tesing_space's Journal

dr_sarcasm @ 9:38pm: Friday 7th March - Ava and James' apt
Located a few moments' walk from the Spanish Steps in the heart of Roma, Dani and Ava's Apartment occupies the 3rd floor of Palazzo Morisco, a Moorish fortress built in the 16th century. Daniella bought the building after the sale of her restaurant, and rents out the first few floors to wealthy tourists, which provides her with a steady income that comes in handy when she is in between jobs.

High, dark timbered ceilings contrast with white walls which are awash with light from large casement windows. The apartment is stylish but carries the lived in look, it isn't just a beautiful place, it is a long term home. Oriental rugs soften the tiled floors, the antique furniture is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Hand-painted Moroccan ceramics evocative of Dani's homeland provide splashes of vibrant colour, while a bookcase full of medical journals are the most you see of Ava's. The kitchen is deceptively state of the art, retaining a homey feel, with aromatic garlands of dried herbs hanging from the rafters.
A rooftop terrace overflows with potted plants, many of which are culinary and medicinal herbs, but also a few fragrant flowers, as well as a small table and chair set, the garden providing a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax after a hard days work

ava_mendez @ 10:09pm: The Aurelia Hospital Emergency Department- Thursday March 6th
The Aurelia Hospital Emergency Department is exactly what an Emergency Department should be, busy and constantly moving with a mixture of Italian and English filling the halls as some emergencies and some hypochondriacs. The smell of cleaning fluid, the bright white lights, and the sounds of bustle, broken by the rush of incoming accidents.

dr_sarcasm @ 12:00am: Thursday 6th March - Ava and James' apt
Located a few moments' walk from the Spanish Steps in the heart of Roma, Dani and Ava's Apartment occupies the 3rd floor of Palazzo Morisco, a Moorish fortress built in the 16th century. Daniella bought the building after the sale of her restaurant, and rents out the first few floors to wealthy tourists, which provides her with a steady income that comes in handy when she is in between jobs.

High, dark timbered ceilings contrast with white walls which are awash with light from large casement windows. The apartment is stylish but carries the lived in look, it isn't just a beautiful place, it is a long term home. Oriental rugs soften the tiled floors, the antique furniture is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Hand-painted Moroccan ceramics evocative of Dani's homeland provide splashes of vibrant colour, while a bookcase full of medical journals are the most you see of Ava's. The kitchen is deceptively state of the art, retaining a homey feel, with aromatic garlands of dried herbs hanging from the rafters.
A rooftop terrace overflows with potted plants, many of which are culinary and medicinal herbs, but also a few fragrant flowers, as well as a small table and chair set, the garden providing a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax after a hard days work

ava_mendez @ 8:13pm: Wednesday 5th March - Ava and James' apt
Located a few moments' walk from the Spanish Steps in the heart of Roma, Dani and Ava's Apartment occupies the 3rd floor of Palazzo Morisco, a Moorish fortress built in the 16th century. Daniella bought the building after the sale of her restaurant, and rents out the first few floors to wealthy tourists, which provides her with a steady income that comes in handy when she is in between jobs.

High, dark timbered ceilings contrast with white walls which are awash with light from large casement windows. The apartment is stylish but carries the lived in look, it isn't just a beautiful place, it is a long term home. Oriental rugs soften the tiled floors, the antique furniture is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Hand-painted Moroccan ceramics evocative of Dani's homeland provide splashes of vibrant colour, while a bookcase full of medical journals are the most you see of Ava's. The kitchen is deceptively state of the art, retaining a homey feel, with aromatic garlands of dried herbs hanging from the rafters.
A rooftop terrace overflows with potted plants, many of which are culinary and medicinal herbs, but also a few fragrant flowers, as well as a small table and chair set, the garden providing a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax after a hard days work

ava_mendez @ 10:13pm: The Aurelia Hospital Emergency Department- Tuesday March 4th
The Aurelia Hospital Emergency Department is exactly what an Emergency Department should be, busy and constantly moving with a mixture of Italian and English filling the halls as some emergencies and some hypochondriacs. The smell of cleaning fluid, the bright white lights, and the sounds of bustle, broken by the rush of incoming accidents.

dr_sarcasm @ 12:29am: Tuesday 4th March - Ava and James' apt
Located a few moments' walk from the Spanish Steps in the heart of Roma, Dani and Ava's Apartment occupies the 3rd floor of Palazzo Morisco, a Moorish fortress built in the 16th century. Daniella bought the building after the sale of her restaurant, and rents out the first few floors to wealthy tourists, which provides her with a steady income that comes in handy when she is in between jobs.

High, dark timbered ceilings contrast with white walls which are awash with light from large casement windows. The apartment is stylish but carries the lived in look, it isn't just a beautiful place, it is a long term home. Oriental rugs soften the tiled floors, the antique furniture is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Hand-painted Moroccan ceramics evocative of Dani's homeland provide splashes of vibrant colour, while a bookcase full of medical journals are the most you see of Ava's. The kitchen is deceptively state of the art, retaining a homey feel, with aromatic garlands of dried herbs hanging from the rafters.
A rooftop terrace overflows with potted plants, many of which are culinary and medicinal herbs, but also a few fragrant flowers, as well as a small table and chair set, the garden providing a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax after a hard days work

ava_mendez @ 7:20pm: The Aurelia Hospital Emergency Department-Monday March 3rd
The Aurelia Hospital Emergency Department is exactly what an Emergency Department should be, busy and constantly moving with a mixture of Italian and English filling the halls as some emergencies and some hypochondriacs. The smell of cleaning fluid, the bright white lights, and the sounds of bustle, broken by the rush of incoming accidents.

dr_sarcasm @ 11:07pm: Monday 3rd March - Ava and James' apt
Located a few moments' walk from the Spanish Steps in the heart of Roma, Dani and Ava's Apartment occupies the 3rd floor of Palazzo Morisco, a Moorish fortress built in the 16th century. Daniella bought the building after the sale of her restaurant, and rents out the first few floors to wealthy tourists, which provides her with a steady income that comes in handy when she is in between jobs.

High, dark timbered ceilings contrast with white walls which are awash with light from large casement windows. The apartment is stylish but carries the lived in look, it isn't just a beautiful place, it is a long term home. Oriental rugs soften the tiled floors, the antique furniture is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Hand-painted Moroccan ceramics evocative of Dani's homeland provide splashes of vibrant colour, while a bookcase full of medical journals are the most you see of Ava's. The kitchen is deceptively state of the art, retaining a homey feel, with aromatic garlands of dried herbs hanging from the rafters.
A rooftop terrace overflows with potted plants, many of which are culinary and medicinal herbs, but also a few fragrant flowers, as well as a small table and chair set, the garden providing a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax after a hard days work

ava_mendez @ 11:23pm: Sunday 2nd March - Ava and James' apt
Located a few moments' walk from the Spanish Steps in the heart of Roma, Dani and Ava's Apartment occupies the 3rd floor of Palazzo Morisco, a Moorish fortress built in the 16th century. Daniella bought the building after the sale of her restaurant, and rents out the first few floors to wealthy tourists, which provides her with a steady income that comes in handy when she is in between jobs.

High, dark timbered ceilings contrast with white walls which are awash with light from large casement windows. The apartment is stylish but carries the lived in look, it isn't just a beautiful place, it is a long term home. Oriental rugs soften the tiled floors, the antique furniture is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Hand-painted Moroccan ceramics evocative of Dani's homeland provide splashes of vibrant colour, while a bookcase full of medical journals are the most you see of Ava's. The kitchen is deceptively state of the art, retaining a homey feel, with aromatic garlands of dried herbs hanging from the rafters.
A rooftop terrace overflows with potted plants, many of which are culinary and medicinal herbs, but also a few fragrant flowers, as well as a small table and chair set, the garden providing a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax after a hard days work

immortal_seth @ 10:17pm: Saturday March 1st - Ginello's Cafe and Bar
The bar where the humans hang out, pretty much a cliché, run by an Italian American who came back looking for his roots, and then, when he couldn't find what he wanted, plagiarized from movie sets. But, for this town, the beer isn't too expensive, and it serves pretty good pizza slices. Just ignore the 'authentic' Italian muzak wherever possible, and if you live here try to avoid the tourists.

dr_sarcasm @ 7:56pm: Saturday 1st March - Ava and James' apt
Located a few moments' walk from the Spanish Steps in the heart of Roma, Dani and Ava's Apartment occupies the 3rd floor of Palazzo Morisco, a Moorish fortress built in the 16th century. Daniella bought the building after the sale of her restaurant, and rents out the first few floors to wealthy tourists, which provides her with a steady income that comes in handy when she is in between jobs.

High, dark timbered ceilings contrast with white walls which are awash with light from large casement windows. The apartment is stylish but carries the lived in look, it isn't just a beautiful place, it is a long term home. Oriental rugs soften the tiled floors, the antique furniture is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Hand-painted Moroccan ceramics evocative of Dani's homeland provide splashes of vibrant colour, while a bookcase full of medical journals are the most you see of Ava's. The kitchen is deceptively state of the art, retaining a homey feel, with aromatic garlands of dried herbs hanging from the rafters.
A rooftop terrace overflows with potted plants, many of which are culinary and medicinal herbs, but also a few fragrant flowers, as well as a small table and chair set, the garden providing a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax after a hard days work

ava_mendez @ 9:32pm: Friday 29th Feb - Rome International Airport
Ava had worked her shift without her feet touching the ground. She was so excited that even Dr Rose couldn't bring her down. On the way out of work she'd gone to the hospital shop and found a 'welcome home' balloon, James was coming home...it was a good day. Before going home, she'd stopped at their favourite take out place and got them both some chicken, and a bottle of alcohol free champagne.

She'd got home with two hours to spare, showered changed, brewed a flask of strong black coffee, and gone out again, deciding to leave the balloon at home.

Unfortunately it meant she'd got to arrivals with at least an hour to spare, and had alternated between pacing and sitting in a chair, searching every face that came through.

drscarlet @ 9:28pm: Friday 29th Feb - Dublin International Airport
Scarlet sat in the airport, fidgeting. She hated flying, but she was itching to get home to her son. She was about an hour away from getting on her flight and she sat fiddling with a cup of overpriced terrible airport tea and watching the boards.

dr_sarcasm @ 9:25pm: Thursday 28th February - Dublin - Interview day
James rubbed at his eyes beneath his glasses, his tiredness obvious for all to see. He was trying to relax, which wasn't going so well, he was absolutely dreading the interview... he just wasn't very good at them. James groaned and dropped his head into his hands. Oh god, he was going to completely fuck up wasn't he?

dr_sarcasm @ 4:07pm: Wednesday 27th Feb - Phonecall/webchat (evening)
James checked the time before dialling Ava's number, pretty sure she should be finished her shift now.

ava_mendez @ 9:43pm: Streets of Rome- Feb 27th
Ava had called Seth for lunch at the break in her shift, taking the excuse to get out of the hospital and knowing James would still be stuck in an exam. Taking lunch at work without James felt odd and made her miss him so much she could almost taste it. She was aware that calling Seth for that meant she had one foot in Denver's user camp, she still needed the escape.

ava_mendez @ 8:12pm: The Aurelia Hospital Emergency Department- February 27th
The Aurelia Hospital Emergency Department is exactly what an Emergency Department should be, busy and constantly moving with a mixture of Italian and English filling the halls as some emergencies and some hypochondriacs. The smell of cleaning fluid, the bright white lights, and the sounds of bustle, broken by the rush of incoming accidents.

dr_sarcasm @ 8:10pm: Wednesday 27th Feb - Dublin streets
James suppressed a yawn, running a hand down his face as he walked out the hotel door.

dr_sarcasm @ 6:52pm: Tuesday Feb 26th - phone call/ web chat (evening)
Ava picked up the phone, shaking slightly as she called James.

James answered after the first ring. "Hey, shift finished?"

"Yeah...and don't be angry...but I've picked up another black eye...not on purpouse...you'll laugh...I got a paper plane in the eye" Ava murmured

James frowned. "Why would I be...what?" he blinked at her words, worry rising before he blinked. Had he heard that right?
"You...what? How?"

"Kid flying a paper plane...I was getting something from the linen closet, caught at just the wrong angle, my eye's come up like I've been smacked...webcam?" Ava murmured

"Ow," James winced in sympathy. "...and yeah sure, hang on..ok," he muttered as he got his laptop ready.

Ava settled in front of the laptop, waiting for her fiance

James switched the webcam on and his expression softened. "Damn, that looks painful," he said softly.

"It is...hope it's healed enough for when you get home"

"As long as you keep it iced, it should be...not that it matters if it isn't, just as long as i get to see you" James murmured.

"I'm going to lock the door and not let you in." Ava teased

James arched an eyebrow at that. "Pretty sure i have a key.."

Ava laughed softly. "God I miss you so much"

James smiled as she laughed. "Believe me, the feeling's mutual

Ava's smile widened.

"So, apart from low flying paper planes, how was your shift?" James asked.

"Not bad." Ava replied "...it went quickly."

James nodded. "You're not down for any long shifts are you?"

“Not any more this week.” Ava murmured

"Good, that's good," James murmured.

"I'm just...a mess without you" Ava murmured

"I think...we both are." James sighed softly. "How the bloody hell did we live before we met?"

"No idea...I don't want to test it" Ava murmured

"Neither do I," James said softly.

Ava sighed softly. "Next exam, no leaving the country"

"Definitely not," James agreed, even though he wasn't sure about other exams.

Ava smiled slightly. "I keep looking at myself, seeing if I look pregnant yet." Ava murmured

James quirked a slight smile. "And?"

"Not happening yet" Ava murmured

James nodded. "Still a bit early."

Ava pouted. "I just want to look it, a little bit"

James' smile turned amused at her pout. "I imagine it shouldn't be much longer."

"Well good...I want to look like I feel." Ava murmured

"Mm, but then everyone would know... And I thought you wanted to keep it secret until at least the dating scan?" James asked.

"For a while you just look fat" Ava murmured

"..ok then," James murmured. "Well, like I said, shouldn't be too much longer."

Ava chuckled. "Won't love me if I'm fat?"

James rolled his eyes. "Don't be daft."

"I'm not being" Ava murmured

"You are a bit. I'd love you no matter what," James murmured.

Ava sighed. "I know"

"So, no need to worry about that then," James murmured.

"I just want you to come home."

James sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. "I know. I want to come home too."

"All I can think is soon...to stay sane." Ava murmured

"Yeah, soon." James nodded.

Ava smiled "Love you"

"Love you too," James replied. "What time you in tomorrow again?"

"9-6" Ava replied

"Ah, day shift, fun. Call me in your break? If you get the time that is," James murmured.

"Always have time for you." Ava replied

James quirked a small smile. "Same here."

"When do you have another exam?" Ava asked softly

"About 9 in the morning," James replied.

"then at least we're missing at the same time then?" Ava replied

"Mm. Although, I'll have to find something to do to waste time until your shift ends," James pointed out.

"Go hang out with Scarlet...go actually see Dublin?" Ava suggested

"Meh." James pulled a face at the idea. "...I dunno."

"Which are you mehing at?" Ava murmured, laughing

"Bit of both probably... Does it matter?" James murmured, smiling slightly as she laughed.

"Just checking which phobia baby." Ava murmured

"Oh, I'm phobic now? I thought I was just antisocial," James murmured, arching a questioning eyebrow.

Ava laughed again. "baby...I know you better than anyone...and your phobic"

James' head tilted slightly, brow furrowing. "...what phobias then?"

"People getting close" Ava nearly whispered.

"Ah." James sighed and ducked his head. "...that's erm...only one"

"And fear of change...though I honestly think that's my fault."

"Why would that be your fault?" James asked, lifting his head.

"Because before me and the baby, big changes didn't matter, because you had nothing to lose." Ava murmured without thinking

"Maybe... But, all I know is I'm better with you. Happy." James said softly.

"I am too." Ava murmured

"Good, I like that we're both happy," James murmured.

"Yeah...we're happy." Ava murmured

James nodded and then chewed at his lip. "...you think I should go out tomorrow then?"

"It's up to you baby, but it seems a waste" Ava murmured

James sighed. "I just... I dunno... Can't really see the point"

"To waste time until I'm off shift." Ava murmured

James quirked a small smile. "Well, I have almost finished the books I brought with me."

"There are another two in the case...I know how fast you read" Ava murmured

"Is there? I'll have to have a look, thanks," James murmured with a small smile.

"I dunno if I got the right books" Ava murmured

"Can you remember what they were?" James asked.

"I found one of the rama's by arthur c clarke and I think a charles stross." Ava replied

James quirked a small smile. "They're fine."

Ava smiled. "Good"

James quirked a small smile. "I'm likely to finish both before I come home though, so I might as well pick another couple."

Ava nodded. "Go to Bewley's, the coffee is amazing."

"Bewley's... Where's that?" James asked.

"Grafton street as memory serves." Ava replied

"...ok. I'll see if I can find it," James murmured. "If this was in London or Edinburgh I'd at least know my way around."

"Just relax...it's amazing what you can run into when you're not looking."

"Sometimes that's what I'm worried about... Although, I did run into you," James murmured with a slight wry smile.

"That was the point I was making" Ava murmured

"Oh. ...you know what I'm like with that type of thing, usually goes over my head," James mumbled.

“You’re forgiven…however forget our anniversary I will kill you.” Ava murmured

James quirked a small smile. "I promise I won't."

Ava resisted the urge to yawn, her tiredness showing.

"You should get some sleep, it's getting late," James said softly.

"You too baby." Ava murmured

James nodded. "I guess so... Speak to you tomorrow?"

"If you need to talk to me before then.." Ava murmured

James' brow furrowed slightly before nodding. "Likewise."

"Love you...you know that right?" Ava murmured

"Of course I do, and I love you too," James replied with a soft smile.

"It's another day over baby" Ava murmured

James smiled slightly. "Yeah, good."

"You'll be home so soon." Ava murmured

"I know. Just want it to go faster," James admitted softly.

"Me too." Ava murmured

James sighed softly. "I'll speak to you tomorrow, get some sleep... Love you."

dr_sarcasm @ 6:18pm: Tuesday Feb 26th - phone call/ web chat (morning)
Ava woke slowly, her hand going straight to her phone, James hadn't called her, but she said she would call him in the morning, so she hit his number, her last call

James jerked awake at the first ring, having fallen asleep some time ago, phone still in hand. "...lo?"

 "Hi baby" Ava murmured

"Hey...how you?" James shifted to set up.

 "Not so bad...slept on the sofa in the end" Ava murmured

"Not as comfy as the bed," James mumured. "Was your shift ok?"

"Bed'll be comfy when you're in it with me...and it was OK, but I'm so tired

"Cannae wait," James murmured, his accent the usual mix of both due to not long being awake. "You only a short one today right? Gives you time to rest."

"Mmm just a little one...which is worse." Ava murmured

"Worse?" James asked.

"I don't want to be at home alone." Ava replied

"Oh." James sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. "Well, you could always spend time with your friends? And I only have a short exam this afternoon, so.."

"I might go see if I can whine Denver into giving us some art for the new house." Ava murmured

"That could be nice... Have you looked at all?" James asked.

"Course not...it's ours, we should look together" Ava murmured

"Ok. We'll start when I get back," James murmured, attempting to cover a yawn mid-sentence.

 "Go back to sleep love...sorry I woke you." Ava murmured

"Nah, it's fine, I told you I didn't mind," James replied. "I'm awake now."

 "Mmm you sound it" Ava teased

 A small sound of amusement left James. "Maybe I just need a coffee."

"You always need coffee" Ava replied,

"Quite possibly," James admitted softly.

"What do you need right now?" Ava murmured

"My fiancee," James murmured softly without realising he had said it at first.

Ava tried not to cry at those words and failed, twisting the ring on her finger.

"Ava? You ok?" James asked, the concern obvious in his tone.

Ava smiled. "I'm OK baby...I just...I miss you." She murmured.

"I miss you too, so much," James murmured softly.

"I don't feel like I've stopped crying for weeks...I just want to see you..." Ava murmured

"...does your laptop have a webcam?" James asked.

"Yeah" Ava murmured

"So..turn it on?" James suggested hesitantly. "Save phone bills.."

"OK...I look a mess though" Ava murmured, turning on the webcam.

"I really don't care," James murmured while turning on his own webcam, knowing that he looked like he hadn't slept since he had left, which he hadn't much.

Ava smiled as his image appeared. "Hi baby"

"Hey." James returned her smile. "That's better."

Ava reached out to brush her fingers over his image. "Have you even slept a little baby?"

"Course I have," James replied. "Just thinking of too much, and... I haven't really got an excuse to stay in bed."

"You will have." Ava murmured

James arched a questioning eyebrow.

"A reason to stay in bed" Ava murmured,trying to tidy her hair

"When I get home," James replied. "Your hair's fine."

"I can't wait...whenever I hear your voice I just want to be...there." Ava murmured

James quirked a small smile. "I know the feeling."

"I never expected it to hurt this much...not being with you" Ava murmured

"No, me either. I can't wait to come home," James murmured.

Ava smiled softly. "I'll be here...I'll be waiting"

"Good to know," James replied softly, quirking a small smile.

"Did you ever doubt it" Ava murmured

James shook his head. "No, but it's still good to hear."

Ava smiled. "James McCann...I will be waiting...I'll wait forever

James' smile widened. "Well, hopefully I won't be away that long," he quipped softly. "I love you."

Ava grinned, "No you won't"

"Good. Wouldn't want to be," James said, smiling at her grin

"I'll drag you back McCann" Ava teased softly

"You wouldn't need to drag me," James said softly.

"Miss me that much huh?" Ava murmured

"So bloody much," James replied softly.

"I just want you home...this isn't enough...I want to be able to touch you...I need my daily kisses" Ava murmured

"I know, me too," James murmured. "I want to come home Ava," he added quietly.

"I know baby...not much longer" Ava murmured

"S'already too long," James muttered, sighing and running a hand down his face.

Ava sighed. "I wish I could be there."

James nodded. "I know you would if you could. It's ok."

"I was worried you wouldn't miss me." Ava murmured

"Why wouldn't I miss you?" James asked.

"You'd be too busy...or you just wouldn't" Ava muttered

"Well I do miss you," James murmured.

"Good." Ava muttered

"I still don't get why you'd think I wouldn't though," James murmured.

"Because there must be lots of pretty, smart girls there." Ava murmured

"And?" James frowned.

"I'm just not feeling very confident at the moment...or very beautiful." Ava murmured

"You are though. Very beautiful," James replied softly.

"I have never felt it less" Ava murmured

"You shouldn't," James said softly.

"Just tired and grumpy I guess." Ava murmured

"But still beautiful," James murmured softly.

Ava dropped her head, trying not to cry.

"Ok?" James asked.

"Not so much...Seth's in love with Denver and I'm trying to tell him how great it is, while holding back tears because you aren't here." Ava murmured

"He loves her?" James blinked and then sighed softly. "I'm sorry."

"Think so" Ava murmured

"Well, I can't really comment as I don't know him," James murmured. "Not that I'd be much help."

"You know what it's like...being in love...doesn't always make sense." Ava murmured

James nodded. "Yeah, I do. So, what you going to do?"

"Let them do their own thing." Ava murmured

"Right." James nodded. "So you're not gonna get stressed over it?"

Ava nodded.

"Good," James murmured.

"I told him he should tell her...was I right?" Ava murmured

"You're asking me?" James' eyebrows rose. "You're far better at this type of thing than me, so you probably did."

"Was it the best thing? Me telling you?" Ava murmured

James sighed. "At first it freaked me out, but afterwards... Yeah, it was."

 "And if I'd died six months ago and an old friend said it" Ava murmured

"I don't have any old friends, especially not ones who would," James murmured. "I don't know... Probably swear at them?"

"Exactly" Ava murmured

"Exactly?" James arched an eyebrow.

"If you'd swear what will denver do" Ava murmured

"Ah. Well, that can't be good," James murmured.

"And I did that" Ava murmured

"Huh?" James frowned in confusion.

"What if she hurts him." Ava murmured

"And the chance of her doing that?" James asked.

"Kinda huge" Ava murmured

"Ah. Well, again, that can't be good," James murmured "But...what can you do about it?"

Ava sighed. "Meh...just come home and we can ignore them"

James let out a small snort. "Few more days yet... But you don't sound too worried considering you pretty much said she'll hurt him?" he asked, frowning.

"Seth can hold his own." Ava murmured

"If you say so," James murmured. "Have you eaten yet today?"

"No" Ava muttered

"You should," James said softly.

"I know i should just not hungry" Ava murmured

James sighed softly. "Make sure you eat when you get hungry then?"

"I will." Ava murmured

"Good." James ran a hand down his face. "God, I really wish I was with you right now."

 "I do too baby." Ava murmured. "I miss you."


"mm, me too," James sighed, lowering his gaze for a moment and falling silent before a faint blush coloured his face.

"baby what is it?" Ava murmured, noticing his blush

"Mm? Oh, nothing...was just thinking about..something," James muttered.

 "Tell me?" Ava asked

"Its nothing...really... I was just... Still can't believe you sent those photos..." James muttered.

"Be honest...are you hornier than hell right now?" Ava murmured

"Erm..." James blushed deeply.

"I am." Ava murmured

"...you are?" James murmured.

"Oh God yes...turned me on thinking of you looking at those photos...getting hard looking at me...thinking of me while you..." Ava murmured

James' blush deepened and he rubbed the back of his neck. "I.. I erm, well I... That is erm..."

"I did...I closed my eyes and imagined it was you, that your hands were on my breasts instead of my own, your hands on me, imagined you inside me, your mouth, your fingers, your cock...I came, but it almost made it worse. Then I just wanted the real thing, the weight of you over me, the feeling of being pushed into, the taste of you." Ava murmured

 James' eyes widened at her words and he swallowed thickly. "...bloody hell Ava..." he breathed out absently licking his bottom lip.

Ava grinned wickedly. "And now I'm all worked up again."

"Yo...you are..?" James murmured.

"Yes" Ava murmured. "If you were here i'd be begging you to fuck me."

"Wish I was..." James murmured absently.

"So you could kiss me all over." Aava murmured

"..mm.." James uttered, not aware he licked his lip again.

"I want you to come home too." Ava murmured

James groaned softly, running both hands down his face. "I really want to."

"A lot of women wouldn't be doing this...too shy...too untrusting." Ava murmured

James frowned. "What?"

Ava smiled. "Wind their man up then let them go with loads of other women around"

James continued to frown. "What other women? And why would I care?"

"And that's why I can...because I trust you...I feel shaky sometimes but I trust you."

"...ok," James murmured, still looking somewhat bemused.

Ava smiled at his bemused face. "I love you"

"I...love you too," James replied, returning her smile but the bemusement was still there.

"Some men...use trips like yours to cheat on their wives" Ava murmured

James' eyebrows rose. "I.. I would never.."

"I know." Ava murmured

James nodded. "Good, ok. I only want you Ava."

Ava smiled. "When you come home...wedding stuff?"

James returned her smile. "Sure, and apartment hunting."

"And my first scan soon." Ava murmured. "A proper family"

James' smile widened at that. "Mhm, ours."

"Ours." Ava murmured

"Can't wait," James said softly.

"Me neither" Ava murmured

James sighed softly, glancing at the time and grimacing. "I should think about showering and getting ready for that exam..." he muttered.

"Go baby...Good luck." Ava kissed her fingertips and pressed them to the webcam

James quirked a small smile, a sad edge to it. "Call me after your shift ok?"

"I promise...love you." Ava murmured

"I love you too, speak to you later," James murmured.

dr_sarcasm @ 6:08pm: Monday Feb 25th/ Tuesday Feb 26th - Late night/early morning
James scanned through the email to Ava, sighing and pulling a face before hitting send.

'Hey, thought I'd email now so you get this when you're on your break.
Hope you aren't working too hard or are upset, don't like it when you're upset.
Anyway, I have an exam about 2ish tomorrow so I should be reachable all morning if you're not sleeping or anything.. What else? I was talking to Scarlet today...she's apparently gonna try being friends with me again...don't know why, didn't go well last time... But, anyway, I replied to something she mentioned about when she was pregnant, i didn't know what to say when she questioned me., i mean, I know we haven't told work yet and you wanted to keep it just us for now but what do I say when something like that happens? I don't know.

How are you? Erm.. Do anything, besides work and the, that, shopping, I mean?

I suppose I should try and get some sleep now huh? Call me in your break if you want, I won't mind, hell I might not even be asleep... Probably will just be Probably will just be reading I imagine.
If not call me in the morning or both?

Love you.'

ava_mendez @ 8:41pm: Monday Feb 25th- Phone thread
James sighed, rubbing at his temple as he dialled Ava's number.

"Hey baby" Ava answered on the first ring

"Hey. How're you?" James asked softly, quirking a small smile at the sound of her voice.

"Better now I've heard your voice." Ava replied

James' smiled widened at that. "I was thinking the same thing. How's your day been though? And I'm sorry about this morning."

"It was me being stupid" Ava murmured. "I did the food shopping, it's being delivered in an hour...got a couple of other things too...can you pick up photos and stay on the call?"

"Erm... Not sure, I think so, why?" James asked.

"I want to show you" Ava murmured

"Ok... Well, try then," James murmured.

Ava sent a photo, a tiny cream baby grow with the words 'I love my daddy' across the front.

James put his glasses on to look at the picture and a small, soft smile graced his features. "Well that's not groceries," he pointed out.

"It's other shopping" Ava murmured

"I see that, it's great," James said softly.

"How was it?" Ava asked

"Erm.. It was, ok, I think," James replied.

"It will be baby" Ava murmured

"How long before your shift?" James asked.

"Hour" Ava murmured. "When's your next test?"

"Tomorrow afternoon...unless I'm forgetting about one," James replied.

"Email me...if that's easier than voice mail" Ava murmured

James rubbed the back of his neck. "I... Just get a bit...flustered I guess, with answering machines."

Ava smiled, knowing him too well. "OK love"

"You...can still call me at anytime if you want though," James murmured.

"And I will." Ava murmured

James quirked a small smile. "Oh good."

"Miss you baby." Ava murmured

"I miss you too," James replied softly. "So bloody much."

"I can't wait to see you" Ava murmured

"Neither can I, can't wait to come home," James said softly.

"Bed's too big without you...cold" Ava said shakily

"At least it's not a hotel bed," James said softly. "I'll be home soon."

"If I could fly...I'd be there" Ava murmured

"I know you would, but almost another day over right?" James murmured.

“Mmm...three left, do you want the earlier flight or the later?” Ava murmured

"I'm thinking the earlier one," James replied.

"Get's you home four hours earlier...gets you to me four hours earlier." Ava murmured

"I like the sound of that," James murmured softly.

"If you picked the other flight...I'd have been pretty devestated that you didn't want to come back to me as soon as you could" Ava murmured

"If I could come back now I would," James said softly.

"If I could get you home now, I would" Ava murmured

"Really wish I could," James murmured with a sigh.

Ava pulled in a breath trying not to cry

"It won't be for much longer," James murmured.

"I know...I just hate it...I have another picture to send, but I'll do it later." Ava murmured

"Why later?" James asked

"Because I figure you're in public right now and I dropped by La Perla" Ava murmured

"...erm...actually, I'm in my hotel room," James replied slowly.

"OK...Switch your laptop on I'll send them" Ava murmured

"...ok... Hang on," James murmured, putting the phone on the side as he moved to turn his laptop on. "Ok, it's on," he said after picking up the phone again.

Ava sent a photo, first of the new purple cami she's bought, sheer and transucent, the next was a set of purple underwear with stockings and suspenders, both with her in them, obviously taken in the large mirror in her wardrobe.

James eyebrows rose, eyes widening and was pretty sure he was blushing. "..erm.."

"Like them?" Ava asked softly

James nodded slowly before realising he was talking to her on the phone. "..erm, yes.."

"Question...are you licking your bottom lip yet?" Ava murmured

James blinked. "..am I..what?" he asked even as he realised he had before ending up chewing his lid instead. "..why?"

"Generally that's part of your 'I want to screw you now face." Ava murmured

A small choked sound left James. "My...I...what? ...really?"

"Mmm you definitely have one...generally within ten minutes of you starting to lick your bottom lip we're in bed." Ava murmured

"I.. I've never noticed.." James murmured, glancing at the pictures again, falling silent for a moment.

Ava sent a third photo where she was standing in just the knickers in front of the mirror. "I notice baby"

"..bloody hell Ava.." James breathed out.

"Like what you see." Ava teased

"...you need to ask?" James murmured, absently licking his bottom lip and frowning when he noticed the action.

"This way...if you get frustrated...you don't just have to imagine" Ava teased

"...Ava," James murmured, shifting uncomfortably where he sat.

"What would you do...I'm sitting here right now, in just those knickers...I took that picture while I was talking to you." Ava murmured

"..er... I, but.. Why?" James managed to get out.

"Because I want you too" Ava murmured

"I...I'm not sure I... I understand" James stammered slightly.

"It's OK baby." Ava murmured

"I just...what do you mean?" James asked.

"Never heard of phone sex baby." Ava murmured

"Oh. I...erm...that's what... Vaguely" James stammered.

"And that's why it doesn't matter." Ava murmured

"I'm sorry," James murmured.

"Don't be...I have to go get dressed for work...email me?" Ava murmured

"Sure.. I will.. Sure it's ok?" James asked, unable to stop his gaze wandering to the laptop again.

"I'm sure...I love you baby." Ava murmured

"I love you too," James replied.

"I gotta go...I have no excuse to be late, bye darling," Ava murmured as she hung up

"bye," James murmured, groaning softly after the call had ended.

Ava smirked slightly, if it was anything to do with her, he'd barely be able to walk for the need to have her when he got back

James ran both hands through his hair, chewing on his bottom lip before looking at the pictures again, not quite believing she had sent them.

ava_mendez @ 11:03pm: Monday Feb 25th
Located a few moments' walk from the Spanish Steps in the heart of Roma, Dani and Ava's Apartment occupies the 3rd floor of Palazzo Morisco, a Moorish fortress built in the 16th century. Daniella bought the building after the sale of her restaurant, and rents out the first few floors to wealthy tourists, which provides her with a steady income that comes in handy when she is in between jobs.

High, dark timbered ceilings contrast with white walls which are awash with light from large casement windows. The apartment is stylish but carries the lived in look, it isn't just a beautiful place, it is a long term home. Oriental rugs soften the tiled floors, the antique furniture is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Hand-painted Moroccan ceramics evocative of Dani's homeland provide splashes of vibrant colour, while a bookcase full of medical journals are the most you see of Ava's. The kitchen is deceptively state of the art, retaining a homey feel, with aromatic garlands of dried herbs hanging from the rafters.
A rooftop terrace overflows with potted plants, many of which are culinary and medicinal herbs, but also a few fragrant flowers, as well as a small table and chair set, the garden providing a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax after a hard days work

dr_sarcasm @ 10:32pm: Monday Feb 25th - Hotel Room
James woke groggily and blinked confused, bleary brown eyes, at first unsure and thrown by the unfamiliar surroundings before remembering. A soft groan left him and he moved to get up, shivering as he did. He never had made it probably into bed, having dozed off in an awkward position, half on his side on top of the covers, glasses still on but skewed. Not a great start.

After stretching and sitting upright, he reached for his phone to check it.

busted_wings @ 8:30pm: Sunday Feb 24th Denver's apartment
Denver had been training hard that morning, trying to sweat out her rage and pain. Waking up had bought a fresh wave of missing Ethan, and she treated it with anger, trying to force it out of her pores by the force of anger. She had sparred with the punchbag with no gloves, and had beaten it until the knuckles were bruised and split, trying to find catharsis through pain. It hadn't come.

Ava pulled up outside the apartment and turned to Seth. "Go fetch her then...I'll give you a half hour before I come up...I know you two do love a welcome home fuck." She teased softly, even though she knew that was unlikely to be Denver's reaction.