From Start To Finish. (Rhea Ripley X Male Reader)

Australia Part Two.

20 votes and I'll upload the next chapter.

Also, check out the My Judgement Day story because there's a poll going on right now to dictate the newest story, as I'm going on break as soon as I get to Day One.

The drive to Rhea's childhood home was a blur of green and gold. Rolling hills dotted with eucalyptus trees, vast fields of sugarcane swaying in the breeze, and glimpses of the sparkling coastline in the distance. Y/N tried to appreciate the scenery, but his mind was preoccupied with Calista and the palpable tension that hung in the air.

The house itself was a sprawling Queenslander, with wide verandas, intricate fretwork, and a lush, overgrown garden that gave it a charming, if slightly dilapidated, appeal. It was the kind of place that whispered stories of generations past, of family gatherings and sun-drenched afternoons.

As they pulled into the driveway, Y/N felt a pang of nostalgia, a longing for a sense of belonging he had never truly experienced. His own childhood had been chaotic and transient, marked by constant moves and a lack of stability. Rhea's home, with its deep roots and strong family ties, was a stark contrast to his own upbringing.

Stepping out of the car, he was immediately engulfed by the sounds of the Australian bush: the chirping of cicadas, the rustling of leaves, and the distant call of a kookaburra. It was a symphony of nature that both soothed and unnerved him.

Rhea's mother ushered them inside, her warmth and enthusiasm a welcome contrast to Calista's icy demeanor. The house was filled with comfortable, mismatched furniture, family photos, and the aroma of home-baked goods. It felt lived-in and loved, a testament to the enduring power of family.

Y/N, feeling like a fish out of water, gravitated towards the babies. He hoisted Amalia onto his hip, her soft weight grounding him in the present moment. Harper, nestled in Rhea's arms, gurgled contentedly, her eyes fixed on Y/N.

Finding solace in the familiar, Y/N began to entertain the babies, making silly faces and singing off-key lullabies. Amalia responded with delighted squeals, while Harper kicked her tiny legs in excitement. He walked through the house, the babies in tow, admiring the family photos and the quirky décor. He found an old, dusty guitar in the corner of the living room and, despite not knowing how to play, strummed a few chords, eliciting giggles from his daughters.

As the afternoon wore on, Y/N felt a growing sense of restlessness. He needed to escape the confines of the house, to explore the surrounding countryside and clear his head.

Y/N: I'm going for a walk.

He announced to Rhea, who was helping her mother prepare dinner. 

Y/N: Just to stretch my legs and get some fresh air.

Rhea: Be careful, it's easy to get lost around here. And watch out for snakes!

Y/N chuckled. 

Y/N: Snakes? Seriously?

Rhea: Seriously, we have some of the deadliest snakes in the world.

Undeterred, Y/N set off, leaving the babies in the capable hands of Rhea and her mother. He wandered down the long driveway, past fields of grazing cattle, and onto a dirt road that led into the bush.

As he walked, he admired the rugged beauty of the landscape. Towering gum trees lined the road, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight. Wildflowers dotted the fields, adding splashes of color to the verdant landscape.

Lost in his thoughts, Y/N failed to pay attention to his surroundings. He took a wrong turn, then another, and soon found himself hopelessly disoriented. The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the road. He pulled out his phone, but there was no signal.