#best price mini sofa table

[samdecors]

This two seater sofa senate adds a touch of royalty and flair to your décor. It provides comfortable seating arrangement for two people. Its compact design makes it multipurpose and functional in every area. The universal design methodoloy alongwith walnut, lacquer finish complements any kind of décor. Printed Kantha Gudri Patchwork upholstered seat in Cotton fabric makes every senate unique. No two senates are exactly similar but they follow the same design methodology and complement each other. This is the speciality of Printed Kantha Gudri patchwork.

Width – 47 inches, Depth – 13.5 inches, Height – 23.5 inches. Material – Solid Sheesham Wood. Colour – Dark Brown. Finish/Style – Lacquer finish, walnut. Seat Upholstery – Printed Kantha Gudri Patchwork in Cotton.

This two seater sofa senate has a very modern design. Its unique design enables it to complement any kind of décor. It can be used as a sofa seat in your living and drawing spaces or as an extra seating arrangement in your bedroom. No two senates are exactly same. Due to the Printed Kantha Gudri Patchwork in Cotton, every senate is unique.

Solid Sheesham Wood is very durable and long lasting if cared and maintained properly. It gives a sense of royalty and class to your décor. No assembly required. One piece pack. Dust the item regularly with a soft, clean cotton cloth only for prolonged life. Do not use any kind of abrasive cleaning agents or harsh chemicals.

This two seater sofa senate due to its compact yet functional design has a wide variety of applications. The seat upholstery has Printed Kantha Gudri patchwork in Cotton fabric. The speciality of Printed Kantha Gudri patchwork is that no two senates are exactly same but they follow the same design methodology. Any differentiation in colour is part of natural occurrence or lighting effects during photography. Visit SamDecors to explore our wide range of home furnishing products at best prices.

Sales Package/Included Components – One piece of two seater sheesham wood sofa senate

Free shipping all across India*. Dispatch in 4-6 days directly from factory outlet.

[sigh-tofm]

if you’re asexual… (18+)

… price

- understands.

- respects your limits to the fullest. asks ‘is this ok?’ or ‘can i touch you here?’ a lot in the beginning, until you sit him down and explain that you’re not made of glass. he can touch and hold and kiss you like he would any other partner, just not shove his hand down your pants or flip your skirt up to get access to you.

- fills your relationship with domesticity instead. has your tea ready and brewing when you get up in the morning and knows exactly how you like the bed to be made. holds your hand when you’re out shopping and buys the special brand of cookies that you like. doesn’t watch ahead on your shared tv-shows and always cuddles you on the sofa.

- if you’re sex neutral/positive, he loves messy blowjobs and getting to fuck you silly in missionary. he’s a little bit of a dom and also completely whipped for his wife.

… kyle

- understands.

- does not push it. does not even attempt to initiate anything. lets you have all the control. after a couple long conversations where you explain your needs and limits, he’s all set. once he knows how he can best spend time with you, that’s all he needs. it’s actually a little refreshing to have a partner not chomping at the bit to jump his bones (curse of looking like an angel).

- gains a newfound appreciation for the sensual aspect of your relationship. running his fingertips over the stretchmarks on your hips, playing with ice cubes on your bare back, admiring the indents ropes makes across your skin after it’s been left on you a while. there’s no penetration, no orgasms, just two people exploring each other together.

- if you’re sex neutral/positive, kyle loves the lotus position. thinks it’s the peak of sexual intimacy and absolutely adores being face to face so up close.

… johnny

- understands (after a little while).

- has a mini crisis because he thinks this means you’re not attracted to him. you explain that’s not true, you actually find him super hot, but that you just don’t want to sleep with him. that it feels like a chore to you, like doing dishes. not horrible, but maybe a little gross and just something you’d just rather not do.

- embraces the romantic side of your relationship. loves the intimacy, getting to hold and kiss you. drapes over your back like a warm cloak when you chop vegetables at the kitchen counter and just enjoys the closeness. finds a new peace in himself he hasn’t felt for years.

- if you’re sex neutral/positive, he loves it when you ride him or tease him with your hand. still a complete maniac if he really lets lose. loves getting to let lose with you.

… simon

- understands.

- is almost relieved. has always had a complicated relationship to sex. knowing that you don’t want it from him settles some part of him that’s been restless and anxious for years. chaste kisses on the lips and constant handholding become your new normal. is very matter of factly about it if he does ask you for sex.

- finds that he most of all just wants to spend time with you. follows you around like a lost dog, no matter what you do. always comes to run errands with you or sits in the shade outside while you work in the garden. even when you get up to pee at night, he lumbers after you and stays just outside the bathroom door, squinting at the dim light. you’re so used to it that it’s second nature when he catches the bottom of your sleep shirt and lets you guide him back to bed. feels so at peace when you’re close by.

- if you’re sex neutral/positive, simon will sometimes ask if he can eat you out or if you can lay back on the kitchen table so he can fuck you. you tend to oblige.

[wallacenew]

How Can You Navigate Wayfair’s Website Like a Pro?

Navigating Wayfair’s website can be straightforward with a few tips. Wayfair offers a vast selection of products, so finding what you need efficiently is key. Here’s how to use their site like a pro.

Start by using the search bar. It’s located at the top of the page. Type in what you’re looking for, like “coffee table” or “sofa.” To refine your search, use keywords related to your preferences. Adding terms like “modern” or “recliner” will help you find specific styles. The search results will show a range of options, from budget-friendly to premium items.

Next, utilize the filters on the left side of the search results page. These filters help narrow down your choices. You can select options like “Price Range,” “Material,” or “Color.” For example, if you’re looking for a wooden dining table, check the “Material” filter and select “Wood.” This will display only wooden tables, making it easier to find what you want.

Explore Wayfair’s “Shop by Room” feature. This is useful if you’re redecorating or furnishing an entire room. You can find it in the top navigation bar. It lets you choose categories like “Living Room,” “Bedroom,” or “Office.” Each category shows products suited to that room, saving time and simplifying your search.

Check out Wayfair’s “Deals” section for discounts and special offers. This section is usually accessible from the homepage or the main menu. It includes limited-time promotions and clearance items. You can find great deals on furniture and decor by visiting this section regularly.

Finally, read product reviews and ratings. These are located on each product page. Reviews from other customers can provide insight into the quality and durability of items. Ratings and comments can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential issues.

In summary, navigating Wayfair’s website efficiently involves using the search bar, applying filters, exploring the “Shop by Room” feature, and checking out the “Deals” section. Reading product reviews further aids in making the best choice. With these tips, you’ll find what you need quickly and easily, making your shopping experience more enjoyable.

4o mini

[realtorjamier]

Best Happy Hour Spots In and Around D.C.

When it’s time to unwind from a stressful workday, our region is teeming with Happy Hour haunts that will brighten your spirits! Some offer a unique venue vibe paired with similarly-themed menus. Some just have downright good deals. Even the most high-brow establishments tend to have special Happy Hour pricing to draw patrons looking kick back after a hard day’s work. Here are some great options, whether you’re wanting to wind down or paint the town!

O’Connell’s

112 King Street, Alexandria, Va.

This modern Irish restaurant boasts “an ancient Irish setting.” Choose to sit at one of their four bars, a table near the fireplace, or huddle up in a “snug” – a cozy space offering a little more privacy. O’Connell’s Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and offers beer (including O’Connell’s Pilsner), liquor, house wine and delectables like Dublin Nachos and Irish Egg Rolls.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

1612 14th Street, Washington, D.C.

If you’re in search of treasure from the sea, you’re in for a treat at this pub offering American food with a southern slant. Happy Hour selections include ½ Price Local Oyster ($1.40 each with a minimum of 12), a pound of Addie’s Mussels, Wood Grilled East Coast Oysters, Chips & Queso, accompanied by $5 draft beer and $6 Happy Hour wine.

Guardado’s Restaurant

4918 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, Md.

Featuring Spanish Latin cuisine, Guardado’s Happy Hour (Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.) boasts a great variety of over-the-top Tapas for just $6: meal-worthy culinary creations made with tilapia, chicken, pork loin, omelets and more! Cocktails are also just $6. Select bottles of wine are half-price, and draft beers are just two bucks!

Mia’s Italian Kitchen

100 King Street, Alexandria, Va.

Located at the riverside end of King Street in Old Town Alexandria, Mia’s Happy Hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Choose your seating at the bar or on high tops, or lounge on sofas. Specially-priced bar bites range from Prosciutto and Fontina Fritters with Calabrese Hot Honey ($7), Chicken Parmigiana Sliders ($8), Pesto Spaghetti ($9) and more. What else? $4 Sangria, $5 pizza, $5 draft beer, $6 wine, $7 cocktails. Wow!

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

750 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C.

At the legendary, upscale Joe’s, Happy Hour is “Cocktail Hour” and is served Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6 p.m. (at the bar and highboy tables only). You can enjoy half-priced Oysters on the Half Shell and some $6.95 options including French Dip Sliders, Lobster Deviled Eggs and Mini Cheeseburgers. And of course, signature cocktails, wine and draft beer are also available.

Blackwall Hitch

5 Cameron Street, Alexandria, Va.

With a name like “Blackwall Hitch,” how can you resist? The meaning behind the name is too long to explain here, but it fits, given the fact that its location is close to the waterfront where boats and water taxis traverse daily. Happy Hour happens in the Quarterdeck Bar weeknights from 4 to 7 p.m., and includes drink specials and half-price appetizers. Draught beer is $7 a pint; bottled beer is $5; wine is $5 a glass; featured cocktails are $7. 

Allegory

1201 K Street NW, Washington, D.C.

If you’re looking for something REALLY different, visit Allegory – “The first bar to blend art, literature, social justice, craft cocktails and hospitality.” Its speakeasy entryway is through a nondescript door in the Eaton DC’s Radical Library. A one-of-a-kind mural by artist Erik Thor shows Alice in Wonderland through the eyes of 6-year-old Ruby Bridges – the first Black student to integrate an elementary school in the South. The menu is literary and political and features drinks like “Mad as a Hatter” and “The Color of Law.” Bites include “Little Girls Eat Eggs as Much as Serpents Do” (an Alice quote), “Caterpillar’s Mushroom” and many more. Curiouser and curiouser!

Boca Botanas

239 Muddy Branch Road, Gaithersburg, Md.

The winner of four OpenTable 2019 Diners’ Choice Awards including “Vibrant Bar Scene,” Boca Botanas features Latin American inspired food “with a twist of Spanish and South American.” food is served tapas style with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and sauces and sides that are made from scratch daily. Happy Hour is served weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and includes handcrafted beverages and cocktails infused with homemade mixes and fresh ingredients. 

The Majestic

911 King Street, Alexandria, Va.

The iconic 25’ tall neon signs beckon diners in. Good food and drink keep them coming back. Established in 1932, The Majestic’s newly designed interior is a blend of art deco and contemporary with an assortment of artwork adorning the walls. Happy Hour eats include sandwiches, sliders and sides. Special pricing for spirits ($4), drafts ($5), wine ($6) and cocktails ($7) happens weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

[hiyori-apartment-for-rent]

Corner Azura Apartment for rent with supper nice view

Discover the unique Corner Azura Apartment for rent, with beautiful views. Enjoy breathtaking views and enjoy the ultimate luxury living experience at this exceptional residence.

Welcome to Azura apartment, Azura stands out with its popular apartments and beautiful views of the Han River, giving residents the feeling of "At home". Azura becomes the best apartment and the best choice for foreigners in Da Nang.

Coner Azura apartment for rent with beautiful view

Interior

Television

Air conditional

Fire extinguisher

Ventilators

nesessary elemental

Dryer

Washing machine

Fridge

Balcony

television

WIFI

building amenities

parking lot

elevator

Pool

Small swimming pool

Fitness Center

acquisition

24/7 security control staff

Detail

Area: 155m2

19th floor

Price 1500 USD/month including operating fee.

Affordable location

Azura building is located right in the heart of Da Nang city, on Hung Dao street, overlooking the Han River and next to Vincom commercial center, only 5 minutes walk to the beach.

The apartment is located right in the center of Da Nang commune, overlooking the Han River:

– on Hung Dao street

– Next to Vincom commercial center

– 4 minutes by car to Pham Van Dong beach

– 7 minutes by bike from Da Nang International Airport

The 34-storey Azura building has 225 apartments, from the 3rd to 31st floors are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom apartments, the 32nd floor is a duplex apartment and the highest floor is a penthouse apartment da nang. Each floor has only 7 apartments so it is very quiet and spacious. The first floor is the reception desk and management board, children's club and mini supermarket, M floor is the gym, two outdoor swimming pools for children and adults.

The building embraces beautiful views of the entire city, Han River view, sea view, Son Tra mountain view and this is the largest apartment in Da Nang. With a prime location, the most attractive view in Da Nang and convenient infrastructure, Azura is considered the top luxury resort in Da Nang.

Describes Azura

This is a corner room so the size and layout are different, and more comfortable than a regular apartment.

The living room has a soft sofa and a modernly designed dining space. The kitchen is arranged relatively separate from the living room and dining room, the kitchen is spacious, surrounded by a view of Da Nang sea, suitable for those who love to cook. Cooking and admiring the scenery of Da Nang, it feels like "Home".

Master bedroom with queen bed, wardrobe and dressing table. Smaller bedroom with king bed, wardrobe and desk.

All rooms have windows with beautiful views of the Han River, marble mountains and Son Tra sea view.

The apartment is fully furnished and equipped with high-class furniture and good quality equipment.

Let's take a look at some apartments in Da Nang and if you want to find a popular place to live, you will see that it is Azura's largest rental apartment in Da Nang. Da Nang is increasingly strong, so land and apartments are very expensive, which is why there are not many large apartments in Da Nang. In terms of view, location and scale, this building becomes the most expensive apartment in Da Nang.

Nice model

Azura has been under construction for 6 years, don't look outside but come check it out. Some apartments have classy interior design. Customers can choose apartments with Western style, Korean style, tropical style or natural style decorated with plants and flowers. In our list, you can refer to Azura Danang apartments for rent with many different styles, views and areas.

[projectoffice5487]

Shifting Firm In Craigavon

From luxury flats to family houses, you may find the proper home in Bryanston. Your private information might be used to help your expertise all through this website, to manage access to your account, and for other functions described in our privateness policy. In this case Nashua, RSS Security Services, TRSS Reaction, Lew Geffen / Sotheby’s, OSM, and….most significantly, YOU! Intellectual –

Moving may be tense, but knowing that you have professionals dealing with the logistics can help alleviate some of that stress. If you’re planning to maneuver, one of many biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether or to not hire a removal company. While some people prefer to deal with their move on their own, there are International Movers Craigavon many advantages to hiring knowledgeable elimination company. We do not have plenty of furniture but may have a lot of movables corresponding to packing containers, vegetation, garden tools and the like. We will be moving a fridge, cupboard, 1 double mattress with facet tables, 1 (s-m sized) sleeper sofa, desks (1/2) [from memory]

Our box store is conveniently located inside our storage park providing you with all you have to safely and securely retailer your valuables. The imaginative and prescient for Thatchfield is a safe, well-managed estate the place residents can live as households, send their children to excessive school and see the worth of their investment grow over time. With a relatively Office Moves Craigavon low preliminary purchase price, great family-friendly amenities, and a main location, Thatchfield Ridge is unquestionably in a great position to grow. Designed to benefit from the pure surroundings, Helderfontein Estate provides an unparalleled life-style with a safe, family-friendly setting.

They stored us up to date each step of the way, they handled our household items with the utmost care and have been so pleasant. In order to succeed in your quest, it’s imperative to know the best individuals that can hyperlink you to the correct trader. If you are not fully certified with the service supplier that contacts you, our consultants will have interaction with an alternate service supplier to contact you. Why do you have to choose us, nicely Unlike many other truck hire companies, with us, our buyer's satisfaction is our primary priority. They know simply the best way to deal with all your requests and repair needs. Speak to us about your timeframe and we are going to do what we will to make sure you make your transferring deadline.

Pretoria Removals will be certain that our centered & localised furnishings removal teams are accurately designated to particular zones within each province providing cost and time savings for our clients on the move. Our space focused approach helps us offer you competitively priced furniture elimination quotes with a timeous & skilled elimination service. Our strategic PTA Moving Company ensures that we save time, distance and cost savings on your local furnishings elimination in Pretoria or to any destination in Gauteng in addition to Nationally. A trusted Moving Company with centered Benoni Mini Moving Teams for our purchasers with small load transferring requirements.

Our places of work are open twenty 4 seven so it would not matter what time of the day you're in need of companies we'll help you to the best of our ability. LOOK NO FURTHER WE CAN SEND OUT A house transferring companies SPECIALIST TO ASSIST YOU. We take pride within the calibre of listed house shifting companies corporations on our system as they bear Staff Relocation Craigavon a vetting process that ensures that they'll always offer you A-grade companies. Find out how lengthy the shifting company has been in enterprise and their experience with international moves. When choosing a shifting company in Brackenhurst, it’s necessary to do your analysis and compare quotes from a number of corporations.

One of the most common providers provided by moving firms is furnishings removals. This includes packing, loading, transporting, unloading and unpacking your furniture and different belongings from one location to a different. A removalist undertakes the safe uplifting of products from one premises and the secure and timely transport and delivery of such goods to another location. This just isn't merely a matter of choosing up pre-packed furniture Safe Storage Craigavon and packing containers, loading them into trucks and offloading on the new premises. Whilst many home- and business-owners prefer to pack their personal items themselves, others may choose to have this accomplished for them by the removalist company. As a rule, a removalist company will not insure items which are packed by the consumer, as they cannot ensure that they are sufficiently protected during transit.

Sport and tradition are critical building blocks in the development of kids, instructing them commitment to a team, resoluteness within the face of problem and the joy of performance. In order to make sure this publicity, HeronBridge prep goals to offer a variety of activities to meet every child’s make-up and encourages children to achieve on the highest stage. The following actions are supplied in the college co-curricular programme and form part of the school charges. Morningside is doubtless certainly one of the most centrally situated and established areas in the whole of Johannesburg.

Cape Town is likely considered one of the hottest vacationer destinations on the earth, and it's not hard to see why. The Mother City has something for everybody, from gorgeous beaches to world-class eating Office Movers Craigavon places. From essentially the most sought-after amenities to spacious interiors, you’ll wish to be house. Bryanston is an up-and-coming area of Johannesburg, and there are many new developments to select from.

[chayrs]

Buy A Variety Of Mini Desks And Chairs Online On Chayrs

Are you planning to buy mini desks for your home? If yes then, you are at the right place. Chayrs is India's No. 1 furniture store that offers a wide range of chairs, desks and many other furniture items. You can find all kinds of small desks here at affordable prices which will perfectly suit your home décor needs.

Shop For the Latest Mini Desks And Chairs Online

The best way to shop for Mini Desks and Chairs online is by visiting the online mini desk store, Chayrs.com. You can choose from a variety of mini desks that suit your needs and they are available at affordable prices too. The best part is that you can also compare prices with other similar stores so that you don't have to pay extra when buying the same product at a higher price than what it costs in some other stores.

Budget Friendly Price For Mini Desks And Chairs On Chayrs.com

Mini desks and chairs are the perfect gifts for children. These small desks and chairs are great for keeping kids occupied when they are confined to their rooms. Miniature furniture also comes with a variety of other uses including: - Keeping your desk neat and organized. - You can use them as a coffee table or side table in your living room or bedroom.

We Have Attractive Mini Desks For Professional Work

If you are looking for a modern and stylish desk, then our Mini Desks are a perfect choice. They are versatile enough to be used at home, in the office or classroom environment. If you have limited space in your house or office, then these mini desks make the perfect addition to your working space. They can be easily assembled and disassembled using their unique folding design which makes them easy to store when not in use.

They come in a variety of designs, colours and styles so there is something for everyone! You will find that when it comes to buying furniture online; Chayrs provides top-quality products at affordable prices without compromising on quality control or customer service standards (e-Commerce).

These Mini Desks Are Available In Different Colours And Designs

Chayrs.com is the best place to find the perfect mini desk and chair set for your kids. We have a wide range of options, including different designs and colours, along with a variety of sizes and prices.

Visit India's No. 1 Chair And Furniture Site Chayrs

Chayrs is India's No. 1 online furniture store with over 1 million products and a huge range of chairs, sofas and tables. We have friendly customer care executives who can help you with any query that you may have before buying a product from us.

Conclusion

Chayrs offers an excellent range of mini desks and chairs that is perfect for your kids' study or your home office. We also have a wide variety of office chairs and stools in different designs and colours to choose from. The designs include leather, faux leather, fabric and wooden ones too. View More Read the full article

[pandatrust]

Encore spa day pass price

ENCORE SPA DAY PASS PRICE SKIN

ENCORE SPA DAY PASS PRICE FULL

Nobu Zen massage, designed to improve flexibility and breathing, is popular and involves scented nectar drizzled along your spine. Swedish massages start at $165, but options with CBD oil and hot stone and aromatherapy massage are a bit pricier, between $225 and $300. Qua also offers a Laconium Room and an Arctic Ice Room, where you can sit and watch snow (pieces of frozen moisturizer) fall as the chilly air reinvigorates you.

ENCORE SPA DAY PASS PRICE SKIN

The largest has mineral water to heal and restore your skin the Caldarium is a hot bath designed to relax your muscles the Frigidarium is cool and will kickstart your senses. The secluded European Pools at Encore and Wynn allow for topless sunbathing.Located inside Caesar’s Palace, Qua Bath & Spa won two Best Spa Awards from the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 20, as well as accolades from Tripadvisor and Condé Nast Traveler. Featuring two spacious resort pools and two Jacuzzi spas, the Wynn Pool is an ideal retreat. Both Wynn and Encore offer heated pools surrounded by immaculate gardens. The Pool at Encore offers private cabanas loaded with a mini-fridge, plasma TV, a table, chairs and sofa, as does the pool at Wynn. Spa facilities are exclusively available to guests of Wynn Las Vegas, although day visitors may enjoy the salon. Lockers with spa robes and slippers are provided, as well as hair and body care amenities. The spa offers separate women’s and men’s facilities with showers, steam room, sauna and whirlpool ensure your comfort and privacy. The Signature Spa Treatment is based on the five elements of Feng Shui -health, wealth, prosperity, happiness and harmony, and includes a 50 minute custom massage with heated Thai herbs, a luxurious foot treatment, moisturizing hand therapy and an aromatic scalp treatment. Together, the Spas at Wynn Las Vegas offers an impressive 45 treatment rooms for massage, body treatments, facials and hydrotherapy. Hair and beauty ceremonies from Shu Uemura are available exclusively at the Encore salon. Barbershop services featuring unique grooming products can be found solely at the Wynn Salon. From manicures and pedicures, to styles for an entire wedding party, you’re in good hands at the salons at Wynn and Encore. Spasįeaturing designer treatment rooms, garden villas and couples’ rooms, The Spa at Encore is worlds apart from the ordinary and The Spa at Wynn was the first in Las Vegas to receive a Forbes Five Star award.Įnjoy a salon, barbershop, fitness room, sauna, plunge pools and the choice to have a massage in your own room. The resort features an art gallery displaying works from The Wynn Collection, which at various times has included works by such masters as Gauguin, Matisse, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Picasso. The Wynn showcases a 111,000 square foot casino, 2,716 hotel rooms, 19 distinctive dining experiences, a 2,087-seat showroom, 74,700 square feet of retail space, over 223,000 square feet of convention space, an exclusive on-site 18-hole championship golf course and state-of-the-art recreational facilities, and a world-class spa and salon. Not only will you find our environments and amenities extraordinary. Personal and intimate by design, Wynn and Encore offer an eclectic collection of nooks and neighborhoods that reveal surprises and memorable moments around every corner. From fine dining, exclusive shopping and sensational shows to posh pools, serene spas and chic nightlife, you’ll discover that everything you love in a vacation is here under one roof.

ENCORE SPA DAY PASS PRICE FULL

At Wynn Las Vegas and Encore we’re privileged to have two extraordinary resorts full of indulgences and amenities for you to enjoy.

[wiypt-writes]

Riding On

Ch5. Chilli Fries And Appletize

Summary: Fliss hormones are raging so Frank decides she need something a little special

Warnings: Bad Language words. SMUT (NSFW NO UNDER 18s!!)

Pairing: Frank Adler x Fliss Gallagher

A/N: FLUFF FLUFF FLUFF ALERT!!

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Fliss Gallagher and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Riding On Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 4

Who can take you higher, than twin deep mountain blue, oh well I’ve built this thing for you, and I love you true…

 “Fuck!”

Frank heard Fliss’ shout from the living room where he was sprawled on the sofa. She’d gone to take a bath, Mary was at Roberta’s so the pair of them were simply taking a bit of time to relax after what had been a fairly draining week, both physically and mentally.

“Fliss?” he called back as Thor stood up from where he had been curled on the rug, Fred leaning against him using him as a pillow as the feline always seemed to do. He watched the dog pad to the door and then stood up following him down the hallway. He entered the bedroom and found Fliss was stood in a pale blue dress, tears in her eyes.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” He frowned.

“This fucking dress!” She practically exploded, her voice cracking. I only bought it a few weeks ago for Jake’s wedding and I just thought I’d try it on with my new shoes and it won’t do up at the back.”

Frank looked at her, feeling a pang of sympathy for his girl. She’d been really up and down in particular over the last two days with her hormones and she looked absolutely distraught, even if it was something so ridiculous as a dress that had set her off.

“Let me see.” he said, crossing the floor towards her. She turned and he gently reached for the zip, pulling the back of the dress together but it wasn’t going to fasten.

“See…” she sighed as he let go of the zip and rubbed the top of her arms. “I’m not even at the five month mark yet!” “You’re a week off.”

“And I feel huge! This is ridiculous!”

Frank slid his arms around her from behind, dropping a kiss to her shoulder. “Lissy, Bean has just sprouted all of a sudden that’s all. You got a proper bump now.” “I am aware of that, Frank.” She snapped.

Frank took a deep breath, not rising to her in the slightest. Instead his hands moved to either side of the offending swell in her abdomen and he turned her gently towards the full length mirror in the corner of the room.

“Look.” He said, fixing his eyes on hers in their reflection as his hand skated over her belly “You’re beautiful, and you’re cooking our baby in here…”

“That still doesn’t help that I have no dress!”

“Ok, well, let’s go shopping tomorrow. Mary’s at that party in the afternoon so we’ll drop her off, head into town and grab you something.”

Fliss paused as she looked at him in the mirror, her face slowly rearranging as she realised that actually the solution to the problem had been fairly simple all along.

“Sorry.” She mumbled. “I flipped again didn’t I?”

“Its fine.” Frank dropped a kiss to her cheek. “You didn’t throw a mug on the floor today so that’s an improvement.” “In my defence,” she turned to look at him, “you did ask me about five times if I was feeling ok in the space of ten minutes” “And clearly you weren’t as said mug is now in three pieces.” He shook his head and let out a long, dramatic sigh “You know I loved that mug too. It was a sad day.” Fliss snorted “You got it free from the Tack Store when we took Mary for her new hat.” “And it was a treasured memory. A reminder of how she stung me for another hundred bucks…” “Can’t put a price on safety Frankie.” She smiled and he chuckled.

“So, tomorrow afternoon then?” He asked and she nodded eagerly.

“Can we go to Tampa? The shopping is better there.”

“Sure.” And suddenly the bones of a plan began to form in his head. And it was a good plan…if he could pull it off… “Crisis averted?” he asked, looking down at her.

“Crisis averted” she nodded.

“Good.” he smiled, kissing her cheek before he turned to leave the room to allow her to change for bed.

“Frank?”

“Yeah?” He stopped to look at her.

“I really want fries.”

“McDonalds again?”

“No, I want Chilli Fries.” She said, her voice almost puzzled.

“Chilli fries?” He frowned “Really? That’s a new one.”

“I know.” She shrugged. “I just got a hankering, specifically for the ones we get from Tequila Mockingbird.”

Frank glanced at his watch “Sweetheart, it’s almost Eleven. The truck will have shut now, he only opens late on Saturday.”

“Oh, okay.” She said quietly, and he could see to his horror that her bottom lip was starting to wobble. Fuck, not another meltdown. Was this seriously how it was going to be for the next four damned months? Fucking hormones…

“Why don’t I nip to the store?” A sudden idea popped into Frank’s head. “I can whip up a batch of the dirty ones you showed me how to make?”

“Yeah, yeah that could work.” She nodded.

“Ok, well, I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He smiled, turning on his heels.

It worked out quite well actually, as he used the short drive to the store to put his plan into action. First off he messaged Jake who called him straight back.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“I need you to do me a favour.” Frank said, explaining his plan.

“Short notice pal.”

“Yeah but you owe me so pull some strings with the man you know.”

“I owe you?” Jake snorted “What for?”

“If you hadn’t been tagged on those damned photos no one would have seen them and I wouldn’t have been couched for a night nor would I be suffering with blue balls.” Frank said simply, turning right across a junction.

Jake snorted “Leave it with me Frankie boy…I’ll see what I can do.”

Satisfied he cut the call and once he arrived at the store he shot Verity a quick message asking her if she would mind helping him out as well. He felt a little guilty, as they’d only gotten back from Italy that morning but she replied almost instantly telling him that she thought it was a great idea and her and Bill would be happy to do what he needed them to do.

Smiling he put his phone back in his pocket, and headed to the frozen food aisle at the back of the 24 hour mini-mart. He stood there, unable to decide what fries to buy so in the end he grabbed a bag of every available frozen ones there were- thick cut, curly, southern fried and thin, along with a tin of ready-made chilli (yes, disgusting but on dirty fries it was the only thing Fliss told him worked) and a block of cheddar cheese. As he walked towards the till he stopped, grinning as he spotted they had the big bottles of Appletize too, so he shoved 4 in his basket and headed to the counter.

The woman at the counter looked at him as he began unloading and Frank realised that it was a pretty odd combination.

“You either got the munchies or your girl is pregnant.” She quipped and Frank laughed.

“It’s the latter.” He smiled, and the woman grinned at him as she scanned the items through the till.

Once he had paid he headed home to find Fliss was led on the sofa with a toasting waffle in one hand and a glass of apple juice in her other.

“Couldn’t wait huh?” He asked as he walked through to the kitchen.

“I know.” She looked at him over the back of the couch. “I had an apple and a waffle and I feel okay now.”

Frank stopped dead and turned to face her, the paper grocery bags clutched to his chest. “Seriously? You don’t want the fries?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Not anymore.”

Frank took a deep breath, his tongue poking the inside of his cheek in frustration as he walked into the kitchen, depositing the bags on the side.

“The kid ain’t even born yet and it’s already a pain in my ass…”

“I can hear you grumbling from here.” Fliss called back.

“Good.” He retorted as he shoved the bottles of drink in the fridge and crammed the four bags of frozen fries into the freezer. Grabbing a beer he walked back into living room and dropped heavily onto couch next to her.

“Don’t be so grouchy.” She teased, listing her feet into his lap. He shot her a glare and she dropped her hand to her belly. “Bean is sorry.” She flashed him her best puppy dog eyes, those fucking eyes that could get him to do whatever she wanted.

“Don’t pull that one.” He narrowed his own eyes at her and she cocked her head to one side.

“I’ll make it up to you.”

“How?” He asked as she looked at him, smirking.

“Bow job?”

Frank snorted, shifting slightly in his seat as that had really got his attention. But, not wanting to give himself away too much he simply arched an eyebrow at her. “You think you can win me over like that?”

“Sailor, I know I can.”

“I’m not that cheap.”

“No, but I know for a fact you haven’t had any since the night before you went to Vegas.” she grinned “What was it you said in New York after a mere three days? Frankie has needs.”

Okay, so she’d got him well and truly. Like he had said to Jake before, he really was feeling frustrated, but he hadn’t pushed anything on her at all since he’d come back from Vegas, deciding to let her make the decision as to when she wanted to get physically intimate with him again. As he looked at her she simply smiled and drained her glass of juice before setting it on the table.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Frank shook his head. “Was just trying to figure out if you were being serious or not.” She held his gaze for a moment before she looked back at the TV, teasing over. With a deep breath Frank shifted a little, getting himself comfortable, trying to push the dirty thoughts from his mind as he concentrated on the episode of ‘911’ which was playing. His hands gently began to massage at her feet, thumb gently pressing into the arch of one and Fliss gave a soft sigh of satisfaction as he continued, before she sat up and looked at him.

“Did you get any curly fries?” She bit her lip.

“Are you for fucking real?” He looked at her, blinking.

“Don’t blame me…”

“Yeah, yeah blame Bean.” He shook his head “I swear to God by the time you’ve actually given birth to the little crotch goblin I’ll have aged about twenty years…”

“Crotch goblin?” She scoffed, “I’ll remind you, pal, you put it there!”

“Not on purpose!” He looked at her.

“Are you calling our baby a mistake?” Fliss narrowed her eyes at him, mock horror on her face

“Mistake, no, that’s a little harsh.” Frank shook his head “Accident, most definitely.”

“Bastard.” Fliss grabbed a cushion from behind her and hit him with it as he laughed, grabbing it out of her hands.

“Our little Boston Bean is a very pleasant and welcome surprise.” Frank smiled, shifting her legs out of his lap. Grinning he leaned over her, caging her on the sofa with his arms “Although right now, as I’m about to start cooking dirty fries at fifteem to midnight, I’m debating the use of the pronoun pleasant.”

Fliss chuckled as he leaned over to give her a soft kiss. Instantly she felt a little flutter again and her hand dropped to her bump.

“Bean’s moving again.”

Frank smiled and shifted a little so he could press his hand to her side, but after a moment or so shook his head, feeling ever so slightly deflated.

“I can’t feel anything.”

“You will do soon enough.”

“Can’t wait.” Frank kissed her again and stood up, heading to the kitchen.

Fliss watched him go, before she turned back to the TV, but she wasn’t paying attention, she was too busy thinking to herself how quickly Frank had headed out to get her what she wanted before, even if she had then changed her mind, and then reverted it back to its original state. She hated comparing the two of them, and tried not to do it, but as she sat there she couldn’t help it. Frank was as far from John as could possibly be. Her ex-husband wouldn’t have ever done anything like that for her, whether she as carrying his kid or not. But Frank hadn’t even hesitated. And now he was actually about to cook it too. She wasn’t sure John had even known how to turn the damned oven on. When she’d met Frank, his cooking skills were also limited but he had wanted to learn. He helped her cook, listened and managed pretty much once she’d made something with him, to make a fairly decent version of it on his own. And he did this simply because he wanted to. He had openly admitted that he didn’t like the fact she felt like she had to cook every day, despite her protests she didn’t mind, and specifically on the evenings she got home a little later than normal, he wanted to be able to have something ready.

As she sat there, those thoughts whirring in her head, she felt a surge of affection for her Sailor. Since their talk on Monday, she’d let Frank back into their bed but there’d been no intimacy, although she’d let him cuddle her, she’d kissed him back, she hadn’t been unaffectionate per se, but in all honesty she hadn’t been in the mood for anything else, which was probably something down to hormones as well as her still being a little angry at him, but now…well, she’d seen it in his eyes before when she’d been teasing him, he was frustrated as hell.  And if she was honest, she now found herself in the mood for giving him a little spontaneous pleasure…

With a smirk she stood up and walked into the kitchen, her arms snaking around his waist as she pressed herself to his back (well as much as she could thanks to the football she had in her stomach) and pressed a soft kiss to his back, just beneath his shoulder blades.

“You okay?” He asked, his voice vibrating through his back into her chest and she nodded as her hands rubbed at his stomach under his T-shirt. She felt him tense a little, and grinning to herself, she gently moved her hands upwards to rake down the line of hair that led from his chest all the way down his belly. She knew what that did to him and right on cue, Frank gave a grunt, jolting a little and her hand continued to move downwards, palming at his crotch through his sweats.

“Lissy.” His voice caught in his throat as she continued, her hand working him up over his clothing. “What I said before, you don’t need to-“ “I know, but I want to.” She stood on her tiptoes to whisper into his ear. He tilted his head downwards slightly, allowing her to nip at his jawline and as he spun round to face her, she pulled his head down to hers giving him a slow kiss, her tongue sliding against his before she leaned back, his bottom lip between her teeth.

By the time his brain had caught up with what was going on, Fliss had gotten to her knees and flipped the waist band of the sweats he was wearing down, taking his erection firmly in one hand, making him hiss slightly. She stroked him to full hardness, which didn’t take that long at all, before she looked up and locked eyes with him, giving him one final smirk before she took him in her mouth.

“God, Baby.” Frank groaned, his left hand gripped the edge of the kitchen counter, her eyes still locked on his. His right hand gently dropped to the back of her head, tangling in her long hair as her head bobbed back and forth. It was bliss, her mouth was warm, lips soft, but her tongue…God she knew just how to work him with that thing and as he felt it wrap around the base of his cock he gave a grunt, his hips bucking forward slightly. At that, Fliss pulled off of him to suck at the swollen tip of his dick and worked her hands over the rest of his length which sent shivers up his spine. Groaning, his head dropped back slightly, as she continued to lick, suck before she took him in, this time all the way, her cheeks hollowing and one of her hands reaching round from the back of his thigh to gently squeeze at his balls.

“Fucking hell!.” He hissed, his hand tightening in her hair and once more he looked at her. Her eyes locked back onto his and he felt that tell-tale warmth pooling in his groin and stomach.

"Lissy, sweetheart, shit." His voice was raspy from desire and pleasure and at the mere sound of how turned on his was Fliss felt the wetness beginning to pool in between her legs. He continued to babble curse words and her name, before he gasped again, letting out a loud moan. “Fuck, honey, "I'm gonna-" his words caught in his mouth as Fliss took him all the way to the back of her throat. At that, he was gone, his fingers gripped her hair tight the other clutched at the kitchen side, noises that sounded alien even to him tumbling from his mouth as he spilled himself down her throat and slumped back completely blissed out against the kitchen side.

Fliss grinned, her hands gently running up the outside of his thighs as she stood up, pulling his boxers and sweats with her, pressing herself to his chest. With a soft hum of contentment, he opened his eyes and looked down at her.

“Good?” She asked, but the look in her eyes told him she knew exactly what the answer was. Still, he gave it her anyway. “Damned right it was.” He grinned, leaning down and kissing her, his hands holding her face in position. She let out a soft moan into his mouth and he pulled back slightly, arching an eyebrow.

“You all worked up baby girl?”

“Don’t suppose you fancy helping me out…” She whispered, and Frank grinned.

“We got fifteen minutes till the fries cook so…” He smirked as he gently spun her round so her back was clutched to his chest.  Fliss grinned to herself as his lips gently brushed on her neck, his beard scratching at her skin as he nipped his way down to her shoulder, his hand splaying over her bump before it worked beneath the waistband of her pyjama shorts. Her breath caught in her throat as his fingers skated her entrance.

“You are worked up.” he muttered, his fingers sliding through her slick, as her head fell back against his shoulder and she bit her lip.

“I told you…” she muttered as his fingers slipped further into her folds, finding that little bundle of nerves. His other hand slipped up her vest top and ran up her side to her breasts, which he knew would be tender, but the plus side to that was that they were goddamned sensitive, so heightened to his touch and it got her off like nothing he’d ever seen before. True to form, she let out a soft squeak as he rolled a nipple gently between his thumb and forefinger. Sliding his fingers inside her he curled them against the fleshy spot on her walls, both his hands working in synch, a coordinated attack on her senses and within minutes she was putty in his hands.

“Frankie…I’m…fuck!” she cursed, her head falling back further as her knees began to shake.

“I got you.” He said softly, his mouth caressing her neck again “Go on baby, give it to me.” With a desperate groan she shuddered, her hand wrapping around his wrists as he felt her pulsing and squeezing around his fingers as she came, the trembles wracking her entire body. Frank held her steady until she took a deep breath, giving a soft sigh as she leaning back into him. She tilted her head round to look at him, a smile on her face, her cheeks tinged with pink underneath those gorgeous freckles and he smiled at her, giving her a soft kiss. Setting her clothes right for her, his hands skated over her bump once more and he kissed her shoulder.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yep.” she nodded, popping the P as she turned to face him, leaning up to kiss the underneath of his jaw. He looked down at her, before a wicked smirk crossed his face and he popped his two fingers in his mouth, sucking her taste off him.

“Francis!” She scoffed, slapping him round the back of the head and he let out a loud laugh.

“You don’t complain about me tasting you when I’m down there…” “You’re so vulgar!” she snorted.

“Says the woman who just blew me in the kitchen.” She cocked her head to one side, shrugging slightly “Touché….”

He smiled again before she turned to the fridge “Want another beer?”

“Sure, thanks.” he said.

She pulled open the fridge door and let out a little shriek of delight “Where did you get that?” she asked, her eyes widening as she pulled out a bottle of Appletize. “I couldn’t find any in the supermarket!”

“The Mini-Mart before.” he said, “Woman thought I was high when I bought 4 bags of fries and 4 big bottles of that”

“My hero!” she grinned

Frank grinned “if fetching you fries and Appetize means you get on your knees for me then hell, I’ll go every fucking night.”

“Don’t get used to it Sailor.” she looked at him, “Soon I'll be too big to kneel down.”

Frank chuckled, “Why don’t you go wait in the lounge?”

"I'm good.” Fliss shrugged “I'll help."

The two of them stood in the kitchen making their food. Frank warmed the chili through as Fliss grated the entire block of cheese and when Frank challenged her as to why exactly they needed that for 2 of them she simply replied “3 of us Frankie…” whilst patting her bump. Soon they were sat on the sofa, Fliss cross legged with a plate on her lap as she devoured her snack. Frank watched her as she eagerly ate, eyes fixed on the latest episode of Rick And Morty, every so often she would chuckle at something on the screen. Frank smiled to himself, it had felt like a long 5 days since Monday, but they seemed to be on an even keel. She was joking and laughing with him, had been reasonably affectionate and to be fair her affections certainly had upped a notch when she just sucked him off in the kitchen. Granted, all things considered, he’d rather have carried her to bed, taken his time over her, loved on her a little but…well, he certainly wasn’t complaining. It seemed like she’d finally decided he was completely out of the dog house, which suited him absolutely fine.

Fliss let out a happy sigh and placed her now empty plate on the coffee table on top of the one Frank had discarded a few minutes ago. She stretched out her limbs before she shifted and snuggled into Frank’s side.

"Love you." She said, her hand rubbing his tummy softly under his t-shirt. "So does Bean"

Her touch and words made him feel all warm inside. Not horny warm, just fuzzy warm. Smiling he dropped a kiss to her head “Love you too, both of you.”

****** “What do you think?” Fliss asked, giving him a twirl. Frank smiled, nodding approvingly. With the help of the assistant in the little independent Mother and Baby boutique shop they’d stumbled across, aptly called “Bump In The Road” she’d chosen a maxi dress with a pastel rainbow tulle style skirt. The top half was baby pink with spaghetti straps which hung on her toned shoulders and It had a V-neckline which plunged to the high waistband where it cinched in and then flared over her bump. It hung loosely and comfortably over her lower body whilst still being sexy enough on the top half, accentuating her cleavage.

“You look beautiful.” He said honestly and she flushed a little, twirling in the mirror.

“Do you think the colour is ok or should I go for the yellow one? I mean is it too much boob? The yellow is a halter neck so you don’t see any-” “Lissy!” He shook his head, chuckling “It looks fine, more than fine. I like it.” “It’s also elasticated at the back.” The assistant spoke. “So your worry about bump growing more over the next week won’t cause an issue. You’ll get a few months I expect out of this.” Fliss hummed, looked at her reflection again before she smiled “OK, yeah, great…I’ll take it.”

The assistant smiled and Fliss turned back to head into the changing cubicle. Once she was out of ear shot Frank looked at the woman.

“Can we take the yellow one too?” he asked, “Just ring it through before she comes back, I want it to be a surprise.”

The assistant nodded and smiled “Sure, I’ll get it ready and bagged now so she doesn’t see it.”

“Thanks.”

He headed to the till, producing his card and shortly after Fliss joined him and he let out a chuckle when he saw she’d also picked up another little baby-grow on the way. This one was white and bore an apple on the front, with the words “apple of our eye” arched over the top.

“I thought it was kinda fitting.” she grinned and Frank had to agree considering her craving. He handed it to the assistant who was smart enough not to announce the total to him, given the additional purchase as he handed his card over. Fliss pouted at him but one look and she stopped the fuss she was about to make over the fact he had paid. They’d already had that discussion on the way over, Frank insisting that he wanted to buy her the dress considering it was “his fault” as she had put it that she was in this position in the first place.

He took the bag from the assistant and thanking her once more they headed out and back down the street. Frank stole a glance at his watch, it was just after 3. He could do with killing another hour or so before he put into play his surprise plan so he suggested they grab a drink and an ice cream at the little parlour on the corner. Fliss eagerly agreed so that killed another 40 minutes as they sat and joked over a sundae each, before they headed back to the truck taking the long way round, checking out a few other shops as they went, Fliss suggesting the grabbed Mary a few new pieces of clothing as she was growing again. Picking a few t-shirts and a pair of shorts they knew she would like they then headed back to the car and Frank checked his phone, memorising the directions. They weren’t far away.

When he didn’t take the turn for the freeway, Fliss looked at him. “You missed the turn off.” “No I didn’t.”

“Yeah, you did, it was back there.”

“We’re not going home.” Frank replied simply and at that she frowned.

“Where are we going then?”

“You’ll see.”

Refusing to give her anything else, despite her questioning, he kept driving until he hit the coastal road and continued along the bay and their destination appeared in front of them. Hanging a right, he drove his truck down the little winding road which opened up into a circle drive way flanked by palm trees and bright flowerbeds just outside the reception of the Grand Hyatt.

“Frank.” Fliss looked at him, her eyes shining. “We’re staying for the night?”

“Yup.” He nodded turning to face her. “I packed us a bag this morning whilst you were at the yard, Mary’s staying with your parents as is Thor and I suspect Fred and we have a dinner reservation for dinner at the Oyster Catcher, which is on the bay at the back.”

“I don’t…how did you manage to pull this off at such short notice?”

“Jake.” Frank said simply “Come on.”

He hopped out of his truck and smiled to the bus boy who had approached him and nodded for them to collect their bags out of the boot. “Including the large paper one.” he said discreetly and he nodded before he turned to collect the slip of paper from the valet. He took Fliss’ hand and led her into the huge reception area to the hotel, the floor a gorgeous white marble as they walked over to the desk and he smiled at the woman who looked at him.

“Good afternoon Sir, Ma’am.” she smiled, and Fliss suddenly felt a little self-conscious. Everyone was milling around in various states of what she would term upper-class smart casual, in blazers and open necked dress shirts with jeans that probably cost more than her fucking jeep. Frank, however, in contrast didn’t give a shit. He wasn’t here to impress or blend in.

“Reservation for Adler.” he said smiling at the receptionist who tapped at a keyboard and nodded.

“Yes Mr Adler, you’re here for one night and have an executive double.” she scanned the booking “The room rate is already settled, but I can set up-…” “I’m sorry, did you say the room rate was covered?” Frank frowned. “Yes, Sir.” She nodded, “It’s already been paid.” “Take it that wasn’t expected.” Fliss looked at him and he shook his head, smiling.

“No, no it wasn’t. I’ll thank Jake later.” He smiled, before he turned to the lady at the desk “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“No problem. I was just saying if you want to give me your card I can set up a tab so you can charge items to your room…” “Sure.” He nodded, fishing for his wallet before handing her the small square of plastic. As she took a scan of it he turned to Fliss and dropped a kiss to her temple as she smiled, her arm looping around her waist.

“Is this where we’re staying for Jake’s wedding?” She asked and he nodded.

“Thought we could give it a test run beforehand.” He looked at her “You are okay we’re staying, right?” “Of course.” She smiled “It’s really sweet of you.” “Well, I try.” He winked before he turned back to the brunette behind the desk who asked him for his signature in a few places before she handed him the key.

“Ok so you’re on the 5th floor.” she said nodding, “Room 512. Take the elevator up, go right once you reach your floor and you’ll see it on the left. I’ll have your bags brought up for you Mr Adler.”

Frank thanked her and they both headed off following the directions. Frank led Fliss out of the elevator an down to the room over to it and picked up the note attached to it.

“This one’s on me pal, well, my Loyalty Scheme Free Stay points anyway. Sorry about the balls.” She read as she turned to him and Frank rubbed at his neck. “I’m not even gonna ask what that means.” “Yeah, probably best.” He grinned, and then there was a knock at the door. Frank opened it and in walked the concierge with their luggage, setting it down for them before Frank thanked him, slipped him a ten and he headed out.

Fliss looked at the overnight bag and then frowned. “What did you bring me to wear to dinner?” “Nothing” Frank said, before he grinned and picked up the bag from the boutique. “But I got you something before.” “That’s for the wedding.” She looked at him, “Although I could wear it twice. Not like anyone is here tonight to see it.” “Check in the bottom.” He instructed. She frowned a little, before she took the bag and set it down on the small table, before she let out a gasp as she pulled out the lemon yellow dress she’d tried on before.

“You bought me both of them?”

He nodded.

“Frankie, you didn’t have to do that. You didn’t have to do any of this.” She whispered, her eyes misting over.

“I know but I wanted to.” He stepped forwards his hands dropping to her hips. “I figured it would be nice for us to have some time together, just the two…well…three,” he grinned, nodding to her bump, “of us.” “Thank you.” She looked up at him as he dropped a kiss to her lips.

Once they’d unpacked their overnight thing, Fliss headed for a shower and emerged a little while later in a robe and Frank walked back in from where he’d been on the balcony with a beer, having fired a thank you message to Jake. He smiled at Fliss and headed to shower himself, coming back about five minutes later also wrapped in a robe. They sat out together on the balcony talking for a little while as Fliss pretty much drank the entire bottle of juice before she announced she was going to get ready.

“You look gorgeous.” Frank said as she stood in front of him, wearing her dress. Her hair was pulled back into a bun and her make-up was light, despite the fact that Frank had shoved pretty much every item in her vanity case into their bag not knowing what she would want and wouldn’t want.

“You look pretty dapper too, Sailor” she smiled, taking in his black button down and smart jeans. Dropping a kiss to her cheek he gestured to the door and they both left the room and made their way to the restaurant which was located through the back of the hotel. They were led through to the outside patio which had a spectacular panoramic view of Old Tampa Bay. Fliss ordered herself a mock-tail, whilst Frank asked for a beer, grinning when the waiter told them they had Stella on tap.  Fliss busied herself with the menu, and Frank took a moment to watch her. She really was glowing. He’d thought that was such a shit cliché about pregnant women, but at that point in time he couldn’t think of any other way to describe her. Her face was slightly fuller now, but with it she carried a soft look, which just complimented her personality anymore. The changes her entire body was going through reminded him daily she was carrying his baby, and each day he woke up and was convinced he was slightly more in love with her than he had been when he’d fallen asleep, even though he knew that wasn’t actually possible.

“The mahi-mahi looks really good.” Fliss mused as she looked at the menu. “As does the lobster but not sure I can eat that.” “Well, actually…” Frank leaned forward and pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. “I knew this was a seafood restaurant so Mary did her usual google and found this.”

He handed it to her and waited for her reaction. As she scanned the list of seafood that she could eat she shook her head and let out a little moan.

“So all this time I could have been eating prawns?!”

Frank shrugged “According to that.”

“Damned it!” She cursed “I’m going to kill my mum.” “Well I don’t doubt guidelines have changed a little over the years” 

Before she could reply the waiter came back to take them to their table which was on the large veranda at bay level. He left them alone for another ten minutes before returning for their order. Frank raised his eyebrow as Fliss ordered the fishcakes to start and then the Lobster tail for main, not that he cared how much it cost, he wasn’t worrying about that tonight. With that in mind he went for the same starter but then the surf-and-turf option, with a fillet steak.

“I can’t remember the last time we did this.” Fliss said, reaching out over the table, her hand tangling in his. “Just had a meal out, the two of us.”

“Me neither.” He mused. “It was before Christmas I know that much.”

“Probably before Boston actually.”

“We should do it more often” He smiled, his thumb skating over her engagement ring.“I like spending time with you like this.”

“Me too. And don’t worry Sailor. Once Bean is here you’re taking me out for an evening of fine dining where I’m gonna eat my bodyweight in blue cheese and drink a swimming pool full of wine…or champagne…or maybe both.” He chuckled and nodded “Whatever you want honey.”

Their conversation turned to their house hunting, both agreeing that they really needed to step it up a notch. They hadn’t even made an appointment with a bank yet to find out what they biggest budget they had was, so that was first on the agenda, Frank saying he would call to make an apartment on Monday. And then when their starters arrived they switched to the biggest question of all at the moment, whether they were going to find out if Bean was pink or blue.

“I think I wanna know.” Fliss said, swallowing the last of her starter, giving Frank a smile

Frank looked at her, his head cocking to one side. “You wanna find out?”

Fliss smiled shyly and paused as the waiter came along to remove their now empty plates before she continued once he had left.  “I wasn’t sure…but…yeah, I think I am now. It struck me before in that shop, that once we know how much easier it will be, buying blue or pink stuff instead of yellows or greys.”

“I dunno, I quite like the yellow item we bought.” He quipped, taking a mouthful of his beer as he nodded to her dress. She grinned.

“You know full well what I mean.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I do.” He leaned forward a little, both arms resting on the table as he looked at her, “Ok, so that’s decided then…we find out?”

She nodded, holding his gaze for a moment and he blinked, a soft mile spreading across his face. “I can’t wait.” he admitted to her, almost bashfully and she smiled back.

“Me neither…” she whispered.

*****

“Frankie, that was such wonderful evening.” Fliss turned to look at him as she kicked off her sandals whilst he locked the hotel room door behind them. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Sweetheart.” He said gently, pulling her to him as his hands wrapped around her back.

“It was really thoughtful” She whispered, as her hands slid up his chest. “You didn’t have to do it though you know, I mean as an apology, I’m not-“ “No no, it wasn’t that.” He shook his head, “I just wanted some time with you, that’s all. I do have my sentimental moments when I’m not being a complete jack ass.” he quipped and she looked at him, her face soft.

“You’re my jack ass.” She smiled as her arms looped around his neck.

“Always.” He returned her smile as he leaned down to kiss her.

“Can you help me out of this dress?” She whispered into his mouth, and fuck, he didn’t need asking twice.

Frank reached round to the zipper at the back and gently slid it down as Fliss moved back, allowing the lemon coloured fabric to pool at her feet. He followed the line of her body upwards, over her thighs, that neat little bump, up past her hips, her breasts before he finally met her eyes again. He looked at her for a second before his lips crashed to hers, noses bumping slightly as he flicked his tongue teasingly into her mouth, his hands cupping her face as hers fisted in the back of his shirt.

In a quick movement, Frank reached down and hooked his hands round the back of her thighs, easily picking her up, bump and all. She giggled, wrapping her legs round his waist, her nose brushing against his as he carried her over to the bed, setting her down gently on it.  He shucked off his own shoes as he reached behind his head and grabbed a fist full of his shirt, yanking it over his head without even bothering with the buttons, before he dropped down on the bed, settling his hips in between her legs in the space she made for him as she ran her hands through his hair. He smiled softly at her before he pressed his lips back to hers, kissing her deeply, his large hands keeping him propped above her so as not to put any of his weight against that precious cargo she was carrying.

She pushed on his chest, sitting up slightly as she reached behind her to undo her bran and Frank leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on each shoulder as he slid the straps down over her arms, removing it completely. As she lay back against the bed, Frank shifted so he was led on his side by her, his mouth hungrily covering hers as his hand trailed up the outside of her thigh, to her hip, up the side of her body and then onto her breasts teasing gently. She groaned, rolling her head back on the pillow at the sensation, her hips bucking upwards as he shifted, hovering over her. He buried his face in the side of her neck working at the pulse spot, the little noises of pleasure she was making were music in his ear. Her hips began to move, rolling against nothing, groans falling from her lips at the sensation as he nipped slightly at her neck and then moved his mouth to her chest, taking her right nipple in. Her groans were growing louder now and Frank couldn’t take it anymore. He wanted to be in her, surrounded by her, feel her. Moving back to shed the rest of his clothes, he stood up, undoing his jeans and kicking them off, all the time his eyes on Fliss’ as she watched him, her gaze travelling down his body to where his cock now stood angry and red against his abs. He leaned down, hooking his fingers in the lace of Fliss’ panties, pulling them down over her legs before he settled on the bed once more, Fliss moving so she could straddle him. As she did so, his hands tangled in her hair, pulling her face down to kiss him as she reached down between them, taking him in her hand. He groaned but didn’t release her mouth as she adjusted position to take him in, slowly sliding down onto him. A filthy moan flew from her mouth which he swallowed with his kiss as she stayed pressed against him, and she began to move, rolling her hips forward. She was quick to find a rhythm and her mouth fell open against his lips and she let out a shaky moan before sitting up fully.

The sight of her on top, illuminated by soft light streaming in through the slight gap in the curtains was almost enough to tip him right over there and then. He wanted to touch her, so he did, bringing her hands up to run them up her sides until his hands cupped her breasts, thumbs running over her nipples as she let out another moan. As she picked up the pace his hands went to her hips, pulling her down onto him harder, thrusting upwards to meet her for every move she made. She continued to move, quickening, her eyes never leaving his.

“Frankie…”she groaned, as he tilted his hips up harder and he let out a groan himself, increasingly determined to get her there again before he lost it. As he felt the coil in his own belly tightening, his hand moved from her hip to stroke at that spot between her legs and that did it. He felt her tense up and tighten around him, crying out loudly and unbridled as she shook. The sight of her coming undone on top of him, her cheeks flushed, lips pink, mouth open in a now silent scream, would always be the single most exquisite thing Frank had ever seen, no matter how many times he got to see it. All of that, coupled with the force of her heat tightening even, more made him lose himself. 

“Fuck, Lissy…” the curse fell from his lips as he thrust upwards, before he spilled himself inside her again, the wave of pleasure washing over him as the world fell silent and he could hear nothing but ringing in his ears. Fliss collapsed forward onto his chest, her tremors subsided, both of them panting as they came back down, turning back into the world. Frank held her close, his fingers running up and down her spine as she let out a soft “hum” of contentment and he sat up, wanting to see her face to face. Still cradling her close he pushed the hair that had fallen over her face back behind her ears and she reached up, running her hands through his, causing him to close his eyes at the sensation of her nails on his scalp.

“God, I love you.” he whispered, pulled her closer, his nose rubbing up against hers.

"I love you too.”

Frank moved so that she could roll off him and to the side, before he pulled the covers back, allowing them both to shuffle under before he turned off the lamp at the side of the bed. Fliss moved so that her head lay on his chest, her arm resting over his stomach and he placed a soft kiss to the side of her temple, his hand moving to softly card through her hair. For the first time in a week, Frank felt like things were completely back to where they should be.

***** They had a lazy morning in the hotel, making the most of the breakfast before they headed back to collect Mary. The drive home was relaxed, the pair of them singing along to whatever came on Frank’s Spotify play-list, Fliss snorting with laughter when the Spice Girls Wannabe hit her ears.

“Hey, it’s a classic.” Frank defended himself as she looked at him, shaking her head.

“Sure it is.” She laughed, cranking the volume up.

When they reached Verity and Bills, Thor came bounding up the drive to greet the truck, running after it and almost sending Fliss flying as he barrelled into her legs. Frank caught her, steadying her as he shot the dog an exasperated look. Whilst he wasn’t growling at Frank anymore, the dog was ridiculously clingy to Fliss, more so than usual and had clearly been unhappy at being away from her. They headed round to the pool area, where Mary was busy wrestling with Steve in the pool, swinging on his arm, trying to pull him under the water. She hardly spared them a second glance as they greeted her, until Verity called her out for a drink and a slice of lemon cake.

“Sit down, sit down!” she ushered Fliss and Frank to the outside table on the decking, where Frank moved a chair back for Fliss, dropping a kiss to her shoulder. Steve and Mary padded over later, Mary wrapped herself in a towel whilst Steve moved over to give Fliss a hug, causing her to squeal as he was wet. Mary hopped onto Frank’s knee and gave his cheek a peck.

Bill appeared a little while later, smiling at them all as he took a seat at the table, an envelope in his hands. He paid it no attention though, simply setting it on the table. They talked for a little while, Fliss telling them all about their hotel and meal before the conversation turned to chatter of house hunting, at which point Verity and Bill shared a glance and Bill cleared his throat

“We wanted to talk to you about that.” Bill said, looking at Fliss.

“Okay.” Fliss frowned, glancing at Frank where he sat to her right. She turned back to her parents. “Is something wrong?”

“No, quite the opposite.” Verity smiled as she glanced at Bill. Both of them looked at Steve then who smiled as Mary looked around.

“Is this one of those adult conversations?” she rolled her eyes and Frank nudged her slightly. Bill chuckled.

“It is kiddo, but you can stay.” he said, before he took a deep breath and leaned forward a little “Ok, so you know I handed the business down to Steve when we left England.” “Yeah…” Fliss looked at him.

“Well, when I did that it was valued at just over 2 million pounds” he said and Frank felt his eyebrows shoot up into his head. He knew that Bill and Verity were affluent, but he hadn’t appreciated just how much.

“I know all this.” Fliss frowned. “I’m not following…” “Well, the deal was that I took a million out of the pot straight away, for me and your mum to retire on.” Bill said, “That didn’t leave a great deal of cash left in the accounts,  just enough to keep the cash-flow straight, the rest was tied up in the assets. But the other part of the deal was that whilst I was giving it to Steve, half of it was yours…and as soon as he was able to…he had to give you your share of the remaining value.” Fliss felt her mouth drop open as she wheeled around to look at Frank. “What…I…” “I never told you any of this, because I didn’t want that bastard getting wind of it.” Bill shook his head. “And obviously, we gave you what we could to set up your business and everything when you moved here…but…” “Basically, Titch, the last year or so the profits have sky rocketed.” Steve said. “And…as a result.”

Bill slid the envelope he had brought towards Fliss and she reached out for it with a shaky hand. Opening it gently, she pulled out a cheque and glanced down at the amount. Just short of four hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

“Fuck me.” she mumbled, as she handed the paper to Frank who took a deep breath, gulping as he saw the amount.

“Holy shit…” Mary mumbled as she too read it, but no one payed her the slightest bit of attention, as Fliss broke the stunned silence that had fallen over her and Frank.

“Dad, Mum, I…” she looked up at him, tears in her eyes, “I can’t…” “So, you don’t need to fanny around with a mortgage or a bank loan when you find a house.” Bill smiled at her. “You’ve got enough to buy outright.”

“Bill, Verity, this…this is too much.” Frank looked at them both in turn, the tears stinging his eyes.

“Nonsense.” Verity scoffed “It’s Fliss’ inheritance.”

“I’ll sign a pre-nup.” He stuttered suddenly, “Anything, I…”

Fliss frowned as did Bill, and she turned her eyes to him “Why would I want you to do that?”

“That’s your money.” He protested. “Yeah, and I’m sharing my life with you. Hell, I’m having your baby Frank.” She said gently “I don’t need a pre-nup. You intending on leaving me?” “No of course not.” “Well then.” She shrugged, simply, as if that settled the matter. And in her eyes it did.

“You’ll also still retain your shares.” Steve said gently, “Which means you’ll get the dividends each year and if things keep going the way they are, you might want to consider buying a few more sharpish. They’ll be worth a lot if we land this contract.”

Fliss nodded, taking the information in before she stood up and headed over to her dad who rose from his chair.

“Thank you…thank you so much.” she said, her tears falling as he pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her back.

“You’re my little girl.” Bill said, his voice choked “I’ll always see you right, you know this.”

She stepped back and turned to her mum as Frank shook Bill’s hand before the man pulled him into a hug.

“Just look after her.” he whispered in Frank’s ear. “I know I don’t need to say it but…”

“You have my word.” Frank pulled back and looked his future father-in-law in the eyes. “I’ll die before I let anything happen to her.”

“Does this mean we can get a house with a pool?” Mary piped up, from where she was now situated in Steve’s arms.

Frank looked at Fliss before they both grinned and he turned to her.

“Not sure.” he said “Don’t want you getting all spoilt now do we?”

“Fine…” she shrugged “I’ll just move in here. That’s ok isn’t it?”

“Of course.” Verity grinned “Although you do know if you do, its bed at 8 every night, no treats before dinner, no…” “Who are you trying to kid?” Mary scoffed “Frank says you’re both a pair of right soft touches.”

Frank groaned as the room erupted into laughter and he shook his head at Mary who stuck her tongue out at him.

“You’re a pain in my ass, you know that?”

Mary simply shrugged and Fliss slid her arms round Frank’s waist and he pressed a kiss to her temple.

“So, house hunting starts tomorrow?” he asked, and she grinned nodding.

“You bet Sailor…”

“Ohhh we could buy a boat!” Mary said suddenly, and Frank paused.

“Actually, that would be kinda cool…”

“Yeah, I’ll buy you a remote control one to play with in the pool” Fliss grinned and Bill laughed as Mary let out a loud yell.

“See, Fliss want’s a pool…”

“Mary, for god’s sake…”

“Ok…Bean wants a pool” Mary grinned and everyone in the room let out a loud laugh, as Fliss looked up at Frank who simply snorted and shook his head.

**** Chapter 6

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Riding On  Ch 5: Chilli Fries and Appletize

Summary: Fliss hormones are raging so Frank decides she need something a little special

Warnings: Bad Language words. SMUT (NSFW NO UNDER 18s!!)

Pairing: Frank Adler x Fliss Gallagher

A/N: FLUFF FLUFF FLUFF ALERT!! And PLEASE give the song a listen, this is one of my all time faves from one of the best ever band to come out of Manchester! Thank you to @sweater-daddiesdumbdork​ for her brilliant little spark of an idea in here (you know which part Ambi!) and as always @icanfeelastormbrewing​ for being my unofficial Beta! Chapter Song: Ten Storey Love Song by The Stone Roses

Series Masterlist //  WIYPT Masterlist

Ten Storey love song, I built this thing for you. Who can take you higher, than twin deep mountain blue, oh well I’ve built this thing for you, and I love you true…

“Fuck!”

Frank heard Fliss’ shout from the living room where he was sprawled on the sofa. She’d gone to take a bath, Mary was at Roberta’s so the pair of them were simply taking a bit of time to relax after what had been a fairly busy week, both physically and mentally.

“Fliss?” he called back as Thor stood up from where he had been curled on the rug, Fred leaning against him using him as a pillow as the feline always seemed to do. He watched the dog pad to the door and then stood up following him down the hallway. He entered the bedroom and found Fliss was stood in a pale blue dress, tears in her eyes.

“Honey what’s wrong?” he frowned.

“This fucking dress!” she practically exploded, her voice cracking. I only bought it a few weeks ago for Jake’s wedding and I just thought I’d try it on with my new shoes and it won’t do up at the back.”

Frank looked at her, feeling a pang of sympathy for his girl. She’d been really up and down in particular over the last 2 days with her hormones and she looked absolutely distraught, even if it was something so ridiculous as a dress that had set her off.

“Let me see.” he said, crossing the floor towards her. She turned and he gently reached for the zip, pulling the 2 sides of the dress together but it wasn’t going to fasten.

“See…” she sighed as he let go of the zip and rubbed the top of her arms. “I’m not even 5 months yet…” “You’re a week off.” he said softly.

“…And I feel huge! This is ridiculous…”

Frank slid his arms around her from behind, dropping a kiss to her shoulder. “Lissy, you’re not huge at all. Bean has just sprouted all of a sudden that’s all. You got a proper bump now.” “I am aware of that, Frank.” She snapped.

Frank took a deep breath, not rising to her in the slightest. Instead his hands moved to either side of the offending swell in her abdomen and he turned her gently towards the full length mirror in the corner of the room.

“Look… “ he said, fixing his eyes on hers in their reflection as his hand skated over her belly “You’re beautiful, and you’re cooking our baby in here…”

“That still doesn’t help that I have no dress!”

“Ok, well, let’s go shopping tomorrow. Mary’s at that party in the afternoon so we’ll drop her off, head into town and grab you something.”

Fliss paused as she looked at him in the mirror, her face slowly rearranging as she realised that actually the solution to the problem had been fairly simple all along.

“Sorry.” she mumbled. “I flipped again didn’t I?”

“Its fine.” he said, dropping a kiss to her cheek. “You didn’t throw a mug on the floor today so that’s an improvement.” “In my defence…” she turned to look at him “You did ask me about 5 times if I was feeling ok in the space of 10 minutes” “And clearly you weren’t as said mug is now in 3 pieces…” he shook his head and let out a long, dramatic sigh “You know I loved that mug too…it was a sad day.” Fliss snorted “You got it free from the Tack Store when we took Mary for her new hat…” “And it was a treasured memory. A reminder of how she stung me for another hundred bucks…” “Can’t put a price on safety Frankie.” she smiled and he chuckled.

“So, tomorrow afternoon then?” he asked and she nodded eagerly.

“Can we go to Tampa? The shopping is better there.”

“Sure.” he said, and suddenly the bones of a plan began to form in his head. And it was a good plan…if he could pull it off… “Crisis averted?” he asked, looking down at her.

“Crisis averted” she nodded.

“Good.” he smiled, kissing her cheek before he turned to leave the room to allow her to change for bed.

“Frank?”

“Yeah?” he stopped to look at her.

“I really want chilli fries.” she said, her voice almost puzzled.

“Chilli fries?” he frowned “Really? That’s a new one…”

“I know.” She shrugged. “I just got a hankering…specifically for Tequila Mockingbirds fries…”

Frank glanced at his watch “Sweetheart, it’s almost 11. The truck will have shut now…he only opens late on Saturday.”

“Oh, ok.” she said quietly, and he could see to his horror that her bottom lip was starting to wobble. Fuck, not another meltdown. Was this seriously how it was going to be for the next 4 damned months? Fucking hormones…

“Why don’t I nip to the store?” he said, a sudden idea coming to him “I can whip up a batch of the dirty ones you showed me how to make?”

“Yeah, yeah that could work.” she nodded.

“Ok, well, I’ll be back as soon as I can.” he smiled, turning on his heels.

It worked out quite well actually, as he used the short drive to the store to put his plan into action. First off he messaged Jake who called him straight back.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“I need you to do me a favour…” Frank said, explaining his plan.

“Short notice pal.”

“Yeah but you owe me so pull some strings”

“I owe you?” Jake snorted “What for?”

“If you hadn’t been tagged on those damned photos no one would have seen them and I wouldn’t have been couched for a night nor would I be suffering with blue balls.” Frank said simply, turning right across a junction.

Jake snorted “Leave it with me Frankie boy…I’ll see what I can do.”

Satisfied he cut the call and once he arrived at the store he shot Verity a quick message asking her if she would mind helping him out as well. He felt a little guilty, as they’d only gotten back from Italy that morning but she replied almost instantly telling him that she thought it was a great idea and her and Bill would be happy to do what he needed them to do.

Smiling he put his phone back in his pocket, and headed to the frozen food aisle at the back of the 24 hour mini-mart. He stood there, unable to decide what fries to buy so in the end he grabbed a bag of every available frozen ones there were- thick cut, curly, southern fried and thin, along with a tin of ready-made chilli (yes, disgusting but on dirty fries it was the only thing Fliss told him worked) and a block of cheddar cheese. As he walked towards the till he stopped, grinning as he spotted they had the big bottles of Appletize too, so he shoved 4 in his basket and headed to the counter.

The woman at the counter looked at him as he began unloading and Frank realised that it was a pretty odd combination.

“You either got the munchies or your girl is pregnant.” she quipped and Frank laughed.

“I’m not high.” he smiled, and the woman grinned at him as she scanned the items through.

Once he had paid he headed home, and found Fliss was led on the sofa with a toasting waffle in one hand and a glass of apple juice in her other.

“Couldn’t wait huh?” he asked as he walked through to the kitchen.

“I know…” she said, looking at him over the back of the couch. “I had an apple and a waffle…and I feel ok now.”

Frank stopped dead and turned to face her, the grocery bags clutched to his chest “Seriously? You don’t want the fries?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Not anymore.”

Frank took a deep breath, his tongue poking the inside of his cheek in frustration as he walked into the kitchen, depositing the bags on the side.

“The kid ain’t even born yet and it’s already a pain in my ass…”

“I can hear you grumbling from here…” Fliss called back.

“Good…” he retorted as she shoved the bottles of drink in the fridge and crammed the 4 bags of frozen fries into the freezer. Grabbing a beer he walked back into living room and dropped heavily onto couch next to her.

“Don’t be so grouchy.” she teased, lifting her feet into his lap. He shot her a glare, taking her right foot in his hands in an automatic response, and she dropped her hand to her belly. “Bean is sorry.” she said, flashing him her best puppy dog eyes, those fucking eyes that could get him to do whatever she wanted.

“Don’t pull that one.” he narrowed his own eyes at her and she cocked her head to one side as he ran his thumb up the arch of her foot. She let out a sigh.

“I’ll make it up to you.”

“How?” he asked as she looked at him, smirking.

“Bow job?”

Frank snorted, shifting slightly in his seat as that had really got his attention. But, not wanting to give himself away too much he simply arched an eyebrow at her “You think you can win me over like that?”

“Sailor, I know I can.”

“I’m not that cheap.” he said as his hands returned to massaging her foot.

“No, but I know for a fact you haven’t had any since the night before you went to Vegas…” she grinned “What was it you said in New York after a mere 3 days? Oh, yeah, Frankie has needs.”

Ok, so she’d got him well and truly. Like he had said to Jake before, he really was feeling slightly frustrated, but he hadn’t pushed anything on her at all since he’d come back from Vegas, deciding to let her make the decision as to when she wanted to get physically intimate with him again. As he looked at her she simply smiled and drained her glass of juice before setting it on the table.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing.” he shook his head, “Was just trying to figure out if you were being serious or not.” She held his gaze for a moment before she looked back at the TV. They stayed still for a moment and Frank moved his attention to her left foot, before she shifted a little and then glanced back at him.

“Fraaaank.” her voice was an unmistakable whine, which meant she wanted something. “What?” he said, his word turning into an exasperated laugh.

“Did you get any curly fries?” she bit her lip.

“Are you for fucking real?” he looked at her, shaking his head.

“Don’t blame me…”

“Yeah, yeah blame Bean…” he shook his head “I swear to God by the time you’ve actually given birth to the little crotch goblin I’ll have aged about 20 years…”

“Crotch goblin?” she scoffed, “I’ll remind you, pal, you put it there…”

“Not on purpose!” he looked at her.

“Are you calling our baby a mistake?” Fliss narrowed her eyes at him, mock horror on her face

“Mistake…that’s a little harsh.” Frank shook his head “Accident, most definately.”

“Bastard.” Fliss grabbed a cushion from behind her and hit him with it as he laughed, grabbing it out of her hand.

“BB is a very pleasant and welcome surprise…” he said, shifting her legs out of his lap. Grinning he leaned over her, caging her on the sofa with his arms “Although right now, as I’m about to start cooking dirty fries at 15 to midnight, I’m debating the use of the pronoun pleasant.”

She chuckled as he leaned over to give her a soft kiss. Instantly she felt a little flutter again and her hand dropped to her bump.

“Bean’s moving again…”

Frank smiled and shifted a little so he could press his hand to her side, but after a moment or so shook his head, feeling ever so slightly deflated.

“I can’t feel anything.”

“You will do soon enough.” Fliss smiled at him.

“Hope so.” Frank’s smile became even softer as he kissed her again and stood up, heading to the kitchen.

Fliss watched him go, before she turned back to the TV, but she wasn’t paying attention, she was too busy thinking to herself how quickly Frank had headed out to get her what she wanted before, even if she had then changed her mind, and then reverted it back to it’s original state. She hated comparing the two of them, and tried not to do it, but as she sat there she couldn’t help it. Frank was as far from John as she was likely to get, her ex-husband wouldn’t have ever done anything like that for her, whether she as carrying his kid or not. But Frank hadn’t even hesitated. And now he was actually about to cook it too. She wasn’t even sure John had ever known how to actually turn the damned oven on. To be fair, when she’d met Frank his cooking skills were also limited but another huge difference in them was that he had wanted to learn. He helped her, listened and managed pretty much once she’d cooked something with him to make a fairly decent version of it on his own. And he did this simply because he wanted to. He had said he didn’t like the fact she cooked every day, and on the evenings she got home a little later than normal he wanted to be able to have something ready instead of merely calling for a take out.

As she sat there, those thoughts whirring in her head, she felt a surge of affection for her Sailor. Since their talk on Monday, she’d let Frank back into their bed but there’d been no intimacy, although she’d let him cuddle her, she’d kissed him back, she hadn’t been unaffectionate per se, but in all honesty she hadn’t been in the mood for anything else, which was probably something down to hormones as well as her still being a little angry at him, but now…well, she’d seen it in his eyes before when she’d been teasing him, he was frustrated as hell.  And if she was honest, she now found herself in the mood for giving him a little spontaneous pleasure…

With a smirk she stood up and walked into the kitchen, her arms snaking around his waist as she pressed herself to his back (well as much as she could thanks to the football she had in her stomach) and pressed a soft kiss to his back, just beneath his shoulder blades.

“You ok?” he asked, his voice vibrating through his back into her chest and she nodded as her hands rubbed at his stomach under his T-shirt. She felt him tense a little, and grinning she gently moved her hands up his top to rake down the line of hair that led from his chest all the way down his belly. She knew what that did to him and right on cue, Frank gave a grunt, jolting a little and her hand continued to move downwards, palming at his crotch through his sweats.

“Lissy…” his voice caught in his throat as she continued, her hand working him up over his clothing. “You don’t need to-“ “I know, but I want to.” she stood on her tiptoes to whisper into his ear. He tilted his head downwards slightly, allowing her to nip at his jawline and he spun round to face her, where she pulled his head down to hers giving him a slow kiss, her tongue sliding against his before she leaned back, his bottom lip between her teeth.

By the time his brain had caught up with what was going on, Fliss had gotten to her knees and flipped the waist band of the sweats he was wearing down, taking his erection firmly in one hand, making him hiss slightly. She stroked him to full hardness, which didn’t take that long at all, before she looked up and locked eyes with him, giving him one final smirk before she took him in her mouth.

“God, baby….” Frank groaned, his hands gripping the edge of the kitchen counter, her eyes still locked on his. His right hand gently dropped to the back of her head, tangling in her long hair as her head bobbed back and forth. It was bliss, her mouth was warm, lips soft, but her tongue…God she knew just how to work him with that thing and as he felt it wrap around the base of his cock he gave a grunt, his hips bucking forward slightly. At that, Fliss pulled off of him to suck at the tip and worked her hands over the rest of his length which sent shivers up his spine. Groaning, his head dropped back slightly, as she continued to lick, suck before she took him in, this time all the way, her cheeks hollowing and one of her hands reaching round from the back of his thigh to gently squeeze at his balls.

“Fucking hell….” he hissed, his hand tightening in her hair and once more looked at her. Her eyes locked back onto his and he felt that tell-tale warmth pooling in his groin and stomach.

"Lissy, sweetheart, shit…" His voice was raspy from desire and pleasure and at the mere sound of how turned on his was Fliss felt the wetness beginning to pool in between her legs. He continued to babble curse words and her name, before he gasped again, letting out a loud moan. “Fuck, honey, "I'm gonna-" his words caught in his mouth as Fliss took him all the way to the back of her throat. At that, he was gone, his fingers gripped her hair tight the other clutched at the kitchen side, noises that sounded alien even to him tumbling from his mouth as he spilled himself down her throat and slumped back completely blissed out against the kitchen side.

Fliss grinned, her hands gently running up the outside of his thighs as she stood up, pulling his boxers and sweats with her, pressing herself to his chest. With a soft hum of contentment, he opened his eyes and looked down at her.

“Good?” she asked, but the look in her eyes told him she knew exactly what the answer was. Still, he gave it her anyway. “Damned right it was…” he grinned, leaning down and kissing her, his hands holding her face in position. She let out a soft moan into his mouth and he pulled back slightly, arching an eyebrow.

“You all worked up baby girl?”

“Yeah…don’t suppose you fancy helping me out…” she whispered, and Frank grinned.

“We got 15 minutes till the fries cook so…” he smirked as he gently spun her round so her back was clutched to his chest.  Fliss grinned to herself as his lips gently brushed on her neck, his beard scratching at her skin as he nipped his way down to her shoulder, his hand splaying over her bump before it worked beneath the waistband of her pyjama shorts. Her breath caught in her throat as his fingers skated her entrance.

“You are worked up…” he muttered, his fingers sliding through her slick, as her head fell back against his shoulder and she bit her lip.

“I told you…” she muttered as his fingers slipped further into her folds, finding that little bundle of nerves. His other hand slipped up her vest top and ran up her side to her breasts, which he knew would be tender, but the plus side to that was that they were goddamned sensitive, so heightened to his touch and it got her off like nothing he’d ever seen before. True to form, she let out a soft squeak as he rolled a nipple gently between his thumb and forefinger. Sliding his fingers inside her he curled them against the fleshy spot on her walls, both his hands working in synch, a coordinated attack on her senses and within minutes she was putty in his hands.

“Frankie…I’m…god…fuck!” she cursed, her head falling back further as her knees began to shake.

“I got you…” he said softly, his mouth caressing her neck again “Go on baby, give it to me…” With a desperate groan she shuddered, her hand wrapping around his wrists as he felt her pulsing and squeezing around his fingers as she came, the trembles wracking her entire body. Frank held her steady until she took a deep breath, giving a soft sigh as she leaning back into him. She tilted her head round to look at him, a smile on her face, her cheeks tinged with pink underneath those gorgeous freckles and he smiled at her, giving her a soft kiss. Setting her clothes right for her, his hands skated over her bump once more and he kissed her shoulder.

“You ok?” he asked.

“Yep.” she nodded, popping the P as she turned to face him, leaning up to kiss the underneath of his jaw. He looked down at her, before a wicked smirk crossed his face and he popped his two fingers in his mouth, sucking her taste off him.

“Francis!” she scoffed, slapping him round the back of the head and he let out a loud laugh.

“You don’t complain about me tasting you when I’m down there…” “You’re so vulgar!” she snorted.

“Says the woman who just blew me in the kitchen.” She cocked her head to one side, shrugging slightly “Touché….”

He smiled again before she turned to the fridge “Want another beer?”

“Sure, thanks.” he said.

She pulled open the fridge door and let out a little shriek of delight “Where did you get that?” she asked, her eyes widening as she pulled out a bottle of Appletize. “I couldn’t find any in the supermarket!”

“The Mini-Mart before.” he said, “Woman thought I was high when I bought 4 bags of fries and 4 big bottles of that”

“My hero!” she grinned

Frank grinned “if fetching you fries and Appetize means you get on your knees for me then hell, I’ll go every fucking night.”

“Don’t get used to it Sailor.” she looked at him, “Soon I'll be too big to kneel down.”

Frank chuckled, “Why don’t you go wait in the lounge?”

"I'm good.” Fliss shrugged “I'll help."

The two of them stood in the kitchen making their food. Frank warmed the chili through as Fliss grated the entire block of cheese and when Frank challenged her as to why exactly they needed that for 2 of them she simply replied “3 of us Frankie…” whilst patting her bump. Soon they were sat on the sofa, Fliss cross legged with a plate on her lap as she devoured her snack. Frank watched her as she eagerly ate, eyes fixed on the latest episode of Rick And Morty, every so often she would chuckle at something on the screen. Frank smiled to himself, it had felt like a long 5 days since Monday, but they seemed to be on an even keel. She was joking and laughing with him, had been reasonably affectionate and to be fair her affections certainly had upped a notch when she just sucked him off in the kitchen. Granted, all things considered, he’d rather have carried her to bed, taken his time over her, loved on her a little but…well, he certainly wasn’t complaining. It seemed like she’d finally decided he was completely out of the dog house, which suited him absolutely fine.

Fliss let out a happy sigh and placed her now empty plate on the coffee table on top of the one Frank had discarded a few minutes ago. She stretched out her limbs before she shifted and snuggled into Frank’s side.

"Love you." She said, her hand rubbing his tummy softly under his t-shirt. "So does Bean"

Her touch and words made him feel all warm inside. Not horny warm…just…fuzzy warm. Smiling he dropped a kiss to her head “Love you too, both of you.”

****** “What do you think?” Fliss asked, giving a twirl. With the help of the assistant in the little independent Mother and Baby boutique shop they’d stumbled across, aptly called “Bump In The Road” she’d chosen a maxi dress with a pleated tulle overlay in stripes of bright pastel pink, orange, lime-green, purple, yellow and blue. The top half was a baby pink with spaghetti straps which crossed at the back and It had a plunging V-neckline which complemented the fit and flare silhouette which meant the skirt hung comfortably over her lower body but still made her feel sexy enough thanks to it accentuating her cleavage...which, to be fair, she’d noticed when trying the dress on, was a lot more noticable now thanks to her boobs being swollen.

Frank’s eyes took her in and he smiled, nodding approvingly.  “You look beautiful.” he told her honestly, and she flushed a little, twirling in the mirror.

“Do you think the colour is ok or should I go for the yellow one? I mean is it too much boob and the yellow is a halter neck so you don’t see any…” “Lissy…” he shook his head, chuckling “It looks fine, more than fine. I really like it on you.” “It’s also elasticated at the back and the straps adjust.” the assistant spoke “So your worry about bump growing more over the next week won’t cause an issue. You’ll get a fair few months I expect out of this.” Fliss hummed, looked at her reflection again before she smiled “OK, yeah, great…I’ll take it.”

The assistant smiled and Fliss turned back to head into the changing cubicle. Once she was out of ear shot Frank looked at the woman.

“Can we take the yellow one too?” he asked, “Just ring it through before she comes back, I want it to be a surprise.”

The assistant nodded and smiled “Sure, I’ll get it ready and bagged now so she doesn’t see it.”

“Thanks.”

He headed to the till, producing his card and shortly after Fliss joined him and he let out a chuckle when he saw she’d also picked up another little baby-grow on the way. This one was white and bore an apple on the front, with the words “apple of our eye” arched over the top.

“I thought it was kinda fitting.” she grinned and Frank had to agree considering her craving. He handed it to the assistant who was smart enough not to announce the total to him, given the additional purchase as he handed his card over. Fliss pouted at him but one look and she stopped the fuss she was about to make over the fact he had paid. They’d already had that discussion on the way over, Frank insisting that he wanted to buy her the dress considering it was “his fault” as she had put it that she was in this position in the first place.

He took the bag from the assistant and thanking her once more they headed out and back down the street. Frank stole a glance at his watch, it was just after 3. He could do with killing another hour or so before he put into play his surprise plan so he suggested they grab a drink and an ice cream at the little parlour on the corner. Fliss eagerly agreed so that killed another 40 minutes as they sat and joked over a sundae each, before they headed back to the truck taking the long way round, checking out a few other shops as they went, Fliss suggesting the grabbed Mary a few new pieces of clothing as she was growing again. Picking a few t-shirts and a pair of shorts they knew she would like they then headed back to the car and Frank checked his phone, memorising the directions. They weren’t far away.

When he didn’t take the turn for the freeway, Fliss looked at him. “You missed the turn off.” “No I didn’t” he said simply.

“Yeah, you did, it was back there.”

“We’re not going home.” he said simply. She frowned.

“Where are we going then?”

“You’ll see.”

Refusing to give her anything else, despite her questioning he kept driving, until he hit the coastal road and continued along the bay until his destination appeared in front of him. Hanging a right turn, he drove his truck down the little winding road which opened up into a circle drive way flanked by palm trees and bright flowerbeds just outside the reception of the Grand Hyatt.

“Frank…” Fliss looked at him, her eyes shining “We’re staying for the night?”

“Yup.” he nodded turning to face her. “I packed us a bag this morning whilst you were at the yard, Mary’s staying with your parents as is Thor and I suspect Fred and we have a dinner reservation at 7 for the Oyster Catcher, which is on the bay at the back.”

“I don’t…how did you manage to pull this off at such short notice?”

“Jake.” Frank said simply “Come on.”

He hopped out of his truck and smiled to the bus boy who had approached him and nodded for them to collect their bags out of the boot. “Including the large paper one.” he said discreetly and he nodded before he turned to collect the slip of paper from the valet. He took Fliss’ hand and led her into the huge reception area to the hotel, the floor a gorgeous white marble as they walked over to the desk and he smiled at the woman who looked at him.

“Good afternoon Sir, Ma’am.” she smiled, and Fliss suddenly felt a little self-conscious. Everyone was milling around in various states of what she would term upper-class smart casual, in blazers and open necked dress shirts with jeans that probably cost more than her fucking jeep. Frank, however, in contrast didn’t give a shit. He wasn’t here to impress or blend in.

“Reservation for Adler.” he said smiling at the receptionist who tapped at a keyboard and nodded.

“Yes Mr Adler, you’re here for one night…and have an executive double…” she scanned the booking “The room rate is already settled, but I can set up-…” “I’m sorry, did you say the room rate was covered?” Frank frowned. “Yes.” She nodded, “It’s already been paid.” “Take it that wasn’t expected.” Fliss looked at him and he shook his head, smiling.

“No, no it wasn’t. I’ll thank Jake later.” he said, before he turned to the lady at the desk “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“No problem.” she smiled “I was just saying if you want to give me your card I can set up a tab so you can charge items to your room…” “Sure.” he nodded, fishing for his wallet before handing her the small square of plastic. As she took a scan of it he turned to Fliss and dropped a kiss to her temple as she smiled, her arm looping around her waist.

“Is this where we’re staying for Jake’s wedding?” she asked and he nodded.

“Thought we could give it a test run beforehand.” he looked at her “You are ok we’re staying, right?” “Of course.” she smiled “It’s really sweet of you.” “Well, I try.” he winked before he turned back to the brunette behind the desk who asked him for his signature in a few places before she handed him the key.

“Ok so you’re on the 5th floor…” she said nodding, “Room 512. Take the elevator to the 5th floor go right out of the elevator and you’ll see it on the left hand side. I’ll have your bags brought up

Frank thanked her and they both headed off following the directions. Frank led Fliss out of the elevator an down to the room, opening the door to let her in. The room was large, with a huge king bed in the middle and a large TV on the wall, and a balcony overlooking the bay. But what caught Fliss’ attention straight away was the 4 pack of beer on the small table and the large bottle of Apple juice for her. She nudge Frank and he gave a snort as she walked over to it and picked up the note attached to it.

“Enjoy the room on me pal, well, my Employee Free Stay points anyway…sorry about the balls.” she read aloud as she turned to him and Frank rubbed at his neck, “I’m not even gonna ask what that means.” “Yeah, probably best” he grinned, and then there was a knock at the door. Frank opened it and in walked the bus boy with their luggage, setting it down for them before Frank thanked him, slipped him a ten and he headed out.

Fliss looked at the overnight bag and then frowned “What did you bring me to wear to dinner.” “Nothing” Frank said, before he grinned and picked up the bag from the boutique. “But I got you something before.” “That’s for the wedding.” She looked at him, “Although I could wear it twice…” “No, check in the bottom.” he insisted. She frowned a little, before she took the bag and set it down on the small table, before she let out a gasp as she pulled out the lemon yellow dress she’d tried on before.

“You bought me both of them?”

He nodded.

“Frankie, you didn’t have to do that. You didn’t have to do any of this.” she said, her eyes misting over.

“I know but I wanted to.” he said, stepping forwards his hands dropping to her hips. “I figured it would be nice for us to have some time together, just the two…well…3…” he grinned, nodding to her bump “of us.” “Thank you.” she said, looking up at him as he dropped a kiss to her lips.

Once they’d unpacked their overnight thing, Fliss headed for a shower and emerged a little while later in a robe and Frank walked back in from where he’d been on the balcony with a beer, having fired a thank you message to Jake. He smiled at Fliss and headed to shower himself, coming back about 5 minutes later also wrapped in a robe. They sat out together on the balcony talking for a little while as Fliss pretty much drank the entire bottle of juice before she announced she was going to get ready.

“You look gorgeous.” Frank said as she stood in front of him, wearing her dress. Her hair was pulled back into a bun and her make-up was light, despite the fact that Frank had shoved pretty much every item in her vanity case into their bag not knowing what she would want and wouldn’t want.

“You look pretty dapper too, Sailor” she smiled, taking in his black button down and smart jean. Dropping a kiss to her cheek he gestured to the door and they both left the room and made their way to the restaurant which was located through the back of the hotel. They were led through to the outside patio which had a spectacular panoramic view of Old Tampa Bay. Fliss ordered herself a mock-tail, whilst Frank asked for a beer, grinning when the waiter told them they had Stella on tap.  Fliss busied herself with the menu, and Frank took a moment to watch her. She really was glowing. He’d thought that was such a shit cliché about pregnant women, but at that point in time he couldn’t think of any other way to describe her. Her face was slightly fuller now, but with it she carried a soft look, which just complimented her personality anymore. The changes her entire body was going through reminded him daily she was carrying his baby, and each day he woke up and was convinced he was slightly more in love with her than he had been when he’d fallen asleep, even though he knew that wasn’t actually possible.

“The mahi-mahi looks really good.” Fliss mused as she looked at the menu. “As does the lobster but not sure I can eat that…” “Well, actually…” Frank said, leaning forward and pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket “I knew this was a seafood restaurant so Mary did her usual google…and found this.”

He handed it to her and waited for her reaction. As she scanned the list of seafood that she could eat she shook her head and let out a little moan.

“So all this time I could have been eating prawns?!”

Frank shrugged “According to that.”

“Damned it!” he cursed “I’m going to kill my mum.” “Well I don’t doubt guidelines have changed a little over the years” he chuckled.

Before she could reply the waiter came back to take them to their table which was on the large veranda at bay level. He left them alone for another 10 minutes before returning for their order. Frank raised his eyebrow as Fliss ordered the fishcakes to start and then the Lobster tail for main, not that he cared how much it cost, he wasn’t worrying about that tonight. With that in mind he went for the same started but then the surf-and-turf option, with a fillet steak.

“I can’t remember the last time we did this.” Fliss said, reaching out over the table, her hand tangling in his. “Just had a meal out, the 2 of us.”

“Me neither.” he mused. “It was before Christmas I know that much.”

“Probably before Boston actually.” she mused.

“We should do it more often” he smiled, his thumb skating over her engagement ring “I like spending time with you like this.”

“Me too.” she smiled at him. “And don’t worry Sailor. Once Bean is here you’re taking me out for an evening of fine dining where I’m gonna eat my bodyweight in blue cheese and drink a swimming pool full of wine…or champagne…or maybe both.” He chuckled and nodded “Whatever you want honey.”

Their conversation turned to their house hunting, both agreeing that they really needed to step it up a notch. They hadn’t even made an appointment with a bank yet to find out what they biggest budget they had was, so that was first on the agenda, Frank saying he would call to make an apartment on Monday. And then when their starters arrived they switched to the biggest question of all at the moment, whether they were going to find out if Bean was pink or blue.

“I think I wanna know.” Fliss said, swallowing the last of her starter, giving Frank a smile

Frank looked at her, his head cocking to one side. “You wanna find out?”

Fliss smiled shyly and paused as the waiter came along to remove their now empty plates before she continued once he had left.  “I wasn’t sure…but…yeah, I think I am now. It struck me before in that shop, that once we know how much easier it will be, buying blue or pink stuff instead of yellows or greys…”

“I dunno, I quite like the yellow item we bought…” he quipped, taking a mouthful of his beer as he nodded to her dress. She grinned.

“Well, yeah, I do too…but you know full well what I mean.”

He chuckled “Yeah, I do.” he leaned forward a little, both arms resting on the table as he looked at her, “Ok, so that’s decided then…we find out?”

She nodded, holding his gaze for a moment and he blinked, a soft mile spreading across his face. “I can’t wait.” he admitted to her, almost bashfully and she smiled back.

“Me neither…” she whispered.

*****

“Frankie, that was such wonderful evening.” Fliss turned to look at him as she kicked off her sandals whilst he locked the hotel room door behind them. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it Sweetheart…” he said gently, pulling her to him as his hands wrapped around her back.

“It was really thoughtful” she said, as her hands slid up his chest. “You didn’t have to do it though you know, I mean as an apology, I’m not-“ “No no, it wasn’t that.” he shook his head, “I just wanted some time with you, that’s all. I do have my sentimental moments when I’m not being a complete jack ass.” he quipped and she looked at him, her face soft.

“You’re my jack ass…” she smiled as her arms looped around his neck.

“Always.” he returned her smile as he leaned down to kiss her.

“Can you help me out of this dress?” she whispered into his mouth, and fuck, he didn’t need asking twice.

Frank reached round to the zipper at the back and gently slid it down as Fliss moved back, allowing the lemon coloured fabric to pool at her feet. He followed the line of her body upwards, over her thighs, that neat little bump, up past her hips, her breasts before he finally met her eyes again. He looked at her for a second before his lips crashed to hers, noses bumping slightly as he flicked his tongue teasingly into her mouth, his hands cupping her ace as hers fisted in the back of his shirt.

In a quick movement, Frank reached down and hooked his hands round the back of her thighs, easily picking her up, bump and all. She giggled, wrapping her legs round his waist, her nose brushing against his as he carried her over to the bed, setting her down gently on it.  He shucked off his own shoes as he reached behind his head and grabbed a fist full of his shirt, yanking it over his head without even bothering with the buttons, before he dropped down on the bed, settling his hips in between her legs in the space she made for him as she ran her hands through his hair. He smiled softly at her before he pressed his lips back to hers, kissing her deeply, his large hands keeping him propped above her so as not to put any of his weight against that precious cargo she was carrying.

She pushed on his chest, sitting up slightly as she reached behind her to undo her bran and Frank leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss on each shoulder as he slid the straps down over her arms, removing it completely. As she lay back against the bed, Frank shifted so he was led on his side by her, his mouth hungrily covering hers as his hand trailed up the outside of her thigh, to her hip, up the side of her body and then onto her breasts teasing gently. She groaned, rolling her head back on the pillow at the sensation, her hips bucking upwards as he shifted, hovering over her. He buried his face in the side of her neck working at the pulse spot, the little noises of pleasure she was making were music in his ear. Her hips began to move, rolling against nothing, groans falling from her lips at the sensation as he nipped slightly at her neck and then moved his mouth to her chest, taking her right nipple in. Her groans were growing louder now and Frank couldn’t take it anymore. He wanted to be in her, surrounded by her, feel her. Moving back to shed the rest of his clothes, he stood up, undoing his jeans and kicking them off, all the time his eyes on Fliss’ as she watched him, her gaze travelling down his body to where his cock now stood angry and red against his abs. He leaned down, hooking his fingers in the lace of Fliss’ panties, pulling them down over her legs before he settled on the bed once more, Fliss moving so she could straddle him. As she did so, his hands tangled in her hair, pulling her face down to kiss him as she reached down between them, taking him in her hand. He groaned but didn’t release her mouth as she adjusted position to take him in, slowly sliding down onto him. A filthy moan flew from her mouth which he swallowed with his kiss as she stayed pressed against him, and she began to move, rolling her hips forward. She was quick to find a rhythm and her mouth fell open against his lips and she let out a shaky moan before sitting up fully.

The sight of her on top, illuminated by soft light streaming in through the slight gap in the curtains was almost enough to tip him right over there and then. He wanted to touch her, so he did, bringing her hands up to run them up her sides until his hands cupped her breasts, thumbs running over her nipples as she let out another moan. As she picked up the pace his hands went to her hips, pulling her down onto him harder, thrusting upwards to meet her for every move she made. She continued to move, quickening, her eyes never leaving his.

“Frankie…”she groaned, as he tilted his hips up harder and he let out a groan himself, increasingly determined to get her there again before he lost it. As he felt the coil in his own belly tightening, his hand moved from her hip to stroke at that spot between her legs and that did it. He felt her tense up and tighten around him, crying out loudly and unbridled as she shook. The sight of her coming undone on top of him, her cheeks flushed, lips pink, mouth open in a now silent scream, would always be the single most exquisite thing Frank had ever seen, no matter how many times he got to see it. All of that, coupled with the force of her heat tightening even, more made him lose himself.

“Fuck, Lissy…” the curse fell from his lips as he thrust upwards, before he spilled himself inside her again, the wave of pleasure washing over him as the world fell silent and he could hear nothing but ringing in his ears. Fliss collapsed forward onto his chest, her tremors subsided, both of them panting as they came back down, turning back into the world. Frank held her close, his fingers running up and down her spine as she let out a soft “hum” of contentment and he sat up, wanting to see her face to face. Still cradling her close he pushed the hair that had fallen over her face back behind her ears and she reached up, running her hands through his, causing him to close his eyes at the sensation of her nails on his scalp.

“God, I love you.” he whispered, pulled her closer, his nose rubbing up against hers.

"I love you too.”

Frank moved so that she could roll off him and to the side, before he pulled the covers back, allowing them both to shuffle under before he turned off the lamp at the side of the bed. Fliss moved so that her head lay on his chest, her arm resting over his stomach and he placed a soft kiss to the side of her temple, his hand moving to softly card through her hair. For the first time in a week, Frank felt like things were completely back to where they should be.

***** They had a lazy morning in the hotel, making the most of the breakfast before they headed back to collect Mary. The drive home was relaxed, the pair of them singing along to whatever came on Frank’s Spotify play-list, Fliss snorting with laughter when the Spice Girls Wannabe hit her ears.

“Hey, it’s a classic.” Frank defended himself as she looked at him, shaking her head.

“Sure it is…” she laughed, cranking the volume up.

When they reached Verity and Bills, Thor came bounding up the drive to greet the truck, running after it and almost sending Fliss flying as he barrelled into her legs. Frank caught her, steadying her as he shot the dog an exasperated look. Whilst he wasn’t growling at Frank anymore, the dog was ridiculously clingy to Fliss, more so than usual and had clearly been unhappy at being away from her. They headed round to the pool area, where Mary was busy wrestling with Steve in the pool, swinging on his arm, trying to pull him under the water. She hardly spared them a second glance as they greeted her, until Verity called her out for a drink and a slice of lemon cake.

“Sit down, sit down!” she ushered Fliss and Frank to the outside table on the decking, where Frank moved a chair back for Fliss, dropping a kiss to her shoulder. Steve and Mary padded over and Mary wrapped herself in a towel whilst Steve moved over to give Fliss a hug, causing her to squeal as he was wet. Mary hopped onto Frank’s knee and gave his cheek a peck and then squished his cheeks together as she often did, making him jerk his head out of her reach before he blew a wet rasberry on her neck, causing her to shriek and pull away.

Bill appeared a short while later, smiling at them all as he took a seat at the table, an envelope in his hands. He paid it no attention though, simply setting it on the table. They talked for a good 10 minutes or so, Fliss telling them all about their hotel and meal before the conversation turned to chatter of house hunting and how they needeed to step it up a notch really if they wanted to have a place before Bean was born, at which point Verity and Bill shared a glance and Bill cleared his throat

“We wanted to talk to you about that.” Bill said, looking at Fliss.

“Ok…” Fliss frowned, glancing at Frank where he sat to her right. She turned back to her parents. “Is something wrong?”

“No, quite the opposite.” Verity smiled as she glanced at Bill. Both of them looked at Steve then who smiled as Mary looked around.

“Is this one of those adult conversations?” she rolled her eyes and Frank nudged her slightly. Bill chuckled.

“It is kiddo, but you can stay.” he said, before he took a deep breath and leaned forward a little “Ok, so you know I handed the business down to Steve when we left England.” “Yeah…” Fliss looked at him as Frank’s eyes flicked to Steve who was lounging back in the whicker chair, smiling softy.

“Well, when I did that it was valued at just over 2 million pounds” he said and Frank felt his eyebrows shoot up into his head. He knew that Bill and Verity were affluent, but he hadn’t appreciated just how much.

“I know all this.” Fliss frowned. “I’m not following…” “Well, the deal was that I took a million out of the pot straight away, for me and your mum to retire on.” Bill said, “That didn’t leave a great deal of cash left in the accounts,  just enough to keep the cash-flow straight, the rest was tied up in the assets. But the other part of the deal was that whilst I was giving it to Steve, half of it was yours and as soon as he was able to he had to give you your share of the remaining value.” Fliss felt her mouth drop open as she wheeled around to look at Frank. “What? I…” “I never told you any of this, because I didn’t want that bastard getting wind of it.” Bill shook his head. “And obviously, we gave you what we could to set up your business and everything when you moved here, but…” “Basically, Titch, the last year or so the profits have sky rocketed.” Steve said. “And, as a result..”

Bill slid the envelope he had brought towards Fliss and she reached out for it with a shaky hand. Opening it gently, she pulled out a cheque and glanced down at the amount. Just short of four hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

Fliss swallowed, speechless, as she handed the paper to Frank who took a deep breath, gulping as he saw the amount.

“Holy shit…” Mary mumbled as she too read it, but no one payed her the slightest bit of attention, as Fliss broke the stunned silence that had fallen over her and Frank.

“Dad, Mum, I…” she looked up at him, tears in her eyes, “I can’t…” “So, you don’t need to fanny around with a mortgage or a bank loan when you find a house.” Bill smiled at her. “You’ve got enough to buy outright.”

“Bill, Verity, this…this is too much.” Frank looked at them both in turn, the tears stinging his eyes.

“Nonsense.” Verity scoffed “It’s Fliss’ inheritance.”

“I’ll sign a pre-nup.” Frank stuttered suddenly, “Anything, I…”

Fliss frowned as did Bill, and she turned her eyes to him “Why would I want you to do that?”

“That’s your money…” he protested. “Yeah, and I’m sharing my life with you…I’m having your baby Frank.” she said gently “I don’t need a pre-nup. You intending on leaving me?” “No of course not…” “Well then.” she said, simply, as if that settled the matter. And in her eyes it did.

“You’ll also still retain your shares.” Steve said gently, “Which means you’ll get the dividends each year and if things keep going the way they are, you might want to consider buying a few more sharpish. They’ll be worth a lot if we land this contract.”

Fliss nodded, taking the information in before she stood up and headed over to her dad who rose from his chair.

“Thank you. Thank you so much.” she said, her tears falling as he pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her back.

“You’re my little girl.” Bill said, his voice choked “I’ll always see you right, you know this.”

She stepped back and turned to her mum as Frank shook Bill’s hand before the man pulled him into a hug.

“Just look after her.” he whispered in Frank’s ear. “I know I don’t need to say it but…”

“You have my word.” Frank pulled back and looked his future father-in-law in the eyes. “I’ll die before I let anything happen to her.”

“Does this mean we can get a house with a pool?” Mary piped up, from where she was now situated in Steve’s arms.

Frank looked at Fliss before they both grinned and he turned to Mary.

“Not sure.” he said “Don’t want you getting all spoilt now do we?”

“Fine…” she shrugged “I’ll just move in here. That’s ok isn’t it?”

“Of course.” Verity grinned “Although you do know if you do, its bed at 8 every night, no treats before dinner, no…” “Who are you trying to kid?” Mary scoffed “Frank says you’re both a pair of right soft touches.”

Frank groaned as Bill, Verity and Steve all sniggered and he shook his head at Mary who stuck her tongue out at him.

“You’re a pain in my ass, you know that?”

Mary simply shrugged and Fliss slid her arms round Frank’s waist and he pressed a kiss to her temple.

“So, house hunting starts tomorrow?” he asked, and she grinned nodding.

“You bet Sailor…”

“Ohhh we could buy a boat!” Mary said suddenly, and Frank paused.

“Actually, that would be kinda cool…”

“Yeah, I’ll buy you a remote control one to play with in the pool” Fliss grinned and Bill laughed as Mary let out a loud yell.

“See, Fliss want’s a pool…”

“Mary, for God’s sake…”

“Ok…Bean wants a pool” Mary grinned as Fliss looked up at Frank with a shrug and a smile.

“It would be kinda cool...” she said softly. 

Frank simply snorted and shook his head. 

[valkirsif]

Unthinkable CH46/???

Word 3100

Warning Nothing

The days on the set were chaotic and fascinating, Y/N had managed to find all the furniture and Alissa was organizing the expedition, once in LA she would have fixed the house, was preparing breakfast before reaching Phil and leaving for Sammy's house ,

"Day Honey " said feeling Tom's arms wrap her, "One second and the eggs are ready" turned to kiss him,

"Day Darling, excited for the hunt?" the man asked, taking a seat at the table,

"Can't wait" replied carrying the plates, "I can't wait for Sammy since the party will be fun"  laughed as drank her first coffee,

"Don't be swayed by her madness" he laughed, "If you let her, she'll buy you a castle",

"I'll remember my Lord" she laughed with him as finished breakfast,

"See you tomorrow my love, Sammy wants to take me shopping" she kissed him taking the backpack with pajamas and a change,

"Have fun, Darling, see you tomorrow," he greeted her.

Phil was waiting for her at the B&B where slept, luckily he had found a room, with the re- taking in progress all the rooms in the hotels and b&b were full of paparazzi and fans who came to steal some photos,

"Hello, can I help you?" asked the girl at the reception, "Oh Miss Hiddleston .. " said surprised to see her there,

"Good morning, I'm waiting for a friend, thank you" Y/N answered sitting in the living room, Phil joined her after a couple of minutes,

" Poppy here I am sorry but to have breakfast you have to get in line" he said laughing hugging her,

" It's full of paparazzi wandering through the woods", they went out trying not to pay attention to the shots,

"Well tomorrow there will be our stupid photos everywhere" the woman said with a sigh, "Sorry Phil" looked at him sorry, the friend laughed,

"Don't worry, just don't pay attention to it" laughed the man getting into the car, "Since when do you care what people think?" asked amazed, the woman explained to him how she felt and how the photos of the previous days had made her feel bad,

".. you're right, lately I have the feeling that I have lost a part of me .." she said thoughtfully,

".. I think it's because I 'm so in love with him that I'm afraid that one too many smile or a hug can create havoc",

" Poppy that man kisses the earth where you walk I doubt that something about you will not please him" he laughed giving her a loving tap on the shoulder, "Change is natural .. distort what you are not" he said seriously, the woman looked out thinking about the words of her friend he was right was to regain part of her that did not care of the judgments of the people, promised if same to get back what was before I met Tom, a few hours after they arrived at the home of Sammy .

"Y/N bye!!" she said happily going to meet the two, "How nice to see you" the happy hug,

" Sammy thanks for your help" Y/N replied as cheerful as she was, " He is Phil one of my oldest friends" she said introducing him,

"Nice to meet you, I tried to make coffee but I can't assure you it's good" she laughed making his way inside the house, "Take a seat"

"Isn't David there?" asked Y/N following her into the kitchen, Sammy said no, her husband worked,

".. you are all mine today and tomorrow" smiled maliciously, the trio laughed, finished their coffee and they went out,

"Let's take my car if you don't mind so I don't have to give directions to your driver" took the keys while Y/N warned the driver,

"As I told you there are many properties in the area" began turning into a country road that led to the hills, "If you have any idea tell me so let's see if there is something", Y/N roughly described what they were looking for, a large park and a pond could not be missing,

" Mmm everyone here has a garden ... or rather a park" she laughed, stopping at the top of the hill to show her the area, "As you can see the houses are far enough away to have all the privacy you want" said, Y/N admired the landscape dotted with big houses, really big, she thought,

"Er Sammy .. " she said fearfully, "..Thomas and I are looking for a house not a mini castle, these are gigantic", Sammy looked at her seemed not to follow her speech,

" Oh .. uh .. I always forget that you are Italian" she replied thoughtfully, "Here it is customary to have large country houses with many rooms and large lounges, they are usually rented when not in use" concluded,

"I understand, but we seek a home for the exclusive use say, spacious enough to invite friends .. " described what they were looking for explaining best she could, ".. 4/5 bedrooms, a great room and a garden" behind her Phil laughed, "You knew that didn't you?" she scolded him laughing,

"Yes but I could not resist letting you fall from the clouds" he laughed hugging her, even Sammy laughed heartily taking the phone and talking quickly, Y/N couldn't follow her and not even Phil was useful, Scottish was a language apart,

"Ok I found a couple of houses that could be fine" she said getting back in the car, "While we go I cancel the appointments I had made" smiled putting on the earphones, Y/N felt guilty she must be clearer in what they were looking for,

"Sorry Sammy " she said in a low voice, "I didn't mean to waste your time like this",

"Imagine Y/N, it is true that you could have explained yourself better .. but I had to ask .. we are even" she laughed, the woman managed to find something and they headed towards the first property, a man was waiting for them at the gate,

"Hi Miss, I'm Gerald Connor the caretaker" he said cheerfully shaking hands with the group,

"I'm amazed you're looking for such a small house" he laughed as led the way

"They just told me that in England they use much larger" smiled Y/N explaining the reasons for their choice, the caretaker laughed opening the door,

"Take a seat" gestured Gerald making them pass, "the central hall has a beautiful fireplace that works perfectly" he said showing the great room, the marble inlaid fireplace was spectacular, a large table was placed next to the fire could seat a dozen people , two twin sofas on the opposite side were turned towards the large window overlooking the park, you could see a stream passing through the property, the deer grazed placidly in the park, Y/N was ecstatic,

"The kitchen is habitable .. " he says and continuing his visit, ".. as soon as outside there is an old bread oven, but it needs to be fixed", they went upstairs passing through the turret

"There are 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, the master bedroom has a private bathroom" he said, letting the group wander around the rooms,

"There are some work to be done, it was used as a hunting lodge" he led the way outside and there Y/N understood that it was the right one, the large park was hidden behind the house by a grove of centuries-old oaks and horse chestnuts, fruit trees were scattered around, missing only a pool but it would have made to install if the deal was successful, tried to stay on longer neutral and calm as possible but she was so happy that he had trouble,

" Sammy is her .. is perfect!!" she said softly taking her aside, "You seem much better at bargaining .. " smiled at her,

"It seems very small to me" she answered unconvinced, "But if that's what you want .. " called the caretaker to find out the price

"One moment Miss phone the owner" he answered, 10 minutes later reached them, "Mister McGregor is coming if you want to wait", the group nodded and they sat on the porch talking about the work to be done, the furniture was perfect so they would only change sofas and carpets, they saw a car arrive .

"Nice to meet you, I 'm George McGregor " said the man introducing himself smiling, "Sorry if I made you wait, you are the first to be interested in the shed for years" laughed, taking a seat in the house followed by the group,

"Don't worry" replied Sammy , "The house is for my friends" said introducing Y/N,

"Calling it home is a great compliment" he laughed, "Space is limited .. "

"My partner and I were not looking for something big but rather a little house to enjoy when not working" replied Y/N, "This is perfect for us",

"Before talking about money I have only one request .. more than the neighbors .. " he said worried, ".. many VIPs live in the area so there is a private surveillance service .. you should leave your data at the office in town ..", Sammy and Phil looked at Y/N trying not to laugh,

"Um my friend is Tom Hiddleston's girlfriend " she said cheerfully, "They will certainly appreciate the service .. I hope knowing that doesn't increase the price of the house" laughed in practice, for Y/N it was strange to be so direct, in Italy you would arrive at the price calmly, the man laughed,

"I could actually think about it .. " he said, "..but my family wants to get rid of the property, it's very far from the main house and the maintenance is not worth the money" the man and Sammy started talking in Scottish, cutting out Y/N and Phil from the bargaining, the woman picked up the phone,

"Tommy boy .. 200" said practice, " Sure .. yes park included .. 6 .. 3 .. beautiful in marble .. " answered the questions nodding, "He wants you" said passing the cell phone to Y/N,

" Honey do you like it?" asked the sweet man,

"Thomas I love it, I sent you some pictures, don't say yes just to make me happy there are other properties to see" she laughed hoping he liked it too,

"I saw them, there are some works to be done .. " he began, "..but it's a good thing I don't want to distort it, instead of the pool I'd make an artificial lake in the grove" said cheerfully,

"Sure? You really like it?" Y/N asked happily,

"Of course I like it, I wonder Sammy was so malleable" they laughed together,

"Come back to me please .. I love you" he said greeting her, the woman gave the cell phone to Sammy who greeted Tom before hanging up,

"Thomas wants to know when he is free to sign, he likes the house and the price is perfect" she said shaking the man's hand,

"I'll leave you my number, call me when your boyfriend is available" he said passing Y/N a business card, "I'm glad the house is in good hands",

"We will have the utmost care" she replied cheerfully, "Thanks for your availability at such short notice", they said goodbye and got back in the car to go to London,

"Aren't we going back to you?" asked Y/N on the way

"We're going to see me in London" she laughed seeing the woman's expression, "Tomorrow shopping and I don't know a better place than London to shop",

"Since we're going to London then I'll stop at home so we're all more comfortable, Phil will you stay with me?" asked his friend who nodded, “ Sammy do you think you can even get a hairdresser in shopping? I can't stand long hair anymore and you have to redo the color .. "

"Of course dear even if it is a pity they give you long hair, I also take advantage of it then, as soon as we arrive I call mine so we do not risk horrible things" they laughed, it took 2 hours to arrive, Sammy left them at home they would see them again the next morning .

" Poppy the house is really nice, once it's whitewashed and fixed it will be lovely" said Phil taking a drink,

" It's how we wanted it, small and semi-hidden" she replied, "And if there is surveillance, I'm more quiet", called Tom while Phil was in the shower,

"My love ailment?" she was always afraid of disturbing him at work,

"My Queen, imagine, I'm getting dressed to go to the canteen before going to the set" he replied cheerfully, "I looked at the photos, I like the house more and more .. how did you convince Sammy ?"

"I told her the truth .. we wanted a house for us not a hostel" she laughed "I have the owner's number waiting for your call when you are free .. are you sure you like it?" You're not doing it just for me .. "she asked shyly,

"You know that I love you and that I would do anything to make you happy .. " he began, "..but I wouldn't say yes just to make you happy, you're not the kind of woman who would accept such a thing" laughed hearing the woman hold back , "I really like the house, I can't wait to watch you bathe naked in the woods .. my nymph"

"Oh Thomas .. I love you" Y/N answered moved, he too had noticed that it wasn't her but he hadn't told her anything, " As long as I 'm at home do you need anything?"

"I would say no, maybe check your mail" he laughed before greeting her,

"I ordered Chinese so we don't go out," Phil informed her, " What's the schedule tomorrow ?"

"There's a couple of things missing for the house," said, "Then I don't know what Sammy wants to see .. "

"It 'a nice lady ..i remember you .. " he teased his friend, "..funny and sparkling"

“I don't know her very much but she always makes me laugh” Y/N answered opening to the bellboy, they had dinner and watched a movie before collapsing in bed.

Sammy arrived at 10 am doing something new .. rang the bell,

"Day" Y/N said sleepily, "You could have entered without ringing" she laughed going into the kitchen,

"I didn't want to disturb, one thing is when Tommy is around .. another is when you have guests" Sammy laughed over the coffee, "I know you and Phil are just friends don't look at me like that"

"Sorry I get constant attacks from paparazzi and fans I have become rigid about these things .. it's not like me" she said in a low voice, "But today I get my temper back just bend over and be afraid .. " she said seriously, Sammy stared at her and burst out laughing,

"Tommy will be happy" she said telling her some conversations she and Tom had in the last few days, ".. I think he wants hers back .. how is it that described you .. yes��wilde kitty" she concluded, Y/N blushed violently the man called her so only in private, "I strangle him" thought as passed the coffee to Phil who was letting go of laughter, they went out and headed towards the center,

"Hair first!" Sammy said finding parking in front of the salon, "Phil are you coming with us?" asked the man,

"I guess not thanks" he laughed, " Poppy, I'll drop by the office and go home, see you when you get back to town for Tom's departure?" he asked hugging her,

"Sure darling and thanks for the company" she answered kissing him, they said goodbye and the women entered the hall,

" Mat hi here we are" she said cheerfully hugging the hairdresser, "She is Y/N .. bring out the colors",

"Nice to meet you" he said shaking her hand, "Let's start with you then, what did you have in mind?" asked making her sit down and putting a cape around her shoulders,

"I want to get rid of the extensions , shave the sides and go back to my fuchsia and blue" she said happy to get rid of that good girl hair that didn't belong to her,

"Great, Sabine prepares for the bleaching" told her assistant before starting to shave the woman's hair, the fake locks fell to the ground lightly, he took some scissors and removed the extensions one at a time, fixed the cut and put the bleach on first to get to work on Sammy ,

"Do you know that I almost copy you?" she said looking at Y/N cheerfully, "Not the cut of course .. but I've always wanted to try something bold",

"Are you sure?" Mat asked , "How about keeping your color above and below purple and pre-oil ?" he asked taking the color palette and trying them on, "Bold is fine but I know you dear .. " he laughed,

"I like the idea, they would only show when I move my hair or tie it" replied Sammy now convinced, Mat put the bleach on her too and moved to prepare the colors,

"Come on, let's take a picture like this with the bleach on our head .. let's terrorize our men" laughed Y/N posing sexy with the woman, they laughed like little girls, they waited for the answers that were not long in coming,

"David is horrified" Sammy laughed , "He says you have a bad influence on me",

"Thomas seems curious to see you with colored hair" she laughed, "Is this the first time?" asked puzzled,

"What a color change no .. that I do my hair purple absolutely yes " she laughed, "You have to be a little crazy sometimes .. and besides there is always total black in case", after half an hour they had white hair ready for the color,

"Do you have any preference for mixing?" Mat asked before applying the colors,

"Usually I put blue on the roots and blend up to fuchsia on the tips .. more fuchsia than blue though" she smiled, it was the first time someone made her the color she was no longer used to it,

"Perfect, let's start then, Sabine .. " the assistant called and they set to work, "If you like the result, I'll prepare you an envelope with the colors I used to make them yourself", the woman thanked and enjoyed the pampering , they brought an aperitif and ate something while they waited, once washed and dried Y/N looked at herself and found herself in the reflection of the mirror, she smiled happily,

"OMG !!" she turned to hear Sammy scream as looked at herself, "I don't know what to say I'm confused .. " laughed astonished,

" Sammy they look great on you," Y/N said, moving her locks behind to make the colors shine through,

"I like the result, with long hair like yours it's a great idea", Sammy kept looking at herself undecided,

" They are .. weird .. beautiful but really weird .. " she laughed, ".. why do they look so good on you?" she asked jealous,

" Because I am fabulous with these colors!!" laughed Y/N making the grimace, "And because I feel at ease, I look beautiful with these tones", they paid the bill and went out, they spent the rest of the morning wandering around the shops, Y/N ordered pillows and puofs for the house over there,

" Sammy, is there a florist in the area?" asked Y/N looking around, the woman nodded and led the way, around the corner there was a kiosk full of flowers,

"Day I would like a bouquet of yellow roses please" she said to the boy, "And if has them also one of sunflowers", Sammy looked at her curiously,

"I understand sunflowers .. why roses?" asked, "If I remember correctly they indicate jealousy .. are you all right dear?"

"Very well, I wanted to make a gift to "that" that's all" she replied cheerfully, Sammy looked at her sideways asking why,

" Well in the end she behaved like an ignoble being .. but if Thomas hadn't done it and I would never have met" she replied calmly, "It seemed nice to thank her"

"You are really twisted" said bursting out laughing, "I wish I was a fly to see his face", they finished the purchases and left for the set.

She found Thomas on the sofa going over, "as if he needed it" thought putting the flowers in the water,

"My King I missed you," she said, putting herself in his arms to kiss him,

" Honey welcome back" he said kissing her, ruffling her forelock, "You look great, like when I met you .. ruffled and colored" he laughed looking at her,

"How did the shopping go?" he asked not seeing envelopes or packages, "Weren't you inspired?"

"Have found something for the house, I did take home and warned Ali because mail it with the rest," smiled when she saw the startled face of the man at the mention of her pr , "And I took the flowers .. "

"I saw ..yellow roses?" he asked curiously, staring at her,

"Um really I'm for "that".. " Y/N answered laughing, "..and I apologize in advance" she concluded, staring at him to try to understand what he was thinking, the man kept staring at her undecided,

"Please explain Darling why I don't follow you .. " he answered curiously, "..I have some ideas but I want to hear it from you",

"I know it will seem absurd to you .. " she exposed almost guilty, suddenly was lacking the courage, ".. but if she hadn't behaved like a bitch we two will not be together now .. " said in a low voice,

" Darling .. " he said amazed, smiling at her, ".. I don't know what to say, if when it happened they told me that I would find the woman of my life I would have laughed .." he continued taking her in his arms,

".. Rice told me you're a vengeful type .. I see Lady Loki .. " he whispered biting her earlobe, Y/N meowed close to him,

"You are angry? I know how much it made you suffer and I don't want to seem numb but you have to understand that you have to start away" said Y/N embarrassed , the man stared at her smiling, hugged and stood up with his precious load in his arms going towards the bedroom,

"You'll see how angry I am Kitty " he growled smiling throwing her on the bed, Y/N smiled anticipating the punishment.

[etherealwaifgoddess]

The Truth At Last (1981)

*A One In A Million AU fic*

Summary: After 40 years together the truth of Rose's identity comes out at last.

Word Count: 1.7k

Author’s Note: Thank you to the lovely reader who asked about if/ when Rose tells the guys she's actually from the future. I know I gave a mini head canon in my answer but the more I thought about it the more the plot bunnies hopped around and this little fic was born.

The Truth At Last (1981)

“Come on lazy bones, let’s go!” Bucky shouts up the stairs. You place a hand on your husband's arm, settling him in his excitement. Even at the ripe old age of sixty-three, Bucky still gets overly excited at new things like a child. He gives your youngest grandchild a run for her money at times and she’s only four. 

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Steve grumbles as he descends the stairs to join you in the foyer. He’s fumbling with the buttons of his favorite blue shirt, unable to get the buttons through the holes as quickly as he’d like. His arthritis is flaring up again, it’s been doing that more and more lately. 

You push past the pang of sadness at seeing your husband struggle and pull him close when he reaches the bottom of the stairs, “Come here, love. I’ve got it.” you tell him, fixing the buttons of his shirt with quick efficiency. 

Steve checks his hair in the mirror by the door; the blonde is shot through with white and silver, though the cut is the same as when you met him. Even at sixty-two he’s quite striking. Bucky and you make sure to remind him of that regularly too. “You look great, Stevie.” Bucky assures him, pressing a quick kiss to the other man’s cheek before you head out the door. 

The walk to the new cafe is only four blocks from your old brownstone but the three of you take your time. There’s no need to hurry anymore. Now that you’re all retired, you can spend your days together doing whatever piques your interest at your own pace. Bucky had retired at fifty-five after an accident at the docks; his foot healed quickly but he realized he was getting too old for that type of work. Steve had been doing commissions only since the kids were born, taking jobs here and there as needed. It had helped tremendously when the kids were young. The last two years though, his arthritis had worsened and he’d stopped taking jobs. He claimed he wanted to create for himself while he still could. You were the last to retire, finally giving your notice the year before, and leaving your beloved library after almost forty years of service. You still go in once a week to lead story time for the children but you left the heavy mantle of Library Director behind. 

The cafe is a little brick shop with a lavender awning and wide glass windows. It’s cheery looking and definitely fits in with newer shops that have come into the neighborhood in recent years. Bucky holds the door open causing a little bell to chime up above and the scent of coffee hits your nose. It smells like heaven. 

Bucky insists on ordering for all three of you, so you and Steve take a table by the window while Bucky hurries over to the counter. You sit quietly looking around, letting a gentle melancholy sink into your bones. You miss the days of setting up shop in a Starbucks to work on your college papers, sipping an endless stream of lattes and staying right up until they closed for the night. Being back in a cafe like this dredges up those fond memories and you wish you could share them with the guys. You’d always meant to tell them, but even after forty years together, the timing never seemed quite right. And the longer it went, the more impossible it seemed.

“Here we go!” Bucky interrupts your reverie, placing a tray with three steaming cups and a plate of treats on your table. He slides into his seat and snatches a lemon scone with a wide grin, his sweet tooth just as wild as ever. 

You reach for the cup immediately after recognizing it as a latte; eager to devour it despite the steam flowing freely from the foam. The first sip is overwhelming, the taste of espresso and steamed milk hitting your tongue for the first time in four decades.

“It’s called a cafe au lait.” Bucky explains, “This is the only place in the city that serves them and they’re just the best.” 

You’re lost in your own little world, practically on the verge of tears as your taste buds welcome the familiar flavor. “God,” you murmur to yourself, “I missed this.” 

“What, doll?” Bucky asks, his nose wrinkling in confusion. 

You look up to see two pairs of blue eyes staring at you in confusion. 

“Nothing,” you assure them quickly, “It’s nothing.” 

“You said you missed this? Did you come here without us? They just opened last week.” Steve chimes in. He’s like a damned dog with a bone. 

You’re overwhelmed by the memories the latte has drug up and the guys are pestering you in unison with increasingly teasing questions as to what you meant and how you could have had one before in order to miss it. 

Steve is chuckling at Bucky’s last guess, “If she’s able to climb out a window at 2am-”

“Because I have had them before! Okay?!” you snap, cutting him off. “Hundreds of them. I practically lived off them while I was studying for my masters!” You huff out an exasperated breath, your pulse racing with frustration. 

“Your what?” Steve chokes out in confusion. 

“Oh hell.” You mutter, now you’ve done it. The conversation you’ve been avoiding for two thirds of your life is upon you and somehow you’re still not ready. 

“I think this is an at home type of conversation.” Bucky suggests. “Let’s just finish this up and we can head home.” 

The three of you drink your lattes quickly and Bucky asks for a paper sack to take your treats home in. None of you are willing to eat anything with the nervous energy buzzing around. You feel like you’re going to vibrate out of your bones between the caffeine and the terror of what you’re about to reveal to your husbands. You can’t even imagine what this will do to your marriage. To your family. The happy plans you had for your retired lives together are turning to ashes in your mind. 

You and Bucky take your usual seats on opposite ends of the sofa leaving Steve to opt for the middle seat opposed to his favored recliner. You barely know where to start but the guys are waiting patiently for you to begin. “I know things are going to change after this, but please, please know how much I love you. How much I’ve always loved you.” You choke back a sob before continuing, “I didn’t move to New York in 1941. I’d lived there since college in 2028….” Slowly, and through a sea of tears, the whole truth comes out. It takes almost an hour and you feel like your insides have been scraped raw between your memories and the quiet tears freely flowing from all three of you. By the time you’ve finished you’re convinced they’ll ask you to leave. They haven’t said a word, just gripped each other’s hands desperately and sniffled at the occasional stray tear. 

“We always suspected you had an interesting past.” Steve chuckles wetly, “But I never saw that coming.” 

Bucky huffs a teary laugh which brings one of your own up and just like that the tension that’s been brewing for the past hour spills. Steve scoots forward to take you in his arms, peppering you with kisses while Bucky moves in to hug you overtop Steve. 

They have questions, lots of them, but you expected they would. The guys take turns; Steve asking about your life growing up and Bucky mostly wanting to know about more “cool future shit” as he’s calling it. You’re discussing the challenges you faced trying to adjust to life in their time after knowing how much better it was for women in the future when Steve gets himself so worked up in self righteous fury that he has an asthma attack. You hold the inhaler patiently to his lips, pressing the cylinder to release his medication for him since his hands still ache. When his breathing evens out enough that you and Bucky are no longer concerned, Bucky starts teasing Steve about trying to be the center of attention despite this being about you. 

You spend the full day on that old olive green sofa together. Things you haven’t thought of in ages coming to mind, and you happily share the memories with them. You’re all stiff-muscled and sore by dinner time when you finally get up to rummage through your kitchen for food. The heaviness in the air is gone now, a subdued feeling of relief in its place. You all agree the children won’t be told. It’s better just keeping it between you three. The guys seem to truly understand your reasoning in not telling them and aren’t holding it against you. All in all, they took the news remarkably well. You should have known though. The love you share is the love of a lifetime and something that strong doesn’t just flicker out. 

You’re putting three little frozen chicken pot pies in the oven when you hear the guys shouting in outrage over the sound of the television in the living room. You head towards the sound of their discontent.

“Rose!” Steve calls to you, “The MLB just went on strike! Can you believe it?! They’re cancelling 23 games!” 

“Oh my god.” you gasp, surprised that the league took such drastic action. Baseball was the only sport watched in your house, both of the guys completely obsessed from July through October every year. It’s going to be odd seeing how this strike plays out and you’re sure the guys will be complaining about it well past when the season ends.

“But you probably already knew that, right?” Bucky teases you lightly. 

You stare at him in shock for a moment before swatting him with your dish towel. “Jerk.” 

Steve snorts in his effort not to laugh, but Bucky laughs with his whole body, amused by his own self. 

“Funny.” you chastise him, “Really funny, guys.” 

They settle but are still wearing twin grins of amusement. Throwing an eye roll their way, you head back to the kitchen to start on the salad. After everything, a little teasing is a small price for years of hiding, and one you’re more than willing to pay. 

[ibelieveinharrystyles]

Chapter Seven: Chaotic Christmas

Forever? Masterlist

24th December 2016

“Simply having a wonderful Christmas time!” Harry and Ashley sang in unison as they cruised up the M1, they were on their way home for a family Christmas, which based on tradition, Linda was hosting this year. Luckily, they had timed their departure from London perfectly with Daisy’s nap, which was an accomplishment compared to how disastrous their last journey with her had been. “I’ve missed your mum’s cooking, she does make an impeccable roast,” Harry sighed, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

“If you tell her that she will love you forever,” Ashley chuckled.

“I don’t need to tell her, she already does.” Shortly after Harry’s quick witted reply Daisy stirred from her nap, crying for attention.

“We’re going to have to stop at the next service station H, she’s due a feed.”

“There’s one just up ahead, we’ll pull in there.”

Somehow Harry managed to find a space in what was a very busy car park, they clearly weren’t the only ones driving home for Christmas, Daisy was getting restless, her screams were almost deafening, “Alright Daisy my love we’re here now.” Ashley hopped out of the car, taking Daisy out of her baby seat in the back of the car, taking her round to the boot, where Harry was already grabbing the nappy bag, “Don’t bother with the buggy, I’ll just carry her, we’ll find a nice cafe in there somewhere.” The two of them weaved their way around the groups of people, Harry had his hood up in an attempt not to draw attention, even though everyone was already looking at Ashley and her screaming baby. Eventually they found a table in a little cafe where Ashley could contently feed Daisy, “You wouldn’t mind getting us some food whilst I fed her would you?” Ashley asked Harry as she made up Daisy’s bottle.

“Course, anything in particular?” Harry asked.

“Something fresh, and some apple juice if they’ve got it please.”

After a long drive up the motorway Harry, Ashley and Daisy arrived safely in the comfort of Holmes Chapel, Linda rushed out of the house greeting them all with hugs and helping Harry with the bags while Ashley carried Daisy, who had just stirred from another nap. “How was the journey up? I imagine the world and his wife were travelling up from Lonson,” Linda asked as they made their way into the house, the smell of her homemade mince pies.

“It was alright, the service station was a little crazy, but that's the price I have to pay for being best friends with a global sensation.” Ashley told her mum as she got Daisy out of her adorable little snowsuit, “Can’t take you anywhere can I Harry?”

“I’m such a troublemaker.” Harry winked, placing the bags down in the hallway and taking Daisy from Ashley so she could sort herself out. Ashley entered the perfectly decorated living room, reminding her of all her childhood Christmases, Linda always went the extra mile at Christmas, draping holly, ivy and mistletoe berries along the beams that supported the roof of the living room. A splash of colour was always something the Hanson family had opted for at Christmas, this year the tree was decorated with teal and gold decorations, growing up Ashley’s dad had always been chaotic when it came to decorating the tree, it was always his job, but he loved to attack the tree with an unorthodox method of decorating, so in a way of paying homage to him Linda always used a less traditional colour scheme every year, but still to her taste. Harry and Daisy sat on the sofa, playing with one of the many toys Linda had scattered about the living room.

Harry had gone back to spend the night at his family home before the chaos of Christmas Day, leaving Ashley and Linda eating their way through a stuffed crust pepperoni pizza, watching the intense Christmas Eve special of Coronation Street whilst Daisy played happily on the floor. “Your dad would be so proud of you, you know that don’t you?” Linda told her daughter, placing her hand on top of Ashley’s, “You’ve achieved so much this year already, moving to London, having a baby on your own, he would’ve absolutely adored Daisy.”

“I’m not on my own mum, I’ve got Harry.” Ashley reminded her.

“I know that my love, it's clear he cares very much about you both, but one day he will meet someone he wants to settle down with, and that means he probably won’t be as involved in your life.” Linda explained.

“I’m aware of that mum,” Ashley sighed, her mum wasn’t wrong, one day Harry would love another woman enough to want to marry her and have children with her, she just had to accept that, “I think I’ll take Daisy up to bed, it’s been a long day.”

“What about the mince pies?” Linda asked.

“They’ll keep till the morning, night mum.”

Usually Ashley was good at sleeping the whole night through, that was when Daisy wasn’t waking up for a feed, she laid in what was once her childhood bed completely restless and unable to get to sleep, so she concluded fresh air would do her some good. She made her way downstairs, opening the door to the back garden, the cold air nipping at her skin, she took a seat on one of the thick branches of a tree that was at the back of Anne’s garden, but had grown so much that the branches stretched, well over into Linda’s garden. Ashley and Harry spent hours when they were younger, climbing and playing games on it. “Couldn’t sleep?” the familiar voice shook her out of her daydream as she noticed Harry climbing up the tree to perch beside her.

“I’m just thinking about things,” Ashley sighed.

“What things?”

“New job kinda things,” Harry’s face appeared puzzled, “Capital have offered me a promotion, a big one, they like the increase in attention they’ve got from us being friends, and Roman needs a new co-host,” she paused, “They want me to do the breakfast show with him.”

“That's incredible Ash, but why does that require you to be sitting on our tree at 2 in the morning?” 

“I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do, Daisy will be barely six months old when I start in January, I don’t want to miss a massive chunk of her childhood, and it feels like I would be exploiting our friendship.” Ashley explained.

“If it's the breakfast show that's only four or so hours of the day, you could always do it for a couple of years, and when she’s off to school and needs you there in the mornings, I’m sure you will be given an even better opportunity,” Harry assured her.

“I remember when I was the one who gave you advice,” Ashley whispered resting her head on Harry’s shoulder, “Anyway, why are you out here at this time of night?”

“I’m thinking about next year, Ash it’s going to be crazily busy, with the album, tour and also the film.” 

“Well whatever happens, whatever people say, you’ll always be my best friend,” she whispered, taking his hand in hers, “Now go and get some sleep, mum will be raging if you’re half asleep during Christmas Dinner.”

The following morning Ashley stirred from her sleep, she checked the time on her phone, it was well gone ten in the morning, Daisy wasn’t in her cot, Ashley chucked an old hoodie on over her pyjamas and made her way downstairs. Her mum, Harry, Anne and Gemma were sat round the dining table, indulging in croissants and pastries, Harry had Daisy sat on his knee, bouncing her along to the cheesy Christmas music that played in the background. “Merry Christmas,” Ashley smiled, greeting them all with hugs, Harry respectfully handing Daisy over. “Hello my princess, happy Christmas,” she bounced her on her hip, before taking a seat at the table, “Has she had her morning bottle?” 

“Yep, first thing Harry did when they got here, he crept into your room, retrieved Daisy, and bought her down here for breakfast.” Linda told her,

“Thank you,” Ashley smiled, “I’ve actually got some news, well I made the decision last night, with the help of Harry, as of mid January, I’m going to be co-hosting the breakfast show on Capital.”

“Ashley that’s wonderful news!” Anne cried, offering her a big hug, “isn’t your mummy clever?” she whispered to Daisy, tickling her under the chin.

Ashley glanced over at her mum, who was wiping tears from under her eyes, “Are you alright mum?”

“I just know how proud your dad would be Ash, all he wanted was for you to be happy.” Linda smiffled.

“I am happy, and I’m so happy to spend Christmas day with all my favourite people.”

After an impeccable Christmas Dinner thanks to Linda, everyone took their seats around the tree, as due to tradition, Harry handed out the presents. They all took it in turns, opening their gifts, Daisy only had a few, mainly from Harry, as everyone agreed she was only little, so she wouldn’t remember Christmas that much. Harry got her a mini xylophone, some stuffed animals and of course some designer baby clothes, that Ashley didn’t dare consider the possible price of. There was one gift left under the tree for Daisy, Ashley opened it, seeing a little white teddy, “Who is  this from?” She asked, all of them looking at her blankly.

“Oh that was on the doorstep when we arrived earlier.” Gemma told her.

She checked the label, making sure she knew who to thank, her heart was in her mouth, she stood up, heading to the kitchen and chucking it in the bin, Harry followed after her, noticing the sudden change in her mood. “Hey what’s wrong?”

“It’s him.” She whispered, leaning on the kitchen counter, holding her head in her hands.

“What’s him? I don’t get it.” Harry replied.

“The label on Daisy’s present said dad, Matt sent the present, what if he knows where we live? He could be outside as we speak.” She panicked.

“Hey Ash, you need to calm down,” Harry soothed, wiping her tears away from her cheeks, “This is a small town, everyone knows everyone, there is an extremely high chance he just sent it to the local post office, when I used to get all that fanmail, people literally just put my name and Holmes Chapel on it, you don’t need to worry.”

“I do though Harry, what if he wants to be part of her life? What if he wants custody of her? I can’t lose her Harry, I can’t.”

“Ashley you are an amazing mum, when you told Matt you were pregnant he went awol, no court is going to deem him a fit father.” Harry assured her, taking hold of both her hands, “As long as I’m walking this earth, I am going to do everything I can to keep you and Daisy safe, you have my word.”

[collingwoodhome]

The Art of Coffee Table Book Styling: 6 Top Tips

Having spent an unprecedented amount of time in our homes for the past eight months, we have been lusting over home interiors like never before and searching for ways to improve our homes. One failsafe and simple way to elevate your interior décor is to add a collection of carefully curated and beautiful coffee table books- not only are they aesthetically pleasing but they provide another source of entertainment! Revamp any tabletop with carefully styled books giving a sense of style and purpose to any space from your living room to your hallway and even your bathroom.

Designed to give valuable insight into the lives of the subjects or specific topics, great coffee table books can cover photographers, fashion houses, musicians, other notable figures, interior design, travel and so much more; they are intended to be meaningful, inspirational and make a statement. Choose these illustrated books for more digestible additions to your living spaces, rather than the long novels that might be lying unread on your bookcase gathering dust.

To simplify ‘the art of coffee table book styling’, we’ve put together 6 top tips to get you started on creating this interior décor feature! We’ve even added shoppable links so you don’t have to spend hours searching through google for the best books:

1.       Curate your collection

Start to curate your collection as soon as possible- finding the right coffee table book for their subject, aesthetic and price can take research and time. If you start early and work over time, soon enough you’ll have an enviable collection of great value.  Search for articles to give you inspiration or start online shopping to begin the process!

Whilst some picture books might be an investment piece, Collingwood Home’s collection is all under £50; books such as The Little Dictionary of Fashion Christian Dior start at just £14.95. Begin building your collection without breaking the bank!

2.       Stack the deck

Stack your selection on your chosen coffee table or surface, placing the largest book at the base of the stack. Start big in size with a coffee table book hardcover to make a statement and subsequently use smaller books to create a mini tower. The key trick is to find pieces that vary slightly in size; an extreme variation from a large tabloid size book to a postcard size book will look unbalanced. On the other hand, a neat and uniform stack hides the beautiful covers of your collection.

An odd number of coffee table books in your stack generally works better. Research has shown an odd number of details is more effective at capturing your gaze, making sure your collection is the star of the show!

3.       Show your home’s true colours

Play around with different colour combinations of these illustrated books suitable for displaying to achieve the best fit for your interior décor.

Why not have a monochromatic moment? Pick all black coffee table books like our Alexander McQueen and Pink Floyd biographies for a sleek and contemporary feel. Or why not try a gradient; think pink with our Yves Saint Laurent Catwalk and Tim Walker: Wonderful Things texts. Make a statement with pops of a bold colour like red (see David Bowie IS). We personally love assorting bold colours to bring life to neutral rooms and give enough scope to play around with other interior design ideas and colours.

4.       Subject matters

We prefer coffee table books for living rooms that give us the opportunities to expand our horizons and grow our passions. We find that coffee table books can be transportive to different eras, lifetimes and places around the world, the perfect addition to any home in a time when travel is so heavily restricted.  At Collingwood Home, we stock books created by the Victoria and Albert Museum, offering you unmatched expertise and insights into the world of fashion and music, designed to supplement blockbuster exhibitions held at the museum. Explore the major influence of David Bowie on creative arts, admire the unseen fashions and art of Frida Kahlo, study the travel photography of the extraordinary Horst and revel at the wit and wisdom of The World According to Coco Chanel. Expand your horizons from you sofa!

5.       Read, read, read

Whilst you may not be receiving many visitors at the moment, this type of book for casual viewing is fantastic as a conversation starter and talking piece. Make sure you actually read your purchases so you aren’t caught off guard. They’re beautiful props but they’re meant to be read and enjoyed.

We can’t get enough of coffee table books at the moment; not only are they feeding our interior design obsession but they are also providing a much needed and welcomed source of entertainment as we enter into the winter months. Cosy up with a cup of tea on the sofa one evening and be transported to another world, one of Christian Dior, Gabrielle Chanel or David Bowie.

6.       Don’t be scared to stack other décor pieces on top

Do not be afraid to stack other décor pieces on top of your collection to keep building on your styling and help change up your décor. The best options are things which won’t damage the beautiful covers of your collection. Whilst free standing candles and plant pots may look stunning, they have the potential to tarnish your coffee table books fashion. Why not try candles in glass containers and artificial flower arrangements for the same yet safer effect? Small arrangements like our Cement Trough Planter floral, Hyalus Glass Bowl Floral or Metallum Floral work perfectly to accessorize and personalise your stack. Trinket boxes and ginger jars also work beautifully and can be dressed with your favourite flowers or left as a stand alone piece. The possibilities are really endless!

What are you waiting for? Get styling!

Coffee table books make the perfect failsafe present, bringing literary and aesthetic charm to anyone’s home. Whether you’re searching for new homeowner gifts, Christmas presents, presents for best friends or interior design lovers, coffee table books are both thoughtful and stylish Why not kick start someone’s collection today? Collingwood Home want to make the gift giving process as simple and hassle free as possible which is why we offer gift wrap service so it can be delivered directly to your loved ones’ door! Browse our selection of books to buy or gift at https://www.collingwoodhome.co.uk/category/books

Collingwood Home is a family owned British interiors brand dedicated to delivering a classic collection of beautiful artificial floral arrangements and home interior accessories. Our collection is consistently updated with new and exciting additions and is designed to bring a touch of long-lasting luxury, colour and texture to your homes. We also offer a bespoke corporate service.

[writings-of-bored-gal]

Coffee?

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Coffee shop!

Author’s Note: I’ve been watching far too much Gilmore Girls recently so here is my 2 cents for a little Luke/Loralei kind of relationship with Bucky. It’s pure fluff and I’m really pleased with it so I hope you like it too! Enjoy! Requests, asks and tag lists are open!- Abby x

Tag List: @l8nit-l0ver, @vikingsandetc

Masterlist  __________________

There was a coffee shop that Bucky liked, where he always went. It was in a quiet corner of Manhattan (not that Steve believed those existed), sat above a comic book store, and it was full of plush deep red sofas. The walls were lined with bookcases and there was a sign that said: “Feel free to borrow!”. There was an armchair in the corner that Bucky had christened his own. It was opposite both the bookcase and the window, snuggled in the dark spot in the corner where no one really wanted to sit. The only thing that ever changed was the occasional painting above his head, when one artist sold and it moved on to another. 

The best part was that he was never bothered. Sam loved attention whenever he went to Starbucks to order his over-priced and fancy iced coffee, but Bucky appreciated the quiet. The only girl he spoke to was the one who owned the shop. She was there every day, with freshly homemade pastries that matched whatever she was feeling and a small smile for the man she knew was an Avenger but never let it slip, she just left him to enjoy his coffee in peace.

That day it was raining outside, so the inside of the coffee shop seemed particularly cozy with the rain pattering against the window mixed into the usual sounds of lazy acoustic music. The place was empty but Bucky was still sitting in his usual spot, a copy of Animal Farm in his lap and a blueberry muffin on the table next to him. 

“Orwell was always a pain in my ass.” Bucky looked up to see her standing there, a washed out yellow apron on over her jeans. She was holding a mug and her usual jug of coffee. Bucky raised an eyebrow and without asking, she leaned over and refilled his cup. “On the house.” she mumbled when he didn’t reply. 

“Thank you.” He replied begrudgingly. And then he carried on talking, surprising himself further. “I actually kind of like this one.”

“Big fan of communism, huh?” She giggled. “Don’t worry I won’t tell the Falcon.” Bucky’s slight smile dropped when she mentioned the Avengers. The one place he thought he was safe. When she realized what she had said her giggle faltered and she panicked. “I mean, I don’t know why he would care! I don’t even really know much about the Avengers? I… I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

“It’s obviously not okay when you say it like that.” She huffed. “Just please don’t stop coming here. I’ll stop talking to you and all you have to do is sit down and you won’t even have to talk to me you can write your order down or text it to me or something-“

“It’s okay.” Bucky said sternly, looking her right in the eyes. He watched as the concern and panic turned to relief, making him melt just a little with a sympathy he only usually reserved for Steve. He gestured to a chair opposite him and she tentatively sat down, her hands folded on her lap over the apron. “So what’s your issue with Orwell?”

She smiled just a little. “I just find that he’s hugely pretentious.” Bucky laughed and her eyes looked up and she smiled back at him. It was still raining outside but she was suddenly so bright that Bucky thought the weather had changed. It filled him with a sunshine warmth and he almost felt the need to look away, like he was staring at the sun. 

“So if you were to recommend me something-“ He began but she didn’t let him finish, abruptly standing up and walking to the bookcase. She pulled out three books and dropped them on the coffee table. “What are these?”

“Books that you would never pick up yourself but I promise that you will enjoy.” She beamed.

“I’ll not be able to finish all of these in one cup of coffee.” He smirked, looking at one that looked like it weighed as much as the mini-fridge in his room. 

“Let’s just say it’s my personal guarantee that you will come back to return them.”

“I can take them home?”

“Of course you can.” She smiled.

“What if I steal them?”

“Ah well, there is always that possibility.” She said playfully. “Then I’ll just have to hunt you down to and force you to come back to my coffee shop.”

The bell above the door rang and she made her way over to the counter, smiling and serving the new customer, stealing glances at Bucky as he closed Animal Farm and picked up one of the books she had laid out for him. 

________________

It was a couple of days before he came back. She was starting to get worried that he really had taken her books until he came in. He looked worn and tired but his eyes glinted ever so slightly when he saw her. He went straight over to his usual corner, pulling a cap over his face to hide from any prying eyes. It was unusually busy, but he ordered his coffee and took a seat, waiting until it became quiet again.

She knew how men’s minds work. She didn’t go over to him for anything but coffee. She waited for him and true to what she thought when it got quiet again and she was cleaning the counter, he stood in front of the stack of coffee and walnut cupcakes, placing the book down and grinning like a little kid. When he didn’t say anything, she decided to start.

“So you liked the book?”

“How did you know I would?”

“Just a hunch.” She smiled, taking his cup from him and pouring another. “Everyone likes it, it’s impossible not to.”

Bucky laughed and shook his head. “The things you miss out on, huh.” She paused for a second, watching him then as he went off into his own world. She forgot, when he was sitting in that corner, how different his life had been to hers. “Have you ever read any Tolstoy?”

“Of course.” She smiled softly. 

“How about in the original Russian?”

“I’ll admit I’m not quite talented enough for that.” She went around the counter as the final customer left, turning the sign to read CLOSED before taking a seat next to Bucky. “Have you also read Hugo in French?”

Bucky shook his head, twiddling his thumbs in his lap. There was a pause before he asked. “Can I recommend you a book?”

“Always.” She grinned. He reached behind him and pulled out a beautiful book, leather bound and pages edged with gold. “Wow.” She breathed.

“I’ll pick it up when you’re done.” There was a ringing coming from his phone and he sighed. “Looks like I’ve got to go.” He got up and she grabbed him a cupcake, placing it in a box and handing it to him as he headed out the door. 

When she was left alone, she took her place lying on one of the sofas and pulling the book in closer to her. It was the most beautiful book she had ever seen. As she opened it, a small flap of paper fell out. On it was Bucky’s spiky handwriting, a note that read:

Thanks for all the coffee. Maybe I could actually buy you a cup sometime? James Barnes 

________________

It was weeks before she saw him again. She was starting to get worried, missing his presence in the café. Someone else had started to sit in his seat and it broke her heart. He’d left her that note in that beautiful book and yet since she had heard nothing. It had reached such a point of desperation that she had taken to watching the news, seeing if there was an issue that the Avengers were dealing with, some kind of reason that he hadn’t come back. 

It was as she was closing up and everyone had left that he finally came back. It was late and she had just turned the sign which meant she was eating one of the leftover cherry and almond cupcakes of the day as the bell over the door rang.

She turned around, ready to tell whoever it was that the place was closed and that they could go around the corner but then she saw him. He looked rough, really rough. The dark circles under his eyes made his face look hollow and his hair didn’t look like it had been brushed since she had last seen him. 

She was unsure as to what to do, so she stayed put, waiting for him. He walked towards her, slowly and cautiously before asking her in a tired voice, “Are you sure you haven’t got one last cup of coffee for me today?” 

And it melted her. It didn’t matter how exhausted he looked, he was Bucky and she’d grown fond of him over the time he’d spent in her little coffee shop. She made her way around the counter and reached for the biggest cup she could find, filling it to the brim with a fresh batch of his usual. He wrapped his hands around the cup and drank it all down almost in one, already looking much better. 

“Am I allowed to ask where you’ve been to look like that?” She asked, a slight edge of cautious teasing in her voice. 

“Probably not.” He chuckled. “It’s not particularly exciting anyway, I promise.”

She paused a little before replying, sensing a need to change the subject as Bucky’s eyes clouded over. “Hey, remember that couple who was in here last time arguing?”

“The blonde guy?” 

“Yes!” She grinned. “Well, they broke up and he bought his new girlfriend in here the other day and she looks weirdly like the other one.”

“You’re sure it wasn’t the same girl?”

“I’m telling you, Bucky, it was a different girl but weirdly similar to the other one.” She was laughing now and the entire cafe seemed to be filled with the sound. But then it stopped, and she remembered the note. “Hey, I read the book you gave me.”

“Did you like it?” He asked, watching her as she went to go and grab it from the locked cabinet underneath the counter with the cookies. 

“I really, really did.” She looked into his eyes knowingly, waiting for the response. 

“You can keep it if you want.”

“Oh.” She said, a little disappointed he didn’t seem to remember. 

“You don’t have to keep it.” He said, confused. 

“Oh no it’s lovely, I’d love to.” She shook her head a little and smiled warmly. He continued to ask her questions about the book and she answered half-heartedly but without remembering anything she had said. All that whirled around her brain was that note, signed James Barnes that she had seemed to have dreamt of. 

________________

Things went back to normal again, Buck would come in. She would give him his coffee and his cake. She would recommend him a book or maybe a movie or a TV show and sometimes he would tell her about a book to read or about what he thought about the thing she had told him about. It was mundane, it was easy and it was regular. It carried on like this for weeks, a myriad of moments which all looked the same, the only difference being the weather in the window behind Bucky’s usual chair. No one bought up the note, and there was no awkwardness.

Eventually, Spring came around, and it was time for a new beginning. That day she swore she would talk to him. That note had been carried around in her pocket and finally, as the sun shone through and the blossom ruffled gently in the winds, she felt a new determination. 

Until he walked through the door, with someone else. 

“That’s Captain America.” she said under her breath, turning away before Bucky could see her astonishment. She felt a blush rush up to her neck. Sure, Bucky was an avenger but she had grown so used to him being around that often she would forget most of the time. But Steve Rogers, Captain America, he was different. He was the one that the girls would swoon over because he’s a gentleman and he went to visit all the children’s hospitals. She felt herself involuntarily giggle as Bucky and Steve made their way over to a table. A few eyes followed them, but none were as intent as hers. 

“This seat isn’t as comfortable as my usual one.” Bucky moaned, making Steve roll his eyes. “The sun is in my eyes.” 

“You need caffeine and food or you’re going to try and murder another president.” Steve chuckled, turning around and looking for her. 

Bucky sighed. “Not as funny as you think you are.” 

“Oh I’m sure he is, you just have no sense of humor.” She declared, appearing next to the pair with a sly grin on her face. Steve laughed and Bucky scowled. She leaned over to place cups down and pour the pair coffee, feeling a secret sense of accomplishment in making him laugh and to see Bucky disgruntled. After all the waiting he had put her through, she decided he deserved it. 

“I can see why Bucky likes it here so much.” Steve smiled softly at her. 

“Because he gets teased mercilessly?”

“I never actually said-“ Bucky tried to interrupt the pair but they maintained eye contact and ignored him almost completely. 

“Actually,” Steve grinned an award-winning grin (literally, a woman’s magazine had him on the cover) and said, “I think it’s the pretty and witty owner.”

She felt the blush crawl up her neck, making her uncomfortably hot, “That rhymed.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Bucky’s eyes were dark but he was trying to play light, “Steve’s a poet and he didn’t even know it, now if you want his number I can give it to you, or he can give it to you himself I don’t care but can I please get a slice of today’s cake?”

She laughed. “Coming up.”

She turned her back and Bucky sighed again. Steve watched him, the way his brow was furrowed as he watched her walk away. He was pouting, just a little, and he definitely didn’t realize it otherwise it would never be on show. He was pining, for the first time Steve could remember, Bucky was pining over a girl. Back in the 40s, it was always Steve pining and Bucky getting the girls but now he was scared. Steve felt almost bad for him, realizing that it must be the first time this had ever happened to him and that he must really like her. 

Steve could see the appeal, he hadn’t been lying when he called her pretty. She was in a dress that day, and even the apron over the top couldn’t hide how lovely it looked. Her hair was kept out of her face, meaning he could watch her face light up with each new customer. Yeah, Bucky had picked one hell of a girl and yet he wasn’t doing a darn thing about it. 

And Steve could tell she really liked him too. She stole glances in his direction at every opportunity she got and when she bought the ginger and orange cake over, Bucky’s piece was twice as large as everyone else’s. But she had flirted with Steve, just a little but enough to make Bucky notice, to make him jealous. 

“So are you gonna give her my number or should I do it?” Steve asked him. Bucky’s eyes darted up from his lap to meet Steve’s, searching them for something. 

“You can do it yourself, she’s only over there.” He mumbled. 

Steve raised his brows and smirked, getting up and sauntering dramatically over to the counter, knowing that Bucky’s eyes were glued to his back. If making Bucky jealous was the only way to get some sort of action from him, then so be it. She was talking to another customer but her eyes wandered over to him whilst she was still talking, her eyebrows furrowing with a questioning look in her eyes. 

“You guys need something?” She asked.

“I just thought, maybe I could give you my phone number and we could go out for dinner one night?” Steve batted his eyelids and she laughed a little. 

“Sure.” She gave him her phone to type the numbers in, dropping him a text with her name so he had. His phone pinged on the table where Bucky was sitting, earning him an extra scowl as Steve made his way back over.

________________

She was standing in the entrance way of the Avengers compound when Bucky found her. It was weird to see her outside of her place and he could tell that she was far out of her comfort zone. Her arms were wrapped around herself, as she watched all the empty space. To her, the compound was a spaceship with all of Tony and Bruce’s tech all over the place. All the books lived in tablets and the coffee came from a Nespresso machine. That out of place feeling Bucky knew better than anyone else. When he had first gotten there he was lonelier than he thought he could be. Weirdly, he found something more in that coffee shop, the one stuck in time and full of knick-knacks and comfy chairs and books on books on books. Even alone he felt more comfortable there. 

She hadn’t heard him, or seen him there. It was late and he could tell that she had just gotten back from her date with Steve. She was in a pretty green dress, and it was weird for Bucky not to see an apron covering it. She wasn’t wearing heels, which made Bucky smile. Every girl Sam bought home wore heels and he hated it. Steve never bought a girl home, and yet here she was. The realization hit Bucky in the chest, almost winding him. 

“Bucky?” She asked, bringing him out of his trance. Her face broke into a smile to see him and he matched it. Her shoulders relaxed as he made his way over to her. 

“You know you don’t have to stand in one spot for the whole night.” He quipped, going to the kitchen and opening the fridge, casting a low blue-white glow over him. 

“Steve went upstairs to get something-“

“Oh, right.”

“Yeah.” She paused. 

“Do you want some water or something?” Bucky asked. She nodded and went to take a seat at the breakfast bar. Bucky could see her more clearly. She was wearing makeup and her hair was put into place by hairspray and pins rather than a scrunchie or 3 pencils. He cleared his throat, trying to ignore the quickening of the beating in his chest. “So how’d the date go?”

She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “It-it was fine. We talked and ate pizza.” She waited for him to respond un-successfully. “We talked about you.”

Bucky’s head whipped around. “About me?”

“A lot, actually. Turns out that most of what Steve and I have in common revolves around you.” A small smile played on her lips. “I actually feel kind of bad, I spent most of the night asking about you.”

Bucky chuckled and she watched him. He was in sweatpants and his hair was up in a bun. In the darkness he was different. It was weird and somehow it was like she saw more of him. He wasn’t as guarded in this light.

“You have more in common than you’d think,” Bucky told her. “You both love to read.”

“Do you give Steve books with notes in them too?” She asked. Those two glasses of wine seemed to have given her more courage than she had thought. Bucky froze, his jaw clenching before he shook his head. 

“Why did you bring that up?” 

“Why didn’t you, James?”

He sighed. “It was a mistake.”

“Wow, thanks.”

“Not like that.” He laughed. “You’re too nice. You belong with someone like Steve.”

“But I actually like you Bucky.”

His mouth opened just a little, leaning over the breakfast bar and meeting her eyes. “You do?”

“Of course I do. I was devastated when you didn’t bring it up again. I figured you’d been on a mission and you had forgotten and I just kind of came to terms with that but yeah, I really like you! No one else gets that much cake.”

Her hands were fidgeting on the counter with nerves. Bucky put his over them, calming her and making her blush. His metal one was cool but the other one was warm. It was kind of nice. 

“I’m sorry I never bought it up again. I thought as you never did that you weren’t interested.” 

She shook her head and silence fell on them again, but it wasn’t uncomfortable, it was soft and warm like a blanket over the room. Bucky’s thumb started to graze her hands in a comforting way and the way she was looking at him with total admiration in her eyes… It was all he could do not to kiss her. 

“Hey.” Steve came into the kitchen. The pair jumped apart, Bucky retreating back to the fridge whilst she picked up her purse and started rifling through. Steve stopped dead, still dressed in his date outfit of a button down shirt and dress pants, his eyes flitting between them and a smirk appearing. Neither of them would look at him, making it all the more amusing. “Am I interrupting?” 

“No!” They both said loudly and abruptly, almost in unison. 

Steve laughed. “Did you have a chance to talk?” 

“We have nothing to talk about.” Bucky shrugged. 

“Nothing apart from your obvious feelings for one another.” Steve laughed as both she and Bucky looked at him with wide eyes and open mouths, unable to say anything. Bucky’s mouth moved up and down like a fish but no none came out. “I’m sorry Buck, I had to take her out to make you jealous, it was the only way you were gonna do anything about it.” 

“Harsh but true.” She agreed. Bucky threw her a dirty look as Steve continued. 

“I’ve already booked you a table for tomorrow night, by the way, no need to thank me.”

“Steve!” Bucky snapped. 

“I said no thanks, but really, you’re welcome.” He laughed. “Now I’m going to bed but I hear there’s a great little coffee shop in Manhattan that sometimes is open late. It’s just above a comic book store, maybe you should go and check it out.” 

“Very funny.” She said but she gave Steve a quick hug before he left, whispering, “Thank you” in his ear and earning herself a wink. 

And then they were alone in the kitchen once again. 

“Did you want to go grab a coffee?” Bucky asked her nervously, his hands in his pockets and his eyes on the floor. “I can go throw on some jeans? There’s a nice place just around the corner from here that’s open 24 hours.”

She nodded, taking the warm hand he offered her.

“Wait!” She said, making him stop suddenly. She took a deep breath and leaned in kissing him gently. It was nervous and sweet and Bucky couldn’t even seem to finish the kiss properly from smiling. “Sorry I’ve waited months for that I just-“

And then he was kissing her again, more deeply and wonderfully, lifting her up and sweeping her up off of her feet. 

“You know we have coffee here? And Tony has a private cinema?” He mumbled up against her lips. 

“Popcorn?” 

“There’s some in Sam’s cupboard.” He said. 

“Perfect.” She smiled, her forehead meeting his and feeling truly, utterly and perfectly content with the man whose arms she was wrapped up in. 

[megalony]

Roger’s girl- A little better

Another one of my single dad Roger fics.

Enjoy.

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

Kneeling in front of one of the various boxes he had about the flat Roger tore at the tape keeping it packaged together, hands flinging the sides open so he could rummage around and see if his spare cymbals were indeed in this box or not. Hands clattering around with the few other drum equipment he had managed to pack up and bring down in the van, a sigh leaving his lips when he finally found the right box after about ten minutes of trying to sort through the various ones that cluttered his flat that was about as big as a shoe. His relief was short lived when a small wail rattled through the apartment. Letting go of the cymbals allowing them to fall back down with a clang into the box Roger sighed, pushing himself up with a struggle before turning around and making his way to his room. "Alright, baby I'm comin'." He hushed, opening the door and jogging in with his eyes glancing around the floor to make sure that he didn't trip over anything as he did so. The bedroom was very small to the point that Roger couldn't even class it as cosy because it was bordering on claustrophobic. There was barely enough room for the mattress he had dumped on the floor without bothering to buy a bed frame because it was too much money wasted when he could just sleep on the mattress on the floor. Then he had to fit his wardrobe in the corner of the room nearest to the window because he couldn't dump the black bags of clothing on the floor as it would take too long to search through when they had a gig to perform.

Then there was the cot he needed to put under the window that was right next to the mattress which in all fairness was handy. Roger couldn't put Lily-May's cot in the spare room because it was too hard to have to go and see to her every two hours when really he could have her right next to him in here and rest her on his chest to coax her back to sleep which worked wonders. Plus he needed his drums handy and there was no room for them in the living room and he couldn't pack them away because they did so many gigs for the rent that it would be too much time wasted. So he dumped them in the spare room to be hauled out and into the van, not bothering to put them up because he couldn't play them with Lily in the apartment as she was usually sleeping or the noise upset her since she was only eight months old. "I'm here darlin'." He cooed, leaning over and gently scooping her up into his arms, holding her to his chest as she instantly reached to hold on to his hair which was a fascination of hers recently. Turning to look down Roger lowered himself to the mattress, having learnt the lesson after simply trying to sit down without looking once and going further than he expected. That had knackered his back out and he wasn't doing that again, especially not when he was holding Lily which thankfully he wasn't before. Sitting down Roger looked down at his little girl, seeing a few tears staining her slightly reddened cheeks that were warm to the touch as another cry left her lips. Moving one hand he gently pressed his index finger to her gums, first the top and then the bottom gums to try and see if she was teething like his mother had suggested the other day on the phone. His expression falling at feeling she was. Now he understood why she was suddenly so upset. Lily was a fairly quiet baby, she cried when she needed feeding or changing or if she wanted Roger's attention but as soon as he held her she went quiet seemingly satisfied which he was thankful for. It let him know that he must be doing something right since he had practically eloped with her about two months ago now. Leaning his head against her own delicately he swayed them side to side, trying to give some comfort because there was nothing he could do. He had already given her some baby medicine about half an hour ago so another dose wouldn't be the best idea right now. "My poor baby, come on I've got an idea." He stated gently as if she could understand what he was saying to her. Moving one hand to rest on the bed he pushed himself to his feet slowly, feeling his back snapping into place making him cringe but also feel the tension release. He hushed her gently when another whimper left her lips before a cry, her eyes closing as she pulled on his hair which he simply ignored for the time being. Walking down the mini corridor he went to the kitchen, bending down in front of the freezer remembering the idea he had had earlier in the morning. Pulling out the rattle he had placed in their earlier for this very occasion. Shutting the freezer Roger rounded the kitchen counter, walking the minimal distance over to the sofa before sitting down and leaning back into the cushions, relaxing as he did so. Looking down to the girl in his arms he gently pressed the rattle to her lips prompting her to bite on it like she usually did. Her nimble fingers letting his hair go, coming up to hold it herself as he cries suddenly ceased, all attention focusing on the toy she had been given which was soothing to her reddened gums that were inflamed. A relieved kind of look passing on her features as the tears soon stopped falling, her head resting on Roger's stomach when he sat her on his knee, arm around her back to support her against him. His eyes closing as she seemed content now. "There we go, baby." He mumbled, knowing he wasn't going to sleep but relished in the feeling of being able to relax for a few minutes. "Oh I know, it hurts don't it?" Roger cooed, hand rubbing up and down her stomach when she seemed to let out a wail around the rattle she was trying to stuff into her mouth to alleviate the pain she was feeling. Forcing his eyes open Roger let out a sigh before sitting up straighter, bouncing Lily on his knee as he remembered the unopened letters he left on the coffee table this morning from the post. His lips pressed to the back of her head as he used one hand to grab the pile of letters and force them open, racking inside the envelope to pull out the papers and scan through them. Realising he needed to wear his glasses more, his vision was getting worse. "Is that better now darling?" He whispered, seeing she seemed to have calmed down, tears still sticking to her face but she was breathing a little better than before and seemed like the cool was aiding her gums. Looking back to the letters Roger threw each of them back on the table when he opened them, sighing as he did so. There was only one thing Roger could think of doing that would somehow help the situation and make it easier. Walking out of his old flat with babe in arms hadn't been the best decision since Roger wasn't financially stable but he couldn't stay and he couldn't leave Lily either so leaving with her was the only option. Lily was in danger without Roger there to protect her and he couldn't stay in a relationship that was toxic to both him and his daughter. But when he was in that relationship there had been two wages coming in to pay for the flat and everything the three of them had needed. Now there was the market job Roger had with Freddie and any gigs they could get as well as the odd jobs he could find to allow him to pay the rent on the apartment he had managed to secure, pay for the food for him and Lily, make sure they had clothing and heating. And then he had to pay to make sure his drums were mended or in good enough conditions to play because no one else could do that and he needed his drums for his job. Now he was two weeks behind on the rent and he couldn't lose this place. If he did he would have to take Lily to Cornwall where parents lived and then bunk down with some university friends he stayed with before he had Lily. Not only could he not bear to be apart from his daughter he didn't want to have to go back to those ways. To flat surfing which he and Freddie had to do al the time when they didn't have a place of their own, hoping any friend close by would allow them in. All of them had had to have more than five people to a flat with about three or four to a room and two on the sofa. When he was expecting Lily he and his ex got a flat of their own that was sufficient for the three of them. When Roger had to leave Brian had immediately taken him in with Lily too until he could get the flat. And now it seemed he couldn't hold this down. His money was divided up whenever he got it, he put a little aside for the rent and then some for the heating and electric and then made sure he had enough for food and then he had to have petty cash handy for fuel when they made long journeys to gigs. The rent money simply had to be lowered at times when he needed things like medicine for both him and Lily and then, of course, he had to put money aside for babysitting. Roger couldn't have been more grateful the girl upstairs looked after Lily when needed for a lot cheaper than some of the other people he knew would. The only plus side about having to work a lot was he could take Lily down to the market, people were willing to pay his and Freddie's extortionist prices when they realised Roger was working to provide for his daughter. But he really needed this flat. He had had to make sure when he got a place that it was in a different area of London that was both close enough to the band for gigs but then away from his old flat near his ex. Roger wasn't about to be walking down the street with Lily and have his ex turning up and starting a fight. This was perfect because it was out the way of her, not too dangerous that he would get mugged or worse and it was close enough to the boys that they could pick him up for gigs. And he was close to the market too for the three days a week he and Freddie worked there. The only option Roger could think of that would help right now was asking Freddie if he would consider lodging in the flat with him. There was a single mattress in the spare room and Freddie was no stranger to a simple mattress on the floor. Currently, Roger knew Freddie was lodging with quite a few others he knew down Kensington street which wasn't too far from Roger and he knew the singer didn't like it. They were people who liked to do drugs and excessively drink and Freddie didn't like so many people harbouring in the flat especially when they had girls over to stay. Roger's flat wasn't like that. It was cramped from his things being boxed up and his drums he stuffed in the room but he could easily put those in the van instead. Freddie knew of Lily and he was fond of her, so Roger was hoping he would agree to stay. The drummer couldn't ask his other friends or bandmates because Brian already had a flat and so did John and they didn't need a roommate either. Roger's other friends couldn't stay with him because of Lily, he knew they would be likely to bring girls back and he didn't want that with Lily in the flat and he honestly couldn't say he trusted them enough to have them around his daughter every day. They smoked and did drugs and he wouldn't allow that so Freddie was his only option. Hearing a persistent knocking on the door Roger turned Lily around in his arms, holding her to his shoulder as she leant her head against his, content in his arms as he got to his feet and walked towards the door. A sigh leaving his lips when he saw it was, in fact, the band who had turned up earlier to help load the drums into the van. "Ooh, there she is! Hand her over Roger darling." Freddie insisted, clapping his hands before reaching out for the baby girl whose eyes seemed to sparkle when she saw the singer in all his glory. Necklaces hanging from his neck rings on almost every finger and bracelets clinging to his wrists. His hair curled under at the ends and full of lacker as a gleaming smile lit up his face. He was always so eager to hold her, all the boys considered her a niece to them due to how close they all were to Roger and each other. Freddie especially wanted to hold her now because it meant he didn't have to haul any of the drums down the stairs to the van. Gently handing Lily to Freddie Roger nodded his head to Brian and John who knew where the drums were kept. "Careful, she's teething and the rattle's been in the freezer." He commented before going back to the box he opened earlier and grabbing the spare cymbals since his others needed a cleanup and a sort out. Going into the spare room and taking the bass drum as the others managed to grab all the equipment between them. Each hauling it out of the flat and heading down the stairs, thankful Roger was only on the second floor meaning they didn't have to walk as far since the lift was currently broken. Dragging themselves back up the stairs the three of them headed back into the flat knowing they had about ten minutes before they needed to go and the babysitter would have arrived. All seeing Freddie was walking around the small space that was limited even more by Roger's things still in either boxes or black bags that he hadn't bothered to unpack properly yet. Lily gurgling away in his arms as he talked to her like she understood and was talking back. "Can I?" Brian questioned, not even asking Roger simply looking at Freddie knowing the drummer wouldn't object. The guitarist always loved to hold it over the other two uncles that he was the one Lily- May was named after since he was one of Roger's oldest friends and was there for him when he had her. Knowing the kind of toxic relationship the drummer had with his ex. Taking her into his arms Brian smiled, bouncing her in the air for a few seconds before sitting on the sofa beside John who tickled Lily's stomach. Leaning over to interact with her as well. Seeing this as the opportunity he needed Roger walked over to Freddie, beckoning him over as he rounded the counter and stood in the small space the kitchen allowed. "I need to ask a big favour." Roger stated, knowing it was better to come out with it rather than tiptoe around the subject or build up to it. His statement taking Freddie by surprise though he was intrigued nonetheless. "Oh?" "I kind of need a lodger, someone to take the spare room I guess cause I can't keep up the payments on this place and pay for everything else and I need this flat." Roger bit his bottom lip as he looked pleadingly at his friend. He didn't want to guilt trip Freddie into staying with him nor did he want to force him to if he felt it was too awkward to stay with Roger and his daughter. He wasn't asking for money or some kind of loan either, he would never do that he made his own way in the world but he was struggling and he did need help. "Perfect! When can I move in?" The excitement and instance of Freddie's response took Roger by surprise. "Y-you'll.. seriously?" Freddie knew it must be hard for Roger on his own with Lily and with the kind of jobs he had to do for rent he would be surprised if he wasn't in money trouble. Also knowing Roger's family were too far away for him to stay with and continue being in the band and working in the market. He would much rather stay with Roger than be in an overcrowded flat like he was at the moment. "Of course I will. This place needs my magic touch and there are much fewer people staying here than my place. Besides, I can look after Lily with you this way and see her more, I'll definitely be her favourite uncle from now on." The mischevious look on Freddie's face made Roger laugh as he clasped the singer on the back, hugging him briefly as a thank you. "I can't thank you enough Fred. Now, Bri where's my girl?" He smiled before turning his attention to the guitarist, walking over with his arms out in front of him expectingly. Wanting his daughter back having been separated from her for long enough now. Things might actually be looking a little better for once.