🧦The Smutty Sock🧦

TLC TV & Film Recording Studios - Sussex Coast - England - May 2019  - Studio A

After a busy few days of filming with Henry, the girls and their on-screen parents, Hope was officially back on ‘double duty’. She was splitting her days filming family scenes in the morning and kidnapping and rape scenes with Matt in the afternoon and evening to make sure they kept on track with the hectic schedule. Which meant twelve- to fourteen-hour days on set for Hope.

Hope enters Studio A dressed in nothing but her modesty pouch, a white fluffy dressing gown and matching slippers. After spending all morning shooting a variety of scenes glimpsing into the family life of Livvy, Spencer and their two girls. They had spent time in fits of giggles as Lucy mastered painting with potatoes, mainly getting the paint on herself and Henry, much to the delight of everyone watching.

Joss had already anointed Hope’s face and arms in break-down makeup to make a usually fresh-faced Hope look battered and bruised. It took specialised training, something Joss and Poppy were both qualified in, and today, Joss’s skills had shone through.

Hope’s new look had gone down like a lead balloon with Lucy. The more graphic the bruising, the more the little girl disliked it. But despite that, they all shared a fun time together, a perfect contrast to the rest of Hope’s day.

She walks over to her seat and places her water bottle in its holder and sits as Matt approaches her, also wearing his dressing gown.

“How are you feeling about what’s on our schedule today? Is there anything you want to discuss or change before we start filming?” Matt asks, taking his seat beside her.

“Nothing on my end; you?” Hope tells him, and Matt shakes his head.

“But as your colleague and a man. I have to clarify that you are still okay with where and how I have to touch you?” Matt questions, and Hope sighs; this was a professional work environment. Matt shouldn’t have to ask these questions, but with the current climate in their industry. She wasn’t surprised Matt had, and she respected him for doing so.

“Yes, of course, I’m okay with what we have to do, Matt. Please, don’t feel you have to hold back for fear of offending me. We are filming violent rape scenes; there is no point in doing them if either of us thinks we have to hold back in case of offending the other. The script is graphic. The most graphic I have ever participated in, but that doesn’t mean I’m at all concerned with how or where you have to touch me. Don’t hold back, and if either of us feels uncomfortable at any time, we can just be honest and tell each other and go from there.” Hope leans over to squeeze Matt’s right hand in her own.

“That is a good plan of action. Hope you do understand why I had to ask?” Matt checks, and she smiles at him.

“I do, and I’m sorry if it sounded like I didn't appreciate your concerns.” Hope quickly adds, realising she might have sounded a little harsh in her response.

“No, not at all, Hope; it’s quite refreshing, actually.” Matt replies as Rachel enters the studio, walking over to the director's desk as the Baxendale brothers, who were on camera duties with sound and lighting already fixed and in place on the closed set, do their final checks. 

Makeup was minimal, and hair needed to be as messy as possible. So Poppy was sitting at the back of the studio, waiting to be called upon to do any touch-ups when needed, whilst Joss was on the other set with Henry and the girls. Felicity had visited Hope and Matt individually in their trailers to make sure they had both double-checked that their modesty pouches were securely in place, ready for when the pair's clothes were removed. The pouches were not going to be on long, though, as both would need to be removed at the end of the shoot to get the full frontal scenes filmed as painlessly and quickly as possible.

“Shall we begin?” Rachel asks, taking her seat in the director's chair.

It was as if there really would be no going back now for Hope. This was her time to show that Rachel and Owen had done the right thing casting her in such an important role. She needed to do the story and the show's graphic content the justice it deserved.

* A Couple Of Hours Later*

“How does that feel, Hope?” Peter from props asks, kneeling in front of her; he examines the cuffs attached to Hope’s wrists, a strong chain thread between the cuffs’ links and bolted securely to the floor of the empty and trashed office that Matt’s character had access to.

Hope had been in the same spot for, more or less, the last three and a half hours. Apart from a ten-minute toilet break. She was now being reattached to the metal cuffs after their latest break. Hope tries lifting her arms from her lap, making sure not to move too much in case her robe fell from around her body, as it was not tied. With the more mild scenes completed for the day, Hope’s previous outfit – a plain white, mid-thigh, spaghetti strap top and a pair of white knickers – had been changed to only her modesty pouch. The scene was more emotional than physical and would end with Matt’s character groping and fingering ‘Livvy’ against her will.

“They feel fine. Do you think I might need less arm range, Peter?” Hope asks the older grey-haired man as she shows him how far her arms can stretch.

“For now, I would say leave the range of movement as it is. You’re going to be filming in this position for at least another couple of hours. I don’t want you to end up with wrist cramps or tendon issues. If we need to tighten them for close-ups later on, we can.” Peter explains, squeezing the tips of her fingers and thumbs to check circulation.

“If you start to have any pain, tell Rachel, and she can radio me to come and loosen them. Don’t suffer; it’s not worth it. Especially as you need to be able to carry Grace.” He gives the chains one last check and stands, turning to look at their director and boss.

“You're good to restart, Rachel,” he says, giving her the thumbs up, and jogs off the set, leaving the smaller of the two studios.

“Do either of you need anything before you start shooting again?” She asks softly, giving them both a gentle smile; Hope and Matt both shake their heads and say ‘no’.

“I’ll be down back if you need anything.” Poppy nods in the direction of the small table and chair at the very back of the smallest part of the studio. It meant Poppy was available to Matt, Hope and the crew, but she didn’t have to be too close to the set, giving Matt and Hope a bit of privacy.

Hope knew that Poppy felt that the fewer eyes on her and Matt, the more realistic the scene would feel, and she and Matt had both appreciated the gesture.

“Are we ready?” Rachel asks as she sits down in front of the monitors.

“They’re ready, Rach.” Poppy replies, turning to look at their boss, before heading towards her seat.

“My sweet Livvy, you don’t have to be ashamed of the pleasure you are feeling. Denying yourself the joys of our undeniable love will only cause you pain.” Matt says with a hint of delusion in his voice as he continues to move his slim fingers between Hope’s spread legs.

Hope had her left arm lying across her stomach, just below her bare breasts. Her hands were bound together by the cuffs, still attached by the long metal chain locked to the bolt sunk into the floor. She was sitting in between Matt’s legs, whilst the Baxendale brothers proceeded with capturing various angles for the scene.

“You forcing yourself on me will never give me pleasure. It never has, and it never will. You’re the one causing me pain. You say you love me, but all you do is force yourself on me, bruise me, hurt me and make me bleed.” Hope speaks with determination, but with a hint of exhaustion creeping into her voice as tears spill from her green eyes.

Matt watches as the tears run down her cheeks, staining them and mixing with the small splattering of fake blood on her bottom lip and chin.

“Cut!” Matt hears Rachel call out.

 “Hold positions, please.” She orders, and Matt knows she’s watching a playback of what had been recorded so far. Mark was sitting next to Rachel since the sound equipment was not being moved around the set.

“Looking great so far; we are shooting from above angles this time. If we can restart the scene. Then, go straight through to the end. We will reshoot any touch-ups after. This one should take about fifteen.” Rachel looks over to both, and Matt watches as Hope nods at what Rachel had said.

“Positions, please ….. and action!” Rachel shouts as the red light above their heads comes back on and Matt starts the scene again.

Once the reshoot of the previous scene was completed. Matt starts the new dialogue.

“I will let you go soon. When I have finished pleasuring you, giving you what you deserve, but remember, my sweet Livvy...” Matt glides his hand gently over the area of Hope’s fully exposed vagina, although being cautious not to actually touch her. Instead, his right hand ghosts over Hope’s most intimate area due to the trickery of the camera angles, making it look like he really was touching her.

Matt kneels up and leans over Hope’s smaller body, moving his head to the side of Hope’s face.

“You’ll always be pursued.” He delivers the show's most iconic line as he places a wet kiss onto Hope’s neck and moves his right hand sharply. Hope lets out a pain-filled, terrified scream in time with his movements.

*Seven Hours Later *

Painstaking hour after hour, Matt, Hope and the crew had been filming the brutal scenes, and they were still going. The content of the scenes was becoming more graphic as the day progressed from afternoon into the late evening. With only brief stops for bathroom breaks and snacks. They had been filming for seven long hours and only had a few more scenes on the schedule left to shoot.

“I’m bleeding and sore and feeling faint. Please, can I have some water? I’m no good to you if I pass out.” Hope speaks, exhaustion in her voice, and Matt can hear Hope dragging her words out. Attempting to show the stress and tiredness that Livvy was feeling and possibly her own tiredness too.

“We stop when I say we can. You are giving me so much pleasure, my sweet Livvy.” Matt replies spitefully as he mocks the movement of his fingers inside Hope’s body.

“Cut.”

Rachel shouts, and Matt pulls his hand away.

 Their clothes and modesty pouches had been long gone hours ago as they filmed a graphic full frontal scene. Matt had been fortunate enough to get his reapplied before the filming of their current scene. The previously completed scene had been less physically graphic but had still consisted of his hands violating Livvy's body and had moved on to a torrent of verbal abuse, which had become the main focus of the scenes. Their current scene, although similar to their afternoon shoot with the vile words from ‘James’ still pouring from Matt’s mouth, had progressed physically.

The sexual content was becoming more violent as their current scene progressed, and that meant both their bodies were uncovered for all in the room to see. Matt moves around Hope to sit in front of her, blocking the view of the front half of her body. Yes, their bodies would be shown in vivid detail on screen, but that didn’t mean either of them had to sit uncovered when the cameras weren’t rolling.

“Here, wrap these around you. I know it won’t take long for the guys to move the cameras around, but you’re pretty exposed up here.” Poppy passes Matt a white fluffy robe. Hope’s hands were still chained, so she couldn’t put the robe on herself. Matt leans up onto his knees, not caring that his cock or backside could be seen.

“Do you want me to tie it?” He asks Hope as he wraps the warm, fluffy material around her.

“No, it’s okay, thanks, Matt.” Hope replies as Poppy passes the other robe to Matt.

He pulls the large robe onto his body, securing the material around himself. Sitting back down with his legs tucked under him in front of Hope. Turning his attention back to his co-star.

“Can I get you anything, darling?” Matt asks softly as he studies Hope’s pale and bruised-looking face.

Poppy had done a great job to make a usually fresh-looking Hope look pale and exhausted. With a tinge of yellow and brown splattered over her skin. To make it look like bruising was starting to appear on what was meant to be Livvy’s assaulted face and body.

 “Could you itch the corner of my left eye, please? It’s been bugging me since our last take.” Hope asks, her watery and slightly red eyes looking into Matt’s own blue ones.

“Of course, I can. Just tell me when I reach the right spot.” Matt reaches out with his hand, placing his fingers onto Hope’s face and over her left eye.

“Right there, Matt.” Hope murmurs.

“Did that get it?” He asks, after giving the offending area a gentle scratch with the nail of his index finger, and Hope gives him a thankful smile.

“That feels so much better; thank you.” Matt removes his hand from her face as the familiar sound of Rachel’s voice fills the studio.

“Ready to go again?” She asks, and Matt glances at Hope, who nods at him.

“Ready when you are, Rach.” Hope calls out, her voice the loudest Matt had heard since they had started filming earlier in the afternoon.

Poppy takes the robe, and Matt glances at Hope, who gives him a hint of a smile. Almost looking her usual self, apart from the makeup and fake blood, cuts and bruising covering her face, neck, hair and chest. Matt moves to his scripted position behind Hope as Rachel calls “Action” again.

Matt wraps Hope’s hair around his hand and pulls her towards him. With her back flush against his front, he pushes her back down with his body and pretends to forcibly penetrate her.

TLC TV & Film Recording Studios - Sussex Coast - England - May 2019 - 

The first meeting with the on-screen parents had been brief and formal, apart from Ken and Hope sharing a long hug. From just that one embrace, Henry could tell the two of them were fond of each other and why Hope was so excited to be working with not only a legend but an acquaintance.

Sir Kenneth Branagh and Hermione Norris were portraying ‘Livvy’s’ parents, and Nigel Havers and Amanda Redman were playing ‘Spencer’s’. Nigel had joked with Owen and Rachel, questioning if they were sure Henry’s character could be his, as he could not grow a beard like Henry’s.

The two sets of parents had gone on to film their scenes together, without Henry and Hope, whilst they were busy being styled and getting their hair and makeup done. Once ready, it was time to film with the four iconic actors, and Henry was equal parts honoured and nervous.

Henry enters Studio B with Kal by his side, strolling over to his designated seat and unhooking Kal’s lead and collar, placing them on his blanket. There were now four more named seats beside his, Hope's and Matt’s empty ones. He reads the names; despite their quick introduction, it still had not fully sunk in, and Henry had to applaud his boss’s abilities to gather four of the finest actors into one show to play Spencer and Livvy’s parents. All four of whom were currently talking with Owen and Rachel.

The latter waves her goodbyes and heads back to Studio A to film scenes with Matt. Henry hears the studio door reopen, and Hope, Felicity, and Poppy all enter smiling and chatting. They soon come over to where he and Kal are standing, and he smiles at the three women as Kal nudges Poppy’s legs to get her attention, and the brunette starts petting him.

“Are you sure that the bump isn’t too tight? I’d hate for you to put your back out.” Felicity asks Hope.

The blonde places her Spurs reusable water bottle in one of the chair pockets and her phone in the other. She smiles at Henry before turning her attention back to the two brunettes.

“It feels fine, Felicity. It’s not exactly comfortable, but it’s only going to be for a couple of hours. If I need it loosened or a break from it, I’ll let you know.” Hope says, giving them a reassuring smile.

Henry admired her determination to wear the prosthetic bumps without complaint. He had carried several of them for Bec and Hope. The fake, final stage bumps had been rather heavy. He didn’t envy Hope having to wear them daily for several months. Although they were nearing the end of their flashback scenes sooner than expected.

“Poppy, Flic, how are we doing?” Owen asks from his position with the four actors playing their on-screen parents.

“Darcy and Lottie are ready to go.” Felicity tells their boss, using his and Hope’s codenames.

Henry pats his thigh and whistles to Kal, who gets up and stands beside him. Henry, Hope, and Kal make their way to the lounge set, where everyone is sitting in position, waiting for the scene to start. Hope directs Kal to sit beside the two-seater sofa and gives him a couple of reassuring strokes.

She walks the short distance to stand beside Henry, where they are greeted by Mark, one of the sound engineers, who passes Henry a large, heavy tray full of mugs of tea.

“This is for you, mate; don’t drop ‘em. They actually have hot tea in for a change.” Mark tells him, and Henry takes a secure hold of the tray. Mark, Katie, and Dean finish double-checking the cables on all the sound and camera equipment.

 “We’re good to go.” Katie shouts over to Owen as she bends down to pick up her heavy camera, placing it on her right shoulder.

“Thanks, Katie. We will do two complete run-throughs to gather all the dialogue, and then we will reshoot close-ups after. Ethan, you can call when you're ready.” Owen looks over to Ethan from his position at the director's desk.

Lifting the headphones from around his neck and placing them over his ears. Ethan delivers the scene info and then yells, “Action.”

That's Henry’s cue to walk into the lounge area, which he does with a steady hold on the tray. Thankful Kal, who’s lying in front of Hope’s feet, remains still as Henry moves towards the small coffee table in front of the larger of the two sofas, where all four parents are seated, placing the tray down.

“Everyone’s drinks are in their usual mugs.” Henry delivers the first line of dialogue for the scene. He picks up two mugs and moves over to sit next to Hope on the two-seater sofa, passing her one of the mugs.

“There you go, Sweetheart. Decaf, one and a half sugars, and extra milk, just how you now like it.” Henry leans over to kiss the side of Hope’s head. It wasn’t in the scene directions, but it felt like a natural gesture that Spencer would do to his wife.

“Thanks, Spence.” Hope replies with a soft smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Henry watches as Dean is pulled along on a runner. To obtain a long shot of the room. Returning to the middle of the room, opposite where the two sets of parents are sitting, to continue filming.

“Not that we don’t love seeing you all in the middle of a weekday. However, the look on both of your faces has me, and I suspect everyone else in the room, worried. What’s going on? Is there something wrong with the baby?” Amanda asks, looking over to her fictional son with a concerned tone in her voice.

“The baby is fine, Mum. She’s reaching all her measurements, and just like Etta, a right fidget bum.” Henry speaks with a tone of reassurance in his voice. Placing his right hand over the fake bump on Hope’s stomach, moving his hand in a circular motion.

“Did something happen at the firehouse? Livvy, are you unwell?” Kenneth asks, directing the latter part of his question to his on-screen daughter.

“I’m fine, Dad; everyone at the firehouse is fine.” Hope lifts up a hand in offer of reassurance.

“We have something to tell you, and we know it will be upsetting. But we need you all to try and stay calm for Etta’s sake and for the baby’s sake. She can pick up on my stress levels. We need you all to listen to what Spence and I have to tell you; then you can ask questions, okay?” Hope speaks her line with a hint of nervousness and uncertainty in her voice; Henry suspected she wanted to convey ‘Livvy's’ feelings. She turns her head to look at him, and Henry moves closer to Hope so that their thighs are touching.

“Ready, sweetheart?” Henry asks, and Hope nods.

Henry places both their mugs on the coffee table and wraps his right arm around Hope’s waist. He rests his hand on her baby bump, running soothing circles over her tummy.

“For the last few months, at least the last five for certain, I’ve…” Hope pauses. Henry takes her hand with his own and entwines their fingers, giving her hand a supportive squeeze.

“Okay?” He asks, and Hope nods again, her eyes darting from his face to the direction of the sofa.

“We’re being stalked.” Hope’s voice trails off, showing ‘Livvy’s’ distress, and tears fall from her eyes.

“It’s Livvy who is his main focus. Whoever this guy is, he has an infatuation with Livvy. Etta and I happen to be in some of the pictures.” Henry delivers probably one of the most important pieces of dialogue for the scene.

The sound of Owen shouting ‘Cut’ fills the room. The scenes pause and reset for the delivery of the next several lines.

“The only thing we know about him is that he always ends his message with the same line: ‘You’ll always be pursued.’” Hope speaks with clarity, but a deep tone of sadness resonates in her voice.

Henry squeezes their entwined fingers.

“What does that even mean?” Hermione asks, looking directly at her on-screen daughter.

“We don’t know, Mum. We have been trying for weeks to work out who he is and what he wants. We have no clue, and that’s what makes the whole situation even more unnerving.” Hope bites her bottom lip, trying to convey the emotional struggle that her character was trying to control.

“Whatever you need. We are here for you. We can take Etta for you if that helps, or you can come to stay at ours; he might not know where we live.” Kenneth speaks his line with the air of calmness and eloquence of a seasoned performer.

Hope does as the screen directions ask and shakes her head at his suggestion.

“No, Dad. We can’t do that. There is no way we would ever risk putting any of you in danger. I’m his target. It’s me he seems to be fixated on. It’s terrifying enough that he knows what Spence and Etta look like. I wouldn’t want him to know where you live as well, and as for Etta. I can’t have her somewhere else other than with us, not yet anyway.” Hope recites her lines with a firm voice, implying that no one dares to disagree or question ‘Livvy’s’ decision.

Dean brings the camera in towards Hope’s face, getting a close-up to show the shadow of emotions across her tired face.

“Whatever you need. We are here for you, all of you.” Nigel speaks, looking between Henry and Hope with an expression of disbelief on his face. They continue the scene with extra reshoots.

 When they are finished, Hope makes her way to her trailer for a costume change and a make-up session with Joss, who had just arrived on set with the girls. Ready for their scenes with Henry and their fictional grandparents. Henry takes the girls for an introduction with the four adults before everyone goes for their own costume changes.

*An hour and a half later *

After everyone had received a costume change and a hair and make-up refresh. It was time for Hope to be bump-free and unveil her rather brilliant, yet realistic, graphic make-up done by Joss. The brunette finishes smudging the mixed blue, green, yellow, and black make-up under Hope’s eyes.

“You’re all done,” Joss says as she cleans her fingers with a make-up wipe.

“Do you want to take a look now or when you get on set?” Joss asks, and Hope sees the look of concern on her best friend’s face.

“Now, if that’s okay? I’d rather know what reaction to expect from the others.” Hope looks up at the brunette, who stood beside the make-up chair Hope sat in. Joss spins the mirror over to reveal the glass, and Hope finally sees her reflection.

 “Bloody hell, Joss, that looks scary but realistic! You’re incredible.” Hope reaches out to touch Joss’s hand.

“It has to be the hardest piece of make-up I’ve ever done. I’m not sure I’m going to enjoy doing this to you week in, week out.” Joss reveals.

Hope squeezes the brunette's hand again at the look of displeasure in Joss’s sky-blue eyes.

“You can, and you will, Joss, because there is no one I trust more to make me look like this.” Hope speaks firmly. Giving Joss a slither of a smile. Whilst trying not to damage the hard work she had just finished completing on her face.

“I need to take a pic so Poppy has a reference for consistency,” Joss explains, picking up her phone from the make-up table and pressing a button on the screen.

“Can you look straight ahead, please?” Joss asks, and Hope does as instructed as the flash goes off three times. “Perfect, all done.”

There’s a knock on the make-up trailer door. Hope and Joss look at each other silently, questioning who could be at the door. Poppy and other members of Joss’s small team were busy doing the hair and make-up for the four actors portraying Livvy and Spencer’s parents. Joss had completed Henry’s touch-up over half an hour earlier. So he had been looking after the girls, whilst Joss focused on Hope’s make-up.

“Who is it?” Joss asks, shouting through the door.

“It’s Henry; if you’re still busy, I’ll come back in a bit.” The two women hear the deep tone of his voice reply.

“It’s okay, Hun, let him in.” Hope looks up at her best friend, who nods at her before walking the three steps to the door, Hope standing as she hears the door open.

“The girls are back on set with Kal; Felicity is with the three of them.” Henry looks at Joss, informing her of the location of her daughters.

“Thanks for taking them whilst I did this, Henry. I’ll give you both a couple of minutes alone. I'll shout when we’re radioed back onto the set.” Joss speaks softly, and Hope hears Henry say thank you.

Henry enters and closes the trailer door behind him. Once she knows they are alone, Hope turns around in the swivel chair and stands up. Henry sees her for the first time, and Hope catches a hint of shock flicker in Henry’s blue eyes. They stand in silence as Henry takes in Hope’s battered and bruised appearance.

“I don’t know whether I want to hug you or punch the nearest wall. Fucking hell, Joss is incredible at her job.” Henry mumbles as his eyes continue to scan over Hope’s face.

Hope glances down to see Henry’s right hand clench and unclench three times. She reaches out, taking his hand in hers, giving him a reassuring squeeze. Hope lifts her hand, placing it over Henry’s cheek, her fingers going through his untamed beard.

Henry had been reluctant at first to not trim for a couple of days, in case it affected the continuity of filming. With Owen and Rachel’s reassurance and explanation for the need to have ‘Spencer's’ beard unkempt, he had agreed. Thus, for the next few days, he was planning on not trimming his beard and embracing ‘wild Henry’, as Lucy had called him when she had seen him look this way for the first time.

“I’ll take the hug.”

Henry moves and puts his body flush against hers. His strong arms slide around her body, his left arm around her lower back and his right around her shoulders. Hope feels Henry bend down, his beard-dusted chin resting on her shoulder, and his warm breath tickles the skin of her neck. They stand in silence, taking in the support that the warm embrace offers them both.

“Are you ready to see Lucy? Fuck, if I’m a shaking mess seeing you like this, how is a three-year-old going to cope?” Henry asks, lifting his head off Hope’s shoulder and raising his hand to show it was trembling.

“Joss and I have both explained to Lucy about me pretending to have ouchies at some point. I heard you with Lucy as Joss and I were leaving to do the make-up. What you said to her. How you explained Mummy was going to make me look a little sad, as if I’d had a fall and got ouchies on my face. But they were not real and were part of acting. Like how she pretends you and I are her Mummy and Daddy. It was perfect, Henry.” Hope compliments Henry, cupping his beard cheek.

“She’ll be okay, and if she’s not. We will explain it to her again, together.” Hope rubs her hand up and down Henry’s lower back.

“Come on, let's go and get these scenes filmed. We need to see that beautiful face of yours A.S.A.P.” Henry gives Hope a squeeze.

Henry moves away from their embrace and opens the trailer door, holding out his hand to help Hope down the stairs. She takes the offered hand. Squeezing it so he knows she appreciates the gesture.

Hope’s left eye was made up so much it made her eye look almost closed. She was grateful for the help since it made the contact in her eye a little blurry.

Hope and Henry slowly make their way over to the filming studios. Henry, insisting they take their time. Despite Hope’s assurance, she was fine walking without holding onto the arm Henry had offered her. She could feel his large palm resting on the small of her back, reminding her the offer to assist her was still there if she changed her mind. A kind gesture she greatly appreciated.

“Auntie Hope, Auntie Hope,” Lucy calls out the moment she sees them enter Studio B, where the scenes in the dining area were being filmed. The three-year-old runs towards them, Kal following behind his current favourite human. They meet halfway, and Hope bends down to crouch on the balls of her feet to be at eye level with Lucy and Kal. Henry crouches down, copying Hope.

“You have ouchies. Do you want me to kiss them better?” Lucy asks, and Hope’s heart melts at the thoughtfulness of her goddaughter.

“Do you remember what Mummy, Henry, and I said earlier about my ouchies not being real?” Hope questions the little girl, placing her hands on Lucy’s legging-covered hips. The little girl nods her brown curls bouncing around.

“That the ouchies are preeeetend.” Lucy replies, dragging out the last word as she nips at her bottom lip.

“That’s right, sweetie. The ouchies don’t hurt, so I don’t need kisses to make them better. But I’ll still have a big cuddle.” Hope suggests, and Lucy gives her a big smile and flings her arms around her neck, hugging Hope tightly, causing her to get a mouthful of Lucy’s curls, making the blonde giggle.

As they hug, she feels the softness of Kal’s nose prod her left elbow. Hope moves away from her cuddle with Lucy as Kal nudges his large head into the small space between the two. Hope sees Henry place his hand on Lucy’s back, ensuring the large dog’s nudges didn’t leave the little girl unsteady on her feet. Kal looks at Hope, making eye contact with her. She can tell that the large dog, who was so clever at reading people’s emotions, was studying her face to see if her new appearance was causing her any distress. Kal then turns his head to the side slightly to give Henry a questioning glance.

“It's okay, Kal, Mummy’s face doesn't really hurt, see.” Hope finds Henry’s choice of words a little strange. Yes, she was ‘mummy’ on set for the girls. She wasn’t sure why Henry chose to refer to her as Mummy to Kal. She’s pulled from her thoughts as Henry's hand reaches her cheek, cupping the side of her face gently. Hope tries to smile at the gesture.

Henry removes his hand, and Kal nudges his head into Hope’s chest. She wraps her arms around his neck and places her hand on the side of his large face, giving him a few reassuring rubs.

“You’re a sweetie, Kal. I’m okay, I promise.” Hope presses a kiss to the fur at the top of Kal’s head.

“I do hope Kal isn’t licking off Hope’s make-up.” Hope hears Owen say, as he approaches them with a relaxed smile on his features,. Although Luke was officially directing the family scene, that did not stop him or Rachel from observing their work being created.

“Of course, he isn’t. Our Kal is a good boy.” Hope strokes Kal’s head whilst glancing at Henry, who has a glimmer of a smile on his soft lips.

“There’s Mummy and our littlest leading lady.” Owen declares. Hope turns her head to the right to see Joss entering the recording studio, pushing Grace in her pram. Returning from giving the baby a feed.

“Sorry about that. She’s all fed, burped, and changed; hopefully, she’s full. She seems to need bigger feeds now.” Joss explains with an apologetic smile. Hope and Henry both stand, and Hope sees Owen reach out to give Joss a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“Joss, what have we said about apologising for feeding Grace? You must never justify needing to nurture your baby. We work around you and the girls; yours and the girls' health and happiness are our priority. You do whatever the girls need; we can always wait.” Owen gives Joss a kind smile and removes his hand from her shoulder. Hope really liked how everyone in the crew was so supportive of her best friend caring for her baby.

Henry moves from beside Hope and walks over to where Grace is lying in her pram.

“Come on, my littlest princess, cuddle time.” Henry speaks to the baby as he leans into the pram to scoop her out. It was scripted for Henry to hold Grace throughout the scene. As ‘Livvy’ would be in a lot of pain, recovering from her injuries suffered from her kidnapping and rape.

The two sets of parents were already sitting around the kitchen table, where they were talking amongst themselves. Kal, who had somehow known where he needed to be, was resting in the corner of the room. Having a little snooze, much to Henry’s delight. Henry sees his four co-stars all turn their heads at the sound of Lucy’s voice as she continues to do what she does best: bombard Henry with questions.

Once Henry and his three leading ladies reach the kitchen and stand by the kitchen table next to Nigel, who is placed in the seat closest to where the three of them were standing. Henry crouches down, holding Gracie securely to his chest using his right arm; he reaches out with his free hand to place it gently onto Lucy’s cheek.

“Luce, you’re going to be sitting on Nigel’s lap for this scene, okay? When it’s time for your lines, Luke will shout ‘cut’, and I will whisper your lines to you. Like me and Auntie Hope usually do, okay, princess?” He asks the little girl, who nods against his hand. Her brown curls bop up and down as she moves her head to confirm she understands. Henry smiles at the toddler and removes his hand from her face.

“Up you get, Lucy.” Nigel speaks softly to the little girl, who glances at the older man, then turns to look at Henry for reassurance.

Henry nods to confirm it was okay and stands.

Nigel scoops Lucy up by the waist and sits her sideways on his lap so she is facing the cameras, and Henry is still in her line of view. Nigel begins talking to his on-screen granddaughter. Once Henry sees Lucy lift her head up and give him a smile, he looks over to Luke and gives him the thumbs up, and the scene starts.

Ethan holds the large fluffy microphone over the middle of the table, whilst Katie and Dean, with cameras in hand, settle into their positions. Katie’s sitting on a runner to pan around the table, and Dean’s to the side of Henry. Ready to capture him and Gracie leaning on one of the kitchen worktops, opposite the dining room/kitchen table, where Lucy and the on-screen grandparents are sitting.

Henry glances over to the open kitchen door, where a bruised-looking Hope is standing, waiting to enter the scene.

Luke shouts ‘Action’, and Dean moves his camera closer to Henry to capture his reaction to the dialogue taking place at the table.

“Has Livvy said much since she came home, Spencer? Hermione, his on-screen mother-in-law, asks, a look of worry on her face.

“Not much. Other than when she is asleep. She refuses to leave the girls alone, and I don’t blame her. Although that does mean we haven’t had an opportunity to talk about what happened. That’s even if she actually remembers.” Henry looks down and moves his head closer to Gracie’s to portray that Spencer was getting comfort from holding his baby at this difficult time.

“The doctors did say she was likely drugged and suffered at least two blows to the head and a concussion. It might take a couple of weeks for her memory to come back.” Nigel speaks his line whilst looking up at Henry, giving him a look of reassurance.

“I’m not sure I want Livvy to get her memory back. Maybe it’s for the best that she doesn’t remember.” Kenneth answers with a deep feeling of anger and sadness in his voice. Which makes Lucy look over at her other fictional grandfather. A sense of pride washes over Henry that Lucy had remembered her scene directions.

“Cut!” Luke shouts, and Henry bends down, making sure to support Grace’s tiny head.

He goes eye level with Lucy and tells her the couple of lines she needs to say. Reassuring her that she can ask him if she forgets any of them. Henry gives the thumbs up, and the scene starts again. Katie tilts her camera towards Lucy, who looks up at Nigel. Luke calls “Action”, and Lucy starts repeating the words Henry has told her.

“Grandpa, why is Pa sad?” Lucy questions as Katie moves the camera in for a close-up.

“Pa is worried about Mummy. She’s got a nasty bump on her head, so she can’t remember things very well.”Nigel explains softly as he tilts his head close to Lucy's, rubbing her back to try and comfort her.

“Does she remember me?” Lucy questions, looking directly at Nigel, who gives her a smile.

“Nothing will ever make Mummy forget her Etta and Millie.” Nigel delivers his line with a soothing expression on his face, and Lucy looks at him with her ‘remembering look’. Henry and the crew had named it to explain facial expressions to the three-year-old.

“Does Mummy remember Daddy?” She asks, and that was Amanda’s cue to deliver her line.

“Of course, she remembers Daddy too! You three are Mummy’s precious ones. She will always remember you, Millie, and Daddy, no matter what.” Amanda reaches out, placing her hand onto Lucy’s cheek.

“Cut.” Luke calls from his director's chair. ”Great job, Lucy.” Lucy waves at him; it seems she loved getting praise from their director.

“Once more to do the angles, please.” Luke instructs, and the cameras are shifted into their new positions, and they deliver the lines with ease.

When the scene is over, the cameras are shifted, and a little while later, the filming resumes with Hope entering the kitchen.

“Sweetheart, you shouldn’t be attempting the stairs by yourself.” Henry says, walking over to where Hope is standing by the door.

“You should have rung your bell by the bed. I would have come and helped you downstairs.” He places his arm around Hope’s shoulders, and they walk back to where he and Gracie had been.

“I can walk down a flight of stairs by myself, Spence!” Hope delivers with the sharp tone that it requires. Hope then winces, holding the left side of her stomach, and reaches out with her hand to rub Henry’s bicep. “I’m sorry, Spence, it’s the pain meds. I didn’t mean to snap.”

Henry gives her a reassuring nod of his head. He reaches out with his hand to take Hope’s and gives her hand a gentle squeeze.

The scene’s cut so cameras can be repositioned. Henry bends down to talk to Lucy, telling her the next few lines and scene direction. After a few minutes, Luke shouts “Action”, and the scene starts again.

“Mummy, Mummy!” Lucy shouts, trying to wiggle out of Nigel’s lap, but he stops her as per the scene directions.

“Not yet, Etta. Mummy might need to sit down before you can give her a cuddle. She has lots of ouchies at the moment.” Nigel speaks softly to Lucy, rubbing her back gently.

“Come and take a seat, Liv; you might still get dizzy from standing up.” Kenneth speaks as he stands up and gestures to his on-screen daughter to take a seat.

Katie takes three steps back to allow her to follow Hope and Kenneth’s movements. Kenneth places his hand on Hope’s shoulder, making her flinch at the touch. Kenneth conveys an emotional look of heartbreak.

“Sorry, Dad.” Hope replies with sadness in her voice and tears filling her bruised-covered eyes.

“It’s okay, Livvy. You sit down next to Mum and rest.” Kenneth places his hand on Hope’s shoulder and guides her into the empty seat. Henry watches as Hermonie reaches out and takes Hope’s hand.

“Are you hungry? Do you want a cuppa?” Kenneth asks, delivering his next line as Hope shakes her head.

“Sweetheart, you need to at least have something to drink. Especially if you want to continue breastfeeding Millie. Remember what the doctors said: you need to keep hydrated to produce milk.” Henry looks over to Hope, who nods.

“Okay, I’ll have some water. I don’t think my mouth can handle hot drinks yet.” Hope replies, sadness lacing her voice. Dean moves the camera further towards Hope’s face to capture her expressions.

Kenneth grabs a glass from the side cupboard and goes to the sink, filling it. He comes back and passes it to Hope, who takes it with shaking hands. The scene’s cut and restarted several times, giving Henry the chance to tell Lucy her next lines.

“Grandpa, can I sit on Mummy’s lap now, or will her ouchies hurt?” Lucy asks, looking up at Nigel, her bright sky-blue eyes sparkling as she speaks.

“I’m sure Mummy would love cuddles, but remember Mummy has ouchies on her tummy, so don’t squeeze too tight.” Nigel glances over to Hope, who nods at what he says. Nigel lifts Lucy off his lap, and she walks the short distance to stand next to Hope.

“Pa will help you up, Etta.” Kenneth tells Lucy, who puts her arms out, ready to be lifted. Kenneth picks her up, placing the toddler onto Hope’s lap. Hope lets out a painful wince to emphasise Livvy’s hidden injuries. The scene is cut, and Hope tells Lucy her next set of lines.

“Why do you have ouchies, Mummy?” Lucy asks, lifting a hand to touch Hope’s bruised cheek.

“I had an accident whilst I was away.” Hope replies with ‘Livvy’s’ half-truth.

“Did you fall down?” Lucy plays with Hope’s hair as she says her line.

“It was a different type of accident. But every day I'm back home with you, Millie, and Daddy. I feel better.” Lucy smiles at Hope’s words. Just how Hope had asked her to.

“We will look after you, Mummy.” Lucy places an unscripted kiss on Hope’s cheek.

The conversion moves on, and the scene is completed, taking a little over two hours to film.

Later In The Afternoon*

“Did Joss and the little ones get off okay? Lucy looked exhausted.” Hermione asks Hope.

The pair are sitting in their respective cast seats, chatting as the crew finish rearranging the cameras, microphones and other pieces of equipment for the next scene, which would take place in ‘Millie’s’ nursery set. They were moving things around to make it easier for Dean, Ethan and Katie to have better access to film the scene between Kenneth and Henry.

For their afternoon shoot, Hope, Hermonie and the two men had been filming in a variety of combinations, some as the four of them or a trio, and now in pairs. Hope and Hermonie had finished a mother/daughter scene in Spencer and Livvy’s bedroom.

Although they were currently finished for at least the next hour. Both women had gone for costume changes and toilet breaks before meeting back up fifteen minutes later. They had decided to grab a quick cuppa and a couple of biscuits and bring them back to the set. Giving them the opportunity to watch the two men share one of their longest scenes together. Hope bends down, reaching out to stroke Kal’s soft fur, whilst he relaxed on his blanket with his head resting against Hope’s outstretched legs.

“Yes, they did. Lucy was already asleep by the time I got her placed in the car seat. She tired herself out today.” Hope reveals with a fond smile, holding a sleeping Lucy and Grace was still one of her favourite things to do. She would never tire of cuddling her ‘nieces’.

“I’m not surprised. I don’t think many three-year-olds have as much acting and lines to do as Lucy has.” Hermione speaks in a hushed tone, turning to look at Hope. "I have to say, I do admire how you and Henry are able to get little Lucy to deliver her lines the way she does. It's very impressive.”

“Thank you. She may be my family, but it’s been much easier for me because of Henry. He’s the one that deserves the praise for how he has developed such a strong bond with her before I came to the show. It’s the sole reason Lucy is able to do what she does so well. Joss thinks the hours Henry spent talking and playing with Lucy in-between takes and their time together during lunch breaks have built a stronger connection between them. Now we and the show are reaping the rewards of Henry’s time and effort.”

Every word of praise was true. Hope had spent many telephone conversations with Joss, where her best friend had told her how amazing Henry had been with Lucy.

“I’m predicting it now; Lucy will be a scene stealer; both girls will be.” Hermione declares, and Hope nods in agreement.

“I have a feeling you’ll be right.” Hope sees Owen walk from the nursery set and go to his director's chair. Where he had taken over from Luke to direct the next scene.

 Hope hadn't actually been needed on set and had been at the restaurant getting a cup of tea at the time. Upon her return, she didn't know where they had got to in the recording of the scenes. Owen calls action, and Hope watches the scene between her on-screen husband and father unfold.

When the scene starts, Hope realises this is the scene that had caught her eye when she had first read the scripts. She never thought she would actually be on set to witness it being filmed. It’s when the scene restarts for the fourth segment of the dialogue that Hope hears the emotional tone in Henry’s usually calm, deep voice that draws her full attention.

“Spencer, you don’t need to be folding clothes and rearranging Millie’s nappy drawer. She has more than a month's worth there. Why don’t you come downstairs? Have some lunch and play with Etta before Millie wakes up, Livvy needing another feed.” Kenneth speaks softly. He reaches out to place his hand onto Henry’s shoulder, and Hope sees Henry flinch.

“I need to get Millie’s clothes organised for the next couple of days so that Livvy won’t need to move around too much. Then I need to sort the dirty laundry into piles. You head down and get yourself and Mum some drinks. I’ll be down in a bit to get Etta’s lunch organised.” Henry's voice sounded soft and as if on autopilot.

Kenneth squeezes Henry’s shoulder; it was scripted for both Spencer and Livvy to refer to each other’s parents as Mum and Dad, emphasising how close they were with each other’s families.

“Spencer, please stop. This can all wait. Mum and I can do things like this for you. We are here to help you too, Spence, not just to help out with the girls. You need to stop and rest, or you’ll burn out, and then you’ll be no good for any of your girls.” Kenneth squeezes Henry’s shoulder again, and Katie moves her camera up slightly. A cue for Henry to lift his head. He glides his hand through his soft, messy curls.

It’s then, for the first time, Hope and the camera see Henry’s blue eyes full of tears.

“I need to be doing things, Dad, please just…” Henry’s voice cracks, and tears flow out of both Henry’s eyes. Kenneth uses his hand on Henry’s shoulder to manoeuvre the younger man around to face him.

“Cut.” Owen’s voice breaks through the silence, and the cameras and sound equipment are rearranged. Once completed, Owen shouts ‘action’ again.

“Come on, Spence, sit down for a minute.” Kenneth delivers his line; the shorter man guides Henry to take a seat on the large single armchair.

Katie bends down onto her knees, moving her camera to be level with Henry’s face. Lewis remains standing, capturing their movements and facial expressions from a side view. His brother, Dean, was at his side, holding the large microphone above Henry’s and Kenneth’s heads.

“Cut!” Owen calls out.

Hope hears Henry sniff, knowing the noise would be caught on the microphones. Owen lets out “hmmms” and “yes” as he watches the playback of what had been recorded so far.

“Need a tissue, Henry?”

Hope looks back over to the set at the sound of Kenneth’s voice, and she sees Henry shake his head. He reaches into the front pocket of his jeans and pulls out a tissue. Hope guesses he had placed it there in preparation for the scene. She was surprised at how Henry could cry with such ease. She knew he was a great actor from the little she had managed to watch of his work. But she had not seen him have to portray such emotion before.

Hope notices he chooses not to wipe the tears away. Choosing to instead blow his nose. He stands, walking to where the changing table is, and throws the tissue in the small wicker bin that’s beside it. He goes and sits back down, ready to start the scene again. Hope sees him take a deep breath and close his eyes, no doubt readying his salty tears.

“Everyone ready?” Owen asks; I’m not, Hope thinks.

Everyone replies with a variety of “yes” or “yes, boss”.

The scene starts again. Hope finds herself immersed in the acting masterclass she’s lucky enough to witness.

“I should have done more. I should have never let Livvy out of my sight. I wanted to stay at home that day but didn’t. ” Henry looks straight into the camera, ‘Spencer’ too ashamed and upset to look his father-in-law in the eye.

“I should have made sure she didn’t need to go to the shop when I was gone. I should have known not to leave her alone. Everything that has happened – it’s all my fault, Dad. I’m so sorry for failing your daughter, for failing your granddaughters. I hope, one day, you’ll be able to forgive me.” Henry speaks with heartfelt emotion as tears continue to stream from his eyes in a steady flow.

“Spencer, you can’t keep thinking of the should-haves. We all wish we could have done more; no one blames you for what happened to Livvy.” Kenneth says, his voice calm and steady.

“You couldn’t be there every second of every day; you haven’t failed Liv or your girls. You were there for your daughters when they needed you the most, and for Livvy. You've been there for all of us, for that matter. We are proud of you, Spencer.” Kenneth pats Henry on the shoulder, a gesture not in the script, and Henry turns his head to look up at his co-star.

“I should have insisted that we leave town as soon as we knew he was stalking Livvy. What that prick has done to my wife, your daughter… It's unforgivable. Our vows said love and protect. Look at what he did… I should have done something to prevent it, Dad. I fail…” Hope sees Henry turn his head to look directly into the camera to give them a clear and full shot of his face, his eyes red and tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Cut!” Owen shouts. After the fourth time filming the shot, Owen speaks again.

“We are going to film until the end of the scene for a continuity shot. Are you okay to keep tearing up, Henry?” He asks, and Hope feels Kal nudge her knees. Hope suspected he was concerned at seeing his Daddy crying. She bends down, rubbing the soft fur on his neck.

“It’s okay, Kal. Daddy’s only pretending.” She whispers into Kal’s black fur-covered ear, kissing the top of the dog's head. He rests the left side of his head into her calves as she continues to stroke him, to offer Kal some reassurance.

“Starting from the last line, please.” Owen instructs as the scene restarts and Hope, Hermonie and Kal continue to watch.

“I should have done something to prevent it, Dad. I failed her.” Henry repeats the last line as he looks straight ahead at the camera in front of him.

 “I don’t know how we’re supposed to get past this. What he’s done to Livvy. I don’t know how I’m meant to help her. She’s in so much pain, not just physically, but emotionally.” Hope’s heart ached at the depth of emotion Henry was putting into the scene. His voice sounded so deep and raw, the weight of ‘Spencer’s’ turmoil seeping through.

“Hearing her tell the detectives what he put her through, the things he did to her. Livvy can barely look at me; she flinches at my touch. I hear her crying in her sleep. I reach out to comfort her, and she shakes at my touch. How am I supposed to help my wife if I can’t even give her the comfort of being held in my arms without terrifying her?”

Henry lets out a heart-wrenching sob, tears falling down his already tear-stained cheeks as he buries his head in his hands.

Hope feels tears prick at her own eyes as she watches Kenneth squeeze his fictional son-in-law's shoulder and Henry continues to cry. After several long minutes, Owen shouts ‘cut’, and Henry and Kenneth leave the set and make their way over to where she and Hermonie are sitting.

Kal is up in seconds, instantly nudging at his Daddy’s legs to check if he’s okay. Hope glances down to see Henry giving the large dog a reassuring stroke. She watches Henry turn and look at Kenneth.

“I pray I never have any reason to have that conversation in real life. Any husband that has to say those words to his wife’s father, well, I respect and pity them. It’s awful.” Henry says, wiping his cheek.

Hope tries to tilt her head away from Henry as he goes to take his seat beside her. He stops in his tracks and looks at her. Hope glances down for a moment but soon feels Henry’s index finger under her chin. Lifting her head up to look at him as his blue orbs scan her very watery green eyes.

“Sweetheart, are you crying?” Henry looks at her with concern etched on his face, making Hope feel guilty for worrying her co-star.

She nods as another tear spills from her eye. Before it has a chance to fall down her cheek, she feels Henry’s thumb go under her eye and capture the stray tear. Wiping it away. Hope allows Henry to cup her cheeks in both his hands, and he brushes away the remaining tears with his thumbs.

“Are you okay, Hope?” Kenneth asks from his position standing by his own chair, water bottle in hand.

“I’m fine; you ridiculously talented bastards made me cry and gave me goosebumps.” Hope reveals, lifting her arm to show the goosebumps on her skin.

“What you both did out there was incredible. I don’t think I’ve had the opportunity to witness anything like it before. I know you’re one hell of an actor, Ken. But what you did in that scene together was something else. As for you, Henry, I’ve not had the chance to see you portray such emotion on screen before. It was an honour to watch, even if you’ve turned me into a blubbering mess.” She feels a couple more tears fall from her eyes, and Henry wipes them.

“That’s very kind of you, Hope; thank you.” Kenneth says, giving her shoulder a gentle rub.

“Thank you, Hope, and I’m sorry I made you cry. I don’t like seeing those pretty green eyes spilling tears.” Henry wipes another tear from her cheek with the pad of his warm thumb.

“I’m glad you were not here earlier. I fear my scenes with Nigel would have set you off too, and I’d have hated to be responsible for making you cry twice.” Henry looks at her with an apologetic look.

Henry put his arms around her shoulders, pulling her towards him.

Hope snakes her arms around his muscular waist and rests her head on his equally toned stomach. She feels the fingers of his hand run through the back of her loose blonde hair.

“Thank you for letting me stay and watch the scene, Hen.” Hope mumbles softly into his stomach.

“Anytime, sweetheart.” Henry places a kiss onto her hairline and rests his chin on the top of her head as they continue to hug. If the scene had made Hope cry watching it being filmed, she suspected it would be an emotional scene for the audience too.

A visual of what ‘Spencer’ looks like…. because why not?

My back against his bare chest, he instantly holds me there, making me relax entirely against and on top of him. One hand reaches to caress my throat, the other to my little bud. Gently, quietly, so incredibly smoothly, I am at peace. I can give up, let go and I can let him, guided by my body’s senses and intuitive wanting, take control.

Sometimes I would tell him to go slower, slower, slower still, and he would try for a few seconds, grow impatient, frustrated, and I would soothe him and caress his stubbly jaw saying, “slower, ease into it baby, so slow that you almost think you’re stopping,” and he’d laugh at me, incredulous, but I’d hold my peace. I’d hold the peace for both of us, until he finally understands, until he sees that the slower he goes, the more delicately controlling he becomes. Reigning himself in, the deeper my breath becomes, the more weight my body will press upon him, the more my hips will roll in waves of beckoning and pleasure – “keep going slow, my love, resist the temptation…” – the more my back arches and my own breath becomes impatient.

At this point he has understood the game, his place, his position in the seance. He is caressing me agonizingly slowly. I can sense the smirk on his lips. I clench my lower lips and his hand around my throat tightens, restricting me. “Yes,” I exhale.

I know that I must truly let go now. He has taken it upon him to keep this tension, to be the structure, to be the pillars, the cool concrete walls, perfectly raw, subtly stimulating, setting the frame for me to rupture into fantastical flourishes.

My body bends and contorts and squirms in his grasp. He holds his pace and he holds me as I unfold, tightly enough to not let me escape and thus sabotage my ascent. I climb. I climb higher within this concrete structure that is him. I see myself as a tree, or simply vines, honeysuckle, climbing upwards toward the bright, blue sky, flowers bursting, blooming with vivid pink and white. He is a tower that keeps me confined, yet I grasp at every inch of wall to spread my limbs upon, to unfold and unravel further, infinitely…

I don’t know how long this lasts, I don’t know exactly how it changes, but it all becomes dark, as if I am sheltered from the sky above. I go still, quiet, and I become aware that he has entered me. The scene has changed. My eyes adjust. What were concrete walls are now clouds of dark purples, pinks and blues within dark grays, sparkling with streaks of gold and silver stars, first dim, but increasingly bright for each time he penetrates further after a retreat. The brightness of the stars grow with his cadence, the clouds begin to move faster too, changing from fog-like bodies to thunderous clouds. I anticipate the lightning as the storm carries me away.

I lose myself entirely. Swallowed by the thunderstorm, it is unclear where I end and he begins. I have dissolved. Pace, passion, breath, everything climbs again. Upwards, onwards, rolling across land and oceans alike, we are the Elder Gods: Ancient, almighty, we are Source incarnate, the ultimate creative force. Lightning finally strikes. Again, again, again.

The final lightning strikes. Death and rebirth.

From the moment you were alone together, his hands never left your skin. The need to claim you, to feel your warmth against him was all consuming. The first moment he breached your walls, you were made with sin. Your mind was consumed with thoughts of lust for your husband, such that he’d bed you twice before the night had truly fallen on this summer’s eve.

You lay on your back, listening to the crickets outside. Sleep and exhaustion still clung to your eyelids, but his cock was hard and insistent at your hip once more. A warm hand spread across your stomach, no doubt relishing the seed that would sprout there before long. You weakly moved to pull his hand away but Charles tutted, batting your hands away.

“Come now your Grace, you wouldn’t be denying your husband a chance to create an heir would you?”

You mumbled vague, tired, not really protests as his fingertips traced the edges of your figure, eliciting goosebumps on your damp skin. He rolled a nipple between finger and thumb, slowly increasing the pressure until your back arched off the bed. You opened your eyes to look blearily up into his face, the smirk he wore sending heat straight to your core. You smiled up at your husband, your hand sliding down his firm torso to your favourite part of his anatomy. He hissed in pleasure as your hand wrapped around him and squeezed.

Whining softly as he spread your thighs, you felt his come ooze out of your battered hole. HIs hand moved between your thighs, pushing his spend back inside you with two thick fingers. You clamped around his digits, feeling heat and lust consume all your thoughts. You moaned, hands rising to pinch your own nipples, relishing the pain that only served to send you higher.

“That’s my little vixen.” He praised, propping himself up on his elbow to watch the lust burn across your face while his fingers were knuckle deep inside you, slowly easing in and out, stretching you open once more. He was content to watch you squirm for a few moments, until all traces of sleep were scorched from your face to leave you pliant and wanton underneath him.

“Please. Charles, fill me up.” You gasped, clinging onto his broad shoulders as he rolled on top of you.