene was *chef’s kiss.* You feel tension right away because of how eerily quiet the town is mid-day, a foreshadowing of what’s to come. Except everything is too neat, the cars too perfectly parked, no windows broken -- we know it is the calm before the storm. I love the patient shot of the stoplight changing lights. We are waiting for disaster to strike but just don’t know when it will. 

The baseball scene subverted a few of my expectations -- I thought Emmett would be a stranger to the family so I was surprised he turned out to be a friendly family acquaintance. This worked well because it probably made Emmett feel some obligation in helping Evelyn and her family later. I also expected Marcus to hit the ball eventually because of the two initial misses -- but then the fireball passes through the sky and life as they know it is over. 

Some part of me expected the flashback scene to be superfluous and just an opportunity to show John Krasinski again, but it served its purpose -- when characters refer to “that day,” we feel the gravity of it because of what we saw in the opening segment. 

I didn’t expect the monster when it first appeared. You expect Lee to have a conversation with the cop, for the monster to show up soon but not just yet -- and then Lee, almost dissociating, is rushing back to his truck after what was no doubt the most traumatic sight of his life at that point. He starts the car with the it’s-going-to-be-all-right facade a parent must don for their child. 

There were several other excellent “oh-shit” moments in this movie. One of my favorites was, after Evelyn sets off the booby trap that attracts the monster (an excellent oh-shit moment in and of itself but already revealed in the trailer), Marcus gets his foot caught in a bear trap. When he screams, it’s like watching a glass you knocked over to the floor crash into a million pieces. My brain was just one big shout of “OH SHIT” and nothing else. Emily Blunt’s acting was superb here and throughout -- the way she played desperation and a simultaneous love for her child was palpable.

Cillian Murphy is an excellent addition to the cast. I was particularly mesmerized by his acting in all the breathy dialogue scenes where he’s protesting against either Evelyn or Regan. Emmett felt believable in all his sweaty, scruffy glory.  He keeps insisting he doesn’t want to help, but, very wholesomely, he always does. He’s a sucker for them from the start. And whether he and Regan like it or not, he is slowly becoming the protective father figure in her life. He can’t get in the way of her plans and her genius, and he can never replace Lee, but the love is there. I love their arc.

And speaking of Regan...

Wow, did the kids in this movie shine. Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupp absolutely exceeded my expectations. Boy, could Jupp scream and look scared for his life. He was completely believable in his role. And Simmonds walks with this quiet strength, this gentleness. I loved what they did with the scenes where Regan and Emmett were struggling to communicate and she had to keep bringing him back down to Earth. I love the way this movie changes the game for what communication looks like -- there is rarely yelling or even regular-volume conversation. Instead there is sign language, exhales, whispers, the mouthing of words. This creates a mesmerizing atmosphere for the movie. These silences and moments of white-noise do not mean the absence of humans speaking to each other. 

I’m not sure how I feel about the shady, red-eyed community of people on the docks. They looked like they were all on drugs and walked like zombies. And the creepy little girl who trapped Emmett just felt like she belonged to another genre of horror? This isn’t a “creepy children” horror movie, it’s an eldritch monster horror movie! It wasn’t the most believable plot point but I wasn’t super opposed to it, either. I wanted to know more about these shady people. I fully expected them to take Emmett and Regan back to their leader or tribal base, but nope, they were just shady people (the kind not worth saving). 

This isn’t a criticism per say but I was definitely expecting more scenes between Emmett and the entire Abbott family, so I was a little sad they split them up and we didn’t get a reunion. This is a possible tease for a third movie -- as is the expanding world of the island and the lack of a total end to the apocalypse. And, of course, there are hints that Evelyn and Emmett might have a future together -- Evelyn symbolically takes off her wedding ring and Emmett reluctantly but naturally fills the father role for the children. At the same time, we leave off at a point where we can imagine what happens next and don’t need to know more -- it can be up to our interpretation. They can end the movie there, since it is clear that the children have figured out how to defeat the monsters.

And speaking of that, the ending had a very Stranger Things feel to it. Never mind that the monsters from each respective series look almost identical -- the ending takes a surprise turn when it is the two Abbott children who take things into their own hands and kill the monsters while their parental figures literally sit back and watch in awe. I appreciated the message here: that young people are innovative, strong and brave enough to do the right thing. They are capable of great things; it’s all right to trust them and let them take the reins. 

I think the movie’s atmosphere is just lovely. Just because it’s horror doesn’t mean there can’t be scenic shots of a sunset on the beach. That’s what I like about both movies so much -- they don’t feel like most horror movies because they still leave room for beauty and tenderness and hope.

Overall, a very enjoyable film. I would love to see the family reunion if there is a sequel -- and that the potential sequel is helmed by the right writers/director once again! Go, John Krasinski! He killed it.

A Quiet Place Part II

It’s finally happening. Summer movie season is here. I know, I know, the big lizard and monkey punchfest was technically the start of summer movie season, but it’s officially Memorial Day weekend, and the first truly anticipated (for me, anyway) releases of 2020 are finally hitting the megaplex. I LOVED A Quiet Place, both for its originality and its excellent performances, so I was eagerly anticipating Part II. However, I think we all know it’s hard for lightning to strike like that twice, and a sequel this anticipated has to be a least a little disappointing, right? Well...

Honestly, it’s a solid, solid effort. The gimmicks are much the same as in the first film, and we retread a lot of similar territory in one of the movie’s two main plots, centering around Evelyn (Emily Blunt), Marcus (Noah Jupe), and the just-born baby from the first film. BUT, the other plot, centering around Regan (Millicent Simmonds) and begrudging travel companion Emmett (Cillian Murphy) allows us to venture outside of the insular environment of the first film and discover more of this strange new world, and that is by far the stronger half. 

Some thoughts:

Love this first scene of the flashback to Day 1 when the aliens arrived. Kudos to John Krasinski as a director and of course the entire sound design team for making sure that we as an audience are attuned to every little sound the characters are making as they go through their last day of normal life. Flashbacks like this are usually a respite from the tension rather than a source of creeping dread, knowing that there’s a boogeyman waiting to jump out but not knowing when, and it’s an incredibly effective device here. The downside is, it just makes me miss John Krasinski from the rest of the film’s action. 

Two Very Good Dogs right off the bat (a German Shepherd and a red hound of some kind). I bet dogs don’t fare well against the aliens, although we see no dog violence or harm onscreen. A world without dogs is maybe the worst thing I can think of :(

Ok, second worst thing - being barefoot all the time. But then Cillian Murphy shows up and has some very sensible shoes, so that makes me think this family is barefoot for no fucking reason, and that just seems wildly irresponsible! This is why people invented shoes! You might be at risk from these aliens, but I’ll tell you what is silent and WILL kill you - sepsis from your nasty ass foot infection.

I know there’s a certain amount of suspension of disbelief that comes with the logistics of making a film but like...this baby was born approximately yesterday. There is no way it would A) have its eyes open or B) be smiling and cooing or C) not look like a fugly old man. 

Cillian Murphy? More like Killin-it Murphy. That man can do more with those startling blue eyes in that razor-sharp face that most people can convey with their whole body. He’s a real standout here, and his chemistry with Millicent Simmonds is fantastic. Their journey is compelling because it moves us forward into the unknown, and the obstacles they face are new ones. 

Did I Cry? I teared up every time Regan invoked the spirit of her dad, and at the line “I’m nothing like him. You are.” they started to fall for real. There’s never a moment that equals the gut punch climax of the first movie, but the affection for these characters is still very real. 

Even though we’ve seen a lot of these tricks before, the gimmick still works. Make a noise and you die? There’s no better way to ramp up the tension, and by having the characters split up, Krasinski tries to keep the stakes as high as possible among all of the characters in multiple different ways, which is pretty effective. The monsters are fast, they’re scary, and the characters are good people who love each other, and you want them to survive. That’s a pretty good recipe for a thriller. 

Much like the first time around, the ending is so abrupt as to feel a little sudden or underbaked. Your mileage may vary, but I wasn’t wild about it this time around. Not a BAD ending, but not a great one either. 

Overall, a solid follow-up and a great expansion of a story that has so much potential for world-building. The performances are all good, but Simmonds and Murphy are the real reason to buy a ticket to this one. Seeing it on the big screen was absolutely the way to go, and this was exactly the kind of experience I was hoping for now that I’m back at the movies. 

If you liked this review, please consider reblogging or subscribing to my Patreon! For as low as $1, you can access bonus content and movie reviews, or even request that I review any movie of your choice.

So while I loved A Quiet Place I have to say I enjoyed the sequel even more. Regan and Emmett’s relationship was the best thing about it. I just love how sweet and understanding they were with each other and the bond they developed throughout their journey together. So here’s just a little edit I did of them. Hopefully there’s more to come :)

A Quiet Place: Part II

“A Quiet Place: Part II” is such a fantastic and suspenseful sequel that should be enjoyed with the majesty of a movie theater.

Regan and Marcus are left fatherless after the events of the first film. Their home has just been destroyed, so they, along with their mother and newborn brother, leave safety to find a new home. They find an old friend, Emmett, who has been living alone after the death of his wife and children. Regan discovers a radio station playing the song, “Beyond The Sea” and realizes that she can go there and use her hearing aid to help other survivors through the radio. Marcus advises her against it, but Regan is determined.

I am so glad that they waited to show this movie in the movie theaters. This is an experience that should be watched on the big screen. Once again, John Krasinski weaponizes silence to instill every scene with suspense and fear. There were so many moments when I felt that I had to be absolutely quiet because I was so scared that the monster might jump out of the screen and get me. The stakes are even higher this time and utilize the higher budget to its fullest potential. This time, the children have more agency in the story. This could have easily made the whole movie less suspenseful, but this movie tells you right off the bat that they’re not softening the blows just because they’re children. A lot of scenes with the most tension happen in tandem with one another. The movie doesn’t try to hide it either. Instead, it opts to highlight the symmetry in storytelling and use it to its advantage. My anxiety was magnified tenfold because of this in the best way possible. “A Quiet Place: Part II” sets to tell a story and doesn’t get sidetracked. It knows what it's doing and it knows it does it damn well. Just like the first film, this movie ends with room for more. I can’t wait to see the next installment of this franchise. I’ll definitely be there on opening day in theaters waiting with bated breath.

★★★★★

Watched on June 22nd, 2021

A Quiet Place 2 was a great horror sequel and all, but I will forever be pissed at how it completely wasted Djimon Hounsou. Hell, his character isn’t even given a name, he’s literally credited as “Man on Island”.

Cillian Murphy gave a fantastic performance as Emmett but I honestly wouldn’t have minded if their roles had been switched around, with him as the Man on the Island and Djimon as the Abbot family’s friend.

EDIT: Hmm, two black people of importance in this movie (Djimon and the cop in the beginning) and both helped the white protagonists get to safety before getting killed off. Kinda problematic, don't you think?

A new chance - Emmett (AQP2) -Part 1

Request: Could you do something with Emmett immediately after where AQP2 ends? Maybe something where he’s back at the camp on the island and he’s getting his leg looked at? Maybe he meets someone on the island who helps him cope with everything? Something hurt/comfort or sweet? Few days ago I prompted something w emmett, so here's some idea > "I'm sorry I doubted you. I was wrong and you were right" + some angst and a final fluffy 😚 great sunday ♡ Anon I LOVED THIS IDEA, I really hope you like it! If you see this please let me know what you think, should I make this into a mini series?

It’s a bit long, I got too excited and couldn’t stop writing, the idea of using natural medicine had been in the back of my mind for a while, even though all natural remedies listed are real, but I highly recommend going to an specialist 🏥

And also lovely @zablife made this incredible moodboard 🥰✨🌿🪴 how gorgeous is that?! Thank you Lee you totally captured the idea ✨

Summary: After being hurt, Emmett returns to camp in poor condition. A doctor found a way to combine ancient medicine with modern knowledge.

Both have lost their love ones, both have been so lonely, but soon they’ll find out they have more in common than they ever imagined. Will they take this chance?

“Y/N! Y/N!”

You heard as you cleaned the supplies you just used with the last patient. The door flew open and three men and a girl entered with an unconscious body in their arms.

“Put him over here.” You pointed at the empty table you used for the checkups. “What happened?”

Gary, one of them explained how they found him at the radio station, they just knew his name was Emmett and the girl was altered and hurt, she communicated through sign language.

“I’m going to help you, alright?” But she answered with tears in her eyes pointing at the man on the table, she explicitly asked you to take care of him first.

He was attacked by one of the creatures, his leg seemed in such a bad state, that you were afraid you’d hurt him even more. You started by cutting in half the leg of his trousers, his shoes discarded already on the floor. After carefully cleaning the wound, you walked towards the counter to search for the leaves and ointment you’ve created to treat this kind of injuries.

You needed to know about allergies and other medical information before doing anything else, so turning to the girl, you showed her a bowl of clean water and bandages for her.

“Your dad’s going to be alright.” You assured her.

Reading her lips, she expressed: “He’s not my dad.”

“Sorry… what’s your name?”

She winced in pain as the cold cream and small pieces of different leaves touched her skin, covering it with a small cloth and then a bandage, you checked for other signs of pain in her.

“Regan.” She mouthed.

Squeezing her shoulder, you gave the girl a nod. “You’re so brave.” But she shook her head and looked in the man’s direction.

“Go and lay down for a bit, I’ll let you know when he wakes up.”

***

Taking a look at the man lying on your table, you found his breathing was returning to normal, so you decided it was a good time to check for his vitals, it was impossible to move your eyes from his face, the fringe on his forehead was a big temptation for you to move it away, there was a thick salt and pepper beard, the lines around his eyes reflected the worry and hard time he must’ve been through.

His arm flew in a self-defense motion simultaneously as a hurt groan, you fell to the floor, getting a hard hit in your back.

“It’s alright! I’m here to help you.” You tried to show your hands to soothe him. “Everything’s fine.” You whispered.

His heavy breathing worried you, not knowing if he was under a panic attack or an emotional collapse.

“I’m a doctor, you arrived injured, look at your leg.”

When he had finally calmed you were met by the most fascinating blue eyes, but it wasn’t just the color of his eyes, it was everything underneath them, everything that was right there at the surface, what the eyes could say that his voice couldn’t.

Lifting yourself up, you moved your hand to show him around.

“Sorry.” He mumbled.

“Before I can continue healing your leg, I need you to answer a few questions.” Pointing a small lantern at his right eye you moved it from one side to the other to see his reflections. He nodded. “What’s your name?”

“Emmett.” You went on to check the other eye, looking for any sign of concussion.

“Do you know why you’re here?”

He seemed to think about it for a couple of seconds. “I was at the radio station, with… with Regan.” He frowned and tried to move abruptly.

Placing your hand on his chest, you could feel his heartbeat speeding up. “Regan is alright, she’s outside.” He looked at you with his big, bright eyes. “Are you allergic to anything? Food? Medicine?”

“No.”

His blood pressure was altered, as well as his heartbeat. Which was totally normal after the events of the day.

Turning around you started to create a mix of herbs and plants, then cutting some aloe to make it easier to spread on the skin.

He seemed to be in a good shape, but you had to ask him anyways. “Is there any illness that I should know of?” He shook his head. “Good, I’m asking you this because even though I’m a doctor, once I arrived at the island I started to make a combination of the traditional medicine we know with the natural medicine our ancestors used…”

“Are you kidding me?” He scoffed. “Natural medicine? That’s bull-”

But you cut him off by placing the mix over his open leg and then two big leaves of some water plants you cut that morning and tied it with some strips of palm tree making the knot a little bit tighter than you should, earning a painful scream from Emmett.

“If you don’t believe in it, fine, but I’m going to have to cut off your leg next week.”

You’ve been on the edge for a while, losing all your loved ones at the invasion, healing yourself in the woods until you were rescued and brought to the island. Emmett should be grateful you had medicine knowledge instead of mocking your treatments, closing the door angrily, you found Regan watching a draw one of the kids made, Lindsay came to you with an apple. Everything was so quiet now in the island.

You’ve been working nonstop since the attack started, initially you planned to take the day off, spend it at the other side of the island to forget about everything, but as you heard screams and cries you were forced to come back into the clinic to start helping people.

Sitting next to you on the steps, she asked: “What the hell was that?”

Making a face you took a small bite of the apple. “Don’t even ask, I feel terrible… but he laughed of my methods.”

“Oh crap… is he still alive?” A soft giggle escaped her.

“Of course he’s.” You rolled your eyes at her, walking towards the girl you let her know she could see him now and you’ll go and ask for some supplies for him. Taking a couple of minutes to get yourself calm you realized you shouldn’t hurt him like that, this wasn’t like you, it wasn’t right to treat your patients that way, but he shouldn’t have laughed your job off either. After some deep breaths you walked inside the house again.

Lindsay announced she had prepared him a small lunch, Regan had already been fed. “I’ll give it to him.” Your friend and collaborator in the small clinic gave you a worried look but you ignored it. She requested you wouldn’t kill him.

As you walked into the room, regret immediately ran through you, the pain was evident in his face and Regan looked worryingly at him. You instructed her to go out with the kids and as soon as she was out of sight, when you turned around to face Emmett, he was looking at you intensely thinking hard of what to say.

“I’m really sorry for the way I treated you earlier, I shouldn’t have put so much pressure on your wound… I’m sorry I hurt you.” You felt embarrassed by your actions.

It took him a couple of seconds to speak: “I shouldn’t have laughed at your practice, I guess I deserved that.”

“We started with the wrong foot.” You decided you would just keep your distance from him, he had every right to not believe in your practice but you would attend him like the rest of the patients you had. You told him you’d clean his leg and as you moved around, you could feel his eyes on you. “This is a mix of turmeric and honey for the cuts and wounds.” You announced. “Once is dry, I’ll clean it again and do another mix… any other pain you’ve?”

“My head hurts.” He admitted in a serious tone. “But if you’re planning on smashing me with something, I’d prefer to endure the pain, thank you.”

His sarcasm didn’t go unnoticed by you, but this time you just sighed and moved around. “Feverfew helps to reduce headaches… I like to combine it with lavender oil to speed the results.”

Still not fully believing this would work at all, but he took it from your hands and the small bottle with the roll on. You instructed him to rub it on his temples, forehead and behind his neck, then place two leaves of feverfew on his temples. “Of course you don’t have to, if you don’t want.”

After leaving him alone, you found Regan looking at the window.

“Can I help you with anything?” You moved the hair away from her face. “We can send people to get your family?” She nodded eagerly and through signs explained she knew the way to where her family was. “Perfect then, Lindsay can help you with that tomorrow, you must be tired… take one of the rooms upstairs to pass the night, everything you need is there.”

As you were about to leave to get more supplies, Regan touched your arm, her right hand moved to her lips and made an arch to the front. She moved her lips and mouthed thank you at you.

“You’re welcome.” Winking at her you took the basket and left the house.

Walking for over twenty minutes, you finally made it into the depopulated part of the island, this has been a common practice to refill the plants and herbs you would need during the week. Taking only what you needed, nature provided for everything you could use.

You’ve been able to help a lot of people since you arrived at the island, that was the main purpose of being a doctor, making them good, help them heal.

Constantly reminding yourself to focus on your task, the day would be over soon and tomorrow it would only one more painful memory.

But as you were collecting some plants, you couldn’t stop thinking of the man you were trying to help heal his leg, in his eyes you could see kindness, but also pain… real life changing pain, the one that tears your soul into a million pieces and you don’t know how you’re able to keep breathing, the same pain you knew so well. The one you dealt with every single day.

But today wasn’t an ordinary day… no, today your daughter Maddie would turn nine years old. She would, if you had been able to protect her when the invasion happened. The tears falling down your cheeks, your legs giving up to hold you anymore. The smell of wet soil filled you, the fresh leaves and dry nature hugged you while you cried. You missed Maddie every second of the day, you missed braiding her hair and answering her endless questions about everything.

Losing the track of time, it was dark when you returned the camp, the lights of the house were still on.

Lindsay and Regan were cleaning the table.

“We were worried about you, it’s late.” Your friend hugged you.

“Sorry, I needed some time out.” Looking at the floor, you couldn’t help your eyes watering again.

“What is it, Y/N?” You shook your head, unable to speak. “OMG, it’d be Maddie’s birthday!” She suddenly remembered, your shoulders started to shake violently and you tried to suppress a loud cry. “I’m sorry, forgot with the worry about the creature here, you must’ve had a terrible time.” Her arms wrapped around you and another hand comforted your arm.

Regan pointed at one of the rooms and you nodded taking deep breaths to calm down again.

Announcing you were checking on the patients you started the round, it was so hard to see people hurt, some had been terribly attacked. You would need to make a trip to the city to see if you could get any medical supplies.

“Dinner time.” Lindsay announced in the room. Emmett was transferred to one of the rooms prepared to keep people until they healed. One of them complained of the extreme pain on his shoulder, the bone could be seen. “I’m sorry the menu is limited, but we have a few snacks for tomorrow.” She tried to cheer them up.

Emmett thanked her and took the food.

“Does she treat everybody like that?” He downed the glass of water.

“She said she’s sorry, okay? And she got her hands full with the attack, there’s no one else that can help her here, besides…” but she stopped midsentence.

“What?”

Lindsay looked nervously around. “She lost her only kid and today it would be her birthday.” Y/N entering the room made eye contact with her friend and then looked at Emmett, but she walked to the first bed. Lindsay looked at Emmett and pointed at him. “I didn’t tell you anything.”

“Thank you for helping me here today Linds.” You thanked her. Emmett was studying your every move.

She smiled at you and like every night, she answered: “I’ll be back in the morning to give them breakfast.”

Applying the remedy one by one until you reached Emmett’s bed you tried not to look him in the eyes. “Tea, made of California poppy and holy basil for sleep, you can throw it away when I leave.” You were glad to see the wound looked good.

“Can you make it double?” He tried to soften his tone, instantly feeling relief as you applied the ointment on his leg.

“No, that’s the only dose per day allowed.” It could cause the patient to sleep for over three days.

You seemed distant so he didn’t try to extend the conversation or make any other light joke, he limited himself to watch you work as he felt bad for saying that earlier, now you moved around him with your head down and he didn’t know if it was because of your daughter’s birthday or his comment.

***

Lindsay and a group of people from the island went with Regan to get supplies and move her family to the island, so you took care of the clinic on your own while someone else helped you with the food.

The following days were pretty much the same, you entered the room, checked the patients vitals, took notes, cleaned the injuries, applied different ointments and oils, checked people’s eyes, but when it came to him, you didn’t do it. He’d been able to stand up and with the help of a crutch, he started to walk around, it was a big step and he could see his leg looked so much better now.

Soon, he was offering to help around a little; hold people, carry a few things, he should’ve been resting, but he insisted on helping you out.

“Y/N help me!” A kid stormed into the clinic, he must’ve been around five.

“What happened Wes?”

“I climbed a tree and got a splinter.”

You crouched to see the child in the face and gently examined the lesion. “Oh, it hurts?”

“No… but Mom told me she would scold me in front of everybody if I climbed it again.”

You laughed for the first time and Emmett couldn’t help but stare at you and even smile at the sound of your laugh.

“There’s a banana in the kitchen, bring it to me.” Wes reappeared in seconds holding the fruit.

“Now, this is for you.” You peeled the banana and handed it to him, then took scissors from a drawer and started to make cuts in the peel.

Emmett looked at the interaction in silence, you were wrapping it around his finger. Wes was holding more than three quarters of the banana between the insides of his cheeks.

“Come and see me after dinner.” You asked and ruffled his hair.

“Fankiu.” He expressed with his mouth full and ran off the clinic.

“Let me guess… that’s ancient medicine too?” Emmett crossed his bad leg over the other knee.

“Yes, the enzymes will soften the skin and-” Glanced at Emmett, then you shook your head lightly. “Why do I waste my time explaining you this?”

Emmett waved his hand at you standing up, he tried to reach you. “No, it’s okay that was… quiet fascinating.” Suddenly he was close to you, his intense gaze making you forget how to breathe properly.

Accidentally or not, his fingers brushed your arm, sending mini shocks through your body. Taking a step back you announced you needed to make the second round of the day with the patients. Avoiding looking into his eyes.

***

Emmett felt sick of listening to Howie’s story of how he invented a mini floating donut for the drinks at the pool for the seventh time, his leg still hurt, but the wound was completely closed by now.

Every time he tried to talk to you or ask you something about your medicine methods, you seemed to brush it off, trying not to engage too much in the conversation, and he had tried everything; where did you go to college, how long have you been living in the island, how did you learn so much about plants and their healing properties… but nothing seemed to work.

It was almost as if you were walking on ice around him and the more you tried to stay away from him, the more he felt being pulled in towards you.

One more time while helping you hold a patient’s arm, he tried some small talk only to be left right there with an apology hanging in the air waiting to be said.

Someone brought him a few things for saving her son, and even invited him to the fire they’d be lighting that night, every Saturday everybody got together to sing songs or share their stories around a big fire next to the beach.

At first, he refused the invitation, but then he thought it would be a good opportunity to talk to you. Of course, the crouch made it ten times harder to walk on the beach and by the time he made it to the fire he felt so tired, groaning he sat on an empty tree trunk, a man offered him some hot tea, perfect for the chilly night outside. Looking around, he found you a couple of meters away… you were smiling as you listened to whatever it was a woman was saying.

For some reason, he couldn’t take his eyes off of you. Was it just gratitude? Or some kind of spell you did with your herbs?

As you finally waved the woman goodbye, your eyes found his across the fire, only to look away seconds after that. He saw you touching the gold butterfly you wore around your neck, then you moved a lock of hair behind your ear and your eyes found him again.

Emmett raised his cup in your direction and you waved a little your hand.

Finding a hidden courage inside of him, he got up and walked towards you, crouch included.

“Can I join you?” You were surprised, but nodded anyways.

“So… they do this every weekend?” He forced himself to look away from your face.

“Sometimes.” You held the cup between your hands tightly. “Today was special to say goodbye to our leader.”

A couple of people wished you goodnight, some others left the fire in silence.

“Sorry I missed it, I wasn’t sure of coming.”

“Why not?”

“Well, I don’t know anyone but you and… you don’t seem to be comfortable with me.”

“Emmett…” Would you ever be able to tell him that his eyes reminded you of Maddie’s?

“It’s alright, I was a bit rude to you.” He put his hand over your arm and turned a little to face you. “My leg is much better… I’m sorry I doubted you. I was wrong and you were right.”

His words were honest, his apology genuine. “I should’ve trusted you from the beginning and-”

Maybe it was the moonlight, or the fire, or his words. Maybe it was everything, but you placed your free hand over his, still on your other arm. “It’s alright, no hard feelings… And I’m sorry too for not treating you gently.”

“That’s going to cause a permanent damage you know?” His voice sounded so different in the jokingly tone.

“You can sue me, if you want. There must be a lawyer around.” You followed him in the same lighted tone. “Thank you for your help in the clinic these days.”

“I’d prefer more of that tea you make to sleep at night as payment, thank you.”

Shaking your head you wondered why something so simple was making you smile more than you had since you arrived.

“It’s getting cold… should we go back inside?” You could feel his eyes on you at times, and when you looked at him, he would look in the opposite direction.

“Yes.” Helping him up he supported his weight on the crouch as the two of you walked back again into the house.

You walked at his pace, trying not to hurry him up, he was still in pain but he tried to hide it. He tried to be strong.

“What you did to stop the creature was remarkable.”

“Regan did the hardest part.” He should take more credits for it, but he was so hard on himself.

“I knew this would work…” You started to say while applying the ointment for the wound on his leg, it was healing fast. “Because I used it to heal myself first.”

Emmett looked at you with those expressive eyes full of questions.

“I was camping when the invasion happened, the creature leaves a burning sensation on the skin and sometimes I still feel like its tearing me apart over and over.”

He wondered where were you attacked, but he let you open yourself to him.

“Sorry, you probably don’t want to talk about this.” Your voice trailed off, standing up you tried to walk around the couch where Emmett was sitting, but he stopped you with both hands firmly on your wrists.

“I don’t, but you sound like you need to.” His eyes urged you to continue.

“I still remember that day, the images keep playing in the back of my mind.” Slowly you walked into the kitchen to place in the sink the bowl you used with him.

And that’s when he saw the scars the creature left on your back, starting from the back of your shoulder, across your back, the rest of it was covered by your dress. The permanent mark of your fight against the creature, the memory of survival.

Supporting his bad leg on the crouch, he followed you into the kitchen, not knowing what to do or say to make you feel better.

“I’m sorry about your daughter.” He whispered trying to comfort you.

Touched by his words, you nodded unable to say anything back.

But he was overwhelmed as well, he had learned to deal with his pain alone, bottle it inside, there was no one to talk to, no one to hold onto… Until now.

“It’s not your fault.”

“Of course it is… I was supposed to protect her!”

“You did your best.” Was he telling you that or himself?

Your tears were right there, threatening to fall any second. “How can you say that? You barely know me.”

“You remind me so much of my old self… and I keep blaming myself for not doing more for my son.”

His sincerity hit you hard. Understanding that you shared the same pain, that you went through the same.

Both of you lost a piece of yourself, your lighthouse, your reason to live.

Yet, every minute after the invasion felt like a new chance to start all over again.

Arms found their own way around each other, it felt so natural, so right. It was the most liberating hug the two of you had felt.

The comfort Emmett was giving you was something you couldn’t put into words. But truth is, without knowing, you were giving him pretty much the same.

***

Next part

A/N: what do you think? Would you like to see more of this story or should it just be a one shot?

Tag list: @lyarr24 @runnning-outof-time @cloudofdisney @gretelshelby @theshelbyslimited @allie131313 @imichelle-l-rigby @datewithgianni @sloanexx @peaky-cillian @lespendy @cillmequick

'Following the success of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, the team behind A Quiet Place 3 will certainly look to bring back one of the stars of A Quiet Place Part II, Cillian Murphy. Murphy starred as Emmett, a former friend of John Krasinski's character Lee Abbott, the father of the family at the center of the franchise. When the Abbott family encounters Emmett, he is a bitter and broken man, having lost his entire family in the days since the aliens first invaded the world.

A Quiet Place 3 won't need to break its dead character rule for Murphy's Emmett to return. A Quiet Place 3 will likely fall right after the original sequel in the A Quiet Place timeline, so it would also make narrative sense for him to be back. More importantly, Murphy's return would strike a familiar chord with 2023's blockbuster Oppenheimer, which should help the movie's overall box office and story appeal.

Oppenheimer's Success Means A Quiet Place 3 Needs Cillian Murphy & Emily Blunt To Reunite

The chemistry and star power of Murphy and Blunt can carry the movie.

The tortuous relationship between Cillian Murphy's J. Robert Oppenheimer and Emily Blunt's Kitty Oppenheimer was one of the highlights of Oppenheimer, and A Quiet Place 3 has the opportunity to recapture their chemistry. Their characters had limited interaction in A Quiet Place Part II, but with Emmett potentially taking a more vested interest in the Abbott family after his time spent with Regan, he and Emily Blunt's Evelyn may have a greater opportunity to play off one another.

Very little is known about the story and cast of A Quiet Place 3, but it is currently on pace for release in 2025. Emily Blunt has already stated that she would only return if her husband, John Krasinski, directs and in fact, she and Krasinski have already discussed the third film with Cillian Murphy. Murphy and Blunt may be pretty far removed from Oppenheimer by 2025, but they will certainly still be two of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, and if they're both willing to participate, then A Quiet Place 3 seems very likely.

How A Quiet Place 2 Set Up Cillian Murphy's Return In A Quiet Place 3

Cillian Murphy's character theoretically survived the first sequel.

While A Quiet Place Part II ended with Cillian Murphy's Emmett and Millicent Simmonds' Regan being cornered by one of the creatures, Emmett was saved by Regan, who used her hearing aid to hurt the creature attacking them. By broadcasting the high-pitched frequency that her hearing aid created with the radio, Regan also created a way to fight back against the creatures. During the course of their final battle with the creature who attacked them in the radio shack, Emmett's leg was slashed, but he seemed to survive the attack.

More importantly, his reason for living and fighting on was renewed after his involvement with the Abbott family. In A Quiet Place 3, Emmett could act as a surrogate father for the Abbott family, acting as a protector and support system for Evelyn and her children. While it would not need to take a romantic turn, that setup would still allow for Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt to reunite and once again explore the chemistry they discovered with Oppenheimer.'

Hanging On - Emmett Dutton x Reader (Australia)

GIF Credit: X

@happyskywhale​ @wltz-bby​

A spiritual sequel to:  When She Says Baby / Starlight / Living Proof

Requested by @slurpin 

Author’s Note: Every single ride I mention existed in the 1940′s and honestly it’s not research that I ever thought I’d have to do but here we are!

Massive shout out to @saddadfanclub​ for the catalyst, truly an excellent suggestion 🙏

Also, Kathner is back - because of course he is. 😉

Also, just because the lyric video is set at a Theme Park, which is too good of a coincidence... Hangin On - Chris Young

It takes 2900 words to get to the smut, and no I will not apologise! 

Disclaimer: Australia & all associated pieces not mine / lyrics & gif neither.

Premise: Emmett takes you on a surprise date, and while you’re having the best time, there’s still no where you’d rather be than loving on him back at home...

Words: 7136

Warnings: Soft/Sweet Smut - it’s more emotional than it is Sinday/Sunday. / Emmett should always come with an insulin warning... he’s a little feistier this time though!

_______

I'm a few drinks in, but that ain't the reason I'm all tongue tied and my breath's leaving this fast I can't get past Those blue eyes shining They keep drawing me in to you Got me fallin' off track, you get me like that It's every smile coming off of your sweet lips That makes me wanna stay here No, this ain't a one night, one time thing You always light me up like a flame and it's clear Every time you're near Yeah, I'm hangin' on, hangin' on To every word you say, every move you make I'm hangin' on, hangin' on Wondering what's up next Girl, I can't wait Ain't nothing like spinning you around the room Where everyone can see You hangin' on, hangin' on to me So let me pull you a little closer Even when the music's over I'll be hangin' on, hangin' on To every word you say Every move you make I'm hangin' on, hangin' on Wondering what's up next I can't wait... ---

It was quite the view. Okay, fine, it wasn’t the most perfect view, but the man walking it sure as hell was. You were leaning on the wooden frame of your front porch awaiting the return of your other half, who had hurried off into town to get something that was clearly important for whatever date he was taking you on. As you would be leaving immanently when he arrived, you decided to stand out in the warm sunshine – luckily by the time you were outside he was already returning. Emmett was always easy on the eye – there couldn’t have been a woman in your little town who didn’t know that, and you often watched them call to him up and down the street as he walked by. The catch for all of them of course was that they could stare at him all they wanted, but they couldn’t be with him. (On second thought, maybe you ought to start charging them for looks). That had been your place for several years now, ever since he’d been stationed here for the first time. He’d moved up to Darwin during the war effort, and you’d made the trip a few times, but, now with the war over he was back with you. Still a Captain, of course, but today out of uniform. Emmett stopped just short of the steps, gentle smile on his face, “Ready to go?” “Mhmmm.” He tipped his head, “What’s that look for?” “Oh, nothing…” You sighed dreamily as you descended slowly, “You’re wearing my favourite shirt.” The dark blue was fairly faded and worn these days, but he still looked flawless in it. “Oh.” His smile became slightly shy, and those beautiful blue eyes lowered from yours, “I mean I could pretend I didn’t think about that, but I am taking you on a date.” That somehow managed to make you more overjoyed, “You wore it for me!?” “Uhm, yes.” “You’re gonna make me cry before you even take me on a date, you know that!?” But you were kidding as you wound your arm around his and Emmett linked your fingers, “May I kiss you for that?” His smile widened, “You may.” You pushed yourself up on your toes to brush your lips to his, and then pecked his cheek just for good measure. He gave you a knowing look, but said nothing more as he walked you to the car. “Is this a big surprise, Captain?” “You should know, you only mentioned it to me last week.” You mused for a second, “Well, we’re not going to see any Kathner reruns…” that was obvious by the time of day. “You need to stop with the Kathner fixation before it gets out of hand.” “Process of elimination! WAIT- The fair?!” Emmett only nodded, “That’ll be the one.” “OH MY-” you gasped, “You said it wasn’t your thing! I completely dismissed it!” “Yes, well.” That little smile was mysterious. “You said it was hard to get tickets!!!” After you’d practically begged him to humour you, he’d only presented you with that news. No way, Emmett didn’t have it in him to play you like that, did he?! He reached into his back pocket and slid the tickets apart, “Did I?” He was clearly very amused by this. “Did you lie to me!?! I can’t believe you!” “Well, I just wanted it to be a nice surprise, now get in or we won’t get there, will we.” You stood by the car door, arms folded and mouth slightly agape as he opened it for you, and couldn’t help but laugh, “Consider me surprised!” *** The drive was fairly short considering it’d been set up reasonably close to your little town. Emmett was already shaking his head at you as some of the larger structures came into view before you arrived, eyes wide as saucers. “If I’d known this was going to be your reaction, I’d have taken you right away!” Your voice was pitched in joy, “There’s a pleasure wheel and flying swings. This is already the best date ever!” “I’m not sure if I should take that as a compliment, considering.” You turned to him and batted your eyelashes, “Oh, but Emmett, any date with you is the best date ever!” He chuckled, holding his hand out for yours, kissing the back of it when offered, “Alright, stop.” Your intake of breath was sharp, “Oh, Captain, I’m not sure you can stop me now!” “Ha-! I’m not sure I ever could!” That much was probably true, had your relationship up until now been anything to go by.

 While at first your excitement got the better of you, and you almost literally dragged Emmett around from place to place trying to decide on what to do next, he – as ever – pulled you back to reality. “Y/N, Y/N- hold on!” He pulled you back to face him, not entirely sure what your long and extremely fast babble had been about, except every so often you exclaiming ‘Look Emmett they have-!’. With you now looking up at him, quiet for a moment, he framed your face delicately with his hands, “Sweetheart, calm down. We have all day – we’ll get everything done; I promise. I know you’re a firecracker, but you can… slow up every now and then too, y’know?” You placed your hands over his, interlocking your fingers, nodding gently, “I… I’m sorry I just, got over excited.” “Yes, I know that too.” Emmett pressed his lips to your forehead, “Give yourself a chance to think. Not everything needs to be a million miles an hour.” You giggled softly, accepting his kiss and squeezing his hands tighter, “That’s why I’m with you. You calm that chaos and I don’t even know… how. But you manage it.” “Well, nothing like a bit of order.” He let you fall back in step with him, and you wound your arm around his, still holding his hand. Emmett made sure that he was the one setting the pace, glad to see that you might actually settle, “Though I believe being proper about things will be out of the window today.” “I believe, Emmett, we’ve been together long enough for you not to have to worry about that one.” “Well, unmarried, still a bit-” “Now you can hush.” “As long as you know my objections.” You scoffed, “Objections!? Yes, I know all of those by now!” His face turned a little pink at that, “You know what I meant!” which only sent you into a fit of giggles, “You are far too easy to fluster for a man who has been with me as long as you have.” “Yes, well,” He sighed gently, “some things you never get used to.” That only made you hope he never would, it was far too cute. By the time midday arrived you were already on your 5th sugar rush of the day; Emmett was being a little more reserved and sat opposite you now shaking his head. “I can see you’ve never heard of the word moderation.” You pushed the box of candy towards him with big eyes, “You and I both know it is safer to snack between rides, and now I’m worried you don’t eat enough.” He studied the box carefully before selecting one, “You’d have me believing I had enough sugar.” “Well, you’re certainly sweet.” You leant on your hands to admire him, “So really I always get my sugar fix.” “Ah, well, then you certainly shouldn’t be eating it!” But he agreed with your ‘snacking’ point, “Now, you’ve been staring at the wheel since before we got here, so that’s my suggestion for what’s next.” “Awww…” You exhaled, “A man after my own heart.” “That’s certainly enough from you,” Emmett held his hand out to help you stand, “I believe I earned that a long time ago.” “You deserved it, I’m still unsure I was worthy of yours.” “You, my darling, should have no fear of that.” The pleasure wheel was at least slow, and you could admire the view for miles around; even though the best one was quite clearly sitting right next to you. Emmett - having done his fair share of travelling - was pointing out nearby points of interest, including what he affectionally termed ‘home’. Although you couldn’t say you were really listening to him, staring at him and nodding for sure, smiling where appropriate and focusing on the tones of his voice, but not the words themselves. In fact, you found yourself thinking on the conversation you’d just had – and interrupted his geography lesson to ask your burning question. “Has there ever been anyone else?” The change of track didn’t even faze him, and Emmett lowered his hands from pointing to his lap, looking into your eyes he blinked slow. “For me? No.” For you it was very nearly too sincere, and it struck your heart like a lightning bolt, “Oh, Emmett, you’re going to make me cry!!” You wailed, throwing your arms around him and burying your face in his shirt. His tense was enough to tell you how proper he thought that was, but Emmett kept his mouth closed, before running a hand through your hair, “If you’re going to cry I think I have a handkerchief and-” “No, no I-” You pulled back, fanning your face and sniffing, “I’m sorry. I just, even here I see the way they all look at you… but you’re here with me. You chose to be with me.” His eyes flicked to the fair below, yes of course Emmett noticed this, occasionally, but he didn’t really think anything of it. Most of the time he thought it was more to do with the uniform. He placed his hand over yours, and then enclosed it, focusing back on you, “You think I don’t notice how they look at you? Y/N, I would choose you every single time. Sometimes I think you forget that. How much you mean to me, I would have fought that war and won it just for you.” Now you really were crying. “Oh… Darling…” He pulled you back closer to him, “Come on, this isn’t like you.” You rubbed your tears away on the fabric square he handed to you, and almost looked at him angrily, “Will you stop being so perfect!?” He held his hands up promising not another word, but couldn’t stay too stoic for long before smiling – you were perfect to him too, he was certain you had a habit of forgetting these things; but Emmett liked reminding you, and often. After certainly vowing him to silence on any waterworks that were to occur today, you went back to the carousel. You’d already been on a few times but it always reminded you of your childhood and constantly begging your parents to go on any time you saw one anywhere. As a bonus, Emmett would also help you up onto the horses by lifting you, and you could sit with a smug little smirk at the women who wished they were you. Even more so as he took your hand as the ride went around. He pointed out how much you were thoroughly enjoying your ego trip and you only shrugged, you thought you deserved one of those once in a while too! Annoyingly you were too far away from each other on the flying swings to hold hands but that wasn’t for lack of trying (and you did try real hard.), but soon enough Emmett was the one dragging you onto something. “What are they?” “You’ve never seen these?!” “No, but the fact that you’re so excited is enough to get me curious.” “Well, they’re called flying scooters, but what do they look like to you?” “Aeroplanes.” “Exactly!” The excitement in his voice made you think of how often he must hear it in your own. “…I didn’t think you ever flew?” He nudged you gently, “No, but I have friends that did. I suppose the actual answer to your question would be… not officially.” “Oh my gosh, should you be telling me this?!” It was hard not to get concerned that he’d be the kind to get talked into flying a plane with no experience. “It’s very hard, most of the time I was passenger.” Emmett had to lift you up into this one too, which of course you were fine with. In fact, when you thought on it, he was getting as handsy with you as you usually got with him only to get scorned… usually. Not today, and already in the back of your mind you were wondering if you could play that to your advantage. As he sat up with you and started to explain things, you understood his excitement. Each car had a rudder and a control so you got to manipulate the direction of the ride, also if you were skilled enough you could get the cables to snap which made everything a little bit more out of control. “Why… would you want to do that?” “You’ll see if I manage it.” “…Why does this feel like something you’re gonna tell me you did with your Army friends?” He laughed, grinning back at you, “Because it was!” “Oh. No.” Soon you found out exactly what he meant by a snap. The sound was fairly distinctive, as the cables slacked at the rides top speed, and all he had to do was turn the rudder just the right way for everything to spin slightly crazy. You were alright holding onto the ride for the majority of the time but when Emmett managed to do that, you couldn’t help but shriek and throw your arms around his waist, gripping onto him super tight, to hold on. You supposed, with the way he smiled every time you did, that was the point. The day was starting to slow down, and you’d been on nearly everything you wanted to see, and probably eaten a little too much, but it was good comfort food so you didn’t mind that. Emmett however had other ideas and you caught up with him again leaning against a railing and nodding over to something else. You placed your hands on your hips, “And I thought we were about done.” “We were, but this one’s been put here just for you!” You turned, and then were stuck between the ‘aw’ that your heart felt and your brain wanting to punch him in the arm. “Is that a tunnel of love?” “Sure is.” “You old romantic.” You weren’t sure if you wholly meant your sarcasm “You’re the one who has relatively little regard for personal space and always wants her allotted public displays of affection.” “I believe we’d be going back to Victorian ways if you had your say.” “That’s real courting. There’s nothing wrong with it.” He folded his arms. “Emmett, darling, you’ll barely touch me at a party with a dancefloor, don’t give me that.” “Just a difference in how we were raised is all, my romantic values are… reminiscent of the class I grew up in. But that hardly matters. I already told you, I’d chose you every time.” “Well, it worked between Sarah and Drover so…” He gave a nod at your affirmation of his point, “Exactly, and it works between us. Indeed, I would be so bold as to say that’s why it works between us.” He pushed himself away from the railing and held his hand out for yours, “Now, if I may?” You shook your head at him with a small smile and took his offered hand, “You may, dear Captain.”  And as you walked over you gave a smirk, “Your mother would never approve of me, would she?” He chuckled, “She’s not here to disapprove either. And here I am staying.” Once through the queue and in the boat, you turned to him suspiciously, “This better be a romantic one, because if it’s scary I’m going to kill you!” Emmett raised an eyebrow, “Whatever someone took you on that’s scary… I don’t think that was a tunnel of love, and I don’t think you ought to have been on it with them.” He smiled, “Luckily you have me now. And I had been standing outside a while, I heard no screaming.” “Are you teasing me?” “Me?” His blue eyes shined innocently, “I would never!” Your eyes narrowed, but you still smiled, “I’m watching you, Emmett Dutton.” He was right though, the ride was romantic, the music setting just the right tone to cuddle up. You had read somewhere these were created when touching (especially when unmarried) was pretty much frowned upon. Right up Emmett’s alley then – ah, to be in Darwin again now. You wondered how some of those stuck up bigots were doing now. They certainly weren’t a fan of you, especially not with ‘their’ captain. Need you point out he was stationed in your town first. Emmett’s need to always defuse the situation and calm things, with you internally fuming at everyone… You shook your head, that was a while ago now, and you needed to focus on him. You wrapped yourself around him, head against his chest as he wound his arm around your shoulder, gathering your hands on his lap, stroking his thumb over them. Emmett instantly relaxed you, and you were no longer paying attention to the ride itself. All your focus was on his breathing, his heartbeat, his scent and how warm he was. The feel of his body this close, and under your fingertips; you knew what was happening to you. You were about to become a swooning mess and couldn’t give a damn about it. You snuggled further into him, making Emmett chuckle and kiss the top of your head. “You alright, darling?” “Mhm,” You nodded, burying you head in his chest and holding him a little tighter, “I just wanna get you home…” *** He was very good with you, even though he knew what was coming. Emmett let you hold his hand the whole way home. By this time your fidgety nervous energy was kicking in and your heart was letting you know that, by the way it continued to flutter as you looked at him. He wasn’t about to complain, even though your nails dug into his skin a little uncomfortably. You felt like a teenager with their first crush, just hoping to get noticed, as he rolled neatly into the driveway. And you thought for a moment that sugar rush was finally catching up with you. “Well,” He spoke was a voice as soft as his smile, “We’re home.” “We are.” You agreed, and Emmett took your hand to kiss it before he left the car and, like the gentleman he was, opened the door for you. You stepped out and it was all you could do not to melt into him instantly. “Lead on,” He let you take his hand back and run him up the front porch steps, you were happy that he didn’t say ‘I’m yours’ because you would have lost it right then and there. Once inside, with the door closed, everything slowed down but your heart. Your hands linked with his as you stood in the hallway, spinning with him for just a moment. Eyes locked on his, Emmett’s face held the same amusement that yours did. “What? What is it?” “I just…” you drew yourself a little closer, “I need a moment.” Your hands left his to run gently up his arms to his shoulders, then linking behind his back as you closed your eyes and leant into a kiss. His hands stilled on your waist, keeping your balance as he reciprocated your kiss, slow and gentle. You kept him against your lips running your fingertips into his hair, Emmett groaned softly as he allowed your body to push up against his, hands remaining respectful. Sometimes you wished he wouldn’t be. The movement of your tongue over his lips tentative, not begging; but he was forthcoming in the acceptance of your invitation, kiss still slow as you allowed yourself to focus on the taste of him. Emmett’s kiss and tongue were playful however, and every teasing attempt to pull away from you was only met with you gripping his collar tighter. Eventually you let him pull away as his hands reached for yours, “Come on…” his voice coaxed, “Let us not stay here, darling.” His fingers laced with yours as he led you upstairs leisurely.

He must have wanted this too, or else just so happy to play to your whims. No, surely he wanted this - you knew Emmett; if he didn’t want your hands all over him (or, indeed, to put his hands all over you) then he would have protested. He was very good at that. Instead he walked those stairs very nearly backwards to keep your hands in his and his eyes on you - you tried to ignore the flutter that remained in your heartbeat to no avail. The heat and excitement building in your body that culminated in your wide-eyed, lips parted look, complete with your deep, short breaths.

He knew what you were feeling, every meaning of that look on your face, and once at the top of the stairs Emmett bit his lips together as he drew your body closer to his, hands running through your hair to kiss you again. These kisses were sweet and meaningful. This would be a slow, delicate, love. And almost certainly love with the way he was touching you now. There was no room for any other emotion. Emmett continued to lead you backwards to the bedroom, and your hands only left his to close the door behind you. Winding your arms around his neck as he paused for a second, one last kiss to your lips before he took a little bit more notice of the room.

 You followed his eyeline; you’d always been very specific about how you wanted the colours in here. Everything cream or off-white gave it a purity and warmth. The sunshine through your balcony windows glinted on the polished wood floor, and of course, with him facing the sunlight it sparkled in his eyes too. “Emmett.” Your voice was soft, to draw him back to you, hands rising from your waist to the buttons on your blouse his head nudged yours, kisses a little lighter. Of course the sun was reflecting on you too, throwing a thousand shades into the colour of your eyes and hair.  That only made him chuckle, “No you’re right, the real view is here.” Blush covered your cheeks for a second, but you smiled, “On that one we might agree.”

You let him finish with your buttons, running his hands delicately over your collar bone, across your shoulders, brushing them down your arms as you let it fall to the floor behind you. His lips ghosted kisses across your face, and your eyes fluttered closed as he caressed your skin with his fingertips. Bowing your head forward you inhaled him, fresh air and sunshine and grass, clean sweat and sugar from your day out, lingering notes of aftershave, all over the familiar warmth of his own body. You opened your eyes, running your hands smoothly up his chest, and undid his own shirt buttons one by one. Your movements were just as slow as his had been, and after each one - as more of his skin was exposed to you - you placed a gentle kiss. Emmett hummed his delight, fingers now stroking your shoulders and tangling in your hair. You slipped his shirt from his shoulders as he had with your own and as it cascaded to the floor the sun illuminated his skin, which immediately had you smiling at the collection of freckles that blessed his face also kissed his shoulders and chest. You were already smiling too much to bite your lips and stop yourself. “What?” He chuckled, but you knew he already knew the answer. “They’re just so cute I can’t help it!” You shook your head slowly, still smiling, and leant up again to kiss him. Emmett gathered your face in his hands, guiding you gently backwards towards the bed. As he walked, you set to work relieving him of his belt and even as you pulled it through his belt loops slowly, it was still gone by the time he stopped moving. Drawing back from his kiss for a moment you looked back into those beautiful blue eyes. “Did I tell you how much I love you today, yet?” His next smile was a little shy, but he drew your waist back to his, unfastening the ties on your skirt before undoing the zip, “Trust me,” Emmett kissed you again, letting your skirt fall, “You don’t need to.” “Oh?” The look on your face was mischievous as you undid the button on his pants and teased the zip down slowly, “But I want to.” “It’s not like I can stop you, is it?” His hands ran back around your waist, fingertips grazing you relaxingly as he ran them down the small of your back - you couldn’t help a tiny shudder and a soft moan escaped your lips. “No.” You agreed, eyes shining, “Because I do, love you, so much.” “I love you too.” Emmett ran his hands a little lower, hoisting your body up for you to wrap your legs around his waist and arms around his shoulders, your lips met once more.

This kiss full of promises, perhaps a little more passionate than you’d both meant as he lay you back in the sheets, but every bit worth it, as his lips transferred to your jawline and down your throat as you tipped your head back for him. You sighed his name like a prayer as he planted them delicately across your shoulders, sliding your bra straps down your arms. You pulled yourself back to his lips if only so he could undo the clasp; although Emmett’s arms remained around you holding your body close to his. You couldn’t help but giggle a little, hands running back into his hair. Even under that uniform he didn’t always look it, but he was so strong, and he felt that way whenever he held you like this. But a bigger sweetheart than you thought you deserved. Emmett only pulled back from the warmth of you when your giggling became a little too much for him not to begin laughing himself, and you observed each other for a minute. The sunshine was still working wonders on those freckles of his, and your fingers attempted to neaten the curls that were already falling out of place. “I mean it,” you breathed, “I don’t deserve you…” “Oh,” He tsked, “don’t start that again.” His hands ran down your body gently, varying his pressure over where he knew would cause giggles to rise in your chest from being ticklish, or gentle sighs in places you found it calming to be touched before he coaxed your hips towards his, sliding his fingers into your underwear. Your eyes remained on his. “You okay?” “Yes, Captain, I’m fine.” The graze of his lips to yours was hardly enough, as he slid them down your legs and they joined the rest of your clothing on the floor. Emmett balanced himself on his elbows as he took his time to observe your body. You always got a little bashful about this, no matter how many times you might joke with him about bathing together, or his absolute refusal to be in the room if you were changing and your constant ‘Emmett! You’ve seen me before-!’, but you supposed it was the weight of his stare, the vulnerability of letting someone see you like this. Especially him; the first time you’d been intimate you’d worried that he wouldn’t like what he saw, and you still worried about that. But you discovered that he honestly didn’t care; to him you were flawless. And if there was one thing your Captain liked to do, it was affirm that - respectfully. He traced his index finger carefully from the hollow of your throat straight down to your navel, feeling every motion of your breathing and your body under his, the slight shake at his touch.

“You are so…” This time he didn’t finish, because he didn’t need to, “I just…” “I know.” “No… No, I don’t think you do…” This time his thumb traced your jawline and then ran gently over your lips, your own hand resting on his wrist, eyes still only beholding his. “You are my world. What do I have without you?” You thought of a thousand smart things to say, but realised that Emmett wanted to hear none of them, and before you knew it he was wiping a single tear from your cheek and replacing his thumb with his lips as he kissed you again. Your legs tangled with his, even though he wasn’t fully undressed yet, and the feel of his body against yours only made you moan into his kisses. “Emmett…” “Shhh, darling shhhh…” He helped you remove his final garment and this time as you threaded your legs together you made sure your hips were wide enough for him. Emmett was back to staring into your eyes, although yours kept flicking to those damn cute freckles of his and you were almost ready to start crying all over again. One of his hands framed your face, caressing your cheek and stroking your hair back, as the other held your own for just a moment, he squeezed your hand gently and you knew exactly what he was asking, giving a short nod back.

 Emmett’s caress moved to your thighs, and it was enough to have you tremble beneath him. His fingertips just felt so good over your skin, and he was always so gentle with you. He continued to draw a number of sighs from you as he inched towards the heat that was building in you, you couldn’t deny being needy for him now and your body was more than eager to betray that. Even with his touch being exploratory your hips couldn’t help but rock into his fingertips as you gasped. Damn, maybe you were more needy for him than you thought. It certainly got you flustered, Emmett, ever the gentleman, only chuckled and kissed your forehead. He seemed to be telling you it was okay, but it certainly didn’t leave you any less embarrassed. His fingertips were gentle and lazy - to tease you and please you - and from every sound emanating from you were certainly doing the trick. You were desperately aware of how wet you already were, and the gentle ache at being touched like this was quickly becoming a slow throb. “Emmett-!” You whined his name, greeted by a kiss, rewarded by his fingers moving to your entrance. You thought he might continue to tease you, but he didn’t, even though he only inserted one finger into you at first. When you were fine with that, he pushed in a second, this time making you moan; your arms back around him by this point meant your nails dug into his skin - Emmett gave a shudder of his own at that. His groan was quiet at the feel of your heat; you were certainly ready for him, and his fingers were still gentle as he stretched you a little wider. You shuddered again for him at the feeling, moan a little louder. He brushed his thumb over your clit in reward, body arching into his. “I love you.” You panted it again, and that confidently flashed smile Emmett gave you was nearly a smirk.

 His fingers withdrew from you slowly, and Emmett moved to arrange your body with his. He wanted as much contact as possible, to have you as close to him as you could be. Kiss to your stomach, then over your ribs as he travelled back to your lips. His hands travelled up with his kisses, and as his tongue darted out across one nipple, his fingertips caressed the other, hand kneading your breast. This time you cried out in pleasure, certainly hardly expecting that. “E-Emmett-!” You were breathless, voice shaking and hands in his hair as he switched sides. Brief maybe, but that shot of pleasure made you want to squeeze your thighs together for relief. You couldn’t, of course, because his body was between them. That only made him chuckle as he finally claimed your lips again, this time his hands slid back to yours. “You sure you’re fine?” “Yes…” You placed your forehead against his, eyes fluttering closed again, “please, Emmett…” at the needy shake in your voice and the way you said his name, Emmett slowly pushed into you. This time his lips against yours swallowed your groans.

 You clung to him as you both settled, feeling his heartbeat against yours. Although so close, he was supporting all of his own weight and you were on the verge of pointing out all that army training again. Instead you stayed in that comfortable silence, gathering your hands to the middle of his chest for a moment. “Go slow…” you whispered, “Emmett, I want to savour you.” It was what he always wished for, but this time you wanted him to know that’s what you needed. He nodded, with another gentle smile, kissing you once more - a little too chaste for your liking. “As you wish, darling.” Making sure that your body was tightly wrapped around his, Emmett’s hands glided smoothly over your skin - leaving a pleasurable tingle in their wake - which made you hum in comfort and content. He moved in you, to a gentle sigh and your arms cuddled him closer. It was so easy to let his name spill from your lips, he wasn’t about to stop you - and you couldn’t stop yourself. You loved tangling yourself with his body, whether that be as you snuggled down to sleep for the night, or relaxing on the couch downstairs, radio or paper or book attempting to draw your focus from the way it felt to be in his arms, or he’d draw locks of your hair back and kiss your neck… or like this. With nothing between you but love. There was no other word for this than perfect - and yet even that didn’t seem to do the feeling or the moment justice. Emmett’s movements were slow and drawn out. It almost made things torturous. The heat in the room built slowly between the two of you and the suns warming rays - but it was a lovely thing to be wrapped up in. And you couldn’t help your smile; nor being so utterly taken with him. Emmett did nothing more than whisper his sweet ‘I love yous’ into your skin as he continued to kiss you. Every groan he drew from your body causing him to smirk into your skin. But it wasn’t long before you were pulling gentle moans and pants from him, which caused exactly the same reaction when you were able to kiss his lips once more. His rhythm built more comfortably; but your sex was still sweet and slow. He paid so much attention to every sign of your body, the gentle shake as your pleasure built, but your whine against it to not end yet, your insistence with your hands through his hair, over his skin, grazing your nails, pulling him back to you, that Emmett kiss you more. And more! But that his lips worshiping any part of you was not unwelcome, and if he got a little too excited and you ended up with bruises, you weren’t about to mind those either. You were as in tune with Emmett as he with you, though, and he was all of him beautiful. The feel of his muscles under your fingertips, of those silky dark locks under your touch. How his groan could almost become a growl if you ran your nails through them just so. The freckles you could count across his skin when your love was this slow. The ones across his back may have been out of sight, but they were certainly not out of mind. He was still so soft under your touch though, Army Captain though he may have been by profession. And the feel of Emmett’s body against yours was not one you could easily describe. Those eyes of his, that blue could be so gentle, yet so fierce, and when it was dark like this and he bit his lip when he looked at you… your heart leapt to counter that rush of heat that coursed through your body. And he moaned quietly again. But that look in his eyes was of nothing but pure adoration - and that’s how you stared right back. You pulled him into you, closer, deeper, body flush to yours. Emmett Dutton was all you ever wanted; he became the only thing you’d ever needed. You couldn’t imagine your life without him, you didn’t even want to think on the possibility of that ever happening again. After Darwin. After the war. Never again. He was yours, and you’d be damned that anyone or anything would take him from you now.

 This time he was the one to shake, and his breaths got a little shorter. You coaxed Emmett’s lips to yours, arms around him as it became much more of an embrace. “I love you.” He breathed between kisses, which almost had you giggling. You knew that, of course you knew that. It was about the one thing you really did know. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get over you saying that.” Your voice was still a whisper, the waver of delight raising a smile from Emmett. He almost managed a laugh then, “I don’t think I want you to.” “I’ll certainly not get bored-” You gasped suddenly; your body’s own reaction to his - brushing you in just the right place as he shook again, getting just a little harder. “Sorry.” “What are you---” your sentence was punctuated by another moan, “Apologising for!? God- Emmett!” Your voice pitched and this time the edge of your climax wouldn’t be ignored. Your body was just a little too greedy, and your wish to finish together, clenching around him was enough to have him calling out for you.

You needed him so badly, tangled in your arms like this, wrapped up in him. Your vocals were both pitching in unison even with the sex this slow. Somehow that made things more intense. You nearly wanted to beg him to stop, for just a second, to just let you savour this. Freeze the moment, let me catch it! No such luck, and that rush of heat hit you too hard; the constellation of freckles over his skin became a blur of stars that closing your eyes to only had you pouring tears. You triggered the same reaction in him, and his muffled moan of ecstasy into your skin was still the best sound you’d ever heard. Before Emmett blushed horribly (not to you - but he probably wouldn’t like how red his face got), as he wound back down, panting heavily. He still tried not to put too much of his weight on you, but the feel of his body on top of yours like this only added to your happiness, that feeling of protection, to have him so close that he almost faded into you. And yet more tears ran.

Emmett framed your face with his hands, “Hey… you’re crying again.” You sniffed, trying to hold them back, but only succeeded in giggling through another set of them: “Of happiness.” “As long as that’s what they are.” You continued to giggle as he attempted to wipe them away with his thumbs, and you reciprocated, cupping his face with your own hands - but Emmett wasn’t crying. “I love you, Emmett Dutton! I love you so much!” His eyebrows knitted, but he was still smiling, “I’ve known that a long while, don’t you listen to me?” “And I told you it wouldn’t stop me.” “Mhm. You did.” He kissed you once more, “But it’s not something you need to waste your words on. I know that in my heart and soul.” Emmett laced his fingers with yours once more, “I can feel your love, physically… and I can see it, observe it… in the way you look at me, in every smile on your face. And hear it in your voice, without the use of such words.”  He shifted his weight from you, pulling you closer into his embrace, running his hands over your skin to relax you once more, “I can feel your love even when you’re not there. That most important of all. That matters to me most of all. And yet I know that you would rather spend every waking moment you can affirming it.” “Would that I could.” You breathed gently, eyes looking between his. “And yet you think you are not worthy of all the love I can give you?” He didn’t let you protest, kissing you back into silence, “Just know, you are wrong.” This time you kept your mouth shut, but the little wiggle in his arms let him know that you’d only let him win this time. Next time that victory would be yours. You cuddled into his chest, closing your eyes with a smile, “To the end of the Earth, Emmett Dutton.” There was silence for a moment, and his lips grazed your forehead gently, “Forever.” Of course he would… you could only smile though as he continued to caress your bare skin with his free hand, as you kept his other between yours, kissing his knuckles gently. Forever - if he was prepared to let you love him for that long. Forever held a lot of promises, all of them you were sure he could keep.

 When did forever start though? You pondered: had it already? Did it start tomorrow? ...Did forever only really begin when he got down on one knee? ...Or only when you dressed in white and received a gold band?

 No… You could think on this all later, in his arms today was neither the time or place to focus on anything but this moment with him. You could think on forever, forever. You could only revel in this moment right now. That was what really mattered; after all, forever with him would still be lived one moment at a time. So - no matter when forever may begin - why waste them?

---

Thank you for reading! 🥰🥰

The Mosley Review: A Quiet Place Part II

I want you to think about your favorite wine. Think of that label that you can spot amongst the rest of the bottles on the rack. You know the accents of flavor and the bite of the alcohol. Its the perfect blend that you reach for when you feel the need for something special to go with your dinner. If the first film was that perfect bottle, then this film is the glass full of the same perfection. It is so rare for sequels in the horror thriller genre to continue what made the original so great and this film was an outstanding follow up to an already surprising debut. The same amount of care to the tone and characters was universal in every scene. I loved that the story of how it all began was explored from the perspective of the family and not the typical governmental aspect. The origins of the creatures are revealed, but with enough mystery still intact. The opening 10 minutes was enough of a showcase of the elegance in the directing and visual storytelling skills of the writer and director. The characters are what you care about and that same family drama mixed with horror tone is still intact and it makes the characters all the more compelling.

John Krasinski returns for a bit as Lee Abbott and he was just as fantastic as he was in the first film. Emily Blunt was once again a powerhouse as Evelyn Abbott. She continues being the rock her children can count on and I loved seeing her fight to stay calm in the face of certain doom. Noah Jupe was excellent again as their son Marcus and he gets put through the ringer in this chapter. The boy is so talented and I loved a certain scene between him and his baby sibling. Cillian Murphy joins the cast as Emmett an old friend to the Abbott family. I loved seeing him as the parallel to the Abbott family as he goes through an even rougher time dealing with these creatures. He helps open that door to seeing how others have survived in this living nightmare. Djimon Hounsou was great as always and I won't say who he is the film, but I loved seeing him pop up. Once again the spotlight is on the same actress that made the first film all the more powerful, returns. Millicent Simmonds shines as Regan Abbott and I love the determination and strength she exudes in every scene. She was one of the keys to their survival and I loved seeing the next step she takes to save her family and possibly the world. I loved her in every scene and the moments with her brother in the film were especially triumphant in delivering the raw emotion. This is such a wonderful and the most perfect cast I've seen in a long time.

The score by the magnificent Marco Beltrami was just as powerful and even more so this time around as he accents the many moments of surprise, terror and heart. The sound design was a character in of itself in the original and it is the true centerpiece in this film. Not only with nature, but it is also used to great degree to immerse you into Regan's perspective as she faces more of those creatures. Again, the first 10 minutes is great for the sound because even though some sounds are heightened, you start to realize how much noise we make doing the most routine or mundane everyday things such as putting an apple in a plastic bag. You are just on edge the entire film and my heart was pounding. Writer and Director John Krasinski has done it yet again and is showing that he has the skills, creativity and vision of a masterclass filmmaker and I can't wait to see what he's got planned for the family in Part III. This is hands down one of the best sequels ever made and one of the best films of 2021! Watch the first film and then immediately SEE THIS FILM! Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

Have you seen A Quiet Place part 2?

Yes and it's fantastic. One of the most excellent and intense horror films I had ever seen. The story of this film is pretty much where the first film left off. It's about a mother and her three children continue to navigate and survive in a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by those blind aliens with a sense of hearing. Much like the first film, I find the story of this film to be wonderful even though there are a few parts of this film that did dragged on. The special effects are still great as always. I do like the environment, designs of the buildings and those alien creatures even though they are a mixture of that Cloverfield monster and those bug monsters from Starship Troopers. Emily Blunt as always did an amazing job as Evelyn Abbott who in this film is now a widow that leads her family to search for other survivors. Plus she is good a shoot guns. Emmett played by Scarecrow himself Cillian Murphy is a friend of the Abbott family who is now hardened and reclusive survivor that lost his wife and children from those creatures. Regan Abbott the deaf daughter of Evelyn and Lee played by Millicent Simmonds, Marcus Abbott the son of Evelyn and Lee played by Noah Jupe, and the Abbott's newborn baby son have all wanted to survive. Djimon Hounsou in this film didn't really have much development. Lee Abbott played by John Krasinski only appeared in a flashback scene in this film. John Krasinski still did a splendid job directing this movie as he did with the first film. The music composed by Marco Beltrami sounds very dark, intense, and heart-pounding. So overall, this is a great sequel to this fantastic horror film. I actually love this movie the same way I love the first Quiet Place movie. If you're a fan of horror, go see it. So I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 nuclear bombs.

Give In To Me [18+] (Commodus x Reader)

♡ A/N: Howdy everyone! I’m back with a one-shot for you all. This one-shot is dedicated to the very lovely @captain-el-writes​ . Thank you so much for this idea. I really had a great time writing this so I hope you love it! The ending is kinda of open because I plan on writing a part 2 to this as well. I wanna get started on that as well as the sequel to the Jimmy Emmett fic but in due time, of course! So here you go, enjoy ;) -Persie♡

♡ Word count: 4,464 ♡

♡ Contains: Very NSFW, SMUT, oral sex of all kinds, rough sex, moderate dirty talk (because why not? lol)♡

The sultry heat of summertime Rome laced through the air of the darkening evening, the sleepy sun settling low in the sky. The friendly wind greeted you, a smile gracing your features in appreciation. The deep orange, pink and lavender hues illuminating your features from the wispy white curtains as you listened to Lucius read to you. The story he told seemed to blur against your own thoughts, looking out at the people of Rome readying themselves for slumber. The playful breeze touching on the olive trees, the heady scent gracing the air in return.

“Y/N…,” Lucius spoke, snapping your out of your reverie. You glanced over at him, an amused yet slightly embarrassed smile as he regarded you with his blue eyes. He seemed to be oblivious to your daydreams, a big smile on his small face. “Did you like that story? It’s one of my favorites,” he said, the sparkle in his eyes seeming to grow brighter in anticipation.

“I loved it, Lucius,” you confirmed, much to his delight. You combed your hand through his hair, smoothing his hair back from his smooth face. In the time that you have known him, you could see his growth. His face changing from its cherubic, angelic features to its growing angular shape that showed that he was nearing the cusp of adolescence. “Come, it’s time for you to get ready for bed,” you said as you rose to your feet.

“Uncle says that great leaders have no time for rest…,” he spoke, making you pause for a moment before continuing with his bedtime routine. The mention of Commodus was enough to make your blood run cold and your body vibrate all at once. It was a strange and exotic feeling to you; the few glances that you have gotten of his sharp green eyes sent shivers down your spine. Being a servant girl, you made sure to keep your eyes down out of respect for his Majesty but you could always tell when he was looking at you. The heated yet curious glare would burn through the fabric of your tunic, even over your curves that the cotton fabric clung to generously. The deep blush that would erupt on your features would always earn a hushed chuckle from him, making you wish that you could look up, just once, to see the mirth in his handsome features or whenever he would ask you to do mundane things to keep you in his presence longer than needed. It would get to the point where your normally precise, gentle hands would become shaky with the mix of fear and eagerness of what the unpredictable ruler might do in your presence. It excited you…

Even though you were certain that the Emperor only looked upon his sister with the eyes of a lovesick suitor, he was no stranger to using maids and female servants to fulfill his lustful needs when he saw fit. He was never one to be gentle and depending on who you asked, it was either the best or worst night that they’ve had with a man. The thought that you might have the Emperor’s eye made your heart form a pounding rhythm, your chest shaking from the impact. You wouldn’t dare be so bold to ask him, of course, but you couldn’t help but wonder.

“Y/N,” a soft voice spoke up. You paused, finally being able to get Lucius to lay down for bed and looked up to see Lucilla. She regarded you with a kind look as she usually did, the cloud of sadness in them growing in them by the day.

“My lady,” you greeted as you stood straighter, giving a small bow in which, she gave a quiet nod. She then focused on Lucius, her gaze growing into one of adoration as she sat on the edge of the bed. She kissed his forehead softly, closing her eyes before pulling back. Her silk lavender stola draped gracefully upon her slender frame as she stroked her sleeping son’s head. The soft brown curls framing her face brushed along her cheeks, moving a bit with every slight movement she made. You patiently waited for her next word or request, a small sigh leaving her.

“Commodus has requested your presence,” she finally spoke, making you feel as if someone had poured ice down your back. You clasped your hands in front of you trying to busy yourself from what she had just announced, bringing it to her side. She detected your nervousness, taking the bowl from you and sitting it to the side with care.

“He will grow angry if you keep him waiting. When I left him, he was already restless…,” she warned, her voice remaining even and gentle as she pulled the pins from her hair to let her wavy tresses down upon her shoulders. “I understand your worry, but you will make it worse for yourself. Go to him…,” she repeated. You shifted on your feet, hesitating to move from where you were rooted. Lucilla gave you a knowing gaze, silently urging you to go on. You gave a short nod, silently bidding her goodnight as you left her chambers and walked down the dim hall leading to Commodus’ chambers. Your body felt heavy, let out a huff of short-lived confidence as you pick up the pace. Your gaze flits over to guards, standing stoically and ready for action against the marble walls.

You reached the smooth double doors that were all too familiar to you, the intricate details carved into the gilded exterior spiraling elegantly amongst each other in the design. You lingered around the door, jumping when the guard moved to open the door for you. You immediately greeted with the scent of imported Egyptian jasmine, juniper and fresh woody musk that you had come to know as the Emperor’s favorite scent. The fragrant aroma seemed to pour from him, blending well with his own natural fragrance. You looked around the lavish chamber, your meek footsteps bouncing off the walls as you walked further in. You paused when you finally saw him, feeling the blood drain from your face. He stood with his back to you, looking at the now dusky sky from the balcony. His cape moving in the soft wind.

You watched him for a moment, placing a hand against your chest to try to ease the chaotic thumping. Your hand slowly rubbing the middle of your chest, taking a slow breath. Before you could even open your mouth to speak, Commodus’ voice suddenly spoke before you.

“I was wondering if you would come…,” he spoke, his head turning a bit towards your direction before moving to look at you fully. The dark circles under his eyes made his irises stand out more as he stared at you, an ominous coil squeezing at you as it continued. His pink lips parted before he quirked an expecting brow at you. You quickly lowered your head, forgetting yourself as you quickly bowed.

“Please forgive me, your Highness. I did not mean to look upon you so boldly,” you said gently, keeping your voice even and soft. You blinked when you heard him approach you, his footsteps sounded as loud as your heartbeat. A patient hand touched your chin, lifting your head up to gaze upon his handsome features once more. Commodus stroked your chin slowly before moving down to clasp your neck, smirking when you eyed him warily. He tested your will, giving your neck a light squeeze and enjoyed the soft gasp that erupted from your pouty lips. “Where were you, little bee?” he purred in a honeyed voice, stroking your smooth throat with his thumb. “I’d sent for you,”

“Your nephew kept me busy, Your Highness,” you replied, your voice not above a whisper. “I…I was getting him ready for bed until his mother had returned…,”

Commodus purred softly in reply to your explanation, tucking a loose strand away from your face. His fingertips dancing along your cheek, pulling a shiver from you at the sensation. He pulled away, the hot touch of his hand against your throat leaving you and you suddenly missed the feeling. You gently touched where his hand had once been, your skin tingling in response as if it was hoping that his touch would return as well.

“Y/N, is it?” he said, glancing back at you. You kept your hands at your sides, giving a soft nod of confirmation as you followed his movements. He gestured to platters filled with fresh bread, fruits, vegetables, sliced, smoked fish covered with spices along with large bottles of wine. “Come, enjoy…,” he offered, much to your surprise. You clasp your hands in front of you as you walked over to the table. He watched your every move, smirking as he poured you some wine in a fine gold goblet, amethyst gems glistening in the light. You timidly took the goblet from him, taking a slow sip of the cool, surprisingly sweet wine. You had never tasted anything like it, making you quickly drink down the rest of it, much to Commodus’ amusement.

“Did you enjoy that?” he asked with a mischievous grin. You blushed as he poured you some more, filling the goblet to the brim. His eyes followed the rim of the cup to your lips, watching you quickly take drink so that the sweet red liquid wouldn’t spill over. “It’s one of my favorites. The finest Rome has to offer…,” he proclaimed, a sparkle of pride shimmering in his eyes. You let the sweetness coat your tongue before further indulging yourself in the fresh food presented to you, indulging in each platter. You had never tasted food like it; you had given in to temptation every once in while by sneaking a fresh bread or even cuts of exotic fruits but never often. Commodus watched you, almost curiously, slowly sipping from his own goblet of wine. He looked away from you and focused on the wall, taking another swallow of wine before sitting the goblet down on the table.

“Y/N, do you know why I called you here?” he murmured, his eyes shifting towards you one more as he removed his cape. You looked at him, your mouth filled with pieces of apple and sweet bread before quickly washed it down with a few gulps of wine. You felt pleasantly lightheaded from drinking so much wine so quickly, but you found your words once he glanced back at you.

“I do not, Your Highness,” you said softly, slowly twirling your empty goblet in your hands. You glanced away, a dusky heat rolling in your lower belly as you heard him shift and come behind you. You could feel his heat once more, resisting the urge to lay back against his chest. You held back a breath as his hands came up to tenderly caress your jawline before moving to your low hair bun, loosening it so that your glossy hair tumbled down your shoulders and back. He smoothed the hair back, his fingers grazing your temple. His hands smoothed down your shoulders and nuzzling behind your ear before burying his face in your hair. The intimate act made you as stiff as a statue, wanting to move to look at him but didn’t want him to stop.

“I’m actually a little astonished, Y/N…,” he spoke, his breathing moving from your hair until his lips settled near your ear. “I’ve been watching you. There have been a lot of maidens who have served our family and pleasured me but none like you, dear Y/N. You have honestly captured me with this skittish coyness that you present to me…,” he said, the purry tones of his voice making you bite down on your lip.

“You tease me endlessly with the soft call of your curves…aching for my touch,” he continued, his hands moving from your shoulder, smoothing over your breasts. His strong hands pushing your breasts together through the thin cotton fabric, a small moan erupting from you. He pressed against you, his body melding against you as his hands moved to latch a firm grip onto your hips. His breath became labored, pressing his soft lips more against your ear as if he were trying to contain himself.

“Would you deny me if I invited your presence in my bed, lovely Y/N…?” he asked, one hand leaving to stroke your midriff slowly and even gripping at the fabric as if he wanted to rip it off of you.

Your mouth went dry, gripping the base of the goblet in your hand which he quickly swiped away from your hands after a moment of breathy silence between you both. He tossed the goblet; your eyes watching it roll on the polished marble, little droplets of scarlet wine marring its purity. He suddenly turned you around, his eyes boring into yours.

“Your emperor requests an answer, my lady,” he whispered against your lips, his hands already tugging at his own garb. The fabric easily coming loose under his tenacious fingers, breathing heavily against your lips before gripping your throat once more. His heaving chest exposed to you, the pale flesh looked slightly damp from the heaviness of the garment that was now falling from his shoulders and torso.

“I would never deny you; I wish to serve your every need, Your Highness…,” you managed to say, gripping at the table behind you. He smiled against your trembling lips, squeezing your neck slightly as he caught your bottom lip between his teeth. He groaned in satisfaction at your submission, his ego swelling as he nibbled on your lip before capturing your lips in a deep, rough kiss. His tongue pushing and swirling around yours, the taste of the wine still prevalent. You hesitated before allowing your hands to touch his hair with care, your fingers running through the short chestnut brown locks. He let out a growl in response, suckling on your tongue before pulling away.

“Disrobe,” he commanded, stepping away from you. “Tonight, I plan on devouring ever inch of you…,” he added with a lustful moan, sitting on the bed to watch you as undress before him. You stepped a little closer, your trembling hands moving to pull at the sash around your waist. You heard a hum of appreciation leave him as your tunic fell from your body.  The cool air made your skin turn to gooseflesh with a tremble, your nipples instantly perking at the change in temperature. Commodus leered at you with heavy-lidded eyes, his lips parted as he forced himself to keep his breathing steady.

“Look at you…you’re practically ripe from the promise of ecstasy,” he moaned, gesturing for you to come to him. You drew closer to him, your tongue running over your lips in effort to taste the ghost of his demanding lips once more. He quickly stood and bent you over the bed, your upper half pressed against the soft bed. You blushed once you felt him run his hands over your smooth backside, whispering lewd praises that only your ears could hear. He gripped and kneaded the soft flesh with a hungry groan, pulling his hands back to smack your ass hard. A surprised squeal erupted from you followed by a series of cries and moans as he continued, even placing some strikes against the back of your thighs. You trembled against the bed, clenching at the bedding with a firm grip. When the strikes finally subsided, he gently stroked your now sore cheeks and even cooed affectionately as he knelt behind you. A shuddering groan left him as he spread you open, your arousal glistening and dripping down your womanhood.

He let out a whimper as he licked a strip from your jewel to your quivering slit, moving his swirling back down to latch onto your clit. Your hips bucked involuntarily, moaning loudly as your hands clawed at the bed. His moans vibrated against you as he feasted on you, your moans spurring him on to continue. His hands gripped your cheeks, spreading you more as he dipped his tongue into your wetness. His tongue moving around your tight walls, moaning as your wetness sweetened his tongue. He pulled back momentarily, licking his lips wolfishly. When he returned, he licked his way up to the tight ring of muscle, flicking his tongue against it.

You blushed heavily and immediately tried to pull away only for Commodus to grip your thighs harder, digging his nails into your skin as a warning. Your eyes rolled back, your body soaring with pleasure as he alternated between suckling at your opening and your clit to placing generous licks against your rosebud. You felt your body coil as you readied yourself for the orgasm clawing its way through your body. Commodus felt needy and this only made his desire grow, suddenly shoving two fingers into your dripping slit as he continued to lick and lavish your rosebud with attention. He felt your walls tighten around his fingers, thrusting them deeper and deeper inside of you as he urged you to come undone. You whimpered and cried out passionately once you came, your essence coating his fingers as they continued to plunge into you to help you ride out your orgasm. Flushed, Commodus finally pulled his fingers out of you and stood upright once more.

You struggled to turn to look at him, letting out a weak moan as you gazed up at him through your rose-colored pleasure. Your lips parted once he brought his fingers to his mouth, cleaning his digits of your release. He swallowed hard as he stared down at your naked body, a strangled moan escaping him.

“How foolish have I been to deny myself the sweetest nectar I’ve ever tasted from a woman for so long,” he shuddered.

“Your Highness…,” you started before he cut you off.

“Commodus,” he corrected, working to remove the rest of his attire. He made quick work of the rest of his clothing, the sound of shuffling and the fabric hitting the floor filled your sensitive ears. You let out a quiet moan when you felt him kissing and tongue at your navel, licking his way up the valley between your breasts. “I want for my name to be familiar on your lips, in all of your moans and cries…,” he whispered, nibbling at one of your sensitive nipples before sucking hard for a quick moment. A smack at your thigh made you quickly move more on to the bed with him following close.  His eyes glittered as he stared down at you as you stared back, taking in his form. He wasn’t spectacularly muscled, but it didn’t take away from his attractive features and overwhelming sexuality and dominance.  You reached out to touch his stomach, feeling him almost falter at you touching him so intimately. You brought your other hand forward, pressing it again his stomach before smoothing up his chest and running back down to touch his thighs. The wispy hairs rising at the attention as you stroked his inner thighs, his hard shaft twitching between his legs.

A faint smirk appeared on his face as he suddenly moved up until he was straddling your chest, the tip of his lengthy member brushing against your nose before he began to stroke himself in front of you. A small pearl of precum formed at the spongey pink tip before dropping onto your lip. Your tongue quickly licked it away, shivering at the taste. Commodus’ eyes glazed over as he let the head of his rub against your plushy lips, begging for access. You immediately opened your mouth, welcoming his hot length into your mouth. A loud moan immediately left his lips, thrusting his hips forward to push more of his shaft into your soft, wet mouth. He panted, reaching down to cradle the back of your head as he began to slowly thrust into your mouth. You kept up with meeting his thrust, gagging slightly as he scooted forward even more. A possessive moan escaped his lips, his head falling back as he sped up his thrusts. You slid your tongue beneath the underside of his cock, the angry vein responding with a speeding throb. He shuddered, his brows furrowing in pleasure as his shaft pressed against the inside of your cheek before shoving down your throat. You did your best to breathe as he held you there, your gagging making your throat clench around his throbbing shaft.

“Take me now…,” Commodus moaned out to the heavens, giving you a few more breathless thrusts before you felt his hot seed spill into your throat. He gripped the back of your head as he let out a groan of completion, gripping your hair as he gave shallow bucks into your mouth as he emptied himself into your mouth. Your eyes were screwed shut, swallowing down as much of his seed as you could as some of it managed to dribble from your mouth when he finally released you. You coughed, immediately taking a much-needed deep breath. The sound of his chuckling filled your ears as he moved off the bed, trying to catch your breath. Your hazy eyes looked up at him when he offered you another cup of wine that you drank down without a word, the cool liquid settling in your belly pleasantly.

Commodus drank from the bottle, his lean body bending as he turned the bottle up before sitting it to the side. His member still hard, hitting his lower belly as he moved to get back on the bed with you. His tongue licked away the wine from your lips, grinning down at you.

“Are you ready for me?” he purred, his voice pulling you in once more as your legs immediately fell open. He moaned in delight at your eagerness, pushing your legs up roughly to lick up your wetness a few times before roughly turning you over. He arranged you as if you were a doll, your back arched with your face buried into the pillow in front of you. You gripped and held the pillow as you readied yourself for what was to come next. Your ass was still sore from the spanking that you received before; you were even sure that you had other bruises that you would feel in the morning. You felt his hands smooth down your spine and over your sensitive ass. You moaned into the pillow when you felt his hard cock brushing against your inner thigh. His mouth followed his hands, placing soft kisses up your spine and between your shoulder blades. One of his hands came up to wrap your hair around his fist, keeping a good grip as his tip nudged at your creamy slit.

“Commodus, please…,” you mewled passionately, making his movements pause for a moment. You had thought you had done something wrong, opening your mouth to apologize to him until he slid inside of you completely without warning. You moaned loudly, the grip in your hair tightening as he set into a punishing rhythm. You felt like climbing the walls as he thrusted deep and hard inside of you; your hands clawing at the silk sheets and pillow beneath you. The sound of his hips smacking hard against you was vulgar enough but your loud moans and whimpers added to it all, his name fervently coming from you which made him pull your head back as he slammed into your quivering cunt.

“Yes, Y/N. Call for me, let the world know who owns you…,” he growled, giving you a hard smack across your ass as he continued. You tried to bury your face into the pillow only for him to pull your head back up, his other hand coming around to grip at your neck.

“Don’t you fucking dare defy me…,” he warned, turning your head so that he could stare into your eyes. His hips began to move faster, his shaft stretching your walls and moving deeper inside of you. “I want to hear every single whimper that comes from that pretty mouth. I want to hear you scream…,” he growled, giving you a particularly hard thrust that earned a passionate cry from you. The sound of the both of you panting and moaning out filled the air. You didn’t care if anyone heard you but his grip tightening on your neck made your cries even more laborious. You moved your hips back against him, making him moan your name in approval and latch onto your neck, marking you with a hard suckle. His growls and moans began to get louder, his hands moving to roam over your body in a greedy frenzy before wrapping an arm around your waist and his other catching you in a lock around your neck. It was as if you would disappear after he found his release, his hissing breaths and moans filled your ear as he roughly handled you.

“Mine…,” he said through gritted teeth before he let out a trembling groan, mixing with your own moans of thirst and lust. His hip movements began to become erratic as he got closer and closer to his release; you were getting closer as well. Your wet walls tightening around his pulsating cock. He had a vice grip on your hips, his jaw jutting out as he slammed one, two, three times before spilling his seed deep inside of your canal. His orgasm set off your own, your eyes rolling back as you came. Panting and moaning his name as he held himself into you; a loud, deep moan of completion left his body as every single drop of his seed glazed your walls. Shaking, he finally moved from you and collapsed beside you on the bed. You moaned quietly as laid beside him, completely spent from your activities. You felt his sticky seed on your thighs, blushing as you pressed your legs together as you laid on your side.

Commodus looked over at you, his eyes heavy as he drew a little bit closer. He moved away the strands of hair sticking to your damp face. His warm breath fanning against your face, making you close your eyes.

“Bathe with me, stay with me tonight…,” he requested silently, a request you knew you would not deny. “I don’t want you to leave my bed…,”

A smile formed on your lips, your lips moving to kiss at the bridge of his nose. “As you wish, Your Majesty…,” you replied.

You spent the rest of the night with Commodus; eating, bathing and making love through the dark hours until the morning when you were both tangled in each other’s arms in bed under the rich blue silk sheets.