#i was giggling to myself that my drag name is Albert A.

[allbeendonebefore]

You felt the old bridge weigh us down / let's try to turn our love around / and take the dethbridge out of town

Hello from Lethbridge, thank you and good night! I don't know that we will have WiFi in Dinosaur Park so you may have to wait a while for trip updates.

[pixie88]

Rory Bear

A/N: Those who play Lovelink know Rory O’Brien. He recently when grey on me, I miss him so decided to do a FF especially for him! He is one hot dad, who looks like Chris Evans. This might be a one shot piece or I might continue I’m not sure yet.  Let me know if you would like to be tagged or untagged!

Find my other Rory O’Brien FF HERE on my masterlist under Lovelink - One shots.

Comments always welcome!

Word count: 2317

WARNINGS: ⚠️ NSFW & Fluffy fluff

Disclaimer: Characters are property of Lovelink.

Pairings: Rory x MC - Laila

Enjoy!

It's been two days since I've heard from Rory while he was washing his car. I don't want to bother him, I know he's busy with work and Amy. So, I get dressed and take Winnie for a walk. It's a sunny winter's day, we spend an hour in the park playing fetch before I grab a hot chocolate from the food van in the park.

We are nearly home when I hear my phone, I pull it out of my bag and the screen lights up.

*Lovelink - Rory has sent you a message*

[Hi Laila, How are you? I was thinking about our last conversation and I have my answer, but I want to tell you in person.]

I reply once I get inside.

[Hey Rory, I'm fab thanks you? How is Amy? Oh ok, I'm glad you've have come to a conclusion.]

[I'm not great tbh. Amy is fine, she has an art show at school tomorrow night.]

[Oh no, what's wrong? Aww, bless her! Has she made an art piece?]

[I've missed you! I was thinking would you be up for coming? My mom and dad will be there too. So, I understand if it's too much too soon. Yeah, she's done a drawing of you.]

[I can't say I haven't missed you. Oh, are you sure you want me to be there if your parents are? Is this your way of getting me to the art show? Because it's working.]

[Yes, I want you there and so does Amy after you helped her at her dance recital she wanted to do something to say thank you. If it means you'll come then yes haha.]

[Fine, I'll come, but only because I'm curious about this drawing. Plus, I want to see you and Amy! What time does it start?]

[Thank you so much Amy will be so pleased about you coming! It starts at 6 pm but I can come and pick you up at about 5.30 pm?]

[Just Amy? Ok, 5.30 is great. Can't wait to see you both]

[I'm super excited to see you too! Great, I'll see you then.]

(He wants me to meet his parents? Does that mean he's ready to move on? I guess I'll find out tomorrow)

~*~*~*~

The next day I drop Winnie round to my neighbours house. I'm just finishing up. I decided on a blue blouse undone slightly and black jeans with knee-high boots.

Ding Dong!

He's here! I open the door, Rory smiles "Laila, you look beautiful!"

"Thank you! You look handsome yourself. Ready to go?" I ask.

"Aww, thanks. Yeah, Amy is in the car"

"Great, let's go!" We walk over to the car and Amy smiles brightly at me as we approached the car.

Rory opens the door for me "Such a gentleman"

He smiles "Only the best for you" 

He seems different from the past two dates lighter and more confident. He closes the door.

"Hey, Amy how are you?"

"I'm ok thanks. Are you?"

Rory gets into the car.

"I'm great thanks Amy" Rory starts the engine. It's not long before we arrive at the school.

When we get inside, Rory waves at an elderly couple I'm guessing are his parents. They make their way over to us "Rory, Amy and who might this be" the elderly lady says.

"Mom, Dad this is Laila. She's my date, Laila and Laila this is my mother Philippa and my father, Albert"

"Hi, nice to meet you both!"

"Rory you didn't tell us you were dating again! I'm so happy for you" Philippa says.

"She's beautiful too," Albert says.

"She is," Rory gives me a look that sends butterfly's through my body.

I smile.

"Laila, come on I want to show you my drawing!"

Amy grabs my hand and leads me to her drawing "Amy, this is beautiful!"

"I added Dad on to it. The love heart is you two falling in love"

"Oh wow! What's the rainbow for?"

She smiles "Nothing, I just wanted to add a rainbow"

"Oh ok! Well, it's better than any rainbow I have ever drawn!" We laugh as Rory and his parents appear behind us.

"Do you like it, Daddy?"

"Amy it's amazing, but I thought you said it was a drawing of Laila?"

"It is! There is Laila and there is you and that is you falling in love!" Rory blushes.

We look round at all the other art pieces Rory comes up behind me as I'm looking at a paper mache volcano. I feel his breath on the back of my neck "Are you ok?"

I turn "Hey, Yeah I'm fine you?"

"Laila, I'm sorry about Amy's picture"

"It's cute," I smile at him.

"Well, we have 5 minutes to ourselves can we talk?" he asks.

"Sure"

"On our last date you said you didn't think I was ready to move on," he says.

"I did and I also said you needed to think about what you wanted"

"Yes, you did," he says.

"So, Rory have you figured it out?"

"I did...Laila, I've had a long hard think about it and I'm ready! My walls are coming down for you!" He gives me a cheeky grin.

"Are you sure? I don't want to push you into something you aren't ready for!"

"Laila, I'm one hundred percent positive" His arms wrap around me, and he pulls me in tight.

I giggle "Rory!" I wrap my arms around him "You're like a bear! Rory bear!"

He laughs "Is that my new pet name?"

"It will be!" I laugh.

We de-tangle ourselves from each other Amy runs over excited "Laila, Daddy come on they're announcing the winners" she drags us over to where her teacher is on stage.

"Evening, parents and students I am proud to announce the winners from Falcon class. Third place goes to Isla Johnson. Well done Isla!"

We clap little Isla as she steps on stage to accept her award.

"Second place goes to Amy O'Brien, Well done Amy!"

Amy's face lights up as she turns to us "Yes! I got second place!!"

"Well done Amy!" Rory beams at her.

"Go claim your award! Amy!" Albert tells her.

She runs on stage and accepts her award. She comes back off stage, and we don't even hear who wins first place.

"This calls for a celebration! Why don't Grandad and I take you out for dinner sweetpea?" Philippa asks.

"Yes, please!" she turns to Rory.

"Daddy, can I go? Please?" Amy asks.

"Aren't Laila and I invited?"

She laughs "Daddy, you and Laila should have some time together!"

"Yeah, we'll watch Amy for a few hours. You two go and enjoy yourselves" Albert offers.

Rory looks at me with a look I have never seen from him before "Are you sure?" he asks.

"Of course! We love any chance to spoil our grandchild" Philippa says.

"Ok, but make sure you behave for Nanna and Grandad. OK?"

Amy smiles "Deal! Bye, Daddy!"

"Bye, sweetheart!"

Amy takes her grandparents' hands and leads them toward the exit.

Rory turns to me "Do you want to come back to mine? I could cook us dinner?"

"Ok, sounds perfect!"

We make our way to his car, and he opens the door for me "Thank you!"

He winks, closes the door, and gets into the driver's seat "Amy likes you"

I smile at him "She's a lovely kid! You did a brilliant job!"

He blushes "Thank you, Laila. You know when her Mom died, I thought how am I going to do this by myself and get it right?"

I take his hand "Well, you smashed it!"

He lifts my hand to his lips and places a small kiss against my knuckles.

10 minutes later we pull up to his house, he comes round to my side of the car and opens the door "You know I will expect you to open every door I go to walk through now" I laugh.

"It would be my pleasure!" He winks. He takes my hand and entwines his fingers through mine as he leads me to the house.

He unlocks the door and I step inside with Rory close behind as soon as the door shuts, he presses me against the wall his lips claim mine.

His kiss is full of passion, want, and desire. I'm pressed against the hard wall and his muscular body. I wrap my arms around him, his hands come under my thighs, and he lifts me up.

He starts grinding against my core "Rory" I feel he's stiff against me.

He moves us away from the wall, his lips never leaving mine. He guides us upstairs, kicks open a door and we fall onto his bed. He pulls away a little "Laila, I want you! I'm ready"

I giggle, "I kinda figured that"

His eyes are alight with desire "If you don't want this..."

I cut him off, he gets the hint. He moves from my lips and down to my neck and back up to my ear, his lips brush against it "You're so beautiful!" his hands start to unbutton my blouse his lips feather kisses against my chest.

I push off his suit jacket, pull his sweater vest up over his head and I grab his tie and pull him down towards my lips. He groans as his hand dips into my jeans, he brushes against me and I can't help arch off the bed. I yank his tie off and begin to unbutton his shirt.

I become breathless at the sight of his toned body. I flip us, crash my lips to his and work my way down his breathing shudders as I pepper kiss over his chest down to his abs "Laila!" I unbuckle his belt and he shifts helping me get him out of them.

I trail kisses up his inner thigh I pull him free of his boxers. He's hard I take him in my hand and circle around the tip he bucks up "Ah, ah, ah! Rory bear!"

He hisses in frustration "Christ...Laila!"

I work my mouth against him. His hand tangles into my hair moving me to his rhythm.

"Laila, you have to stop," he pulls me up onto the bed next to him, he moves to hover over me. He pulls off my boots and jeans in one swift manner.

His tongue invades my mouth, his taste still lingering there. His lips kiss along my purse line, my collarbone to my breast he unclips my bra and tosses it to the floor.

His lips cover my nipple "Crap Rory!" He moves to my tummy nipping as he goes definitely hard enough to leave bite marks. His hands pull at the waistband of my underwear until they are gone. He pulls a silver packet out of the bedside cabinet draw.

"Laila, it's been a while so I might be a little rusty" he lifts my legs his mouth finds my centre.

He moves my folds apart with his tongue I cry out unable to hold back a moan "Rory bear, you definitely have......not forgot how to do that!" I clutch his hair and move my hips wanting more.

He works against my clit "Nice to know I haven't lost my touch!" He doubles his efforts I'm barely holding on!

I pull him up to my lips he pulls away enough our lips aren't touching, but his forehead is against mine "Laila, are you sure this is what you want? Me? Everything that comes with me?"

"Yes! I want all of you!" This is all he needs to hear.

He rips the foil packet open with his teeth and rolls the condom on. He brushes his stiffened member against me and pushes past my entrance filling me. His lips forcefully captures mine, he groans. Each thrust he draws out slowly then thrust back fast and hard, I can't get enough of him!

My nails dig into his back, he hisses "God Laila!" His lips move to my pulse line every nerve ending feels electrified with each thrust, touch, kiss I can barely hold back a moan. I flip us both to his surprise "Whoa!" He screams.

"I need a bit of control too!" I start to move my hips riding him.

"By all....means I'm.....willing to....let....you take ohh god....the reins!" He struggles to get his words out.

His hands grasp my hips, and he bucks to match my rhythm "Ooooh Rory bear!"

He smirks "You know I love....this neeew pet name!" He groans.

He sits up placing his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me to his lips. He catches my lip between his teeth as he pulls me tight against his bare chest, "I can't..."

His lips brush against my ear "Let go, Laila! I'm barely holding on myself!" This is all it takes to send me falling over the edge. Rory shudders as he finds his own climax.

We are both panting barely catching our breath. He smiles up at me "Laila, that was...wow just wow!"

I smile "It was amazing!"

He pulls me into a soft kiss we are interrupted by the sound of his phone.

I collapse onto the bed next to him while he reaches for it. He reads the message "Everything OK?" I ask.

He turns to me with a cheeky smile "Just my Mom, she's going to have Amy for the night!"

"Oh?"

He lay next to me "You know what that means?" He smirks.

I try to hide a smile (I know exactly what it means by the smile on his face) "What does it mean?"

"Round 2" he pulls me onto him.

"HEY! You promised to cook me dinner!"

He smirks "We'll order in...After!"

He starts laying kisses along my pulse line, and we get lost in each other embrace again.

I’m tagging you because I know your a Lovelink fan lovely @khoicesbyk​

[lizzylunawizardessfanfics]

Love Letters

Pairing: Hermes!Randy x Hades!Lizzy

Summary: For sometime now the rule of the Underworld had been receiving love letters from a secret admirer. What will happen when the latest letter says they want to meet face to face at an upcoming party? Will she find out who it is finally or maybe it was some cruel prank?

“Who’s my big scary boi, who’s my good hellhound; you are, yes you are,” I cooed as I was sitting on the floor playing with Rufus and ruffling the fur on his three heads. Cupping the middle head showering him in kisses he let out a happy bark. “Whoa whoa whoa,” I suddenly heard a panicked voice shouting as when I looked over I witnessed Randy came flying out of a portal that was in the air as he went crashing into something. I couldn’t help but giggle as it was good to see some things just don’t change. Starting to get up from where I was sitting I adjusted the skirt of my dress before going over to check on him.

“Hello Randy, lively of an entrance as always I see,” I said as he was laying on the large vases he had knocked over when he fell. “H-Hello, Hermes here to- hehe deliver letters,” he said, seeming slightly out of it before shaking his head and seeming back to his usual self. Giving him a hand in getting up he dusted himself off before giving me a big hug and then reaching into his satchel bag afterwards. Taking the small pile of enclosed letters I thanked the god of travel. “So anything fun happen here lately,” I heard Randy inquire, which I couldn’t help but chuckle. 

“Not really. Though I will say that uhhh- crap what’s his face... Umm Hercules boy, tiger ears-”

“Oh you mean Ted,”

 “Ah yes him thank you, Ted did try to get in again. Truly a poor idea on his part, thinking he could pose a threat to me in my own domain; what a foolish boy. But other than that it’s been a little boring around here,” I replied, taking a seat on my long lounge chair. Looking at the first enclosed letter I put it aside recognizing the familiar pink wax seal with a small flower in it that belonged to Caesar, most likely another poor attempt to flirt with me. “Demeter complaining about Elias’ late return,” I said chuckling to myself though I felt a bit bad that my best friend had to hear an earful about being late. Glancing over another letter I let out a small groan as of course it was Albert’s invitation to one of his monthly parties. “Oh are you going this month,” I heard Randy excitedly ask as I looked up at him as he came taking a seat besides me. Shrugging my shoulders I put the letter aside as I looked at the pastel pink haired god. 

“Nah I don’t think so.”

“Awww but you didn’t come to last month or the month before last month’s party! It’ll be so much fun we can even prank Klausy and a couple of the others!”

“As much as I do love pranking the goddess of the harvest, there really isn’t a reason for me to go there. And let's be honest aside from you, Elias, and Albert there are only a few other gods and goddesses that actually like me,” I said leaning back and letting out a small yawn. Maybe it was how being in solitude for so long just became normal; do I enjoy getting visitors, absolutely but do I desire to go outside of the Underworld to mingle with a mass of other beings… No not really. “Come on please for me! It’s been forever since we’ve actually gotten to hang out,” I heard Randy plea to me, making that pouting face of his that was just silly yet very cute. Giggling I shook my head as I looked back down to see who the last letter was from. Staring at the wax seal it was the one that had belonged to the mysterious individual who’s been sending such sweet and adoring letters to which I carefully opened.

“My dearest Lizzy,

The world has hidden the most beautiful gem away from the light, yet even in the darkness you glisten ever so brightly and beautifully. Truly I hope all has been well down below as I have deeply missed hearing your contagious laughter that is sweeter than any siren’s song. No longer do I desire to hide behind feeble paper and ink to convey the admiration and love I harbor for you my dearest. So I shall hope you grace us with your presence at this monthly gathering so we can finally speak face to face.

With love, your secret admirer”

I couldn’t help but smile softly while reading the letter, but surprised that whoever the god or goddess was wanted to finally reveal themselves. “Oooh is that from that secret admirer again,” I heard Randy’s voice which snapped me out of my brief train of thoughts and caused me to move the letter closer to my chest so he couldn’t snoop. “Well yes, whoever it is said they’d like to meet up at this months gathering,” I replied as I could feel a small fluttering feeling, but I also couldn’t help but feel that grim sickening feeling that all of these letters were nothing but a ruse to humiliate me in front of the other gods and goddesses. “You should go then! No you HAVE to go now that your admirer wants to confess in person,” He said in an encouraging manner as I let out a small sigh and slouch debating what to do. Yes I’ve been feeling all but joy and how my heart would melt at the loving messages that I received, but of course I still had my doubts and not only even that… Whoever this being is, are my feelings even in the right place because as of recent with the more times Randy has come to visit and spend time with me in his free time I couldn’t help but recognize my growing feelings for him. Thinking it over for a little bit and feeling his eyes on me I decided there was only one way I would be able to sort all of this out. “Fine I’ll go,” I answered, followed up by Randy’s excited cheer and his bright smile.

~~~~~~

The days seemed to pass by slowly, but today was finally the day of the party to which I had mixed feelings about. Even while fixing up my hair slightly I debated about not going at the last minute mentally, but I knew one way or another I couldn’t hide from this forever… As even if I decided to not go today I feel that when next month comes around Albert would drag me by force if that was the case as it wouldn’t be the first time the silver haired god has done that. Letting out a sigh I look in the mirror before starting to walk away from the vanity; waving a hand to create a portal to take me to Olympus I walked through it until my familiar dark and gloomy surroundings turned into a bright and more lively setting. “Lizzy you finally came,” I heard Albert’s all too cheerful voice loudly say from behind and before I could turn around an arm was wrapped around my shoulders and squishing me into a hug. 

“Yes yes now if you could release me now that’d be lovely,” I said letting out a small huff patting his back lightly. He only laughed and squeezed me tighter before finally releasing me allowing myself to smooth down the material of my dress. Already feeling others staring I decided to ignore them as I walked around to see if I could find one of my friends or maybe a place to kind of hide for a bit. Thankfully I bumped into Elias which we pretty much stuck together and just kinda hung out occasionally talking with some of the other gods and goddesses. I would look around to keep an eye out for Randy since I was yet to see him as I could only assume he got busy with some deliveries or something. “Well if it isn’t the lovely Hades, the world must be coming to an end if you’re gracing us all with your presence,” I heard a voice say for me to see the god of war himself Vain. Letting out a fake laugh I playfully rolled my eyes knowing he was simply teasing. “Oh yes haha so funny. If you’re to be saying that about anyone from the Underworld it should be Tartarus whenever she decides to finally come up to join the party,” I shot back before exchanging a small hug with the long haired pinkette. 

As the party went on I did dance to a couple of songs as so far no one has come to be claiming to be my secret admirer nor have I seen Randy yet. With doubts slowly forming in my brain I spaced out a little the overthinking had begun. “So the god of the Underworld came crawling out to join us,” I heard the familiar voice that took me out of my thoughts as much to my displeasure as it was Demeter. “Oh Demeter please hold your excitement as I know how much you just love seeing my pretty face,” I retorted as of all the beings here it had to be him that had to come bother me. “I don’t understand why we just can’t get along,” I said after letting out a small sigh and crossing my arms over my chest as Klaus stared down at me. “You very well know why as I will stand by what I told you when we first met; it doesn’t matter what generation of Hades you are, you ALL will be the same,” he said reiterating himself as I rolled my eyes as this man was truly hard headed; I wonder if his brain got turned to stone by a Medusa, heh rocks for brains. 

Going back and forth with Klaus was not doing anything good for my temper as I wasn’t angry, I was more frustrated and upset if anything. “I don’t think you fully understand how lucky you are Klaus,”

“Don’t call me by my name.”

“No, I will keep calling you by your name! You’re fortunate enough to not only have been reunited with your siblings from your mortal life but to be able to remember them too; not many of us get that high of a luxury. Just because our roles have had bad history doesn’t mean we have to too,” I continued glaring up at the taller blonde trying to make a point. “Whoa hey there! Sorry I’m so late to the party,” a cheerful voice said, cutting into the argument as getting between us appeared Randy. “It’s unlike you to be late Hermes,” I heard Klaus say as I could only roll my eyes, at this point I wasn’t in the mood anymore to be around others so I just decided to walk off. Ending up outside on one of the balconies I leaned on the railing and looked up at the night sky letting out a breath feeling whatever I had pent up come out. I wonder if the skies always looked this beautiful at night; did the stars shine this brightly when I was human. 

“Oh Lizzy there you are,” I heard Randy’s voice calling as when I stood up straight to turn around there he was coming up to me with his usual smile. “Hey,” I greeted him with a small smile of my own giving him a short hug when he got close enough. “Sooo how are you enjoying the party,” he asked his smile now turning into a goofy grin as usually it would give me a small laugh, but I wasn’t really feeling it right now. I gave a small shrug as I simply said, “I mean I was having a good time but really… I think me coming here was a mistake, I should have just stayed in the Underworld.”

“Wait what?! Why would you say that, you have every right to be here like everyone else!”

“Yeah I know. As getting to spend time with some of the others was nice but… After the encounter with Klaus kinda put me out of a party mood and I’m yet to know who my secret admirer is. Honestly I should have known better that the letters were just a joke, I don’t know what I was even thinking,” I answered letting my shoulders drop. Moving away from the railing I let out a small stretch before starting to walk. “H-Hey where are you going,” I heard Randy ask in what sounded like a panicked manner though I didn’t bother to turn back around. “I know we didn’t really get to hang out here at the party, but I’m just gonna head- huh,” I started to explain until I suddenly felt my wrist be grabbed and carefully tugged back and when I turned to look behind me I was greeted to the sight of his brown eyes that held a soft sadness to him. “Please don’t go, I really want you to stay. We didn’t even get to dance together. If you won’t stay for the others will you at least stay for me,” he asked as he still held my wrist in a gentle manner as there was that familiar fluttering feeling in my chest. Slightly pouting I glanced away feeling my cheeks grow warm, how could I say no when he was making such a sad face like that.

“I-I guess I can stay a little while longer,” I responded as on the brighter side of things, at least I’d be able to hang out more with Randy. Looking up I saw he was back to his bright smile, actually it appeared to be bigger than usual. “That’s great! Oh I almost forgot I have something for you,” he cheered before he remembered whatever it was that he had which curiously I slightly tilted my head to the side wondering what it could be. Letting go of my wrist he put his hand inside his satchel and watching as he dug around his eyes appeared to glitter and pulled out a long box. “Here it is! Open it,” he said happily while handing it over to me as I carefully took it with both hands. Looking up at him briefly I looked down to the box as I could only wonder what little trinket he got me this time. Opening it with one hand a soft creek sound came from the box as my eyes widened at the sight of what it was; it was a beautiful necklace as there was a glass heart attached to it as inside was a soft yellow glow. “Randy this is so beautiful where did you get this,” I said peeking up at him for a second before looking back down to carefully take it out so I could put it on. During the process of trying to put it on I could hear him let out a bit of a nervous laugh. 

“Ahaha well actually more like I had it made just for you… I actually uhh asked a personal favor of Helios to give me a little bit of sunlight and Hephaestus was kind enough to create the enclosure to keep it safe,” he answered as I was surprised to hear he went through all of that for me I was going to ask him why but then I heard him speak up again. “To think you couldn’t grow any more beautiful you keep proving me wrong, my dearest.” Completely freezing after having finally successfully clipped the back of the necklace but also hearing that specific nickname that was used in so many of the letters hit hard when the reality of what was happening right now. Looking up I was already feeling tears swell up as there Randy was now standing right in front of me. “It’s been you… All this time,” I slowly asked as it almost felt too good to be true. 

‘Yeah it-it’s been me. Hehe surprise- w-wait Lizzy why are you crying,” he started to say confirming until he sounded panicked when I started crying. Feeling his warm hands wipe the tears away I felt his forehead rest against mine. “S-Sorry! They’re happy tears I promise haha… Why didn’t you say so sooner,” I apologized and laughed a little as it was a little silly of me to cry like this. “Well I wanted to make sure when I told you in person that it was romantic,” he softly said before adding “Because I am serious about this, I really do love you Lizzy. Something about you that very first day resonated with my heart and it only grew the more I got to know you; with all my heart I love you. And I’m really really sorry about being late to the party” Before I could say anything in response I felt lips pressed against my own as I could smell the strong scent of sweets coming from him. After the kiss being broken I saw how pink his face was and couldn’t help but giggle from how cute he looked though my face was probably a lot worse. “Well it was better now than never showing up and I love you too Randy,” I replied, giving him a hug enjoying the warmth. I may not be able to change a lot of things or the bonds with certain individuals, but this was the beginning of living my happiest life the best I could.

[chobit92]

Resident Evil: Albert Wesker/OC Part 2

Warnings: Swearing, Alcohol.

(Angel sits at the bar waiting to be served. Wesker is sat next to her. Chris picks up a tray of beers and carries them over to a table where Barry, Joseph, Enrico, Richard and Forest are sat. Ken is talking to a young woman at the other end of the bar. Rebecca is dancing with Jill.). Chris: Who’s up for a game of darts? Barry: I’ll whoop your ass Redfield. (Chris and Barry get up and head over to the dart board with their beers. Angel tries again to get the barman’s attention but he just walks off to serve a guy at the other end of the bar. She sighs as she then watches the barman serving two women while flirting with them. She wonders what it would be like to be flirted with. She’s used to guys not noticing her. She’s only had one boyfriend and it didn’t end up being anything much. She blames her father for that. Ben was so scared of him finding out that they were seeing each other he broke it off after only two months. She really liked him too. She told him that she didn’t care if her father found out. She’s an adult and she’ll date who she likes. Ben just said that her father wouldn’t see it that way. That he should never have started seeing the bosses daughter. She finally manages to get the barman’s attention and he walks over and smiles at her.). 

Barman: What can I get for yah? Let me guess. Wine? Gin and Tonic? Angel: Wow. You assume a lot about women don’t you? Barman: It’s just what they usually drink miss. Angel: I don’t like wine. It tastes disgusting. I’ll have a whiskey. Neat. Make it a double. Like half the glass yeah? (The barman raises his eyebrows.). Barman: Okay. (He pours her a whiskey and she takes a large gulp. Rebecca walks over and leans against the bar next to her.). Barman: Did it hurt when you fell from heaven? Coz you must be an angel with beauty such as yours. Rebecca: Her names Angel. Barman: Get outta here. Angel: Why are you still here? Barman: So uh...You seeing anyone? (Angel looks surprised.). Angel: I’m married. (The barman walks off.). Rebecca: I didn’t know you were married. Angel: Neither did I until about three seconds ago. (Rebecca laughs and Angel smiles taking another sip of whiskey. She turns to Wesker.). Angel: Did you want another drink? Wesker: Why not? Rebecca: You should come dance with us. Angel: I don’t really do dancing. I’d look like a right idiot. Rebecca: No you wouldn’t. Come on. (Angel tries to get the barman’s attention again. He’s too busy flirting yet again. She sighs and then gets up on the bar and gets behind it. Rebecca laughs. She pours Wesker a whiskey and the barman comes over.). Barman: Hey. Get out from behind here. Angel: Make me. Barman: Seriously I’ll drag your ass out of here. Angel: Oh yeah? You touch me you’ll be spitting out your teeth. If we didn’t have to sit here all night waiting for you to finish flirting with anything with a hole in it I wouldn’t have to pour my own drinks would I? (Angel slides the glass across to Wesker and hops back over the bar sitting down. She then slides a bill across the bar.). Angel: Keep the change asshole. (The barman looks stunned as he takes the bill and walks off. Rebecca laughs.). Rebecca: Jesus girl! You’re scary. Angel: Am I? Rebecca: Yeah. Now come dance with us. (Angel sighs.). Angel: Okay fine. (She downs the rest of the whiskey and gets up. She turns to Wesker.). Angel: Would you like to dance? Wesker: No. Angel: Okay. Back in a minute. (Angel walks over to Jill with Rebecca and they start dancing. Wesker watches Angel. She sways from side to side looking embarrassed. He takes a sip of whiskey and thinks about how she was with that barman. The anger in her eyes. Damn. He hasn’t seen that side of her before. He sighs as he realises she’s obviously one of those man hating feminist types. He’s wasting his time. Angel suddenly turns her head and looks over at him. She smiles shyly before turning away. Jill is showing her how to sway her hips and Wesker watches as Angel copies her. Jill then leans over and whispers something to Angel and she turns to look at him before looking back at Jill and saying something. Both girls start giggling. Angel shakes her head then shrugs. 

 ---Angel can’t believe Jill. Teasing her about how Wesker is watching her every move then asking if she fancies him. Ridiculous. But as she turns and looks over at him sitting at the bar watching them she wonders how ridiculous it really is. She hasn’t failed to notice how attractive he is. She’s thought about him several times since she met him. Barry walks over.). Barry: And how are you ladies doing? Jill: Fine. Barry: I don’t think Weskers enjoying himself. Jill: Hm. We were just talking about him. Weren’t we Angel? Angel: Stop. Barry: Hm. Jill: We should probably head home soon. We’ve got a big day tomorrow. Barry: Yeah. God knows what we’re gonna find in those woods. Some crazy cult if you ask me. Angel: You think it’s just that? A cult? Barry: What else could it be? (Angel isn’t sure. Chris comes over.). Chris: You up for another game Barry? Barry: Why not? Well girls it’s been fun but I have another game of darts to win. (They laugh as Barry and Chris head back over to the dart board. Jill watches Chris go.). Angel: You like him don’t you? Jill: What? Angel: Chris. Jill: I... Rebecca: Yes she does. Angel: Have you told him? Jill: No. Rebecca: Have you told Wesker you like him? Angel: What? Rebecca: Oh come on. I’ve seen the way you’ve been looking at him tonight. I’ve also seen you looking at him at work. Angel: Well...I dunno. I don’t see the point. He’d never be interested. Rebecca: I think he is. Angel: You what? Rebecca: Well he invited you for a drink tonight didn’t he? Angel: To discuss putting me back on the case. Rebecca: He said that yeah but I think he was after something else as well. Angel: Really? Rebecca: You didn’t get that? Come on girl. If he wanted to discuss putting you back on the case he could have done that at the office. He invited you for a drink. Then when you invited everyone else he looked...Disappointed. Angel: He did? Rebecca: Yeah. (Rebecca sighs.). Rebecca: When he invited you for a drink he meant just the two of you. (Angel doesn’t really know what to say. Or what to do. It isn’t that she doesn’t want him. Because she has thought about it...But he probably just wants a bit of fun. Nothing serious. She isn’t sure that she wants to just be someone’s bit of fun. She isn’t sure about letting a man use her.). Angel: Well I dunno. He might just want a bit of fun. I don’t know how I feel about that. Rebecca: How do you know he just wants a bit of fun? He might really like you. Angel: I doubt it. Jill: Nothing wrong with having a bit of fun. Right? (The girls giggle. Angel looks back over at Wesker.). Angel: You think I should just ask him? Jill: Ask him what? Angel: Well...If he fancies me or not. Jill: You could. He does keep looking at you. Rebecca: I’ve noticed it too. In the meeting earlier he kept looking at you. Angel: How do you know where he’s looking? He’s always got those stupid sunglasses on. (They giggle.). Rebecca: Why don’t you just go and sit with him for a while. Talk to him. Flirt with him. See where it goes. Angel: You think I should? Rebecca: Why not? Angel: But...Is it wrong to just have sex with a guy? I mean isn’t that...Slutty? Jill/Rebecca: No! Rebecca: Men do it all the time and they don’t get called sluts do they? Jill: Nope. Rebecca: Look you do what you want to do. Whatever you feel comfortable doing. If you want him then go for it. Who knows it might come to something. It might not. If it doesn’t... Jill: Least you’ll have had a good night. (Rebecca giggles.). Rebecca: Jill I never knew you were this terrible. You’re such a bad influence on me! (Jill laughs.). Jill: Seriously though. If anything does happen. We want to know. Angel: What? Jill: Oh yeah. You gotta give your friends the gossip. Rebecca: Jill! Stop. Just ignore her. You don’t have to tell us anything. It’s your business. Angel: I’m gonna go and get another drink. Jill: Uh huh. (They grin at her and she laughs before heading back over to the bar. She sits down next to Wesker.). Wesker: You didn’t get much dancing done. Angel: Oh I hate dancing. I just look like an idiot. Wesker: You didn’t. A lot of the men in here couldn’t take their eyes off of you. Angel: Really? Wesker: Myself included. (She freezes. Stunned. He is sat there staring at her. She swallows hard then turns away from him. The barman comes over.). Barman: Another drink? (Well...Damn. Maybe he does fancy her. But he probably just wants a bit of fun. She knows what men are like. But damn does she want him. She decides to just go with it. See what happens.). Angel: I’ll have another whiskey. Double. (The barman pours more whiskey in her glass.). Barman: You wanna go easy on that. Trying to forget something? Angel: No. I just want a drink. We ain’t all got little sob stories. Barman: Okay. So...You really married? Angel: What’s it got to do with you? Look I ain’t interested. You should really get the fucking hint and fuck off. Barman: Alright. Chill out girl. Jeez! Only trying to be nice. Angel: Yeah. Real nice to want to take a young girl home so you can treat her like a sex doll and then throw her away like trash the next day. Man you must be a catch eh? (The barman looks at Wesker.). Barman: Good luck with her mate. Jesus. (The barman walks off.). Angel: Fucking asshole. (She takes a large gulp of whiskey thinking about how Wesker probably wants the exact same thing the barman does. She finds herself again in two minds about this whole thing. Maybe she should just go home. But then she feels Weskers hand on her arm and she turns to him. He leans towards her and her heart skips a beat. He’s going to kiss her. But he doesn’t kiss her.). Wesker: Are you alright? Angel: Yeah. Wesker: We could go somewhere else. If you like. Somewhere away from that barman. (She smiles and turns away from him taking another sip of whiskey. Damn.). Angel: You wanna go out for a cigarette? (She stands up and downs the rest of the whiskey. Wesker raises an eyebrow then gets up and follows her outside. The night air is cool and crisp and Angel sighs and looks up at the starry sky. She then takes a packet of cigarettes out of her handbag and hands one to Wesker. He takes it and she lights for him before lighting one up herself. She shoves the packet and lighter back in her bag and leans against the wall. He moves to stand next to her.). Angel: So... Wesker: So... (She finds herself laughing. Rebecca suddenly appears.). Rebecca: Hey there you are. I thought you’d left. Angel: I will in a minute. You should get going soon too. Rebecca: Yes mom. Angel: Hey. I’m not old enough to be your mom. Rebecca: How are you getting home? Barry said he’d drive us. Angel: Um...I’ll probably just walk. Wesker: I can give you a lift. Angel: Really? Thanks. (Rebecca looks at Wesker then back at Angel then shakes her head and sighs.). Rebecca: Okay. Well I’ll see you guys tomorrow then. Angel: See you tomorrow. Wesker: Goodnight Rebecca. Rebecca: Night. Night Angel. (She winks at her before going back inside the bar. Angel sighs and shakes her head.). Wesker: Are you alright? Angel: Yeah. (She drops her cigarette butt and stubs it out with her boot. He does the same.). Angel: Are you going back in? Wesker: No. I’m going to head home now. Angel: Is it still okay to get a ride? Wesker: Yes. Angel: Thanks. (She follows him to his car and they get in. 

---Wesker drives through the city following Angels directions. This whole evening has been a waste of time. She clearly isn’t interested in him. He doesn’t know why she doesn’t just say so. Women. Now he knows why he never really bothers. Perhaps she just doesn’t know how to tell him she isn’t interested. But then she told that barman clear enough. He also hasn’t failed to notice how she kept looking at him earlier when she was dancing. How the girls kept giggling and looking at him. They must have been talking about him. Maybe she’s playing hard to get. He is now driving through the rougher part of the city. He looks around as he follows Angels directions. She then tells him to pull over outside a small grotty apartment building. She lives here? A woman with a father that is friends with the mayor lives here? She thanks him for the ride and gets out. He watches as she goes to shut the door then stops. She stands there for a moment before leaning down peering into the car.). Angel: Would you like to come in for a drink? (Wesker smiles.).

[whatstheproblembaby]

Happy #StrikeStrikeStrikeDay!

Time for some girl power up in this business.

So, here’s how it goes:

Smalls likes to make up stories about the other people she sees on the street as she’s selling her papes.

A man in a nice suit? An architect, but he wishes he were in the circus. Those two ladies who head toward the church almost every day? Considering becoming nuns so the highwayman they robbed as they traveled to New York can’t find them.

Melodramatic? Yes. But does it keep the day from dragging on? Also yes.

If the other newsies ask, she’ll tell them one of the stories she made up, but never the one about the pretty girl she sees walking home from school with her brothers.

That girl’s story is hers and hers alone, though it isn’t actually very long.

One day, she stops as she passes me, Smalls thinks. She waves for her brothers to go ahead before walking over, smiling that bright smile. “I’ve been meaning to introduce myself,” she says. “I’m-”

And that’s as far as it ever gets, because Smalls can’t figure out what name would be beautiful enough to fit her.

Smalls has resigned herself to her fantasies by the time the girl’s brothers appear at the circulation gate, almost making her trip over Albert’s stick.

It turns out Les and Davey need jobs to help support their family after their father got in an accident, and Sarah (Sarah!) is also starting work at a factory to do her part.

Smalls can only hope that maybe one day Sarah will end up walking past Newsies Square with her brothers before she continues on to work.

Just as Smalls is processing this change, a second beautiful girl enters her orbit.

What in God’s name did Smalls do to deserve this?

Katherine is a lightning strike, and Smalls is ready to burn.

Once Katherine puts Jack in his place (eternally endearing her to Smalls, much as she loves that fearless cowboy), she makes a point of walking through Jacobi’s and introducing herself to each and every newsie there.

“Oh! Finally, another girl,” Katherine says as she approaches Smalls. “Thank God. You boys all seem wonderful so far - yes, even you, Jack - but you’re also a little exhausting.”

“You’re telling me,” Smalls replies, amazed she can make words when Katherine is looking her right in the eye. “You don’t have to go back to the lodging house with them. Just once, I’d like to pull my hair up in the morning without dodging the elbows of six boys all trying to shave their invisible beards at the same sink.”

There’s a good-natured uproar at her comment, but Smalls only notices Katherine’s delighted laughter.

“You poor thing,” she croons in between giggles. “Come here.”

Katherine hugs her, and Smalls forgets how to breathe.

“Good luck tomorrow,” Katherine says as she lets go and moves on the next newsie, taking Smalls’ breath away for an entirely different reason.

The next morning, Smalls squares her shoulders as she enters the circulation gate.

She’s determined to do her part as a hardworking newsie and make Pulitzer treat them the way they deserve.

She’s also determined to not make a fool out of herself in front of Katherine - maybe even impress her a little bit.

Besides, all Wiesel has to back him up is the Delanceys. They can take down the Delanceys if they all work together!

Smalls manages to kick Oscar right in the knee as he’s chasing Crutchie during the scuffle, and she feels invincible.

Hearing Katherine cheer for her from her position safely away from the fray doesn’t hurt, either.

And then the strikebreakers appear.

Smalls is terrified, but she isn’t going to back down from this fight. She can’t afford to pay an extra dime for the same amount of papers, and it isn’t right that Pulitzer and the other newspaper owners can make that change without consulting their employees!

She’s also not stupid, though. She knows she can’t take down a grown man by force alone.

So she darts in and out of confrontations, tripping the strikebreakers or whacking their knees and elbows with a board that got ripped off the delivery wagon.

It works pretty well, until it doesn’t.

Out of the corner of her eye, Smalls notices a cop running right at Katherine, who’s trying to pull an injured Jojo out of the way.

Smalls reacts without thinking, throwing herself in front of the cop just as he’s preparing to hit Katherine in the arm to get her to let go.

He can’t stop himself, nor does he want to. Smalls can see it in his eyes in the split second before she gets hit.

And then the world goes black.

Smalls wakes up in a small yet cozy apartment. Some of the other hurt newsies are curled up around her on a variety of makeshift beds, so she knows she must be somewhere safe, but that doesn’t stop the panic from rising as she sits up to inspect more.

“Shhh,” a kind, soft voice says from her right. “It’s okay.”

Smalls turns toward the voice and nearly falls over.

“I’m Sarah, David and Les’s sister,” she says, as if Smalls doesn’t know. “You’re in our apartment. David convinced Katherine and the other newsies who escaped to come here for help.”

“Escaped?” Smalls croaks, trying not to move her aching right cheek too much.

Sarah’s eyes are concerned as she says, “Warden Snyder arrived on the scene after you were hit. He got Crutchie before anyone could help him get away.”

Smalls’ stomach drops. The Refuge is no place for anyone to go, but especially not for someone as goodhearted as Crutchie.

“What about Jack?” she asks.

“We can’t find Jack,” Sarah replies. “He’s not at the Refuge - Race already confirmed that - but he’s also not at the lodging house or the rooftop.”

Before Smalls can even begin to figure out what to say at that, another voice interjects.

“You’re awake!” Katherine whisper-cries, flinging herself into the chair next to Sarah and taking her hand. “I was so worried about you. That policeman hit you hard enough that I saw stars.”

“But it gave you time to get Jojo out.”

“Yes, he’s here too, thankfully,” Katherine says.

“No thanks to you,” Sarah teases. “Once you saw that Smalls was unconscious, he says you practically threw him to the wolves.”

Katherine makes an indignant noise as Smalls stifles a laugh.

“I did not!” Katherine says. “Finch was right there to help him up and get him farther away. Smalls had no one, and Snyder was about to come back for seconds!”

“So you hurl Jojo at Finch before scooping up Smalls like a hero from a novel?” Sarah says through a giggle.

Smalls’ heart starts pounding at the thought.

Katherine was holding me?

“She sure was,” Sarah says, and Smalls flushes as she realizes she said that thought aloud. “David said she refused to put you down until everyone reached the outside of our apartment and Katherine realized she couldn’t get you up the stairs in her skirts.”

Katherine looks mortified, but she manages to joke, “Remind me to become a dress reformer before our next strike.”

Smalls cannot even begin to picture Katherine in bloomers if she wants to be able to speak coherently.

“Thank you,” she whispers instead. “No one does well at the Refuge, but there are stories about how the girls are treated there - it’s not like how they mistreat the boys.”

Katherine and Sarah don’t need her to elaborate.

“We are not going to abandon you,” Katherine declares, shifting to sit on the edge of Smalls’ bed and take her hand. “Not you, and not anyone involved in the strike. We have to stick together.”

“That’s right,” Sarah says. She puts her right hand on Smalls’ shoulder, and since her left is still in Katherine’s other hand, the girls form a loose triangle. “But those boys are all over each other in a way they don’t think to be with us. Let’s make sure we’ve especially got each other’s backs.”

“Deal,” Smalls says, and the other girls are gracious enough to not mention the tear streaking down her face.

After that, the world shifts ever so slightly for Smalls.

Well, there are big changes, too: there are plans for a city-wide newsie rally, and then when they’re all gathered at the theater, Jack stuns them all by turning scab.

But more importantly, Smalls develops deeper relationships with Katherine and Sarah.

At first, it’s little things.

Katherine and Smalls meeting eyes from opposite sides of Jacobi’s as Romeo practices yet another awful pick-up line.

Sarah deliberately walking by Smalls’ selling spot on her way to work every morning to share a smile and a quick hello.

Then bigger events.

Sarah inviting Smalls over for Shabbat when she learns that Smalls is also Jewish but unable to practice as faithfully at the lodging house.

Katherine joining Smalls every day at lunch time in the park between The Sun’s offices and the corner where Smalls sells her papes, rain or shine.

Finally, everything comes to a head as Jack leaves the stage after scabbing.

Davey’s chasing him, so Sarah and Katherine and Smalls are all following when Pulitzer appears from the fire door with a wad of bills.

Throwing the bills to Jack, he says, “Oh, and my daughter will be coming home with me now.”

Jack, Davey, Sarah, and Smalls all freeze, confused, but Katherine jerks back before turning beet red.

“Yes, Katherine is my daughter,” Pulitzer continues, clearly enjoying the havoc he’s causing. “I refused to let her sully herself by working for a living at one of my newspapers, but she defied me and got a nom de plume instead. An unfortunate lapse in judgment. Come along, sweetheart.”

Katherine looks around imploringly at the others before hurrying off after her father. Smalls moves to follow, but Sarah stops her.

“No, don’t give him another reason to come after us.”

Instead, Sarah, Smalls, and the boys go back to the Jacobs’ apartment. Jack and Davey head up to the roof, where Smalls has no doubt they will have a “discussion” (read: argument), so she and Sarah take the fire escape.

They have a half-hearted talk about the rally, but Smalls can tell they’re both just trying to avoid thinking about-

“Katherine!”

“Hello. Am I - am I still welcome here?” she asks, voice cracking.

“I can’t speak for Sarah, but you’re always welcome where I am,” Smalls says, scurrying down the steps to give Katherine a hug. “I thought about it as we walked back here, and I just don’t believe you had anything to do with your father’s position in the strike. You’ve been with us from the start, Katherine. You carried me away from the fight when I got knocked out. Who cares what name you were using? Your actions prove who you really are.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Sarah says, joining them on the pavement and wrapping her arms around each of their shoulders. “Hell, after meeting your father, I can understand why you would use another name. He’s the worst!”

Katherine laughed, though there were tears spilling down her cheeks.

“The absolute worst!” she agrees.

Smalls wants to lean in and kiss those tears away, then kiss Sarah for helping to break the tension, but then-

“You’re back!” Davey cries, spilling out of the front door with Jack on his heels. “And Jack’s not actually a scab!”

“Wow, banner day,” Smalls mutters, making Sarah giggle.

“Good, because I have an idea,” Katherine says. “Jack, that speech you gave before the strike? That wasn’t just about the newsies. Every child in this city suffers under terrible bosses and bad working conditions. If we got every kid in the city to join us on strike-”

“They would have to listen to us!” Jack finishes. “Plumber - can I still call you Plumber? - you’re a genius.”

“How do we get the word out, though?” Sarah asks. “It’s a wonderful idea, Katherine, but it will only work if people know about it.”

“My father’s declared a blackout on strike news, as we well know,” Katherine says. “But there’s got to be a press somewhere he doesn’t control.”

There’s silence for a moment until Jack snorts.

“Oh, no.”

“What?” Smalls asks.

“I know of a press Joe would never dream we’d use. Follow me, everyone.”

Hours later, Smalls is exhausted. After Jack and Katherine got them into the cellar at Pulitzer’s office, she ran from one side of the city to the other, alerting newsies about the new plan and sending them off to collect their papes.

Every muscle in her legs aches, but she’s never felt more exhilarated.

“We’re doing it!” Sarah cries. She, Smalls, and Katherine are all tucked in a corner of the cellar, hand in hand, taking a quick break before Katherine heads off to personally deliver their paper to the governor.

“This has to work,” Smalls says, looking from Sarah to Katherine. “I can feel it.”

“Keep your fingers crossed anyway?” Katherine asks, lifting her free hand to show the gesture.

It’s so unbearably cute that Smalls just can’t resist anymore.

“Anything for you.”

And with that, she leans in and kisses Katherine, keeping a good grip on Sarah’s hand as well.

“Knowing us, we’re going to need it,” Sarah says before taking Smalls’ place to smooch Katherine herself.

Katherine kind of looks like she’s going to fall over, but she’s got a grin that could replace the sun.

“Now get out of here, you’ve got an important man to see!” Smalls says, knowing her own smile is as wide as Katherine’s.

She waves her newly freed hand before turning to Sarah.

“As for you-”

“Get over here already!” Sarah interrupts, pulling Smalls in so they can finally kiss.

Smalls has never been happier to follow an order in her whole life.

Before she knows it, they’re gathered with the rest of the newsies outside Pulitzer’s office, waiting for Jack, Davey, Spot, and Katherine to come back out with the results.

When they do, the boys stay on the balcony with Pulitzer as Jack gives them the good news, but Katherine joins Sarah and Smalls in the throng.

Smalls is screaming, overjoyed at the results, and Sarah is bouncing up and down alongside her.

Katherine flings her arms around them both, and for a second the world is just the three of them in a warm embrace.

“So what happens now?” Smalls asks eventually.

“Well, right now, we’re going to go tell my parents the good news, and they will inevitably make you stay for dinner,” Sarah says, glowing.

“And then we do our best to stay forever,” Katherine finishes.

“Pick an easier fight, why don’t you, Katherine?” Sarah teases.

“After all this, don’t we deserve easy?” Smalls points out.

“We absolutely do.”

[catboygretzky]

ravey with 19 i would actually die

Hello, yes, here’s some fluff and pining.

Prompt: “I think I’m in love with you, and that scares the crap out of me” that became a slight friends to enemies to friends to lovers.Era: Modern AU

Word count: 3,287

Warnings: just a bit of swearing

Other things: nonbinary Albert (they/them), side Kid Blink/Mush, Elmer/Jojo, Albert/Finch, Jack/his feelings

Race had never been in love. He’d had relationships, had thought it was love - in the end, it was all physical, or just a fleeting attraction. Nothing like the TV tried to sell, or scientific journals tried to explain.

Breathlessness.

Racing heart.

Sweaty palms, butterflies in your stomach.

He’d never felt desperate to be with someone, nor felt such fervent desire that it was near unbearable.

There was even scientific proof that if you’re in love you don’t feel physical pain as severely.

He was shaken from his reverie by two hands slamming down onto the coffee table where he had all of his books - that he was definitely reading - spread about. Maybe shaken wasn’t the best word actually -

“Fucking hell, Al, I nearly just shit myself,” Race’s heart was beating a mile a minute - wasn’t that a sign of love?

“Charming.”

Race felt his shoulders clench at Davey saying a simple weird. Like always, he resorted to being mean. “Well, if you don’t like how I talk to my friends, you can just leave.”

Race saw a flash of something in Davey’s eyes that made him almost regret how harsh his words were. Almost. Davey had just walked through the door, and he was already being cruel to him. He’d just told him to leave his own goddamn apartment, which - even for Race - was a bit much.

He had no idea why it all started, but it was an accepted truth - Davey and Race did not get along. They’d grown up together, had been best friends, until junior year of high school, when Davey had started to pull away. Eventually growing apart had turned to this, something just shy of hatred.

“Jacobs,” Race said flatly.

“Higgins,” Davey responded just as flatly. “Tidy up when you’re done pretending to study. It’s movie night and we’re hosting.”

With that he headed towards the kitchen.

Albert sighed. “Racer, why you gotta be so cruel to him?”

“What?! He was cruel first!”

“He literally just made a comment about how you shitting yourself was gross, and you told him to leave his own apartment,” they sighed again. “If I had made the comment, would you have yelled at me?”

Race turned back to his books and ignored the look Albert was giving him.

~

“Have you tidied your mess?”

“If you would use your eyes, you can see that I have,” Race snapped back. “What’s the point of wearing glasses if you don’t use your eyes?”

“I was just asking, Higgins. You don’t need to be rude.”

“I don’t need to be rude? I can’t go five minutes without you judging me.”

Davey did what he always did and stalked into his room, slamming the door. Point Race.

The rest of their friends arrived an hour later; Jack was either carrying an action film, or a sad pretentious one, depending on if he had broken up with his newest fling.

“Pizza rolls?” Elmer yelled towards the kitchen.

“You will have nothing until you remove your shoes, Elmer. And you don’t have to yell.”

“Alrighty, mother dearest.” Davey rolled his eyes with a smile.

“So, Jacky,” Davey said as he placed a tray of pizza rolls on the coffee. “I see that the film you brought is in black and white. What was her name again?”

Race couldn’t help it - he burst out laughing. Davey turned to him with surprise and a small smile.

He felt himself flush - due to the heat of having so many bodies in a small space, he was sure.

“I’m going to get some fresh air,” he said quickly. “Feel free to start without me.”

~

“So,” Elmer said, drawing out the word. Race didn’t realize he had been followed and jumped. “You know how it’s my birthday next week? And that you still don’t know what to get me?”

Race looked towards the ground. “What are you trying to get me to do, Elmer?”

“Be nicer to Davey.”

He looked up so suddenly he nearly broke his neck. Elmer’s patented puppy dog eyes were lethal.

“Now why would I do that?”

“Because I know you don’t like fighting any more than he does. Because if you were friends we wouldn’t have to separate you during film nights. Because you know you’ve been bottling up the pain that is actually causing this,” Elmer replied. His grin was huge because he knew he had won.

Race nodded after a moment, to which Elmer gave him quick a hug and walked back. “Don’t want to miss the break up film. Or the pizza rolls.”

When Elmer had gone after his flying visit, he sighed to himself. It was small, a throwaway grin. It didn’t make up for the years of antagonistic behavior from both of them.

He walked a few minutes and sat on a bench farther from the apartment block and thought back to the mean things he’d said to Davey Jacobs over the last three years.

He could admit it; he had been a bully. He’d belittled him, made fun of his interests, started fights over the smallest things. But now, after Elmer’s comment, he saw a different side to their interactions, saw it from a different view. From a different emotional perspective.

That the animosity was to cover the ache of heartbreak. The loathing was a poor bandage for the ache of losing the most important part of him.

He wasn’t stupid. Losing his best friend with no explanation, explanations he so easily could have asked for, had slowly broken his heart. Every time Davey would be laughing near his locker with some Tom, Dick, or Stanley, but could only spare a nod in his direction. It hadn’t happened suddenly, he hadn’t woken up one day to a note in his locker that said they were done. Race should have been able to move on; Davey wasn’t the only friend he had lost in his life, but he was Davey.

As children, they were David and Anthony, giggling at recess together. David and Anthony building pillow forts, names near one entity.

Middle school came, and they were David and Anthony, sitting in the back of the class most definitely paying attention. David and Anthony, passing notes back and forth.

Then high school came, and suddenly they were Davey and Race, walking to school together. Davey and Race, tossing carrots at each other during lunch. Davey and Race, tutoring each other in subjects they didn’t understand.

Then junior year came, and they were Davey and Race, nodding to each other in the hallway. Davey and Race, not even sitting at the same lunch table.

Then senior year came, and they were Jacobs and Higgins. Jacobs and Higgins sneering at each other instead of nodding. Jacobs and Higgins, crossing the street instead of having to walk next to each other. Jacobs and Higgins, writing angry notes to each other instead of jokes about their substitute.

Davey and Race were gone, David and Anthony even more so.

Davey wasn’t the only friend he had lost in his life, but he was Davey. He had so many of Race’s firsts: the first person he came out to, the first person he got drunk with, his first kiss. The person that comforted him when he got his heart broken, the person that bandaged his knuckles when he got into fights.

Everything. He was everything.

The surprise in the grin Davey had sent him was burned into his mind. Could it be so simple? Could he heal their friendship by just…being nicer? Or would Davey think he was making fun of him, being cruel by being kind?

He supposed they should have that conversation they’d been avoiding, then.

~

He waited until everyone was gone before trying to talk to Davey.

“Hey, uh,” he coughed to clear his suddenly dry throat. “Can we talk?”

“I’m in the middle of cleaning up, can it wait?”

Race was about to nod and say it could, but he set his shoulders. He could do this.

“No, Davey, it can’t wait.” The use of his first name seemed to get Davey’s attention; it’d been over a year since he’d last used it, after all. There was something askance to awe in Davey’s eyes for a moment, before he shook his head.

“I’m listening, then.” He sat on the sofa and spread his arms.

Race took a moment to gather his thoughts.

“You broke my heart,” and that definitely wasn’t were he wanted to start this conversation. “I mean no, I mean, you did, but that’s not what I’m trying to say! Please don’t go!”

Davey paused in getting up when he heard the break in Race’s voice on the word ‘please’; he sat back down.

“I wanted to say I was sorry,” Race said. “For how I’ve treated you, for everything I’ve said. I’ve been unnecessarily mean, when I know I was just hurt.”

Davey tilted his head. “Hurt?”

Race began to explain, sitting next to him on the couch. He couldn’t help but notice this was the closest they’d sat for years. The words seemed to spill out, some in the right order and some not. Davey looked on the brink of running the entire time he was speaking.

“I just,” he finished. “I just miss you.”

“You -,” Davey whispered. “You miss me?”

He nodded. “I don’t know why we stopped being friends, but I’d like to start over.”

Davey paused. “I don’t think we can start over, there’s too much history.”

Race felt his heart drop. Of course Davey wouldn’t want to start over. He’d spent the last three years being cruel to him, he didn’t deserve -

“But maybe we can redo some things.” The 360 of emotions made Race dizzy. “I miss you too, Race.”

Race.

Race.

One simple word, four letters, but it took the breath from his lungs.

Race.

“I’d really like that.” He spat into his hand and suck it out for a handshake. Davey looked disgusted, which was something so familiar it ached.

“Really? We’re adults, Race.”

“It seals the deal, Dave. Playground politics.”

Davey rolled his eyes but spit into his hand and grasped Race’s. They stood there smiling stupidly at each other, hands clasped, until Dave swore and dragged Race into a hug.

Race had sworn he wouldn’t cry, but breathing in Davey’s familiar scent nearly broke him. They pulled apart, and he ignored Davey wiping tears from his eyes as Davey ignored him doing the same.

~

There was a shocked silence at Jacobi’s deli when Davey and Race walked in together. They were laughing over some asinine joke Race had made about Jojo and Elmer; good to know Davey will still laugh at his extremely unfunny jokes.

“Someone pinch me,” Albert yelled. “I think they’re…getting along? Are they laughing? Together?

Finch pinched them. They swore loudly, to which Finch just shrugged. “You told me to pinch you, babe. This relationship is based on trust, and you trusted me to pinch you. A Finch pinch.”

Elmer met Race’s eye and nod with the sweetest of grins (he couldn’t wait to make fun of Jojo for spilling a bit of the water he was setting in front of Elmer when he saw his grin).

Davey rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Would anyone like something extremely cheap off the menu?”

~

The next few months were full of Jacobs and Higgins becoming Davey and Race again. He was learning so many things about Davey that he’d missed, nuances that were similar but at the same time different. Davey wasn’t the boy he had known his whole life, but he wasn’t a stranger. It also helped they’d been living together all year.

“Tell me what’s going on with your family, then,” Race asked one day as Davey was making him peel potatoes. They’d started to cook together, something he secretly adored.

“Well, Les just started high school and Sarah just went of to college. University of Chicago.”

“You Jacobs sure are smart,” Race said, amazed. He whistled. “University of Chicago…and hell knows where you’ll go in two years, what fancy med school you choose.”

Davey blushed and asked Race about his own family. He let Davey get away with the very obvious change of topic. Glad to know he still hated talking about his intellect, though Race knew a lot of that was leftover anxiety caused by bullies in middle school; Davey the know-it-all Jacobs. Race felt his stomach clench as he remembered that he, too, had turned into that bully.

Still, they didn’t bring up the topic of why and how their friendship had ended.

~

“Where’s Davey, then?” Race sighed as he came in. He’d had a terrible few classes today, and he didn’t need this. “Please tell me he just left and that you haven’t made a copy of our key.”

“He has a date. We were just helping him get ready,” Blink said with a shit eating grin, though Race noticed he didn’t deny that he had made a copy of their key. In fact, there could possibly be a dozen copies, knowing his friends. “I think he’ll be home quite late, too.”

“Or maybe quite early,” Mush responded with a shit eating grin of his own. He flicked Blink on the eye and gestured towards the door.

Race listened to Blink call Mush an ableist piece of shit with a grin. Mush just shoved him and muttered something about a Nick Fury cosplay. Race didn’t fail to notice he grabbed Blink’s right hand, always making sure to be on his right side.

Race looked back to the book he had just pulled out for that stupid philosophy class he had to take. (He was majoring in mathematics why the hell did he need a philosophy class?) He put it back in his bag, knowing he wouldn’t be taking in a word of it.

A date. Race wondered for a moment about why that simple word felt like a knife to his -

Oh. 

Oh, Race.

He groaned into the silence of the empty apartment. Three months prior Race had looked back at their interactions and arguments through the lens of grief. Maybe it was time to analyze their interactions and arguments through even another keyhole.

There was still heartbreak, yes. But at the time, Race had only thought he was heartbroken because he’d lost his best friend. Now, he wasn’t so sure.

It probably wasn’t a normal thing to feel like half of your soul had been ripped away when your best friend stopped talking to you. It probably wasn’t a normal thing to still feel that way three years later.

The thought terrified him. He’d never been in love before, and the idea that he could be now scared the fuck out of him.

Breathlessness.

He had been breathless when he’d first hugged Davey after over three years. At the time he hadn’t thought anything of it, was too busy being happy that Davey had listened to him, had missed him as well. But looking back, that’s how Race had reacted to physical contact with Davey for years.

He’d blamed it all on his asthma, just a side affect of holding his breath every time they hugged, every time their hands brushed.

Oh, God. Who held their breath every time they hugged their best friend? Who purposefully brushed knuckles together, threw an arm around him every chance he got?

You’re an idiot, Anthony.

Racing heart.

Every time Davey made him laugh.

How much of his heart did he blame on his asthma? Of course every time you laugh you get breathless, your heart races. Purposefully ignoring the fact that no other friend caused such a reaction.

Sweaty palms.

“Ugh, Race, why are your hands so sweaty?” Albert had wiped their arms on their jeans, disgusted from simply having Race’s hands around their wrists.

“If you don’t like it then don’t try and steal my pretzels, asshole!”

Davey had had an arm tossed around the back of the sofa at the time, not even sitting next to Race but near enough that his fingers were brushing against his shoulder every time one of them moved.

Butterflies in your stomach.

The amount of times Davey had been smushed against his side during movie night, because they had too many fucking friends. Race had blamed it on the movie they were watching, nervousness because he hated horror films.

Desperation.

It’s not normal to want to be around a friend as much as Race wanted to be around Davey, was it? They were on their way back to best friends, but the stupid things he did to get Davey’s attention were so embarrassing he didn’t even want to think about it.

Desire.

It wasn’t just two bros psyching each other up, was it? When Davey were those jeans or that shirt or the few times he’s had to dress up to go to meetings, he wasn’t just telling a friend they looked nice, was he?

He’d never been in love; or had he always been love?

You’re a fucking idiot, Anthony Higgins.

~

Davey came home earlier than Race was expecting, looking dejected (he definitely wasn’t beaming inside that the date probably went poorly, nor was he checking Davey out)(not to say that he didn’t look good, because his shirt was tight around the biceps and made his eyes stand out and he was wearing those jeans).

Jesus H Christ, Higgins, how the hell did you not realize you were head over heels for this man?

“You okay, Race?” Davey looked worried now, seeing Race sitting in the dark because he hadn’t bothered to get up to turn the lights on during his crisis.

“Why did you stop being my friend?”  Race was suddenly desperate to know.

Davey flushed, and cleared his throat. “Must we do this now?”

“If not now, when, Davey?” Race had to know. If Davey had noticed how Race had felt about him, before Race even, and felt uncomfortable…if he had made Davey leave him because he couldn’t stop himself from loving this incredible, beautiful boy, he’d never be able to forgive himself.

“I,” Davey’s hands were shaking now. “I don’t want to make things weird.”

“Davey, I won’t judge you for anything you so,” Race assured him. “This won’t change anything. I’m sorry if I did anything that would - or if my feelings -”

“I didn’t want you to get uncomfortable,” he interjected. “I was - feeling things, about you, and - I just. Didn’t want you to hate me.”

Race was speechless. He’d been about to apologize for having feelings for Davey, yet Davey was apologizing for having feelings for him. Had he been so oblivious? Davey had liked him as well. And now it was too late, and he felt his heart break for the second time because of David Jacobs.

But Davey wasn’t done. They didn’t call him the Walking Mouth for nothing. “And I thought I could just ignore them, stop talking to you for a few weeks until it went away, but then weeks turned into months, turned into years - and it never really went away.”

Race had barely let Davey finish before he was near tackling him onto their sofa.

“I was terrified because I’ve never been in love, and I’ve fallen in love with you, but apparently I’ve always been in love, because I’ve loved you since before I knew what love was -”

Anthony “Racetrack” Higgins loved to talk; in fact, he did it too much. Half of the time it didn’t make any sense, and the other half it was too crass to repeat. Sometimes both.

David “Davey” Jacobs finally found a way to shut him up.

[kittyjoestar]

Nsfw with baseball boi Albert will send me to heaven please and thank you

under the line bc smut for you horny fucks(aka me) @peace-anon hehehehe

warning: daddy kink, i couldn’t help myself, this also went longer than I planned oops, i also was listening to some music that totally kills the mood inside my head. I also didn’t write in protection because I forgot lmao

You were alone in your boyfriend's room, so you decided to pick up Albert’s jersey from the chair in his bedroom, taking off your shirt, you put the jersey on and lied down on the bed. He came walking in and almost dropped his water.

“Goddamn, what did I ever do to deserve someone as beautiful as you?” He put the water on the table and crawled onto the bed, hovering over your body.

Albert leaned down and started pressing rough kisses to your neck, your fingers went to his hair and started to pull gently, causing him to moan lightly.

He sat up and pulled his shirt up, you started to take his jersey off but he stopped you, “leave it.” He quickly stated before pushing you back onto the bed.

“God- Albie, please do something. I need you.”

“Mm, I love hearing you beg for me.” You felt him smirk against your neck.

You had buttoned up the jersey since you weren’t wearing a bra that day, Albert started to unbutton it as he kissed down to your shorts.

He looked up you and almost moaned at the sight, “you are so gorgeous, and all mine.”

He pulled your shorts and panties off in one go, he started to kiss your inner thighs, causing your hips to buck up.

“Albie-” He cut you off.

“What was that princess?”

“Daddy, please touch me. I’m so wet for you.” He held your hips down so you wouldn’t move.

“Since you asked so nicely.” Albert leaned forward and dragged his tongue up your core, causing you to moan out his name.

He wrapped his lips around your clit, sucking lightly, you tried to buck your hips, but he was holding them with his left arm.

Without warning, Albert pushed two fingers into you, moving ever so slowly.

“Daddy please fuck me already!” Albert pulled away from your core and looked up at you, his eyes dark with lust.

“Don’t want daddy to make you cum?”

He moved his fingers faster, causing you to gasp and throw your head back. Albert alternated between sucking on your clit to leaving marks on your thighs, it was pure bliss.

Soon enough, you started to feel a pit in your stomach, signifying your orgasm being near.

You ran your hands through Albert’s hair, tugging at it lightly, causing him to groan against you. Feeling the vibrations against your clit caused you to loudly moan Albert’s name, he pulled away and slapped your cunt lightly.

He kissed up your stomach back to your neck and sucked roughly. Albert continued to finger fuck you, loving the feeling of you clenching around him.

“C’mon princess, cum for daddy.” Your back arched as you came, a slew of profanities leaving your mouth.

Albert fingered you through your high then pulled his fingers out and before you could whine in protest, he replaced his fingers with his cock, causing you to cry out.

“Let me hear those pretty noises baby girl, make sure everyone knows who does this to you.”

“F-fuck daddy!” You scratched your nails down Alberts back, knowing you left marks there.

“Do you like that angel? Like when daddy fucks you?” You were going to need to cover so many marks up the next morning.

“Yes daddy, I love it. I love having your cock inside me.” You were getting close to your orgasm with every thrust: he kept hitting your g-spot over and over again, causing you to moan louder every time, luckily his parents weren’t home during this time.

“You gonna cum for me soon?” Albert reached his hand down and started rubbing at your clit roughly. 

“D-daddy.. fuck I’m so close. Please sir, please can I cum?” 

“Cum for me baby girl, let everyone hear who owns you.” With one final thrust your mind turned to jelly, your nails raked down Albert’s back as you cried out his name. Soon enough, your boyfriend came to a stop as he reached his orgasm. 

The two of you lied on his bed for a couple minutes as you caught your breath. Eventually, Albert pulled out and rolled onto his side, staring at you with loving eyes. 

“You do look beautiful in my jersey baby.” You giggled and snuggled into his chest as he pulled the comforter over you both.

[peaky-yamyam]

Neighbours: Part Six - Tommy Shelby

The Party - Part Two

Part One | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven | 

Charlie is somewhere in the crowd Tommy assures me and eventually we find him, jumping from the merry-go-round.

“Miss Crawford!” he cries, running towards me and throwing himself at my leg.

“Hello Charles, are you enjoying your party?” I ask, running my hand over the back of his head.

“Mhmm,” he mumbles, jamming his finger into a paper bag before sucking it.

“What have you got there?” I ask him, crouching down as he offers me a look in the bag.

“Kali, you want some?”

Tommy places a hand on his shoulder to stop him shoving the bag further into my face. “If Lady Crawford wants some she'll have her own bag that you've not spat in, Charles,” he warns and Charlie grins up at me, mouth and finger stained red by the sugar.

“You want to go on the merry-go-round Miss Crawford?” Charlie asks, already grabbing my hand and guiding me towards the ride. “This is the horse I sit on because it looks like Toby,” he explains pointing to a horse that does look remarkably like the foal. “You can sit on the one next to it Miss Crawford.”

I'm thankful now, as I mount the wooden horse, that I wore a short dress with enough freedom to allow me movement, and once I’m settled I turn to Charlie.

“You know, you don't have to call me Miss Crawford all the time.”

“Daddy said that you have lots of money and land and that you have to be polite to people like that and use their proper title or they get angry, and you're a girl who isn't married so you're a Miss and your family are the Crawfords so I have to call you Miss Crawford,” he babbles confidently.

“Well I actually have two last names because I used to be married and I’m not really a Miss because my father is an Earl, so my real name is Lady Crawford-Sorensen,” I explain.

Charlie’s face drops as he tries to comprehend what I'm saying.

“Are you angry?” he asks quietly after a few seconds.

“Why on earth would I be angry?”

“Because daddy said you have to get it right and I've got it wrong.”

“Oh Charlie, I'm not angry at all, not even a little bit,” I lean across to him so I can whisper, “shall I tell you a secret?” He nods. “Sometimes even I forget all my names.”

“You don't!” he giggles.

“I do! I have two last names and two middle names, there's so many sometimes I forget them all,” I joke.

“You're silly Miss-” he catches himself before he says it and I see him trying to remember what I've just told him.

“Charlie, just call me Georgie, how about that?”

He grins and nods, and as the ride begins I hear him mumble it to himself a few times, trying to develop a feel for it on his tongue. Once the ride gets going he giggles the whole way round, pointing his father out to me every time we circle past him. Tommy smiles and waves each time, and there's something about the look of pride and adoration on Charlie’s face that makes me want to lean across and squeeze him so tightly.

Eventually the ride slows and I hop off the horse, careful to avoid any weight on my twisted ankle. Again, Charlie takes my hand as we walk to Tommy who points behind him to a gaggle of children.

“Charlie, your cousins want you to go play with them,” he says. Charlie squeezes my hand and looks up at me. I’m not sure whether his expression is that of an apology because he’s about to run off or disappointment that he’s wanted elsewhere. His father knows however. “You’ll be seeing Georgiana again soon I promise.”

“Definitely Charlie, you’ll have to come and see Toby soon, else he’ll start missing you,” I add with a smile.

The assurances seem to sway him and he runs off with a quick “bye” shouted over his shoulder, into the crowd of children who embrace him eagerly.

“So... We’ve dropped all the formalities now have we Tommy?” I add once Charles is out of earshot.

“We have,” Tommy replies, lighting up another cigarette before he offers his arm again. “If you’re comfortable with it.”

I nod with a smile and settle myself back on Tommy’s arm as we begin to walk around the fair again.

“How was the merry-go-round?”

“A lot of fun actually. I’ve never been on one before.”

“I did have my suspicions,” he mumbles through a smirk as we head towards the stand that’s giving out paper bags full of sweets. “And i’ll bet from that little conversation earlier, you’ve never tried kali before either.”

“Well Tommy, my diet growing up did consist purely of quails eggs, truffles and caviar,” I reply, my tone laced with the same sarcasm Tommy’s used on me before.

He smiles, a genuine smile that almost stops my heart, and waves his hand towards the stand. I walk past him, if only to allow myself a smidgen of privacy as I try to normalise my breathing again, and select a bag of red sugar, similar to that which Charlie was eating earlier.

“You got a spoon back there?” Tommy jokes, leaning casually against the stall as I stare into the bag, confused. “Silver preferably.”

“Oh be quiet… I don’t need a fucking spoon,” I mutter to myself, making an exaggerated show of licking my finger and dipping it into the bag, taking a long slow drag as I suck off the sugar. My face contorts almost immediately though, the sourness of the sweet shocking me.

“Everything alright?”

“It’s sour!”

“Yeah…” Tommy replies as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“Well… you could have warned me. That was not at all pleasant.”

Tommy smiles again and I hastily jam my kali covered fingering back into my mouth, just to stop myself grinning back like a fool. Despite my initial apprehension I soon find myself enjoying the sweet, making my way through the bag as we walk more laps around the fair.

As we walk, we talk, easily and relaxed, about everything; why I moved home, the war, my horses, Tommy’s legitimate work, Charlie, Grace, and Albert, all of it flowing so seamlessly that I only realise how late it must be when I look over the fair to find half of the people gone, the excited squeals and shouts of the children silenced by the late hour. Tommy’s lead me away from it all, up a slight hill so that we can overlook the grounds.

“So you can see my house from here, I often wondered because we have can’t see yours at all,” I muse.

“Good to know,” Tommy replies and I can see out the corner of my eye that he’s watching me.

“Funny how we call each other neighbours, yet there’s so much between us.”

It’s not until I say it that I realise the symbolism, it’s a visual reminder that we’re both from two entirely different worlds and even now, despite living close by, our lives follow completely different paths. Yet somehow, those paths have crossed. I try not to dwell on the thought too much and instead enjoy the moment for what it is; Tommy Shelby looking more handsome than I thought possible, turning my hand over gently in his.

He nods to my now bright red finger. “Your tongue’ll be the same colour,” he says, so matter of factly, like this closeness and the mounting flirtation has no effect on him.

It’s frustrating.

“Is it?” I ask, opening my mouth and sliding my tongue all the way out. There’s no class to my action and I’m sure my grandmother is spinning in her grave screaming at me to “be a lady”, but I get my desired effect. Tommy’s throat bobs and his eyes blink closed for just a moment too long before he straightens up in front of me.

I realised Tommy was taller than me - with my stature most men are - but it’s only now that we’re face-to-face that I realise just how much taller he is, and for the first time in my life there’s a flutter of intimidation in my stomach, softened by complete trust, but enough to excite me as to the possibilities.

Tommy still has my hand and he uses it to pull me a little closer to him, catching my cheek with his other hand and pressing his lips gently to mine.

It’s so tender, so cautious like he’s asking for permission, I decide to take control. Pressing our bodies close to each other, I prop myself onto tiptoes, as well as I can with my sprained ankle, and snake my hands up his chest and behind his neck, pulling him closer to me and parting my lips, inviting him to deepen the kiss. He accepts, teasing his tongue across my bottom lip as he wraps his arm around my waist, igniting something in my stomach that has lay dormant for a long time. Just as I’m about to mimic his action a distant crack into night snaps Tommy away from me. Another one follows in quick succession, this one unmistakably a gunshot and I see Tommy’s face drain of all colour.

“Can you drive?” he asks, dipping low so he can look me dead in the eye.

“Yes,” I reply nodding frantically as points out a car back near the house.

“Take that one, get home. Now.” And with that, he takes off running back towards the fair where everyone has scattered. “ Now Georgiana!” he shouts when I haven’t moved.

The panic and adrenaline swamp the pain in my ankle and I manage to make it to the car quickly. Despite it taking me a few attempts to start the crank and get the car moving, I’m home in what feels like seconds.

As I pull into the safety of my drive and turn off the engine I listen for any signs that something unsavoury is occurring next door, but nothing breaks the silence - not that it would. I debate for a moment phoning to police, however I’m confident no matter what is happening Tommy would be less than appreciative of the old bill turning up at his door, so I placate myself with the knowledge that with all the Shelby’s and an army of Peaky Blinders there, any trouble won’t last long.

The house is quiet when I enter, all the staff long in bed, and I retire to bed myself, bottle of wine swiped from the cellar in tow and the taste of Tommy Shelby still on my lips.