Work Text:
„Tim, my love, you can’t imagine how good it feels to have you by my side on this trip.“ Anne and Tim had just arrived in Turkey for a two-day trip with a packed itinerary: Anne was set to represent her brother at the memorial ceremonies for the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, and finally Tim was well enough after his injury earlier in the year to join her on a trip. Last but not least, war remembrance was a topic close to both their hearts. „You say it feels good, darling… really just good?“, Tim asked with a twinkling eye. Anne just stepped closer to him while he lifted her chin so she looked at him, with a tender expression on her face and a loving smile on her lips. „No Tim, there is so much more about having you by my side. You soothe me, you ground me, you make me smile - I simply feel loved.“ She pressend a soft kiss on his lips, which he quickly deepened. After some tender caresses, Tim kissed Anne good night - „Sleep tight, my darling - we have a packed day tomorrow.“ Soon he heard her breath becoming more even, and it was not long after that Tim fell asleep too, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist.
The following day was a busy one, especially for Anne who had to deliver a speech on behalf of her brother, lay wreaths and flowers. She did, however, notice Tim’s admiring glances and smiles throughout the day’s programme, and Tim could barely hide his pride of his wife, who looked poised, elegant and regal as always, but with that certain relaxed touch that Tim loved to claim as his achievement.
One of their last engagements for the day was a visit to Seddulbahir Castle, which Tim, who was known for his passion for history, particularly enjoyed. After Anne had revealed a plaque commemorating her visit, they stayed for a brief chat with local dignitaries and museum staff. A cheeky staff member raised their voice: „Admiral, did you feel at home at the castle?“ - „Since I have my princess by my side - yes. I am sure, however, that she will want to take me back home…“ By his side, Anne broke out in hearty laughter before grinning broadly and beaming at him.
In the car back to their hotel, Anne took Tim’s hand. „It would not be the same without you - only you can strike the balance between somber and more lighthearted moments like you do. Thank you for being by my side, today and always.“ Tim said nothing, but took her hand in his and tenderly kissed her knuckles. „My darling.“
Soon it was time to get ready for an evening reception at their hotel. Anne changed into a more elegant jacket and started rooting in her jewellery box. „Do you need help, my darling?“ She held up one of her most sentimental pieces - the naval crown brooch he had given her 33 years before, as a token of his love in the turbulent phase when her divorce took shape. „Shall I help you fix it, like on that night in April 1992?“ She just nodded, and he got to work. Satisfied with his work, he pressed a tender kiss first on the brooch, then more on her hands and finally a lingering kiss on her lips. „You see, Anne - I kept the promise behind the brooch: Here I am, back by your side, ready to support you whereever needed - and very much in love with you.“ Some more and deeper kisses later, a glowing couple went downstairs for the reception.
Quite soon after their arrival, their host showed Anne a poignant picture of her late parents visiting a war cemetery in Japan. Tim noticed the slightly melancholic expression on her face and - without anyone noticing the fleeting movement - briefly touched her upper arm while whispering „They would be so proud of you, do you know that?“ They spent the rest of the reception in a serene mood, chatting with their hosts and other guests.
Finally, they returned to their hotel room after a long and exciting day with lots of new impressions and shared moments. Tim took Anne in his arms and lovingly helped her to remove her brooch and then her jacket. She then did the same for him with his medals and his jacket. Tim helped her undoing her hair while Anne worked on his tie. The slow undressing continued, and when Anne started to search for her nightgown and his pyjamas, he just swept her into his arms - „My darling princess, I think we can stay like this in such warm temperatures…“ With a smug grin, she let him carry her to bed, where they snuggled up together. „We are a team, aren‘t we?“ - „The very best.“ - „Good night, my darling.“ - „So soon, my beloved admiral? I may or may not have other ideas…“