#matt n ryan were whispering n giggling with each other all night

[masterkief]

hiii this is really gross and I’m ashamed...pls forgive me and hopefully u enjoy. Also I did this from ryan’s pov so like idk?

- -

Heaven. I never really thought it existed, until tonight that is. Call me a weeb, corny, lame, whatever you want but when she walked into the room every once and a while and she danced with herself as she chatted up friends it felt as if the earth stood still and I was in the presence of a goddess. It was Saturday and some friends and I had gone to a party for the night. She was dressed in tight light blue dress that was decorated in various Animal Crossing characters, gripping at her curves in all the right ways.  Her hair was twisted in loose curls that fell just below her breasts and her smooth skin gleamed just as bright as her eyes.

“Aye ya big goof, just go talk to her!”

Although Matt was sitting right next to me his voice had gone distant as soon as my mystery girl had entered my vision. A sudden hand waved in front of my face attempting to draw my attention back to reality. I blinked slowly and reluctantly looked in his direction, my mind refusing to draw away from her. “Her” I didn’t even know “her” name, I didn’t know anything about her but still I was instantly infatuated.

“What?” I half growled, irritated that he took my attention from her.

He raised his eyebrows shocked at my irritable reaction, and then smirked when he realized why I was so mad.

“Go talk to her.” He suggested pointing his head her way.

I slowly turned my head back towards where she last stood and felt my stomach fall when I realized that she had vanished again. My eyebrows furrowed with slight annoyance that I had missed my chance because Matt needed me to look at him. I forced myself up but not before pounding my fist into his shoulder. The slight buzz from the alcohol I had gulped down was beginning to take over and I could feel my vision growing blurry. I searched the house up and down trying to find the girl who flooded my thoughts since the beginning of the night but found no luck.

“Fuck.” I grumbled to myself stopping in front of the table full of alcohol.

Drinking probably wasn’t the best idea if I was going to talk to this girl but my nerves were shot already and I hadn’t even spoken to her yet. As I was pouring the whiskey into my glass I glanced up and noticed the girl from before standing right dead in front of me, her eyes examining my entire existence intently as if she were reading right through to my soul. A hidden fiery lust began to burn through my veins and I wasn’t paying attention to my glass that was now overflowing with Jack.

“Shit!” I cried as the sticky substance soaked my hand and the table.

The girl giggled timidly to herself as she watched me flail and panic to quickly clean up my mess. When I had gotten it under control I looked up to see her smiling at me from behind her hair, her alcohol glossed eyes gleaming beautifully under the dimly lit kitchen light.

“Am I funny to you yeah?”

I guess they don’t call alcohol life’s “liquid confidence” for nothing because the confidence that suddenly filled my mouth shocked even myself. The girl chuckled again and raised an eyebrow seductively.

“In fact,” She started, leaning closer to me.

My eyes tried not to avert to her cleavage that was protruding from the top of her dress but I failed which caused her to laugh again and my cheeks to burn a deep shade of embarrassment.

“You are quite funny.” She finished slowly standing straight up again.

She put her cup to her mouth and took a sip. A droplet of the drink sat dormant on her bottom lip, her tongue soon traced the plump pink flesh to clean it off and she made sure her eyes never left mine. Hunger filled her brilliant eyes and I could feel a hunger of my own pressing firmly against the inside of my basketball shorts. My head began to spin quickly as the burst of confidence from before began to drain quickly, nervousness filling its place.

“So…” She began again placing her cup down. “What’s your name Mr. Funny?”

Words trapped themselves in my throat as I picked my brain for what my own name was.

“R-Ry…Ryan…Ryan my friends call me Ryan.” I stammered from both nerves and the liquor that swam through my veins.

The girl smiled again and shifted in place so that she was putting all her weight on her right leg and the table.

“Well R-Ry-Ryan,” She mimicked playfully. “I’m Y/N.”

‘Y/N’…her name floated through my head rapidly. I thought of beautiful things, like sunshine and rain and fields and fucking her mercilessly right here for everyone to see. A harsh throbbing erupted through my groin at the thought and my breath hitched in my throat.  Y/N’s eyes slowly moved from mine down to my hips and she absentmindedly licked her lips again.

“Ryan.” She stated knocking me from my inappropriate thoughts.

My eyes met with hers again as words escaped me. She tilted her head upward and eyebrow rose.

“Follow me.” She demanded with another radiant smile.

Without a word or even a thought of detesting I made my way to her side. She put her hand in mine causing a shot of electricity to ravage my spine as she led me throughthe living room where the music was the loudest. My head was spinning more rapidly now and I felt as if I might explode. 

We ended up on the patio, a cool breeze sending a chill down my spine.

“You smoke?” Y/N asked as she plopped down at the little glass table.

I watched as she pulled a blunt from her purse and cracked it open with her thumbnail, spilling the tabacco guts into the bush behind her. Without a word I sat down across from her, watching as if she might disappear.

“What?” She asked, looking up at me from beneath her eyelashes, “Never seen the devil’s lettuce before?”

She finished packing the blunt with the all too familiar green substance and I couldn’t help but watch her run her tongue across the end to seal it. She knew exactly what she was doing to me.

Lighting it, she took a few hits then passed it in my direction. It was as if I never smoked before and I smoked every fucking day. Trying to keep my hand from shaking as best I could, I took it from her.

“First time?” She teased with a playful laugh, exhaling the smoke.

I couldn’t help but snicker as I passed it back to her, “I wish.”

We sat outside for what seemed like forever. My brain was finally able to comprehend sentences and by the time we finished the blunt it felt like we were long lost friends just catching up.

“You’re really cute.”

Her sudden compliment caught me off guard, causing me to choke on my cigarette. She giggled into her cup as she took a sip of her drink.

“I’m sorry.” She started, “That was really weird.”

Ha...weird? I’ve been obsessing over her the entire night and she felt weird?

“You’re joking right?” I blurted out, sounding more harsh than intended.

Her eyebrows pulled together with confusion and offense. Way to go Magee..

“Sorry.” I apologized quickly, throwing my cigarette butt. “It’s just you’re a fucking babe.”

She bit her bottom lip and stood up from her chair.

“Come with me.” She whispered, leaning into my ear as she passed me.

I obeyed silently as she led me back into the house and eventually down a darkened hallway. She didn’t even give me a chance to make a move as she suddenly threw me up against the wall towards the end of the hall, her mouth destroying mine. She bit at my bottom lip causing a throaty moan to escape from my mouth.

“Fuck me Ryan.” She ordered in a harsh whisper against my neck.

My hands grabbed and squeezed eagerly at every inch of her as we backed towards a door still attached to each other. We busted through not even checking if anyone was already occupying it and closed the door quickly behind us. I threw Y/N to the bed roughly, our bodies only parting briefly so that I could eye her up as she laid on her back, her breasts coming out of the top of her dress even more. I licked my lips and quickly put them on hers again. Soon they traveled to her jaw…then her neck…and then her collarbone as I left sloppy kisses and bites against her skin. I tore her dress down to her waist violently not being able to hold back any longer.

“Ryan.” She moaned as my mouth planted itself onto her right breast.

I bit and nipped at the skin making sure to let my tongue trace her perfectly hardened nipple. Slowly but surely I moved downward gliding my tongue down the valley of her stomach, stopping right at her hips. I heard her breath lodge itself in her throat as I got dangerously close to her core. My hands gripped her thighs, my thumbs digging into the inside of each one causing her to buck her hips upward. I moved back up to her face and her hands tugged at the top of my shorts. Our lips crashed together fiercely as I ground my hips into hers causing a more audible moan to come from her mouth. My shorts soon found their way to my ankles and I kicked them off, then sliding Y/N’s panties off from under her dress. We reconnected once again as I readied myself at her entrance.

“Come on funny guy.” She groaned eagerly, wanting me to enter her. “Show me what you’ve got.”

I smirked and raised an eyebrow, the tip of my cock now right against her slit. Her eyes widened, in complete disbelief that I was teasing her. She forced herself upward trying to push it in for me but I pulled away every time knowing it was driving her crazy.

“Please.” She begged. “Please Ryan just fuck me.”

Her begging set me off and with her least expecting it I plunged deep into her warm, and wet center. As her noises of pleasure grew louder and louder I pumped harder and harder into her, the headboard of the strangers bed surely putting dents in the wall.

“Ryan.” She cried, her walls getting tighter around me. “Ryan I-...I’m close already.”

I smiled against her neck and thrust into her as hard as I possibly could, surely about to break her. 

“Not until I tell you to.” I ordered, my voice shaking as I got close to my own explosion.

I pulled away from her neck and placed my hand over her mouth to keep any outside audience on the edge of their seats. Wrecking into her I felt her breath on the palm of my hand grow faster, indicating that she was right at the edge and unable to take anymore.

“Cum for me Y/N, cum!” I growled against her ear.

Soon enough she screamed my name into my hand, her muffled cry of ecstasy setting me off as well. I collapsed next to her, both of us breathing heavily.

“Christ.” She breathed heavily her legs trembling.

“I’m not just good at being funny.” I teased, my hand now resting on her thigh.

Y/N laughed her lovely laugh, which made my head continue to spin.

“I see that…”

[alj4890]

A Second Chance

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda)

A/N Weeks have gone by. The paternity results are in and Thomas has now taken Amanda to his attorney’s office to finish changing Kathleen’s last name to Hunt along with making her the heir to his fortune. He decides to take a chance and asks Amanda to go out to dinner. Just the two of them.

@lxaah11​​ @alleksa16​​ @penguininapinktuxedo​​ @blackcoffee85​​ @stopforamoment​​  @hopefulmoonobject​​   @krsnlove​​   @annekebbphotography​​ @hopelessromantic1352​ . @sunflowergirl05​  @desireepow-1986​ @greywitchyshots​​ @lilyofchoices​​​ @moodyvalentinestories​​ @emceesynonymroll​​ @my-heart-beats-for-ya​​ @aworldoffandoms​​ @ab1901​​  @flyawayboo​​ @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​​ . @trappedinfandoms​​  @kate-mckenzie​​ @cordoniaqueensworld​​ @everythingmarvelsherlockspn​

Masterlist

Catch up here with Chapter 5

Chapter 6

"And sign here." Myles pointed toward the necessary spaces.

Thomas finished signing his name then passed it to Amanda.

She signed under his name.

The attorney leaned back in his chair and explained the new will and trust Thomas had created for Kathleen.

Thomas half listened as he thought of what the last few weeks in California had been like. Having Kathleen and Amanda living in his home had been eye opening. Uninterrupted time with his daughter had strengthened the bond between them.

Once Kathleen had chosen her bedroom; he had removed all the furniture and taken her shopping. Amanda had gone along, smiling often at the two of them as they debated possible furniture and décor. He bought everything that Kathleen liked. He even strung twinkle lights across the ceiling, replaced the simple drapes with ruffled pink curtains, and bought a menagerie of stuffed animals to fill it with. Her first night with all her new things had been one of celebration.

She asked if the three of them could have dinner in there and then watch a movie.

Thomas never thought the day would come where he would be sitting in a pillow fort, eating Chinese takeout, and watching Tangled. Yet here he was loving every moment.

His gaze cut to Amanda as Myles handed her the paperwork with Thomas now legally Kathleen's father. Once the paternity test had come back revealing she was his, he had pushed his lawyer to get her last name and his will changed as quickly as possible.

Amanda had been supportive of his decision. Kathleen was thrilled that she now had his name and practiced writing it out on the little chalkboard he had bought her.

The only thing that could make this better for Thomas would be if Amanda's last name was also legally changed to his.

Living with her had shown him how deeply in love he was. When Kathleen went to bed at night, he would entice Amanda to remain with him to either watch a movie or go for a swim.

He used those moments to find out all he could about her without pushing her into a romantic relationship.

He wanted her. His desire for her had only grown stronger. He did not want one night with her. He wanted the rest of her life.

He wanted to marry her. Finally have her as his.

Finally have his family.

He suspected she might feel something for him. He would catch her looking at him, almost like she did all those years ago when they were dating.

Yet there was something else there in her eyes. Her smile was warmer each time he did something sweet for her or Kathleen.

She had become more relaxed around him. Amanda had stopped shying away from touching him. There had been a few times as they watched Kathleen playing or coloring that she would quietly slip her arm around his waist.

But he wanted more. These sweet in between moments could be the norm while they took the next step. He knew how affectionate she was when in love. Thomas intended to have it all for himself.

He just did not know how to broach the subject.

"And that's it." Myles said.

Thomas blinked and refocused. "Everything's set?"

"It is." He smiled at the two. "Ms. Hunt will have no financial worries." He glanced at his watch and apologized for having to rush out to another meeting. He told them to call if any other concerns came to mind.

Amanda reached across the table for Thomas's hand. He turned to her once Myles left the conference room.

"Thank you for this." She said, rubbing her thumb over the top of his hand. "It isn't the money, but knowing that in the eyes of the world, Kathleen is your daughter."

He gripped her hand. "I know you say that you don't need child support, but I would like to have a part in caring for her, paying for whatever she needs."

"I understand." She let go of his hand and stood up. "Shall we?"

He stood up and took her hand again as she passed by, tugging her close. Her eyebrow lifted in question.

"How would you like to go to dinner tonight?" He asked.

"My schedule is so busy," she teased, "I'm not sure if I can join you and Kathleen this evening."

He smiled. "I meant just us." He lowered his eyes to their clasped hands. "It's been a long time since you and I went out. I'm sure Rachel and Stephen will watch Kathleen."

Amanda laughed at the thought. When Thomas had told his sister about Kathleen being in his home, she and her husband Stephen had shown up that very night.

Unlike Holly and Addison, Rachel had understood why Amanda had kept Kathleen a secret from all of them that were close to Thomas.

"You were wise not to trust us to keep our mouths closed." Rachel said one night. "We all would have flayed him alive with our tempers." She then added that if they had been told though, the misunderstandings could have been rectified so much sooner.

She and Stephen immediately fell under Kathleen's spell. The little girl in turn adored the two that were her new relatives. They took her out every day for special aunt/uncle/niece time. In other words, they spoiled her every chance they got.

Holly and Addison, along with Matt and Ryan, also accepted the little girl as their own. They could hardly get over the fact that Thomas was not only a father but that he had eased into the role without any difficulty.

The four along with Rachel and Stephen watched the family of three closely, especially Thomas and Amanda. They knew how he had pined for years for the duchess. Now that the two had a reason to see each other on a regular basis, the group wanted to see them together as they should be: a couple.

"How about it?" Thomas repeated. "A night out without a children's menu?"

She laughed and shook her head at the menu joke. "That sounds nice."

"I'm taking that as a yes." He put his hand at her back and guided her toward the elevators. "I'll make the reservations and pick you up around seven."

"Pick me up?" She teased. "My, we really are going all out with this dinner."

Thomas couldn't quite contain his smile. "It isn't every night I get to have you to myself."

Amanda felt her heart triple in beat. Did he mean that in a romantic sense or a platonic one? He probably only wanted a night out as an adult and was merely offering her the same as a friendly gesture.

As much as she tried to deny it, she felt that old love for him stirring to life more and more as time went on. His obvious love and care for Kathleen touched her aching heart in ways she had not anticipated.

She loved seeing him so uncertain yet trying to make his home special for their daughter. Seeing him agree to every little whim Kathleen had, made her smile at the sheer sweetness.

Then the little things he did for Amanda made her fall even more in love. He remembered things from their past that astounded her. He surprised her one evening with her favorite meal from a local Mexican restaurant. He had all her favorite classic movies on hand, explaining to Kathleen how he had developed a new love of many of them due to her mother. He had restocked his pantry with her English Breakfast tea bags and brown sugar cubes. Every gesture chipped away at the wall she had erected around her heart.

Their conversations at night caused a longing in her that life could be like this. Being with him while their child was tucked safe and content in her bed, it was her old dream, the very one she had tried to forget.

How could she though when he was all that she had ever wanted?

**************

"Which do you think?" Thomas held up two blazers.

Kathleen tilted her head as she studied the navy blue and then the charcoal gray. She was sitting in the middle of his bed amid a variety of dress shirts. "I like that one." She pointed at the gray. "And I like this shirt." She held up the black.

"Perfect." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "You have quite the eye for color coordination."

"I have two." She scrunched her shoulders with a giggle.

"I am very grateful for that." He replied with a smile. "Now then, anything else you can think of that I should do to make the night special for your mother?"

Kathleen propped her head on her hand as she thought. "Flowers. Mommy loved the ones you brought for my birthday."

"I can't believe I forgot about that." He muttered. He made a quick phone call and ordered a bouquet of tulips. "Anything else?"

Her little brow furrowed in thought. "Uncle Max said that she loves to dance but she doesn't do it anymore."

"Then I suppose it is up to me to remedy that." He wrote that idea down. "You have been a tremendous help."

Kathleen plucked at his bedspread. "Daddy?"

"Hmm?" He went into his closet to choose a tie.

"I'm a Hunt and you're a Hunt." She squirmed a little. "But Mommy's not."

He paused in his search. "No, she isn't." He saw the unhappiness on her little face and went to her. "What's wrong?"

"Mommy isn't part of the family." She whispered with a sniff.

He knelt beside his bed and took her hands in his. "Yes, she is."

"But she's still a Bridgerton." Kathleen pointed out. "Can't she be a Hunt too?"

"She can." He replied. "I plan on doing all I can to make her want to be one." He smoothed her hair out of her eyes. "It is up to her if and when she wants to change her last name."

Her eyes widened. “Are you going to marry her?”

Thomas didn’t know what to say. “Whatever your mother wants, I am going to do.” He held his daughter’s hands. “As soon as the moment is right, I will ask your mother to marry me.”

"So, we can be a family?" Kathleen asked excitedly.

"We are a family." He stressed once more. "We simply are one with two different last names at the moment." He picked her up and hugged her tight. "Why don't you go choose some movies to watch with Aunt Rachel and Uncle Stephen? I need to start getting ready."

"Okay." She hugged him once more then skipped out of his room.

***************

Stephen let out a low whistle when Thomas came downstairs.

He glared at his sister and brother-in-law when they let out a couple of catcalls. "Where's Kathleen?"

"In the kitchen with Amanda." Rachel grinned when he immediately went in that direction.

He paused in the kitchen doorway and watched the two.

Kathleen was sitting on the counter, giggling while Amanda spoke with a funny accent.

"These cookies are mine! No one else shall have them." Amanda pretended to sneak away with the tray she had removed from the oven.

"Mommy!" Kathleen gasped between her laughter.

Amanda turned around and brought them back over. Her own smile was bright at hearing her daughter's sweet laugh. "Be sure to share with Aunt Rachel and Uncle Stephen."

"I will." She promised. Kathleen looked up and called out to Thomas. "Do you want a cookie, Daddy?"

"No thank you." He joined them and helped lift Kathleen off the counter.

Amanda paused halfway in placing the cookies on a plate. Her eyes drifted down Thomas in his dark gray suit and black dress shirt. His tan skin and jet-black hair seemed even more noticeable...even more handsome. "You look nice."

He smiled softly as his eyes touched on her figure. "Thank you. I've always thought you looked beautiful in red."

Amanda nervously smoothed her short skirt. "Thank you."

She handed the plate to Kathleen and watched her carefully carry it into the living room.

Thomas stepped closer to Amanda. "I've been looking forward to tonight."

She finished wiping her hands while a smile played about her lips. "Oh?"

He nodded. "Are you ready to go?"

She looked down at herself. "I think so, unless you think I should wear something else?"

"You look perfect." He took her hand and pulled her along behind him.

Kathleen was snuggled between Rachel and Stephen on the couch. She waved  goodbye to them while eating a cookie.

"Have a good time." Rachel told them as she walked them to the door. "And don't hurry home."

************

71Above, Los Angeles...

"I forgot how much attention you draw when out." Amanda teased when they were seated at their table.

He frowned slightly at the people whispering and pointing. "So did I. I don't know why they do so."

She chuckled and picked up her menu. "It couldn't have anything to do with your handsome looks or immense talent."

He shook his head in exasperation and turned his attention back to her. "Would you like to go somewhere else?"

"We can if you wish." She said. "I can ignore them."

His eyes touched on how she looked in the soft light reflected from L.A.'s skyline. He was not quite ready to abandon the romantic restaurant because of a few nosy patrons. "I can ignore them too."

Her smile was warm as she lowered her eyes.

Thomas set out to charm her. Every story, every bit of flirty teasing, every brush of his fingers against her hand; it all had one purpose. He wanted her to fall in love with him again.

Amanda's cheeks were a touch pink under his steady gaze. She would often lower her lashes while smiling with his flirting. He had forgotten how those mannerisms used to encourage his attempts in romancing her.

He began to feel confident in his efforts with her leaving her hand in his and the almost permanent smile on her face. Once dinner was over, he took her to the next planned part of their evening.

"Aren't we going home?" Amanda asked when he drove on into the city.

"Kathleen shared an observation with me." He answered. "I thought it was time to try again."

Amanda lifted an eyebrow at his attempt at being mysterious. "Care to share what that observation was?"

"I think I'd rather leave it a surprise." He chuckled when she groaned.

"I think you've forgotten how little I like surprises." She huffed while folding her arms.

"I haven't forgotten." He told her.

"Ah, so you've resorted to torture now on your evenings out." She shook her head in mock disappointment. "Shame on you, Mr. Hunt."

Thomas couldn't quite wipe the smile off his face at her teasing. It was reminiscent of how things once had been between them. He missed having that. She was one if not the only one that brought out that playful side of his personality.

"A night club?" Amanda said in disbelief when he parked the car. "This is what Kathleen suggested?"

"She merely shared that Maxwell had told her how much you loved to dance and that you haven't done so in a very long time." He explained.

Her brow furrowed with that observation. "I don't think I've been dancing since that trip you and I took to Cabo."

He paused as memories of that vacation came to mind. That was a month or two before they-- "Amanda? Was Kathleen conceived during that trip?"

Her eyes widened as she quickly did the math. "She must have been! We were there at the end of December and I had her in September."

He placed his arm around her waist. He remembered that trip well. It had been a series of one romantic moment after another. Knowing that Kathleen was created during such a time made it seem all the more significant.

"What are you thinking about?" Amanda asked when he remained silent.

Thomas lowered his eyes to her. "That night we spent on the yacht in Cabo."

She didn't know how to respond. That night was one that she had never been able to forget. It had been one of the most romantic of her life. One of the most passionate.

He pulled her closer to his side once they were in the club. The place was crowded, and music blared from the speakers. They both cringed from the strobe light and the vibrations from the bass.

Amanda rose on her toes to speak in his ear. "Let's get out of here."

He began to shake his head, determined to take her dancing.

She laced her fingers with his and pulled him out of the building.

"Amanda, I don't mind--"

"I think I've outgrown the club scene." She explained. Her smile was warm as she stepped closer, raising her hands to his crooked tie. "I prefer being out with you in places where I can actually hear what you say."

His lips curved softly. He set his hands on her waist as she worked on his tie, tempted to pull her flush to his body. "So do I." He took her hand and led her back to his car. "One more place to go that I think might make up for this."

"Thomas, there isn't any need to--" her breath caught when he placed his hands on either side of her, trapping her between him and the car. Amanda lifted her eyes to his, wondering what he was going to do. Hoping he might...she stopped thinking. "You have already given me a wonderful night out."

He leaned closer to her. "I want this night to be special."

She swallowed and tried to keep from focusing on his mouth. "It has been."

He stepped away from her and opened her door. "If you don't care for our last stop then I will take you home."

She almost reached out to pull him back to her. "Okay."

He smiled a touch proudly when he heard the slight intake of her breath once more. He got in on his side of the car and drove off.

A short time later they were walking along the docks.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with our remembering Cabo, would it?" She teased when they stood before his yacht.

"I actually had this planned before that memory was brought to mind." He helped her aboard and followed after her.

He opened the door to the main saloon.

Her lips parted in surprise. A bouquet of tulips sat beside a bottle of champagne resting in an ice bucket on a table near the couch. A glass covered tray was set on another end table holding various desserts.

"Someone is going to a great deal of trouble." She teased when soft music drifted through the surround sound speakers.

He pulled her into a slow dance. "This? No trouble at all."

She rested her cheek on his shoulder as he swayed with her to the beat. Amanda closed her eyes and allowed herself a moment to drop all the cautious barriers she had placed around her heart so that she could enjoy being in his arms once more.

Thomas set her other hand on his shoulder and wrapped both his arms around her. When she raised her head, their eyes met before lowering to the other's lips.

He waited on her to make the first move. He needed her to be the one to make the decision on giving him a second chance. He briefly closed his eyes when her fingers threaded through the hair at the nape of his neck.

Their bodies were brushing against the other's as the tension built between the few inches that separated their parted lips.

She pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. "Thank you for taking me out." A self-depreciating smile formed. "I haven't had a night out on the town in a very long time."

"Thank you for accepting." He murmured, keeping his gaze on her mouth.

She tried to ignore the need to kiss him. Ignore the need to see if it was like it once had been. Feel that electric tingle across her skin.

She knew it was foolish to play with this type of fire. She had resolved to never again take a chance on love. Kathleen was to never suffer from her decisions.

Amanda had vowed to be single for the rest of her life the week after Kathleen's birth. She knew she could never have some man have a say in her daughter’s upbringing.

But Thomas was not some random man. He was the father of her child. He was innocent of all the previously thought wrongdoings.

He was here, right where she had once hoped he would be. Thomas was showing her the type of attention she had once craved so long ago.

What if she gave in to his wish and tried a romantic relationship again? What if it ended horribly?

What if it didn't?

She hesitated and lifted her eyes to his.

Thomas saw all her vulnerable uncertainty in the hazel depths. He knew he should stick to his plan and admit he was more in love with her than he had ever been once they were in Cordonia. He believed he needed her to see how he could fit into her life there as well as anywhere else.

But he did not think he could wait any longer.

"I'm in lo--" his phone rang.

He pulled it out of his coat’s interior pocket. "It's Rachel."

Amanda's eyes widened. "Kathleen? Do you think she's--"

Thomas quickly answered.

"We need you to come home." Stephen explained. "Kathleen became sick and has been crying for Amanda."

She snatched the phone out of Thomas's hand. "What happened?"

"She was fine, playing, then complained about her stomach hurting. Next thing we knew, she ran to the bathroom and threw up." Stephen's voice sounded strained. "She began to cry which caused her to throw up again."

"I'm on my way." Amanda swiftly left the saloon and hurried off the yacht.

Thomas chased after her. "Amanda, wait a mo--"

"I don't have a moment!" Amanda snapped. Her stiletto heel got stuck in one of the slits on the dock. Her foot came completely out of her shoe.

Thomas knelt and pried it loose, slipping it back on her foot. "Everything is going to be fine."

"My daughter is sick." Amanda said in a disapproving tone. "I shouldn't have gone out."

"She probably ate too many cookies." Thomas tried to make her see reason.

"I don't care what caused it." Amanda cursed when she stumbled over another plank.

Thomas caught her before she hit the dock and pulled her close. He gently tilted her chin up. "I will get us home as fast as I can."

Her frown eased. "Thank you." She held onto his arm as they made their way off the dock.

***************

Amanda hurried upstairs as Rachel told all that had happened.

"I gave her another bath." Rachel followed closely at her heels. "She threw up all over her pajamas when she started crying."

"Poor angel." Amanda mumbled. She stepped into Kathleen's bedroom and went straight to her bed.

"Mommy." Kathleen reached out for her.

Amanda sat down beside her and held her close. "Shh, it's okay." She gently rubbed her back. "I'm here." She thanked Rachel for taking care of her.

Thomas paused in the doorway as his sister left the room. "Is there anything I can do?"

"She will need some electrolytes. Anything like Gatorade or Pedialyte." Amanda replied. "And possibly some popsicles."

“Orange.” Kathleen mumbled as she curled up in her mother’s lap. “I only like orange ones to drink.”

“Orange electrolytes and cherry popsicles.” Amanda told him.

“I’ll take care of it.” Thomas promised. He quickly left the room and told his sister where he was going.

“We’ll go for you.” Stephen offered. “That way you can help if Amanda needs anything.”

Thomas thanked them. He wrote down what Kathleen liked and gave them money. They ignored his money and took the list, leaving him uncertain with what he should do now.

************

Once he was gone, Amanda settled Kathleen back in her bed. She remained sitting beside her daughter with her back to the headboard.

Kathleen moved her head to Amanda's lap. "Will you sing the song?"

Her mother's lips curved softly as she gently ran her fingers through Kathleen's hair. "Of course."

Thomas paused in the hallway when he heard Amanda singing. He recalled that she was not known by friends and loved ones for having a good singing voice. But something about this particular song and the way she kept her voice low seemed soothing. He quietly approached the bedroom and watched the two.

Don't know why there's no sun up in the sky

Stormy weather

Since my gal and I ain't together

Keeps raining all the time

Life is bare. Gloom and misery everywhere

Stormy weather

Just can't get my poor self together

I'm weary all the time, the time

So weary all the time

Kathleen had a smile on her face as her eyes drooped closed. Her favorite part of the song was coming up.

When she went away the blues walked in and met me

If she stays away, that old rockin' chair gonna get me

All I do is pray the Lord above will let me

Walk in the sun once more,

Can't go on, everything is gone

Stormy weather

Since my gal and I ain't together

Keeps rainin' all the time

Keeps rainin' all the time

Kathleen yawned and snuggled closer. Thomas stepped in when Amanda paused in singing. He quietly told her that Rachel and Stephen went shopping for them. He then went into Kathleen’s bathroom and retrieved a cool, damp rag when Amanda asked him to get one.

She gently placed the rag on Kathleen's forehead, still humming Stormy Weather.

Thomas sat down in a padded rocker, observing the two.

Amanda carefully moved Kathleen to her pillow once she was asleep.

He followed her out of the bedroom and across the hallway to her room. "Is there anything else we need to do?"

"I'm going to change clothes and sit up with her for a few more hours." Amanda explained, stepping inside her room. She hesitated then looked up at him. "Feel free to get some rest. I'm used to doing this on my own whenever she is ill."

His lips firmed in a slight frown when she gathered some comfortable clothes and went into the bathroom to change. He loosened his tie and went to his own bedroom.

Amanda returned to Kathleen's room and rewet the rag, placing it back on her head.

She sat down once more on the bed and hummed when Kathleen moved restlessly and whimpered.

Thomas returned in a pair of jogging pants and a t-shirt. He took his spot in the rocker once more.

"You don't have to be here." Amanda whispered, surprised to see him again.

"Yes, I do." He whispered back. "I have to be here for you." He paused. "Both of you."

She lowered her eyes and resumed gently running her fingers through her daughter's hair in soothing repetitions.

"Why Stormy Weather?" He asked softly.

Amanda's lips turned up in a smile. "I listened to Frank Sinatra albums throughout most of my pregnancy. One night, a month after Kathleen's birth, she cried for hours, fighting sleep. I tried everything to calm her down. Eventually, pacing and singing his rendition of Stormy Weather helped her fall asleep. It worked each time after that, and she now claims it as the song. She usually likes it sung whenever she is sick."

Thomas softly chuckled. "She would appreciate the classics."

Amanda nodded, laughing. "She loves his singing."

His smile was tender. "She got that from you. If I remember correctly, you once said you would have had a hard time not melting if you had been one of the women in the movies he sung to."

Amanda shook her head at her own foolishness. "I was born in the wrong time period."

He stood up and stretched. "Let's sit over there." He whispered when he noticed her shift, trying to get comfortable on the small bed.

Amanda followed him over to the loveseat that Kathleen had chosen for her movie corner in her room. They sat down and remained quiet as they watched Kathleen sleep.

He set his arm along the back of the couch and urged Amanda closer. She glanced down when his other hand held hers and felt that old stirring of memories. There had been a number of times when she was taking care of Kathleen that she had wished he had been there comforting her as she worried over every little thing.

She rested her head against his shoulder, feeling a calmness come over her just by having him by her side.

He pressed his lips to her forehead, letting them linger there.

After an hour, she fell asleep, turning more in his arms. He repositioned her and held her close. Thomas covered the two of them with one of the fuzzy blankets that was nearby.

He lowered his head to kiss the top of hers once more. He closed his eyes, feeling grateful to have her in his arms again. Though it wasn't quite how he had wished the night would end, Thomas hoped it would lead to an even closer relationship with Amanda.

[sammy-jo1977]

The Party

An: First time posting something I’ve actually written. Hope it turned out okay. This is my admission for the Little Darlin’s All Things Fall Writing Challenge!! @littledarlinhavefaithinme  @sourpatchkidsandacokecan this is it!  Hope this turned out as well as I hoped. And I hope I did that right…

Prompt: “ Okay, who’s raising the dead when I’m trying to sleep?”

Word count:3307😱

Warning: None! Just a bit of fluffy maybe flirting

Matt Murdock x Reader, but later onish. Foggy and Karen have decided that a Halloween party would be a great idea. Now they just have to get Matt on board.

~~~~~~~~~

Karen poured herself and Foggy a cup of coffee to each liking. Even set out Matt’s cup for when he came into the office. 

 Foggy was by her desk, getting more excited as he spoke. “Think about Karen. Really. We could dress up. I could talk Marci into even coming. And hey what about that guy you were talking to? Ryan? Bryan? Invite him too. We need this. Plus it could be fun.”

She laughed as she passed him the mug and shook her head before taking a drink from her own. “Sounds great Foggy. Think we’d have to talk Matt into the idea though first. And it’s Ryan thank you.“ 

“Matt will be easy. Leave to me. I can talk him into almost anything.” Karen had started to say something but noticed Matt walking up to the door.

 "Really Foggy? I’m almost afraid to ask what you’re trying to talk me into now.“Karen couldn’t stop the laughter that escaped her lips as she moved to fix Matt his coffee. 

“Nothing like in college calm down. No sir. This is about the impending awesomeness that is Halloween.” Matt turned to his friend with a bit of confusion and amusement. “Halloween? Really? Fog that’s what almost two months away.”

He gratefully accepted the coffee cup that Karen passed him. “Exactly! We are running out of time. So, what are we planning?” Matt headed towards the small conference room while Foggy and Karen followed. He laughed again at his friend’s excitement. “Don’t you think we’re a bit old for trick or treating?” Foggy glared at Matt. Which made Karen laugh. “He’s glaring at me isn’t he?“ 

The laughter was barely contained in Matt’s question. “Yeah I am jerk.” 

“Alright. I’m sorry buddy.” Matt laughed again. “Can we get through today and we’ll talk later about it okay? Over drinks at Josie’s, yeah?“ 

His friend nodded to himself and quietly added a , “Fine alright.” The day went by. A few breakthroughs on a couple cases were made. Things were gathered and the three made their way to Josie’s. After a couple rounds and the massacre on the pool table that prompted round two. Foggy and Karen finally talked Matt into joining in the excitement of Halloween.

“Okay! Alright. What’s the plan then? Do you have a plan?”

 “Of course I have a plan!” Foggy explained. Karen and Matt both looked at him expectedly waiting to see if he really did have a plan. “ Okay so maybe I haven’t worked out the details yes. But there is definitely a plan." 

Matt just shook his head and took another drink of his beer with a low chuckle. Karen went back to the bar to buy the next round. "What about a costume party?! With a theme and everything?”, Foggy had turned quickly to Karen as she came back and handed each of the men their drinks. 

“That could actually be fun.”

“Yeah?! Yes! Okay but what theme?”

 Listening to the two of his best friends get excited about the idea of dressing up and everything actually got Matt liking the idea himself. 

“Classic Monster Movies?" 

"Eh maybe.”

 Karen and Foggy tossed a couple more ideas around, neither being really set on anything yet.

 "Matt? What do you think? Ideas buddy?“ He perked up, took a drink and shrugged. "I don’t know guys, I mean are we thinking the cheesy type stuff or what?”

 "Anything?!“ 

"Yeah Matt, what do you want to do?" 

He sighed and chuckled, "Well I mean, I don’t know. Not like I did a lot for Halloween as a kid.”

Foggy groaned when he missed whatever shot he had been going for at the table. Karen hummed in thought for a moment, but gasped quietly when the idea struck her. “Guys. I got It! Think about this. The 20’s. Great Gatsby type. Maybe?" 

"HA! Yes I love it! With the mobster look, and the flapper girl dresses, YES!” The excitement in Foggy’s voice was again contagious.

 It was agreed. They had a theme. And a few weeks to put it into action. Foggy agreed to help Matt plan his and told Karen that Marci could possibly help with hers. Matt again found himself laughing lightly as he listened to his two friends. The excitement brewing and bubbling over as Foggy decided that they would have it at the office. 

“Guys I’m calling it a night." 

Foggy just shook his head. "Still a lightweight.”

 Matt playfully pushed him as he stood to unfold his cane. “Need help getting home?” Karen had chimed up. 

“Nah. I’m alright. See you both tomorrow.” Matt made his way back to his apartment. The night was quiet. Little foot traffic passed him. The light chill of the breeze had him pulling his jacket closed just a  bit tighter. 

Fall in Hell’s Kitchen felt like was like anywhere else. The leaves changing colors and cooler breezes. But that was one of the things Matt Murdock missed. Seeing the many color variations the leaves would turn. The definitive crunch from the leaves on the sidewalk when stepped on. The crisper change of scent in the air. All helped paint the picture of what he once knew. He made it home in time to catch his neighbor across the hall as she headed into her apartment. 

The subtle hint of cinnamon and vanilla surrounded her. “Hey (y/n)" 

"Matthew.” Her voice was always just a little teasing. He kind of liked it if he was being honest. And she never just called him Matt. Its was Matthew. They had talked some before.

 She had actually knocked on his door one evening when he had spent a rare night at home asking if he had any alcohol. Which prompted a brief night talking over a glass or two of whiskey before she left for her own bed. Even after he had tempted her. She had told him that night that he was trouble. Her voice holding that teasing tone that seemed to be reserved for him now.

 He smiled at her and stepped inside his apartment. Went about getting changed to head out for the night.

 Few nights later… It was late.

 Matt didn’t know how late. All he knew was that there was a very persistent banging on his door. His body went into high alert for they first few moments. Until he heard his name being yelled, quite drunkenly from the other side of the door. Followed by another voice also calling out his name. 

“Matt!!" 

"Matt Come on!”

More banging against the door. “Come on buddy!”

 Matt pulled himself from the bed and made his way through to his living room. More yelling came from his two friends through the door.

 Something about drinking the town dry or something. Among other ideas that only made him chuckle to himself. 

“Matt Come on! Karen says she cant drink alone with me anymore!”

“Its true Matt. You gotta help me." 

After a few more bangs and the chorus of giggles from both Karen and Foggy mixed with more calling out of his name, he moved to the door. 

Just as he was about to open the door, a new voice chimed in. "Do the two of you realize just how loud you are? Could raise the dead if you really tried.”

"Okay who’s raising the dead when I’m trying to sleep?”

 He could feel her half hearted sleepy glare as soon as he opened the door. His neighbor from across the hall stood in her own door leaning heavily onto the frame. 

Foggy turned too quickly and almost fell back if not for Matt steading him. “oh shit. Sorry." 

Then in a not really hushed whisper, "She’s hot. Did you know she was hot Matty? Oh wait course you do.”

Karen had at least enough wits about her to apologize for him and for waking her. At least for a brief moment before leaning in close to the two boys and in the same not whisper, “She really is though.” before failing to contain a small fit of giggles. 

Matt just shook his head, his fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. “Sorry ,(y/n). Didn’t mean to wake you.”

 (y/a) couldn’t really blame Matt. And out of his two companions that stood outside, Karen muttered a quiet Sorry once again. Her hand covering her mouth. Foggy turned to her finally and did apologize before almost bursting into a fit of giggles. But he quickly turned back to Matt and pointed a finger to his chest. 

“Actually that kinda works. You do sleep like the dead."  Karencouldn’t help it, she burst into her own fit of laughter and almost slid down the wall.

 "Sure you don’t want a hand with those two?”

 Matt  shook his head. And made a move to usher both through the door. “Nah I got them. Thanks though. And again I’m sorry they woke you.”

“Yeah we’re sorry!” Foggy yelled from inside the apartment. (Y/n) just laughed and shook her head. 

“Good luck with them Mathew. Think you’ll need it.”

 He chuckled, “Yeah think you’re right. G'night Kat.”

 She bid him good night and closed her door. Matt turned back into his own and headed into the living room where his two friends had at least made it to the couch. 

Karen on one end, half curled up with her head back. Foggy was half falling off, half laying down humming some random bits of songs that didn’t really go together. 

All Matt could do was laugh. He went to go get a couple blankets and covered each of his friends as they started to doze off. Karen’s breathing evened out first, Foggy was still struggling to stay awake. “Matt… matt we gotta…” His arm stretched out to try and grab his arm. Matt took his friends hand and patted it. “Tomorrow buddy. Not tonight.” Foggy’s hand dropped back down and with a heavy sigh, he started to drift off. Matthew just chuckled and headed back to bed. 

Of course the next morning was fun. Pained groans emitting from the couch as Matt closed the refrigerator door maybe a little carelessly.

 Back in the office… 

After a few cups of bad coffee both Karen and Foggy seemed to be a little more humanized from the zombies they had been that morning. Once they had made it through the day, a few clients had filtered in.

 Now they sat around the table in the small conference room. Conversation had turned to the Halloween party again. Karen had put together a list of a the clients that would be able to attend. Matt had managed to get Claire Temple interested in going. Though she might not be able to make it due to she was technically on call that night. Of course Foggy had told Marci and she had decided that she would help Karen decorate. He had even talked to Brett. Though he had also been a little less likely to attend with everything that could possibly happen with it being Halloween.

 So the guest lists had been prepared. All that was left was the costumes.

 "Hey Karen have you found your costume yet?“

 "No. But Marci did send me the address to that place where she found hers. What about you guys?”

Foggy came back into the room after grabbing more napkins. Several food boxes set around the table. “Not yet. Matt are we still going to the shop this week?" 

Matt nodded around the mouthful of food he had just taken. "Yeah uh.. We can go later if you want." 

Foggy was all for it, the excitement starting again breaking through the left over of the hangover that had hung on through the day. 

After working through some left over paper work, the men bid Karen goodnight when she caught a taxi home. 

Foggy flagged down one for them and they made their way to their destination. A shop that sold mainly vintage clothing and such. Specialized in alterations and custom designs. 

After going through the racks of many different styles, they settled on different styles. Each still with the Twenties era. 

In the next couple weeks, the party was coming together. With costumes found, Foggy’s excitement only grew. The weather grew colder. 

Halloween finally rolled around. 

The boys chose to get ready at Matt’s apartment. Matt had even invited his neighbor, though wasn’t sure if she would show. 

Foggy’s outfit consisted of a dark pair of slacks, tannish grey waistcoat over a white button up, and dark buttonhole suspenders. Along with a dark brown wool flat cap and an almost matching bowtie. 

Matt’s was more of a mobster look. Dark pinstripe pants and suit jacket. Paired with a black button up and dark red buttonhole suspenders almost matching a deep red tie. And to top it off  black fedora with a red band.

 Foggy’s excitement was everywhere. Matt more then once laughed at his friend when he noticed him practically bouncing on the balls of his feet.

 "Karen agreed to meet us at the party. Wonder what she picked. Hey Brett is coming too." 

The short trip to the office only fueled Foggy’s enthusiasm, Matt too. His own excitement feeding off his friend’s energy. 

Music filtered down the hall as they got closer to the door. Foggy let himself and Matt into the office to the small crowd mixture of clients and friends, catching Karen’s eye. 

Foggy gave out a whistle causing Matt to ask how she looked. "Breathtaking man. Wow." 

She made a quick twirl before stepping up to them. Her deep blue dress almost form fitting with a v neck and wide shoulder straps. The black beading and sequins forming a streamline design that drew attention to her slight curves. The fringe extending just past her knees as the dress itself stopped mid thigh.

 "Foggy I gotta say. This was a great idea.”

 "I do have a few of those every now and then. You two always seem shocked.“ He spotted Marci further in the room and excused himself before taking off.  Her burgundy and black beaded shift drawing the attention of almost every man in the room. 

"Matt. Wow you look great!" 

"Ha thanks. I bet you do too." 

She started to question before he spoke up again. "Foggy said as much.”

There was a quick knock at the door before it opened again. “Matthew?” (Y/n) stepped into the room and shut the door behind her quietly. Matt turned towards her and smiled.

 "Yeah hi! (Y/n) this is Karen, she’s a good friend of mine. Karen uh this is Kathrine. She’s my neighbor from across the hall.“

"RIGHT! Yeah. I think I remember. Um I am still sorry about that night we woke you.”

The women shook hands briefly, (y/n) giving Karen a smile.

 "No worries. I wasn’t that upset. I must say though, you look incredible.“

"You too!"Matt listened briefly to them before taking quick stock of the room. Foggy had dragged Marci to the food table. 

He did catch Brett’s voice somewhere in the room making small talk with someone.  His tweed three piece feeling much different from his typical uniform. His hat much like Foggy’s hanging up with his long coat.

 Claire’s voice carried from somewhere else in the room saying she really was relived when she had been given the night free from being on call. Her almost white shift dress dotted intricately with beads coming down just passed her knees. Though she deemed to wear flats. Refusing to go in heels.

 Karen steered them both a little further into the room and excused herself for a brief moment. 

"Well. You certainly clean up well Matthew.” The teasing not in her voice made him smile like it always did.

 "I can only imagine how well you clean up as well (y/,n). Must be pretty damn good.“ 

"Hmm. Why’s that? A few heart rates jump when I came in?”

He turned to face her leaning on his cane slightly. His head tilted as he made sure no one was paying attention to the hushed conversation.

 "What makes you think I could know that?“

She stepped closer to him and whispered. "Oh Matthew. I know who you are. Have since my second week in that building. How you do it I haven’t figured out yet." 

His grip on his cane tightened to the point of his knuckles turning white.

 "Don’t worry. I haven’t told anyone. And I won’t. You have my word on that." 

He relaxed only briefly.

 "But I must say. Black and red really are your colors.” Her teasing made him huff out a laugh. "And you?“ 

She hummed and shifted her weight a little. "Black naturally. Maybe a but too low cut but it suits me." 

Matt shook his head with a smirk. 

"Though your friend Karen does look gorgeous in the deep blue she chose.”

 "Ha, Im not surprised. Foggy told me with her blonde hair and blue eyes that any blue looked great on her. Though he did say that Anything looked great on her.“ 

Karen returned with drinks in hand. Conversations flowed easily. The three making it into the crowd. Matt made his short rounds to talk to a few others.

 Karen and (y/n) had made quick friends with one another. Though Matt joked with Foggy that he wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.

 Claire called it an early night. Eager to get home and into her pajamas and curl up with a classic Halloween movie. When questioned she admitted it to being Hocus Pocus. Foggy agreeing almost immediately that it was the Best Halloween Movie in History.

 Brett had to leave to head back to the station to deal with a few vandals that has been caught later on. 

Karen offered to take Matt home when Foggy had told them he was taking off with Marci after helping clean up to an extent since the party had dwindled down to just the five of them.

 Informing them he would be alright didn’t convince them until (y/n) had said she was heading home and could make sure he got back to his own door in one piece. Each bid their good nights after most of the aftermath had been taken care of. 

And once back in the hall, in front of his door, Matt turned to (y/n). "How did you find out?" 

She sighed, shifted from one foot to the other before leaning against the wall. "Mathew, you are many thing. But convincingly secretive is not one of them. Between the bruises, cuts, and whatnot. The being up at literally all hours. I work nights. And you are not always quiet. Also, I saw you and your friend Franklin stumbling up the stairs one day. Blood across your face and in the daredevil suit. It didn’t take much to connect the dots even before that.”

 He let out a heavy sigh and banged his head lightly against his own door, quietly cursing.

 "Like I told you before. This changes nothing. Your secret will be kept.“

He tilted his head toward her, noting her steady heart beat thrumming. "Thank you (y/n).”

She only nodded and pushed off from the wall. Taking the few steps closer to him she kissed him ever so lightly on the cheek and whispered. “You’re welcome Matthew." 

He turned his head but she pulled away before he could initiate any more contact. "Good night Matthew.”

He smiled, and turned to face her as she backed toward her own door before turning and unlocking her own. “Good night (y/n).” He waited till he heard her door latch and the turn of her lock before opening his own door and stepping inside. 

[chezzkaa]

Cinders - Chapter 33/36

A/N: Get excited. 34 and 35 are gonna fuck you up.

All Chapters

SUMMARY: Lets Heist

WC: 2109

Warm sunlight seeps into your skin, rousing your from a deep sleep. Though your eyes remain closed each of your breaths draws in the morning and expels the aches of the past few days into the sheets. You let yourself enjoy the normality of the moment, Ryan’s soft breathing shifting through your hair and tangling in his own as it brushes across your cheek. Lying on your front with an arm tucked under your chest you legs splay out, Ryan’s strong arm wound around your waist; comforting and familiar.

It comes as a surprise that your mind is clear for the first time in weeks, despite your throat being thick and raw from the tears the night before. Your ravaged heart is lighter, shoulders moving with ease as her face swims past. No longer does the sight burn, instead leaving a mild sting without the Cheshire rearing her head – nowhere to be found. A pleasant sigh ruffles against your skin, arm tightening for a moment as a light groan escapes the slumbering man’s lips. Eyes squeezing shut to block the delicate sun dusting his eyelids. You shuffle closer, fingers running across his cheek and eyes mesmerised by the calm radiating from him, “morning dear.” His voice is husky and clogged with sleep, still it courses through your veins like wildfire, tugging against the corners of your lips as he places a kiss against your forehead; “hey there, sweetie.” “Sup?”

The second voice has you shooting up from the bed to see Ray occupying your couch and digging into a large bowl of your cereal. Legs crossed and face content despite the bruises circling his eyes. You narrow your eyes before rubbing them, hands falling into your lap with a gentle thud; “the fuck are you doing here?” Ray offers you a shrug and a wide smile around another mouthful, “eatin.” “Wait, but how?” “...with a spoon.” “Y/N please, it’s too early for murder” mumbles Ryan into the pillows, stretching out his limbs and wiggling his toes. You reach back to him, fingers finding his and moulding together. “Well,” you return your attention to Ray, “did you at least save us some cereal?” The man chews slowly, guilt stretching across his face as you narrow your eyes. Quickly he shovels the rest of the cereal into his mouth, forcing an incoherent apology through, “you’re a lil bitch, Ray.”

Ryan moves to sit up in bed, smiling at the man as he shuffles his back against the headboard. Instinctively you curl into his side, unable to deny the happiness swelling in your chest. Even though Ray always seemed to eat you out of house and home, you couldn’t help but enjoy the company of your two favourite people. 

It doesn’t take long for the past few days to begin nagging at your peace, Jon surfacing within your mind and bobbing uncomfortably for your attention. Your heart lets of a painful pang, concern for your brother quickly working its way into your content moment and tainting it like a poisonous undercurrent.

“Stop looking so fucking depressed,” Ray teases, jabbing his spoon in your direction while Ryan presses a light kiss to your shoulder, humming; “Trevor and Matt are working on decoding the final few lines of data, then we should have a complete location to work with.” Not trusting your voice you simply nod, Ryan’s fingers tracing soothing circles against your hip. “Thanks,” he smiles to Ray, of who returns the sentiment with a thumbs up and a raise of his now empty bowl; standing to put it away. “No problem,” he replies while closing the dishwasher and pulling the milk from the fridge, finishing off the tea he had started for the three of you whilst you were sleeping, “we should know what’s up in a couple of hours.” He balances the mugs between his two hands, shuffling towards the coffee table and managing to place them down without spillage. “Until then,” he snatches the remove off the couch, plonking into the cushions with a wide grin, “wanna play a game?”

“God DAMN IT Ray!” cries Ryan mournfully, watching the bullet shoot through his character from beside you; ray and Jeremy sandwiching you in an overflow of blankets from the other side. “One fucking time, just let us win one fucking time!” “Can stop a Hispanic with a cause!” he cheers, kicking his legs about and getting them caught in the blankets, struggling to break free. Seeing his moment to strike Jeremy abandons his controller, pointing to Ray as he quickly begins trapping himself, “GET HIM!”

Ryan launches across you, scrambling from the blankets to get to Ray past Jeremy, wrestling for the controller. With a jolt they slip from the couch and to the floor, hollering and kicking indiscriminately. “No, NO! It was all a rouse!” “Fuck yeah!” Your victorious exclamation rings out as you kill the final or your friends, pulling your legs up to avoid the scuffling men at your feet. Amidst the giggles and yelling a knock at the door has you standing, leaping over the flailing limbs to greet the visitor. Standing outside is Trevor, his hair swept back and so blond it almost shone white, mouth opening and ready to act professional. At the sound of the fighting inside the apartment he stops, eyebrows furrowing as he peers past to watch the pile; face bewildered.

“What’s up, lovely?” you ask, leaning against the frame as he continues to watch the sight before him; absolutely enthralled. Shaking his head he stammers for a minutes, a flurry of ‘I, errs’ tumbling from his lips. You wait patiently, eyes trained on your family – Jeremy trying to crawl over Ryan to reach the couch but the man wrestling him back down. “I erm, well, we’re in.”

The heist room is yet again cluttered with bodies huddling into the space, tension rippling through the air like wind over water. Your eyes are watching Gavin across the table while he works into a tiny mirror, hand flicking the golden eyeliner across his lid in a smooth motion. Absentmindedly your fingers touch your cheek, pulling away to watch the shimmer of colour glow across the tips – the Golden Boy having passed you his compact to splash gold across your eyes; the Cheshire materialising in front of the crew and picking at their nerves. Beside you Ryan clutches his skull mask, staring at Geoff creating ruts in the floor from his pacing. Ray is on your other side, completely at ease while he plays with his hot pink sniper rifle. A white masquerade mask perched against his forehead.

You manage to draw your gaze away from Gavin and the rest of the crew, coming to settle on Geoff while he fidgets, Jack having stopped his movements while whispering frantically to him. With a shaking breath he calms down and expels his worries, Jack quickly pecking the side of his temple with a kiss before disappearing into the crowd of bodies. He clears his throat a moment later, the noise harsh in the silence draped over the room. Still he has everyone’s attention instantly, all eyes trained on his and listening like their lives depended on it.

“The shipyard,” he starts, turning to pin the photograph up on the notice board, containers littering the space, “Matt tells me that there’s no way he could be hiding somewhere else, too much traffic to this area.” Matt nods from your right, continuing “the coding showed that the visits are incredibly frequent and for long periods of time.” “We investigated a little further,” pipes in Trevor, leaning an elbow on the table, “and found that the whole yard is being rented by a Mr. Gareth Benson.” “Had a drone fly over, the place is crawling with his men, small number of cops out of uniform. It’s armed to the fucking teeth,” concludes Matt, impatiently pushing his hair out of the way.

Geoff taps his notepad with the end of his pen once, “good work guys. So,” he turns back to the board to place an accompanying aerial shot next to the entrance, “here’s how it’s going to work. We hit it tonight, in teams. In and out, kill everyone we can.” Everyone is nodding, sharing glances at potential team mates along with murmurs of agreement. Your eyes are still trained on Geoff, tracing the frizz of his moustache and the creases on his forehead. He waits until the room quietens again, sweeping a hand towards Trevor, Lindsay, Meg and Matt. “We’ve got our eyes sorted, each of you are going to be watching one group and passing along intel when needed. Matt, you can hack into the security cameras, right?” a small nod from the man, a confirmation. “Good. Get drones out there too, as well as body cameras. We’ll need everything we can get.”

Moving on Geoff then jabs the pen towards Gavin and Michael, the two men a stark contrast against each other – gunpowder and gold. “You two are taking the outer perimeter. We need as many explosives as possible, cause a distraction and pool everyone inside. No one gets out alive. Think you can handle it?” Grins meet his raised eyebrow, Michael’s face splitting into a wild beam while Gavin nods eagerly. “Put on a show,” he squeaks, kicking his feet up on the table, “I think we can do that.” Michael swipes at them, knocking them off and back to the floor with a glare, “not on the fucking table, jack ass. Jeez.”

“Ray,” Geoff addresses the man beside you, his attention drawn away from his sniper for a moment, “you’re our sniper.” “Fucking surprise, surprise.” Geoff ignores him, motioning to the aerial view and marking out 4 small points, “these are the best places for you. Feel free to move between them as needed, you’re the only one I trust to shoot a bullet over my head.” “You really shouldn’t.” “You don’t make things easy, do you?” “Nah.” Despite his jokes Ray takes the job seriously, clambering through the crowd to the map and jotting down the points he could use, indicating a few more that might also be beneficial. Trusting him, Geoff gives him the go ahead to add a few more before he returns to your side.

Finally the leader turns to you, regarding your group and Jeremy sitting on the floor, bouncing his leg. “What’s your fucking name again?” “Cheshire,” says Ray, sounding genuinely surprised Geoff had forgotten. However the small hum shakes Geoff’s moustache, and you shrug. “I don’t think the three of us have a team name.” “Sure we do!” pipes in Jeremy from the floor, looking up at you with a smile, “I’ve thought of everything.” “Well?” Geoff’s foot taps impatiently, his anger hanging in the air, “what is it then?” “Get this,” Jeremy holds out his hands, presenting his idea “Crazy Short Temper.” You stare at him while Ryan chuckles, ruffling the man’s purple hair, “how are you so good at this?” “It’s a gift.”

Forging forward Geoff begins to rule off his orders, stealing your full attention. “Crazy Short Temper, you guys are going to be our main point of attack. You’ll be in the thick of it, fighting towards the centre,” the pen scribbles across a red container in the middle of the yard, stacked at least 6 high, “and towards the shithead.”  You give a sharp nod, feeling your body straighten and grow cold, “Jack and I will be giving you air support. Each of us in a jet and doing what we can to cause as much destruction as humanly possible.”

Leaning across the table Geoff’s face grows serious, eyes flashing menacingly as he addresses the rest of his family, “This is gonna be a shit storm.” Everyone hangs on his words, shuffling in place under the intense gaze he was offering, “I don’t want anyone to die here. I get that we can generally go running around without a care in the world, but remember; we don’t know if there are any negative repercussions to immortal deaths. We do know that if you lose a part of your body and it’s destroyed, you’re fucked. So, no stupid deaths and for god sakes stick together.” He stands again, this time looking at you sitting ramrod straight in your seat, Cheshire seeping into your veins. “First person to have eyes on the fucker needs to blow his brains out. We’ll deal with the organ thing later. And if you find Jon,” his eyes go to the rest of the room.

“I don’t care what you’re doing; just get him the fuck out.”

[adscititious-cacoethes]

Petrichor (11/12)

Pairing: Eventual Trevor C./Reader; other background relationships Chapter: 11 of 12 Warnings: Swearing, mild danger, tension, confessions, vampires and werewolves and things that go bump in the night (PG-13) Word Counts: Chapter: 3,355 Total: 39,199 A/N: Penultimate chapter!  @wonderfullywicked had a question about wings and things that I answered here if you’re interested in that sort of thing.  I take prompts now! (see here for details).  Reminder that this has a bunch of supernatural-y stuff, and also that this would not have seen the light of day (pun intended), if it weren’t for @chefgeofframsay. P.S. - Feedback would be cool P. P. S. - sorry if any chapters end kind of weird, this was written as one long thing and then I decided to break it up. Previous|Next

A knock on your door (what were you kidding, it wasn’t a knock, it was a pound) roused you from sleep. You reached out blindly for your phone, and, once you discovered that it was only six in the morning, groaned and pulled yourself out of bed. Flinging open the door, you found yourself face-to-face with a serious-looking Jeremy.

“What’s wrong?” You asked, immediately sobering up.

“Someone just tried to attack Mica and Blaine. They didn’t get in, Mica’s security system is literally insane, wow, but they didn’t see who it was, except for they tried to teleport in and that set the alarm off. They’re okay, but Geoff told Trevor and Ryan – they were already awake, working on something or other – to go and get them and bring them here. Trevor asked me to wake you up and tell you what was going on so you weren’t out of the loop. We called Jack, him and Ashley are with your parents and Geoff’s friend, but he’s going to stay with them for a while. This Novus asshole and his cronies seem to be staying in the area, but we want to be cautious and stuff.” You stared at Jeremy, wide-eyed, as your stomach turned to lead and a lump got caught in your throat.

“Holy shit.” You croaked, taking a staggering step backwards, and Jeremy followed, arms out like he was preparing to catch you.

“Hey, it’s alright, we’ll get this asshole, don’t worry. Mica and Blaine are safe. Mica didn’t even sound scared on the phone, she just called because she thought it’d be helpful to let us know.” Jeremy tried to reassure you as you continued to back up on shaking legs until your calves ran into it, falling onto it like a sack of potatoes.

“I – I’m sure she wasn’t, she’s not the type to get freaked out by shit like that. But still.” Your vision swam a little, and for a second you couldn’t figure out why, until hot tears ran down your cheeks. Even though you knew that this was undoubtedly an attack on your father, it felt like one on you. You couldn’t help but think that this was the direct result of thwarting your Prediction of Ashley – you saved one person from potentially being hurt, but at the cost of jeopardizing the safety of two others.

Jeremy handed you a tissue, which you took gratefully, and then awkwardly sat down next to you and patted you on the back. You weren’t sobbing by any means, but you could tell that Jeremy wasn’t necessarily used to having to comfort crying people, so you did your best to try to curb your tears and get your head back on straight.

It took a little bit, but once you were dry-eyed, you followed Jeremy to the kitchen and entertainment room, where it seemed that Geoff had called in the whole group, and a few faces that you didn’t recognize. Michael and Gavin were sitting on stools at the island, both with beers in their hands, despite the fact that it wasn’t even 7 AM yet. Lindsay was quietly talking to a woman with long brown hair and glasses at the kitchen table. In the other room, Geoff was half-collapsed into a recliner, while a man with shoulder-length hair and dyed tips stared intently at something on his phone, a semi-translucent man floating off to the side.

“That’s Meg, Gavin’s girlfriend.” Jeremy said, gesturing to the woman who was sitting at the table. She looked up at the sound of her name and smiled at you, waving a manicured hand. You blinked, and her aura flared to life (light blue, rolling out of her in soft waves, water nymph) as did your best to smile back and return the greeting.

“That’s Matt,” shifter, “and Larry.” Larry stayed exactly the same under the scrutiny of the Sight, so that, combined with his transparency, narrowed him down to either a ghost or a poltergeist. Neither man seemed to hear Jeremy, both continuing what they were doing in the other room. Lindsay pulled out the chair on her other side and patted the seat with her hand.

“Come have a seat, [Y/N], Trevor and Ryan said they’d pick up coffee and donuts on their way back to the penthouse.” She said, and you complied, curling yourself into a ball on the chair. You watched out of the corner of your eye as Jeremy wandered over towards the couch Matt was sitting on and plopped down next to him.

You spent the next twenty or so minutes trying your best to participate in the conversation that Lindsay and Meg had graciously pulled you into without any probing or comments, stomach rolling in a sickening sort of way, until both Jeremy and Geoff sat bolt upright, garnering the attention of everyone in the room.

“The dicks are back.” Geoff announced as Jeremy beamed and started scrambling off the back of the couch.

“Forget that, they brought food!” Jeremy shouted as he ran out of the room, Matt hot on his heels.

Sure enough, the two men came in a few minutes later, Matt already with a donut stuffed in his mouth and both of them holding bags and boxes in their arms. Mica and Blaine followed, both with drink holders full of presumably coffees in their hands, with Trevor and Ryan bringing up the rear. You jumped to your feet, and as soon as your friends had set down the drinks you flung an arm around each of them, pulling them into a hug.

“I’m sorry, and I’m glad you’re okay.” You whispered, and Mica just squeezed you tighter in response.

“You have nothing to be sorry for.” Blaine whispered back, ruffling your hair as he pulled away. You released Mica in favor of swatting away the offending hand, making all three of you giggle. You looked up, and behind Mica, Trevor just standing there, awkwardly shifting from one foot to the other.  The two of you locked eyes, and you vaguely registered Mica elbowing Blaine and gesturing to you before pulling him away, Mica squeezing your bicep gently as they passed. Trevor took a step forward, so you did, too. The room filled with chatter again, or it had always been filled with chatter and you had just blocked it out for a bit, you weren’t sure, but you could hear Mica behind you, introducing Meg to Blaine (apparently the two women knew each other – who knew?). A little bit closer, and you saw that he had dark bags under his eyes, but you could See his aura was still decently red. Not just-fed bright, but not the scary, dark color that it had been a few days ago.

You wanted to say I missed you.

You wanted to say This is my fault.

You wanted to say Thank you for helping my friends.

You didn’t say any of that.

“You look tired, Trev.” You said instead, and immediately bit on your tongue, trying not to cringe and frown at the fact that you just called him a nickname that you had heard before, but he hadn’t said it was okay for you to say it. Trevor, however, lit up like a Christmas tree, and you tried to push back those negative thoughts. A movement caught your eye and you glanced over to see that Ryan was standing close to a still-eating Jeremy but was watching you and Trevor with an unreadable expression on his face.

“I’d inform you that I’m a creature of the night.” He said, putting on a bit of a suave, smooth tone and placing his hands on his hips, making you laugh.

“Yeah, but even creatures of the night need to sleep sometime. Take a nap? Please?” You tried to keep the worry out of your voice, but you could still hear it and resorted to hoping that Trevor hadn’t picked up on it.

Trevor sighed, but nodded, “Alright, but only because you asked so nicely. Come and get me if you need anything, okay?” He waited until you had nodded and assured him that you would if you had to before leaving the room.

“Girl, you got it bad.” You nearly jumped out of your skin at Mica’s voice right next to your ear. The goddess was leaned in close, so much so that you had to step back as you turned to face her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, and we’re not going to discuss it in a room full of ten other people.” You hissed, glaring at her, but she just laughed.

“Okay, whatever you say.” She said in a tone that you knew meant she didn’t believe a single word you said, throwing her hands up in surrender.

This time, when Geoff brought up the whole “staying in the penthouse until further notice” thing, you conceded, which meant that Lindsay and Meg went to go post a sign in your window, and you and Blaine spent the entire morning on the phone, cancelling and moving shipments around and calling people with orders and preorders that were supposed to be picking them up this week that you had had a “family emergency” and the shop would be closed “until next week, at least”. The good news was that the majority of your customers were understanding about it, sending you their well-wishes. The bad news was, that with your dual clientele, even between the two of you, it was almost noon by the time everyone had been called and dealt with.

Blaine had gone to work out with Jeremy, after the werewolf told him that they have a fully-stocked gym, and you were debating if you felt like trying to find your way back to the room you were staying in or if you should eat lunch, first, when Trevor padded into the kitchen.

“Sup, sleepy head?” You teased, and Trevor scowled playfully at you.

“Hey now, you’re the one who made me go nap, you’re not allowed any jokes about it.”

“I didn’t make you do anything.” You insisted as Trevor poured some water in a kettle and set it on the stove.

“Yeah, but you asked, so I wasn’t about to say no.” He responded like he was telling you about the weather, but your heart pounded in your chest and your stomach flip-flopped.

That means he likes me, right? You thought to yourself, trying to ignore the part of you that was painfully aware that “like” doesn’t necessarily mean “I-think-you’re-cute-want-to-kiss-me?” like and could mean “I-think-you’re-a-cool-cat-let’s-be-friends” like.

“What do you want for lunch? We’ve got a ton of shit in here.” Trevor asked, opening the fridge up so you both could see inside.

You pushed away your trains of thought as best you could, opting to focus on making lunch with Trevor (after debate, you decided on grilled ham and cheese, which sparked a long debate about why “grilled cheese” was called that, when over half the time it wasn’t actually grilled) and enjoying his undivided attention.

Yeah, you had it bad, but you weren’t about to actually, verbally admit that to anyone…until Mica came barging into your room that night.

“Alright, we’re alone, door’s closed, can’t escape, so bitch I swear you better tell me what’s up with you and tall, dark, and fangy right now.” She demanded, pointing an accusatory finger at you.

“Tall, dark, and fangy? Really?” You raised an eyebrow at her, and she rolled her eyes in response.

“Best I could come up with while enraged that you didn’t clue me in sooner!” Mica said defensively, making herself at home on the bed. You fell back so that you were laying down, feet dangling off the side and face near her knees.

“Clue you in to what, Mica, I don’t even know what’s going on.”

“Well it’s obvious you like him.”

You sighed, “Yes, Mica, fine, you’ve wrenched it out of me. I like Trevor, I think he’s cute and I’m pretty sure I have a massive crush on him. But it’s just that: a silly crush.” You let yourself get heavy on the jabbing sarcasm, but just saying it out loud made something relax a little inside of you.

“Honey, it is way more than a crush,” She scoffed and rolled her eye, “Sooooo, you have to tell me all about him, how did you two meet?” asked Mica, giddy, leaning forward and pushing at your shoulder.

“You know how we met, in an alley when those guys were chasing me.” You deadpanned, rolling your eyes.

Mica either hadn’t been paying attention when you told that story the first time or she was playing it up for fun (probably the latter), because she just ooooo’d and sighed softly, “He defended you from the first moment you met, how romantic!”

“Yeah, well, I blasted a banshee in the mouth, so it wasn’t completely one-sided.” You huffed, a little indignant. Mica nudged your arm with her shoe.

“Girl, I know you can take care of yourself, it’s just cute, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah.” You waved her off, playing up your annoyance, but a smile was still slowly creeping across your face. Mica swatted at you and you both dissolved into giggles for a few minutes.

“Tell me what you think about him.” She asked once you’d caught your breath.

“I dunno. He’s really nice, and thoughtful. He sends me cute videos of puppies. He’s super cute, he seems like he’s a dependable sort of person. He didn’t immediately assume that Blaine and I are together. He’s supportive and protective – he yelled at Michael cause of me, once, and he stood up to Geoff, his boss, to help me get Geoff to sort of see things from my perspective. And, uh. He’s touched my wings.” You trailed off at the last part, whispering it and hoping that Mica wouldn’t hear you, wouldn’t notice.

You were very, very wrong.

“What the fuck? Really? Oh my god, when? Why? Was it like when Blaine had to detach you from that shelving unit?” Mica demanded, sitting upright and bending over you so she could look you in the eye, her long, dark hair tickling your ear.

“Uh, last night? Because he asked? He was super nervous and shy about it, but he said he was curious, so I figured there was no harm in it? He was really like, inquisitive and stuff, asked a lot of questions. It was kind of nice that he was so interested.”

“Yeah, interested in you, girl! Don’t get me wrong, I could see the other day that he seemed super into you but this is like icing on the cake.” Mica gushed, flinging herself back into the pillows again. You rolled onto your stomach and sat your chin in your hands.

“You seem like you’re reading into this, Mica. Is this because I haven’t gone on a date since the eighties?” You asked, peering at her.

“No! [Y/N], when you’ve been around as long as I have, you just know these things, okay? And I know that Trevor likes you.”

“And I know that right now, it’s his job to make sure I’m safe and shit, so he could just be a really nice guy.”

Mica rolled her eyes, but dropped the subject, instead letting you question her about her trip to Egypt for a while, before you finally kicked her out of your room so you could go to bed.

Even though Lindsay had sort of alluded to it, and Ryan acted like he knew something was up, and sometimes Jeremy seemed like he knew something about it that you didn’t, talking to Mica felt like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders.

Of course, this also meant that Mica tried to “subtly” (read: not subtly at all) push the two of you together every chance she got over the next couple days. Eventually, Blaine got nosy and felt left out so Mica blabbed to him, and then both of them were hounding you.

Trevor, for his part, either didn’t notice or acted like he didn’t notice, because he just carried on like business was usual. He did, however, knock on your door every night to come and chat with you. It quickly fell into a habit – it had only been a few days, so you were hesitant to call it a routine – where the two of you would sit, side-by-side, against your headboard. You would put on something random on Netflix, the laptop sitting in between Trevor’s legs and yours, and in between conversations about things that either (or both) of you liked and stories from your childhoods, you’d lapse into a comfortable silence filled by the show you had picked for the night.

Most of the time, things stayed pretty light, but every once in a while, one of you would ask a more serious, more personal question.

Once, it was you: “Since becoming a vampire, have you ever almost died?”, you had asked, knowing that the answer was yes but being pleasantly surprised when Trevor told you the full story about himself, an angel friend named Steffie (he made a point to emphasize that the two of them were ever only just friends, which you thought the specificity was weird but couldn’t help but also feel relieved about? Which just confirmed that you had caught the Feelings), and the vampire that had turned him. Although you knew what happened – Trevor was sitting next to you, decades later, after all – it still hurt your heart to hear it, and after giving Trevor your sympathy and telling him that you were very happy he was okay and here, today, the two of you lapsed into a very long silence, touching from shoulder to knee.

Another notable time, it was him: “When I stole Jeremy’s book it said something about Marks? But it didn’t go into detail. I’m assuming you have them hidden?”, he had asked, and you had sighed and explained how Marks were both familial ties and visual representations of your life so far. How when fae turn dark and renounce the Seelie Court to become Unseelie fae, they go through a ritual where all of their Mark is sliced open with an iron blade, so that the Marks don’t come back when healed, and that’s why Unseelie have all those scars. How most fae stay in their own communities, away from humanity, because Marks are a special sort of thing, and many faeries don’t believe that non-Seelie fae have the right to bear witness to their most natural form. How no-one that wasn’t fae – besides Trevor the night you had your nightmare Prediction – has ever seen you in your more “normal”, Marked “form.”

You told him how the skin color Trevor saw at that moment was just the one that you picked for yourself, an illusion of your own design, because fae skin is unnaturally colored and sort of gives off a glow (yes, like Tinker Bell), so to blend in with other humanoid species, fae just pick whatever skin color they fancy when they throw up the illusion. Trevor put a hand on your shoulder (the one with the bigass grape leaf that most definitely represented him, of course) and squeezed gently as he told you that he did his best to keep his eyes on your face or away from you entirely that night, after he had pulled you down onto his lap, because he had a feeling that it wasn’t something he was supposed to see without you allowing him to see it.

You wanted to cry at his kindness and consideration for you, and for the first time since you met him, you couldn’t deny the fact that that meant something, that you meant enough to Trevor for him to not want to see your Marks until you showed them to him (even if he wasn’t sure what they were at the time).

Mica was right – this was more than a silly crush.

You were super duper fucked.

[alj4890]

Cheer Challenge Prompt

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) for day 21 of @jlpplays1-41daysofcheerchallenge​ of anticipation

(Thomas x Amanda) and all the other pairs going even further in the storyline of And Then I Met You

A/N Not quite a Christmas theme but still anticipation worthy. After Thomas and Amanda were able to give Kathleen her Christmas Wish of a new baby coming soon, I wanted to further explore what happens when they decide to find out what they are having. 

@lxaah11 @alleksa16 @penguininapinktuxedo @blackcoffee85 @stopforamoment  @hopefulmoonobject  @krsnlove   @annekebbphotography   @cora-nova @hopelessromantic1352. @sunflowergirl05 @desiree-0816 @greywitchyshots @lilyofchoices @emceesynonymroll @dr-nancy-house @aworldoffandoms @ab1901​ @pixieferry  @lolablackwrites  @flyawayboo @i-bloody-love-drake-walker. @trappedinfandoms 

Masterlist

Plot Twist

Informal Living Room of The Royal Palace, Cordonia...

"Settle down everyone!" Liam called out. He waited patiently for his friends to cease talking. "Who would like to present their arguments first?"

Amanda nodded to Thomas. "After you."

"This is ridiculous." He muttered. "We do not need to base this decision on a vote!"

She glared at him while placing her hand on her very noticable baby bump. "I am tired of arguing this with you. We have reached an impasse. I am more than willing to bow down to the decision made here. If the majority votes for you, then I will not be angry nor hold it against you."

Thomas ran his hands over his face. He should have remembered how much more stubborn pregnancy hormones made his wife. "Fine." He stood up and went to the center of the room.

"This ought to be good." Olivia whispered.

Thomas cleared his throat.

"Come on, professor!" Addison yelled impatiently. She covered her mouth when he leveled the same disapproving look he used to give her when she was a film student.

Thomas looked around the room. His commanding presence made all still.

"I think we should wait. To not only discover we are pregnant once more on top of finding out that it's twins is an even greater gift. We decided to let Kathleen be a surprise--"

"I gave in." Amanda mumbled.

"Shhh." Liam ordered. "You can speak when it's your turn. Please continue, Thomas."

"As I was saying, Kathleen's birth was by far full of unending anticipation since we were unsure who we would meet. It was a moment I will never forget when the doctor held her up and said it's a girl. I don't want to miss out on that with our next two." Thomas paused for dramatic effect. "I know it is asking a lot, but I hope you will see it is the right way for us to go."

Liam nodded to Amanda. She struggled out of the oversized chair, thanked Ryan for his assistance, and took the spot Thomas had left. She cradled her belly and looked down. Color bloomed on her cheeks at having to speak before everyone.

"As sweet as it was to wait with Kathleen, I believe we should find out. We now have twice as much to plan for. Names, clothes, and I would like to have a nursery ready before bringing them home." Amanda looked up at Thomas. "The chance of us becoming pregnant after this is unlikely. If we do this then we will have had both types of pregnancy experiences: the excitement of the unknown and the thrill of planning everything."

Thomas released a deep breath. "Very well. We will find out."

"Wait! We don't get to vote?" Maxwell exclaimed.

Amanda swiped at the tears that fell down her cheeks. "Really? You won't be upset?"

Thomas got up and pulled her close for a sweet kiss. "How could I be upset with finding out who are children are?" He smiled softly when she hugged him tight. "I will admit now that I nearly caved with Kathleen."

She laughed and kissed him again. "So did I. Multiple times."

"I was ready to have a say on baby Hunt two and baby Hunt three." Addison cried out in frustration.

"Were we used for nothing but marriage counselling?" Drake teased. "And Thomas had my vote for the record."

"Mine too." Riley added.

"You must be joking. Amanda has mine." Olivia stated. "Preparedness guarantees victory. You're going to need it with twins and Kathleen."

"Oooh." Nadia grimaced. "I was all for Thomas until you reminded me of that. My vote is Amanda's."

"Clearly." Holly muttered. "She's the one thinking with her head instead of sentimentality."

Ryan turned around in surprise. "How can you expect a man to not be somewhat sentimental over the birth of his own children?"

Matt nodded. "Though we always find out because we have never been able to wait on anything." He winked at Addison. "We at least try each time and see if we can keep it a surprise."

"Three more for Lord Hunt!" Addison called out. "Liam, are you keeping score?"

"I am," he replied with a smile, "and added mine also to Thomas."

"You're winning." Amanda whispered.

"I know my audience." He whispered back, smiling when she started laughing.

Maxwell looked around the room and sighed. "Sorry Amanda, but Thomas's heartfelt speech won me over."

"Wow." Amanda looked up at Thomas. "Good thing I have you on my side."

"Yes it is." He grabbed her hand before she could poke his side.

"When do you find out?" Riley asked.

“I think what Riley meant to ask was, when do we find out.” Maxwell corrected.

"I have an appointment scheduled in three days." Amanda announced. 

_______________

Upstairs in the playroom of the Royal Palace...

Kathleen sat at one of the tables, coloring a picture she had been working on for her mother.

“Kat! Come on! I need you on my team!" Xavier Beaumont yelled from the top of the pillow fort he had constructed. 

"I'm coming." She finished sprinkling some glitter and studied her creation. Her lips firmed in a frown as she tried to see if she left any of her vision for it out.

"Nuh uh! Kathleen should be on our team!" Prince Emerick yelled back."

I want her to play tea party with us!" Ashley Rodriguez, her little sister Ally, and Mia Beaumont glared at the ones in the pillow forts, trying to steal their friend away on some stupid war.

"Lightsaber battle!" Juliet yelled. "I need another sith, Kat!" Prince Ellis and Marcus Rodriguez stood ready to fight as Jedi.

Kathleen looked up when everyone started arguing. She couldn't tell what had started it nor what they were fighting over, having tuned them out as she worked. She slipped out of her chair then escaped the room.

"And where do you think you're going?"

She turned around and ran over to Thomas. "I was going to look for you and Mommy."

He swung her up in his arms. "You haven't learned where everything is here. I don't want you getting lost."

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Where's Mommy?"

"Taking a nap. Mommies with babies in their tummies need a lot of rest." He explained.

“Oh." She mumbled.

 "I have a surprise for you." Thomas told her, smiling at the excitement on her face. "We are going to not only see the babies in Mommy's tummy but also if they are a boy or a girl."

"Really?" She asked. "Then I can say I have a baby brother!"

"And possibly a sister. You might have two little brothers or two little sisters. We won't know until we see them." He set her down and kissed the top of her head. “Why don’t you play some more and I will come get you when it is time for dinner.”

The playroom door swung open.

“Kat! I nearly died from the attack Emerick and Jackson threw at me. Michael is holding down the fort.  I came to find you and take you to safety. Come on! Hurry!” Xavier grabbed her hand and pulled her giggling back into the playroom.

Thomas watched it all unfold with a slight frown.

Matt soon joined him in the hallway. “Everyone still alive in there?”

“So it seems. Your son, Michael, might have a future in the military. He is brave enough to hold down a pillow fort while his fellow soldiers go off on special missions.”

Matt opened the door some more to peep inside. He saw his two daughters sitting calmly among the chaos with Mia Beaumont, gossiping and sipping apple juice from tiny tea cups. His younger son Marcus was teamed up with his best friend, Prince Ellis, as they fought against a formidable Juliet Nevarkis-Walker. 

Prince Emerick and Jackson Nevarkis-Walker had somehow talked Phoebe Summers into being on their side for the great pillow fort war. Kathleen waved to her from the other fort and laughed when Phoebe rolled her eyes at the ridiculousness of it all.

Matt chuckled as he shut the door. “Ryan went to check on the smaller ones in the nursery. He won’t believe it when I tell him that his little no nonsense girl is helping a future duke and a crown prince fight a pillow battle.”

“And somehow mine got involved on the opposing side.” Thomas shook his head. “Xavier Beaumont is part pied piper when it comes to Kathleen. She always gives in to his plans.”

Matt coughed on his laughter. “From the childhood stories I’ve heard from both Amanda and Maxwell, it looks like history is repeating itself.”

Thomas frowned even more. If history was to repeat itself, then his little girl would one day be heartbroken over Xavier only loving her as a friend. 

“Come on.” Matt motioned with his head. “Drake has suggested a Hollywood vs Cordonian billiards game.” He had a smug grin on his face. “They have no idea that you play so well.”

___________________

The Night Before the Ultrasound...

“I’ve already begun a list of possible names.” Amanda explained.

“I always loved that part.” Riley sighed softly. “Thinking of the perfect name to match the new little one.”

“Making certain it is a name that they can carry into adulthood without embarrassment.” Drake added.

“Thankfully, we are pros at that.” Matt grinned at Addison.

“I’ve begun a list too.” Thomas remarked. 

The children listened somewhat from their table as the adults laughed and talked.

“What’s the list for?” Ellis whispered to Kathleen.

“Mommy is having babies and she is trying to find names for them.” She whispered back.

“Oh.” He went back to his dinner.

“What are you gonna do?” Juliet asked.

“About what?” Kathleen looked at her friend in confusion.

“If it’s girls?” Her face scrunched up in disgust. “You should be the only girl.”

“Hey!” Ashley shook her fork at Juliet. “Having a baby sister is the best! It’s those brothers that can be the worst.”

Michael and Marcus stared at her for such a statement.

“Amen!” Little Mia exclaimed.

“Hey!” Xavier appeared hurt. 

“Well, regardless,” Emerick said, trying to speak like his father though unsure what it meant. “Having babies changes everything.”

“Yes, they do.” Phoebe added. “They cry and don’t do anything fun yet. And mommy and daddy think Harper is so great. She can’t even talk!”

Ashley shook her head while wrapping her arm around her little sister Ally. “They are great!”

“You got her when you were too little to know better.” Phoebe countered. “It’s different for me and Kathleen. We’re more growed up and know stuff. Having a new baby is fun at first but they take too long to be able to play.”

Kathleen felt her initial excitement about her new siblings slowly die with Phoebe’s words. 

“Yeah,” Jackson muttered. “Then parents keep telling you to wait while they take care of the baby first.” He grunted when Juliet kicked him under the table. “I remember some of it when you came!”

She glared at him once more before turning back to her friend. “You got to make sure you don’t lose your spot.”

Kathleen’s brow furrowed. “My spot?”

“With your parents.” Juliet explained while Phoebe nodded in agreement. 

“How will I know if I lost it?” She asked, worry worming its way into her little heart.

“You’ll know.” Phoebe predicted ominously.

_______________

“Are you excited?” Amanda whispered to Kathleen as the ultrasound technician applied the KY jelly to her protruding belly. “You are about to see your siblings?”

Thomas chuckled when Kathleen nodded nervously. “I know I am.” He lifted Kathleen in his arms so she could see better. He slipped his hand in Amanda’s once their babies appeared on the screen.

Kathleen watched silently as measurements and such were taken.

“Ready to find out what these two are?” the tech asked.

“Yes!” Amanda and Thomas exclaimed at the same time then laughed at doing so.

“Twin number one is being modest, lets check on Twin number two. Oh. Do you see that?” The tech pointed at the screen.

“Is that his--” Thomas smiled when Twin two was announced as a boy.

“A boy!” Amanda covered her mouth as tears built up. She squeezed Thomas’s hand. “I get to have a miniature you running about.”

He bent down and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips.

Kathleen wiggled out of his arms and waited on finding out what twin one was. A baby brother wouldn’t make her lose her spot. Only a--

“There we go! Twin number one has decided to let us in on her secret. It’s a girl!” The tech began to pick through images to print off.

“A girl!” Thomas kissed Amanda again. “I see that I am still destined to be outnumbered by beautiful women.”

She laughed and looked for Kathleen. “Sweetheart! You will have a baby brother and a baby sister!”

“Oh!” Kathleen stared at the screen that had just destroyed her life. 

Once Amanda’s belly was cleaned and they left after an appointment, the couple looked down at their little girl. 

“My only hope is that they will be as sweet and perfect as you.” Amanda said to her.

“We know that you are going to be the best big sister. They will need you to always look out for them.” Thomas added.

Kathleen smiled at them as she thought of what she should do now. There really was only one option. She should run away before she lost their love. They would have a new daughter to take her place. A son would also take special time she had with them away. Why did I ask Santa for this?

_____________

While the parents of the children celebrated the future Hunt’s, Kathleen confided to Xavier her plan.

“But,” He began. “Kat, they will still make time with you. Phoebe’s parents still do her.”

“Yeah, but mine are having twins. More time away from me.” She mumbled.

He rubbed the back of his neck and looked around. “Where will you go?”

She shrugged her little shoulders. “I don’t know.” 

Michael came over when he noticed Kathleen’s sadness. ‘What’s wrong?”

“Uh...” Xavier began.

“I’m going to run away.” Kathleen admitted.

Michael stared at her in shock. “But...you can’t! I want you to stay!” His little cheeks turned red at admitting to such love. Ashley would tease him nonstop if she knew he liked Kathleen like his dad liked his mom.

Kathleen dropped her head as tears fell silently. “I don’t want to leave you or mommy or daddy. I have to go. It was my wish that messed it all up.”

Before either could try and convince her not to, she hugged them each. “Bye.” Then she ran out of the playroom.

Michael ran out after her and looked down the hallway. He didn’t know which way she went.

“We have to tell!” He whispered to Xavier.

“Who though?” Xavier asked.

Emerick who had been spying on them in case they spoke of the next fort battle, joined them. “We’ll tell my dad.”

_______________

Liam snuck out of the room when he noticed the three boys trying to get his attention. He followed them to his study and sat down as each explained what and why this had happened.

“You did right in telling this. Kathleen could get lost or hurt. I’m very proud of the three of you making certain this does not happen.” Liam called Bastien in and formulated a search around the palace. “I don’t want to distress Amanda and Thomas with this until we are certain that Kathleen is truly missing. I will go outside and see if she is anywhere nearby. She might have decided to go to one of the places the children like to play.”

“She loves the wishing well.” Michael spoke up shyly. “She says that it really is real and hopes that one day it will give her a wish come true.”

Liam smiled softly. “Then that is where I will go first.”

______________

The Wising Well in the Palace Maze...

Kathleen climbed the slippery rocks and propped her elbows on the wishing well’s rim. “Uncle Liam told me stories about you.” She looked down at the stars twinkling in the water. “I know you have helped princes and princesses. I’m not one and I won’t wish for it. I just want to change my Christmas wish.”

She shivered as the temperature began to drop. She hoped the treehouse in the maze would be warmer when she moved in. “I still want my baby brother and sister, but can I wish that my parents love me just as much as they do now when the babies are here?”

She closed her eyes and whispered her wish a few more times. “How will I know if it was answered?”

“I know it has.” Liam spoke from behind her. His smile was tender when she turned around and ran into his arms. 

“How do you know Uncle Liam?” She asked with tears falling.

He gently wiped them as he propped her on his lap. “I’m the king. Every king is granted the ability to know if wishes to this wishing well will come true. Your parents are going to not only love you just as much as they do now, but I believe that their love is going to grow more over time as they watch you and the twins grow up.”

She sniffed and looked up into his kind blue eyes. “You do?”

He nodded. “You must love the twins very much already to not want them to disappear.”

“I do.” She admitted. “I’ve been wanting a brother or sister for a long time.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about.” He promised.

Kathleen hugged him. “Do you think Mommy and Daddy will be mad that I was running away?”

Liam gently patted her back. “I haven't told them. And I won’t unless you decide to try this again. We all have moments where we sometimes want to run away from things that scare us or changes that are to come. What matters most is what we do about it. You wished for your family to be together and still love you. That was an unselfish wish. It is one that makes me very proud of you. I will reward such by letting this be our secret.”

She wiped her tears and thanked him. He smiled while standing up and wrapping his jacket around her. “Will you allow me to escort you back to the palace, Lady Kathleen?”

“Yes, please.” She murmured. She took hold of his hand and walked out of the maze.

_________________

“Liam? Have you seen--Kathleen!” Amanda hurried over to her. “Sweetheart, you can’t leave the playroom until you know your way around the palace. What would I do if I lost you?”

Kathleen’s face scrunched as tears started falling again. She threw her arms around Amanda while burying her face in her side. 

“What’s wrong?” Amanda sat down in a nearby chair and looked up in question to Liam. “What happened?”

“I believe she is in need of reassurance.” Liam motioned to Amanda’s belly. 

Understanding came swiftly. Thomas came around the corner and paused in concern. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

Liam whispered about Kathleen’s fears, leaving out her plan on running away. He noticed the three boys watching in concern from behind a suit of armor. He motioned for them to follow as he left the family to some privacy.

“Kathleen,” Amanda said softly. “Do you know why your father and I wanted to have another baby?”

She shook her head.

Thomas knelt down beside them both.

“Because of all the joy you have brought us.” Amanda replied. “We knew that if we got someone as wonderful as you then having another would be a blessing. We didn’t want you to feel alone in this world. Now you will have two that will look up to you and be a source of comfort whenever you need them. I know you will do the same for them with your loving heart.”

Kathleen sniffed and wiped her tears. “But you will have another girl. Will I still be your sweetheart?” She looked at Thomas. “Your darling or will she become those?”

“You will always be that.” Thomas promised. “Your new sister and brother will be just as loved as you are, but they can never take our love for you away. Our love for them will never be stolen either.”

Amanda kissed Kathleen’s forehead. “Just like we are trying to choose names for these two, we will end up choosing special names for them. You will be our only sweetheart and darling. They will be called something just as unique to them as yours are.”

Kathleen hugged them both, feeling reassured by their holding her close. She could feel the babies moving in Amanda’s tummy and smiled. “What are we going to call them?”

Thomas and Amanda shared a look. “We are still debating that. Do you have any suggestions?”

Kathleen tilted her head to the side as she looked down at her mother’s pregnant belly. “Hmm. I like Elizabeth.”

“Elizabeth Hunt.” Amanda smiled. “That is a very pretty name.”

Thomas nodded. “I think that would suit the one I saw this morning.”

Kathleen’s brow furrowed. “Ian for my brother.”

“Ian Hunt.” Thomas muttered. “I think that’s the name.”

“Elizabeth and Ian Hunt.” Amanda smiled with delight. “It’s perfect.”

[alj4890]

New Year's Eve

A Choices Fan Fiction of The Royal Romance, Red Carpet Diaries, and Perfect Match

@lxaah11​ ​​​ @alleksa16​ ​​​ @penguininapinktuxedo​ ​​​ @blackcoffee85​ ​​​ @stopforamoment​ ​​​  @hopefulmoonobject​ ​​​  @krsnlove​ ​​​   @annekebbphotography​ ​​​  @gibbles82​ ​​​ @cora-nova​ ​​​ @bella-ca​ ​​​ @hopelessromantic1352​ ​​​. @sunflowergirl05​ ​​​ @desiree-0816​ ​​​ @greywitchyshots​ ​​​ @lilyofchoices​ ​​ @moodyvalentinestories​ ​​​ @emceesynonymroll​ ​​ @dr-nancy-house​ ​​ @aworldoffandoms​ ​​ @ab1901​ ​​ @flyawayboo​ ​​ @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​ ​​.

Masterlist

A/N Here it finally is! The end to this multi-part fluff! Not gonna lie, I'm quite proud of myself for not allowing this to turn into a big series and for finishing up on New Year's Day, LOL! Anyway here is a final look at this New Year's AU for bff @krsnlove​

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Epilogue

The Royal Palace, Cordonia

Dec. 31st, one year later...

Amanda slowly opened her eyes and wondered if she would be forced to get up and answer the door. 

She turned over and peeped at her husband of two months and sighed. Thomas was still softly snoring. No getting out of this.

She glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand and groaned at the early morning hour. She made her way to the door and stuck her head out.

"Forgive me your grace," Bastien began, "but King Liam wanted to make certain you arrived downstairs in time."

"Et tu Bastien?" She said then promised she would be down in a few moments.

"Early morning pests." She muttered as she stumbled around in the dark to find her clothes.

Thomas turned a lamp on and blinked against the brightness. "What are you doing awake?"

"I have something to do downstairs." She explained. She leaned down and kissed him. "It won't take long." She laughed when he pulled her back in bed.

"Wouldn't you rather stay here?" He placed a kiss on her neck.

"You have no idea how much I want to." She reluctantly left his arms and got dressed. "I'll be back shortly."

"I'll keep your spot warm." Thomas promised as he turned the lamp off.

Thirty minutes later, she hurried downstairs. The palace was still dark and hardly anyone stirred. She went to Liam's study and paused at it being empty.

"Bastien!" She called out.

"Yes, m'lady?" He came into the room

"Where are the others?"

The king's guard averted his eyes from hers. "They," he coughed and took a step back. "They should be down soon, they wanted me to wake you up earlier so that you would be here in time."

"Oh!" She exclaimed. "I--" her eyes narrowed. "That will be all."

He quickly exited.

She plopped down in a leather chair near the fireplace and plotted her revenge.

"Good morning." Liam called out to her twenty minutes later.

"Don't you good morning me!" She snapped. "Why was I awakened before the rest of you?" She slowly rose from her chair and approached Liam.

"Now Amanda," he quickly put the desk between them. "You know as well as I that getting up in the mornings is not your strongest--" he ducked the pillow being swatted at him.

Drake and Olivia entered, grinning at the sight of Liam running from Amanda's attack.

"I see she found out your plan." Olivia called out.

Liam paused to answer and got a mouth full of pillow. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Are you finished?"

Amanda stuck her nose up and walked away. "For now."

Olivia joined her on the sofa and set her hands on the beginning of a noticiable baby bump. "I don't believe my heir likes early mornings any better than you do."

Amanda smiled and leaned down close to Olivia's stomach. "I knew you would be perfect." She said to the baby.

Drake chuckled and came up behind Olivia. He gently rubbed her shoulders as they waited on Maxwell to appear.

"Do we have it ready?" Drake asked.

Liam unlocked a cabinet and pulled out a wrapped gift. "Right here."

Maxwell came in a few moments later, yawning. "What's going on? I didn't think we had to be ready for the wedding until this afternoon."

"We don't." Liam explained. "There is something though that the four of us wanted to give you."

Maxwell paused in stretching. "Who? Me? You want to give me something? It isn't my wedding day."

"We know that, idiot." Olivia rolled her eyes. "We were all there months ago for that three ringed circus."

Maxwell grinned. "Nadia and I know how to throw a wedding to remember."

Liam held the gift out to him. "I believe you will understand why we did so once you see it."

Maxwell sat down in a chair and ripped into the paper. He lifted the lid and frowned at the leather bound book. "Um...I'm still not understanding it."

"Open it!" Amanda ordered.

Maxwell lifted the heavy book and turned to the first page. There was a picture of the five of them along with his prediction he made a year ago. "Hey! This is us! You made us into a book!"

"More like a yearbook." Drake explained.

Maxwell turned the page and grinned at the pictures of the five of them when they first arrived in New York a year ago. Then there was the picture Thomas took of four of them in front of the tree by Rockefeller Center.

He then noticed the captions and tidbits written with each photo. They offered a remembered funny or poignant moment that he was either a part of or one of the others were.

The book continued on with all that had occurred within the year: Liam courting Riley all these months. Drake and Olivia becoming engaged during the reception of Maxwell and Nadia's wedding. Thomas and Amanda's low key red carpet wedding. Liam's proposal to Riley at the Statue of Liberty. An ultrasound photo of Drake and Olivia's early fall surprise. All the year's memories were in there.

The last page held copies of handwritten notes to him about how they didn't pay much attention to his prediction, but now were grateful for him pointing out how special that New Year's was. They expressed how happy they were in having him as one of their best friends and knew that next time they would pay closer attention of he ever predicted such life changing moments again.

Maxwell sniffed as he finished the last letter and got up silently to hug them all.

"Not so tight!" Olivia muttered when he pulled her into the group hug.

"Thanks." He mumbled while trying to keep his emotions in check. "You know you all mean the world to me and this," he wrapped his arms around the book, "means everything to me."

"Can we go back to bed now before we have to get ready for the wedding?" Amanda pleaded.

"I know I could use a nap." Olivia stood up and linked arms with Amanda. "Coming gentlemen?"

The five made their way upstairs and parted at the different wings.

_________________

Wedding Reception/New Year's Eve Party, The Royal Palace Courtyard...

7pm.

"Can you believe that those two are together because of us?" Addison exclaimed. "Our Fairy Godmother powers are off the charts!"

"We did good." Jessica smiled when Liam and Riley cut the wedding cake.

"Yes, we did." Holly clinked her glass of champagne with theirs and watched the two share a kiss.

8pm.

"So have you and Hana decided on the most important thing?" Ryan asked.

"I think we've got everything planned out." Rashad explained.

"What he means is the honeymoon." Matt explained.

Rashad grinned at the movie stars. "That was the first thing we planned when we chose a date."

"Now that's what I'm talking about." Seth patted him on the back. "Lucky for me Jess was willing to put up with my suggestions on the best places to go."

"So, when is the big day?" Ryan asked.

"January 31st. Exactly one year and one month from our first date." He said, standing up to greet Hana with a kiss as she told him she was the one to catch Riley's bouquet.

9 pm.

"Remember our first dance?" Maxwell asked as he pulled Nadia onto the dance floor.

"You know I could never forget that." She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him. "If this had not been a wedding reception, I would have worn my white dress in honor of that night."

He smiled, dimples deepening as he held her close. "In three months, it will be our first anniversary."

"Yes it will." She giggled as he kissed the tip of her nose.

"Since it is customary to give a paper gift," he trailed off to tease her.

"Maxwell!" She wagged a finger at him. "Don't you dare!"

He twirled her and brought her back close to his body. "How does airplane tickets to wherever you want to go sound?"

She squealed and kissed him. "It sounds like you, perfect."

10 pm.

"Happy?" Riley asked as Liam pulled her off for a moment alone.

"Happier than I thought was humanly possible." He held her in his arms as they looked out over the capital.

"When you told me a year ago what you intended, I didn't think we would actually be here together, married." Riley admitted.

"And now?" He asked looking down into her eyes.

"And now I can't imagine living any other way." She looped her arms around his neck. "I am very happy to be your wife."

"And Cordonia's Queen." He added, softly kissing her lips.

"That pales in comparison to being with you for the rest of my life." She whispered.

11 pm.

Thomas sat down with Amanda at an empty table, observing the guests enjoying themselves.

"I think I preferred our New Year's Eve last year." His dark eyes met hers. "Minus the broken ankle."

She laughed and leaned against him as his arms came around her. "It was nice being just the two of us."

"I suggest we make that our annual plans." His lips found hers. "As happy as I am for Liam and Riley, I look forward to being alone with you."

She smiled against his lips. "I think you're rubbing off on me. I'm looking forward to the same thing." She gripped his lapels as his kiss deepened.

"Do you think anyone would notice if we quietly left?" He whispered.

"Yes. We all would."

The couple looked up at an irritated Addison. Her arms were folded and then she pointed toward the crowd. "Go be sociable! You can be alone later."

Thomas glared at her while Amanda laughed. She slipped her arm around him as they followed Addison back to the party.

"We'll try again in a few minutes." She whispered, drawing a smile from him.

11:55 pm.

"Almost time!" Riley wrapped her arms around Liam, smiling the smile of a joyful bride.

"Another new year." Drake muttered, carefully placing his hand on Olivia's stomach. "Just seems like yesterday we were doing this."

"I'm very happy it wasn't yesterday." Amanda leaned back in her husband's embrace. "I prefer not to be on crutches." She smiled as Thomas tightened his arms around her. "Makes dancing so much easier."

Maxwell felt that strange prickling sensation come over him again as he looked at his closest friends waiting on the fireworks to announce it being midnight. "I think it's happening again!"

Nadia looked up at him while he wrapped his arms around her. "What? What's happening?"

"It can't be." Amanda breathed when it hit her what he meant. "We already have the ones!"

Drake shook his head in doubt. "Must have been something you ate."

Liam's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"

Maxwell nodded as the timer continued the countdown. "Something huge will be happening next year."

"Of course it is." Olivia smirked. "I will be giving Lythikos it's future duke or duchess."

"Not only that," Maxwell's blue eyes met those around him. "We will all be expecting babies next year."