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whatstruthgottodowithit · 7 months

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The Other Evans Girl [Part Nineteen]

Fandom: Harry Potter [Marauder’s Era]

Pairing: Sirius Black x Original Female Character, Sirius Black x Daisy Evans, James Potter x Lily Evans

Characters: Sirius Black, Original Female Character, Daisy Evans, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, James Potter, Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Alice Fortescue, Frank Longbottom, Marlene McKinnon, Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort, Peter Pettigrew, Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix LeStrange, Walburga Black, Orion Black, Jasper Thicknesse, Barty Crouch Jr, Mulciber, Walden McNair

Word Count: 9006

Rating: Mature

Summary: Hogwarts is a safe haven, a home for many, but it’s often a place where heartache, love and complex emotions dwell and none know that better than the Marauders. Lily Evans just wants to make it out as a successful witch though the oncoming war and the ongoing advances of James Potter threaten that. Daisy Evans, her twin, has other goals. Join the Evans sisters as they make their way through Hogwarts, prepare for war and eventually find love.

Tags/ Warnings: Hogwarts, Friends, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Marauder’s Era, Teenage Angst, Babies, Weddings, Dating, Crying, Loss of Virginity, First Wizarding War, Love, Kissing, Teenagers, James Potter is a bit of a dick, Hogsmeade, 1970s, Fighting, Loss of Parents, Grief, Babies, Injuries, Gore, Harm, Christmas, The Potter’s Mansion // Daisy’s Dress // NYE Lily’s Dress // NYE Daisy’s Dress // Lily’s Ring // Daisy’s Ring

Notes: Okay so I’ve been working on updating this and I’ve finally gone through all the chapters already written before I start writing more. It’s changed a lot so I’ve decided it’s just better to completely re-upload it.

If you want tagging let me know

LINK TO AO3 // LINK TO PINTEREST // LINK TO ALL PARTS

Daisy was warm, stiflingly so. She was sitting behind the desk at the local post office, the location of her new summer job which had necessity after a couple weeks at home. Whereas Lily had been proactive, heading down to the local baths what felt like the moment they’d stepped off the train, she’d wanted to enjoy her summer. However with her sister out of the house most days and then headed off to see Marlene her parents had sort of flocked to her as if she was an only child. It had only taken a couple weeks of her mum nagging her to tidy her room or her dad insisting she help him in the garden from dawn till dusk for her to head out looking for help wanted signs.

The job itself wasn’t too bad. It was a little shop but it catered to the needs of the whole village and she didn’t doubt she’d prefer sitting at a desk to what Lily was doing, watching kids splash each other and chastising spotty teens who’d thought they could get away with a cannonballing into the pool. The only real problem was is that it was kind of boring. Sure it catered to the whole village but given Cokeworth was tiny it meant that day to day trade wasn’t booming. Which was why she was here now, sitting at her desk in an uncomfortably polyester shirt in the rampant August heat, trying not to fall asleep. That was the other problem. In her effort to keep herself awake she found herself overthinking, mostly about Sirius admittedly. Though he never really spoke about his home life much she hadn’t really worried about it, not until his replies to her letters had stopped, even more so when he’d replied completely unlike himself. To make matters worse none of the boys had heard from him either, not even James, and since he was in an all-wizarding household it wasn’t like she could just ring him up and make sure he was fine or at least hear his voice. Remus was the only one with a phone and so he had borne the brunt of her worries as she called him almost every night to see if he had any news.

She was in the middle of thinking about him when her boss, Sharon, entered. Daisy watched as she flitted in, pushing her sunglasses up onto what looked like a freshly blow-dried hairdo, unbothered that she was almost forty-five minutes late. With any of her other colleagues Daisy probably wouldn’t have been bothered but even for a manager Sharon had an air of superiority that Daisy couldn’t gel with.

‘Hiya!’ she said as she waltzed through the shop, heading towards the back room as Daisy muttered a ‘hello’ in return. When she reappeared she stood by Daisy’s side as if waiting for her to get up out of the chair she was sitting in even though Daisy still had five minutes left of her shift. Daisy sighed and slid off the chair, allowing her to take a seat as she said, ‘how’s the shift been? Sorry I’m late by the way, I had to take Brian to the dentist.’ ‘It’s okay,’ she shrugged, ‘I mean I’ve hardly been rushed off my feet.’ ‘Yes well I’m sure there’s been enough to keep you busy,’ Sharon said in a slightly disapproving tone.

Daisy fought the urge to roll her eyes or make a sarcastic comment about her managers own indiscretions. After all she didn’t need any lectures or hassle, not now she was free for the rest of the day. So after a quick run-down of her upcoming shifts she grabbed her bag from the back office and left as quickly as she could.

When she got outside the sun was still beating down, the cobbles on the high street baking under its vibrant rays as did Daisy as she started her walk home. Even though it was a Saturday afternoon the village was almost deserted save for the occasional shopper and a gang of teenagers she didn’t know loitering at the end of the high street by the park. Yet as Daisy got further out of the centre of town, walking towards home, she started feeling odd. As if she were being watched. As casually as she could she looked around, down the lane which had houses on either side, only to find herself alone on the street. And still she couldn’t help but feel eyes on her. Instinctively, she put her hand in her pocket and wrapped her fingers wrapped around the ten-inch mahogany wand inside the handy compartment she’d sewed into her work pants. She walked another ten yards up the lane before making an abrupt turn into the graveyard figuring that if she did have to take her wand out she’d at least be somewhere secluded.

Even on the lane things had been quiet but inside the graveyard was silent. The summer sun was shining down on the headstones, glinting off the marble and into her eyes as she walked past each one, not that it mattered as she was keeping her focus on listening for anything that signalled someone was following her. And about halfway across the graveyard she heard a twig snap. Daisy spun around darting towards the treeline in an attempt to get a better visual of whatever she was looking for. There was no one there but as her eyes scanned the grounds she noticed a pair of eyes watching her from behind an ornate marble headstone. It was a dog, and a bloody big one at that.

Padfoot.

As she rushed forward he ran excitedly towards her only stopping as she did, watching him hesitantly. His black fur was shaggy and unkempt and he seemed bigger than she remembered meaning that the closer she got the more she started to second guess herself. Confused at the hesitance the dog tilted its head.

‘Padfoot, is it you?’ she said, stepping a touch closer. Of course the dog didn’t answer but it came up to her, nuzzling into her thigh as if to confirm it. Daisy felt relief flood through her and dropped to a squat, stroking him under his ears which made his tail wag. Yet before she could say anything else he pulled away from her, trotting away down between a row of graves, leaving her perplexed. She scrambled to follow him, wondering where an earth he could be going and why he wasn’t slowing. In fact he only slowed as they to closer to the church, the ajar door creaking open further as he pushed inside, ignoring Daisy’s hisses at him to stop. She ran inside after him yet as she got there she found the place deserted.

‘Sirius!’ she hissed as she ran down the aisle looking down each pew trying to find him, ‘Sirius where are you!?’ ‘Well you’ll not find me standing at the end of an altar,’ a deep voice replied. Daisy immediately whipped around to find him stood watching her, leaning against a thick stone column, a smile on his face. Even in the sweltering heat he was wearing his leather jacket and a pair of jeans and his hair was longer, shaggy and unruly around his face. Daisy didn’t care about any of it, she rushed forward, flinging her arms around his neck as she embraced him trying to reassure herself that he was here. That all the worrying she had been doing was worth it. He hugged her back, wrapping his arms around her, finding she fit comfortably just under his chin. It was a warm embrace, which admittedly wasn’t the most desirable in this heat, but neither of them seemed to care.

Yet as she pulled back she started to notice that in her haste to touch him, to ensure he was really there with her, she hadn’t observed him properly. And she found that worry start to creep in. His skin was paler than normal, making the dark purple circles underneath his eyes more noticeable. His hair was tangled as if he hadn’t brushed it in a couple of days and his lip looked as if it was healing from being busted.

‘Sirius, what the hell’s going on!’ she said, her hand holding his chin in place as she inspected the cut lip. Sirius pulled out of his grasp with a wince but she couldn’t stop, ‘what are you doing here? Did something happen? I’ve been so worried about you! I mean I wrote to James but-’ ‘Are you going to give me a chance to answer?’ he asked, looking down at her with a smile. Daisy pulled back, moving to go and sit on a pew. He followed her lead, sitting down next to her and slinging an arm up on the back of the wooden bench behind her. As she watched him worriedly he sighed, ‘first of all I’m sorry I got you worried. I couldn’t really respond much.’ ‘James said your mum sometimes stops you,’ Daisy murmured. ‘Kind of,’ Sirius said, ‘she was just reading everything and every time someone wrote to me I got aggro so it was better to just sort of stop. I know it worried you.’ ‘Yeah I was but I’m more worried now,’ she said, ‘what are you doing here?’ ‘Well, that’s sort of a long story,’ he said. Daisy raised her brow waiting for him to continue. Sirius sighed, ‘okay, okay. Well I guess nothing was really going on until recently. I mean I was home and everything was still as terrible as normal but I was making it work by staying out of the way. I spent most of my time in my room and Regulus fulfilled his role as mummy’s favourite child so it wasn’t that bad. But then the social season arrived.’ ‘Social season?’ Daisy asked. ‘Yeah, it’s the same every year. Boring posh pureblood families hosting dinner parties on a rotation. Sure enough they’re hosting at ours and spouting the same disgusting politics and pure-blood mania they always do except it was different this year,’ Sirius said grimly, Daisy swallowed thickly. His eyes were dark and stormy, staring at the stone floor in front of him barely paying her any attention.

‘Why?’ she asked quietly. ‘I mean they always talk about stuff like that but this time was different. Less benign chatter and more like propaganda,’ he admitted, ‘I mean some of their friends didn’t want to know. Happy to spout ludicrous views so long as they didn’t need to put any meaning to it but not all of them did. Pretty soon I realised what they were doing…’ ‘What?’ Daisy asked, confused. ‘Recruiting,’ he said darkly. ‘Recruiting for what?’ she asked, the idea of an impending war flashing back into her brain. ‘Him. ‘He who must not be named’ or whatever rubbish he’s calling himself these days,’ Sirius said grimly. ‘Who is he?’ she asked. ‘A dark wizard, really dark. He wants power, to rule the entirety of wizarding kind, and to do that he needs allies…and well that’s my parents and their friends,’ Sirius said. ‘What they’re his followers?’ Daisy asked incredulously. ‘Yeah, ‘death eaters’ is what they call themselves but I prefer utter pillocks,’ he scoffed. ‘So they’re trying to get others involved?’ she said. ‘Not trying, they’re succeeding,’ Sirius said gloomily, ‘that’s why I left.’ ‘You left?’ Daisy gasped, ‘what like for good?’ ‘I’d had it. They had a party a couple of days ago and invited all of those that wanted to sign up around and he came-’ ‘What like the actual guy?’ Daisy asked, cutting him off. Sirius nodded and replied, ‘yeah, shrouded in all black cloaks and acting like the bloody Queen of England. You should’ve seen the way they fawned over him, binding themselves to him and vowing they’d do whatever he needed to further their cause. Dais it was horrible.’ ‘I bet,’ she whispered. ‘And my parents were front and centre. My mother was tripping over herself to impress him, vowing that her sons would be the first people out of Hogwarts to join his cause…that’s when I knew I had no choice. I had to get out of there,’ he said firmly, and though he seemed firm in his decision she couldn’t help but notice the sadness in his voice. Even if he didn’t like them at the end of the day they were his family.

‘So you came here?’ she asked. ‘Well it wasn’t my first option,’ he admitted, ‘but only because I knew the Potter’s wouldn’t mind if I went there. So I packed my shit and went to James’. ‘So why aren’t you there?’ she said, confused. ‘I’d forgot my jacket,’ he admitted sheepishly, ‘I’d ran up to my room to get it and when I got back to the study Regulus had caught me. I tried to convince him to come with me but he wasn’t having it, spouting the same rubbish at me that my parents do. He’s brainwashed like totally and utterly gone. And before I could get away he called my parents in and they blocked my path. We argued and then I told them I was leaving and never coming back. Needless to say they weren’t exactly devastated but the shame of having a disgrace for a son earned me quite the blinder off my dad,’ he said gesturing to his lip.

‘So you left?’ she said. ‘Yeah, I couldn’t get through the floo network so I just legged it out of there as fast as I could. Only slowed down about a mile from the house and then I realised all my stuff was at the Potter’s and I had no cash so I transformed and started walking,’ he shrugged. ‘You walked all the way here? From where?’ she asked. ‘London,’ he said simply. ‘That’s like a hundred miles,’ she said agog. ‘It’s not too bad a walk as a dog,’ he chuckled, making Daisy giggle despite her shock. As her laughter died down they fell quiet with Daisy eyeing him under her lashes, hoping he wouldn’t see how she was worriedly assessing his condition.

‘So,’ she said, fiddling with a hole in his jeans as she asked, ‘how did you find me?’ ‘Well, I knew you lived in Cokeworth so I headed up here and hung out as Padfoot for a bit. Presumed you’d show up at some point and I spotted you walking into town and heading into the post office so I figured I’d hang about for when you came out,’ he said. ‘That was like seven hours ago!’ she said looking up in shock, ‘why didn’t you just come and see me?!’ ‘I mean I couldn’t exactly walk in as a massive dog now could I?’ he said. ‘Well yeah but you could’ve come in as yourself,’ she countered. ‘I figured once you saw me you’d want an explanation and given you were in your work uniform I guessed it should probably wait,’ he said, ‘don’t worry it’s not been too bad.’ ‘I’m glad,’ she said, ‘so…what’s the plan?’ ‘Well I’d wondered if I could stay with you…just for the night for some food and a place to sleep and then I’ll head on up to James’. He doesn’t live too much further on but I’m knacked,’ he admitted. ‘I’m not surprised! But of course, you can,’ she said, ‘I mean I might have to work around my parents but we can sort it out I’m sure.’ ‘Ace,’ he said. ‘Come on,’ she said standing up and smoothing out her clothes, ‘I hope a ten-minute walk is enough time to think about what the hell we’re going to tell my parents.’

✵✵✵

‘How long?’ Daisy’s mum, Helen, said, eyeing her daughter suspiciously. ‘Just a day or two,’ Daisy said, trying to remain calm, ‘Sharon should be fine by then and he can go home.’ said. ‘I’m not sure Dais,’ Helen replied. As she turned back around to continue with the washing up Daisy looked worriedly at Sirius, who was sitting in dog form by her back door, panting heavily in the summer’s heat. On their walk home they’d discussed what they should tell Daisy’s parents and had promptly decided against the truth. One for fear they’d try and send Sirius home and the other because they realised her mum and dad might not be too keen to have a teenage boy living in her bedroom, even if it was just for a night or two. ‘Oh mum please,’ Daisy said, trying to put as much pleading into her voice as she could, ‘she’s no one else to have him. He’s no trouble honestly.’ ‘Why do you even want to help her? You don’t even like Sharon,’ Lily asked sceptically as she came into the kitchen, watching her sister suspiciously. ‘She’s alright and besides she’s my boss it’s not like I could say no,’ Daisy said, hoping Lily would butt out. If was just her and her mum she had a chance at turning the tide in her favour, as evidenced by the way her mother turned around to look at her, her expression softening. ‘Fine he can stay,’ Helen sighed, pulling her rubber gloves off and pointing at her youngest, mustering as much warning as she could as she added, ‘but as soon as Sharon is sorted he’s out of here okay?’ ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you,’ Daisy said running to her mum and cuddling her. ‘I mean it Dais,’ her mother said, holding her close before she pulled away. ‘I know, I know,’ Daisy said excitedly, beckoning Sirius in from the door, ‘come on Snuffles.’

Sirius bounded in through the back door and immediately heeled at Daisy’s side, nuzzling into her leg as if nudging her forward. Lily watched from the door way, her eyes narrowing as she took in the big shaggy dog now following her sister as she left the kitchen and headed upstairs. Daisy fled upstairs, hurrying Sirius into her bedroom, which thankfully since Petunia had moved out was no longer shared with her twin. He trotted inside, barely allowing her time to turn around and lock the door before he transformed into himself, shirking his jacket off before flinging himself onto her bed and pushing himself back until he was sitting up against the wall.

‘Well, that was easy,’ he said, smiling at her as she turned around. Daisy giggled, climbing onto the bed beside him. ‘To be honest I can’t believe she bought it,’ she smiled, ‘I bloody hate Sharon.’ ‘I can tell,’ he chuckled, falling silent for a moment before he said, ‘thanks by the way. For letting me stay I mean.’ ‘Oh it’s nothing,’ she said waving him off, before adding seriously, ‘I’m just happy you’re out of there.’ ‘Me too,’ he replied regrettably. Daisy watched him sadly but he smiled at her reassuringly, his grey eyes locking with hers for long moment. It made her heart beat harder in her chest but then she was snapped out of it by the sound of knocking at the door. The pair jumped apart, Daisy leaping up and straightening out her hair in an effort to hide the pink on her cheeks having not realised just how close they’d gotten on the bed.

‘Dais?’ Lily’s voice echoed through the wood, the door handle rattling a moment later, ‘why’s the door locked?’ ‘Um, I’m just changing,’ Daisy lied, whipping around as quick as a flash to grab a dirty shirt and pair of shorts of the back of her chair to change into, gesturing for Sirius to turn away which he did so obediently. She got dressed in a flurry but took a moment to compose herself before she opened the door as casually as possible, finding her sister standing behind a suspicious look on her face.

‘What’s up Lil?’ Daisy asked blasély, hanging on the door handle. ‘What’s going on?’ Lily replied seriously, ignoring the look her sister gave her as she pushed past her into the room, her eyes surveying the entire thing suspiciously before they landed on the big shaggy dog now lounging across her sister’s bed. ‘What do you mean?’ Daisy asked, shutting the door behind her and moving to sit on the bed, Sirius instantly nuzzling into her side reassuringly though he couldn’t settle the way her heart was beating under her sister’s scrutinous gaze. ‘You know what I mean,’ Lily said, folding her arms across her chest, ‘what’s with the dog? Because there’s no way you would’ve done anything to help Sharon.’ ‘Well I’m just being a helpful colleague,’ Daisy shrugged. ‘Or you’re up to something,’ Lily reasoned. ‘And what could I possibly be up to?’ she scoffed. ‘I don’t know but I work with Brian, Sharon’s son,’ Lily said, watching the flash of panic on her sister’s face as she added, ‘and he’s not mentioned anything about her being unwell.’ ‘Well she’s not a death’s door,’ Daisy said, wondering how to skirt around this snag in her backstory. ‘He also doesn’t have a dog,’ Lily replied with an air of finality, ‘so, tell me what’s going on.’ Daisy sighed. There were many things she loved about Lily, admired even, but her penchant for being able to sniff out whenever Daisy wasn’t being truthful did grate on her at times. Before she spoke though she looked at Sirius, her eyes asking silently if he would be okay with her telling Lily what was going on. He merely turned his head, burrowing into her side as if to give her permission.

‘Okay, okay, I’ll tell you,’ she conceded, her fingers running through Sirius’ fur as she looked back at her sister, ‘but if I do you have to promise me you won’t tell anyone. Not even mum and dad.’ ‘Daisy you’re worrying me,’ Lily said panicked. ‘Please Lil, promise me you won’t tell a soul,’ Daisy repeated. Lily paused. She knew her sister wouldn’t tell her if she didn’t promise but given the severity of previous secrets kept by her younger sister she was panicked about what she might be about to confess. After a moment she said, ‘fine. I promise.’

‘Well I think it’s better if we show you,’ Daisy said, looking down at Sirius who lifted himself from where he had been laying, his head across her lap. ‘Show me what?’ Lily asked though she needn’t have bothered because in a flash the dog had jumped off the bed, turning into a fully grown boy right in front of her eyes. Lily watched opened mouthed as Sirius smiled at her, before taking a seat back on the bed next to Daisy, enjoying the befuddled look on the redhead’s face. No one spoke for a moment. Daisy too nervous to, Lily too surprised to make words form, and Sirius too sensible to know not to get involved between them. Eventually though Lily managed to make her mouth work, her words coming out louder than intended as she shouted, ‘what the fuck?!’ ‘Bloody hell Lil not so loud,’ Daisy shushed, her eyes darting to the door as if her mum was going to come bursting in any second. ‘Don’t tell me to be quiet,’ Lily retorted, her mind still reeling, ‘your mate just appeared from dog form and I’m supposed to be quiet?’ ‘It’s not a big deal,’ Daisy reasoned. Sirius, knowing it wasn’t a good idea to jump in said nothing. ‘Not a big deal he’s an animagus!’ her sister replied, the last bit whispered as realisation set in. ‘Yeah, a secret animagus!’ Daisy replied through gritted teeth, ‘so shush!’ ‘Oh, even better he’s illegally here as an animagus! Are you trying to get us expelled or thrown in Azkaban for that matter!’ Lily asked. ‘Would you just let me explain?’ Daisy said exasperatedly. Lily looked between the pair of them and then took a seat on the chair by Daisy’s desk, her arms folded and her mouth in a tight line, reminiscent of McGonagall’s, before she said, ‘fine but it better be a bloody good explanation.’

And as if she was pleading her case to her head of house Daisy broke into the tale. She explained how the boys had become animagi for Remus’ benefit, not failing to mention how much it had helped their friend greatly. She told them of what Sirius’ parents had been doing, how he’d had no choice but to flee and had spent days walking all the way to Cokeworth. She told her how she’d had to lie, how if her parents knew the truth they wouldn’t understand and they wouldn’t let him stay. All the while Sirius stayed silent, looking as downtrodden as he could muster to win the redhead’s sympathies though he was trying to suppress an amused smirk at just how well the blonde could turn on the charm when she needed to. Unfortunately though he couldn’t read Lily that well. Where he could tell Daisy was on the offensive she remained an enigma, her eyes flitting to him every so often, but her mouth in a tight line, never wavering until Daisy finished speaking.

‘So,’ she said as Daisy stopped, ‘you want me to just say nothing about three sixth year students who took it upon themselves to become illegal animagi? And keep it to myself that one student has run away from home and is walking half the length of the country? Not to mention lie to mum and dad so he can stay here under false pretences? ‘He’s got nowhere to go Lil! Please just let us do this for a day or two?’ Daisy pleaded, watching as Lily considered it carefully before she sighed and grumbled, ‘ugh fine.’ ‘Really?’ Daisy said with excitement. ‘Really. I mean I suppose it’s not Sirius’ fault that his parents are well you know,’ she said, throwing him a sympathetic look that he shrugged off. He didn’t need her to apologise for his parents, it wasn’t anything he hadn’t thought himself. Lily continued, ‘not that I condone breaking the law. Or not telling anyone you’ve left home. Or-’ ‘Well the breaking the law thing is an old issue,’ Daisy reasoned. Lily rolled her eyes. ‘Yeah and in my defence I was trying to tell the Potter’s I’d run away,’ Sirius said, ‘but I promise I’ll tell McGonagall once I’m back at school though maybe not about the animagi thing.’ ‘Well I suppose it’s better than nothing,’ Lily said wryly. ‘So he can stay then?’ Daisy said after a beat. Lily nodded. ‘And I won’t say anything to mum or dad but promise me you’ll be careful?’ Lily begged, ‘no making too much noise or getting lax with him being in the house. If they find out they’ll flip and I’m not being grounded over this.’ ‘I promise,’ Daisy said leaning forward off the bed so she could hug her sister. Lily hugged her back and then stood up. ‘Right, I’ll head downstairs and keep mum busy so you can sort yourselves out,’ she said, looking between the pair of them in a way that made Daisy’s heart thump again. Then she flounced out, shutting the door behind her and heading downstairs.

‘So,’ Daisy said, turning around and looking at Sirius, suddenly realising that the two of them were completely alone in her bedroom which seemed even smaller with him in it. ‘So,’ he said with a smile, moving back onto the bed so he was rested against the wall. Daisy perched on the edge of it. ‘What should we do? I mean we could play a board game or something?’ she said, fiddling with the bed sheet nervously, ‘or Lily’s got a few books she’ll lend us. We could even play cards, the muggle version of course I don’t have the magical version though I don’t know if you can even play exploding snap here. With it being magic and all-’ ‘I’m happy with whatever,’ Sirius said interrupting her rambling, causing her big green eyes to look at him, ‘it’s just nice to be a house where you don’t feel on tenterhooks all the time.’ ‘Yeah until we’re worrying about my parents or Lily barging in,’ she countered, clambering onto the bed beside him. He felt giant beside her, taking up more space than she’d anticipated in her tiny single bed though he was only half a foot taller than her. And yet she didn’t mind it. In fact she leant into him, her head resting on his shoulder gently.

‘Thanks by the way,’ he said after a moment of quiet. ‘For what?’ she asked quietly, staring at her crumpled work uniform strewn over the back of her chair. ‘For everything,’ he said earnestly, ‘it means a lot.’ ‘It’s not a big deal. I’d do anything for you,’ she said, her cheeks flushing in a way she was glad he couldn’t see as she added, ‘any of you lot. I mean you guys are my family you know.’ ‘The only family I’ve got,’ Sirius whispered.

✵✵✵

‘I don’t think that’s such a good idea,’ Helen said from her chair, watching her daughter over the top of her reading glasses with an apologetic gaze. ‘It’s only a couple of hours,’ Daisy pleaded. ‘But you’re on your own my love,’ Helen reason, ‘and your dad is more than happy to drive you.’ ‘No!’ Daisy said with a bit too much force, causing Sirius’ ears to prick up from where he’d been laying at her feet, pretending not to listen. This had been his life for the past three days. When he wasn’t following Daisy around in dog form, pretending to be the world’s most well-behaved canine, they were holed away in her room. Of course he hadn’t intended to stay this long but his idea of walking the rest of the way to James’ the day after he’d arrived had immediately been shot down by Daisy, and to his surprise Lily, who’d convinced him he might as well stay a few days and the pair of them go together up to the Potter’s as planned. And he was thankful he’d listened because even when it wasn’t ideal like the amount of time he spent in dog form, being snuck food in secret, or cramped in Daisy’s tiny bed to save sleeping on the floor it wasn’t all bad. In her room he could be himself, spending time with her playing board games or listening to music, and they managed to get out and about, sometimes even with Lily in tow, under the guise of walking the dog. It was the most fun he’d had all summer. The only snag was that upon telling her mother her plans to head to the Potter’s on the train alone Helen had become worried, insisting her father drop her off given it wasn’t all that far.

‘What?’ Helen said exasperatedly, ‘oh Daisy don’t be so dramatic. It’s just that I don’t think it’s wise for a young girl to be getting the train on her own.’ ‘It’s not that far!’ Daisy protested. ‘Even so I don’t like the idea of you on your own love,’ Helen reasoned. ‘What if I take snuffles?’ Daisy asked, making Sirius raise his head up at the mention of his name. Helen glanced at the dog with a frown. ‘I don’t know if your boss will like him going with you I mean didn’t you say she’d want him back soon,’ Helen said. Daisy bit her lip feeling every yarn she attempted to spin unravel before it gained traction. Every option felt like hard work. If she told them she was on her own her mother would insist she go with her dad instead of on the train. If she went with her dad Sirius would either have to walk it on his own or risk being cramped up for two hours in their tiny car and though he’d mastered staying in form he grew weary of it after a while. And she didn’t dare broach the idea of having human Sirius anywhere near her parents. Sure they knew about her new found friendships with the marauders but Daisy may have skated over just how entangled their lives had become this past year. And, love them as she did she was sure her parents would have a coronary at the idea of her being alone with a teenage boy for any amount of time. Especially one still sporting a black eye and a healing fat lip.

‘She won’t mind, right Lil?’ Daisy said, looking at her sister with eyes pleading for help. Lily looked up from her book, which she had been given by her new book buddy Remus, and said, ‘what?’ ‘I said, I don’t think that Sharon would mind me bringing Snuffles to James’ for a bit,’ she said. ‘I don’t know, I don’t think it’s fair to Snuffles dragging him all that way,’ Lily goaded, smirking as Daisy’s face fell into a scowl, ‘I mean why doesn’t he just stay here? I’ll look after him.’ ‘Or,’ Daisy said, challenging her sister, ‘Snuffles could stay here and you could come with me! James said you’re invited if you want to come and two of us on the train together is alright right mum? I mean you were happy for Lil to go out and about when she stayed at Mar’s because they were together.’ ‘Well, maybe if you both went that wouldn’t be so bad,’ Helen said, contemplating her daughter’s point. ‘I am not going to James Potter’s house,’ Lily said with disgust, narrowing her eyes at Daisy who widened hers threateningly. Lily sighed, ‘Dais is right mum. I mean I’m sure she’ll be fine on the train with a dog and Brian would probably even go and pick Snuffles up when they need him back.’ ‘Well, I guess it is only a couple of hours and he is such a big dog I doubt even the conductor will come near you… okay fine,’ Helen relented. Daisy leapt up and dashed over to hug her as her mum mumbled, ‘but you must call when you get there! And someone must meet you on the other platform!’ ‘Of course! I’ll go and write to James right now!’ Daisy squeaked happily before dashing out of the room, Sirius following behind her instantly. As she disappeared Helen rolled her eyes, an act that made her look the spitting image of her daughters and chuckled, ‘she’s a nutter, that child of mine.’ ‘You don’t even know half of it,’ Lily said with a sigh as her eyes fell back to her book.

✵✵✵

By the following day, the plan was set in motion. Daisy had packed all her things and was currently cramming everything into the boot of her Dad’s car as her mum waited by the front door, watching with a sad look though she smiled as Daisy turned around.

‘Now then,’ Helen said, placing her hands on Daisy’s shoulders as she stood in front of her, ‘promise me you’ll be careful.’ ‘I will,’ Daisy promised. ‘Don’t speak to any strangers or wander off. Just get on the train and off okay. And keep Snuffles close to you at all times,’ Helen said, ‘oh and make sure you ring once you’re at the other station okay?’ ‘Okay, okay,’ Daisy said, rolling her eyes. ‘I mean it, Dais,’ Helen said seriously, ‘I’m trusting you to be responsible. Getting to your friends and getting back to school.’ ‘James’ parents have sorted it all out,’ Daisy promised. ‘Well good,’ Helen said, ‘speaking of your friends I want you to promise me you’ll stay out of trouble this year okay? No funny business you hear me? You need to knuckle down, I don’t want any letters from the headmaster this year, okay?’ ‘I swear it,’ Daisy said, though she felt a nudge from Sirius’ wet snout that gave her the idea that wasn’t going to happen. ‘I’ll see you at Christmas, my love,’ Helen said, pulling her in for a hug. Daisy hugged her back, offering her mother a reassuring smile before she pulled out of her arms. Though as she did she found Sirius had disappeared around the other side of the car, in what she was sure was an attempt to escape watching the motherly affection she was being smothered by. ‘Bye mum, love you,’ Daisy said. ‘Love you too sweetheart,’ Helen replied, moving back to stand on the doorstep as Daisy climbed into the car, Sirius climbing in after her and immediately settled down on the seat beside her, his head propped up on her thigh. Her father, Alan, was sitting in the driver’s seat, chattering away about the radio to Lily who was sitting beside him, though upon noticing everyone was ready he turned on the ignition and pulled onto the street. Daisy looked out the window as they drove away, watching as her mother grew smaller and smaller in the rearview, her hand stroking Sirius’ head absentmindedly.

Fortunately it didn’t take long to get to the train station and soon enough they were parked up outside, Daisy trying to get her mountains of luggage out of the boot it had been crammed into, with Sirius waiting patiently on the pavement, unable to help. As Daisy heaved the last trunk out of the car, allowing it’s weight to bring it to the floor with a crash, Lily giggled.

‘Don’t laugh,’ Daisy smirked, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to get this lot to the train.’ ‘Don’t worry I’ll give you a hand,’ Lily said, rolling her eyes and grabbing one of the many items of baggage Daisy had with her. ‘Don’t be long Lil I’ve only got fifteen minutes free here,’ Alan called from the front of the car, leaning out of his window to look at the girls now standing on the pavement. ‘We won’t,’ Lily promised. ‘Bye Dad!’ Daisy said, moving to the front of the car and leaning in to look through the window as low as she could reach when laden with luggage. ‘Bye Dais,’ he said with a smile, ‘have a good term.’ ‘I will,’ Daisy promised. ‘And behave,’ he winked. ‘I will,’ Daisy giggled. ‘You’re home for Christmas this time right?’ he asked, Daisy nodded ignoring the twinge of guilt over missing last year, ‘see you at King’s Cross then eh?’ ‘See you then,’ Daisy grinned before turning around to head in, finding Lily and Sirius waiting for her near the entrance, thankfully now with most of her luggage laden on a trolley. It wasn’t too busy inside the station but after so long in the car she was conscious of getting Sirius back into his regular self and so looked to her sister and said, ‘can you go and sort our tickets out why I find somewhere to change?’ ‘Change?’ Lily asked, getting the hint as Daisy’s gaze flitted to the dog beside her, ‘oh change right. Yeah sure. Leave your stuff with me.’ ‘Not be long,’ Daisy said, before heading off in search of somewhere secluded. It didn’t take long, her quest ending as she found that the small station only had two toilets, one of which was rather large and vacant. She quickly hurried Sirius inside. She’d barely been able to close the door behind them before he was transforming into himself, stretching his neck as though it was stiff.

‘Are you okay?’ she asked as he moved to the mirror, fluffing out his hair so it wasn’t in his eyes. ‘Yeah I’m fine,’ he said, smiling at her, ‘bloody warm in that car though.’ ‘I know,’ she said, ‘and sorry about my dad’s singing.’ ‘He’s got some pipes on him I’ll give him that,’ Sirius grinned. ‘A unique vocal style I’d say,’ she quipped. ‘Definitely though I wasn’t paying much attention. I was too focused on the ear scratch,’ he said with a grin that made her feel hotter than she had been in the car. ‘Come on Lil’ll be waiting,’ she said, thanking god she had an excuse to get out of there and stop her hands from sweating. Sirius didn’t seem to notice her haste, following behind her as they headed back towards the entrance, finding Lily waiting in the foyer though as she clocked them she started moving, pushing the trolley past them as she said, ‘come on you two your train will be here any minute.’

Neither of them argued, allowing her to lead them to the correct platform where the train was already pulling in. As it docked Lily pushed the cart towards Sirius who took it dutifully, heading towards the train to load Daisy’s things on whilst the pair of them said goodbye.

‘Well, that’s you off then,’ Lily said, handing the tickets to her sister with a sad smile. ‘Sure you don’t want to join us?’ Daisy said with a smirk. ‘Definitely not,’ Lily replied, wrinkling her face in disgust. ‘Fine, I guess I’ll have to settle for seeing you on the Hogwarts express yeah?’ Daisy grinned. ‘Yeah, I guess,’ Lily said, disappointment on her face. ‘C’mon Lil it’s not forever,’ Daisy reasoned, ‘besides you went to see Mar for practically the same amount of time.’ ‘I know, I know,’ Lily said, ‘I guess I just feel like we’ve barely seen each other this summer. I’ve been with Mar; you’ve had Sirius and well you’re away now. It’s not even like I have Sev to hang around with.’ ‘Like I said you can always come with,’ Daisy reasoned. Lily rolled her eyes, ‘and two weeks is nothing. First week back at school you’ll be sick of me I bet.’ ‘Probably,’ Lily giggled. As she spoke Sirius emerged at the train door, looking at the pair apologetically as he said, ‘Dais, we gotta go.’ ‘Coming,’ Daisy said, not looking up at him. Instead she leant in and wrapped herself around her sister who hugged her back immediately, but as the conductor blew the whistle she pushed her away, nudging her towards Sirius and the train. Daisy threw her sister one last smile and climbed aboard, waving back at her for a moment before she disappeared into the carriage, leaving the redhead standing alone on the platform, trying to ignore the jealous feeling that niggled at her as she watched her sister head off to the James Potter’s house.

Even though their route to James’ village wasn’t a direct one the journey was a relatively quick, only slowed down by the change to car at the station and the fact it took Daisy twenty minutes to get her hands on a phone so she could call home. Yet they made it, the sleek black car pulling effortlessly into the long drive of the manor, and immediately being descended on by three rambunctious boys.

And unfortunately for Daisy the day didn’t slow down any from there. Whilst Sirius was shepherded into the drawing room for a talk with Euphemia and Fleamont, Daisy was dragged out to the quidditch field, her belongings left behind in the foyer. Fortunately James’ insistence she play was negated the moment Sirius appeared, meaning she was allowed to umpire from the ground, the boys darting around in the sky above her as she watched amusedly, until finally they were all called in for dinner.

And the party didn’t stop there. Having not seen each other in so long dinner took longer than ever, everyone recapping their summers and their O.W.L. results, before everyone retired to the drawing room for a night of boardgames. It had been a nice night for Daisy, but as they got into yet another round of a wizards trivia game she hardly knew any answers for she felt her eyelids grow heavy, dragging her into slumber where she sat.

‘Oh, Daisy dear you look as if you’re dead on your feet!’ Euphemia said startling Daisy, who was tucked into Sirius’ side, her head on his shoulder, awake. ‘Oh, I’m okay,’ she said with a yawn. She felt Sirius’ body rumble with a chuckle next to her. ‘You can go to bed if you want Dais,’ James said. ‘Maybe you should all call it a night,’ Fleamont said, ‘I mean you’ve got a couple of weeks together after all.’ ‘Your father’s right James. Up to bed all of you,’ Euphemia agreed. There was a grumble from James but his friends, too polite to argue with their doting host, nodded and clambered up off the couches, heading to bed. Once in the foyer Remus, Peter and James headed for the stairs but Daisy lingered at the bottom, remembering she’d had been moved to the annexe for the duration of their stay to save her from spending two weeks on a camp bed. Seeing her stop Sirius did too.

‘What’s up?’ he asked, stopping on the first step. James who was only one more further stopped too. ‘Nothing, I’m in the annexe tonight right,’ she said, gesturing to the long hallway where her bedroom was. ‘Oh yeah,’ Sirius muttered. ‘You know where it is right?’ James asked, realising in his excitement he’d forgotten to show her. ‘Yeah, through that door right?’ Daisy asked. ‘Yeah third one down,’ he nodded, ‘I can show you if you want.’ ‘Nah it’s okay I’ll find it,’ she smiled. ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ Sirius asked worriedly, ‘sleeping out there I mean.’ ‘It’s not a third world country mate,’ James said rolling his eyes. ‘I know,’ Sirius said defensively, ‘it’s just a bit far from everyone isn’t it?’ ‘Daisy’s a big girl and I’m sure she’ll be okay,’ James said, unsure as to why the other boy was fussing so much. ‘James is right,’ Daisy smiled, ‘I’ll be fine.’ ‘See,’ James said, leaning forward to give Daisy a one-armed hug, ‘night Dais.’ ‘Night,’ she replied, smiling at him before her eyes went to Sirius who still looked unsure but allowed her to hug him briefly as she said, ‘night Pads.’ ‘Yeah, night,’ he mumbled, watching as she disappeared down the hall towards her room. When he stopped he found James watching him curiously but he ignored him, stalking off up the stairs at a pace, the younger boy following behind him as quick as he could.

‘What was that about?’ James said the moment they were in his room, the door closed firmly behind them. ‘What?’ Sirius asked, not looking at him as he grabbed his trunk off the floor and threw it on the bed, flinging it open, happy to see his own clothes for a change and not something he’d stolen off Daisy’s dad. ‘You asking Daisy if she was okay in the annexe,’ James said ‘I just thought she might be lonely out there, that’s all,’ he shrugged as he pulled out a pair of pyjamas. ‘You sure that’s all it was?’ James said with a raised eyebrow. ‘Yeah what else would it be,’ Sirius scoffed. ‘I don’t know. It just felt weird I mean-’ James reasoned but Sirius cut him off. ‘I said that’s all it was,’ Sirius grunted, and before James could protest he grabbed his things off the bed and headed into the bathroom, slamming the door loudly behind him.

When he got inside he threw his clothes on the toilet lid, ignoring them as he observed himself in the mirror. He looked different, older, as if the summer had added ten years onto him. He supposed he knew why. Walking on eggshells for an entire childhood and an impeding war was bound to take a toll on a man even if he’d played it as cool as possible. In fact the only time in the past month he’d felt like he wasn’t pretending to be okay was when he was around Daisy which is probably why he was reluctant to spend a night without her. She seemed to calm him. Even snoring in his ear as she smushed against him in her tiny single bed he felt more comforted than he did in his own room. He’d even take sleeping on the camp bed to have her in the room with him. Not that he could tell James that.

He change quickly and walked back into the room, climbing into James’ four poster in silence. James didn’t speak either, seemingly having taken offence at his friend’s sharp tongue, and headed to the bathroom himself, emerging a couple of minutes later and sliding into bed beside him without a word. The two of them lay in the quiet until eventually James’ breathing grew deeper signalling he’d fallen asleep. Sirius however couldn’t sleep. His eyes stung from tiredness but he couldn’t stop his mind from whirring. About his family, about the war, about Daisy, until finally he couldn’t cope and got out of bed and strolled to the window to look out. It wasn’t really dark yet, the summer’s night casting a blue hue over the gardens, yet as he looked down at the annexe he spotted a light on, partially illuminating the patio. So, without a thought he headed downstairs towards the light.

Moving from the cosy drawing room and into the colder annexe and thin pyjamas had woken Daisy up a bit so when a knock echoed on her door she was still up, reading a book Lily had given her to pass on to Remus.

‘Come in,’ Daisy said curiously, wondering who it could be though as the door opened she found Sirius standing hesitantly behind it. ‘Hey, everything okay?’ she said, watching as he hesitated before deciding to come in and perch at the end of her bed. Sirius nodded, though his expression didn’t support that. In fact he looked, nervous. And it worried her to ask, ‘are you sure?’ ‘Yeah,’ he said, swallowing hard before he said, ‘no…I don’t know.’

He was quiet for a moment, looking at his sock covered feet instead of her, which worried her. So she climbed out from under the covers until she was sitting beside him, wrapping her arm around him as she waited for him to speak. She didn’t push. Over the time she had spent with him she had realised there was very little point to do so. She didn’t blame him, given the household he’d grown up in, getting his feelings out wasn’t always easy, but so long as she was patient, whatever was bothering him would soon come out. She just had to let him decide when that was.

‘You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,’ she said, ‘we can just sit here for a bit.’ ‘Nah it’s okay,’ he mumbled, ‘I guess I just feel confused.’ ‘About what?’ she asked, pulling back from where she’d been cuddled into his side to look at him, her wide green eyes roving over his face which made his stomach flip-flop and only added to his confusion. ‘Everything,’ he admitted, ‘I mean don’t get me wrong I’m glad I’m out of that place but I don’t feel right putting on James’ parents you know? I mean they assured me I was fine to stay here whenever I want especially until the end of school.’ ‘That’s what they wanted to speak to you about,’ Daisy concluded. ‘Yeah,’ he said, ‘and I get that they’re well-meaning and I love them for it. I just feel conflicted.’ ‘That’s understandable,’ she said, resting her head back against him, ‘but they love you like you’re theirs so it’s not a bad thing.’ ‘I guess,’ he shrugged, ‘it’s not just that…’ ‘What is it?’ she said looking at him, making his mouth dry up immediately the words he’d wanted to say getting stuck in his throat.

What he wanted to tell her was how much he had come to cherish her over the past year. How she had been a welcome relief in a painful summer and that the past few days at her house had been some of the best he’d ever had even if he was forced to live it as a dog. He wanted to tell her how pretty he thought she was and how anyone would be lucky to call her theirs. The more he thought about what he wanted to say the more he realised that what he wanted to say was; I think I love you. But he didn’t. He couldn’t get the words out past his lips so he said, ‘I feel bad on you all the way out here. You know on your own and that.’ Daisy giggled loudly, ‘you’re conflicted about me having my own proper bed and sleeping in a room as big as my house! Oh, Pads don’t worry about me.’ ‘Haha,’ he mumbled, ‘yeah I guess you’re right…I just thought you’d be distraught not to have my snoring nearby.’ ‘Oh, I’m heartbroken to have to sleep in this comfy bed like a starfish with absolutely no noise to wake me up. Or no dog breath on my face,’ she mushed. ‘I suppose when you put it like that,’ he said, getting up, ‘I suppose I better leave you to it.’ ‘Only if that’s all you wanted to speak about?’ she asked, quirking her eyebrow. Sirius nodded. ‘Yeah, I’ve got it all off my chest,’ he said leaning down to give her a hug. Her arms snaked up around his neck and pulled him into her. Sirius revelled in the warmth of her trying to will his heart to stop hammering. If she’d have let him he would’ve stayed there all night but eventually she pulled away, forcing him to stand back up.

‘Night Pads,’ she said with a smile as she pushed herself back into the bed and got settled. ‘Night Dais,’ Sirius said, heading to the door quietly. As he trudged back to his room, slipping back into bed beside a snoring James, he thought of her. None of his troubles had gone away of course and yet she’d somehow put him at ease. As always.

SIRIUS BLACK/SERIES TAGS

@maeisafangirl @mysteriouslydelicateface @caitlin1996 @imthebadguyyy

#my writing #sirius black #sirius black x ofc #sirius black fic #sirius black x daisy evans #the other evans girl #marauders #marauders fic

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herz-korper-seele · 7 months

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“Fall in! Formation! Attention! Left face, right face!” In that instant, Rhizhka does the opposite… Right face, left face. He’s always made me laugh, even if I shouldn’t.

«УРАА!»

It’s been a while since I’ve written to you, my dear, It’s been hard to find the time. When we’re not marching through white fields to nowhere or digging at frozen dirt, we’re cleaning the Colonel’s shit out of the toilet. We’re supposed to be killing people. Maybe they are waiting for spring.

You know how terrible I am at letters— you’re the writer, not me. I love you.

Peroshchin found a dog while he was in the field, I’m not sure how it got through the wire, but it followed him all the way back to the barracks. Thigh-height, blonde fur. I convinced the boys to let me name it Koshya, just for you. A warmth in my bunk I could pretend was you. I’m surprised they let us keep it, I suppose Command is getting lonely out here too.

The weather’s been fucking shit, of course. The bogs are terrible when it isn’t frozen, up to my chest yesterday and up to my waist the day before that. Hopefully I’m not drowning the next time. Not to mention how cold it is, I thought my balls would freeze, fall out my pant leg and I’d lose them in the water… I hope it’s nothing but warmth and sunshine for you, dear. Those things tend to follow you.

It’s worse than they say it is out here. I haven’t even fired a shot at a human yet, but there’s already been so much death. We’ve already seen so much. The trees are dead, the horses are dead, even the grass seems sad.. Everything is grey. On a march north, we passed through a village— I don’t know the name— chickens were ripped apart from wild animals, houses had been burnt down… The smell was horrid. I won’t burden your pretty head with any more.

And now my paragraph of professing love to you, just so you know how much I do.. I still keep the picture of you in my necklace, dolled up in your wedding dress, the creases under your eyes from your smile. I’m sure you’ve been taking care of yourself, you always do. I crave your halushki every time I smell food, the warmth of your touch with each breeze that passes me.. I miss your boobs, most of all. Soft, round, more alive and warm than anything in this shithole.. I miss feeling of your heartbeat on my cheek. When I come home, I’ll come with the most grape-y wine that I probably stole from some farmer’s cellar… Hopefully I can buy you something expensive from a shop, if I get the chance.

I’ve saved the bad news for last. I don’t get leave until August, nobody does. I’m sorry, Kosh. You know I wouldn’t have come here if I’d known I’d be away from you for a whole year. I don’t know if I’ll even be able to wait another nine months to see you. I might go insane, actually. Please write back to me immediately, and lather the paper in your perfume.. I love you. My heart aches for your presence.

Yours, ————

#writers of tumblr #writers #writeblr #writing #literature #not proofread #critique welcome #sort of indulgent #ww2 letter #daily writing #?#not actually daily though because im inconsistent #kosh.lit

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fridayfirefly · 4 years

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The Wedding Schemers

Read The Wedding Schemers on AO3

Masterlist

Written for Maribat March Day 23 - Enemies to Lovers

Damian Wayne was so annoying, Marinette wanted nothing more than to shoot him. Unfortunately, he was the only person who could help her. If they couldn't work together, everything would be ruined.

But Marinette was getting ahead of herself. To fully explain the situation, she needed to take it back five months. Back to the beginning. Back to the first day they met. It was April, the season of growth and opportunity. And rain. Lots of rain. Marinette normally wouldn't have a problem with rain. However, rain ruined outdoor weddings and as a professional wedding planner, it meant that she always had to have a backup plan.

Marinette had just finished up her biggest wedding yet. The wedding of Adrien Agreste and Chloé Agreste (neé Bourgeoise) went off without a hitch. It was perfect, the most praised wedding of the season. Which meant it brought in new customers. New rich customers.

Timothy Drake and Stephanie Brown hadn't been in attendance at the Agreste wedding, but they had seen pictures and had decided to hire Marinette as their wedding planner. Over the phone, the couple sounded lovely. They had already picked out potential color schemes, potential venues, and a date for the wedding: October 14th. Marinette figured it might be her easiest wedding yet. That is, until she met the bride and groom in person, and they brought along the best man.

Damian Wayne was intolerable. Every idea that Marinette brought up he instantly shot down. He was pickier then either Tim or Stephanie and they were the ones who were getting married in the first place. Marinette was so frustrated she wanted to quit the job. However, she knew that if she wanted to break into the high-profile wedding business, she couldn't have such a major blow to her reputation. So Marinette sucked it up and tried her best not to punch Damian. All Marinette had to do was survive one annoying groomsman, and her career would be set for life.

----------

It was a warm, breezy August morning when Marinette got the phone call. "Hello?" she said as she answered the unknown number, setting her mug of coffee down on her side table.

"Marinette?" Marinette recognized the voice as Stephanie Brown, slightly distorted by the sob that she let out half-way through the word.

"Stephanie, are you okay?"

"The wedding is off," Stephanie cried, barely able to get the words out. "Tim and I aren't getting married."

"What's wrong? I'm sure we can fix this." Marinette tried to reason with Stephanie but was hung up on before she could finish her sentence.

Marinette stared down at her phone, trying to puzzle through what she had just learned. It just didn't make sense. Stephanie, who seemed perfectly in love with Tim just days earlier, was now calling off the wedding. Obviously, there had been some unexpected developments since Marinette last spoke to the couple, but she couldn't imagine a fight that they couldn't work through. Marinette needed to get back in the loop, and she knew who she needed to call. With a long-suffering sigh, Marinette dialed Damian's number.

"Dupain-Cheng," Damian answered the phone with a clipped tone.

"Wayne. Any idea why Stephanie just called me to announce that the wedding is off?"

Damian sighed. "One of Tim's ex-girlfriends met up with him last night. I'm not certain what happened, but I'm certain that Rossi was involved."

"How can you be so certain?"

"Lila Rossi," Damian bit out the name, "Has had her sights on making my brother miserable since the day he broke up with her. She would love nothing more than to ruin his life."

Marinette took in a deep breath, then let it out. "It's clear to me that Tim and Stephanie are both perfect for each other. This is just a minor setback. Someone needs to get them back together. Are you going to help me, or am I on my own?"

"I will help," said Damian succinctly. "I will pick you up in twenty minutes so that we can formulate a plan."

Damian hung up the phone and Marinette was left wondering how in the world she got herself into this position. She now had to spend the day with the most intolerable man she knew, so that she could reunite his recently broken up friends, in order to save their marriage. Marinette sighed. "I might need another coffee."

----------

Damian pulled up to the curb in front of Marinette's house, driving some luxury brand that Marinette would never be able to afford. Marinette climbed into the passenger seat, turning to Damian with an expectant look. "Do we have a plan yet?"

"Not quite a plan, but I do have a handle on the situation as it is now," said Damian, "Tim is refusing to talk to Stephanie. Stephanie is refusing to talk to Tim. Neither will tell my why they've called off the wedding, but it's obvious that there is some degree of miscommunication going on."

Marinette started to do what she did best - formulate an action plan. "We have to get them to meet up and talk things out. I'll take Stephanie, you take Tim. We need to convince them to follow us to a neutral location and we'll have to come up with convincing lies. If either sees through our plan the whole thing is ruined. Then we'll need to find a place to have them meet. I'm thinking a restaurant. We need our location to be somewhere where neither of them would storm out from but it also has to be private enough for them to talk it out."

Damian nodded. "There are plenty of restaurants that would be suited for our needs. The real problem is convincing Tim and Stephanie to follow us."

"I already have an idea for Stephanie. I'm going to ask her if she wants to go to Clement Park and do one of the destroy-the-dress photoshoots. I image that she's upset enough right now to agree to something drastic and dramatic."

Damian looked surprised. "That's a good idea. You're less incompetent than I thought, Dupain-Cheng."

Marinette decided to take his words as a compliment. "Thanks. I am a wedding planner, after all. It's kind of my whole job to be good at plans involving weddings."

"This is more of a scheme than a plan."

"I'll be a wedding schemer for the day, then," joked Marinette. "Now, are there any good restaurants near Clement Park, or should I choose a different location?"

"I know a restaurant a block away from there. I’ll lure Tim there under the premise that we’ll be getting lunch."

Marinette nodded. "I'll try to get Stephanie to the restaurant at noon. I'll also try and make sure the dress stays intact for that long. I have a feeling that Stephanie will still need it after her lunch today."

"Thank you for assisting me. I do not say this often, because it is rarely true, but I do not think I would be able to accomplish this task without your help."

"No problem, Wayne."

----------

Stephanie jumped on the opportunity to destroy her wedding dress.

"I can't believe I ever agreed to marry him," fumed Stephanie as they drove to the park, wedding dress taking up the backseat of Marinette's car.

"What happened between you two?" asked Marinette. "You seemed perfectly happy when I saw you last week."

"He hooked up with one of his ex-girlfriends behind my back. Lila called me last night to confess to the affair, begging me to forgive her because she didn't even know that Tim had a fiancée when she slept with him. I didn't believe her at first, but then she sent me proof. The poor girl kept blaming herself. It wasn't her fault, the only person to blame was Tim."

"That's horrible." Marinette decided not to press the issue any further. She needed Stephanie to trust her.

As the car stopped at the red light, just a block away from the restaurant, Marinette turned to Stephanie. "I just had an idea. We should get some red wine to splash onto the dress."

Stephanie grinned. "Oh that would absolutely ruin it. I'm sure we can pick up a bottle in one of the restaurants down the street."

Marinette pulled the car up in front of the restaurant that Damian had chosen. "Why don't you come in with me, to help pick out the bottle. We can use half of it to destroy the dress and the other half to get drunk afterward."

"You're just full of good ideas today." Stephanie got out of the passenger seat and followed Marinette into the restaurant.

This was the most delicate part of the scheme. If Stephanie caught sight of Tim and Damian too early it would ruin everything. Marinette led Stephanie through the restaurant towards the back, where Tim and Damian sat, under the premise that they were looking for the sommelier.

"Oh no!" Stephanie looked furious as soon as she caught sight of the men, but it was too late. The only way for Stephanie to get away was to make a scene. Marinette grabbed Stephanie's wrist and pulled her over to the table. "Really, Tim?" hissed Stephanie.

"I wasn't involved with this," growled Tim, glaring at Damian.

Damian got out of his seat and pulled it out for Stephanie to sit down in. "I think the two of you need to talk this out. I have no idea what lies Lila Rossi spun to cause this, but her motives have been nefarious since the moment she stepped into Tim's life. Rossi is the untrustworthy one here, not either of you."

Stephanie sighed. "Fine. I'll give Tim twenty minutes to tell his side of the story. But then I'm leaving."

"Thank you," said Damian. He put his hand on Marinette's shoulder and led her away, giving Tim and Stephanie their privacy.

"Do you want to go check out Clement Park?" asked Marinette once they were outside the restaurant.

"Why would we do that?"

Marinette shrugged. "In case Stephanie doesn't forgive Tim, I need to find a good spot to pour wine onto the wedding dress," she teased.

Damian cringed. "That's a twenty-thousand dollar wedding dress. You were just going to let it get ruined?"

Marinette shook her head. "I would have never let Stephanie destroy it. Even if our scheme doesn't work out, I'm going to keep trying to get them back together. Tim and Stephanie love each other. This is just a minor setback."

A thoughtful look passed over Damian. "Thank you, Marinette, for your help today."

"No problem. I was happy to help."

"I suppose you would be. Having your clients cancel after five months of work would no doubt be a career setback."

Before Marinette could protest what he said, she heard a voice call out from behind them. "Marinette! Damian!" It was Stephanie, grinning ear to ear as she ran towards Marinette and Damian, hand in hand with Tim. "We're getting married!" exclaimed Stephanie as soon as she was within earshot of Marinette and Damian.

"That's great!" Marinette replied, feeling the weight of Tim and Stephanie's failing relationship lift off of her chest.

Stephanie looked a bit more nervous. "We're getting married today. This wedding prep - planning the rehearsal dinner menu and picking out flowers for the bouquet - has been driving me crazy. All I want is to get married to Tim."

An elopement was the opposite of what Marinette wanted. It would be a terrible career move, to have her clients get so sick of planning their wedding that they abandoned it entirely. And yet, she carriedfor Tim and Stephanie too much to see them suffer on her account. “You’re wedding dress is in the trunk of my car. You wanted to ceremony to take place in the gardens at Wayne Manor, and that can happen any time. How about six tonight?”

Stephanie let out a sigh of relief. "Marinette, you're the best. Tim, let’s get married.”

Tim nodded. “Let’s get married.”

----------

It was Marinette’s first time planning a wedding in five hours. It might have been stressful, except Stephanie assured Marinette that they didn't want big impressive decorations. And in a very unlikely turn of events, Damian showed up to help Marinette set up.

Marinette wasn't quite sure why Damian was there beside her, tying ribbons and flowers to the walls of the little gazebo on the grounds of Wayne Manor. She got her answer when Damian finally asked the question he had been holding in for hours. "Why didn't you convince them to go through with their original wedding plan? You've put countless hours into their wedding and now all of that work is for nothing."

That was the question of the hour. The response was easy. "If I was in it for the money, I would have chosen a completely different career. I decided to become a wedding planner because I wanted to make people the happiest they could be on their special day. For Tim and Stephanie, this is the happiest they could be on their wedding day - not a big blowout wedding, but a small personal ceremony. It took almost losing everything for them to realize this."

Damian looked guilty. "I'm sorry that I misjudged you, Dupain-Cheng."

"Call me Marinette and I just might forgive you."

"Of course, Marinette. I suppose you may call me Damian, then."

"Thanks, Damian. Now can you pass me the pink ribbons? I want to pair them with the gypsophila and white roses."

As they worked together, slowly but surely turning the gazebo into the perfect wedding centerpiece, Damian kept up the conversation with Marinette. "I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other after this."

"You think?"

"I'm certain that Tim and Stephanie won't forget the help that you gave them.

Marinette shrugged. "It wasn't that big of a deal. Anyone would do what I did."

"Not just anyone. You're special, Marinette."

Marinette blushed. "I think you're pretty special too, Damian."

Her face got dangerously close to Damian's, and she could see the desire in his eyes. Marinette's eyes closed, and she sucked in a small breath of air, ready for what was about to happen.

In what had quickly become a trend for the day, Stephanie chose that moment to interrupt the intimate moment between Marinette and Damian. From across the lawn, she called out, "Quit flirting and finish up with the decorations! The ceremony is about to start and I need help putting my dress on!"

Marinette glanced over at Damian, face still pink with blush. "I've got to go, but I'll see you after the ceremony."

"Goodbye, Marinette."

Marinette fled the gazebo, wondering how in the world she had gone from dreading spending time with Damian to almost kissing him.

----------

The ceremony was beautiful, even if it was entirely under-planned. Tim's vows to Stephanie were only half-written, so he had to improvise. Stephanie's allergies were acting up from all of the pollen in the air. They ran out of napkins ten minutes into dinner. Still, Marinette knew that this was Tim and Stephanie's dream wedding.

"Marinette." Damian caught up to Marinette when she went into the house to get another bottle of wine for the reception.

"Damian. You wouldn't happen to know where the wine is kept?"

"We have a wine cellar."

Marinette rolled her eyes. "Of course you do," she teased.

In the privacy of the wine cellar, Damian finally looked Marinette in the eyes. "I know that our relationship didn't have the best of beginnings, but I've realized now how wrong I was about you. I thought you took on Tim and Stephanie's wedding for the money. I didn't realize that you had grown to care about them as a couple."

"I misjudged you as well. I thought you were so difficult to work with because you didn't like me. I realize now that it was because you wanted the best for your family."

"How about we start over," suggested Damian.

"You've got yourself a deal." Marinette stuck out her hand. "I'm Marinette Dupain-Cheng, professional wedding planner."

"I'm Damian Wayne, the brother of the groom."

Marinette grinned. "I've heard that there's a dance floor outside. Maybe you'd like to show me it?"

"Would you give me the pleasure of dancing with you, Miss Dupain-Cheng?"

"Call me Marinette, and you've got yourself a deal." Marinette snagged the right bottle of wine and started making her way out of the cellar. "By the way, Damian, I had a fun time scheming with you today. Maybe we could come up with another scheme for tomorrow. One the involves actually eating at the fancy restaurant."

Damian smiled. "I like the way you think."

"I tend to have good ideas. It's in my job description."

@maribatmarch-2k21

#maribat #daminette #romcom au #marinette dupain-cheng #damian wayne #MaribatMarch2021 #maridami #marinette x damian #miraculous ladybug fic #my work

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tatestripedsweater · 3 years

Text

Red Wedding

Plot: After a wedding ceremony it is customary for the couple to consummate their marriage, the time soon comes for both you and James to do just that.

Request: Loosing your virginity to James (Fem!Reader) - Anon

Wordcount: 3.7K

Warnings: Sexual Intercourse, Impregnation, Spanking, Dirty Talk (Slightly out of character for him), Killing/Death, Mentions of Old Fashioned Values (A woman knowing their place/obeying their husband)

Key:

Bold Italics - Flashbacks

A/N: This took me three days to write, requests may take longer as I’m trying to be as detailed as this one shot. Let me know if you like the longer pieces of writing or not!

AHS Taglist: @tatesimper @mxlti-fand0m-imaginess @darlingkitt @mrs-march-ahs @kitwalker02 @satanscomplex @mossybank @cleanup-aisle5

August 1926

You were completely stunned by the décor of the hotel, it was absolutely breath-taking. Whoever had designed it must’ve been a genius.

Standing in a room filled with other rich people of California and workers that helped bring The Cortez to life. You couldn’t help but feel out of place, you were only here by chance. Your father had been a builder on the hotel, so it was conventional that James had the workers invite their families. It would mean they would gossip to their friends about The Cortez, which in turn would bring more guests. The more people that stayed in this hotel the more fuel James had for his... hobby.

As soon as James popped the champagne, it goes on the floor as well as his face as he tried to catch the alcoholic substance in his mouth. James’ eyes met your own. The champagne bottle was soon forgotten and passed to someone James couldn’t even be bothered to look at, all that mattered in this moment in time was you.

“I don’t believe we’ve met dear, James Patrick March.” There was a sense of pride as he introduced himself once he had walked over to you. Before you could even respond, James had taken your hand in his own and placed his lips upon the soft skin. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss...?”

“Y/N Y/L/N.” He kissed your hand once more before letting go, looking up at you with a warm smile. It felt like the whole world was going in slow motion as you looked back up into James’ eyes. He was breathtaking.

“A beautiful name dear for a beautiful woman.” You felt yourself go hot at the compliment, just his words made your body heat up. “Would you like a tour of the hotel from the very man who designed it?”

You remembered your mother’s words ringing inside your head once that question left his lips. Never delve into the company of a man alone unless it’s your father. What harm could come out of this? A hand hold? A kiss on the cheek? Both options seemed harmless to you.

“I would love too.” A smile graced James’ lips before he offered you his arm. Wrapping your own around his, James led you out the crowded room before your father even got the chance to stop the two of you. It’s not like he would’ve anyway, the paycheque he was getting from James was enough to stop him in his tracks.

“You know dear, I have seen such beautiful décor in my lifetime; some even displayed in my hotel. But non are as beautiful as yourself.” You weren’t expecting such a compliment, but you felt yourself go hot again due to how bashful he was making you. “I do hope I haven’t made you uncomfortable Y/N.”

“No, not at all.” You quickly dismissed what James was thinking, the last thing you wanted to do was offend this man beside you. If you played your cards right, then you would be Mrs March within a few months. “I’m just not used to the attention of males is all…”

“Well, that’s hard to believe.” James chuckled; he couldn’t believe that men weren’t lining up at your house asking for your hand in marriage. You were every mans dream, you were his dream woman. With the small amount of time the two of you had spend together, James had already fallen head over heels with you. He intended on making you his. Even if he had to kill to get you. “How about dinner this evening? Just the two of us?”

A dinner? With him? Just walking around his hotel was enough to have you feeling all hot and bothered, god only knows what effect a dinner date with James would have on you.

“When would the dinner take place?” It wasn’t a direct ‘yes’, but it was enough to let James know that you were interested in his offer. You hoped it would be sometime tonight due to you staying in the hotel; just while your father and the other workmen could indulge themselves within the confines off the hotel.

“This evening? 6pm?” A smile landed on your face before you nodded in agreement at the arranged time, had you finally met the one? Only time will tell.

October 1926

You and James had only known one another for two months but it felt like a lifetime. But here you stood, in front of the mirror wearing your wedding dress along with the train trailing behind you.

He had decided on a private wedding at the hotel much to your parent’s dislike, James didn’t wish to have either of them there as all he wanted was to focus on you in the moment. The only other person at the ceremony was the priest that was going to wed the both of you, James wasn’t that pleased in having a religious man within the confines off his hotel either. But once he has pronounced you both married, he wouldn’t be alive for much longer anyway.

Taking a deep breath to calm your nerves, you could hear the chime of the music start to signal your arrival. James had hired an organ player for the occasion despite you saying he didn’t need too; he couldn’t have you walking down the isle to absolute silence. Everything had to be perfect. The only thing that was missing was having your father to walk you down the aisle, but you didn’t dare argue with James about them coming. It was a woman’s place to obey her husbands wishes. Even if you disagreed with them.

The moment you stepped foot into eye view of James at the bottom of the isle was the moment his heart grew ten times the size it already was. He never thought he would find love, not like this anyway. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with you.

“And here I thought you couldn’t get any more ravishing.” James looked you up and down as you walked down the aisle, he finally spoke those words once you were stood across from him at the altar. The two off you had decided on writing your own vows instead off going for the traditional ones given by the church, James didn’t think they were good enough and frankly he despised them.

The priest looked between the off you to signal you two to take your vows, James’ warm hands took your own in his hands before speaking. You could’ve sworn you saw them turn glassy but decided against asking him if he was okay. Not wanting to interrupt what he had been planning to say.

“My darling, from the moment I first saw you I knew you were the woman I wanted to make mine. I will cherish every moment we have together up until my last breath, here’s to us and many memories together.” You had to take a deep breath to stop yourself from crying, you still couldn’t believe this was the man you were marrying. It was like a dream come true.

The eyes off your soon to be husband and priest were now on you, it was your turn to speak your vows. You had them memorised from the moment you had wrote them in your small notebook, James could sense your nerves as you felt his fingers stroke your hands to help relax you some. It worked.

“I didn’t know what love was until I met you, I thought I did but that was only a little girl’s fantasy of what I thought love actually meant. You make me feel alive, you’ve shown me I’m capable of doing things I never thought I would be able to do. You make me strong.” James understood what those vows meant even if the priest had a confused expression upon his face, once the two off you had exchanged rings and you were announced as husband and wife your dress had changed colour from a white to a bright red.

James’ clothes were covered in the blood of the woman who was now on the floor, her so desperately trying to crawl away. Her pathetic mewls for help had him roll his eyes, no one was going to hear her. The walls were filled with asbestos to stop anyone from hearing his victims from crying out for help.

“You might as well give up; it will be easier for both off us.” James’ foot landed on the small of the woman’s back to push her back down onto the floor, it having caused her more pain due to the open wound on her stomach. “You will be a corpse within five minutes, maybe less if you carry on.”

The woman on the floor almost gave up any hope off ever getting out of this place alive, this was it. Her life flashing before her own eyes. But just as she went to give into death and lay helpless on the floor, her eyes lit up when she saw two new pairs off feet in front of her. Red heels.

All the colour drained from James’ face when he saw you stood before him, he was expecting you to run or even call for help like the helpless woman was doing below him. Just as he tried to make up some excuse or have you see things it from his point of view, your heel dug itself into the skin off her cheek as you pushed her face into the carpet.

“We had dinner reservations an hour ago.” The anger in your voice was present to which bubbled fear into James’ body. You weren’t angry at the fact you had caught James in the act off taking another life, it was the factor that he had missed the dinner you two had planned for tonight which ignited you with fury. “Well? What do you have to say for yourself?!”

“Exhilarating isn’t it darling?” James had taken your hand in his own as he had forced you to grip the knife that was in his cane, it now being plunged into the priest’s neck as he started to bleed out onto the hotel floor. The staff within the hotel (not including Hazel) along with the guests had been forced out of the building on this day, the wedding was a private affair.

“You taking my purity away in my blood-soaked wedding dress would be even more exhilarating, no?” A growl left your husbands mouth once that left your lips, looking you up and down as you were covered in the man’s blood. James’ cock started to harden at the very thought of all the things he wanted to do to you.

“You always find new ways to surprise me dearest.” A giggle left your lips as James lifted you up bridal style, the body and blood would soon be forgotten and cleaned so he didn’t need to worry about anyone finding it. The hotel doors were locked from the inside so no one would be able to get inside anyway. “Don’t expect me to go easy on you after that little show.”

“I don’t want you to go easy on me, I like the pain.” This was one of many reasons why James had wanted to marry you, no woman in all of his life was like you. It was as if you were a figment of his imagination, you were perfection.

As soon as he stepped foot inside the room the both of you shared, James had you pushed down onto the bed. You bent over it to expose your rear to him, his hands gripped onto your ass as he hiked up your dress. James moulded your ass cheeks into the palms of his hands. The blood smearing on your skin, you were his canvas and the blood the paint.

“Do you realise how beautiful you are darling? You’re a work of art.” Before you could even respond to James’ compliment, his hand swatted your left ass cheek as he moulded the other. “And you’re all mine!” The growl that erupted from his chest was enough to send shivers down your spine, you knew what he was capable off. He could snap you like a twig if he really wanted too.

“I’ll always be yours. Always.” A satisfied expression fell onto James’ face, there was no backing out of this now. You were always going to be his in life and in death; neither of you knew that part though yet.

“Tell me what you want.” A squeal came from you once he had spanked your ass cheek once again, it being much harder than the last. Your skin was starting to heat up against James’ hands the more he spanked you, your hands were gripping onto the bed sheets tightly in reaction to what he was doing to you.

“I-I want you inside me.” Your voice was stuttering, not only from nerves but from the pleasure he was making you feel. If James could make you feel so good without even fucking you, then you were going to be a mess when he was inside your cunt. “I want your baby…”

Your head was soon pulled up by your hair, James almost not having believed what you had told him. While his hand kept a hard grip onto your hair to keep you in place, you felt his other hand leave your ass cheek and delve between your legs.

“You want my baby hmm?” James’ fingers ran over your clothed cunt, he could feel how wet you were from just rubbing up and down your slit. “You want my cum inside you? Filling you up until you can’t take anymore?” His fingers continued to toy with your slit as he spoke, wetness seeping through your underwear as he did so.

“Yes! I want all off that James.” A dark chuckle could be heard from behind you, he was taking great pleasure in seeing you like this. So submissive. “I want all off you.”

Smirking, James moved the cotton off your underwear aside. He could feel how aroused you were from his small touches; James moved his finger over your clit and the sensation had a whimper fall from your lips. Adding pressure to your clit as he rubbed it just the way you liked it, he felt himself grow harder at the noises you were making. You sounded like a goddess that needed to be ravished.

“You’re so sensitive darling.” James could tell from just the way you were writhing underneath him that you were enjoying yourself, you had never been touched like this before so a sensation such as this one was new to you. “Just wait till my cock is inside you, I’ll have you screaming till you can’t take anymore.”

You haven’t ever heard him speak to you in such a way, just the way the words flowed out of his mouth with ease had you completely submit to him. It was clear that James was enjoying having this hold on you, you were his wife now. His lover.

“Now this may hurt a little dear.” Your eyebrows were furrowed until you felt him slip his forefinger inside you, it wasn’t so much the pain it was the feeling off being filled with his finger that caught you off guard. Your mind started to race with the thoughts of what his cock would feel like filling you up, your soft moan didn’t go unnoticed by James as your thoughts mixed with his finger inside you had you feeling like a whore in church. “The fun has barely begun and you’re already acting like a harlot.”

James’ finger was thrusting into you and the more he pleasured you the bigger mess you started to make on the bed, you may not have been with him for long, but you certainly knew that he didn’t like messes. The damp sheets between your legs caught James’ attention, with a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk he filled you up even more.

A gasp fell from your lips as his middle finger met his forefinger inside your cunt, James would have you clean this mess afterwards but right now he wanted you to be in as much pleasure as possible. Your arousal had coated his hand as he continued toying with your tight hole, James’ fingers had met your g spot as soon as he curled them up. He knew this since as soon as his fingers stroked against it, you were a whimpering wet mess of a woman.

“J-James.” Your voice cracked as soon as his name left your mouth, your hands gripping onto the bedsheets with every ounce of strength you had. James’ fingers started to thrust faster into you as soon as he noticed the state you were in, your ass shaking with the speed his fingers were going.

You could feel the fire pooling in your lower stomach, and you could tell that your orgasm was soon approaching. James had to hold himself back from cumming in his own trousers as the sight off you was enough to have his cock struggle against the tight confines off his slacks. A mixture of curse words and James’ name had started to come out of your mouth along with your legs trembling against his hand.

“That’s it darling, let go for me. Fall apart.” The hunger in James’ voice was what had tipped you over the edge, he felt your cunt tighten around his fingers as you came. You almost felt like you were in heaven, that the whole world had slowed down and the only thing that mattered in that moment was your orgasm. You couldn’t help but whine at the loss off contact when James had removed his fingers from your cunt, you had to squeeze your thighs together to try and get some sort of friction. “You’ve just orgasmed darling, and you already want more?”

The truth was you wanted everything he was willing to give to you, you wanted to feel every inch of James. The sound of his slacks dropping to the floor along with his briefs, James’ cock sprung out and up against his chests. The pre cum was already dripping down his shaft, the veins making it evident with just how aroused and hard he was.

The warmness of his hands gripped onto your hips; you could feel his wedding ring against your skin which only made you more bashful than you already were. This was it. The moment every woman in their lives waited for, you felt James run his cock over your slit. Teasing your hold with a dark chuckle escaping his chest.

“Deep breath darling.” James advised you, just as you took in some air into your lungs you felt them get pushed back out again as soon as James thrusted his cock inside your cunt. It wasn’t as painful as you had heard from your friends, it was similar to having his fingers inside you, yet it felt fuller. “Oh, that’s it, take every inch dear.”

James could see a hint off blood on his cock from where he had stretched out your hymen, you were a woman now. Half room shaped marks formed on your hips as he gripped onto you much harder, his thrusts weren’t as animalistic as you thought they would’ve been. Instead, James kept them hard but slow for the first few thrusts, then as time started to go on things took a turn.

The bed started to shake underneath you as James quickened his thrusts as he felt your cunt stretch around him, grunts could be heard coming from James as moans had come from you. The noises in the room were only the pleasures sounds off the two of you along with his skin slapping against your own.

James’ mind went back to what you had said earlier on, about you wanting to give him a baby. Just the very thought of you giving him an heir to pass this hotel down too made him growl, he was starting to turn into a wild animal the more he thought about your stomach swelling all because of his seed.

One of his hands moved from your hips and into your hair, pulling your head up so you couldn’t muffle the noises you were making. Part of James wished he didn’t make it a private event; he wanted his guests to hear who was making you feel this good but alas the only people in this hotel were you two along with Hazel; who was cleaning the bloody mess from earlier on.

The sweat started to form on your skin along with James’ the faster he thrusted inside your cunt; his name was falling from your lips like a mantra. James started to lose his rhythm with how close his own orgasm was, but he wasn’t going to be the one to cum first. That was going to be you.

“James I can’t hold it for much longer.” The way your voice cracked yet again forced a chuckle out of his mouth, he was concentrating so much on not releasing into you first that he was as soon broke out of his own thoughts the moment you starting crying out his name.

With your cunt tightening around his cock as you let your orgasm wave over your entire body, James’ hips stilled and jittered before finally filling you up with what you had been craving from the moment you had bent over the bed. Leaning his head back in pure bliss, James’ orgasm had your name pour out of his lips as his cum started to run down your cunt. Well, with what didn’t already go inside you.

“Oh darling…” The both of you were panting, completely taking in what had just happened. As James looked down, he couldn’t help but smirk as the blood had completely set into your dress and skin, the stickiness of the substance now all over his hands as well as your ass and thighs. “Have I told you how much I love you Y/N?”

“You tell me every day; you better carry on doing it until the end of our lives.” The both of you couldn’t help but laugh softly at your words, your head still being hazy from the orgasms he has given you.

What the two of you didn’t realise was that even in death. He was still going to tell you how much he adored you.

#american horror story #american horror story gifs #ahs #ahs gifs #ahs imagine #american horror story imagine #ahs imagines #ahs hotel #american horror story hotel #james march

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mrs-hollandstan · 4 years

Text

The One Where They Get Married During Quarantine || Tom Holland

Warnings: talk of the current pandemic, minor mentions of smuttish themes towards the end, language, talk of babiesssss

Word Count: 5,440

Author's Note: I like the way this came out! Thank you for the support on going through with it and I hope you enjoy :)

Masterlist || Add yourself to one of my taglists

Join us for the Wedding of

Y/N Y/L/N

Thomas Holland

Saturday, March 28th 2020

At Three O'clock in the Afternoon

Royal Botanical Kew Gardens

Richmond, United Kingdom

That goddamn invitation stared you in the face from its place on the desk. It was Sunday, March 29th, and you still weren't married to the man of your dreams. You received an email three weeks before that your venue was forced to close their doors for the quarantine and you were stuck at home with not only Tom, but his brother, and both of his best friends. They'd had their fun with the pub quizzes, puzzle building, chicken raising, challenge accepting, but your fiancé always sensed the discontentment that radiated off of you and he was always willing to try and calm it to the best of his ability. But it never seemed to fully work, Tom knowing more than anyone that the fact the wedding you were so excited to plan, exhausted so much time and money into, wasn't happening when you wanted it to. You had a dress hanging in your shared closet, shoes, everything down to the cake delivery plan and the bouquet pickup dates. But it was all cancelled and it was like it was stored in a box and put up on a shelf. And to you, it seemed like Tom didn't understand the way you did, he wasn't hurt the way you were.

Tom sighs as he enters your bedroom, closing the door behind him and cooing down at Tessa and nearing you. His eyes wander from your figure, one leg drawn up to your chest to the laptop now asleep in front of you. He leans down to press a kiss to your cheek, feeling the anxious waves roll off of you once more,

"You alright darling?" He asks anyways. You nod and he knows you're lying because he follows your eyes to the invitation you had gleefully told him would end up in a scrapbook when you got past the wedding. He sighs again, moving to sit back on the bed,

"I know how upset you are babe. And you know I hate it too. I loved the idea of seeing you walk down that aisle in this beautiful dress with our family around and all." He states. You can feel the tears burn your eyes as he speaks. You nod, letting him wheel your chair between his legs and clear your hair from your shoulder,

"Talk to me love. You know I hate when you're quiet. You're never quiet." He says. You swallow, lips pursed for a moment before you sniffle and shake your head,

"We would've been married a day today Tom. We would have had our dream wedding yesterday and we would have been in Fiji today." You express, Tom flinching at the anguish in your voice,

"I know love. It sucks, it really does." You nod, reaching up to pinch the bridge of your nose. Not only has your wedding been shelved until further notice, but you're stuck in a testosterone filled house 24/7. You had hoped that soon, maybe in the next year or so, you and Tom would be finding your own place, being newlyweds and starting that family you so badly wanted. You let out a sob that kills Tom and his brain runs a mile a minute at what he can do for you. He clicks his tongue, dragging you into his arms and listening to you sob. He runs his fingers through your hair, eyes closed as he lets you cry, knowing how hard it’s been on you. Not only the wedding, but the quarantine. He always had a way with feelings and he always knew what you were feeling even if you didn’t say it. He sighs,

“I wish there was something I could do for you darling.” He mutters into your hair, kissing your temple. His head continues to throb in thought, eyes darting back and forth as he tries to come up with an answer good enough for you. And then it hits him. He sits up, standing after a moment to drop to his knees at your feet,

"Baby, babe, I have an idea." He starts, tugging your hand from your face and holding both of yours in both of his, "Darling, hear me out. You and I have been looking forward to this wedding for months, almost a year. So, what if we go through with it and set up a little wedding ceremony in the back yard, just us and the boys and just fuckin do it still? What do you think?" He asks. You stare down at him, watching his eyes swirl in worry and hurt at the sight of you, his thumbs coming up to collect the tears from under your own eyes,

"I think it could be cool. We could- I-I mean you have your dress and I have more fucking tuxes than I know what to do with. I could- that florist we were using is doing curbside pickup and we paid for the order, I could go pick up just your bouquet and we could set up some chairs in the backyard-"

"Tom, someone would have to ordain it."

"Says who? We just have a little ceremony, wear our rings and when the world is normal-ish again, we go out and get married for real, reception and all with our families and we can... cure your little depression." He tries to lighten,

"We can just... wait until like August or something." You try and brush off. Tom quickly shakes his head,

"Fuck that. You wanted a Spring wedding with all the pastels. We're not settling for an anniversary in August when we were excited for March or April. If we're doing it, we're doing it now or we're doing it next Spring and I've waited long enough to make you my wife. I don't want to wait another year." He reasons. After a moment, he purses his lips,

"I wonder..." He trails off, standing from his knees and starting out of the room. You throw your arms up, Tessa taking his place on the bed behind you, tail shuffling the bedding as she laps at your cheeks and you squeal.

Tom hurries down the hall and into the living room where the boys are playing Call of Duty, just like he left them. He presses the button on the TV to turn it off and gain the full, undivided attention of the now irritated, chattering boys. Tom waves his hands in the air to quiet the group,

"I'll turn it back on in a minute, I need to ask a favor of you guys." He yells over them. They quiet then, watching Tom lick his lips,

"I need... h-have any of you thought of getting ordained as a minister?" He asks. All three pairs of eyebrows furrow, the boys looking between themselves before Harry looks back up at his brother, one eyebrow raised,

"Fucking what?" Harry asks. Harrison snickers before Tom rolls his eyes,

"I was thinking Y/N and I could have a wedding ceremony in the backyard but we need someone to officiate for it to actually mean anything. That's what she's most upset about. I just... I was wondering if one of you guys could do it." He elaborates, suddenly feeling small, stupid. The room is silent for a moment before Tuwaine tsks,

"Fuck it, I'll do it. It'll give me something to do in this damn house." He speaks up with a shrug, Tom's heart feeling a little more free now that Tuwaine has agreed. Tom thanks him, watching his friend nod,

"How long do you think it'll take?" Tuwaine shrugs again,

"Think it's like two weeks." Tom nods and turns the TV back on before turning and starting back down the hall. He slams his door behind him, finding the desk calendar that has had big red X's across it for weeks now. He tosses it on the bed before your newly laid down figure,

"Pick a new wedding date two weeks from now. Any date you want." He says, chocolate colored eyes sparkling up at you in so much intent. You sigh, rubbing your thumb across Tessa's paw as you raise to an elbow and look over the calendar. It takes you a moment, but you point to the 11th of April. Tom finds a marker on your desk and adds the text, "New Wedding" before he returns the calendar to the spot in front of you,

"Tuwaine has agreed to get ordained and... we can get married the eleventh in the backyard. I'll pick up your bouquet and I can... go get a cake from the store and we'll just have a little wedding here. It'll be small and... maybe not as pretty as the wedding we spent all that time planning, but it's ours and that's what matters." He reasons. You nod, staring down at the grey puppy laid before you. He stands, leaning over your body to kiss your forehead,

"I'll do the best I can to make you happy with this. I know it isn't ideal but... I think it'll be beautiful babe." You nod, glancing up at him. He smiles,

"I'm excited to see you in your dress baby. I love you and I just know you'll be gorgeous." He says, kissing your lips softly. You nod, petting Tessa and feeling the tightening in your chest let up, the excitement growing inside your belly like it did the first time you planned a wedding,

"Yeah. I think it'll be nice to... just actually be able to say we're married and have that strength during this... really fucked up time." You confirm. He nods,

"I'd love to have Mrs. Holland runnin around here the rest of quarantine. We didn't think this whole lockdown thing would happen and I like the idea of going through with our wedding in it. A big fuck you to the world." You admit. He hums, staring down at you before he smiles and stands again,

"Lets fuck around and get married then yeah?" You can't fight the smile as he takes your hands. You squeal as he pulls you up into his arms, your arms wrapping around his shoulders as he kisses your cheek,

"You know that if I could choose one thing to do outside of quarantine it would be to marry your fine ass. That hasn't changed and I don't think that this fucking shit should take over. We still have that love for each other and I think we should still go through with it around the time we said we were going through with it." Tom explains. You nod as he rubs your arms,

"Me too. I think it's a really good idea." He smiles and nods,

"And the best thing is that... bullshit thing you'd said about spending all that money on that dress for a one time wear will go out that window because I'll pay for another big ass wedding when we can have one." Tom reassures. You nod, laying your head against his shoulder as he sways you. He holds you close, eyes closing in peace now that he knows he can at least give you somewhat of that fairytale wedding you planned.

Neither you or Tom could deny that the excitement of your backyard wedding was getting overwhelming just as the idea of your actual wedding had. Tom had added a few more people to your guest list to include his parents, Paddy, Sam, and Elysia and your parents were set up to facetime you and watch you marry your fiancé from a different country. In that time, Tuwaine had acquired his officiant license and had printed off a marriage certificate to ensure your legal anniversary was April 11th. You had helped pick out a tux to wear and reached an agreement with Harrison that Tom would use his room to get ready so you could maintain the secrecy of your dress, hair, and makeup. The last of Tom's endeavors was picking up the colorful bouquet from the florist, handing it to his mother who followed Elysia towards your bedroom to help with hair and makeup. The last of your priorities was discussing your want for his father to walk you down the aisle for the full feel, the group setting up an arch Tom's parents already had in the backyard of their own to give the pictures Harry agreed to take, a better look. The only thing agreed upon when it came to picture taking was it remained strictly after the ceremony, the both of you wanting everyone to enjoy the ambiance and not worry about what jobs they're supposed to be doing.

Sam, Paddy, Tuwaine, Tom, Harry, Harrison, and Dom had spent the time setting chairs up, decorating the arch in things you'd already bought for the wedding, each man doing their fair share of trying to calm Tom of his nerves but nearly to no avail. By four o'clock, he's standing before the arch with Tuwaine who continues to try and calm him. Nikki and Elysia exit the back door, Tom's eyes drawn to the inside of your house. Once he sees movement, his heart skips a beat and you, in all of your beauty, emerge, arm looped in Dom's as he escorts you towards his son and your future husband. You smile when you catch his eye, gripping your bouquet tight in your hand. Dom pauses, snapping to relinquish Tessa, basket handle held in her mouth which contains your rings. Each of the family members laugh, including Tom who crouches and greets the puppy in the pinkish white dress he'd bought her a few years ago. He has her sit as Harry, having already connected his phone to your Bluetooth speaker, begins to play "Canon In D" and the rest of the group stands to welcome you out,

"Deep breath. Last thing I need is you passing out before I get you there." Dom jokes as you begin walking, ivory heels sinking into the grass beneath your feet, something you hadn't planned on dealing with when it came to your originally planned wedding. You smile up at him, holding his bicep tighter and taking breaths to calm your pounding heart. Nikki catches your eye, iPad with your parents smiling widely from their living room back home in hand. Her smile matches, the same as Sam, Paddy, Elysia, Harrison, Harry, and Tuwaine as Tom stares you down. The image of him is seared into your brain, tears in his eyes and it's everything you've imagined it'd be, of course under different circumstances. Dom pauses just before Tom, you fiancé stepping forward to take your hand from his father,

"Who gives this woman to this man in marriage?" Tuwaine asks, Tom and Dom meeting eyes before his father speaks,

"I do." Dom says, leaning in to kiss your cheek and pat Tom on the shoulder before he takes your bouquet and joins Nikki. Tom helps you stand across from him, finally on cement again,

"You look beautiful darling." He mutters,

"Thank you. You cleaned up nice yourself." You reply. Tuwaine clears his throat as Tom rubs his thumbs across your knuckles,

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Thomas Stanley Holland and Y/N Y/M/N Y/L/N in marriage. Not only have all of us witnessed the love and dedication the two have for each other, but we shall all feel privileged knowing they chose us to witness the matrimony these two shall embark on. We have watched both grow and thrive and mature in the company of each other and now we are blessed to watch them grow further as husband and wife, as one entity." You smile at Tom who takes a deep breath at Tuwaine's introduction. Tuwaine pauses for a moment before he begins again, with the readings,

"You each chose a quote. So Y/N chose, from Maya Angelou, 'Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps, hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.' Tom, you chose, from George Eliot, 'What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life–to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?'" Both quotes had been made for you it seemed. There were so many things within the relationship that proved to be a hurdle for the both of you. Tom obviously traveled a lot with his job, and you had to deal with the distance for long periods of time, both as his girlfriend and fiancée. The facetime calls killed you and your heart hurt daily until you were with him again. And when you were, it was freeing. No matter how long you'd been apart, Tom always came back and you were always together and back to being in love like he never left,

"Now, you both have prepared vows. We'll do those now," Tuwaine remarks and Sam stands to hand both folded papers over, "Y/N, read yours first." You unfold the paper, heart pounding at the vows you'd prepared months in advance and had recently edited to fit the current circumstances. You clear your throat,

"Tom, my love, my light. You have always been my rock at both my best and my worst, through everything. You have always pushed me to be the best version of myself that I could be and you've always been the most wise and selfless person in my life. My love for you is immeasurable and I have never been able to imagine my life without you and your happy, carefree, charisma, spunk in my life. I've been infatuated and in love with you for years and I've always known, for as long as I can remember, that I've wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, just the two of us being in love. As my husband, I promise to stay the same crazy person you agreed to date all those years ago. I promise to continue to annoy the hell out of you, cling to you in the morning when you try and get up, stick my cold feet and hands on your bare skin, and ruin your tea every once in a while, sometimes on purpose, sometimes on accident," Tom laughs, sniffling back his tears, "but more than anything, as your wife I promise to always be your quarantine buddy and I promise to always love you unconditionally and make you as happy as I can and at least pretend to love the same things you do just to listen to you ramble in the adorable way you always do." You finish, reaching up to dab the tears away. Tom's laughter dies down and he clears his own tears away, the rest of the group doing the same as you fold the paper back up. Tom smiles, staring down at you with such adoration in his eyes. Tuwaine allows a brief pause before turning to his friend,

"Now Tom, will you please read your vows to Y/N?" The brunette nods, unfolding his own sheet of notebook paper and clearing his throat,

"I don't know that mine are that good but uhm... I tried." He mutters, laughing along with you and the family. He purses his lips for a moment before clearing his throat again, licking his lips and his eyebrows knit together for a moment,

"Y/N, the love of my life, my biggest supporter, and my confidante, I have never loved anyone more than I have loved you and I have never been loved by someone like you. My biggest regret will always be not giving you the wedding you so obviously deserve even though I've promised to throw you the biggest reception ever once the world starts spinning again," you giggle, clearing your tears again, "you have always stuck with me, through thick and thin, through terrible time differences and long months apart only to welcome me back like we've just paused time. You're compassionate, beautiful, funny, and so silly and I have never had a dull moment with you and I know I never will. My promise to you, as your husband, is that I'll never make life boring. I'll always be your rock, I'll always give your life meaning the way you've done for me, and I'll always make sure you know how loved you are. No matter how many times we fight and how stupid those fights are. And no matter what, there is no one I would rather marry during quarantine than you. I would do anything for you, both before and even more so after quarantine and making you happy in any way I can is what I'll always do. I love you." He finishes, sniffling and folding his vows back up to tuck in his inside pocket,

"I love you too." You whisper as he takes your hands again. There isn't a dry eye in the house, not even Tuwaine who, from the beginning has watched and listened to one of his best friends fall in love with you and now he has the privilege of watching it come to fruition. He was given the privilege of marrying the two of you in an equally as beautiful as your original, backyard wedding. He sniffles himself before looking down at the pages he holds,

"Alright, now the exchange of rings. Tom, please find Y/N's ring and put it on her as you say the following phrase." Tom nods, kneeling to fish the beautiful diamond ring he’d proposed to you with, from Tessa's basket, patting her head before he stands and looks at the paper in Tuwaine’s hands, clearing his throat again. He takes your hand again, staring up into your eyes as he starts,

“Y/N, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love." He repeats the phrase from the paper, glancing up into your eyes again as he slides the ring all the way onto your finger, licking his lips. Tuwaine allows another pause before he turns to look at you,

“And now Y/N, the same.” He commands, waiting until you retrieve Tom’s ring to hold the page out to you,

“Tom, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love.” You relay to the man across from you, a smile crossing his features. He knows what follows and it’s surreal knowing that it’s happening. He’s marrying you, the love of his life, in his garden and life can’t get much better. Tuwaine turns his page,

“Now, by the power vested in me, you may kiss your bride.” He directs Tom’s way. His dark brown eyes meet yours before he steps forward, one arm wrapping around your waist, the other reaching up to caress your cheek before he leans in to kiss you, your own arms looping under his. The crowd around you claps as Tom kisses you, leaning you back just the smallest bit before he leans back himself, pressing his forehead to yours and smiling, kissing you once more before he stands back and glances up at Tuwaine, smiling down at the two of you,

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stanley and Y/N Y/M/N Holland.” Tuwaine hollers as both sets of parents, Tom’s siblings, Tom’s best friend and Elysia all cheer and Tom thrusts your hand, wrapped in his, up in victory. He glances over at you, smile wide across his face as he leans in one last time to kiss you and Harry plays the song you set to walk back down the aisle to, Tom leading you with your hand in his back inside the house. Once inside, he squeals, pulling you in,

“You do realize we just got married right? Like… you’re Mrs. Holland now. As you should have been two weekends ago.” Tom reminds. You giggle and nod, glancing down at the ring on your finger,

“Yes I do. I love you more than anything.” You tell Tom who holds your waist as you lean in for yet another kiss, your family entering the back doors. Each of them beeline to congratulate you, each of them dishing out hugs and kisses, the girls asking to see the ring on your finger. You take the iPad from Nikki's hands, greeting your parents and showing them the wedding ring on your finger. They ask for Tom who presses a hand to your lower back, greeting them cheerfully and thanking them as they dish out congratulatories,

"Right," Tuwaine's voice booms out over the chatter. He looks between you and Tom, holding up a piece of paper, "Pardon the interruption, but I need bride, groom, and two witnesses to make it official, official." He remarks. Tom wraps his arm around your waist as you hand Nikki back the iPad,

"So... who do you reckon is lucky enough to be our official witnesses?" He whispers in your ear. You sigh,

"I dunno. Uhm... your mom and... your best friend?" You pose quietly as to not offend anyone. He smiles and reaches out to fluff your hair with a smile,

"I think that's a good idea," he turns to the group, "mum, Haz... will you guys... be our witnesses?" Tom asks. You see the devotion, the adoration and respect in Harrison's bright blue eyes as a smirk tugs at one corner of his mouth. He nods,

"I'd be honored." He mutters, Nikki reaching out to rub your arm once she's handed the iPad to Dom,

"Me too." She smiles wider as you and Tom follow Tuwaine to the dining room table, watching him lean in to sign the marriage certificate,

"First the officiant signs it, and then the two witnesses." He explains, handing the pen to Nikki. She smiles as she leans in and signs the paper, passing the pen to Harrison all while Harry is snapping photos. He snaps at you and Tom,

"Lets get some pics of just you two outside with the arch." He says. You nod, taking Tom's hand and following the two boys outside and up to the arch, Tom's arm wrapping around your waist again. He sighs,

"Nice day for a wedding, ay darling?" He jokes. You giggle and nod, leaning up to kiss him softly as Harry's camera clicks, your eyes darting between Tom's,

"It's the perfect day for a wedding cutie."

You watch through the back door as the boys play the same game they'd been obsessed with for months. You roll Tom's fingers in your own, tucking the blanket under your chin further. Tom sighs beside you, pressing his lips into your hair,

"Darling?" You hum an answer, glancing up at your husband when he doesn't respond. His dark eyes find yours after another moment,

"Are you happy?" He asks. Your eyebrows furrow,

"What do you mean T?" He shrugs, threading his fingers through yours while you're preoccupied,

"I just mean... two months ago we watched this virus roll in and we never thought it would get this bad to the point we'd be spending every waking moment in this house with three other men and that it'd result in a wedding we were so excited to plan and see through and it wasn't... exactly what we planned, but, I dunno, I just mean, are you happy with what we had here today?" He elaborates, glancing back up at the stars that sparkle above you both from the place in your hammock. You linger in the silence for another moment before you shift to place your hand over Tom's beating heart,

"Do you remember... that Jared commercial we saw the other night?" You ask. His eyes half roll as he thinks, teeth chewing the inside of his cheek and then he nods,

"Yeah, the one with the virtual weddings?" He asks. You nod,

"Do you remember what it said and how you nudged me to get the point of it all?" You pose. He nods,

"Yeah." You nod once more,

"You did it because the point of that commercial is that it doesn't matter about the dress, or the cake, or the guest list or how formal everything is. What matters is the love the two people getting married have for each other, especially during trying times like now." You remind him. He smiles, playing with your hair,

"Right." You rub his chest,

"Whether I married you today in our back yard with all of the things we have from our wedding or I marry you in August back in our venue with new stuff doesn't matter because it isn't the date that matters, it's you and me and how we show we love each other." His smile is bright as he squeezes your fingers between his. You sigh,

"I could have married you in that dress in there with fifty people and a cake and a vibrant bouquet and all that in April or I could have married you in a trash bag in the middle of August with dead flowers and it would not have changed my love for you Tom." You reassure. He reaches out with his opposite hand to tuck hair behind your ear,

"So you're happy?" He reiterates. You giggle, nodding and situating yourself to rest your head further up Tom's shoulder,

"Extremely. And always with you." He leans in to kiss you softly,

"Me too love. My vows were 100% from my heart. I've never loved anyone like you and I would do whatever it takes to make sure you understand that."

"I do. Mine were honest too. No matter what the problem, no matter how tired you are, you've always been there for me. I have never, ever been more in love with someone and I don't wanna know anything else. Of course... I've been down because I'm in a house with four guys and I don't get to have my fairytale wedding and honestly, we'd be looking for our own place, just the two of us but... I loved today. Our family and friends, my dress, my bouquet, my beautiful fiancè. I'm more than happy Tom." You explain to him. He strokes your hair down, leaning in to kiss you once more,

"I love you more than anything Y/N." He says softly. You smile, reaching up to rub your thumb across his cheek,

"I love you too Tom," you hold your hand up, brandishing the wedding ring on your finger, "for life now. I've got you." You tell him. He chuckles,

"Forever and always love. Now when we... get back to the world we'll get our own place, I promise, and... soon enough, we'll be tryin for some beautiful babies."

"Slow your roll Holland, we gotta get outta this damn house first. And having a kid isn't our first priority once we do get our place." You jokingly scold. Tom chuckles, smile fading after a moment and he frowns,

"We aren't... going to wait til we move out to consummate our marriage are we?" He poses. You giggle,

"I hadn't planned on it, no."

"Oh thank god." He mutters, the both of you relaxing against each other, staring up at the stars for a moment longer. He sighs, fingers nonchalantly rubbing up and down your arm. He hums before pressing his lips into your hair again,

"Happy anniversary love." He mutters. You glance up at him again, smile widening,

"About damn time Mr. Holland." He chuckles again,

"And now, every April 11th, for the rest of our lives, we'll be reminded of the day we got married in our backyard." He says. You lay your head against his shoulder,

"I wouldn't have it any other way." You admit. His lips press to your forehead,

"Me neither darling, me neither." He mumbles, wrapping his arm tight around you. And the uncertainty you had felt weeks ago when your wedding was forced to be cancelled, was gone now that you were in the arms of Tom. Not only your rock, but your husband. Now and always.

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crownedbyluke · 3 years

Text

Long Road Ahead (Chapter 16)

Estelle Finley has been friends with Ashton Irwin and Luke Hemmings for three years. When the boys bring her along on a jam-packed road trip to Cape Cod with the rest of the band, their adventures are just beginning. Through long hours driving, exploring cities, and hidden secrets, something more is bound to happen on this journey. How will this road trip change Estelle’s friendship with the friends she’s come to love so dearly?

Word Count: 2,527

{Chapter One} {Chapter Two} {Chapter Three} {Chapter Four}{Chapter Five} {Chapter Six} {Chapter Seven} {Chapter Eight} {Chapter Nine} {Chapter Ten} {Chapter Eleven} {Chapter Twelve} {Chapter Thirteen} {Chapter Fourteen} {Chapter Fifteen}

“Dad?” I asked, utterly shocked at the mess that was unfolding before my very eyes.

“What? No acknowledging me?” the familiar voice asked.

I looked just slightly to the left of my father, the familiar face of my brother Wesley came into view. He clearly hadn’t shaved in at least a month with his scraggly half shadow of a beard. It had been at least two years since I had seen him and now, seeing him again, made me want to scream.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

Ashton had his hand on the small of my back, trying his best to comfort me. It felt like everyone in the house was watching me, like I was living my life out on a television screen.

“You remember your betrothed,” my dad said, gesturing to the man standing behind Wes.

My heart stopped. A commitment that I had never agreed to and yet, here was my father bringing it back to haunt me. Aiden Harper. He had certainly gotten taller since we were in middle school. The likelihood of him being less of a giant idiot though was probably very small.

“Aiden,” I whispered, still in shock.

“Who the hell is he Estelle?” Luke asked, voice full of anger.

I met his eyes, finding the storm of hurt and rage swirling in them. It took everything in my body to not just run over to him. There were more eyes on us than I wanted for a conversation like that.

“Oh, I suspect she didn’t inform you. This is the man she is intended to marry in two years time,” my dad said.

Luke clenched his fist. I felt the anger radiating off of him from the stairs. Before anyone got into a fight, I stepped down from the stairs and stood between the two.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Well darling daughter, you seem to think that I can’t stop you from seeing this man child over there, so I’ve come to prove you wrong,” he said with a smile.

It was the same smile I had seen my entire life. One of manipulation and dishonesty.

“How?” I continued.

“You see, your friends here, well, they sometimes do great work at covering up their partying or their general misuse of their fame, but myself and my contacts are more clever than their publicist. I have a multitude of photos and videos of them misbehaving that would surely ruin any chance they had at making another album,” he said, the smile widening.

“You’re lying,” Ashton said from behind me.

“Oh son, you wish I was don’t you? Doubt you’d like that threesome video from your Vegas trip a year ago to get out,” my dad said, gritting his teeth.

I felt the whole room tense. This was serious and it was happening right in front of my face. There were stories of how my dad would manipulate people into what he wanted, but I had never seen it happen. Some of them felt more fabricated than reality would allow. Yet, it was reality and he was doing everything he could to stop me.

“What do you want?” I asked, biting back tears.

It was no longer a question of what I had to do. I’d do it to protect them. Ashton reached for me again, but I moved away. It was my battle now.

“You’ll be coming home with me right now. You can move into your new house in August and you’ll stay in your tiny little apartment until then. You will no longer speak to these children or be seen with them in the media. Oh and you’ll be seen with Aiden getting engaged next week,” he said.

My eyes went wide. Engaged? It meant giving away my entire life to a person who would most likely cheat on me the first chance he got.

“Elle, you don’t-”

“Fine. If I do this, you leave them alone?” I asked, cutting off Calum.

“Yes.”

“You will never threaten them or harm them?” I pressed.

“I promise,” my dad said.

“Fine. I’ll get my stuff,” I said, turning around and marching up the stairs.

The tears fell down my face as I reached the landing. I was defeated, hurt, and exhausted. All I cared about was protecting them from him. There were footsteps following after me as I opened the door to my room.

“Don’t do this,” Luke said, a waiver in his voice.

I looked up, seeing the tears in his own eyes that matched mine.

“If I don’t, you lose your dream,” I said, grabbing the clothes from the closet.

“We can fight this, make it through this,” he argued.

“No we can’t Luke! If he has that kind of stuff on Ashton, what do you think he has on you or Cal? I won’t let you guys be collateral damage!” I said.

“Little dove-”

“Don’t. Please don’t.”

I stopped, balling my fists into the pair of shorts in my hands. That nickname meant so much to me. Luke called me it for the first time after he heard me sing and then he kept using it whenever he was saying something nice or being sweet. It was just our thing. He wrapped his arms around me, taking the shorts out of my hands. His short breaths gave away the fact that he was crying too. We were so close to that happiness I wanted and it was all going away.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too.”

He pulled away, pressing his lips against mine shortly before resting his forehead on mine.

“Don’t walk out the door,” he begged.

“I have to or else everything you worked so hard for gets ripped from you by that man and I won’t be able to live with myself if that happens,” I said.

My hands rested on his cheeks, gently running my finger against the stubble growing. This was it. My lips touched his one last time before I went back to grabbing my things.

“Bugs, you don’t have to do this on your own,” Ashton said from the doorway.

“Yes I do. You’ll do amazing on the next album,” I said, wiping at my tears.

“What am I gonna do without you?” he whimpered.

“I don’t know, but you’ll figure it out.”

He hugged me tightly, putting every last ounce of love into it.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered, holding on so I didn’t have to let go.

“Shh, it’s okay.”

After my things were tucked into the suitcase, I gave my last round of hugs. The sound of us all walking down the stairs felt wrong. Everything was wrong. I stopped just short of the door, turning and meeting everyone’s watery eyes.

“I am so incredibly sorry for this,” I said, the weight of the apology heavy on my heart.

“Save it dear. They can watch the wedding online,” my dad said, pulling on my arm to get me moving.

“Don’t touch her!” Luke yelled.

Everyone stopped again. Things felt like they were going in slow motion.

“You might be her father, but you will never be her dad. No dad would put his children through this,” he said, voice laced with venom.

My father smiled at him, letting my arm go. Wesley took my suitcase and nudged Aiden to lead me out of the house. Luke stood there, waiting, but all my father did was smile. Aiden closed the car door after I got in, making me watch Luke stand there as we drove away. Every piece of my heart shattered as I watched him fall to his knees in tears. Timing was a bitch.

TWO MONTHS LATER

LUKE’S POV

“Luke! Come on dude!” Calum yelled from outside my room.

I had yet to leave my bed and it was already 5 PM. He came by every day to check on me and almost every day, he found me still in bed.

“Go away!” I yelled back.

Getting out of bed never felt right or even remotely okay. Since Estelle left, nothing felt right anymore. Everyday was just a different way of going through the motions, barely existing.

“You gotta get out of bed today,” Calum said, bursting through the door.

“Why? We don’t have anything to do,” I said, tucking my face into my pillows.

“Maybe, but you haven’t left the house in two months and it’s time you did,” he said, opening the curtains.

The bright sunshine of L.A. hurt my eyes. Petunia licked my face as she saw the sun. The look Calum gave me felt like one from my mom when I was younger.

“If I get up, will you leave me alone for the rest of the week?” I asked, slowly sitting up.

“Sure,” he said.

I knew he was lying from the smile on his face. My feet dragged as I went to the bathroom. Another routine of washing my face, brushing my teeth, and brushing my hair gone. When I came back out, Calum was holding up new clothes.

“Why?”

“We are going out so put on something that isn’t sweatpants,” he said.

I groaned, taking the jeans and button up from him.

“You realize I’m not bringing anyone home right?”

“Yes Luke. Just shut up and get dressed.”

Legs went through the jeans and arms went through the shirt. It was a facade as to the pain that I felt every single day I woke up and remembered I couldn’t be with my person. Calum messed with my hair and patted my back, ushering me out of the house.

“Be a good girl piggy!” I yelled before Calum closed the door.

My phone dinged.

Mentioned: @Luke5SOS when is there gonna be new music?

The muscles in my face relaxed. No tweets from her...again.

ESTELLE’S POV

The setting sun was blinding through the windows of the cafe. Everyone was going about their evenings, enjoying their coffees or teas. A familiar face tucked underneath a hoodie and a baseball hat walked in, the sun behind him making him glow like an angel.

“One black coffee please,” he said softly.

Stress from the week of teaching melted away as I listened to him. My iced vanilla latte swirled as I stirred it carefully. The chair squeaked against the tile as he sat down. I met the hazel eyes staring at me.

“Hey bugs,” he whispered, taking a sip of coffee.

“Hi there stranger,” I said, a smile slowly coming out.

“How’s life?” he asked.

“Shitty. I miss you guys,” I said.

Our hands touched, the slightest bit of relief washed over me. It felt nice to be able to see him again. The weeks we weren’t able to do this seemed to drag on longer than most. It wasn’t easy to forget about the friends I was no longer allowed to see. The moments I had made me feel more guilty than anything else. He turned his palm over, gently squeezing my hand.

“We miss you too, bugs,” he said.

I wanted so badly to ask about Luke, but knew it would hurt more than I was prepared for. Ashton squeezed again.

“He’s doing his best,” he said.

Tears welled up in my eyes. If Luke was okay then surely, I should be too.

“How are the kids?” he continued, pulling away.

“Good. They’re still excited about school and spritely,” I said with a shrug.

“And you?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Holding up. I have to be seen with Aiden once a week so I keep my distance as long as possible until our scheduled outings. He goes around sleeping with women in the off time and pretends to be the perfect fiancé in the meantime. Guess that’s life now.”

“I wish it wasn’t that way,” he said, slightly angry.

“Ash, you know I don’t have that much of a choice,” I argued.

“I know, but I hate it. I hate that you can’t come over or see us or come to shows. I hate that we have to tell everyone that we aren’t friends anymore. You’re my best friend and I have to hide you.”

“I should go,” I whispered, suddenly no longer feeling up for talking.

“Bugs, I didn’t mean to-”

“No, I should go. I’ve got grading and lesson plans,” I said, cutting him off.

Without looking, I walked out of the cafe. The pain took over once I closed my car door as it always did after seeing Ashton. The relics of the past hurt more and more and when I attempted to go back to normal or confront them, I ended up crying in my car. The amount of times I had driven past Luke’s place just to see if a light was on was ridiculous at this point. My phone screen lit up with a text, my background of me and Luke bringing on more tears.

Aida: Miss you. Drinks on Friday?

I ignored it, opting for driving home instead. The drive went by like it always did. My house was empty and lonely. Another thing that was meant to be something else. The exhaustion of the day wore on me as I collapsed into the couch cushions, sleep slowly taking over.

The pounding on my front door woke me from the nap I was taking. I groggily got up from the couch and made my way to it, peeking through the window.

“What the hell are you two doing here?” I asked, finding a very drunk Luke and Calum.

“Estelle!” Luke cheered, a giant smile on his face.

“Again, what are you doing here?” I repeated.

“I might have given your address to the Uber driver on accident,” Calum admitted.

“Get in here,” I groaned.

They shuffled inside behind me. I checked the door to see if any of the press had followed them. Calum fell onto the couch, giggling as he did so. Luke kept staring at me.

“I thought I’d never see you again,” he mumbled.

“Shush,” I said, helping him into the guest bedroom.

He giggled as I tucked him in. I put a glass of water on the side table for him in case he woke up. As I went to turn off the light, he grabbed my hand.

“I missed you little dove,” he whispered.

His eyes were sincere and it broke every piece of my heart. Luke fell asleep shortly after speaking, his face becoming relaxed and serene. It reminded me of the first time he ever stayed the night at my place. He had slept so soundly that night that he was asleep until one in the afternoon. My heart ached as I looked at him.

“He still loves you Elle,” Calum said from the doorway.

I walked towards the door, shutting off the light as I exited and closing the door behind me.

“I love him too. Now please go rest in the upstairs guest room,” I said with a sigh.

Calum stumbled his way up the stairs before closing the door. My head fell into my hands, frustration building. The morning couldn’t come fast enough.

A.N: It’s been ages and I feel horrible for leaving this on such a cliffhanger for so long, but I want to finish this story. It’s almost done. It’s mainly all written and it’s time Estelle and Luke get their story told. So here we go.

tag loves: @tommossoccer @bbycal @cakesunflower

#d writes #my writing #5sos #5sos fic #5sos fan fic #5sos au #5sos fluff #luke hemmings #luke hemmings fic #luke hemmings fluff #luke hemmings angst #ashton irwin #michael clifford #calum hood #5 seconds of summer #5 seconds of summer fic #5 seconds of summer fluff #5 seconds of summer angst

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whenihaveyouromione · 3 years

Text

When I Have You - Chapter 41

Read on Fanfiction.net or ao3.

If you want to talk about books, join my Discord server.

----

Chapter 41

Ron clutched the final envelope in his hand. He didn’t want to open it. What if there was a reason that one had arrived last? What if they’d given him false hope with all of the other parts, and then this was the big letdown?

He was reminded of the time the OWL results had arrived and how sick he’d felt. He’d been convinced he’d failed everything back then, because during every exam, it was as if his mind had gone blank of information, almost as if he was three years old again and didn’t know how to perform a single spell.

But that worked out, he reminded himself. He’d gotten seven OWLs in the end, which was extremely impressive.

And so far, he’d passed every single aptitude test in the three years of his Auror training, including the final ones. It was the theory component that worried him.

He wasn’t good at theory. He couldn’t look at a book and absorb the information. That was Hermione’s area of expertise, and he admired her for it. But… at least he’d remembered some of the stuff this time round.

He’d taken the final tests two weeks prior, and those two weeks of waiting had certainly been the worst of Ron’s life. He’d checked multiple times a day for any Ministry owls making their way through the windows to the point that Hermione had forbidden him from getting the mail. Now it was her job to check it, and if anything arrived, she’d let him know.

It wasn’t helped by the fact that the two week wait had him at home by himself while Hermione worked. There was no more training left, and he couldn’t become a fully licensed Auror until his results were in.

Thankfully, Harry was in the same boat, so Ron had spent most of his time at Grimmauld Place helping Harry prepare to sell the house.

It had been all over the Prophet the moment Harry put it on the market, receiving a lot of interest from people who, Ron was sure, were more interested in coming to see where the Harry Potter lived than buying the actual house.

Who would want to buy a house owned by a Dark wizarding family for most of its existence? Especially one that was unplottable.

Still, Harry was adamant that he couldn’t live there anymore, and he wanted to be done with the whole thing.

“Maybe you should just hold onto it,” Ron had said as they packed up a room used as a storage space for the Blacks and Harry. “Keep it for the future.”

“Can’t anymore, even if I wanted to,” Harry had replied. “I’ve given half the wizarding population the address now. I’m moving.”

Two weeks had passed since that conversation. The two weeks Ron needed to get through in order for the final exam results to arrive. Hermione had left for work at seven that morning, and Ron had Floo’d over almost instantly to see Harry. Together they waited for midday, when the results were due to arrive.

Harry was already tearing into his, scanning the letter. Ron stared at his name on the front. He wished Hermione was here. She would be able to comfort him, probably assure him that he needed to stop being an idiot and that he would do just fine. But she was at work, blissfully unaware of his turmoil.

“Er, I passed!” Harry said, looking at Ron. “How’d you —” He noticed Ron’s unopened letter and rolled his eyes. “Oh, go on. You passed, I know you did.”

Ron swallowed. Harry just didn’t get it. He was probably going to pass even if he’d gotten every question wrong, because he was Harry, and they wanted him in the Aurors. But Ron wasn’t Harry. Neville wasn’t Harry. The rest would have to work for their results.

“You did just fine,” Harry said, almost irritated. “Want me to open it for you?”

“No,” Ron said. “I’ll… do it.” He broke the Ministry seal on the envelope and took out the letter.

This wasn’t like getting his OWLs at all. This was ten times worse. He’d dedicated three years to training, he had no alternative plan if this didn’t work out. What was he supposed to do if he didn’t pass the test?

He slowly unfolded the letter that would seal his fate.

“Oh,” he said.

“What?” Harry asked.

Ron looked up, his whole face burning red.

Harry’s smile faltered a little. “You, er, did —”

“Ninety-five percent,” Ron said.

“What?” Harry asked. “That’s… really good!” He folded up his own letter.

“What did you get?” Ron asked.

“Ninety-four,” Harry said.

“I beat you?” Ron asked, surprised. He’d never beaten Harry at a test before. They’d received identical results often, but Ron had never beaten Harry. And he’d not expected it in Auror training either.

“Was never good at multiple choice questions,” Harry said, shrugging and then smiling. “I guess drinks are in order, then?”

“Yeah, alright,” Ron said, air being let out of his lungs like a balloon.

“Ginny’s idea. She said once we got the remaining results, she’ll organise a celebration.” He paused, his smile turning into a grin suddenly. “Hey! This means we’re fully trained Aurors now. We’re Aurors.”

“It’s all I wanted to do!” Ron said, a grin spreading on his own face as the realisation hit him. He was an Auror. Finally. He’d never really thought it was something he could achieve. It usually required higher marks, Outstanding NEWT results and better wand ability than Ron ever could achieve under normal circumstances.

It had just been a dream, but that dream had just become a reality for him.

He sat down in the armchair, clutching the letter still.

He was an Auror.

“Ginny’ll be home tonight,” Harry said. “This afternoon, actually. Once Hermione finishes work, I think we should go out. Me, Ginny, you and Hermione. Neville, too. We should ask Neville. I’ll send him an owl now to see.”

Ron nodded, still not sure he believed it.

He was an Auror.

Harry vanished into another room to find a quill and some parchment and returned, sitting in an armchair beside Ron.

As he was scribbling the note for Neville, he said, head still down, “Hey, I never actually asked officially.”

“Asked what?” Ron asked, vaguely.

“You’ll be my best man at my wedding, won’t you? We’ve set a date. August twenty-fourth this year.”

Ron came to then. He looked at Harry. “Y-yeah, of course,” he said. “Of course I will. And you’ll, of course, be mine?”

“Would be an honour,” Harry said, folding the note up. “The biggest honour to be at the wedding of my two best friends. You guys set a date yet?”

“No,” Ron said. “We’ve not really discussed it. With all the tests, and then waiting for results… hasn’t been the best time to make any clear-cut decisions about something so important. For me, anyway.” In the six weeks they’d been engaged, he knew Hermione had been going through books, reading up on traditions, considering some places, some dates, looking at wedding dresses, and doing a lot of other things to do with the wedding.

But Ron had been too stressed to think clearly about something that seemed a while away, and then after he’d taken his tests, too nervous about the results to plan.

He wanted to be able to make clear decisions about what would be the most important and special day of his life, and while he awaited the results of his future, he couldn’t.

Hermione had understood and said she’d keep some things aside so they could talk about it when he was ready.

“Well, after today you’ll have more time.”

“Yeah,” Ron said, and some of his shock about becoming an Auror dissipated. Now he could anticipate something much more exciting than test results.

…

“I knew you’d both do it!” Hermione said, giving Harry a hug. She then turned to Ron and kissed him. “I’m so happy and proud of both of you.”

“And those test results are amazing!” Ginny added. “One hundred percent on all your final aptitude tests, and almost one hundred percent on the theory. The pair of you are going to make formidable Aurors. Dark witches and wizards have no chance. I think Tonks told me once that she scored ninety on her theory.”

“Don’t give us a reputation before we’ve started, Gin,” Harry said.

Ginny smiled. “You deserve it.”

“We still need our formal offers into the Auror department,” Ron said. “Can’t start a job when we don’t have one.”

“As if Kingsley wouldn’t offer you actual jobs,” Hermione said. “Apart from being very depleted, he needs people like you.”

Ron thought she was right. Now that they’d passed, Kingsley would be sure to offer them actual jobs. And with that came a decent pay rise, which meant a nicer wedding than before.

“Hey, guys.”

Everyone turned. They were standing out in front of the Three Broomsticks, waiting for Neville to arrive, who’d graciously accepted Harry’s invitation to celebrate with them.

“Hey, Neville,” they all said together.

“How’d you go, mate?” Ron asked.

Neville nodded. “I passed. I did well. Eighty-nine percent on the theory, one hundred percent on two of the aptitude tests, and ninety-seven on the rest.”

“That’s great, Neville,” Hermione said, and she stepped forward to hug him. Ginny did the same. Harry and Ron clapped him on the back.

“We should go in then now that we’re all here,” Ginny said, her hand resting on the entrance to the pub.

“I’m still waiting on… someone,” Neville said suddenly, and under the pale moonlight, Ron saw his cheeks tinge pink.

“Who?” Ron asked.

“... someone,” Neville muttered.

“As in… a date?” Ron pressed. Hermione elbowed him as a warning to not pry.

Neville nodded, his blush deepening.

“Who?” Ron said again. “Is this new?”

“Ron!” Hermione scolded. “Stop being so nosy.”

“A few months,” Neville said quietly.

“Thanks for letting us — your friends — know,” Ron said, but he smiled. “They on their way?”

Neville nodded again. “She’ll be here in a moment.”

Ginny took up a conversation with Hermione about Ginny’s Quidditch team and how she was going, while Ron, Harry and Neville stood in silence.

After a moment, Ron said, “Seriously, who is she? You’ve been seeing someone, Nev?”

“Someone from school,” Neville said. But before he could elaborate, a woman who looked vaguely familiar to Ron approached them, albeit not without a little hesitation.

It took Ron a moment, but he placed her as Hannah Abbott. Ron didn’t think he’d ever spoken to her in his whole time at Hogwarts, though it wasn’t because he had any strong opinions about her. They just… never interacted. Not even during their time in Dumbledore’s Army together.

“Hi, Hannah!” Hermione said before Neville could even introduce them. Of course Hermione would be on more friendly terms with her. She seemed to have spoken to everyone during their time at Hogwarts. “How are you?”

“I’m great, thanks!” Hannah said. “How are you…” She looked around at everyone standing there. “How are you all? Thanks for inviting me.”

“That’s quite alright,” Ginny said before anyone could share an uncomfortable look that they actually hadn’t invited her. Until a moment ago, they hadn’t even known she was coming. But, to be fair, if they had known Neville was seeing her, she would have been invited.

“Let’s go in, shall we?” Ginny then said. “I had a table reserved as there’s a few of us and it’s become a popular night time spot for more than just the creeps of Hogsmeade. Sorry, Hannah, I organised this a while back and Neville only told us today you were coming. I’m sure an extra chair won’t be a bother.”

“Thank you,” Hannah said.

“Just over there,” Rosmerta said when she spotted them. She pointed to a table at the back in a corner that was out of the way of everyone else.

“Do you have a spare chair, Rosmerta?” Ginny asked.

“If you can find one,” Rosmerta said, waving a hand in the general direction of other tables, clearly distracted by her customers.

“You seem awfully friendly with her,” Ron said as he picked up a vacant chair and carried it over to their table.

“The Harpies like to come here after a game sometimes,” Ginny said. “Would anyone like a Butterbeer? Firewhisky? I’ll get them.”

While Ginny disappeared to get the drinks, everyone else arranged themselves around the table. It was a little squishy, but they all somehow fit. Ron found himself squished into the corner of the booth with Hermione (which he didn’t mind one bit).

“It’s nice of you guys to organise something,” Neville said. “And to invite me.”

“You’ve been through the three years with us, Nev,” Ron said. “You’re always invited.”

Neville flushed with pleasure, and Ron felt a wave of affection for him.

“How are you going, Hannah?” Hermione said, leaning forward and resting her arms on the table. Ron shifted to give them a little more room and placed his arm around her waist. “I heard that you’re at St Mungo’s?”

How she knew that, Ron had no idea, but that was one of the many things he loved about Hermione. She knew everything.

“Yes, there’s a few from our year who’re doing Healing too,” Hannah said. “Seamus Finnigan… you probably know that, he said he’s still in contact with all of you. And Padma Patil.”

“Yes, I heard she was, too,” Hermione said.

“How is it?” Harry asked. “Healing, I mean?”

“Oh, I love it,” Hannah said. “It’s so rewarding. Tiring, but still rewarding. I’m working in the long-term resident ward. Do you remember Professor Lockhart? He’s still there!”

No one said anything to that. Ron assumed the others were of the same mind as he was — they had seen him there a few years ago, still as mad as ever. Thankfully, Ginny chose that moment to return with the drinks, so no one had to. She had two in her hands, and was levitating the others with her wand. She slid into the booth next to Harry.

“Have you and Neville been in contact all this time?” Ginny asked, looking at Hannah.

“Oh, no,” Hannah said, and she laughed slightly. “Through Seamus, really. We went out one evening after a rough day — me, Seamus and Padma — and he invited Neville and Dean along too. We got talking, reminiscing on a lot of Herbology lessons, and we kind of just clicked.”

Neville flushed, but Ron saw a smile hidden within his red face.

“That’s so good,” Ginny said, grinning at Neville. “What a nice story.”

“Yeah,” Hannah said, also smiling. She then looked at the others with more focus. “And Neville told me about you all getting married.” Her eyes flicked to Harry and Ginny first. “Congratulations.” She then looked to Ron and Hermione. “And to you two as well. Such lovely news. Have you set any dates?”

“We have,” Ginny said. “When we send an invitation out, we’ll be sure to send yours with Neville’s. Guests are welcome, of course, we’re just putting secrecy charms on the invitations to stop any unwelcome guests showing up.”

By unwelcome guests, Ron knew she meant the media. Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley would be a wedding that gossip magazines and the Prophet would love to get a story on. High profile weddings such as theirs were not a common thing in the wizarding world.

“That’s probably a good idea,” Neville said, sounding impressed.

“Yeah,” Ginny said. “It sounds mean, but… we just want family and friends there, not snooping journalists trying to get in. So all stuff will be revealed on the invitation and once people read it, they’ll not be able to speak any of it out loud.”

“That’s a bit insulting to your brother, don’t you think?” Ron asked her. “You don’t trust even me?”

“Knowing you and your big mouth, you’ll let it slip by accident somewhere,” Ginny said, and Harry and Neville chuckled.

Ron scowled at both of them and sunk back into the booth.

“Well, we aren’t telling you ours either,” he said, knowing he was pouting.

“Because you don’t have one,” Ginny said.

Ron shot her a glaring look, to which she only rolled her eyes. “By the time you bother to even choose a date, people will have forgotten you’re even engaged. You are the definition of taking things slow.”

Everyone bar Hannah nodded in agreement, including Hermione. Ron looked at her.

“It doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing,” she said kindly.

Ron folded his arms across his chest, leaning on the table again. He said nothing more on the subject.

The evening ended up being a pleasant one, the conversation going on until near midnight. Hannah, who Ron had always considered rather quiet, talked a lot and asked lots of questions about everything.

“Are you really selling your godfather’s house, Harry?”

“Why did you choose to live in Nottingham? That’s where I grew up. I live in London now.”

“How do you think the Harpies will fare against the Magpies next week, Ginny? My brother supports the Magpies.”

She was nice, though, and if Neville wasn’t Neville, who acted shy in many social situations, Ron would have thought he was quite pleased with himself.

“When do you think we’ll be able to start our actual jobs as Aurors?” Ron asked as the clock now ticked past midnight. There were still a few people left in the pub. Though, the later it got, the shadier the people became.

“I’d think very soon,” Hermione said. “They need more Aurors, and now that all the first lot of trainees since the war have finished, I’m sure Kingsley will want you all in as soon as possible. You probably all know what you’re doing more than half the Aurors already there anyway.”

“Flattering, Hermione,” Harry said with a tired smile.

“The truth,” she said firmly.

Hannah stifled a yawn, and truthfully, Ron didn’t blame her. He’d enjoyed the night, but he was starting to think about his bed more than the people he was spending time with.

Ginny and Hannah were still chatting when he fell into a peaceful stupor that had his mind wandering to what was to come for him. Starting a real job, getting married…

He was startled when he felt a hand on his leg. He turned to see Hermione smiling at him. “Do you want to go?”

“Do you?” he asked. “If you want to stay, we can stay. I’ll just… nap in the booth.”

“I haven’t even been home,” Hermione said. “Only to change from work clothes. I think we’re all going anyway.”

Ron looked around to see everyone else grabbing coats, getting to their feet as the conversation died down. Ron took Hermione’s hand as they all exited the pub.

“I don’t know how many times I went there in school,” Hannah said. “But now that we’re out, we mostly go to the Leaky Cauldron. My great uncle is the owner there.”

“Tom’s your uncle?” Hermione asked.

“Great uncle,” Hannah said with a nod.

“I never knew,” Hermione replied.

“Yeah, it doesn’t always come up in conversation.”

They were standing outside now. The temperature had significantly dropped while they’d been inside. Now that he was on his feet, Ron could feel the four Butterbeers and two Firewhiskys he’d drank going through him. No wonder he’d been falling asleep inside.

“Thanks for inviting me again,” Hannah said brightly. “I had fun.”

“It was nice to meet you,” Ginny said. She then looked between Harry, Ron and Hermione. “Or see you again.”

Neville and Hannah left, heading up the main street of Hogsmeade hand-in-hand.

“How nice.” Hermione sighed. “I’m happy for them.”

“Neville with a girlfriend is… strange,” Ron mused, watching their disappearing figures step into the night. He gripped Hermione’s hand tighter, then dug into his pocket to retrieve his wand.

Hermione’s hand covered it.

“Maybe I’ll Disapparate?” she suggested. “I don’t want any unnecessary Splinchings.”

Ron hesitated for a moment, trying to count how many drinks he’d seen her have but couldn’t recall. His brain was a little foggy on the details.

He didn’t even feel drunk, just… heavy-headed.

“Yeah, alright,” he said and stowed his wand back into his pocket.

“You’ll be at the Burrow tomorrow night?” Ginny asked.

“I guess?” Hermione said, sounding confused. “Is there a special reason?”

“Nope, Mum just asked me to ask you. I think she’s a bit upset over the fact that we all only seem to come over for ‘special occasions’ these days. You know, with us having jobs, our own homes, and all that. Kids, for some of us.”

“We’ll be there then,” Hermione said.

“Yeah, count us in,” Ron added, only realising since Ginny had said it that his presence at the Burrow really had dropped off in the last three months or so. They still visited, of course, but he’d spent more time at Grimmauld Place than he did there.

The flat had been comfortable, but it had never been ‘home.’ To a point, the Burrow had still felt like home to him while he and Hermione navigated apartment living. But the Nottingham house had changed his perspective. That was home now, and he felt the same warmth he’d always felt at the Burrow every time he set foot in his house.

There was just so much potential there, so many things that felt right about living there, and so many things he could envision for the future.

“Great, see you tomorrow night then.” Ginny beamed at both of them, and then she and Harry Disapparated from right in front of them.

Ron flinched at the sound, his hearing suddenly oversensitive.

“Come on,” Hermione said, squeezing his hand tightly and taking out her wand with her free one. “Let’s go to bed. I’m so tired.”

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apiratewhopines · 3 years

Text

Thanks to @teamhook for giving me all the stubbly men

In the Offing

Chapter 17 — Hat Trick

Summary: In which our heroine believes in magic

Chapter 17 on AO3

“When you move

I can recall something that’s gone from me

When you move

Honey, I’m put in awe of something so flawed and free”

-Movement, Hozier

It had been a rainy couple of days since her trip out to the cabin with Graham. They had originally planned to meet up again and scan the area to see if they could find the Blanchard remains but the weather had prevented any chance of that. Instead, they had traded texts that included her thanking him for going on record with the paper to say she was no longer a suspect in the shooting. She had noticed a definite warming toward her by the citizens after his comments were splashed across the front page.

Of course it being Storybrooke, rumors had already begun to fly about who would take her place on the most wanted list. She avoided all requests for interviews and tried to focus on the task of finding the responsible party, encouraged every day by the positive news she received from August’s medical team.

Graham wasn’t the only one she had been texting with. As the date of the wedding drew closer, she started receiving messages from Elsa and her sister Anna, who happened to be a ball of chaotic energy that would put a toddler to shame. They were constantly inviting her over to help with this or that stage of the planning but she thought maybe it was really to make sure she didn’t disappear before the ceremony.

It seemed like the only person she hadn’t talked with was the one person to whom she actually had something to say. However, fulfilling his duties as best man had forced Killian into a last minute trip to Boston with Liam to pick up tuxedos and flowers arrangements. She had stopped by the cottage a couple of times to try to catch him, feeling that what she had to say would be better in person than by phone, but she never managed to connect.

So it was that Saturday evening under a clear twilight sky, she pulled up to the cottage. Nervously she ran her hands down her pale pink dress to smooth it as she tried not to think about the fact that she hadn’t spoken with Killian since she hung up on him several days ago. The front yard, which stretched down in a gentle rolling hill to a bluff that provided a beautiful ocean view, was transformed. There were a couple of large, white tents set up to accommodate the ceremony and the reception. Due to the heavy rain, someone had the forethought to have planking laid down in a walkway to the tents, which had also been raised on platforms and contained a beautiful hardwood floor to provide some protection from the wet ground.

As Liam had predicted, it appeared as though the entire town did show up. Waving at several people who caught her eye, she started to make her way over to Mary Margaret and David. Taking in the way their gazes never wavered from each other, she guessed that their wedding day wouldn’t be too far behind. Before she could reach them, Anna came flying over to her nearly vibrating with excitement. “Where are you going? I saved you a seat in the front row next to Kristoff.”

“Oh, that wasn’t necessary,” she protested. The last thing she wanted to do was draw attention to herself by sitting in a row normally reserved for family. Plus, if she was being completely honest, she wasn’t sure she could take being in close proximity to Killian while he was sporting a tux. The man oozed sexual magnetism in jeans so one could only imagine the allure of him in formalwear. She didn’t need a repeat of the kitchen debacle from a couple of weeks ago while the whole town was watching.

“Emma,” Anna whined with a pouty expression. “Do you see how empty the family section is? It’s embarrassing. Not to mention that Kristoff might fall asleep if you aren’t there to nudge him from time to time.”

“Fine.” She gave in easily when she sensed eyes drifting their way in curiosity. Trying to take her mind off the fact she felt like an animal in a zoo, she smiled at the other woman and said, “You look great.”

As Emma took her seat, Anna twirled in a circle and squealed, “I do, don’t I? This has always been a good color on me. I’m so glad we talked Elsa out of the all that ice blue. I mean, it’s a summer wedding. We need bold colors and lots of skin.”

“You will hear no arguments from me, babe,” Kristoff joked with a wink. As she was finding to be the case with the young couple, once they were honed in on each other she could do as she pleased because they were oblivious. Trapped by the puppy love playing out in front of her, she used the opportunity to study the lovely white roses and low lighting that showcased the tent to its best advantage. She couldn’t help but wonder how they had pulled off such an elaborate event with only days to plan.

Any thoughts she had about price tags and logistics were immediately frozen when she saw Liam and Killian step onto the stage about twenty feet in front of her. The Brothers Jones looked quite dapper and refined in their black tuxedos. Liam was calm and collected as always except for the faint hint of red across his cheeks, not even having one arm in a sling could diminish the happiness that radiated off him. Killian looked like a fantasy wrapped in a dream and dipped in chocolate.

Unfortunately, as she was feasting on him with her eyes he must have become aware of her idolizing stare. His penetrating blue gaze met hers full on for the first time in almost a week. Her heart beat out a painful thump at the emotion that flooded her but she couldn’t look away. He was perfect, from the top of his rumpled hair to the bottom of his precisely polished dress shoes. And she was an idiot.

“Geez, girl. Am I going to have to get you two a room so you don’t burn down the tent?”Startled out of her staring contest by Anna’s teasing, she looked over to see her companions watching her with matching grins. “Elsa mentioned there was something going on but she didn’t warn me that it was combustible.”

“Cute,” Emma said in tone that warned against further commentary. “Speaking of Elsa, shouldn’t you be helping your sister get ready?”

“Oh crap! I was supposed to be grabbing her a glass of water. See you guys later!”

For the next several minutes, Emma did her best to keep her gaze from wandering back to the stage even as she felt Killian’s eyes burning a hole through her. Kristoff was helpful in that regard because he was as much of a talker as his girlfriend, although in comparison he was still the shrinking violet in their relationship. The hum of conversations increased as the tent filled until the opening strains of the Wedding March began to play. As everyone stood to see the bride enter, she snuck a glance out of the corner of her eye and smiled shyly when she saw that Killian was staring back at her.

To no one’s surprise, Elsa made a beautiful bride. Her white blonde hair was styled in a complicated braid that looked soft and elegant. Her slender form was hugged by a white lace gown that looked fit for a queen. It was her serene expression that truly made her a beauty though. She had the look of a woman who couldn’t wait to start her future with the man waiting for her at the other end of the aisle.

Just like that, Emma felt tears forming. Luckily, she wasn’t the only one. There were several sniffles and weepy smiles in the tent as the pair shared their vows and promised to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. Liam’s deep voice never faltered and when the minister pronounced them man and wife, he didn’t hesitate to kiss Elsa soundly in front of God and everyone. And for rather longer than strictly necessary.

Laughter ringing out at the groom’s enthusiasm, the crowd began clapping as the newly married couple led the way to the reception. They were followed by the best man and maid of honor, whose heads were bent together as if they were plotting to overthrow the government. Knowing the two of them, Emma couldn’t completely rule out the possibility.

Kristoff offered her his arm to guide her into the other tent but she waved him on. She needed some time to collect herself so she continued to observe from the fringe of the crowd. The first dance was a slow romantic matter replete with loving glances and sighs. The cutting of the cake was a dignified event regardless of the taunting of some of the more rowdy members of the audience. As the band struck up a new song, couples started making their way to the dance floor. She was pleased to see Mary Margaret and David were one of the first to go, smiling at each other with the kind of fondness that would never fade.

Trying to calm her racing heart, she knew she had put off her conversation long enough. As she stepped out of the shadows, she heard a familiar voice ask, “May I have this dance, Emma?”

Shocked out of her anxiousness, she turned to find Graham standing behind her with his hand extended. He looked striking in his suit, she had to admit. Not fantasy dream chocolate level, of course, but not hard on the eyes. Putting her hand in his, she allowed him to lead her out to the floor. “I’m surprised to see you here, Sheriff. Didn’t you used to date the bride?”

Cringing a bit and screwing up his face, he looked at her through one eye. “There’s that adorable directness. It was one date, a rather hopeless affair I’m afraid.”

“Oh well, there are other fish in the sea,” she murmured encouragingly, a little concerned at the longing she saw in his stare when he looked at her. He shuffled her around the edge of the dance floor, his eyes searching hers for something.

“There is one fish that I have an interest in,” he admitted. “But I’m afraid I might be a little too late to catch her.”

With regret for the hurt her next words would cause him because somewhere along the way she had come to really like him, she confirmed, “Yes, I think you might be.”

Nodding with understanding, he shifted his glance to the front of the tent where the wedding party was currently enjoying dinner. With a rueful smile, he commented, “I’m guessing by the daggers that Killian is currently shooting my way that I have been bested by another Jones.”

Touching his cheek gently to bring his attention back to her, she teased, “Third time is the charm, my friend. To my knowledge, there aren’t any other brothers to contend with. Go forth with confidence and find yourself a lady worthy of you.”

Graham smiled down at her. The song ended but he held her an extra second, squeezing her waist affectionately before stepping back. Taking her hand in his, he brought it to his lips and swept a soft kiss near her wrist while looking at her with eyes full of laughter. “Let’s see if that brings your erstwhile suitor running.”

Shaking her head at him, she grinned at his back as he disappeared into the crowd. She started toward an empty chair a couple of tables away when she felt someone approach from behind. She knew without turning that it was Killian. The air around her electrified when he got near.

“Swan, where do you think you’re going?”

“I was going to sit down and enjoy dinner, Dr. Jones. What brings you by?”

“I want to dance with you,” he stated, his gaze roaming over her like a caress. Holding out his hand, he continued, “You have the rest of your life to avoid me, love. Where’s the harm in one dance with a partner who actually knows what he’s doing?”

He really had no idea of the hold he had over her. He was still under the impression she planned to walk away. Yet there he was, reaching out to her as if her touch wouldn’t leave bruises. He may be the bravest man she ever met.

“I think I’m willing to risk it,” she whispered huskily as she eased into his arms. It was like coming home.

—

The night passed in a blur of champagne and dancing. Once Killian had her in his arms, he seemed loath to let her go, to the point of glowering at any man who approached. He did allow Liam a dance, and David and Kristoff grudgingly, but he always returned to her side as the final notes of the song played and pulled her into his arms again.

“I thought I agreed to one dance,” she teased, bracing herself one-handed on his shoulder as she tugged off her right shoe and massaged her foot. It was after midnight and the crowd had started to thin now that Liam and Elsa had run through a minefield of bubbles to the limousine that waited to take them to New York City for a mini-honeymoon. “I’m not sure my feet are going to recover.”

“Darling, if you can run down skips in stilettos a couple of dances with your many admirers shouldn’t be a problem,” he pointed out, dragging her out to the dance floor again. Willing to pay any price to continue to be this close to him, she plucked off her other shoe and tossed it gently under a nearby table. He abandoned his normal poise, wrapping his arms around her back and settling her against him in what amounted to little more than a hug. The world faded away as she rested her cheek against his chest.

The slow, romantic song continued to play in the background and he hummed the words as he swayed them gently in time to the music. She felt a tingle start at the base of her spine and work its way through her entire body. She didn’t even bother moving apart to say goodbye to Mary Margaret or Anna when they passed by to let them know they were leaving. When the band started to pack up and the caterers were tearing down tables, she observed quietly against his collar, “I think I ate too much cake.”

“You speak of the impossible,” he murmured into her hair.

“Killian,” she said in a hushed tone.

“Yes, love?”

“Will you take me home?”

Tightening his grip a bit, he answered, “Of course, Swan, but I let Kristoff and Anna borrow my truck so we’ll have to take your car. Where are your keys?”

“No,” she replied with a smile up at him. “To the cottage.”

Eyes widening in understanding, he asked, “Are you sure? There will be no coming back from this. No more running away, no more secrets. There’ll be no getting rid of me.” He waited patiently, his face inches from hers. She thought she detected the hint of a smile forming.

“I’m ready if you are,” she promised as she went up on tiptoes and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips.

With a predatory grin, he deepened the kiss and before she knew what he was about, she was upended over his shoulder with her eyes having a very nice view of his lower back and beyond. “Let’s sail away, love.”

Shrieking over his laughter, she asked, “What in the world are you doing?”

“I can’t have you trudging through the mud and muck in your bare feet, Swan,” he explained with a fond pat on her bottom. She felt him glide through the tent and buried her face in her hands when she heard him say good night to several of the staff as they passed by.

“And you couldn’t carry me like a normal person?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Too caught up in muttering promises of revenge, she didn’t realize they were at the porch until he gently lowered her to the floor. “There you are, my lady. Safe passage to the front door.”

They were eye level with each other since he was standing on the stair below her. The blue gleam of his gaze was unearthly. His mouth was curved in a playful smile but she could tell he was nervous. She thought he was probably afraid she would run again and realized that he stopped there for a reason, as if he wanted her to commit to this and move inside on her own two feet. Taking his face in her hands, she stared at him and hoped he could see everything she was feeling. “I’m sorry. For a lot of things, really. Most of all, I’m sorry if I made you doubt me, doubt this. I’ve wanted you since before we even met.”

“I never doubted you, Swan. Not for a moment. But you are an impossible woman sometimes,” he whispered, twisting his face to press his lips to her palm.

Stepping away from him, she reached out and let her hand trail slowly down his chest. With a saucy smile, she opened the door and backed into the living room. To her surprise, he didn’t trip over himself trying to get to her, rather he followed her inside and braced against the closed door, seemingly content to drink in the sight of her.

“I’ve dreamed of you every night since you left,” he admitted, hunger in his voice. “There were times I nearly got in my truck and drove to the loft.”

At this, he moved closer. His eyes never wavered from hers. She felt as though she had lost the ability to speak. He was the only person who could do this to her with nothing more than a look. He was standing so close she could feel the warmth of his skin, smell the champagne on his breath but he didn’t touch her. Instead, he leaned in and murmured, “Tell me, love, would you have let me in?”

When she did nothing but shiver, he continued, “If I had gotten down on my knees and begged, would you have opened your door?”

His lips skimmed softly over her cheeks, then forehead, then her chin. Fleeting caresses that felt like gossamer against her heated skin. “If I had promised to be your devoted subject and do your bidding always, would you have allowed me to share your bed?”

“Need I remind you what happened the last time you took your time,” she teased, her head light with desire. She had never felt like this before, this swirling, chaotic emotion that caused her to tremble. “Please.”

“Please what, darling?”

“Seal the deal,” she joked weakly, biting her bottom lip as she fought against the force of the passion that rocked her.

“You do have a way with words,” he teased. “I’m afraid the deal was sealed the minute we laid eyes on each other. Perhaps even before then. Fate hasn’t always been kind to me, love, but I’ll pay whatever price is needed a thousand times over to ensure that for the rest of our lives you continue to look at me the way you’re looking at me right now.”

With a whimper, she gave in to temptation and closed the distance between them. The magic he weaved with his honeyed tone and bewitching words was nothing compared to how it felt when he reached down to pick her up and wrapped her legs around his waist. Without breaking their kiss, he carried her to the bedroom where he proceeded to show her how much he meant every single thing he said.

—

They didn’t leave the cottage for two days and she was certain there was not a surface that wasn’t put to good use during that time. It was as if the outside world no longer existed and Emma was happily ensconced in some odd alternative universe where she was content and loved.

Eventually she emerged long enough to let Mary Margaret know she was still alive, to chat with Henry, to check in on August, and to cancel search plans with Graham. She knew sooner or later she would have to go back to the loft to collect her things if nothing else. Luckily, her slovenly ways and hasty exit from the cottage after their fight had proved useful in one regard. She had left enough of her belongings behind that she wasn’t walking around in her wedding outfit the whole time. It had done strange things to her heart to realize that he had collected all the clothes she left after their argument and neatly folded them, placing them in the top drawer of his bureau.

She noticed other signs of him making room for her in his life and, beyond that, making her feel welcome. Her preferred coffee cup was always clean and ready for her each morning. He had stocked her favorite shampoo in the shower, although how he knew it was her favorite when she never mentioned it she was still trying to figure out. He had added a couple of books to his shelves for her after a late night conversation about classics she had never had the chance to read.

Even when she had left, even when she had pushed him away, he hadn’t retreated. Not entirely. He had merely given her space to figure out what he had probably know all along...that they were good together and that needing someone wasn’t something to be feared.

So it was with some chagrin that she awoke Tuesday morning to find the bed empty. The quiet of the cottage was like a slap in the face after several blissful days of being adored. Even knowing he had to drop Anna and Kristoff off at the airport before meeting a client that morning at the marina, she was still surprised at how lonely it was. She, the woman who prided herself on her independence and self-reliance, was pining for a man after a mere five hours apart.

The wizardry of Killian Jones was limitless.

Looking over at the clock, she realized that yearning was all well and good but breakfast would be better. Taking her time to get showered and dressed, she walked out to the kitchen island to find a vase full of yellow flowers, a package of strawberry poptarts, and a note from her—whatever Killian was to her now—inviting her to join him at the marina when she woke up.

Grabbing a cup of cold coffee to go and the breakfast he left her, she ventured outside for the first time in days to find the sun shining brightly and the temperature pleasantly warm. She hastily ate her breakfast one-handed while driving to the marina with the windows rolled down. There was absolutely no traffic on the road and she pulled into the parking lot convinced that she was the only living soul in the area. Locking her car, she made her way to the last dock where the pirate ship was moored passing only one person on the way, a strikingly familiar redhead that caused her to do a double take.

Staring after the woman, she heard Killian shout. “Swan! I was beginning to think you were going to stand me up.”

Dragging her eyes away from the retreating figure, she faced the man who was responsible for the increasingly frequent smile to be found on her lips. “Never, Dr. Jones.” Climbing aboard, she gave him a quick kiss that he seemed to take as a challenge to extend. “Was that—“

“Ariel?” Killian continued to pepper her face with sweet kisses as if supremely unconcerned that there was a Hollywood starlet wandering around the docks. “Yes, she was the client I was meeting with this morning. The studio sent her to be briefed on pirate lore. I had intended to introduce you but my little Sleeping Beauty couldn’t be bothered to roll out of bed at a decent hour.”

Snickering because they both knew why she needed the extra sleep, she allowed him to pull her into the Captain’s Quarters and promptly make her forget her own name.

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aliendes · 4 years

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Natural Borns - Chapter One

dystopian!au / futuristic!au

AUTHOR NOTE: here it is! Chapter one of Natural Borns. If you haven’t already, please read the prologue, or else this wont make the most sense. The prologue gives some backstory about the universe that you need to fully enjoy the story. Thank you for all the love on the prologue, it pushed me to want to put this out early. If you enjoy this series, please follow and reblog so it can reach more eyes. Feel free to send me an ask! I would love to answer any questions, because I’m sure I’m inevitably going to leave some things unanswered (this is my first time writing a series, after all). Enjoy! xx Des

Series info/genre: Angst, fluff, (possible) smut NSFW due to darker themes Pairings: ot7 x fem reader (eventual) Warnings: this series will have different trigger warnings listed for each chapter (if there are any), but as a whole, this series will include violence, mentions of depression & other mental illnesses, cursing, abuse, drugs/alcohol, some shitty medical descriptions because i am NOT a doctor, self-esteem issues, fluff, and possible smut in future chapters (but that’s undecided). i will add more warnings/tags in the future if there are any. Description: In the year 2613, over half of the world’s population are what scientists consider ‘designer babies’. YN is a small town girl who is a true natural born, someone born naturally without he help of a lab or gene splicing. Her DNA is greatly sought after, but what is she willing to do to protect it? Word count: 3.6k

It was early. Too early for you to be awake. As you rolled over in your bed, taking your poofy duvet cover with you, you noticed that it was barely dawn. Your curtains were drawn, how you always left them - liking to wake up with the sun, and you couldn’t even see said sun on the horizon yet. You could make out a pink line that melted perfectly with the purple and blues of the night sky. After admiring the beauty of it for a moment, you rolled back over with a huff.

You’re already awake, might as well get out of bed.

You lived on a peach farm, or orchard, that your family owned and had chores and duties to fulfill around the house and land. The orchard was on about ten acres, small for a farm, but big enough to get the job done. Your father sells the peaches you harvest to local grocers and restaurants and sells the rest at your mother’s stall at the farmer’s market in town. Your mom grows flowers in her garden on the property and makes beautiful arrangements for locals. She just recently made the arrangements for the wedding of one of your old classmates. You helped out where you could with harvests, taking care of the animals your family cared for, and working the market on weekends. It wasn’t a luxurious life by any means, but you were happy. You definitely couldn’t complain, not when most natural borns had way less than you. You were fortunate, really, and content living this small town life.

You swung your legs over the edge of your bed and stretched your arms up high, letting out a big yawn. Your pajamas were all bunched up and uncomfortable on your legs as you scooted closer to the edge of your bed, expecting your toes to meet the cool wood of the floor. Instead, you were met with something warm and fuzzy and a loud meow that sounded through your room, making you jump.

“Ai- sorry Mochi,” you grumbled, watching the cat scurry across the floor. You smiled and shook your head at the cat, who was now giving you a death glare from next to your bedroom door. You slowly stood up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes and opened the door to let the devil cat out. He quickly took advantage of the open door and ran down the stairs as fast as he could. You watched him for a moment before making your way to your bathroom down the hall.

Closing and locking the door behind you, you started your morning routine of brushing your teeth and hair and washing your face. Once you turned the faucet off, you rubbed a clean white towel over your face, pulling it down slowly as you peeked over it at the mirror. You looked tired, small bags beginning to form under your eyes, skin darkening slightly from being out in the sun, maybe even a little sunburnt from working at the market yesterday. Still starting at your reflection, you hang your towel up on the rack with a sigh, turning to get dressed for the day.

Your normal work day attire consists of jeans and a t-shirt. It was June, just starting to get unbearably hot in Korea, so you opted for some looser linen pants and a light shirt. You didn’t have a whole lot to do today other than feed animals, clean the chicken coop, and help mom out with some arrangements. You wouldn’t be harvesting the peach trees until late July or early August at the rate they were growing currently, though you did still need to monitor them and make sure they remained healthy before harvest season.

By the time you were ready for the day, the sun was just barely coming up and the smell of coffee beans entered your nose. Mom must be up, you thought to yourself. You smiled and made your way down the stairs, grabbing onto the bottom of the banister and swinging yourself around it, an old habit of yours from all the way back in elementary school. You were still a kid at heart, even at the age of 23.

“Good morning Pearl!” your mother called from the kitchen. Pearl was the nickname your parents have called you since you could walk. Natural pearls are extremely rare, almost never occurring in nature. You were also a rare breed, a true natural born, hard to find like a pearl, hence the nickname.

“Morning mama,” you said, walking up to her and giving her a side hug, “watcha makin’?” You asked with a teasing lilt to your voice. Your mom was a tad shorter than you and you liked to take advantage of that, leaning your elbow on her shoulder as you watched her stir the pan in front of her.

“Steamed eggs and rice, now go get your father, would you? We have to start on these arrangements soon, Mrs. Lee needs 25 of them by tomorrow afternoon.”

You gave your mom a nod and made your way back up the stairs, hopping over Mochi who was now taking up residence on the second step. “You’re gonna get stepped on your curious cat,” you said under your breath. Mochi just watched on as you took two stairs at a time.

Before you could reach the top of the stairs, you nearly stumbled straight into your father who had just come around the corner. “Who-whoa,” he laughed out as you grabbed onto the railing to stop yourself from smacking into him.

“Mom needs you!” You yelped out, passing your dad on the stairs and running into your room to grab your phone from your nightstand. You could hear your dad chuckling as he walked down the stairs. As you picked up your phone, you noticed you had a new message in your group chat you had with your two best friends, well, your only friends, you supposed.

From Mina [11:13 pm]: pearl!!!

From Mina [11:13 pm]: pearl are u awake?

From Woo [11:15 pm]: why are you awake min?

From Mina [11:17 pm]: cant sleep, pearl, u up!?

From Woo [11:23 pm]: I’m gonna guess not

From Mina [11:25 pm]: ugh dfghjk

You giggled at your screen for a moment before typing back a response.

You [6:37 am]: sorry guys, i went to bed early last night what’s up min?

You pocketed your phone, definitely not expecting a response at this ungodly hour, and headed back downstairs. On your short walk, you thought to your two friends, Mina and Wooyoung, who you befriended in middle school. Well, actually Mina befriended you and Wooyoung in seventh grade because you were both outcasts that didn’t talk to anyone. Ever the martyr, she brought your little group together and you’ve been thick as thieves ever since. You don’t see them as much as you’d like nowadays, as they both attended the small community college in your town. You never really liked school, never excelled at anything, and were always a homebody. College just didn’t sound fun to you, especially if people there were anything like at your highschool. Highschool hadn’t been kind to you. You were labeled ‘half-breed’ and ‘mutant’ by a group of girls who wanted nothing more than to see you suffer because of your looks. Boys would flirt with you, leave you love notes, and even try to harass you in the halls, but never because they actually took an interest in you. The one time you went to a party with Mina, you had been cornered in some guy's barn by one of the popular boys who was trying to get in your pants. This just made the popular girls even more angry with you and would jump through hoops to make your life hell while at school. All of those experiences taught you one thing: most people can’t be trusted. Some might say you have trust issues (Mina) while others will try to get you to come out of your shell a bit more (Woo and your mom), but in the end, you’re comfortable with your two best friends and your parents. You never asked for more because you simply didn’t need it.

Most, if not all, families these days only had one child, so you nor your friends ever knew what it was like to have siblings. Even your parents were only children, so no aunts, uncles, or cousins to call an extended family. This was normal, though, because a law was put in place in 2505 banning families from having more than one child to help with population control. If a family broke this law, they were fined excessive amounts of money. The law was easy to enforce with parents of lab born children, since their child had to be entered into a national database, meaning no company would work with them again to avoid hefty fines, or possibly being put out of business. It was a little harder to enforce with natural born families. The law was definitely one sided, aimed to force more and more natural borns into poverty.

You were snapped out of your daydream as you entered your kitchen, taking in the sight of your dad sitting at the dining table reading something on his tablet and your mom making a grocery list. You smiled softly, rounding the table and taking your usual seat next to your mother. “Thanks for breakfast, mom,” you said kindly, leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“Of course, Pearl. Now eat up, we need to get going soon if-” your mother was cut off by the sudden shriek of the doorbell, which caused you to jump what had to be 5 feet in the air. Who was ringing your doorbell at - you took your phone out - 6:44 in the morning?

Your father had the same perplexed look that you must’ve worn, getting up out of his chair and heading towards the front room of the house. You shared a puzzled look with your mom who just shrugged her shoulders and went back to her list, blowing on a piece of hot egg in her spoon.

As you started to fiddle with your own spoon, you tried to strain to hear the conversation happening in the other room. You could hear hushed murmurs that sounded rushed, almost angry. You squint your eyes in confusion. It sounded like your dad was mad. He never gets mad. Who could be at the front door? Slowly, you rise from your seat to go investigate, your mother paying you no mind.

As you round the corner of the kitchen, your father comes into view holding the front door at a 90 degree angle from the wall, effectively blocking your vision of the man on the other side. Your dad’s profile told you what you needed to know, though. He was visibly angry, apples of his cheeks reddening. He was still speaking in a hushed tone, though you could tell it was tense.

Slowly, you walked over to your father, peeking around the front door. If your dad noticed your presence, he didn’t mention it. Standing on your front porch was a man, shorter than your father, with dark hair and round glasses perched on his nose. He was obviously a natural born, as he didn’t have any of the perfect or striking features you were used to seeing on business men such as himself. He didn’t look intimidating in the least, but you could almost see the steam rolling out of your dad’s ears. As soon as the man caught sight of you, a bright grin took over his face.

“Ah, you must be YN,” he starts, taking a step forward and reaching out his hand, “it’s so nice to finally meet you.”

You were confused by his words, taking a step back to match his. You didn’t know this man and you definitely didn’t want to shake his hand. Did he say finally meet you? What is that supposed to mean?

“You need to leave,” your father started, causing the shorter man’s attention to fall back on him, “now.” Your dad left no room for discussion, effectively ending the conversation.

The mysterious man nodded once, looking back at you. “We’ll be in touch,” were his final words before turning on his heel and walking back towards a sleek, black car at the end of your drive. Before you could take in any more details of the car, your father was closing the front door. He breathed out a heavy sigh and placed a hand on your bicep, gently leading you back to the kitchen.

Your mom looked up from her, now nearly finished, breakfast. “Who was it, sweetie?”

Your dad sat back in his chair, leaving you standing, confused, in the middle of your kitchen. “Yeah, dad. Who was that?” You asked, genuinely concerned about the stranger.

Your dad let out another sigh before turning to look up at you, “Just another company. You know how they are, Pearl. Persistent, but they’ll back off eventually once they realize we aren’t interested.”

You slowly nodded in understanding. These designer baby companies have been coming to ‘scout’ you since you were in elementary school. They would come to your home, or even your school, and try to talk to you about selling your DNA and how it would be beneficial to your family, maybe even bring them out of poverty, make them rich. When you were a child, the offer was enticing, and you’d be lying if you said you weren’t a little curious even now. But you knew where you stood on the subject. You didn’t want to sell your DNA. You didn’t want anything to do with these big companies that were making natural borns poor while getting rich in the process. But you remembered something, “Dad, what did he mean by finally meeting me?”

Your dad has his back turned to you again, starting to eat his breakfast. You could see him visibly stiffen at your question before quickly relaxing again. Your mother seemed to notice this too, sending a worried glance at him, to which you couldn’t see his response. Without turning to look at you, he mumbled, “That was Hyunwoo, a former classmate of mine.”

So you were right in your assumption about Hyunwoo being a natural born. You know your dad hadn’t gone to college, and his family lived in this very house while he was growing up. That means Hyunwoo must be from the same town as you. Most people living here were living in poverty, so why did he look like a million bucks? No one from this town could afford a car like that either. Before you could get too lost in your thoughts, your father was speaking again, “He works for a pretty well known company in Seoul. He’s been interested in you since you were a little kid.” The thought alone was enough to make you feel nauseous. You didn’t even know this man, yet he’s known about you practically all your life. Apparently he’s been seeking you out for a while too, if your assumptions are correct.

“Why was he here?” You voiced your thoughts aloud.

Your father set his spoon down on his dish before turning his entire body in his chair to face you. “It’s nothing Pearl,” he started, firm but gentle, “You know these companies never leave us alone. His is no different. They’ll get the message sooner or later.” There was a finality in his tone, making it known there was no room for discussion on the matter. With a nod of his head he stood up from his seat, gathering his dishes, and deposited them into the sink. “I’ll be out in the orchards if you need me.”

You nodded before sitting down at the table and picking at your food.

“Don’t worry, dear,” your mother said as she, too, stood up with her dishes, “this type of thing happens all the time.”

Even though you trusted your parents, and they were right - it did happen fairly often, something about Hyunwoo seemed different. The way he looked at you and spoke the words ‘finally meet you’, made the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Even your mom and dad seemed nervous when his name was spoken at the kitchen table. But you trusted your parents. Right?

In the early afternoon, you had just finished your chores of feeding the chickens and cats, and you were wandering around the orchard. Your dad had retired to the shed on the far north corner of the property. He liked to spend a lot of time in there, tinkering with old appliances. You and your mother had finished the arrangements for Mrs. Lee earlier and now she was at the market fulfilling the list she made earlier.

You didn’t really have anything that needed to get done right away. You know you should probably go check on the flowers in your mom’s garden, make sure they don’t need to be watered again, but it’s been a while since you’ve walked through the orchard without the responsibility of the trees looming over you. Your father cleaned up the trees earlier, made sure drip lines were intact and checked over the farm, so you decided to indulge in your favorite pass time.

You walked away from the chicken coop towards the edge of the orchard. It was truly one of your favorite places in the whole world - not that you’ve seen much of it, but still - and you could spend hours getting lost among the beautifully colored canopy of peach blossoms.

When you reached the edge of the orchard, you leaned your hand against the cool oak colored bark of one of the trees, and toed off your shoes, leaving them in the dirt. The trees were just starting to blossom with pretty pink and white flowers among the green and almost yellowish leaves. Only about another month before harvest, you thought idly to yourself.

As you walked through the trees, you relished in the feeling of the cool dirt beneath your feet, squishing between your toes with each step. The air outside was hot and humid, but the earth was cool under the shade of the trees. With each trunk you passed, you let your hand ghost over the rough bark, memorizing the feeling of it. You looked up at the leaves, slowly moving in the slight breeze today. Your family's farm was small, only about 10 acres, so the trees weren’t so dense you couldn’t see the sky above or would be completely hidden from view while walking through them. If your dad were to come out of his shed, you probably would’ve been able to see him from here, though it was a good distance away.

As you got closer to the center of the trees you found a nice trunk to sit down against and pulled your phone from your pocket, checking your group chat with your friends.

From Mina [2:05 pm]: pearl pearl pearl

From Mina [2:06 pm]: where are u

You rolled your eyes at your best friend's antics before typing out your reply.

From you [2:36 pm]: walking through the trees, what’s up?

Almost immediately you were looking at a response.

From Mina [2:37 pm]: there was some guy here on campus today

From Mina [2:38 pm]: a girl from my econ class said he was looking for you

From Mina [2:39 pm]: said he looked like he didn’t belong here, i’m assuming it’s some company but i wanted to let u know

Your heart dropped into your stomach at this new knowledge. It wasn’t incredibly strange for someone to be looking for you at the college. Most residents of the town attended the college at some point or another, what with it being free to attend because of a bill passed decades ago by natural born activists fighting for education for those living in poverty. But something about this felt wrong.

Before you could respond to Mina to ease the worries you were sure she felt, you heard what sounded like a twig snapping somewhere behind you. Already on edge from the text messages, you quickly stood up, turning almost completely around in your spot. Your eyes focused on the spot where you thought you heard the noise come from, only to be met with nothing. Despite knowing you heard something, part of you wondered if it was all in your head, the events of the day messing with you.

In the distance, you could see that your family’s truck was still missing from the drive, meaning your mom was still out shopping. Quickly, you glanced at your father’s shed - the doors were still shut tightly. Momentarily you wondered if he would be able to hear you if you screamed. Shaking the thought from your mind, you turned back around to face the tree. Out of the corner of your eye, you caught movement from behind a trunk a few yards in front of where you stood.

“Who’s there?!” you half yelled, fear starting to creep up your spine. You definitely weren’t one to fight, much more comfortable running from your problems and confrontation. You wished Mina was here, she would be brave enough to move forward, to protect herself from danger. You slowly started walking backwards, not taking your eyes off the trunk where you believed someone to be hiding. You wanted to turn and run, but didn’t want to risk whoever it was behind that tree attacking you from the back. As you continued to take cautious steps, your back collided with something firm, yet not hard enough to be a tree trunk. This was softer, warmer. Human.

To be continued....

AUTHOR NOTE: Sooooo, who do you think YN ran into?! Who do you think will make an appearance next chapter? ;)

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socalwriterbee · 3 years

Text

Back Home

Book: The Nanny Affair Book 2

Characters: Sam Dalton x Marie Castro (MC), Robin Flores, Mason Dalton, Mickey Dalton, Carter

Word Count: 3,064

Rating/Warnings: ⚠️ Some parts contain -> NSFW 🍋, Adult Language ⛔️⛔️ Smut, Angst

Description: After spending the rest of the summer in Italy, Sam, Marie and the boys head back home. Will the fallout of Sam's wedding to Sofia finally catch up to them? Was their happiness short lived?

A/N: Before the first chapter of The Nanny Affair Book 2 was released, the wonderful TNA group gave the 'challenge' what if you were to write how chapter 1 would go back in June. PB had already released that a new nanny was wanted. It was a fun theory to want a new nanny (manny) to make Sam jealous after book one. And we get the new nanny line!! *Sam over Jordan any day of the week* Here is my version of chapter 1.

Characters belong to Pixelberry

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Flashing lights of the cameras blind us. The paparazzi stepping closer and closer to Sam, Mason, Mickey and I as we make our way towards the door of our home. A few more steps and we’ll be safe in the lobby and on our way towards the penthouse.

“How does it feel being a home wrecker?’ A small man with salt and pepper asks as he pushes closer to us.

‘Sam, why would you leave Sofia at the altar?’ Someone else shouts from the right of us. ‘Is she really worth you losing Dalton Enterprises?’

A younger photographer stops in front of the boys, shoving his camera in their faces trying to get a reaction out of them. ‘What do you think of your dad sleeping with your nanny?’

“Dad!” Mason and Mickey call out for Sam, rushing to his side. Letting go of my hand instantly, Sam takes their small hands in his. A hard expression sets in on his face “You need to back the fu..” He stops to compose himself before he says something he’ll regret and is spread all over the tabloids. “Back away. Let us through.” Sam pushes his way through the throng of cameras, taking the boys with him as he enters the lobby.

A hand wraps around my arm but before I can fight back I hear Carter. “Ms. Marie, I got you. Let’s get you inside.” Carter steps in front acting as a shield from the paparazzi making way for us to get into the building.

Once Carter and I make it into the lobby, Sam is bent down on his knee comforting Mason and Mickey as they bury their face into his chest. “It’s ok. Everything will be ok. I promise you both, I will make this right.” He tells them.

“Sam.” I call out in a whisper.

Getting up from the floor, he doesn’t bother turning to face me and begins to walk towards the elevator. Mason and Mickey at his side waiting for the doors to open. Not one of them turns back to me, not one of the three inviting me to be apart of their family embrace.

Was choosing me the right choice for Sam? Or was our return home and coming back to reality, the beginning of the end? Watching as the elevator doors open and close once they step in. A family of three, a father and his sons, dealing with the backlash from Sam and I giving into our desires.

***

Turbulence jolts me awake. “Hey, it’s ok. I got you.” Sam wraps his arms around me, placing a kiss on my forehead. Inching closer to him, wrapping a leg around his waist as we lay in bed on our flight back to New York. Placing my head on his chest, hearing his heart beat begins to calm me from the dream I just had.

His hand tenderly running up and down my back. “Do you want to talk about?” He asks.

“It was nothing, just a bad dream.” I tell him, closing my eyes trying to forget about it. Sam lets out an exasperated breath, “It’s not nothing Marie. You’ve had these bad dreams the last few days.”

I can’t tell Sam about the dream that I keep having. Was I really worth all this trouble? Putting the boys through all of this, they surely know that I love their Dad. Sam has kept telling me he loves me and I am the one he wants since the accident in Italy.

“So we’re going with the silent treatment?” Sam asks.

Looking up to see his grey eyes staring down at me. “Really you want to go down the silent treatment way? Who was ready to run away to Italy after our first time together.” Throwing the whole gala night at him.

“I told you that the timing wasn’t the best. I wasn't running away after finally making you mine. Don’t you think I’d go back and do it differently if I could.” He says lifting my chin so are lips are faintly touching.

“I know. But it was nothing, just a dream. Nothing really. I’ll be…We’ll be ok.” smiling against his lips

“Yes, we will. I promise no matter what comes at us, we will face it together.” He presses his lips softly against mine. Letting out a soft moan, he deepens the kiss slipping his tongue past my lips.

Sam’s hands begin to roam over my body, grabbing my waist and pulling me on top of him. Taking the hint and sitting up on his lap, my hands run down his sculpted chest. Playing with waistband of his briefs,

“Are you going to do something with those hands?” Sam lets out in a heated breath, desire in his stare.

Feeling his cock twitch against me. Leaning down, kissing along his jaw up to his lips. Taking his bottom lip between my teeth, as my hand runs over his stiffening cock. “You know exactly what these hands can do.” He groans as I take him in my hand.

His hands are on me instantly, cupping my breast over my thin gray sleeping tank. His thumbs teasing my nipples to peaks.

“Sam.” I moan, tossing my head back.

Sam sits up, his lips are on my skin, placing hot kisses on my collarbone, lowering the strap down my arm and kissing my shoulder. “Tell..” kiss… “me..” kiss “what you…” kiss “want Marie.”

Stopping his kisses against my skin, pulling back slightly. Running my hand through his hair, looking at him “You. I want you. The good, the bad… I want all of you Sam.”

“I’m all yours Marie.” Sam rolls me back onto the bed, running his hand up my inner thigh. His fingertips teasing the outline of my panties, moving them to the side. His touch teasing my wet pussy.

Arching my body up to meet his touch, Sam slides a finger inside. “Always so wet and ready for me.” He whispers against my skin, my body responding to Sam’s fingers moving between my legs, wanting more.

Always wanting more.

“Oh..god..please..” My moans are silenced by his lips, his kisses becoming hungrier with need. His fingers never stopping, bringing me closer with each movement. Sam lowers a strap of my top, lowering it just under my breast, he taking one into his mouth. His tongue swirling around my nipple “Sam..I need you inside me..!” I call out.

There’s a knock at the door, stopping us, our attention focused on the door. My heart races with anticipation of the door to be opened and whoever is on the other side catch us in a rather compromising position..

“Fuck..” He whispers against my skin. “Be right there.” Sam calls out.

Laughing out loud at our current situation, Sam gets off the bed and begins to dress. “You find this funny Ms. Castro?” He smirks. Fixing my top, I get up on my knees, making my way towards the edge of the bed.

Sam stands inches from me, adjusting himself, fixing his clothes. “Extremely funny, Mr. Dalton.” A ridiculously wide smile spreads across my face.

In one quick movement, Sam has his hand at the nape of my neck, his lips crash against mine hard. “I’ll see you outside, Love.”

My eyes open at the departure of his lips from mine, letting out a frustrated sigh as Sam walks out, closing the door behind him.

******

Upon landing back in New York, I prepare myself for the media frenzy. But nothing, no clicks of the camera, no questions thrown at us. To say I was surprised at not having to deal with cameras capturing our every movement would be an understatement. Relief sets in and I begin to relax a bit. But those dreams keep playing in my mind, unable to shake them off.

Exiting the plane, the New York morning sunlight greets us. The humidity and heat starting early in the last days of August. Once everything is loaded into the car, Carter drives us home. Mickey seated beside me, Sam in front of us next to the door with Mason asleep in his arms. Mickey leans into me, wrapping his arm around my waist, he snuggles into a more comfortable position. Placing an arm around him, he finally settles in and begins to doze off.

“Are you happy to be home?” I ask Sam, staring out the window, seeing the city come into view.

“Home is wherever the four us are Marie.” He responds tenderly.

A faint smile comes across my face, my attention still looking out the window at the city. Silence falls between us, unsure of how long it took to get home, until we pull into the parking structure of our building.

“Hey…” Sam finally breaks the silence.

“Hey.”

“Sir. We are here. I’ll make sure everything is taken up to the penthouse.” Carter announces.

The both of us unaware Carter had rolled down the partition once we came to a stop.

“Thank you, Carter. Do you mind helping Marie with Mickey?”

“Not at all Sir.” Carter gets out and makes his way to open the door for us.

Sam hugs a sleeping Mason a bit closer to him, “Marie, stop over thinking things, get out of that head of yours. Everything will be ok.” He sounds so sure of what he is saying, I begin to believe it myself.

“You can trust me.. I love you.” He reassures me before stepping and getting out of the car.

“I love you too.” Murmuring against a sleeping Mickey.

******

Tossing the last of the boys freshly washed clothes into the drier, Muscular arms wrap around me from behind, “Aaah..” jumping back against them and hitting his toned body. “Jesus, you scared me.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean too.” Sam tightens his grip around me.

“Did you come into the laundry room to help?”

“Well..not really.” He chuckles. “You didn’t have to start unpacking and washing the boys clothes right away.” Sam states. “We could have rested a bit before starting.” He begins to kiss down my neck.

Leaning my head back against his shoulder, sighing “Hmm… would it just be resting?”

Sam groans. “You know I’d be up for anything?”

Turning around, Sam’s gaze burning with desire greets me. “Easy there.” Placing a hand against his chest, gently pushing him back. “We’ve been gone for a while and there are things I would like to get ahead of.”

He bows his head in defeat. “Alright, I guess you’re right.”

“You guess?” Raising in eyebrow. “Well, I hate to break it to you…” Closing the small distance between us and wrapping my arms around him. “But I’m always right.”

Sam lets out a hearty laugh, “I don’t get a say in this?”

“Nope!”

We stand holding each other in the laundry room not saying a word. Content with his arms wrapped around me, our hearts beating as one.

“Marie, there is something I want to talk to you about.” He whispers into my hair.

“Oh?”

Leaning back, a look settles on his face, one that is trying to figure out how to tell me what he wants to talk about.

“Everything ok?”

“We should talk in my office.” He takes my hand in his and begins to lead us out. “I don’t want the boys to wake up and walk in on what I want to tell you.” Calling back to me.

“Alright, but you do know that they don’t go into the laundry room.” Trying to make light of the current situation. No chuckle, nothing. It must be serious, I think to myself.

We make our way to his office, Sam steps aside to let me in. Closing the door behind us, I turn and face him as he runs his hand through his hair. A habit, I've come to know he does when he is nervous.

“You’re beginning to worry me?” I tell him, folding my arms under my chest.

“I’ll stop beating around the bush. I want us to hire a new nanny for Mason and Mickey.” He tells me, his face is unreadable, unable to see if he is joking or not.

“Why?” Feeling a bit hurt at the thought of not being able to take care of Mason and Mickey anymore.

“Don’t look at me like that.” Sam takes a step closer.

“Look at you like what?” Stepping back as he moves closer.

“Hurt.” Taking another step closer.

“How can I not be hurt Sam? That’s what I do. I’m the boys nanny. Remember that’s what I was hired to do.” Not moving as he takes another step forward.

“I’ve already told you that you are more than just a nanny…” He pauses. “At first, yes I did hire you as their nanny but you’re much more, you’ve become a part of this family. The love of my life.”

Turning my back to him, looking out the windows of his office. “I can still take care of them. Besides I don’t think hiring someone new for the boys would be a good idea.”

Before he can answer, the elevator chimes to announce someone has arrived. Turning back and looking at Sam who has the same confused look on his face as I do.

“Who the hell can that be?” Turning and making his way out of the office, I follow not too far behind.

“Hey Sammy! I thought you two might be 'busy' and here I come to interrupt.” Robin greets us.

“What are you doing here Robin?” Sam asks him.

“Is that a way to welcome your brother?” Greeting Sam with a hug, taking the chance to wink at me behind Sam’s back.

I roll my eyes at him. “What can we do for you Robin?”

“Look at you Marie, that was fast, already taking charge of the household.” He laughs “I just came to talk, in peace if you will. We both messed up in Italy. Some more than others." He points at both of us. "Remember I help handle PR for Dalton Enterprises. And we need a good spin on this because, we are in the shits.”

Sam reaches back and taking my hand in his, bringing me to stand next to him. “We were actually discussing something important. Whatever plan you came to talk about the three of us can discuss about it come Monday.”

Ignoring Sam, Robing pats him on the shoulder as he walks towards the family room, turning back and smiling “Whatever you say Sammy. You are in charge, at least for now.”

Sam and I are left standing there, looking at each other not knowing how to respond to him. “Come on. We should at least entertain him and see what he is up too.” Leading him into the family room after Robin.

Watching as Robin takes a seat on the sofa, feeling very much at home, he has this cheshire cat smile spread across his face.

“How is the happy couple?” He asks, looking at Sam then at me. “What? Trouble in paradise already?” Robin jokes.

“Like I said we will discuss our situation come Monday.” a frustrated Sam answers him.

“You told her already right?”

Sam hesitates to respond.

Realizing Sam and Robin had already discussed the hiring of the nanny thing before Sam even mentioned it to me.

“We were just talking about that before you made your surprised appearance.” Speaking up before Sam can say anything.

Sam’s hand fidgeting in mine, “Robin..”

“We were going to start looking for one together.” Cutting him off. Looking up at Sam with a glare that lets him know that I’m not exactly happy that he discussed this with Robin before me.

“Good.” Robin claps his hands together. “Now that that’s out of the way, the faster we can spin this story in our favor the better. As you know it doesn’t bode well for the other person who doesn’t come out with some sort of statement first in situations like this.”

“What are you doing?” Sam at last speaks up.

Ignoring Sam, Robin continues “Dalton Enterprises and Russo Industries can say no comment for so long, before the rumor mills start going again.”

“What are you doing?” Sam repeats himself. “I won’t ask again.”

“Me? or her?” Robin points at me. “We all know who she is doing.”

“Don’t you dare start with this shit again.” Sam angrily raising his voice.

“I kid, I kid. Learn to take a joke. At least I slept with someone with status, not the help.” Robin laughs.

Sam and I just stand there not doing or saying anything. Looking at Sam as he takes a deep breath trying to calm the anger that is building up and then at Robin, sitting there with ease enjoying that he is getting Sam riled up.

“Relax. Just another joke, god you guys are dull.” Robin gets up and stands a few feet away from us, straightening up. “You want to know why, Sam. Fine, I'll tell you. Don’t forget that I’m also up for the CEO position, in case you royally fucked up. And hate to break it to you but you royally fucked up.”

“As did you.” Sam answers.

Robin takes a step closer, “True, but something like that is not shocking coming from me. You should know that. And to show that I’m a team player, I’ll let you in on my plan before I go.” He grins at us.

“How kind of you.” I answer sarcastically.

“Well my dear Marie, when I take over and I will be taking over Dalton Enterprises. I still want it to be one of the best companies that is out there. It’s to my benefit to make sure we survive this. That way Sammy here can’t say I played dirty and took it from him.” Winking at us.

Sam reaches out and grips Robin by his arm “ You will never get this company, no matter how much you try. I’ll make sure of it.” Gritting through his teeth.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less Sam.” He responds pulling out of Sam’s grip. “Oh and good luck finding a new nanny.” Robin says as he walks away.

“Dad!? We’re getting a new nanny?” Mason and Mickey say in unison announcing their presence. Sam and I turn and see them standing by the doorway, wiping the sleep from their eyes.

“Are you leaving us again Marie?” Mickey ask with sadness in his voice.

“Of course not. I’m not going anywhere.” I try and comfort them both with my words. And at that moment I believed that I’d be in their lives forever.

“Oops.. sorry didn’t mean to be the one to break it you kiddos” Robin ruffles Mason’s hair as he makes his exit.

Leaving us with two boys standing there looking at us with tears building up in their eyes. Waiting for us to explain something we haven’t even started discussing.

#the nanny affair choices #choices tna #tna fanfic #the nanny affair book 2 #choices sam dalton #m!sam dalton #m!sam x mc #m!sam dalton x mc #masterlist #choices stories you play #pixelberry #the nanny affair fanfiction

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taylizmasterpost · 4 years

Text

Reconciliation and Late-Stage Tayliz (September 2014 - Present)

Despite not seeing each other for a while, Taylor and Liz clearly still hold a soft spot in each other’s hearts.

During the Secret Sessions for 1989 in Nashville, fans took pictures in Taylor’s home, and you can clearly see she has photos from Charleston displayed:

When it came time to mend the fences between Taylor and Liz, Claire Callaway was the one who ended up doing it:

2 October 2014 - Claire tweets a TBT to the Charleston trip. Liz responds to it:

That seems to get the ball rolling, because when Taylor drops Out of the Woods as a single, this happens:

14 October 2014 - Taylor and Liz tweet about how much they miss each other:

Then, when Taylor walks the runaway with Karlie at the VSFS, this happens:

Taylor is with Karlie at the time, and obviously nothing romantic is happening on Liz’s end either, because...

20 December 2014 - Liz gets engaged to Bryan Brown and has dinner with friends:

16 February 2015 - Liz tweets that Taylor is badass

8 April 2016 - Liz makes this gay post on Facebook that I’d like to think is a response to Style, since the MV had come out a few months before:

And Liz seems to have found a group of gay friends...

Although, that could just be a typo.

15 July 2015 - Liz posts on Facebook that “Thanks to some really talented friends, I got to record something beautiful today. Can’t wait to share this one.” The picture she attaches definitely looks like Taylor:

Liz also tweets this:

We do NOT know where Taylor was that day. However, she performed in DC on the 1989 tour on the 14th and was papped in NYC on the 16th so it’s not impossible she was in Nashville working on something with Liz. Unfortunately, whatever they worked on has yet to surface (unless you subscribe to the theory that Liz is WB...)

3 August 2015 - Shawn Brooks releases a song called Matter of Time that was written sometime in 2014 by Liz.

Notable lyrics include:

She’s got me lovestruck, crazy Going out of my mind She’s got me lovestruck, crazy But sooner or later, she’s gonna be mine It’s just a matter of time

Don’t know what this means for Liz or TayLiz, since Liz has been with Bryan since early 2013 at the latest, but this is very gay and fun.

27 August 2015 - Thirst tweet:

31 August 2015 - Liz calls Taylor sexy in response to the Wildest Dreams MV:

15 October 2015 - Liz tweets about Better Than Revenge:

28 October 2015 - Liz quote tweets Taylor about OOTW acoustic:

11 November 2015 - Liz responds to Caitlin’s tweet tagging Taylor about nostalgia:

9 December 2015 - Liz congratulates Taylor on her Grammy noms:

13 December 2015 - Taylor’s birthday. Liz wishes her HBD:

29 January 2016 - Liz says her favorite song from 1989 is This Love:

15 February 2016 - Liz and Taylor both attend UMG’s Grammys afterparty at the Ace Hotel Theater :

26 February 2016 - Liz posts a TBT to Charleston:

16 April 2016 - Liz and Taylor both attend Coachella:

6 May 2016 - Liz tweets about This Love:

10 May 2016 - Liz possibly writes STFU and Hold Me (likely about Bryan, since he’s out on tour with the woman he’s going to leave Liz for, signaling to me that their relationship is on the fritz):

4 August 2016 - Liz posts a throwback to the Vogue photoshoot at the Bowery.

3 September 2016 - Liz and Bryan’s last interaction on Twitter:

(Bryan had been on tour with Jillian -- who he’d later marry -- and tweeting at her all summer, much more than he’d been tweeting with Liz). It’s important to note the way their relationship ended for when we start studying who Liz’s songs are about.

26 November 2016 - Liz tweets about Clean, possibly signaling her and Bryan have broken up by this point:

13 December 2016 - Liz wishes Taylor happy birthday with a post about Charleston (captions vary based on site). This also signals to me that her and Bryan are over, since she’s reminiscing on Taylor picking her up off the ground after her breakup with Jason:

11 July 2017 - Liz tells a fan that You Are In Love and All Too Well are her favorite songs from 1989 and Red (guess her favorite song is no longer This Love…):

11 August 2017 - Liz releases STFU and Hold Me:

youtube

This MV has a LOT of parallels to the IKYWT video. The lyrics talk about “staring with a bang” (”took off faster than a green light go”?), and reckless abandon (”this path is reckless”). MV parallels are as follows (thank you @mercuryonparklane for all the help finding this):

(notice the key necklace?)

So, either Liz is lowkey ripping off Taylor’s work or she’s trying to signal that she was the muse for IKYWT. However, considering Liz is deliberately trying to keep her image separate from Taylor, it doesn’t make any sense that she would try and rip her off. Of course, it could just be a big coincidence...

30 September 2017 - In an interview with The Young Folks, Liz says that STFU and Hold Me is about “getting to that point in a relationship where you’re sick of going around and around talking about the same issue with your partner and it’s time to wave the white flag,” Huett says. “We’ve all been there.”

Of the lyrics “I’m coming from a line of problems / I was born and I became a product” Liz says “I’m not exactly the most polished person. I’d rather be real than perfect and sometimes that means I say things that make people uncomfortable or act out in relationships and test limits, etc… I’m an honest mess but I believe I can and should be loved in light of that. :)”

I still think this song was written about the end of her relationship with Bryan, but it’s still interesting to see how Liz describes herself in relationships.

27 October 2017 - Liz releases H8U

youtube

This is another song that I think was written about Bryan. The lyrics reference taking another woman to a Tom Petty concert (Liz LOVES Tom Petty) and generally moving on quickly with another woman, which seems apt for the Bryan/Jillian situation going on.

HOWEVER, the lyrics also reference “our first date two years ago,” which doesn’t make any sense, since Liz and Bryan didn’t break up until 2016 and were together since early 2013. So it could maybe be lyrically about Taylor.

I do think the MV makes a deliberate Taylor reference, though, with the interrupting the wedding scene. Taylor famously had Liz dress as the Bridezilla on the Speak Now album art:

And, at the end of the H8U MV, Liz DOES kiss the blonde bride on the mouth after interrupting her wedding... which is... INTERESTING (especially since Liz is dressed in full RED the whole MV):

I don’t think it’s a stretch to presume Liz could’ve reversed their roles here. IDK.

9 November 2017 - Liz makes her “H8U, love these” playlist on Spotify, which features All Too Well.

1 November 2017 - Liz obsesses over Reputation:

15 November 2017 - Taylor posts an IG story with photos of her Liz and Caitlin in Australia in the background:

13 December 2017 - Liz wishes Taylor happy birthday:

20 December 2017 - In a now deleted tweet Liz obsesses over New Year’s Day

6 April 2018 - Liz releases Don’t LV U Anymore. Here are some interesting lyrics:

I don't steal your chapstick anymore / Don't wake up to your kiss anymore / And I don't have a washer and dryer full of guitar picks anymore / 'Cause you don't come over to my place anymore / Don't flirt with my roommate anymore / And I don't run to your friends / To get them on my side when we fight anymore / And I never say it / I keep it inside / But maybe I'm wasted / Or maybe it's time to get this off my chest, babe / ... / I don't love you anymore / But I don't love you any less / I don't play you my songs anymore / To see if they're good anymore / You don't tell me your secrets / 'Cause you don't know if I keep them to myself anymore / I don't go to church anymore / Don't know what to believe anymore / And I don't remember the beat of your heart / The smell of your car anymore / ... / Two years and counting / Still got all this weight on my chest / Two years and counting / And I can't remember what I can't forget

Based on the “two years and counting” line, as well as the line about a washer and dryer of guitar picks, I’m inclined to believe this is another song about Bryan.

However, it is a really similar sentiment to that Civil Wars song Liz posted back when her and Taylor first ended things, and the line about running to get friends on a side when fighting is very similar to the “you go talk to your friends, talk to my friends talk to me” in WANEGBT and the image in Battle/Let’s Go of all their friends standing around watching them fight. Could go either way.

9 April 2018 - Liz reposts a Facebook post announcing Dammit that implies it was written a while ago. But we already knew that.

19 May 2018 - Reputation in Pasadena. Liz attends. Surprise Song: All Too Well. Camila Cabello is the opening act.

27 May 2018 - Liz gives an interview at Bottlerock festival where she says that Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus is a song she used to get over someone (likely Bryan). She also says Havana was the song she last had stuck in her head -- probably because Camila performed it at Taylor’s show the previous week.

14 March 2019 - Liz makes a happy birthday post for Antoni (who’s dating her friend Trace):

27 April 2019 - Bryan and Jillian get married:

3 May 2019 - Liz releases Nothing Personal:

youtube

This feels like DIRECT BRYAN SHADE, since she released it right after his wedding. However, you definitely could also read it as being about being let go from The Agency.

Early May 2019 - Taylor shoots YNTCD. Her and Antoni bond over their love of The National (keep in mind Taylor would end up asking a member of the National to work on exile with her):

17 June 2019 - Liz likes Taylor’s post announcing YNTCD is out:

26 June 2019 - Liz posts on IG a video of unreleased song “One of These Days” with the caption “i’m emo” Lyrics:

One of these days I’ll rise above the blue / One of these days when I get sober too / I’ll be flying high you know / Gonna say I told you so / One of these days I’ll rise above the blue / The stars will align / My heart will come back to life / I won’t have to cry anymore / Someday soon, when I / When I get over you / One of these nights I’m gonna get some sleep / One of these nights you won’t be in my dreams / I will lay this love to rest / I will miss you in this bed / One of these nights I’m gonna get some sleep / The stars will align / My heart will come back to life / I won't have to cry anymore / Someday soon, someday / When I get over you

More evidence that Liz does, indeed, struggle with the things that Reddit post suggested.

14 August 2019 - Liz posts on IG a video of an unreleased song called “I Wanted It to Be You” with the caption “I really did” and a red rose emoji. Lyrics:

I’ll find someone else to take your place / In no time at all I’ll be okay / So you don’t have to say it babe / We don’t have to cry / ‘Cause I know you got shit to do / And baby so do I / I’ll find someone else to take your place, hey / I wanted it to be you I’m closing down the bar with / I wanted it to be you I’m fighting in the car with / Who I could push away / Come back and beg to stay / Ooh, I wanted it, I wanted it, I wanted it / I wanted it to be you

Likely for Bryan BUT maybe a red rose grew up out of frozen ground with no one around to tweet it (lol I’m joking the lakes is very likely not about Liz).

22 August 2019 - Taylor releases the Lover MV, featuring the “breakable heaven” board game:

In the bottom left corner, you can spot a blue 0527. May 27th is Liz’s birthday. What does this mean? I don’t know. I absolutely do not know, but whatever it is is driving me INSANE.

28 August 2019 - Liz posts on Twitter a screenshot of her listening to Cornelia Street:

16 October 2019 - Liz comments on a fan’s video of Taylor performing at the NPR Tiny Desk concert saying “she cute”:

19 November 2019 - Liz says on IG that her favorite songs from Lover are The Archer and Cornelia Street:

22 November 2019 - Liz releases That’s What You Get. This is the one late-stage Liz song that I FULLY BELIEVE is about TayLiz due to a few very specific lyric parallels:

“That’s what you get when you recklessly fall in love” >> “This path is reckless” from Treacherous

“That’s what you get for keeping your armor up” >> “You come around and the armor falls” from State of Grace >> “I would put my armor down if you said you’d rather love than fight” from Story of Us.

“And all your friends are lining up to hate me” >> “You go talk to your friends talk to my friends talk to me” from WANEGBT >> “First shot’s fired everybody’s gathered around” from Battle >> “I can't run to your friends anymore / To get them on my side when we fight anymore” from Don’t LV U Anymore.

It also, just from an outside perspective, doesn’t make any sense for Liz to write a breakup song about Bryan blaming herself when it seems very clear to me that they broke up because Bryan wanted to be with Jillian instead. That’s not her fault. So either this is about another breakup (I’d guess Taylor, based on the lyric parallels), or she’s just very very self-loathing and won’t let herself think it’s Bryan’s fault (which both H8U and Nothing Personal don’t suggest to me).

25 November 2016 - Liz posts a video on her IG story about Taylor at the VMAs.

6 December 2019 - Liz talks about That’s What You get with Earmilk and gives an interesting quote:

Huett explains, “This song is about facing myself after a brutal season of running from it... I made a self-destructive choice that hurt someone I really value. The angle of the chorus is really sort of a letter to me after that first long look in the mirror. It SUCKED. However, in owning my shit (and sharing this song) my hope is that listeners might apply the sad lesson without having to learn the hard way, or, if they’ve ever found themselves in the regretful position I was once in, I hope this song can at least make them feel less alone."

This is SO DIFFERENT fro mhow her relationship with Bryan ended, but matches up so well with Liz getting help and owning her shit after spiraling in 2012.

24 July 2020 - Folklore drops. Two of the songs are written by the mysterious William Bowery. One of those songs is Betty -- a popular nickname for Elizabeth. Liz tweets at Taylor about the 1 because all of Taylor’s exes wanna think that song is about them.

So, IN CONCLUSION: Liz got help and worked through her shit and they’re on good terms now. They were possibly working on something together in 2015, although that never saw the light of day as far as we know. Liz seems to maybe be referencing Taylor in her music and MVs, but there’s no way to know for sure. Better Than Revenge on the Speak Now Tour was an iconic moment of sapphic energy, and maybe, just maybe, when Taylor re-records her masters, Liz will sing backup for her again.

Thanks for reading!

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atlafan · 5 years

Text

Take it Slow - Part Seven

a/n: okay this is my first shot at a harry:y/n fic, and it will be multiple parts. y/n had a bad experience with an ex over a year ago, and finally accepts her coworker and good friend Niall’s invitation to go on a blind date with his friend Harry.

(Dialogue heavy part. Also, I plan to make a masterpost with a link in my description so all the parts are easy to find in one place, and I can keep adding to it.)

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six

Harry spent most of the day with you Sunday, and went back to his place a little before dinner time. You woke up early Monday so you could get your workout in at home, and showered. Feeling fresh, you were thankful you had plenty of slacks to wear for the week. You hated wearing skirts or dresses on your period. You couldn’t wait to see Niall to ask him about Sarah.

You stop at the coffee shop and grab yours and Niall’s coffees. You get up to your office, and go right to his. He’s just settling in, and smiles at you.

“Hey there, lady killer.” You said handing him his coffee.

“Shh.” He looks around and closes his door. “Did she tell you anything?”

“She said she had a great time with you. Have you texted or called?”

“We’ve texted. I could kill you for not setting me up sooner.”

“I could say the same thing to you about Harry.”

“Fine, we’re even.”

“Besides, she was in between guys, I didn’t even know she was available. She raved about you, so I hope you guys see where it goes.”

“I’m hoping to see her Tuesday after work for a movie.”

“Oh, nice.” You smile at your friend. “You know if it goes well, the four of us could go on double dates, how much fun would that be?”

“Not so much.” Your face falls.

“Why not? I feel like we never hang out anymore.”

“Well, you’ve been busy, which is perfectly fine. And, I don’t really like double dates with Harry. I feel like I have to compete with him or something.” He shrugs, sipping his coffee.

“Compete with what?”

“I don’t know, everyone finds him so charming.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter now. Sarah may decide the only thing she likes about you is your tongue.” You tease. Niall nearly chokes on his hot drink.

“She, she told you?”

“Only a couple of details.” You lie, you didn’t want to embarrass him. “It was all good things though, she was very impressed.”

“I honestly have to thank Harry for help in that department.”

“So I’ve learned.” You say blushing.

“Hold on a second.” He sits down next to you in the chairs across from desk. “Did you two get a little frisky this weekend?”

“Maybe a little.” You play with the top of your coffee lid.

“How do you feel?”

“Safe.” You lock eyes with him. “I only let him do…that. I didn’t let him use his hands or anything.”

“What made you want to do it?”

“Honestly, I was curious.” You shrug. “And I was just feeling really close to him. He, um, asked me to be his girlfriend.” Niall jumps up with a huge smile on his face.

“That just made my whole morning!”

“You don’t think it’s too soon to be official?”

“Not at all, in fact, Harry hasn’t had an actual girlfriend in like two years. He really does like you, (y/n).” You can’t help but giggle at his praise. “You haven’t changed your relationship status.” He says checking Facebook.

“I honestly hadn’t thought of it since he doesn’t have a Facebook.” You say getting up. “I’ll ask him if he minds if I change it.”

“Why would he mind?”

“I don’t know, then it’ll like really be official. Everyone will know I’m seeing someone. I don’t know if I’m ready for my parents and siblings to be up my ass.”

“Fair point. Okay, I’ll tell you what, things go well with Sarah, and all four of us can hang out some time.”

“I would love that.”

You go to your office, and get some work done. Lunch rolls around quick. Before you can go meet Niall you see a name on your phone. It’s Kate.

“Hello?”

“Hey, (y/n).”

“Um, what’s up?”

“Nothing, just saw the pictures Rachel posted of the three of you. Thanks for the invite.”

“You wouldn’t have come anyways.”

“So, it’s still nice to be included.”

“Well, I wasn’t the one who made the plans, so take it up with them.”

“You’re my best friend, you should’ve texted me.”

“Kate, I’m at work.”

“You’re on your lunch break.” There’s an awkward pause. “Why didn’t you tell me you were seeing someone new?”

“Because it’s still really new.”

“Still, I hate hearing things from other people about you.”

“Who told you?”

“Rachel. She said some guy showed up to the club, and his friend took Sarah home or something. Apparently he’s super-hot.”

“You’ve met Niall before. Remember? He came with me to your wedding?”

“No, I mean the guy you brought.”

“His name is Harry.”

“Harry what?”

“Don’t bother looking him up, he doesn’t have a Facebook, and his Instagram doesn’t have any pictures of him.”

“Great, so you’re seeing a serial killer.”

“You could be happy for me. He’s really into me.”

“I just think you need to be more cautious.”

“I am. We haven’t done anything…serious.”

“Define serious.”

“I don’t owe you any explanations.” Usually, you and your friends were very open about sex, but lately it was hard to talk to Kate about these things.

“(y/n), you were practically ra-“ You cut her off before she could finish the word.

“Stop it! Harry is nothing like Jake!” Niall walks into your office horrified. You wave him in, and put your finger up to signal you’re almost done. “Kate, I’m not doing this with you right now.”

“Fine. Look, Kevin and I are spending the weekend in the city, and we were wondering if you’d wanna hang out. Maybe the four of us can do a double date.”

“You know, it would be nice if just us girls could get together. You never come here alone.”

“You know how Kev is.”

“Possessive, controlling.”

“Enough. Do you want to see each other or not?”

“Of course I do. I’ll see what Harry’s up to. When did you want to get together?”

“Friday night? Dinner at our spot?”

“Alright, I’ll text you later, I need to go eat.” You hang up in a huff and nearly throw your phone across the room, but you stop yourself. You look at Niall.

“Was that Kate?”

“Yeah! God, she is so fucking infuriating. She has no problem making me feel bad about my past, but the second I call her out on something.” You try to steady tour breathing. “And now I have to see her this weekend.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I miss her, Niall. She used to be so much fun.”

“Well, if you bring Harry, just be prepared, he’s not going to let someone speak to you like that.”

“Great, dinner and a show.”

You show up to Harry’s after the gym. You drive there sort of on autopilot. You let him know you’re outside, and he buzzes you in. You have an open sweatshirt on over a sports bra. Your hair is up in a messy bun, and you’re wearing cropped leggings. You only went to lift weights since you got your cardio in this morning.

“This is a nice surprise.” He says kissing you on the cheek. He makes you stand in front of him to get a good look at you. “Sexy outfit.” Your cheeks flush. “Want something to eat? I was just making dinner.”

“I don’t want to impose, love.”

“S’not an imposition.” He smiles. “ I always make extra.” You walk over to the stove to see what he’s making. “Nothing special, just roasted chickpeas to top my salad.”

“It smells delicious. I’ll have a little.”

“Good, go sit.” He makes a plate for you, and sits down at the table with you. “So, what do I owe this honor on a school night?” You giggle.

“Well, I got a call from my friend Kate today.”

“The one you miss who’s married?”

“Correct.” He nods. “Her and Kevin, her husband, are coming into town this weekend, and she wanted to know if we’d have dinner with them.”

“We huh?”

“Mhm.”

“I didn’t even have a chance to tell her about you. Rachel told her I was seeing someone.”

“What night?”

“Friday.” He takes out his phone and checks his calendar. “Um, yeah that works. I have to work late that night, so if they’re okay with an eight o’clock dinner…”

“That would work well I think. I’m sure they’ll hit traffic. The place we’re going is kind of swanky, so you may want to bring a change of dress clothes with you to work.”

“Alright.”

“Is this okay with you? If you don’t feel comfortable-“ He puts a hand over yours.

“I would love nothing more than to meet more of your friends. Plus, she seems important to you.” He shrugs.

“I have another question?”

“Shoot.”

“So, we’re together.”

“Correct.”

“And typically, when two people make things official, it’s customary for them to change their status online, to let others know they are no longer available.”

“Are you asking me if it’s okay to change your Facebook status?” You smile nervously and he starts laughing. “Go ahead, baby. I mean, s’not like you can tag me in it, so it’ll just say you’re in a relationship.”

“I know, it seems silly. But now that Kate knows, and Sarah and Rachel…I mean, god I haven’t even told my mom.” He furrows his eyebrows at you.

“So wait to change then.” He takes his phone out. He goes into Instagram, and you get a ping on your phone. “style2294 has requested to follow you?” You smile at him.

“That’s my private Instagram. Told ya it wasn’t really under my name.”

“Very cryptic that you left it as style and not styles. Is that your birthday?” You ask, accepting the request, and follow him back. He accepts.

“Yup.”

“That’s around my half birthday.”

“Wait, don’t tell me.” He thinks for a moment. “August?”

“Bingo.”

“What’s the date?”

“The fourth, ’95.”

“So you like just turned twenty-four only a couple months ago. You young thing.” He teases.

“Oh stop, you’re literally a year and half older than me.” You go to scroll through his pictures, but he stops you.

“Wait to do that until we’re not together, please, some of those pictures are old, and embarrassing.”

“Alright.” You stop to think about your own photos. “I have some embarrassing ones too.”

“I’ll bet.”

“So, Friday, you’re sure?”

“Positive.” He takes both of your empty plates and places them in the sink. “Now then, come here so I can kiss ya.”

You go over to him, and he holds you in his arms, and kisses your cheecks, nose, forehead, and jawline. His hands move down to your bum, and you jump back with a squeak.

“Still got my period.” He gives you a funny look.

“So that means I can’t squeeze that glorious-“ You put your hand over his mouth.

“Please, I’m begging, don’t finish that sentence.” You say looking up at him with big eyes. He smirks at you. “What?”

“Lil horny are we?”

“Harry!”

“You are, aren’t you?”

“It’s not funny!”

“I’m not laughing!”

“Your smile says it all.” You cross your arms over your tender breasts. “It’s the hormones.”

“Sure it is. How were your cramps today?”

“Much better. What you saw yesterday was an anomaly.” You look down at your watch. “I should probably head home now.”

“I’m going to be really busy this week. With the weather still nice, and the leaves just turning, I’ve racked up some freelance stuff. I don’t want you to think I’m ignorin’ ya or anything.” You give me a hug and rest your head on his chest.

“Thank you for letting me know.” You kiss him on the cheek. As you’re about to break the hug he pulls you in, and kisses you on the mouth.

“Didn’t think I’d let ya leave with just a peck on the cheek?”

“What was I thinking?” You kiss him again. “Thanks for dinner.” You say on your way out.

Your period ends Thursday, thank god. Kate texts you saying that eight is perfectly fine for dinner Friday. You and Niall find yourself chatting before you leave for work Friday.

“You never told me how the movie with Sarah went.”

“We never made it to the movie.” He winks at you.

“You dirty dog.” You tease.

“So, tonight is your big double date?”

“Yup, I gotta go home and change.”

“Where are you guys going again? That Italian place?”

“Yeah, it’s really nice. Kate and I used to save up our money once a month to go there when we were in college.”

“Well, I hope it all goes smoothly. I know Harry will be there, but if you need anything, I’m there for you.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that. I’m seeing Sarah and Rachel with Kate and Kevin tomorrow.”

“Yeah, Sarah told me. I’m seeing her tonight.”

“Dirty, dirty dog.”

You go home, and freshen up. You pull out a red dress. It has a high neckline, but hugs tight around your thighs, accentuating your bum. You know Harry will love it, and Kate won’t be able to say anything because your chest is covered. The back is open, so you opt to not wear a bra. Instead you just tape yourself up. The material is thick enough that you can’t see your piercings through it. You curl your hair and brush it out to create your waves. You put on some red strappy heels, and uber to the restaurant. You want to be able to leave with Harry in his car later.

Kate and Kevin are standing in the lobby of the restaurant, it’s ten of eight. You two smile at each other and take each other in for a big hug. You give Kevin a much smaller embrace.

“You look amazing!” Kate beams at you. “That gym membership is doing wonders for you.”

“The best part is my company pays for it. I think laying off the meat has helped too. I mostly am forced to eat fruit and veggies.” You hear Kevin scoff.

“I still can’t believe you’re a vegetarian. It’s like you crossed over to the darkside.” You flip him off, and he rolls his eyes.

“Harry’s a vegan, and I don’t want you making fun of him.”

“What the hell is he supposed to eat here then?”

“He’ll get some gluten free pasta and a salad or something.” You shrug.

“Where is he anyways?” Kate asks.

“It’s only eight now. He said he might run late, he had a really busy work week.”

“What does he do?” Kevin asks.

“He’s a photographer, a highly sought after one at that.” The two look at each other. “He works for a magazine, and does some freelancing on the side.” You take your phone out to show them his professional Instagram.

“Wow, these are actually really good.” Kate says.

“Don’t sound so surprised. Niall wouldn’t have set me up with some idiot.”

“Oh, you two met on a blind date?” Kevin asks. “Kate didn’t tell me the story.”

“That’s because she didn’t tell me the story.”

“Well, you can both hear it soon, when he gets here.”

“I hope it is soon, I don’t want them to give our table up.” Kate says harshly.

You feel a gust of wind, and turn around. Suddenly everything feels like slow motion. Harry walks in with damp hair, accentuating his natural curls. He’s wearing a light blue suit and a white dress shirt. He has brown dress shoes on. He looks heavenly.

“That’s him.” You say to Kate before walking over to greet him. He takes you in his arms, and kisses the top of your head.

“So sorry I’m wait, love, I had to have a shower. I was rolling in dirt all day.” He looks over at Kate and Kevin whose mouths are hanging open. “Hi, I’m Harry.” He sticks his hand out and they each take a turn shaking it. They both furrow their brows at his nails. He must have gotten them done this week because they were now a pastel pink and blue. His forefinger and middle finger were both pink on one hand and the rest blue. The opposite hand had the same, but opposite. He notices them notice. “Right, shall we?”

You all go to the hostess, and she seats you. Harry pulls your chair out for you, and helps you in. He takes his suit jacket off, and puts it over the chair. Kevin and Kate just sit down. You put your hand on Harry’s leg and give him a gentle squeeze.

“It’s great to meet you, Harry.” Kate finally says.

“Likewise.” A waiter comes over before anything else can be said.

“Hi folks, I’m Matt, and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I start you all off with a drink?”

“Vodka tonic for me please.” You say.

“Lime?”

“Yes, please.”

“I’ll have a glass of pinot noir.” Kate says. You frown for a second. She’s drinking, which means she’s still not pregnant.

“I’ll have a corona.” Kevin says.

“I’ll, um, have a gin and tonic.” Harry says.

“Perfect, be back with those in a few.”

Harry squints at the menu trying to see what he can actually eat. Another server brings over some bread and butter, and fills the water glasses. Harry leans into you.

“You look lovely, by the way.” You giggle.

“Thank you.”

“What are you going to eat?”

“Not sure yet. Maybe some ravioli?”

“So, Harry, (y/n), tells us you’re a vegan?” Kevin asks.

“Um, yeah.”

“If we had known we could have gone somewhere else.” Kate says, trying to make you look bad.

“It’s really no problem. There’s actually a lot I can have. They have zucchini noodles it seems. I’ll probably have that.”

“Don’t you feel hungry all the time without the protein?” Kevin asks.

“Not really, I eat a lot of nuts and beans.”

The waiter comes over with the drinks. He notices Harry’s nails.

“Oh, sir, I don’t mean to sound weird, but I love your nails.”

“Oh, thanks mate.” Harry smiles up at the young boy.

“So, um, did we have a chance to look over the menu?” Everyone nods. “Great, miss?” He nods to you.

“Can I please have the cheese ravioli, and can I have a side of whatever today’s vegetable is?”

“Of course. Sir?”

“I’ll have these zoodles with the roasted vegetables on top. No sauce, please.”

Kevin orders steak tips of course, which nearly makes you gag. Kate orders the raviolis as well. The two of them dig into the bread, and you also have a piece.

“Since the waiter brought it up, can I ask why you paint your nails?” Kevin asks. You want to kick him under the table, but glare at him instead.

“Just something I do for fun.” Harry shrugs. “I’m sure as an oral surgeon, you’re probably not allowed to have yours painted.”

“Even if I could, I wouldn’t. It’s a little girly.”

“Kevin.” You say, warning.

“S’alright.” Harry says. “I know it looks a little weird. But, I don’t necessarily think it’s girly. I like having clean nails. Why should women be the only people allowed to have a manicure?” He sips his drink.

“You can get a manicure without getting your nails painted.” Kate interjects.

“What’s the fun in that?” Kate looks down at his hands.

“The rings are nice.” She says.

“Thanks.”

“Is that an anchor on your wrist?” Kevin asks.

“Yup.” Harry rolls his sleeve a bit so they can better see it. “Can’t remember when exactly I got it, but it was a while ago.” Kate sees the cross on his hand.

“(y/n) is Jewish, you know?” Harry raises an eyebrow at her, then looks at you. “We all are, that’s how we became friends at school.”

“I didn’t know that.” He says looking at you, and smiles. “Guess the mezuzah in your front hall makes more sense now.”

“You didn’t tell him?”

“It didn’t come up, Kate.”

“Alright, so, how exactly did you two meet?” Kevin interjects.

“We have a mutual friend that set us up.” Harry rests a hand on your thigh.

“Niall, right?” Kate asks. “He came to our wedding with (y/n).”

“Yup, Niall. He and I were mates in school, and he works with (y/n), obviously.”

“What did you do for a first date?” Kevin asks.

“We went to dinner at that tapas place.” You say, smiling at the memory. “And then after that we just kept seeing each other.” You lean close to him.

The food runner brings all of your plates over. You stare at the steak tips. They smell heavenly, but as soon as you see the juices drip down Kevin’s knife, you find yourself standing up.

“You alright?” Harry asks, slightly standing.

“Yeah, just, um, excuse me, I need to use the ladies room.”

“I’ll go with you.” Kate says standing up.

You two rush to the bathroom, and you splash a little cold water on your face.

“What’s wrong?” She rubs your now clammy back.

“Nothing, I thought I was going to puke. He had to order steak tips?”

“I thought you weren’t an ethical vegetarian.”

“I’m not, Kate, but jesus, I can’t help being absolutely disgusted.”

“Is this because Jake ate steak on your first date? Is it triggering?”

“No! You mentioning his fucking name is triggering.” You turn to face her. “You both could also stop grilling Harry so much. He’s really sweet and you both are judging him. Nail polish on men is becoming more and more popular, it’s really not that fucking weird.” She sighs.

“You’re right, we’ve been rude. I’ll settle down a little. Just please come back and try not to look at his food.”

While you both are in the bathroom, Harry and Kevin wait to eat.

“I hope she’s alright.” Harry keeps his eyes locked on the direction you ran in.

“She’s fine. So, how long have you two been seeing each other?”

“It’s been a month this weekend, actually.”

“I think that’s the longest she’s ever seen someone.” He laughs. “She was pretty wild in college.”

“Who wasn’t?” Harry shrugs off the statement, taking a sip of his drink. He sighs in relief when he sees you walking back to the table, and stands up. Kevin stays seated. “Alright?” He says sitting back down as you do.

“Yeah, just needed to powder my nose.” You keep your eyes locked on your food. Everyone digs in to their own.

“(y/n), I was thinking we could all go back to your place tonight after dinner.” Kate says. “That way we can keep getting to know each other.” She says with a smile.

“Um, sure, we could do that.” You look up at Harry who is giving Kate a funny look. “Does that work for you?”

“Sure does.” He smiles at you.

The waiter comes over and asks if anyone wants dessert, you all say no, and he leaves the check. Harry and Kevin reach for it at the same time.

“Your money’s no good here.” Kevin says. “We asked you both here.” You guess all men have this rule.

“I insist, at least let me split it with you.”

“Sure, we can split it.” They each put their credit cards in, and the wait come by and grabs it. He brings it back in no time, they both sign the slips. Harry leaves some extra cash on the table.

“Where’d you park, love?” He asks putting his jacket on.

“Oh, I didn’t drive here, I took an uber. I figured I’d just leave with you.” You shrug. He smiles and kisses you on the cheek. “Right, so we’ll just meet you guys at her place?”

“Sounds good, see you soon.” Kate says.

You and Harry don’t say much on the car ride to your place. Once you’re inside, you quickly tidy up. He sighs.

“What?” You ask, as you run around.

“Kinda rude to invite herself here, don’t you think?”

“That’s Kate.” You pull up a playlist on your Spotify, and connect it to your Bluetooth. “It’s a late 2000s playlist, should help lighten the mood.” You say, taking your heels off. “They won’t stay long anyways.”

“Kevin is, interesting.”

“He used to be more fun too.”

“He mentioned you used to be wild.” Harry puts his hands on your waist. His touch burns into you. “This is a really nice dress.”

“Thank you, and he’s just talking smack. I did used to party probably a little too much. But who doesn’t when they’re in college?”

“That’s what I said.” The buzzer goes off, and you buzz them in.

“Harry, could you open that bottle of wine for me please?” You ask pointing to the one in the kitchen, as you go to open the door.

“I love what you’ve done with the place.” Kate beams at you. “You really should be an interior decorator.”

“Oh stop, you know my Nannie picked everything out.”

“Nannie?” Harry asks.

“My grandmother, I call her Nannie.” You say giving him a peck on the cheek. “You guys want some wine?” You take out four glasses.

“Yes, please.” Kate says. You pour the wine into the glasses.

Kate and Kevin sit on the couch. Harry sits in the large chair adjacent to the couch, and you sit on the arm rest of the chair. He takes his arm, and moves you to sit on his lap. You giggle, and make yourself comfortable.

“So, how did you all meet?” Harry asks.

“Oh god, well (y/n) and I met at an activities fair. We both were looking for a film club.” Kate says. “I think you and Rachel were roommates freshman year right?”

“Yup. Then we met Sarah at that Jewish students meeting, that school had a club for everything. You and I roomed together sophomore year.”

“Awe that was such a good year. Then the four of us lived together our last two years. We met Kev our junior year.”

“And when did you two start dating?”

“Mid-way through our senior year.” She squeezes his hand. Kevin smiles at Kate.

“Yup, and then I stole her away.”

“That’s an understatement.” You say, sipping your wine.

“Excuse me?” Kevin says.

“Nothing, we just barely saw Kate after. You two stopped hanging out with us.” You shrug.

“We were busy.” Kevin says with a smirk.

“Kev, please, don’t flatter yourself.” Kate says, teasing. “You know we had a lot of classes together second semester, we were studying together a lot.”

“You practically moved out of our apartment.” Harry taps his hand on your thigh to the beat of the song playing, and you lean back further into him.

“I’m surprised you didn’t notice, with how little you slept there.” You shoot daggers at her. “And at least I was staying with the same person every night, not just throwing it around for anyone who would take it.” She takes a large sip of her wine.

“That’s because you got all of that out of your system your freshman year, remember?”

“I do remember, I remember you saying how jealous you were of me.”

“Little did I know there wasn’t much to be jealous of. You’re still bitter that Eric stopped seeing you because he wanted to see me.” You take an even bigger sip of your wine.

“Really? You’re bringing up Eric?”

“You started it.”

“Well, at least I never got an STD!” You stand up and so does Kate. The guys just look at the two of you.

“Kate! For the last time, I did not get scabies from sleeping with someone!”

“Oh no? Then you how else do you get scabies?”

“I don’t know, but I didn’t sleep with any dirty guys.”

“Are you sure? Sophomore year you fucked anything with a dick! And you wanna know why we stopped hanging out with the three of you that last year? I told Kev how you felt about him, and he didn’t want to be around you anymore.”

“How I felt about him?” You point at Kevin. “I didn’t have feelings for Kevin, fuck Kevin.”

“Yes you did, you told Sarah that you wanted to fuck him, and you knew I liked him!”

“Well good fucking thing you married him, Kate! And I never told Sarah that, I never wanted to fuck your fucking boyfriend.”

“Then why would she have told me you did?”

“She was probably talking about Kevin from the track team. Did she tell you when she was drunk? She probably got confused. And just like always, instead of you just talking to me about an issue, you let it blow up for no fucking reason.”

“What do you mean like always?”

“You always make mountains out of mole hills, and you always think you know better than everyone else. Guess what, just because you’re married doesn’t make you any better than me.”

“There it is, you’re jealous that I’m living the life that you want.”

“What is there to be jealous of? You never have any fun, Kevin never fucking lets you go out!”

“Stop it.”

“You’re afraid of him, right? You’re afraid he’ll leave you? Personally, I think you could’ve done a lot better than him, but you needed the security right? You’re lonely, and you get mad at us for actually having lives. I didn’t tell you to run off with him, and buy a big fucking house. No one had a gun to your head, you made your choices.”

“Would you shut up!? You’re making me sound like I’m this idiot that can’t make a life for myself. Kevin and I love each other, and you’re just jealous of that because you can’t stand to see a married couple happy.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“Ever since your parents separated you haven’t been able to stand the thought of marriage! I think you’re mad at yourself, you’re a slut, just like your mom!” You’re about to raise your hand to Kate, but Harry grabs your wrist.

“Alright”, he turns the music off. “I think that’s about enough of that.”

“Who are you?” She says to him.

“Kate, he’s right, you went too far.” Kevin says standing up.

“I won’t sit here and listen to you talk to my girlfriend like that.”

“Girlfriend? You two just started seeing each other!” She looks at you. “You said you were going to take it slow this time.”

“I did, we are!”

“Then how is he already your boyfriend, Jesus Christ, you are so fucking stupid! You trust people way too easily.” She shakes her head at you. Your blood is boiling, and you go to lunge at her, but Harry wraps his arms around you and holds you back. “Go ahead, let her hit me, it’s what she wants.”

“I think it’s time for you both to leave.” Harry says, still holding onto your shaking body. You steady your breathing, and tap his hands.

“You know something Kate, I know what you’re really mad about.” You smirk.

“What’s that?”

“You’re not actually angry with me, you’re angry at the fact that you married a guy that hasn’t been able to make you orgasm since you met.”

“Woah, what?” Kevin interjects. Kate’s mouth falls open.

“Speechless? That’s a first.”

You don’t register what’s happening until you feel Kate’s hand connect with your cheek. Harry steps in front of you.

“You need to get the fuck out now.” He says to her with dark eyes. You’re holding you’re stinging cheek.

“Have fun with your fru fru boyfriend, and his photos and his painted nails. Let’s see how long this one lasts.”

You don’t say anything, Harry follows them out. He comes back to you, tears streaming down your cheeks. You can barely breathe, your mascara starts to sting your eyes, and you can feel your cheek swelling. Harry crosses the room, he goes to touch you, but you flinch away from him.

“I’m so sorry all that happened. I should have interjected sooner, but it just seemed like you two needed to get something out.”

“It’s not your fault.” You say with a crack in your voice. “She’s just a bitch, and I should have stopped talking to her a long fucking time ago.” You press your fingers slowly to your cheek. “Fuck.”

“Let me get you some ice, go sit on the couch.” You do as he says. He pulls some ice out of your freezer and puts it in a baggy, then wraps it in a towel. He sits next you, and lightly dabs your face.

“Thanks.” You sniffle.

“She’s not worth your tears, love.” He takes his thumb and wipes just under your good eye. You lean into his touch.

“Baby?”

“Mm?”

“Will you please take me to bed?” He smiles and nods.

He scoops you up in his arms, and carries you to your room. He gently sets you down on the bed. He goes over to your bureau, and pulls out a t-shirt and shorts for you.

“I’m just gonna go down to my car. I, uh, packed an overnight bag just in case.” You nod.

You go into the bathroom, and wash your face, your cheek is still sore, but it shouldn’t leave a mark. You didn’t want anyone thinking Harry hit you. You change, and grab your phone. You sit down at your desk, and you call Rachel, knowing Sarah is with Niall.

“Hey girl.” She says to you.

“Kate fucking slapped me.”

“What?!”

“That bitch fucking slapped me!” Harry walks into your room, and starts to change in front of you. You can’t help but watch while you talk to your friend.

“Why? What happened?”

“She started a fight with me…I know I added fuel the fire, but she called myself and my mom a whore, so I blurted out that Kevin can’t fuck her right, and she slapped me.”

“Jesus, and she did this in front of Harry?”

“Of course she did!”

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, it just stings a little, she slapped me with one of her rings on.”

“Well, you know how she likes it rough.” You and Rachel burst out laughing.

“Oh yeah, she a freak.” You stifle your laughter, as Harry gives you a very confused look. He looks heavenly in his grey sweat pants.

“So, I’m assuming we’re not all hanging out tomorrow?”

“I’m not seeing her again.”

“Alright, maybe Sarah and I could come by to see you then. You know Kate is going to twist this whole thing around. I’m glad you called to tell me first.”

“Me too. It’s sad how much she’s changed.”

“I think if she just left Kevin she would be so much happier. They’re not a good match.”

“We tried to tell her, Rach.”

“But mother knows best.” Rachel groans. “Is Harry still with you?”

“Mhm.”

“Alright, then go be with your man. I’ll text you tomorrow to see when we should come by. Probably in the afternoon. Sarah is with your friend again tonight.”

“Oh, I know. And sounds good, talk to you tomorrow.” You hang up the phone, and look at the man sitting at the edge of the bed.

“What was so funny?”

“Nothing, Rachel just reminded me of something that Kate likes.” You shrug. You stand up and walk over to him until you’re standing between his legs.

“Do you wanna just go to bed? I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

“Yeah, would you cuddle me?”

“Do you even need to ask?”

You both get cozy under the covers, and he spoons you nice and close to him. You wiggle your bum against him a couple of time, and he adjusts himself.

“If you keep moving against me like that, we’re going to have a problem.” He says into your ear. He starts laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, I just can’t believe she slapped you.” You start laughing with him.

“She’s an idiot.” He hugs you closer to him, and nestles in your hair. You both slowly drift off into sleep.

Early that morning, you hear your name being called by a familiar voice. Harry jolts awake and you look at each other.

“How many friends of yours have a key to this apartment?” He asks getting up.

“Too many.” You hide under the covers. “Make her go away.” He gets up, and leaves the room.

Kate looks much different from last night. She’s in sweats, her hair in a messy bun, and no makeup. She looks up at Harry. Her eyes are swollen and red, probably from crying. He crosses his arms when he looks back at her.

“I really don’t think she wants to see you.”

“I just need to talk with her privately. I need to apologize, I can’t lose her.”

“Seems like you lost her a long time ago.” She sighs and stands up. She starts to walk to toward your room, but he stands in her way.

“Move.”

“No.”

“You don’t get to decide who she speaks to.”

“You’re right, but she did ask me to make you leave. And you should probably leave that key on the counter on your way out.” Kate brushes past Harry, and she bursts into your room. She closes the door quickly behind him and she locks it.

“Harry!”

“She locked the door!” He yells. You get out of bed, and stand with your arms crossed.

“I have some explaining to do. I acted like a psycho last night.” You roll your eyes at her. “I suppose I was just taking all of my frustrations out on you.”

“Like you always do. I can’t be your punching bag.”

“I know that. I’m so sorry. Kevin and I stopped trying to get pregnant, and I haven’t wanted him to touch me. I may have lied about him not being okay with me coming to visit you guys.”

“What do you mean?” You both sit on the bed.

“Well, I made it all up. The truth was, it hurt to hang out. I was jealous of your lives. My parents pressured me into staying with him, and I stupidly listened. I love him, I do, but there’s no passion. Not like there was. We’re, um, going to separate for a while.” She chokes back a few tears. “I don’t expect you to feel bad for me, because honestly I deserve everything bad that has happened to me.”

“You don’t deserve to be unhappy, Kate.”

“Yes, I do. I’ve been having an affair for the last month. I told Kevin last night.”

“Oh my god, with who?”

“One of his colleagues.” She says looking down. “I was always attracted to him, and one night we met up and just fucked, all night. It was incredible. He, um, likes the same things that I do.” Her cheeks grow red.

“Where are you gonna go?”

“Kev’s gonna sublet an apartment closer to the hospital so I can stay in the house. At least until we figure everything out. We’re probably going to get divorced.”

“What did he say when you told him about the affair?”

“Well, he asked why I would do that. And he asked how he could better satisfy me, and I told him what I was into, and he said he just didn’t feel comfortable with it, and I told him I knew that. He knows it was just a sex thing. We’re both still so young, and we don’t want to waste anymore of each other’s time.”

“What will you do?”

“Well, I’m almost done with my master’s degree, and once I have that I’ll start making more money so I’ll be able to move out. He said once I’m a month into my raise we’ll put the house on the market.”

“You figured all of this out last night?”

“Yeah, we were up all night talking. God, my parents are going to be pissed.”

“It’s not their life, Kate.”

“I know. Listen, I am so sorry I said that stuff about your mom, I never should have gone there.”

“I’m not going to say it’s okay, because it’s not.”

“Do you think we’ll be able to move on from this?”

“You assaulted me.”

“I really shouldn’t drink anymore. I’m sorry.”

“I’m going to need some time. I know I said some hurtful things to you too.”

“I told Rachel and Sarah what happened in a group text.”

“I called Rachel last night.”

“I cancelled our plans today. Kev is waiting in the car downstairs, I just wanted the chance to explain.”

“I appreciate you being honest.” You reach out and hug her. “I need some time to cool down from all this.”

“Okay.” She breaks your hug and stands up. “When will we talk next?”

“When I feel ready, I’ll call.” She nods. “Kate, I still care a lot about you, and I want to be there for you. But…”

“I made this mess, it’s time I cleaned it up.” She opens the door. Harry is leaning against the hall closet. “Thanks warden.” She says to him. She looks back at you, and then to him. “Treat her right, she’s special.” Kate leaves the apartment, and leaves the key on the counter like Harry said. Harry sits on the bed next to you.

“Good talk?”

“Sort of. Her and Kevin are going to separate. She’s been having an affair with another doctor for over a month.”

“I heard a little, why exactly did she stray from Kevin?”

“Kate, how do I put this, she likes to be a little rough when she has sex.”

“She likes to be rough, or she likes when someone is rough with her?”

“The second one. We all know about it, and promised not to say anything. At first she said she was just into like being tied up, you know little fantasies, but she’s into some really dark shit. Not to kink shame.” You say in defense. “People like what they like.”

“Define dark shit.”

“God, don’t make me say it.” You say a little embarrassed.

“What is it, a daddy kink?”

“Yeah, but like it’s more than that. She likes when a guy is like really dominant, like scary dominant. Like one time she came back from hooking up with this guy, and she showed us her butt and it was beat red, like it left this giant bruise. I guess he spanked her like ten times in a row or something. And then she told us that he like choked her and would spit in her mouth.” It sends a shiver up your spine. “Gross.”

“And Kevin wasn’t willing to do any of that with her?”

“Not really. He was scared of hurting her, which I completely understand. Ugh, this whole conversation has turned my stomach. Could you imagine spitting your own come into someone’s mouth?”

“Wait what?” He bursts out laughing.

“Some guy came inside of her, went down on her, licked it up, and spit it into her mouth and made her swallow it.”

“And she liked that?”

“Loved it!” You start laughing. “I really shouldn’t laugh, it’s not her fault she’s into that sorta thing. She just discovered it.”

“At first I thought you were just grossed out at like regular spitting, but I can see how that would gross you out. Even I wouldn’t do that.”

“What are you saying exactly?”

“Regular spit isn’t gross, you’re already swapping spit as it is.” He shrugs. You put a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m only going to say this once. Please, do not ever spit into my mouth.” He chuckles.

“You got it.” Your phone starts to buzz, it’s Sarah.

“(y/n), are you okay????”

“Yeah, Sarah, I’m fine.”

“I felt so bad, Rachel told me everything and I didn’t get Kate’s texts until a little while ago. Do you want us to come over?”

“No, I think I’d like to just hang out with Harry today. I’ve had my fill of girl time, but I’ll check in with you guys tomorrow.”

“Alright, sweetie. Talk soon.” You hang up, and fling your back on the bed and groan.

“I just want to turn my brain off!” You look at him, he’s smiling at you. “What?”

“You wanna spend the day with Harry huh?”

“Sorry, do you have other things you need to do?” You say apologetically.

“Nope, I just thought it was sweet.” He climbs on top of you, and you wrap your legs around him. “Let me distract you for a little while.” He says into your neck, and he starts to kiss you slowly.

“I really should take a shower.” He sighs, and gets off of you. You get up, and look at him confused. “Well?”

“Well what?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Aren’t you going to join me?”

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah, I wanna be close with you.”

“You realize I’ll be naked, and you haven’t seen me yet.”

“But I’ve felt you. And who says I would even look?” You say playfully. “C’mon, come shower with me.”

He doesn’t hesitate, and gets up, following you into the bathroom.

#harry styles #harry styles imagine #harry styles fic #harry styles x reader #harry styles y/n #harry styles y/n fic #harry styles fluff #harry styles fluff fic #take it slow #photographer!harry

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sunmoonandeddie · 5 years

Text

a vision in white

pairing: bucky barnes x reader

word count: 3,441

summary: Fucking Chad and fake champagne.

prompt: “And our love story? I know it may not feel like it right now, baby, but I promise you, it’s just getting started.” (This is Us)

warnings: swearing, angst with a fluffy ending

a/n: This is my first successful attempt to getting back into writing long form. It’s also my entry for @softhairbarnes‘s challenge that was due, like September 18th. I’m so sorry it took so long, and the prompt is bolded in the fic!

Bucky Barnes hated weddings.

Actually, no. That’s not quite accurate because he loved Sam and Natasha’s wedding. When Sam had asked him to be a groomsman, he’d actually cried. In fact, he cried at least four times that day: watching Tony walk Natasha down the aisle, during the vows and the first dance, and then when he’d watched his girl catch the bouquet.

His girl.

No.

He needed to stop that. You’re not his girl anymore.

It was that stupid bouquet toss that had caused him to panic. It had sent him into a downward spiral as his anxiety reared its ugly head, telling him that he’d never have this with you.

It didn’t matter what the stupid tradition said.

Steve was standing near the front with Tony and Sam, mingling with your parents and having a grand old time. He must’ve said something at least a little funny with the way that your mom had her head thrown back in a laugh.

That used to be him. He used to be the one chatting with your family at events, his arm around your waist. Your dad always called him ‘son’ and your mom fretted over whether he was eating enough while your older siblings gave him hell for keeping you away from them in New York City for too long. He’d never thought he’d have a family in the twenty-first century, but yours had welcomed him with open arms. Your brothers had become his brothers, your sister became his sister.

And then he’d fucked it all up.

And because of his fuck up, he was sitting in the back pew of a church, watching some asshole named Chad chat with one of his groomsmen while waiting for the ceremony to start.

The worst part was that it was all wrong. This wasn’t the wedding you wanted. He knew that for a fact.

First off, the church. You never wanted a church wedding in the middle of August, damn it. Everyone was sticky with sweat, even with the air conditioning on full blast, and more than a little miserable.

And there wasn’t… There wasn’t enough flowers. The only flowers present were two bunches of white tulips on either side of the altar.

Fucking tulips. In white. It was like you’d had zero hand in planning your own wedding.

Which, from the look of things, you probably didn’t.

There just wasn’t enough color. It was all pristine white, as though trying to create some image of purity that he knew you didn’t have. You weren’t some kind of innocent virgin like the whole church thing suggested.

The trip you two had taken to the Dominican Republic a few years ago had made sure of that.

You’d told him about the wedding you dreamed about in the middle of the night, between sleepy kisses and wandering hands. The sheets had been kicked off at some point. You’d tangled your legs with his, soft fingers brushing his hair back away from his face as you murmured into the crook of his neck, “I want a small wedding outside. Just you and me and our family.”

“Yeah, baby?” He’d chuckled, drawing you even closer, if it were possible. “Just us and our family?”

“Mmhm. Don’t need anyone else.”

He’d hummed his agreement as he rolled the two of you over, leaning over you. His forehead pressed against yours, your legs wrapped around his waist. “What else? Hm?”

“What do you mean, ‘What else?’” You had asked, his t-shirt riding up your torso. You’d stolen it at some point, almost permanently becoming one of your so-called ‘sleep shirts.’

“Tell me about our wedding.”

Your bright eyes crinkled as you giggled, your fingers toying with the hair at the nape of his neck. “Our wedding, huh?”

His fingers attacked your sides in retaliation, sending you into a fit of laughter.

“Okay! Okay!” You had allowed him to lie on your chest, his head resting right above your racing heart. His weight was a welcome one, grounding you and keeping you in the present. Just as Bucky had his demons, you had yours, too. Your voice was soft and sweet, barely audible, as you continued, “It’ll be outside… in June… And there’ll be flowers. We’ll have so many flowers that no one will know what our color scheme is supposed to be.”

A laugh from your fiancé, your soon-to-be husband, pulled him out of his memories. God, the smug bastard.

Part of him wondered if he even knew about your past relationship. Granted, he had to. You were together for so long, it would be strange to not at least mention him to your new lover. Your fiancé.

Right?

Without a second thought, he stood up from the cold, hard pew and went through the double doors that people were still filing in from. He didn’t care that he received more than a few dirty looks after bumping shoulders with a few people. He didn’t recognize more than half of them. Some of them he can vaguely remember from one of your family reunions.

He had so many questions that he needed to ask you. He needed answers.

His invitation was crumpled in his hand as he searched the church, looking for any hint that might lead him to where the bridal party was getting ready. He knew that he’d find you wherever that was. Wanda and Natasha, too.

“Bucky?”

The familiar voice stopped him in his tracks, and he turned to see your older sister standing standing behind him. Josephine, or Jo, as she preferred, was your only sister, the second born of five. He had no doubt in his mind that she’d bawled when you’d asked her to be your maid-of-honor.

“Hi,” he said with a bit of a wince. He knew how he looked right now. Crazed. Desperate.

She had a glass of what appeared to be water in her hand, but he could smell the vodka from where he stood.

Some liquid courage for the bride?

“She doesn’t like vodka,” he said, his voice barely audible.

Jo rolled her eyes, crossing her arms and crinkling the silky gray material of her bridesmaid’s dress. “Yeah, well, she used to not like guys named Chad either, but here we are.”

He wasn’t quite sure what to say or how to respond at all, and just stood there with his mouth hanging open like a codfish.

“Come on,” she said, nodding further down the hall. The first few feet were completely silent, their footsteps muffled by the old carpet covering the floor. There was no way this church had been renovated since the seventies.

“She misses you, you know.” She kept her eyes forward, refusing to look at him as she admitted things she’d sworn secrecy to. “She won’t admit it to anyone but me, but she does. We all do.”

His blue eyes drifted down to the cardstock in his hand. It was white, just like the rest of your wedding, with you and your fiancé’s names embossed on it. It was worn from the amount of times he’d folded and unfolded it in his anxious state. “I didn’t expect to get an invitation.”

“She didn’t send it. I did.”

It was said so matter-of-fact that he didn’t even register her words at first. But the second he did, he tripped and almost fell flat on his face. “You what?!”

“Oh, come on, Bucky,” she said, stopping in front of him. “This… This whole thing isn’t right. I know you feel it, too.” She motioned back down the way they came. “This isn’t her. She’s settling for someone that isn’t right for her because she thinks you don’t want her. And I…” Her eyes, the same brilliant shade as yours, drifted to the ground. “I knew that if you came, it would mean that you still love her.”

“I—” He ran his hand over his face. “Of course I do. But she deserves more than me.”

If Jo’s eyes could’ve rolled to the back to her head, then they would’ve. “You’re both absolute idiots.” She grabbed his hand and set the glass of vodka in his hand before pushing him towards a closed door. “This is your chance to fix it.”

He looked at her once more before turning back to the door, knocking once.

“Come in.”

God, just hearing your voice in person for the first time in three years sent waves of affection through him.

The first thing he saw when he opened the door was your back. You were sitting at the vanity in the room, toying with one of the pins your hair.

“Jo, can you help me? This just… isn’t right.”

But Bucky was frozen by the door. His mouth was suddenly dry and he had to fight the urge to down the entire glass of vodka in his hand.

“Jo, really—” You turned in your chair, freezing when you saw him standing there instead of your sister. “Jamie?”

You looked so… so shocked. Hesitant. Maybe even a little scared?

“Uh… Hey, sweetheart,” he said, swallowing down the lump in his throat. “It’s, uh… It’s been a while.” When you just stared at him, he held out the glass. “Jo gave me this to, uh, to give to you.”

But you didn’t take it. Your fingers were white from how hard you were gripping the back of the chair. “What are you doing here?”

His heart was beating so hard he was sure his ribs were going to break like glass. “You… You look beautiful.”

And he wasn’t lying. You were truly a vision in white. The veil covering your hair was trimmed in delicate lace, framing your features in a way that made you appear almost angelic.

Your fingernails were digging into the palms of your hands as you finally stood up. “James, what the hell are you doing here?”

“Jo invited me.”

You cursed under your breath, your eyes drifting up towards the ceiling. “Fucking Jo.”

He took a step forward, a little scared of how you’d react. His hands were trembling. “I… I…” He cleared his throat as he desperately tried to gather his thoughts. Rolling his shoulders back, he willed himself to have some fucking courage, damn it. After what must’ve been an eternity, he finally allowed himself to meet your gaze. “Listen, I could say a lot of shit right now about how sorry I am, and it’d be true. Because I am sorry. I was stupid and dumb and, and a lot of other words that I can’t think of right now because fuck, you’re right here and I… I miss you. I miss you more than anything in the world, and if I could take it back, I would.” When you didn’t retreat, he took a few more steps towards you. “I love you. I love you so god damn much, and I never should’ve pushed you away.” The vodka was rippling, his hand was shaking so much. “You’re the love of my life, and I’d be willing to bet anything—in fact, I’d bet Steve’s life—that I’m the love of yours.”

“James—”

“Tell me that you love him,” he said, now standing just mere inches from you. He set the glass on the vanity without breaking eye contact. You could feel his breath gently fanning across your face. “Tell me you love him and I’ll leave. I won’t ever bother you again. But, sweetheart, there’s no way he can ever love you how much I love you.” His hand, calloused and rough, tenderly cupped your cheek. “I don’t have any right to you, I know. But I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t even try to make things right. And our love story? I know it may not feel like it right now, baby, but I promise you, it’s just getting started.”

Even though your eyes were watering, you didn’t step away from him. Your cheeks had just gotten hotter and hotter the closer he’d gotten to you. “What are you asking me, James?”

“Come with me,” he whispered, leaning his forehead against yours. His voice sounded pained, his metal hand grasping yours. “We can get out of here, go home. Please.”

You took in a shaky breath, a million thoughts running through your mind.

“Say you’ll run away with me, sweetheart.”

“I… I can’t.”

Bucky jerked away from you, feeling like a pot of boiling water had been tossed onto him. “What do you mean?”

Nose scrunching as you sniffled, you reached out to him. “Jamie, please…”

He backed towards the door, shaking his head. “Don’t ‘Jamie’ me.”

Wiping at your eyes, you rushed to explain. “I can’t just… just leave him at the altar, Jamie! I can’t hurt him like that!”

“Why not?!”

You looked at him like he’d grown a second head. “What the hell do you mean, ‘Why not?’ I’m engaged to him. I promised to spend the rest of my life with him, and—”

“You don’t love him!”

The words died in your throat. Your chest was heaving against the confines of your dress. “I’m engaged to him.”

“That doesn’t mean shit,” he said bitingly. His arms waved around dramatically as he spoke. “You’re sitting here in a dress, about to give the rest of your life to an asshole—Which, by the way, really? Chad? You decided to marry an asshole named Chad of all things?—because you can’t hurt his feelings?” He really wished he’d downed some of that vodka right about now, even though it wouldn’t really do much for him. “Are you really going to throw your life away like that?”

You narrowed your eyes at him, trying to keep yourself from crying. You were supposed to walk down the aisle in less than thirty minutes, and your makeup artist would kill you if you’d ruined her hard work. “I… I love him.”

Bucky stared at you for a long moment, hoping that you would realize what a mistake you were making. But when it didn’t come, he let out a huff of air. “You keep telling yourself that.” He took one last look at you as he opened up the door, ready to leave. “Have a happy life, sweetheart. I’ll… I’ll see you around.”

He allowed the door to shut behind him before the waterworks started, forcing himself to not go back in when he heard you crying.

Stupid super soldier hearing.

“Bucky?”

He looked up to see Jo standing there, the hopeful look in her eyes quickly diminishing. “She, um… She says she loves him.”

He knew that she could hear you crying even without a super soldier serum coursing through her veins. Without even giving him a second look, she slipped into the room and out of his sight. Your sobs seemed to get even louder when she entered.

Not able to withstand the torture that was being so close to you without being able to call you his, Bucky ran.

He left the church, grabbing a bottle of champagne that was sitting on the catering truck outside.

It would seem that your reception was to be in the basement of the church, of all places.

He didn’t even bother to tell anyone he was leaving. After all, he’d ridden with the team to the church, and he didn’t want to have to beg one to drive him back to the Tower and miss the ceremony. They’d actually been invited.

You wanted them there. But not him. Not after how badly he’d fucked up.

It wasn’t like any of them actually expected him to be able to make it through the vows, or even into the sanctuary.

He aggressively wiped at his eyes as he walked down the crowded streets of New York City. “Don’t you have places to be?” He wondered aloud as yet another person bumped into him.

His feet knew where to take him before his mind did.

The 50 Street Station on Broadway.

The night you first met, you’d just finished a shift at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Your roller skates were sitting by your feet as you waited for the subway. Bucky had just been wandering around the city and had somehow ended up across Manhattan.

He’d instantly been smitten with the girl working her way through university, and it had been history from there.

He sat on one of the benches, uncorking the bottle with little difficulty.

If anyone was curious as to why an Avenger was drinking in a subway station at noon on a Saturday, no one asked.

And in his nice suit, too.

“Oh, buddy, how the hell did you end up here?” He asked himself before taking a long swig from the bottle. Some of the bubbling liquid dribbled down his chin and he wiped it on his jacket sleeve that definitely cost more than his childhood home back in the twenties.

He would kill for some of Thor’s Asgardian mead at the moment.

But he’d just have to settle for some second rate champagne that, honestly, probably wasn’t even real champagne.

“Probably made in America,” he muttered to himself as he inspected the bottle.

Sure enough, right there on the back under all the nutritional information, it said Made in California.

“Can’t even get real champagne for her,” he said to no one in particular. No one in the station was paying him any mind, choosing to let him wallow in misery on his own.

Seven trains had passed by before he heard it.

“James?! Jamie?!”

He imagined that right? The wind from the trains was playing tricks on him. Making him hear your voice.

An exquisite form of torture, really.

“Jamie!”

But it sounded so real.

Curiously, he lifted his head, the almost empty bottle dangling from his fingers.

And there you were.

Still a vision in white in your wedding dress. Your veil was half torn off, your hair falling. The hem of your skirts was dirty from the muck that covered the streets of New York City. You held a suitcase in your hand, rolling your shoulder back to accommodate the weight and pressure of carrying it through the city.

“What are you doing here?” He asked as he got to his feet, the champagne forgotten. He wiped at his eyes, desperately trying to appear more put together than he felt. “You… You are here right? I’m not hallucinating or anything?”

“No, you’re not hallucinating,” you said as you set the suitcase down with a huff.

He blinked slowly at you, almost afraid that you’d disappear if he closed his eyes. “I mean, you never know with fake champagne.”

“Shut up.”

He watched as you sat down on the bench he’d been occupying for a little over an hour and a half, crossing your arms over your chest. “What are you doing here?”

“What do you mean, what am I doing here?”

“You’re getting married to Chad.”

With an eye roll that reminded him a lot of Jo, you kept your eyes on the approaching subway. “Clearly not.”

He snuck a peek at your left hand, heart pounding when he realized that you didn’t even have your engagement ring on. “Oh.”

You two sat in silence for a few minutes, not speaking. It was so peculiar to be in the exact spot that you two had met seven years before. So much had changed but at the same time, so much was the same.

He was still crazy about you, for one, and it would appear that you felt the same.

“I hate that you’re right all the fucking time.”

His heart skipped a beat and he finally turned to look at you. “What was that?”

And despite how much you fought it, a small smile was tugging at your lips. “Shut up. You know what I said.”

“I’m not right all the time,” he said slowly, inching his pinky closer and closer to yours. “I wasn’t right to leave you.”

“No, you weren’t.”

“I should’ve just told you that my anxiety was getting the better of me like you told me to.”

“Yes, you should’ve.”

He inhaled sharply as his finger finally brushed yours, and you allowed his fingers to intertwine with yours.

“Better late than never, I suppose,” you whispered, your eyes meeting his.

The silence between you was loaded with tension. And the both of you knew that you had a lot of things to discuss, things to figure out if you were going to work in the long run.

But you were here and he loved you and you loved him.

And that was enough.

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