#seriously though - fundraising events are the fucking worst

[the-cimmerians]

a storytime story. Not my story, it's my friend's, but she doesn't go here so I'm sharing for her. We'll call her Mara. Mara is a high-femme, lovely queer girl from a wealthy family in the southern US, but when I met her she'd been living in California for many years, chugging through her postgraduate education in Women's Studies. She rarely went home, because being at home was always a bit of a fraught experience: not unendurable (because to most heteronormative casual viewers the radiant queerness of a high-femme is pretty much indistinguishable from a quirky beauty queen waiting for the right football quarterback to sweep her off her feet), but still--not the most fun. Yet every once in a while, Mara would have a fit of 'dutiful daughter'-itis, and go home to mend some fences and keep some peace.

Mara's mother had often asked her to come with her to philanthropic events, but Mara had always said no. On this trip, however, Mara's mother had purchased a full table as an event sponsor, and she cajoled Mara into going with her. For those of you who haven't ever attended such an event, they are all different, and yet terrifyingly all the same (and I say this not as an attendee, but as an event-runner for various nonprofits; an event-runner who, fair warning, hates everything about these events, and this part of nonprofit work). There is some form of lower-calorie food (chicken or fish on greens with a very light citrus-fruit dressing is de rigeur, along with some sort of fruit-based airy parfait served in the smallest and most elegant glasses imaginable for dessert), usually an emcee (occasionally entertaining, but always inoffensive to the assembled guests), sometimes speakers (high-profile or famous women on a local or national level depending on the 'get' of the organization in question, or extremely well-spoken young people or teens for youth-serving organizations--with the youth in question being very carefully coached), and an 'ask'--the fundraising portion of the event, where the wealthy attendees compete with the rest of their friends and enemies in the social scene to be the most gracious and beneficent person in the room.

And there is gossip. So much gossip.

Poor Mara knew enough to expect some of this (mostly due to listening to me complain bitterly about how awful these events are), but there were aspects for which she was completely unprepared. Her mother had filled her sponsorship table with all of her closest friends, and the 'social hour' before the event started in earnest was a haze of white wine and a constant stream of excessively perfumed women dressed in full southern socialite chic, coming by the table to air-kiss cheeks and say how it's been ages since they've seen each other and what a darling ensemble, where on earth did you get it? and who does your hair now?--you must tell me, it's simply scrumptious--you look incredible, we really must do lunch some time soon--

...and the moment the woman or women in question moved on, the table, as a whole, in excited, urgent-whispered voices, would drag the everloving fuck out of every single lady they'd just been gushing over.

"Did you see how botched her last lift was? I hardly recognized her--I'm surprised she recognized me, with her eyes yanked back like that--" "so terrible, but she did go to the cheapest surgeon in town--husband has money troubles, you know--"

"Didn't expect to see her here, but I suppose you have to go somewhere to show off that large a collection of paste jewels--" "oh, stop, you wicked girl! But you're right, of course--and she gives herself such airs, like we don't all know--"

"Poor dear looks exhausted--apparently keeping up with her pool boy isn't easy at her age--" "Can't say that I blame her; that Carlos, have you seen him? Of course, she's hardly his only client. I've been dying for a pool, but my Henry just won't--"

"Quite a plucky little attitude for someone whose husband just left her for his twenty-two year old secretary--" "And after she put him through college and law school--I heard she's not even going to get to keep the house. She really should have sprung for a better lawyer--"

"I can't believe she still thinks she can fit into that dress, with all the weight she's packed on--" "Truly grotesque--just ghastly! Seems like last summer at the fat farm didn't do her as much good as one would have hoped--"

::giggle:: ::giggle:: ::giggle::

Mara was horrified, sitting there with a bland, polite smile frozen on her face, with her white gloves and vintage pillbox hat and charming little clutch bag, her seamed stockings and her kitten heels and her classic red lipstick and pin-curls (because in true unquenchable femme spirit, she had taken this occasion as an opportunity for dress-up, an opportunity for fun and play and sexy whimsy--a Gene-Tierney-does-pin-up-girl kind of vibe), utterly unable to see how to extricate herself from this terrible situation.

Another woman glided away from the table, coyly waving heavily-beringed fingers. "Yes, Darling," Mara's mother said, coyly waving back. "See you soon! Kiss-kiss! Love to Laurent!" She sat down and hissed to the cabal at the table: "Ha! Her husband just gave her an STD."

The woman to Mara's left leaned forward excitedly. "Really? Two-door or four-door?--wait, if it was the latest Aston Martin, I'm going to literally perish of envy--"

And that was the tipping point--Mara fled. Walked until she found a suitably divey coffee shop. Had a coffee and a slice of peach pie, and flirted with a soft Butch waitress until the world seemed less dire.

[slashbitch2]

never judge a mom by their car

this was entirely self indulgent but enjoy :)

Carla Dunkler hated you. No, scratch that. She wanted to fuck you. Or both maybe?

Every morning you'd drive past in your perfect, not dented, car and parallel park like it was the easiest fucking thing in the world. It was hot, and infuriating. Then, she was subjected to your kid (adopted, so no mom bod) and his impeccable manners. He'd get out the car, go to your window to say goodbye, then stroll into school like he owned the place. Which he might've, because you were loaded.

Carla didn't consider herself a particularly self-conscious person, yet seeing your perfect parenting induced a certain amount of self-doubt. In comparison, her son still ran into school like he was ten years old, barrelling through the groups of students without so much as a "Thanks for driving me, mom" or "See you later".

To be fair, she could just stick him on the bus and save herself the trouble of waking up early for an ungrateful son, but then she'd miss out on her favourite part of the day.

"Morning!" After saying goodbye, you'd always get out the car to watch your son walk away, and without fail, would call out a greeting or wave politely. Only to Carla though, never anyone else, like you were mocking her.

She hated to admit it, but you'd gotten into her head. It made her feel special, and simultaneously ridiculed.

In response, she'd wave back and usually mutter something insulting under her breath. Today's was, "Go back to fucking your yoga guru or something." Chosen simply because you looked like the kind of person to do yoga, and because she could totally imagine you with a fit, younger man.

The image made her more envious than she'd anticipated. Envious of the imaginary supermodel guru, or you? She wasn't sure.

Now, at this part of the routine, you'd hop back in your super-car and drive to your super-job. Probably to earn more in a day than she did in a week (judging by the suit you wore). Meanwhile she'd be at the spa, waxing god knows what.

---

Somehow, Carla's day had gotten progressively worse, which only encouraged her reckless driving. Perhaps if she were lucky, the car would crash and she'd be saved from suffering through another stupid fundraiser. Maybe she'd get stuck in traffic and arrive so late that the bake sale would've already ended. But then Amy and Kiki would be disappointed. It was a lose-lose situation.

As she pulled into the school car park, you crossed her mind. It was likely that you were already inside, selling some homemade cake that looked to be straight from Pinterest. In comparison, she had nothing to contribute. Although, even if she'd stopped to pick up a store bought cake, it would've surely been put to shame by whatever you had made. Stupid, fucking perfect-

An ear-piercing screech tore Carla away from her stream of insults.

"Oh, shit."

She'd turned too early, ramming straight into the side of another car. A flawless, not dented, perfectly parked car. Double shit. It was yours, she realised with a sigh.

The realisation was the final nail in the coffin, in her coffin. You probably knew some fancy lawyer and were about to sue her for everything she had, which wasn't much currently. Sighing, she let her head fall forward onto the steering wheel with a surrendering thud. Of course it was your car. Fate just had to do her dirty.

She had two options:

Commit a hit and run. Pretend she never made it to the damn bake sale.

Find and confess. Pray that you'd avoid litigation.

However, one thing she didn't count on was that you were leaning out the car window, looking directly at her. It'd have to be option two, then.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out the car, braced for the worst. Walking shamefully through the car park with you watching her every move, she grew embarrassed. Why the fuck was she still wearing her work clothes? Why was she walking so stiffly? How the hell had she managed to hit your car?

Neither one said anything until she was stood next to you, crouched down to peer through the window.

"Guess that's what I get for hiding in the car." You cackled, completely unexpectedly.

Carla chuckled in relief. You didn't appear mad. "And that's what I get for arriving late, apparently."

You continued to laugh. The carefree, gleeful gesture had to be the best thing she'd seen all day. She liked seeing you happy, wanted to make you laugh again. Though, now wasn't the time for it.

With much difficulty, she fixed her image, regaining some sense of cool indifference. "We should probably exchange insurance details or whatever-"

"Oh no. Don't worry about it." You waved a hand dismissively, reaching to grab your bag from the passenger seat. "I hated this car anyway. Been looking for an excuse to get rid of it."

Carla jumped back as the door swung open suddenly. You paused, placing a hand on her shoulder, demanding eye contact. "Seriously, you did me a favour."

Before she could process anything that'd just happened, you were walking away. In most situations, Carla would've just taken the win and mentally repressed the event. But not this time.

"What even are you?" She called, chasing after your ridiculously fast pace. "How are you so casual about this?" She finally caught up as you were opening the door. God, you smelt so good up close.

You pursed your lips thoughtfully. "I'm a little high right now. That might be why." Without another word, you left her standing in the doorway.

She hadn't been expecting that. This was a whole new side to you, a whole new you. An example of 'never judge a book by its cover'. Or more accurately, never judge a mom by their car. Although she loathed to admit she might've been wrong about you, showing up high to a bake sale cleared any previous assumptions that you were a snob. In fact, Carla Dunkler didn't hate you at all.

And she definitely wasn't about to let you get away.

[crocodileniall]

Part 8 

Quinn breathed out a laugh, walking out the door very very slowly with the loaf of bread between her arms. “I need help getting out of my dress,” she told him, laying down on the bed. 

Niall tossed his tie on the ground and unbuttoned his shirt. Quinn was watching him with a silly grin. “Go on, take it all off.” 

Niall laughed, tossing his button down onto her head. She laughed, tossing it on the floor. When he was left in only his white t-shirt and his grey briefs, he walked over to her. “Roll over.” 

catch up here 

warnings: extreme fluff, swearing, and alcohol use 

               ♡ ♡

The first time Quinn hugged Evie in nearly two months it was a magical moment that left her cheeks aching. Evie nearly tackled her to the ground, toppling them both over onto the kitchen floor. 

Quinn laughed, rolling onto the floor. Evie was reaching for her blindly, her boisterous laugh echoing through the kitchen. 

“Jesus, Evie,” Quinn laughed, sitting up. “Could’ve picked a softer surface to do this.”

“I missed you too much,” Evie smiled, head tilting to the side. 

“I missed you too,” Quinn smiled. She vowed to herself she would not get emotional over it. 

Evie picked herself up, taking Quinn’s luggage. “I will do all of your laundry, Quinn don’t even worry. And if you want the bed to yourself I completely understand.”

“Don’t be silly,” Quinn chuckled, following her down the hall. “I love sharing the bed with you.”

Evie pushed her bedroom door open, letting Quinn go first. She walked in, mouth falling open. Evie had a rollout bed set up on the floor below her bed. 

“Evie,” Quinn laughed, looking over her shoulder at her. “You didn’t have to.”

“Well I figured we’re closer to thirty than we are twenty and it’s no longer cute to be sharing a bed like this,” Evie chuckled, shrugging. “And when Niall comes over I can roll it out to the living room. It’s a logical solution.” 

“That’s so sweet,” Quinn smiled. 

“And I have some news!” Evie exclaimed, setting Quinn’s suitcase on the floor. “I have been training with my yoga instructor to get certified. She said they’re looking for new teachers all the time.”

“No way!” Quinn exclaimed. “That’s incredible.”

“I know,” Evie nodded, a grin on her face. “I’m so excited. I can’t believe I wasted so much of my life in an office when I could have been doing this.” 

“Well to be fair yoga hasn’t quite made it back home yet,” Quinn chuckled. 

“I know,” Evie laughed, shrugging. “But yeah that’s all the exciting news I have.” 

They headed for the door. Quinn wrapped her arm around Evie. “It is the most exciting news. By far.” 

“Nuh uh,” Evie sang, pulling them onto the sofa. “I want to hear all about the weekend you and Niall spent together a few weeks ago.” 

“Right,” Quinn chuckled, rubbing her forehead. “There’s not a whole lot to tell.”

“No fuckin way!” Evie exclaimed, pushing her gently. “I need details.”

“Okay,” Quinn laughed, pulling her knees into her chest. “We went out to a nice dinner on Saturday and then obviously we went back to the hotel.” 

“and did ya fuck?” Evie asked in a whisper. 

“Why are you whispering,” Quinn laughed, covering her face with her hands. “He’s not here he can’t hear you.” 

Evie laughed, sitting back. “Quinn he knows everything. He’s a lawyer he probably has this room bugged.” 

“Definitely not,” Quinn laughed. “But yes we did fuck.”

“How was it?” Evie asked. “Honest answers only.”

“Okay,” Quinn smiled. She took a deep breath. “Honestly, if it was bad I wouldn’t be able to tell because I am so fucking into him it’s ridiculous.” 

Evie grinned, “that’s incredible. But it was good, right?” 

“Oh yeah,” Quinn nodded seriously. “I was practically raw by the time he left on Monday. I couldn’t touch myself for days.”

“Fuck,” Evie laughed, head rolling back. “That’s so food for you.”

“Yeah,” Quinn chuckled. “There’s um one other thing.”

“What?” Evie asked, sitting up to look at her. 

“Niall loves me,” Quinn told her, chewing on her bottom lip. 

“Oh,” Evie chuckled. “Yeah.” 

“You knew?” Quinn asked, eyebrows furrowed. 

“Well I knew because first of all the way he looks at you?” Evie raised her eyebrows. “I mean come on. He couldn’t hide it if he tried.”

“Is there a second point?” Quinn huffed. 

“Yes,” Evie chuckled. “Secondly, I was hanging with Shawn like a week ago and Niall called him and they were talking about you and I heard him say that Quinn figured out that I loved her and something about how you didn’t freak out like he thought you would.” 

“Well that’s completely fair,” Quinn breathed out, rubbing her head. “I was very calm about it.”

“That’s good,” Evie nodded appreciatively. “And do you love him?” 

“Um,” Quinn laughed, looking away. “That’s the million dollar question.”

“You guys have been together a while,” Evie replied gently. “Want four months?”

“Yeah I guess it has been four,” Quinn nodded. She breathed out a sigh, shaking her head. “It’s not so black and white, you know?” 

“How so?” Evie asked. 

“It’s not that I don’t love him,” Quinn explained slowly. “And it’s not that I do. I have immense feelings for him. They’re so intense that I can hardly put them into words. But I’m not sure that it’s called love.”

“But you’ve never been in love, right?” Evie pointed out carefully. 

“No,” Quinn shook her head. “But everyone defines love differently. And so maybe I don’t love him in my definition but in someone else’s definition it’s definitely love?” 

“I suppose that makes sense,” Evie nodded, settling into the couch. 

“And he didn’t technically say it yet,” Quinn added, sitting up. “So it’s okay.”

“Well he obviously won’t say it until you say it now,” Evie chuckled. 

“I’m not too worried,” Quinn shrugged, standing up. “Besides we are having is a very very exciting night tonight.”

“Do tell,” Evie urged as Quinn walked into the kitchen. 

“Niall has some work fundraiser or philanthropy event and I am his date,” Quinn announced. 

“Wow,” Evie muttered. “That huge.”

“Is it?” Quinn asked, pulling a cup out of the cupboard. 

“Yeah,” Evie chuckled, standing up to meet her in the kitchen. “His whole entire workplace is there. His boss. His coworkers.” 

“Well I met some of them already,” Quinn nodded. “And it doesn’t seem like a big deal to me.” 

“But you’re going to meet his boss,” Evie repeated, seemingly hung up on that part. 

“Well I’m alright,” Quinn nodded. “I don’t have a thing for bosses so we should be safe.”

“Oh fuck off,” Evie laughed. 

Quinn made her coffee and disappeared into her room to catch up on some emails. She was relieved to be back in London, she felt like she could finally relax. 

Quinn spent the next few hours on her laptop in bed. She still had the rest of the afternoon to kill before she had to start getting ready. Evie left for a class leaving Quinn with the place to herself. 

Her fingers itched to call Niall. She knew he was home. She debated for a moment, rolling her bottom lip between her fingers.  A message popped up on her laptop before she could decide. It was a text from Niall asking her to call him. 

Quinn reached for the home phone on her table and dialed his number. She kept her eyes focused on her laptop, phone pressed between her shoulder and her cheek. 

“Quinn why are you calling me on your home phone,” Niall answered immediately. “I know you saw my text.” 

Quinn laughed, rolling her eyes. “I will never get rid of this phone it’s time to let it go.” 

Niall laughed. “Well what are ya doin?” 

“I am catching up on some emails I missed,” Quinn responded slowly. “What are you doin?” 

“I’m playing video games,” he told her. “Though it’s quite lonely over here.”

“Is it?” Quinn hummed. “Shawns busy?” 

“No,” Niall laughed. “Considering that my incredibly beautiful girlfriend is finally back in town after months of being away I’m confused as to why her sweet little ass isn’t over here yet.” 

Quinn laughed, closing her laptop. “My god Niall if ya want me to come over all you have to do is ask. And stop talking about my sweet little ass it’s embarrassing.” 

Niall’s loud laugh echoed through the phone. “Quinn can ya please come over?” 

“I can,” Quinn chuckled. “I need to get my shit together for t’night.” 

“Right,” he murmured. “Reckon we’ll crash at my place t’night?” 

“Probably,” Quinn nodded, pulling her duffel bag out of her closet. She rummaged through her closet grabbing a change of clothes.  

“We gonna fuck t’night?” Niall asked in the most serious tone. 

Quinn laughed, eyebrows furrowing. “Who wants to know?” 

“Me,” Niall laughed. “Just wanna know if I should prep.”

“And how are you gonna prep?” Quinn asked, affronted. “Just not rubbing one out in the shower?” 

“That’s definitely prep,” Niall laughed. 

“If your behavior is decent I suppose we can fuck,” Quinn shook her head, grabbing her dress and tossing it on the bed. 

“I suppose?” Niall repeated, scoffing. “That’s quite the tone.” 

Quinn chuckled, bending down to grab her makeup from her suitcase. “Apparently men like it when you’re impartial.” 

“Well I personally don’t,” Niall responded sternly. “Would love it if you told me how bad you wanted it.” 

Quinn breathed out a laugh, shoving her things into her bag. “Honestly Niall I’ll be over in like ten minutes do ya think you could possibly behave yourself?” 

“I can’t,” he laughed. “Missed you like crazy.”

“I missed you too,” Quinn chuckled. “I’m about to walk out. We’re not fucking until tonight so don’t get your hopes up.” 

Niall laughed loudly making her smile. “Oh come on, lover. Don’t be a tease.” 

“I’ll see you in a few,” Quinn laughed. She could still hear his laugh as she hung up, tossing the phone on the bed. 

Quinn grabbed the rest of her things, shoving them into her bag. She never really packed a bag to stay at Niall’s. All she really needed was a fresh pair of panties and she was set. But Quinn thought maybe having a couple changes of clothes at his place wouldn’t be the worst idea. 

By the time Quinn arrived at Niall’s, she was ready for a nap. She pushed his door open, stepping inside. Niall was in the living room playing video games. 

Quinn toed her shoes off, setting her duffel bag on the kitchen table. She hung her dress up on one of the coat hooks. 

Niall finally heard her, glancing over his shoulder quickly. He smiled, eyes drifting back to his game. “Hey lover.” 

Quinn crawled on the sofa beside him, arms wrapping around his waist. Niall dropped his controller on the carpet, pulling her in for a gentle kiss. Quinn chuckled against his lips, “you’re gonna lose.” 

“Oh I’m definitely winning,” he murmured, tilting his head to the side. He kissed her again, pulling her closer. He pulled away just enough to whisper, “missed this face.” 

Quinn smiled, eyes falling shut. Niall kissed her on the forehead and pushed the hair from her face. “Are ya happy t’be home?” 

“I am,” Quinn nodded, looking up at him “Very happy. I never want to leave again.”

Niall chuckled, wrapping his arm around her. “I think that’s understandable. So how did things wrap up? Everything good up there?” 

“I guess so,” Quinn shrugged. She breathed out a laugh. “I think me going there made the execs realize they had a lot more problems than just their programs. I heard there was going to be a lot of changes being made.”

“Wow,” Niall commented. “Seems like they could’ve saved you two months of your life if they’d realized it sooner.”

“I’ll say,” Quinn chuckled. “But it was fun. Definitely an experience and I showed my boss that I’m a team player.” 

“You sure did,” Niall smiled. “I’m glad you went.”

“Me too,” Quinn agreed, nodding her hair. “And I can stop feeling homesick now.”

Quinn wouldn’t say it, but she was homesick for him the whole time she was away. And when he visited her, she finally felt a sense of relief. Maybe that was considered love. 

There were lots of things that Quinn loved about Niall. She loved the way he called her lover. It gave her butterflies sometimes. She loved waking up beside him in the mornings. He was always so soft and warm. 

Quinn also loved spending afternoons with him, like now. When he’s in sweats and a t-shirt, unshaved and still a bit sleepy. And when he looks at her with those soft eyes, a teasing smile on his lips. Quinn loved that. She was the only person he looked at like that. Except on occasion maybe he looked at Lewis like that but it was hard not to. 

Niall settled back into the sofa after picking up his controller off the floor. Quinn sat with heavy lidded eyes watching him play. It was mundane and objectively boring. For the amount of running she’d done the last few months, this boring was good. Quinn wished this could be their new normal.  

It wasn’t long before Quinn found herself sprawled out, eyes slipping shut. Niall was immersed in his game but managed to take his eyes off the screen long enough to burst with love for her. He draped a blanket over her, smiling to himself. He too wished this could be their normal. It wouldn’t be too bad. 

//

Quinn was awaken to Niall’s fingertips on her hips. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, rolling her over. “Lover,” he murmured.

Before she’d even opened her eyes she just knew he was freshly showered. His aftershave hit her right in the face. Quinn slowly opened her eyes, a smile on her lips. She was met with his smile eyes. “What time is it?” Quinn asked. 

“A little after 6,” Niall told her, sitting down on the sofa. “It starts at seven but it’s okay if we’re a little late.”

“Okay,” Quinn breathed out, sitting up. “Fuck I needed that nap.”

“Ya slept for hours,” Niall chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. 

“You smell so good,” She murmured, eyes closing. 

“Just showered,” Niall mumbled against her neck. 

“And ya didn’t think to invite me?” Quinn asked, feigning indignant. 

“Ya said we weren’t fucking until later,” Niall laughed. He dropped a kiss to her neck. “But I mean fuck I’ll get in the shower with ya again.”

Quinn laughed, tempted by his offer. “I showered this morning before I left.”

“That’s a shame,” he murmured, placing more kisses along her neck.  

Quinn breathed out a sigh, shaking her head. “Okay I’m going to get ready now,” she mumbled, head falling back against his shoulder. 

“Okay,” Niall whispered, teeth grazing over her neck. Quinn made no effort to move, eyes slipping shut as he began to suck at her neck. 

“Fuck,” Quinn whispered, pulling away. She crawled off the couch laughing. “I will not fall victim to this. I am going to shower again. Alone.” 

“If you insist,” Niall nodded. “My shower head doesn’t come off, though.”

“I am aware,” Quinn laughed, nudging him. “I have some prepping I need to do.”

“Okay,” he mused. “Call if ya need...” he trailed off, looking her up and down. “A hand. Or a mouth, even.” 

Quinn rubbed a hand over her face as she walked away. She craved that man at all hours of the day. She’d love to say fuck it to this event and take him to bed right this instant but she knew that wasn’t a line she wanted to push unless it was Niall who decided that. 

The conversation with Evie had Quinn a little worried about this night. It was kind of a big deal, in retrospect. Quinn obviously didn’t want to embarrass herself in front of important people. 

Quinn couldn’t help but think about that as she shampooed. How awful it’d be if she said something stupid. It made her unbelievably nervous just thinking about it. 

She also knew that Niall wouldn’t worry too much about it. As long as Quinn was herself, nothing too bad could happen. Quinn made a mental note to stay away from Lewis and the whiskey tonight. Avoiding all things that could cause her to act a fool was the only way. 

When Quinn got out of the shower, she dried off and pulled one of Niall’s t-shirts on. She wasn’t quite ready to get into her dress. Niall was in his bedroom, half dressed laying on his bed, scrolling through his phone. 

Quinn toweled at her hair, stopping in the doorway. Niall looked up from his phone at her. His eyes traveled up body once, back down and up again. “Please tell me that’s what you’re wearing tonight.” 

Quinn laughed, rolling her eyes. “Please. You want me to wear this to meet all of your coworkers.” 

“You’d need no introduction,” Niall laughed, sitting up at the edge of the bed. “Now come over here and give me a fucking kiss before I die.” 

Quinn laughed, shaking her head. “I need to get ready and you’re nothing but a distraction.”

“Oh come on,” Niall laughed. “Just one kiss. Promise.” 

Quinn sighed, walking towards him. He slid his hands up her thighs and around her hips. He pulled her down onto his lap making her groan. Niall grinned, fingers toying at the hem of the t-shirt. “Pretty girl.” 

“You said one kiss,” Quinn reminded him, licking her lips. 

“I did,” Niall agreed. “But I didn’t say where. Maybe I want to kiss you right here,” he trailed off, thumb brushing over her center. 

Quinn shivered. She shook her head, pushing Niall back onto the bed. She straddled him, diving down to catch his lips in a kiss that made his toes curl. Quinn licked into his mouth, hips rutting against his in an obscene way. Niall groaned against her lips. 

Quinn pulled away, stepping onto the floor away from him. Niall breathed out a laugh, sitting up on his forearms. “Quinnie.” 

“Fuck off,” Quinn called as she walked out the door. “That’s all you get. Don’t even look at me until it’s time to leave.” 

Niall laughed, collapsing onto the bed. He couldn’t see it but she was smiling on her way into the bathroom. She took a deep breath, leaning against the counter.

Quinn pulled his hairdryer out and plugged it in to dry her hair. When she finished, she decided to curl her hair. She never did much with her hair and decided to switch it up. 

When Quinn checked the time it was nearing seven. She didn’t know how late Niall wanted to be. Nonetheless, she got started on her makeup which only took a few minutes anyways. 

Niall knocked on the door just as she finished putting her lipstick on. Quinn smiled at him through the mirror. He had her dress in his hand. He was dressed up in a black suit, a white button up underneath and a red tie.

“Thank you,” Quinn murmured, taking the dress from him. “You look really nice.” 

“Thank you,” Niall smiled, leaning against the doorframe. “I’d kiss ya but I already know I’m not allowed.” 

Quinn laughed, nodding. “Smart lad.”

“How soon do you think you’ll be ready?” Niall asked with an amused smile. 

“Just have t’put my dress on,” Quinn told him, leaning back against the counter. 

“Do you mind if Lewis comes here and then we just take a lift there?” Niall asked, pulling his phone out of his hand. “Only asking because Lewis is already on his way. He’ll be here in a few.” 

“That’s fine,” Quinn chuckled, nodding. “Can you grab my shoes out of my bag? I’m going to put my dress on. I would hate for Lewis to see me like this.” 

Niall laughed, shaking his head as he turned around. “Yes please put your fuckin dress on.”

Quinn shut the bathroom door to put her dress on. It was a black dress she borrowed from Evie that miraculously fit her. She was excited to wear it because it wasn’t like anything she usually wore. 

Quinn tugged the dress on but struggled with the zipper. She gathered all of her hair onto one shoulder and tried again but to no avail. Quinn opened the bathroom door, poking her head out. 

She heard the front door open and Lewis’s loud voice echo throughout the flat. Quinn couldn’t help but roll her eyes fondly. “Hey niall!” She called out. “I need some help when you get a sec.”

Niall appeared in the doorway a few minutes later, a breathless smile on his face and a drink in his hand. Quinn raised her eyebrows, looking at him. “A drink? Seriously?” 

Niall laughed, shrugging his shoulders. “What’s up, lover.” 

“Can you zip me up?” She asked, turning her back to him. 

Niall set his drink down and wrapped his hand around her waist. With the other hand, he brushed the hair from her back and zipped her dress up. Their eyes met through the mirror and Quinn couldn’t help but flush. 

Niall got his first look at her since she’d gotten changed and he was ready to call the whole night off. “You look incredible,” Niall murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. He kissed her cheek and shook his head. “Stunning.”

“Thanks,” Quinn mumbled, eyes shifting to the counter. 

Niall kissed at her neck despite her sigh. “I cannot wait to get this dress off of you, lover. Just you fuckin wait.”

Quinn smiled, cheeks heating up. “I’m gonna hold you to that.” 

“Fuck,” Niall breathed out, letting go of her waist. “I need t’get away from ya before I lose it.” 

Quinn laughed, grabbing her shoes from the doorway. Niall went back out to the living room. Her nerves for the night didn’t appease. They were somehow heightened now that Lewis was here. 

Quinn sat down on the bed to put her shoes on. A pair of black heels to match. She didn’t want to stick out against the dull colors that the lawyers wore by wearing anything else. 

After Quinn grabbed her purse, she joined Niall and Lewis in the living room. Lewis was divulged in a story about a girl that he met at the pub who he was absolutely infatuated with. 

“Hey Quinn,” Lewis greeted her, cutting his story off. “You look fantastic. Wow, Niall. Reckon ya don’t want me crashin here t’night.” 

Quinn laughed, pouring herself a drink. “If you need to crash here, Lewis it absolutely will not be a problem. You can take the bed with Niall. I won’t mind.” 

“Fuck off,” Niall laughed. “And fuck you, Lewis. No you can’t crash here tonight. I have plans that don’t include your mug.” 

Lewis rolled his eyes, sitting down on the sofa. “Well who’s to say I don’t meet a lawyer bird tonight? Huh?” 

Niall shrugged his shoulders, taking a sip of his drink. “Ya know it’s an awful idea to fuck with lawyers, Lewis.” 

“I know,” he nodded. “But ya know what if I have to be here then I might as well make the best of it even if it’s gonna be fuckin horrible.”

“Is there something I should know?” Quinn asked, looking between the pair. “About this night. What am I getting myself into?”

“A bunch of brown nosing fuckers,” Lewis muttered, taking a gulp of his drink. “Niall is much better at this. Such a lovely lad. The old women just love him.” 

“It’s not that bad,” Niall laughed. “Lewis can hardly act right at work let alone in a room where he has to talk to other people he doesn’t know.” 

“Quinn do you know what it’s like to have to ask people for money without actually asking them for money” Lewis asked, clearly worked up about it. 

“I do,” Quinn nodded. “I have to do it at the museum all the time. In fact my job in part depends on the amount of money we bring in from donors.” 

“See now what a woman!” Lewis exclaimed. “But I can’t fucking do it. I will be at the bar for the whole night.” 

Niall rolled his eyes, standing up. “Finish your drink, Lewis and try to find your happy face. Our ride will be here in a few.” 

Quinn set her cup down on the coffee table and stood up, adjusting her dress. Niall straightened his jacket out, nodding at Quinn. “we look fuckin good, don’t we Lewis?” 

“It pains me to say it but yes,” Lewis nodded. He tossed back the rest of his drink. In a raspy voice, he said, “And I am viciously jealous so don’t rub it in me face.” 

Niall chuckled, patting him on the shoulder as he walked past him. “One day you will find someone. She will be a nutter and she will probably have a visceral need to please but she is out there.” 

“That’s quite reassuring,” Lewis nodded, standing up. 

The lot of them went downstairs to meet their ride in front of the building. Lewis crawled in first and then Niall and then Quinn. Niall slid his hand into hers, thumb brushing over her knuckles. 

Quinn smiled, looking out the window. She took a deep breath, eyes slipping shut. For some reason Quinn felt the need to get emotional driving through the city at night. There was something about it that just had her feeling some type of way. 

It could be the fact that Quinn was a little overwhelmed with this night to begin with. She was loathing Evie for psyching her out like this. Niall was visibly, calm. It wasn’t something he even mentioned and he didn’t even ask if Quinn was weirded out by this event. 

The old Quinn would have gotten mad at Niall for not asking and just assuming but this Quinn wouldn’t. This Quinn crawled out of the car, breathing heavily into the spring air. There was still a bite in the air sending a shiver down her spine. 

“Can I talk to you,” Quinn whispered to Niall as Lewis got out. “Before we go in.”

Niall nodded, hand finding its place on the small of her back. “Yeah of course.”

Lewis straightened his jacket out and cursed to himself. “This is it. This is my death.” 

Niall breathed out a laugh, shaking his head. “Hey we’ll meet you in there, yeah?” 

“And a lonely death at that,” Lewis shook his head. He cursed again and started walking up the steps to the door. 

Niall adjusted his jacket, looking around for a moment. His eyes flicked down to Quinn who was feeling herself clam up as the seconds passed. “Is everything alright?” He asked softly. 

“Yeah I...” Quinn breathed out. She cleared her throat shaking her head. “I’m fine. I’m just feeling a little nervous tonight I don’t...” 

“Nervous,” Niall repeated quietly. “Like ya don’t want to go in? Like ya need to go home?” 

“No I don’t want to go home,” Quinn whispered. She began to feel her eyes sting but she wouldn’t allow herself to cry. “I just don’t want to fuck anything up in there.” 

“You won’t,” Niall shook his head. “Honest. Lewis has a better chance of fucking things up than you. Of all people.” 

“I was um talking to Evie earlier,” Quinn shook her head, looking away. “And she was making this huge deal about me meeting your boss and then I started thinking-“

“Do not let Evie get into your head,” Niall cut her off. “She slept with her boss obviously she thinks this is a big deal.”

Quinn breathed out a chuckle, shaking her head. “That’s what I said.”

“I don’t want you to be nervous,” Niall whispered, sliding his hand into hers. “How can I make you feel better?” 

Quinn took a shuddery breath, eyebrows creasing. “Can you just make me a promise?” 

“Anything,” Niall nodded. 

“Promise that even if I just fuck everything up and this night goes up in absolute flames that-“ she cut off taking a deep breath. “That you’ll still look at me with those eyes. Not the sex eyes. The um other ones.” 

Niall’s face softened. He smiled, pulling Quinn in for a hug. “I promise.” 

Quinn let out a sigh of relief, eyes slipping shut. Niall pressed a kiss to her head, hand sliding down her back. Niall pulled away to get a look at her. “Can I kiss ya. Before we go in.”

Quinn breathed out a laugh and nodded. Niall pulled her in for a chaste kiss that only left them both wanting more. Niall fixed Quinn’s hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. “Quinnie, it would be impossible not to look at you with those eyes,” he whispered. 

Quinn’s eyelashes fluttered against her cheeks as she looked down to the cracked concrete between their feet. Niall held his arm bent at the elbow out for her. Quinn wrapped her arm around his bicep. 

“It’s going to be okay,” Niall murmured as they started up the steps. “The people here really aren’t that bad. And I’ll be at your side as much as I possibly can. If you’re feeling nervous or overwhelmed tell me.”

“I will,” Quinn nodded. 

When they got to the front door Niall stopped them. Quinn looked up at him. Niall looked at the door and back at her. “Quinn I’m sorry there’s just one thing you have to do before we go in.”

“What?” Quinn asked. 

“Now of course this isn’t my rule, it’s my bosses,” Niall explained. “He just asked that I enforce this very strictly.”

“What is it?” Quinn asked, beginning to get impatient. 

“You have to smile,” Niall whispered, looking down at her. 

Quinn rolled her eyes, unable to fight the smile that spread across her face. Niall cheered, kissing her cheek. Quinn laughed, shaking her head. 

Niall pulled the door open for them and they walked in. Quinn felt not as nervous but her stomach was still in knots. 

The room was buzzing, crowds of people gathered in various areas. There were high tables set up all around the room with not a chair in sight. Quinn internally groaned at that meaning she’d be on her feet all night. 

“This is mostly just networking,” Niall told her quietly, eyes shifting around the room. “There’s a silent auction over there but people just come to meet other lawyers. Especially junior lawyers like meself.”

Quinn nodded hesitantly, shifting on her feet. Niall gave her a reassuring smile. “How about a drink, then?” 

“Sounds lovely,” Quinn chuckled. 

They made their way over to the bar where there was a lot of people chattering about. Niall grabbed them two of the drinks they were offering. 

Quinn took a tentative sip and wrinkled her nose. “Manhattan.”

Niall chuckled, nodding his head. “Every lawyers favorite drink.” 

It wasn’t long before Niall‘s boss approached them, a pretty blonde on his arm. Niall shook hands with his boss and greeted his wife with a kiss on the cheek. 

“This is my girlfriend, Quinn,” Niall introduced her, a hand on the small of her back. “This is my boss, Richard and his Wife Elise.”

“Nice to meet you,” Quinn smiled, shaking his hand. 

“Why don’t you introduce Quinn to some of the other girls?” Richard offered, nodding to the other side of the room. “Niall and I need to discuss business.”

“Of course,” Elise nodded, linking arms with Quinn. “You’ll love the girls.” 

Quinn chuckled, falling in step with Elise. She smelled like Chanel number five and the diamond on her finger almost blinded her. Elise was a fast talker and a fast walker. 

“So how long have you and Niall been together?” Elise asked. 

“About four months or so,” Quinn told her. “we grew up in Ireland and got thrown back together at a wedding a few months ago.”

“That’s precious,” Elise gushed, eyes shining. “And so adorable. You two are probably still in the honeymoon phase.”

“Oh,” Quinn breathed out, chuckling. “Not sure about that but we’re having fun.”

They approached a group of women who all looked objectively different. One had long brown hair, clad in a tight red dress. Another was a red head, lips painted black. Another was a blonde dressed in pink with pearls wrapped about her neck. They all had one thing in common; a giant rock on their fingers.  

“These are the girls,” Elise introduced her. She went down the line, “Rose, Meera, Sadie and Heather is around her somewhere. Ladies this is Quinn, Niall’s girlfriend.” 

“Now which one is Niall,” a woman who Quinn guessed was Sadie asked.  

“He’s the young thing that just started within the year,” Elise explained. She turned to Quinn. “We just love Niall. We had him over for dinner not long after he was hired and god he’s such a charmer.”

“Yeah that’s Niall,” Quinn chuckled, nodding. She took a nervous sip of her drink. 

“And he’s so sweet,” Meera added who was not as intimidating as she looked. “I know Conner talks about him all the time. He really is their hardest worker.” 

Quinn smiled, a sense of pride settling over her. “I’m glad it shows. He gives it his all, for sure.” 

“Of course,” Elise agreed, nodding. 

Quinn could already tell that Elise was the oldest and probably the alpha if the way they looked at her was any indication. Quinn sipped her drink again, holding back her wince. 

“So what do you do?” Rose asked, breaking their silence. 

“I work at the Natural history museum,” Quinn told them. “I’m a program director.”

“That’s so charming,” Elise gushed. “And it’s fun?” 

Quinn chuckled, shrugging her shoulders. “Some days it’s a job others it’s a pain in my ass.” 

The girls laugh, surprised and high pitched. Elise shook her head, covering her mouth with her hand. “You are so funny, Quinn. No wonder you snagged a man like Niall.”

Quinn smiled, taking a sip of her drink. She searched the room wondering if she’d ever see Niall again. It felt like this is how she’d die. The real housewives of London lawyers took her behind the building and pulled a handgun out of their pretty little purses and shot her dead. 

“So how long have you been with Niall?” Rose asked. 

Quinn tried not to wonder why she was so curious about her. Elise jumped in before she had the opportunity to talk. 

“Four months,” Elise said. “Quinn said they grew up together in Ireland.” 

“Oh really?” Sadie commented. “That’s so sweet.”

“Yeah,” Quinn chuckled. “Our mums were best friends and we spent a lot of time together until middle school. We didn’t really talk much throughout high school but I guess we both had a crush on each other. Our mutual friends spent a lot of time together in uni so I guess it was almost inevitable.”

“Inevitable,” Elise murmured. “Wow.”

“Yeah,” Quinn smiled. 

“That’s just so romantic,” Sadie shook her head. “Do you know John has hardly looked at me. In months.” 

Quinn took a sip of her drink, eyes shifting around the room. It felt like she was about to become a part of a conversation she didn’t belong in. 

“Oh love,” Elise frowned, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay. It happens sometimes. He’ll come back around.” 

Quinn felt a hand on her shoulder. “Good evening ladies.” 

“Hello Lewis,” Elise smiled. “And where is your date?” 

“Oh she’ll be here,” Lewis nodded. “Would you mind if I steal Quinn for a moment?” 

“As long as you promise to bring her back,” Rose smiled, teeth pearly white. 

“Of course,” Lewis smiled. “I’m a man of my word.” 

Lewis ushered Quinn away, handing her another drink. Quinn breathed out a laugh, shaking her head. “I see you’ve met the girls.”

Quinn laughed, setting her empty glass on a stray table. She leaned against it, covering her face with her hands. “I thought I was going to die.” 

Lewis laughed, setting his glass down. “I know. Where’s Niall anyways?” 

“I have no idea,” Quinn breathed out. “He had to talk business with Richard.” 

“Fuck,” Lewis muttered, craning his neck to look around. “Have you seen James?” 

“No,” Quinn shook her head. “Why is that bad?” 

“No it’s great for Niall,” Lewis shook his head. He took a sip of his drink. “Bad for everyone else. Richard is looking to move someone up to partner.” 

“Oh wow,” Quinn raised her eyebrows. “Niall’s only been there for what a few months? Six?” 

“Yeah,” Lewis nodded. “Niall, James, Connor, and I were all hired at the same time.” 

“That’s fast,” Quinn commented. 

“It is,” Lewis agreed. “Their last partner royally screwed them so Richard has to get someone new or else the donors get pissed.” 

Quinn hummed, looking around. Her eyes strained as she searched for Niall. Quinn spotted them, entering from the foyer. “There’s Niall,” Quinn told him, nodding towards the door. 

“I hate t’leave ya but-“

“Go,” Quinn laughed, pushing him away. “And tell Niall I’m looking for him. Figure it’ll give you some alone time with Richard and save us both.” 

Lewis gave Quinn a laugh muttering a thank you. Quinn watched him go with a smile. She took a sip of her drink. It wasn’t to say that Lewis didn’t have a chance at partner but he really wasn’t good at the social aspect of it. 

Quinn was relieved to have a moment alone as she finished her second drink. She knew she needed to slow down. A man dressed in a navy blue suit approached her, two glasses in his hand. 

“Can I offer you a drink?” He asked, setting it down in front of her. 

“Oh thank you,” Quinn murmured, hesitantly wrapping her fingers around the stem of the glass. 

“My name is Cory,” he introduced himself, holding his hand out. 

“Quinn,” she replied, shaking his hand. 

“Pretty name,” he commented. He cleared his throat. “I couldn’t help but notice you talking to Mr. Capaldi.” 

“Oh yeah,” Quinn nodded.

“So you know him well?” Cory asked. 

“I wouldn’t say well,” Quinn shook her head. “Is there something you need?” 

“I am interested in working for him,” Cory explained. “It seems I can’t catch him alone tonight.” 

“Well that’s quite a sad shame,” Quinn tutted, resting her chin on her hand. “And why should Mr. Capaldi hire you in the first place?” 

“I graduated top of my class,” Cory began. “With honors. I served a term in the military. I love this country more than I can even begin to describe. I-“

“Okay so what?” Quinn shrugged. “So you love England. What does that got to do with you serving with Lewis?” 

“I’m very passionate,” Cory shook his head. 

“I’m afraid I can’t help you,” Quinn shrugged. 

“Please,” Cory whispered. 

“I really can’t help you,” Quinn repeated adamantly. “I am simply dating a lawyer I have absolutely no pull and if I even mentioned you to Lewis he’d laugh in my face.” 

“Are you kidding,” Cory deadpanned, eyes narrowing at her. 

“No I’m not,” Quinn shrugged. “But thank you for the drink. Enjoy your night.” 

Cory shook his head, stalking off. Niall approached Quinn, eyebrows furrowed. “And who was that?” 

“Just my old friend Cory,” Quinn shrugged. 

Niall wrapped his arms around Quinn and kissed her cheek. Quinn sighed, eyes fluttering shut. He smelled of cigar smoke and whiskey. It had Quinn ready to melt. “You smell wonderful. Did ya have a smoke?” 

“I did,” Niall smiled, leaning on the table beside her. “In more words, Richard said that I was high in the running for partner.” 

“Did he?” Quinn asked, eyebrows raising. 

“He did,” Niall nodded. “And I can’t say I should take all the credit. He was impressed with you.” 

“He was?” Quinn asked, eyebrows furrowing. “Why?” 

“I don’t know,” Niall chuckled. “He’d only met you for a moment but he said he was impressed by you.”

“Your boss thinks I’m hot?” Quinn whispered, eyebrows raising. 

“Apparently,” Niall laughed, shrugging his shoulders. “He likes blondes I guess.” 

“Oh fuck,” Quinn muttered, shaking her head. “This place is so weird, Niall. I am not one to be mingling with London’s upper class.” 

“I know,” Niall chuckled, straightening up. 

“Niall,” Quinn whispered, head tilting to the side. 

“What is it?” He asked, matching her tone. 

“I cannot express how badly I want to kiss you right now,” Quinn whispered, voice low. 

Niall laughed, shifting away from her. He took a sip of his drink shaking his head. “Quinn I can not be hard right now. Absolutely not.”

Quinn hummed, eyes drifting over his body. She breathed out a sigh, shaking her head. “There’s just something about cigars that make me want to take my clothes off.” 

Niall breathed out a laugh, rubbing his hand over his face. “You’re making me want to get the fuck out of here.” 

Quinn shrugged her shoulders, watching him intently. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea.” 

“You know actually,” Niall whispered. “I think Elise was looking for you.” 

“You know actually,” Quinn whispered back. “I don’t even know anyone named Elise.”

Niall laughed, shaking his head. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Just a little bit longer. There’s some people Richard’s going to introduce me to.”

“Take your time,” Quinn murmured, nodding. “I’m in no rush. We’re still fucking t’night, right?” 

Niall laughed, nodding his head. Quinn smiled, taking the glass from his hands. “Okay then don’t drink too much, love. Need ya at your best.”

Niall laughed, taking the glass from her. “Honestly Quinn I say this with love. Fuck off.” 

Quinn laughed with him, shaking her head. He took a long sip of his drink and set it down on the table. Quinn could see Richard walking towards them. She took a deep breath, shifting on her feet. 

“Sorry to interrupt,” he said, putting a hand on Niall’s back. “Niall there’s a few people I’d like you to meet. Quinn do you mind?” 

“Not at all,” Quinn shook her head. “By all means. Take him. Please. I beg you.” 

Niall laughed, giving Quinn a look. Richard’s eyes shifted between them. “This is funny. Quinn’s funny?” 

“Yes she is,” Niall rolled his eyes. “She’s got lots of jokes.” 

“We’ll have to have you guys over some time,” Richard said, eyes settling on Quinn. 

“I’d just love that,” Quinn gushed. “Niall hardly lets me out of the house anymore. I swear sometimes it feels like I’m going crazy.” 

“That’s quite a shame,” Richard commented, shaking his head. He looked to Niall. 

Niall watched Quinn with amusement in his eyes. He couldn’t believe she’d felt nervous before coming in here. If there was one thing Quinn was good at, it was not taking things so seriously and also taking the piss. Niall almost felt a little bad for Richard. Quinn always had a way of making him feel like he was in on the joke. 

“Shall we?” Niall asked, a smile spreading over his face just as he looked away from her. 

“Ah yes,” Richard nodded. 

Niall disappeared for over an hour. Quinn drifted off people watching. She remained hidden from Elise and the girls but somehow she’d gotten her hands on another drink. 

The manhattans were beginning to get to her head and her feet were aching. Somehow there was not a piece of food anywhere. It should be illegal to have an open bar with nothing to eat. 

When she finished her last drink, she just knew Niall would be pissed. She wasn’t stumbling but she surly couldn’t control herself any longer. 

Lewis found her just before Niall had. He approached her slowly. “Hey Quinn,” he said. 

“Oh hey,” Quinn responded. 

“Niall said he was ready t’go. He was looking for ya,” Lewis told her. 

“Oh fuck,” Quinn breathed out, almost falling over. “I’m ready. I’m so fucking ready.” 

Lewis wrapped his arm around Quinn, chuckling. “Had a few drinks did ya?” 

Quinn furrowed her eyebrows as they began walking. “I had one drink before we came and then another one and another one and I think maybe another one?” 

“That’s a whole lot of whiskey,” Lewis laughed. 

They walked out into the foyer where Quinn collapsed onto a bench near the door. Lewis pulled his phone out, pressing it to his ear. Quinn was starving and she was exhausted. 

It felt like ages before Niall finally walked into the foyer to join them. He was talking to Lewis but Quinn wasn’t paying attention. Niall sat down beside her, sliding his hand into hers. 

“Lover,” Niall murmured making Quinn laugh. “are you ready to go?” 

“Yes,” Quinn mumbled. “I drank a lot.” 

“I know you did,” Niall chuckled, standing up. He helped her stand up on her feet. “That’s okay.” 

“We were supposed to fuck,” Quinn mumbled. 

“That’s okay,” Niall repeated, wrapping his arm around her waist. 

“I am exhausted,” Quinn muttered as they walked out into the cold night. She stepped down, looking at the many steps she had to take down. “Oh fuck,” she cried. 

“What?” Niall laughed, adjusting his jacket. 

“I hate to say it but I cannot make it down those steps,” Quinn shook her head. “In fact I’m tempted to roll down them.” 

Niall let out a laugh, nodding. “Okay I’ll pick you up.” 

“No niall you have bad knees,” Quinn shook her head, leaning against the railing. “I don’t-“

Niall cut her off, wrapping his arms around her waist. He hauled her over his shoulder making her laugh, arms flying to cover her butt. “Niall my ass is hanging out.” 

“Your ass is fine,” Niall grunted, pulling her dress down.  “I swear Quinn it’s all fun and games until you get just a tiny bit of whisky in ya.” 

“I had four drinks,” Quinn mumbled, eyes closing as the motion gave her terrible spins. 

“And it was probably like doing eight shots,” Niall muttered, finally setting her down on flat ground. 

Quinn grabbed his arms, steadying herself. Her eyes were still closed, eyebrows furrowed. “There was an easier way to do that that didn’t require me being upside down.”

Niall chuckled, shaking his head. Their car pulled up to the curb. Niall opened the door with one hand and helped her into the car with the other. 

Quinn collapsed against him, arms wrapped around his waist. Niall tucked her hair behind her ear and out of her face. “I’m so sorry,” Quinn mumbled against his chest. 

“It’s okay,” Niall assured her, rubbing her back. 

“I was so bored,” Quinn admitted. “And I couldn’t sit anywhere. It’s like they forced me to drink.”

“Of course,” Niall agreed, amused. 

“I’m probably going to puke tonight,” Quinn mumbled. 

“I know,” Niall chuckled. “Never a good idea to drink on an empty stomach.”

“Why the fuck wasn’t there anything to eat,” she whined. “So not fair.”

“So you don’t drink so much,” Niall laughed, shifting in his seat. “And you tried to take my drink from me. I should’ve taken yours.”

“I know,” Quinn breathed out. 

Quinn didn’t open her eyes until they got out of the car. Niall steadied her on the concrete, two hands on her waist. When Niall finally saw her eyes he smiled. “There she is.” 

Quinn laughed, eyes fluttering. “I might not survive the elevator.”

“We’ll be okay,” Niall chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist. 

The motion in the elevator made her want to vomit everywhere but Quinn was a tough girl. She pushed through the pain. 

When in his flat, Niall brought Quinn to the bathroom, sitting her down on the floor, back against the tub. “Stay right here.” 

“I couldn’t move even if I wanted to,” Quinn breathed out, covering her face with her hands. 

Niall took her heels off, dropping them on the floor in his bedroom. He disappeared into the kitchen grabbing a bottle of water and a bag of bread. 

He joined Quinn in the bathroom, loosening his tie before sitting down beside her. “Eat this,” he told her, setting the bag in her lap. 

“I don’t want to eat bread,” Quinn mumbled, opening the bag. She took a piece out, taking an unenthusiastic bite. 

“It’ll help,” Niall assured her. “Promise.” 

“I am so sorry,” Quinn mumbled for what felt like the hundredth time tonight. She added, “we were gonna fuck.”

Niall chuckled, running his fingers through her hair. “Quinnie, I don’t care about fucking. I just want ya to be alright. Don’t worry about it.” 

“But it’s been so long,” Quinn mumbled. “And I really wanted to. Like I really wanted to.”

“I know ya did,” Niall mused. “We have plenty of nights for fucking, lover.”

Quinn grunted, taking the bottle of water from him. She opened it slowly, taking a sip. “Sorry you have to take care of me.” 

Niall pressed a kiss to her forehead and sighed. “I don’t mind. And I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do. I could just leave your ass here.”

That made Quinn laugh, head rolling back against the tub.  “Fuck off.”

“I could,” Niall laughed. “But I won’t. Obviously. Because I don’t mind taking care of ya when your piss drunk.”

“I’m too old to be acting like this,” Quinn mumbled, shaking her head. 

“That’s probably true,” Niall nodded. “But everyone’s allowed to have a little fun every once in a while.”

“I guess,” Quinn sighed, picking up another piece of bread. “I feel so much better.” 

“Ya look better,” Niall commented. “You were so pale in the elevator. I would’ve been pissed if you puked.” 

“I know,” Quinn wined, picking up her water. She took a long sip. “I’m ready to stand up.” 

“Not gonna puke are ya?” Niall asked, standing up. 

“No,” Quinn shook her head, smiling weakly. 

Niall grabbed her hands, pulling her onto her feet. In the process she spilt her water all over the floor and he’d just barely managed to save the remaining loaf of bread. Quinn groaned, mumbling, “fuck.”

“Go lie down would ya? God damn Quinn,” Niall laughed, pulling a towel off the hook to drop on the floor. 

Quinn breathed out a laugh, walking out the door very very slowly with the loaf of bread between her arms. “I need help getting out of my dress,” she told him, laying down on the bed. 

Niall tossed his tie on the ground and unbuttoned his shirt. Quinn was watching him with a silly grin. “Go on, take it all off.” 

Niall laughed, tossing his button down onto her head. She laughed, tossing it on the floor. When he was left in only his white t-shirt and his grey briefs, he walked over to her. “Roll over.” 

Quinn rolled onto her stomach. Niall brushed the hair from her back and unzipped her dress. Quinn sighed in relief. Niall slipped it off of her body and tossed it with his discarded shirt. 

“Ya even dressed up for me,” Niall commented on the lacy number she was wearing underneath. “What a shame.” 

“It is a shame,” Quinn echoed, eye slipping shut. “I can finally breath.”

“You need to finish your water,” Niall told her, rolling her over on her back. “And your makeup.”

“Fuck,” Quinn mumbled, pulling the duvet up to her chin. 

“Where’s the wipes,” Niall asked, sitting on the edge of the bed. 

“What?” Quinn murmured, already half asleep. 

“Quinn open your eyes,” Niall laughed, shaking her gently. “You cannot fall asleep yet.”

“Fuck off,” Quinn muttered nudging his hand away. “Don’t tell me what to do.”

“I am telling you what to do,” he laughed, shaking her again. “Come on.”

Quinn groaned, opening her eyes. She pushed herself to sit up against the headboard. “What?” 

“You need to take your makeup off,” Niall repeated. 

“It’ll be fine,” Quinn mumbled, trying to lay down again but Niall stopped her. 

“I don’t want you to stain the bed,” Niall laughed, sitting her up. “Now I thought I’d be nice and use wipes instead of a washcloth but you’re gonna drive me to it.”

Quinn breathed out a laugh, nodding her head. “They’re in my bag.” 

Niall rummaged through her bag until he found them, buried at the bottom. He sat back down on the bed. Quinn closed her eyes as he started wiping her makeup off. She mumbled, “you’re such a sweet man. The kindest, even.” 

“Even if I’m doing this for purely altruistic reasons?” Niall asked, pulling another wipe out of the bag. 

“Even so,” Quinn agreed.  

Niall went through four wipes when Quinn would only use one for herself and that was okay. He handed her new bottle of water. “Drink up.”

Quinn sighed, bringing the bottle to her lips. She took a few painful sips before shaking her head. “I can’t. No more water.” 

“I’m going to grab something to eat from the kitchen,” Niall told her. “Can I get you anything?” 

“Mmm no,” Quinn mumbled, rolling onto her side. “You’re the best, Niall.” 

Niall pressed a kiss to her forehead and took the bag of bread from her. He felt a familiar wave of love for her wash over him. He couldn’t help but to feel it even if she wasn’t quite there yet. 

Niall scrolled through his phone as he ate a slice of pizza in the dark of the kitchen. He had a few texts from Lewis that he couldn’t find it in him to respond to. 

It was nearing midnight when Niall finally wandered back into the bedroom. Quinn was awake, eyes focused on the tv in front of her. 

“Thought you were sleeping,” Niall commented, crawling into bed beside her. 

“I was woken up now I’m not so sleepy,” Quinn mumbled, wrapping her arms around him almost instinctively. 

Niall smoothed her hair down, kissing her on the forehead. Quinn sighed against his chest. “You smell like pizza,” she whispered.  

“Sorry did ya want some?” He asked. 

“No,” Quinn mumbled. “Tonight was weird.” 

“How so?” Niall asked. 

“Elise and those girls,” Quinn explained quietly. “It was just weird. Like I was staring into the eyes of future me. It was fucking terrifying.”

“Was it?” Niall asked slowly. “Terrifying.”

“Yeah,” Quinn breathed out, eyes slipping shut. “I don’t want to be like them. I’m not like them, am I?” 

“No of course not,” Niall shook his head, fingers still moving through her hair. “I know what you mean. They’re definitely lawyers wives.” 

“I don’t want to be a lawyers wife,” Quinn mumbled. “I want to have a lawyer husband but not a fuckin...” she trailed off. “I dunno.” 

Niall hummed, thumb brushing over her neck. “I think you just told me you loved me.”

“How,” Quinn chuckled. 

“Just said you wanted a lawyer husband,” Niall shrugged twirling a strand of her hair around his finger. “I’m a lawyer. And your current boyfriend therefore one could assume that you want to marry me. And you wouldn’t marry someone you don’t love.” 

“I forgot you were a lawyer,” Quinn breathed out in a rushed laugh. “So maybe I’d marry ya. One could assume it’s the whiskey talking.” 

Niall hummed. “Right.” 

“And you mean to tell me you wouldn’t want to be a museum program directors husband?” Quinn teased, hand sliding down his stomach. 

“Oh that’s my absolute dream,” Niall whispered. “I can’t think of anything I want more than that.”

“You have very low standards,” Quinn mumbled. “They work a lot and make shite for money.”

“Mmm yeah,” Niall chuckled. “They got a sweet little ass though.” 

Quinn let out a laugh, rumbling against his chest. She closed her eyes, shaking her head. “So it’s all about the ass, eh? That’s all you love me for?” 

Niall breathed out a laugh, combing his fingers through her hair. “I don’t think you’re ready go head all of the reasons I love you for,” he whispered. 

“Will you tell me tomorrow?” Quinn asked, exhaustion washing over her body. 

“Maybe,” Niall nodded though he knew she wouldn’t be ready tomorrow either. And not the day after or even the day after that. But Niall was ready when she was and god was he looking forward to it. 

/// 

Let me know what you thought, how you feel, what you loved! Drop me an ask or message if you need to talk even if it’s not about lover. I am here for you friends and I too feel lonely and know what it’s like to feel like you don’t have anyone to talk to. 

Thank you so much for reading :) I hope you love their dynamic as much as I do. 

here is the lover board 

and my other works :) 

[blakescoven]

Undress Rehearsal (Duncan Shepherd x fem!Reader)

Summary: You got a fashion degree and moved to DC to work as stylist assistant. Unexpectedly you meet a familiar face during a meeting and it seems there’s a spark between you two...but things may take a wrong turn.

A/N: Hey lovelies!! This is my first fic EVER, so be nice! Also, forgive any grammar mistake (English isn’t my first language). Since the ending is kinda open, I guess I could write a PART 2. I’m so happy to finally be able to post this one-shot, even though it sucks! I’d appreciate every comment/reblog/DM about it and about how I could actually improve my writing. This is a sort of experiment! I’m still trying to figure out “my style”. Oh and this is important: bold type means flashback, italics are Y/N’s thoughts and // means a few days passed! ENJOY and thank you for reading! I love you.

Warnings: mean!Duncan (just a little), making out and veeery light NSFW, plot!twist, lol I think that’s enough(?)

Word count: 6.1K

moodboard by the talented @hecohansen31​

You were late again. It happened twice this week. But how could that happen? You had always been a punctual and reliable person, at night you ensured that the alarm was correctly set and you never went to bed too late, afraid to not being able to wake up the morning after. So how could it be possible? Maybe because of your jetlag, but after almost a month, well, this had become a really bad excuse. Then perhaps, the frenetic pace was already affecting you that much, making you too tired to hurry up and get ready. This couldn’t happen again; you were jeopardizing your new dream job because of this straggler behavior. While you were running along the streets of Washington DC, those were your recurring thoughts. Your wheezing and the speeded-up heartbeats, pounding in your hears, were drowning out any deafening noise coming from cars and traffic, which always filled the city driveways.

From the early hours of the day, the avenues were swarming with people going to their office, each of them withdrawn into oneself, busy minding their own business with their smartphones, bringing takeaway breakfast on the other hand. You were way too anxious and distracted from running breathlessly; you had already bumped into three stupid human beings, slowly strolling down the sidewalk like damn sloths. Every single step was followed by a quick glance at your cellphone screen, checking the time and ensuring there was no missed call of your boss.

If you knew anything in this world, it was that you had to take this job seriously, dealing with the fact that your exhausting dues would have allowed your eager ass to work your way up and finally become a fashion designer. So, you didn’t expect any great satisfaction to come very soon. And starting from the bottom was really tough. After years of studying and a well-deserved university degree, you were prepared for whatever the future might have brought. Despite that, you didn’t expect at all to end up in DC, working as a stylist assistant. Sure, this would have opened the door to your real dream job, be part of the style department, designing collections for a luxury brand. You had tried your luck moving to New York, but you ended up broke, with no savings left and no available job opening. For this reason, you decided to take that chance here. You hadn’t made any progress till now though. You were new, yes, but your tasks and assignments were hardly restricted to bring coffee or running around the Capital with tons of garment bags for upcoming fittings.

Finally, after that insane 3km rush, without even stopping for a second - no, you couldn’t afford an Uber ride every time -, you arrived. Your feet hurt like hell, your cheeks covered with scarlet shades like the worst of sunburns and your breath coming in short gasps…and your hair, oh dear Lord, it was a mess. You were sure you were also sweating. Luckily, Richard, your boss, was quite nice to you and somewhat tolerant; he was sincerely impressed by all your efforts, skills and abilities, so much that he wasn’t utterly certain what you were doing there.

Five minutes past the established hour and, thank God, the client hadn’t arrived yet. You didn’t have much information or details about that meeting. You only knew that you had to help during a fitting for a client, extremely influential on the political scene. He needed a few new looks and outfits for public appearances, interviews, and fundraising events. Of course, you assumed he would have been an old middle-aged white man, with too much money to count and eager for power.

Mr moneybags is getting late tho. Too busy making grands? you thought.

Meanwhile, you were trying to look more presentable, also to not risk damaging the brand reputation.

“Y/N?”

Your calves burned and, in that moment, you thought that bringing extra sneakers would have been a good idea.

“Y/N?!”

Since the client hadn’t arrived yet, maybe you could sit down and rest for a minute on that super comfy booth near the mirror…

“Y/N!!!! HELLOO!!!” Your train of thoughts was abruptly interrupted by your boss’ yells, which suddenly caught your attention.

“Oh my God, I’m sorry, I zoned out! Forgive me, what can I do for you?”

The man, a healthy and elegant 40ish brunette, looked at you concerned “Y/N I know it’s hard to settle down, but I need you to be 100% focused today. The man who’s coming is a big deal for us, he’s a powerful figure in Washington politics! He has recently taken her mother’s place as CEO of the family company. So, I want us to make a good impression!” after saying that, he looked at you from head to toe, a bit baffled.

“So…” he continued “…I need you to – in that moment you really hoped you were about to receive a major task, finally a turning point – ..to run to the bar across the street and buy some coffee, and come back quickly!” All your expectations fell apart in a sea of disappointment. “Hurry up!”

You put on a forced smile and went straight to the exit.

After having waited in line for centuries, you figured that probably the client had to have arrived, and therefore, just as you had started your day, you came back running as fast as you could, to save time.

You were holding the coffee cups in your left hand, while you were struggling to turn off your phone, which had started ringing. Opening the glass door with your hip, you were still trying to silence the ringtone, this, without even minding where put your feet up. Ugh, mom, stop calling me...always the worst timing! you screamed in your own mind, frowning. Before you could slow down your steps, one of your heels didn’t grip well the lacquered floor, making you stumble and trip. A sudden change in your balance and you couldn’t avoid slipping forward, causing the not-so-angelic flying of coffee directly on the special guest of the situation.

Damn it.

And to make matters worse, you fell to the ground, cursing the day you were born. Hell no, it can’t have really happened to me. You had just made a complete ass of yourself. You would have rather sink below the waves into the oblivion.

“OH SHIT SHIT SHIT I-I’m so sorry! I-I don’t know h-how it happened!” you were apologizing, still keeping your eyes fixed on the once-full cups rolling down the parquet, next to your badly chipped mobile touchscreen.

“The floor must be slippery…please let me make it up to you, I ca- ” you stopped all of a sudden when you lifted your gaze, for the first time since you had stepped in. Standing in front of you there was the most attractive man you’d ever seen. His piercing blue eyes were fixed on you, like two burning flames almost forming deep holes in your soul.

It’s hot in here or it’s just me?

He was tall and his toned arms were easily visible through the once-white shirt. Now that expensive fashion piece was all covered by a huge stain of hot coffee. And it was your fault. You were speechless. Your attention all focused on the man’s features. Your gaze was busy running down those perfect shaped cheekbones and the sharp jawline. Oh boy, gods’ gift indeed.

Oddly familiar to you though.

You clearly remained to stare for too long to not be noticed, because the man himself broke the silence.

“Uhm, don’t worry” he seemed taken aback for a second “I’ll send it to the cleaners or I’ll throw it away, I don’t care” he said, immediately composing himself, while carefully unbuttoning the ruined shirt, with those long fingers... You were blushing. His low soothing voice sent shivers down your spine. But his tone was plain, no apparent emotion, he seemed almost indifferent, maybe even a little annoyed. Ah, pompous ass.

Your attention was caught by your boss, who, with a worried voice, while pinching the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed, proposed him to choose another shirt among the others and take it as an apology gift. The man accepted, nodding with a crooked smile and with smug remarks about the needlessness of gifts for a man as rich as him.

Cocky asshole! You mused, with a roll of her eyes.

Anxious to change the subject, Richard, started the introductions. “Mr Shepherd, she is my smart – but clearly clumsy – assistant, Y/N” at that very moment that name awoke the memories in your mind.

No. It can’t be true.

“Well, nice to meet you” he remarked “Y/N”, repeating your name like he was tasting it on his own tongue “..or so.” he added, with a stupid smug grin on his breathtaking face. When they shook hands, you felt a sort of jolt and realized you had been holding your breath all this time. You remained silent.

That was the same man you met 6 months ago on the flight you took to go to New York, when you moved for the first time. It was him the influential man of the meeting.

Duncan-fucking-Shepherd.

//

Duncan. This name was the only thing in your mind right now, while you were lying on the couch, in your little apartment, with a glass of wine loosely resting on your lower lip. Oh my God, did he recognize me? Did he figure out it was me? How had he called me that day? Oh, his angel, right. Fuck.

Your head hurt, but you couldn’t help but keep on repeat your two first meetings again and again in your mind. The Duncan Shepherd from today was completely different, compared to the man you had encountered on that plane.

He hadn’t talked about himself very much, just spilled that he was a businessman traveling for work. You had immediately noticed how mature he was to be in his late 20ish. And incredibly handsome. And charming. And seductive.

Ok, stop.

You still couldn’t understand why you. Among all the attractive available women he could easily have, during all the time of the flight, he had been flirting with you. You. He made you feel sexy, desirable and safe, after a very long time.

It was the first class. You were there because of a lucky misunderstanding. While the plane was taking off, you two had a moment, since he saw you panicking. You had started talking for real only two hours after having left Milan. The conversation started casually, then developed into a flirty game. Little did you knew that a few hours later, you would eventually find yourselves making out so much intensely, whilst the rest of the passengers was sleeping with lights off. This wasn’t like you; you were strangers after all. Damn, you only knew his first name. But you couldn’t help your crazy attraction towards him. A sort of electricity, a particular connection that you had never felt with anybody else in your life.

You were staring off into space, completely lost in your inner thoughts, while biting hard your lip and fidgeting with the hem of your oversize t-shirt. You nervously swallowed and closed your eyes. Your hand began to move from the fabric and wander over your bare legs, brushing them with your fingertips. Throwing back your head and swallowing again, you frowned and sighed. You couldn’t make those thoughts disappear. He got under your skin and no matter what you did, you couldn’t shake him.

His soft lips on yours, hot and peachy, the trailing of his wet open-mouthed kisses along your throat and the series of marks he was leaving on your skin, on the way down your collarbone. Feeling the smile of the other against your lips as you two kissed. The best feeling in the world. His small moans when you had pulled his lower lips between your teeth, while his hands were touching and roaming all over your body, as if he wanted to memorize each spot, each curve, each part of you. “Baby I wish it was just the two of us right now, damn, I want you so badly” he whispered. God, if they had been alone, you’d have gone further for sure. You were both turned on, you could tell, especially from the prominent bulge on his designer pants. All you wanted was to climb on top of him, straddling his hips, panting in his hear and feel his hot breath all over you. Intense was the craving to undress him, feel his skin against yours. Shit, it was like a living a dream.

The meeting had been canceled and rescheduled for tomorrow. The situation was quite unpleasant. What you were supposed to do now?

//

Judgment Day had come. You hadn’t slept at all, all night spent tossing and turning between the sheets and looking at the ceiling. How were you supposed to act now? Should you have mentioned anything? What was really killing you, was the feeling that ‘your moment’ had meant nothing for him. Yes, after 6 months, you had gone over it, also because you had no idea how to contact him. But after seeing him again, all the buried thrills came rushing back. You absolutely needed to test the waters today. What did you have to lose? Well, your dignity maybe. If he wanted to, Duncan could have easily said something. And of course, a man of his status could have anything, or anybody, he wanted. Maybe you were overthinking, maybe not.

Since it was almost dawn, and the sun was peeking through the blinds, creating a delicate play of lights and shadows on the curtains, you decided you could actually distract yourself choosing what to wear for the meeting. You shouldn’t have done it. Your bedroom had become a battlefield, all your clothes scattered all over it, like some lifeless leftovers of the closet, now empty. Almost like a little bomb went off. You kept trying combinations on combinations, each time taking off the pieces and throwing them away anywhere around you, as if you were on the verge of a breakdown. It was still a business meeting; you couldn’t dress up too revealing or doll up too much. But at the same time, you’d never give up on being yourself and express your personality through what you wore. Respecting yourself was the most important thing. Self-love. However, this didn’t solve the problem at all. You wanted to appear at your best, challenge him, in a subtle way.

On your way to the office, an unexpected call tuned you away from your own thoughts.

“Richard! Good morning! Are you calling me for coffee? Because I’ve already stopped off at the bar, now tell me who is the best assistant in the whole world?! And I’m not even late!” your smile vanished as soon as your boss answered.

“WHAT?! What does it mean you won’t be there today?” Your heart skipped a beat and started pumping so much blood through your veins, that you felt as a heatwave was rushing inside of you. “W-well if you have family issues, we agree that it’s necessary to postpone the gathering..I-” your eyes widened at the realization that you’d be alone. With Duncan.

You almost fainted on the spot.

“I’m sure you can handle it on your own! You can still reach me with a phone call, if you ever need me. Plus, don’t you think this would be the right chance to prove yourself and finally level up, get noticed and considered for that vacant position in the style & design dep.? My money’s on you, girl!”

How could you blame him, though? He was always so encouraging.

You sighed through the phone, so he added “Look, it won’t be hard. Remember that Mr Shepherd is in your hands. We have to turn him into one of the brand advocates; he’s young, a self-made man, the best choice to promote the brand awareness. It’s up to you now.”

Wow, that’s very reassuring you figured, shaking your head.

“Ok, you can do this, I have to go now, let me know how it goes. Bye!” Fuck.

“W-wait! I can’t do that withou-” he has already hung up. Looking up to the sky and letting out a frustrating grunt, you allowed yourself a childish whine and mumbled a ‘why me’.

Now you were standing outside the building, trying to collect yourself before entering. You were wearing an oversized see-through blouse, tucked in a black knee-length skirt, and an *accent color* blazer with rolled-up sleeves, to complete the look. You were ready to fight. No more clumsy bullshit.

Breathe, remember to breathe you reminded yourself, looking at the elevator door.

You strode next to the receptionist’s desk, Tiffany, or, as you liked to call her, ‘Crazypants’; since her eyes were always so disturbingly wide open – Does she ever blink? – and her hair painfully pinned back, so tight that must have hurt her. She seemed a cross between a barbie and a psycho killer. As soon as you walked by her desk, Crazypants greeted you overly excited, calling you with her earsplitting high-pitched voice. You put on your fakest smile and replied,

“Morning Tiff, uhm, I wish I could stay and chat, but I have work to-”

“The client is already here. He’s waiting for you in the fitting room” she winked. Hell, you hoped your blushing wasn’t so obvious, you couldn’t even have a few minutes to be psychologically prepared. Well, maybe better pull off the band-aid.

“Thank you for warning me! I’ll be right there” you answered. Not even before your exams you felt all this pressure.

Why is it always so hot?!

Walking along the hallway as if you were going to your own execution, you found yourself in front of the door of the rehearsal room. You gently opened it and entered. Do you know when, at some point in movies, there’s a slow-motion moment with background music?! There it was. Precisely. He had his back turned, gazing the skyline through the glass wall. And the second he heard the clicking of a pair of heels, he turned his head, smiling at you and looking intensely at your figure. You were about to die for real now.

How could someone be so beautiful?

His hair perfectly styled, his hot stubble,... Oh, that stubble was your weakness. You could already feel it between your legs and…

“Hey hey, easy with that” he teased with his deep honeyed voice, pointing the take-out coffee cups you were holding. You winced and giggled

“I’ll never stop apologizing about that, ehm, incident…but if you want one, go ahead!”

You looked at each other smiling for a while, until you had to break the silence and eventually get down to business. “So, I guess it’s better if we start…Mr Shepherd, so then you’ll be free to go back to work”, he exhaled and nodded

“Oh please, just call me Duncan.”

You saw a sort of shift in his features. His face went blank. He adopted a bossier and intimidating position, like last time. Ok, maybe he just wants to keep it professional, I understand.

“When is Richard coming?” he questioned while taking his trench coat off. “To be honest, it’ll just be me today, but it’s all right, you’re in good hands” you slightly smiled. He sighed again and you rose your eyebrow, taking it as an unspoken insult.

“Is there a problem?”

“Well, yes, I didn’t come here to waste my time with a newbie assistant.” Your jaw dropped.

“Excuse me?”

“No need to get upset darling, this is what you are, after all” he stated shrugging. You were speechless; yes, you were an assistant, but the way he said that, as if you were a dumb zero…What an asshole.

“Oookay, since I’m here..let’s continue” he glanced at you, waiting for her next move. “I agree, you can change in the wa-” you paused; he was literally undressing in front of you.

“What? There’s nothing you’ve never seen...I guess” You were confused…was he teasing you or something? “You should be more professional, I’m saying it for you”, your rage slowly increasing and flowing throughout your entire body. He was a completely different man, with all those unnecessary mean remarks. He gave you mixed feelings. You would have punched him, but at the same time, contemplating his perfectly-shaped heavenly body, his toned muscles, his thighs..you wanted to jump on him, kiss him and be his, in every way possible.

“You’re staring.”

“W-what?! No. I’m waiting for you to finish undressing, so I can give you the first change to wear..”

“Sure.”

You’d already had enough of his attitude. “I suggest starting with this evening suit, since Richard told me you’ll attend a charity gala in a few days.”

“Hush, please, save it. I don’t need all your pointless suggestions. I can handle it by myself.” he seemed almost..angry? You didn’t know how to hit back anymore. Why was he acting like that, all of a sudden? He tried on a few different outfits while you were staying there, silent, shifting your weight from a leg to another, your eyes wandering through the room, your lips pressed into a thin line and your mind trying to figure out what was happening. Duncan, noticing the tapping of your fingers on your thigh, rolled his eyes and gave you an annoyed look.

Then he huffed “Impatient, uh?”

You were hovering on the brink of an outburst.

“Why don’t you do your job and bring me some water, or take notes, or whatever you get paid for?”

“My job is helping you find a set of appropriate clothes for various occasions, trying to create the right mix & match that suits your taste and personality...” you retorted in a plain tone.

“Oh, thanks for the not required explanation, Wikipedia..”

“..but I’m not stupid, I know what a fucking stylist does” he was pushing your buttons.

“If you’d allow me to do my job, instead of questioning me, I could recommend something..”

“No need to whine, baby girl…So do it, instead of staying there like a scared little girl.”

“If relying on someone to select your wardrobe really bothers you..why don’t you choose them by yourself?” you sassed, struggling to remain polite.

“Well, I’ve demanded the help of a professional, not that of a ‘coffee-bringer’…and I’m wasting my time here”.

Ok, that’s enough.

He was still a client, but for you being treated like that wasn’t acceptable anymore. “You know what? I don’t fucking care if I get fired after saying these words. But I’m done with your dumbass comments. You’re a douchebag. I’m trying to do my job and, just because you’re rich and influential, you think you can treat me like that. Like I’m trash?” you were finally giving in to an outburst “The saddest thing is that I really hoped you would remember me. About that moment we shared 6 months ago, on that flight to New York. But obviously, I’ve given it much thought. Turns out that I’m just one of many, aren’t I? I’ve been thinking about you for weeks and when I saw you again, it all came flooding back. I’m so stupid. It’s not your fault, I was wrong to think that day could have really meant something.”

While talking, you were struggling to hold back the tears, you weren’t supposed to look pathetic, but your eyes were already watering. “So, do me a favor: end this meeting now. I’ll call Richard and tell him to take care of you, since you do not believe I’m capable enough to fulfill your needs..”

“..oh and don’t worry about seeing me again, I don’t want anything to do with you! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do.” you spat, entering the small wardrobe room, without bothering to switch on the light, hoping that your angry tears would have remained unnoticed in the darkness and that Duncan would have gone for good. So you started moving crutches on the clothes stand, to make room for those outfits to restock over.

Unexpectedly you felt an arm around your waist, holding you tightly. It was Duncan. He hadn’t left.

His body pressed against yours, you were paralyzed, his arms keeping a firm grip on you. What’s happening? You knew you should have pushed him back and kick him out, but something inside you decided against it. It was like a part of your dumb heart wanted to stay still in that position forever. You two remained silent, until he whispered in your hear, with his hot breath and his cologne filling your nostrils - a mixture of cinnamon, sandalwood and tobacco.

“I’m sorry..” he sighed. He sounded sincere.

“..I went too far.”

Now your own hands were resting upon his arms. You could feel the heat his body was radiating right now. With a honeyed soft tone, he murmured “Please forgive me, I don’t know what came over me. It’s just that having you standing here again, in front of me, stunned me. I didn’t know what to do and I misunderstood your demeanor. I thought you were pretending nothing had happened, or that you didn’t recall that day, or that you simply didn’t care.”

His hold slowly loosened, allowing you to turn around and look at him with narrowed eyes and a puzzled expression, without a word.

“Uhm, I’m not very good at communicating my emotions, but you’re right. I’ve been a dick. You didn’t deserve it, but I was overwhelmed by the attempt to suppress my own feelings. Since I saw you again,”

he paused,

“you are all I can think about.” he admitted, stroking your tear-stained cheek with his thumb, but you tried to resist him,

“I hope you’re not trying to play me, because otherwise I’ll smash that stupid hot smirk to the ground.”

“So do you think I’m hot, uh?!”

“You dumbass.”

“God, you’re so damn sexy when you’re mad.” he teased, coming closer.

“What?” you giggled. He stared at your lips “I just can’t stop thinking about kissing you right now…” and unexpectedly, his hand drifted to your hip, pulling you even closer. You inhaled deeply. You were against his warm chest, sculpted to perfection. Why must he be so perfect? You placed your hand against it, intending to push him away, but instead you left it there. You froze, from both fear and excitement.

You two stared into each other’s eyes and his breathing quickened as did yours. He slowly leaned in, so his forehead rested against yours. You closed your eyes. Your faces were inches apart now, and he lightly traced your lips with one finger. His other hand placed behind your neck, shortening the distance even more.

Your noses bumped and your mouths matched up slightly-opened, breathing each other’s air directly. He brushed his lips against yours and you freaking loved it. You loved the way your body melted into his. The way your lips perfectly fitted like two puzzle pieces. The way Duncan held you tighter and tighter. It sent shivers down your back. His only desire was to touch you, to move his hands under your layers and feel your smooth skin.

You two broke the kiss for a second to catch your breath. Then he pulled you in, claiming your mouth again, hungry and intense. Duncan lowered his hands down your hips, cupping your ass and dragging you impossibly close. You deepened the kiss swallowing his groan of pleasure as you lost into each other, no space between you two. His hands were exploring your body, while you grabbed his hair tightly to restrain your own moans.

Slowly, you started exploring each other’s mouths with your tongues. Sometimes sucking his lower lip and biting it a little bit. He started kissing your jaw and leaving hickeys on your neck. He didn’t want to let you go, so he pulled you again and kissed you so hard, with much more intensity. He squeezed you, suggesting that he wasn’t going to stop. You didn’t mind at all and continued making out.

He slowly put his hands under your blouse, trying to reach and unhook your bra, eager to run his fingers along your breasts and rub it. You began unbuttoning his button-down, seductively leaving wet kisses and love bites on his chest. He moaned. Then Duncan raised your blouse and took it off completely, so he could see you.

“You’re beautiful” he purred, and started massaging your chest and kissing it hardly, licking and biting gently your nipple. While Duncan was playing with your body, you could only keep on tugging his hair, making his moans vibrate against your body. Then he kneeled down kissing your stomach.

Both of you couldn’t silent your groans anymore, the entire room was filled by sexual noises. But you didn’t care at all. You knew where it was going. Duncan pushed you against a wall, grinding on you and you could clearly feel his hardness pressed against your body. You needed more friction.

“Jump.” he suddenly hinted, and used his veiny arms to hold you up by your thighs lifting you off the ground. You wrapped your legs around his waist. Your core was throbbing at that very moment.

But you were brought back to planet Earth right after; that divine feeling was ruined by a pesky thought that clouded your mind.

What if he’s just interested in sex?

He sensed your sudden slowing down. “If you want me to stop, tell me now,” he whispered. When you remained silent, he brushed his mouth against your temple,

“Or now.”

he followed the line of your cheekbone,

“Or now.”

now he was kissing your chin,

“Or—”

then your lips were against his, again. You kept undressing slowly, savoring the moment.

But that damn thought came back, stuck in your mind. And eventually it hit you. “Wait…wait” you said, trying to steady your breathing.

“What’s wrong angel? I did something wrong or..” he questioned worriedly. “No, not at all, it was perfect..but I don’t think this is right.”

“Wait what?! Why?” Duncan replied in disbelief.

“I’m not a yes girl, Duncan. I’m not looking for casual hookups, I really want to know you better and see where this leads us.” you smiled reassuringly, caressing his cheek. You were scared as fuck. Maybe he wasn’t interested in any kind of relationship, just random booty calls. But you had to take the risk. You wanted to.

“Uhm..yeah. I guess that sounds fair enough.” he chuckled and you released the breath you didn’t know you were holding. “How about a coffee date? I know a place, it’s quite secluded, to not attract the attention of press and journalists” you tilted your head and frowned,

“What do you mean?”

“Angel, I don’t want you to be targeted by newspapers, they aim to find some dirt on me and make every aspect of my private life public. I prefer keeping a low profile, and put you in an uncomfortable position is the last thing I would want.” “Oh, ok. I got it.” you were a little thoughtful, to be honest. But in that moment, you would have agreed with everything he was saying. You used every inch of strength you had, to stop and not go further. Not that there was anything wrong with that. You just wished to learn more about that handsome man in front of you; his desires, his passions, his values and aspirations.

“I’d better get back to work, they’ll wonder what happened to me.” he smirked. “Yeah, you better hurry up, then” you laughed, while putting your blouse on. “I’m gonna put aside the chosen clothes” you informed, but before you could leave the cramped room, he grabbed your hand and pulled you back in his arms, giving a last soft peck on your lips.

“How can I focus now, with the thought of you against me?!”

“You’ll have to make do with the memory..” you shot back “..for now.” you cooed, whispering in his hear.

The rest of the day went off without a hitch. You had exchanged numbers and with all those texts you were sending to each other, you felt like a schoolgirl again. Nothing could have ruined that sensation. Before going back home, Richard called you, questioning you about the meeting, not noticing your struggle to not make disconnected sentences or beat around the bush, to hide your embarrassment. Then, to thank you for having his back, he gave you another assignment: a high-society lady had requested a selection of gowns to choose, to attend a few fundraising events. Another important add-on for your CV. A few more efforts and they would have finally offered you the long-awaited position in the creative team.

//

The consultation had been set up two days later, you had to go to the customer’s penthouse this time. Ugh, lazy rich people. You rang the doorbell and right after you were greeted by a thin blonde girl, all fake boobs and tinted tips, wearing a dress that seemed closer to a long top, rather than an actual dress.

“Hey, you must be Y/N! Come in! I’ll be right back” she yelled. You came in holding the garment bag; you were shocked when you found out how actually big the apartment was: super modern, black & white themed and with some art hanging on the walls.

Uhm, de gustibus you muttered to yourself.

“Here I am, sorry for the waiting. I am Madison!” Why rich people seem so reluctant to share their last name with me? you mused, smiling to yourself.

“Let’s start, shall we?”

And then Madison took you to what has to be her large bedroom. Odd. That seemed more like a bachelor to you, but judging wasn’t your thing.

The fitting went smooth as silk. This Madison was a bombshell, every single dress fitted her body as it was sewn on her. For the upcoming event she chose a nude silk dress, that perfectly matched her skin tone. She looked pretty excited for the pick, so much that she started screaming and calling out loud, making you aware that there was someone else around.

“Muffin come here!!! I chose the dress!! It’s perfect oh my God! You must see it before I take it off!”

MUFFIN.

Seriously? Do not laugh, please, do not laugh.

You were biting her lip a little too hard. While Madison kept calling her…muffin, you decided to do something and began packing all the stuff back up into the bag.

“Oh finally, you walk so slow, babe…now, look! What do you think?” Before the man could answer she continued “Oh wait, how rude I am. Y/N, this is my fiancé...”

As soon as you turned around and lifted your gaze, your heart stopped beating.

“…Duncan!”

His smile soon disappeared too, replaced by a shocked and guilty expression, like a deer caught in the headlights. You froze in place.

You were trying to hold back the impending flood of tears, washing it away with your anger. A million different feelings rushed through you, but at the same time you couldn’t feel anything, just your own heart, literally breaking down in pieces.

“Do you already know each other?” Madison asked, noting Duncan’s surprise. You gathered all the strength left within you and stated

“Just one of the many customers.”

Then, lowering your broken voice, you sputtered a “Now I really have to go.”

Without saying anything more, you took the garment bag and run straight to the door, shutting it down behind your back. Right after, a teardrop rolled over your cheek, and your eyes started watering. Once that the first tear broke free, the rest followed in an unbroken stream. Before turning into a sobbing mess, you walked fast down the hallway, reaching the elevator and waiting for the doors to open up.

Before you could take another step, a large hand took you by the wrist, keeping you in place. You turned around and instantly pushed him back, trying to free yourself from his grip.

“Please,” he begged,

“Let me explain. Please, I don’t want to lose you! We have something..w-we can talk about it, please, wait!”

“Go to Hell” you snapped;

and then you shoved his hand away, entering the elevator. Stupid. I am so fucking stupid. You two looked at each other one last time, shedding tears. The eyes of both soaking blatantly. And then the doors shut.

That heartbreak felt like concrete drying in your chest.

________________________________________________________________

Tagging: (I hope you don’t mind BUT tell me if you want to be removed, I was just curious to know your opinion about it, if you'd like to read it) MUCH LOVE @ladynuwanda @hecohansen31 @michael-langdon-appreciation @sojournmichael @so-langdon @stupidocupido @sammythankyou @emmyrosee​ 

[sterekloving]

A small collection of high school aus! There’s so many wonderful ones out there that has yet to be read!

And Then There Is No Mystery Left (Baby, I’m Sweet On You) -  Swing Set in December - 1k - Teen

Stiles has no idea why Derek is sitting at his lunch table.

As Good As The Real Thing - literaryoblivion - 5k - Mature

He’s maybe had a crush on Stiles for going on two years now, but there’s no way he’s ever going to act on it or say anything. But, he's memorized all of Stiles's quirks and habits because he and Stiles have been in the same history class for two years now, and he always ends up sitting by him. However, he and Stiles have had limited interaction with one another, which is fine. Derek can subside on his daydreams of Stiles. He can live the rest of his high school career on his fantasies alone.

That is until their teacher assigns them to be partners for a project.

Awful, Wonderful You -  stilinskisparkles - 16k - Mature

Truth be told, Derek was suffering from the mild delusion he lived in all summer wherein he actually thought this year might be different, and he might, perhaps, be able to bury the hatchet with Stiles and start over.

The superglue that’s destroyed a ninety dollar pair of pants, however, says otherwise. Derek knows how this play goes down; eventually, he’s going to have to climb out of the pants and trudge back to his dorm half naked. Stiles will gloat for a damn week; Derek will have to put up with constant remarks about Stiles getting him out of his pants... Dammit, he’s actually going to get Derek out of his pants, and it’s not even close to the way he pictured it happening.

Betting On Forever -  mrstotten, veritas_st - 17k - Mature

It’s not like Stiles spends a huge amount of time thinking about it. But when he does it seems strange, good strange, but strange nevertheless, he cant really put a finger on when they decided to become civil to each other let alone friends, best friends even.

Him...and Derek Hale. Can you imagine it?

Binomial Coefficients - DevilDoll - 20k - Teen

In which brainy freshman Stiles Stilinski wants star quarterback Derek Hale to join the math team, AKA math nerds in love.

But Then What... -  Stoney - 24k - Explicit

Senior year is almost over, and all Stiles needs to do is keep his head down to survive. A teacher calls in a favor, leaving him stuck tutoring Derek Hale, one of the most popular jocks in school and a member of a group of douchecanoes who have bullied Stiles for years. He's someone Stiles totally hates. Totally. Like, doesn't like him even a little bit. DEFINITELY isn't attracted to him.

Except that is a total lie. Fuck his life, seriously.

C’mon Now Sugar - teamfreewolf - 39k - Teen

A Teen Wolf/Veronica Mars fusion AU. Stiles helps his father out with his private investigation agency while trying to survive high school. But when murders that might be connected to the death of his best friend Laura start occurring, he is forced to team up with her brother Derek to get to the bottom of it.

Dancing (With Another Man) -  perksofbeingaiko - 35k - Mature

Derek Hale fell in love with Stiles Stilinski the moment he laid eyes on him. The boy was imperfect, vibrant, and confusing - everything Derek never knew he was missing in his life. The problem, though, is that Derek doesn't want to ruin his newly formed friendship with the boy. But with each day that passes, Derek finds that his chances start to run thin, until his world turns over completely when Stiles gets a boyfriend.

Double Date -  dragon_temeraire - 2k - Teen

Stiles scores a date for him and Derek with two of the hottest girls in school, but things don’t go quite the way he expects.

Easy Alpha - interropunct - 4k - Teen

Easy A/Teen Wolf AU. Wherein, Derek Hale is the high school hussy, Jackson and Scott really need to learn to use their inside voices. And, contrary to popular belief, everyone is still a virgin.

Help Me Get In Touch (With What I Feel) - alenie - 3k - Explicit

“Stiles, what happened?” Derek says as sternly as he can (which isn’t very). Nevertheless, there is a pause on the line, and a small sigh.

“I was just…having some Stiles personal time, you know? And…I may have gotten something stuck. Um, in me.”

“In you?” Derek says incredulously. “What do you…oh.” Enlightenment strikes. “Like, in your…”

“Yes, in my butt!” Stiles snaps.

(I Ain’t Scared Of The Fall) I Felt The Ground Before -  planiforidjit - 41k - Explicit

"You know what the solution is," she says.

"What's the solution?"

"You get a mate."

"Thank you for that, Laura. I'll file it away with the other idiotic ideas I've already tried."

Derek is sick of being treated like he's property and he's sick of his family pressuring him to find a mate. So the obvious solution is to fake a relationship with Stiles Stilinski, the annoying lacrosse player and alpha that Derek may or may not be pining over anyway.

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) -  bleep0bleep - 10k - Teen

Derek gets in an accident and loses a few years of his memory; suddenly everything is different— he's not a freshman loser anymore, but a popular senior, captain of the basketball team, a shoo-in for prom king, too, and he should have everything he's ever wanted— except he doesn't seem to be friends with Stiles anymore.

If You Asked Me If I Love Him, I’d Lie - dereksstilinski - 37k - Explicit

Derek has already typed the entire report out and even got all of the stuff prepared for the poster that Stiles and him will have to present. Derek found that he actually didn’t mind doing all the work when it was Stiles he was doing it for, but he wasn’t going to let Stiles get away completely. He was going to get Stiles to come over and help with the poster, so help him god.

In A Straight Line Down - standinginanicedress - 40k - Teen

“So you want to go to Prom with me just so you can get a plastic crown and a fifty dollar gift card to Outback Steakhouse.”

Stiles sets his jaw. He wants to go to prom with Derek because he wants to go to prom with Derek. But, of course, he's stubborn and prideful and can't admit to Derek how it's barely been twelve hours since they officially broke up and he's already barely handling it as it is, so he just raises his chin in the air and says, “yes.”

John Hughes Did Not Direct My Life - nascentgalaxies - 48k - Explicit

Stiles and Derek are childhood friends who drifted apart. When Stiles joins the lacrosse team against his will, the universe (with a little help from Laura and Lydia) chooses to push them back together.

Knot If You Don’t Knock - jsea, marguerite_26 - 13k - Explicit

Stiles never expects to present as an omega -- that's something that happens to people like Greenberg, not him. He is so wrong.

His life only gets stranger when Derek Hale mistakenly bursts through the door of his exam room during a doctor’s appointment. What happens next is a complicated series of events, including freshly baked cookies, book-carrying and surprise heats.

Oh God, He’s Hot - lupus - 6k - Explicit 

When Stiles came home a couple of days before junior year started from a summer away, he was a little more than excited to see his best friend Derek, especially now that he’d finally gotten the courage to act upon his long standing crush on the guy. There’s just one problem; somewhere in the span of three months puberty hit Derek like the bus hit Regina George and all of the sudden Derek is hot. And Stiles isn’t the only one who’s noticed.

Practice Makes Perfect* - blacktofade - 21k - Explicit

In his sophomore year, Stiles gets dragged to lacrosse tryouts by Scott and ends up practising alongside the senior captain, Derek Hale. Stiles just wants to live long enough to become a junior.

R.A.P.I.L.A - neko_fish - 7k -Teen

The first time Stiles talks to Derek Hale, it’s raining, it’s pouring, and Scott went and ditched him to ‘study’ with Allison.

(Thank you, best friend Scott.)

Roses are #FF000 - nashirah - 6k - Teen

“Roses are red,

Violets aren’t blue, they’re fucking purple,

This place is neat,

Let me buy you a Slurpee.”

Stiles finishes and looks pointedly at Derek. “They don’t make avocado Slurpees.”

“I’m filing for fake divorce,” Derek decides.

Seems To Me It’s Chemistry - HalfFizzbin - 4k - Teen

Awkward Nerd Derek has been crushing on Handsome Jock Stiles since forever—so getting paired with him on a Chemistry project is definitely the best/worst thing that's ever happened to him.

Soluble -  HalfFizzbin - 1k - Explicit

Derek comes back after summer break all hot, beardy and brace-less. Stiles honestly has no idea what everyone's freaking out about.

The Great Pretender - talktowater - 45k - Explicit

Stiles is the new kid at Beacon Hills High, class of 1958 and he's trying to make an impression. Derek can't figure out why this kid is so set on making such a bad one.

The John Wilkes (Kissing) Booth of Fundraising -  relenafanel - 4k - Teen

There are only a few people Stiles actually wants to kiss, but it turns out the students at Beacon Hills High School either aren't as discerning or (less likely) actually want to kiss him, because his shift at the horrible-terrible-idea kissing booth is oddly popular. 

Even Derek Hale shows up in line.

The Nerd Party - bibliosexual - 6k - Teen

Until this moment, Stiles wasn’t even sure Derek could read, and now he’s trying to steal Stiles’ obscure eight-hundred-page fantasy novel. What.

This Might Be Irony -  thepsychicclam - 38k - Mature

Stiles and Derek have been close friends since the Hale siblings moved in next door after their parents' death. But Derek's in the popular group, he's a star baseball player, and he dates popular Pep Squad captain Jennifer Blake. Stiles doesn't have any of that, just his skateboard and a hopeless crush on Derek (oh yeah, and his Vote Lydia Martin Prom Queen button). As prom and the baseball state championship grow closer, Stiles and Derek start rekindling their friendship.

And it all begins with two white boards.

Tutor!Verse - betp - 33k - Mature

They meet when Derek is seventeen and hates history almost as much as he hates his ex, Kate, and Stiles is sixteen and taking junior-level history classes.

We Are So Intimately Rearranged* - secondstar - 28k - Explicit

A High School AU where there are no werewolves and no hunters. Stiles is getting ready for his senior year when he meets Derek at the coffee shop he works at.

What I Go To School For - goodnight_tinyhumans - 5k - Teen

Derek is having a hard time with chemistry. Stiles is one of the best students in the class. This couldn't possibly go wrong.

Worth the Wait* - Dexterous_Sinistrous - 13k - Explicit

Stiles always had a thing for Derek, but then again, so did everyone else. Stiles just wanted to be seen as different, which was why he waited. But maybe he waited a little too long.

You Can’t Dodge Stiles Stilinski - stilinskisparkles - 27k - Explicit

“And this is it?” he points at the first girl. “I saw you in first period, you barely bothered to catch any of the balls you were tossed. I’m pretty sure you spent more time on your cell.”

The girl rolls her eyes, and looks completely unashamed of the fact she had her phone out in class. Derek knows Finstock would have stepped on it.

“And you,” he points at the second girl, taller and with eyes that meet Derek’s coolly. “You can’t throw anything worth half a damn. And what are you,” he points at the boy, trying not to look him in the eye, and failing. “A hundred and fifty pounds wet?”

The boy smirks at him, and Derek looks resolutely away. He’s now desperately trying not to picture him wet.

"I can't work with this."

(You Drive Me) Crazy -  I_glitterz - 5k - Explicit

When he catches Stiles looking at him, his lip quirks up the tiniest bit and Stiles’ insides melt as his heart starts to race. A blush spreads across his face and he looks back at Scott’s love struck face when he catches Allison walking into her classroom.

He’s pretty sure he’s just as gone on Derek as Scott is on Allison, but at least Scott has a fat chance in hell with Allison.

You Look Like Bad News (I Gotta Have You) -  standinginanicedress - 38k - Explicit

Option A : violently tell Derek that they are under no circumstances ever to hook up again because it was stupid and dumb.

Option B : tell Scott the truth, stand back and watch as Scott kills Derek with his bare hands so Stiles doesn't even have to face the music. Not an option at all, actually. Expunge this from the record.

The real Option B : calmly explain to Derek that the situation is too fucked up and hey, maybe if Derek and Scott ever shake hands and make up, he and Stiles can hook up again because, man...it was great.

Option C : forget everything, charge headfirst into danger like fuckin' Bravehart and have sex with Derek all over again.

Option D : bury himself alive and wait for the worms to eat him.

You’re The Comeback Kid - capeofstorm - 45k - Mature

Derek Hale doesn't do friends, not after the fire that claimed his entire family and landed him in foster care. He just wants to graduate and get on with his life. But Laura always said he was a bleeding heart and that's how he ends up with Erica Reyes as his best friend after he helps her through a seizure one day. 

Erica's not content with being the loser epileptic anymore, not now that she's Derek's friend. She intends to become the uncrowned queen of the school because running things from behind the scenes is always fun. 

Add in Stiles Stilinski, the guy Derek can't help but notice and help with some bully trouble.

And how the hell did Erica talk him into taking Isaac Lahey under his wing?

[imaginesnkdorks]

Thank Goodness for Crazy

| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 |

Part VII: From Dancing in the Woods to Where I Belong

Pairing: Erwin/Reader;

Summary: That time Erwin saw someone in her birthday-suit.

Warning/s: Mention of nudity, and lots of innuendos ;)

 *thump* … - di! … *thump*

*thump* … Andi, - ake … up!

*thump* … I’m coming in!”

 “Andi, it’s almost five. Get up now an- huh? What the?! I’m sorry. I, uh. You weren’t answering!”

“Erwin, get out!!! OUT!”

            That was Erwin. And that was the moment that I lost my dignity – well, sort of. One thing I hate about myself so much is that I’m an early riser. No matter how late I sleep, I almost always wake up at four in the morning. It’s not every day, but it does happen most of the time and today is one of those days.

           Since I was supposed to start training at five, I started prepping the moment I woke up. I spent time mostly on just praying I won’t die, or at least break a bone. And since I got a room with a private bath, I spent the next half hour soaking and washing away my worries. And just when I got out – stark naked as I fucking forgot my towel – in comes Erwin.

           I’ve been dressed for ten minutes now yet I’m still on my bed, fully clothed and fully wrapped by a blanket. I am freaking humiliated. I want the earth to split up and swallow me whole.

           But I can’t spend the rest of my life wallowing. I mean, it was only Erwin.

           “Arrrrrrgggghhh!!!!”

           Alright, you can do this Andi. Just pretend like nothing happened.

           Gathering my strength, I finally left the security and comfort of my bed and trudged to the door.

           “Andi! I was just about to call you again. I, uhh.”

           Shit. First person I saw was Erwin, whom was about to knock on my door. The moment we locked eyes, I couldn’t help but remember his face when he saw me in my birthday suit. I guess he remembered it as well, because this might just be the first time that I ever saw Erwin flustered.

           I can feel my face heat up as my cheeks burn. This is not good. This awkwardness is killing me. Erwin cleared his throat and tried to break our awkward silence with more awkwardness.

           “I was sorry, for uhh. Earlier. I thought you were sleeping. I didn’t see anything. I mean uh,”

           “Let’s just forget about it. Please.”

           “Right. Training. Let’s go.”

           Remember how I used to say silence with Erwin has always been comfortable? I’m guessing it won’t be from now on, though I hope we’ll actually get over it. I should really stop talking about it.

           Our walk to the grounds felt like years. And despite it being really early, there are quite a number of people out. Great, more people to see the clumsy idiot that I am.

           “Erwin? Are you sure it’s a good idea for me to train with everyone? You know I trip on my own feet most of the time.”

           “We won’t be training out here. There’s a training room past the stables.”

           “Erwin! Andi! Where are you two off to?”

           Of all people, it was Hange who saw us. Despite my best efforts, I can’t help but blush involuntarily. Good thing mortification keep my mouth shut most of the time. Thing is, it’s not me I should be worried about.

           “Nowhere – uhh, I mean training. Yes, we’re off to the training hall.” Turns out Erwin is not as composed as he usually is.

           “Okay.” Hange said suspiciously. Her sudden silence is more unnerving than her noisiness. She didn’t say anything else, though she winked at us before running off.

           Thank you Hange, for making this more awkward.

           We continued walking in silence, and soon enough we reached the training room. It’s their version of a gym, as it turns out. Whatever workout equipment they have is in here. I wonder why it’s out here near the stables?

           As soon as we went inside, Erwin had me warm up. While I do the mandatory stretches, he briefed me on my training regimen.

           “Your strength building routine is still the same, we’ll just double your hours. And we will spar, too.”

           “What we’ve been doing all this time is strength building?” I asked whilst stretching my arms. All this time I thought he was just making me do whatever. Turns out he really was teaching me. I should really be more appreciative.

           “Okay. And about this sparring thing you mentioned, you won’t be serious at all right? I mean, you’ll go easy on me?”

           He really should. Wasn’t he the one who has been treating me like I’m breakable? But no. The asshole just laughed at me like I’m some kind of lunatic who said something stupid. Come to think of it, maybe that’s how I sounded to him just now.

           The day went on with Erwin joyfully torturing me. That was a good thing, though. With him being really hard on me and with me resenting him and planning to get him in a headlock, I forgot the events in the morning. Glad to say no awkwardness ensued in our private training time.

           But now that it’s over, I realized how high the sexual tension would’ve been if we weren’t so intent on beating each other senseless. We ended up on top of the other several times, and just thinking about it made me flush. I seriously am running out of synonyms with blush.

           I wish I could just forget and move on.

           “You’ve been awfully quiet today.” Nanaba commented. Dinnertime is noisy as usual, though I’m not joining in the fun. We’re at our usual table, except for Erwin and Mike who are with uncle Keith discussing things about the next expedition. And yes, I’m pretty much used to calling him uncle now.

           “I’m just tired. Erwin is training me really hard for that duel.”

           “Uh! You too? Mike wouldn’t get off my back today as well. He said he was trying to make sure I didn’t skip training for today.”

           “Do we really have to do it?” I know that these past month, I’ve improved my skills and stamina. It isn’t much, but I sure can lift a sack of rice now as easy as lifting a venti cup of my favorite drink. Okay, that’s an exaggeration but I really can lift heavier stuff now.

           But of course, my question is merely rhetorical. The both of us has no say in this, so she just shrugged in answer. But I guess a thought came to her.

           “We could tease those two into fighting!” Nanaba squealed excitedly. Seriously, the things that goes on in her head. My thoughts were probably apparent, because not five seconds after that she went from a ball of excitement to a pouting sour puss.  

           Dinner would have been peaceful if it weren’t for Hange. I don’t know where she’s from, but she’s as filthy as ever. She marched straight to our table and began to eat. I should’ve left while her mouth was stuffed. The moment she practically swallowed everything, her torture began.

           “Nanaba, guess what Andi did today.” The bespectacled brunette tried to intrigue my blonde friend – she even leaned on the table and her voice was curiously quiet for her.

           Before Nanaba could speak, I asked first. I can’t deny, Hange knows how to catch one’s attention. “Whatever do you mean?” I asked cockily. Seriously, I did nothing but torture myself today. Uh, I mean training. Taking a sip from my cup of room temperature water – these cavemen don’t have ice machines – I waited for her tale.

           “Andi and Erwin had an alone time in the woods, if you know what I mean.”

“Pfffeeehhhh!” The water went from my mouth to all over my chest and the table in front of me. Good thing most people were done and out during this time, but there are still some who saw me.

“What the hell Hange! Ugh. Fuck me.” I said almost instinctively as I remove my jacket and tried to wipe my front. Of course by now the asshole is laughing, along with Nanaba. But she wasn’t done, oh no.

           “Meh. But Erwin might.” And the creep winked at me. I knew cussing will bite me in the ass.

           “Hange!” All of the events this morning came flooding back, coupled with the mortification I am experiencing right now, I can’t help but burn up and be as bright red as big, ripe tomato. And it gave them more reasons to laugh, apparently.

           Even though the mess hall was almost empty, the worst people to be left behind are still there – namely Erwin. And all the racket that we’re making only attracted his attention.

           Despite knowing it won’t help my situation, I looked up at where Erwin was seating. We locked eyes and he raised his eyebrows as if asking why, to which I just shrugged. Nanaba and Hange didn’t miss this, so more teasing ensued.

           “I knew he have a soft spot for you. But I wouldn’t think you would go dancing in the woods with him.” Nanaba said, with the excitement of a middleschooler.

           “What? Dancing in the woods?”

           “Oh come on. You know, dancing without pants.”

           I’m frozen in my seat. These two are actually suggesting that me and Erwin are intimate? I am mortified. But as fate would have it, while these two are laughing off their asses, the man they thought I was hooking up with was walking towards us.

           “What happened? You’re wet, Andi.” Stating the obvious, he kindly handed me his handkerchief which I happily accepted.

           “Oh Erwin, it’s your fault that she’s wet.” Hange remarked and she and Nanaba went off in another laughing fit. I just shut my eyes in a feeble attempt to calm myself.

           “What?” Oh Erwin. I don’t know if you really are innocent or just playing stupid sometimes.

           “Shut up guys. And Nanaba? You better train hard. I’ll crush you at our duel.” I then rushed off to my room, with Erwin right at my tail.

           “What was that about?”

           “Just something Hange said.”

           “Oh. By the way, next Sunday there is a ball and commander Shadis wants you to come with us.”

           “Me? Why?” A ball sounds so medieval to my ears. “I’m a stranger, why would he want me there?”

           “Ah, you see this is a fundraiser ball. All branches of the military will be there, hoping that some rich person would sponsor them. And we’re after the same thing. Bringing you along won’t hurt our chances.”

           “So he’s going to sell me? Figures.”

           “No. I won’t let him do that.” I then turned and looked him in the eye, giving him the best death glare I could manage. Sighing loudly, he went on “not sell per se. We’ll just keep them entertained, and remind them that we’re from the survey corps. Besides, they’re harmless. You can flip them anytime you want.”

           “So I’m officially a survey corps soldier?”

           “Yes.”

           In my excitement, I rushed up to hug the man. Boy, am I thrilled! He tensed up, then I remembered I’m still wet and cold. And just when I was about to let go, I felt his arms around me. Despite everything that happened today, this felt nice.

           I’ve been quite happy here, but I felt out of place at times. But today, I feel like I belong.

Copyright © 2017 by imaginesnkdorks. All rights reserved

[skeletxnqueen]

flower crown fairy lights daisies 1975 matte black nail polish pantone moodboard stars plants converse lace handwriting cactus sunrise oil paints overalls combat boots winged eyeliner pastel tattoos piercings bands messy bun cry baby grunge space white bed sheets old books beaches eyes 11:11 painting lightning thunder storms love clouds coffee marble

T H E N E V E R E N D I N G A S K (I wasn’t ignoring you, I’m gonna be honest, I forgot this was sitting in my drafts waiting to be completed aaaaa)

flower crown: when did you last sing to yourself? - A few minutes ago. I left my iPod in my co-worker’s car so I kinda have nothing better to do. All my favorite apps are on there.

fairy lights: if a crystal ball could tell you the truth about anything, what would you want to know? - Are alternate universes real and is there one where I am content and happy? (sorry to get depressing there bud but life just ain’t what I want it to be rn)

daisies: what is the greatest accomplishment of your life? - I haven’t experienced enough things to  really say I’ve accomplished anything. I guess getting a job and keeping it for as long as I have? Six months and counting.

1975: what is the first happy memory that comes to mind, recent or otherwise? - Seeing a gif of a kitten walking over to a camera man and then proceeding to nap on him and walk all over his shoulders and sit on his head while he had to hold almost completely still.

matte: if you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? - This question as me depressed and low key anxious I don’t think I can answer it without crying sorry

black nail polish: do you have a bucket list? if so, what are the top three things? - Not really. I try to avoid really confronting my own mortality. Thinking about dying both scares and tempts me and it’s really weird and terrifying and no bueno. Gosh my answers seem so depressing I’m sorry bab aaAAAA

pantone: describe a person close to your life in detail. - I’m too lazy to describe anyone again but um my brother c’: Again. Heckie

moodboard: do you feel you had a happy childhood? - I suppose. I mean it definitely could have been better, but it’s not really on “tragic backstory” level so I guess yeah. I dunno how to answer this, in all honesty.

stars: when did you last cry in front of another person? - Earlier tonight

plants: pick a person to stargaze with you and explain why you picked them. - My friend Antonio. He’s weird but he loves space and it’s nice to hear how excited he gets talking about the stars and planets because he’s super passionate about it. I just like when my friends are happy ya know? So I know stargazing with my space buddy would be fun.

converse: would you ever have a deep conversation with a stranger and open up to them? - Honestly I have before. I don’t mean for it to, but sometimes the conversations just take that direction. I’m a big oversharer.

lace: when was your last 3am conversation with someone, and who were they to you? - fam I’m always up at 3am wym I stay talkin to ppl at 3am (for the record it’s usually my mom and/or brother)

handwriting: if you were about to die, and you could only say one more sentence to one person, what would you say and to whom? - Again, I can’t answer this without crying I’m sorry.

cactus: what is your opinion on brown eyes? - I have them and I love them why is this up for discussion why is this a question is there brown eye discourse???

sunrise: pick a quote and describe what it means to you personally. - “I don’t care what you think, as long as it’s about me.” …….. I really like attention. More seriously though, I like knowing that I’m real to other people. I know it sounds weird but sometimes I just like being reminded that I actually exist in other people’s lives and that I’m a real person???? Idk how to describe it but yeah. That line makes me think about that aspect of myself a lot.

oil paints: what would you title the autobiography of your life so far? - “Still Figuring It Out”

overalls: what would you do with one billion dollars? - cry because I can finally get my family out of our rough situation, spoil my mom and brother rotten, buy lots of pretty makeup, travel the world, and still have enough left over to live comfortably for the rest of my life without ever having to work again unless I want to to have something to do.

combat boots: are you a very forgiving person? do you like being this way? - I am. Sometimes too much for my own good. Sometimes I like it just cause it can help settle conflicts quicker and sometimes I don’t because not only do I let toxic people back into my life but it causes me to miss them and desperately want them back because I convince myself “it’s in the past, it wasn’t that bad, and they’ve probably changed so I should let it go”.

winged eyeliner: write a hundred word letter to your twelve year old self. - Dear Mikii,

First of all what a weird nick-name you dork. I’m Gabby. I’m still just as much of a dork so don’t feel bad. You’re going through a weird phase in your life right now. You’re confused and probably questioning who you are. That’s not really going to stop, but it gets better. It gets easier to deal with. Eventually you’ll work for your favorite pizza place and, while it’s stressful, you’ll make cool friends and you’ll make money, and nobody will be able to tell you what you can and can’t buy. It’ll be awesome. You got this

pastel: would you describe yourself as more punk or pastel? - I guess I lean closer to the punk side. It’s kind of funny because I have the soft cute personality that you’d think would fit on a pastel type person and honestly that’s my aesthetic but style wise, I usually go for darker colors and stuff. My brother is the polar opposite. Punk personality and pastel style.

tattoos: how do you feel about tattoos and piercings? explain. - Yes. Body art is yes. I love it and I want it. If you have tattoos and/or piercings I am 75% more likely to get some kind of crush on you.

piercings: do you wear a lot of makeup? why/why not? - yes, because I like it and it’s pretty.

bands: talk about a song/band/lyric that has affected your life in some way. - I dunno if this counts much, I had to think long and hard on this one, but Crossfire by Stephen makes me think a lot about current events and police brutality and the bombings in other countries and just a bunch of sad stuff that’s going on now which I know is the point but it makes me really think about the privilege I do have compared to those who face discrimination and oppression far more harshly than I ever will and I just heckin

heck

messy bun: the world is listening. pick one sentence you would tell them. - “Prince didn’t die for this.”

cry baby: list the concerts you have been to and talk about how they make you feel. - I’ve only ever been to one and it was a local band so

grunge: who in the world would you most like to receive a letter from and what would you want it to say? - Idk man probably my dad. Not gonna go in depth but I’ll say this. I’d want a large sum of money included and a 5 page long apology letter.

space: do you have a desk/workspace and how is it organised/not organised? - nope nothing is organized and I dont have a workspace

white bed sheets: what is your night time routine? - stay up til I physically cannot hold my eyes open anymore then fall asleep

old books: what’s one thing you don’t want your parents to know? - that I’m not Christian and that I have a um…. device. Of some sort.

beaches: if you had to dye your hair how would you dye/style it and why? - Keep it red / make it redder, probably some kind of undercut or side shave

eyes: pick five people to go on an excursion with you. who would you pick and where would you go/what would you do? - 1. Alin2. Mikey3. Kaylee4. Dom5. Rose

I’d take these nerds with me as I travel the globe and try new experiences, shop cool unique things, and just live my dream life with. I’d go to the ends of the earth with these precious babies.

11:11: name three wishes and why you wish for them. - (1) Wealth. I want to pay off my mother’s college debt, buy her a nice place to stay as well as somewhere for myself, buy my brother anything his little heart desires, donate to fundraisers and charities, live my dream life, etc. (2) Clear skin. I’m pretty confident in my body shape and all, but I can’t stand my skin. Especially everywhere that isn’t my face. My shoulders have it the worst. (3) Someone willing to date me who doesn’t live thousands of miles away would be lovely. I mean I can do long distance but I just crave physical affection ya know? I dunno man I’m just lonely.

painting: what is the best halloween costume you have ever put together? if none, make one up. - Well, last year I was a dead cowgirl. I used my day of the dead makeup and wore a flannel, jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat that I got from party city. Relatively simple, but it was still fun to see little kids’ reactions and everything at work.

lightning: what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done while drunk or high? - this implies I’ve gotten drunk or high before (I’ve been kind of tipsy before but otherwise I’m fucking lame and I don’t do that stuff)

thunder: what’s one thing you would never do for one million dollars? - kill somebody (there are a few exceptions but in general ya know?)

storms: you can only listen to one song for the rest of your life, or only see one person for the rest of your life. which and why? - both of these would drive me literally insane let’s not and say we did

love: have you ever fallen in love? describe what it feels like to realize you’re in love. - I think I have. I don't know. To me it's realizing the things I'd be willing to do for that person. Just wanting to make them happy. Wanting to spoil them, see them smile, hear their stupid jokes even if they aren't funny, see all the ugly or silly faces they make, and just loving everything about them. Overcoming my biggest insecurities and discomforts for them. Realizing that there are certain things I can only see myself doing with them. When I read those couple posts I think of them, even though it's been over a year since we've been together. Hearing a certain song or artist is tainted by thoughts of them, when nothing would come to mind before I got to know them. Filling spots in my mind and heart that for years had been left vacant. Realizing that despite how much they've hurt me, I'd gladly take them back if they asked. Feeling like it was the right love at the wrong time, even though it probably wasn't the right love at all. Falling in love to me is having them lurking around every corner of my mind, the darkest shadows, the deepest trenches, even when I'm not thinking of them, they're always there. Even when I'm not thinking about them, I somehow am. I don't know if this is love or obsession, admittedly. Maybe I just need help lol

clouds: if you’re a boy, would you ever rock black nail polish? if you’re a girl, would you ever rock really really short hair? - I’d rock both and look sexy while doing it

coffee: what’s your starbucks order, and who would you trust to order for you, if anyone? - I don’t go to starbucks enough to really say

marble: what is the most important thing to you in your life right now? - my family and getting us out of the tough situation we’re in right now