#Miami poke restaurants

[hamiltonells]

Is this it?-lewis hamilton

lewis hamilton x fem!reader. summary: dating a 7time world champion wasn’t easy especially when you have a crawling baby, and lewis? well he was busy portraying an f1 driver lifestyle and partying. but what happens when the press and rumours get a bit too much.(I suck at summarys😫).

big thank you to anonymous to helped me pick a baby name, you was a big help and your a genius⭐️

WARNINGS: angst,a few time skips, lewis being a little bit of a arsehole, cheating bad writing, povs are everywhere like it’s kinda confusing I’m sorry

I really want to do a part two, so let me know people x

(y/n pov)

“this one’s my favourite” I softly speak as I run my fingers over the ink behind his ear as he lays on my chest.

I’m sat up against the head board in lewis white crisp button up shirt, “hm this one’s my favourite” he mumbles into me as his hand goes straight to the tattoo under my boob that says “𝓁𝑒𝓌𝒾𝓈₄₄” “your my favourite, handsome” I kiss the side of his head.

you had been childhood sweethearts you being slightly younger than him since being in his younger brothers Nicolas year at school, it was that much of an age gap but the media loved t rub it in.

i was broken out of thought when lewis phone goes off, “who’s that” I question “nobody” he grumbled as he puts his phone down,but something was telling me differently.

I reached out of the bed to put my underwear back on from the night before, as I got up out of bed and grabbed my phone. “y/n where are you going” lewis shouted as I was already out of the bedroom making my way to silvas Room, silva the light of you life, your little girl she’s just reached 8 months.

“come on sweetie, let’s get some jobs done aye” you lift her up out of her cot.

I had a washing basket in my hand with silvia sitting in it with the clean washing. She was in nothing but her diaper, smiling up at me as I threw warm clothes fresh out of the dryer in the basket with her.

She laughs as I toss a shirt on her head playfully, blanketing her face. She laughs harder and reaches her little hands up to push the black shirt off her face so it just sits on top of her head. She peeks up at me with that big smile and dense dimples.

I pick her up as blow raspberries on her cheek as she giggles, lewis had gone out an ‘important meeting’ apparently he had been on a lot of those lately.

a knock on the door fills your ears as you carry yourself and your little one to the door, a concerned max comes into your eyesight as you open the door surprised, “maxie hey, what you doing here” you smile at him and you welcome him in with a hug as Silvia giggles.

“y/n, are you okay?- oh hello you” his thick Dutch accent entering the room as he pokes her nose.

“yeah of course I am why?” you question him as you lead him into the living room (a little inspo x)

“you haven’t heard have you, oh god” he panics as he searches for his phone in his back pocket, he reaches out for silvia as he passes you his phone.

you couldn’t believe your eyes, but your lew he wouldn’t do this to you just thought you was just going through a rough patch, tears start to well your eyes as max comes and comforts you.

According to People magazine, Lewis and Shakira are getting to know each other better."They're having fun and masturbating," an exclusive source said.Representatives for both did not respond to the magazine.

Shakira was spotted in Miami Wednesday on a boat with the racer, not long after the two were seen running in to each other at a restaurant in the area. see photos..

you couldn’t believe what you was reading, was you so blind to it all?

you feel your throat closing up on you, “y/n breath, breath with me y/n/n” you hear max whisper in your ear, while holding your hand.

“what am I going to do” you hiccup as you look around your living room seeing the happy photos of yourself and you little family.

“hey let’s put the little one down yeah” max rough voice broke you through your thoughts, you both stood up and went to put silva down for the nap.

Max was like you brother, ever since you both had met you was inseparable,he was always around the corner to pick up the pieces for you, you and lewis had many fights over max, but you two was just like brother and sister.

an hour had passed by the time you had fully calmed down, the hard sobs turned into little sniffing onto George’s shoulders, and in that time the doggy carer had stoped by to drop off roscoe.

“I can’t stay here max, I feel suffocated in here” you soft voice broke out as you lifted you head up out of roscoes body, “you and Silvia can stay at mine, but you can’t hide away from him y/n, you have his daughter, you also have Spanish gp you can fly with me if you wanted to”

“yeah that would be great, thank you m”

you was almost ready to walk out of the door when lewis walked in, your bags by the door silva with max bopping up and down while he tried to get her to sleep.

“y/n?” Lewis voice rung out to you followed by a “max?” When he saw you both, “I’ll go wait in the car” max says while passing the little one to lewis when he reaches out for her, and putting your bags in the boot of his car.

“wait in the car?” Lewis ran over by what he said “I need to go lew” “is this about the photos?” he followed after you when you put you last things together.

"-it was not intentional, y/n, we were both drunk-" his voice broke, you freeze in your place, “so it was true”

"Was I not good enough, lewis ?" He stays quiet, eyes finding the carpet beneath his feet “was you daughter not good enough?” The anger you feeling boils in you.

"Don't you ever say that again" it's his turn to become angry. How dare she think that!? He loved you, and he still does, even though he cheated on you.

"But it's true, lew" you now has tears in you eyes and all lewis wants to do is pull you into his chest and tell her that it's not, that he loves her so much, but he doesn't do that, he just sits there and watches her full apart, all because of one? drunken mistake

“Your missing out on you daughters life lewis all because of this party lifestyle”

You sigh and wipes under your eyes "-let's take a break, yeah? So you can figure out what you want. I'm not letting go of all the effort I've put in the last years"

“I’m going to stay with max for a while, I’ll see you at the gp, I’ll bring silva and maybe you can spend time with her there”

lewis wipes his own tears and nods, he doesn’t need to think about what he wants, he knows what he want, his daughter and you.

you both say goodbyes with one last hug at both on your guys doorstep, tears leaving both of your eyes when you whispers goodbye in the corner of his neck.

“bye silv, I’ll see you soon yeah, daddy loves you” he says when you pull apart from him and presses a kiss on to her puffy cheek.

“I love you” lewis confesses after doing the same and pressing a kiss to your cheek, “I love you”.

lewishamilton ✓

lewishamilton: always you 2 ❤️

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[gotham-ruaidh]

Little Bit Better Than I Used To Be

Catch up: Chapter 1 (Starry Eyes) || Chapter 2 (Save Our Souls) || Chapter 3 (Dancing On Glass)|| Chapter 4 (Merry-Go-Round)|| Backstage (1) || Backstage (2) || Chapter 5 (Danger)|| Backstage (3) || Chapter 6A (Love Walked In) || Chapter 6B (Without You) || Backstage (4) || Chapter 7 (Stick To Your Guns) || Chapter 8 (Time For Change) || Backstage (5) || Chapter 9 (Take Me To The Top) || Backstage (6) || Chapter 10 (Home Sweet Home) || Backstage (7) || Chapter 11a (Nightrain) || Chapter 11b (Nothing Else Matters) || Chapter 12a (Handle With Care) || Chapter 12b (I’m So Tired of Being Lonely) || Chapter 13a (Angel) || Chapter 13b (She’s My Addiction) || Chapter 13c (Patience) || Chapter 14a (Where Do We Go Now?) || Chapter 14b (Where Do We Go Now?) || Chapter 14c (Where Do We Go Now?) || Chapter 15a (Dreams) || Chapter 15b (I Sing A Song of Love) || Chapter 15c (You Can Do This If You Try) || Chapter 16 (Let That Feeling Grab You Deep Inside || Chapter 17A: Never Tear Us Apart || Chapter 17B: It’s Tough To Be Somebody, And It’s Hard Not To Fall Apart  || Chapter 17C: I'm Wishing, Lord, That I Was Stoned ||| Also posted at AO3

Chapter 18: Turn The Page

New York City || September 1988

So you walk into this restaurant All strung out from the road And you feel the eyes upon you As you're shakin' off the cold You pretend it doesn't bother you But you just want to explode

-- “Turn The Page,” Bob Seger (1971) [click here to listen]

Claire Fraser took a long drink from the glass of water beside the bathroom sink. Closed her eyes. Counted five deep breaths.

Bob Seger’s voice flowed through the tiny portable radio that she and Jamie took everywhere on the road.

Here I am, on the road again There I am, up on the stage There I go playin' the star again There I go, turn the page

She opened her eyes. Listened to the man sing so passionately, so desperately, about his exhaustion and heartbreak from living in the spotlight. Touring relentlessly. Feeling displaced in his own life.

“Claire?”

Jamie poked his head around the door, humming along with the song.

Not for the first time, Claire was grateful that the tour had wildly exceeded all expectations – the private plane instead of tour buses; limos to and from the gig; and hotel suites that were so large they typically had two bathrooms.

Not that they minded sharing, of course – but living on top of each other could be hard sometimes. On nights like these, she needed her own space.

And now, Jamie met her eyes in the mirror.

Enjoyed his surprise.

“What…you…”

She turned to face him. Took a moment to admire him in all black – the dress shirt that she had ironed for him this morning, black jeans, black belt with silver studs, boots. The leather jacket whose inside pocket she tucked a love note into every morning.

She raised her arms. “What do you think?”

The red dress wasn’t something she had intended to buy, that afternoon in Miami when the band needed a few hours with Colum to discuss the European leg of next year’s tour (“the leg owed to the fans, after the shit Jamie pulled last year before he got clean,” he had reminded them). She had kindly suggested to Charlotte and Molly – Angus’ groupie girlfriends – that rather than spend another afternoon inside, they explore the shopping mall attached to the hotel. Jamie had insisted that one of the roadies go with them, to deal with any photographers or aggressive fans – but Claire had only smiled and said that it would be fine.

She had been correct, of course. It was such a breath of fresh air to walk up and down the long corridors, eat Cuban sandwiches in the food court, browse the selections in the department stores and specialty boutiques. Anonymous. To interact with sales clerks not as the wife/girlfriend of the biggest rock musicians in the world – but simply as three women having a nice afternoon out together.

And, truth be told, it was good to get some time with Charlotte and Molly. They asked – respectfully – about her relationship with Jamie, and she in turn asked – respectfully – about their relationship with Angus. Watched them tear up when Charlotte started talking about the uncertainty before them when the tour ended, and when Molly wondered whether they would ever be enough.

Not quite knowing what to say, Claire absently pulled through a clearance rack – and then…

“Ohmygod Claire!” Molly exclaimed. “You have to try that one on!”

Startled, Claire focused on the sleeveless, ankle-length red dress.

“Jamie will freak when he sees that on you!” Charlotte smiled, shifting an armful of lingerie to look closer.

Claire pursed her lips. Thinking.

“Come on, Claire! You need to look like the rockstar wife you are.” Molly grabbed the dress. “Let’s go try it on. Come on!”

Initially she had only wanted to placate Molly. But when she saw herself in the dressing room mirror, she immediately knew how Jamie would react.

Three weeks later, she was correct.

She swirled slightly, enjoying the feel of the fabric swishing around her calves. The bite of cold air on her bare chest and belly. And the incredulous look on Jamie’s face, eyes dark.

“It’s very…red,” he stammered. “Are you wearing a bra?”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s our first event as a couple. And as husband and wife. We need to make a splash.”

He swallowed. Stepped closer to take her elbows, thumbs stroking the soft skin.

“I suppose. Every man will have his eyes on you tonight.”

She shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll only feel yours.”

His eyes darkened. “I like knowing, that at any time tonight, I can just do this…” One hand trailed across the fabric of the dress, over her breast, until it reached the strip of exposed skin spanning her neck to her navel. “And then this…” His thumb edged under the flap, teasing the underside of her breast, in the way he knew would drive her absolutely crazy.

Her lips parted. His eyes locked on hers – taking in the red tones sweeping her eyes and cheeks, and her scarlet lipstick, and the silver hoops hanging in her ears.

“Can we just stay here tonight?” he asked softly, not exactly joking.

She shook her head. “Jamie, Lou fucking Reed came to the show at Madison Square Garden last night and not only insisted on meeting you and complimenting your music, he invited us to his party tonight. He’s had his own addiction issues, he’s not a dummy. And we’ve talked about this, we can’t avoid parties forever. It will be good for all those people to see you.”

He removed his thumb from her breast, and bridged the gap between them to lean his forehead against hers. Without words, their hands found each other, twining and grasping.

As was their habit now, he pressed their thumbs together. The C she had tattooed at the base of his thumb, mingling with the J he had tattooed at the base of her thumb.

“It’s going to be so hard, Claire. Not that I don’t want to see people, or show you off, or help you get to know them.” He swallowed. “I’ve been to these kinds of parties before. Huge open bar. Waitresses in low cut dresses handing around trays of drugs like it was a tray of snacks. People doing lines on the tables. People…fucking in the bathroom.”

She swallowed. “I’ll stay with you the whole time. You can be my excuse to stop talking to someone if it gets too awkward. Or to say no, if something like that is offered to you. You know I don’t care, right?”

He nodded. Hands shaking.

“Do you want to call Raymond?”

He shook his head. “Not right now. Tomorrow, definitely. Let me see how I get through this. Maybe we agree on a few points for tonight?”

“Anything. I love you.”

He smiled. “OK. I’ve got gum in my pocket – that will keep us from getting too thirsty. And if we need something to drink, we’ll ask for club soda, and we’ll watch the drink poured in front of us. I don’t care if it’s awkward. I can’t trust.”

She released one hand from his grip, and slid it into the back pocket of his jeans. “Got it. And you know it’s easier if we touch, right? Hold my hand. Put your hand on my hip. I don’t care. I’ll be right there with you. And you’ll be right there for me.”

He stepped closer, and she parted her legs, and he stood between them. Pressing her hips against the bathroom counter.

“If we get separated, Jamie, I promise I’ll stay true to my sobriety, and to you.”

“I promise the same. I only want you.”

“I’ll touch my letter on you. Will you?”

“Yes,” he swallowed. Kissing the arch of her eyebrow. “That will help. But let’s also agree on a signal, if one of us feels need for love. And the need to go.”

She rubbed the tip of her nose against his. Breath so warm on his lips. “How about…” She tapped the center of his chest. “Touch here. Close to your heart. That’s where I feel need, when I want to love you. Is that where you feel it, too?”

“Yes,” he breathed. “It pools here. Like fire. God, I need to kiss you, Claire. Please let me kiss you.”

She turned her face away, smiling. “I don’t want you to smudge my lipstick. And I want you to hold that thought all night, Jamie. Hold on to that pool of fire. Can you do that for me?”

She felt his smile against her jaw. “Gonna be so, so good when we get back here,” he growled.

“I know, baby. It will keep us strong and true tonight. I love you.”

He pulled back a bit. Raised her hand to his lips. Kissed her wedding ring.

“I love you, Dr. Mrs. Fraser.”

She smiled. “I love you, you idiot. Come on. The limo should be waiting.”

[imaginexwwe]

SPRING BREAK 2 - Roman Reigns

TIME SKIPS and APPEARANCE BY COLBY

•

REAL NAMES WILL BE USED

•

SPRING BREAK IS OVER AND SUMMER BREAK IS BEGINNING ALL WHILE Y|N'S LIFE IS SLOWLY FALLING APART AND SHES CLUELESS TO REALIZE HER MYSTERY MAN IS CLOSER THAN SHE KNOWS

•

PART 1 (×)

•

"Thank you for taking me out, tonight." I said, as I walked hand in hand with Joe back to the the beach house.

After that night we spent together, he had asked if I wanted to go out with him to this restaurant not to far from where the house.

And at first I wasn't sure if I had wanted to go, not because I didn't want to see him.

But because I was slightly embarrassed about how I had acted with him the very first time we had met.

I mean, that wasn't me.

I didn't act like that and I definitely don't just sleep with a guy hours after meeting him.

Basically I didn't want him to have the wrong impression of me and expect what happened that night to happen the next time we saw each other.

So of course I used the fact that this was Tori and I's trip and I didn't want to be that friend that just up and leaves her just cause a guy wanted to show me some attention.

No matter how I desperately wanted him to show me some attention again.

If you know what I mean.

But now that tonight's the last night that Tori and I would be in Miami, I just figured why not.

It honestly seemed like perfect timing because Joe, just so happened to show up at the house again, claiming he was in the area and decided to take a chance asking me out again.

And obviously I agreed to go to dinner with him and I had a blast.

We talked, he told some corny jokes, some of which were of the sexual nature, and just basically made me laugh like I hadn't in a long time.

I mean, that man had me laughing so hard at times that other guest at the restaurant kept giving us weird looks and eventually we decided it was just best if we left before guest got fed up and asked management to ask us to leave.

I could really see something long term with this man, I silently thought a huge smile on my face.

"What's got you smiling so much?" Joe asked, as we came to a stop in front of the door.

"You." I blushed, hiding my face in his muscular chest.

Joe chuckled, pulling me closer to him, letting the hand I wasn't currently holding on to rest on my butt as he continued to hold me in silence.

After what seemed like a minute or two of silence, I sighed, reality setting in even more. "This week's went by fast, huh?"

"Yeah," Joe quickly replied. "I only wish we were able to spend more time together before you left."

I nodded, my face still buried in his chest, taking in his now familiar scent. "We have the rest of tonight." I replied, finally pulling away from his chest. "That's if you wanna stay the night again."

Joe shook his head. "I got a early flight tomorrow and I haven't even packed yet."

I poked out my lips, looking up at with the best puppy dog eyes I could muster up. "Please..?" I asked, slowly running my finger down his chest, stopping at the waistband of his pants. "I promise it'll be worth it." I added, as I began sliding my finger even further down.

"Y|N," Joe groaned, grabbing at my hand to stop me before I reached his member. "I really can't..." He forced out, mumbling a quick, "even though I really want to," after.

Fine, I thought to myself as I silently turned on my heels, ready to leave him at the door without another word.

I do recall him mentioning that he had this career that required him to travel a lot.

How he never had much time in one place.

But I didn't expect him to turn down casual sex, especially since it'll more than likely be the last time me or him see each other.

"We'll see each other again, babe." Joe said, almost as if he had read my mind.

I nodded, biting down on my lip. "Goodbye kiss?"

Without answering, Joe just wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close, leaning down seconds later to give me a kiss.

•

A few minutes later, I slowly made my way back inside the house.

"Your man's not coming in?" Tori asked, as soon as I shut the door, and locked it.

I frowned, going over to where she was laid out on the couch eating popcorn. "Nope," I mumbled. "He's got a early flight for work and he says that he needs to get home to pack and get some rest I guess. But he did give me his number so..." I continued before trailing off.

Tori nodded, shoving a handful of popcorn in her mouth. "Well, at least you did get some dick this trip." I heard her say, as she chewed. "The closest I got was that weir-" She abruptly stopped talking, her eyes getting wide when she heard my phone ringing before I silenced it. "Ooh, is that Joe missing you already?" She giggles, as she playfully elbowed me.

"Tori," I said, rolling my eyes. "I told you, he gave me his number. Not I gave him my number."

"I know," Tori replied, "I just thought that maybe you had sent him a text while or something and so now he has your number and was calling."

I shook my head. "No," I groaned, hearing my phone start to ring again. "It's just my dad." I said, just letting my phone ring until it stopped on its own. "I'll call him in the morning. I'm going to bed." I added, standing up from the couch, and making my way upstairs to my room.

•

"This is all your fault." I screamed at my bestfriend Tori, handing her the two positive pregnancy tests in my hand.

We were currently back home in Iowa, and spring break was almost a month ago.

And a couple weeks ago I had started getting sick, which wasn't like me.

I was throwing up random times throughout the day, mostly in the morning, constantly felt nauseous.

Started having bad headaches, which was rare, like I get them but not as constantly as I have been getting them now.

And for a while I shrugged it off as me worrying about passing my finals and all the studying I've been having to do before summer break, but then I looked at my calendar, realizing I still hadn't gotten my period then boom...

It hit me.

I may be pregnant.

So if course I swallowed my nerves, went down to the store and purchased two different brands of pregnancy tests and of course with my luck both came back positive.

Yay, me, I thought sarcastically.

A nineteen year old college student whose just figuring out her life, is now going to be responsible for another.

"I don't want to touch your pee sticks." Tori childishly replied, shaking her head. "And how is this my fault?" She questioned, crossing her arms.

I gasped, looking at her in disbelief, is she serious right now? "You're the dumbass that invited those guys to my dad's beach house, insisted we have all those shots, and now look what happened."

"But I never insisted that you sleep with whatever his name is." She defensively replied. "That was all you, Y|N."

"Yeah," I groaned. "But you were the reason he even was there."

Tori sighed. "I told you to use a condom."

"He did."

I felt tears stinging my eyes as I went over and placed the two test on the sink. "I didn't want this." I mumbled. "I hate we even went to Miami."

"Maybe it's not his," Tori said, her voice sympathetic. "Maybe it's Austin's." She added, causing me to cringe at the mention of my on again, off again boyfriend of six years.

Who I just so happen to be on, with at the time.

And kinda during the Miami trip, but he cheated on me before so I guess we're even.

Not that I was trying to get even, it's not like I was trying to do some revenge cheating or anything, I just happened to forget all about him everytime Joseph came around.

Then I'd eventually check my phone, see a missed call or text from him and, well you get it.

"No, it's definitely not his."

Unfortunately.

"My conception date's not adding up to the last time Austin and I fooled around, but that would be so much easier because I did know where he was." I mumbled. "Unlike Joe."

"You said you have his number." Tori replied. "Call him and find out when he's got a day off or something and maybe he could come to Iowa and you could tell him about the pregnancy."

I shook my head. "I can't ask him to spend his off days in boring Iowa, Tori."

"Well you have to at least call him and curse his ass out for getting you pregnant."

Again, I shook my head. "It was my decision to have sex too." I said, through tears. "Besides," I added, my voice barely a whisper. "I can't get in touch with him."

"Why not?" Tori, pressed on, confusion showing on her face.

"I think he gave me the wrong number."

•

Later that night, I laid out on the couch, curled up as I mindlessly flipped from channel to channel.

Tori had gone back to her parent's house about an hour ago after we miserably failed at finding Joe online considering I didn't even know his last name, and I was left alone with my thoughts.

How could I be so stupid?

Having one night stands with a person who I just met hours before wasn't me.

That's Tori's thing.

Why couldn't this be her?

She'd be handling this way better than I ever could.

And of course how could Joseph do this to me?

I mean, clearly neither of us tried to make a baby, like I said he had a condom but his number...

He gave me a fake number.

What was was the point of taking ne out if he didn't even like me enough to give me his actual number?

Why pretend to like someone when you've already had no strings attached sex with that person?

What if his name isn't even Joseph?

Am I even willing to go through with this pregnancy, let alone have this baby?

Would I want to keep it, or give it up to family that really wants a baby?

"Can you just stay on one channel?" My annoying, older brother, Colby asked.

He wasn't actually my brother, more like my step brother since my dad and his mom had gotten married like a decade ago.

I rolled my eyes. "Can you go upstairs to your room and leave me the fuck alone?"

You don't even live here, I thought to myself.

Colby is actually a wrestle nerd or something like that, that spent most of his time on the road traveling with some company doing wrestle stuff.

He doesn't even use his real name, he wrestles under Seth Rollins or some shit.

I've never seen a match in person, never watched it on TV, basically anything with wrestling I avoid.

Clearly I'm not a fan.

"You're a twenty five year old loser at your parent's house instead of your own." I added, childishly kicking at him.

It's not that I didn't like my step brother, it's just that I was in my feelings about my situation and really didn't want to be bothered.

"Fuck, Y|N," Colby shouted, making me flinch slightly. "Watch my damn knee."

I gasped, frowning as I immediately sat up on the couch. "Shit," I replied, regretting my actions. "I'm so sorry, Colby." I apologized. "I forgot about your knee."

I even forgot why he had been staying here.

From what I heard from our parents, Colby had tweaked his knee during a match and had to have surgery on it, which was why he was staying here.

Our parents, mostly his mom, insisted he recover here so he could have someone to help him when he needed something.

"I didn't hit it, did I?" I asked, looking down at the bandaged knee.

Colby shook his head. "No," He answered, slowly stretching his leg with the bum knee out so that it could rest comfortably on the coffee table, groaning as he did so. "But what's up with you?" He asked, glancing over at me.

"Life."

"Is life code for the two pregnancy tests I saw in the trash, in the bathroom?" Colby asked, making my heart race. "It's not Tori's is it?" He wondered, probably from the way I was acting.

How stupid was I to leave the tests in the downstairs bathroom trash can?

Or in the house at all?

I nodded, avoiding Cody's sympathetic gaze.

I knew I fucked up big time and I didn't need his eyes to remind me.

"No." I whispered. "It's mines and no, it's not Austin's." I added, just knowing that would be the next thing he asked me, then I just decided to come clean with the rest. "And don't even bother asking me who the father is, cause all I know is his name is supposedly Joseph or Joe, and on top of that I don't know his last name, so..."

Colby let out a sigh. "When did my little sister become the fucked up one?" He asked, making me giggle for the first time in I don't know how long.

"That I don't have the answer to."

•

This was supposed to be a 1 or 2 part thing but I don't know know lol who wants more?

•

PART 3

•

T A G S -

@southerngirl41

[semperama]

18 for riccussell?

things you said when you were scared

It’s not like George thinks Daniel could fall in love with him.

They fool around, sure, but Daniel probably has a vast array of friends with benefits, and George has no clue—doesn’t want to know—where he ranks on the list. He’s not sure what particular circumstances must align for Daniel to pick up his phone and shoot off a text with a room number or an address. Maybe it’s the phase of the moon. Maybe it’s a mood—something that makes Daniel crave him the same way you might crave a taco or a bowl of spaghetti, not because it’s your favorite food, but just because it’s what you want that night.

They do hang out every now and then. Daniel knows the good restaurants, the chillest clubs. Sometimes George shows up to find himself one of a large group, but sometimes it’s just him and Daniel laughing at each other from opposite sides of a two-top table, their shins occasionally bumping underneath it.

And when they hook up, sometimes Daniel lingers. On one occasion they showered together, after, and Daniel kissed him under the spray, looked at him and said, “Your eyelashes are so long,” and then chuckled like it was a joke. Once they shared a bottle of champagne on a hotel balcony, George in his briefs, Daniel with a sheet wrapped around him like a toga. Once George even spent the whole night in Daniel’s room, woke up in the pale early morning to Daniel stirring, stretching, smiling at him.

It’s all those things, all those little moments, that make George wonder if—if maybe they’re not just hooking up. If maybe it is something more. Or it could be.

He hasn’t seen Daniel in months by the time they go to Miami, but it hasn’t stopped him from looking for Daniel in the paddock or listening for his goofy laugh. When he actually does hear the laugh and pokes his head out of the garage to see Daniel on the pit wall, talking to Horner, he has to bite his lip to keep from calling out.

The night after the race, he declines a few invitations to sit in his room and pretend not to stare at his phone.

His screen stays dark all night.

A few weeks later in Monaco, Daniel texts him the night before practice and asks him to come over. He’s only been to Daniel’s place once before, but he saved the address in his phone and doesn’t need to ask for it now.

“I’ve missed you,” he says when Daniel pulls him into a hug at the door. Embarrassing. Stupid. He should have said something meanly humorous instead—but then again, he could never pull that stuff off. It always comes out too transparent, too desperate.

“Aww, that’s sweet,” Daniel says, grinning wide as he steps backward to let George in. “I know the paddock is a lot less beautiful without me.”

“It really is.” If he says it emphatically enough, it might sound like a joke after all.

Daniel pours them both half a glass of red wine—all George can manage when he’ll be driving tomorrow, and even then he feels guilty as he takes the first sip. They drink it in Daniel’s kitchen, leaning against opposite sides of the counter. Daniel asks about how the car is doing, and George demures as much as he can, all too aware that their teams are actually enemies now.

When their glasses are empty, Daniel crosses into his space, rests his hands behind him on the counter to box him in. “Did you really miss me?” he asks, grinning. He’s so close his face goes blurry. George wants to touch him but doesn’t, not yet.

“No,” he says. He thinks the lie will make him feel less terrified, but it doesn’t. His heart is beating so hard he fears Daniel will be able to hear it when their mouths meet.

They make out against the counter until George’s back aches from where the counter digs into it, and then he pushes Daniel off of him, drops to his knees, and sucks him off slow and careful, trying to make it last. He always wants to make it better than the last time. Wants Daniel to remember it. Wants it to pop into his head at inconvenient times so he’ll reach for his phone, text George again, ask for him again.

“Fuck,” Daniel says when he comes, dragging the word out, the pads of his fingers digging into George’s skull. George wants to feel smug, but he can’t. Instead, he wonders if they should have moved to the bedroom. Or if he should have let Daniel fuck him. He wishes he could ask Daniel for an evaluation—What can I improve? How can I be better?

“You can stay, if you want,” Daniel says as he helps George to his feet, sweaty palm pressed to sweaty palm. He’s tucking himself back into his shorts with the other hand. “I can take you down to the track tomorrow.”

This is the part where George could say something. He could ask Daniel what they’re doing, what they are to each other. He could tell Daniel he really does miss him. He could say the churning need inside him eases a little when he has Daniel’s attention.

But there’s something about the casualness of Daniel’s grin, the way he runs his hand over his curls and straightens the hem of his shirt like he’s trying to get rid of the evidence. What if George is wrong? What if there’s nothing between them but sex? And what if it’s not even Daniel’s favorite sex? What if George is just…nothing. No one.

“No, I really should get back,” George says, already backing out of the kitchen. He never got off, but he’s already soft again. His skin is prickly with the fear that Daniel can read his mind. “I have to get up early.”

“I know,” Daniel says, chuckling, but he follows George to the door and doesn’t try to change his mind. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

George kisses him goodbye, on the corner of his mouth. For the next three days—after practice, after qualifying, after the race—he keeps his hand curled around his phone in his pocket, waiting for it to vibrate, but it never does.

It’s not like he thinks Daniel could love him, but he wishes he could at least be sure Daniel likes him.

[careerarm2-blog]

June 16 - Miami

This morning we drove 2 hours into Miami. We decided to go back to SD tomorrow as rain has been forecasted for the next few days. Last weeks parts of Miami flooded, major highways were closed and the airport had delays and cancellations. I hope it dies rain or I’m going to be made.

We are staying in Key Biscayne, which is really low key compared to Miami. It has mostly apartments and condos, I didn’t see any single family homes. I believe some people live here permanently but most are vacation rentals. We rented a one bedroom apartment, which is less than 5 minutes from the beach. It comes with kitchen utensils, stove, refrigerator, etc.

It was shocking to see the huge number of skyscrapers in Miami. To me it looked bigger than NY. Driving downtown is crazy and scary. I would not want to stay in those towers. The tallest building is 85 stories high, a mix of retail, condos and offices. LA doesn’t even rate compared to Miami.

We also drove by the Art Deco Diatrict which I had last seen 30 years ago. Unfortunately we couldn’t find parking. It is not want I remembered. Now it is full of stores and restaurants and the buildings can barely be seen. Very crazy, full of people.

We came back to Key Biscayne and drove to the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. It has an area for fishing, beaches, picnic tables, and a lighthouse. Today being Sunday, it was full of groups of people, barbecuing, fishing, etc. i heard every single Latin American dialect, but very little English.

In Key Biscayne alone I counted 3 Argentine restaurants and one Uruguayan. Talking about prices, we had a poke bowl for lunch for $22. In Cocoa Beach our favorite poke bowl, which was almost twice the size with tuna and shrimp and other goodies was $18. Gas here is $4.66, in other areas 3.25. Definitely expensive here.

We had Argentine empanadas for dinner, but mine are better. We brought home a chocotorta, haven’t tried yet. After dinner we walked to the beach to watch the sunset, but I forgot that we were facing East not West.

[themanhattanfoodproject]

Some food highlights from my travels this year:

The vegan burger at Monk’s Cafe in Philadelphia topped with bacon and cheddar. I could detect real vegetables in the “patty” and since it was a bit of a later lunch and we had an earlier-than-expected dinner reservation that night, I actually liked that I got a balance of light and substance in this meal. The bourbon mayo, however, is something I need to bring into my life as soon as possible. My husband wants to make fried chicken for his birthday--this might be a surprise treat to go with it.

Strozzapreti with shrimp and scampi butter at Teller’s in Oklahoma City. This place was cooler for lunch than dinner, but I still was inspired by that dinner to fuck around with something similar, and while I’m still tweaking the recipe, I’m feeling optimistic that I’m close on this one.

Cajun shrimp cocktail at Parson’s Chicken and Fish in the Andersonville neighborhood in Chicago. I love this restaurant, and this was my first visit to the Andersonville outpost, and the Cajun shrimp cocktail just spoke to me at the time. Served with some spicy cocktail sauce along with remoulade, it’s been one of my favorite versions of shrimp cocktail in a minute.

Mozzarella di bufala with tomato confit pizza from Stanzione 87 in downtown Miami. Sadly, this amazing pizzeria closed a few months ago, which sucks because I only got to have their pizzas twice in the span of six months, but I’m glad I got to enjoy it while I had the chance. Did it inspire the tomato confit pasta I have since made and enjoyed? Yes.

The Basque-style chorizo sandwich with Basque salad from Louis’ Basque Corner in Reno, NV. I can’t say that I loved the food in Reno, but this place was heralded and for good reason--it might be the best Basque food I’ve had in the US. This place is delightfully unassuming and the staff is really friendly, and it was the best meal we had in The Biggest Little City. 

The vegetarian and chicken dumplings at Ah Chun Shandong Dumpling in Famous Foods Street Eats in Resorts World, Las Vegas. This was my first exposure to Famous Foods Street Eats, and I am kind of mad about that because every stall was open when my husband and I were there on this one-night stopover, but on a subsequent trip in April, this place never opened, even for dinner. I really wanted to have these dumplings again!

The mochiko fried chicken thighs at Kuleana Rum Works in Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. To be frank, the poke was the most inspiring food I enjoyed, but most of it came from the local grocery store where they would make it fresh until 5PM daily, so I’d have it in to-go containers either in my hotel room or at a table in the bar area of the hotel that wasn’t open until the evening so they didn’t care. Mochiko fried chicken, which is made with cornstarch and sweet rice flour, is absolutely outstanding. The best fried chicken we had on Hawai’i was at Broke Da Mouth Grindz, but the Kona store has sadly been closed since May due to a fire at a laundromat next door , and I hope they are able to reopen sooner rather than later. They have other locations open on other islands, but it sucks to see such a wonderful place closed for something completely out of their control.

[apocalypseornaw]

Hunters & Marshal Stars- Part Three

Your relationship with Raylan starts to develop. The question is can you keep your real life away from him?

Warnings: Cursing, mentions of sex

Why the hell had you thought it was a good idea to agree to go out with Raylan? You stood in front of the mirror in your bathroom staring at your reflection. At the moment you were only wearing your bra and panties which meant the view of your bruises from the last hunt you worked was unobstructed.

The headstone had left your left shoulder various shades of purple from the ghouls finding it hilarious to slam you into it. Thanks to some healing balm it didn't hurt anywhere as bad as it should but the fact still remained. If anything happened that resulted in your top slipping any at all the chances of Raylan seeing it was extremely high and you had no idea how to explain it.

You snapped a photo in the mirror and texted Helena "I should cancel shouldn't I?" You stood there poking hesitantly at the bruise for a few seconds before she texted back "Why? Cause of a bruise? You're telling me someone who's been a hunter as long as you can't come up with a cover story?"

"Like what? I got my ass kicked by undead scavengers right before I crispy crittered them?" You were wracking your brain to explain a line of work that could cause a bruise like that when she texted back to suggest "Well you know it was my fault. I thought I had a better grip on that hutch we were moving at Jess' shop" 

You laughed and texted back "Good story. Bobby would be proud how fast you came up with that" you started to get dressed but stopped to read her text when your phone chimed. It simply read "Have fun" 

You parked outside the restaurant Raylan had asked you to. He had wanted to pick you up but after you'd playfully teased him about the fact that while you appreciated him being a southern gentleman you wanted your car just in case the date didn't go well he'd relented.

You spotted him standing near the entrance as you climbed out the car, smoothing a hand over your borrowed outfit hoping it looked as good as Helena had said. 

From the way Raylan's eyes were trailing over you Helena must have been right because it was easy to see he liked what he saw at least. 

You stopped just in front of him "Well Marshal do I look presentable?" He smiled, his tongue flicking out to run across his teeth "Y/N you looked gorgeous cussing me out for running into you but lord I think everyone in there is gonna be jealous when I walk in with you" you rolled your eyes despite the smile that had worked its way onto your face or the fact that you could feel your cheeks warm from his words "Aren't you the sweet talker?" "Ain't sweet talking if it's true there darling" he replied offering his arm.

------

It didn't occur to you that you hadn't gone on what could be considered an actual date since Sam and Jess had set you with one of their friends. 

Not only that but Raylan was genuinely attentive. He asked how you'd come to be in Miami since it was clear you weren't from there either. You decided to be as truthful as possible and simply told him you'd lost someone close and needed time to get your head on straight so a friend had offered you a job.

You even managed to slip into casual conversation how your shoulder was bruised from helping to move a large hutch.

------

Raylan, as it turned out, was from Kentucky. He was divorced. His wife had apparently cheated on him with their realtor when he'd been reassigned to Miami and they'd been tasked with selling the house they'd owned. You could see it had hurt him and wondered why it had even happened.

"Cheating shows not only weak morals but weak character as well. What would it have taken for her to simply tell you she was through before being with another man?" You didn't realize the edge your voice held until you glanced up to see Raylan was looking at you with a semi amused expression. "Sorry just cheating rubs me wrong" he laughed lightly "Me too but let's move to a different conversation than my ex wife. I know I can think of quite a few things I'd rather talk about with a gorgeous woman who's been a bit vague at best about where she hails from"

You smirked at him across the table "Gotta work for your answers cowboy. Show me you're worth the effort" the look in his eyes told you the unspoken challenge in your words had seeped through. "Oh well I take it you're not an open book so does that mean I may rate more than one date?" He asked and you shrugged despite the way your stomach had flipped under the intensity in those hazel eyes being focused solely on you "Maybe so. You're doing pretty well so far"

------

"Do you have all the local ice cream places mapped out or something?" You asked following Raylan to one of the tables just outside the ice cream shop where you sat atop it.

He stopped just in front of you before asking "Why. You don't like ice cream?" You motioned to the trash can where you both had thrown away the napkins that were the only things left of your cones. "I like ice cream well enough but hell the day you bout knocked me into traffic you were coming out the ice cream place"

He smiled "Well I consider that a bit of good luck meeting you" You shook your head "Still working on that second date?" He nodded "How am I doing?" You pretended to think about it for a moment then shrugged "Depends"

"On what exactly?" He asked so you shrugged nonchalantly "Depends on if you're a decent kisser or not"  "Is that you giving me the ok to kiss you or for future reference?" You rolled your eyes before reaching out for his hand "Actually cowboy, that's me asking you to kiss me" 

He smiled and reached up to take his hat off with his free hand lying it next to your hip on the table then leaned closer "Well in that case" one hand moved up to cup the side of your face while the other he laid flat against the table almost touching you.

The moment his lips brushed against yours you let your hands smooth across his chest then up around his shoulders to rest in his hair pulling him closer to you by the soft locks. He tasted like a mixture of the bourbon he'd had with dinner along with the vanilla ice cream and his lips were unbelievably soft. 

You whimpered slightly when he pulled away only to have him shoot you a smirk before going back for another kiss rolling his tongue against yours in a way that had you biting back a moan as his hand that had been on the table moved to your hip pulling you closer to the edge of the table. 

The sound of a throat being cleared made you both snatch away from each other. You hide your face in Raylan's chest enjoying the scent of his cologne as he apologized to the shop owner who was apparently named David and knew Raylan well enough to know the two of you hadn't meant to get carried away in the moment.

Raylan's hands moved across your back soothingly before a deep laugh rumbled through his chest causing you to look up at him. He looked almost proud of himself before asking "Since we nearly got public indecency charges had David not realized it was me I'm guessing I get a second date?" You laid your forehead back over against his shoulder before saying "Gonna have to say yes cause damn if the main course is anything like the appetizer I've got to say I fear for your ex wife's mental stability"

With two fingers under your chin you let him lift your face to meet his eyes and smiled at him before a rush of doubts flooded your mind. Yeah he was a Marshal, his job was dangerous but yours was worse. Could you allow yourself to get close to him? Was it worth the risk? 

A flash of green eyes flickered through your mind along with the memory of a night spent drinking with the boys as a promise that the three of you would always have each other. Now Sam was gone, Dean was with Lisa and her son and here you were in Miami. You missed them both so much but you knew just as Sam had made Dean promise to keep living he'd want you to do the same. 

You regretted leaving Bobby but he understood why you had.  He'd also convinced Dean that while you were staying with Helena you weren't actively hunting most of the time so that kept Dean from using you as an excuse for walking away from the closest to normal he'd ever had. Lying to Dean the last couple times you'd spoken had felt wrong but it was for his own good. 

The change in your thoughts must have shown on your face because he frowned "Did I do something wrong cause you went from smiling and flustered to looking a thousand miles away" you shook your head quickly "You did nothing wrong cowboy. Just the past comes creeping up when you least suspect it"

"I understand. You wanna do something else or you wanna call it a night?" You smiled earnestly at the concern clear in his eyes before saying "Might as well call it a night" he nodded before his eyes flicked down towards your lips. You laughed and pulled him back down for another quick kiss "Walk me to my car?" 

He smiled then picked his hat up "Of course"

------

You stopped next to your nova and saw the way Raylan looked over the car in appreciation. "No wonder why you wanted your car" 

You smiled proudly "One of my closest friends and the nearest thing I've ever had to a father got her road ready for me. Let's just say this car has been a lot to me over the years" he ran a hand over the hood "She's a beaut. Matches her owner perfectly"

-----

With a final kiss goodnight you pulled away with a promise to text Raylan when you got home. It was weird someone you hadn't known for long being concerned for your well being but it was a good weird. 

"He's proven to have more staying power than I originally thought" you admitted to Helena as you helped her prepare herbs to be dried. She glanced up smiling through the crimson waves that had fallen forward over her amber eyes "Have you slept with him yet?"

You shook your head "No but hell I've had to avoid seeing him face to face for the last two weeks so my face could heal up!" You'd ended up running up to Georgia to back Emilia on a hunt and let's just say the arachne didn't like you any more than you liked it. You'd gotten caught up between Emilia trying to get the survivors out and the pissed off creature.

You had stayed at Helena's for two days so she and a few of the other witches she practiced with could keep an eye on you to ensure that none of the poison had infected you when you'd gotten slashed. 

She motioned to your face "Well you're healed up. I say call him to go out again.." She trailed off then raised her eyebrows "Unless there's something else holding you back?" You shook your head but before you could open your mouth to say anything your phone started ringing. 

One glance at the screen where it laid between the two of you caused her to laugh "Well speak of the devil" you picked up the phone to answer but not before saying "Bite your tongue. That asshole snapped my neck!" 

She rolled her eyes playfully as you answered "Hey cowboy. Me and a friend were just talking about you" she winked at you before  muttering "and the fact that you haven't given him a ride yet" "Will you stop woman!" You fussed which caused Raylan to laugh whether he'd heard her or not you weren't sure.

"Well you sound like you're feeling better" he spoke, getting your attention back on him instead of Helena's teasing. "I am. I was actually thinking about calling you to see if maybe we could finally reschedule the date we had planned when I got sick" "Sounds good to me darling. How about tomorrow night. If you're free?" You cut your eyes at Helena before saying "I'm free so I guess it's a date then?" You could practically see the smirk on his face when he replied "Guess so"

You walked next to Raylan out the restaurant letting a smile slip onto your face when you felt his hand resting at your lower back. "So what now?" You asked once the two of you made it outside into the warm night air.

He let his hand move from your lower back around to rest on your hip as he faced you "What did you have in mind?" He asked and you bit your bottom lip in thought before finally deciding to just bite the bullet "Well I haven't seen your place yet"

A slow smile crept onto his face "It's nothing too flashy" "I'm sure it's just fine" You replied pulling him down into a kiss.

------

The thought honestly hadn't occurred to you until you were partially underneath Raylan on his bed that you had a few scars.

When he helped you to pull your shirt off his mouth found its way to your neck. You bit back a moan when he hit your pulse point but it hadn't gone unnoticed by him because he smiled against your skin "Well darling if we're doing this I wanna hear you"

"Raylan.." you tried but trailed off when his mouth moved further down your chest. You knew the scar across your stomach was the worse so you tried again "Raylan..stop" 

He froze leaning up to see your face "What's wrong?" You had to take a breath to keep your voice steady before saying "I um have a couple scars. A few are kinda bad so I didn't want it to be a shock" he raised an eyebrow and you could see where his mind went before he ever asked "Did someone hurt you?" You quickly shook your head "No"

He nodded, catching your lips in a passionate kiss when he pulled away the smile he had made your stomach do a flip "In that case can I get back to what I was doing?" You nodded "Please"

------

It had been longer than you cared to admit since you'd slept with someone and Raylan seemed to be an apology of sorts from the universe for that. The way his hands felt on your skin, calloused from use but still soft. The way his lips mapped their own path over your body determined to find every spot that would draw a breathy moan or a curse of his name from your lips.

------

The end of the night found you curled up to his chest completely spent. He ran a fingertip across your anti-possession tattoo that adorned your right shoulder blade "What's this mean anyways?" He asked sleepily.

You glanced up at him with a yawn before answering "Just a protection thing. Me and a few friends got it at the same time" it was pretty close to the truth actually "If it protects you then I'm all for it" He replied and you smiled "Still sweet talking huh cowboy?"

He glanced down to where your bare bodies were intertwined "Must work at least a little" you rolled your eyes but leaned up to press a gentle kiss to his lips "I guess so"

@guineapigcuddleparty @m-winchester-67 @universallyraylangivens

[aka217]

OK, so 2021

Year two of the pandemic, and it settles in that this may be a long-term thing. It’s weird because it almost feels like 2021 is just more of 2020, and not until getting fully vaccinated in May did it start to feel different. You kind of hope that this is just a weird blip in our lives, and we can only do the most of it while keeping safe. But overall, I can’t be too mad as we are still doing some fun stuff and continuing our California Adventure. Let’s begin:

January

We start with a fun one, driving up to Little Rock/Mendocino area. First off what a beautiful drive just before getting there, and the actual hotel/resort was one of our favorites. The coastal views were amazing, perhaps one of our top favorite locations in California. Other than that, we moved into our current apartment in Emeryville, where we will find ourselves long term (relative to previous stints). A nice location not too far from anything and allowed me to start biking to work which was a nice change in pace.

February

Had a chance to cross off a couple things off my list, such as Snowboarding and Skiing for the first time in Bear Valley. I’ve always wanted to try Snowboarding, but man did it hurt! I would end up busting my ass every trip down the practice slope. A bit discouraged, the second time going out there I went with Skiing, a much nicer first-time experience. Enough to try an actual slope, which the first time I caused quite a crash, but the second time a very aggressive pizza got me down the slope safely. Safe to say I’ll probably lean Skiing for next season. Besides the winter sports, we had a nice trip to San Jose, with great fish and chips and staying in the hotel. While there we explored this neat little Japanese garden, I hope to check out a few more spotted around the bay area.

March

Not a lot of travel here, but a couple memorable things happened. One was getting my first shot of the Covid vaccine, feeling like a small step back to normal. Another interesting thing that happened; we ordered my Bronco. Now, let’s be honest there is a long road ahead and I’m not sure I’ll see my Bronco until the end of 2022 or beyond (if at all?), but it’s been an interesting swing to get into 4x4 this year.

April

One huge update here, Ashley gets her job at Nuro! What a journey she went through, but man is it paying off. It’s a cool and fun company to be working for. A major hurdle and accomplishment for our journey to the west coast, I’m glad she made it. The month includes a quick Bronco poke around event, and Francis’ rooftop birthday party

May

Here strikes a true feeling of turning a new leaf, as we are fully vaccinated and feel more comfortable out and about. This of course starts with a trip back home, where we conclude one year away from family, something I’ve never done before. The welcome back home was refreshing, albeit a bit overwhelming. Jam packed 10 days of nonstop family and friends. Festivities included Kobe’s Baptism (I am a Godfather now), going to a Heat game, and driving through Orlando, Ocala, Broward, and Miami to get all the hugs in. It was a long time coming, and much needed check in back home.

June

A little quieter after the eventful May, but along with some small local excursions (which I’ve compiled down below) we had a few fun nights playing Sherlock Holmes with cousins and friends (including a nice little summer BBQ at Brannan).

July

Continuing our Vaccine summer, we went to Paso Robles with some friends. A little controversial trip but there were a few bits of fun including getting out to the beach. Other than that trip, we did Karaoke one night (which is hard to imagine it’s been so long since the last time we did that).

August

August was a fun one. We went up to Sacramento to watch a couple NBA Preseason games and ended with a fabulous trip to a Hot Pot restaurant with ayce hot pot and appetizers. Cousins came into town, and we did a quick trip to Napa along with some city eating. Later in the month we went to LA, meeting up with AJ and Candice to watch H.E.R. at the famous Hollywood bowl amphitheater. Back in SF we took a pottery class which was really fun (and managed to come out with 5 usable items!), and I took a surfing lesson the next weekend. Although I didn’t quite manage to get up for a full surf, it was enjoyable to be in the water. I also managed to finagle my way into a remote workday in the city with the SF friends which was a fun experience, and ended with an SF Giants baseball game, my first baseball game I’ve ever been to (as cheesy as it was, it was quite fun buying cracker jacks and singing “Take me out to the ball game”). At the time we saw it as a sneak peak of what the future would be like once we moved into the city (unfortunately that may not be the case).

September

Coming off of the eventful August, September was quieter (although I’m sure I’m not taking account of any small hang outs with the SF friends or cousins). One fun thing we ended up doing was the Lexus drive event, where I got to drive around a few cars including the Lexus LC500, an aspirational car of mine.

October

This month was fun, including two big trips. First was a work trip to Bethlehem Pennsylvania. A quaint little town with little things to explore (including an old college campus with some neat buildings). A little reminiscent of my Milwaukee trips, it was nice to explore an atypical location and meet some people from my work. What else happened? Well, I ordered a Maverick. Again, I won’t be seeing this until next year, but given the times you have to put in your orders and wait a long time before getting it. I’m not sure how this will end as far as Maverick vs. Bronco, and I’m thoroughly torn between the two, but that’ll be something next year will have to figure out. Last, we took a trip to South Lake Tahoe. Although quick (and cold/rainy) we had a good taste of the area and ate at some nice little places (including a great breakfast spot and an Oyster Bar a la Las Vegas). Making the loop around the lake with autumn leaves was fun to see. I definitely want to come back in the summertime.

November

So November was another one of those jam packed months. Let’s start with more car adventures, including a test drive of the Maverick, followed by an off-roading event with the new Bronco (ugh this thing is awesome) and my cousin’s Gladiator. Then we took a trip to Seattle for an extended weekend. Although it rained most of the time, we had a good time at Pike Place market (including a fun food tour). We also saw Hasan Minhaj which he was as stellar as ever. We also took a day trip up to University of Washington from Seattle, solely because their library looked like we were in Hogwarts. Last but certainly not least, we spent Thanksgiving break back home in Florida. We held Justin’s Bachelor Party, Kai’s birthday party, and saw the rest of the family in Orlando, Broward, and Miami. It was both too short and too long, just a non-stop experience but how else are you going to do it? I compare it to those times you go on a Disney trip, and do your best to be there all day to take it all in? It’s kind of like that. One neat tid bit on this trip is that we splurged on first class tickets, which got us food/drinks on the plane, and a 3-hour layover in Alaska Airlines’ Seattle flagship lounge. Neat way to end the trip/month.

December

Ah, end of the year. As Omicron is ramping up, we unfortunately have to pull on the reigns a bit. We did see the Nutcracker early in the month, one of Ash’s wishes. I thought it was neat, and interesting to hear where these classic Christmas songs come from. We did a quick trip to Monterey before Christmas, mostly so we can hit Gold status on Hilton. But we had a good time and surprisingly good eats there. Christmas (much like last year) was quieter, but honestly I completely enjoyed it with just us two in our apartment. As we approach the new year, this weekend will be most likely be something similar.

And there you have it. An odd year for sure, a mix of 2020 continuation but with more experiences here in California. We continue our Cali adventure with additional explorations, including Golden Gate Bridge, Napa, SF City Hall, Golden Gate Park, Peony nursery, Jack London Square, Reinhardt Redwoods, Hayes Valley, Walnut Creek. Making the most of the trip that we can, taking in the more local affairs. I’m happy that the vaccine allowed the world to open back up a little more, and gave us the opportunity to take advantage.

What will next year bring? Not completely sure. Looking back at my ok2020 I think 2021 delivered what I was hoping for: chance to get back together with friends and family, see more stuff, go to concerts. It all happened post April, but we did get all of that. I had known we probably wouldn’t be completely out of the norm, although right now it does feel like we are back tracking a bit. I’m happy that we continue to explore new places and do new things, and I hope that continues next year. Ashley finally got a great tech job as we sought after for so long, and so what does that mean for me? Well, I actually put in my resignation notice already, and in the middle of interviewing for potentially something new. So of course, leave it to me to make next year a big mystery and big change. I can’t really tell you what next year could bring. And as chaotic as that seems, I’m happy that I’m willing, able, and confident enough to take on such unknowns. 

I do hope that we find a world where we are comfortable being close to people again, perhaps without a mask. Ash and I tend to be the most conservative on breaking down those barriers, so I hope we come to a point where that feels ok. I’d love to go back to smaller venue concerts, conventions (especially now that we are dabbling in D&D playthroughs), and the like. 

Coming back to California from a visit back home in Florida, I still get the sensation “we are still on our adventure,” and I don’t think that feeling will leave anytime soon. Let’s see what happens.

Now for more notes:

Best thing I Drove: Driving the Lexus LC was short and sweet, also probably the most expensive thing I’ve driven. But this year is the start of the 4x4 interests, so I have to say the short stint in the Bronco off-road was a great experience, along with supplementary experience with the Gladiator and Wrangler to round out what it may feel like living with these machines. It’s interesting to move from sports cars to off roaders, but hey while in California I can only try to make the most of it.

Best thing I Ate: I always have a hard time pinpointing the best, and I always feel I forget in the moment, but what comes up for me is Pike Place Clam Chowder, Ashley’s butternut squash pasta, and the Sacramento Hot Pot. These were the things where conversations were made afterwards about it.

Best thing I played: I’m blanking here too, but a lot of not of the norm games for me (thanks Game Pass): Hades was stellar fun, SnowRunner I did not expect to enjoy, but with my growing interested in 4x4 it was exactly the kind of game I could want to play. Wreckfest deserves a mention as that too I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did. 

Best thing I watched: I can’t believe I didn’t say Schitt’s Creek last year, I wonder what I’ll forget this year. I think it is Dimension 20, D&D playthroughs which were new to us this year and man did we sink a ton of hours into it. It’s fun to get into a new fandom, and hopefully in the years to come we can have chances to see them live.

Other things: it’s kind of cool to have ski, snowboard, surf lessons all this year for the first time, just more Cali checklist items. I look forward to getting more chances to practice in the coming year.

[hopelikethemoon]

the three of us (Javier x Reader) {MTMF}

Title: the three of us Rating: PG-13 Length: Warnings: discussions of pregnancy planning, angst, heartache Notes: this chapter made my heart hurt. Set in 1996. You can find the Maybe Today, Maybe Forever Timeline here. Summary: Javier and Reader have not had the success they hoped for. 

Taglist:  @grapemama​​​​  @seawhisperer​​​​ @huliabitch​​​​ @pedropascalito​​​​ @rogrsnbarnes​​​​@thewallpapergoesorido​​​​ @twomoonstwosuns​​​​ @gooddaykate​​​​ @livasaurasrex​​ @ham4arrow​​​@hiscyarika​​​​ @plexflexico​​​​ @readsalot73​​​​ @hdlynn​​​​ @lokiaddicted​​​ @randomness501​​​@fioccodineveautunnale​​​​​ @roxypeanut​​​ @just-add-butter​​​ @snivellusim​​

Maybe Josie had been a fluke. 

Your doctor had given you a full bill of health — both times you visited the doctor. There was no reason for why nothing had taken hold. Five months. Four negative tests. Four periods. Even Javier had visited the doctor, just to make sure his swimmers were in working order. They were. Everything was right and yet…

You swallowed thickly as you pushed the bathroom door open, eyes lowered to the floor as you shook your head. Another unsuccessful month had slipped by. 

“C’mere.” Javier murmured, holding his hand out and gesturing for you to join him at the foot of the bed. “It’ll happen.” He reassured you. 

“Yeah.” You almost wished you hadn’t decided you were ready to try. To actually plan on having another kid. 

Javier curled his arm around your waist, drawing you into his side. “It’s okay baby.” He whispered, pressing a kiss to your temple. 

“I just thought that this time…” You shifted, laying back on the bed and bringing him down with you. You stared up at the ceiling, brows furrowed. “I was two days late and I was certain.”

“I know.” He slid his arm out from under you, rolling onto his side. You could feel his eyes on your face, “Hey.”

You glanced at him out of the corner of your eyes. “Hmm?”

“It’s not your fault.”

“It’s neither of our faults.” You said a little quickly. You were both healthy, but you were the one that wasn’t pregnant. You had been so certain this time around. For a fleeting few days you had felt different. Maybe you had been, maybe it ended before it even began.

“We’ll just keep trying.” Javier draped his arm over your middle, giving your waist a reassuring squeeze. “If you want to.”

“I do.” You sighed heavily. “I just didn’t realize how hard it was going to be.” Your eyes drifted back up to the ceiling. Josie had been easy — one night was all it took to give life to a beautiful baby girl. Sure, it had been sheer hell, but she had been easy. 

This time, you were actually trying and nothing was working. 

“I’ll go back over the calendars the doctor gave us. Maybe we’re off by a day.” You scrubbed your hands over your face, before you looked at him. “I’m sorry.”

“Baby, you haven’t got a damn thing to apologize for.” He cupped her cheek, rubbing his thumb over the rise of your cheekbone. “And as much as it pains me to leave you right now…”

“Get to work, Professor.” You teased, trying to put on the emotions you would rather be feeling. You were depressed. But you didn’t want to ruin his first day back in the job force. 

“I am just a teacher.” Javier countered, “And it’s just orientation.”

You curled your fingers around his tie, pulling him in closer so you could kiss him. “But Professor sounds sexy.”

Javier bumped his nose against yours. “I love you.” He whispered, tucking a lock of hair behind your ear. “Are you going in today?”

You pursed your lips thoughtfully. “Probably. It would be a nice distraction.” You forced yourself to smile. You needed the distraction, otherwise you’d spend the day in sweatpants with a bottle of wine trying to forget your inadequacies. 

“I’ll pick up dinner on the way home so you won’t have to worry.” Javier told you as he pulled back, straightening his tie. “Pizza?”

“Sounds nice.” You nodded, peeling yourself off the bed. “Good luck today, Javi.”

“Thanks baby.” He murmured and you could feel his eyes on you as you moved around the bed room to get ready for work. You knew he was hurting too — maybe not the same way as you were. But he wanted this baby as badly as you did. Each month that slipped by killed you. At one point in your life you had prayed for a negative test, but now it was all you saw.  

——

Your 1 PM meeting took you by surprise. Not the meeting itself; but the person leaving the meeting ahead of yours. 

“Lance Collier.” You remarked, stopping dead in your tracks. “What are you doing here.”

He held his hand out to shake yours, “Working with the local law enforcement on a case. How the hell have you been?”

“I actually have a meeting.” You glanced at your wristwatch. “It’ll be about forty five minutes.”

“I’ll wait.”

“Great.” Lance nodded. “Hope they don’t bore you to death.” 

“Chances are slim.” You quipped, before you headed into the conference room. He certainly was a welcome distraction from the thoughts weighing on your mind. And one of the last people you expected to see from your time in Colombia. Second maybe only to Chris. 

 ——

It was surreal to have Lance Collier standing in your little office with an obscured view of Dodge Island. The last time you had seen him was the night you broke up with him and promised to call him in a week or two. You hadn’t. 

“Niece?” Lance questioned, nodding to a picture of Josie you had framed on your desk. 

“Daughter.”

His brows shot upwards, “Wow. When did that happen?” You couldn’t exactly blame him for being surprised. He’d actually mentioned having kids with you when you dated and you had been pretty against the idea. You had a whole career you were building. 

“She was born in ‘93.” 

“And who’s the lucky father?”

You arched a brow, “Would you believe me if I told you I’m with Javier.” You turned one of the pictures on your desk towards him — a family shot Connie had taken for you in their backyard at Easter. Josie was clutching a stuffed rabbit, nestled in between you and Javier. 

Lance’s jaw dropped. “Peña? What the hell did I miss after I left Colombia? I figured you must’ve moved on — you never called.”

You grimaced. “It didn’t feel fair to string you along, Lance. It’s not like I moved on to Javi right after we broke up. Far from it, actually. I just wasn’t—“

“There’s no hard feelings.” Lance cut you off. “I’m getting married next month.”

“Oh, wow! Congratulations.” You smiled at him. ”So what has the CIA poking around here?”

“Clearing up soon loose ends from Medellín. We received intel that La Oficina de Envigado was laundering money out of Miami. Due diligence, really.” He lowered his voice, pointing at Josie’s pictures. “Is she why you’re persona non grata with DEA? I was down at the embassy a year ago and—“ He whistled as he shook his head. “They’re not fond of you.” 

You shrugged a shoulder. “Javi and I lied about our relationship for a year. I was already on thin ice for being pregnant and…” You made a face. “Straw that broke the camel’s back.”

“Jeeze, I’m sorry.” He gestured around the office. “But check this place out.”

You laughed. “Yeah, who knew Miami had the budget to give consultants offices with windows?”

Lance shook his head, staring at the family picture on your desk. “I can’t say I’m surprised, but… I just can’t picture Peña as a father.”

“He’s amazing.” You told him, your eyes drawn to the picture. “Josie is a complete daddy’s girl.” You glanced back at Lance then, “What do you mean you’re not surprised?”

He gave you a look. “Do you remember the first time you brought me along to drinks with him and Steve?” You nodded. “I realized pretty quickly that night that he was my competition.” 

“Really?” Your brows furrowed together. “I just remember him being a dick that night.” Then again, he always got pissy whenever Lance turned up with you. 

He was going to lose his shit knowing that Lance was in town. 

“I’m glad you’re happy.” Lance told you with a genuine smile. “That’s all I wanted for you.” 

“Thank you.” You sank back in your seat, “I mean, look at us. You’re getting married next month and I’ve got a family.” 

“With Javier Peña no less.” 

A laugh bubbled out of you, “Right? I’m still waiting for the pigs to fly.” 

“Any wedding bells in your future?”

“Not our thing.” You shook your head, “But we’re good. He’s started teaching a criminal justice course at the university. I’ve got this.” You gestured to your office. “Life is good. Miami was the right move for us.” 

Lance pursed his lips and nodded in agreement. “You deserve it.” He glanced towards your office door, “I should probably get going. I’ve got a deposition to sit in on later.” 

“It was good to see you Lance.” You offered with a warm smile, watching him leave. Once upon a time you probably would’ve settled for him. But there was nothing about Lance that made your heart skip a beat — even back then. That would’ve been an easy path. Everything with Javier had been difficult. It still was difficult. 

But all that difficulty made the quiet moments worth it. The uphill battle was justified every time Josie roped Javier into wearing a princess crown and attending tea at her make believe restaurant. 

You couldn’t imagine a life where you didn’t have both of them. And maybe it was okay that you weren’t having any luck. Maybe it was meant to be just the three of you.  

———

“I don’t know why we bother trying to expand her dietary options,” You remarked as you picked a piece of cut up pizza off her abandoned plate as you took it to the trash to throw away. “She’s always going to just want chicken nuggets.” 

“In futile hope that she’ll kick her chicken addiction.” Javier remarked from the living room, where he was fastforwarding through the trailers on the VHS he’d rented. Four Weddings and a Funeral seemed like the right kind of movie to unwind to. 

You grabbed two beers out of the fridge, gripping them in one hand as you snatched up the pizza box off the counter and headed into the living room to join him. “I wish it were that easy. I think she’s hooked, Javi. Our baby’s a chicken addict.”

Javier looked back at you over his shoulder, a grin spreading over his lips. “Guess there’s worse things she could be hooked on.” He settled down onto the sofa, loosening his tie. “I’ve got a full class. I guess everyone wants to meet the guy who helped bring down Pablo Escobar.” He swept his fingers through his hair, before taking a beer from you.

“They’re going to love you.” You said as you took a swig of beer before sitting it down on the coffee table. “You’ll never guess who I saw today.” 

“Who?” His brows drew together. 

“Lance.”

Javier huffed, “Really?”

You nodded, leaning back on the sofa. “He’s still chasing down money launders from Escobar’s predecessors.” You explained. “Still a CIA suit.”

Javier gave you a wary look, before he leaned forward to grab a slice of pizza. “That’s good.” He said before taking a bite.

You chewed on the inside of your bottom lip, heart pounding a little quicker as you stared at him. “Are you going to be an asshole about this?”

“No.”

“Our entire conversation basically revolved around you.” You told him, lips drawn into a faint smile. “It was a nice distraction from everything else.”

Javier grabbed the remote and paused the movie. “I’m not going to be an asshole about this, but I just never liked the guy.”

“I know.” You reached out and stroked his cheek, before sliding your fingers into his hair. “He wasn’t surprised that I was with you.”

His jaw rocked tensely before he relaxed under your touch. “What? Did he tell you about the time I pulled him aside and told him he better take care of you?” Javier clicked his tongue against his teeth.

You shook your head and tilted your face to look up at him. “When did you—“

“You had just started seeing him.”

“Well, that explains everything.”

Your heart was pounding in your chest. You could easily picture Javier pulling that shit. He had been in fine form that evening from the second that Lance sat down at the table. It was a miracle it hadn’t run the poor man off then and there. You had a sneaking suspicion that he had said a lot more than just ‘take care of her’. Everything had been so new back then — Colombia, Javier and Steve, your outlook on the future. Maybe things didn’t turn out how you had planned, but you wouldn’t trade it for the world. 

Javier gave your shoulder three little squeezes, pulling you in close to his side. “Is he going to be around for awhile?” He questioned as he picked up the remote with his free hand, loosely holding onto it.

“I didn’t ask, but probably not.” You reached out and took the remote out of his hand, sitting it aside. “We should talk about this morning. 

He exhaled heavily, pinching at the bridge of his nose. “I’d planned for us to talk about everything but that.” 

A nervous laugh escaped you as you interlaced your fingers with his. “I know.” You swallowed thickly. “It’s not bad… it’s just—” You squeezed his hand tightly. “I think we should try for another month and then I think it’s time to accept that it’s just the three of us.” 

Javier lifted your hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to it. “The three of us are perfect, baby.” 

“Yeah.” You whispered, sinking into his side feeling defeated. You wished you could make it happen. That tomorrow you’d magically wake up pregnant. The thought of both of you being able to enjoy this from the start seemed like a vain wish now. “Are you excited to start teaching?”

He rubbed his thumb over the back of your hand, “I met a couple of the students this afternoon and they seem keen. We’ll see.” He pressed a kiss to the top of your head. “They even gave me an office with a window.”

“We both ended up with windows,” You mused.

Javier chuckled. “I wanna bring you and Josie by later this week so you can see it.” 

“That reminds me.” You squeezed his hand before you got up off the sofa. You headed down the hallway to the bedroom to get the gift you’d wrapped and hidden on your side of the closet. You returned, holding it out to him. “I meant to give this to you this morning, but…”

Javier took the parcel from you, unwrapping it slowly. “Baby, you shouldn’t have.” 

You had taken the negatives of the photos from Colombia and had duplicates made to be framed. Four photos that captured so many memories from that era of your lives. Josie resting on Javier’s chest, both of them fast asleep a few days after you had brought her home; you and Javier kissing, a slightly blurry photo you’d relied on the timer for; Josie’s first bath; and a photo of the three of you when Josie was still so tiny. 

“I thought you might like taking us to work with you.” You smiled at him as you settled down onto the sofa beside him. 

“Maybe we should stop now.” Javier suggested as he looked up at you. “I hate how much this is stressing you out, baby.”

You chewed on your bottom lip, “Maybe we can just try to see if it’ll happen naturally.” You still weren’t ready to call it quits. Not entirely. 

He nodded his head, staring down at the frame. “We’re good as three, aren’t we?” 

“We are.” You leaned into his side. Part of you regretted that you had started this whole endeavor. You had thought it would be easy, free of heartache. But you had been wrong. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was the planning and the stress that was causing it to fail. 

[bites-kms]

Can ya feel that? Welcome to Miami

As Will Smith would say, “party in the city where the heat is on, all night, on the beach till the break of dawn: Welcome to Miami"

My quick getaway to Miami was about 4 days and it was exactly the right amount of sun and rainbows I was needing. Thank you Bruno for all your love and welcoming vibes. I’ll be definitely back before you know it! Who knew that after 13 years of friendship a boat, the sun and some Whitney Houston will encounter us in the Caribbean Sea?

BRICKELL 

Where business, high-end residential buildings as well as top restaurants and rooftop clubs are. The small Singapore sample of Florida. Beautiful, clean, accesible, Brickell has it all. My highlights? When it comes to food: Quinto la Huella, a sibling location of the one found in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay and Rosetta, the Italian bakery where you get a food comma just by looking at all the goodies. When it comes to shopping, Brickell City Center is the place to go. For an afterhour quick bite, consider North Italia. For a bit of a party scene, try Barsecco, Redbar or Sugar. If the city heat is too much, try getting a day pass at Resortpass.com, and get a pool treat by the Conrad Hotel or check out Brickell Key Park.

SOUTH BEACH 

Head to the beach. I repeat: get some vitamin sea. Crystal clear, warm water, with cute little fishes waiting for you to refresh yourself in between sun burns. Kick it off with a delicious açai bowl from Pura Vida and walk down to South Point. Rent a chair, a towel and an umbrella for $13 and enjoy a whole day under the sun. For a beautiful scenery walk, discover the Art Deco District down Ocean Ave. and find a delicious restaurant where to eat. If you are like me and the heat is one of the few things that doesnt make you starve, on the contrary, just makes you crave for something light and fresh, then forget the Cuban and the Mexican stands with never ending Frozen Margarita flow. Go for a Poke bowl at Koa Poke by Collins Ave instead, after discovering all the architecture, and even checking out El Espanol street, known for its restaurants and bars. 

WYNDWOOD 

Heard about the Brooklyn of Miami? Well, here it is! Industrial city, warehouses, cool, gentrified buildings surrounded by an amazingly curated street art and graffiti, that goes from Bansky to Kobra, making it one of the biggest open air museum of street art in the world. “Throw me to the wolves, and I’ll come back leading the pack”, “The time is always now” and “Staying at your comfort zone will kill you” are some of the anonymous stencils and messages written on the street. 

Remember to carry water with you. It is very humid and hot in Miami, specially around this neighborhood since there are little to no trees, hence no shade, and you would want to make a few pit stops to re charge your energy. Try Panther Coffee for some good coffee and drinks or go full in with Astra, the mediterranean rooftop with great salads and wifi. In comparison to NYC, I must confess the service is usually much better in Miami, specially when it comes from Latinxs, but in this case, the service wasn't Astra’s forte. 

LITTLE HAVANA

A visit to Miami wont be complete without a walk by Little Havana. Prepare your Spanish since you will have a lot of practice opportunities in Miami, specially en el barrio. Running roosters, boiling steamy streets and street art are there and just make you feel you are in Cuba. Stroll down Domino park, where locals can be found playing that board game and listening to their radios or the iconic plaza that commemorates the Cuban American Soldiers who died and got arrested during the Pig Bay and Missile Crisis, just to name a few. Celebrate this heritage with live music and a delicious happy hour mojitos at La Troval, the iconic cafe/bar by the main street, calle 8. Discover the hidden Cuban artists represented on this neighborhood murals, those featured on the local Walk of Fame and the picturesque unsung heroes that are just hanging there, beating the heat with a smile.

[puckdaniels]

Knew You’d Show Up

Tagging → Quinn Fabray, Noah Puckerman, Kiran Basanti, Sara Puckerman, Abril Briscoe

Time Frame → Late Saturday Night; September 5, 2020

Location → Miami, FL; Uncle Jami’s restaurant

General Notes → At Uncle Jami’s wedding reception, Puck and Quinn see each other for the first time in years… Things are different. [Pinterest ScMoodboard] [Song: Hate the Club by Kehlani]

Tired of going out, scared I’ll run into you

Damn, you know I hate the club But I came 'cause I knew you'd show up Maybe if I drank enough I'll make my way over to ya

Miami wasn't too bad of a place to get married, she supposed.

With the sun setting and the windows on the wall of the restaurant that faced the ocean all retracted to let in the warm, beachy breeze, Sara Puckerman would even say that it was nice. She still preferred Cabo, though. However, she’d never let herself say it out loud tonight because this wasn’t her wedding. It was her Uncle Jami’s.

So she put up with Miami traffic and the rest of Miami for him and his new bride, Evangeline.

“They look good,” her brother said unnecessarily because duh. Noah could be annoying at best, but redundantly annoying at his worst, so she just rolled her eyes and nodded all the same. “Can’t believe it took them ten years.”

“Hashtag: relationship goals.”

“Hashtag: follow me around for a decade so I know it’s real.”

“Hashtag: might as well make it official before we die,” Sara managed to snort out before they both devolved into giggles and got shushed (and poked) by their teïta. Oh yeah, Evangeline’s daughter was giving her little speech about her mother or whatever. But the couple really did look good; her uncle smiling his mischievous grin, looking every bit a famous music mogul in his expensive silk and gold chains in the setting Miami sun, his pretty wife on his arm in a flowing seafoam green gown and her hair draped with pearls like a mermaid who’d caught him with her song. They were made for this place - the city, the newly acquired restaurant that Sara surely would be contracted in filling with the most exquisite artwork from the galleries she worked with.

Her brother might complain that there were too many people at the wedding, but Sara and Evangeline had worked tirelessly to get it down to 300 guests, what with all of Jami’s contacts and celebrity friends made over the years. Of course, only 100 or so guests were invited to stay for the reception; company bigwigs and blood relatives. The most important concern Sara had about the guest list was whether or not they dressed in theme and when exactly Jami and Evangeline would realize that their niece made the theme Miami in the 80s without consulting them. Still, Chris Evans looked great in a vice jacket.

“Speech time,” Noah said and Sara sighed, but straightened so her shoulder pads wouldn’t droop as she made her way to the band stage and took the mic from Evangeline’s daughter with a hug.

“Hi everyone! I’m Sara, Jami’s favorite niece.” Sara smiled, a small thrill going through her like it always did when she spoke in public nowadays, not because she loved the spotlight, but because she overcame the shyness of it she had so long ago. “What can I say about Jamil Levi that hasn’t already been said - or isn’t being currently said?” She chuckled when she noticed the laugh she got out of her uncle. “Honestly, this wedding was such a long time coming, I thought this speech about my uncle would be delivered at his funeral, but here we are. Turns out he did right by my Auntie ‘Vangeline. Finally.” She had to take the mic away from her mouth to avoid cackling into it as the rest of the room echoed her “Finally!” The rest of the speech wasn’t too fancy, just a few stories about her and her brother being around her uncle and her finally aunt and seeing their romance and experiencing the fun of it with them.

“Honestly, you guys are legendary and I love you. And I’m very proud of myself for making it through this speech without crying… So anyway, here’s ‘Wonderwall,’” Sara said, signalling for Noel Gallagher to start his little song where he was waiting behind her on the stage with his guitar and walking off to hug her still laughing uncle. Then she pushed him towards his Evangeline so they could get their first dance on.

After a few minutes of feeling emotional, she decided to intercept a waiter with a tray of champagne and serve a few of the guests herself, thanking them for coming with a wide grin. She carried the mostly empty tray to her table and set it down to kiss Solo’s cheek before turning to beam at Quinn Fabray and her date. “Hey lovely! I’m so glad to see you!” She rushed in for a hug and cheek pecks giddily. “I missed you!”

There were very few people Quinn that would brave the sweltering Florida humidity for. Jami, luckily, was one of them. It was worth the trip, if only to see her mentor actually follow through with the nuptials with his frankly, fantastic intended. It'd been long enough, so long that at times if it hadn't been for the occasional piece in a magazine or celeb gossip site referring to Evangeline as Jami's 'longtime companion', Quinn would've figured they'd already tied the knot. It was sweet, having that kind of connection and Quinn was happy to be part of the day, watching them exchange vows with the rest of Jami and Evangeline's family, friends, and some famous faces because of course.

So she smiled along at Sara's speech, funny and heartfelt as it was. Her smile grew fonder when Kiran's arm curled around the back of her chair, his fingers brushing her shoulder in one of his sweet and subtle gestures. They watched as Noel took to the stage for the happy couple's first dance and Quinn chuckled at Kiran's nod of approval.

"Takes a hell of a guy to get Noel Gallagher's head outta his ass to play a gig," he mused and Quinn agreed with a hum. She'd only reached for her glass of champagne when Sara appeared, bringing her special brand of bubbly and a tight hug that Quinn returned. "Missed you too," she told her. "Feels like it's been forever. You look amazing."

With a giggle, Sara pulled back and shimmied her shoulder pads.

"And you - you look so good and, most importantly, on theme," she returned, a satisfied catlike grin on her face. With a tilt of her head that sent the waves of her bob swinging, she gave a wink to Quinn's date. "It's always so great to see you, too, Kiran. Thank you for coming to the last gallery showing! At least half of the dynamic could be there," she added, blinking innocently but deliberately to Quinn. "Not that I'm bitter that this is my first time seeing you in over a month or anything. In Florida of all places."

"Yeah, I have no idea how the hell you managed to get Jami to greenlight such a theme but I'll chalk it up to the power of Puckerman persuasion." Quinn definitely wasn't complaining, loving any chance to toss on something fun for such a happy occasion, and she knew as soon as she saw the colors and vibe it had Sara's artistic flair all over it. She didn't miss the dig about the long gap since their last meeting (it was hard not to, Sara's hint was as unsubtle as her shoulder pads), and Quinn shook her head while Kiran laughed.

"I'm just here as a designated purse holder," he quipped, lifting the clutch that'd been sitting in his lap since the pair had sat down. "But it's good to see you again. "

Quinn rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Please. I got the rundown since he wouldn't stop talking about your pieces. Feels like I was there too instead of being stuck in Atlanta." The Florida of it all made her smile, because despite the state, it was still a lovely setting. "Florida might not be so bad today, at least. I see that's your handiwork. But I should be around the city more in the next few weeks, so we'll make a plan."

"Well, you know I'm always all about the aesthetic no matter where we go, so I figured palms and neon will at least look good on the blogs." Sara started to tip back her glass of champagne, but paused when she caught a glimpse of someone over Quinn's shoulder. "And where are you two going?"

What answered her was a roll of eyes and the sound of flip-flops that had long ago been switched from her own borrowed pumps as her roommate flip-flopped around the couple Sara was speaking to and took a seat in the unoccupied chair beside them. Abril Briscoe didn't look too happy and neither did the almost 15-month old in her arms. "I'm sitting in my seat."

That made Sara's frown almost comical at that point as she looked between Abril, the empty seat next to her still and then Quinn and Kiran.

"Auntie Vange's seating chart sucks," she mumbled to herself before straightening and having a seat herself. "Quinn, Kiran, this is my roommate, Abril, and her little one, Ezekiel. Abril, this is Quinn and Kiran. Kiran owns that restaurant we went to for Amir's birthday and Quinn works on music stuff with Uncle Jami. It's more important than that, but I wouldn't be able to tell you."

Sara watched as her roommate's eyes went wide with recognition almost immediately, her back straightening as her face went suspiciously blank. "Quinn Fabray? Oh."

The pause in their conversation and the arrival of a new someone, toting another allowed Quinn to reach for her glass, taking a minute sip of the champagne as Sara made the introductions. Kiran offered a smile to Sara's roommate and a wave to the toddler in her arms while Quinn laughed at the broad overview of intros.

"That's the general gist, I guess." She nodded in greeting at the other woman, her smile turning curious at the reaction that followed, the shift in posture and expression. "Quinn Fabray, yes. I'm sorry, do we know each other?"

Quinn's gaze briefly shifted to Sara, but returned, polite but searching. Vaguely she wondered if Sara had ever mentioned having a roommate, and couldn't recall an earlier reference though the woman seemed to know who she was, and that was interesting.

Sara watched as more realization crossed Abril's face with a wince. "Oh, well, I guess you don't know who I am. That's fine. Okay." Then Abril turned to her expectantly.

"Oh, so I guess I don't really talk about my roomie that much," Sara said, mostly just so that there were words in the air taking up space and time until she could figure out how to spin this in the most gentle way. "It hasn't been that long; maybe 5 or so months, but I love being an auntie!"

Abril didn't look entertained as she shifted her baby in her lap and Sara didn't even glance at Quinn to see what she looked like. "Where's your brother, Sara?"

Quinn considered her reaction, further puzzled by the woman and her tone that edged on bothered. She looked at Sara just as Abril did, her confusion evident at the words offered that were in no way an explanation. In fact, it only seemed to add to the vibe, confusing and slightly awkward and Quinn felt Kiran shift beside her, his hand absently rubbing her shoulder while he reached for his drink and her gaze narrowed slightly at Sara's words. "I'm sorry, what? Auntie?"

Kiran had only lifted the glass to his lips when he glanced over, noting Quinn's question and the way Sara hadn't bothered to acknowledge Quinn after her comment. "Oh is this your son?" Kiran asked politely, smiling at Abril and the baby in her arms. "He's adorable."

When Abril turned back to Kiran to introduce Ezekiel properly, Sara felt a bit of relief from the heavy gazes, but she still knew better than to look at Quinn. Beautiful Quinn. Smart Quinn. Soon to shish-kabob her Quinn. Instead, she turned in her seat and stretched up to see if she could catch Noah. And there he was, her brother in his stupid Miami print shirt and gold chain dancing with their mother. She tried to set him on fire with her eyes as best as she could until he finally met her gaze and made his way over, confusion on his face as he pushed through the crowd. Abril was explaining that Easy was 15 months when Puck finally reached the table and frowned at the strained atmosphere. "Sara, what did you do?"

"Nothing! Why is - Why would I have done something? I'm just... sitting. Not drinking enough."

Rolling his eyes, he turned to nod at Quinn, then the man he recognized as Quinn's boyfriend Kiran, then finally smiled at Abril and the little boy in her lap who lit up at the sight of him and called out, "Honey!" Puck maneuvered around the table until he could pull his son out of Abril's lap and kiss his face all over. "Habibi! You having fun with Mommy and Auntie? Making new friends?" He turned back just in time to catch Sara dropping her face into her hand. "What am I missing?"

There were a few reactions she could sift through but so far, annoyed was winning out. It grew the longer Sara pointedly avoided her, and she grit her teeth. Watching Kiran make polite talk eased it a little, appreciative of his cool head in most situations which she supposed must come in handy working in a high stress environment like a kitchen. This felt like a damn setup. Her face was neutral, with a decidedly frosty expression in hazel eyes. The woman she now knew as Sara's roommate was clearly more. To Sara and apparently Puck. Who managed to breeze through, festive for the occasion, and she barely acknowledged his greeting though Kiran managed a hello. Her focus was on the child, who looked very much like his father. He was indeed adorable, and she could admit that despite her irritation.

"It would seem that I'm the one who missed something," Quinn replied, her tone even and deceptively light. "Guess I'm further out the loop than I'd realized. You have a son."

Despite Quinn's possession of the notion, Puck still found himself really confused at the way she spoke. "Yeah, well... we haven't spoken in a minute, so..."

He noticed Abril shifting awkwardly in her seat and sat down next to her, letting Easy stand on his lap and press moist (always moist) hands against his cheeks while humming, "Hnn-nee, hnn-nee." The mother of his child had a tight expression on her face, one he knew they would be addressing as soon as they got away from this table. "Weird seating arrangement, huh? Hey Solo."

"That's what I'm saying!" Sara burst out, ignoring how their step-uncle-slash-Noah's fucking ex boyfriend quickly looked away as if her wasn't paying attention and turning instead to Quinn, wonderful, beautiful, sizzling under the surface Quinn. "I really wanted to avoid all this awkwardness. This just sort of happened. I should've looked at the seating chart."

Puck didn't quite understand Sara's apologetic tone towards Quinn; despite them being broken up for longer than they'd been together, his sister had maintained a friendship with the woman and was careful not to flaunt it in his face. Unlike the rest of his family - oh, maybe that's why Abril was upset. He stood suddenly and tightened his grip on the boy. "Hey, Briscoe, let's talk a little. Excuse us, please."

Quinn wasn't entirely certain Sara hadn't been responsible for the seating arrangements, considering how involved she'd been with planning. And now she was saddled with surprises and forced small talk. She conceded Puck's point with a small tilt of her head, and fully ignored Sara's thin explanation about awkwardness. Awkward, she expected. There would always be a little bit in interactions with Puck's family. She could manage that, considering she was hardly around them much, at least in such great numbers. She hadn't even noticed Solo had also been seated there. Ambushed, however, was a different matter. A surprise in toddler form, looking like a perfect mix of her ex and the woman who apparently knew enough about her to be bothered. Quinn watched as Puck stood and excused himself, and turned to Kiran.

"Think we could both use a refill. Do you mind?" He nodded, and she knew he was grateful for an escape, giving her shoulder a squeeze before getting up and heading to the bar. With the table a little less crowded, Quinn turned her focus to Sara, irritation evident in her eyes. "Seriously?"

"Oh, don't look at me like that." Sara could understand that this was a lot of information to process for Quinn, but she was sure there was a way she could leave this conversation without blame. "How was I supposed to know my aunt was going to put every person Noah ever fucked at the same table as the cousins?"

"The fact that you think the seating arrangement is the problem let's me know you're full of it," Quinn replied tersely. She shook her head. "You seem to have left out a ton of important information in those sporadic phone calls."

"Well, ehh." Maybe now was not the time or place to argue about the seating arrangement, Sara conceded. She tapped acrylics together to give her fingers something to do and then looked imploringly to Quinn. "Okay, you have to understand how not fair this is for me, right? My brother hasn't spoken to you in years - you haven't spoken to me about my brother in years - so by the time I realized you didn't know he had a baby, it was kinda weird to bring the baby up. Right?" Suddenly, she snapped her fingers. "But you didn't even recognize Abril - did you unfollow me on Instagram?"

Quinn cut her a sharp look, but it was a fair point; the subject of Puck hadn't been brought up for a long time. That particular chapter of her life had closed and her relationship with Sara had operated independent of what no longer existed between Quinn and the elder Puckerman.

"Right, so the choices were say nothing or wedding ambush? Makes sense." She scoffed and wished Kiran would return with her drink. She was in dire need of something heavy on the whiskey or gin. Sara's question made her brow furrow; She'd unfollowed Puck a long time ago, feeling as if a clean slate would be better in the long run, but not Sara.

"No," she replied with a shake of her head. "But I turned off notifs ages ago and haven't really kept up with social media in some time." Saying it aloud made her sound like just the type of 'too busy for you' celebs she hated, but she had been preoccupied with a seemingly non-stop schedule, it was possible that the error was also on her, as well. Quinn sighed. Still annoyed, but slightly less, she turned to Sara. "How long has she been living with you?"

"Just since the beginning of the year when Abril's lease was up. It was Puck's idea. We collectively decided to buy a brownstone." She gave a dismissive wave of her hand at that and got back to what she wanted to talk about: her. "No ambush, sis. At the most, I thought you'd see them across the room and just come to the natural conclusion." With an impressive shrug of her big shoulders, Sara tipped the rest of her champagne back. "But you forgive me for this and I'll forgive you for being too famous for me, yeah?"

"I see." Quinn gave a short nod. The 'natural conclusion' seemed like a shitty way to avoid responsibility, but pointing that out felt like an argument she wasn't trying to have on someone else's wedding day, when there was alcohol to drink and exes to pointedly avoid. "You're not off the hook, not by a mile," Quinn warned, though there was no real bite behind it. That would come later when they weren't caught up in the atmosphere of love, and at least not in the presence of a handful of Grammy award winners. "But I'll consider this a truce."

"We'll chat in New York," Sara promised, more relieved than anything that nothing got loud. Though she was sure any incident would soon be overshadowed by the inevitable celebrity nonsense, but still she hated when Quinn was annoyed with her. She opened her mouth to say as much, but then was stopped at the return of Abril and her little boy to their seat. "Hi, Easy! Auntie missed you."

"I'm sure Auntie did," Abril said, shaking her head at Sara and turning to Quinn. "I'm so sorry about... that. There was some confusion, but I think Puck cleared it up for me pretty good. It's nice to meet you, Quinn, especially since you understand what it's like to be around these people."

Sara rolled her eyes and glanced behind herself to see where Puck had gone off too. Surprisingly, he and Kiran were standing at the bar, talking over glasses of something amber. She narrowed her eyes at that - typical men.

"I'm sure," was all she managed to get out before Abril returned, son in tow. Quinn offered a polite smile to the woman and her apologetic words. It seemed she'd been a victim of the weird circumstances as well and Quinn wasn't about to hold that against her. Her smile shifted to genuine laughter at 'these people', knowing exactly how Puck's family could be in any given situation. "No need to apologize, it's totally fine. They're practically a twenty-four hour telenovela." Her gaze fell briefly to the little boy. "You have a beautiful son. I'm sure Teïta has been very busy spoiling the hell out of him."

She'd only seen the older woman briefly but was sure there'd be an ambush in her future later on, especially with Kiran in tow. Kiran, who, as she followed Sara's gaze was apparently chatting up Puck at the bar. Quinn could only imagine that conversation but opted against it.

"Oh, thank you." Abril pressed a kiss to her baby's sugar brown curls, obviously grateful that the earlier tension was gone. She smiled a bit at the mention of Teïta. "I mean, yala, like, I'm surprised she isn't already over here scooping him up. She was in the hotel room last night with just snacks on snacks on snacks. He thought it was Christmas and tried to leave with her when she left to go back to her room. Noah had to bring him to her room this morning, too."

Quinn laughed, knowing few kids could resist a food haul and tempting grandparents. "That's adorable. And pretty relatable. That snack rush is a good one." Her gaze drifted back to the bar, noting the drink beside Kiran's hand that was clearly meant for her she shook her head. "I know he's forgotten all about my cocktail," she muttered, shaking her head as Kiran and Puck continued their conversation. She turned back to Sara and Abril and flashed them a quick smile. "If you ladies will excuse me, I need to go rescue my damn drink from that social butterfly."

Quinn got up and made her way to the bar, catching the tail end of conversation about...movies. Which seemed anticlimactic and no real excuse for why her drink wasn't in hand. "Almost thought you were behind the bar making it yourself," she told her boyfriend. She smiled when he did and accepted the highball glass he passed to her, taking a long sip and savoring the smooth bite of the whiskey sour.

"Sorry, we kinda ran into Chris Evans and that sparked a whole action movie debate." Kiran shook his head. "Plus some prime people-watching happening at the bar. Puck's good for the running commentary."

Quinn regarded Puck, and gave a brief nod. "I'm sure."

"Well, you know most of these people, right? I'm sure you already know what we're saying, Fabray," Puck said, nodding back to his ex. He took a sip of his drink and regarded the pair over it, hazel eyes deliberate in the way they swept over Quinn and her dress before dragging up the long form of Kiran in his suit. They looked good together. "Kiran, I know my uncle was interested in your opinion on the venue since he bought it. I don't think he even named it yet, but he wouldn't shut up about the kitchen when he gave us the tour yesterday."

She could, considering it was a weird mix of faces in the crowd. Quinn hadn't done much mingling since small talk with celeb types felt like work and this was strictly a non-work trip, so she could settle for petty snipes. "I've probably said worse, so yes."

Mentions of a kitchen and Quinn knew Kiran would be interested, face brightening and he glanced around.

"It's a beautiful place. If the kitchen's anything like the view, I'm sure he won't have a hard time finding a head chef to run the place. I know plenty of people looking to be poached if he's interested." Quinn shook her head. "Ruthless. Jami likes hijacking talented people, so he'll probably consider it."

She fished out the cherry in her drink, chewing on the sweet maraschino before speaking again.

"How's work?" she asked Puck, figuring his job was a safe topic and also, she was curious about where it had taken him.

Tucking away the idea of chef poaching to present to his uncle later, Puck gestured for the bartender to bring them all a new round of drinks. He arched a brow at Quinn's rather diplomatic question, but answered, "I'm with the New York Aquarium now. The team there is amazing - Abril's actually our director - and we're pretty excited about this year's exhibits. You should tell Frannie about it. I bet her kids would love it. I remember Vinni freaking out about the octopuses, but I'm sure she's over it by now."

That was surprising, learning he worked with Abril, though Quinn's expression remained unchanged. "That's great for you," she offered, the compliment simple but sincere, lips eventually lifting in a brief smile at the mention of her sister and niece. "Octopuses had a good run, but she's pretty deep into a mermaid obsession. I'm sure it won't take much convincing that the aquarium's got a few merfolk to get her excited about it. I'll let Fran know." Frannie would surely appreciate the gesture, getting the kids out and also seeing Puck. Though Quinn wondered how she'd take the news of Puck's baby-shaped surprise. "The twins have never been to an aquarium, far as I know. It'll be a good first experience for them."

"Oh God, mermaids," Puck snorted, remembering a whole debacle about the same subject when Abril first got the director position. "You guys might need to bring Vinni to Coney Island for that one, but I'm sure the twins will have a blast. Ever since Easy started walking, he acts like every visit is the first time. It's cute." He accepted his new drink with a brief quirk of lips to the bartender. "So what's new with you guys? Another restaurant? Another Grammy? Or is that just same shit, different day, hmm?"

Perhaps it was the newness of it all (and of course the surprise pelting of information), but hearing Puck mention his son (his son) was so surreal. Quinn knew a wedding definitely wasn't the time to process all of that, but the ease in which he casually referenced a moment with his son (his son, Jesus would that ever stop sounding so...next dimension), it was intriguing. And a little endearing. There was a flavor of the Puck she'd known, tucked beneath the palm-printed dress shirt. Something in the way he sipped his drink, what he ordered, and the way he could casually keep up a conversation without really revealing much at all. That, she could recall, despite the passage of time and the wildly different places they found themselves in. Quinn smiled at Kiran when he plucked her empty glass from her hands and replaced it with the new round that Puck had ordered, letting the small lift of lips linger when she turned to Puck.

"They're great at that age," she replied politely. "Everything's just fun and new and you're a bit jealous of their energy level. Vinni still kicks my ass with every auntie outing." She sipped her whiskey. "No more awards just yet but I'm good and busy. Can't complain at all."

Kiran nodded. "'Bout the same. New restaurant's opening in Atlanta in a few months. I'll be glad when it is, my hair can't take this stress." He patted the side of his stylish cut and Quinn smiled, gently rapping her knuckles upside his head.

"You're fine, stop fishing for compliments." She glanced at Puck. "Sara mentioned you bought a brownstone? Major level adulting happening."

At the mention of energy levels, Puck looked beyond the couple just in time to catch the sight of Ezekiel spilling something across the table causing Abril's face to twist in the way it did before curses in multiple languages started to fly. Snorting softly through his nose at both his son's antics and the humbleness of the pair beside him, he couldn't help but watch and admire their dynamic. Quinn gave nothing away as always, but he knew her enough still to see that she and this guy... Kiran - they were happy. One of those couples that made you imagine the intimacy between them, maybe not the kind Puck's mind automatically jumped to, but he could picture them laughing together on the cab ride back to their hotel, Quinn resting her head on his shoulder, Kiran knowing to twine their fingers together without asking. It was nice and it didn't hurt to see as much as Puck always thought it would.

"God, that fucking brownstone," Puck said when his mind finally caught up with the conversation. "For whatever reason, it's in my name, but that's all Sara and Abril." He took a sip of his drink, rolling the bourbon on his tongue at the thought of the check Sara had tried to give him then decided to give to Abril as 'our dad's gift to his grandson' when Puck rejected it. Sure enough, the Brooklyn brownstone they put a down payment on was in the seven-figure range, but there were enough people paying on the mortgage that by the time Easy was old enough to own property, it would be paid off.

"I got this deal, right? With the housing association? I'm the super for the block. So basically I haven't known peace for the last six months." As if he summoned it, he had to move to the side a bit so that someone long and dressed in something slinky could rub a hand against his bicep on her way to calling down the bartender, but he just rolled his eyes. "Just had a flashback; you wouldn't believe how many times this one mother of four 'loses' the battery to her fire alarm."

Quinn had noticed the subtle shift in Puck's gaze, and figured he was no doubt keeping watch of the happenings at the table. Which was interesting, seeing him in parent mode. Interesting, and still pretty damn surreal. She chalked it up to time, passing as it did. The only explanation she could think of that would've brought them to this point, Puck with a kid and a brownstone in tow...and apparently the complaints of a few floors worth of whiny tenants. The idea of Puck--he of the short patience--being anyone's super only added to the familiarity of that general chaotic weirdness of his life that Quinn was glad to see he maintained. She'd called them 'Wandering Jew' tales back in the day, and remembering that little tidbit was enough to make her smile, grin growing when Kiran laughed at Puck talking about the attention his position in the building afforded him.

"That's not surprising at all," she replied. "Those housewives always appreciate a pretty face who's handy with a step ladder. Sure you're very popular with all the Fabletics crowd."

"Fabletics..." At that, the man gave an over-dramatic shudder. "So much Lululemon and early afternoon red wine." With another shudder, Puck shook his head a last time, then tossed back the rest of his drink. As much as he, surprisingly, didn't mind catching up with Quinn and Kiran, he could sense a tantrum coming along - whether from Abril or Easy, he wasn't sure, but he knew he needed to intercept. "Well, it's good to see you guys here. I'm glad y'all are doing well and, Kiran, you gotta tell me more about Atlanta when we get back to the table, but let me go get habibi before he wanna be startin' somethin', y'know?"

He nodded at the couple and maneuvered around them to head back to the table just in time to scoop up the little boy who had just scrunched up his face. "None of that. Let's go step on the beach, huh? I know you're tired of everyone."

Ezekiel just whined and placed his face in his father's neck. Glancing over all the curls, Puck met his sister's eyes in a significant enough way to get her sighing. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about his ex... or his other ex... or his other ex, but they were all sitting at the table through duck and dessert, so it was now or never.

"Abril knows about you and Solo, right?" Sara asked as soon as they stepped out of the restaurant and onto the stone path towards the water. "Yeah, she knows about everything. I'm sure she just didn't expect to have him sitting across from her. Or Quinn sitting next to her."

"Why are you talking to me like I arranged the seating? Because I. Did. Not. I'm just as... flabbergasted as everyone else. It's like an episode of Maury or something," she huffed, halting as the stones petered off so her heels wouldn't sink in the sand. Puck was kind enough to stop with her, letting Easy slide down his body to hang off his leg. "Are you okay?"

At first, the question felt weird because people didn't usually ask him, but eventually he nodded. "I'm fine. It's... I'm fine. I expected to see her, but I didn't expect to be fine about it. Y'know?"

"I know," Sara looked at him softly for a moment and then gestured back to the party. "Go back in. I'll sit out here with Ease for a little while you mingle. We could both use a break."

"You sure?" At her nod, he bent and picked up his now wiggling little boy, then passed him to his aunt. Then he walked back into the party.

"Seems like duty calls," Kiran remarked as the pair watched Puck walk back towards their table to mercifully relieve Abril from what Quinn could see was the beginnings of a kiddie meltdown. That in itself was...surprising, and she gave a small hum at her boyfriend's casual observation. For her part, she drained her glass and debated another. She hated drinking too much around a work crowd but figured since it was a wedding (and she'd had enough surprises to make shit awkward), another wouldn't hurt. She ordered a whiskey sour, lips lifting in a small smile when Kiran's hand reached past her to tip the bartender. She caught his fingers in her grasp afterwards, linking them sweetly and turning her face to meet his, glad when he took the hint and leaned in for a brief kiss that was exactly right in the moment. They moved out of the way for the rest of the party goers, lingering on the edges of where tables met the dancefloor that many seemed to be taking advantage of and Kiran gave her hand a small squeeze.

"Just know if we're forced into some kinda line dance, that's our cue to exit" he told her, waiting for the laugh that would follow and sure enough, the rasp of it was enough to make him smile. "I don't know if the cupid shuffle is a valid reason to duck out, but it's a very strong case."

Running away just yet didn't seem like an option. Even if the seating arrangements were...less than ideal. Still, their brief interaction with Puck at the bar proved civil was possible. Hell, Quinn would even call it pleasant. Perhaps that was the liquor talking because she was still stuck on surreal with the son reveal, and figured that wasn't changing anytime soon. Still, it was manageable. Especially with Kiran. "We can take a lap around the party, head back when it's time for you to pretend like you aren't judging the food."

[dreamiehrs]

dream run ➛ nct dream

genre: fluff, crack (it’s the dreamies what do you expect), roadtrip!au, bestfriends!dreamies

summary: you and your besties (nct dream) go on a road trip to this beautiful beach before summer ends.

note: a bulleted fic bc idk how to write this tbh... also this is completely platonic love!! just you and the dreamies being besties <3 enjoy! (gif credit: @softkooky​)

warning: some swearing

so you and your best friends, the dreamies, are all hanging out in their dorms, moseying around and playing video games on jeno’s computer from time to time

until hyuck runs in

“guys!! I’ve got an idea!”

everyone internally groans (sorry hyuck)

“we should all go on a road trip together! wouldn’t that be fun? injunnie can drive!”

cue renjun tossing a pillow at hyuck’s face

“well, I’m interested. where are we gonna drive to?” jaemin speaks up from behind the kitchen counter, snacking on some sugar cubes

“I haven’t thought that far yet.”

now everybody is throwing a pillow at hyuck as he tries to defend himself while you pull out your phone beside chenle

“what ya doing?” he asks beside you and leans over your shoulder

“trying to figure out where we should go.”

“see! y/n agrees with me~!” hyuck calls out and runs behind you to look at your phone screen as well

the first thing that pops up is this beautiful condo right near the beach. a lighthouse sitting on top of a mountain right beside the condo, and you swear you can see a restaurant only a mile or two away from it

you jump up quickly from the couch “guys, let’s go here.”

everyone reads what's on your phone one by one and all of them agree

“should we go now?” chenle asks, almost leaping from his seat

“I think we should wait until tomorrow. it’s already the afternoon and if we start now, we won’t get there until midnight or later.” renjun remarks and jisung nods his head

hyuck has a frown on his face and chenle does as well, jeno looks indifferent but you know he really wants to go

"I say f-it and let's just go." you declare and everyone but renjun jump up in glee, while he just facepalms

now everyone is running to their rooms, rustling through their drawers and bringing out the suitcases

you excuse yourself to go back to your apartment and grab your things

no one notices because they’re too busy running around frantically

thirty to forty minutes later, you arrive back to their dorms to see everyone standing outside of it with all of their suitcases

renjun passes by you and states “I hate this fucking family” (wow what a vine reference king)

you laugh loudly as you all shove your suitcases in the trunk of the car

now it's time to decide who sits where inside the car

you all play rock-paper-scissors except renjun because... he's driving (unfortunately)

jaemin wins passenger seat in the front and literally glomps renjun

you, jisung, and chenle are sitting in the middle row all together, and they both decide that you're gonna sit in between them

RIP you... but not really because the maknaes are tons of fun and you'll probably be cracking up during the way there and back ^^

jeno and hyuck lose and are in the back, but they don't seem to mind

because they downloaded tons of shows and movies to watch so... they're completely prepared for this trip

you all shuffle into the car and bring some things to keep you guys entertained... renjun even bought those tiny screens with a DVD player so you guys can watch movies LMAO

renjun pulls up the address on the GPS and you guys start your adventure there!

the first hour or so is full of bantering and teasing the others, then you go to your own devices

lele brought board games, books, card games, tons of electronics, etc

while jisung just brought... food

we all know how much this boy loves to eat

you just chuckle at how his bookbag is overflowing with snacks while he just lightly pushes your forehead back before handing you some chips

you accept them and lele pulls out a card game for the three of you to play

nana is in the front listening to an audiobook with his airpods... it's titled "how much sugar is too much sugar?"

jeno and hyuck are watching a movie in the back and sharing a blanket together... you can see jeno slowly drifting off and hyuck tapping his shoulder every few minutes to wake him up

injunnie is just... well... driving as nana would update him about his audiobook from time from time

the card game between you, lele, and jisungie is getting intense and finally, the winner is revealed... it's you!

lele and jisungie already planned that if you won, you would be surprised with a tickle attack

they send each other 'the signal' and start jabbing your sides rapidly, you squirming around like crazy to avoid their hands

the three of you decide to watch a movie together, putting the small movie players injunnie bought to use

you all attempt to watch on one movie player, jisung having to scoot even closer to you

you're now squishing lele but he just lifts his left arm and places it on the top of the seat behind your head, giving you more room

now hyuck starts complaining about how he's hungry and jisungie just throws a snack at hyuck before going back to the movie

"I need to go to the bathroom~~" hyuck whines out, jeno sleeping soundly on hyuck's right shoulder

“hyuck, we’ve only been driving for an hour and a half by now.” renjun calls out and disturbs jeno’s beauty sleep, him groaning and clinging even more to hyuck

“and? you guys know I have a small bladder, right?”

hyuck’s complaints finally get to injun’s head “alright, when I find the closest rest stop I’ll let you all know.”

hyuck hums in content and lets himself slowly drift off to sleep, him and jeno now cuddling like no tomorrow

after about 30 minutes, renjun stops at a little rest stop and the stillness of the car makes everyone aware of where they are

hyuck literally jumps out of the car and sprints toward the bathrooms... naruto who?

you all waddle over to the bathrooms and do your business

afterward, you guys head over to the little snack shop nearby to try to buy lunch

jeno let you borrow one of his airpods so you’re... extra careful because you tend to be pretty clumsy

he has a bomb playlist ngl... you did your best to not bust out dancing in the middle of an aisle earlier

so you’re all in the line waiting to check out when one of you realizes...

you lost jaemin

“where’s nana?” hyuck asks and everyone goes into panic mode

so you guys abandon the check out line and go searching for jaemin who just disappeared

you were passing by the frozen section of the shop when you swear you saw someone who looked like jaemin trapped in one of the freezers

...wait a minute

you take a double take and behold... it is jaemin whose stuck in one of the freezers

you quickly open the door and tell him to get out, while he just replies with: “no, I’m done with this road trip by now.”

“jaemin you’re actually going to freeze, get out of the freezer.”

“make me.”

you curse at him underneath your breath and call jeno for help, who just looks wearily at nana “jaemin, what the actual fuck are you doing?”

“trying to hide from you guys so you won’t make me go back in that cursed car.”

you and jeno share a glance before dragging nana out of the freezer

you give nana your jacket so he doesn’t actually freeze to death and tug him along by his hand as you spot the others

“why is jaemin blue?” jisung inquires as hyuck back hugs nana, attempting to warm the poor boy up

“I tried to escape you guys by freezing myself in the freezer. it didn’t work out as planned.”

...okay jaemin

so you guys buy all your lunches and head back to the car

renjun revs it back to life and all of you get situated before driving off

time skip to 3ish hours later bc... I’m lazy :)

you arrive at the condo and it’s !! breathtaking

you're not too far from the beach and there is a restaurant and a convenience shop nearby

once you get in the condo you guys play rock-paper-scissors (once again) to figure out the situation of the rooms

jaemin wins the biggest room of all but, to be honest... he deserved it

except he has to room with jisungie... you can just imagine it now: jaemin cuddling and babying jisung until no tomorrow

hyuck & jeno get their own rooms!! hooray!

you and china line have to share a room... time for them to be speaking in Chinese and you looking far off in the distance like you’re in The Office

it’s around 4 pm and you all decide to go to the beach because!! why not

you all change into your bathing suits as fast as you can and slather sunscreen on each other and go running to the beach

at first, you guys were just gonna all sit down on the chairs you brought and take it easy because... it took a while for you guys to get there

however, everyone was forcing each other in the water so... you just went with it

the water was super cold at first until hyuck picked you up by the waist and dragged you deeper into the ocean (like he did to mark in that Miami vid)

jisungie just laughs at how relentless hyuck is and stays a safe distance from you and him

hyuck eventually gives up and lets you go before chasing down jaemin and doing the same to him

you go and bother renjun whose trying to build a sandcastle by poking his sides until he gets annoyed

“y/n... do you want to die?”

you just laugh and keep on annoying him until he gets fed up and almost puts you in a headlock

lele is chasing jisung across the beach and jeno is surfing on the waves with the surfboard he brought himself

about an hour later... you’re all exhausted so you bundle yourselves in the towels you brought and trek back to your condo

when you get back, you all take quick showers and change into your pajamas

lele decides to stay up with jisungie and hyuck to play video games while you and the others go to sleep

you wake up the next morning to a body draped over you and to be honest, you’re not surprised when you find out its lele

he’s clinging onto you like a koala and you just laugh at his sleepy face nuzzled into your stomach

you don’t wanna disturb him but at the same time... you really have to go to the bathroom, so...

coincidentally, at the same time, someone starts clashing pans together, which you presume is renjun

lele jumps out of his skin and you just pat the top of his head before slithering out of his snug hold

you go do your business and end up taking another shower bc... why not

you slip into some comfy shorts and a loose, long-sleeve shirt before making your way to the kitchen

you plop down on a barstool beside a groggy jeno and lie against the cold, marble counter

hyuck follows your actions on the right side of you and his bedhead is... extreme... let’s just say that for now

you guys didn’t stop by the grocery store on your way here so basically... you had no food except the snacks jisungie brought + the ones you guys bought at the convenience store

renjun looks up the closest breakfast restaurant and it’s only 15 minutes away... that’s definitely a win

you all shuffle into the car and this time you sit all the way in the back with jeno just so you could sleep on your way there LMAO

you get woken up by both lele and hyuck screaming in your ears... cue renjun saying “I hate this fucking family”

just kidding, you love these dorks so much

after you guys order and everything you kinda just... chill out

you and nana play around with the snapchat filters on his phone

renjun is talking your ear off with all the conspiracy videos he watched earlier

hyuck is... sleeping

jeno is tuning the whole world out w his airpods

and jisung and chenle are quietly screaming about the pubg game they’re playing on their phones right now

when your food arrives you all gobble down without wasting a second

...that was a bad choice on your guys part because everyone is dozing off now LMAO

you guys shuffle back into the car and drive back to the condo to get ready to go to the beach (again, I know)

you guys arrive and you brought a lounge chair to sleep on because... you’re that tired from stuffing your face this morning

you unfold your chair and plant injun’s purple umbrella beside your chair

you’re just drifting off when you hear someone’s footsteps approach your chair

you expected someone to tackle you but however, that’s not the case

you open one eye to see nana unfolding a lounge chair and planting it beside yours

“take a picture, it’ll last longer.” you can hear him say and you just groan

“shush, nana. I’m trying to sleep.”

“well, I’m trying to get my beauty sleep too, so don’t disturb me.”

you start dozing off in the middle of his sentence LMAO

you don’t know how long you’re asleep for until you feel someone giving you a piggyback ride

you open your eyes for a second and see a tuft of light pink hair before dozing off again

you don’t even remember being slid off of jisung’s back into the back of the car with jeno beside you

all you remember is waking up the next morning with no one lying by your side, which probably meant you slept in

you go freshen up in the bathroom and change into some actual decent clothes before heading out of your shared bedroom

however, you’re only met with hyuck and jisung sat on the couch watching a channel on the tv

“where’s everyone?” you ask as you walk over to them and squeeze yourself between both of them

“oh, they’re getting refreshments because hyuck and I are really worn out from the past two days. so today’s gonna be a chill day.” jisung explains

“but wasn’t yesterday a chill day?” you inquire as you look back and forth between jisung and hyuck

“it was a chill day for you and nana. everyone else was playing hard while you two got your hard-earned beauty sleep.” hyuck answers back and you nod before all the three of you are in an intense episode of Game of Thrones

all your legs are tangled together as you three wanted to cuddle bc you guys kept on complaining about how cold it was... however, jisung untangled his legs to go grab a humongous fluffy blanket and threw it on top of you and hyuck

jisung proceeds to snuggle underneath the covers once again with you on his left, and you struggle to keep your eyes open until you guys hear the front door open

“we’re back! wake up, sleepyheads!” renjun shouts which makes all three of you simultaneously flinch

him, nana, lele, and jeno all set down the grocery bags on the coffee table in front of you guys

“geez, how much did you guys buy?” hyuck asks from your right as jisung snuggles closer to you on your left

“tons, if you couldn’t tell. everything’s up for grabs, so get it while it’s fresh.” you rustle from underneath the snug blanket and search through the bags, eventually settling on green tea ice cream, chocolate, bottled water, and sour cream and onion chips

you sit back down on the couch and you hear hyuck snicker from beside you. “so unhealthy..” he says

“don’t say that like you don’t have a whole bag of Cheetos in your lap right now.”

he just nudges you in response and somehow all seven of you guys sit on the couch together

jeno has control of the remote and he puts on Spirited Away

it was eight when you guys started and it was a two-hour movie so... you guys finished around ten

after the movie, you guys had cleaned up all the trash from the snacks you ate and got ready for bed... jisungie invited you to stay up with him to play video games and you took up that offer for about an hour or so

when your head hit the pillow later that night, you were out cold LMAO

the next morning renjun wakes you up by shaking you, and you just hit his chest to make him stop

“y/n... it’s our last day here.” this made you get up

you just pout and he ruffles your hair before pushing you towards the bathroom... basically telling you to hurry the f up

once you’re all situated, you head out to the kitchen to see him serving everyone pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon

what a god

this particular morning, all of you take your time eating. savoring everything before you guys have to leave tomorrow morning

lele lets you share one of his airpods and his playlist is actually filled with every nct song known to exist... taeyong is *crying in proud mom noises*

jaemin plays with your hair from beside you while he scrolls through Instagram, already done with his breakfast

and yes... you guys go to the beach once again... how could you not? and especially on the last day

you guys are already all prepared for the beach so you jump in the car and drive to the beach for the third time

jeno brings his boards to teach you guys how to surf!! how fun!!

as a team effort, you guys try your best for 15 minutes straight

you actually got the ropes of it, but the other five kept on getting aggravated because they kept on losing balance every 5 seconds

you thank jeno for giving you some lessons on how to surf and he grins at you before you start to head to where lele is seated on the sand

he’s making a sandcastle, and now it’s a competition on who can make the biggest one

after a few minutes, he glances at yours and starts hyena laughing until he just starts to silently laugh

“oh gosh, what is it now?”

he wipes a tear from his eye. “yours reminds me of jisung’s big head.”

before you can even react to his statement, jisung comes up from behind chenle and necks him before sprinting off in the other direction

lele is quick to get up and start chasing after jisung. you don’t notice that hyuck has come up from behind you and lifts you from underneath your arms

“hyuck, don’t you d―“

“too late.” he carries you bridal style to the ocean and the both of you go under for a solid 10 seconds before you come back up again. your wet hair is now sticking to your back and hyuck is grinning at you like an idiot

he comes closer to you and you know he’s gonna dump you back into the water... but there’s nowhere to go to escape from his antics at this rate

“if I drown I’m blaming it on you.” you say as he lifts you up once again

he smirks. “fair enough.” before dunking you back into the water and doing the same to himself as well

you come back up for air and your ears are... full of water

thanks, hyuck

lele is still chasing jisung on the beach while renjun stares at them like their madmen

it’s all fun and games until jisung trips and lele literally pounces on him LMAO

and at this rate... you’re extremely burnt and everyone is wiped out from being at the beach for... 2 to 3 hours...

you get jeno to piggyback you to the car because... you’re too tired to even try to move

he does like the sweet guy he is and even sits in the back with you so you could lie your head on his shoulder for a bit... can you tell that I love jeno?

it's around 4 pm and you guys decide to freshen up for a bit before heading out to dinner

you try to look decent and ask the guys for their opinions on what outfit you should wear

they all have different fashion styles, though, so you just reside in hyuck who has the closest style to yours out of the others

when you put on each individual outfit and walk out of the bathroom like you’re striding down the runway, hyuck is your hypeman

even if he isn’t digging the outfit that much, he’ll still compliment how great it looks on you or how it describes your personality

once you settle on an outfit that both you (and hyuck) agree on, you guys head out to the Mediterranean restaurant nearby!!

you’re situated between lele and hyuck... the loudest ones of your friend group... god help you

the three of you scan the menu, helping each other figure out what they’re gonna eat and such

whatever you guys order looks really good... you’ve never been more excited to eat than at this moment lmao

you then proceed to entertain the two boys beside you, playing truth or dare and never have I ever until you guy’s food arrives

you inhale your food like earlier, and you have to force yourself awake because this time, no one was going to give you a piggyback ride TT

when you guys get back to the condo, you all change into pjs and renjun decides to go to bed first, having to drive for a great deal tomorrow

you wipe off some of the makeup you had on for dinner and jump into bed alongside renjun, opting to watch a short youtube video of cooking asmr to help you fall asleep

before you even know it, you’ve fallen asleep in the middle of the video

yes, you were that tired

you wake up, tangled in your earbuds and renjun still fast asleep beside you

earlier renjun said he wanted to leave around nine... it was already eight

“injunnie, wake up.” you lightly shake him and he groans

“no.”

“oh my gosh, stop being a baby. it’s already eight o’clock.”

his eyes suddenly open and he jumps up to get ready

you just shake your head and decide to make the rounds to see if anybody else was awake

...no one else was awake LMAO

you wrestle with the others to get them up and ready to leave, and at this rate, it seems like you guys are gonna leave at ten

you put on some sweats and an oversized t-shirt before packing all of your stuff... you’re definitely not going to tell renjun that you stole his cream cleanser and almost used all of it... (sorry renjun TT)

you also went to bed at 1 am... yolo

it’s now 8:30 am, and you guys are dumping all your luggage into the trunk of the car

renjun is still planning on driving, so he situates himself inside the car and waits for you guys to finish up with the seating arrangements

jeno is sitting up front with injun

hyuck, jisung, and chenle are sitting in the middle row

and you’re in the back with nana

he lets you listen to the podcast he’s currently listening to while the three in front of you guys are screaming

jeno is deadass playing The Sims on his phone (big mood)

after an hour everybody’s calmed down

you fell asleep on nana’s shoulder and his head is resting on yours

you guys get home safely and you drive yourself back to your apartment

time skip to a few months later... all of you are hanging out at the dreamies’ dorm and hyuck comes running in again

“let’s go on another road trip!!”

here we go again...

[warmstained]

ｉ ｈａｄ ａ ｗｉｄｅ ａｎｇｌｅｄ ｓｍｉｌｅ ａｎｄ ａ ｍｏｕｔｈ ｆｕｌｌ ｏｆ ｇｏｌｄ      /     𝑀𝐼𝐿𝒪 𝐻𝒜𝒩𝒮𝒪𝒩 

hey , is that MILO HANSON ? y'know , the TWENTY-SEVEN year old from SAN FRANCISCO , CALIFORNIA ? from what i know they’re usually DRIVEN & SELF-EFFACING , but also SELFISH & INSECURE . the dim light in an quiet kitchen , the condensation on iced coffee that’s been diluted by melting ice , and glasses sliding down the bridge of your nose really reminds me of them but i guess that makes sense since they’re a LEO . they’ve been visiting canyon for TWENTY years .

hey everyone , i’m kat and i’m ready to vibe fsdjsjd  :’) milo hanson is a whole mess and please feel free to poke around and send me a message for whatever connection or plot you may be interested in because there’s a 31891921% chance that i’m interested in the same thing , we’re just here for a good time bro ! 

ｈｕｒｔｓ  ｕｎｔｉｌ  ｉｔ  ｄｏｅｓｎ＇ｔ      ↝  

milo hanson enjoyed a charmed life , for the most part . milo was the eldest son of victoria and jackson hanson , known nationally as the ( intimidating , overwhelming ) powerhouses of investment banking . 

their work was lucrative and the wealth that pumped through their bank account was demonstrated through the first class plane rides and five star hotels , through the several ponies that meandered through their yard during the hanson children’s birthday parties , through the summers that they spent lounging in their own impressive home in the canyons ... milo appreciated the luxury that defined so much of his life , but he was always acutely aware of the expectations that came with those luxuries .

victoria and jackson tasked their children with not only upholding the family name , but devoting themselves to the family business . they were a family with money , but the money was new , and they needed to cement themselves in the world of the rich and famous in any capacity they could . milo was signed up for as many sports teams , academic decathlons , and tutoring sessions as his schedule could handle . 

who could really be that surprised when he started lashing out and desperately tried to have his parents see him beyond an opportunity to better their image ?  he tried to enjoy as many wild parties as he could , tried to throw as many of those wild parties as he could , did his best to sneak out of his bedroom window and spend the night hanging out with friends that his parents absolutely did not approve of . it rarely turned out how he hoped , and those wild nights always culminated in his mom throwing water on him and dragging him out for swimming practice at seven in the morning . 

for all the work he put into building a persona that made it look like he didn’t care , that he wasn’t bothered by the critiques that were constantly piled on him , he always had a soft spot for his grandparents . they had once owned a restaurant that eventually went bankrupt , but they still loved the heat of the kitchen , and whenever he was in miami , he spent as much time as he could away from the gilded gates of the canyon and in their modest apartment , listening intently as his grandmother conspiratorially whispered secret family recipes in his ear . 

for all his teenage rebellion , milo went along with his parents’ plans for him , but eventually , the spontaneous night outs and the tense mornings that came after weren’t enough to keep him from feeling suffocated . he graduated business school , and was just about to reluctantly fill his wardrobe with crisp and uncomfortable suits , when news broke out that his grandfather had passed away . he skipped his first day at the company to interview as a dishwasher for a local hole in the wall and register for culinary school , intent on getting the restaurant that his grandfather had always wanted . 

his parents seethed , and it wasn’t long before his own bank account ran dry without their support for his decision . he avoided his parents’ calls as he trudged through culinary school and navigated the industry , committed to his decision and choosing not to spend too much time lingering on the guilt that gnawed at his stomach . 

but he couldn’t avoid them forever , nor did he want to . contrary to popular belief , he doesn’t hate his parents . he knows about the hushed conversations that are shared in the bustling galas and whispers made between the tinkling champagne at a dinner party , where people accuse him of being the ungrateful son that threw away a golden opportunity to become a titan in a lucrative industry . instead , he resents the glittery backdrop that he has always needed to see his parents in . if he resented his parents , he would always coolly reply , he wouldn’t have caved into their request to settle down in the canyon estates and would have just holed himself up downtown . 

when he was twenty four , he opened his own small restaurant in the hot and bustling center of downtown miami , right on the street where his grandparents’ own place used to be — the dining room was so narrow that he couldn’t put backs on the chairs and the air conditioning liked to sputter loudly before shutting down , but it was his , and he didn’t care whether his mother thought that he needed to better coordinate the color scheme . 

he’s been spending the past few years throwing himself into his little restaurant . he’s since expanded the space and works through most evenings to try and secure the michelin star that his grandparents had always talked so dreamily about . 

ｗｅｉｇｈｔ  ｏｆ  ｍｙ  ｏｗｎ  ｅｇｏ     ↝     

he’s a perfectionist . as much as he clashed with the expectations his parents had , he had absorbed all of their messages on never daring to move forward without ensuring that his next step would turn out exactly as he hoped . when his restaurant first opened , he dangerously edged the line between working hard and refusing to sleep , and spent more nights than he’d ever admit having fallen asleep on the cool steel of the kitchen counter . 

he’s desperate for attention . good attention , attention that wasn’t reluctantly given as people relented that at least he’s doing something . as much as he’s tried to distance himself from the world of the rich , he can’t deny that it’s the world that he is most intimately familiar with , and he can only ever pretend that their harsh critiques shake him , even a little bit . 

he loves his grandmother . the years after his grandfather’s death was a difficult one , and more than anyone , his grandmother made it possible for him to make it out of his couch and put on a proper pair of jeans . she was the only member of his family that had seen him for who he was , who was there throughout the planning and execution of his restaurant , who goes to the restaurant ( in her own reserved booth , obviously ) to try the latest dishes and gush over the decor . he spends sunday mornings having brunch with her . 

he is an excellent babysitter . he’s always been one of the older kids in the neighborhood , and to try and get him to better understand the value of money , his parents cut him off for a summer and forced him to get to work. he had dragged his feet about it for a bit , but then later discovered that he actually really enjoyed spending time with kids and would put together games and activities that they could do together . he has a small recipe box for homemade baby food .

he’s less confident than he looks . maybe it’s the fact that his father always has a prepared list of the things that he could get right , or maybe it’s the fact that eventually unkind gossip could get under anyone’s skin , but he’s not nearly as assured and confident as he lets on . he’s deeply afraid of proving everyone’s worst fears about him right , and as a result , finds himself more incapable of building genuine friendships and connections that last beyond a few drinks at the bar .

and that’s all for me folks ! i’m so excited to start chattin and plotting with everyone omg would love a good influence connection , a slow burn kind of deal , a bad influence thing , a partner in crime , big brother situation because he’s lowkey ancient ... whatever u would like to do , please feel free to send a message on tumblr or hmu on discord @ katastic#6937 #MWAH <3

[drrameyfanpage]

The Wedding Date - Chapter 2

Summary: Alexandra meets Ethan’s older brother and his wife.

Word Count: 3,491

Tag List: @fangirlingmum  @paisleylovergirl @nobounderiesplease @radlovedreamer

Let me know if you want to be tagged or don’t want to be tagged.

Packing was harder than Alexandra thought it would be. She looked like she was moving with the two suitcases she had laid out on her bed. Harper had told her to over pack. Better to be over prepared than to wish you had something. She put all her new clothes carefully into one suitcase with the intention that whatever she didn’t wear, she could return when they got back.

She glanced at Ethan’s card on her dresser. He hadn’t asked for it back and she had forgotten about it. She planned to give it him when he came to get her.

In the other suitcase she packed some clothes she already had, toiletries, and shoes. She was all packed and went to zip both suitcases shut. She paused and glance back at her dresser and debated internally with herself. Sienna had made her go lingerie shopping before Miami, of course nothing had come from it. All of it still never worn. Before she could lose her nerve, she pulled the top draw open and pulled out several sexy items and tossed them into one of the suitcases.

A few minutes later Jackie poked her head in the door, “Your pretend boyfriend is here.” She grinned.

Alexandra tossed his card and her phone into her purse before grabbing it and the two suitcases. She couldn’t help but to grin as Ethan stood looking clueless as Danny and Elijah excitedly explain the plot to Star Trek to him.

“Hi.” She softly grabbing his attention.

“Hi.” He smiled back and reached for her duffle bag. He slugged it over his shoulder with ease, as if the several pairs of shoes in it weighed nothing. He than grabbed the handle of her roller case.

She tried not blush thinking about the lingerie she had put in there only minute before. “I’ll see you guys in a few days.”

Sienna rushed forward to give her a big hug. “Travel safe!” She sniffled.

Jackie rolled her eyes from the couch. “She’s going out of town and will be back. She’s not moving.”

“I know!” Sienna glared at her. She pulled Alexandra in for one more hug before pulling Ethan into a quick hug. “Be safe.”

“We will.” Ethan said surprised at the hug. He pulled away hurrying for the door.

Sienna winked at Alexandra and mouthed, “be safe.” again earning her glare.

Ethan load the luggage into the trunk besides his stuff. She was relieved to see he had packed just as much. “I was worried about overpacking.”

“There’s no such thing as overpacking when it comes to anything my sister is involved in.” He helped her into the car.

“I’ve never been to Cape Cod.” Alexandra filled the silence as they headed out of Boston.

“It’s okay, I prefer Martha’s Vineyard, but you’ll enjoy the Cape.”

“Before everything came out with Landry, my roommates wanted to go to Martha’s Vineyard.”

“You didn’t go?” He glanced over at her pulling on to the highway.

“No, so much was going on. You had just quit and Naveen had left. I didn’t feel up to doing much.”

Without thinking about the implication of his words he told her, “I’ll just have to take you sometime then.”

She didn’t say anything not wanting to get her hopes up that he had actually meant it. Her phone dinged her lap and she read the text. She sighed not responding to the text and slipped the phone into an empty cup holder.

“Bad news?” He questioned.

She debated to telling him. They hadn’t really spoken in the last few months, but that didn’t stop her from feeling guilty about hanging out with Bryce. She shifted in her seat towards him. The headlights from other cars making it easy to read his face in the dark.

“No, it was Bryce. He was trying to talk to me out of this one last time.”

“Ah.” Was all he said both hands tightening around the steering wheel, but she didn’t notice that. Silence filled the car as he stared at the road and she stared at him. “You’re not going to reply to him?”

“No. I already told him I was doing this. I appreciate his concern but there’s no need for it.”

“Aren’t you dating?” Ethan couldn’t help but to ask.

“What?”

“It’s just that you both seem pretty close lately.” He was talking in his no emotion doctor voice.

Is that why he had stayed away? He thought she was dating Bryce. “I’m not dating Bryce. He would like to be dating but I only see him as a friend. Actually I haven’t told him because I know it will hurt him but he’s like brother. Funny and caring, but sometimes sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong.”

Ethan relaxed and dropped one hand from the steering wheel to his lap. The term brother never sounded so good.

She wondered how to phrase it, “You thought he and I were dating but still invited me as you pretend girlfriend to your sister’s wedding?”

He shrugged. “I wasn’t thinking about the boy at the time.”

She gave him a look at the term boy but she had to admit he was right. Bryce was like a brother and in some ways still had some maturing to do, but Ethan was all man. Well dressed, successful, handsome, and Jesus, when he had come out of the bathroom in Miami in towel she had almost fainted. Even after seeing the vulnerable side of him when he quit, she knew he was still in control of every decision he made.

“So what were you thinking about?” she pushed wanting answer.

He wanted to tell her he had been thinking about seeing her in another stunning dress with her pressed against his body as they danced. He wanted to tell her she was the only person he trusted to bring into this situation. That her presence alone calmed him. That if anyone was going to keep him from fighting with his family it would be her. He shrugged, “It just slipped out.”

Alexandra couldn’t say her feeling weren’t hurt. She had hoped maybe he still had some sort of feelings for her. She was starting to think maybe he thought of her the way she thought of Bryce. “Tell me about you family. I need to know what I’m walking into.”

He shifted uncomfortably and subconsciously pressed harder on the gas. She noticed both but didn’t comment. He told a deep breath, “There’s my mother and father, Richard and Sharon. My older brother Brandon and his wife, Macy. Then of course there’s the bride Katie, my little sister. Her husband is Jason.”

“Have you met Jason?”

“No, but I believe they’ve been together three years.”

“Are you close with your brother?”

“No at all.” He answered sounding angry. “Listen there’s going to be probably close to 150 or 200 people there. They won’t be at all the events. Those will be smaller. My hope is that my family will be so preoccupied with everyone else, they’ll stay the hell away from us.”

“Why don’t you speak to your family?”

“Let’s leave it at I didn’t follow in my father’s footsteps.”

“That’s it? I’m not trying to sound mean, but in all these years you and your family couldn’t make up?”

“No.” He answered harshly ending the conversation.

She turned back in her seat and settled in. They stopped for a quick dinner along the way. Alexandra could see his walls coming up. His posture was stiff and he frowned at everything.

The closer they seemed to get to their destination the more closed off he was becoming. Though they had no conversation, she could feel the shift in the car. She didn’t get it. Sure his parents didn’t seem like the greatest the other day but there had to be something more going on.

They pulled up to a large hotel with dark blue shaker siding. Alexandra stepped out of the car and smell of salt water hit her. She took a deep breath breathing it in. Waves could be heard crashing on the other side of the hotel. Excitement bubbled up in her. She always wanted to stay in a place like this. There was a romantic feeling about it and she looked over the top of the car at Ethan who was staring at her.

She grinned as his hair blew in the chilly May wind. He raised an eyebrow at her causing her to grin more. She would be there for him this week and help deal with family drama, but she was going to get at least one night of passion with Dr. Ethan Ramsey. If he turned her away afterwards then so be it. It would hurt but it hurt now not even really having a friendship with him.

Valet came out to greet them and helped Ethan load their luggage on to a cart. The lobby was beached themed but done so in a classic not tacky way. Alexandra glanced around feeling a bit out of place.

“Checking in.” Ethan leaned casually against the check-in desk. “Ethan Ramsey.”

Alexandra took a moment to admire his ass in the tight dress pants before joining him at the counter. “This place is gorgeous.”

“Wait until you see your room.” The woman smiled behind the counter. She hand Ethan a few papers to sign while she swiped his card.

Alexandra glanced over as he signed next to the estimated total for the room, $1,500 for only five days. She tried to not to freak out. He handed the paper back without even looking the least bit concerned.

“Now that total doesn’t include room service or eating at the hotel restaurant or bar. If you need anything at any time just press 0 on your room’s phone. The indoor pool is open 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. The bar is open 24/7 but the restaurant closes at 11:00 pm. Your bags are already in your room and you are on the top floor in room 504.” She handed the room keys to Ethan. “Enjoy your stay Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey.”

Ethan thanked the woman not correcting her and Alexandra tried not grin. She liked the sound of that. She couldn’t help but to wonder what being married to Ethan would be like. She felt like it would be exactly what she wanted.

“Well look who we have here.”

Alexandra had been so caught up and thoughts of being curled on the couch with Ethan and Jenner, she missed two people walking towards them.

The man’s eyes racked over Alexandra’s body and a sleazy smile appeared on his face. “Good job little brother. Mom said you had a girlfriend. What she didn’t say was how smoking hot she is.”

The woman next him looked uncomfortable but didn’t take her eyes off Ethan. There was a longing look in them and it made Alexandra jealous.

Ethan on the other hand had gone rigid. She stepped up to his side and slid his arm around her. “Brandon, Macy.” He barely looked at the woman.

Hurt clearly written across her face. His brother downed the rest of his drink before setting the glass next to a plant on a table. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?” He took a step towards Alexandra.

Ethan pulled her so that her front was to his side as if to protect her. “Alexandra this is my brother Brandon and his wife Macy.”

Brandon took her hand and kissed the top of it and she pulled it back fast. She could feel Ethan’s hand fist in her shirt.

“It’s a pleasure.” His eyes landed on the V-neck of her blouse.

Alexandra turned more into Ethan and wrapped her arms around his waist feeling him relax a little. “It’s nice to meet you both. We’ll have to catch up later, we were on our way to getting settled in.”

“We must catch up. I wanted to know all about the woman who’s dating my little brother. If you need anything just text the number you RSVPed to. That’s Macy’s, she can get you whatever you need.” He said as if his wife was no more than the hired help. He gave Alexandra one last lingering look before heading off in the direction of the bar.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Macy tried to smile Alexandra before looking back to Ethan. “It’s always good to see you.” She moved her hand as if to reach out for him but dropped it to her side. “Hopefully we can find a moment to catch up.”

With his arm still wrapped around Alexandra he started walking towards the elevators. “We’ll see.” Was all he said.

Alexandra gave a small wave before wrapping her arm back around his stomach. They didn’t separate in the elevator nor didn’t Ethan relax. They hadn’t been this close since he hugged her after she was cleared.

They walked to their room still glued to each other’s side. Ethan waved the key card in front of the keypad and the door clicked open. He flicked on the overhead light and she let go of him running to the sliding glass doors. The lights from the sunbathing deck below illuminated the some of the beach beyond.

“We have a beach view!” She looked back him her smile was contagious. She slid the doors open and was greeted with the sound of crashing waves. Stepping up to the railing of the balcony, she closed her eyes. The wind was chilly but she didn’t care.

Heat surrounded her as Ethan pressed his chest to her back. “I’m glad you like it, I asked for ocean view especially because I thought you would enjoy it.” His breath warm on her cheek.

She let the moment go on a second before she turned to face him. It would be so easy to kiss him but she wasn’t sure if it would be genuine from him or a reaction from downstairs. She looked away before slipping past him back inside.

He let his head fall forward with disappointment. He knew it was the right thing, that she had done the right thing. They had only been in the room minutes and he was already ready to give in to temptation.

She wondered around the room as he pulled himself together. The bathroom was huge with double sinks, a separate shower, and jetted tub that sat in front of a large window looking out at the water. There was also a gas fireplace in the wall at the foot of the tub. It looked big enough for both her and Ethan to fit. She shook her head and wondered back into the room. The room itself was on the small side and it wasn’t your normal hotel feeling room.

Ethan had come back in and slid the door shut only half way. He leaned against the frame looking out into the night.

“Care to tell me what all that was downstairs?” She asked sitting on the edge of the bed.

He tensed before he let his shoulders drop running a hand through his hair. He walked away from the door grabbing the chair at the small desk. He brought it over to her and sat straddling the chair.

She was becoming frustrated when he said nothing. “I asked you in the car if there was something I needed to know. I would consider your brother’s wife looking longingly at you, something I needed to know. Also, a warning about your brother would have been nice. Is he like that with every girl?”

He looked at his shoes gathering his thoughts. “I’m just going to tell you the whole story and start at the beginning. I met Macy my freshman year of college. She went to a community college and ended up with friends at party on my university’s campus. We hit it off right away. We both rather be elsewhere than at that party. We would run into each other a few more time before we ended up dating.”

Ethan looked anywhere but at Alexandra. “Everything was going great. We had been together over a year and I brought her home to visit the summer after sophomore year. My relationship with my parents had always been rocky but I was pushing to go into med school. It made everything worse. My mother immediately fell in love with Macy.”

He ran a hand over his face. “I thought for once I did something right in their eyes. My mom was so happy when I kept bring her home with me on holidays.” He took a deep shuttering breath. “My parents and I fought the summer going into my senior year. I hadn’t told anyone but Macy that I was pre-med. My father flipped when he found out. He had never hit me or any of us before. He did that day though, knocked one to my cheek. Told me he was cutting me off and to enjoy medical school debt. I had two days to get out of the house.”

He blinked back tears, “I had to go to work after the confrontation. I left but work sent me home early. I was too much of a mess.” His face and voice lost all emotion. “My brother’s car was in the driveway when I got home. Thought he had come to laugh at me.” He gave a hollow laugh. “Never thought I would find him in bed with Macy.”

Alexandra wanted to find the woman and hit her. How could someone not choose Ethan? He was so amazing and had so much to offer.

“She cried running after me in his shirt. When I turned around ready to hear whatever excuses she had, she blamed it on me. I was too busy working, too busy studying. How could I let my parents cut me off? Why would I ever choose to be in debt over having money? Jokes on all of them though, I’m worth more than my parents and brother combined.”

Alexandra got off the bed as a few tears slipped down his face. She straddled him fitting between him and the back of the chair. He buried his face in her shoulder. “You’re one of the most amazing doctors of our time. You’re caring and passionate.” She ran her hands through his hair. “We’re going to kick ass this week.”

He pulled back their faces inches from each other. “There something else you should know. The very few times I’ve seen them since that day, Macy continues to try to get me back. My brother is- just be careful around him.”

“Well I’ll just have to stay glued to your side then.” She smiled softly at him. For a moment she thought he was going to kiss her.

Instead he put his hands on the back of the chair and got up letting her gently fall on to the seat. “We should get ready for bed. Tomorrow is going to be long.”

She watched as he hung up some of his clothes in the closet before going to her own bags. She pulled out a simple pajama set and went to the bathroom.

Ethan looked at the closed door for a moment before eyeing the queen size bed. They would have to make do, he was not sleeping on the floor for five nights.

When he emerged from the bathroom she was under the covers on her phone. He walked over to the other side, “Are you okay sharing?” He asked not getting in yet.

“Yes, besides there’s no way in hell I’m letting you sleep on the floor.” She set her phone on the bedside table.

He still didn’t get in and looked embarrassed. “I don’t sleep usually sleep with a shirt.” That was only sort of true. Usually he slept naked. “I get warm really easily. If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll keep it on.” He shifted from foot to foot.

Was he trying to drive her crazy? “That’s fine.” She swallowed.

“Are you sure? I really don’t want this to be weird.”

He was cute when he was nervous. “I’m sure.” She patted the empty spot.

Ethan pulled the black t-shirt over his head and tossed it towards his suitcase. His abs flexed with the movement and Alexandra felt herself getting hot. She wondered if she could get away sleeping shirtless too.

He flipped the light off missing her pink cheeks. The bed dipped under his weight and it took all her will power not roll towards him.

“I’m glad you’re here.” He whispered a few minutes later as they both laid on the back a small space between them.

“I’m glad I’m here too.” She reached out for his hand and linked their fingers together. The way he kept himself so closed off was starting to make sense.

Sleep claimed them fast, exhaustion and emotions from the day making them both tired.

[metaphoricallyroger]

With Love, From Me to You - iv of iv [R.T.]

Summary: One-hundred ways to say ‘I love you’ over twenty-eight years.

Words: 3,265

Warnings: Implied smut. Language. Baby blues and pregnancy difficulties (at 77. 85.). Talk of illness and death (at 96. 98.).

Note: This follows both Bohemian Rhapsody’s and real-life events (generally for dates, minor plot etc.), picture whichever Roger you fancy! The title is taken from ‘From Me To You’ by The Beatles.

--

76. (1984):

“Can you believe he’s going to do this solo project? What a joke! Told me all I’d be is some dentist, too! As if I’d have ever done that.”

“Roger.” Heavily pregnant, listening to Roger screech about band problems, although extremely valid, isn’t at the top of your priorities at the moment.

“Four million dollars! I can’t believe it!”

“Roger,” you interrupt, louder now, “I’ve been having contractions since you left for the meeting. Could we please go to the hospital now?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were having contractions?”

“Because you were too busy yelling to listen properly!” You breathe in and out deeply to calm your heart rate.

“I’ll drive you to the hospital.” He bends at the waist to help you up, which you ignore. Just because you’re going into labour doesn’t mean you’ve suddenly become incapable of caring for yourself.

“Who else would I want to drive me?” Despite feeling nauseous and racked with pain, you smile at your husband as you walk out the door.

--

77. (1984):

“Are you okay?”

“What?” You snap out of the daze you have been in, staring blankly at the artwork above Robin’s cot.

“You’re crying, love.”

“I am? I didn’t- I didn’t realise that I was.” You wipe at your cheek and hot tears follow.

“What’s wrong? You can tell me, I’ll try to help,” he offers.

“She doesn’t want to breastfeed and my arms are getting so tired trying to hold her up, I can’t do this. It’s too hard this time around.” You whimper and more tears fall, landing on the baby’s head.

“Can I take her for a moment? I’ll be right back.”

You pass the four-day-old over and he disappears out of the room, returning with a pillow from your bed. He sits next to you and puts the pillow on your lap and transfers Robin back to you.

“Rest her on the pillow, and I’ll support her neck, okay?” You make a noise of agreement and move your arm for Roger’s which quickly replaces yours.

“There, she can take all the time she wants to feed, I’ve got her. Now, you get your udder out.” You know he’s trying to make you laugh, and it does with a sniffle.

--

78. (1984):

“Did you know it’s been ten years to the date that we first kissed?” Robin lies against your chest, having her morning feed, beginning to daze as she has her fill of milk.

“You remember when our first kiss was?” Roger looks up where he sits with the three-year-old Zoe on his lap, who he is letting poke her fingers anywhere she likes, including up his nose on accident.

“Of course, don’t you?”

“I could never forget you making the first move, love.” He shifts in bed, careful not to jostle the now dozing baby and steals the first kiss of the next decade of your lives.

--

79. (1985):

For the first time in years, Roger had returned from a meeting with Miami in a fit. He’d left happy this morning, but you presume something had gone amiss during the meeting with Brian and John.

“I can’t believe he’d be that much of a coward to set up a meeting through Miami.”

“He’s your family, Roger. Besides, weren’t you telling me you haven’t spoken to him nor would pending Armageddon?” You watch him pace back and forth like a trapped zoo animal, a lion if you’re being specific.

“What the hell do you think he wants?” He ignores your quip.

“Maybe he wants to be a part of the band again. Or maybe he just wants to talk, apologise.”

“That’d be bloody right. What, he finally got sick of Prenter and his club songs? Finally decided we’re worth something to him?” His voice seems to gain an octave with every syllable.

“Hey,” you call, “don’t get angry at me. I’m team Roger. Always.”

“I’m sorry,” he collapses on the settee in the corner of the room.

“You don’t have to accept his apology. But at least hear him out. Maybe you could be the bigger person?”

His hand comes up to pinch the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache forming.

“I hate that you’re always right.”

--

80. (1985):

“How was rehearsal?” You know it can’t have gone too well considering Roger went straight to the fridge for a beer without saying hello to any members of the household.

He bites his lip and his nostrils flare, making your eyebrows crease. His tone is solemn as he begins to speak.

“I really need to tell you something, but it’s about someone else and I got told I couldn’t tell anyone.”

You take Roger at his word and don’t require him to tell you. Something about this conversation has an overtone of loyalty, loyalty to whom, you aren’t sure. There is a small crease between his brows and he just looks sad.

“You don’t need to tell me. If it involves me, yes, I would prefer that you tell me, but if the person doesn’t want anything told, I won’t ask.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.” His hands curve around your hips as he takes another sip of beer and you rest your head on his chest, listening to the percussive beating of his heart.

--

81. (1985):

The band have been working hard (harder than you’ve seen in recent years) in the days leading up to Live Aid. You know that the practise and days of only see Roger at bedtime are going to be worth it.

Roger crouches in front of Zoe after having put earmuffs on Robin who is testing her balance on your shoulders. The earmuffs go over her blonde waves and he holds them away from her ears so she can still hear him.

“These are so you don’t lose any hearing in your young age and your mother doesn’t divorce me.”

“Okay, Daddy,” Zoe giggles, not comprehending what Roger’s saying.

The size of the earmuffs on the four and one-year-old is almost comical.

“You’re an excellent dad.” You kiss his cheek tenderly.

You turn back to wave at him as you make your way to the side of the stage and can’t help the proud welling of your eyes as Queen takes to the stage.

--

82. (1986):

The rain that has tapped resoundingly against the windows and dampened the sound of the city has finally eased. Roger lifts his head to nibble at the crease between thigh and hip.

“Oh, look, the suns out again,” you say, sweaty and joyously. You rest your hand on your stomach and look down at the man between your legs.

You run your knuckles along Roger’s cheeks, your fingertips gliding over blonde brows.

“Do you want me to stop?”

“Nope, you look good in that spot,” you return your hands back to the sheet whilst Roger’s head returns to its previous position.

--

83. (1986):

The party after Queen’s sold out Wembley shows is crowded with many people, most of whom you haven’t seen before, friends of friends of friends.

You sit in Roger’s lap, where he rattles the ice in the bottom of his now empty glass. You feel him shift under you as if to move you, but he yawns instead.

“Tired?”

“Mhm. It’s been a long day,” he sighs into your shoulder, flexing his fingers around your waist.

“Let me get you a drink,” you take the glass from his hand and stand up.

--

84. (1986):

“All the numbers you could possibly need are on the fridge,” you remind Roger as you move through the house, bags in hand.

“Don’t you worry about us,” Roger places a calming hand to your bicep, “we’ll have a right good time, won’t we girls?” The two angels look innocently up at Roger and nod.

“They’ve never been without me before.”

“You don’t trust me to look after my own children?” You ache to sooth the downturned lips of Roger’s.

“No, I do, you’re the only person I trust with them more than me. I’m just anxious.”

“Try not to worry about us, okay? I’ve got this. Go sort everything out with your parents.” His calming tone aids you in alleviating some of the panic you were feeling about leaving your kids alone for the first time.

“Okay,” you sigh, “okay.”

“Say goodbye to Mama, kids.” They both give you a hug and a kiss that you don’t want to let go of, but you do, if only to move onto Roger and cling even harder.

--

85. (1987):

“Why isn’t this happening?” Your tears drench your face as you sit, fully clothed, in a scalding hot bath.

Roger had tried to get you to take off your clothes but you ignored him, wanting to feel the weight of sopping clothing, forcing yourself to stay upright in the bath so you don’t sink below the water. It would be easy to do, at least your hair would be clean.

“We’ll just have to give it time,” he whispers into your hair, pressing butterfly kisses over the crown of your head.

You want to have another child with Roger. Having Zoe and Robin was easy, you feel as if your luck has now run out, and you ache with a fire you’ve never felt before.  

--

86. (1987):

The restaurant Roger has booked a reservation at is fancy and bright, doing much to boost your mood after the past emotionally draining months you’ve experienced.

“After you,” Roger opens the door to the restaurant and guides you inside with a hand on your lower back.

--

87. (1988):

“How are you so calm?” You’re sitting on your hospital bed, going through the motions of contractions while watching your husband pace wall to wall in the private room.

“Done this twice before, remember?”

You clamber off the bed and pace with Roger, hands intertwined, as it helps you to feel like your labour is progressing rather than sitting, which feels like watching paint dry.

It’s Roger that cries this time when the midwife announces that the baby’s a boy, and it’s the sight of him holding his son, still sticky with newness, with such a look of awe that makes your own emotions bubble over.

--

88. (1988):

“Now, you have to be really quiet because he’s going to be asleep, okay?” Zoe puts her pointer finger to her lips and Robin follows, enjoying mimicking her sister.

Roger glances down at the girls and leads them to the living room where you sit with Henry in his baby capsule.

“Can I pet him?” Robin looks to you as she asks and you nod.

“Yes you can,” Roger laughs, “gentle, he’s still little.” He guides Robin’s hand, still too young to truly understand what Roger is saying. He helps her brush her hand across the soft skin of Henry’s forehead while Zoe waits her turn.

You sit back and watch the interactions with a soft smile.

--

89. (1988):

“Could you leave my shirt on?” You wonder, tilting your head back, trying to keep tears from spilling.

“What?”

Roger sits up on his knees between your bent legs, looking over your face with concern.

“I don’t feel comfortable naked any- anymore. I don’t look l-like I did at twenty-five,” you stammer.

“Hey,” he whispers, “This body has been a home for three beautiful children. This body has done amazing things that continuously leaves me in awe. I didn’t fall for you because of your body, I fell for you because of your heart and your mind, which hasn’t changed. I feel like you were a gift, made for me.” At every pause, a kiss is placed over your body, your fluttering eyes, nervous fingers, soft earlobes.

Tears, this time of happiness slowly spill from your eyes as you allow him to remove your shirt.

--

90. (1989):

Roger didn’t imagine his fortieth birthday beginning with the shape of your head moving up and down underneath the bed covers to be interrupted. But life, as it would seem, always has other plans.

“Mum! Henry spilt juice all over the kitchen table!”

“Can’t you clean it up yourself?” Roger hollers to your eldest. You pull back when you hear a crash and a wail that interrupts the once tranquil space.

“Sorry, rain check?”

“We had three too many children,” he huffs and rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, you say that, but you enjoy it.”

“That I do.” The skin around his eyes crinkles when he grins, showing age but they have that same shine, looking just as young as when you first met.

--

91. (1989):

The obligatory first day of school photos was taken, except this time, Roger was home to be included in them. He made you take about a hundred of them with both girls, singly and in a group. Your favourite one of the day, which will be framed, is a picture of Roger holding both girls up, backpacks too large on and kissing his cheek. His grin is so wide you momentarily think it will split his face.

“Daddy, will you walk me to my class?”

“Of course, Bubs.” Roger changes his pace so that it is slower than Robin’s, and you don’t say anything. There’s still plenty of time to get to class after you dropped Zoe off to her own classroom.

“Daddy are you sad?” Robin’s blue eyes look up at Roger whose matching one’s look back at her.

“No, I’m not, darling.” Once you all make it to the classroom, Robin runs off without a glance back once she gives a hug and a kiss to both of you.

You make it back to the car, relatively in control of your own emotions, but Roger, you aren’t so sure. He keeps mumbling under his breath about

“Don’t go getting sappy on me now, Taylor.”

“She’s so cute in her little uniform though. Her shoes still aren’t bigger than my hand, how is she old enough for school?” You watch him push his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose to cover his watering eyes.

“Want a hug?”

“Yes please.”

--

92. (1989):

You hear the clatter of the hammer against the floor and many specific expletives which makes you grin, but you remain on the lounge, waiting for Roger to make his way to you.

“I just smashed my thumb and busted it,” Roger stomps into the room and heads towards the bathroom.

“Hold on, I’ll kiss it better.”

--

93. (1990):

“Do I need a tie?” Roger looks at you from where he’s stood in front of the cupboard, trying to decide, last minute, of course, what he should wear.

“Yes, you need a tie, you’re getting an award, Roger.”

“Which one?” He holds up two ties, a blue and a black.

“The black one,” you point, sitting with Henry on the floor who’s playing with blocks.

“Does this look good?” Roger turns around from the full-length mirror and your eyes grow wide.

You swallow roughly, squeezing down the ball of lust in your throat.

“Brings out your blue eyes, pretty boy.”

--

94. (1990):

“How’s Montreux?”

“It’s really beautiful here. I wish you could all be here too.” Despite the joy in Roger’s tone, you can tell there is a hidden sadness behind it.

“I wish we could too. But you know the kids have school otherwise I’d be there at the drop of a hat.”

“I miss you.” Your own heart clenches as you hear him take a shaky breath.

“I miss you.”

--

95. (1990):

Roger hasn’t picked you up in what feels like years, but he does today. Your legs wrap familiarly around his waist and your hand goes up to run through his hair. It’s tender and cozy, and he still smells the same, like home.

“I missed you,” you whisper against his mouth.

“I missed you more,” he breathes, connecting his lips with yours.

--

96. (1991):

The brightness of the albicant lighting from the bathroom wakes Roger despite the door being half-closed. He glances to the side, checking the clock, and noting the early hour and the still dark house. He pulls himself out of the warm bed and rubs his eyes.

“You okay?” He stumbles into the bathroom where you’re ridding Henry of his pyjamas after he’s been sick all over himself.

“Just let me get him cleaned up. Go back to bed. I’ll be there once I’ve changed his sheets and mopped the floor.”

You don’t want to bother Roger. You’ve never seen him so physically or emotionally drained and the fine lines that have appeared seem to have taken permanent residence on his face this year.

“No, no, I’ll do it for you,” Roger presses a kiss to his miserable, green looking son's forehead and then yours before exiting the room to find cleaning products.

--

97. (1991):

“Take a deep breath.”

The paparazzi and journalists have been camped out in front of Garden Lodge for what seems like forever, and have taken it upon themselves to slander every movement from those coming and going.

It aggravated everyone that had any contact with the people behind the garden walls and often sent Roger spiralling into a rage that ended with smashed glasses and broken cigarettes he no longer smoked.

“How the fuck is that going to calm me down?”

“It might. Just try it, Roger.” You both get out of the car and you grab onto his clammy hand, giving him a pointed, yet reassuring look.

Together you make your way through the swarm of locusts and keep your eyes trained to the floor, ignoring any allegations thrown at you. You both seem to release a sigh of relief once you make it behind the green door, it symbolising something akin to a boundary between worlds.

--

98. (1991):

You add the cards and the flowers to Roger’s surprise whilst your two oldest kids run around with their homemade presents, putting them into place. The pancakes border on barely cooked and burnt, which in turn makes them odd shaped, but you know Roger will appreciate it, especially because your babies helped make them. You also made your own batch of pancakes just in case which are cooked for everyone else to eat, but that is beside the point.

“What is going on in here?” Roger walks into the room, bleary-eyed and warm with sleep.

“Hey! Turn around, this is supposed to be a surprise!”

“Did you make this all for me?” He stares at the thoughtful display despite your warning.

“Happy Father’s Day. You always surprise me, but it’s your turn. You’re important in this family too.” You press a kiss to his cheek and pull out his chair for him.

--

99. (1991):

You aren’t used to having the weight of an awake Roger on your lap. You run your hand through his hair and gently tug every time you come to the blonde ends.

One of his hands grips yours tightly, resting against his hip with nails creating moon-like imprints on your knuckles. If your lashes weren’t already damp, the sharp feeling would have brought tears to your eyes.

“It’s okay to cry.”

Roger stubbornly shakes his head, eyes swollen and red, waiting for the break. The ticking of the clock in the living room creates a metronome that seems to count down to when he will allow himself one moment of respite.

“Yes it is, baby, it is completely okay to. You don’t have to be strong for anyone.”

With a whimper, he turns himself around and buries his face in your stomach, and icy heat spreads with the tears he finally releases.

--

100. (1992):

“I love you.” You whisper in Roger’s ear, standing side by side.

You get a squeeze on the hand in response so gentle you almost miss it.

--

A/N: So that’s it! I hope you all enjoyed? Thank you for taking the time to read these four parts and all of the likes, reblogs and comments, they’re very appreciated. If you ever want to request an imagine, feel free to send an ask or message me, I’d love to chat! See you all next time …

[smolbeandrabbles]

Sway Pt.5 - Danny Rayburn x Reader (Bloodline)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Here / Part 6  / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10

Author’s Note: This is it! The infamous chapter I wrote twice!! To make up for it, I’ve added in a bunch of stuff that wasn’t there before like more Jase/Javi/Danny banter. I actually LOVE their dynamic... Yeaaah I wrote a scene based on another scene because I couldn’t HELP it. The gifs will prove that! Valentine’s Day doesn’t even necessarily have to be the setting for any of the following to happen... Only, it was near Valentine’s Day at the time and it all made a lot of sense in my head. So, celebrate Valentine’s Day a month late, why don’t you? (haha...) + Bonus. I made a Gerry reference. 😉

Disclaimer: As started before, I own nada by my OCs. I took some lyrical liberties with ‘Slow Dance in a Parking Lot’ by Jordan Davis. Sue me! Please don’t actually sue me. I finished Bloodline and it actually hurts, so, I’m going to be “stealing” a bunch of ideas/lines... Here is the very first scene stealing moment, though.

Premise: The Premise is Valentine’s Day, need I say more? I tried not to be horribly Cliche... 

Word Count: 7748

Warnings: Drinking, Sexual Pre-Amble  (a-la-pt-4). The knowledge this will never be as good as the version I actually deleted? I had a breakdown in the middle of my living room over that, it deserves a warning

…And I don't care what song comes next I'm falling right here, don't want a safety net. In a slow dance with you Spinning you around by the restaurant sign Moving our feet over the painted white lines Getting close to you Making the most of whatever we got Even if it's just a slow dance in a parking lot

----

I want to wear his initial On a chain round my neck, chain round my neck Not because he owns me, But 'cause he really knows me Which is more than they can say

Danny couldn’t believe that another month had flown by. As he flicked the calendars in the restaurant to February. You’d been dating since the previous summer. And things were getting serious. He couldn’t remember the last time that he had been in a relationship this long. But, he was glad for it. Jason whistled as he turned over the calendar in the kitchen; “Busiest day of the year ahead Danny! You gonna leave us in the lurch!?” Danny turned to him, confused “What?” “Valentine’s Day! C’mon man, what are you doing with Y/N!!” He turned back to the calendar, eyes wide, oh. God! “…I wasn’t going to go anywhere… I was gonna come… here… Oh my God!” “Danny!!!” Jason couldn’t believe it “Did you forget about Valentine’s Day!?” “When was the last time I ever did anything on Valentines!?” He turned to Jason “It’s always been just another day…! Crap! She’s gonna kill me!” “Probably!” Jason laughed Javier poked his head through the kitchen window at the commotion; “What is up!?” “Danny forgot Valentine’s Day.” “WHAT!?” Javier laughed “NO! Danny! THE most important day for any girl in a relationship!?” “Stop it! Both of you! What am I gonna do! I can’t leave you all – you’re right, it’s traditionally one of the busiest days of the year…! God, can I really bring her here again??”

Whilst he mulled this over in his head, half in panic, Javier disappeared from the window, and then waltzed through the kitchen doors. The grin on his face obvious with what he was going to do; “…How are you gonna approach that one?” “He’s got 14 days…” Jason folded his arms, just as intent on hearing Danny’s plan – that he had about 5 seconds to come up with… Danny put his head in his hands “I’m just gonna have to owe her big time…” He thought on it “No, maybe… Maybe I can make this right… I’ll go a little off menu… Something she’ll really like. Then in a few weeks when it isn’t so busy I’ll take her out…” “It’s almost booked up!” Javier turned to the book to check it out, and became concerned with how busy he would be that night; “I’ll find somewhere for her! It’s my place!” “…Well, You got two weeks!” Jason pointed back to the calendar he had just changed. “Don’t forget the gift! Girls love gifts!” Danny made a noise like they weren’t making it any easier, which they weren’t. Javier almost tutted “Can you imagine? Poor, poor Y/N... She'll be expecting a long-" "Loooong!" Jason chimed in, with an eyebrow wiggle "Romantic night...!" "So romantic!" Jason put his hand over his heart as Javi put an arm around him and continued; "Michelin star restaurant, Miami skyline view, Danny's money paying... The works Valentines... As only she deserves. But picture this instead..." He held his hands out emphasising the two words of the restaurant name; "Viva Caputa. Again! And two measly hours of her boyfriend’s time." Danny looked like he was on the verge of anger at their teasing, and Javier narrowly missed the towel that was thrown his way. "You two are SO not getting paid this month!" "What!! DANNY!!" "OH! NO!!" But he cracked a smile and laughed anyway "You fuckin' deserve it! Overtime. Neither of you are getting on dates either!" "Oh! Just another romantic evening with Danny Rayburn - lucky us!!" Javier laughed at Jason's statement as he left the kitchen: "We’ll be Danny's dates! We’ll actually see more of him than she will..!" "Javi, don't you have tables to wait!?" "I'm going!" He called back as the doors swung closed behind him. "Good cuz I don't pay you to stand and chat!" "You just said you weren't paying us." Danny gave Jason a warning look "You can get back to work and all!" Jason beamed; "I love you too Danny!"

* You rolled your car to a stop outside his restaurant later that day; “Hey!” “Hi.” He hopped in, unsure how to broach the subject “…So…Uh… I was thinking…” “Yeah? Go on…” “…Valentine’s Day’s coming up.” You looked across to him, you knew that… Of course you knew that. You just hadn’t expected Danny of all people to be talking to you about it. He didn’t seem like the type to be taking you on a Valentine’s date. And you had to be honest, that was fine with you… You weren’t sure you’d mind not doing anything. “Yes?” “…Well… It’s… one of the busiest days in the business… And I can’t leave those guys all alone in there…” “And that’s fine…” “SO I was wondering…” he bit his lip “…If you wanted to… or you wouldn’t mind, coming down to my restaurant.” Before you had chance to reply he continued quickly “I’ll do something off menu, it’ll be exclusive. I know you… So… I think I can get that right… I just, I’m sorry. I’ll have to make it up to you…” You smiled, Danny Rayburn was so full of surprises; “Ok. Fine, I’ll come down to your restaurant “…On one condition.” He looked across to you, suddenly nervous about what you might say, and swallowed hard “…Anything.” “…Don’t buy me anything. Please? We’re not doing gifts it’s too… cliché… We’re not… No. Please, don’t buy me anything… I don’t need anything either…” “What!? So you’re not going to get me anything!?” He faked hurt, his mouth open “No! Shut up! That’s not what I said, I said – you can’t buy me anything! I just won’t get you something either then it’s fair!” He took out his mobile to call back to the restaurant. "Are you sure!? This is your last chance before they pick up! All I can promise is a good table and me for a couple of hours, not even the whole evening - You can back out!" If you weren't with him you didn't want to be out on Valentine’s Day at all. You couldn't believe when it would be so busy he'd even take a few hours out for you... "Danny I don’t care!" You forgot the rest of your sentence, and paid for it. He gasped in pretend shock "You don't care!?...AND I’m not good enough for a gift!?” He laughed, turning his attention back to his mobile as you heard Javier pick up; “Unbelievable!” * You studied yourself in the mirror. Was red too much of a Valentine’s Day colour? Were you about to become the cliché you’d sworn you weren’t!? You had to be honest with yourself you weren’t even sure you’d be wearing red, if it wasn’t for the fact that you had gone out and brought this dress specifically for tonight. It was the same cut as the one you had worn the first time you had frequented his restaurant. And the split up the side showed off your Miami tan. You had gone all out tonight to look flawless. Not for yourself. But for him. Your hair and makeup was perfect, your heels just the right height, and you felt good. The final touch, as ever, was your favourite perfume… You wondered if Danny would remember it from before… Gathering your things together you walked confidently down to your car, loving the sound of your heels striking the floor. You turned up your music loud as you made your way to his restaurant. You weren’t sure about the alcohol involved in tonight for you to be driving… You’d either have to take it slow, or take a cab. It didn’t matter; you could simply collect your car tomorrow… No-one would mind you leaving it overnight. When you arrived in the parking lot you weren’t surprised to see it packed. Luckily for you, dating the man who owned the place had its privileges. Tonight it really paid off; as only the staff parking spaces were free. You knew Danny had a car but, he didn’t have it with him tonight… You rolled your own neatly into his parking space and took a deep breath. Time for your big entrance. When you rounded the corner to the front of the restaurant they were queuing out of the door. Surely this wasn’t people who had reservations!? It was crazy; even for Valentine’s day you’d never seen Danny’s this busy. You smiled to yourself, quite proud – he was going to do well tonight. You walked past the line, which continued inside, where Javier caught you;

“Amorcita! Come, come! Right this way!” “I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this busy!” “Trust me… neither have we…” He took your hand and led you; “You look stunning… By the way. Danny doesn’t know what he’s missing by not taking you out!” “When it’s this busy, you best be glad he’s here…!” You followed Javier to a table in the back of the room, where it was quieter. Danny had clearly carefully chosen this spot… “You better like this table! You will not believe the number of times I have had to set it and re-set it!” You could imagine, it was for you - Even perfection would not be good enough for Danny tonight. You smiled gently as Javier sat you so you faced the kitchen; “Now you can at least look at your man whilst he’s working… Though how dare he, when you look this good?” You laughed “Well, Javi, let’s face the facts… We’re both going to be in agony waiting…” He smiled; “I’ll let him know you are here. Trust me, I’ve never seen a man more excited about creating off the menu pieces… He’s been looking forward to this for two weeks… Can I get you your usual drink?” “Oh. No. Javi… That’s okay… I don’t want to get too… drunk?... Tonight… I’m driving.” “Oh… Well, you know, I’m sure Danny’s got something in mind that goes with EVERYTHING he’s made…” He checked his watch; “You think he’d come say Hi…” “He’s busy Javi… But please do let him know I’m here…” He nodded, and left to remind Danny EXACTLY what time it was.

* Javier made sure all of his tables were happy before he made his way back over to you. “SO, whilst Danny is busy. I’m going to be your date!” You laughed; “Why?” “Sorry… Why…?! Because you are the most beautiful girl in the room. And everyone knows it.” You had to admit, whilst you had been sitting here alone, with your thoughts, nearly everyone in the room had been staring at you, glancing over and whispering about the mystery girl who had shown up here dressed to perfection without a date. Who was the guy? And when would he be showing up? It had only made you smirk to yourself. You wondered how they would react when they realised it was Danny? That man sure deserved to show you off tonight; what was wrong with being the eye-candy on his arm just this once? You wanted to prove that he could get the girl – and you had dressed up for him. Not for anyone else. Still, you were flattered by Javi’s compliment “Thank you…” He placed a bottle of your favourite coloured wine on the table, and by the label clearly an expensive one; “Danny says nothing less than the top shelf will do tonight. So he’s really treating you. As I knew he would…” Javier smiled “You’re really good news for him… You know?” “…SO many people tell me that, like’s he’s bad news.” “He’s had his ups and downs. Especially in his love life. They are quite some stories…” He lent on his hand; “But the way he talks about you… man… it’s something else…” You were determined not to blush, so you expertly changed the subject “What about you? Shouldn’t you be out with someone special tonight?” “ME! You’re the best I got. I’m single.” “Single!? NO!” You pulled out your mobile “Are you serious?!” He nodded and then got suspicious as you typed something into it “…Why?” “…Because, honey, do I know the girl for you…” “OH, really?! Matchmaking?” “Yes really… And you’ve already kinda met her….” If you could do a little matchmaking in Danny’s restaurant, why not? After all, it was your interaction with Danny here that had got you together. He raised an eyebrow, and took a breath “Is it the crazy one?” “Define crazy…?” You grinned, knowing both your friends had been flirting with him “Y’know the… order everything off the menu, drunk on Friday night, don’t ask me any questions, staring at me a lot, type crazy one.” “…Would you have a problem if it was…?” He chewed his lip for a moment and then smiled; “I dunno… I think I could go for a little crazy.” You laughed, and wrote her number down on a napkin; “Her name is Amanda, and she’s very dear to me. Be nice.” “What are you doing?! You have got to be kidding? I have to wait two days for you to call my number and you’re just giving yours out to Javi?!” Danny shook his head and folded his arms as he stopped at your table. He had changed out of his chefs’ whites into a black button-up shirt, his attempt to look smart for your date. It worked, in a Danny kind of way. “No…” You looked at him innocently “…I was simply doing a little matchmaking…” “Is that so…” He smiled and leant in to kiss your cheek. He turned to Javi, who stood to take his leave “When you’re ready, my good man, Jason knows how it goes…” “Alright! I’m on it!”

Danny slid into the seat that Javier had just vacated and blew out a breath; “You look… I just… Words… honestly fail me…” You smiled “Well… I just wanted to look good for you.” “For me!? Darlin’, you needn’t have you always look good. Tonight you look…” He made a motion to indicate he couldn’t find the right word. “And everyone is quite rightly staring at you…” “At you…” You leant on your hand, “…I like that…” “Oh. Really…” He reached for the bottle Javier had placed on the table and poured you a sensible glass full “Yeah. It’s about time people knew I was yours…” He chuckled, “Alright… Sweetheart… Well, you’ve clearly made one hell of a point…” He placed his hands together “…Now in advance, I apologise that I can’t stay. But I sure as hell want to make these hours count…” “Baby that’s ok…” “And when I leave, I don’t expect you to stay… It’s going to be a long night. And I’ll be here helping them out until closing. So…” He took a sip of wine, and made a face like he was pleased with his choice “…Please, feel free to leave at any time.” “No… No… That’s ok… I want to stay… I have my car… You can just come back to mine tonight…” He smirked suddenly and leant towards you; “Oh? Is that where this is heading…? A little cliché for Valentine’s Day don’t you think…?” You suddenly realised what you had said; “Danny no! I didn’t mean it like that-!” “No need to be shy about it Y/N… It’s just you and me…” His eyes flicked to the cut of your dress. You were still determined not to blush, lowering your voice to a whisper; “Stop it! You can’t talk like that! Not here!” “Why not? It’s my restaurant… My rules… No-one cares… Why, baby? Don’t you want me?”  You had to look away from his intense stare… But you bit your lip… Wondering if that was where your night might end… You ran your finger lazily around the rim of your glass whilst he took another sip of his “I didn’t say I didn’t want you…” You looked back into his eyes, pouring some sugar of your own; “I just said you can’t talk that way here…” He was right. He knew you. Every off-menu dish he’d created was something you’d talked endlessly about or a variation of something off his menu you truly loved. You realised that every time he’d seen you eat he’d studied you – to the letter. Everything went well together, and everything paired with the wine he’d selected. You were beyond flattered. He continued to flirt with you through the entire meal and you felt like the only girl in the world. Even though your aim had been quite the opposite. He was way too good to you for the man his family made him out to be. “…Oh. Yeah. Just one thing…” He shuffled around in his seat and began rummaging in his pocket it got you curious “…I… Kinda broke your rule…” You could swear your heart was about stop beating and instinctively put your hand over it in relief. You opened your mouth as he placed the box on the table, It was small, black and wrapped intricately with silver ribbon. By its size and shape that he wasn’t about to get down on one knee in the middle of his own restaurant, especially after the previous conversations you’d had here. He followed your train of thought; “Geez! Don’t die on me! Give me SOME credit! I am in NO way sickeningly cliché enough to propose to you in front of my whole restaurant... on Valentine’s Day. Besides I’d never live it down!” He was right, Javier and Jason would never let him hear the end of it. Then he laughed, like he couldn’t resist it “Maybe I’ll do it when we’re alone later!” Still, the joke didn’t ruin the way you felt and you almost had to stop yourself from crying; “Oh! Danny!” “Now it’s not much… But I wanted you to have something…” He slid the box towards you; “You can’t open it until I’m gone… though, ok?” “…You didn’t have to.” “I know. You made that clear. But I wanted to…” He smiled, and poured himself another glass. He looked around the restaurant. It was in a lull period, before the next sitting, and he was glad he’d get to sit with you for a little while longer, at least until you had finished.

When the restaurant started to get busy again, you knew he had to take his leave. “I’m sorry I can’t stay longer.” “No. No… Baby, go do your job…” He stood and rounded the table to kiss you again. It didn’t last nearly long enough; “I promise not to make you wait too long…” But you didn’t mind. You could at least watch him working. “Thank you, for coming here!” “I love coming here!” “I know but… I wish I could have taken you out…” “You’ll get the chance.” You winked “I get to see the guys too…” “True…” He smiled “…See you later. And honestly… Go… Don’t sit here on my account!”  Although, he knew you’d wait there forever if you had to. On his way back to the kitchen he was stopped by another long-term patron. You loved to see Danny laughing, but as he did so he nodded and looked across to you. You couldn’t help but smile until it hurt. This was what you wanted. You wanted them to realise what he had. The man Danny Rayburn really was. And that look of adoration on his face, that was for you… And it wasn’t the only time he was stopped...

* “How you doing? Can I get you anything else? Another drink…? Coffee?” Javier came over to clear away the plates; “Was it good?” “Incredible.” “I told you he was excited…” “I’ll uh... Take you up on coffee, Javi, that would be great. Put in a shot of Bailey’s too.” “Well, that sounds like an idea…” “Oh. And, the check.” “The check-!? Danny will NOT let you pay.” Javier looked taken aback by the very idea. “Javi, He can’t do that again. Let me.” “…Amorcita… I don’t know… Half this stuff was off menu I don’t know if I can…” “Just do your best… Please… Let me pay.” He still seemed hesitant “Look. If I drink any more… Those can go on the house, just… Let me pay. Let me pay all of you, too, with all the hard work you guys do? You deserve it.” “Okay… But this was all your idea…” “Thank you…” You handed him your card and he went off to get your coffee too. When he came back you had pulled the box closer to you; “Here you are… And your coffee… Call me if you need anything else…” “I won’t hesitate… Thank you Javi…” You scribbled out your signature and pulled delicately at the silver ribbon until it unravelled. You were curious… It wasn’t anything so cliché as chocolates or flowers by the size of the box… What would Danny break your one rule in favour of? You lifted the lid gently and had to smile, touching your hand to your chest. The fine gold chain winked in the gentle restaurant candle light as you lifted it delicately from the box, it ran smooth through your fingers as you studied it. Sitting on the end, however was the exact answer to your question. Small, plain, but with symbolism that could not be understated, was a delicate cursive initial. D, for Danny.

*

The next time the restaurant buzz died to quiet you realised how late it must be getting. As you looked up from your phone you witnessed Jason leave the kitchen. If Danny was letting his staff go, it must have been near the end of the night. Jase caught your eye and wandered over; “Y/N! Have you had a good evening.” “Letting Danny go for a couple of hours was very kind of you Jason… Yeah. I’ve had a great time… I guess it isn’t over yet!” “No, but, should be soon. The kitchen is winding down, Danny said he can take care of the dessert now. Which, for Danny is a big thing. You know he hates baking right? Says it’s all about Chemistry… but cooking… That’s about feel!” He rolled his eyes and you hated to laugh at the way he imitated Danny, but that was exactly something he would say “…Like he doesn’t know what Chemistry is. When he has you…!” He grinned, “I dunno. Anyway, if Danny can handle it, we’re almost done. He won’t keep you waiting much longer.” “How you spending the rest of your evening? You got someone special?” “Yeah, my girl’s pretty understanding. I’ll take her out properly tomorrow… But I’m sure there’s enough evening left to make something of it. Make sure you do to, when he’s finished, alright?” “I will. Now get on to your girl!” He smiled “See you soon Y/N!” He walked away, but then turned and call back down the restaurant “It looks good on you! By the way!” You realised he was talking about the necklace, and you looked down. Its length allowed it to be more visible the deeper the cut of whatever you were wearing. You guessed that was the point, people were more likely to stare at you if you were wearing something that showed your skin. So, it was best to show them that you were already taken. At least, that’s probably how Danny’s feelings went – you didn’t think he was so insecure. He just as likely wasn’t one to put up with another guy putting his eyes on you.

Your phone eventually buzzed and you couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the text; Are you at Dannys!? Maybe… 😉 Did you give me NUMBER to the waiter we had?! And If I did? C’mon. Amanda, you were so into him… I can’t believe you!! Have fun – you’re welcome! At that moment, you heard laughing and the kitchen doors swung open again to more staff leaving. Including Javi, now out of uniform, who interestingly had his phone in his hand. He waved to you, but Danny caught him; “OY! Who said anything about you leaving your tables aren’t all clear!” “What!? C’mon Danny! There’s one left!” “If all your tables aren’t done, you don’t go!” “But she’s…” Danny gave him a significant warning look, making Javi sigh and wander over to you. You nodded to his phone; “Anything I should be interested in.” He grinned “Yeah, matchmaking service… We’re heading out for drinks.” “Wow. You move fast! I thought she had a date.” “It clearly went well…” He gave a wink and then looked to the table. Every other table was neatly cleared and stacked, awaiting usage tomorrow. You were the only one left down this end of the restaurant “So, Danny won’t let me go unless my tables are clear… So… I guess I’m not drinking until you leave…” You got up slowly; “No, let me help you – don’t want you to miss a date I basically initiated…!” You smiled, content to help him carry things back to the kitchen, still chatting excitedly about his plans. Danny sighed; “She can have some of your pay check for that!” “Aw – c’mon! It’s clear now!” How many times was Danny going to threaten to take away his pay check this month?! “Yeah, alright! Off you go!” Danny turned to you; “Sit down Darlin’, at least I can watch you from here now…” He gave a wink as you sat yourself at the bar, Javi came back around and could not resist wrapping his arms around you and kissing your cheek; “Goodnight Amorcita!” Danny shook his head “…Don’t bother coming back tomorrow!” He yelled after Javi, who laughed “You don’t mean that! You love me really!” That had you and Danny laughing; “Good luck on your date! Let me know how it goes!” He waved to you “I will Y/N!” Turning back to Danny you realised the kitchen was now empty besides him. And the two tables left were finishing up their drinks and paying their tabs. Danny was essentially just clearing away; “Give me half an hour sweetheart and I’ll be done…” “What’s thirty minutes more?” You shrugged. You loved watching him work, you were a little disappointed you’d missed out. Still, watching him clear away meant you were one minute closer to having him in your arms again. *

Finally he waltzed out of his kitchen, bag over his shoulder. He didn’t come to you immediately, instead walking to the back of the restaurant, checking everything was clear and ready for tomorrow and flicking off lights as he made his way back to you. “OK… We can go…” He took your hand in his as he helped you off the bar stool and you wrapped your arm around his. He liked that. You could tell by his smile. Once outside it wasn’t as cold as you would think, even for February.  He kept your hand in his as he locked the door; “So, you like it?” You noticed him look across to the necklace, now flashing in the streetlights. “Like it? Danny… I love it…” You got the feeling now it was on, you would never take it off. “Really?” He smiled; “Good… It looks better on you… I’m almost proud of myself. Bet you’re glad I broke that rule.” “…Yeah. This once…” He pocketed his keys, and walked you to your car. You felt alright for driving, thank goodness. You hadn’t had too much to drink and you had eaten enough. You were just about to pull your keys from your bag when he stopped. You weren’t paying attention, so you were pulled back by his arm. You were about to voice your question when he looked at you; sincerely. “Dance with me.” “…What?” “I didn’t get to take you out properly… Dance with me…” You looked around; here? In the middle of the restaurant parking lot? Was he serious? “Danny, there’s no music? Without music?” He shook his head “We don’t need music. You should know that.” When you still didn’t respond he sighed, letting you go he put his bag down, and held his hand out to you, taking up what you recognised to be an awkward version of a Waltz stance. You took a breath, and smiling, you put your hand in his. He placed his other hand gently on your waist and pulled you closer to him. Placing your other hand on his shoulder you laced your fingers together, and he began to sway you. “You’re crazy… you know that?” “And yet, you’re the one dancing with me…” He smiled, as you relaxed into his arms, resting your head against his chest as he continued to rock you. Bringing your hand in, he placed it against his heart; and you quickly realised that you were dancing to the rhythm of his heartbeat. He kissed your hair, and then your forehead, brushing his cheek against yours to get just that little bit closer to you. The way he enveloped your body with his was protective; and you felt safer now than you had ever felt in anyone else’s arms. The only sound was the cars that occasionally drove passed on their way back from Valentine’s Dates of their own. You wondered how many passengers in them looked over and saw the two of you, moving in a circle under the yellow glow of the floodlit parking lot – and thought you were insane. But you couldn’t have cared less… You were lost in his motion, in the way he held you - as strong as it was delicate – his attempt to show you he would hold you forever but that he would never break you… Any part of you. And you knew that included your heart. You thought it was dangerous for him to make that promise; but you badly wanted it to be true. Your rhythm came to a gentle stop, but he continued to let you get lost in his embrace. Your fingers tangling themselves in the fabric of his shirt, telling Danny you wouldn’t let him go either… You looked up to him; and his blue eyes glowed in the wake of the lighting. He kissed your forehead, the bridge and tip of your nose and finally your lips. You wound your arms around his shoulders and let the kiss linger as long as he would allow. Full of further unspeakable promises. He broke it, finally and chuckled; “Let’s go home…”

 * “UGH!” Danny collapsed on your couch. Now changed into a grey vest top and shorts he ran his hands over his face and through his hair; “That was HELL! Never let me do something like that again!!!” He tipped his head back, making you laugh; “Well. There’s always next year.” “Oh GOD! I’ve only just gone though this year! Remind me to take the day off!” “I wouldn’t let you do that to them!” He made a sound that was painful; “God. I need a drink…” “What a great idea… I like your train of thought…” You wandered over to one of your cupboards and pulled down a bottle and two tumblers. He raised an eyebrow in curiosity; “Is that… whisky? Girl, I like the way you think.” “… I think you’ll find Woodford Reserve brands itself as Kentucky Bourbon…” You looked across to him “Is it a two or three fingers type night?” He laughed; “Three, at LEAST!” You poured him a generous two and a half, and poured nothing more than a dribble for you. A night cap. That was all you wanted. You put the bottle away and handed him the glass. You loved the way Woodford tasted. It wasn’t sweet, it had a savoury quality but by God did it have a burn, it was that that made it your favourite. You took a sip, he studied his glass and then looked back to you; “What? No ice?!” You pointed to your fridge “You have legs!” He puffed his cheeks and narrowed his eyes but he clearly wasn’t about to get up; “Cheers…!” He swirled it before taking a sip, you watched the way he rolled the liquid over his tongue before swallowing, and the breath he let out as it burned; “Oh-! That is good!” You nodded your agreement as he sat back. Now he really allowed himself to study you, he already knew what you were wearing was gorgeous. The deep-V neckline, now complete with his very own initial. The split up the side showed your beautifully tanned legs, giving him just enough but leaving him wanting so much more… it hugged your figure well too. He hadn’t forgotten your little conversation back at his restaurant… Now he was just wondering if you would act on it, or not. “You are so, damn, beautiful…” His voice was quiet, and it edged on sinful promise. You took another sip and looked back to him, then wished you hadn’t at the look on his face. The look in his eyes. Your heart began to pound in your chest. “…Don’t look at me like that…” “Baby…” He shook his head, running is fingers over his lips in a way that sent shivers over your skin; “Why not…” “Because I…” You had to look away, look to your balcony, then to your wall…To anything but his eyes – you couldn’t hold that stare. You noted how deep the breaths you were taking were… Your stomach and your heart and your HEAD were all in agreement on this one. It was Valentine’s Day, why not act on this…? Eventually your eyes had to wander back to his. He was leaning back casually on your couch, and had you locked in his intense gaze. He tapped his finger against the side of the whisky glass that he was holding casually by the rim – he was waiting on you and you knew it. He read you too well, and Danny was always hard for you to resist…

You realised that you too were tapping your glass, but for a different reason; the nerves were building up inside of you… You somehow tore your gaze away from him again. And it fell to your glass; gripping it so tight your knuckles were white… If you were going to do this, then it was your house. And your rules. Decisively you tipped the glass back to finish it and set it down. Walking over to him, slow, confident, with purpose. You would make him wait for you… brushing your hair back you gave him a look to let him know that you were going to be in control here. He ran his eyes back up you again, and by the time they reached your eyes they were dark blue. You sank yourself down onto his lap, straddling him. Locking your legs with his, your feet barely touched the floor as he was sat so far back. You ran your tongue over your lips and took his glass from him, taking one sip for yourself you placed it on the table beside you. He gave an almost defiant whine; you pulled him to you by his top; “My house… My rules…” He seemed to agree with this as you pulled him into a kiss; tasting like whisky that lingered on his tongue he ran his hands up your smooth thighs, hitching your dress just a little higher as you wound your arms around his shoulders to deepen the kiss…. You were now locked in a completely different form of dance…. He hummed gently in approval at the way you ground your hips into his. Continuing to run his fingers over every inch of skin he could get his hands on; he kept his voice low, almost a whisper as he kissed your neck; "You know, now would be a perfect time to start a playlist..." You almost laughed, digging your nails gently into his biceps; and catching his lips with your again; "That would just make it something else..." He squinted slightly; "Darlin'... We've always been about something else..." He ran his hands through your hair, kissing your beautifully tanned skin over and over "...That is why we work so well..." You accepted his kisses with kisses of your own, but he certainly wasn't affording you breathing space; and soon he had you breathless again. Not only that, but he had the situation back under his control. Kissing you wherever he wanted, he offered resistance and held you back from kissing him - that made you whine in discontent - which is exactly what he was looking for; by the smirk on his face. "...That's it baby girl..." His voice, seductive, was back to giving you that shiver; only this time it ran through him too... So he let you kiss him... running his hands back down your body they lingered for a second at the ties on your dress, before he thought better of it. You felt him shift under you, and then he swept you up. You gasped, leaving his lips and gripping his shoulders tight. He cleared his throat, as he began to walk you towards your bedroom; "Mmmh.... There isn't nearly enough room here to do everything I want to do to you tonight..." He let his husky whisper linger for a moment, with a sinful wink. Trouble was, whatever that promise was... You couldn't wait.

** You woke up without him, and you weren’t sure you liked that. Looking around for any signs of where he might be you were disappointed not to find any. Surely, he wouldn’t have gone off to work already? Considering how late it was last night!? And if he did, wouldn’t he have left a note? You hopped out of bed, pulling on a shirt and shorts of your own and wandered out into the corridor. You almost breathed a sigh of relief when you heard sounds emanating from your kitchen and echoing down to your bedroom. Guess it was finally time you took him up on breakfast… You shuffled down the hall and stood watching him for a minute. He was adsorbed in everything he was doing, moving from one thing to another – he hummed to himself. “Mornin’…” “Good morning Sunshine…” He turned to smile at you “…How are you?” You suppressed a yawn; “Good. Yeah… You’re making me breakfast?!” “Figured that you couldn’t say no to this…” He teased… but then made a face “Actually, I’m trying to make you breakfast… uh, note to Y/N… Please actually stock ingredients!” “Uh, note to Danny, you don’t live here. I will have in this house what I damn well like!” He shook his head “You’re lucky I can make what I’m making! Nothing in your cupboards constitutes a balanced meal, I’m shocked you’re still alive!” “…Well I usually spend all my time at work! When do I get the chance to eat here? Let alone cook.” “That’s no good for you either. And you have an extremely sweet tooth, I’m worried.” You shrugged “It doesn’t bother me!” “No clearly…” he opened another cupboard and lamented “…C’mon… You’re killing me here!” “Well, I didn’t ever expect my boyfriend to be a chef..!” “Well, your boyfriend thinks he needs to take you grocery shopping…” You leant on your counter with a smile; “So… Do it!” He turned to you “…OK… I will… If it gets you eating better, I will.” You shook your head at him, until he pointed to the breakfast bar; “Now sit! I’ll be done in a minute.” “Don’t you want me to help?” “No, Darlin’, this is for you. Sit.” He insisted. Finally you understood what Danny meant as he set everything out for you. Everything was simple, and most of it was leaning towards the sweet side of breakfast. You stared at the pancakes for a minute; “Are there sprinkles in the pancakes?” “Yeaaaah...” You scoffed; “Alright, international house of pancakes...” He narrowed his eyes at you and tapped you with his fork “I’m just trying to make things interesting! And with your limited amount of ingredients I worked with what I had...!” You pointed to the sauce “Syrup?” He looked like he was about to give up on you entirely “... Caramel. Easy to make butter, cream, sugar. Surprised you had those to be honest.” “Ah. You’re being very resourceful...” You clearly weren’t awake yet, pointing out to yourself that there was actually already a syrup bottle on the table. “God, please let me take you shopping...” “What today?” He hummed tilting his head one way and then the other “if that’s what you wanna do, Darlin’...” “I kinda don’t wanna do anything… But… I feel like you’re only gonna complain at me if we don’t…” He didn’t quite nod his agreement, but he took your hand in his and rested it on your knee “…If we do… Then at least I can cook for you more often.” “Are you really THAT worried?” “Yeah. I really am.” And you had to smile, because not only was he being sweet – he was also being serious.

What Danny really admired about you was the way you ate. As a chef that was important to him, and it was important you liked what he made you. But the way you thought about every bite you took impressed him. He couldn’t help but love you more as he watched you eat; “What?” “…You… You just… Amaze me, sometimes…” But he pointed to your plate with his fork “Just, less sugar. Next time. Please?” You got this innocent but defiant look on your face as you tilted your head “…Well, I can’t get ALL my sugar from you…” He laughed, and then leant towards you to brush sugar from your lips with his own. It was a good move, and was rewarded by you pulling his shirt to bring his body closer to yours. He deepened his kiss and all that did was threaten for you to take it back to the bedroom. You pulled away, savouring the taste of his lips on yours for just a moment longer; “Hmmm…” He agreed satisfied “I guess you’re right.”

 *** Later that morning you found yourself on a short road-trip; because he was serious about taking you grocery shopping and apparently no other day would do. But now he was driving you, humming along to the radio. It was another nice day, and he had the windows down and his shades on. He looked hot, you had to admit, he was just something else and you were damn proud that he was sitting here beside you. You couldn’t resist texting Amanda, knowing you wanted all the gossip from her night with Javier. It wasn’t like they didn’t ask for every excruciating detail of every date Danny ever took you on. You always remained mysterious about it; Danny showed too much of himself to you and all of it was for you to keep. Not to tell anyone else. Did you wake up with a 10? I didn’t wake up with anybody Amanda! I’m shocked! What happened!? I’m taking it slow. How’s your 10? Well, he’s at least a 12. But yeah, I woke up with him 😉 Ugh. You are beyond lucky. I know. I knnnnow x You were laughing, which got Danny curious. “What?” he nudged your arm when you shook your head “What’s so funny!?” “Nothin’! I’m just…” you waved your hands “Complimenting my awesome boyfriend.” “OH!” He smirked; “IS he now!?” “Well he better damn well think he is too.” “He, uh, I guess he thinks he could be. I mean… He has you.” He let you take his hand in yours; “Well… He takes good care of me… Which is what matters. As he’s proving right now.” “Yeah well. Someone’s gotta do it!” He laughed “Of course I’m happy to do it…!” “Well anything to stop him complaining.” You could tell he was rolling his eyes behind his shades; “Eh….!! I’m not sure he’ll ever do that.” “Shame…” You shook your head “I love him anyway…” “He wants you to know…” he laced your fingers together and looked across to you “He loves you too.”

* You were both tangled up together on your balcony in the late afternoon sun, having the best of lazy days. Your head against his chest as he stroked his hand absentmindedly through your hair… You knew you could stay like this forever… Hell, maybe after your next move you would get that wish. “Danny…” “Hmm?” He blew out smoke in answer, taking another drag of his cigarette as you shuffled around, producing a box tied up in blue ribbon. “I’m actually kinda glad you broke your promise, Because… Now I get to give you this…” He shook his head, “You didn’t have to get ME anything…” Although his eyes flicked to the necklace you were still wearing proudly… He rested his cigarette in the ash tray and took the box from you, “Are you sure?” “Yes!” “…Seriously you didn’t have to.” “I wanted to, too. Anyway, this one is important…” He looked to the box, pulling the blue ribbon slowly he met your eyes again. Would this be as important to you as that necklace was to him? he wondered. You sighed; “Danny! Just open the damn thing the suspense is killing me!” He gave it his full attention as he lifted the lid gently. Then looked a little confused as he was presented with a set of keys; “Are these… The keys to your apartment…?” He lifted them from the box and studied them with careful interest. “…You’re giving me the keys to your apartment?” “No…” You were careful with your choice of words, “Well. No, yeah that’s what they are, but that’s not what I’m asking.” He turned his attention to you out of curiosity… You took a deep breath. Only your parents had keys to this apartment besides you. But, you’d already made up your mind on this one. Danny wasn’t just someone you were seeing, he was the man you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. And it wasn’t Valentine’s Day, or whisky or heck even sugar talking. This was pure and simple; it was the way you felt and you had to let him know it. You looked at him with nothing but adoration; “Danny… I’m asking, please, and in the most real… honest, wholehearted way I can… For you to move in with me.”

@stcphstrange - Protect this one with your life! It’s been through a lot!!