oli 🎀

You find yourself in the rain. It's a forest, and for a moment you wonder if you've sleepwalked into the Arcadian woods, but... this feels too... green? Arcadia is a rather pink place, but this forest reminds you of the ones back on Earth. Well, if the forests on Earth came straight from a storybook.

The rain is not overbearing, it's a soothing sort of rain that makes soft pattering noises against the leaves and nearby creeks. Birds chirp overhead and within the trees, singing a song that already makes you feel safer.

Taking a few steps forward, you look around the beautiful dream realm. The waters have an unnatural glimmer to them, there's a wide array of flowers covering the land, some of which you definitely do not know the name of.

A much larger bird, a black flamingo by the looks of it, makes its way over to you as if to say hello. It tilts its head down in a repetitive motion, and you glance down to see what it's looking at.

It's a big leaf with a long stem, leaning up against a bush. You pick it up, and register that it must be a makeshift umbrella. It reminds you of a game you'd introduced Vessel to, of his digital island and animal companions. Someone definitely left this for you, or this is some sort of lucid dream. It shields you from the raindrops, and the flamingo seems rather satisfied.

Perhaps someone left the flamingo for you, too.

It's only then that you hear it. In the far off distance mixed in with the beautiful sounds of nature, you hear the unmistakable sound of someone playing the piano.

The melody wraps around your mind like a ribbon. Any apprehension you had about this dream world vanishes in an instant. Vessel.

The tune he plays is one you've never heard before, but it fits so effortlessly with the sounds of nature. You begin to walk, to follow the music in search of your husband.

Notably, the flamingo is sticking by your side too. You lend some of your umbrella to it to shield it from the rain, too. It honks, presumably to say thanks.

The both of you travel through the trees, occasionally stopping to admire the beautiful scenery. Vines decorated in flowers, frogs on lily pads, butterflies that twirl around you and then fly off into the trees. Maybe even the birds that have discovered a little puddle and hop about within it.

Each time you stop, the flamingo never really looks at any of it, nor does it rush you in your content exploration. Instead, it looks at you, and the way it does almost seems... familiar somehow. As if you've hung the stars in the sky, as if you're more beautiful than anything here.

The piano playing is much closer now, and from here it sounds like it's echoing, like it's coming from inside of something. Maybe it's hidden? Vessel always did have a knack for adventure and making things exciting for you. Especially since Arcadia.

"I think I can make it the rest of the way on my own." You can hardly believe you're talking to a flamingo right now. It pauses to consider your words, and is perhaps about to respond before it sees something in the distance.

The flamingo seems more frantic and demanding suddenly, as it nudges its head against your arm and starts off more quickly in the opposite direction.

"What are you doing? The piano isn't coming from that way, it's—" A loud boom of thunder cuts you off. You look in the direction it came from, and your eyes widen.

A storm cloud is close by, too close for comfort. You can see the lighting crackle within it, and the wind is pushing it quickly in your direction. The cloud is almost black, and the closer it gets, the more the thunder sounds like screaming.

His screaming.

You think you can hear the flamingo honking at you, but it feels distant now. You can't bring yourself to look away from the cloud, and the screaming is getting louder.

For a moment, you're back there. Thick vines of thorns are tightening around Vessel's throat. All he can do is scream and gasp for air, and that monster, that Sleep, is laughing at you again.

"Go on, petal." He sneers, His voice dripping with venom. He spits out the term of endearment like it's poison."One word, and I'll make this all stop. You love your Vessel, don't you? Say it! Say it, I'll make it all end!"

You open your mouth, and no words come out. You can't make a sound, you can't even scream. You're running, you're trying to reach out to him, to your lover, but he's out of reach every time.

Vessel's expression twists from desperation to hatred, pure hatred. You won't even save him. You're leaving him to die. He screams, and it gets louder. And louder. And LOUDER—

You hit the ground, landing on the wet grass. The cold water soaked within it splashes into your skin like a wake up call. The umbrella lays beside you, and when you open your eyes to look...

...The flamingo is still here. Its head is bowed, and it seems ashamed or embarrassed. You open your mouth to ask what's wrong, but it seems to know what you're thinking.

It opens its beak and a sizable chunk of fabric from your shirt floats down onto your chest.

The way it bows its head in shame, in apology, also feels extremely familiar. It's on the tip of your tongue, but you just can't figure out what it is.

In any case, you reach up and pat its head. The flamingo must have pulled you out of the nightmare— literally. What a smart little creature... better yet, what a strong creature. How the hell did it manage that?

"It's alright, you didn't mean to do it." You reassure it, and it tilts his head at you. You can almost hear it, the really? Are you sure? "I'm not upset with you. Thank you for getting me out of that. You're a hero, aren't you?"

The flamingo stands up straighter, holding its head up in pride. It walks in a circle, flaps its wings, then leans down to lightly tap its beak against your nose. Looks like you've given the bird an ego boost.

With a bit of effort, you get back onto your feet, picking the leaf umbrella up again. You can see the tear in your shirt, but you're not too concerned. This is a dream, after all.

The two of you continue on your journey with a little detour to avoid getting trapped in the nightmare storm a second time. The further away you get from it, the more at ease you are.

Finally, you've made it. At least, you think you have. The piano is loud here, but it echoes all the same. Confused, you turn your head every which way, expecting maybe a cave, or maybe a waterfall with a secret grotto. Finding neither, your eyebrows furrow.

"You can hear it too, right?" You ask the flamingo. "Where's it coming from?"

The flamingo walks about ten feet away from you and then lowers its head. You cautiously follow, looking down to see what it's trying to show you.

There is... a giant hole in the ground. If you squint, there may be some light at the very end, but it looks like a long fall. However the flamingo does not steer you wrong; the piano is definitely coming from down there.

"How the hell am I supposed to get down..." You lift your head to speak to the flamingo... but it's gone. Like it had never been there in the first place. "...there."

You look around, a little disappointed that your friend had vanished. Yet there was no doubt in your mind; your husband was down in that giant hole in the ground. For what reason, you weren't quite sure, but he seemingly isn't distressed.

Left with no other option, you jump in, expecting this to be something swift and easy. However, falling down a hole is no less terrifying than in real life. You're screaming the entire way down, closing your eyes and bracing yourself to hit the ground hard.

You land on something soft instead. You're hesitant to open your eyes, to get up, to breathe. But once you muster up your courage, you find yourself in a bed of flowers, in all of your favorite colors.

Before you is the one person you've been searching for here, his eyes fixated on the piano as he plays. He is intensely focused, posture straight, lips parted— a little habit you'd noticed in him every time he was in deep concentration. Like how they'd been when he was asleep beside you.

He's dressed in his Arcadian attire, mask on, cloak damp from the rain. It's only in that moment that you focus on a little detail of his typical getup that you hadn't paid much mind to until now.

That cape he wears. Made up entirely of black feathers.

You almost forgot that he's technically in your head at the moment, but the big grin that appears on his face as the realization dawns on you is the perfect reminder. His fingers hit a few sour notes as he laughs. It's a beautiful sound, youthful in nature.

"You can't be serious." You raise an eyebrow at him, a smirk on your lips. "You have a flamingo form."

"I had to ensure you got here safely!" He turns to face you and his head bows in embarrassment — just like the fucking flamingo. That's where you've seen it before.

"Were you the flamingo, but also here playing the piano?"

"Yes. It's not a difficult thing honestly. The dream world is a fascinating place, is it not?" His fingers return to the keys, playing whatever tune comes to his mind.

"I was getting attached to that little guy!" You finally get up from the flower bed, moving to sit beside him on the piano bench.

"Well, I am relieved to know that you would still love me, even if I were a flamingo." Vessel leans over to press a kiss to your cheek. "And I am relieved that I was able to get you out of that nightmare. Are you alright? It looked... violent, to say the least."

"I..." You sigh, leaning your head against his shoulder. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just glad it's not real. Did I wake you earlier?"

"Yes and no, if that makes any sense. You are my other half, petal. When you are in distress, I feel it like a sixth sense. If you hadn't woken up from the dream, I would have woken you myself." Vessel's voice is soothing; another beautiful thing that just makes sense in this nature-filled realm. "I was awake before you woke from your nightmare, therefore you did not physically wake me."

"I just know you need your rest, I didn't want to bother you." He stops playing halfway through your sentence and his hands grab yours, holding them firmly.

"No more of that, my heart." Your husband locks his gaze with you, even through the mask you can feel his eyes on you. "You could never bother me. I would not rest well knowing that you're hurting. When you hurt, I hurt with you. Don't say things like that." He's always had such a way with words. He speaks in such a manner where you know he means every single thing he says.

There's an itch in the back of your mind that makes you want to argue with him on this, and he can feel it too. He clears his throat and you can faintly see his eyes glowing through the slits of the mask. A silent try me, you won't win. You let him have this one.

"Well... thank you. Seriously, this place is... beautiful."

"You like it?" His face lights up. "I designed it myself, I was hoping you'd enjoy it as much as I thought you would."

"You made this place?" You take a moment to observe your surroundings here. The piano looks a little worn, and on the inside of it is... roots? A sapling? A tree sapling? Somehow, this hasn't impacted the sound at all. Everywhere else here looks almost like a little room, like a study. His own personal bubble, or perhaps burrow?

"That I did. If there is one thing that He who shall not be named gave me that I genuinely enjoy, it is what I can do within dreams." He's proud of this, you can see it. His voice is a little louder, he's excited to talk about it. His knee bounces underneath the piano. "I can make this place look however I wish. I wanted this one to feel like a sanctuary for you."

"Well, you nailed it with that one."

"Really?!" You're certain that if he had a tail right now, it would be wagging.

"This is perfect. It's relaxing, feels like a hidden paradise." You lean forward to press your forehead against Vessel's. "And it's even better that you're here in it, too."

"I'll stay here with you all night, if you'd like." Vessel releases one of your hands to gently caress your cheek. No matter what, no matter how many times you tell him he really doesn't have to, he touches you like you're porcelain. Like you're the most precious artifact he's ever had.

"I'd like that." You lean into his touch like a cat. "Can I ask what you're doing underground?"

"Ah!" He pulls back, gesturing toward the sapling growing from inside of the piano. "I am growing a tree."

"...What?"

"...A tree? I'm growing one?" He's looking at you like you're the weird one for not knowing what he's talking about. Like this is somehow universal knowledge.

"Vessel. The roots aren't even in the dirt. How do you expect to grow a tree?" You're certain you're not the crazy one here.

"I play," he motions towards the piano keys, "and it grows." He motions towards the sapling.

"Even for a dream, that sounds insane. Prove it." Don't trees need water? Sunlight? Years upon years of growth by itself?

"Certainly. Watch carefully, and be amazed." Vessel's shoulders roll back, and his fingers touch the ivory keys with newfound purpose.

The melody he begins to play is familiar; you recall the nights he would play it over and over. That opening part of 'Even In Arcadia'. And just like he would then, he plays it over and over now.

At first, you're pretty sure he was just pulling your leg about the 'play music make tree grow' thing, until you see it. Before your eyes, the sapling is growing, flourishing just from the music. It grows taller, sturdier, and leaves begin to emerge from it.

He continues for another few moments before he slows to a stop, unable to suppress his chuckle at the sight of your starry-eyed wonder. One hand lifts from the keys to take yours, pressing a kiss to your knuckles. His wedding band catches the light, and the sight of it makes your heart flutter.

Even in dreams, he wears it with pride.

"As much as I adore that look on your face when I blow your mind, you can't just leave me to do all the work. Come, let's grow a tree." Vessel brings your hand to the keys.

"Not everyone's a piano master like you, Vess. I'd probably make the tree recede back into itself. Or die."

"Nothing grows in reverse, petal. I don't expect you to be Beethoven. How about I teach you something? We'll learn one of mine." He has such a way of encouraging you that makes you struggle to say no. Especially not when he's looking at you like that.

"Are you sure you won't wither away and die if I butcher it?" You're only half joking.

"Oh please, I'm not that fragile! Like I said, I don't expect you to be an expert. Let's learn a bit of Euclid together. Does that sound alright?" He meets your gaze, and if you look hard enough you can see him batting his eyelashes at you.

"Alright, teacher. Teach me your talents." And his excited grin makes it all worth it.

Hours pass between the both of you, Vessel patiently walking you through the first section of Euclid. No matter how many sour notes you hit, segments you forget, or moments where you get frustrated and try to give up, he remains at your side. The rain still falls, the birds still chirp above ground, and all remains peacefully still.

Neither of you realize that the tree has fully grown from just the practice and lessons alone until you manage to get through the entire part he taught you with only a few mistakes. He didn't even have to help you this time, and despite not looking at him you could feel him beaming with pride.

"That was brilliant... you're a natural!" Though of course, your husband doesn't hesitate to express his pride and adoration for you the moment you finish. That comes in the form of enthusiastic kisses, mumbled praise, and the unexpected presence of a flowered vine wrapping around your waist.

"Was only brilliant because I had a good teacher." In turn, you return as many kisses as you can without laughing, nodding along to every word he says, and simply basking in the moment with him.

"Not to mention, look at what such a performance created." Vessel is the first to notice the tree, pointing up at it with a clawed finger. "Forever immortalized in my realm of dreams."

"You were helping, give yourself some credit." You protested, and yet you were still brimming with confidence. Admittedly you've been wanting to learn how to play, just haven't had the time. If you'd known you could learn in your dreams with your lover, you would've taken the opportunity far sooner than this. "Wait— you can keep the tree?"

"One, all I did was teach you the notes, the rest was your talent. Second, of course I can. I've created a lot of the trees here with this technique over the years. But to now have one created by you, of course it has to stay! I'll have to find the perfect place to put it."

"Maybe I'll have to come back and make more for you then, too." Not many others would see such adoration and excitement over a tree, but if there's one thing you've learned about Vessel, it's that nature means the world to him. It's not just because of the magic in his veins, this is his calling. Forests, no matter where they are, are like his home.

You love being part of that home.

"You would truly do this for me?" No matter how much time has passed, Vessel always seems so surprised when someone wants to do something for him. When someone wants to treat him with kindness. You suppose it's just from his unkind history.

"Of course! Maybe we can make something in here together. Like a park? Or a garden?" You can already picture it in your mind. Something with a little bench, or maybe a cool statue.

"Ah..." There's a distant look in his eyes; maybe he's envisioning it too. "Yes... yes, that would be lovely." You almost miss the way his voice shakes, breaks just a little.

"It'll give us something to do when we're too tired for other things, right? And—"

"And, I can make you your own dream realm." He cuts you off quickly. His arms wrap around you to pull you into his lap. "And it can look however you want." 

"Vessel, you don't really need to do anything for me in return whenever I—" You're cut off again by him. He's too invested now.

"It doesn't even need to be a forest! It can be a house, or a library, or - or that one place with the - the..." Vessel snaps his fingers a few times as if it'll jog his memory. "The big place with the moving stairs? You took me there a few years ago to see the giant rabbit?"

"The giant rabbit? Moving stairs?" You furrow your eyebrows in thought. It's definitely an Earth place if he can't remember what it is. 

"Remember the rabbit? It was sitting in that chair? And you insisted I get a photo taken with it? It has shops too."

"The mall?"

"Yes! That place!" Vessel nods, relieved that you understood what he was talking about.

"You could've just said it had a lot of stores." The fact he even remembers the Easter Bunny at the mall is hilarious; you'll have to remember to take him back to the mall to get another photo with it.

"Don't even think about it." Oh, he can still read your thoughts. "But in any case, I could make your dream realm a mall! You enjoy the mall, right? You used to take me there quite a bit."

"It's not my favorite, but I'm happy you remembered it. I'll think on it more and let you know." Finally, you lean forward and rest your head in the crook of his neck. His thumb rubs circles into your back.

It's silent for a while, but not uncomfortable. Vessel is enjoying your presence as much as you enjoy his, judging by the way he's purring. His chest vibrates against yours, and you faintly think you can feel a tail curling around your leg. He's comfortable, he feels safe. So do you.

"...Are you alright?" He breaks the silence. "Did this all help after the nightmare?" His voice is soft as if he doesn't want to ruin the moment.

"It helped a lot. I'm okay, I promise." And that's the truth. You honestly forgot you even had a nightmare until he mentioned it. "The rain sounds so nice, and the flowers... the scenery... I needed this. Needed you." 

"You have me, whenever you need me, petal. I'm glad I could be there... and just to ease your mind, Sleep can't get me anymore. I promise you, darling. Even if He did, even if He took your words away, I would always know you're mine and that you love me. Nothing. Will ever change that." Vessel murmurs into your ear, his voice a beautifully soothing rumble.

"I'm glad. I'm glad you know." That's all that matters; he knows you love him. 

You're about to say something more when a loud noise suddenly echoes in the realm, causing your head to shoot up in alarm. It sounds like church bells. You look at Vessel, but he seems just as alarmed.

It gets louder. Louder. Vessel suddenly vanishes. Louder—

"Shhh! Shhh!" You wake up in your bedroom, listening to Vessel quietly curse under his breath as he scolds... his alarm clock. "You'll wake them, you bastard, gods how do I turn this off?!"

"Button on the top." You sleepily mumble, and after a second it stops. Vessel sighs in a mix of defeat and frustration.

"I didn't realize it would be so loud. I didn't mean to wake you." Vessel pulls you into his chest, his voice rough with sleep. He speaks against the back of your head. "I don't even want to leave you."

"Leave? Where are you going?" You blink a few times, though your vision is still extremely bleary.

"Things to do today. II wanted to meet early. Ritual related. Have to... attend something for Arcadia today." With a messy kiss, he reluctantly untangles himself from you. You whine in protest.

"Can't you just... not do all of that? Stay home." You roll over to face him, hair sticking to your face, drool on the corner of your mouth. Flattering, truly.

"I would if I could, you know that." As he begins to scoot himself off the bed, you grab his arm, clinging to him. "Petal..."

"No."

"Don't be a brat, come on." He wiggles his arm, trying to pry himself out of your grip. Realistically, he's strong enough to do it no problem, but he's always gentle with you.

"You hate me."

"Oh, do I now?" 

"...No." You hear him chuckle. You're too half asleep to even understand what you're saying.

"I have to work, sweet thing. The sooner I go, the sooner I can return to you." Vessel reached with his other hand to brush some of your hair out of your face.

With another whine and a few other incoherent complaints, you let go of him, huffing through your nose. Normally, Vessel is the one who acts like this, but you were having such a nice time with him in that dream...

"There we go." You hear him stand, and then you feel the covers being placed over you. "While I need to be awake at this hour, you do not."

"But I can't sleep without you." Your limbs are too heavy to pull the covers back off you, but you try. It just looks like you're flailing your arms around.

"Of course you can. Listen, love." His weight makes the bed dip as he sits down. "The sooner you go back to sleep, the sooner the morning will pass... the sooner I'll be with you once more. And when I get home... we can talk about that dream realm for you."

A lazy smile tugs on your lips, one of your eyes opening just a crack. You can't really make out his face, but you know he's there.

"As long as you promise... to not be a flamingo this time." Your eye shuts right after, but your smile widens as he starts laughing. You're not letting him live that one down.

"Oh, my dear..." Vessel chuckles through his words. "Rest assured, no more flamingo. Alright?"

"Mm... okay." You feel his lips gently brush against yours, and you hum in contentment. Then his fingertips touch your forehead gently, and you can feel yourself getting pulled right back into sleep.

"Rest well, petal. I love you." He murmurs, and he thinks he hears you mumble an 'I love you too', but it sounds like complete gibberish of syllables.

Vessel waits a moment longer to make sure you're asleep before he stands and begins to get ready for the day, pausing every now and then to watch you to make sure your dreams are pleasant this time around.

He pauses at the doorway to the bedroom, looking over his shoulder to gaze at you one last time, smiling fondly to himself before departing to begin his day. 

As long as he's here, the nightmares will never get you again.

"Daddy! Daddy!" Noah barely had three seconds to open his eyes before his daughter jumped on him, knocking the air from his lungs, "Wake up! Wake up!"

"Fuck. . ." He gasped, rasping out, "Morning baby." He blinked awake to see the same brown eyes as his, "Sleep good?"

"Bestest." She nodded, "Pancakes for breakfast?"

Noah squinted at the clock. 8 am. Right on time for his little girl, "Yeah. Dad needs coffee anyway." He rolled out of bed, noting his daughter's pink strawberry-printed pajamas.

She ran ahead of him, knocking loudly at Jolly's door, "Wake up, Uncle Jolly! Wake up! The sun is awake!"

Noah met Jesse in the kitchen, who looked like hell froze over, "She got to you first?" Noah snorted, pouring a cup of coffee.

"No one should radiate that level of joy at eight in the morning, yet your child somehow pulls it off effortlessly..." He cradled Noah's face in his hands, his voice low and almost fierce as he continued, "Every single day, without fail. She’s fortunate to have that adorable face to back her up."

“I got Uncle Jolly up!” Scarlett declared triumphantly as they descended the staircase, the man effortlessly carrying her in his sturdy arms. His hair resembled a disheveled bird’s nest, wild and untamed, and Scarlett, ever the perfectionist, diligently attempted to smooth it down with her tiny hands. Scarlet Marie Davis was undoubtedly her mother’s daughter—exuding an air of entitlement and an unyielding desire for everything to be just right, all while basking in the lavish spoiling that came her way.

She was spoiled because Noah spoiled her. That was it. Noah smiled as he popped the frozen pancakes into the toaster. The four-year-old was his pride and joy.

"When I say I want a cute girl to wake me up, that's not what I meant," Jolly muttered as he sat at the bar stool; Scarlet was still trying to fix his hair but gave up with a huff.

"Alright, little miss." Noah's fake military voice made her look at him, "What are we wearing today?"

"My pink fluffy dress, Mommy, got me."

Noah hung his head in defeat. He had to dress her in white patent leather flats with lace socks and do her hair. Noah hummed, "Are we sure about this?"

Scarlet nodded, looking at him like he was crazy. Of course, she wanted to wear the pinkest, frilliest dress she owned to a rock show with Dad. "Mommy laid it out for me!"

#

Clad in sleek black attire that contrasted sharply with the vibrant surroundings, Noah carried Scarlet in his arms. She twinkled like a gem in her delicate pink dress, which billowed softly around her as they made their way to the venue.

"Oh my god! Look at you, prettiest girl in the world wide world!" Nick yelled as soon as he saw Scarlet.

Scarlet smiled, "Daddy even let me wear Mommy's perfume."

Nick excitedly ran up to her, burying his nose in her neck like an overly eager puppy, "You do! You smell so pretty." Nick snatched the giggling girl from Noah's arms.

"Do not get her dirty," Noah warned him. Nick gave him a look that said, No, Duh. Noah pointed at him, "I fucking mean it."

Noah went to Matt and grabbed his mic and earpiece. He was talking over the set when Scarlet found him again, saying, "Hey, baby."

"Daddy, lots of people here!" she said, her wide brown eyes clinging to his leg. "They here for you?"

"For me and your uncles." Noah told her, kneeling to her height, "How about you come out with me for V.A.N?" Matt started to say something, but Noah waved him off.

Scarlet nodded excitedly since that was her favorite song, and she loved to watch Poppy on stage.

#

Noah was hot and sweaty when he donned the famous ski mask.

"I would like your help in extending a warm welcome to a very special friend," Poppy announced to the assembled crowd, her voice filled with excitement. "We need to be exceptionally quiet so we don’t startle them." The anticipation in the air was palpable as everyone leaned in closer, eager to join in this enchanting greeting.

Fortunately, this unexpected delay offered Noah a precious opportunity to help Scarlet acclimate to the spotlight. "You'll be sitting on my lap the entire time," he reassured her, a comforting smile on his face. He gestured towards the drum set in the center of the stage, its glossy surface shining under the stage lights. "Look over there—Uncle Nick will be playing. And you'll get to see Uncle Jolly and Nik-Nik, too." As he spoke, he could see the curiosity spark in Scarlet's eyes, and he knew that soon she'd feel right at home in this vibrant world of music.

"Can I bring bun-bun?" She clutched her stuffed bunny to her chest.

"Yeah! Bun Bun wants to see it, too!" Noah smiled, "Ready? I'll even let you do your favorite part."

"Promise?" She asked, suddenly excited.

"I promise, sweetheart. Ready?" She nodded, and Noah scooped her up in his arms. He handed her his sunglasses for the lights.

"Stinky Daddy." She wrinkled her nose, making Noah laugh. He settled down next to the drumset with Scarlet securely in his lap. Then the song started.

The crowd erupted in wild cheers and ecstatic shouts as they caught sight of Scarlet perched playfully on his lap, her vibrancy adding to the electric atmosphere. His arm wrapped protectively around her waist, creating a sense of safety as he effortlessly provided backup for Poppy. Poppy waved to Scarlet excitedly.

Noah observed as Scarlet inhaled deeply, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the moment she cherished most. With a gentle smile, he raised the microphone towards her, positioning it perfectly to capture the excitement in her voice. The air was thick with the expectation of a wildly known part of the song.

"Picture perfect image, more powerful every minute, baby. I am everything that you're not."

"ROOOR!" Scarlet growled, and the crowd went into a frenzy.

As the song's driving beat surged and the heavier lyrics kicked in, Noah gracefully slid from the high rise, his movements fluid and confident. He deftly balanced Scarlet on his hip, her laughter mingling with the rhythm as he twirled her around. With a joyful smile, he joined Poppy in a lively dance, their bodies moving in sync with the pulsating melody as they sang together with abandon.

Everything had gone splendidly, and Scarlet soaked in the thrill of her performance. As she made her way backstage, her excitement bubbled over, and she let out a jubilant scream that resonated louder than her fiercest growl, "MOMMY!" The sound echoed off the walls, filled with the warmth of her joy and the adrenaline still coursing through her veins.

His stunningly beautiful wife stood nearby, conversing with Matt, whose expression suggested he was being gently reprimanded. The light from the stage cast a warm glow on her features, highlighting her frown. Her gaze fell on her daughter as she turned, and her face instantly brightened. "Hello, sweetheart!" she called out, her voice infused with warmth and affection.

"Did you see me? Did you see it? I'm a rockstar like Daddy!"

"I did see! You did so good! I am so proud of you."

Noah stepped back, his heart pounding as he surveyed the scene before him. The vibrant flicker of party lights cast an array of colors across the room, but the look in his wife's eyes truly grabbed his attention. A mixture of amusement and mischief danced within them, sending a chill of realization down his spine. He gulped, fully aware that he was in deep trouble. Her lips curved into a knowing smile as she recalled the night's antics, and he braced himself for the inevitable. "She had fun!" he said, a mix of dread and admiration swirling in his chest as he prepared to face the consequences of their wild evening.

The large crowd in the stadium was screaming and chanting your name as the lights came up on the first night of your sold out world tour.

You were one of the hottest A-listers of the moment with your latest album still number 1 in the charts and you were living your ultimate dream. All of the hard work has lead you to this, you had the most incredible fan base, you were selling out arenas all over the world and your music was adored by everyone.

You felt the butterflies in your stomach as you waited for your queue to take the stage, microphone already in hand.

You felt more nervous tonight, not just because it was the opening night, but because your boyfriend was watching in the VIP area of the crowd tonight.

You and Noah had been dating for 8 months now, he was your perfect man, loving, kind, funny and an absolute beast in the bedroom, he matched your energy in every way.

Hence why a lot of your songs had very provocative lyrics in them.

A particular fan favourite was your song called ‘Juno’ and you knew you wanted to give the fans a show on this tour by mimicking sexual positions after the line “Have you ever tried this one?” and then changing it in every country.

Tonight you knew you were going to do one particular move, it was going to be the same position that your boyfriend had you in the night before

Flashback

Noah’s inked fingers dug into your thighs in a bruising grip as he held your crossed legs up against his chest as he pounded into you mercilessly.

“Shit…you feel so fucking tight!”

You couldn’t respond, the only sounds that would come out were your choked cries as you squeezed your eyes shut and your head fell back onto the pillow and your hands gripped the sheets beneath you.

You could feel every inch of Noah, like he wanted to make sure you remembered all of him while you went on tour for the next few months.

Noah’s hips continued to slam into you, the sounds echoing around the room.

“You were made for me angel…so fucking perfect”

You knew you wouldn’t be lasting long, Noah had edged you by having his face in between your legs for an hour before he showed some mercy on you and gave you what you wanted, said that he’d been enjoying himself too much and needed to make sure he’d had his fill before you were separated.

“Noah…oh my…”

You felt your thighs shaking under his hands, your back arching and your body convulsing on the mattress as you screamed the house down, not caring if anything was heard.

You barely had time to come down from your high before Noah suddenly pulled out and hooked his arms around your thighs and went to dive back down again.

“I just need a little taste baby, I bet you taste fucking delicious after cumming all over my cock like that, got to make sure we make the most of tonight”

••••

You skipped out into the stage and the crowd went wild, you smiled and waved before you started your set.

You sang and danced along side your back up dancers, loving every second but what made you smile more was when you finally caught sight of Noah.

He was in the VIP section with Nicholas and Matt, he was smiling and singing along to every word you sang and they wolf whistled and cheered for you after every song.

Finally Juno had come on, you had such a cheeky smile as you got to the line “wanna try out some freaky positions?”

You ran to the front of the stage, made sure you looked directly at Noah before you lied down in your back and lifted your legs up and crossed them over each other.

“Have you ever tried this one?”

Noah’s face was priceless as the crowd roared, he smiled and his hand came up to his face as if to hide the blush on his cheeks as he shook his head, Matt and Nick instantly laughing and giving him the elbow with raised eyebrows as they laughed.

You winked in his direction, smiled and carried on with the song.

•••••

Later that evening, the concert was over and Noah had joined you at your hotel, instantly lifting you up into a huge hug and telling you how incredible you were.

You settled down in bed together knowing it was the last night for a while as you were jetting off in the morning early.

Your social media had been flooding with the fans telling you how good you were and what an amazing night they had.

Your favourite video of the night however was a video a fan had taken of Noah during ‘Juno’ and his reaction.

Just as you went into the position, Noah’s face instantly showed he remembered the night before and he was all smiley and almost blushing. It was the comment underneath it that made your night.