mymuseisspeakingtome16

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72 Hours (Home and Away Fanfic)

A/N: I tried to make all the right Maori translations and customs, really don't mean to offend. I do NOT own Home and Away, just borrowing! Also some sickness in this part, be warned,

Chapter 2 – Falling In

By late-morning, Tane was three classes and nearly 2 bottles of water down, he should be feeling strong and energised, right?

“Well done guys, see you same time next week.”

A chorus of thanks, whooping and agreement answered as they filtered away.

“Great class, Tane.” Roo waved.

“Thanks.”

Alone, he dropped to his haunches, briefly submitting to the bone-melting fatigue as the hot and cold sweats lapped over him, making him almost nauseatingly dizzy; the activity had certainly aggravated his cough, how he’d hidden the symptoms from the class he had no idea.

Maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t quite 100%; through bleary eyes he checked his watch; his lunch hour was coming up and the house would be empty, so he’d be able to rest up a bit and no-one would be any the wiser; as he straightened up he toppled slightly.

“Hey, you okay there?”

He felt someone touch his arm, realising it was Talia, from the recent class.

“Yeah.” He flashed one of his (he hoped) dazzling smiles.

“I’d say take your own advice; stay hydrated and don’t overdo it, you sure you’re okay?”

“No worries, thanks.”

In the Surf Club Nikau was just coming in to sign off for lunch when John hurried over.

“Hey Nik, you seen your uncle today?”

“I saw them both this morning.”

“He seemed pretty crook when I saw him, hope he’s okay.”

“Ari?”

“No, Tane.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Saw him outside earlier doing one of those ‘hot-to-trot’ workout classes, claimed he was fine but had one heck of a cough on him, looked more like he should’ve been in bed.”

 Nikau looked perplexed, deciding to text Tane.

The journey home seemed to prove more difficult than he’d thought, the fever and nausea taking charge more than once, with his breathing getting harder too but eventually he found himself collapsing on the couch...

“Bella, I miss you too, hang out later maybe?” Nikau smiled at the positive response as he let himself in. “See you then, love you.”

A soft, almost growling, chitter caught his attention; Tane was curled tightly in a ball on the couch, still in his hoodie, shivering violently.

“Uncle?!” He felt the scalding forehead. “Hey, you all right?”

“C-cold, freezing.” He sneezed pitifully into the crook of his arm, trying to burrow further into the hoodie to get warm.

“I’m gonna call Ari, you’re gonna be okay.”

“Don’t.”

“Kia ora?”  Ari’s brow furrowed at his nephew’s voice. “Nik, where are you?”

“At home, Uncle Tane’s collapsed; I don’t know what to do, Uncle, he’s really burning up.”

At that second, Tane erupted in a coughing fit, the heavy metallic whoop made Ari’s gut coil fearfully.

“I’m on my way, try and get a cold compress on him.”

“Will do.”  Nikau disconnected the call then tried to help his uncle. “Breathe, Uncle, take a breath.”

Tane dragged air into his burning lungs, panting as his vision swirled and tripled, everything practically down to his toenails tingling painfully as Nik comforted him.

“Who was that?” Mia asked, but seeing the look on her husband’s face she knew immediately. “Tane?”

“Nikau; Tane’s at home, he’s in a bad way.”

“Go, call me if anything changes.” Ari kissed her cheek before dashing off.

“You all right now?”

“Yep, fine.” He cleared his throat, carefully rubbing his stiff neck. “What are you doing here anyways, I thought you were on patrol?”

“Lunch break; lucky I came home, eh?”

Tane raised his eyebrows in a ‘Really?’ fashion; he flinched as Nik draped a tepid facecloth across the back of his neck before handing him an uncapped bottle of water.

“Thanks.” He started to try to take a long drink, soothing his bruised throat but he started shivering again, almost knocking his teeth out as it started to spill.

“Take it easy.”

“Don’t f-fuss me, boy.” He tried to put up a front but he was struggling; his head felt like it was exploding, stomach rolling as his ears sang.

“Steady, Uncle.” Nikau steadied his hand so he was able to sip some water. “You should be in bed.”

He growled. “You’re worse than Ari.”

“Did someone call my name?” Ari came through the front door.

Tane rolled his eyes. “Cavalry’s here I see, not that it’s needed.”

“Nik did the right thing.” He regarded the unhealthy flush to Tane’s skin, the slick of hair practically super-glued to his forehead and the fact that his chest was heaving. “The only place you should be is resting in bed.”

“Are you two ganging up on me or something?” He tried to flash one of his devil-may-care smiles but it looked like more of a grimace. “I’m fine, it’s just a sniffle; I’ll be right.” As if to disprove the point, he coughed and sneezed practically simultaneously.

“Sure,” Nikau drawled. “And John’s auditioning for Australia’s Next Top Model next week.”

The image made Ari and Nikau chuckle as Tane blew his nose heavily.

“You’re sick.” Nikau continued softly. “Let us take care of you.”   

“He’s right.”Ari looked him in the eye. “I know how bad your ‘sniffles’ can get.” He added under his breath.

Sudden defiance sparked in Tane’s eyes. “Just leave it; I should be getting back to the gym.”  He stood swiftly, vision swimming as he pinched the bridge of his nose; suddenly everything skewed sideways, his strength deserting him.

“Tane!” “Uncle!” The boys caught him in a split-second, his breath coming in heavy gasps.

“It’s okay, we’ve got you.” Ari murmured close to his ear.

“’m fine..jusst..s-stood up...too...f..” He slurred exhaustedly, teeth chattering as he started to cough again.

“Now, will you let us take care of you?” Nikau implored worriedly. “Please, Uncle.”

Tane gave an almost whimpering moan.

“I think that’s a ‘yes’.” Ari gripped Tane a little tighter. “Come on, let’s get you to bed, we’ll see you right.”

“Is he gonna be okay?” Nikau asked worriedly as Ari pulled the door to slightly.

“Yeah; listen why don’t you call Bella, go stay with her for a couple of nights?”

The young man’s brow furrowed. “I thought you said he was going to be okay; it’s just a cold, right?”   

Ari sighed. “It is, but he’s been through a lot lately and sometimes this kind of thing can get a bit hairy with him.” He smiled crookedly, trying to lighten the mood as he squeezed his nephew’s shoulder. “Besides, we can’t have Summer Bay’s best lifesaver getting sick, can we?”

Nikau rolled his eyes, pretending to cringe. “I’ll let Chloe know, I think she’s staying with Ryder tonight, doing business stuff or something.”

“Thanks.”

Mia arrived home that evening, dropping her bag and keys on the counter; she noticed how quiet the house was.

“Ari? Nikau?” She called carefully.

“In here.” Ari’s reply came from Tane’s room.

The place was like a sauna, a familiar scent hanging in the air of the special inhalations; Ari was at the bedside, gently laying a cool facecloth across Tane’s forehead. Mia gasped softly; the change in Tane from this morning was startling; he was visibly shaking now, skin sweat-soaked and barely conscious.

“Hey.” She murmured.

“Hi.”  Ari came and held her, kissing her cheek. “How was work?”

Mia waved her hand, brushing away such mundane talk. “Fine, usual stuff. How’s the patient?”

“Fine, stop fussing.” Tane slurred croakily, one glassy eye barely focussed on her.

“The picture of health (!)” She drawled wryly.   

“You be..” He started coughing violently, scrabbling to get further upright to try to catch his breath, spluttering and wheezing as Ari sprung to his aid; Mia grimaced empathetically, despite all his bravado,  if Tane felt even remotely as bad as he sounded, no wonder Ari was so concerned.

“Kia mate...” Tane moaned softly, his head and neck stretching forward.

“Mia!” Ari clicked his fingers rapidly.

She’d seen it too, pushing the yellow basin under Tane’s chin as he started being sick.

“It’s all right, Tane.” She rubbed his back. “It’s all right; take it easy, shhhh.”

Ari couldn’t help smiling slightly, remembering how she’d used the same soothing croon with Chloe when she was sick as a little one. 

“Sorry.” Tane sniffed softly.

“Don’t worry about it, occupational hazard.”

“For a gym owner?” He squinted, raising an eyebrow.

“Being a mum; but sometimes a gym owner.” She was glad her attempt at humour brought a ghostly smile.

Bella looked up at her boyfriend; he looked a million miles away.

“Hey.”  She gently stroked his face, turning it to face her. “He’ll be okay; you know that Ari or Mia will call if anything changes.”

“I know; it’s just...” He sighed heavily. “I always thought he was indestructible, even after seeing what Anne did to him...it seemed so much more than a cold.”

“Nik, he’ll be fine, trust me.”

Nikau smiled weakly, kissing the top of her head; despite her assurances, something wasn’t sitting right; secretly, Bella knew it too, she’d bet they’d be heading back within the hour one way or another.

“Anything else I can do, make you a cuppa or anything?”

“No thanks.” His eyes never left Tane, who was growling feverishly; his temperature had crept up a fair chalk in the last little while.

“If you change your mind, just give me a shout.”

Mia looked on, her face a picture of worried sympathy; Ari looked completely exhausted and scared witless...and, according to him, this was just the beginning.

72 Hours Part 1 (Home and Away Fanfic)

A/N: I tried to make all the right Maori translations and customs, really don't mean to offend.

Intro:  The Difficulties of Brotherhood

Everyone thinks Tane Parata is indestructible, sometimes, he even believes it himself!

Ari has always been protective of his family, especially his younger brother, some would say a little too much.

However, when a simple sniffle threatens to bring Tane to his knees, Ari must face bad old memories to pull him through.

Chapter 1 – A Storm Brewing

The explosive cough woke him faster than any alarm, making his eyes and nose stream incessantly, the fit seeming to last an eternity. He could hear a bit of wheeze but that was normal after you’d just coughed up half a lung, right?

Tane lay back for a moment, waiting for the dizziness to settle as he pulled the blanket over himself again, he’d spent the night chilled to the bone despite weather reports of sticky nights ahead as temperatures rose.  

“Whakatara.” He groaned softly, gently kneading at his stinging temples.

It had started with a sneeze here and there a couple of days ago, then came the aches and feverishness with a bit of fatigue but he put that down to the fact that he’d been working extra shifts in the gym, trying to help Ari and Mia recoup the losses they’d suffered given the recent setbacks; they needed all the help they could get. It was a little bug, he just needed to keep working...however, if Ari even had an inkling he had felt remotely crook or heard this cough he’d have him tied to the bed for days, he was such a worrier.

So he’d had a tendency for a high fever and the occasional chest infection when he was a kid, that was years ago; much as Ari didn’t treat him that way, he was all grown up now!

“Come on, Parata.” He coached himself; he was stronger than this, as he got everything together to prepare for the day ahead.

He caught sight of himself as he stepped into the shower; over-moist eyes ringed by lurid red-pink lids hooded by tiredness and a generally slightly dull-greyish pallor...hopefully the shower would refresh him enough not to arouse suspicion, not that he was actually sick sick; it wouldn’t be like before.

Breakfast at Casa Parata was always a hive of activity so sneaking out shouldn’t be too difficult...the smell of the morning meal almost had him hightailing it back to the bathroom, another new non-symptom; he took deep, steadying breaths trying to centre himself; he’d throw this thing off in no time, it was nothing he couldn’t handle. Avoiding Ari might not be so easy; he zipped his hoodie up tight, trying to keep the chill off.  

“Morning.”

“Hey.” Ari greeted him first.

“Morning.”  Mia chimed in. “You literally just missed Nikau.”

“I’ll catch him later.” He grabbed his keys. “I’m gonna head to the gym, set up early.”

“Oh, okay.” Mia was surprised. “You sure you don’t want breakfast first?”

“Er, no thanks.”

Ari’s eyebrows practically hit his hairline. “Hoi, you sick or something, bro? I’ve never known you turn down a feed.”

“I’ll pick something up later.” He coughed softly, hoping Ari hadn’t heard as he headed for the door.

“Hey.” He caught up with him. Damn, no dice.

“Later.” He tried to shy away as Ari put the back of his hand to his forehead.

“Kei te ahi koe!” (You’re on fire.)  He breathed. “You sure you should be working?”

“Ari, I’m not a kid anymore; it’s nothing.”

“Tane.”

“Just leave it!” He snapped.

Ari sighed heavily; Mia came cuddling up to him. “Ouch.”

“Can you keep an eye on him today?”

“He’s a grown man, Ari.”

“Please?” She saw the worry in his eyes.

“Sure, I’ll try.” Now she realised, not that he’d ever told her much.

“I knew something was wrong last night, the only time he’s restless is if he’s sick.”

It was true, Tane wasn’t a light sleeper per se, well, prior to his stalker ordeal, anyways, even though he seemed to survive on very little at the best of times... that and Ari had heard him coughing, which practically shook the wall near enough every hour.

“You think he’s heading for a rough time?”

 “Yeah, the fever’s come on already. He sounds bad, Mia.”

“Mm, you’re just going to have to be ready to catch him.” She kissed his arm. “I’ll be right there too.”

Ari hoped he was overreacting...but experience said otherwise.

As Tane arrived he saw Mac struggling with boxes from an early delivery.

“I’ve got it.” He jogged over, ignoring the hot sharp pain across his lungs and sinuses and helped transfer them.

“You’re a life saver!” She flicked a wayward hair behind her ear. “Several of my staff have called in sick with this flu that’s been going around and the agency cover hasn’t arrived yet.”

Two journeys up and down the stairs meant most of the delivery was now ready to be unpacked.

Setting the last box down his breath caught suddenly; he clamped his mouth shut in an attempt to subdue the cough, though it still sounded pretty rough.

“Whoa, you sure you’re okay?” Mac arched her eyebrows, seeing the sweat spring to his forehead. “You’re not coming down with it are you?”

“Me?” There was the merest hint of breathlessness as he scoffed. “Nah, no way.”

“Thanks for your help.”

Tane winked.

“Sorry, I’m here!” Ryder came haring down the stairs.

“Ryder!”

Tane smiled wryly, poor kid, he’d hate to be in his shoes right now!

“Thanks.” Tane picked up the Vit -C booster juice, anything to help...if he took it slowly he’d be able to keep it down, skipping breakfast had clearly not been a bad idea.

“Tane!” The irritatingly gossipy chirrup of John Palmer felt like a drill through Tane’s skull; who else would he run into this morning?! “I’m surprised to see you this early; is everything all right with Mia?”

“Thanks for that vote of confidence, John.”

“Oh no, no, I didn’t mean it like that, just not used to seeing you here first that’s all, I mean...” Whether it was the foggy head or just plain ol’ civility, he decided to throw the guy a bone to save himself digging himself further into a hole!

“Just pitching in.”

“Early bird catches the worm, eh?”

“Something like that.” Tane made a quick getaway.

“Hmm.” John knew something wasn’t quite right.

“Try not to worry.” Mia knew it would fall on deaf ears but she hated seeing Ari so anxious.

“Easier said than done...he thinks he’s indestructible.”

“He is, he’s your brother, after all.”

Ari smiled, his heart spilling over, he truly was the luckiest man alive to have her; he gently kissed her.

“Aww guys.” Chloe smiled. “I hate to break up the love-fest but.” She showed her watch.

“She’s right, you don’t want to be late.” Mia caught his meaning.

“See you later.”

Chloe noticed how subdued her mother was.

“Is everything okay?” She ventured. “You and Ari seemed pretty intense before.”

“We’re fine.” Mia reassured her. “Ari’s just a bit worried about Tane.”

“Is he okay?”

“Yeah, he’s just being stubborn about something that’s all.”

“Tane?” Chloe laughed. “Never.”

Soon the gym was set; in record time too, the busyness had revived Tane, just as he thought.  Next was the circuit outside for the morning class; as he loped around the corner to the storeroom he felt the lead weight slam into his chest again.

Falling into the wall slightly, he pulled the collar from his hoodie from his throat with one hand, the other palm pressed hard against his chest to subdue the pain as he arched his head back trying to catch his breath; it felt like the panic attack he’d suffered a little while back, only about 50 times worse. He felt weak as spots appeared in front of his eyes; he remembered Nikau’s mantra that day and tried to slow his breathing.

Almost as quickly as the fit started, it was over, a shiver going through him as he sneezed twice; he winced, blowing his sore nose carefully, it felt as if it’d been dipped in chilli powder. Tane shook himself suddenly; he wouldn’t give in, it was just a moment, that’s all...well, it would be when he could see straight again!

As he set up outside, his phone beeped with a text from Flick:

Hey Handsome,

Ready for a morning workout, Flick style?

x

Normally such a text would start certain stirrings instantly but not today; he would hardly be an attractive prospect if he had a repeat performance of just now, besides his head felt like it was filled with concrete ...rain-checking for a headache, oh the irony!

No can do, classes.

Lunch?

T.

Her response was almost instant and sparked him just a little.

Only if you’re on the menu!

x

Well...it would be another way to burn off this little fever quickly!

When the Magic runs Out, Love Remains

Well, here's another little creation from me; I know I'm in the minority but I ADORED Wish and King Magnifico especially and after watching the film a few times.....(Well, 50 :) haha) I came up with this...the story is mine but all characters etc belong to Disney, I'm just borrowing them. This is set post-film .

EDIT: If anyone thinks I need to re classify to mature, do let me know!

When the Magic Runs Out, Love Remains

Introduction: A Wish for Rosas

King Magnifico was a powerful sorcerer who guarded the people and wishes of his beloved kingdom of Rosas with a fatherly hand; enter a young girl named Asha, whose new vision for Rosas brought fear and challenge to his door, leading him to use magic beyond his control to threaten those he purported to care for.

Thanks to Asha, Rosas was saved and Magnifico was imprisoned by his own curse.

Now, just over 3 years on, Rosas is thriving and the evil King is barely a memory...for all except Queen Amaya; when news reaches her that her former husband is gravely ill...when all is said and done, the only true magic is love.

Even Eternity Has a Sell by Date

It was another fine day in Rosas, the sun was shining from a brilliant blue sky as people danced and laughed as they worked hard to make their wishes come true...the joy of freedom, thanks to young Asha and her plucky friends along with a very special star; Asha was now officially the Fairy Godmother of the kingdom.

Unlike her predecessor she guided rather than commanded, showed kindness rather than fear.

She was the true meaning of Rosas.

At this moment, she was laughing as her companion a wise-cracking goat called Valentino, hopped about pulling funny faces, delighting a group of young children.

Queen Amaya watched from the window of her former husband’s study, smiling at the happy scene below...but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes; she knew others would think her foolish or worse, a traitor, however she lived her days with a icy pain in her chest.

It had started with such pure intentions; Magnifico (not his real name but he’d gone by it for so long, Amaya barely remembered what it actually was) had made a plan to become a benevolent sorcerer and create a kingdom where people would never know fear or sadness from cradle to grave, driven by his own tragedies. She hoped her love had helped to at least soothe the pain a little. Part of his powers had been to guard the most special wish in any individual ‘s heart until such time it was right for them to be granted and over a great many years this had worked well, (he had enacted an incantation on them both meaning they were almost immortal), until Asha had questioned him.

Amaya had seen her loving husband change from a calm, yet flamboyant showman to a creature of deep anger and jealousy, controlled by an evil curse that wouldn’t break its hold...oh the terror, the viciousness he wrought was too cruel to contemplate...he was stopped, of course and she had doled out an equally wicked punishment, such was her anger at his deception.

The people saw the ‘Mad King Magnifico’, a petulant and corrupted man who cared for naught but himself.

Amaya saw differently...she knew a fun, intelligent man with goodness in his heart and a hardworking soul and, in spite of everything, she still loved him and hated the fact they had been forced apart for safety.

The bedroom felt as cold and dark as the dungeon in which his mirror resided...oh she’d give anything to free him, give him a 2nd chance to remember who he truly was...

“Oh, Mi Rey.” Amaya allowed a few tears trickled from her eyes as she held her face in her hands.

“Your Majesty!” The door banging open and the urgent tone brought her from her reverie instantly.

“Simon?!” She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Is something wrong?”

“Ye, yes Your Majesty, please come quickly.”

“Is it Asha? Dahlia?” She hurried toward him.

“N-no.” He bowed his head before continuing in an unsure, halting tone. “It’s...it’s the former King.”

Amaya’s heart banged like a drum as she glided speedily down the long staircase and across the grounds before ducking into a darkened arch and down the darkest winding staircase, Simon barely keeping up; the dank droplets made Amaya shiver as they snuck down the back of her neck, the almost snuffed candles hollow of warmth or light.

Silence...unchanged in three years, perhaps Simon was wrong...then the sound erupted, plunging like a dagger of fear through Amaya ears and heart...

As she ran, the rattling bark seemed amplified in this cavernous corridor but the closer she got the wall at the end the more she realised it was all Magnifico; he moaned softly but within seconds it started again.

 “Mi Rey?!” She gasped in shock, her hands on the wall either side of the mirror as she saw the tragic tableau within.

Magnifico was hunched over, his piercing blue eyes clouded with fatigue and looking beyond dishevelled, his cheeks hollow as he shivered convulsively, trying in vain to burrow into his tattered cloak; he continued to cough and splutter violently, seemingly unaware of anything.

Finally the fit was over; he slumped to the ground, eyes closing as he limply tried to swipe the sweat from his forehead, the most horrific rattle echoed from his punished lungs as they struggled to pull oxygen through.

“Oh, my darling.” Tears caught in Amaya’s throat. “Mi Rey?”  She called softly, praying he’d respond.

Magnifico summoned every ounce of his meagre strength to lift his head and open his eyes, though his vision was very blurred he knew instantly who it was, causing his frail heart to skip and quicken its beat.

“A-Amaya?” He smiled his once strong, jocular voice breathless and broken.  “My love, y-you came.”

It physically hurt Amaya to see him this way; once so powerful now so damaged.....and hopeless, yet that flicker of light at her sight reminded her that his was still hers...and she was still his.

“What happened to you? How long have you been so ill?”

“I can’t remember.” He grimaced, cradling his tender ribs.

A sudden, almost irrational anger filled Amaya’s soul as she turned to Simon. “How long has he been unwell?!”

“I..I..don’t know, Your Majesty.” Simon stuttered. “The guards said he was beset by the coughing fever some weeks ago.”

She gaped. “Weeks?!  And no-one sent for me?!”

“I..I..” He backed away fearfully; he’d never seen her like this; the Queen was quiet, graceful...gentle; had Magnifico’s forbidden magic affected her too? “They said he was just another prisoner...”

“Amaya, don’t scold the boy, he didn’t know; today’s the first day he’s seen me since...that night.”

She looked back at Magnifico as he moaned quietly, one hand cupping his forehead, the other pressed against his chest, straining to subdue another assault from his infected system.

“My love, isn’t there a potion that could heal this fever from you?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Sorcery is what got me into this mess.”

“Tell me; tell me where to find it, I’ll follow it to the letter.”

His head lolled wearily, the errant lock of hair that always refused to stay in place strayed across his forehead, and Amaya ached to smooth it back into place with the same tenderness as she had so many times before.

“There isn’t one.”

Hearing her horrified gasp he knew he had been far too blunt but there was nothing else for it.

“The price of forbidden magic is always much higher than is written.”

“No...no, it can’t be true...” Her plea almost soundless from a clog of tears, several trickling down her cheeks.

She remembered seeing it written in that wretched book: ‘Embrace forbidden magic just once and you commit to it for all eternity.’

In her heart of hearts she had always wanted to believe Magnifico was clever and powerful enough to break the curse in some form or other...now he was truly mortal.

“Don’t cry, my love.” He murmured. “You are too beautiful to do anything but smile.” 

She chuckled as she flashed a watery smile.

“Ah, there it is.” Magnifico’s serene smile soon changed to a deep grimace as another thunderous coughing fit engulfed him.  

Amaya wanted to scream and smash the mirror with her bare hands, though she knew it was futile as the glass was practically indestructible such was the magic from which it was made, anything to free him and get help.

What threat could he be now?!

“Breathe!” She begged emotionally as he continued to choke. “Breathe, Mi Rey!”

Magnifico felt as if he were drowning, combined with the agonising cold and bone deep pain, he knew he had no strength left to fight...forbidden magic had imprisoned him now sickness would consume him....suitably dramatic, he noted; he’d always been the most theatrical kind of sorcerer.

“No..no.”  His head snapped back as he was paralysed from pain, the eerie green glow seeping across his skin as the invisible force gave a blinding flash and threw him to the ground; Amaya shielded her eyes, cowering.

Magnifico shivered fiercely, his teeth chattering hard as he rested his head against the back of his hand.

“Please leave....” He begged whisperingly. “I didn’t want you to see this...to be scared of me.”

“I’m not afraid.”

Amaya realised the glass was clear...had the spell been broken?

For a moment there was only the sound of dripping water and Magnifico’s continued desperate and exhausted breathing.

“I’m tired, Amaya.” He murmured. “So very tired.”

“You promised me eternity.” She whispered brokenly.

He pretended not to hear as he looked up at her. “You look tired too; you should go upstairs and rest.”

“I’m perfectly alright.”

“No, no.” Magnifico shook his head. “It’s too cold and damp for you here, you could get sick...I...I couldn’t bear...that.”

Amaya saw the tears in his eyes as she gently stroked the image of his hair. “Shhh, darling, shhh.”

He cleared his throat stiffly, trying to wipe his eyes at the same time. “I’m sorry.”

She smiled at his rueful expression...he never had found it easy to show emotion and her bringing even positive attention to it would only embarrass him further.

“Darling?” He murmured sheepishly. “Would you grant me just one wish?”

“Anything in my power, I promise.”

“Kiss me goodnight?”

“Of course.” She carefully took the mirror down and kissed him tenderly...she knew it was her imagination but she’d swear she could feel his lips embracing hers.

For the first time in three years, Magnifico felt warm and safe; his own imagination as vivid a power as his wife’s...her cool silken lips, the feather touch of her fingertips in his hair...he was home.

There was no pain, no weakness...no evil...only love...

“Ah, my love, you are so beautiful.” He blinked, realising he could see clearly for the first time too.

“And you are still my handsome King.”

He flicked his eyebrow mischievously but spoke seriously. “Our love is truly the greatest magic I ever found.”

Silence fell as they gazed into each other’s eyes...

“Save your strength, rest now.” Amaya gracefully slid down the wall to sit on the floor, scooting under a candle so the light and warmth could comfort them. “There...”

“Hmmm...just like old times.” Snuggling against the glass he could feel the velvet softness around him.

Amaya desperately wanted to go back to their bedchamber in the castle, however, she knew her reappearance would invite questions and curiosity, however well-meaning, so instead  she held the mirror close, tucking her sleeve around to keep him warm while she rocked and hummed gently as she had done for so many nights, soothing herself as much as him.

“Goodnight Mi Rey, sweet dreams.”

“Goodnight my darling Amaya.”

Magnifico gave a soft sigh of contentment as darkness crept in...his own wish had finally been granted; to be with the love of his life for one last time.....

Readers, make sure you have all your favourite Ao3 fics downloaded.

Writers, make sure you have copies of all the fics you have posted on Ao3.

I don’t want to be alarming, but things could get really bad really fast. OTW shared this today on Twitter, and I'm a bit worried about it 😅

Ao3 is a non-profit organisation. If they have to start paying taxes, I have no idea what will happen.

Fanfiction Question

I'm curious, any fans out there of Nish in Eastenders or Tane in Home and Away? Also any fans of the classic 1966 Batman TV series.

I have mentioned before I write fanfics, would anyone be interested reading any of the above, just curious?

You Don’t Know What it Means to Me

So...after the Laver Cup I came up with this, it was truly emotional will miss RF, he’s a fave of mine. hope RF/Fedal Fans enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction, unfortunately Roger retiring at the Laver cup was not, but no offence is meant to anyone at all. Also the song belongs to Queen, I own only the story itself.

                               You Don’t Know What it Means to Me

The quietness of the cavernous arena was strangely eerie, hard to believe that only an hour or so ago it had played host to perhaps the most emotional finale of a tennis great’s career, possibly the greatest player than the tennis world had ever or would ever see again.

Rafa sighed heavily, some would say he was biased but he knew he wasn’t...Roger Federer had changed the sport forever, a living legend...and changed his life too.

 It was hard to believe so many years had passed but neither had really changed, a few more lines around the eyes, hair shorter and, in his own case, thinner but he still felt like they were just starting out...how could it have all gone so fast? How had the most amazing era of his life come to an end?

Though he had known longer than most about Roger’s retirement, it hadn’t been any easier to get used to but, like everything, he’d manage.

 “I thought I’d find you here.” He turned at the sound of Bjorn’s voice. “You played well tonight, both of you.”

“Gracias, not the result we wanted, though.” Rafa’s mouth twitched ruefully.

Bjorn didn’t reply.

“I cannot stay; Mery is close now, she needs me; doctors say I need more surgery on my abdominal muscle if I am to play properly again. There is very much pain.”

“A risk worth taking?”

“Tonight, I had to be here.” He paused.” I’m sorry.”

Bjorn shook his head. “No need. Cameron will step in.”

“Gracias.” The pair shook hands.

  Watching the younger man leave, the inscrutable Swede knew that there was more to it; Rafael Nadal was a broken man and there was nothing anyone could do.

 Soon Rafa found himself back in the his hotel room;  as he splashed water over his face to soothe his aching bloodshot eyes, he saw the deep lines and dark circles below his eyes that suddenly made him look 30 years older than he was.

 The truth  was he was hurting far too much to hide it...physically, emotionally and mentally; what he’d said in the press conference was true...part of him had gone with Roger tonight.

He had listened, counselled Roger during those difficult phone-calls, been strong and brash as he always is and put every ounce of himself into making his friend secure in this decision and to give him his dream finale and said all the right things, he meant them of course, in the media...all the while trying to ignore the unbearable fear and grief that was threatening to drown him.

 Love of my life, you've hurt me You've broken my heart And now you leave me

 Retirement was something every sportsperson had to face in their career and they had both been plagued by difficult injuries, Roger had suffered and fought valiantly but even tonight had been far from certain. It had been his one wish that if he was fit enough to play the doubles match, he wanted to be teamed with Rafa for his final match.

 For Rafa there hadn’t even been a split-second’s thought, regardless of family or injury, he would be there.

 He’d been running on adrenaline for the last few days and being in practice with the team and seeing everyone again, especially Roger, felt amazing; it had been too long and he’d missed his friend terribly and seeing him back on court was like the sweetest high and Rafa almost believed that he’d dreamt all those calls and all of a sudden it was just like old times again with the years stretched wide.

 They were fired up, the game was fast and strong, their teamwork was outstanding as per; even the masked tactical discussions were in perfect sync, the minor disagreements and ‘directions’ from Roger were all comfortingly familiar. Any fears Roger may have had about his stamina were completely unfounded; they won the set point easily, even with Roger, albeit by chance, pulling off a brand-new trick shot; through the gap where the net met the pole! Causing much hilarity and completely shocked disbelief from John McEnroe!

Well, why break the habit of a career?

 Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and Team World won the match, an annoying disappointment for Rafa, if only for Roger’s sake, but during their man-hug Roger assured him he didn’t mind, them just being together again was more than he could’ve hoped for, and surviving the match!  

 They were practically deafened by the roar of applause of 17,500 fans.

He watched as the audience and the world over cheered and wept for the legend he was proud to call amigo, hearing the praise that they heaped, virtues extolled so richly deserved and more. Roger deserved it, he deserved everything.

Roger took his lap of honour, soon embracing the team, Rafa could feel the emotion bubbling perilously close...he needed to keep it together; the hug was shaky ground but still calm-ish.

 “Roger, please come out.” Jim called.

 Though Rafa wouldn’t admit it, in many ways he’d always followed Roger’s lead with press, fans etc.; his friend was standing strong and proud as he began the speech that he’d written, re-written and rehearsed for days, so once again, he followed the hardest lead of his career.

 Then it happened...Roger started to crumble; desperation to maintain his famed composure was fast becoming impossible, talking about the people he loved and cared for most in the world, the passion for the sport that was as much a part of his identity as his name but the moment he mentioned not wanting to be lonely and how much being with the team, especially Rafa, had meant to him...the floodgates opened for them both.

 It hit Rafa like a ton of bricks...it was really over; Roger was officially retired.

All those great matches, they would be only history now, the shared teasing and madness that came from tour life...memories that at this moment felt more bitter than sweet. Yes, they would still be in each other’s lives but Roger was on a different path now.

His was the first face he looked for at every tournament and, even in the last couple of years with lockdowns and injuries it was always a case of ‘Back soon.’ This time it was ‘goodbye’.

 Love of my life, can't you see?

Bring it back, bring it back Don't take it away from me Because you don't know What it means to me

Bereft seemed too paltry a word to describe this, it was like he’d lost a vital part of himself; like everyone else he watched the tribute montage, listened to Ellie sing but none of it registered in his torrid mind. Suddenly he felt the tender but gripping squeeze of Roger’s hand, locking them together like a fortress and Rafa was glad to be; a simple gesture that said a thousand things. ‘Thank you.’ ‘I’ll miss you.’ ‘I can’t believe it’s over.’ ‘Don’t let go, I need you to help me get through this.’

 Seeing Roger’s usually cool veneer totally shattered, breaking his heart over the finality of it all, Rafa felt his own grief intensify; everyone swarmed around Roger and suddenly Rafa found himself pushed far back...no, he couldn’t be separated from him. Not yet.

 Both Robert and Mirka hugged him; Robert had sought him out and tried to be reassuring but, in a way, there were no real words that could stop the hurt.

 Before long, the official press stuff was over and the informal began; though it was now just family, friends and colleagues it still felt too public for Rafa, he was too raw to paint on a public face...though he didn’t want to break his earlier promise to Roger, he couldn’t face staying.

  It was a whirlwind and Roger was swept up in the memories and love, the congratulatory words as time ticked by...not quite how he’d imagined the end of his professional career but still beautiful...a different kind of perfect.

That word suddenly brought the room into sharp focus...in the sea of a thousand faces one very important one was missing.

“Bjorn?” He caught the older man’s attention. “Have you seen Rafa?”

Bjorn cocked his head, indicating this conversation needed to be private.

“What’s going on?”

“Rafa’s in his room; he’s withdrawn from the rest of the tournament, he’s leaving in the morning.”

“Ah, Mery, of course.”

“Not just that.” He paused. “I think this has all hit him harder than everyone thought it would, even him.”

 Roger slipped out seamlessly, quite a feat when you’re the star of the show.

“I’ll be back soon.” He mouthed to Mirka, she winked affectionately.

 For a moment he stood in silence; he just needed to breathe, let the feelings settle...everything was so crazy...he needed his friend....probably just as much as he needed him.

 Rafa had almost finished packing but the adrenaline still hadn’t abated and his mind was still a-whirring, he was so desperate to switch off just for a while.

 Love of my life, don't leave me You've taken my love (my love) And now desert me Love of my life, can't you see? (Please bring it back)

 A knock at the door and a deep accent startled him.

 “Rafa?”

Rafa felt his heart leap warmly as he opened the door.

“Roger?” He ushered him in quickly, away from prying eyes and ears. “Why are you up here; you should be with everyone, you are star tonight?”

“I wanted to see you.”

“You see me all hours for last two days, still not enough, huh?” He was trying to lighten the mood but the strain was clear.

“I wanted to thank you too; you made a wonderful night even more amazing.”

“I play tennis, make dreams come true, is what I do.”

“Not too bad for two old men, eh?”

“You are older than me.”

“True, no-one’s more surprised than I am to still be here.”

“Is no surprise, you are this GOAT they speak of.”

“You are too.” Roger raised an eyebrow as he heard the music faintly playing. “Queen?”

“Si, some songs I like, you suggested I try.”

A beat.

”Bjorn has told me you’re withdrawing.”

“Si, I am not fit to play.” He continued packing. “I go home, need to rest and feel better.”

“So...you came back for me?”

“I promise I give my best for you, I keep promise...always for you, Rogi.” Rafa could feel tears in his eyes and the pain in his throat.

“Don’t.” Roger swiped at his eyes again, laughing nervously. “I said we’d get through it, we did.”

“The match, si.”

“Everything.”

 For a moment Roger stared at the man in front of him seeing their whole careers fly past in seconds; how he’d grown from a talented and excitable teenage rival to ‘frenemies’ in their prime to now, friends in the ‘Old Guard’; yes his tennis playing journey was over but Rafa still had a way to go, however long or short and he couldn’t wait to cheer him on with every bit of vim and vigour he had.

Through laughter and tears, wins and losses, they’d seen it all and those precious memories would last a lifetime.

 “Come here.” Roger pulled him into a bear hug, immediately feeling the shuddering of Rafa’s barely concealed sobs. “Shhh.”

“Don’t go, Rogelio.” He whispered pitifully.

“It’s a done deal, you know that my friend.” He murmured.

“I don’t know how to do this without you.” Rafa looked up at him, tears streaming unabashedly.

“Like I told everyone out there tonight, I won’t be a ghost; you’ll see me everywhere, who knows we’ll probably play a game or two down the road.”

“Is not the same, you know that.”

Roger gently brushed the tears away with his thumbs. “There’s so much ahead for us, you’ve got your little one coming soon and many more I’m sure and you know I’ve got lots of plans.” He smiled affectionately. “I am SO proud of you, Rafa...everything you’ve become and that I can call you my friend; to play against and alongside you, it has been an honour.”

The younger man clung to him, clearly overwhelmed...only then did Roger allow a few more of his seemingly never-ending supply of tears to fall; yes, he’d made peace with his decision, he hadn’t had much of a choice really but it was hard won.

 The enormity of leaving this precious circle was hitting him and if he was completely honest an infinitesimally small part of him wished he could go back and do it all again, to be at Rafa’s side if nothing else.

 Bring it back, bring it back (back) Don't take it away from me (take it away from me) Because you don't know (ooh-ooh-ooh know) What it means to me (means to me)

 Over the last week he’d finally truly seen what he meant to everyone; fans, rivals, friends but, perhaps strangely, it was Rafa’s grief-stricken reaction that had both touched and hurt him the most, maybe because his friend was far more vulnerable than he let on to the rest of the world.

Roger had always been protective of him, almost like a big brother, actually they had been the brother that they’d both wanted and never had.

“You’ll be okay.”

Rafa shook his head against the Swiss’s chest. “Don’t leave me.”

Roger held him tighter, the tip of his nose very gently nuzzling his temple.

 They remained that way for a good long while...there was no-one else in the world.

 You will remember When this is blown over And everything's all by the way (ooh) When I grow older (yeah) I will be there at your side (ooh) To remind you how I still love you (to remind you) (I still love you)

“You okay?” Roger murmured against Rafa’s ear.

“Bueno.” Rafa nodded as they slowly released their hold on each other.

“There cannot be any tears left, surely?”  They both chuckled awkwardly, swiping at their eyes with their palms.

“Is getting out of hand.”

At that second Roger’s mobile buzzed.

“Ha.” Rafa ‘laughed’. “How you say, saved by the bells?”

“Something like that.” His brow creased lightly.

“Mirka wanting to know where you are?” Rafa waved his hand. “Go back to them, Rogelio, is your night.” He absently started to scan the room, picking up odds and ends left to pack.

Roger quickly typed a reply but kept hold of his phone, just watching and soon Rafa was aware of him still being there.

“You are still here?”

Wordlessly he showed his friend the text his wife had sent.

‘Darling, kids asleep. Stay with Rafa, think you need each other tonight.

Love you, so proud. Mirka. XXX’

 Rafa flashed a watery smile.

“She knows you well.”

“She knows us.”

A pause.

“¿Te quedarás?” (“You stay?”)

He nodded, part of him relieved at his wife’s sixth sense, though he still belonged to the tennis world and his family, a little piece of him belonged to Rafa and, right now, theirs was the only wavelength that made sense.

 “You look terrible.” Roger laughed softly.

“Si, you look worse.” Rafa quipped.

Roger walked to the minibar, taking out two bottles of water. “Here.” He lightly tossed one to Rafa, which he nimbly caught. “You need to rehydrate.”

The younger player uncapped the bottle, taking a long drink, arching his eyebrows indicating Roger should do the same.

“And these.” He took a small box of aspirin from his pocket, popping out a dose each. “We’ll feel this tomorrow, never mind the headache.”

Rafa smiled, you could take the player off the court....

“What time is your flight tomorrow, you know you can’t be late?”

“10:45am, I am never late just a little less early is all.”

Roger rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say, Rafa; you need to get some sleep.”

  And so, the two friends curled up together on the bed and exhaustion soon carried them off as they held each other, fingers tightly gripped.

 On the nearby sound bar the haunted tones of Freddie Mercury sang out the ballad ‘Love of my Life’; the lyrics were oddly fitting for them and the night’s events...a strange new era was about to dawn.

Back, hurry back (back, back)

Please, bring it back home to me (bring it back home to me) Because you don't know (ooh-ooh-ooh know) What it means to me (means to me)

Love of my life Love of my life

(Ooh, ooh)

Hi

Hi

I'm new here, came to find a safe space to post fanfiction; I have many different interests for fanfiction so hopefully will see how it goes here! B5, H&A, Encanto, tennis, Holby, Casualty...the list goes on!

I may dip in and out but anyone wants to say hi, they can!

As I say I do all sorts, when I post I hope it will be enjoyed but I don't want any snarky or insulting comments on my choices, if you don't like, don't read simple as that!

All the best!