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ranger-jedi-knight · 5 years ago

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A New Hero Chap 12

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20887313/chapters/56262946 Taglist: @vixen-uchiha

So here’s the next chap!!! I hope you guys enjoy it!!

Mari beamed as Damian approached her and Chloe as they waited by Chloe’s limo. “Over here, Dami!” Mari called and Damian gave a small wave as he picked up his small bag off the ground.

“Hello again, Mari, Chloe,” Damian greeted as he reached them. He put his bag down and gave Mari a hug and shook Chloe’s hand. “So when do you want to finish this movie of yours?” he asked as they entered Chloe’s limo.

“We’ll be doing it in a couple of days. We just want to film one or two more things before you come in,” Mari explained and Damian nodded understanding at that. “How was your flight?”

“It was alright. Quite boring to be honest,” he answered and the two girls nodded understanding as they pulled up to Chloe’s hotel finally. “I’ll be right back. I just want to put my bag into my room,” Damian said and the girls nodded as the limo pulled to a stop. He grabbed his bag and quickly made his way into the hotel to check-in.

“So, Dami~?” Chloe teased and a blush grew on Mari’s cheeks.

“I-it’s nothing! Just a nickname!” Mari said and Chloe hummed with a smirk.

“Just a nickname? And the hug. Damian isn’t known for those,” Chloe remarked smugly. Mari looked away as her blush deepened.

“It’s nothing! Text Xan already, Dami will be back soon,” Mari grumbled and Chloe laughed as she sent the warning text to Xan who sent a thumbs-up emoji back to her.

“There, he’s been warned,” she replied and Mari nodded. Not a moment too soon either. Damian opened the limo door and got back in and sat next to Mari.

“So, what is this surprise that I can’t tell anyone about?” he asked, looking at the two girls. Mari smiled at him as her blush finally went down. “Is everything ok? Your face is red.”

AND

her blush is back.

She smiled at Damian and nodded her head. “Yeah, everything’s good. And the surprise is at my place,” Mari replied and Damian nodded, knowing he wouldn’t be able to get her to budge on telling. The drive to the bakery was short and quiet. They soon reached it and the three got out of the limo with Chloe waving as they drove off. Sabine and Tom waved to them as they walked into the bakery.

“Hello, Damian! It’s so nice to see you again. I hope your flight was fine,” Sabine said and Damian nodded.

“My flight was fine, Mrs. Cheng,” Damian said and Sabine smiled at him.

“Please, Damian, call me Sabine,” she said and Damian nodded. “I’ll bring you and your friend’s cookies in a bit, Mari,” she continued and Mari nodded.

“You don’t need to mama. I can do that myself!” Mari called and Sabine smiled.

“Alright, the cookies are in back,” she said and Mari beamed as she grabbed the plate waiting and pressed a kiss to her parent’s cheeks before following Damian and Chloe up the stairs. They soon reached her place and Mari smiled as she set the plate on the coffee table in front of the TV.

“Come on down!” Mari shouted and Damian could only look at her confused before hearing her trap door open and watched as a teen boy come down. He was about Damian’s age with brown hair, the tips were dyed teal, a scar on his right cheek, and silver eyes. He looked familiar to Damian. When the teen saw him, he flinched and Mari went over and squeezed his shoulder.

“Who-” he started but stopped as Mari looked over at him. The teen gave a nervous wave to Damian before turning a bit to look at Mari but that allowed Damian to catch a glimpse of a scarily familiar tattoo peeking out from under his tank top. They heard his breath catch and looked over at him and the teen shrunk down.

“Dami, this is Xander...Lana and Alya’s missing brother,” Mari said Damian could only stare intently at Xander, finding every little scar that wasn’t hidden by his clothes.

“Was he-?” Damian started and this time Xander nodded.

“Yeah, I was. Y-your mother talked a lot about you while I was there....that alone was the reason she stole my-me,” he stumbled and Damian nodded understanding. He knew what it felt like to talk about his death and revival.

“I’m....I’m sorry my mother did that to you, Xander. She’s a horrid woman,” he said and Xander gave a lifeless snort.

“No kidding,” he muttered.

“How long have you been in Paris, Xander?”

“I found him nearing a year ago after an Akuma battle,” Mari said and Damian nodded.

“I’m guessing you want to make sure Lana and Alya don’t know so they can have a surprise when you come to Gotham?” Mari nodded at that and he glanced at her before looking back at Xander. “Xander, would you mind talking to me in private?” he asked and the teen looked shocked but nodded. “We’ll be back down soon,” Damian said to Mari before leading the boy up to their shared room. He took a moment to look at how different the room was. A proper pillow was on the chaise and a Robin(his alter ego not the bird) themed blanket was half on and half off it. He could see some knickknacks that belonged to Xander. On the mannequin was a Gotham inspired jacket. Around the room was random items that belonged to Chloe or Adrien. Xander sat on the chaise and Damian pulled the chair from the desk to be in front of him and sat down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Do you know what they’re talking about?” Chloe asked and Mari glanced up at the closed trap door. She then turned to look Chloe in the eye and gave her a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry. Dami’s just making sure everything is alright with Xan. He knows what his mother is like. Xan needs this, needs someone who understands what he went through. Master and I can only do so much to help. But Dami and Jason, they can truly help him in ways that we can’t,” Mari explained and Chloe nodded slowly to that.

“Ok, do you want Lila, Nino, and Adrien to come over? We can talk about the scene,” Chloe offered and Mari hummed at that.

“Well, Lila could help Xan out once they’re done talking. Maybe just Lila and Adrien. We can talk about the scene tomorrow,” Mari said and Chloe nodded while pulling her phone. As she started rapidly typing, Mari glanced back up at her trapdoor and got out some milk, having a feeling the cookies would be needed soon.

Soon, Lila and Adrien where there sitting on the couch talking with them. “So what’s up?” Lila asked nibbling on a cookie.

“Well, Damian is here and he’s talking to Xan. Not to worry, but Damian is helping Xan through some stuff and I figured he’d benefit from you being here, Lila. You two are close,” Mari explained and Lila nodded.

“Of course. I’ll do my best,” Lila said and the two shared a smile.

“And me?” Adrien asked as he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend.

“Well, figured you wanted to get away from your father for a bit. Nino would have come but I knew he was working on some editing and didn’t want to be bothered. As it is, he has to worry about his little brother interrupting him,” Mari explained and Adrien nodded to that.

“That is true. So, how does it feel to be almost done with the movie?” he asked and Mari sighed.

“Good. It’s been hard. I imagine everyone feels that way,” Mari answered and everyone nodded agreement.

“I feel bad every time I have to do something to you, Mari. We still need to do the bathroom scene, Nino’s mother accidentally deleted it thinking it was something else,” Lila agreed and Mari groaned.

“Well, we can do that tomorrow. Mr. Damocles has bee very lenient with letting us come to the school when needed, thankfully,” Mari replied and the group nodded, thankful he would allow them to come in during the weekend. After a little longer, Xander came down behind Damian, looking tired.

“How’re ya feeling, Xan?” Lila asked as Xander sat down next to her and Damian sat next to Mari. Xander glanced over at Damian then turned back to Lila and gave her a small smile.

“I feel good,” he replied and she smiled at that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mari could barely hold her composure when Lila threatened her. She knew it was fake. That everything wasn’t real. But it felt real. Alya and a few others had been particularly harsh earlier when they were coming to the school to reshoot. She couldn’t quite understand what was going on. They weren’t shooting then. They knew that. They sent out another email saying on Monday, the filming would be over. That Monday was the final day of filming. So...

Why!?

Why was Alya and a few others being so harsh? Lila and Xander were frowning after it happened. Nino and Max were waiting in the girl’s bathroom with the camera’s set up waiting.

It was just becoming too much. She leaned against the bathroom wall holding her hair tightly as her breaths quickened. “Mari,” Lila called grabbing Mari’s shoulders as the girl spiraled. “Talk to me.”

“I-I can’t take it. A-Alya and the others are-they’re-they’re so harsh. I-I know it’s for the movie b-but-” Mari started and Lila pulled her in close for a hug.

“It’s ok, Mari. I understand. Once this is over, I’m sure they’ll make it up to you for the harsh words,” Lila said as Mari started crying into her shoulder.

“I-I don’t understand though. W-we weren’t filming then so why?” she asked and Xander came over and wrapped his arms around the two.

“I don’t know, Mari. We’ll figure it out though,” Xander said feeling Mari and Lila nod agreement.

“We don’t need the scene, Mari. We can make it work without,” Nino replied and saw Mari nod agreement.

Damian @WayneDarkness Landed safely in Paris. Hanging out with Mari and her friends while we wait to do the final scene for the project they’re making

Jason @i_live_assholes That’s good. Give her a hug from me alright?

Damian @WayneDarkness Will do

Ok, so I lied. This is gone be a two-parter. Lol. Next part will be out…..at some point. Idk when. Anyways, I hope u enjoyed this!!! Until next time!! -Love Willa<3<3<3

#fanfic #fanfic update #update #my writing #A New Hero #ANH #chap 12 #Xander Grayson #maribat #daminette #ml x dc #two parter #i guess #idk

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lizwontcry · 6 years ago

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Gerri & Roman #18!!!

Yayyy thank you for the prompt! This got way longer than anticipated.

The top brass almost decide not to have a holiday party since this year has been such a shit show around Waystar RoyCo, but ultimately they decide that’s the best reason why they should still celebrate. Why not?

The company rents out the Terrace Room at the Plaza and everyone collectively decides to forget about all the problems for one night. Even Logan is in a good mood, dancing with Cyd, drinking way too much, and giving even the lower level employees small gifts himself. It’s probably a last hurrah, but they’re all trying not to think about that too much.

Gerri arrives alone, but for the first time in the 20 years she’s been attending these Christmas parties (because that’s what it is, there’s nothing non-Christmas about it), she’s not dreading the whole dog and pony show. This year, she had her hair blown out and her make-up done before carefully putting on a new dress purchased just for the evening. It’s a shorter red satin dress with enough cleavage to make it interesting. It’s more risque than she’d normally wear to a company party, but… she’s actually looking forward to it.

The reason why texts her almost as soon as she steps inside the Terrace Room.

You look hot. Are you even wearing underwear?

She looks around to see if she can spot Roman. She spots him in the lounge, sitting alone with a glass of red wine, grinning at her like a hungry jackal or something.

Wouldn’t you like to know?

Roman is her destination, but obviously she has to make the rounds before ending up in the lounge with him. She greets Frank, Karl, Connor and Willa; she and Karolina have a drink together and whisper gossipy things about the other guests. Gerri waves to Cyd, who is having a serious conversation with one of her underlings. And of course she finds Logan and congratulates him on another fine party. He gives her a once-over, compliments her on an “interesting dress,” and puts his hand on her lower back as he gets another drink from the bar. Gerri hopes Marcia comes back soon so he can focus his wandering hands on his wife instead of his general counsel.

Gerri gets another text from Roman.

Seeing my dad touch you makes me want to destroy him personally and professionally

She looks over at the lounge and his grin has disappeared. Gerri has been around too long to find this kind of jealous behavior charming, but she finds herself enjoying it anyway. Sometimes Roman makes her feel like a young girl in love with the neighbor next door. It’s unnerving, but also exhilarating.

Gerri finally makes her way over to the lounge. Before she has a chance to order a drink, Roman hands her a martini.

“Just the way you like it,” he says, and she smiles. Obviously Roman is looking handsome in his suit tonight. During most of the holiday parties, she remembers seeing him in the background but not really paying much attention to him, even though he always used the gatherings as a chance to play the clown. Tonight he’s behaving himself, perhaps for her benefit, and it’s working for her.

“So how long until we can leave and I peel that dress of you?”

Gerri has never blushed in her life, but she does feel herself get a tiny bit weak in the knees at this suggestion. They haven’t gotten past the usual humiliation game yet, but she’s intrigued to see if Roman has it in him to take it further.

“We’ll see,” Gerri says. “People will notice if both of us leave at the same time.”

“So? Who the fuck cares, Gerri? Everyone is so full of shit, anyway. They don’t care about us. Trust me.”

Gerri thinks about this. He’s probably right. All the employees of Waystar RoyCo are probably too busy worried about their own well-beings to give a shit about what the General Counsel and COO are doing behind closed doors. Probably.

“Come on. Let’s make the rounds. I still have people I need to put in an appearance with before I can leave.”

“Does that mean you’re leaving with me?” Roman asks hopefully.

“Maybe. If you’re a good boy,” Gerri whispers. It’s that moment when Shiv comes out of nowhere to greet them.

“Hey, guys. Don’t you two look cozy over here by yourselves?”

Roman can’t help but think Shiv sounds extra cranky since she split up with Tom.

“Nice dress, Shiv. Did you get it at Bitches R’ Us?”

“Good one, Roman. No, really, you should be proud. Hey, are you two fucking or something? You look awfully comfortable together.”

“Not right now, no,” Roman says. “We’re too busy listening to shit come out of your mouth.”

Shiv looks like she’s putting two and two together.

“Wait… the way you defended her on the yacht, and…”

Gerri is getting annoyed with Shiv’s casual questioning of this relationship that is still new and weird, but thankfully this is when Shiv sees Connor and goes off to greet her other brother. Roman and Gerri continue making the rounds, trying to be polite, trying not to think about getting each other naked by the end of the evening.

They find the bar after a while, both of them needing another drink to keep their social skills activated.

“Oh, look! Gerri and Rome are under the mistletoe,” Connor says to the crowd around them.

They both look up and sure enough, they are standing directly under the mistletoe.

“Ah, you know what that means,” Willa says, looking delighted that she gets to witness what should be a humiliating moment for her friends. “Kissy kiss time!”

Shiv makes her way over and nods at them while sipping her martini. “Yeah, guys, show us what you got. This should be interesting.”

Gerri looks at Roman, who is grinning again. “Want to give ‘em something to talk about?” He asks, clearly delighted at this opportunity to make out with her in front of his friends and family.

Instead of replying, she moves closer to him, wraps her arms around him and kisses him. Not a chaste kiss, either. This is a full on adult kiss, with tongue and everything. Everyone around them starts cheering like it’s the best thing they’ve ever seen in their lives.

“Oh, gross,” Shiv says, although she is grinning, too. “Get a room, you fucking disgusting animals.”

“I don’t think they need any encouragement from us to do that,” Connor adds. "Way to go, bro!“

“No, way to go, Gerri,” Willa says. “Cougar town!”

Gerri doesn’t check to see if Logan is watching this display of public affection. Instead, she grabs Roman’s hand and says, “Let’s go home so you can get me out of this dress. And by the way? To answer your question… I’m not wearing any underwear.”

Roman’s eyes light up and he says, “Fuck yeah. Bye, losers!”

Everyone watches as the two of them depart. Well, at least there will be something new to gossip about on Monday morning.

#succession #gerri kellman #roman roy #gerri x roman #roman x gerri #mof

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temptalia1 · 3 years ago

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maevefiction · 7 years ago

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Your Light in the Mist - Chapter 40

We wound up staying at Diana’s until Sunday, then headed home to the chaos that awaited us. My gift for Tom had been well received, the shades of red he’d turned much like watching a tomato ripening in a time lapse video. We decide to wait until he was done filming to have our playtime, hoping things would be a smidge less stressful and that we’d actually have plenty of time to just fuck around. Literally, as the case happened to be. He’d given me a leather lingerie set, complete with crotch-less panties and a corset that I knew would turn my boobs into a squishy shelf…but the best part was the policeman-style cap, which I’d been wearing around the house to torment him.

Monday was spent in the office with Trudy, testing and testing and testing again, over and over, until any bugs we’d found were worked out. As far as we could discern, we were ready to roll. After the security company was done installing everything on Tuesday, it was time to go live with the group of 50 we’d chosen as beta testers. Luke, who’d left at noon with Simon to take care of the final wedding prep tasks, texted me more than two dozen times to express his amazement as he delved into Manageall’s features before, I assumed, Simon took his phone away from him. Radio silence ensued until midnight, when Simon came knocking at the door in a full blown panic because he wasn’t certain his shoes were the same shade of white as his suit. It took me more than an hour to convince him that they were, in fact, the same, and he wrapped me in a grateful embrace and finally left me to get some rest, Tom already in bed and snoring.

The office was officially closed for the next five days, so on Wednesday, when I wasn’t practicing singing, I pretended to not be working while I was actually working until it was time for the quiet dinner we’d planned at Luke and Simon’s. It was just the four of us, plus Roland, who was an absolute delight. We bonded over movies, music and tech and as we were leaving he gave me a tentative hug, blushing furiously afterward, Simon whispering in my ear shortly thereafter that it looked like SOMEONE had a quickly developed a wicked crush on me.

New Year’s Eve dawned crisp and clear, and Simon and I took a late-afternoon cab ride to Searcys so we could check in and make sure everything was exactly as it should be. We entered the Gherkin, and he grabbed my hand as we got into the elevator, his skin clammy.

“This is happening. It’s happening. I can’t believe it. It’s incredible. I’m so…happy. Also, I’m pretty sure I’m dying.”

I laughed. “You’ll be fine. Everything’s going to be fine. Fine.”

His eyes narrowed. “If that was your attempt at assuaging my nerves…LAME. SO LAME.”

“You think you’re the only one with nerves? I cannot, for the life of me, get the last part of the song right. Because I am not Nina Simone. My scatting SUCKS. SO HARD.”

He released my hand in order to poke me in the shoulder. “I AM GETTING MARRIED AND YOU ARE COMPARING YOUR NERVES WITH MINE?”

“Actually I’m trying to distract you, asshat. Not working, is it?”

“No. Do you have any booze?”

The elevator doors opened, and as we stepped into the room he burst into tears. The round tables were all in place, forming a ring around the room with the center reserved for dancing, with an open spot on the far side of the room where the DJ had begun setting up. They were covered in charcoal grey cloths that matched the gentlemen of the wedding party’s suits, peppered with silver stars, glossy black circular Lucite slabs resting atop them. The centerpieces were twelve silver cylinders arranged in a ring, each with two white roses wound together in them, symbolizing midnight and two becoming one. Which was, you know, a totally minor detail that everyone would be too drunk to care about, but Simon had been so pleased with himself at coming up with the idea I knew he’d be pointing it out all evening and it was my duty as his maid of honor to fill in when he was too sloshed to speak any longer. The chairs, eight per table, were glossy black as well, the napkins gleaming white, the clear glassware and silver flatware smooth and unmarked. Above us was a net of white fairy lights that formed an artificial ceiling several feet below the pointed top of the room, and the floor was black stone, rectangular tiles shined to perfection, my reflection staring back at me when I glanced downward.

“Maude, Maude, it’s…it’s…I just…” He fanned his face with both hands. “Crying is bad. So bad. I can’t start off the evening looking like a puffy, splotchy nightmare.” Several deep, cleansing breaths later he was back in control, walking the room in search of imperfections. The sun had nearly set, and as we looked out the windows the city lights began to come on in quick succession, and the skyline was even more beautiful that it was during the daylight hours. As we drew closer to the DJ, the staff erected a rectangular table that would hold the cake and champagne fountain, the spot directly in front of it marked with an 18” silver star, indicating where the vow exchange was to take place. A voice sounded from behind us.

“A bit early, aren’t you, Simon?”

Turning around, I was stunned by the familiarity of the face in front of me. Her hair was dirty blonde, down past her shoulders, eyes a warm brown, smile welcoming and friendly. Dressed in loose black slacks and a black turtleneck paired with sensible black flats, I was tickled by the silver star-shaped earrings and chain belt she’s chosen to match the theme of the event. Around her neck was a black leather camera strap, the Nikon D5 it connected to in her right hand. Simon squeaked, then gave her a gentle hug, introducing us after pulling away.

“Maude Gallagher, meet Willa Morgan, high-end fashion photographer whom I suckered into shooting a wedding and now owe a huge favor that I will likely never be able to repay. Willa, meet Maude, Social Media Director for Prosper PR and my bestest friend whom I suckered into being my maid of honor which I’m sure she regrets and will hold against me for-ev-er.”

We both laughed, and I extended my left hand, which she shook firmly.

“Lovely to meet you, Maude.”

“Lovely to meet you as well, Willa.”

Her smile faded as she released me, replaced with a look of intense concentration. “Would you two mind standing on the star there so I can gauge some angles?”

We obliged, goofing around and pretending to make out while the poor woman attempted to do her job, eventually giving up on us, shaking her head as she laughed and set about acquiring shots of the rest of the set-up. I whispered in Simon’s ear as we moved to make room for the fountain assembly dolly.

“Um, is it just me or does Willa look EXACTLY like Brie Larson?”

He stared at her in the distance, then turned to me, eyes wide. “You know, I never thought about it before, but she really DOES. I wonder if I have a Doppelganger.” His nose crinkled as if he’d caught whiff of something vile. “Nah, there can’t be anyone out there as pretty as I am.”

It was going on six when we departed, waiting until every little thing was in place, right down to the wedding favors, which were silver mesh bags containing black and white M&Ms with Luke and Simon’s faces on them. I would never forget the day we texted about it, both of us rendered unable to correspond for at least ten minutes after Simon suggested having a special batch made up with dick pics on them for any guests who annoyed him.

Upon my return to our building I was thrown without pause into the chaos that surrounds any wedding party preparing for the celebration. I would be joined at Simon’s side by Roland and Phaedra, who was thrilled that she was so loved that she’d been included as a friend and wasn’t stuck sitting out as the mother of the groom. Luke had Tom, as well as Emma and Darren, his best mate from university. I hadn’t realized how close he and Emma were, but she and Tom had both followed him over to his own firm for personal reasons as well as professional ones. Emma and Phaedra’s dresses, both still hanging on the rack in the hall, were dove grey, with a halter-like top, almost a V-neck with the sleeves removed, leaving only a ribbon of fabric over each clavicle and connecting with the bodice, shoulders fully exposed. They were, in a way, the reverse of my dress. The waist was high, an under-slip of satin topped with translucent silky fabric flowing to ankle length. When I entered our flat my female cohorts were standing in the middle of the living room, clad in white terry-cloth robes, waiting for the make-up and hair team to ready their materials. Emma ran to embrace me.

“Maude! Hi hi hi! It’s been a bit, how are you? So great to see you!”

I squeezed her back, letting go and pulling away when one of the make-us-beautiful people thrust another white robe in my direction. “I’m good, how’s everything with you?”

Her nose scrunched, and she bit her bottom lip briefly. “Well, I’m starting to stress, if I’m honest. The benefit is seventeen days out and I’m still waiting on confirmation from people as to what songs…”

I interrupted her. “Aaaannndd I’m one of those people. Shit. Sorry. Gonna speak for Simon too, because he’ll never remember to tell you. I’m doing ‘Before I’m Dead’ by the Kidney Thieves, Simon’s doing Nirvana’s ‘Heart Shaped Box’ and together we’re attempting ‘Crystalized’ by the xx. Here, I’ll text you that right now. Do you need the durations? I can send you the files too if you want.”

She brushed the side of her hand across her forehead. “Phew. Thanks, that’s one down. Please, do send the files if you have them. I’ll check the length myself. And thank you for being willing to do it…I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such generous people. Ohhh…by the way, I’ve seen the app and it is INCREDIBLE. Can’t wait to use it...” She sighed as one of the hairdressers called her name, then smiled. “Oh well. We’ll get to chat in the car on the way, I’m sure.”

A snort escaped me as I typed out a message for her. “Like Simon’s going to let any of us get a word in edgewise.”

We both laughed, and Phaedra looked up from her own phone, waving as I headed to the bathroom to undress. Once my robe was safely secured over my nakedness, I opened the door to find one Thomas William Hiddleston standing five feet away, already dressed for the evening in his charcoal grey suit, white shirt, silver tie, cummerbund and pocket square. He smiled, and I first melted at the sheer beauty of him, then had a mild panic attack when I realized that the six months until I’d see him dressed for our wedding seemed both like a second and an eternity all at once.

He waved. “Hi.”

I waved back. “Hi. You look like…like…like you should come on over here and kiss me.”

His head shook from side to side, slowly. “That’s a terrible idea.”

“Is it?”

He nodded. “Yes. Because I know what’s under that robe. And if I get any closer…”

Raising my hands up near my ears carefully, I began to move backwards into the bathroom. “Right. Okay. Yep. But you know the dress is kinda…worse…”

He saluted, body tensing visibly. “Well I’m off then. Love you.”

“Love you too. One word. Pasties.”

His response was but a muffled groan as he strode quickly into the hall. I was whisked away to a director’s chair, where Marcus sung the praises of my hair and tamed it enough so it could be left down and loose. Emma’s had been pinned into a bun at the nape of her neck, Phaedra’s braided and wound around her head, creating a band of sorts. They were both in the middle of a pre-makeup facial, which I had no interest in receiving but quickly discovered wasn’t optional. After I was deemed clean, fresh and acceptable, foundation was applied, then silver crème and smoky grey shadow, black winged liner, and black mascara. My lips took the longest, first lined with a deep, dark red, then carefully painted blood red, and finally coated with a several layers of silver glitter gloss. I stood and stretched, arms straight up over my head, sighing softly as I lowered them back to my sides. An older woman approached me, black hair, rail thin, dressed in pink yoga pants and a black and white fitted T-shirt with a giant Hello Kitty on the front. There was a large brown satchel over her shoulder, and a garment bag slung over her outstretched arm. She smiled beatifically.

“Hello, Maude. I’m Gillian. Ready for your dress?”

“Yes. Yes I am. Thank you. Where would you like me?”

Her steel-blue eyes narrowed for a moment. “Well, we’ll need a private space, unless you don’t mind…”

My left hand shot up to shoulder height, palm toward her. “I’ve managed to make it this far without anyone in the room seeing my boobs…let’s keep the streak alive and head up to the master bedroom, if that works for you.”

She nodded, and I led the way, allowing her to enter the space first, then followed, closing the door behind us.

“Lovely flat you have here, Maude.” She placed the garment bag on the bed, ever so gently, and the utter weirdness of having a stranger in a place where so much intimacy happened made me cringe. Just a little, but still…a cringe. Gillian set her satchel on the chair and began rummaging through it, pulling out a small package and a bottle of what I knew had to be body glue. She looked around, pointing toward the bathroom.

“Probably best if we apply the pasties in there…oh, I almost forgot…” Her hand delved back into her bag, neon pink nails seeming to flash as she moved. “Ah, here they are. I have panty options for you as well, in case you need them.”

“Thank you, Gillian. I think I do need them…all my stuff is either dark or patterned.”

She walked into the bathroom, hot-pink Mary Janes clicking on the floor, and I followed. She spread everything out on the countertop…first came the half dozen pasties, all different shades, but all circular with a silver star that matched the dress perfectly in the center. Next to them she plopped a pile of fabric, the details as yet indiscernible, but there was a variation of tone there as well.

Her hands clapped together. “All right then…set your robe aside and we’ll get to work, if you please.”

I undid the tie, let the front hang open, then pulled my arms back through the sleeves and let it fall to the floor. She looked me up and down.

“Oh good, I believe I’ve gotten your sizing just right. And, you wax. Thank the lord for small favors.” I could feel my right brow rise against my will. She laughed. “No shade intended, but gals who prefer the au naturel look make it a bit harder for me to conceal the works without them wearing boxer briefs. With the style dress you have, it has a tendency to ruin the illusion, if you know what I mean.”

“I understand completely.”

She sifted through the pile and held up something that could only be described as a high-waisted thong. I took a moment to consider whether or not I was okay with my ass cheeks hanging out, then quickly shook my head. Next was a simple brief, and I nodded.

“Excellent choice. They’re form fitting and will be rather snug, which should be just fine with your shape. I don’t see much chance of spill-over happening. Now, let’s see which tone matches your skin best.”

Once that decision was made, I put them on…and she wasn’t kidding about the snugness. They were, like, snug to the tenth power snug. But, just as she thought, the band sat right at my waist and thus, there was no muffin-top to be found. She walked around me, checking out the rear view, nodding as she circled back to my front.

“Perfect. They match so well it looks like you aren’t wearing a blessed thing.”

The pasties came next, in the same shade. I stayed behind when she left the room, figuring peeing before putting on the dress was better than going afterward, because with my luck I’d dip it in the bowl and this way I’d at least make it to Searcys in decent shape. Probably. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror on the way back to the bedroom, I decided I most closely resembled an extra from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, which started me singing the Time Warp under my breath. Gillian was cautiously removing my dress from its bag, and when she lifted her head to smirk at me I knew she’d heard me.

“Oh, that’s a classic, Maude. Well done. You should request it tonight.”

I chuckled. “That is an excellent idea. What’s a wedding without a good pelvic thrust session?”

We both laughed as I stepped into the dress, then slowly worked my arms into the sleeves. Gillian zipped me up, inhaling sharply as she walked round to my front.

“Gorgeous. My word. Futuristic, yet ethereal. Stunning.”

I walked over to the bedroom mirror to take a look, my reflection’s jaw dropping open. The transformative power of a bit of makeup and some fabric never ceased to amaze me.

“Wow, it really DOES look like I’m totally naked. Great job matching the tones, Gillian. Perfection.”

She’d begun gathering her things, stuffing them all unceremoniously back into the satchel. “Thank you kindly. Do you need help with your shoes?”

“Well…probably not…but if you have time…”

She nodded and retrieved them from their box on the dresser. They bore some resemblance to dance shoes, with a two and a half inch spike heel and thick sole in the rounded toe area, two half-inch straps across the top, thoroughly coated in large pieces of silver glitter that matched the stars on my dress perfectly. I remained standing with one hand on the bedpost to maintain my balance as she slipped them on and secured the straps.

“There you are, then. Take a few steps and make sure the straps aren’t too tight.”

I did, heels clicking on the floor, then turned back to her. “Just right. Danceable, even. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Let’s get you downstairs….it’s just about nine and the car needs to be en route by ten after at the latest. New Year’s Eve traffic is hellish, I assure you.”

Phaedra and Emma were waiting in the living room, and they applauded as I descended, both unable to resist the urge to fondle the fabric when I reached them. Emma’s eyes widened when she realized that I didn’t have a full netting underneath, as most sane people would.

“Maude, my lord, those…are those…the stars on your…”

Nodding, I reached out and patted her on the shoulder. “My boobs. Yes. Pasties.” She blushed, and Phaedra sighed.

“Oh, how I miss having breasts that don’t point directly at the floor. Enjoy them, girls, while you still can. The day will come when you have to be cautious lest you light them on fire whilst preparing a meal.”

Emma’s blush deepened. “Phaedrea, oh my god. You’re horrid.”

I did my best to suppress my laughter, but to no avail, and Phaedra joined in. “I speak the truth, Emma. It’s your future. Best embrace it.”

We were interrupted by Simon shouting as he traipsed through the open door.

“LADIES. OUR CARRIAGE HAS ARRIVED. WE MUST LEAVE AT ONCE FOR THE BALL.”

He stood by the kitchen counter, waiting, and I shook my head, incredulous at how absolutely perfect he appeared. Like he’d sprung up from the pages of an elite fashion magazine, his blonde hair slicked back, white suit practically glowing, and when he smiled, I damn near lost my shit.

“Dude. Simon. Dude. Seriously. My god. You’re like an…you look like…like…like an ANGEL. I mean, I know you’re NOT because, reasons, but WOW.”

Four steps forward brought him to me, and he kissed both my cheeks, then took my hands as he leaned back to inspect my attire. “You’re looking rather heaven-sent yourself, Maudie. And thank you. I do look damn fine, don’t I?” He kissed Emma and Phaedra next, expressing his appreciation for their beauty as well, and then we were out the door and down the stairs. Since the ceremony wasn’t until midnight there was no way to hide Luke and Simon from each other, so we’d decided to all share a single stretch limousine. Tom’s expression as he watched me approach him stirred up a slew of emotions in me, running the gamut from mild embarrassment to blatant desire, his unwavering stare seeming to bore right through the little I was wearing. As I drew closer his eyes filled with tears, his jaw unclenching as he smiled and reached for my hand.

“You. Are. So. Beautiful.”

I took hold of him, leaning in to catch his scent as we neared the limo.

“Oh good god, you’re wearing that new cologne again. That little hint of sandalwood mixed with orange…how am I supposed to LIVE?” He chuckled. “And thank you. You’re beautiful too, babe.”

He kissed my cheek as he helped me climb inside. “It’s going to be a long, long night, isn’t it?”

I nodded as I slid over next to Phaedra to make room for him just as Simon cracked open the first bottle of champagne.

“Oh yeah. I hope you have your phone, because I need to capture all this insanity so I can show it to their kids twenty years from now. Preferably right after they give them a lecture about how partying is so very, very inappropriate and bad for them.”

***************************************

It was five after ten when we arrived at Searcys, and the elevator ride up was unusually quiet, Simon and Luke clinging to each other and nervously adjusting each other’s lapels and white rose boutonnieres. Phaedra, Emma and I wore wrist corsages comprised of black netting and two intertwined white roses secured with silver ribbon, for which I was grateful. Schlepping around flowers and trying to have a good time while keeping them looking decent sounded like a total drag. Tom and I held hands, loosely, purely for the purpose of maintaining a physical connection. My nerves were still ever present, despite the fact that I’d sung in front of groups larger than this in the past. To be fair, I’d been intoxicated for most of those shows, though. Tonight, I’d try to lose myself in tasty tidbits and pretend that it was just a friendly karaoke bar, not someone’s once-in-a-lifetime moment. The doors slid open, and there we were, walking into a space that was positively overflowing with love for two people who deserved every single drop of it.

We were whisked away for photos, Willa directing us around the room, deciding who would be in which shots, carefully selecting the perfect backdrops. Once she was through with us, the hors d'oeuvres

stopped circulating and it was time for the seven course sit-down meal to begin. The wedding party was seated closest to the windows on the left side of the room, set back a few feet from the others. It was odd, eating prior to a ceremony, a backwards wedding of sorts, but the food was ridiculously delicious and the company unparalled so time seemed to speed on by. A sorbet was served as a palate cleanser after the main course, and at quarter to midnight we rose from our spots and retreated back toward the entrance where the hair and makeup folks were waiting behind oriental-style screens. Luke and Simon had timed their vows to last for five minutes, so the refresh was brief, followed by us all taking our places for the walk across the dance floor to the silver star marker. Phaedra and Darren walked first, followed by Roland and Emma, then Tom and me. Once we were on the proper sides, the wedding march began, and I had to bite my lip really, really hard so I wouldn’t weep at the sight of Luke and Simon walking towards us, hand in hand, their love for each other so clearly visible in their eyes, their expressions so joyful it was almost painful. They took their places on the star, Willa shooting discreetly yet furiously the entire time, and the officiant began. I missed most of that, only tuning in fully when the vow exchange began. Luke went first, his hand shaking as his right reached out for Simon’s left. His voice was clear, deep, and strong.

“Simon, that day you turned up for an interview…I thought that was the best day of my life. But it wasn’t, actually, because every day since that day has been the best day of my life. You’ve reminded me that there’s so much more to life than striving toward the next slot in the chain of financial success, shown me that joy can be found in even the smallest and bleakest moments. And, you’ve improved my wardrobe in ways I never could have imagined.”

Everyone laughed, and Simon reached up to pat Luke’s cheek.

“Over and above all that, you’ve taught me how to love, and how to love unconditionally. You are the man I dreamt of but never thought I’d ever find. My lover, my friend. It’s my honor to have you as my husband, and to be yours. From this day forward, it’s us, together, always. I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Luke Windsor, do take thee, Simon Ahlberg, to be my lawful wedded husband. Will you accept this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, to us?”

Simon’s voice broke as he answered. “Yes. I, Simon Ahlberg, take thee, Luke Windsor to be my wedded husband.” Luke slipped the platinum band onto his ring finger, then released him. Simon’s right hand reached out to take Luke’s left, and one incredibly deep breath later he began to speak.

“Luke. That day, when I walked into your office, I was on a mission. A mission to fundamentally change the way I was living. I was burnt out, used up, and in search of something new, something different, something that would inspire me, something that would make me wake up every morning excited and full of wonder. I thought that something would be an occupation, because that’s what filled my life before, but it turned out to be…you. Especially the waking up excited part.” Snickers and guffaws rose up around the room. “It was YOU. And I am the luckiest man, not only on Earth, but in the vastness of the universe, because I have you. Because you love me. ME! It’s ridiculously cliché, but Luke, you make me want to be a better man…and it’s my honor and privilege to share your life from this day forward as your husband. I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Simon Ahlberg, do take thee, Luke Windsor, to be my lawful wedded husband. Will you accept this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, to us?”

Both of their faces were damp with tears, and Luke swallowed hard twice before he responded. “Yes. Yes, yes, YES. I, Luke Windsor, take thee, Simon Ahlberg to be my wedded husband.”

Simon gently slid the platinum band, a twin of the one he now wore, onto Luke’s ring finger, then reached out to grasp Luke’s right hand with his left. The DJ began the ten second countdown to midnight, and the officiant spoke.

“Let it be known that these two men before me, and before all persons present, have, through their vows, declared themselves bound in matrimony. Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you…the Windsor-Ahlbergs!”

With that the clock struck midnight, Simon and Luke kissed, and congratulatory cheers mixed with shouts of ‘Happy New Year’ rang out. Tom was in front of me before the DJ could even begin to play Auld Lang Syne, his hands on the sides of my face as he bent so we were eye to eye.

“This is it. 2016. Soon enough, we’ll be saying our own vows, exchanging rings and I…I…I’m so in love with you, Maude. Happy New Year.”

His lips met mine, his hands wound around my waist, and mine around his, as we swayed to the music and I realized that I’d honestly never fully comprehended what it was supposed to mean, that New Year’s midnight kiss. Because any I’d ever received before hadn’t meant anything to me when compared to the way I felt right then, in that moment. We broke the kiss as the song ended, and the DJ’s voice boomed loudly through the sound system’s speakers.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!” A round of cheering broke out again, and the DJ laughed. “All right, all right, you’re excited. Before we party, two things to take care of…the cutting of the cake by our happy couple, and…their first dance. We’re going to do the dance first, because you know someone’s going to get cake smeared all over them and that’s not a good look for the photo album, now is it? Luke and Simon have chosen ‘Feeling Good’ as their wedding song, and it will be performed by none other than maid-of-honor MAUDE GALLAGHER. Give the lady a hand!”

The applause was ridiculously loud, and I looked up at Tom, shouting over the din. “Happy New Year, you beautiful man. I love you. I’m probably going to die of embarrassment when I get to the scatting part, but…I love you.”

He kissed my forehead as he released me. “You’ll be amazing. Go. Do it. I’ll be right here, falling for you all over again.”

My head tilted to the left, mouth open, eyes narrowed. “Dude. I can’t even with you.” I planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.” And then, a microphone magically appeared in my hand, and there I was, standing on that silver star, with Luke and Simon staring at me from the center of the dance floor. And so I dove into the first verse acapella, the way Nina Simone had done it all those years ago.

Birds flyin' high, you know how I feel Sun in the sky, you know how I feel Breeze driftin' on by, you know how I feel It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me. Yeah, it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, ooooooooh... And I'm feelin' good. Fish in the sea, you know how I feel River runnin' free, you know how I feel Blossom on the tree, you know how I feel It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, And I'm feelin' good Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean, don't you know, Butterflies all havin' fun, you know what I mean. Sleep in peace when day is done: that's what I mean, And this old world is a new world and a bold world for me... Stars when you shine, you know how I feel Scent of the pine, you know how I feel Yeah, freedom is mine, and I know how I feel.. It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me And I'm feelin'... good.

The scatting was actually decent, and I knew that what I’d just completed was a personal best for me as far as performances went, and would probably turn out to be the best performance of my life. And it had little to do with me, at all. It was because of the two people running toward me, embracing me, and the love they had for each other that had set them free. And I knew how that felt, and that’s what poured up out of my soul, what powered my voice as I sang those words. Tom joined the group hug, then pulled me away from Simon and Luke.

“My god, that was incredible. You…I just…wow. Wow. Speechless.”

I grinned and pinched his cheek. “Oh, speechless. The best compliment Tom Hiddleston can possibly pay.”

He laughed, and the DJ announced that the time had come for cake chaos. Simon went first, and I was stunned when he held the piece steady and allowed Luke to take a dainty, mess-free bite. Luke’s full on face-smooshing smear fest when it was his turn was equally surprising…and insanely adorable, especially when he tried to help wipe it off and Simon kissed him instead. I turned to Tom.

“Two things. One, if you try to do that to me I’m going to bite your hand off and two, this is all so precious and perfect that I may soon vomit. Will cake help, do you think?”

He nodded. “Cake always helps. And then, dancing?”

“Yes. Cake. Dancing. More cake. More dancing. Repeat as necessary until the paramedics show up to treat either my sugar overdose or painful bodily injury.”

And that’s exactly what we did, until 4 AM rolled around and we staggered to the elevator, then out to the waiting car. Simon and Luke had taken their own to a nearby hotel, where they’d stay until late afternoon tomorrow, when they’d be boarding a plane to enjoy their five day honeymoon in Greece. Phaedra had agreed to see Roland home, and shared a car with Emma and Darren as they were all headed in the same direction, which left Tom and I to our own devices. He wasn’t blotto drunk, but drunk enough to be a terror as far as propriety was concerned, fingers running up and down the V front of my dress, caressing my exposed skin, hand slipping under the fabric to cup my right breast, letting out a frustrated groan because my nipple was hidden beneath the pastie. There was no privacy screen, and I gave up caring that the driver might see, or that he might crash while staring at our antics, instead pulling Tom into a kiss, his mouth tasting of whiskey and ale. Making out was enough of a distraction to get us home without actually exposing ourselves, and when we arrived he ran up the stairs to our flat, taking them two at a time, waited for me for ten seconds, then ran back down, then back up, over and over until I managed to successfully navigate my way to the landing in my stupid heels. His hands were shaking so badly he couldn’t get the key in the door, so I took over, and he pushed me inside as it opened, turned me left into the kitchen, then pressed me up against the counter overlooking the living room. I felt his hands lifting my dress, then on my lower back as he guided me to lean forward. Next were his thumbs inside the waistband of my underwear, rolling them down to my ankles. I heard him unzip, and I moved my legs as far apart as they could go, groaning as the head of him brushed against me before he thrust himself forward and home. It was quick and dirty, his hips rolling as his cock worked its way in and out, faster and faster until I came with a gasp and he followed, whimpering softly, then collapsing on top of me. Several minutes passed and just as I began to entertain the thought that he was out cold he whispered in my ear, voice lacking its usual resonance.

“I’m so sleepy. Will you tuck me in?”

“Yep. You’ve gotta get off me first, though.”

“Ohhhh. That’s right. I’m sorry.” I felt his weight lifting, then disappearing completely. I turned around to find him staring at me, eyes moist. “You’re beautiful.”

I snorted, then bent to remove my shoes so I could slip out of my underwear. “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

He turned me around slowly, unzipped my dress, then slid it off my shoulders and allowed it to fall to the floor. I rotated to face him, and he pulled me into an embrace and nuzzled my neck.

“Wife.”

“Soon.”

“Since I saw you.”

I inhaled sharply. “Thomas.”

“Love you.”

“I love you too, baby. Let’s go upstairs, okay?”

“M’kay.”

I made him go first, just in case. Not that I’d have been able to catch him if anything happened, but it made me feel better. I helped him undress, then tucked him in, as requested, kissing him goodnight before I headed off to shower. The pasties came off rather quickly, the makeup, not so much. Especially the glitter gloss, which made me grateful I didn’t have to deal with such shit on a daily basis. I toweled off, used the toilet one last time, then crawled in next to Tom. He rolled over, muttering something I couldn’t quite decipher as he wrapped his arm around me, hand cupping my breast. My eyes closed as his warmth enveloped me, and I dozed off trying to count how many days remained until June 29th.

****************************************

We spent the weekend recovering, just the two of us, heading out for food periodically but otherwise just enjoying…being. Time felt like the enemy, and even though I tried to ignore it, my brain kept counting of the days we had left before his flight to Australia. Monday I was back in the office, working on marketing materials for the app and testing the customer management systems with Trudy. The rest of the staff picked up any slack left by Luke and Simon’s absence, their duties relatively minimal as our client base had been made aware of the wedding and honeymoon schedule well in advance. Tuesday and Wednesday were more of the same, with the additional tasks of contacting all the beta testers to request their reviews and creating an instructional video to post on the main website. Thursday was freak-out day, as it was my last official day of work prior to launch, and the last night I’d be sharing a bed with Tom for more than two weeks. Seventeen days, to be precise.

Dinner was delivery pizza, followed by ice cream sundaes for dessert. Afterward, I helped him pack, and the strangeness of assisting the person I had grown so used to and loved having so close to me prepare to be so far away melted my brain a little. We showered, then attempted to sleep, but spent most of the night making love or simply staring at each other, as if committing as much detail as we could to memory so we’d have it as a touchstone while we were apart.

Friday morning we were out the door and into a waiting cab by ten AM in order to arrive at Heathrow in plenty of time for his twelve forty-five PM flight. It would be a long one, twenty-five hours at minimum, during which I hoped he’d get some rest. Brisbane awaited, and there’d be staff housing as well as opportunities to visit the Hemsworths in Byron Bay. Jordan had chosen the Gold Coast to film, Queensland offering savannah-like settings as well as a tropical rainforest.

Both of us were silent on the ride, holding hands, his thumb rubbing my wrist. We’d agreed to say our goodbyes just inside the main entrance, with me then returning to the cab and heading home while he checked in and went through security. The cab driver helped unload his baggage, then drove off to circle around until our paths coincided again, at which point he’d pick me up.

I felt like I was going to puke at the sight of the gates, which made me wonder if this was going to become a ‘thing’…me stress-barfing at airports. Tom set the backpack he’d slung over his shoulder on the floor next to the rest of his luggage, then turned to me.

“Well. Guess this is it, then.” He ran one hand through is hair. “Not sure I can do this, Maude.”

I reached out to touch his arm, reveling in the feel of his long blue coat. “Yes you can. It’s okay. It’s going to be fine. Seventeen days and you’ll be picking my ass up in Brisbane. No big deal.” His hand caressed my cheek, and I burst into tears. “Shit. I told myself I wasn’t going to cry, and now I’m crying. Epic fail. I’m sorry.”

He pulled me into his arms, one hand on the back of my head pressing me to his chest. “Don’t you be sorry. I’m the one who should be sorry. I’m the one who has to leave.”

I leaned backwards so I could see his face, noticing that he was trying to hold back his own tears but was losing the battle, one already spilling over and running down his cheek. “No, I am. I’m the one who has to STAY.”

We clung to each other, weeping quietly, until we both breathed deeply, knowing it was time to let go, whether we liked it or not. I wiped away my tears with the back of my hand. “All right. I need to get the fuck out of here before I wind up throwing myself on the floor and wrapping my arms around your leg like a ball and chain.”

He laughed, then bent to kiss me…long, slow, deliberate and full of everything we couldn’t say. He broke away first, taking my hands in his.

“I am going to miss you like I’ve never missed anything ever before in my life. But we’ll text, we’ll call, we’ll Skype, and I’ll be busy and you’ll be busy and the days will pass and you’ll be back in my arms again in the blink of an eye.”

I nodded and let go of his hands. “It’ll all be okay. I know. You know. It doesn’t make it suck any less, but it’ll be okay. Stay safe, Hiddleston. I love you. Heart and soul.”

He smiled, red-rimmed eyes displaying a glimmer of hope, and joy. “I love you too, Maude. Heart and soul. I’ll see you soon. Good luck with the launch, and the show.”

“Tell Kong I said hello. And, you know, everyone else, too.”

“I shall.”

With that, he gathered up his luggage, returned the backpack to his shoulder, then turned away from me and began to walk down the hall. I waited for a moment, staring at him, and he spun around quickly, waved, then turned back around and kept going, and I turned myself and half-jogged out to the curb, choking back seemingly endless sobs as I waited for the cab that would bring me back to our flat. Our flat, with just me in it. Alone.

#your light in the mist #chapter 40

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donttouchthegun · 8 years ago

Text

Facing Storms

Anyway here's some WayHaught fluff for anyone whose heart is still hurting from 2x08. Also available here on my AO3 Profile: http://archiveofourown.org/works/11644608

It wasn't a night that was in any way particularly special. The clouds were dark and all day the threat of rain or even a thunderstorm had been hanging in the air. Nicole was off work early that day, and Waverly had been quick to invite her over to the homestead for the night. She hated sleeping alone anymore, especially during a storm. She hadn't really needed to specify that the auburn haired woman would be staying over, because as of late Nicole would normally arrive, the two would cook something together, and they'd curl up on the couch or in her room watching movies and old TV shows until they fell asleep. Rarely, they would make it long enough to change into proper pajamas, but most times, they would fall asleep in whatever they had on, and then would wake the next day laughing at the uncomfortable way their typical clothes had constricted them in their sleep. Of course, Nicole immediately responded and agreed to the offer, so Waverly took some precautionary measures. She pulled off her skirt and blouse in favor of a pair of leggings and an old t-shirt that she was pretty sure had come from Nicole's house. All of her clothes now shared the smell of the red head's apartment, a comforting factor when she was faced with spending nights alone. The officer arrived not long after, and Waverly was quick to open the door before Wynonna could get to it. "Hi," Nicole's face instantly lit up in a grin as she greeted the shorter brunette, pulling her in for a quick kiss. Waverly melted into her touch, wrapping her arms around her. "Hi," she echoed the taller woman and mirrored her smile, taking her hand and leading her inside. Seeing past her girlfriend's smile and noticing the heavy bags of exhaustion under Nicole's eyes, Waverly settled for the living room, deciding not to make the officer climb two flights of stairs to reach her bedroom, especially considering she would have to walk back down them and up again if she was hungry or needed something downstairs. "Long day?' she asked knowingly, flipping on the living room TV and clicking on her Netflix profile that was full of documentaries, horror movies, and the occasional cop show. Not because Nicole enjoyed them, but rather because it was funny to watch her critique the officers on screen about what they were doing wrong and how if they had been in her class they wouldn't have passed the academy. "Yeah, there was a car accident and the driver at fault ended up with a broken leg," the ginger explained, letting her head fall into Waverly's lap, unable to hold back a relieved sigh as the shorter woman began threading her fingers between her fiery curls. "What about you? How was your day?" Waverly couldn't help but marvel at her girlfriend's question. Even after what was surely an exhausting day at an already stressful job, Nicole still cared and thought to ask about her own day. Wavery gave up comparing Nicole to Champ long ago, because there was simply no fair comparison. But, sometimes, there were moments like these, and she simply couldn't help it. Champ rarely ever asked her how she was doing, even if she was clearly annoyed or upset, and if he did, it was for his own benefit, not hers. And yet here Nicole was, beaten down and stressed, and still worried about everyone besides herself. "It was fine," she answered a bit too quickly after realizing she'd waited too long and the officer was looking up at her in concern. She rolled over and reached her hand up to cup Waverly's cheek. "Whatcha thinking about in that big brain of yours?" she asked with a small smile, and Waverly couldn't help but blush. "What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?" Nicole's question was so different from the way Champ asked. Waverly couldn't remember a time where he had ever complimented her intelligence. She wasn't stupid, she knew that, but she had never been called smart by anyone other than teachers and Gus. The first time Nicole commented on her brain, she hadn't even known how to react. Now that Waverly really thought about it, there were a lot of things that while completely different to the brunette seemed to be the same in Nicole and Champ's mind, though it was no question to what she preferred. Where Champ asked if she was "in the mood yet" and complained when she wasn't, Nicole still asked her for her absolute permission and consent, every single time. While Champ asked if she was up for going out drinking and laughed when she said no, Nicole asked what she wanted to do that night, agreeing no matter what it was. Champ questioned her infatuation with history when it didn't affect them anymore, but Nicole marveled at her passion and listened to every detail of why she cared. Every touch, every word, every kiss, they were all so different.

Sex with Champ was rough, over as quickly as possible, like it was a race to beat his best time. Most of the time she couldn't even enjoy it, and there were plenty of nights where she would lie next to him after he had finished, passed out and normally drunk, while she shivered and curled into her chest to keep warm. He wasn't one for intimacy and he teased her when she used extra blankets or asked for him to hold her. But sex with Nicole, god with her it lasted for hours, and that was just for herself. It went on into the earliest hours of the morning, and the officer did things to her body that she didn't think were possible. And when they did finish, she would wrap her arms around Waverly from behind, hold her close and bury the pair under a mountain of blankets. The brunette had grown accustomed to spending the nights alone and at first didn't know how to respond to the contact, but she had immediately melted into Nicole's touch and embrace. As Waverly flipped through random shows and movies on her continue watching list, she smiled down at the ginger, shrugging and shaking her head in dismissal. "Just thinking I guess," she explained. Nicole sat up and looked at her, not demanding an answer, rather asking if she wanted to talk. "Are you okay?" the question was simple enough, but it made Waverly's heart flutter in her chest. She opened her mouth to answer, but she was cut off by a loud clap of thunder from outside. Jumping, she immediately cowered into her girlfriend's side, whimpering and shaking as lightning flashed through the room. She almost expected laughter- Champ had always teased her for her fear of thunderstorms. The first time she experienced a storm she could remember was when she was five years old. Her parents had been in a fight earlier that day, and she was already scared enough by the screaming, so the thunder and the bright flashing only made it worse. It got to the point where she could no longer stand being alone, and she had made her way into Willa's bedroom. When she woke her sister and asked if she could sleep with her, she was only met with teasing laughter and sent away. She knew she couldn't this of her parents, so she hesitantly went to Wynonna, terrified that she too would turn her away. Instead, the 12 year old had welcomed her to her bed, and held her through the night as the storm raged on. And now, Nicole did the same, her arms immediately tightening around the smaller woman's waist as she pulled her close and soothed her, stroking her long fingers through Waverly's even longer brunette locks.

"I didn't know you were scared of thunderstorms," it was not mockery and it was not a joke- Nicole's voice was genuine concern and worry. The younger Earp shrugged, unsure of how to justify the fear.

"They've always scared me, ever since I was a kid. I guess I'm just a wimp. It's pretty stupid," she laughed softly, but the auburn haired woman shook her head. "That's not stupid. I'm glad you told me. Not everyone can admit their fears," Nicole reached out and cupped her cheek, and Waverly felt her heart melt in her chest. She couldn't stop herself from nuzzling into the touch and frankly she didn't try. The officer pulled her close as her fingers wove through long strands of Waverly's hair, and she pressed a kiss against her forehead. The first time she had been in a thunderstorm with Champ, she had whimpered at the sound and he had laughed at her, teased her, made her feel insignificant and small. But now, even with Nicole holding her so delicately that she may believe Waverly would break in her arms at any moment, she had never felt so complete, so whole, so content. She curled into her girlfriend's side, wrapping her arms around the taller woman's waist as she pulled a mountain of blankets over the pair. She pressed play on a documentary about sharks that the pair had watched enough times that Waverly could quote it, but it was still her favorite. As she lie still in Nicole's arms, thunder and lighting raged on outside with the storm, wind rattling the windows as heavy rain thudded hard against the roof. But, suddenly it didn't seem so scary anymore. No longer were the howling winds the source of her nightmares, nor was the rain enough to keep her up till the early hours of the morning. Now it was just a thunderstorm, nothing more. Willa, her parents, and especially Champ- They had all abandoned her when she needed them the most, but not Nicole. No, the fiery haired policewoman was there to stay, no matter what the world threw at them. They would run into obstacles, sure, but that didn't matter. They were a team. And as long Waverly had Nicole by her side, they could face any storm together.

#Wynonna Earp #WayHaught #Nicole Haught #Waverly Earp #Fanfiction

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