Candice Riley

CANDICE RILEY​.

-

“There’s just something comforting about city lights, I suppose,” replies Marion, head now turned to her newfound companion as she makes sense of their sentiment. She supposes she understands the appeal of being surrounded by water — after all, she had moved here aching for that semblance of comfort — but the thought now brings her to pause more than anything else. The comfort of water, she finds, is elusive. But the city holds some permanence, grounding you, reminding you that you’re a little less alone. But those sentiments are ones kept to herself, and instead Marion turns to focus at the woman’s words. “But that’s a nice trick. Guess I’ll see where the night leads me, huh?” she adds, then, making a mental note to at least pay the stone maze a visit. “You’re right. Though it’s pretty early, so I’d probably have some fun before I throw myself another pity-party,” she remarks with a laugh, “anything else in this place caught your eye?” 

➅

Candice moved closer to the rooftop as she looked over the city again. She supposed the woman did have a point. The city was quiet and calm from this angle. Everything looked at peace, even though she knew it was far from it. “I can’t argue with you there. I guess I’m just an ocean girl at heart.” she grinned over to the blonde before looking over at the city again. Maybe staying up here for the rest of the night wouldn’t be bad. Looking around, there were some blankets and things. It could be a really good spot and she wouldn’t have any problem getting reception. 

She smiled and nodded as the blonde thanked her for her tip. She was glad she could help someone out though she doubted she would be going into the stone maze herself. Candice’s eyebrows furrowed as the blonde mentioned having another pity-party. “Why would you have a pity-party? Is everything alright?” she asked with some concern. She didn’t know the woman, but she was still concerned. “Honestly, this rooftop is the first thing. I would not mind spending the rest of the night up here and waiting for the sun to come up. I could get comfortable here and stare at everything below and wonder what everyone is doing. It doesn’t sound like the worst night of my life.” she shrugged with a grin. “What about you? Are you going to go live it up tonight down in the lower levels of the manor?”

*

Lucian wasn’t entirely sure how to take the question, especially considering it was one they hadn’t expected to hear. They didn’t want a full blown conversation on how they recognised her, they really didn’t. It wasn’t a time they’d particularly enjoyed, they just had a load of friends who liked hanging out in strip clubs. “A few,” came their response. “I am —- I was, I guess, the type of person who just goes out to clubs to dance. It’s not really my scene.” Says the escort, they couldn’t help thinking. 

Anyway, moving on…

“Oh, uh, I’m from here originally,” they told her with a casual shrug. “Had to move back for a couple of reasons. How about you?”

➌

Candice nodded softly at his words. She could understand why he wanted to keep things short about things that happened in the past. She definitely didn’t want to get into it either. Especially when she wasn’t sure how much she could trust the person in front of her. Knowing all about her past could be very valuable information for very bad people who would put her entire family in big danger. It was something she thought of every day. “It’s okay. I’m not a stripper anymore and if you wanted to forget that fact, that would be great as well. I’m a nurse now and I’m very happy in that profession.” she said with a soft nod looking down for a moment before back at the ocean. 

“Really? I would’ve loved to grow up near the ocean. Why would you ever want to leave?” she asked smiling at the view in front of her before looking up at them. “I moved here a year ago. Looking for a new start for me and my baby.” she said with a soft smile before looking at her phone to see if Donna had called her with any bad updates about Ayden. There were none. He was perfectly content. “Are you enjoying the party? I can’t believe this place is empty for all of the year except tonight. They really made it look nice.”

CANDICE RILEY​.

-

Teddy waves off the other’s apology for the non-incident, grateful that the stranger has decided to indulge him. Attempting to be helpful, he replies, “Why not try outside? Signal might be better since it’s closer to the island proper or something?” The nuances of radio waves are lost on him, however, though he’s trying to be helpful, for once, and there’s some merit to be found in that, surely. 

He rolls the pendant across his knuckles as the woman supplies him with an answer. That it is St. Joseph seems to be believable enough, and it isn’t like he has a decent repository of Catholic doctrine in his head to refute it. “Huh. Who gets to decide who’s the patron saint, and who isn’t?” He asks, curious, religion being a topic very consciously left undiscussed in the Carlson household. “What did he do to deserve the title, anyway?” He continues as he goes to lean on the wall, gaze turned now to his newfound companion. 

➄

“That’s a much better idea than me wandering around and continuing to bump into people, isn’t it?” she chuckled. “I’ll definitely have to do that. I’m just trying to check on my son. I’m not away from him often and to think I’m not going to see him until tomorrow morning is a bit unsettling. I probably shouldn’t have come.” she frowned with a soft sigh. She had debated it and after her coworkers agreed to take care of Ayden and she could hear Roane’s voice in her head telling her to go enjoy herself, she knew the right thing to do was just go and try to enjoy herself. 

Candice started searching the internet for St. Joseph necklaces for Roane as the man asked her more about Catholicism. “Hmmm, now it’s been awhile since I’ve been in Sunday school so don’t quote me, but I believe it may be the Pope and his council of cardinals. They make lots of decisions for the religion.” she nodded softly, feeling as though her parents and grandparents would be a little proud of her for the knowledge she was dropping on this guy. “Hmmm, well he was the father of Jesus. Actually, step father...in a way because God was the father of Jesus. It’s a little bit of a complicated situation.” she chuckled softly. “Not big on religion in your family?” 

*

The truth was, Lucian couldn’t actually figure out if they recognised her from an evening over the last year or so, because they’d never been all that good at keeping track. Some people you only saw once, passing ships in the night pretty much. If you ever bumped into them again, it was pure coincidence. When she asked her own question though, they very nearly laughed, a nod following. They’d been there before, dragged along by friends once or twice, not really their choice for an evening.

“Frequent? No. Dropped in once or twice dragged along by friends? Yes.” A shrug followed and they chuckled very lightly. “Guess that’s it, then.”

➃

Candice smiled at their nod even though her stomach twisted softly. She hadn’t been Kandi Kane for a couple of years, turning in her stripper shoes for scrubs. Nurse Riley was her new common name and she had come accustomed to it. Bringing up the past was rough for her. Especially when she didn’t have Roane to step in and protect her. She swallowed softly at their answer looking around again to make sure no one was close to hear their conversation. She didn’t need more people knowing about her past. “Dragged in by friends? So, Vixxxens wasn’t your choice then? Was there another club you preferred?” Candice wasn’t sure why she was asking it, but she had been courted by a few other club owners who wanted her to dance at their clubs. Maybe it was one that they preferred.

“So what brings you out here? Do you live in Catalina now?” she asked before looking out at the water.

for: @candiceriley​ location: north beach time: 10pm

Being at the party tonight was an excuse to take a night off. They’d received a couple of potential jobs, but immediately turned them down when the invite turned up in the mail box. They’d heard about these parties when growing up, although never found themselves with an invite before leaving the island for LA. Tonight really was a no brainer. Following the banquet, though, they’d found themselves outside pretty early on, just taking in the night time view and getting some air. That was when they’d heard someone approaching and glanced over their shoulder to find someone they vaguely recognised. The problem was, Lucian knew a lot of people without really knowing them, so spent a lot of time having no idea where they’d met —- this was definitely one of those occasions.

Tilting their head, they frowned, questioning into the dark, “Hey, do I know you…?”

⊝

Candice had loved the beach as soon as she saw it. She was always drawn to it as well. Her friends said it was her zodiac sign. She was a Pisces and her element was water. She went along with it. There were many traits she had resulting from her zodiac sign so it made sense. Even now, at a party her feet brought her to the ocean and what a beautiful view it would be. Maybe she’d just stay out here for the rest of the night. Ayden was well taken care of and Roane...she hoped he was taking care of himself. She rubbed the tattoo inside her left wrist hoping he could feel him with her. She couldn’t wait until this was over. When they could just be together. Be a family.

She was lost in thought as she moved along the beach and almost missed the man and question that was directed to her. She turned her head and straightened a little. Candice didn’t forget a face, but in the dark it was harder. She squinted as her brain flashed to the times of Kandi Kane. That face was somewhere in there, but she still had to pin point it. “Maybe...” she said softly before looking around. Not many knew about her past and she wanted to keep it that way. It would keep them all safe. “Did you frequent a place named Vixxxens?”

@catalinastarter​.

location: some hallway at the manor. date and time: early evening 

“You think if I nick off a trinket, the ghosts of this manor will follow me around to make my life a living hell for as long as I walk this Earth?” Teddy begins, voice dripping with mockery as his hand trails past the array of artifacts. It isn’t long before he comes upon a curious pendant conspicuously tucked under the lamp, by the parlor table. Against the warm lamplight, the pendant shines, so much so that he’s almost disappointed when he holds it up. Without the warmth of the lamp, he’s left with a rather dull silver. “Huh,” he hums, curiously. “Who the hell is this supposed to be?” 

⊜

Candice had been walking around trying to find service in this place. She just wanted to check on her son and see if he was okay. She also wanted to send Roane a Happy Halloween text with a picture of Ayden in his pumpkin costume. She hoped he was somewhere safe and could enjoy the cuteness that was their son. She smiled as she saw her bars growing almost bumping into a man who was walking down the same hallway. “Sorry, trying to find service is a bit of a bitch.” she grinned before looking at the pendant he was referring to. “It’s St. Joseph. Protector of fathers and patron saint of workers.” she nodded touching the pendant softly. That would actually be a great gift to give to Roane the next time he came to see her and Ayden. She could feel curious eyes on her making her look up. “I grew up Catholic. I had to know my saints in order to get candy at Sunday school.”

@catalinastarter​.

location: patio rooftop. time: mid-evening. 

“Nothing beats this view, don’t you think?” Marion remarks, taking a generous sip from her wineglass. Once finished, she puts her empty wineglass on the balustrade, right next to the other one. Her hands follow soon enough, leaning against the marble for support as she evaluates the muted lights of the neighborhoods. In such a vantage point, the island seems peaceful. Non-threatening, almost. “I mean, I guess there’s the view that comes with finishing that stone maze everyone’s talking about, but geez…” With a weary sigh, she adds: “Who has the time?” 

⊛

“As long as you’re sure he’s okay. Thanks, Donna. I promise to try.” Candice smiled as she hung up her cellphone. The rooftop had been the best place to get reception and she just wanted to check that Ayden was okay. Apparently he was in a deep sleep at her coworker’s house. That was a good thing. She didn’t like being away from him but her friends had pushed her to do this. She had received an invitation and didn’t know what the hell it was until she mentioned it at work and then people were freaking out about how lucky she was to be invited to this super secret party. How she was even considered was still a mystery to her. She was prepared to just not go and spend the night with Ayden watching scary movies and trying not to think about if Roane was injured or running for his life, but that was nixed as soon as her friends knew the invitation was in play. They took her shopping and set her up with an outfit to pay homage to pride because she was always too proud to ask for help when she needed it. It made sense but Candice liked to refer to it as independent. 

“It’s decent.” Candice nodded with a shrug to the woman next to her as she referenced the view. “I’m a water lover myself so city lights don’t really do anything for me, but they’re great if it’s your cup of tea.” she said quickly not wanting to offend the blonde. Her brown eyes looked towards the stone maze and shrugged again. “Mazes aren’t too hard. You just have to keep your hand on the wall and let it lead you. You always find your way out better that way.” It was a trick her Grampie had taught her when she had gotten horribly lost in a maze and screamed for someone to help her when she was little. He found her instantly and helped her get out wiping her tears before putting her on his shoulders so she could see everything from high up. She wondered if he was okay. If he was even alive. “Would it be horrible to count down the hours up here? This would be an awesome view when the sun comes up.”

Lyra knew full well that Candice would’ve genuinely made her a full meal if she’d have asked; that was just the kind of friend she was. Since meeting the woman a few months ago after she’d had her appendix taken out, Lyra had found herself in awe of her new friend and how much she gave of herself to others, whether that was in her job, to her friends or to her son. Which was why hearing that Candice’s boyfriend was away on an indefinite business pulled at Lyra’s heart strings. Although it was a completely different story when it was your partner and son’s father, Lyra had known some aspect of the pain when her father had gone away on trips when she was a child. When the coffee machine had finished, Lyra brought the two cups over to the table and replied as she dropped onto the couch and made herself comfortable. “That must be hard, waiting and waiting for him to come back and not knowing when it’ll be.” Lyra appreciated her friend opening up to her more about her personal life, up until this point, Lyra didn’t even know the woman had a boyfriend so it was nice to know a little bit more about her. “Have you ever tried speaking to him about it? Telling him how hard it is for you? I’m sure he’d understand…” Lyra suggested, her eyebrows lowered as she reached for her cup of coffee. The drink warmed her hands just as the thought of her house being completely her own warmed her heart. “Thanks, Cands. I can’t wait for it to all be done. It’ll be especially nice to come home and feel like I’m truly in my happy place - especially when these restorative justice sessions start with my sister. Did I tell you about that?”

≜

Candice took the cup that Lyra offered and nodded her thanks to her before taking a sip of the dark liquid and smiling. Coffee was definitely something she had more of lately especially since Ayden was going through the four month fussies where sleep was evading him which made it evade her. She also believed that he was missing his dad and she couldn’t blame him because so was she. Candice took a breath before nodding at Lyra’s words. “Yeah, it’s tough, but I got into a relationship with him knowing this so it’s expected at the same time.” she shrugged. Of course, Roane wasn’t a collector but that’s the cover story that they had come up with together for when she had to explain his job to people. She couldn’t go around telling people that she was Irish Assassin’s girlfriend or that she had his baby boy. That’s the kind of stuff that could get all of them in trouble.

“Oh, he knows. He knows. He’s trying to do everything he can to get back to us. If I complained about it, it wouldn’t do either one of us any good.” she said with a shake of her head. He was keeping them all safe while he was on the run and that’s something that Candice told herself over and over. As much as it hurt her, he was keeping them all safe. She smiled taking another sip as the conversation shifted from her and back to the house that Lyra was renovating. “I completely know what you’re saying. I didn’t feel fully at home until I had all the perfect furniture in the house and it was set in all the right places. You’ll get there, Ly. You really will. You’re already in such a great spot. What more do you have to do?” she asked taking another sip of her coffee. “Mmm, no. I haven’t heard any of this. Tell me all about it!”

“Well, at least one room’s clean,” Lyra admitted to herself with relief as she looked around the living room and admired her tidying. With the renovation, even the rooms that hadn’t been started yet seemed to be a tragic mess, what with the various different tradespeople bringing their tools in and out of the house. Lyra knew that @candiceriley​ wouldn’t be judgey enough to care, but she still didn’t want the place to be a tip for their catch up. Hearing a knock at the door, the girl quickly ran to turn the coffee machine on and then made her way over to the door, her eyes scanning the room for one last time before she welcomed her friend in. “You’ll be glad to know , Cands, that I’ve had a full lunch of chips and guac since you texted,” Lyra told her friend as she entered the house, a smile on her face partially at seeing Candice for the first time in a while and also, because she’d done a damn good job at making the room look like she hadn’t just cleaned it for the first time in a month. Lyra gestured over to the couch as she dropped her keys on the table and then ran over to the coffee machine, her elbows resting on the island as she spoke to her friend and waited for the machine to be done. She couldn’t deny that she wasn’t happy to have Candice back on her sofa - she needed her more than ever and wanted to know that her friend was doing okay. “But anyway. What’s been going on with you then, Cands? How’ve you been?”

≎

Candice was starting to get out more and do more things now. Roane’s leaving was harder than before, but she was bouncing back a bit quicker. It seemed that after people met him, they wanted to help her even more. This was why one of her coworkers had taken Ayden for the day insisting she needed some time to herself. She was ready to decline until they brought Roane into it saying he would want her to have some time to herself. Candice knew he would so she couldn’t deny offers when they were given to her with Roane’s name associated with it. 

She happily made her way to Lyra’s place after dropping off her groceries at her house and putting them away. They hadn’t spoken in a while and she was eager to catch up with her. As soon as Lyra opened the door and spoke, she already had Candice laughing. “Yeah, that sounds like the most filling lunch ever. You know I would’ve whipped something up for you if you told me.” she grinned entering the house. She smiled as she looked around the house. She knew that Lyra was renovating, but even if she wasn’t, Candice would never judge her home. She should see hers. She made her way to Lyra’s couch and sat with a sigh watching Lyra from the kitchen. Another sigh before Candice could answer. “My boyfriend, Roane, came into town for a bit  a couple of weeks ago. I was glad we got to spend time as a family, but he had to go on another business trip and I don’t know how long this one is going to take.” she shrugged softly. “A collector’s work is never done. Now, I’m back to missing him all over again. You think I would get to him leaving after all this time, but...it still hurts. The house looks great though. You’re really moving a long.” she smiled to her friend.

for → @catalinastarter​ location: somewhere, anywhere… your choice  time: late afternoon

Arthur isn’t usually so absent-minded, but lately, he’s had too much on his mind. Pushing the door open, he’s suddenly jolted by the strangeness of the environment. “Shit, this isn’t McFlanagan’s,” he mutters to himself. “How the fuck did I get here?”

≆

For some reason, Candice was in the mood for shrimp tacos. She was pretty good at making them, but the Marlin had certain sauce that just made them extra amazing. Those were the tacos she wanted so those were the ones she had to have. She bundled up Ayden and put him in the car and they made their way to the seafood restaurant. She figured they could sit and eat there. She’d feed him his bottle while she waited for her tacos. It would be a treat.

She managed to get herself, Ayden, and the stroller inside and was seated at a table near the door. She made herself and her baby boy comfortable before taking him out of his stroller and holding him against her, cradling him gently as she got him to take his bottle. It had been about a week since Roane left and all she could see was how her love had gotten more and more comfortable with feeding their son. He had done it the entire time he was with them. He even got up in the middle of the night and did it when he cried. He had become a master of it and she just hoped he would come back to do it again sooner than later. 

She heard a mutter behind her and looked up. “You’re definitely not in McFlanagan’s. There’s Guinness here, but probably not as good as the one at McFlanagan’s. It’s all about the pour you know. The bartender has to know how to pour it correctly or it screws it all up.”

Lyra: Hi! I've sent this to everyone in my phone so apologies! As you may or may not know, I'm renovating my house #renovateyourwaythroughabreakup and need some help?? I just wondered if you knew anyone who did jobs / painting / would be willing to help? (Even to just go on the occasional / frequent iced tea run??)🙏

Candice: Hey girl! I haven't heard from you for awhile and I was actually starting to worry. Is this a Love it or List it type deal lol?

“Make me feel it, make me be sure!” Sterling belted out the lyrics somewhat drunkenly in the street, stumbling over a crack in the sidewalk before it set her off into a fit of giggles. One earphone hung from her left ear, a bottle of something or another in her left hand that tasted of peach, and she smacked her lips in delight as she took another swig. She was close to the bars around here but hadn’t wanted company tonight. Instead, she stumbled her way down to the beach and walked out onto the sandy expanse before her. Sighing, she took in the moonlight hitting the water, a grin on her face as energy coursed through her body. It was a wonder night! “Anything is possible..” She murmured, feeling amazing and like she had the energy to run a thousand marathons even though she’d worked a full shift today. “Wouldn’t you say?” She asked the person closest to her, some lonely sole who was also staring out into the ocean or nearby or at the crazed woman who had seemingly came out of nowhere. 

-

∓

Sleep was eluding Candice again. Everything just felt off and she knew why. Roane was gone again. She had taken him to the ferry to disappear again. She had held him so tightly as if she could keep him planted right there on the ferry dock, but it didn’t work. He had to go and she knew he had to go. His safety and her and Ayden’s safety depended on it. So one last kiss and one last I love you and he was gone faster than he had come. She had cried herself to sleep that night feeling every bit of sadness and emptiness inside of her. She had cried the next night as well. Now, she had no tears left. Just emptiness. She knew she had to be strong. Roane needed a strong partner. Someone who could shoulder some of the burden. Normally, Candice could, but right now...she was weak.

So she found herself wearing her pajamas and one of Roane’s long sleeved shirts over top, sitting on the rocks on the beach and watching the dark water. Maybe she’d see that family of whales they had all seen. Maybe one of them would be missing. Hopefully not for a bad reason, just not there. It had been quiet until she heard a woman’s voice that brought her from her recent memories of her love’s visit. Anything is possible, she had said. She supposed that was true. Her and Roane would’ve never met if there wasn’t a series of unfortunate events that happened to both of them and then there would be no Ayden and that would pain Candice even more. Anything was possible. She would see him again. He would come back to them. He had to. “Yeah, I suppose.” Candice replied to the woman giving her a soft smile. “That’s the thing about the future, you never know what’s going to happen so anything is possible.” she nodded. “You look like you’re having a good night. What’s got you so happy?”

@catalinastarter / open

location: step beach setting: any time

katherine rarely had — or more like allowed herself — idle hours before moving back to catalina. she supposes she should feel grateful for having the time to relax, but she can’t help feeling restless, as if there’s something else she should be doing. so she walks her dog, a chocolate labrador, to dispel the uneasiness.

getting distracted by the shrieks and laughter of children with their parents, she loosens her grip on the leash. spike, the cheeky dog, takes this an opportunity to run off. ❝ spike, no— ! ❞ she calls after in vain, but the dog takes no heed, reveling in his freedom and the sand.

∐

Candice needed to feel warm again. With Roane gone again, everything was cold like in the beginning when he first left. It felt horrible. The sheets still smelled like him and he had left her with a few of his shirts that still had his smell. Even his chair smelled like him. It was a good and bad feeling. Something Candice was happy and sad about. So she decided that she and Ayden needed to get some warmth and the sun and hopefully things would be better. 

They were currently sitting on a blanket on the beach. Candice held her son in her arms as she fed him his bottle while she ate blueberries from an open container on the other side of her. She was humming down to Ayden as his eyes started to droop softly. He would fall asleep instantly after Roane fed him, but it took longer with Candice. Ayden had really taken a liking to his dad which Candice loved and wanted for both of them, but the readjusting was not going to be easy. Her hand found the container again, but found fur and whiskers instead of plump blueberries. She smiled seeing the dog that was hungrily inhaling the fruit she had been about to eat herself. “Well, hello. I hope you’re enjoying the blueberries.” she chuckled softly before looking around for his owner. She saw a dark haired woman yelling and waved her over. “I suppose he belongs to you.” she smiled softly. “I hope you don’t mind him having a blueberry snack.” she smiled.

&& CANDICE RILEY.

As Candice finds his distaste for the well-loved animal amusing, dissolute in each gasping breath from her guffaws that earn a few (rightfully) questioning looks sent their way, Hayden sulks.

“It’s not that weird to not like them, okay?” Still, he fidgets, a rush of blood to his cheeks producing a faint airbrush of rosy pink on otherwise pale skin. “Laugh it up, Riley,” he manages to retort along with the ensuing roll of his eyes— a tame reaction to a tame gibing. Had her mocking words been referring to something much more austere and pressing than dolphins, he wouldn’t have spared her the indulgence. Then again, she probably wouldn’t say a word to begin with. The whole thing is just ridiculous, is all. What’s a grown man’s problem with sea mammals?

Her succeeding fantasy gives him pause. He can’t say he hasn’t thought about that. He has. When he was in third grade. And the reason behind her choice to be reincarnated as a whale is just as juvenile, but of course he keeps this to himself. “Not in the ocean, that’s for sure.” For one, he can’t swim, so if he were to be reborn as another animal, whoever is in charge of this sort of thing probably wouldn’t put him in the water. Or they would, just so they could watch him die over and over again. He’s not above such fate.

“If I could choose… personally, I would be a horse.” There was an essay, he remembers, that he enlisted the help of his brother to write. ‘Hay, No, you’re better off as a chinchilla.’ ‘But chinchillas are just rats!’ ‘No, they’re bigger.’ Then he came upon the story of Seabiscuit, and the rest was history. “Something like a war horse probably. Like an Arabian. Big, strong, excellent stamina. Also treated as beloved members of the family. They’re pretty versatile, so I’d have no problem fitting in anywhere.”

∎

Candice coughed a little to get her laughs under control seeing that it was a bit bothersome to Hayden. The last thing she wanted to do was make her friend feel uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, Hay. I’m sorry.” she said with a soft smile giving his arm a pat. “Listen, you’re allowed to like and dislike whatever you want. No approval or judgements from me. Maybe a couple of laughs, but no judgements.” she smirked over to him nudging him a little so he could see she was just teasing him. 

“Hey! There’s nothing wrong with the ocean. I’ve always loved the ocean. Since the first time I saw it.” she smiled softly. It was on a vacation to Virginia with her family. She had to be about eight years old and stepping onto the warm sand, feeling the ocean breeze against her skin, and smelling the ocean air made her heart instantly open up to it all. There was no other place she would rather be than living by the ocean or in it. “Where would you be then, President of the I-Hate-The-Ocean Organization.”

Candice smiled softly as Hayden described the animal he would be. “Horses are very lovely.” she grinned. “You have all of those qualities, Hay. I mean you’re big and strong and you fit in places in your own way. You fit in with me anyway. I don’t know how much that means for you, but it means a whole lot to me.” she smiled softly. “Now would you be okay with someone on your back all the time or would you be bucking soldiers off left and right?”

☼

The day had been going rather well. Apart from a few folks that never even acknowledged her presence, most people either politely declined or stopped to talk. Setting her clipboard on the table nearby, Juni grabbed a drink and took a minute to enjoy the sunshine before starting up again.

“Hi,” she greeted when she caught the woman’s attention, but her attention diverted from her immediately upon contact. Juni’s heart positively melted at the sight of the toddler, “Well, isn’t he just the cutest!” A warm smile spread across her face at the softness of it all. “Yes, of course! We need the Earth around for many generations to come.” Reaching back to her table, Juni dove right back into action, “We’re raising awareness about ocean pollution today. Have you heard of The Great Pacific garbage patch? It’s exactly as it sounds, and if we don’t act soon, the next generation will have to face a great number of consequences.”

∇

Candice smiled looking down at Ayden who was fighting between sleep and wake. “I mean I feel like he’s the cutest baby, but I’m biased because I gave birth to him.” she smirked before kissing his head. She rubbed his back softly as the woman spoke trying to coax the infant back to sleep. 

“I love the ocean so you’ve already got me hooked. I moved here for the ocean views.” she smiled as she tucked some hair behind her ear. So, that wasn’t totally true, but people couldn’t deny the amazing ocean views that the island had. “No, I actually hadn’t heard of The Great Pacific garbage patch. That sounds horrible.” she frowned starting to bounce lightly so Ayden wouldn’t wake up. She knew he would be hungry when he did and wanted to wait until she got home to feed him. “So, what should we do about this? I mean, I want my son to enjoy the ocean just as much as I do. And all the animals. I’ve seen a family of dolphins and whales in the last few weeks and I have to say they reminded me of my family.” she said with a soft smile. She knew it was probably cheesy to say, but with Roane home, she definitely felt more like a family and could see them more and more even in the animal kingdom.

☘︎

Kissing her back, he pulled her closer, hoping and wishing for the second time that would freeze so he could savour this moment forever. Roane had many regrets in life, and though Candice was none of them, he’d add checking for messages before their picnic to that list. Though he wanted updates, the timing was truly awful. He had plans beyond a simple picnic. Plans involving a little black box, one that had travelled with his across continents. A promise. His promise. Slipping his free hand into his pocket, Roane ran his fingers over it, their timing had always been off, and he hoped he could make things right with this visit, but again, time wedged its ugly head between them and cut into their forever.

All he could offer her was a small nod and a sad smile as she moved them closer to the water. With the warmth radiating from Candice and the water lapping the shore; the scene etched into his memory, and he knew he’d pull it up on his darkest days to get them through whatever hellhole he needed to crawl out from. “Yes, darling. I’m sure we will.” Words caught in this throat when she mentioned family, that dream slipped through his hands like smoke and went back to being a pipe dream. If it was safe again. he wanted to correct her, but he refrained, not wanting to ruin the moment. “I’d go anywhere you want.” A beat later, he couldn’t hold the words in anymore, “Can I ask you something?”

💚

She couldn’t help the smile that came across her lips as he pulled her closer. She knew thew feeling. She didn’t want to let him go or lose the moment either. It would be a vision that would warm her bed at night when he was gone. Her heart dropped at the thought again and she had to take a breath and force a smile. She couldn’t let Roane see that it was killing her inside thinking of him leaving again. She had to be strong. That was what he needed in a partner. A strong person that could shoulder some of the burdens that he held. Candice would be that for him because he had been that and more for her. 

Candice kissed the arm that she held gently as they simply watched the waves lap up on the shore for a few moments. She had never felt so comfortable and so at ease in her life. Roane’s presence always made her feel that way. Just him being nearby instantly calmed her nerves and anxieties. She smiled at his words before turning in his arms so she could face him. “Well, that would be very difficult because I would want to go anywhere you want to go. We’re in quite the predicament.” she teased with a small smile. She looked down at his shirt for a few moments before looking back up at Roane. “Maybe...maybe we could go to Ireland. Ayden should know where he comes from and I can visit my grandparents’ town. We could see where you grew up.” she told him softly biting her lip. She had told him long ago that she had been adopted by and Italian-Irish family when she was little. It was the reason she understood many of the words and conversations that were shared between Roane and his associates. She also knew that Ireland may be unrealistic because of Roane’s past. Maybe it was something he didn’t want to relive. Maybe even there wasn’t safe.

“Didn’t you just ask me something?” she teased with a giggle before looking back up at him. “You know you can ask me anything, Peppermint. I have all the answers.” she grinned.