#he took his boots off and lounged on the bed like a french girl and i forgot what i was doing

[andy-clutterbuck]

Warning Signs | 9x03

[forevercaroline]

Forbes chapter 1

This is a spin off of beautiful dirty rich another fic I have. I didn’t expect this first chapter to be so long but it is this is also an au. Tagging @misssophiachase, @caritobear, @crazychicke, @bearolle24, @infernal-panda, @walter-boswell428 , @karinanic, @austennerdita2533

Xxx

The forbes are the cousins of the Salvatore family one of the richest families in the world the mother’s side of the family. Where as they live in New York City the forbes reside in Bel Air California. They live in a beautiful fairy tale like gated estate with views of the Pacific Ocean and downtown Los Angeles.

Lexi Forbes wakes up in her big bedroom with white walls, a purple egg shaped chair in corner that has pillows on it, sun shining through her window above the window seat she has blankets and pillows on. After a shower in her en-suite bathroom she sits down at her vanity table and after she’s finished doing her hair which she has her long blonde hair wavy and flowing down her back and makeup which she keeps simple. She picks out a pair of teal skinny jeans a white tank top and a grey sweater with tan knee high stiletto boots and a white and tan purse. She has matched it with tan sunglasses and her rose gold diamond choker her mom gave her and a couple rings.

As she enters the breakfast room which is smaller then the dinning room. The breakfast room has double doors to go out to the front lawns. The quaint room is yellow, with flowers painted on the walls and fresh flowers in a vase on the table. Her mother designed their many homes.

She kisses her father on the cheek as she sits down next to him, Sabine a member of their staff at the mansion brings her a bowl of raspberries, strawberries and watermelon. “What are you doing today dad?”

Peter Hale Forbes has sharp cheek bones that would cut glass, his short but volumed brown hair is always styled. He always looks incredible and wears a lot of v necks. Today he has on a grey v neck and a pair of fitted jeans. Their wealth comes from his hotel’s but also the Forbes family comes from old money making 19 year old Lexi an heiress. “I’m going to check in on the hotels.”

As Lexi is bringing the last piece of fruit in the bowl a piece of watermelon to her mouth she asks, “Is your friend coming over today?”

Peter raises an eyebrow how does Lexi know about her he’s been so careful only bringing her around while Lexi was at school or out for a extended amount of time. He looks away from his breakfast of fruit; watermelon, blueberries, peaches and mango’s. “What friend are you referring too?”

Lexi pulls a orange cheetah print bra out of her purse. “The friend this belongs too, I know its not mine. The only other teenage girl here is Greta but since she’s in high school and works for us I doubt she’s helping her mom clean the mansion in cheetah print lingerie, nor any of the staff.”

Peter grabs the bra out of his daughters hand and puts it on the other side of him on the table. “Where did you find this?”

“Outside your suite couldn’t even wait till you got inside the first set of double doors. I didn’t find it Aiden did. He found it the day before we left for New York City and there was no time to bring it up then and when we got back they came with so now is the perfect time. That day I needed to finish packing and Aiden and Ethan came up with me, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye and it was that.”

Peter closes his eyes and puts his head in his hands. He knew he had to have this conversation with her eventually but he didn’t think it would be this soon. “I miss your mom everyday, But I have to learn to move on. I have been seeing a women named Alexis she beautiful, eclectic, fun I enjoy her. “

“Dad mom’s been dead for almost five years I miss her too I don’t think mom would be mad at you for moving on. I’m glad you have someone.”

As Lexi gets up Peter adds. “I forgot to mention Alexis is a escort, I don’t pay her for her time it’s not like that. There is actual feeling on both sides.”

Lexi closes her eyes and bites her lip. She knew there was a woman but she never thought there was actual feelings which she knows is wrong of her. She remembers when her grandmother Cece’s new boyfriend who is only 11 years older then her showed up a couple weeks ago and Cece introduced everyone to him that took awhile to get over, some of the grandchildren are still not over it. “I hope to meet her one day.” She leaves a kiss on her dads cheek. “I’m going to school see you later.”

Xxx

Before Lexi can leave she has to go get her two best friends identical twins Aiden and Ethan who live in their guest house but Lexi knows they like to take a morning swim.

So coming into the backyard from the kitchen she goes down the stairs off the Balcony. There is a little sitting area at the top of a slope which has long steps and water cascading in between the two staircases at the bottom of the slope there is a fountain surrounded by statues of the four seasons in their own alcove. To the right there is a bush/pathway to the pool which has a glass bottom. The 75 foot size pool is in the middle with potted trees on the sides. A table off to the side with an umbrella and chairs surrounding it, on the other side of the pool there are lounge chairs. Behind the pool is the pool house/dome.

The pool house/dome is practically another house, Its three floors. Before her mom died they would have pool parties all the time. The pool house lounge level always had drunk happy party people coming in and out of it, teen and adults alike.

The first floor is a living area is simple from the plain white and brown stripes of the wallpaper to the tan furniture. Her mom always said nobody will be looking at the walls when they enter this place. The white French style windows letting in the morning light over the navy blue curved couch underneath it with the red, white and blue striped pillows. The cushions of the couch have been washed so many times the blue has faded.

On the opposite side of the room is a fully stocked circular bar. In the middle of the room there is a tan matching table and chairs that seats eight people. Off to the side there is a door to a kitchen. Opposite the kitchen there is a doorway to a full changing room with lockers, and a floor to ceiling mirror.

When you walk into the living area the smell of popcorn and chlorine fill the air popcorn from the home theater with concession stand upstairs and chlorine from the indoor pool downstairs it never bothers anyone since they are so busy doing other stuff.

Her heels echo through the enclosed spiral staircase as she descends down to the lower level and opens the glass door to come into the indoor pool/jacuzzi room. All the rooms in the lower level have glass doors except for the sauna which has a wooden almost bamboo like door.

Aiden and Ethan are identical they are both lean and muscular and are of medium stature not only do they look alike but they have the same short reddish brown haircut which the sides of their hair are shaved shorter then the top of their hair but only by inches. Ethan is slightly taller then Aiden. They are currently in the indoor pool seeing who can do more laps. They are to occupied in competing with each other that they don’t notice Lexi. The main house and the dome are the only two homes on the estate that have spiral staircases.

Lexi, Aiden and Ethan have been best friends since they were two. Their moms were friends and Lexi’s mom had invited the twins mom over one day and she brought her two year old twins and the three have been inseparable ever since.

“Get out of the pool time for school.”

Both twins say at the same time. “Aww but mom.”

All three laugh. “You know how we all laughed when Aiden found that bra and joked my dad had a hooker.

They nod as Ethan is climb himself up out of the pool and Aiden is floating on his back to the side to get out. “Well turns out not a joke my dads been seeing a hooker named Alexis but not in a sexual payment way. There’s feelings involved. I just don’t know how to feel.”

“Aww honey we’re there for you whatever you need.”

“Yeah hon you can always stay with us in the guest house.”

Lexi smiles at them they can always make her feel better. “Thanks guys.”

Xxx

Beautiful red haired insanely smart and very social 19 year old Lydia Martin is awoken by her phone ringing. As she slides a hand out from underneath the covers and cracks an eye open to read the text from her best friend Allison Argent “Where are you? You didn’t come home last night.”

She notices the time out of the corner of her eye and her eyes widen and she quickly sits up waking the guy in bed next to her.

“Oh my god is that time I have to go.”

Lydia scrambles around his bedroom looking for her clothes from last night. As she is zipping up her ankle booties she leans back and kisses the guy in bed on the lips. “Last night was fun see you later.”

The twenty four year old brunette watches as Lydia hurries out of his apartment.

Xxx

“I had an idea.”

Lexi cuts Aiden off. “Aiden I love you I really do you and Ethan are the brothers I never had but because of your idea’s the police know where we live.”

“True but hear me out.”

Lexi pulls up to a stop sign and looks to Ethan who has the apprehension look on his face too. They both turn to look at Aiden in the backseat of the hot pink lamborghini convertible Lexi got for an eighteenth birthday present before she was driving a black Ferrari. Lexi has a couple different luxury cars and all of them are different colors. “Ok Aiden what is your idea?”

“We throw a party at the end of the year one last bash before summer.”

“Way to go Aiden you finally had a good idea.” Ethan leans back and hits his brother in the leg. Which earns him Aiden sticking his tongue out at his brother and Ethan laughing.

As the stop light turns green Lexi asks. “And where would we be having this party, I doubt there are many abandoned warehouses in Bel Air and our home yes it’s gorgeous but there are not many open area’s for people to party besides the pool.”

Aiden looks up into the rear view mirror and Lexi notices him. “I know what your thinking and I doubt people would drive a little over an hour to Montecito for a party. Even if our home there would be big enough.”

“Its a black light party and the night club would be perfect for it.”

As Lexi is pulling into a her spot behind the Kappa Kappa Gamma house on sorority row at UCLA she tells them. “I’ll ask my dad for the keys no promises he said he’s going to be out today so I might have to steal them. I love that home but it doesn’t get used often which is a shame its very beautiful.”

“All your family homes are beautiful.”

“Why are we at Kappa?”

It’s to early for anyone to be coming in and out of the house. Lexi mainly lives at the Forbes estate but some nights she spends at the sorority house. She loves being a kappa and with her friends but with the good comes the bad. “I left some lip liner here and I was looking for it this morning. See you later in psych.”

Xxx

The Kappa house is styled like an old Tuscany villa. As she is coming down the hallway from the kitchen to the stairs the front door opens and Lydia quietly comes in wearing the clothes she had on yesterday a red floral mock mini dress and black heels

Both girls hear voices calling them. One from the living room and one from the stairs.

Isaac Lahey who is tall with a lean and muscular build and dirty blonde hair that is slightly curly, and large deep set blue eyes. He is sitting in the living room in kappa waiting for his friend Erica Reyes to finish getting ready so they can go to class when Lexi walks past. Isaac has only been in America for six months and since Erica introduced him to Lexi Forbes he has thought she was so beautiful.

“Lexi hi.”

Lexi turns towards the living room and smiles at him, “Isaac are you waiting for Erica? I have to go upstairs anyway I’ll see what’s taking so long.”

Allison Argent and Malia Tate has come down the stairs and noticed Lydia just coming home. “Lydia spill, your still wearing the same clothes from last night.”

“Lydia Martin smartest women in the house is doing the walk of shame I’m so proud of you.”

Lexi puts arm around lydia’s shoulders as Lydia tells her friends. “It’s not a walk of shame and if you must know I maybe seeing someone. That is all the information I’m giving now I have to change I have class in fifteen minutes.”

Lexi opens her door to see her roommate Erica Reyes who is tall, lean and beautiful with light blonde hair and large brown eyes putting on her signature cheetah print pumps. “Isaac is downstairs, is it just me or did he get hotter?”

Erica flips her light blonde hair out from underneath her black leather jacket. ‘It’s just you, maybe you should ask him out?”

Lexi looks at her through the mirror as she puts on her pink lip liner. “Maybe I will.”

Xxx

Later that morning Lexi sits between Aiden and Ethan in psychology. “I’m going to go back to the estate for lunch and see if my dads there and get the keys to the Montecito home.”

Lydia walks past them to her seat with Allison and Malia next to her Aiden leans forward and calls out to them. “Hi Lydia.”

Lydia looks back at them and raises an eyebrow. “The answer is still no.”

Lexi and Ethan laugh. Ever since Aiden met Lydia he has asked her out multiple times and every time she has rejected him. “What is that now 112?”

“No I think it’s closer to 174. We should of kept a tally.”

Aiden glares back at his best friend and twin brother. Erica walks past them and Lexi leans over and whispers in Aiden’s ear. “Since Lydia is never going to say yes, she came into Kappa this morning doing a walk of shame. Rumor has it she is having a fling with one of the campus security guards Jordan Parrish. Maybe ask Erica out you know she’s been a little down since Stiles left for Quantico.”

He raises an eyebrow as he looks at Erica laugh at something Boyd said.

A couple minutes into class the professor has not shown up, “ If the professor doesn’t show up we’re leaving.”

Ethan leans over to his brother. “If he doesn’t show up want to go for coffee.”

Aiden nods and they both look at Lexi.“Someone rushed us out of the house this morning before we could grab anything for breakfast.”

“Not my fault you decided to go for competition rounds this morning instead of your usual fifty.”

As everyone is getting up to leave a handsome guy in tan pants, and a long white sleeve shirt comes in. “I’m your new professor, your last professor has had a mental breakdown so I will be taking over my name is Derek Hale.”

Allison leans over to Lydia. “He’s cute.”

Lydia shrugs her shoulders.

Ethan leans over to Lexi, “He is cute.”

“I think his mom is my business professor. Plus don’t you think your hands full with Jackson and Danny.”

He runs a finger down her nose. “Don’t be jealous.”

She scrunches up her face at him.

Jackson who is sitting next to Danny a couple rows in front of them looks behind him and spots Ethan they share a smile.

Xxx

Lexi pulls her car into the car gallery she notices all her father’s cars are here so he hasn’t left yet. Off of the car gallery is the temperature controlled wine room and an elevator. The elevator takes her up to the bedrooms level of the mansion which is the second floor. Her dad has the biggest bedroom on the floor. On a daily basis only two of the eleven bedrooms get used.

Peter Forbes’ bedroom has two sets of double doors, the first set opens up to a little hallway with a private elevator that almost never gets used, and extra shelving. The second set of doors opens up into the bedroom across from double doors are three sets of double doors to go out to a balcony. The amount of natural light coming into the room makes the black silk sheets shine. Across from the bed is a marble two sided fireplace and tv. On each side of the marble is a black bench.

As Lexi’s perfectly painted purple sparkly nails wrap around the first set of door knobs her phone rings with one hand she reaches in her back pocket and grabs her phone while turning the knob. It’s a text from Isaac. ‘My next class is not for another two hours I was wondering if you wanted to grab lunch or coffee.’

‘I’m not on campus right now but will be back soon I’d love to do lunch or coffee. I’ll text you when I get back.’

She is focused on her phone when she opens the second set of doors and walks into her fathers room. “Hey dad. The keys to the-“ Lexi finishes her text and puts her phone back in her pocket. “Oh my god.”

The black silk sheets are all messed up because her father is on top of a brunette very pretty woman who she assumes is Alexis and thrusting into her.

Lexi looks up to the ceiling. “Put some clothes on. I have a simple question, I’ll just wait downstairs.” As she is walking backwards she announces. “Nice to meet you Alexis.”

“Door.” As Peter is rolling off her and pulling the sheet over both of them.

Lexi nods but to late she hits the side with her back. “I’m ok.”

Xxx

Peter scrambles out of his bed and grabs his jeans. He finds his daughter in her room throwing clothes in a bag. “What are doing?”

“I can’t sleep here tonight, I also can’t get the image of you thrusting into that woman out of my head.”

“Her name is Alexis, and when I told you about her this morning you didn’t seem to have any problems and you were nice just now to her.”

Lexi turns back to her father who never did grab a shirt so he’s in fitted blue jeans and nothing else. “I was faking it. I had other things on my mind when you told me. Thankfully my business class is in the morning because there is no way I would of focused on that test after this. I’m tempted to skip my afternoon class I’m so traumatized but I have a coffee date and I drove Ethan and Aiden so I can’t.”

Peter rubs his forehead this family can be so dramatic. The whole family the whole Forbes/Salvatore family is one big rich dramatic family. “This is not how I wanted this to go. Also where are you going to sleep?”

“I’ll sleep at the sorority house or the guest house. What do you mean you never wanted it to go this way. How did you want this to go?”

Peter is leaning against the wall just inside her bedroom with his arms crossed and his toned physic on display. “Eventually I wanted to invite her over and have you two meet. Did you only have morning classes?’

Lexi is still in her big walk in closet where her clothes are sorted into sections of party clothes, tops, pants/skirts/shorts, dresses, sweaters/jackets. The back wall is just one big shoe rack with heels, wedges, boots. All her jewelry is in the glass top island in the middle of the closet. Her belts are hung up on each side of the shoe wall.

“No my next class is not till 1:30 I need the keys to the Montecito home we were thinking of throwing a end of the year beginning of the summer party.”

“We meaning Aiden?”

Lexi nods, “We meaning Aiden had the idea but after telling us Ethan and I thought it was a good idea. A black light party in the night club would be perfect. Think about it live band on the polo field black light party in the nightclub. Plus the home does not get used enough to this party would really show the home some love.”

“I don’t like that this was Aiden’s idea, let’s hope this does not end with the Montecito police being called. The keys are in my office. What is it about Alexis you do not like.”

She turns back to her dad she can’t believe this question she barely knows the woman. “Other then the fact that I hardly know her and then see her getting rammed by my dad. She looks a couple years older then me and our names are similar.”

“She’s twenty six almost twenty seven I didn’t even realize the name thing.”

Lexi picks up her bag and as she is leaving she notes. “Why is this a theme in this family Cece cougar is with Chris who is thirty, you and Alexis who twenty six and a half, and Uncle Sawyer who has had sex with a hooker too.... Maybe the same one.”

Lexi gets halfway down the stairs when Peter calls after her. “We are not done with this get back here.”

The blonde turns around on the white with black and brown fabric spiral staircase. Her father is coming down to meet her. The light is shining on them through the three windows on the side of the stairs and there is a chandelier hanging from the cathedral high ceiling of the white marble grand foyer showering the grand foyer in natural light.

“I’m not a cougar like Cece, Alexis and I there is a relationship there. You know not to bring up Uncle Sawyer. Plus for us to have the same woman he would have to stay in the same place for more then a few days.”

“He’s been in Europe for a while, can you blame him for not wanting to come to America his money was withheld from him and he was in that plane crash. Are you forgetting Alexis is a hooker she sleeps with men for money and makes them feel good about themselves while she does. I do not want you to get hurt when you realize this.”

While the two forbes are on the stairs having this conversation their staff is busing around the estate some are cleaning, some are making food but nobody wants to go into the foyer.

Peter puts a hand on his daughters upper arm it’s just been the two of them for almost five years. No matter how old Lexi is she is always going to care and want to protect her dads feelings. His wife and her mom’s death hit them both hard.

“She’s an escort she is not just playing me. I know what I’m doing.”

Lexi nods. “Why couldn’t you decide to sleep with the sorority house mom Melissa or anyone else.”

Peter laughs “You know us forbes we don’t fall for the boy or girl next door.”

“True Aunt Liz is dating a drug kingpin.”

“That wedding when it happens will be interesting.”

XXX

Erica, Lydia, Allison and Malia are walking Greek row back to the house when they see campus patrol officer Jordan Parrish, young twenty four brunette Parrish. “Good after noon ladies. Miss Martin I found this on the ground and was wondering if it was yours?”

Parrish holds out a gold bracelet that Lydia was wearing last night as she takes it they share a smile. Alison Erica and Malia are watching this and once Parrish walks past them all three girls look at the red head. “Oh my god you and Jordan Parrish.”

“ Scandalous.”

“He’s hot.”

Lydia puts a finger up to her lips “Will you please keep it down.” They are passing Kappa Kappa Theta who tries to compete with Kappa Kappa Gamma. They do not need the president of Theta Hayden Romeo knowing this piece of gossip to use against Lydia and Gamma.

Once they get past Theta Lydia keeping her voice down tells her friends “Yes I’ve been seeing Jordan Parrish. “

All three girls get a text from their house mother Melissa McCall. “House meeting 3’o’clock.”

Kira is in Japanese history when her phone vibrates.

Xxx

Peter runs a hand through his hair before he returns to his bedroom expecting to find Alexis waiting for him in bed but the bed is empty, he glances in his big walk in closet his side is full of clothes his wife’s side is empty. A year after her death Lexi and him mustered up the courage to clean out her side of the closet they sold of the clothes but kept most of it and is now in storage.

He finds Alexis in his big en-suite bathroom she is in his bathtub which is full of bubbles. He bends down next to her. “I’m sorry about that earlier.”

She smiles at him and cups his chin with her hand which is dripping water on the floor. “Usually it’s the wife that walks in this is the first time a daughter has walked in on me.”

“How would you like to meet her?”

Her eyes widen and she drops all flirtation. “Excuse me she just walked in on us and you want the three of us to have a sit down dinner family style.”

Peter lets out a sigh and reaches out to push back a piece of her brunette hair behind her ear. “Of course not but maybe a actual meeting where nobody is caught having sex.”

Alexis puts her hand on her chin on the side of the porcelain tub. “She is not going to accept me. I doubt she will even take me serious I’m an escort who is dating her father.”

Xxx

While driving back to campus Lexi is tapping her finger against the stirring wheel, her phone rings but she’s busy driving so she doesn’t answer. When she gets back to Campus and meets Isaac at one of the coffee carts and after they get their coffee’s they both get French vanilla Frappuccino’s.

They sit down and while Isaac is talking about how he loves California he misses London Lexi is tapping her finger against the cup. “Are you ok?”

His voice pulls her out the trance she was in while he was talking she didn’t mean for it to happen. “Huh... oh yeah just a lot on my mind and Ethan and Aiden have a class I can’t tell them.”

Isaac feels bad for the sad blonde in front of him he likes her and he wishes she would confine in him. “Maybe I can help.”

She smiles at him it’s sweet he is offering to help her. “ Thanks maybe another time I will take a hug if your offering.”

They stand up and Isaac wraps his arms around her and she snuggles her head into his neck and he can feel her breath of relief during their hug.

Xxx

As Peter is walking her to the door something has been bugging him since Lexi mentioned he knows she brought it up tp hurt him but he has to know. “By any chance have you ever been with a tall, attractive I guess, super annoying, egocentric, has nicknames for everyone, blonde shaggy hair, wears leather jackets or button up shirts, probably conned you out of some money guy named Sawyer?”

Alexis stops at the front door and thinks about it everyone before Peter was a one and done. Peter is the first where they come back to each other and she enjoys him. “I don’t think so why do you know a Sawyer?”

Peter smirks as he open the door but she doesn’t see. “No.”

Xxx

House meeting always take place in the living room. There is a very open living layout of the house. There is a fireplace which is not used often since California and two couches with a table between them. There are a few chairs in the room too, two in front of the windows and one on the other side of the room in the corner. Above the fireplace there a photo of everyone in the house in front of the house.Lexi and Erica are always next to each other during house meetings and usually leaning against the pillars on each side of the entrance of the living room. Allison and Lydia are sitting in the chairs in front of the windows and the other girls are filling into the room. When everyone is there house mom Melissa McCall who is a mom to all the young ladies in the house but also a trained nurse and helps out in the hospital part of the school. Her long brown curly hair is dangling over her shoulders as she addresses all the ladies.

“Friday night is movie night and our annual sisters retreat is coming up where do you girls want to go.”

“Vegas.” Malia looks down at Lydia since Malia is sitting on the arm of her chair. “We all know she wants to go to Vegas to gamble.” Lydia nods.

“Mexico.”

Melissa looks over at the two girls sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace, “Not twenty one and let’s keep it in America.”

“Aspen.”

“Who knows how to ski or snowboard.”

Half of the girls raise their hands including Lexi, Erica, Allison, Lydia and Malia and her roommate Kira.

Erica leans over to Lexi and whispers. “I remember the last time we went to aspen us, the twins and your parents for winter break. We had so much fun.”

Lexi smiles at the memory then gets sad because that was their last winter with her mom. “We did have a lot of fun. My dad is thinking of selling the place since we haven’t been there in a while.”

“Aspen it is, Now does anyone have any homes in Aspen or are we staying in a hotel?”

Most of the girls look up at Lexi. Some of the girls are jealous that Lexi has so much money and can have anything she wants on the outside looking in her life looks perfect little do they know her life is more dramatic then perfect. Her life may not be as dramatic as her cousins in New York City but she still deals with dramatic moments.

Melissa notices the young ladies look at Lexi. She’s heard their snide comments about Lexi, Melissa is privy to all the gossip in the house. As house mother Melissa is to care for these ladies and she treats them like her children. She also has a son who goes to UCLA Scott when he drops by the house sometimes the younger ladies of the house go crazy and surround him.

“Meeting dismissed. Lexi can I speak with you for a moment.”

Erica and Lexi share a look they both know what Melissa wants to ask her.

Xxx

Peter’s black Shelby 1000 Cobra pulls up outside his hotel and the valet take the keys and park it while he goes in and and makes sure everything is still running smoothly.

Xxx

Aiden and Ethan have been waiting behind Kappa for Lexi for almost fifteen minutes when she comes out. “What was going on in there and why do you have a duffel bag in the backseat?”

“House meeting were going to Aspen and guess where everyone is staying if you guessed our home you are correct.”

Ethan and Aiden share a look of worry as the doors unlock and they get in. Sure they could of got in before the doors were unlocked its a convertible and there is no hood but they are respectful of the Forbes family.

Lexi pulls up to a stoplight on sunset strip and her fingers are tapping on the steering wheel. The light turns green and she does not drive Aiden who is in the backseat looks behind them at a car and before the car can honk he waves his hand for the car to go around them. Ethan leans over and puts a hand on Lexi’s shoulder. “Are you ok hon.”

That touch of familiarity brings her out of her haze, “Huh oh right um.” She goes to put the car in park and Ethan puts a hand over hers. “I don’t know what’s wrong but before we get into an accident or someone flips us off I’m driving.”

Lexi does get to pull the car off to the side so they are not in the road. Ethan gets in the driver seat while Lexi is in the passengers seat and Aiden slides over so he’s behind the passengers seat then behind the driver seat.

Aiden slides his hands on each of the head rest and massages Lexi’s shoulders while she puts her head on the headrest and closes her eyes. Ethan takes a breath and looks in the mirror at his brother and they nod at each other. They live at the forbes estate and Lexi’s calls them the brothers she never had but they never drive the Forbes cars and this is a custom Lamborghini.

Once they are back on the road and headed to Montecito. Aiden asks “What happened to you this afternoon? You were fine when we left psychology.”

Lexi leans forward and runs a hand through her long blonde hair. “I met her when I went home to get the keys.”

“Met her as in....”

“Yes well met is not the right word saw her today.”

Ethan still keeping his eyes on the highway asks. “Saw her, saw her where?”

Lexi turns towards him and raises an eyebrow. Both twins at the same time go. “Ewww.”

“Yeah can’t get it out of my head. Forgot to mention I’m sleeping in the guest house tonight its still to fresh to step on the bedroom floor.”

“Totally get it.”

“So what is she like?”

Lexi looks back at Aiden in the rear view mirror. “Seriously.”

He shrugs and she sighs “Young she’s twenty six and a half brunette hair and has long dangling feather earrings and tattoos I couldn’t see what tattoos I was busy averting my eyes from the image of my dad thrusting into her.”

Xxx

Once they are through the gate and up the long driveway leading to the courtyard of the house. Since they are not going to be here long they just park outside the home not in the garage.

As they enter the octagon shaped grand foyer with natural lighting streaming in from a skylight, glass chandelier hanging down from the ceiling. A pink couch against the wall below a painting opposite the front doors are there are stairs going into the main house. “I love being in a sorority, but with the exception of Erica, Lydia Allison, Malia and Kira everyone thinks I’m made of money and I can just throw money at every situation. News flash people just because I’m rich doesn’t mean I have to spent it on you and stop expecting me too, plus stop expecting me to give up our homes as a place for you to use. Our home in Aspen we might be putting up for sale so we might not have it anymore but everyone just expects me to give up our home to host retreats. So they can brag we have a Forbes in our sorority. I just wished they wanted me as a person and not as Forbes.”

Both Ethan and Aiden put an arm around her shoulders. “We love you as you not because your a Forbes.”

They go through the mansion and where other homes have basements this home has a nightclub, wine tasting room, wellness center, sports bar and movie theater. The nightclub has a dj booth, six area’s for seating including white chairs, sofa and tables. On the far side there are doors to go out to the pool but with the black shades down it darkens the room to make it have more of the club vibe.

While Aiden is looking around the room planning the party in his head Ethan and Lexi flop onto one of the white fluffy love seats. Lexi has her head back and her eyes closed. “You need a massage after the afternoon you’ve had.”

“The masseuse is not here.”

Ethan smiles as he stands and grabs her hands to pull her up. “You go to the wellness center and I’ll call her or him then we’ll leave, it will give you time to get a massage, Aiden enough time to check this area out and I’ll be in the find something to do. Maybe catch a movie.”

“You love living vicariously through my heiress life.”

Ethan goes to open his mouth but Aiden who is at the clear dj booth which when on changes colors answers. “Yeah but don’t lie you love your heiress life.”

Lexi shrugs her shoulders “Your right I do its a hard life but someone has to live it.”

They laugh as Ethan slides his arm through Lexi’s linking their arms by the elbow. “Now my dear you are coming with me and Aiden is calling a masseuse.”

At the end of hallway there is three steps then a door and inside the door is the wellness center. A little waiting room with chairs, and a water jug and a little fridge with cucumbers and lemons to make cucumber and lemon water. There is a little changing room with robes, next to the massage room with two massage tables always ready.

As they are waiting for the masseuse Lexi and Ethan are just sitting on the table’s Lexi has a robe on ready to go when the masseuse gets here.

“By summer I’m going to choose between Jackson and Danny. I know I can not keep stringing them along.”

“I choose Jackson only because yes you and Danny are cute together he’s a hot guy from Nebraska he doesn’t understand the luxury of our lives, I think he’s only seen the guest house but was still surprised by it. Meanwhile Jackson is from Malibu he understands our lifestyles better. Plus while you and Danny are adorable you and Jackson are hot.”

The doorbell echo’s through the empty long halls of the mansion.Lexi slides off the table to get it but Ethan stops her “I’ll get it.”

Ethan opens the door to a cute tall man with light blonde hair, hazel eyes and stubble on his chin and mustache. “Cute you’ll do, let me show you to the massage room.”

When they enter Ethan hops back on the other table while Lexi is laying on her stomach and leans up to look at the masseur.”mmmh.”

While he is getting everything ready Ethan and Lexi are continuing their conversation like there was no interruptions. “So I can either be adorable or hot?”

“What is Aiden’s thought?”

”Jackson.”

The masseur slides his hands down Lexi’s bare back and up her shoulders. “Your shoulders have new stress.”

“Very new.”

“I’m going to text Melissa instead of going to Aspen in march why not come here for the retreat this home has everything.”

The masseur hands move from the knots in her shoulders to her lower back and Ethan agrees. “Good idea, since your selling the Aspen house that home could be gone by march.”

“Considering where it is and how much it is I doubt someone will snatch it up quickly plus its not even on market yet.”

Ethan stands up and bends down to be face to face with her “Have fun I’m going to the theater.”

“This is a beautiful home you have here Miss-“

Lexi even though her head is through the hole on the table she smiles all she can see is his black jeans and black shoes. “Forbes, Lexi Forbes you can just call me Lexi if you want.”

“Oliver.” He moves his hands from her back to her leg and runs them down her legs massaging the tissue.

Lexi loves to get a massage it’s more then just a spa day activity for her, it’s a relaxation thing where her life is so hectic people always around but when she gets a massage it’s just her and the masseur or masseuse.

“You really do have a beautiful home Lexi.”

“Thank you its one of my favorites.”

Oliver has made her flip and has gone back to the shoulders. “Was that your boyfriend that let me in.”

Lexi lets out a little laugh. “No that is one of my best friends his twin is around here somewhere.”

Xxx

After her massage she walks Oliver out, “Hope to see you again.” He nods as he leaves.

After Lexi changes back into a pair of teal skinny jeans a white tank top and a grey sweater with tan knee high stiletto boots and a white and tan purse. She has matched it with tan sunglasses and her rose gold diamond choker her mom gave her and a couple rings. She finds Ethan in the soundproof movie theater. “What movie is this?”

“Couldn’t decide didn’t want to get invested only to be interrupted.”

“Ready to go home?”

Ethan puts an arm around her shoulders as they leave. “I’m driving?”

Lexi smiles she might have just created a Lamborghini monster letting Ethan drive. “I feel great after the massage my mind is clear the shock is wearing off. Oliver really knows his stuff.”

“Ohhh Oliver.”

Lexi shoves him as they enter the night club and find Aiden on one of the couches. “Shut up. Ready to go hon?”

Aiden nods as he joins his twin and best friend. “Coming here really was what was needed today.”

Xxx

Lexi pulls her car into the gallery and they take a golf cart to the guest house. The estate is so big that there are several golf carts around the estate. If they don’t want to walk or are tired they can just get on a golf cart.

Xxx

Jordan Parrish is having trouble putting his key in his door while he has one hand holding Lydia up and she has her legs around his waist and peppering his neck with kisses. After a couple more tries he does get the door open.

Lydia’s lips go from peppering his neck to attacking his lips.

Xxx

Romania:

Six foot shaggy blonde haired Sawyer Forbes he has stubble on his chin and mustache. His innocent face and his smooth talking gets him in and out of so many problems he’s got himself into over the years. He walks into the bar and spots a familiar brunette at the bar and smirks. “We just keep running into each other freckles you going to tell me your name this time.”

The brunette turns around and smirks up at him. “Hello Sawyer your place or mine.”

He downs a shot and smiles down at her. “We went to mine in London so your place here.”

She downs her shot before picking up her coat “Your place last time my place this time if this happens a third where will we go that time?”

“Depends on where we are.”

She flips her hair out from underneath her coat and looks back at him. “It’s Kate.”

He smirks and puts an arm out “Lead the way freckles.”

[punkandsnacks]

Between Wolves & Doves, Chapter Fifteen; Anticipation.

Author: @punk-in-docs​ & @adamsnackdriver​

Also on AO3-  

Masterlist-

Trigger Warnings: No warnings in this chap- animal shapeshifting but thas about it really-

Synopsis: Vampire!Kylo x OC love story. Inspired by BBC’s Dracula. Also inspired by Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.

He’s been stalking this earth long since civilizations can possibly fathom. Before records even began. He sneers at the fact that this pitiful young world has only just begun to see his reign of it.

He’s dined with moguls, emperors, princes. He’s consorted with bloodthirsty ruthless Queens in their courts, and whispered into the ears of powerful King’s, whose names still echo through millennia.

In his myriad of centuries gifted to his immortal self he’s been many many things. He’s been a lowly pauper. A crusading knight. An assassin. A sell sword. A soldier. A wanderer. A simpering suitor and a voracious unyielding lover. Aimlessly lost in time- besieging this earth. Ripping it apart and drinking what’s left.

He was made in the hinterland between snow and dirt and pine trees. Crusted with ash and blood and gouged from battle. Born anew. Sired from the hell-mouth of war. He was made in 789 AD.

He’ll come undone, one bitter winter night, in England, in 1816.

                                                       ~ ~ 🥀  ~ ~

The very next days seemed to crawl by. As if time itself was dragging through claggy thick treacle.

 Nothing moved quickly and Iris knows it’s because she’s anticipating the weeks-end more than any other event she’s ever awaited on in her life.

 More than Yuletide morning. More than her birthday. More than buying a new book or taking an early morning walk all to herself. More than a sunny frosted morning where everything seems to glimmer as if crafted from gold, or seeing wildflowers dot the woods with their colour in spring.

 She’s waiting on that much anticipated midnight with baited breath. Every second closer to it is both torture and sweet blessed relief.

 She fulfils her remaining days with a permanent smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

 Even her acetous mother remarks upon it. She tells her daughter the fine manner of her engagement must be bringing her joy. Iris bites her lip to keep from grinning.

 She clutched her romantic secret all that tighter to her chest. Moulded it like warm clay to clasp around her glad heart.

 Mother and Maratella insist on setting a date. And getting her whole ‘bouquet’ of daughters measured for their gowns.

 Posy and Flora for they are of course to be bridesmaids, and Iris, of course, for her bridal gown. They get up a merry party to Pembleton one fine clear morning.

 The snow and frost govern the landscape once more. Ebbing back in after the recent rain. The brown frost-hardened hills and trees and fields. Governed under the fierce cyclops of a mustard sun blazing in the effortless blue of the cobalt sky. It made Iris think of robins eggs, and the golden buttery buds of spring. When the bulbs and shoots blossom up through the earth with their sickly scent and colour.

 It is a fine clear day and it indicates that the end of the long bitter winter approaches. The cold is as ferocious as ever so Maratella insists upon them not catching a chill in the vile icy winds. Shes most kind as to stop to collect the Misses Ashton’s in the Hux’s second largest coach. They are all bid to the dressmakers in the high street. Along the medieval shamble of barrel window and oak timber shops.

 The news of her engagement spread far and wide. Before her boots have even touched the cobbles, stepping out the coach, their party is virtually mobbed by matrons and ladies of their acquaintance.

 Iris had in mind a silly image of them prowling at the pavements like baying wolves, chasing after the muddy churn of the carriage wheels; anything for to first seize that newest scrap of gossip.

 Posy and Flora ladle up all the attention. As does Mama. Proudly boasting - along with Maratella - of the suitability of such a fine match. Iris wants to roll her eyes as Flora greatly exaggerated the romantic manner of Hux’s proposition. She gabbled about a room full of red roses and how Iris wept tears of delight as he swept her into his arms.

 The ravenous eyes turn toward her. “May we see the ring, Miss Ashton?” Comes out of numerous smiling mouths like a chorus of cawing seagulls. Iris feels like they’ll rip her glove off themselves if she doesn’t.

 Unused to such attention, she blushes as she slips off her grey calfskin glove. Wrenching it off her hand. There is a troupe of awed gasps as they admire the diamond set in the gold band.

 Iris feels as if she’s sticking her hand into a dangerous animals maw. Like some exhibit at a zoo. Feeding her hand to the rabid starving tiger’s. There’s so much gasping and in taking of breath it’s a wonder they don’t suck her up. And take half the street with them.

 Luckily, Maratella fusses that they’ll be late if they don’t make haste. She then proudly utters that the ladies five, their happy little bridal party, are off to Madame Larousse’s dressmaking parlour for a wedding gown. And Mrs Ashton and Mrs Hux are to see to both having new hats to mark such a happy occasion.

 The flock of ravenous ladies ceases. Satisfied with their mauling of Iris and her news and her engagement ring. The party is able to proceed along the pavement unhindered.

 They slip into Madame Larousse’s. Greeted by the lanky, heavily perfumed proprietor herself. She was a tall, ungainly woman with poky shoulders and an always over-rouged complexion. And will always, without fail, exaggerate a mildly French accent to gild her words. For she believes that all the best dressmakers and seamstresses were French.

 The tall stretch of Madame claps excitedly and demands to see Iris’ hand when she hears they are here to purchase ribbons and lace and all things fit for a bride. She is whisked away by a very efficient assistant. And stood on a pedestal for the next hour and half.

 Iris spends that time with swatches pinned to her. Flapped around her ears. Tucked under her collar. There’s so many back and forth decisions from her mother, it makes her quite dizzy. A tape drawn tight around her so many times to squeeze the stuffing out her. Eventually, they stumble to a conclusion. It was to be a saffron orange.

 Flora remarked it made her rather look like a carrot.

 Around her they lounge on the chaises provided, clutched around the mirror and the box she’s on, and they drink sweet tea. Brown sugar sprinkled and stirred into the earl grey.

 They all pose interjections and opinions and preferences on her. Iris just stands there like a tailors doll. Only half there.

 She’s caught sight of a swatch of ruby-wine velvet near her thigh and is stroking it fondly. Remembering Lord Rens exquisite bed coverlet. How it felt under her fingers, it took her ricocheting back to that moment. And it calmed her.

 That’s how she can stand all this grousing and prodding. It reminds her of her secret and she nearly faints off that box pedestal.

 They settle on a pallid frothy blue silk instead. To better bring out the excellence of her mud and twigs hair. Mama chooses the best silk madame has in stock. Says she will have to fetch more in from her supplier especially. From London.

 That causes much excitement for Flora and Posy. They’d never had a dress made from material fetched as far nor from a city as grand as London, before.

 Posy had selected a teasing slip of pink silk. Flora, for her more fiery hair, chose a delicate pastel pea green. Iris thinks they’ll look like a platter of French fancy cakes.

 Then a pang of something hits through her heart with all the intensity of an arrowhead studding there - she hopes Mama lets Posy and Flora keep their new gowns after she’s gone. She hopes very much. They are the stillest girls in existence but they do deserve nicer things than what they get.

 By Madame’s husky drawl of a smoky voice is she brought back into the room, the awful pink pink pink room. Stuffed with velvet chaises and bolster cushions and trimmed fringed oil lamps. Great big fat rosebuds sprout up the wallpaper and flourish across the fabric of the pillows on the settee.

 It’s as if the whole room is the summoning of the evil fairy in sleeping beauty. Who commanded swarms of brambles and thorns and swamping plants to take over. That was this room to the last pink thread - only it was instead summoned to contain every incarnation of pink roses as far as the eye could see.

 Her ears burn hot and pink as Madame talks of London. Relating the gossip back to someone in the village. Matter of fact, a certain Lord-

 “Apparantly, you know he sent that tall turbaned butler of his up to London just yesterday...” Madame hushes to them in her hazy terribly-affected French.

 “Sent him to Mayfair.” She grins crookedly as she measures from Iris’s hip to her hem. Barking orders at Suzy, her ever suffering assistant.

 Maratella seems most diverted. “Pray whatever for?” She leans forwards. Perching her half eaten violet macaroon on her saucer.

 “He sent him to Bond Street. You know there is an establishment there that supplies jewels to the palace. Apparantly he came back having purchased something.” Madame says.

 “Pray why would be send his butler all that way?” Flora asks.

 “Why, Miss Smith told me so this morning; she suspects Lord Ren has left his heart behind in Bavaria. He is soon to quit Hellford. She heard Clarence Pennington’s butler say that his housekeeper, Mrs Jones states that half his house is shut. And the staff vacated.” Maratella excites them all. Flora and Posy are mortified at such news.

 “The house is emptying. And Lord Ren shall soon be gone.” She adds.

 Mrs Ashton smiles gladly. “He is journeying back home to his castle I wager...” She delights. The spitting smug nature of her tone was clear. Good riddance.

 “Who must he be besotted with I wonder?” Posy asks indelicately.

 Iris tries not to be twice as smug. Thinking that she is that very woman.

 He goes back to his castle and I will gladly go with him, she thinks.

 The giddiness and joy roils in her stomach like golden champagne. Fizzes through her veins and she has to hide a smile. Biting her cheek hard.

 “Well. if he is shortly to leave our shores. I’m willing to bet he’ll break a fair few maidens hearts in this county and the next over. Such a striking gentleman. The young ladies will certainly feel his loss most keenly.” Maratella comments in sadness for all the female admirers he’d amassed. They’d all be heart sore now he’s going away.

 “You’re blushing Iris.” Flora sing-songs at her. Pointing it out. “Thoughts of your intended sweetheart?” She ribs her sister.

 “You are a colossal pest. Flora.” Iris smiles at her. Matter of fact. Her little bug of a sister is quite right. She is thinking about the man she’ll marry.

 Only another agonising hour whilst Mama and Maratella select their hats for the occasion. But Iris can atleast sit down and drink some much too sweet earl grey tea. Doesn’t have to stand on that wretched box for another hour.

 Eventually their purchases were rung up and settled. Flora and Posy love Iris very much because she buys them two new ribbons each and some velvet buttons for their bonnets. They’re singing her praises as they quit the shop. Trilling like a pair of canaries about their gowns. Iris was glad to spend some of her pin money on them before she leaves for good.

 She’s fully appraised of the weight of her actions. And the serious consequence of them. It would be ruinous for her mother and father. It would be a disaster for her sisters. But atleast she was of age and she could marry. Whatever else others might say of her - she fully believes Lord Ren’s intentions are honourable.

 They can’t scandalise her for marrying Kylo. Just censure her for running away from Hux and jilting him. She’s certain he’ll recover amicably enough. He doesn’t love her. And his mother is suitably well connected. She could snap her fingers and summon another willing bride. She’s only sorry it can’t be her.

 She’s despondent to remark upon the pain she’ll be causing hers and Hux’s family. But in time, they will recover. Posy would do well and Flora will follow in her footsteps. Mother will see to it they catch fine husbands when the time is right. Their mother is most skilled in that area.

 The party journeys along Pembleton street. Maratella stops by the haberdashers to seek after some ribbons. Mama is in the milliners seeking after a new pair of occasion gloves. Posy and Flora amble slowly along the street with their sister. Watching the carriages and coaches trundle by. Various riders on horseback too.

 A loud nickering snort behind her makes her turn. She can hardly hide the smile that quickly grows across her face when she catches sight of a lone rider on a huge stocky black stallion. Both man and his mount are furiously muscled beasts.

 His Lordly attire is its usual. All black. Save for his white shirt and red cravat. The great overcoat frames his wide shoulders and his bulky chest. His boots gleam in the meagre sun. His grin tips up when he catches sight of her.

 He looks terribly smug and Iris’s heart feels like it’s trying to ram out the cage of her ribs. This handsome lordly man who stole it away, sets it pounding freely and rampant in her chest.

 She tries not to arouse the suspicion of her sisters. They were much too curious and meddling for their own good. She wants to protect her secret and she thinks she’s a proficient enough liar to accomplish it.

 They burst into fits of giggles on seeing him. He rides Erland closer to where they are stood and dismounts. His strong boots thud into the frosty mud. His wool coat laps and swathes his body. He tethered himself to Erland. Massive gloved hand gripping the reins. The creature didn’t seem to have any care for wandering off. He just wished to see Iris - Kylo empathises with the horse. He rather feels the exact same.

 Iris, Posy and Flora all curtsey to him. He bids them all a greeting. She bows her neck and when she looks up. His eyes fondly fix on her. Warm in the sun. The contrast of him is astonishing. Milky creamy complexion, bordered by the onyx shadow of his hair and eyes. Utter opposites in the juxtaposition.

 “Miss Ashton. A pleasure to see you again. I trust you are still well recovered. You look very radiant this morning.” He comments. Walking Erland just that tiny step closer.

 The obstinate animal his stallion is, reaches his nose out and snorts into her hand. Nudges her glove for pats and scritches of affection behind his ears. She doesn’t care that she’ll get horse hair on her. She strokes him.

 “You are most kind. Your lordship. I am very well.” She smiles slightly. The pretty kiss of rose on her cheeks.

 “I need not tell you Erland is pleased to make your acquaintance once more.” He remarks starkly. Hint of irony not lost on her. Erland almost nudges her to fall over with his big strong head. She laughs.

 “Your ears must’ve been burning. Lord Ren. For we were just discussing you...” Posy flirts. Batting her lashes at the man.

 Hands crossed in front of her. Like she was a genteel little doe. Iris glares narrowed silver dagger eyes at her sister to stop displaying herself so readily. As ever, the little vexation pays no attention. Not when there was a hot blooded male around.

 Kylo tilts his head. Intrigued. “Is that so, Miss Posy?” He asks.

 “We we’re discussing how heart sore all the young ladies hereabouts will be when you quit Hampshire...” Flora tells him.

 Kylo takes her confession in his stride. “It’s true. And I am sorry more than I can exclaim to be leaving such carnage and desolation in my wake. But sadly I do return to Bavaria shortly.”

 That handsome expression barely betrays a thing. The cold wind flounces and ruffles that wild hair. A tuft of it drifts in his face and tangled in his dark eyeline.

 Iris decides in that moment he truly might be an angel sculpted by gods own hand; or a demon designed by the devil himself. She isn’t sure which of those creatures is all the more tempting.

 One thing she’s certain of; He’d win that draw of most handsome, every time.

 She quivers when those eyes gaze at her. Peels her right out her clothes and down to her goose pimpled skin. Then Posy has to go and open her foolhardy mouth some more...

 “We were just helping Iris shop for her bridal gown.” She preens. “And our bridesmaids dresses.” She comments. Speaking as if she wants Kylo to snatch her up and steal her away to Bavaria. Stuff her in his pocket and run off with her.

 “I had heard rumour of your engagement...” He lies. Iris is biting the inside of her lip and smiling genially to hide how wide her excitement wishes to make her smile grow.

 “Show Lord Ren your engagement ring, Iris!” Flora bounces excitedly. Iris glares. Reminding her of the inappropriate nature of her words.

 “Flora. Lord Ren is not interested in such matters. And I’m afraid we’ve already impressed upon too much of his time...” She insists.

 Kylo holds out his hand to her. Steps closer so she has to crane her head back just to keep sight of his eyes. “I am certainly interested. And I might add, most eager to see the bauble that decorates such a fine, pretty hand.” He teases.

 She decides he was designed by the devil. And lucifer gave him a silver tongue to boot-

 Iris slips off her grey glove and gently lays her palm in his.

 The way his fingers curl around hers is criminal. She tips her eyes up to his as he shifts closer and admires her ring. A soft smile tugs at his mouth. The gold winks at him in the sun. It’s a pretty delicate morsel. He can’t deny. But plain. Much too plain. Entirely humble as decoration went.

 -it’s certainly nothing to the one he’d had Jomar go all the way to London to fetch for her from Bentley & Skinner on Bond Street.

 “It is a fine ring. Miss Ashton. Sergeant Hux is the most fortunate man in England to have you as his intended bride. I’m quite envious of his fortuity.” He says. Bowing to lay a kiss on the back of her palm.

 His eyes electrify her. He winks at her and she flushes with heat. Blood pressing up in her face.

 “I’m sorry to hear of your leaving England. Lord Ren. Such a shame Hellford Park should be quitted before the summer.” She tells him.

 Her palm leaving his. Sliding away from the touch of his hand would have made her wretched were it not for the heat in his bronzed eyes. Made a warmer melting shade by the shimmer of the buttery sun. And their shared secret lifts her heart.

 “It is a great shame. But I’m eager to return to Ranlor. I’ve missed my homeland a great deal.”

 “The rumour in circulation is that you have a certain lady in mind to return home too.” Posy dares most outlandishly. Iris chides her for her brash rudeness.

 “Posy!” Iris calls out.

 Kylo seems amused by it. “That would he telling. Miss Posy. Not to mention betraying the confidence of the most honourable lady in question.” He smirks at her sister.

 Who giggles and blushes like it’s no ones business. His vampiric charms seeping out of his every pore, truly intoxicating to them, Iris can see it’s influence.

 “Is she a great beauty? I imagine she is most elegant indeed and very superior and titled in rank and manner. And of great fortune...” Posy digs for more details. Kylo will reveal none.

 “Pray. Don’t be impertinent twice-over.” Iris corrects. Posy pulls a vexed face. Shoves her tongue out at her sister.

 Kylo’s chuckling. They were entertaining little chits. Relentless. But he admires something about that sparky quality. Iris had the same sense about her - only more sensible and humble.

 “She is the singularly, most beautiful creature I’ve ever beheld in all my years.” He promises. “And I cannot wait to have her hand in marriage. She will make me a very blessed and lucky man.” He declares.

 “How romantic.” Posy declares in a sigh. Flora dreamily agrees. They’re both veritably Moony eyed. Gazing up at him in wonder as a consequence. A silly girls kryptonite. A handsome and dark romantic man. A Byronic figure to set all the foolish girls swooning at the knees.

 Kylo’s eyes sweep across to Iris at a passing glance. He smiles. And it almost undoes her.

 “We must be on our way. We’ve availed ourselves of too much of your time. Lord Ren.” Iris says in parting. Trying to herd her vapid sisters away before they flirt anymore.

 “We must go. For we are bid to the Hux’s tonight for a celebratory engagement supper.” Posy curtsies boasting as she’s bobbing away.

 “Give the Sergeant and his family my warmest regards.” Kylo insists. Knowing what a barb that would be to Hux’s temper.

 Iris turns and meets his eyes. Giving him a polite bowed head in parting. When Posy and Flora are otherwise looking elsewhere. She turns back and gives him such a look of longing and delight it makes him grin at her as she walks off down the cobbled pavement.

 “Very good to see you again. Your Lordship. Have a pleasant rest of your day.” She insists.

 Cajoling her sisters along the path and away before they get any notions. Erland snorts at her as she moved away. She smiles and gladly rubs the flat bone of his nose before she goes. Lord Ren stays standing until she does move away.

 Kylo pats his neck, and hauls himself up on his strong stallions back once again. Booted feet in the stirrups. He adjusts on the saddle. Scanning the tumbled windows of the high street proprietors.

 In the milliners, he sees a face like sour lemons and thunder glaring out at him. Mrs Ashton’s stony face peering outwards through the glass. Having seen his exchange with all her daughters.

 He coaxes Erland into a slow walk. A little nudge in his side. He gives the foul Caroline Ashton his most winning enigmatic smile. And nods civilly in greeting at her as he rides off.

 He sees it makes her lips purse in irritation.

 Iris can’t resist glancing back at him. She knows those eyes watch her all the way down the street. She can feel them. Two pinpricks of heat, like candles, burning into her shoulder-blades.

 It makes her too giddy for words.

 They soon catch up with the rest of their party and are whisked away in the Hux carriage. Soaring across the dirty English roads. Mud churning in their wake as cold air and sunshine bounces off the roof.

 Mama asks them what Lord Ren. Iris told them he was just politely passing the time of day. She seems satisfied with the answer. Iris fights not to squirm into shivers of desire at the merest intimation and memory of him.

 Posy and Flora sing-song his romantic praises all the way home. Mother soon shuts them up with a cross cold stare.

 The afternoon seems to fly her by. No sooner than she’s home and she’s readying herself for the dinner they’ll take at the Hux’s residence. Cavenham House.

 The not so modest estate in the border of the next county. A gorgeous house if she’s being perfectly honest. Terracotta red bricked exterior, of modern Georgian design. Huge arched white windows. Rococo interior. All gilded with cherubs frolicking on the murky painted ceilings and baroque trim on every door. Rolling scrolls. Frescoes and pastel colours. Gilding, moulding and trompe l’oeils giving the illusion of motion and drama. Raining down from every ceiling.

 A handsomely kept garden was also what it was resolutely famous for. Though it would not be pictured to its best quality in this dead winter. Spring will liven it soon. The hardy bright bulbs will crop up through the frost. But for now it remains speckled in snow with only the evergreens surviving.

 Iris can see it all as they pull up the long stretch of the torch lit drive. In the coach Maratella was kind enough to send to collect them all.

 Once again she was wedged beside Posy and Flora, and their shrill gossiping. Mother and Father opposite. Noiseless and as disagreeing as ever. Silence blazed between them as somber as a churchyard. They were about as animated with each other as two gravestones.

 Iris dressed in her navy silk gown with 3/4 sleeves and a sheer white chemisette swirled with stitched white flowers, decorating her shoulders and neck. Meg cleverly weaves that teal ribbon into her hair coiffure again. She finishes the look with pearl droplet earrings and white satin gloves up to her elbows.

 They are welcomed inside by stony faced servants in the blue Cavenham livery. Taken into the drawing room to meet their hosts. Maratella had invited some local flavour along also. Everyone’s merry and mingling. Posy offers to play a Handel piece on the Pianoforte before dinner is announced. She does so rather well. Thunks the opening notes in shocking volume but she picks up from that point onwards.

 Iris is admiring the scenery from the drawing room window. Even in the dark she can see how lovely the gardens are. It doesn’t dissolve the fact that this house would still be a prison to her. There weren’t bars on the window and she won’t exactly be stitching mailbags - but it will still be her cage.

 A handsome cage, she won’t deny. But a cage nonetheless as she mothers the children and lives for planning fine parties to boast of her and her husbands excellence. And slowly becomes a woman of high rank and no substance.

 Hux moves to stand by her side, hands folded behind his back. A tall lean column of red, black and white in his ceremonial dress. Medals shining. Hair groomed. Perfectly respectable. Infuriatingly loveless, as always.

 “You shall like the gardens in summer. I should think.” He remarks.

 “They are most handsome.” She comments. “A fine prospect indeed.” She agrees.

 They perfectly form the vision of lovers conversing by candlelight. She can hear Mama and Mrs. Hux cooing proudly behind them. It’s infuriating. Iris can’t spend the rest of her life in a manner such as this; being prodded and manoeuvred and gossiped over like a chess piece on a board.

 “I care little for being out of doors. Save for riding with my regiment.” He impresses.

 Iris nods. “I am perhaps overfond of walking. I take an excursion each day if I can.” She tells him.

 He sniffs. And coldly watches the view before them. “Well. You shall have to make allowances and sacrifices when we are wed. I can’t have you scampering around the countryside when you are with my heir.” He insists.

 Iris’s mouth turns dry. She makes little response to his words. He turns away to speak to someone else but she catches his arm to stop him.

 “Please I just want to say-“ she starts.

 She looks up into his face. The bright copper of his hair and the steel of his eyes. The surety of his rigid auburn brow. She doesn’t dislike him. He’s not an unpleasant man. Just, misguided.

 She says what she’s thinking now before she loses the chance. No doubt he’ll think very badly of her when all is done.

 “I think well of you. You know. You are a gallant man. Not lacking in honour or credibility. I admire that about you. Hux.” She says. Even if I can’t marry you for it.

 He nods. Accepting her words. Then their granite faced butler coughs dryly and announces dinner to the room.

 Maratella lets the engaged couple be seated next to each other at dinner. Wanting to encourage the tepid affection brewing between them. Iris doesn’t know what the woman expects from them. They weren’t matched for love but it’s as if that’s what she’s hoping to see blossom.

Maratella is hoping for romance to pass betwixt them.

 It could and never will be that. Iris thinks.

 Iris remarks inwardly to herself as she sips down her soup a la reine. Served alongside several large golden Bouchée à la reine’s. 

 The next course is of stewed beef and venison steaks, and a whole champagne poached salmon with slithers of white and black truffles decorating the cooked fish acting as scales.

 More seafood came served in the form of fried then boiled sole, heaped in a terrine and a whole platter of pickled crab. A haricott of vegetables and mashed turnips. There was enough food spread on this very grand table, to keep them dining for a fortnight. Mrs Hux organised a feast intended to show off.

 She gets everyone to toast to the newlyweds. The gentleman stand to raise their glasses and the ladies stay seated.

 The pudding banquet is brought out and quite rightly enough, as she suspected, the whole table is flouncing in ruched fancy french sugar concoctions.

 Silken French pies. Syllabubs of lemon and rose and brandy. Ice’s of all flavours. Custard tarts smothered with fat ripe fruit drowning steeped in syrup. Sugar plums and cinnamon and mace laced apple tartlets with baked custard. Iris indulged in some of the tarts and the fruits.

 Posy and Flora fall upon creams and dainty fancies like hungry wolves. And eat until they are stuffed.

 The ladies retire to the parlour for music and snifters of sweet ruby port wine. Iris indulges in a glass as her sisters and various other young accomplished ladies take to the pianoforte to sing and show off. Posy drags a reluctant Iris up to sing whilst she plays. She grumbles but bends to her sisters will.

 She gives a shortly sweet chorus of ‘Let no man steal your thyme’ for it was the only song she could sing comfortably well.

 She never much liked performing for amusement. Some girls were a glutton for it. Iris is no such a one. She stands with one hand on the pianoforte and the other folded behind her hip. She sings her choruses and smiles meekly at the small scattering of applause offered for her when she is done.

 She heads back to her spot on the settee. Maratella is remarking to her mother how divine it will be to have a songbird in the house once again. Iris sits back in her seat and spends the rest of her evening in silence. Though she wants to say a great deal.

 The evening slips past well enough. Night spills past her relatively quick. Another day gone. Another day closer to her happiness. She’s almost too giddy to contain it.

 Then the time comes to bid goodnight to their hosts;

 Iris watches as Hux fondly kisses her hand. Seeing her off out the rich gilded foyer out into the black black night. Sky so dark it’s a whole void studded with freckling stars. Cold shudders at the shivering trees.

 She wants to say something impactful and veiled. To speak of her regard for him. She cannot think how best to do so. She swallows down her thick tongue. Remains a coward.

 She can only hope in time, after the wake of her scandal settles. That Hux will find someone better suited than her. Maybe even find someone that he can love? She prays deeply for that little happy happenstance.

 She is not so unfeeling as to wish a joyless life on the man who just wasn’t correct for her.

 Her teeth grits with all the things unsaid. “I hope you’ll be happy.” She smiles lightly. He thinks her to be referring to the engagement that stands between them.

 “I’m sure.” He comments. “Goodnight.” Is his curt response.

 It doesn’t incense her. Tonight it vexed her. Caused a tiny crease between her brows. It seemed such fickle words to part on. But she leaves them be-

 Let’s those words spirit up into the quiet undisturb of the night. The heavens can have those words. Iris wishes it could have been more. But how appropriate is it that even his parting words are found wanting.

 She gets into the coach after curtseying a polite goodbye to Brendol and Maratella. She says something sweet to Iris about her singing. Iris cringes a smile. She won’t be thinking such good things about her shortly. She imagines she’ll curse her name for all of hell and heaven to hear. She’ll wake the sleeping dead cursing the day Iris was born.

 Iris thanks her. For her hospitality. For her kindness. Under all her airs and graves, she’s a fairly nice woman and she should find a more amicable daughter-in-law to crow over.

 She slots herself into the coach beside her sisters. Listens to the door slam shut. The rattle and crunch of it shifts on the gravel. Rumbled away up the long elegant curve of the drive.

 Iris twists to look back. She isn’t sure why she wanted too. But they weren’t a dismal family. And she’s sorry for the pain and offence she’ll cause to them all.

 She watches Hux’s stiffly-posed, regimented figure. Shadowed against the night. The scarlet of his blood coat. The ice white of his breeches stained blue, glowing in the night. The stars glimmer off his shining boots and off the pierce of his pale eyes. She wishes him well. She truly does.

 They trundle on home. Full of food and as usual with Posy and Flora spouting gossip on and on endlessly. Mother chiming in. Father and Iris retain their silence. Eyes cross firing in a glance when they all agree on something cruel and senseless.

 Westwell’s windows emerge gold out the dark. Surrounded by the bustling trees. All of the landscape is merely dark moulded shapes. Looming and shifting in the shadows. The moon casts washy film of silver to try and spill over the cover of smeared clouds.

 They are just to the drive when a small dark shape flits overhead. Iris looks upwards, and sees the definable shape of a bird landing on her windowsill. She smiles giddily.

 She exits the coach quick. Bidding them goodnight and rushing off up to her room. Her skirts picked up in her hands. Mama remarks how odd it is. Posy shrugs and supposes she’s got a secret missive to read from Hux.

 Iris absolutely flies for her door. Twists the handle and launches herself in the room. Shutting the door firmly after herself. Pressing it with both hands flat to the wood.

 The warmth of the fire hits her. She doesn’t even pay mind to the tiny crack of her open window. Or her swaying curtains that shift on the breeze.

 She can only focus on the huge frame of a dashing vampire stood fireside. One elbow resting on the mantel as he gazes into the flames.

 His big frame swallows up the whole room and strangled out all the air. The ochre of the blazing flames captured his skin. Turned that milky-cream of his complexion into pale fire.

 She smiles and he does too. “Thank goodness it’s you. I was worried I’d scare seven shades out of your maid.” He drawls softly so his voice doesn’t carry. Smirk curling at the corners.

 She crosses the distance. Her feet eat up the floorboards quick. She avails herself of an embrace. Throws herself into his arms.

 The cloak of his fire warmed clothing envelopes her as his arms do. He smells like the damp snap of frosty woodland and the acid tang of woodsmoke. The night air of wild outdoors clings to every inch and fibre of his clothes. Swirls about him like a clouding tempest.

 He chuckles as she gets herself in his hold. The deep bass of his voice rumbled through her skin and sinking to her bones. Her cheek mashed to his sternum. His arms close around her. Stroking her body through the rasping silk of her dress.

 One big warmed hand clasps the back of her neck as the other holds the back of her waist. His nose nudges into the crush of her muddy hair. Her scent teases him just as much as his had, to her. Lavender and sage. The plain spice and calm floral scent.

 “I could feel the happiness pouring off you as you alighted the stairs.” He smiles. She steps back and gazed up at him.

 “How pretty you look tonight. Dove. You’re exquisite in silk.” He remarks when she steps away. Hand toying with the loose tawny curl at her ear. The sapphire dark of her dress suits her very well. Throws her complexion into brilliance. Does something to make the tones of her hair look rich.

 She always looks ravishing to him.

 She blushes. “I missed you all day. Isn’t that mad?” She asks.

 “If missing is madness, then I’m out of my sane mind whenever you’re not in my sight.” He promises gently.

 Big hands cupping her hot silken neck as he leans down to plant a firm, slanting kiss to her lips. His mouth is cold and he tastes of frosty air and wine.

 Kissing him is like kissing someone who just stepped inside, taking shelter from a bitter cold wind.

 She’s beginning to wonder if there is some clever addiction woven into his lips. One kiss never seems to be enough. She holds his wrists as he grabs her. Makes her feel small in his arms. She’s lost in his hold. It’s powerfully thrilling.

 He breaks the kiss and his thumbs stroke at her cheeks. Her eyes glitter keenly at him. He spies the ring on her finger. The one that doesn’t belong there. It makes him smile.

 “I’d like to surmise you snuck in here just to steal a kiss. But I suspect a different motive altogether?” She asks.

 He broke into a grin that creases his eyes and bares his teeth in a smile. She was no thoughtless woman; his darling Iris.

 She’s always thinking. Always fretting. Always mulling over things in her head.

 That was one of the first things that that came to his notice about her. She tended to be introspective about all manner of things in comparison to her acetous mother who spewed vile words. And her daft sisters who spouted out their every dangerously silly thought.

 He kisses her for that clever remark- slow and paced and soft. Languid like melting warm honey. Lips curling to hers.

 “I do have some news. But kissing you will always my first priority.” He husks against her rosy lips. Her warm cheeks blaze from under his icy fingers.

 “The date is set. We must leave tomorrow eve.” He tells her with a smirk.

 Her stomach completely soars in giddiness. She doesn’t have to hide her grin here.

 “It feels as if I’ve been waiting at eternity to hear those blessed words.” She cries in happiness.

 “Slip away to me after everyone’s gone to bed.” He instructs. She agrees.

 “Mother has been pleased with my conduct of late. She’ll have let her guard down over tonight. I’ll leave once everyone is abed. Even the maids.” She tells him.

 Stroking her fingers down the finery of his waistcoat where they’re still stood close to each other. The material was so soft. The softest grain of velvet she’s ever felt.

 “You don’t have to bring too much. I can buy you everything you may ever need.” He leers. Cupping her cheek. Feeling the smooth of her skin. Right up her jaw.

 His eyes carve flinty paths down her neck as he strokes his fingers there. Her pulse quickens. He can feel and hear her blood slushing hot through her veins.

 She shrugs. “I cherish very few possessions. Posy and Flora can have the rest.” She insists. Her hand coming up to stroke over his thick crook of elbow with the hand that’s touching her neck.

 He drags the edge of the chemisette down and strokes along the flat of her collarbone. His eyes turn into a palette of bittersweet autumn. Orange and gold swirled with flecks of russet brown.

 “Is it difficult?” She asks suddenly.

 “Restraining from the need to...” Her face fixed on his. Words trailing away. Air bursting with heat and lust. His eyes snap from her neck to her face. Her cheeks bloom rose petal red. Blood red and hot.

 “To feed?” He asks her. She swallows and nods.

 His other hand catches the back of her hips reels her right in close. She gasps. Air around them thick and full of snapping sparking static. Her hands press to his cavernous chest.

 “I have got several hundred years of restraint up my sleeve.” He crooks a smirk.

 His eyes flicker to watch her jugular pulse. The thrum of her little timpani heart makes his mouth wet. He knows she’d taste like salt and sickly Turkish roses and warm bronze coins.

 He presses the chemisette aside again and nudges his nose against her pulse point. Right at the epicentre of his life’s greatest desire. He hums a kiss against her neck and she almost faints-

 “You shake all those very hard learnt lessons right down to their very foundations.” He promises.

 “Iris my love, you are the hardest thing, I’ve ever had to resist.” He tells.

 Swooping upwards to kiss at her cheek. Sighing in need against her hot warm skin. If he indulges the temptation of tasting her blood. He doesn’t even want to fathom what the raw animal in him will do to her. Such debauchery he’d surely scandalise her innocence to tipping point.

 He will have her on their wedding night and not a second before.

 Though the rogue in him does think how goddamn glorious it would be to have her on that bed of hers right now, torn out of that gown. Screeching his name for the whole house to hear. And they can listen to her rapture and whimper, and beg and writhe under the man who really does love her.

 Bite her neck as he pumps deep into her slick heat. Gather up every groan as she opens those sweet pink thighs for him and claws at his back. He’d kiss her neck until she yanks her fingers into his hair and tugs. Opens that sweet songbird mouth and calls for him in her bliss, with that ambrosial voice.

 He holds the backs of her hips and strokes the silk there with arcing curves of his thumbs. Drawing shapes on that stiff silk.

 “I must tell you-“ She starts. “I never was much good at resisting you either. Even after knowing what you are. It shocked me I won’t deny. But it somehow in its twisted way, it made all the sense in the world. It didn’t alter me for my knowledge of it. It didn’t even begin to change the severity my feelings for you.” She tells him. Reaching up and stroking along the handsome plain jaw.

 Wholly, un-confinably, remarkably handsome.

 “My love-“ He begins warmly. “If I had to, I would throw you over my shoulder to carry you up the aisle to marry me. Even if I had to tear you from your bed and steal you away in the dark of night to be mine. I would have done it. Because this, what we share, it cannot and will never be undone. Can never be ignored.” He promises her.

 “Vampires love more deeply than any mortal longing. What I feel for you, it is not fickle. It will never fade. Never wane. We love each other and that will last for as long as we exist on this earth. I thought I had better edify you with these clear facts about my nature, before we are to be bound in matrimony.” He pledges to her. Declaring his undying devotion to her.

 Iris rather wants to swoon into his chest - if she had ever been inclined to be a swooning sort of woman. Instead she just beams. A smile so glad it touches the frosty barren place his dead heart inhabited.

 “These last few hours will be such a torture.” She comments seriously. But giddy. So giddy it felt like her sides would split open. And molten happy gold would pour out.

 His eyes turn promiscuous. As does his domineering smile.

 “I can safely offer you nothing but pleasure once the torture is done.” He filthily promises.

 She blushes. He wants to lift her up and devour her in a kiss again. Taste those saccharine sweet lips in an animalistic kiss. He savours holding her instead.

 Tomorrow he can let the animal roam free over his delicate dove. Tonight is the last night it must be caged.

 “Not long to wait now. The last of my household servants left today. I sent Jomar and Jones off to London to make passage to France. Erland and Kana remain to take us to Scotland with one driver, and the coach.” He tells.

 She liked that he’s bringing Erland to their elopement. It’s quite fitting when the creature loves her almost as much as he does.

 “Then it’s just us. Riding into the wild of the Highland. Roaming over the Scottish moors, and glens and lochs, as a Lord and his Lady.” He paints a vivid picture for her.

 She sighs a smile. “Us, has never sounded so splendid.” And she beams brighter than the sun.

 He clutches her close for another kiss before he slips away.

 The appointed hour loometh. And Iris won’t sleep a wink for thinking of his sharp smile or those savage eyes.

 She eventually dreams. And thinks of kissing his soft plush lips once more. Like kissing pink rose petals.

 The next time she will, they’ll be well on their way to being man and wife.

                                                    ~ ~ 🥀  ~ ~

[cruecifymesixx]

Love and Leather /part forty five/

Word Count: 6.8k

A/N: so now since the two problematic shitheads are together, we get to enjoy their life together as they try to navigate the relationship with each other! Enjoy! let me know what you think! also if you have any input on what you’d want to see them go through as a couple don’t be afraid to let me know! I’m all ears lol

Warnings: language, light smut, Vanity being a spoiled princess, some drug talk, some fluff, some angst

Taglist:  @brideofdraculana , @xstarryeyes , @aryssav , @miserablecunt , @dangerous-like-a-loaded-pistol , @inthebackofmycarlaytheirbodies, @fandomshit6000, @anntheboneless, @venus-calum, @justjodeye, @supernaturalvikingwhore, @are-we-real, @hi-my-name-is-riley, @extremesadnerding, @thatbandchick39, @awkwrdcait, @countrygirlswonderland, @baiabouk @awesomealmostdopestudent, @martabastic, @romanticvengeance , @tashy-bear, @krazykatkay456, @terror-triplet, @shouttatthedevill, @beachystars, @rodriguez025, @kickstart-myheart-sixx, @s-outhie, @anxious-diabetic, @awkwardblackgirls, @rockersbox, @brooklyn-antiques, @shamelessobsessions, @jerseytaint, @lilytalebi, @criminalyetminimal, @motley-queen, @trapt-in-a-dream, @lunamadhatter99, @broke-n-bitchy @thanks2pete, @slowandangry, @lovesick-heart0, @keepcalm-and-beyou, @miriampraez, @teenwolflover28, @lilyhw1, @swoopygorl, @motherloovebone, @random-internet-user-4471, @falcon-arrows, @talranocchia2001, @wheresmyvodkabitch, @waywardprincess666, @malibubarbievince, @iluvmesomemarvelndc, @zoenicoles @vamprlestat, @supersoldierballerina, @primal-screamer@electradestiny, @marshbev, @n0-sh0rtage-0f-faults, @cruebaby, @ggorehorror, @valentines-in-london, @miss2001babe, @nassauartist @emmaelizabeth2014, @cmft-jr-winchester, @bokkie92, @notworthyofyou1120 @xrosegoldwolfx, @cranberribread, @lauravic, @mgkobsessed, @chaoticvybe,  @kellysimagines, @dillightfulpickle, @marvelismylifffe, @lavendersoundbarrier, @i-want-to-shoot-myself, @idumpyourgrass

February ‘89

I woke up hearing the doorbell ringing throughout the house, I rubbed my eyes as I glanced over to the alarm clock. I groaned seeing that it was two thirty in the morning, I had only went to bed an hour ago. I laid in bed until I heard the doorbell again. I sighed, pulling down the over sized Iron Maiden shirt I was wearing and walking out of my bedroom.

I slowly dragged my feet down the stairs, crossing the threshold to answer the front door. I flipped on the porch light before opening it.

I let out a gasp throwing myself onto Nikki as he was standing at my door. He wrapped me up in a huge hug, my feet leaving the concrete steps.

“Sixx! When did you get home!” I was cheerful, as my feet touched the ground. I looked him over, he seemed gloomy, stressed even.

“You okay?” I questioned, opening the door for him. He sighed, rubbing his face, “I know it’s late, and I should’ve called. I got home earlier this afternoon.” He replied, taking off his jacket as he threw it over the couch.

“I Uh-“ he cleared his throat as he cracked his knuckles before messing with the rings on his fingers, “I can’t go home. I’ve been driving around all day. I went there for less than ten minutes before I started freaking out. I...i-“ Nikki trembled over his words before he went over to his jacket. I watched him dig into his pocket before he pulled out a baggie or white powder and an unopened packaged with a needle inside.

“When we cleaned out the house, I didn’t show you another hiding spot, just incase and um...that’s where I went to when I walked in the house for the first time.” Nikki explained as I slowly walked over to him, reaching out for the drugs in his hand.

“I can’t do this sober thing. It’s like everyone knew I was home and started calling and asking if I wanted to go out and celebrate.” He continued as I walked to the bathroom, dumping the white powder into the toilet before flushing and throwing the needle into the trash.

I walked out of the bathroom, seeing his sad eyes as they met mine, “The old Nikki would have never given me his drugs so easily, or without putting up a fight. Baby, I believe you can be the rockstar you are without splurging in drugs and booze.”

He nodded as I wrapped my hand around his, pulling him up the stairs and to the bedroom. I crawled into the bed as he sat on the edge of it, untying his boots before pulling off his pants and shirt and getting in beside me.

“I can’t go back into that house, all I think about is when I use to run around high with a gun in my hand thinking people were out to get me.” He expressed his concerns, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close to him. I rested my head on his chest as I drew little shapes into his skin.

“I’m scared I’m just going to forget everything I went through and stick a needle into my body just because I want too. Everything is still too tempting. The guys wanted me to go to a strip club tonight but I couldn’t, I’m not ready to be around that atmosphere again.”

I sighed into his skin, pressing a kiss against his collar bone, “Then you go at your own pace, you do it when you are ready, not when everyone else is. You don’t have to go through this alone Nikki, I’m here for you. We’re together now, you don’t have to face all the bad things in the world by yourself.” I said, peering up at him before kissing his lips before looking at him again.

He nodded, cupping my cheek, “I need a new house. I can’t live there anymore, I just can’t. I don’t trust myself to be alone in there knowing all the stuff I’ve done inside those walls. I can’t fucking do it-i can’t, I won’t.” I watched as he got worked up, his eyes becoming tearful.

“We’ll start looking for a new place in the morning okay? You can stay here with me, I’m sure the girls won’t mind. You’ll get out of the drug house, don’t worry.” I reassured him as I rested my head back on his chest.

“Nikki?” My voice was soft as I listened to his heart beat, “Yes, Princess?” He said, his hand running up and down my back.

“What are you going to do when you go on tour and temptation is everywhere and I won’t be there for you to run too?” I questioned as I felt him exhale deeply.

“I’ll have it figured out by then, I hope.” He replied, pulling me tighter against his side as he kissed the top of my head.

“Nikki?” He let out a light laugh, “Yes, Van?”

“I’m happy you didn’t die. I don’t know what I would do without you.” I said, breathing in the scent of lingering cigarette smoke and a touch of his cologne.

His chest rumbled as he let out a laugh, his hand running through my hair and causing me to get sleepy all over again, “I’m never leaving, I need you Van.”

I smiled, “I need you too Sixx, but I need you to stay sober even more.”

*A few weeks later*

“Nikki, I’m tired. And it’s hot. I want to go back home. I have work in a few hours.” I complained as he had been dragging me all over Los Angeles, looking at some new homes for him to buy. We’ve done it just about every day the past week but he keeps shutting every house down.

He ignored me as he quickly walked around the car and opened up the door for me, “Just one more, alright Van? I kinda dig this one.” He replied as he held my hand at his side

I groaned, putting on a big smile as he squeezed my hand when the realtor met us at the front door. I let go of his hand as I looked around the front.

It had granite steps that lead up to the front door, Columns stood in front of the door. He should wrap lights around them for Christmas. That’s if he gets it, he’s more than likely going to find some minuscule detail he will hate.

The house, well mansion had a garage that wasn’t attached, I could see grass surrounding it as it met the concrete driveway.

I smiled and said hello to realtor as he held the door open for us.

“The house was built not that long ago, people seem to like the idea of it being a little outside of the city, but the drive is decent.”

I followed behind Nikki as he talked to the guy. I admired the dark stained wood that ran throughout the house, even the trimming that connected the walls to the floor was a fine detail to me.

I let Nikki follow the realtor around as I went and explored on my own. I found myself in the kitchen. It wasn’t to small, but it wasn’t too big either. It was perfect. The counters were a faded gray as the cabinets were white with glass so you could see inside them.

There was an island bar in the middle that the sink was connected too. I turned around to see that the kitchen over looked the living room. Over to the side of the kitchen, there was what could be the dining room if Nikki decided to do that. There was a lot of open windows, I really liked that part.

There was French doors that led to the backyard. It of course, had a pool and hot tub as well as an area for entertainment, so like a patio table and chairs and a bbq. Maybe even a hammock...since i know Nikki likes to lounge around in the sun a lot.

Beyond the pool and hot tub there was a grassy area, along the fence of the property were cherry trees and wild flowers planted around white rocks. Sunflowers were currently growing. I huffed as I went back inside.

I looked at the living room as I walked past it, high ceilings and white carpets. I liked that too. I went down the hallway a little bit seeing that there was two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms.

“So, what do you think?” I got spooked when Nikki popped up behind me, I turned around to see him leaning against the wall by his shoulder, his shaggy hair covering his eyes a little bit.

“Nikki, if you don’t buy this house I will. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Perfect even.” I told him as he nodded, a smile forming across his face.

I sighed in contempt, even the color of the doors, the walls and the handle knobs were perfect.

“Well, I mean....it could use your touch. You seem to come up with good ideas I like.” Nikki said, as I felt him watching me look around at everything.

The ceiling fans were that same dark stained wood like the floors are. Oh man, I hope he doesn’t buy this house. It’s my dream home.

“There’s plenty of room for you and your things.” I stopped walking, slowly turning on my heels to face him. Is he asking me what I think he’s asking me?

“What?” I questioned, scratching the top of my head. He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, “I said there’s plenty of room for you and your things. Vanity, I’m asking you to move in with me.”

“Uh....” I couldn’t get anything out, I was feeling panicked, “A house is a really big commitment, Nikki.” I reminded him as he nodded.

“Doesn’t that defeat the whole us taking it slow thing?” I asked, he nodded again. If he agreed with me why was he asking?

“I mean, what’s wrong with now? I stay over every night already.”

He raised an eyebrow, “So why not stay over permanently then?” He asked, I shrugged, “I couldn’t leave.” I wanted to slap my self in the face as I saw his smirk turn into a frown. I didn’t mean it the way he took it.

“You’d wanna leave me?” He clarified, taking a step back and leaning against the wall again. I shook my head, “No, no..that’s not what I meant. Nikki, that’s just a really big step for us. What if we get in a fight and you kick me out? What if we break up? What if I hate all your little habits and you hate mine? What if-“

Nikki caught me off guard when he placed his hand over my mouth, “You need to be quiet and stop over thinking sometimes.” He said as I sighed into his hand.

“Just listen to me for a moment, okay?” He said, removing his hand from my mouth as I nodded.

“We have not had a single fight since that day I was in rehab. Even if we did have an argument you wouldn’t have to leave, you could just go to another room and cool off, without breaking stuff-“ I scoffed at his words.

“I haven’t broken anyth-“ He again put his hand over my mouth, “Shut up.” He simply stated as I glared at him.

“Glare at me all you want, princess. I don’t care.” He said, removing his hand once again.

“As I was saying, this house is wonderful but it would be empty without you.” I melted at his words, watching him as he grabbed my hands and put them around the back of his neck, his arms wrapping around my waist.

“You already said this house is perfect to you and I know it’s everything you’d want in a home. It’s your dream house and I want you in my reality and not just a dream. We can still take our time at the dating thing but I really want you to live here with me.”

I rested my hands against his chest, “Can I decorate?” I asked him sweetly as he exhaled. He seemed to be thinking, “We’ll discuss that later, c’mon-“ He held out his hand for me as I took it, “Let’s go buy a house.”

*A month later*

I glared down at the old 18th century paintings Nikki had laying against the wall to be hung up in our bedroom. They were dark and weird, I didn’t want to see them every time I woke up. I had already compromised with getting the black curtains so he can sleep during the day when he comes home late at night from the studio. I also compromised on getting the dark oak bed frame he picked out. I wanted the white one, but he only wanted it because he said ‘Doll, it would be perfect to handcuff you too.’ And the next thing I know, it was being delivered the following day.

I sighed, picking up the paintings and dragging them out of the room and down the hall, to another room he was in the process of making his office.

“Hey, no, no. Those are good paintings, Babe what are you doing with them? I had them in the bedroom for a reason.” Nikki said, walking down the hallway with two boxes in his arms. He quickly put them down and took them from me.

My face scrunched up, “They are not going in the bedroom. I have already rearranged everything for you. Can’t they just go in the office? Or the garage?”

Nikki scoffed, “The-these are not garage sale paintings! Do you even have a clue how much these are worth?” I shrugged, “They can go in the office.” He admitted defeatedly as he sighed and put them in there.

“What’s in the box?” I asked him, pointing to the ones he was carrying before he came up here. He grumbled going over to them and opening it up.

“More of your god damn clothes. You’re already taking up half the closet space.” He said with an added eye roll, “Well, you can get a dresser and I’ll use the closet for all my stuff.” I suggested as he let out a laugh

“You got to be kidding me.” He said, picking up the box and taking it to the bedroom as I followed him.

“Nobody needs this ungodly amount of clothes. Can’t you get rid of some?” He said, opening up the closet door and motioning inside of it.

“You have a lot of clothes too...” I pointed out, “Half of the stuff in the closet I’ve never even seen you wear! Just go through them and you can donate them or something.”

I scoffed, “Donate? Nikki, I’m all for charity work and what not. But I am not donating my clothes to some, to some hand me down store. I’m sorry, but no.”

He furrowed his eyebrows, “Well, why not? Someone in need could use them, just get rid of what you don’t wear anymore. I’ll do the same.” I huffed as I looked into the closet. Okay, maybe Nikki was right.

I opened up the box, pulling out handful of clothes, “Does that-“ Nikki came over and grabbed a pair of pants out of my hands, “Babe! It still has the price tag on it!” He shouted as I laughed, his eyes went wide, “Five hundred dollars for a pair of leather pants?! What the fuck, Van!”

I rolled my eyes, taking them from his hand, “Like you haven’t boughten anything ridiculously priced.” I retorted as he shook his head.

“I’ll go through them, okay? And, I guess we can donate them.” I eyed the clothes on the bed, before looking at him.

“Well, can you help bring up some boxes? The rest of the stuff is yours.” Nikki asked as I let out a groan. I absolutely hate moving for this reason.

“Baby, can’t we just hire someone to do it?” I said, following Nikki out the door and down the stairs.

“What? No! You’re arms and legs aren’t broken, Princess.”

“There’s only a few things left, then we can just relax, alright? Stop being a brat.” Nikki said, glancing back at me. I muttered under my breath as he stopped and turned towards me, making me run into his chest.

“Sorry..” I mumbled, giving him a smile as he huffed before I followed him outside to the moving truck. I saw that there was only a few boxes inside that had my name on it.

He slid one over to me, as I tried to pick it up but couldn’t because it was too heavy. He rolled his eyes, we both knew if I tried I could actually carry it.

I opted for taking the smaller box as he let out a laugh and carried the two boxes inside ahead of me. I sat it down in the bare living room with all the other boxes. Him and I were still at odds on what furniture to get. He wanted gloomy and dark, I didn’t. I want something lively and colorful, I didn’t want to live in a god damn morgue.

“So, the living room...” I brought up the topic as he glared at me, before sitting on the lower steps of the stair case.

“That couch you picked out is totally bland-“ he let out a laugh, “I really liked that dark grey one we saw. The piano can stay-“ I pointed over at it. Apparently it was a gift from Vince to Tommy, who eventually regifted it to Nikki.

“It’s fine, I like it. But those rugs you showed me? Baby, just because you’re all heavy metal doesn’t mean the house needs to be. I really, really liked that white fur one we saw at the store.” I continued my monologue as he sighed and leaned back I got the stairs as I stood in front of him.

“And, that matching coffee and side tables with the gold incrusted marble would look so perfect with that rug and the couch.”

“Y’know What Nikki?” I pondered on my next thought, physically tapping my finger to my chin, “I should call my mom, she was always good at decorating the house. I mean, daddy would let her do anything she wanted.” I shrugged, seeing the amused grin plastered across his face.

“Don’t push it. I’m not letting you get away with everything, you’re too accustomed to that.” Nikki replied, rubbing his face as he took a sip out of a water bottle.

He groaned, “You really want the rug, the tables and the couch?” I nodded feverishly at his words.

“Well what’s wrong with the stuff I picked out? Maybe we can find a medium because a white fur rug? Really Van? That’s so, stereotypical rich people shit.”

I argued back, “No, it’s a classic. And I don’t know how we’re gonna find a middle ground, I don’t want dark Gothic stuff and you don’t want my over the top decorations.” I said, moving closer to him as I placed my hands on his shoulders.

He looked up at me, “..Because I don’t want to live like it’s Easter all year round.” He laughed, making my lips part in shock.

I scoffed, “I’m sorry I like bright colors and fancy things, not dramatic and dreadful.”

Nikki smirked, “You’re the definition of dramatic baby. You open up any dictionary and you’ll find a picture of Princess Vanity Blackwood right next to it.” I laughed, that was a good one.

“I’m dramatic? Yeah, okay Mr. I died for three minutes before coming back to life. I’m the dramatic one.” I rolled my eyes, taking a deep breath in before exhaling as I saw the sour look he had on his face, “I didn’t mean that.”

He moved away from my touch, crossing his arms against his chest, “Sure as hell sounded like it.”

I quickly shook my head, “No, no...I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” I told him as he stared at me, wondering what the hell was going to fall from my lips next.

“I just...Sixx, I want the house to be ours. When people walk in I want them to say ‘oh, that’s totally Nikki and Vanity’ not Easter meets Halloween.” I confided as he sighed.

“You really want the furniture you picked out?” He asked, motioning for me to come closer to him. I nodded, placing a hand on the back of his neck as he fumbled with my free hand.

“Give me a kiss and I’ll go call the store and have them deliver it tomorrow.” I squealed, quickly kissed his lips, leaning against his chest as he laid back against the stairs.

“You’re the best, Nikki.”

*two months later, Vanity’s POV*

Adjusting to the new home and life with Nikki has been wonderful, but of course it has been challenging. We’ve bickered, but we always simmer down before it gets out of hand and explodes. Nikki has been preparing for the Dr. Feelgood tour the last little while, it begins later in the fall i believe. I know he’s itching to get out on the road and play for the fa- “Son of a bitch!”

I took a moment, instinctively grabbing my foot as I stubbed my toe into the bass that was leaning in it’s stand against the wall. I reached for the instrument, only for my light touch before grasping it caused it to fall on its side against the hardwood floor with a thud.

“Oops...” I whispered, reaching for it before leaning it on its stand again, just for it to fall face first, causing the strings to make a noise.

“What are you doing!” Nikki shouted, leaving his office as he walked down the hall, “Why would you prop it up there? It’s in the way, Nik.” I questioned, watching him lean down to pick it up.

“Can you be careful? These costs a lot of money. Especially this one, they don’t even make these anymore.” Nikki went on and on, I tuned it out.

“If they cost money, you shouldn’t be leaving them around like that.” I glared at him as he let out a scoff.

“Says the one who doesn’t take the price tag off her clothes and just leaves them laying everywhere after you’re done playing dress up.”

I rolled my eyes, shrugging as we glared at one another, “Maybe I was going to return them, and maybe if you gave me an opinion, I wouldn’t have to play dress up before we go somewhere.” I defended myself, childishly poking his bare chest.

“Doll, you look hot in everything. I always tell you that.” He expressed as he pushed my finger off of him.

I let out a deep sigh of annoyance, “Nikki, that’s not gonna help if I can’t decide if I want to wear a skirt, dress or jeans.”

“Does it really even matter if I just end up taking them off later?!” His voice was loud, but it wasn’t yelling as he let out a grunt.

“Does it matter if I end up-“ I mocked his voice, rolling my eyes as he raised an eyebrow at me, “Hang the basses up Nikki, on the wall and out of the way or put them in the garage. There’s too many in the house.”

He groaned, putting the bass back on its display sand, “Fine, fine, damnit I’ll go through it this weekend. And you go through the damn closet.”

“I am not going through my clothes! They are a necessity! I already went through them once when you first bitched and moaned about not having enough closet space. Y’know, maybe you should go through your clothes too.” I suggested as he shook his head.

“You’re out of of your damn mind, babe! Until you go threw that mess of a closet my basses stay right where I want them!”

“A mess?” I let out an exasperated sigh, “Its organized! Everything is hanged up in the closet!”

“Baby, you have shopping bags full of clothes sitting in the corner of the bedroom just waiting to be put away! Not to mention clothes in the closet still have price tags on them! It makes it look like we have a god damn mall in our room!” Nikki spoke as he was becoming agitated with me.

“It’s not like anyone goes into our bedroom!” I pointed out as he shook his head, “Uh, I do!” He argued back.

I whined, “Nikki! That doesn’t count!”

Nikki sighed, wrapping an arm around my waist, gently pulling me to him as I was pressed against his chest, “Just please, get the ones you don’t want anymore and we can take them somewhere so someone else could wear them. Seriously, Vanity. Or I’ll have fun with the lighter.”

I let out a scoff as I tried pushing away from but he held me tight. I narrowed my eyes at him seeing that smirk across his lips, “You wouldn’t dare.” I told him as he chewed on his bottom lip, raising an eyebrow at me.

“Nikki!” I yelled as he laughed and let go of me, “Fine! We’ll do it your way!” I shouted, walking up the stairs as I quickly went to the bedroom and grabbed the multiple bags of clothes I had bought the other day. I decided I didn’t like them anymore when I got home. He had a smug look on his face when I walked back down the stairs and stood in front of them, “Take them back for me.” I said, shoving the bags into his arms.

“Well why don’t you want these? You’d look nice in this dress.” He said, going through a bag and pulling out a dark blue cocktail dress. His eyes widened when he saw the price tag, “Vanity! What the actual fuck! Five grand!? Are you kidding me?!”

I watched as he kept going through the bags, “a shirt does not need to be three hundred dollars! These pants!? Twelve hundred?! Baby, what the fuck!?”

“Well, Nikki. In my defense, you handed me your credit card and told me to go shopping.” I said innocently as his hazel eyes almost popped out of his head, “Yeah!! Not to buy a god damn five thousand dollar dress!!!” He shouted, throwing down the clothes on the floor.

“Also, you didn’t tell me how much I was allowed to spend…” I trailed off when he started glaring at me, holding up a bag from Versace. I smiled innocently at him.

“Okay, I was gonna ask your opinion on them-“ I said, pulling out the black leather pants that had the Versace gold logo on the back pocket, “Because I think they’re cute, but I don’t know. Do you think I would look good in them?” I asked, looking up at him and seeing that muscle in his jaw clench repeatedly.

I dropped the pants to the floor, “I also got a Louis Vuitton bag!” I said cheerfully as he grunted, “Why am I not surprised?” He retorted as I held up the purse, both of our eyes looking at the price tag.

“Vanity!! Ten thousand dollars?! Give me my credit card now!” He yelled, holding his hand out and waiting for it.

I pouted, “but you told me I can use it! Okay, maybe the purse was bit of a splurge…”

“I have no god damn clue why I gave you my credit card when you have like seven of them yourself!” He grumbled, rubbing his face and pushing his hair back.

“Because you love me.” I told him as he rolled his eyes, “If it makes it better, the jewelry I bought I used my own money. I Uh…I didn’t know if you’d have enough in your account.”

He scowled, “I am going to choose to ignore that comment.”

I sighed, “It was just a couple of things Nikki, I didn’t know it would be a big deal.” I frowned at his seriousness, seeing his hand was still out and waiting for his credit card. I walked over to my purse, grabbing my wallet and pulling out the shiny black credit card before handing it over to him.

“I love you baby, but this is a lot of money for items you are probably gonna wear just a few times before they collect dust in the closet.” He spoke softly before continuing, “I’ll see if they hopefully will take this all back.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll ask the next time I use your credit card.” I mumbled, watching him laugh and shake his head head, before he gave me a kiss on the lips.

“Princess, there’s not gonna be a next time for a very long time.”

*a week later, Nikki’s POV*

“Nikki!!” And there goes my peace and quiet. I put down the bass, “I’m in the living room, babe!” I yelled, hearing footsteps getting closer as well as the crinkle of more shopping bags.

“Hey baby.” I said with a smile when she came into the living room, my eyes darting to the bags she had in her hands, “You’re home early, how’s your sister?”

“She’s wonderful, she asked if we would like to go to dinner with her tonight before she leaves tomorrow morning.” She replied, putting down the bags and sitting next to me on the couch.

“Yeah, I don’t mind going. You gonna wear those new dresses? Or just for tonight and then never wear them again?” I asked, pointing at the bags that were in front of me.

She rolled her eyes at me, “I didn’t buy a dress this time…” she quietly said, running her nails through my hair. I looked over at her, sighing as I saw the smile on her lips.

“Show me, what did you get?”

Vanity’s smile grew as she started going through the bags. Yeah I enjoyed that shopping made her happy, but I didn’t enjoy how much money she spent, even if it was hers.

“Well I got these shirts..” She said, digging them out of the bag and showing me them. “I got these really super cute jeans that I just had to have.” Her voice was ecstatic, as she showed me them, “And they weren’t even that expensive either, just like three hundred dollars.”

“Van…” She wouldn’t let me finish as she pressed her freshly done nail to my lips, “Just wait.”

My eyes widened as she grabbed a black bag that had the Gucci logo on it. Not only does she shop a lot, but it’s the fancy name brand shit. God only knows what her monthly bank statements are like.

I watched as she pulled a pair of slip-ons out of the box. I looked at her feet, she was wearing the exact same pair. She quickly slipped off the old ones and put the new ones on, “Aren’t they nice?”

“Baby, really? You have the same ones!” I groaned, rubbing my face as she smiled at me, “Well yes, but that’s not the point. The point is that I spilled coffee on them and couldn’t get the stain out.”

I narrowed my eyes, “Do you not know how to remove stains? Or did Loretta clean everything for you?” I questioned as she lightly shoved my chest. I quickly grabbed her hand and kissed it, smiling up at her as she glared at me.

“I really did try, but honestly if your bass wasn’t just laying around I wouldn’t have tripped and it wouldn’t have happened.” She pointed out as I let out a laugh.

“So you’re just gonna blame my bass on your high class princess shoes? You don’t complain about my bass when it’s taking you around the world and buying you nice shit.”

She shrugged, “We can get you some high class combat boots if it will make you feel better about it.”

I side eyed her as I motioned to the other bags, “What else did you splurge on?”

Vanity quickly grabbed a small, teal Tiffany’s bag, I groaned, “More jewelry?” She chewed on her bottom lip and nodded. She took out a tiny little black box and opened it up, there was two little diamond studs.

“These earnings were to die for Nikki, I could not buy them.” Well, maybe if you had more self control you wouldn’t of bought them.

“And how much were they?” I asked as she quickly closed the box and put them back in the bag, “That is not important.” She said before gripping my jaw and kissing me.

“Vanity, you gotta stop…” I hesitantly told her as she stared at me, “Why can’t you be content with what you have already?” I added on as she rested against the couch, putting her legs over my lap.

“I am content with everything I have. I don’t get why you’re making such a big deal about it. It’s my money I’m spending, not yours since you took your card away from me.” She replied, combing her fingers through her hair, “Plus! Mom tells me when I’ve been spending too much, and she hasn’t yet so I think I’m okay.”

“Because you keep buying pointless shit that you don’t need Van! Your mother is never going to tell you when you’ve spent too much, maybe when you buy a god damn country.” I vented my frustrations as she gawked at me.

“It’s not pointless, and I don’t throw a fit when you go out and buy an expensive camera or bass.” She tried making the same convection, but failed too.

“Because playing the bass is my job! And photography is my hobby! Would you rather me stab a fucking needle into my arm?!” I shouted, I was becoming worked up and fed up with her over the top spending.

“Hey! Whoa, there is no reason to be like that! You’re acting like I’m going broke. I’m not going broke buying clothes and whatever else I feel like having. I’m not like you, and sorry, but you almost went broke buying all your drugs.” She pointed out as I scoffed, rolling my eyes at her statements.

“It makes me feel good about myself, and honestly Nikki? You’re being a dick right now.” I raised my eyebrows at her words, I am not being a dick! She has a huge spending problem!

“Look Princess, all I am saying is that money eventually runs out.” I retorted as she shook her head.

“I’m never running out of money. Maybe if you listened when I talked to you about the company you would know that.”

“I do too listen! Don’t tell me that I don’t, Vanity!” I defended myself as she looked away from me.

She started getting up, knowing she was wanting to get out of the confrontation. I quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back to the couch. I was about to start talking but then the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it.” She saw her chance and she took it. I followed her to the front door. When she opened it, a guy wearing a dress shirt with a tie and holding a clipboard stood in front of her, “Are you Vanity Blackwood?” He questioned, she nodded.

“Your new car is here.” He smiled as Vanity turned around to look at me.

“I’m sorry, your what?!” I shouted, watching her take a step back. “Okay, before you freak out. Baby, just listen to me.” She said as I pushed past her, walking out to my driveway and seeing a bright candy apple red corvette being loaded off.

Oh, I’m gonna fucking loose it.

“I called mom, and she said it was okay if I bought it. Baby, just look at it!!” She smiled, wrapping her hand around my bicep, “Isn’t it pretty? Are you mad?” She asked with doe like eyes and her bottom lip between her teeth.

“Vanity….” I pinched the bridge of my nose, “Take it back, now.” I demanded as she let go of my arm.

“What! Nikki, no! Mom said it was okay!” She defended her actions. I’m going to have to talk to her mom about always telling her yes, because I end up being the bad guy when I tell her no.

“Yeah Princess, I don’t dare. You don’t live with your mommy, you live with me.”

Her smile turned into a scowl as she glared at me, “I am keeping the car.” Her voice was stern as she knew I wasn’t going to give into her needs so easily.

I shook my head, “Get rid of it, or take your other one back!” I shouted, pointing to the black mustang convertible. My breath got stuck in my throat when she looked at me with pouty eyes. She always looks at me like this when either A, she really, really wants something or B, right before I make her cum. And honestly, I wish it was option B right now.

“Can’t I have them both? Please Nikki?” She batted her long eyelashes at me, grazing her nails over my chest, before twirling the necklace I was wearing around her finger.

I removed her hand from my chest, “No, no. That isn’t going to work, Vanity. Pick one or I do. You won’t like what I pick.”

“Baby, please!” Her bratty behavior was starting to become exaggerated, “You have two cars and a motorcycle, why can’t I have two cars?!” She shouted, crossing her arms against her chest.

“Because yours cost as much as my god damn house!” I yelled in her face, seeing her eyebrows scrunch in anger.

“Oh? Your house? Okay, Nikki.” She rolled her eyes at me, “Take the car back your damn self.” She muttered angrily, eyeing the corvette in front of her.

“Oh stop, don’t be a fucking brat.” I retorted, her angry gaze meeting me, “Fuck off, Nikki.” She was quick to respond as I shook my head. I need to put that mouth to good use after this.

The man who came to the door walked over to us, I glared at him as he readjusted his tie. “Ma’am-“ he looked to Vanity, holding out the clipboard with all the paperwork for her, “I just need your signature. A very nice car you purchased, only five of them were made in the states.”

“Congrats! We don’t care!” I grabbed the clipboard, removing the paper and ripping it to shreds before throwing it in his face, “Take the fucking car back and get off my property!” I shouted at him.

Vanity groaned, throwing her hands up in defeat as she walked back into the house, “You are such an asshole, Nikki!!” I rolled my eyes, following her back inside.

“Yeah, yeah. Shut up.” I said, lifting her over my shoulder before slapping her ass and heading to the bedroom.

She began punching my back, it was cute. “No! Let go of me!” She tried squirming out of my grip, that was also cute.

I slapped her ass again, harder this time. I had an arrogant smirk when I heard her moan, “You need to stop, so I’m gonna make you shut up.”

Vanity, punched my back again, weakly this time, “No! We aren’t doing this! You’re being an ass and you aren’t touching me!”

I opened the door to our bedroom, placing Van on her back as I stood between her legs, “Hm? You sure about that, babygirl?” I questioned, unbuckling my belt and quickly discarding my shirt to the floor.

I lifted up her shirt a bit, pressing my lips to her skin as I moved upwards before stopping and lowering my face in front of hers, “Y-yes…you aren’t touching me…”

I raised an eyebrow at her hesitation, “Seems like you’re having a bit trouble talking.“ I leaned over, lips pressed to her neck, making her gasp when I sucked a deep red mark into her. She put her hands on my shoulders and pushed me away from her.

“But I wanted that car!!” She whined as I rolled my eyes. I quickly grabbed her chin to make her look at me, “I’m sorry..” Vanity mumbled as she placed her hand on my chest.

I kissed her lips softly, before pulling away and smiling, “I know you are and I’m sorry too, doll.” I replied, brushing dark brown strands out of her face.

“Sorry for being mean and throwing a fit just because I like buying things?” She grinned, before reaching up and kissing me quickly.

I smirked, fingers unbuttoning her jeans and pulling down the zipper, “No Princess, I’m sorry for what I’m about to do to you.”

[emospritelet]

“God, I hate doing Secret Santa!” - KoL

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7] [Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10] [Part 11] [Part 12] [Part 13] [Part 14] [Part 15] [Part 16] [Part 17] [Part 18]

AO3 link

Belle stared at the rippling surface of what was left of her gin and tonic, a pleasant buzz from the two she had already drunk flowing through her.  Across from her, Astrid and Dorothy were chatting about some film that had recently started airing, and which Belle hadn’t seen.  Alice had gone to the bar for the next round, with Zelena and Mary Margaret offering to help her carry the drinks.

The photo shoot hadn’t been the humiliating spectacle she had been dreading; the photographers had been extremely professional, and had made her feel wholly at ease.  Besides, the pose she had chosen had been sensual rather than smutty, she felt.  Time and the finished product would tell, but she felt a lot happier about the whole process now that it was over.  The girls had all agreed to go to the Rabbit Hole afterwards, and while a night out with Zelena wasn’t one she would have chosen, the woman had been reasonably pleasant.  All in all, the day could have been worse.

Gold was still keeping her at arm’s length, and she hadn’t been able to work out why.  Things had been strained ever since she had woken up in his bed, so perhaps it was simply that.  Perhaps that was too much of an invasion of his privacy.  She supposed she could understand that, although it hurt that he didn’t feel he could talk to her about it.  She had kept their interactions professional after that first meeting in the corridor; she figured he would come to her in his own time.  It was frustrating, but she certainly wasn’t about to force herself on the poor man any more than she already had.

“Here you go,” Mary Margaret set another drink in front of her, and slid into her seat.  “Too bad Ruby had to work.  It’s so rare that we all get a night off.”

“Gets even rarer around Christmas,” said Astrid.  “Glinda already put up the shift rota for next month, did you guys see?”

“She doesn’t mind if we swap shifts around as long as there’s enough cover,” said Zelena.  “Same with you assistants, I’m sure.”

“I could really do with taking New Year off,” said Mary Margaret.  “But I don’t mind working Christmas, if someone wants to swap.”

“I don’t mind covering,” said Belle.  “I could use the money, and it’s not like I have anything better planned.”

Mary Margaret beamed at her, and nodded.

“No date for New Year?” asked Astrid, and Belle pulled a face.

“Other than the disaster of a blind date Ruby sent me on?” she asked.  “I haven’t dated anyone since Will.  That must be - oh, I don’t know.  A year, at least.”

“Bad breakup?” asked Dorothy, and Belle shook her head.

“No, he was great,” she insisted.  “We were friends before we started seeing each other, and we’re still friends now.”

“But it didn’t work out?” asked Astrid sympathetically, and Belle wrinkled her nose.

“Not in that way,” she said.  “We thought maybe we could be more than friends, but when it came to it, the physical side of things just felt - weird.  Like kissing my brother would feel, if I had one.”

“That sucks,” said Astrid, wrinkling her nose.  “Did you keep in touch?”

“Kind of,” said Belle.  “He went travelling after college - sometimes I get an email out of the blue, but I haven’t seen him since we graduated.  Last I heard he was teaching English in Laos, or something.”

“Storybrooke’s not exactly overflowing with potential partners if you’re into guys,” said Alice, slumping in her chair next to Dorothy.  “That coma patient’s probably the best catch out there right now.”

“Alice!”

“I’m not even joking,” she said, swinging a boot up onto her knee.  “When the poor guy wakes up he’ll probably find a bunch of people’s phone numbers in his pockets.”

The others chuckled, but Belle noticed that Mary Margaret was blushing even as she smiled.

“What about you guys?” she asked.  “Anything fun planned for New Year?”

“Party at Granny’s,” said Mary Margaret.  “There’s one every year, it’s so much fun.  You sure you don’t want to come?”

“Maybe next year,” said Belle, taking a slurp of her drink.  “Someone’s got to work, right?”

“Well, I’m certainly going,” said Zelena.  “The calendar will be out by then, and I may as well make the most of it.”

“Make the most of it how?” asked Alice, reaching for her drink.  “From what you said the pose didn’t leave much to the imagination.”

“Well, perhaps not,” said Zelena, with a smirk.  “But it may have whetted the appetite of - someone - don’t you think?”

“Oh for God’s sake!” sighed Dorothy.  “Zelena, would you let it go?  Dr Gold is never gonna ask you out!  Not ever!”

“Did he tell you that?” snapped Zelena.

“No, but—”

“Well then!”

Dorothy rolled her eyes.

“Look, if you want to continue throwing yourself at him and creeping him out, be my guest,” she said.  “But you’re wasting your time.  He doesn’t date.”

“Well, that’s just because he’s so busy.”

“No, I mean he doesn’t date,” she said patiently.  “Not ever.  He told me so.”

“Oh.”  Zelena pursed her lips, and picked up her drink.  “Well.  I always did relish a challenge.”

The others groaned, and Belle shared a glance of despair with Mary Margaret before turning back to her drink.  She chewed her lip as the others started talking about their plans for Christmas again.  If Gold didn’t date, then pining after him made her as ridiculous as Zelena.  Was that why he had pulled away?  Had she been too obvious, too desperate?  The thought made her cringe.  Perhaps she should concentrate on building the friendship they had been developing, and try to forget her attraction to him.  Perhaps that could be enough.

x

Her head was aching a little the next day; Mary Margaret was surprisingly enthusiastic once she had downed a few vodka tonics, and had insisted on doing shots.  Belle was thankful she had limited her intake to one round; footage of the resulting table-top rendition of I Will Survive was already being shared on Facebook, and she was pleased it only featured Dorothy, Mary Margaret and Alice.

The hospital was relatively quiet; the last of the flu patients were being discharged, and the staff took the opportunity to take a breath and do a deep clean of the wards under the watchful eye of Nurse South.  Belle went through her mobile library, collecting the books that had been read and left in the wards and reading a story to the few children that were in hospital.  She then read to old Mr Prentice, a chapter or two of Lord of the Rings as he lay in bed with his eyes closed, his beard twitching.  She thought he had drifted into sleep, but when she finished her chapter and closed the book he opened his eyes and smiled at her, reaching out to pat her hand.

“Thank you, Miss French,” he said.  “My eyes get worse every day, and your voice is so lovely, it’s like being carried off by angels to a land of dreams.”

“I’m not sure an attack by orcs is all that pleasant a dream,” she teased.

He chuckled, a low deep noise that became a cough, and she helped him to sit up and poured him some water.

“The doctors say you can go home tomorrow,” she said.  “Do you have someone to help you?”

“Yes, yes, the sisters from the convent come in every day,” he said.  “I won’t be alone for Christmas.  What about you?”

Belle paused, setting down the water jug.

“Well, it’ll just be me and my Dad, I guess,” she said.  “Maybe a couple of parties with the girls.  It’ll be nice.  Quiet.”

“Friendship is as important as family,” he said.  “For those of us with no family, even more so, I suppose.”

His words made her think of Gold, alone in his big house for the holidays, and Belle chewed her lip.

“Did you ever have family?” she asked, and he shook his head.

“Too busy,” he said.  “Too wrapped up in my own world, in teaching the children of others.  Oh, I wouldn’t say I regret it, but it’s made me realise the importance of other relationships.  Good friends are essential.  Cherish the ones you have.”

Belle nodded, smiling a little as she thought of the friendships she had made since coming to Storybrooke, and how they were all developing into close, meaningful ties with people she truly cared about.  All except one.  Her friendship with Gold had stalled, and she wanted to give it a push, to get it moving again.  Her thoughts drifted back to the picture in his drawer, the well-thumbed glass and the gilt frame, the young boy with his dark eyes and dimpled smile.  Perhaps family would provide the route to friendship.  Perhaps he would talk about his son.

x

She got her chance the very next day after her shift at the hospital.  Jefferson had invited her to his daughter’s tea party, which he assured her would be promptly followed by wine and adult interaction once the children started doing their own thing.  Belle went along after her shift with Alice in tow, to shake hands with Mr White, Grace’s toy rabbit, and be served finger sandwiches and tea and little cupcakes.  Dr Gold accepted a cup with a bow and a grave word of thanks, which made Grace giggle, and Dr Whale was already trying to flirt with two of the nurses.  There were other children there too, Grace’s friends from school.  They soon lost interest in sitting quietly and drinking tea, and headed out to the garden for a snowball fight.

The adults were left in peace to chat, and Jefferson put on some music and opened some wine.  Belle took her glass out to the back porch, away from the bustle of the lounge.  She found Gold standing there and sipping at his own, a tiny smile on his face as he watched the children chase one another, kicking up clouds of white powder and squealing with excitement.  The air was cold, and she shivered a little.

“I’m not sure if it’s more peaceful out here or in there,” she remarked, and Gold turned his head to face her, a brief smile making his mouth twitch.

“Well, it’s certainly colder,” he said, taking a drink.

The weather.  We’re discussing the weather.  Better than an awkward silence, I suppose.

“At least we get a white Christmas,” she said brightly, and he sighed.

“With all the broken bones and injuries that implies,” he said.  “Whale and I have a bet each year whether amateur ice skating will bring in more patients than food poisoning.  This year I’m going with the ice skating.”

“Are you working on Christmas Day?” she asked, and he took a swallow of wine.

“I am.  You?”

“Oh - New Year,” she said.  “I swapped with Mary Margaret.”

Gold nodded, looking away again.

“I notice that those with families tend to want Christmas off work, and those with social lives tend to want New Year,” he said dryly.  “Of course, for those of us with neither, it hardly matters.”

Belle smiled, and took a deep breath, hand tightening on her wine glass as she looked at him.

“Tell me about your son,” she said gently, and Gold whipped his head around to face her, his expression suddenly, unexpectedly blank.

“What?” he whispered, and she put her head to the side.

“The picture in your nightstand?” she prompted.  “It’s your son, right?”

He was staring at her, and it was making her feel nervous, her heart starting to thump painfully in her chest.  Gold licked his lips.

“You went through my things?” he asked, his voice low and even, and she blinked.

“What?” she said, her voice wobbling a little.  “No!  No, it wasn’t that!  I’m - I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry, it’s just - I was looking for a Kleenex, and I went in your drawer, and - and I saw the photo, that’s all.  I wasn’t snooping, I promise.”

He was still staring at her, and it felt as though something had crawled into her chest, a hard ball of nerves pricking at her lungs.  Eventually Gold blinked, and it was as though a spell was broken, and she could breathe again.

“Excuse me,” he said quietly.  “I have to - I have - I have things to do…”

He was gone so quickly it was like magic, and she was left in the cold, trying to catch her breath, and wondering what the hell she had done wrong.

x

Dr Gold was contemplating when it was that his life had started to spiral out of control, and after some consideration over the whisky he was nursing, he decided that he could narrow it down to one day in early November when he had been introduced to Belle French.  Up to that point he had enjoyed decades of - well, if not happiness, at least a sort of calm acceptance of his lot.  He had a worthwhile vocation that he enjoyed and that he was extremely good at, one busy enough to leave him little time to contemplate the emptiness of his life outside work.  He had just enough social interaction with the few people he could stand that he had never considered himself to be lonely, and he enjoyed shutting himself away in his too-big house with his books and his wine and his music.  It had all seemed perfectly acceptable.  Until she came along.

He curled his lip a little, taking a sip of the whisky as he leaned forward on the bar.  It had been two weeks since Grace’s tea party, and was now well into December.  The town was covered in coloured lights and brimming over with what felt like forced festive cheer, and it made him want to growl at people.  Drinking alone at Granny’s perhaps wasn’t the most productive use of his time, but it had been a long day and he figured he deserved a whisky.  For some reason he hadn’t wanted to go home and drink one alone in his study as he usually would, and he had been mulling over that strange fact ever since he had arrived and taken a seat at the bar.  He was sure there was a reasonable explanation for it, but his brain kept circling back to Belle.  For reasons he couldn’t quite understand, the house had felt empty since she had gone, the tick of the clocks too loud, the kitchen too quiet.  Gold took another sip of his whisky.  Perhaps he should get a cat.

He rolled his shoulders, trying to relieve the ache in them.  He should never have let Belle stay in his home; things had been awkward ever since she had left, and he wasn’t sure what to do about it, or indeed whether she had even noticed.  Her asking about Neal had thrown him, and he was aware that he had been accusatory, dismissive, almost rude.  But Belle still smiled at him and greeted him warmly, despite him appearing to lose the ability to speak in her presence.  Despite him saying the wrong thing whenever he did manage to find words.

He took another drink, feeling despondent, and the door opened behind him with a blast of cold air.  Gold scowled, glancing to the side as a familiar figure slid onto the stool next to him.

“Hey,” said Dorothy, draping an arm around his shoulders.  “Thought I’d make your Yuletide a little more gay.  You want another drink?”

Gold held up his glass just as Ruby came out of the kitchen.  She stared at Dorothy, blushed, and turned her attention to him with a wide smile.

“Same again,” he said.

“I’ll pay,” announced Dorothy.  “Can I get a rum and coke and a plate of cheese fries?”

“Sure!” said Ruby, a little too brightly, and almost ran back into the kitchen.  Gold shook his head.

“So,” said Dorothy, and he was amused to see that her cheeks were tinged pink.  “You all ready for Christmas?”

“Given that it’s a day like any other, I expect so,” he said, in a very dry tone.

“Don’t tell me you’re gonna sit at home alone crying into your whisky,” she said reprovingly.

“Certainly not,” he said.  “I’ll have a perfectly pleasant day by myself, as always.”

Dorothy grunted, as though she didn’t believe him, but just then Ruby came back out, and made their drinks.  Her fingers brushed Dorothy’s as she handed it over, and the two of them jumped as though they’d been electrocuted.  The rum and coke swayed alarmingly, and Gold reached out to steady it, shooting Dorothy an amused look.

“Sorry!” said Ruby, wincing, and ran off again.

Gold turned his attention to his whisky, allowing Dorothy to regain her own composure.

“So,” she said, still blushing.  “You get your Secret Santa present picked out?”

Gold groaned, letting his head droop.

“God, I hate doing Secret Santa!” he grumbled, and Dorothy gave him a sympathetic look, patting his shoulder.

“Don’t stress too much about it,” she said.  “You don’t have to buy from the heart, it’s a work thing.  Just think about what the person’s interests are.  Or booze is usually a safe bet.  Whose name did you get, anyway?”

“Zelena,” he said flatly, and she slumped on her stool.

“Oh.”

“Exactly,” he growled.  “What the hell am I supposed to give her?  I know her, she’ll find out it was me, and anything I buy she’s gonna misinterpret as some sort of come-on.”

“Well, that’s true.”  She seemed to deflate a little, then brightened.  “A restraining order?”

Gold barked a laugh.  “Don’t tempt me.”

“No, I’m serious!” she insisted.  “I can get Mulan to print one off at the station.  We could add some tinsel, make it a festive fuck-you!”

Gold sighed, running a hand over his face.

“Who did you get, anyway?” he asked.

She drew out a small slip of paper from her pocket, waving it enticingly.

“I got Belle,” she said.  “Want to swap?”

Gold sighed again.

“I don’t think so,” he said.  “I think - I think I’ve screwed things up with her.  Not exactly a surprise, but there we go.”

“How so?”

Gold grimaced, turning back to his whisky.

“She - she tried to reach out,” he said heavily.  “And I did what I always do.  I pushed her away.”

“Wow,” remarked Dorothy.  “If I’d known all it took was a couple of drinks to get you self-aware, I’d have gotten you hammered the day I got here.”

He pulled a face at her, and she put an arm around him, squeezing him.

“Can you fix it?” she asked.

“Maybe,” he sighed.  “Maybe not, I don’t know.”

“Do you want to fix it?”

“Yes,” he said decidedly.  “I want - I want us to be friends.”

“Well, that’s a good start,” she said.

“I just don’t know how,” he added.  “Whenever I want to talk to her, something goes wrong in my brain and I say something ludicrously stupid.  Or offensive.  Or both.”

“Oh, man,” sighed Dorothy.  “That’s just being in love.  Trust me.”

“I’m not in love!” he snapped.  “I’m just - I don’t want to hurt her.  I want us to get along.  That’s all.”

She was eyeing him with an expression of supreme disbelief, but to her credit she said nothing.

“Okay.”  She reached for her drink.  “Why don’t you start with an apology?  Maybe some flowers or something?”

“Right,” he said.  “Yes.  I could do that.”

“Good,” she said.  “So that’s your task for tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay,” he agreed.  “Right.”

“Now you want to make me responsible for Zelena’s Secret Santa present, or what?”

Gold grinned, and fished in his pocket for the slip of paper.

“She’s all yours.”

[artisticestheticreads]

XI // CheckMate

[Element by Kendrick Lamar plays]   

    It was the day after Sierra Mona’s service and Maxine wanted off with Carlos and his goons. She stood in a room full of about fifty people under Rodney’s house. Everyone wore black hoodies, cargo pants and combat boots with their undivided attention on her and Donnie. Maxine done enough crying and now it was time for blood. Rodney stood to her right and Donnie to her left; Maxine finally spoke. “Good morning, everyone. I know it’s a tad bit early but we got a lot of shit to cover. With the lost of a woman who was family to me, I’m a little hungry for vengeance. I hope y’all don’t mind.”; silence fellthe room. She raised a brow and nodded with a smirk. “Good. Because we move out in about, I’ll say, about two days. I know I’m new to this but I’m ready for any fuckin’ thing. It was one thing to get his boys to take me out with their bare hands BUT it’s another thing to gun down my impregnated friend.” 

    She began pacing the floor with her arms folded. “So, Rod mentioned to me that no one in here is the rat which is good, for y’all. He also mentioned to Big Dawg and myself that Carlos ships out shit from New York and Texas but he is in the A Town, Big Peach.. Atlanta, Georgia. His hometown, rumor has it. So we will be splitting into teams with cargo and ammunition provided by Jean.” She nodded towards him and he returned it. “Two teams will all be in a variety of transportation dressed normal workers to avoid any unwanted attention. Jean will stay back home to care for his family and so will Tariq since he is injured. Babe, you split the teams.” She stood behind him as he stood in front of her. He lifted his arms and split them inches  away from one another. He looked to his right and said “Beta, you will be heading to Houston, Texas. Rodney will be giving you your “care packages” and anything else you’ll may need.” He looked to his left then said “You’ll be the omega team and heading to New York. We already took care of everyone’s ticket for your group and your flight leaves tonight at eight. Jean’s brother has all the shit you need.” He put his arms down and looked down at the middle. “You will be Alpha team and you’ll have me, Baby Girl and Rod right along with you. I wanna take out that muthafucka myself.” 

    He looked around the room then at Rod. “Follow me to the dining room to get all you need as in more information. Transportation will be ready tomorrow morning at five. Meeting dismissed.” Rodney lead the groups upstairs to get everything leaving Maxine and Donnie alone sitting at the conference table. “We will be staying at the Marriott in downtown ATL. The Presidential Suite with concierge lounge access, 1 bedroom suite, a king sized bed, and 1.5 bath. Nothing but the best for my queen” he kissed her hand as she smiled. “We need to get someone to watch Abel. I don’t want him alone”, she said. “We’ll find someone. Don’t worry. Let’s get on out of here and pack our shit for our flight. We roll out tomorrow afternoon.” He grabbed her hand as they walked out.

[ELEMENT by Kendrick Lamar fades; LOVE by Kendrick Lamar starts]   

    They went back home and started packing. The ammunition was on their way to their pinpoints and the troops were all saying goodbye to their families and heading out. Maxine packed everything into their shared suitcase as Don got their carry on bags ready; both had a black leather mock croc quilted nylon backpack. As he packed the bags on the bed where we sat, he watched Maxine in the closet packing. She paid him no mind as he slipped a secretive velvet box into his bag. Maxine came out with their shared suit case with two crowns painted on them. She placed the bags by the front door and made a phone call. “Hey, Justin”, she said as she sat on the bed beside Donnie. “So, Don and I are going out of town for a while and we was wondering if you can watch our place and Abel?” She nodded and said “yeah our flight is tomorrow at noon but we gonna get their way earlier because we packed a lot of stuff.” She laughed and replied “yeah, a whole lot. Can you get here at eight so we can run through somethings?” She smiled and said “thanks, babes. We’ll see you tomorrow.” She hung up and saw Donnie looking at her. 

   “You got something to say”, she said as he smiled. He shook his head and held her close to him. “Baby, you know there is no turning back now, right?” She looked at him and kissed his lips. “I know. We gotta end this all or we’ll both be next.” He nodded as he rubbed her back and kissed her neck. She straddled his lap and held his face in her hands while kissing him. “This might be our last time making love, Donnie.” He looked up into her worried eyes and said “baby, kings and queens don’t die. We got each other, okay? I’m not gonna let anything happen to you. I got you.” He held her face to his and began kissing her on the lips softly while pulling her hoodie off. She did the same for him, never breaking the kiss. He unhooked her bra with one hand and threw it to the side; placing her right nipple in his mouth. She ran her fingers through his kinky curls and moaned softly while smelling his hair; the scent of black castor oil filled her nostrils. He held the small of her back as he placed the other in his mouth. He lied her on her back and stood while looking at her. He thought about the first time they met at the club on his 30th birthday. The fire in her eyes, her tempting skin and the way her aura was the reason they got here, together. He always kind of knew she could be the one, he just knew that it had to be her.

    Maxine rested on her elbows and looked up to him. She thought about their first kiss. The one they shared when Don asked her to be his lady. The way his lips felt all over her. The way he held her so close in those arms. He always made her feel protected, like she was secured even when he wasn’t around. He stripped out of his clothes and gently took her cargos off. He started to kiss her from her head and down to her stomach with soft kisses. He took her lace panties off and kissed her inner thighs with his eyes closed. She let out soft moans and felt tears streaming down her cheeks. He placed her legs on each of his shoulders and began pleasing her slowly, mouth and fingers being used; he wanted to make ever second count. He wanted to make love to her like never before because this might be the last time they had the chance to do so. Her body began shaking indicating she was close and as she did, he kissed her body again starting at her vagina and to her lips. He scoot her body to the middle of the bed and hovered over her. He saw the little tears she had and he used his finger to wipe them away. “Pas de larmes ce soir, mon amour.” She nodded and held him close to her chest as he inserted inside of her. She would miss the way he filled her. The way he pleased her, mentally and physically. The way he looked at her in the eyes. 

    As he was thrusting into her slowly, he looked into her eyes as she moaned. He could see so much love and care in them. She was the ONLY woman who made all the stress disappear with one touch. He thought of being with her for a life time. Now, he might be right or wrong but for now he tried to not think about it. “Je t'aime, Maxine Piers”, he groaned. She smiled at how he loved showing how good she made him feel. She moaned “Je t'aime aussi, Donnie Wilkerson.” He began to speed up just a little and held her close. He loved the way her hands feel. He placed his head in the crook of her neck and smelled a mixture of their scents intertwining with one another. He could feel Maxine getting close as she clenched around him like a glove. She had moans spilling from her mouth and finally came. He kept going until he can feel himself doing the same. “Shiiiiit.” He finally did so, looked down at her and placed a kiss on her forehead.

The Next Morning; 7:45 am

     Maxine and Donnie had just gotten out the shower together and started getting dressed; of course in all black with plain v-necks, jeans with rips and comfortable shoes for the long ride. Maxine put her jewelry and grill in a safe baggy and placing it her bag. Donnie put his chain on and did the same for Maxine; they looked inside of the mirror and saw their reflections. They saw determination, ambition and anger. Donnie kissed the top of her head and took her  hand as the door bell rung. It was Justin in a sweatsuit and a overnight bag. “Good morning, guys”, he said not sounding like himself. “How you holdin’ up, babe” Maxine asked. Justin shook his head and said “I can’t be there. It’s just not the same anymore without her”; he couple nodded in agreement and Maxine rubbed his hand into her hers. Donnie spoke “so, uh, you’ll be in the guest room. There are some fresh towels and everything you need in there. Abel is in the back sleep.” Justin nodded and looked around. “You can trust me, guys.” Maxine held Justin and kissed his cheek while rubbing his back. “It’s okay, Justin. It’ll be okay.” They let go of each other when they got a text from Rodney. ”I’m here in the UberXL.”  They looked at each other, grabbed their bags and left out the door as Justin watched. 

     They drove off in the truck and everyone sat in complete silence until the UBER driver started to talk. “So, you guys going to LAX, uh? Where you heading?” Maxine rolled her eyes and said “Occupe-toi de tes affaires,imbécile.” They all smiled at her reaction. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know y’all spoke French”, the driver replied before driving silent. Donnie looked at her and smiled before saying “Tellement impoli, mon amour.” Rodney added “Eh bien, merde. Cela a fonctionné cependant” with a chuckle. Donnie held her hand and kissed it as she smiled at him. They soon arrived to LAX and checked in. They all walked through with the terminal looking for their destination. They went by Starbucks first to get coffee first and went to sit and wait for their flight for 11:45 am. 

[GOD by Kendrick Lamar plays] 

    Rodney, Donnie and Maxine sat next to one another. Maxine leaned over to Rodney. “Rod, is the shipment there?” He nodded. “Jean has his boys guarding it at their location Downtown.” She nodded and looked at Donnie as she sat back. She sipped her Mocha Frappuccino® made with almond milk and no whip cream with her headphones on looking at the files on each of Carlos’ men. Donnie leaned in to whisper something in Rodney’s ear; Rodney nodded and shook his hand. Donnie looked at Maxine then at his phone to check on every team. The Texas team was already an hour away from their location and New York were already at their hotel getting ready for orders. The Alpha team wanted to ride in the van with shipment so they were on their way to Atlanta for the hit tomorrow evening; they started their trip yesterday afternoon and were about eight hours away taking turns driving. 

1:00 pm pst

     They were finally on their American Airline flight and the plane took off. Donnie moved his arm rest from between Maxine and himself to hold her close. She looked up at him and smiled. “You okay, babe”, she asked. He nodded and said “I’m just proud of you, Maxine”. “Why?” He shrugged. “Because you planned this shit all by yourself. You make a great Queen.” He pulled her in closer and she rested her head in his chest. The flight was long as heck but he enjoyed every minute; Maxine was fell asleep and he played with the tip of her locks. They were together at the end of all of this. In each other’s arms after the war. Happy in there bed again but then she looked up and he was gone. She tried calling his name but no sound came out. She looked everywhere but he was no where in sight. She went to the backyard and saw Abel howling and crying. She looked to the pool and saw nothing but red liquid. She got closer and saw Donnie’s body floating to the top, lifeless. She tried pulling him out the pool but her grip kept slipping. She let out silent screams and felt a pair of strong hands on her. Maxine’s eyes flew open to Donnie and he smiled at her. She looked around and saw people leaving the plan. “Welcome to the Big Peach.” 

[GOD by Kendrick Lamar ends and YAH plays]

6:40 pm est

   They stood at baggage claim to retrieve their bags and made it outside waiting for their ride. The sky was already dark with a purple sunset. Maxine looked up at the sky and smiled. “It’s amazing.” He looked at her and said “yeah, it is.” Their ride pulled up and they drove off to the I-85 North in Fulton County from the South Terminal Pkwy, followed the I-85 N to Atlanta, took the exit for 248C from I-75 N/I-85 North and continued on Andrew Young International Blvd NE and finally arrived to the hotel. Rodney grabbed his duffel bag and backpack before holding the door open for Don and Maxine. Maxine wore her bag in while Donnie rolled their huge huge suitcase in. The bell boys came to them with their keys, helped them to their room and said “your shipment is inside your rooms. enjoy your stay”; they winked and left. Rodney went to his room next door and the couple went into theirs. Maxine looked around and was amazed. The room itself was like a lavish apartment. Maxine took her bag off and placed it on the couch before taking her shoes off. She sat down and took everything in. “Is it nice, baby?” She nodded and bit her lip. He sat the luggage by the door and sat beside her, holding her. 

    His phone started to vibrate and it was a call from one of the Los Angeles troops’ he put it on speaker phone and placed on the table. “Hey, boss. We see that you made it safe. We all ready for the attack tomorrow. Jean is here with us now.” Maxine poured some white wine that sat in the ice bucket into a glass and sipped. “Put us on speaker”, said Don in as serious tone. Jean began speaking. “Hello, Big Dawg. Hello, Lady Dawg.” Maxine smiled and said “hi, Jean. So, have the New York team been told their plan?” “Yes. Apparently, Carlos is located near Trump Towers right around the corner. We have cameras on them that my brother put in himself this morning.” Donnie nodded “good thing them muthafuckas needed camera work done.” Jean replied “exactly, boss. They didn’t expect a thing. Dumb fuckers.” Maxine sipped from her glass with a smile before speaking. “So, you can see everything, correct?” “Yes, ma’am.” We also found away to tap into the cameras systems for Houston and the ATL as well. Wasn’t easy but we did. Also, I’ll have you rides ready tomorrow. Y’all be riding in style.” Donnie said “good job, man. Just stay home and keep us updated. You’ll be safe there and you can take care of your family.” Jean replied “yes, Sir. I’ll send the footage to all the vans computers and do everything to make this easy. And by the way, I got a little gift for you two in your glove compartments. Get some sleep, man.” He hung up and looked to Maxine who smiled at him. “You ready, baby girl?” She smiled “I’m ready, Big Don.”

The Next Morning; 10:50 am

[YAH ends and BOSS by The Carters play]

      The Alpha team all met in their room which held all of them on the couch; thirty members. Rodney stood on one end them while Maxine and Don stood at the other beside her. “Good morning, men”, said Donnie. “So, I take it that everyone has what they need, yes?” Everyone nodded and Donnie looked at Maxine as began to speak to the men. “Okay, here is the deal, men. Jean sent us all footage to all of our vans of the warehouses.” She looked at the conference phone on the coffee table and began. “Apparently, neither of our locations know where we are. Which is good. So this can be an easy attack. According to Jean, we all have bulletproof suits that will protect us all from shots being fired. Omega team, you’ll be posing as ambulance and firefighters. We have an actor out there to pretend to be hurt in front of the building and that’s when you come in, ambulance will take the supplies while firefighters take them bitches out.” The Omegas, who were on the conference call, replied. “Yes, ma’am.” 

    She spoke again. “Betas, you will be posing as waiters and staff since they do their work at a motel. We paid the owner good money to keep his mouth shut. Staff get supplies and waiters gun them down, got it?” Betas responded and her attention went to the men the room. “Alphas, you’ll all be just in all black. If we roll up there, we rollin’ in style, men. Cargos, hoodies, leather jackets and combat boots. In your bags, you all received ski masks and full bulletproof suits. There is about thirty of you so fifteen will go with Rodney to get all supplies and money while the rest will be guarding us and taking everyone except for Carlos.” She looked at Donnie and said “that’s the king’s job.” Donnie finally spoke. “We move out in transportation in five hours.” Everyone set their timers and looked at one another while rising. Donnie said “what do you guys have to say to Max? On the count of three. One. Two. Three.” “Welcome to the Team, Queen Maxine.” She smiled as she thought about her old team at her past job and thanked them all. “Meeting dismissed.” Everyone hung up and the men in the room left. 

 Three Hours Later  

    Donnie and Maxine held each other in a warm embrace. “No going back now”, she said looking up at him and he shook his head. “Nope.” They began to get ready. Donnie placed their suitcase that Jean gave them and opened. Inside, there were two of each for both of them, glocks,  HK USP Tacticals, and UZI Pistols. In suit bags, they both had tailored suits and dress shirts. Maxine looked at him confused and he smiled; he loved when she made that face. “These are bulletproof suits. Everyone else have the basic ones but I want my queen to be in style.” She smiled and started to unpack everything so they can both be prepare. She wore a black lace set, her dreads in a ponytail, the outfit Jean provided and a pair of black heels. Donnie got dressed and wore black dress shoes. They both grabbed their holsters and packed their guns in. They threw their coats on, buttoned them and looked in the mirror before adding on the finishing touches. He put on his chains, diamonds studs, grill and rings while she did the same. 

     She noticed a note from Jean.  "Hola, Maxine. En caso de que las cosas vayan hacia el sur, he proporcionado cierta protección adicional en tu bota derecha. Solo da un puntapié en la dirección y estarás bien".  She smiled and nodded. Donnie asked “what does the note say?” She looked at him with smirk and said “we will see”. They locked up the room and left as Donnie spoke to Rodney through the mic on his earpiece. “Aight, Rod. We are on way down. Is our ride here?” “Um, Big Dawg. You gotta see this.” They hurried down stairs to the lot and saw Rodney with the cars. They were all matte black with gold accents to them; a Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and BMW i8. “These are nice”, Maxine said with a big smile. Jean spoke to them through their ear pieces. “Okay, team. Carlos and his boys just arrived to the warehouse. It’s an unmarked brown building on Luckie Street. You should find it because it’s the only brown building. Don’t let the look fool you, it’s nice as hell on the inside. Now, Maxine you got the i8, Don has the Jeep and Rod got the 300. Don’t worry, they are all bullet proof. ” They all got in and got comfortable with hands on their steering wheels and starting their cars. 

[APE SHIT by THE CARTERS play with intense bass]     

    Don said “betas ready?” The Beta team replied dressed in the transportation. “Ready.” Rodney said “omega, we good?” Omega replied “we in this muthafucka.” Maxine then said ‘What about you, Alphas? Are we ready?” Alpha announced “yes, Queen.” She smiled as they all pulled off. Maxine drove ahead of the pack with Donnie behind to her right and Rodney to her left. The matte black vans drove in front making the group of cars in the shape of an ‘X’. Jean talked into the leader’s earpiece. “Ok, guys in twenty five minutes I will be knocking out all cameras and that will give y’all time to get in with out being detected. Now, Rod in your backseat, you have bulletproof head gear.” He saw the swat team looking mask that had gold trimming and the name ROD written on it and put it on. He replied. “Thanks, man.” Jean told Donnie and Maxine “you two have bullet proof masks but not just ordinary masks. Open your glove compartments.” They both did; Maxine saw a matte black mask with gold studs on it and grabbed it to put it on. “Got it, Jean. Thank you”, she said. Don saw a white and gold skull mask and was impressed. He moved his twists to the back to put his masks on.

     Back in Los Angeles, Justin was in the guest room looking at Netflix when he heard a big knock at the door. It startled him and he instantly called Maxine; she answered with it on speaker phone. “What’s wrong, Justin?” “There is someone knocking on the door”, he said still shook. Donnie could hear them and said “shit, they know where we stay. Babe, tell him to grab the pistol I placed under the bed!” Maxine had a scrunched up face and said “Don said grab the gun under the bed.” Justin looked under and, sure enough, there was a silver handgun under the bed. He grabbed it and his hand couldn’t stop shaking. “I got it. N-now what?” Maxine said “go to the door and look through the peep hole. Control your breathing.” He did what he was told and then a voice belted through. “Max, open the door. It’s Candy and Ricky JR.” Maxine heard the voice and told Don “it’s Candace.” Don said “he can open it”. Max told Justin to open the door. He did so and she had a worried look on her face.��“Who are you”, she asked. “I’m Justin. I’m house sitting.” “Can I come in?” He stood to the side as they walked in. He locked the door and stood by her. “I need to talk to her. Give her phone”, Maxine said. He handed the phone to her and Maxine started talking. “Candy, what’s wrong?” “TARIQ IS MISSING!” Maxine was worried. “Ricky is missing?!” Don and Rod heard her and were also grew worried but still focus. 

   That was until Rodney saw six motorcycles rolling behind them. “Don, we got visitors, blood.” Don looked back and saw the bikes. Maxine looked in her rear view mirror and saw them, too. “Candy, don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. Just stay with Justin and you’ll be safe.” She hung up and looked towards Don. “ALPHA! We got visitors. Assume the positions” he said. The vans pulled back and Rod, Max and Don were now in front speeding, the vans swerved to block the first four bikes but two sped up and eight more came out of nowhere. “Jean, we got bikes on us”, Rod said. Jean said in a calm voice “you have AK47 under  the  passenger seats! ” Maxine let off shots at the two that rode in front of them and watching them fall. Rod aimed for the two on his right and they fell hard to the concrete ground; he had to congratulate himself with a howl. Don set off rounds in the men on his left and they flew off their bikes and crashed into street poles. They all continued driving and then all of sudden a bike stopped in front of Maxine’s car and held out a machine gun. She steered with her left hand and set off a clip into his skull with her right. Don swerved into the biker and got back in place. 

     “Thanks, my king.” “Don’t mention it, Queen.” More bikes came out and had names written on their jackets. Christian, Mario, Navo, Enrique and Tico Jr. “We got more”, Maxine said. Rodney said “fuck, Tico had a baby boy.” Donnie chuckled and said “they’ll be together soon.” Jean said “Rod you gotta leave them and get to the warehouse with the vans. We need them now!” Rod yelled out “FUCK! good luck”; he drove off with the Alphas leaving Maxine and Donnie to take care of the bikers. “Babe, take out Navo and Tico. I got Christian, Mario and Enrique”, Don said. Maxine reloaded her gun and aimed for Nav and Jr.; she got both easily. “Sorry, fellas. No hard feelings?” Donnie chuckled at her. Donnie aimed for the other biker gas line and saw each one blow except for Enrique who drove off in between the smoke and fire. They lost him but that was until the masked driver appeared on the left of Maxine’s car and said “Bienvenido a Atlanta, hijos de puta” while pointing his gun. All of sudden, she felt like she was yanked from the car and placed into the passenger side of Don’s. She looked to Donnie who crashed Maxine’s car into the rider; Maxine shut her door and buckled up. “Sorry, Jean.”, Donnie said. Jean laughed “I’m used to it by now, man. The cameras are out so make your way, now.” They turned onto Luckie Street and Maxine saw the building.

    They pulled up to the corner and sat there as they watched each camera of all of Carlos buildings. She saw the teams ready to take orders; Maxine began to speak to the teams. “Everyone in place?” Everyone said yes. “On my count, Beta and Omega move on in. Trois. Deux. Un!!” They did what the were told. She heard gun shots go off and it pleased her as she watched them go off. She looked to Donnie and said “ready?” Donnie nodded as he said “Rod, move in.” They got out with guns ready. “We are right behind you.” The Alpha team stood in front of them and started to take out guards and watched them fall like dominos. Don and Max ran behind them and went to the elevator. “Rod, take your team downstairs. The supply is down there and take all of that my money”, Donnie yelled and Rod ran with his team. “Alpha, take the stairs and let us now when you up there on the fourth floor. Be generous with they the clips and light they ass up.” Maxine said and then she spoke again. “You five, get on. We will need you.” They all went their ways and Max pressed the fifth floor. Don lifted his mask over his hair and looked at Max; she did the same. “Maxine, before we get off. I just wanna say that I am very proud of you and that I am in love with you. You’re my everything. You're my lady. I love you so much. I am very lucky to have someone like you by my side.” She felt tears come down and he wiped them off. “Thugs don’t cry, baby.” He kissed her and put her mask back on then he did the same for herself. They loaded their guns as the elevator stopped and the doors opened.

[Left, Right by YG plays]  

  The five Alpha members began shooting at incoming guards and henchmen. Donnie and Maxine were also setting off rounds into bodies and reloading at the same time. One guy came from the corner to Maxine and she had to show what was up. She was giving him blow after blow with her new gold brass knuckles. She watched him fall then set a bullet off between his eyes. Two more came up and she ducked every punch coming her way; she started to them with a right, left. She caught up with the team and started shooting again. Both Omega and Beta were about done and heading back to the vans. “Queen we got everything. Wer are out.” Max spoke. “Good job guys. Roll out.” More men came out and soon fell to the ground. All of a sudden, the lights flickered on and off. “What’s going on? Rod, what the fuck?!”, yelled Donnie.”We got everything but...the Rat is...” Rodney said before the earpieces went out followed by a woman’s scream hit Donnie’s ear along with some gunshots. The lights went on and his men were lied on the ground and Maxine was missing. He screwed up his face and yelled “MAX?!?!?!? Baby?!?!?!” ; he got hit in the side of his head. 

  He woke up lying on hard cold floor with his mask & jacket off, along with no weapons and tried to get up but felt the barrel of a gun to the back of his head. He looked up in front of him and saw a man crouched down in front of him. “Hey, man. Long time no see”, the Latin man gave him a smile. Don looked him in the eye and said “Carlos?” Carlos patted his cheek and said “my, my. You getting big on me man. I remembered when you were a young fool.” He walked around is desk and said “and now you a old fool.” He lit his cigar and Donnie looked around the room that was full of about fifteen Hispanic men surrounding him. The room was dark and the air was dry and humid. He felt defeated and can only think about Maxine and her smile. He began to speak “where is my lady, Carlos?” Carlos smirked at him and snapped his fingers.

   Donnie looked up and saw Maxine come out of a dark corner with a mystery figure who had a mask on and an all green biker suit like the man Enrique did. He threw Maxine on the ground next to Carlos desk and looked at Donnie. Her head had dry blood, along with her nose and she didn’t have her suit jacket or shirt on. Donnie’s eyes grew wide as he saw the woman he loved like this. He promised to protect her and he failed. Carlos looked over nonchalant. “Tsk. Tsk. You didn’t learn from the last bitch, huh?” Donnie looked up and met Carlos, eye to eye. “How the fuck did you know we were out here, man?” Carlos looked at Enrique and nodded to him. Enrique slowly walked up to Donnie and crouched down to him. He took off his mask and Donnie’s face was scrunched up with disgust. “TARIQ?!?!?!?!?!” Maxine looked up from the ground and felt her blood boil.

  Tariq looked at him and said “that ain’t my name, Donald. The name’s Enrique Munoz, the right hand man and business partner of this corporation.” Maxine looked at Carlos who paid her no mind and noticed he had a handgun in his belt buckle. Tariq circled around Donnie and began speaking again. “You see, I was supposed to end your life a long time ago after you birthday actually but then Maxine came in the picture. When I saw how you looked at her, I thought to be nice and let you get some pussy before but then I was told not to. Carlos and I had a lot shit to get done. Then, Maxine moved in and ruined the whole fucking thing. Then, her ratchet ass gang came around and made things more complicated.” Maxine looked at him and asked “what about you getting shot?” Enrique laughed and said while still looking at Donnie. “Maxine, that was my plan. Do you really think I would look that bad from a shoulder wound? I was only grazed.” “Does Candy know?” He said with a eye roll. “Candace is a fuckin’ idiot. She thinks my real name is Tariq and that I’m actually black.” He looked at Maxine with a smirk across his face and said “how is Sierra Mona doing btw”, turned back around, Maxine felt her adrenaline pump again and her fists balled up. 

   “And then, Max took out Tico, my cousin and that’s when I knew I had to take her out, too but you two were always together.” He pulled a gun out and aimed it at the top of Don’s right shoulder and shot into it. Maxine’s cried and then remembered what Jean said in the note. She looked at her heels and got on her left knee to Carlos causing Tariq to point his gun at her. Carlos said “what the hell is she doing!?” Maxine hung her head and said “we surrender, Carlos. You won.” He looked at the men and clapped. “Wooow. A beautiful black submissive kneeling before me. Is today my birthday?” Everyone laughed except Donnie, who shook his head in confusion. Once everyone stopped, Carlos stood in front and she looked up at him with a smile on her face, remembering what Sierra Mona said to her on her death bed. “I almost forgot. Queens don’t kneel down for anyone, ever.” 

   With she pushed him against the table and before he reached for his gun, she gave him a nice Mawashi geri kick to his through with back of her heel and a long knife came out. She froze as he watched the blood gush all over the table. She ripped the knife from is neck while everyone in the room stood still and then Tariq aimed the gun. She picked up Carlos’ body using it as a shield, grabbed his gun and aimed it at Tariq then said “ Ven a mí, puto!!!” She let off multiple rounds in his chest, his head hit the table, Rodney and the men busted through the doors and let off rounds at Carlos’ men who had their guns on Maxine. She dodged under the table, peeked over to Donnie and pulled his body underneath. Maxine used the knife from her boot to cut fabric from Carlos’ shirt to tie up around Donnie’s wound to stop bleeding. She wrapped it up and continued the fight; grabbing Tariq and Carlo’s hand gun. She got back unfer to tend to Donnie. “Baby Girl, you saved me.” She looked at him in his eyes and kissed him. “That’s because I’m in love with you too, baby. And you damn sure not leaving me with these crazy muthafuckas.” They laughed and she helped him up as the shots stop.

[LOYALTY by Kendrick Lamar plays]

Two Days Later

     Donnie was out the hospital and Maxine was right there the whole time. She helped him get dressed in the same outfit she had on; white tee, jeans and Air Max 90. The men were all on their way back to California but unfortunately ten didn’t survive. Rodney was in front of the hospital in their rented car, well, van with all their belongings while the alpha team drove the goods to the LA. He held the door open for Donnie who had an arm sling with a cast and Maxine who was just glad Donnie survived the surgery. She lied her head on his left shoulder and held him close. “You did great, baby. Especially with the Bruce Lee kick.” They all laughed until Donnie asked “does Candy know?” She nodded “yeah but I told her he tried to join in the battle but got shot in the process by Carlos and that ‘Tariq’s’ body will be transferred to Cali today for the funeral next week.” He nodded and said “damn, he was my boy. But rats gonna be rats.” Rod added “sorry, man. I’ve should’ve looked harder at his file.” Donnie shook his head. “Don’t be. His real name wasn’t on file.”

   Soon, Maxine fell asleep because she was watching Don in the hospital and he found that this was the perfect opportunity to dig in his bag. They finally reached the airport and were on their way to their terminal. Maxine was in line for a strawberry acai from Starbucks when Don and Rod waited for her across the way. “So, when you gonna do it? You know if you don’t do it soon, Sierra said she was gonna haunt that ass”, Rodney said with a smile. Donnie looked at Rodney with a grin and said “very soon.” They all began walking to their location until Don “felt” a pain shoot up is arm and he got on both knees. Maxine gave Rod her drink who had his phone out towards them, worried as she tended to Donnie while crouching to him and looking in his face. “Baby, are you okay?!”, she asked. Donnie said, “Max, you know I love you right?” She nodded. “And that you’re my everything?” She nodded again, confused with smile. “And that you’re my lady.” He got off his left knee and looked at her as she tried to help him up but he declined. He dug in his arm brace and pulled out a blue velvet box and revealed a 14k white gold pave halo and shank diamond engagement ring; she stood there speechless. Donnie smiled up at her and said “well, I want you as my wife and the beautiful mother of my children. Maxine Piers, will you marry me?” She just stood there...

TRANSLATIONS

Pas de larmes ce soir, mon amour. -No tears tonight, my love.

Attention à vos affaires, imbécile - Mind your business, dumbass.

Tellement impoli, mon amour. -  So rude, my love.

Eh bien, merde. Cela a fonctionné cependant  - Well, shit. It worked

Hola, Maxine. En caso de que las cosas vayan hacia el sur, he proporcionado cierta protección adicional en tu bota derecha. Solo da un puntapié en la dirección y estarás bien" - Hello, Maxine. In case things go south, I have provided some additional protection in your right boot. Just kick in the direction and you'll be fine

Bienvenido a Atlanta, hijos de puta - Welcome to Atlanta, motherfuckers

[allthephils]

a Kiss in the Dreamhouse

Chapter 8

Read on ao3

Dan had cleaned all day. He grumbled all the while, “Phil can go fuck himself.” He washed the few dishes he had used and emptied all the bins, “Nice best friend you got there, Danny.” He straightened up the lounge and fluffed the pillows on the sofa, “Where does he get off talking to me like that?” He gathered Phil’s shoes and hoodie from the floor under the coffee table, “He lives like a goddamn pig.” Dan carried Phil’s things to his room to put away. It was stuffy from being closed up for days so he cracked a window. He hung up the hoodie and put the shoes in the closet. Gathering up some discarded items of clothing off the floor, Dan tossed them in the laundry hamper. Unsure of what was laundry and what was rejected remnants from packing, Dan smelled a Sunnydale High t-shirt to see if it smelled clean. It smelled of ginger lemon body wash and a little something else that was slightly intoxicating to Dan. It smelled of Phil. Without thinking, he pulled off his black t-shirt and pulled the Sunnydale High shirt on. He sat down on the bed and ran his hand over the green and blue duvet.

Why did he feel one way in here and another way out in the real world? Maybe this space was too protective. Maybe he’d relied on Phil too much. He’d been hiding behind Phil for so long and it probably wasn’t fair to either of them, but he missed the old Phil that always had his back. Old Phil would have never said those things, but this Phil insisted Dan was attracted to guys. He wasn’t wrong, Dan had admitted that, if only to himself. But he was attracted to all kinds of people, so why not just choose women? Why not choose to be with someone he could marry tomorrow if he wanted too? Someone who could carry his baby one day, someone who he wasn’t scared to kiss in public. When he imagined himself with Lacey, thoughts of them hanging out, drinking coffee played in his mind. When he imagined himself with a man, flashes of rocks hurling toward him played in his mind instead. He remembered curling into a fetal position as he lay on the asphalt, covering his head as best he could. Children threw stones but high school boys threw kicks, kicks in big scary boots.

He’d been a trusting kid, his parents took him around the world and taught him that love is the answer to everything. He had so many crushes in school and all the little girls loved him, with his dimples and long lashes. He didn’t know you weren’t supposed get a crush on a boy. He didn’t know that if you did, you had to keep it to yourself. He learned fast but it didn’t matter. Skinny jeans and weird hair and a posh accent were all it took to get labeled once a few years went by. Once a boy he liked kissed him behind the school, actually kissed him, and then that same boy shoved him down and ran away. Even Dan’s parents with all their preaching of free love and equality didn’t much like what they saw him becoming. They expected him to get a proper job and raise a family and plan for retirement, etc etc etc. Hypocrites. Dan lay down on top of the duvet and wrapped his arms around himself, turning his head to breathe in the smell of Phil. He closed his eye and felt the breeze from the window. It was dark out now and Dan just stayed here, in his safe space, in Phil’s space, until he fell asleep.

Green and blue dahlias made a checked blanket for Dan’s nap in the sun. He nestled between the tall stems, almost hidden from view. Waking gently, he blinked his eyes open and sat up to see a figure in the distance. Phil wandered, stepping high to avoid crushing the dahlias he waded through. His eyes searched and finally caught a glimpse of Dan, waving. Phil waved back wildly, nearly dropping the armful of chrysanthemums he had gathered. Picking up his pace, Phil walk toward Dan, face beaming. From the field ahead of Dan, vines began to wind. They climbed slowly, twisting and turning as if navigating an invisible trellis. As his best friend grew near, his view was obscured by dozens and dozens of climbing morning glories. Dan called out, “Phil? I’m over here, can you find me?”

There was no answer because Phil had already found him. He stepped through the tangle of purple and white blooms, tripping as he fought his way through. The chrysanthemums tumbled from his arms into Dan’s lap. They both laughed and Dan looked up, questioning.

“Those are for you. White for truth and red for love.” Dan gave Phil a fond look and laid back, blanketed in red and white among the green and blue. Phil lay next to him and took Dan’s hand in his. They watched the clouds take shape. Dragons and hearts and castles drifted by. A tiny red airplane buzzed overhead.

Light streamed in and Dan shivered. His phone was in his pocket and he grabbed it to check the time. 11:55. Phil’s plane landed at noon. He sat and stretched his arms over his head. Probably wouldn’t be a good idea to let Phil find Dan, in his shirt, in his bed. Dan sighed heavily and pulled the t-shirt off, throwing it into the hamper. He smoothed the duvet and went into the hall, closing the door behind him. He played the new Kanye for motivation. By 12:45, Dan was showered and dressed. His hair was a curly mess but he left it, it’s just Phil after all. He put on the kettle and sat at the kitchen table, pretending he wasn’t bursting with excitement at the prospect of Phil coming home. Passing time, he googled flower dream meaning. Maybe a little insight would be good after the emotion of this last couple days. He found a whole amazing language of flowers and vaguely recalled his grandmother telling him about the intricate symbolism he read about.  

Struggling to remember the dream he’d had, Dan looked up the meaning of Dahlias. He wasn’t sure they actually came in the color of Phil’s duvet but there they were and they represented major life changes, a fresh start. Oh god. That’s scary. Maybe Phil was sick of all this. Maybe he was drifting away. Hang on, breathe. It’s just a dream. Anyway, Phil had fought his way through the, what were they, morning glories. Morning glories, for restricted or unrequited love. He already knew the meaning of the chrysanthemums, white for truth and red for love. Oh, whatever. It’s not real science anyway, just a bunch of woo. Dan told himself that his subconscious was less important than his intellect and free will. He closed his browser, just as he heard feet on the steps.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

Neither of them wanted to admit how glad he was to see the other. “Kettle’s on if you want coffee.”

“Oh great. Thanks, Dan.” Phil pulled his boarding pass and a few receipts out of his back pocket. A small, folded piece of paper fell to the floor but he didn’t notice. He stuffed the stack in his hand into the recycling bin and proceeded to make his coffee. Dan had no business unfolding that paper, but he did. “You want coffee, Dan? Or tea?”

“Who’s Michael?”

Phil’s back was to Dan and he lingered there. “Just a friend of mine.”

“A friend with a French phone number?”

“A friend that I met in Paris.”

“You mean, a friend that you fucked in Paris.”  

Phil spun around do look at Dan. He was so tired, he didn’t know if he could do this right now. Defeated, he exhaled, “Yes, Dan, Michael is a friend I met in Paris and yes, we slept together. I can’t for the life of me figure why you’d care.”

“I don’t.” Dan fiddled with a curl that fell to his forehead. “I just… do you think it’s wise to sleep with two different men in the course of a few days.”

“Are you serious? Do you honestly think you get to have an opinion on this?”

Dan stared at his knees, avoiding eye contact. His stomach turned over. Stop it, Dan.

He didn’t stop. “Whoever he is, I hope he deserves you? What does that mean?” Phil walked over and took the note from Dan’s hand, stuffing it in a pocket. He leaned against the table, wondering how in the world he was going to steer this conversation to the the one he knew he needed to have. He had really hoped he get one night at home before he had to talk to Dan about any of this.

“Phil? What does that mean?” Dan voice pitched up just a bit, “Did you tell some Paris fuckboy about us?”

“Watch your mouth, Dan. Michael was kinder to me in one night than you’ve been in a year. And what do you mean about us? What us? I thought there was no us, Dan?”

Dan glared at him, “You know what I mean.”

“Do I?”

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