#wattpadarchives

[jojoreadwhat]

Honey & Smoke / m.h. x OFC story - the 1975 (on hold)

table of contents

i said goodbye today / prologue

there’s a map in my room on the wall of my room and ive got big big plans

can i stay at home? i dont want to go

don’t be fooled, the first two hours ruled

you’re all in my hands tonight, tonight i’m a rock ‘n roll star

i’ve been thinking a lot about your mouth

i’m the best damn book you’ll never read

i didn’t get much sleep last night, but that’s alright

something infinitely interesting

yeah, maybe that could be our thing; what do ya think?

christmas eve will find me, where the love light gleams

[madammuffins]

Bard’s Song : Update

Wattpad

Archive of Our Own

Playlist

Geralt finally meets the new competition; in more ways than one. Reunions are as bittersweet as they say, and misery indeed loves company.

[jojoreadwhat]

yeah, maybe that could be our thing; What do ya think? / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Warning: Sexual Content.

Lucy's POV.

I turned down and around the wall of North wing. The cafe's seating filled with the many students cramming in studying and overdosing on coffee. Which I seen myself doing in the comforts of my room later on.

I scanned the room till I seen that boy running through my mind. His light blue denim jacket lounging on the back of the wingback. His hair bunched into a bun with his thin rimmed grandpa glasses resting on brim of his. Watching him sigh when his black and white striped shirt roused from his chest.

Sitting at the window where I would find myself glancing out of with his lips beginning to latch onto the rim of his coffee. His black holy knee crossed over the other, finally looking back into the direction where I was walking towards him. Sharing the same smile at sight and maybe the butterflies that fluttered under my sweater.

"Hey there" He smiled, straightening up his posture as I sat down. My bag making a big thud to the blue carpet we stood on.

I smiled shyly, then. "Sorry. Professor Helm caught me in the hall." Bringing out the book for our class together. His warm chuckle lighting up the tardiness before setting down a paper cup.

"Quite alright." He reassured, then. "Didn't want it to get cold." I blew a soft kiss before my lips met the warm liquid sleep. Looking down at my lap as I turned the page, as my other hand kept warm. Looking up at Matty's espresso eyes, the browns and golds dancing around the pupils in confusion.

"What?" I questioned, trying to figure what he was thinking. "What are you doing?" He asked, his loose curls falling as his eyes laid on my lap. "Going to study.." I replied skeptically as I noticed his books never came into view. Realizing that Matty was never going to pull them out either.

He chuckled taking the book from my lap, "You're quite funny, Lu." He said, then. "You're definitely not studying right now."  Closing it between his calloused fingers. "And definitely not tonight."

"We're playing at Moes tonight." He explained, "I want to see you there."

I sighed, "But I have so many exams tomorrow-" He shook his head, at my protesting "Yeah, and you're going to ace them." I was defeated, I had confidence I would. Just the more I thought about not analyzing the books till they were embedded under my eyelids kind of freaked me out that I'd lose that confidence.  

"If you come out tonight, I'll help you with notes." He said proposing his ultimatum. Already knowing that I would stay the night again without questioning and sincerity swirled in his eyes. I bit my lip, rolling my eyes as his face failed hardly to conceal a smile.

Just then Matty's tall frame sprouted from the wingback, bending down to kiss my temple. "I'll see you at 7." He exited with my textbook still under his arm.

"Hey, I need that!" I called out to Matty victoriously looking back. "You won't be needing it tonight."

++

Moes was your average bar in the middle of London. Walking into the musks of booze and over smoked cloves. Loud and packed wall to wall with people of ranging ages. Neon lights cascading and setting moods throughout. Admiring as the place was bouncing. Falling for Matty's voice at each note, but not as much as I was falling for Matty himself.

The noodle frolicking around the stage as he sang the chorus of Heart Out. Getting close to George's drums between lyrics, coming back to the center in full force. His eyes meeting mine with a wink as I sang along to the song he had burn onto a cd a week before.

Little did I know that the lines of each textbook I've consumed in the matter of weeks. Washed away from a wave of cool with each sip of rum and coke. My hips swaying from the bantering strums of Matty and Adam's guitars. My skirt rising like the twirl of a rose in the wind. I was living. My arms over my head, making friends with the space above.

The boys had closed with the contagious breakdown of 'Sex' leading the place barely steady and moving on their feet.

"Thank you! Have a good one everybody!" Matty closed, throwing a guitar pick before the boys and him had headed towards the back of the stage. Moving through the big crowd till the bar had come into view.

I caught the bartender ordering myself another drink, an older man possibly reaching my dad's age as greys played peek-a-boo through his brown hair. Nodding to the switch of the satellite trying to compare to the number the boys had made.

They were growing by the minute, the stage set becoming a bit more organized. The sound became more new and profound, I was quite a fan and not because I was the 'singer's girl'. Their sound held a soundtrack to need of adventure, fitting well with the aesthetic the boys had held too.

I was lightly mouthing the words to the classic sounds of Boston. When the familiar pair of hands wrapped around my waist and those soft pouty lips met my temple. A little giggled slipping from my lips.

"I like when you sing back to me." He whispered, then. His hands resting in my lap comfortably as the rest of the boys took stance on each side of us. Ordering a round, animatedly speaking of the turnout and how the bar owner was offering them to be house band.

Ross had other plans, discussing how there were boozes left over in the cabinet above the toaster. Soon finding ourselves walking the avenue till we turned down the little street where their flat was.

Having all intentions of sitting on the small sofa near the front window finishing the wine Matty poured for me. Matty held up his end of the deal, taking two bottles of wine off the buffet before slipping his hand in mine and leading me to his room.

++

I paced in front of Matty's bed. My hand clasping on the nearing ends of the wine bottle. My other holding onto the cliffnotes of Brave New World hidden in the back room, collecting dust as they were going to be put to use to pass this exam. That I was able to get passed Matilda's nose.

Sighing when the notes of a book I quite enjoyed started becoming a bit of a pest. I laughed at his frustration when he read along the lines of the textbooks, commenting how complete shit this class really was. Signaling that the past hour and a half of being cooped in here was beginning to drain.

"Break?" Matty suggested. I shrugged, pulling up the seat near his window till I sat it in front of his bed. Resting my feet on the edge of it as I watched Matty walk to his nightstand before pulling out a perfectly rolled spliff.

Taking a seat back in front of me before lighting the green wrapped in light brown. Admiring Matty's cheeks sink in as he inhaled, taking a few puffs before handing it to me. Feeling between my fingers. Inhaling as I slouched back in the chair, closing my eyes. Letting the thick smoke reel around my lungs before exhaling it.

Opening them, meeting the ember glass of Matty's who was smirking at me. "That was pretty." He remarked, placing his hand on my ankle that sent chills to my spine. Little did he know he was pretty one here.

His white barely buttoned shirt at the top as the words 'true love' and 'Annie' were visible. Hanging loosely over his small, yet toned build. His dark chocolate curls disarrayed from the repeated notion of his fingers running through it. His lips looking glossy after every graze his tongue made over them. I found myself staring, Matty not minding as he took hold of the spliff again.

With the mixture of notes jotting through my mind and the way Matty looked tonight. One question kept creeping into my mind, not giving any warning as it rolled off my tongue.

"Matty?" I called, a flat sound vibrating from his lips as he looked at me again.

I bit my lip, feeling my stomach beginning to turn. "Would you come to New York with me?" Leaving my mouth without second guessing. Watching Matty's eyes grow a bit wide and a light ripple slip from them.

I shook my head, a flood of many reasons filling to the brims of my thoughts. A light chuckle falling from my own as I felt embarrassed that I even asked. Not even thinking that he might have plans already or that was just far too much a rush of things.

"Sorry, you probably have some dinner with your family." I tried redeeming, taking a sip of the wine again.

Looking back at him as that same smile kept curl. "A lavished party with high end actors is not a family dinner, Lucy." Recalling all the late night talks about his family who were actors and lived a upper crust type of world. My small town world being one that Matty probably would never set foot into.

I was standing up now, gazing at the books along Matty's bookshelf. "What if they don't like me?" His voice pierced the silence that was lingering a bit. I chuckled at his cliche of a question, "They'll like you." I reassured, then. "My brother asked to meet you after I told him you were in a band."

"What about your dad?" He questioned again, bringing up a person I hadn't thought about when it came to this idea in the first place. Kind of wishing I never brought up the question to begin with. Subsiding when I knew how I was feeling for Matty and I didn't want to keep it hidden any longer.

"If you're worried that he won't like your tattoos. He has three." Trying to figure out why he was questioning all this in the first place, when all he had to say was no.

Matty let out another raspy laugh, "That's far from what I'm worried about." He remarked.

I turned around to face Matty again, his eyes gazing up at mine. "We all have skeletons in the closet you know." Walking towards him till I was standing between his knees.

"The difference is whether or not you invite them out to dance." I finished, my pink color nails running through his hair, pushing the curls that fell over his brow for them to move back again. His eyes closing to the touch.

Matty placed his hands around my waist, pulling me closer as they rested above my bum criss crossed. "Did you write that, blue?" He said, blush rising over my cheeks as my hands fell to his shoulders. Nodding.

"That isn't it either." He said a notch just above a whisper. Observing as he took his lip between his teeth. Following his eyes as they trailed from my blues. To my lips and my neck.

"Then what is it?" I questioned, beginning to feel frustration. I was just about to pull away when those same arms had my back meeting the bed. Matty's dark chocolate eyes peering down to mine as he hovered over me. His one hand resting on my hip as the other kept steady, watching me just as much as I was wondering what he had in mind.

His cool breathing hitting the cold tenderness of my neck, "Will he like me if I do this?" His lips slowly grazing as I began to feel my heartbeat step petal. The rush sending a chill through my body, like anytime Matty kissed there.

"Yes." I breathed, Matty's chuckle rippling against my skin as he kissed my neck again.

So caught up in the way that he lips trailed from that spot on my neck till they found my jaw, my lips and over my collarbones. I didn't notice where Matty's hand was. As it had found it's way under my skirt till I felt his calloused finger grazing my folds.

"What about this?" He suggested again as his fingered traced around until it began to part. His index finger slowly running over the center that was drenched and a gasp left my lips. Feeling my body become puddy. "What do you think, blue?" He asked again.

Closing my eyes a bit when a silvery moan slipped from my lips. My eyes meeting his again as a devious smile crept to his lips.

"That might be the problem." He said, then. His smooth antics configuring him, bringing into light the way he had with women. At any given moment thinking about putting it all to stop.

Just a little to late at the changing thought when my breath hitched as Matty's finger got acquainted with my clit. Beginning to feel myself sinking under his touch. "But what about for you?"

His question catching me off guard, "W-what?" I breathed again. Feeling dizzy as he circled and I was crawling for center.

"Do you want him to like me?" He asked again, his finger now partnering with the middle as they went inside. A moan escaping as he pumped and looked at me for answers, then. "Lucy"

I looked at him, trying to regain myself under his touch as I feeling myself climbing. "Do you?" His voice a bit more harsh now and I shook my head.

Matty peered a smile, "Good" before his lips smashed hard against mine. Fighting and now beginning to win a desire that they had both longed for. His fingers continuing their quest as they took charge in the way my body raised in heat. Hearing the zipper of the back of my skirt eventually hitting the wood of the floor.

++

My moans ventilating his room as he played and his lips latched onto my neck again. My legs becoming weak. Feeling Matty's hardness as it grazed against my thigh. Aching as I wanted it to replace his hands.

My hands latched themselves into his curls. Moving to his shirt with only three buttons clasped, throwing it behind him. His lips never leaving mine, tasting like the bud and red wine we had been enduring till it had come to this.

Matty's eyes trailing almost making me nervous, as I was lying there in my bra and panties.

His lips following along as they caressed down my body. His hands meeting the back of my bra, soon feeling the chills along my breasts being replaced when his hands cupped them. Nipping and fumbling them with his tongue at the tender skin. His plump lips continuing on their route as they kissed down my naval and above the band of my panties that were now saturated.

The slight chill of Matty's fingertips sliding under the band made me wince. Bucking my hips, eagerly as he removed them before standing above me.

I bit my lip at his length almost ripping through the fabric of his jeans, watching as he unbuckled them and a big thud hit the floor. His shaft fleeing free and my eyes widening. He was huge.

He grabbed at my ankle, moving my leg a bit. Crawling over me, centering himself. My breath hitching as his cock was close to my entry. His hand caressed my cheek, his thumb running along it before he planted a kiss on my lips.

He slid his tip inside, making a back and forth notion through my center before pushing himself in me. I winced as pain ripped like a papercut but only for seconds. Matty watching me as he was aware and waited for me to adjust to his hard vast cock. Taking his time, gradually wallowing out into pleasure and moans fell from my lips.

Matty's moans and groans were enough to set me to the edge before I was even close. My name sounding singsong off the tip of his tongue. His lips barely moving from mine. Swelling from the war they were losing. My nails running down his back proving the fight.

His pace slow at first till commands were made. Sensual, rough thrusts pouring into me as I was losing my mind at every second of it. "Matty" I breathed against his lips before they kissed mine again. Trembling under his touch, feeling my legs shaking before they wrapped around him.

Closing my eyes when ecstasy was nearing, my back rising as I arched it and his hands slipping behind. Bringing me closer, digging deeper till there was no more space. Generously hitting my spot, four letter words falling from my mouth as my chest heaved through moans.

He took me by surprise when he flipped us over, I was straddling him now. "Slow." He said, then as I obeyed. My hips grinding against his, never feeling such arouse like this. Never watching someone watch me so intently. His lips curling in thrill.

His hands went from my hips till they found my breasts. Arching my back again and leaning my hands back on his knees. His one hand trailing down when his thumb reached my clit, planting little circles on it.

I screamed. Piercing my own drums, I could've sworn someone heard me. So enthralled by the way he touched. So selfless and engulfed as his eyes never left. While I was feeling myself engulf into flames.

I reached for his hand, that met for seconds before he sat up. Moving them around his neck, his around my waist, guiding me as he kissed along my jaw.

"Fuck" He moaned against my neck before looking back at me, "You're so beautiful." One hand moving hair from my face when it cupped my cheek pulling my lips to his.

The light was nearing, my body shaking as it moved against his "I'm going to come." I moaned between breaths, bringing Matty's attention back to me when he watched the motion of our bodies.

"Let me help you" He said, like he wasn't doing enough already. His hands grabbing my back and flipping us over. Matty then moved one of my legs over his shoulder. Kissing me again before he thrusted into me, taking me by surprise.

Mixing in with the pressure of my peak reaching. "Oh my god" I moaned again, a bit loud as I went to cover my lips. Matty taking my hands and held them above me. "None of that, Lu." He breathed, "None of that." He repeated, then before his lips hit my neck.

Feeling his hands everywhere as he thrusted, "Come for me" His breath grazing my mouth, watching his eyes grow rich golds and browns around his dilated pupils as he nearing with me. His thrusts becoming sloppy and erratic, but perfectly hitting me generously. He was growing close, feeling his shaft quiver in the surroundings of my walls. Starting to feel myself boil as the tingles began from my toes. Intensity sky rocking as I came, screaming into the airwaves in pleasure.

My limp arms falling around Matty's neck as he spilled into me shortly after. Watching his brows furrow and his lips form o's before they formed a language with mine.

Moaning my name repeatedly against the nook of my neck before his lips branded it. I never had someone kiss me as much as Matty. Let alone let me go first and watch me as I did so. His thrusts riding us out before he removed himself and fell to the side of me and pulling me closer.

"He's never going to like me." His voice vibrating my ear as I laid on his chest. Listening to the beat of his ticker and his breath beginning to calm. Matty's fingers running along my bare back.

I leaned up to get a better view of this boy that I was falling two steps ahead for. His soft brown eyes now looking at mine as I ran my fingers through his curls fanned against his pillow.

I smirked, peaking his lips. "He's not going to like me either." I remarked, my eyes trailing to his tattoo that was now being traced by my index. "Why's that?" He asked, feeling him raise his brow.

"I think I might be late for class tomorrow." I explained, meeting Matty's gaze as a smirk curled at the ends of his lips.

"I believe you might be right." His hand reaching my cheek, before pulling me down to another kiss leftover lingering his lips.

Surely I was, amicably and utterly late for class.

[jojoreadwhat]

christmas eve will find me, where the love light gleams. / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

- One Week Later: Winter Break

Lucy's POV.

A White Christmas in White Plains. Running on two hours of sleep as the night before when my brother stayed in my room. Watching Christmas shows and singing along to all the carols. Anxiously waiting but falling asleep before we could hear the thuds of the sleigh on our rooftop. Hoping to hear the goodbyes of the bells jingling as Santa went on with his tight schedule.

Only to be woken up by my enthusiastic mother, her emerald green eyes shining like the green lights hanging in our living room. My eyes meeting the grays of outside. My nose meeting the tickle of her peppermint tea. Tenderly nudging us awake as Christmas had finally arrived. My dad peering into the room as his big arms wrapped around me. Scooping me up from my snug bed, my mother pulling Eric by the hand as the child in her led us to the excitement around the tree.

The ivory colored living room glistened in a parade of different colors. Red, green, pink and blue draped along the ceiling. Paper snowflakes, oddly shaped from my brother and I hanging from the ropes. Tinsel swirled in between, smiling at the reminisce of watching my mom and dad struggling to hang it all over the day after Thanksgiving.

Standing tall with five points in gold shining on the top to guide us home like the North Star. The multi-colored evergreen tree was adorned with different ornaments all over from when we decorated it the night before. Strings of colored beads and garlands hugging around it. Watching as the Lionel toy train road choo-chooed around the track on the snow-like tree skirt.

Exuberance running high. Oh's and ah's coming from Eric and I's jumpy voices as we opened all the things from our letters to Santa. Beaming from ear to ear as we talked the night before of all the things we hoped for. Were being eagerly unwrapped from pretty patterned paper.

I sat in front of the fireplace, my feet pretzel legged under me. In the new footies I got the night before. Patterned with unicorns and rainbows. Eric assumptions being right as I brushed the hair of my Lil Miss Magic. Watching the brush turn her from pink to purple to blonde in seconds. In a daze that it was in my hands in the first place.

Listening to the synthetic sounds of Eric's blue Gameboy that he asked for all year. Giggling as he lost to his game of Pokemon. Stuffing our faces with the fresh baked goods Santa failed to finish.

Looking over at my dad in his red flannel pajamas, complimented with a Santa hat to match his slight grey beard. Nodding off on the couch every once in a while, as early mornings caught up with him. Only for them to be woken up when my mother came in from the kitchen. The aroma from the pineapple glazed ham followed her from being prepared for dinner.

Taking a seat next to my dad, watching as the couch sunk as she relaxed. I found myself admiring my mom. Looking so pretty. Her long dark chocolate hair, hanging over her shoulder blade. Wearing this red long silky nightgown with a chunky white knit duster. Her smile glistening with the silver and golds in the room. Just before her lips met the brim of her oversized purple mug. Indulging in it all as we found Christmas to be our favorite holiday.

++

The resemblance of the gray overcast back home, peered through the windows in London. I woke up with that memory playing out in my mind. Closing my blue eyes as it clashed with the gray. Only to go back to remembering fifteen years ago like it was yesterday.

From the glowing excitement of our abundance of gifts and treats. How my brother let take a turn on his scooter that my mom gave up on telling him not to ride in the house. My heart beating so fast as I road around the couch. Feeling my heart suddenly warm up when my dad intertwined his fingers with hers. Muttering little 'I love you's' and sharing a kiss or two as the joy overlaid.

It was the first lesson I was giving in love. How it should feel, what it should look like. That you didn't need to just love one thing as everything around went and you felt it all at once. As long as that same warm feeling progressed inside you each time, you were in love.

I was beginning to feel this warmth again as chills overwhelmed the exposed skin where Matty's duvet missed.

I would've never known that one slipping glance and a misstep into a pool would land me here. Land me falling ever so hard into the depths of Matty. Completely symmetrical as he was so much more than just this boy persuading a mystery. A boy of rare perception when he spoke, only to realize how misleadingly radiant he was behind his dark disposition.

Focusing on where that gleamed feeling was coming from as he stood peering out the window. His dark chocolate curls slightly lax and napped from his neglect to brush them. Gazing as they frolicked, noticing how they were beginning to meet his shoulders. Shirtless in his famous black jeans below his back dimples. Smiling as I recalled the light pink markings on his back from the night before.

Observing as his muscles danced everytime his hand roused to his mouth. Smoke illuminating from those alluring lips I craved. Colliding with the dark roasted essence swirling into the airwaves from the mug in his hand. I was in awe with his stance. Unaware of my awaken presence in the room as it was my turn to commend.

Disappearing into my arrangement of thoughts. I hadn't realized that Matty had caught a glimpse of me staring till I heard the light clatter of his mug hitting his dresser. Putting out his cigarette in a glass of water.

"Morning," He smiled, then. "Did you sleep well?" As a little hum vibrated through my lips. Tilting my head against the pillow. Watching the rise and fall of his body as he dampened the mattress. Parting my legs with his knees. Crawling till his figuration was poised over me and a hand caressing over my jaw.

He pressed his lips to mine, "Last night was fun." He recalled, my reflecting in my mind as we laid on his bed in the early hours.

Laughing and carrying on as the alcohol consumed and the weed lightened the dark for us. Smoke and wine on our breath, stinging as my lips were still swollen. Eternally glowing down as I looked beyond to the wall that Matty had me pinned to. Remembering how it felt when I was a mess under his tender touch that held me, became raw and potent.

My body being extinguished of any lingering slumber as his lips rejuvenated my senses. Tingling my skin as they trailed down my jaw and to my neck. My lips falling open as they disclosed in a soft whimper sound. Feeling his own form into a heart before his brown eyes met mine.

"Round two, maybe?" He smirked, my cheeks mixing crimson on a empty palette. I sighed, longing for the matter to build again. Only time was catching up far too quickly.

I ran my fingers through his hair, feeling him slightly weigh into my palm at the touch. "We have to leave soon." I reminded, then. Today being the day I'd bring Matty home for all my family to meet. Soon stepping foot into New York on Christmas Eve.

I watched Matty's eyes fleet to the red lit clock, till they deviously meet mine. Settling my hands on his broad shoulders. Flipping him to where I straddled his frame, his bewilderment getting the best of him. Feeling him rising under my ache, his hands resting to my waist.

"I believe we've got enough time." He said, peering up at me with a smirk. Moving one of his hands to the exposed skin of my thigh beneath the sheet I gathered. Becoming a canvas under his finger as he made little infinities, even marking me with an 'M'. It's simplicity nearing me to let it all happen and unravel.

I sighed, "No we don't." Tracing the embracing hands of the tattoo on his chest. "Why's that?" He questioned, tugging at the blanket slightly.

My blue eyes turning pure glass as they looked back him. Biting my lip at the thoughts that cascaded through my mind in that moment, "Because" I began, my hands trailing down his chest to his navel. My selfish need getting the best of me as I gently rested on him. "There's not enough time for what I'd like to do."

Watching his lids fall and brows furrow. His plump lips flat lining as a raspy hum vibrated through them. His eyes rich in golds and browns as the glared at me, my body jolting over him as he sat up. His lips not even centimeters away, feeling the warmth of his breath.

"Your dad is not going to like this corruption I've caused." He smiled before pressing those lips to mine. Giggling in between collisions, wrapping my arms around his neck. Tangling my fingers into his hair, before I brought my eyes to his, fixing the disarray. "He's not going to like that I enjoy it." I smirked. Feeling chill against my chest as Matty slipped open my sheet, using it to pull me closer to him. "Now, let's get ready before I purposely make time."

----------------------------------------------

Matty's POV.

I sat anxiously on the edge of my seat during the flight. Unfamiliarly nervous as it wasn't the idea of being up astronomically in height. Instead when I would be taking two feet onto the unknown grounds of New York. Doing so many things in my twenty-five year life-span. Not once thinking that meeting the family of a girl I was falling amicably for. Would have me in such a rut, mentally rehearsing how to even say 'hello' and not sound ludicrous.

I was charming needless to say as I yield at the bombarding sounds of my own horn. I got along with many, all different types of people as I clinged to others so easily. Feeding the idea of attention I loved and wanted others to devour.

Specially with mothers as my mystic, dark persona had them wishing they were eighteen again. Truly living the idea of the bad boy image they only imagined. One sided as the fathers were never much of a fan because I reminded them of themselves. Leisurely taking hearts and moving on to the next when the sound became to familiar.

That was an old retrospect of me. Sure I wore the same leather jacket, paraded in metal, grunge band shirts. Smoked like a chimney and liked lying in the wonders of a woman. All still potent on the exterior as the interior was becoming a bit more velvet. Finding this comfortable closeness with another, enjoying the beat of the eternal drum that played on.

I looked over at this walk of life I crossed paths with. Her Buddy Holly glasses resting on the brim of her nose. Sitting comfortably with her tight covered legs under her jean shorts crossed over the other. Smiling at the loose green and white flannel she fished out of my closet that fit her perfectly. Complimenting the Jane Austen lithographic shirt tucked in. A book in her lap as her eyes grazed upon the lines, waiting as she silently thought unaware.

Lucy was implementing a part of me that did not see the light of day before the night I met her. Never in a million thinking I'd be flying across the pond. Looking for approval of the ones who brought up this, so extraordinarily unreal human. Situated so calmly as she already found acceptance when she found the same closure in me.

I brushed back the dark loose hairs falling from her messy bun, slipping them behind her ear. Derailing her from her oblivion till her eyes met mine, perfectly lined with a point at the end. Shined in bright blues with gold around her pupil. Squinting a bit as her cheeks rose with the curl of her lightly coral lips.

"Hey," She greeted, closing the book she folded the page to. Bringing her little hand over my hand on the arm rest. "We're almost there." I replied, then. Watching as she tried to mask a big smile, failing terribly but ever so sweet.

++

When we arrived to the airport, we were immersed into the heavy crowd. Observing all the ricocheting sounds and all the gatherings. Seeing all the families being brought into light, hugging tight as some just arrived like Lucy and I. Some also heading out to another place from here, thinking about how I almost would've been like the ones left behind. Feeling the rush of the holidays as they all wanted to settle in the glowing rafts of home.

Lucy being one of them as eagerly pulled me along. Her hand intertwined with mine as she led. Scanning impatiently for the two people she was longing to see. "Where are they?" She questioned, looking behind and past me as she tried covering all her bases.

Only to hear her gasp when she spotted a little sign reading "Sunshine has arrived in the grays of White Plains!" Watching her face light up ironically brighter than the lights in the place. Dropping my hand as she ran her family, trailing behind swiftly as I felt my heart beating uncontrollably.

She leaped into the arms of a tall, slender building of a brunette. Her brother, Eric that I heard nothing but fond memories about. How he showed her her first Smiths record. Saving up money for the complete season of Friends, that she quotes all the time. His light hazel eyes closing as he hoisted her up, evident that he missed her just as much. "Hey there kid!" He greeted, steadily placing her back on the ground.

"Look at you! Have you grown an inch or two?" He began, Lucy sucking in her teeth at the unbelievable recognition. Watching as his bright smile became soft in the sight of me. Diverting our glance as Lucy brought her attention the other man along side Eric, her father.

Lucy talked about how her dad barely has spoken since she has left. Mainly because he was still trucking after twenty years. Finding new places he hadn't seen in his years on the road. Trying to find time to call in as he did so, but she also knew that her being the one away this time. Was just as hard on him as it was on her.

"Hey dad," She croaked a bit, wrapping her arms around the tall man. His beard completely coated peppered around his mouth.

Standing taller than her brother, in light blue denim jacket. His red flannel shirt playing peek-a-boo at the collar, embracing his only little girl in his long, broad arms. "So glad to see you home." His southern accent mixed with New York tongue.

When he migrated up the states when his heart found home with a exciting, city waitress. Tightening his arms once more with a peck on her head before she pulled away. Lucy put her hand into mine, blushing as it became aware she's never brought a boy home.

"Matty, this is my brother Eric and my dad Jerry." She introduced, then. "Guys, this is Matty.. My boyfriend." Sensing my cheeks starting to warm as the words fell from her mouth like she's been practicing. Seeing her face flush as she looked worried I'd protest, but never in the slightest when all I wanted her to do was say it again.

I shook hands with the two gentlemen, firm and strong. Slightly intimidated at any moment I could mess up and they could have my ass. Only to begin to feel relived when Eric flung his arm around my shoulder, "So, my sister says you're in a band?"

++

Lucy's childhood home was very quaint. Dressed up in Christmas lights against the light shade of blue, cascading on the block with a white porch front. Gushing with happy filled memories before you placed your foot on the first step. Nothing compared to the slight mansion of mine back home Cheshire. That lost all of it's fuzzy magic when my parents split.

She had taken me on a tour as we put our luggage in her childhood room. Stories were hanging on the walls, pictures of Lucy, Eric, her mother and father paraded. Listening to Lucy beaming as she told some in passing. Her first time riding a bike at seven. First day of high school. The corgi that use to prance along the wooden floors. All different events that paved Lucy's life, all sharing one thing similar as that same bright smile glistened.

Eventually settling after a slight induce food coma from her dad's home cook meal. I sat on the cream sofa in the olive green living room. String lights dangling from the ceiling, Lucy's fond memories painted clearly as her father and brother tried recreating the arrangement of snowflakes like her mother would.

"Remember when you spilled all the mod podge!" Lucy recalled around the oddly round evergreen as Eric and her continued on traditions of decorating the tree on Christmas Eve. Leaning up onto her tippy toes to hook an ornament near the top. Admiring a little shiny red ball with a tiny fingerprints disguised as snowmen as it twirled on the hook in my hands.

Eric trying to wrap garland around the tree, only to be defeated when he remembered Lucy's summon. "Yeah, and then you put your hand in glitter that took weeks to get off" He remarked, her little angelic laugh bantering as she threw a candy cane at him in protest.

Reminiscing on all the various ornaments that were made when they were kids. Glancing at Lucy who would dance around the tree to all the carols she remembered. In her first gift of night a red and white snowflake pajama set that was slightly too big. Matching the red flannel set that the gentlemen had given me. Pulling me up to help with some of the tall places. Taking her hands into mine as we swayed to the jolly harmonies.

When the tree was lit up, dolled in pretty lights. Overloaded with ornaments and garlands hugging around. Lucy put on a kettle of water for her mother, Emma's famous peppermint tea. Sparsing it between the three of us as her father made an exit to meet some of his pals earlier on. Getting caught up in a game of questions as her brother asked about my band, what I was studying and bonding as we talked Quentin Tarantino films.

He took the last sip of his mug, before letting out a gulping sigh in delight. His hazel eyes trailing as he ran his finger of the rim of the cup. "I miss her a lot." He bluntly stated, Lucy smirking a bit as she grabbed his hand. "Me too. But she's here, always." She reassured when she looked back at the tree. Taking a double glance when she realized her mother's gold star was not placed on the top.

"I'll help you." I exclaimed before she went to explain. Smiling at how I was observant in her flee of thoughts. She went over to the mantel where the star with a string sat. Straightening it out a bit as it was becoming old in age, only to cherished till it couldn't uphold anymore.

With one swift move, I bent down to till I grabbed Lucy's thighs that rested on my shoulders. Watching her little arms outstretch and place the topper, perfectly straight and aligned. Setting her back down on the cricks of the wooden floor.

Eric smiled in awe, "He's a keeper, Lu!" He remarked, walking back in from the kitchen. His cargo tan jacket in hand, "I'm heading to Marco's for some drinks. Want to come?" He offered, then. "They sure miss ya." Adding, placing the jacket on one arm at a time.

"I'd love to, but I'm very tired from my trip." Lucy excused, fixing the collar of his jacket. Eric nodded, "What about you, Matty? I'm sure the guys would love to hear about your music." He asked, smiling lightly at his kind gesture. "I think I'm going to turn in as well. You know, jetlag." I replied, smiling with a nod.

I helped Lucy in the kitchen after her brother left to gallivant. Her running and soaping them up under the warm water. "So, this visit isn't bad after all." She remarked, recalling the days before inching to our flight.

Fabricating different scenarios as to why my appearance would be a havoc. I took the dishes Lucy finished washing over with a cloth to dry and put them on the dish drainer. "It's only been four fours." I reminded.

Leaning my back against the counter as I watched her wipe down the kitchen. She chuckled a bit, smirking at my response. Watching as she gliding the rag around the sink. "My brother offering you out for drinks is a big deal." She replied, draping the rag over the faucet. She stood in front of me, wrapping her little arms around my waist. Planting her head against my chest "Trust me, they like you." She said reassuringly, before leaning up to kiss my chin.

++

Lucy and I retreated to her room. With a faded coat of pink fluorescing off the panels. Old artwork hanging scattered in the mix of transition as she got older. Her love for music progressing with The Beatles to PJ Harvey. Showing off the books that were far too many for her tiny room back in London. Connecting her fascination for a dim room with twinkle lights replicating the ones over the tapestry in her flat.

I lied within the purple sheets of her princess bed. Spooning her to my chest, feeling the hum of her body as it rose and fell steadily. Tracing a bit of her side with my fingertips as the hem of her shirt shifted. Listening to her huff when she aimlessly flipped through the channels. Each every other showing the same Christmas flick.

I went to reach for the remote in her hands when a famously recognizable knock sounded off the TV. Watching the little ginger singsonging to her sister through the door. To come out and build a snowman with her.

"Don't change this!" I insisted as I seen her finger graze the next button. Lucy looked back at me, "You like Frozen?" She questioned, then. Only to answer her back when I picked up from the chorus. Dramatically raising my hand in the air as I sang along.

Mouthing all the words to my favorite scenes and songs. Pressing my lips to her cheek, her neck and leaving her in stitches. Watching as Ana, Kristoff, Olaf and Svan went searching for Elsa to end the icy spell casted over Arendelle.

We lied there as the movie began to near towards the end. Ana turning to ice as she learned the powers she had no control over, protecting her sister Elsa from Hans. Hearing a light sniffle of Lucy's nose as the movie captured her heart like it did mine. Watching her gaze in glee when the ice melted over Ana, breaking the spell and putting Arendelle back to normal for the rest of coronation.

Ana and Kristoff finally realizing what they had in front of them after the time they spent with each other. Turning Lucy to face me in perfect timing--

"I could kiss you. I could. I mean, I'd like to. I–may I? We me? I mean, may we? Wait, what?" I repeated after Kristoff. Implementing a totally different form of kissing as it fell from my lips. Turning off the TV by the remote before I brought my attention back.

I looked down at her as she gazed back at me in question. "What?" She asked, then. Tilting her head against the pillow behind her.

"What's wrong?" She asked again, her naivety kicking in as I was silent. My mind, not so much.

That was the thing, nothing was wrong. Or that was my issue that nothing was wrong. Everything was right, it felt good and it scared me shitless. I had so many things running through my mind. What could go wrong during or after this but right now was all I was worried about and the words that have been hanging of the edge of my tongue for weeks.

Feeling her hands moving the curls from my face as I snapped back to reality. Feeling okay and nervous all at once. Meeting her eyes with mine again before I sat up.

"I love you." I said, then. Her blue eyes widening with every syllable that fell from my lips. "It's been weighing over my mind for a while now, it's something I've never experienced before." I began, "I can't quite put my thumb on it. The feeling just grows and I love you."

Lucy was just starring, listening to me mumble before she sat up. Smiling and growing closer to me.

"I can't explain much of it either." She said, "but I love you too." And feeling the weight lift before I pulled her even closer and kissed her.

[jojoreadwhat]

GOOD GIRLS / p.j.k. x OFC story

table of contents

One

Two (coming soon)

[jojoreadwhat]

something infinitely interesting / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Matty's POV.

Mornings were never my favorite. Mornings were cold in the grays of London most of the time. When the sun would dance across wall panels, they were enjoyable. Only if you didn't have obligations of going to work or class. The worst were the ones where you didn't know where you were and how you got there in the first place.

Lying in a different bed that didn't form to your body like the one you owned. Looking at a person you knew you had made bad decisions with. Different variations of women. Some blonde, some brunette or fire red. The occasional pinks and blues.  Covers exposed their complexions, those cliches of tattoos or oddly shapes birthmarks.

Many of them I could never get the first letter of their name to roll off my tongue properly. Most usually asleep when I rummaged to find my belongings of the fun the prior night, many seeing me off on my walk of shame. Saying goodbye, 'last night was fun' or the simple 'call me' without even a number to reciprocate that type of request.

Then there were mornings as I lied in my own bed. The women rummaging my room with the same thoughts as mine. Looking for the bra I clasped off in one wince of my finger. The shirt that I may had loosened buttons to. Watching them discreetly as they would sit on my bed or the chair near my window, one shoe at a time before they'd say goodbye, occasionally being a gentlemen and seeing them out. But like most, they'd leave without a word and I was perfectly okay with that.

Mornings were changing recently though. I was waking up early now, willingly. The warmth that I never wanted to abandon from my duvet. Now was a small frame fitting into the crevices of mine. My face nestled in the lively scent of lavender intertwined in her golden brown hair. Waking up my senses like the fresh brew of Dark Roast that once use to be Colombian. Beginning to acquire a new taste for it once Lucy began staying over more frequent.

Often finding myself pulling her closer to my chest, resting to the patterns of her steady breathing. As slumber took her by the hands and had her wander that colorful mind full of different worlds like a map. One I was beginning to mark all the favorite places I had experienced from it and would love to visit when she'll let me.

There were mornings where she was facing me. Giving me time before she would wake up. Letting my eyes go on a adventure, without her questioning why. Enjoying how she was so beautiful and yet so unaware of it. Her brown hair falling around her face wildly as her hair beret tried to tame it.

My calloused fingers picking up a mind of their own as they pursued on a journey. Tracing every sharp edge or roundness of her bone structure that lied beneath her flawless ivory skin. Grazing her exposed skin that quickly goosebumps at my touch.

Tracing that feather tattoo along her collarbone or the lips that left this lingering cherry taste against mine. Admiring how good she looked in my clothes I let her wear when staying over wasn't the original plan.

++

This morning being slightly different when I heard soft sounds of one of my records spinning faintly. My white walls covered in my arrays of posters, looking slightly gray from the smoke meeting the sky. The bright ray of sunshine was standing near my dresser, looking at herself in the black frame mirror above it. Her dainty fingers fixing her hair.

I smiled at her. Watching as she slightly swayed to what was turning, her hips hugged by dark denim jeans. Wearing one of my big over sized jumpers, my favorite one with the slit at the shoulder blade. Enjoying how comfortable she was becoming with me.

Quietly without warning, I leaned up out of the duvet till I could grab a hold of the black worn out fabric. A little yipe slipping from those succulent lips. My lips attacking the exposed skin of her neck as I pulled her close.

"I have work." She cried slightly above a whisper. Her soft fingertips tracing the tattoo on the arm I had embraced over her torso. "I don't think Ms. Watkins would mind." I remarked, smiling at the little giggle that immersed. She then turned her whole body around to face me.

Her blue eyes meeting mine before I leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose. "I don't think she would," She agreed with a sigh, "But it's a crucial week, I bet the aisles are swamped at this moment." It was the last week for all exams, assignments due. Anything else to keep credits and GPAs above high waters. It was also nearing when I would see Lucy off at the airport as she was going to spend the holidays at home. Trying desperately to push that thought further as I pulled her closer.  

Her fingers twirled into my nest of curls before her lips waltz with mine. The bed feeling chill every second she roused from laying in my arms. Watching as she slipped her cargo jacket on along with her bag. "I made you coffee." She pointed, then. Grabbing her phone off my nightstand. I sighed, playfully laying on her side.

"I don't want that." I muttered, my brown eyes meeting hers with a smirk. Her cheeks matching her rosy lips. "I know." Now bending down to kiss me again, "I'll see you in class." Watching her walk out the door.

-----------------------------------------

Lucy's POV.

I sat slouched back in my chair in with the off shade white hall of Woman Studies. Watching Professor Mullen walk around in her floral blue dress. Her long brown hair painted with highlights to the middle of her back. Swaying with every step she took. Talking about several books we had read in under a ten slide span as the crucial notes paraded along the screen. Slyly repeating how 'important' this exam would for our final payoff.

I should've been paying attention. My mind racing from the third cup of caffeine I've consumed in the past hour and a half. Note pads open with my laptop brighter than the gray skies. Everything set up and ready for my hands to run across the keys and prepare.

None of it grasping my focus like my phone with repeated flowers on the case. Lighting up with the distraction sitting in the next lecture hall. Vibrating with the continuous conversation that we had left on back in Creative Writing.

Matty:  "If I had my way we'd sleep every night all wrapped around each other like hibernating rattlesnakes."

It read as Matty kept playing trivial with quotes. Smiling at the Burroughs quote because it was quite clear on what it indicated.

Lucy: Burroughs at his finest... I miss you too.

Running my hand over my forearm of the fabric that radiated of Matty's heavenly musk. Wishing I had called out and stayed immersed in it. Thinking back at the way I was engulfed into bed before I left. My hand moving from the fabric as it grazed the skin that Matty kissed last.

Matty: Maybe not as much as I do you.

Longingly looking over at the navy framed clock hanging on as it's arms moved slowly to the next hour. Professor Mullen's gritty voice echoing in my brain when I didn't want it nowhere near.

Like majority of this class, I was finding my mind trailing. Thinking about all the ups and downs the final outcome would payoff. I knew I had this all covered, my credits were still good. My grades flying high in vivid color like the flight I would be taking home next week for the Holidays.

Unsure why I was thinking about them in the first place as the reminisce of going back home payed a visit. Feeling this sudden warmth about hugging Eric and my dad after my time away. Visiting my favorite bookstore and coffee house in town. Nostalgia on the rise as it caught the curl of my lips.

It was sure going to be so nice to see them again. Decorate the tree on Christmas Eve and watch all the old carols. I sighed, it was mixed with the happiness of stepping foot back into New York and then the one thought I was trying to keep far.

I was going to be away from Matty for a week after being around him since I've arrived in London.

My last video chat with Eric. I finally confessed up to him about Matty. It was never a conversation I had prepared for, thanks to the extra push of tags on Facebook. My brother's reaction was not what I expected, he was happy for me instead of getting on the next plane to London. Insisting that I invite him on my flight back to home.

I hadn't brought it up yet that the offer was there. But I thought about it a lot. When I was wrapped up in Matty till the alarm wasn't being patient. That, that was going to be terribly missed back home.

When I looked at my leather bound that I used to paint murals of London. Just screaming as it was nearing to be replaced. All entries just filled to brim, with him being a lead character through out. Needing him there as I explained because there was no ways to explain or describe the ways he had over me or how his stubble tickled when he kissed me.

Professor Mullen dismissed us, reminding us one more time of the exam and it's importance. Closing out my programs and shoving all my things into my bag. Reminding myself of the text that Matty was waiting for me at the cafe.

[jojoreadwhat]

i didn't get much sleep last night, but that's alright. / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Warning: Drug use.

Lucy's POV.

The hem of my grey sweater roused above my skirt when I outstretched my arm. Placing a hardback onto the top shelf of the book case. The light dust dancing against the sun peering from the large windows.

It was a sunny Saturday morning at the library, restocking shelves and taking in the serenity of a now typical weekend for me. Watching a variation of students spending their time during my cover. I couldn't complain as the nostalgic thoughts of being back in New York came waltzing into my mind.

I had another thing invading my mind in the process. The recurrence of events from a few days ago.

When I kissed Matty.

I. With my own gut and feelings. Kissed Matty without him knowing it would happen. Took the plunge and not caring if would lead to good or bad. Believe it or not, it took a better turn than I had anticipated when his lips moved along with mine shortly after the big move. And I still seen him the next day. I've been containing the excitement and relief until now while I restocked books. Still feeling the lingering tingle that grazed my lips whenever I thought about it. Leaving a small smirk planted on my face.

"Someone is happy today." Matilda comment startling me from my thoughts. I nodded, "Yeah, I was just thinking about a joke told yesterday." Fibbing through my teeth, but she knew that it wasn't that in the slightest. "Mhmm," She replied, taking clipboard of the list of check outs placed back on the shelf. I realized her presence meant I'd be clocking soon.

Sooner than later, actually.

"Well I'm here and there's only a few students now studying." She announced, making a new pile of books. "You can head out earlier than scheduled."

I didn't waste time.Before leaving UNI I stopped by the school's cafe to see it had closed 20 minutes before. Defeated and feening for another coffee. I knew of nothing close, which gave me a good reason to head to the tube and into the city.

++

When I had stepped onto the platform and walked up the stairs from the underground. I was greeted with the sun and the rush of the weekenders. The same crazy amount of people that New York would've had on a day like this. Busy enjoying the day venturing the city but in different aspects architecturally and minus all the bright boards.

I pulled out my phone for a second to lead me to the nearest bookstore from where I stood. The first one listed was independently owned and had a small coffee shop inside. All traded and used books, I was completely floored and cozy here. I sat in one of the aisles, reading some Walt Whitman material, as recommended.

Spending majority of my afternoon in First Chapter Books. Weaving in and out of the other genres they offered. Soon my visit came to a close after two coffees and a mint edition purchase.

I took advantage of the time I had left, finding another coffee shop but for a bagel this time.. and another coffee of course. I then found myself in One World Thrift, trying on a few knit sweaters. Finding a cute backpack that had pretty embroidered florals all over it. The employee working there was so much help, bringing me more sweaters and wouldn't stop complimenting my scarf.

I was now heading back to the tube when I seen a sign above that read 'Rocket Records' shrugging to myself that one more store wouldn't hurt.

When I entered the place, it echoed sounds of earlier Death Cab For Cutie. It was dressed head to toe with records and posters along the walls. With a huge island of crates holding more records down the center of the room. Watching some people going through them. I was soon greeted from the counter before I moved further into the place and to the alternative section.

-----------------------------------

Matty's POV.

I hate getting stuck with backroom duties. Sorting out the new shipment we received earlier this morning. Watching all the cheesy new upcoming groups making their ways to our shelves. For all the hipster, Instagram obsessed teenagers could come in. Taking snap shots without buying and messing up our conversions. Sounds a bit narcissistic for being in a band that could hit shelves like these. I just always had my judgments of hitting it 'big' I guess.

Humming along to what the boss had playing and tagging everything. I was starting a new pile when Jimmy came in and asked if I could cover the front. I brought out what I had done so far, lots of restocks of yesterday's new releases. The place only had about four people nearby, two sets of couples.. until I spotted the one I couldn't stop thinking about.

Lucy was looking through the back. One hand occupied by a record she was reading, the other holding little bags. I smiled as I watched her cross her stocking covered ankles before she moved along.

"That's their best." I commented, watching her shoulders jolt from startling her. She looked over at me, before setting down the record. "A fan?" She replied, then. Turning to face me now, I shrugged at her question first, "Some what, but that's probably my favorite by far."

She nodded, taking into consideration the note. "What brings you here?" She asked, I chuckled. Waving the tag gun, watching her cheeks grow red. "I could ask the same." Smirking at her naivety.

We got to talking a little bit, she asked about how the day was going. Telling her how Jimmy was being a bloke and I couldn't help but smile as she chuckled at the nickname. She walked with me as I continued to tag a few more things, telling me about her findings and adventures. Soon it grew silent for a moment, but I could tell something was on her tip of her tongue.

"What are you doing later?" She asked, looking at the time on her watch before back at me. "I don't know," I replied, pausing from my work. "What did you have in mind?"

This was completely different coming from Lucy. I could tell she was a bit nervous about it, reading her face as she thought about it. It was adorable.

"Why don't you stop by? I could order a pizza, we could watch a movie?" She suggested, then. Searching my face for relief, I smiled. "Sounds perfect." I replied, "I'll see you around 7?" Making sure the timing was right.

Shortly then, Jimmy was asking for my assistance, but she nodded in time, "Okay." before I excused myself and I kissed her cheek.

++

Jimmy was trying to get me to stay late even with opening this morning. There was no way in hell. Luckily I fought that and was able to grab a pizza and wine before heading to Lucy's.

When I pulled up to her house, the windows were dark except for one upstairs.

Me: "Hey, still up for company and pizza?"

I texted Lucy, seeing that her phone must've went off when I seen a shadow pass the window.

Blue: "Of course, what's up?" She double texted, then.

Me: "Cool, cause the pizza is getting cold and so am I" I wrote back as I stood at her door. Hearing the commotion of her coming down the stairs and the locks clicking.

"Hey, I thought I was buying pizza?" She questioned, I shrugged. "I made a nice commission today. It's my treat" I explained, then. "I also brought wine." She just shook her head, "You and your wine." She stated, taking the bag off the box and moving to let me in.

I followed Lucy up the steps, Her long cardigan swaying with every bounce made onto the cricking wood. Little ways down the hall leading us to a door with a big Nirvana poster covering it.

"Sorry it's a bit messy." She announced before she opened and led me in.

Lucy had turned down the music from her turntable, placing the bag of wine on her nightstand before turning towards me. Her purple long cardigan hanging loosely against her small frame. Tightly bounded by her grey cami that exposed her new feather tattoo along her left collarbone.

I silently asked where to place the box before the curves of her black covered legs in tights began to fold under her on the bed. "Right here is fine." She smiled, taking the box from my hands as I followed suit. Kicking off my shoes and sitting pretzel legged across from her.

We ate a few slices among each other, taking subtle glances and smiling from time to time. I'd chuckle whenever she lost the running cheese that didn't want to stay on her slice. Watching her pick up with her fingers and savor it.

Afterwards, I stood up to open the bottle of wine. Taking a swig before I handed it to Lu. Fishing my pockets for my pack of fags with a few spliffs I saved.

Lucy was flipping the record, "Mind if I smoke?" Gesturing I'd open a window first. She shook her head before she took a double look at what I was going to smoke. "Is that a blunt?" She questioned, I nodded. "Is that okay?.." I spoke again.

"Yeah yeah, I was just wondering." She explained before going back to what she was doing. Leading me to believe, she's never smoked before. "Blue?" I said, "Hmm" She hummed.

"Have you ever?" I asked, she looked up at me again. She shook her head. "No, not for any reason. Just never got around to it."

I then brought the spliff to my lips, opening my zippo and lighting it before I took a drag.

"Here," I offered. She looked at me like I was crazy at first, but then took it between her fingers. "I'm not gonna like die or something, am I?" She joked, I just chuckled and shook my head. "It's great, I promise." I replied, watching her placing it on her lips and inhale. Like a natural.

++

I never thought I'd see Lucy intoxicated but it was the most cutest, most silliest thing (in a good way) I had ever witnessed. Filling the room with her sweet laugh against the smells of our own party. She was playing her favorite records, swaying around the little space she had in her room.

I sat on her bed, smoking a cigarette. Smiling, watching as she enjoyed herself. She caught me staring, smirking a bit before she moved closer till she stood in front of me. Her soft fingers placing themselves close to my lips. As she grabbed the cigarette hanging from them. Kissing them softly after.

I looked up at her and watched as she took a drag. Her lips puckered around the filter and her closed as she inhale. Admiring the smoke in eyes as she exhaled, my favorite thing of the night. Before she looked back down at me.

"Are you having a good time?" I asked, then. She nodded, placing the cigarette back on my lips. I took another drag before putting in the cup on the nightstand next to us.

When I brought my attention back, I noticed the pretty sparkle from the red ruby she wears everyday. Hanging against her pale complexion. I felt her watching me as my hand grazed her skin and I brought the pendant closer to see.

"This is beautiful." I commented, her reach over mine gently. "It was my mother's" She stated, the past pretense caught me off guard and I felt terrible. I looked back up at her, "I'm so sorry." I insisted, quietly. She just smiled, running her hand through my hair. "It's okay. It's kind of a long story, I'll explain it eventually." She went on, still smiling soft.

"Just first, dance with me." She said, then. The substances still inebriating her sense. I stood up towering over her as I moved her hands around my neck and mine met her waist.

Donna Lewis' "I Love You Always Forever" began playing throughout her room. We danced slow, my body molding into hers as she hugged me and brought her head to my chest. Continuing to sway and smell the lavender scent of her hair. It left us in a comfortable silence again, my mind wasn't so silent as we danced. I began to worry about where this would lead and how it would go. I wasn't scared but at the same time, I was. I had a reputation for ruining things, treating any opportunity of relationships like phases.

But as I thought about it, overthinking as any worrier does. I realized there wasn't anything to worry about. Specially when she looked at me the way she did.

"Matty?" She spoke up, softly. Bringing me back to the moment. We were still swaying, "hmm" I replied, then. Pausing as she adjusted herself to look up at me.

"Stay."

[jojoreadwhat]

i'm the best book you'll never read / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Lucy's POV.

It's been a weekend and three days since Matty tried kissing me under the stars. His breath still a lingering scent that wouldn't subside, so close to my pale skin. Laced with the red wine shared between us and the minty menthol he had threw before hovering over me. Sending this racing chill through my body that was fitting with the warmth of the wine I had consumed. His dark chocolate eyes like daggers against my crystal blues, tracing my face like transparent paper. A scene that wouldn't leave, a scene I was wish I played into instead of pause.

The words replaying in the savory tone of Matty's thick accent, 'You're not one of them' his calloused index finger running over my forehead. Moving the little strand dancing across it. 'Not in the slightest.'  Watching as his rare lips, so defined and gloss-like. Curl into this unconventional smile that was so.. inviting.

I sighed to myself, opening my eyes to the window with the picture perfect scene. Lightly shaking my head to possible mistake I had made. His strange absence painting the bigger picture that all was not the truth, that I was different in that moment. Only because I wanted more grammar rather than the tongue tied language he wanted to perform.

It was best to keep it a subtle memory, keeping me at bay for all the wonders I was expected to see in London. Matty was just an introduction to it all, starting the carpet that would lead me to all I was hoping to find here. Experience.

I looked down at my leather bound in my lap, writing the finishings of my entry before reading the watch on my wrist. Today is my first day working in the university's library. I buckled the strap of my journal, throwing it into my bag before grabbing another coffee for the walk.

++

I walked to the west wing of campus to the building separated from the rest of it, I swear the library for this campus was bigger than two mansions. Three floors full of magic aligned each shelf. A different world for a different day of the week. The smell ventilating so much that I could catch it into a jar like you would sand on a foreign beach.  

I clocked in, placing my belongings into a locker in the back. I bent down to fix the buckle of my mary jane's, before I stood in front of a community mirror. Straightening out my navy and green plaid skirt, readjusting the black tulip hem shirt following the placing of my lanyard over my neck.

Taking a breath, before going to look for my supervisor, Matilda. Blonde long haired woman approaching her fifties. Blue eyes similar to mine and this angelic face that you only seen in those old Victorian paintings in museums. With a very laid back style, a different patterned skirt everytime I seen her during study hall. Loaded with different amounts of jewelry, and smelling of fresh eucalyptus.

She was marking books with little color tags on their linings. Separating them from different genres. I lightly tapped her because you know the rules of libraries, six inch voices. She spun around with a warming smile, kind of like the one my mom gave.

"Ah, Ms. Collins. It's your first day!" She exclaimed ever so quietly.  Placing her arm around my shoulders blades as she directed me. Her light embrace warming me heavily, "I've been looking forward to working with you."

--------------------------------------------

Matty's POV.

I stood at the counter of Rocket Records as each strike of the clock moved and people browsed through the plastic wraps of wonders. I was in the mist of heading to uni when James called in a frantic. Ryan, the morning shift had an emergency to attend too. Taking me out of the terrible excuse of books and lectures. So I could stare at the girl a few rows in front.

Friday kept replaying in my head.

The way she danced to the strums of my guitar. The way her face squinted after her first sip of her drink. Her refreshed skin glistening against the neons as she came out of the ladies room. Her little hand in mine as I led her on the outskirts, buying cheap wine to watch the street lights and stars make align in her eyes. That laugh cascade over the sounds of the stale city, making it ever so bright in the night. The way she was so small laying slightly beneath me, how every bit of the details etched on her face. Were what she considered flawed, but to I so beautiful blended. Lastly how guarded her valuable heart was as her small hands barely amounted to the strong opinions running from her mouth.

I smirked in thought at the way her eyes widened when I didn't move my stance. Which them open from fear she was trying to have subside, to the curiosity of why I was still lying there. Showing that what I remarked back was the most truth I had ever spoken. She was not the red head in the bar when she seen her hands resting around me. Not the blonde that left my flat the day I found Lucy in my Creative Writings class. She was Lucy. Lucy Collins, a girl with lines to read and understand.

The little bell over the door had rang, my two friends and bandmates Ross and Adam peering from the sunny autumn breeze. Holding bags of clanking bottles and snacks as they rested them on the counter in front of me.

"It's Wednesday." I reminded. Very aware of the events taking place tonight.

Ross looked at me taken back on my greetings. "It's two days till Friday. We are just preparing." He replied, Adam chiming in beside him with a chuckle. I sighed to myself, taking the tagging gun and running along a pile.

"Is it a big one?" I asked, my mind flooding with papers due and studying to do. As much as I would be usually stoked for the midnight ride, I wasn't feeling it much.

Adam shook his head, "Preparing remember?" He remarked, resting his arms on the counter. "It's just enough for good food, good tunes and some nice company." He added, picking up a record.

"Plus, we think you should invite Lucy." Ross added once more, "She's quite the catch."

For my usual laid back, very unreadable expressions. I could feel the curl in my cheeks with only the truth filling the room. She's a definitely a catch. A catch so difficult to grasp.

----------------------------------------------

Lucy's POV.

Matilda had directed to me the front desk, giving me light duty today because we were pretty swamped. It was the middle of the next week now and there was essays and exams due. I felt all the same pain, I had a double whammy of exams on Friday that I was dreading to bits.

I worked with the computer, helping my fellow classmates if we had books available or if they had been checked out. It was definitely a sucky job, I hated the feeling knowing you didn't get to a book in time. It was like getting to class late... And naked to top it off.

Eventually it had died down. Matilda was now at the desk with me, eating peanuts and checking library check out slips.

"So Ms. Collins. What are you studying?" She asked, during my interview it was cut short so she didn't get to ask about why this American was in London.

I helped check slips with her, "Literature. I write." I explained, I didn't really have a direction when it came to what type of writing I was studying. I took up creative writing and women studies as extras cause many books I read were along those lines. But honestly, I just wanted anything to everything about writing at my fingertips. Writing never had directions, just flows.

She seemed pleased, "My daughter is a writer too." She went on, looking just like her I bet, pretty long blonde hair, taking the world by storm.  Writing about experiences she had and was experiencing things as we spoke. Wearing a coat of many colors without any shame. That would be a level I'd like to reach after this.

"I bet you have great stories." She continued, I smiled at her positivity. She had no idea that I only had a first kiss in Junior high and talked to a homeless guy once or twice. All my experiences being so blah and that standing in this library. In a place so new, was more exciting than all of them combined. "I bet he knows that too." She added once more, my face immediately flustering into confusion.

She smiled at my questioning look of her mentions. "He was here a few days ago when you had picked up My Life On The Road." She explaining more specifically, "His eyes were all over you more than the book in his hands."

She went on to describing him but I didn't need more, instead I was beginning to feel more guilt than I already had. Totally judging him by his past when mine was just a sheet of lined paper. Jotted with scarce notes that never even made it to the market, just a list of things I never did.

++

Matilda set the alarm before locking the doors and saying goodnight. Day one of work had been surprisingly smooth than I expected. Leaving me now with enough energy of diving into textbooks and paperbacks of my own. Excited for the fresh bottle of pumpkin spice creamer in the fridge, the Coldplay record that was delivered to the house via email and the half eaten tub of apple crisp flavored ice cream. Waiting to be devoured in the freezer hidden behind the stack of frozen peas.

With the unlikely exciting things to be thrilled about for some when getting home. I retraced the familiar route to the tube that would lead me to my happy events of the night. The mixed aromas of firewood and the brisk winds tickling my nose, I went to slip in my headphones. Finishing from the middle of Moose Blood when the voice I kept hearing replay in my mind. Was now colliding against the autumn winds.

"Hey Blue." His voice sliding down my spine like ice.

Leaning against his car that was dark like the sky above. His hands in the green army jacket over the white and blue of his flannel, edging out all the tone of his build. His black infamous holed jeans meeting at the bottom where his vans were crossed. Casually playing the aesthetic he walked.

I walked towards to him, stopping two feet but only itching to get closer.

"How did you know I was here?" I asked with his absence from Creative Writing remained on my mind.

He smirked, probably mentally preparing for all the questions to roll off my tongue like a ball on the ground. "Abby told me that you were working." He replied, surprised that he went looking for me in the first place.

"Were you hoping I fetched your homework?" I remarked. My mind immediately regretting the bantering remark.

He shook his head, "No." looking down at his shoes. "I was hoping to catch you." Before his brown eyes met mine again, even with the indigo that surrounded us. They were so bright, golds so prominent like the moon dancing with stars.

"The boys and I are having a party tonight." He said, "I was hoping you could stop by."

My mind playing tricks splitting like a Gemini on a off day, one part wanting to cover my face with apple crisp ice cream. The other was Matty opening the door to the passenger seat of his car.

++

The party was smaller than I had thought about on the drive here. Just a handful of friends, good brews and fresh tunes.

Matty grabbed me a drink before grabbing my hand and pulling me to the dance floor. I was never much for parties or the way my hips move off beat. But for Matty's hands to lay on my waist as his wine breath danced along the skin of my neck. I was fabricating more ways in my head for this feeling to be more frequent. The past thoughts of earlier as I was dealing with guilt for Friday. Were beginning to feel sighs of reliefs with all the words Matty babbled and the laughs he caused to ripple against the music.

More people started coming in from the yard, changing the vibe and it was getting more difficult to listen to Matty talk. Finding the words that would fall so easily were being replaced by nods and smiles. Trying to hint a bit that it was beginning to be crowded and he was all I wanted to listen too.

"Let's go to my room." He slightly slurred without waiting for a response, his hand moving from the fabric resting on my waist. Now running along into my hand as he moved through the crowd till we reached stairs.

He turned the knob of a door covered in nonsense stickers of bands till we entered his room. The room loosely matched his door, posters in multiple different sizes overlapping, collages, and a tapestry of different faces he admired plaster on the walls. I looked around, Matty turning on a lamp on his nightstand before sitting on his bed. Silently watching me as I silently observed the things that hadn't fallen from his mouth.

I chuckled to myself as I counted a few more pictures of Prince than Michael Jackson. The first week of his friendliness and his one man protest of who was better coming to mind. "You really think Michael Jackson is better?" I recanted, pointing out some of the snippets of articles I had found. "Okay, maybe. But Prince definitely has killer style." He replied as I shook my head in amusement. Trailing my eyes to the colorful bookshelf with bold names seeping. Picking up Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. A book I had all intentions of picking up in the bookstore back home, but it never made it to the register.

The sound of a lighter clicking as Matty lit his menthol was followed with his towering figuration standing from his gray duvet covered bed.

"Ever read it?" He asked, the cigarette moving with every curl of his lip. Wrapping his fingers around it as he pulled it away to exhale. I shook my head, a look of surprise gracing his face. The English major failing to read a book that fallen between cracks and rolled up lists.

I watched as he brought the cigarette back to his perfectly formed lips, inhaling once before exhaling into a question. "Do you remember your first English class?" He began, middle school replaying in my mind, Ms. Lindsay's pretty floral dress, the posters aligning the walls with every author you could imagine. She was a big part of my decision of devoting my life into words, journals and novels.

Matty's voice breaking me from my memory, "Remember when they taught you to never judge a book by it's cover?" He added, I looked back down at the book that was falling to pieces, the cover was beginning to wear and the colors becoming stale. "Even if it's a over read story or just a plot you'll never fully understand?" Inhaling once again, "Or just a author with too much exposure?" I ran my fingers over it's folded pages, the old and fresh notes made in the indents.

All his questions beginning to connect like the lining of the book. Matty was a book, folded at it's edges, full of knowledge and secrets some old from past lives, some new. Over read like the one in my hands.

I looked up at Matty who was beginning to raise his hand to take another swing of his cigarette. I had other ideas when I gently grabbed his wrist before I reached up and met his lips with mine. He was taken back my sudden action, making two of us. I was nervous about what I had begun but it all subsided when his hands wrapped around my waist. Pulling me closer, tasting what I was about to guard myself from, like he was a banned book that I was going to go through all lengths to read.

[jojoreadwhat]

you're all in my hands tonight, tonight I'm a rock 'n' roll star. / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Four Days Later, On A Friday.

Matty's POV

Computer Education had already given me a sour taste in my mouth and I only sat through two of its lectures. One because I knew majority of what was listed on the slides Professor Nolan was scheming through. I really had no explanation why I applied at UNI in the first place. I had high hopes that the tapes the boys and I sent into Capital Records would hit a soft spot. Sending us on a one way trip to success, where none of these qualifications would matter as long as I wrote out the music.

Then again if it all went down hill where I'd arrive at my flat with a box of tapes with the word 'denied' repeatedly stamped over it like fragile, even though my heart would be the fragile piece in that box. It would open the door behind the scene, the little paper of a degree with my name. A ticket of being able to tweak the shitty tunes on the radio that replayed like the TV movies do on Sundays.

Two, Professor Nolan was a bit of a drag. A fine dapper looking gentlemen in his early fifties. His hair slick back dirty blonde with what looked like emerald eyes the last time I stood close. A close shaved beard that extenuated his sharp jaw line. Dressed to the nines that if you seen him on the streets, you would've thought he had millions and a white collar type business. Even though, his Gucci navy suit that my father had exactly and bought for fifteen hundred dollars could make you believe he sat on a green mountain of dollar signs.

I felt his personality and aura resembled a present me. Barely in tune with all the new things happening but completely in tune with the young ladies that gave any advantages to pass. But in his case the young ladies could pass as daughters if the sucker had any.

"Open Audio Access on your laptops." He commanded, changing the slides that was accompanied with taps and clicks from everyone following along. I sighed to myself, everything that was on those poorly designed boards. I had edited and achieved on a new track the boys and I had recorded last night.

I slouched back in my seat, listening to Nolan's cocky Mr. Know-It-All demeanor. His degrees decorating the back of his desk fact it in that he knew more. Only giving him the approval of having Professor in front of Nolan instead of Mister.

++

After commenting on Mindy's plaid skirt, Professor Feast-A-Lot finally dismissed us.

I still had a class within the hour, just some simple music class that I signed up for the laughing matter. Always stating my answers to bands I drowned myself in as the other students wanted to cuss me out. Sighing to themselves, like that mop got the spill of answers.

With the time I had between I decided to get some coffee. The tea I had earlier with George talking about his night wasn't living up to it's strong expectations. Even though the class I just left could stand as a contender of an explanation.

I walked with the rush of the hundreds in the halls, making my way to left wing lounge and turning the corner of muraled up wall, covered in vibrant flowers and weird shapes from the art program.

Waiting at the counter I turned to scan the little lounge, just many studying with their textbooks as heads. Some talking to another. Just the common vibe of any little coffee shop you stepped your foot into.

One of them sticking out like a sore thumb.

Lucy.

Writing in her leather bound journal that rested on her crossed legs, playing with the slight tear in her in the hem of her playful colored dress.

Relaxed and looking out the window on the purple wing-back in the cafe lounge. Watching the shades of orange, red and yellow converse against the blue sky. Admiring her side profile, a high cheek bone with a light dusting of blush against her milky skin, her perfectly rounded jaw. Her lashes curled with a coding of mascara that complimented her baby blues.

I watched as she grazed her bottom rosy lip with the back of her pen in thought.

The red headed barista asked for the second time what I wanted before realizing that she was even speaking. Finding it hard to take my eyes off the scenery near the window. I ordered my black coffee, then pointed out Lucy who looked disappointed in the last drops of her cup. Dark roast, light with vanilla, sugar and two shots of the sleep she had lost the night before.

--------------------------------------------

Lucy's POV.

I was finding myself becoming a frequent patient with my therapeutic glances of the vibrant trees and the sounds of the espresso machine. Sitting in the same wingback, looking about the window, stuck in what I was going to jot in my journal next. My first week of being in London and enduring classes was wrapping up, nothing worthy had happened yet to write about and I was finding myself running around a writer's block.

As much as I wanted my creative juices to keep blending. I couldn't complain about how things were going. University has been so far treating me well. I've met a good handful of my professors in Week A, many have taken a liking to me which I couldn't quite grasp. But it wasn't a bad feeling to know about, plus Professor Jones really liked my thesis of A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Putting a good word into the librarian of the Uni's library and landing me a interview for Monday.

Things at the university housing with Liz and Abby was going pretty well too. I was growing more fond of them by the minute, both interested in the same type of books, music and films. Liz was a bit realistic and logic about life, which kind of put a damper on things if you were trying to live in a fantasy world with reality biting you in the ass. Then Abby was more free spirited and self aware of what made an individual very much happy, even when the world was not so happy.

Then lastly, home. I finally Skyped my brother Eric and my dad. It was early for them but quite late for me. But in all I was mixed with emotions, both joyful and sad that I wasn't home. They are doing well so far.

I sighed to myself, resting my leather bound on my lap and retreating my blue eyes to the shades of orange, red and yellow. Reaching for the coffee I had finished moments ago, but reluctant to get up and grab another.

But that was before one was brought to me instead. By another thing that I had happened to come across this week.

"Am I intruding?" The English native that I met my first night here had greeted, handing me the warm paper cup with pretty botanical flowers repeated. I shook my head, gesturing my free hand to the wingback across.

Matty sat down, folding his long legs over one another. His eyes meeting mine, smiling softly as his mouth indulged in a sip. Giving me a few moments to admire before another word.

He wasn't wearing his glasses today but his hair was the same as the night I met him. Pulled back into a bun with loose curls shaping out his face. My eyes leading down to his lined out jaw. His collarbones, the tattoo that always made an appearance no matter what type of shirt he wore this week. To the lasting hole over his knee.

I was broken from my stare when he had chuckled, possibly figuring out that I was staring long.

"Anything new?" He asked, his eyes gesturing to my open leather bound. I shook my head, slowly closing it against my knee before my eyes met his again.

He looked at me surprised and in disbelief, "So the storyteller doesn't have a story to tell?" He questioned, resting his cup on the table aside us. I shrugged, it was truly hard to believe but as my mind moved fast the world outside of it didn't and I was at a stand still.

"It just been classes, reading and then some." I finished, finally taking a sip of my coffee.

Matty smiled at me again, a smile I could watch curl at the ends of his mouth like a favorite part to a movie. "We may have to change that." He said, looking at me with tricks under his sleeves and me swimming in his over sized sweater.

I had to cut my coffee break short when I realized I had time run to my next class, Woman Studies.

Shortly becoming my favorite class as we debated fundamental rights and she played Kathleen Hanna fronted Bikini Kill winning my anarchy heart.

"Don't forget to read The Second Sex and please have your reasoning's sent in by 12 AM on Monday." She dismissed. I followed suit with the rest of the class as I packed away my things for the weekend.

Making my way to the hall to get lost in the hundred of others trying to head out and not miss the next Tube coming by. The boy in a leather jacket that I was sharing a coffee with an hour earlier was leaning against the wall next to the door.

His devious smirk gracing upon his face, "I'm feeling like you're onto something." I commented, a small smile plastering across my cheeks. Matty rippled a contagious laugh that I could listen to like an album on my turntable.

"Can't a gentleman just walk a lady home safely?" He remarked.

++

"No! That's a lie!" I laughed, hitting Matty's forearm lightly. We had moved onto music since Matty offered to walk me home. And let's just say we had a few differences.

Matty loved older music, which I did too. But I found Prince to be a bit cooler than MJ. Which didn't sit well with Matty. "Have you heard the magic in Rock With You?" He mentioned, "It's fucking legendary!" It was so funny to see him go off, but I never said I didn't like the man! I knew how the sounds had your hips moving. I was just a Purple Rain kind of girl.

Matty stood in front of me, walking backwards down the sidewalk.

Girl. Close your eyes... He began singing, moving his hips to the beats that played out in his head. Taking my hand, and pulling me close.

Let that rhythm get into you, don't try to fight it. Placing one hand above my hip, the other still in mine. Directing my hips into a sway, as his voice hit me like sweet serenity.

He went on, and I was enjoying every bit of it. Music was his muse like books were mine and he wasn't ashamed to show it. His hips showing that he never stopped moving either.

We had arrived to the front of my flat, Matty belting more songs of MJ.

"I have to get in," I mentioned, not really wanting to do so. Matty's lips kept moving "Not until you change your mind." Singing in the measures of Don't Stop Till You Get Enough.

I chuckled, still dancing with him till I finally caved in. "Alright, Michael Jackson is better." I confessed, meaning every word that fell from my mouth. He just chuckled, pulling me closer and bringing his lips to my ear.

"I think you're lying" his warm breath grazing my lobe. Sending chills down my spine. I went to protest when Liz and Abby got out of their car. Interrupting our manifest. They just softly smiled, saying Hello before retreating up the porch. I looked up at Matty, who still had his hand around my waist.

Matty pulled away with a soft but questionable expression on his face. I wondered what was on his mind.

"Come watch us play tonight." He said, "The boys and I are playing at the bar George's bartends in. I'd like to see you there."

Many different excuses ran through my mind. Studying, catching some sleep, watching the same three episodes of The Office, outline my far along memoir that would be a flop. Just a rush of things that could've fallen from my mouth.

"Alright, sounds like fun." Happened to be the better option.

Matty's smirk turn a bit shy, looking to the ground before he looked back up at me.

"I'll pick you up at 6?" He questioned, I nodded. Still confused on why I was agreeing to this extravaganza in the first place. A smile gracing his face once more before turning on his Vans to head back to where his road led him.

"See you soon, Blue."

[jojoreadwhat]

don’t be fooled, the first two hours ruled / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Lucy's POV.

I woke to the sounds of my alarm bombarding my dreams like if it were a wrecking ball.

The sun drowning out the room, piercing my eyes with its welcome. Fluttering my eyes open, the feeling uneasy to adjust to, forcibly making them acquainted.

Today was the big day, the first time ever stepping into a new form of education. Was I ready? Of course not, who was?

I sat up in disapproval, stretching out my legs till they reached the mat and placing weight into them like a box full of twenty hand me down paperbacks. Retreating to my mirror, noticing the slight bags forming from the lack of sleep of the night before. That were only bound to get darker further into the semester. Like how time changes make the sun go down sooner and the night have the closing act.

My mind was racing last night, mixed with anxiety approaching today, and the ricochet of events that had went down at the party. But most of all, he kept making a visit.

I really had no explanation on why he kept entering my mind like an old friend. Yeah he was quite the looker and all, but what boggled me the most was how he lingered around me before I left. The boy could have anyone and every girl in the party proved me right. He latched onto me, like a koala to a tree.

Maybe it was all because of the pool incident he felt like he had to hang around. Make sure I didn't chill at the bottom of the pool the next time. But then again, he started the questions. Questions that needed long answers, answers he seemed to enjoy.

I chucked to myself, over believing that he had interests in a person like me. It was all out of guilt, and it was just a joke to keep thinking otherwise.

I retreated to my closet, pondering on what I could possibly put together today.

Leggings and a oversized shirt? No, too cozy. I'll fall asleep before the second lecture.

A band tee and some boyfriend jeans? Too familiar.

I moved the next few shirts till it came into sight. A black and white floral skater dress. Something new and different like the day I was prepared for.

Pairing with a beat up jean jacket from my dads hippy days, and tights. I laced up my combats and sat at the edge of my bed.

Flinging my bag over my shoulder, grabbing my laptop off my desk. I checked my phone noticing that I had an hour before my first lecture to grab a coffee. Slipping my headphones, playing my teenage angst soundtrack before slipping out the door.

----------------------------------------------

Matty's POV.

The sun rays beaming through the blinds aligned her hair like highlights. Her brown long hair hanging over her bare shoulder as my hangover made friends with the devil in my head. I lied within the common white sheets of the common white room, my room as she walked around familiarizing it as she looked for the clothes I misplaced of hers.

I couldn't recall her name, possibly Marie rang a bell. But she had a pretty face, model like with beautifully structure cheek bones and rosy lips I had swollen the night before.

She was a bit taller than me in the heels she was in, the ones she had found moments ago. The black strappy ones that I unbuckled and threw behind me in the moment. The events reconfiguring themselves into a picture of the night before.

The brunette retreated to the end of my bed, one leg over the other as she placed her shoes back on. Her dangling hair danced across her back tattoo of a butterfly with vibrant purples and blues cascading inside it's black outline. Trying to figure out if I had seen it before or was it my lips jogging my hazy memory from when I traced it with them.

Everything was a blur, something that always came naturally from when I lost myself the night before. But there was one thing that stuck out like a sore thumb.

The brunette's dark green eyes met my brown ones, they weren't the crystal blues that almost led me through a whole other world, totally perplex than the one I led on my own. There was a road that was never founded in mine.

The woman's lips curled into a devious smile. "Last night was fun" she stated as she slipped her white and gold shirt back on.

I could say the same, but not with her.

I was intrigued by the clumsy American I helped out the pool. I was intrigued by the fact she wanted to tell how much she enjoyed Steinbeck instead of letting me kiss her neck. How her favorite song by The Cure was Just Like Heaven instead of showing her what heaven really felt like.

It was a conversation unexpected, too new and not like the ones that barely had another and I speaking at all.

++

With a headache as an accessory to my outfit. I leaned against the kitchen counter sipping my Black tea after walking Mary out, admiring the sun waltz across the white cabinets.

My thumper of a roommate, George came hopping down the wooden stairs. Ending in a goodbye and a door closing before he had made it into the kitchen we shared.

"Mornin'" he greeted, pouring himself a  glass of the tea and taking a seat at the table.

"Sounded like you had a good night." He spoke with a cheeky smile plastered to his face before he took a sip of his tea. Commenting on the soundtrack I was supplying with his room next to mine.

George has been my best friend since what's felt like since birth. When the good boy gone bad had taken over my nerdy boyish ways. He was in the bathroom when I cut calculus for a smoke. Being the first day that I learned how to roll a spliff. Being the day that I dragged him through the roadless world I walked.

I nodded slowly, never being one to kiss and tell unless it was worth the telling. George was a different story, he'd tell you every detail till you couldn't.

"Introducing the American the right way, that's my boy!" He remarked,

I chuckled, shaking my head. "No, it wasn't Lucy." George looked at me surprised, "You remembered a girls name.. That's a first." He remarked, taking another sip of his tea.

That was true but Lucy wasn't some casual 'call me' that I never got back too. She wasn't another pretty face and she knew that.

George placed his mug into the sink, grabbing his keys off the table. "Need a lift?" He offered, his bartending job was on the way of university. I shrugged, placing my Ramones mug next to his and slipping over my messenger bag.

-----------------------------------------

Lucy's POV.

So far I was two lectures in and I enjoyed my professors, and the place was a lot less scarier than I had imagined.

Overall, the day being pretty good except for that essay due by next week and the exam coming up this Friday. Not making it the perfect 10 I was hoping for.

I became a girl gone mad, making sure that every note was jotted into my Evernote. Sometimes unconsciously jotting down the professors name. I wasn't going to start out the class with any less than an A.

Professor Stein walked around handing out a list of all the textbooks needed for his class, reminding us of all of the deadline in bold red lettering that we needed them by.

"Please, if you have any questions or concerns. Let me know. Have a good day everyone." He exited, all of us rising in unison and on our ways to next lectures.

For me I had an hour to spare, finding myself in the university cafe. Consuming my second... No fourth. No no, third coffee of the day that was sending me bouncing off the walls before I had settled at a table near a window. Pulling out my leather bound journal onto the wooden, industrial table in front of me.

It was coming to me, the experiences of today and things I was excited about. Running off the pen before it reached the paper and place them into words.

Time ran by, the three students that I had met earlier. Their raving about our classes together were nowhere in sight. I lit up my screen, fear rushing in. I was going to be late!

+++

I made it in the nick of time, shimmying myself up the aisle till I spotted a empty seat. Taking a seat and pulling out everything as fast as lightening rippled through gray skies. I was never one for being late, I was always extremely early.

"Welcome to Creative Writing" The professor introduced, standing so small at the bottom of lecture hall.  Beginning the welcome PowerPoint once all the seats were filled.

Professor Leone lost me when she talked about an overrated author, a book boring for the boring girl like I. I sighed to myself, already typing in the facts I knew before she flipped screens.

As I sat slightly slumped in my seat. My chin resting on my hand as I looked on, I felt a stare grazing the back of me. I turned scanning all the unfamiliar faces that were looking at the screen lighting up the room and none fasten on me. I shrugged it off, going back to Leone and waiting for the class to end.

Professor Leone handed out a stack of papers to each row, "Alright, please have all your textbooks by Friday!" Her voice clashing with the books and pens hitting the bottoms of backpacks.

I followed suit, placing everything back into my bag and closing my laptop. I went to turn on my heel, almost colliding into a chest. Tensing at the sight of the familiar tattoo reading 'Annie' peaking from their button down.

It was Matty.

"Blue." The wild wind picking up, twisting in my body as the nickname fell so easily from his mouth.

I looked up at him. "I thought you were in a band?" I recalled, he nodded. "I am. I'm studying audio engineering on the side." He furthered on. "But you were just in my creative writing class?"

He chuckled, shaking his head at my flood of questions. "Extra credit. Last minute." He replied, shooting a crooked smile. "But now I'm pretty glad it was my final choice."

This boy definitely knew how to add color to canvas, my cheeks turning a shade of crimson.

And how to lower my GPA.

[jojoreadwhat]

can i stay at home? i don’t want to go / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Lucy's POV.

I lied on my new mattress, staring at the freshly hung tapestry, draped with lights on the other side of the room. Waiting patiently for one of the girls to pull me along to this party that I was dreading.

I decided to get ahead of myself before I was fashionably late, rummaging through my closet, pulling out at cute little outfit. Simply a loose pullover sweater, some necklaces that danced around my neck. Hugging jeans that gave a little bit of curvature, and my docs. There was no way I was leaving without edge. Lacing them up before planting myself in front of my mirror.

Did I have to go? I just want to stay home.

I thought to myself, moving onto my hair as I separated it into a half do. Loose baby hairs hanging around my face, almost making it heart shaped.

A small town girl who was stuck in daydreams but scared for them to come true. So used to being the home body she knew for so long.

Lucy you're going. End of story. My mind commanded back, it was right.

I had to advantage of the whole idea. Take on adventures I never endured before, fulfill that crave of a new scream. Being stuck in my worry mind wasn't going to get me anywhere. It was time to introduce myself.

I smoothed the fabric down on the torso of my sweater, "Lucy! Are you ready?!" Liz had called from down the hall, startling me from my self-induced daze.

I did a double check at myself in the gold trimmed mirror before scanning my room for my hobo bag, and my phone.

"Be right there!" I replied, taking my over-abused copy of To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf from my night stand and stuffing it into the jam packed bag. Shutting off my light, and leaving the twinkle lights to dance in the dark.

What? Who knows if this party is a flop? At least I'm prepared to venture elsewhere...

----------------------------------------

The party was much more crowded than I had anticipated. But it was completely different than the few I could count on my hand that I had been to back home.

The flat was filled with booze smelling breath, interlaced with the odor of a musty skunk from the Mary Jane making its rounds. Hypnotic indie sounds of Pixies 'Hey' played faintly against the banter of the crowd.

They pulled me right into the action, with a little help from Liz and Abby introducing me to everyone. I swear if furniture could talk, I think they would've introduced me to them too. Talking for me like I was four, which I didn't have much of problem with because since I got here. My anxiety was preparing for take off at NASA.

They were all nice, very welcoming and so interested in what I was here for. Almost being like this new 'thing' for everyone.

Eventually though I was able to make friends with the sofa in the middle of the living room. Sipping rum and coke, observing like I always do. And nodding to whatever had played next.

But that didn't last long before two sucking faces were going at it next to me.

I found myself pondering away from the sofa. Steadying myself against a wall, observing at a higher angle of 5'3.

Laughs and loud talk still surfacing, I felt a little bit creepy as I sipped at my drink and scanned. I found myself eventually glued to the glowing screen of my phone. Jotting down things about the party for my journal. Switching apps between Tumblr, Facebook & Instagram. Reading the outpouring support from my friends and family that had gotten wind of my new journey.

In the middle of an emotional post from my brother, the tone of the room had changed. My head shot up to the unison roar that had taken over. Four new figures joining the tight space, all dressed in black from head to toe.

As much as I wanted to go back to the post, my eyes were still stuck in the direction of the new faces. Each one of them shading something intriguingly different from one another.

One was a tall, slightly lanky with an upper broad build. His hair covered under a cap, flipped back to front. A white tee, complimenting his black jeans and was the only one with a colored jacket. Almost like honey mustard. Flashing a very friendly grin as he was pulled into a hug by one of the party goers.

Two were slightly bearded men, one muscular than the other. One of them seemed to be very shy, barely making contact with anyone who had made an effort. The other a complete opposite or at least he showed off about. Wrapping his arm around a friend near, incredibly loud with his banter and talk.

All three being easy to paint pictures of as they expressed themselves immediately after walking through that front door.

But the fourth one... Not so much.

He was something else, his hair almost like dark chocolate, loosely tied up into one of those 'trendy' man buns with a black turtleneck that wrapped tightly like a non-threatening noose that was complimented by a jean jacket. Over a thin but slendered out build. Toned in all the right places. My eyes scanning down to his tight black pants with a hole torn at the knee and some vans. Topping it all off with these tiny rimmed grandpa glasses that made me gush.

He definitely caught your eye from the rest of the posse he had come in with. And everyone noticed it too, practically throwing themselves at him.All pretty, upper crest gals. He didn't seem to mind... He seemed used to it.

I couldn't pry my eyes away. Tracing him like he was etched braille on a sign, but still unable to figure out who he was.

I watched as his lavished lips curled from the attention he was receiving.

Oh my god. I thought to myself.

My eyes had widened, being caught in crossfire when his dark ones collided with mine. Timidly, I trailed down to my feet. Trying to play cool that, maybe just maybe he was looking next to me at the red head.

Nope, he caught me. I answered myself as I met his gaze again. I bit my lip, engulfing myself into my drink as I mentally tried washing out the embarrassment.

When I didn't feel his glare against me anymore, I scanned the room once more. Thinking of a way to escape and breath. Finally my eyes spotting the french doors that led to the back yard.

------------------------------------

I made my way through the crowd, swaying along to the song everyone was dancing to. I opened the door, to the lightly lit backyard that surround an in ground pool. The lights in the pool reflecting off the blue water. I sighed to myself, not a person in sight. Just me, the moon and silence.

I walked around a bit, placing my bag down on a chair. The autumn breezing catching the hem of my sweater. Before I settled, sitting above the water on the diving board. My boots had barely touched the water as it danced under the moon. Turning the page where I left off, retreating to my back up plan.

"For now she need not think of anybody. She could be herself, by herself. And that was what now she often felt the need of - to think; well not even to think. To be silent; to be alone. All the being and the doing, expansive, glittering, vocal, evaporated; and one shrunk, with a sense of solemnity, to being oneself, a wedge-shaped core of darkness, something invisible to others... and this self having shed its attachments was free for the strangest adventures...."

A summit of the most true, sincere way into my homebody heart. Solitude.

Engulfed in the lines that I had read over and over many times before, feeling new everytime I needed reminding.

But the solitude and silence I was searching for out here had been misplaced. I didn't realize I wasn't alone anymore..

"Not much for parties?" The unfamiliar voice laced with a thick accent greeted, startling me from the trance I was in.

I turned to follow the voice, and I couldn't believe it.

It was him.

The pool lights reflecting off him, leaving him in a glow.

Before I could answer, I had lost my balance on board and fell into pool. The arms that had verbally pushed me in were outreached. Pulling me onto the ledge. Gasping and trying to regain my breath that was ambushed by the rush of cold hitting my skin.

He helped me to my feet, walking me to one of the chairs that had aligned the pool. He walked away for a second, scanning the yard until he had found what he was looking for. Coming back with two towels and handling me one as he placed the other over my shoulders.

"You're a bit clumsy too." He smirked, taking a seat on the chair next to me.

"You could say that." I replied, not running off my tongue so melodically like it did his.

He was staring a bit, watching as I ran one of the towels across my face.

"You're the American girl... Cindy?" He hesitantly began, I smirked at what I thought was so... mysterious. Was so scared of guessing my name wrong.

"It's Lucy." I corrected, meeting his chestnut eyes.  So much more vibrant than I had seen them before.

He smiled, relieved that I didn't hit him or something. "I like that better... I'm Matty." He replied, placing his hand out to shake. His skin so soft to touch.

We were sitting in silence for a moment, I was trying to regain my thoughts after the plunge I took. He was looking at me, then back at the pool. Squinting his eyes at it before rising from his seat. My eyes followed as he bent down to grab something from the water. My book.

"Virginia Woolf... You're into classics?" He asked, walking back to where he once rose from.

I nodded, "They're my favorite..." And it was the truth. I enjoyed old proper grammar.

He smiled, handing it over to me with an apologetic look on his face. I smiled at him, reassuring that I wasn't mad. "It's seen it's better days."

"So, what brings you to London?" He began, I chuckled looking back at pool. "Didn't the whole party tell you my life story?" I remarked. Since the girls just blabbed everything but my social number.

He nodded, "But I want to hear it from you.."

His voice hitting me like wild winds during a hurricane. I gulped, finding myself intimidated and unsure on how to make myself appealing.

"I write." I replied, different visions of those two words falling from my mouth, floating in my head. And I ended up there.

But to my dismay, he didn't seem mind.

Books became a big deal, but it didn't stop there. Questions pouring from his mouth, I found myself watching it as each word fell. His lips moving around them in such perfect sync.

I was watching those words shrivel to shreds when Liz had come into view. Signaling that we were heading out soon. I retorted that I'd be there in a second, placing my eyes back onto Matty's.

He was staring a bit intently now, kind of making me nervous. "Is everything alright?" I asked, was there something in my teeth?

He nodded, "Your eyes. They're like crystals."

I felt my cheeks overflowing with shades of red, but before I could thank him. Liz was calling me again.

"I've gotta go." I insisted, rising from the metal chair. "It was really nice talking to you."

Flinging my bag over my shoulder, and turning on my heel.

"I'll see you around... Blue." He remarked after me, awaiting impatiently on our next encounter.

+

[jojoreadwhat]

there’s a map in my room on the wall of my room and i’ve got big plans / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Lucy's POV.

I made it in one piece.

I arrived at the airport, walking through the gates and scanning the place.

I was going to be meeting my two new roommates for the first time in person.

We spent majority of the summer Skyping and Snapchatting away our lives to each other. Becoming very acquainted with one another, and both were extremely sweet.

I looked into the crowd, many holding up signs, limo drivers with their hats on waiting for the richy people.

Then there was the great big pretty sign, LED lights taped around it. Bold letters reading, "Welcome To London, Lucy Lou!" The two brunettes holding each side, beaming from ear to ear as my eyes could never miss the big warming welcome.

I ran up to them, hugging them both like we've been friends for centuries. Thank god for social media.

"Oh my god, you're even cuter in person!" Abby greeted, she was this short, slender brunette. From Dublin originally, but came to London for further studies in Biology. Very tomboy like with a flare of eye liner drawn around her pretty green eyes. Oh, and she's a lesbian.

Liz, our other roommate chuckled. She was another brunette, but it was all wrapped in a messy bun. Little strains hanging loosely around her face. She was a London native, our guide throughout the semester. She was very pretty, model type. Very girly girl as she was all dolled up, wearing nothing but the best Mulberry or Zara. But on the plus side she wasn't snotty like many can be.

They both walked with me to the baggage claim, grabbing the few things I had flown on the plane, while the rest was coming in tomorrow. Abby grabbed a bag, Liz grabbed the carry on off my shoulder and I rolled the biggest case.

"How was your flight?" Liz asked first, as we loaded up her jeep. I nodded, satisfied. "It was a lot better than I anticipated. I'm in one piece!" Gesturing to myself.

With pop filling the airwaves of the jeep, we headed into town. Driving little ways from the airport before arriving to campus.

Luckily for us, we weren't really on campus. We had a house on the outskirts, it was cute. And the street was quiet, orange, red and yellow trees aligned down the block. It looked picture perfect, something you seen in those movies on tv.

The girls toured me around the house, showing me the common living before showing me to my room.

It was cute and quint my room, enough to make it a home for the next year or so. "Do you need a hand?" Abby asked. I shook my head, undecided on what I was going to do first.

They left me alone as I got myself acquainted.

White walls, a canvas ready to be paired with my pieces of home.

I looked out the big window, the sun shined so pretty through it. I loved a sun drowned out room, it was a sweet piece of home.

I observed how different London was. People walking bundle in layers, some with dogs, some with others, some alone. They had different auras about them all, things you wouldn't find back home.

I decided to write about it.

Before I made a decision of a lifetime and set out on a norm I wasn't use to. I figured I'd write about everyday, making my first publication after London, a memoir. Filled with big experiences that replaced the little ones that seemed so... basic.

The leather bounded book sat on my lap as I sat on my window sill, writing like London came natural to me.

'The woman swirled in excitement... Her lover's smile bursting at the seems as her went to taste her love, a love that would--'

A knock at the door startled my form, Liz coming into view from the hallway.

"I forgot to mention earlier, two doors down, a good group of friends of ours are throwing a welcome party. Be ready by 8." She softly smiled, shutting the door once more.

Brushing it off for the moment and going back to the thrill of observing a thrilling love fest outside my window. I began to get swarmed.

A party?

I've never been a party person, nor a social bee to boot. This was going to be different.

What do I wear? What do I say? My mind became overwhelmed, overwhelmed with nonsense thoughts that were uncalled for.

I stopped in my tracks. Stop. I mouthed to myself.

I came here for a different take on the world. A different part of me to shine. I couldn't be so silly about this simple party.

As much as I'd much rather curl up and watch Gilmore Girls a million times more. I had to step out of that comfort zone, I was in London for god sakes.

I looked out the window again, no one in sight. Just watching as the brisk winds ruffled the trees.

For a moment, I felt proud of myself.

Taking over my worry mind, grabbing grasp of it and starting the fire.

----------------------------

Matty's POV.

It was 6pm and I was still laying in bed. Even after the events that had occurred and the woman who left my flat without a warning.

I was still here, just staring at the walls. Looking at the ceiling and then at the window.

My mind was blank. But my chest felt empty.

I was in the mist of finding something to think about when George came in, my best friend and the drummer of our band.

"You lazy fuck. You really gonna sleep all day?" He questioned. Honestly it didn't sound like a bad idea.

I sat up, grabbing a cigarette off the stand next to me. George was giddy, I wondered what mess he got himself into this time.

"So we're going to a party tonight." He began, I sighed. The dude never settled down for a minute, and as much I loved the high life. I just wasn't for it tonight.

"They're going to be babes there... Maybe you find a little flower to blossom."

And I did, I loved that whole pure and sweet little thing. But at seventeen and not even passed twenty, it wasn't what I needed.

But George wouldn't take no for an answer. Throwing my shirt at me, "Get ready we leave soon."

He left the room, I found myself looking for some decency. Finally heading downstairs, I met the rest of the boys. Them all crowded in the living room watching some boring program, I made my way to the kitchen.

Pouring what was left of hot water before setting a tea bag into it.

It's was going to be another aimless night with another helpless soul.

[jojoreadwhat]

i said goodbye today / honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story - the 1975 -prologue

Back in America, there's a newly college student waiting with her family to board a plane.

Setting out on a whole new world, a little too big for the small town girl.

Never in a million did she think she'd leave her nest.

Not 3400 miles away either with a stretch across the pond.

But she's ready, waiting anxiously for the overhead to announce that London is calling.

Holding the hands of the two pillars of strength that convinced her that they would be okay without her.

At any given moment she was ready to say nevermind and forget about it.

Forgot about the amazing opportunity and stay where home was.

But the most important person, the person who couldn't make it to her send off. Kept running though her mind.

Her mother.

She sat there, her mind somewhere else. Stuck in the garden that she laid in with her mother 15 years ago.

Building a promise, a lasting promise.

"There's going to be one day that I'll rest like the sunflowers do in the Winter. But I need you to keep shining, brighter than all of them." Replayed in her mind with the missed angelic voice of her mother.

Never once thinking that winter would arrive so soon that year.

She fumbled with the pendent around her neck, reassuring herself that this big adventure was a great idea. Reassuring herself that her mother would be so proud,

Repeating her wildflower mother's everlasting motto 'You always go big, it's more thrilling'

"Flight to London is now boarding." The woman announced over the airport.

Lucy rised from the metal stiff chair, turning to what she was leaving behind.

Her father's blue eyes were sparkly now, tears laying on the edges.

"Are you sure about this?" He questioned.

Nothing was ever a sure thing.

In her mind, she was already heading back home.

She nodded, "Yeah, I'm sure."

Her dad immediately engulfing her into a big hug, she was going miss his loving embrace.

Walking the line, to her best friend of a brother. Never hugging her before, couldn't hug her long enough. She could feel the tears so close to falling over.

"Write me, will ya?" He commanded, going to miss her writings like they were the Sunday comics. She nodded, kissing his temple and pulling back.

Taking one last look at the people who did the best they could. It was going to be hard, but she knew Christmas would be here faster than she could blink.

She smiled, reassuringly before grabbing her carry on. She turned on her heels, heading to the gates to where everything was going to change.

Boarding the plane that was flying to a city where there's a boy living a totally different world.

"Thanks so much, have a great fucking night!" The wild fringed boy yelled into the crowd, closing out a successful sold out show at their local run down hall.

He ran off the stage, the rest of his band following. Meeting a blonde in a leather jacket, flinging his arm around the girl that he'd only take home for the night. Filling in the void that needed company.

"Renzi's?" The tall lanky drummer mentioned, sharing the mutual feeling of not settling down yet. That there were more thrills to feel.

The boys and the young lady wrapped around Matty trotted themselves down to the run down bar, the common ground for all of them.

The alcohol consumed their veins, blurry vision going into effect and the music guided them through the night.

But as the night slipped through their fingers and things seemed perfect for the moment.

Matty found himself pondering, pondering on what he was missing.

The feeling of another's soul. Someone who wasn't here for a favor.

The blonde was pretty, she had a great laugh that had a ripple feel through his bones.

But it wasn't enough.

He knew it wouldn't last. They're both another notch in each others belts.

He wanted to have a love that last.

One he could share a nice cup of tea with in the morning after, laced with a hint of honey.

His calling was on the next plane in, unaware of the literary lesson she was going to sit in for.

Unaware that the fire she was going to start, he would be the smoke to follow.

[jojoreadwhat]

one / GOOD GIRLS + p.j.k. x OFC story

Lizzie //

I opened the door to the disarrayed living room of my best friend's apartment. Immediately pinching my nose closed from alcohol and cannabis fumes grazing the brim. Cans and trash scattered all over his floor, even a pizza box lying in the middle of it. Mitzi, his Yorkie nibbling on what was left.

I rolled my eyes, this wasn't anything new for a Sunday morning at Paul's. He'd throw a party, make a big post about it all over his social accounts. Inviting fifty or more people, to celebrate some thing he took out of proportion. Like Got A New Whip!, or my favorite, Survived Another Hangover. Boy would use any excuse to throw a party. Last night I did give him the benefit of the doubt, it was his going away on tour party. Him, Les and Jake were hitting the road for the summer with their band LANY.

I was always the first to be invited, never attending yet I cleaned up the place like clock work. I usually had school work to catch up on or majority it was because I've never been much of a party person. Paul knew this, still always persistent about them. It just was never much of my scene, and he understood. But it still annoyed him that I haven't 'let loose' like he'd always say, since we've met.

We met during one of his shoots back when he modeled for Prada. I was the photographer's runner girl and he dug my Smiths shirt. Even with impeccable interests on our iTunes playlists. Paul and I have always been two different people I guess. Me being the calm in his life, cleaning his messes. Him being the storms, swirling in with a side of thunder.

But today, with the two extra hours of sleep and the espresso stop before getting here. I was not cleaning up this mess alone. Feeling my anxiety raise with each step I took throughout every foot of his apartment. Looking like it belonged in a Crate and Barrel catalog. Doused in white, with untouchable furniture and ugly artwork hanging poorly on the walls, despite all the chaos lying around.

I climbed the spiral staircase to his bedroom that took up the third floor. Same interior style like the rest of his place. With the exception of a California king, a clothes rack with a huge collection of Vans under it and a very hungover Paul. The brunette beauty was sprawled out over his grey percale striped sheets, barely covered by the matching duvet. His toned legs curled up from being six foot one and his ass in white briefs sticking out.

"Paul! Get up!" I yelled the first time. Walking around his room, picking up some of the clothes lounging along his rug. Folding them to keep my OCDs aligned.

He never stirred, "Pauuuul get up!" I said again, seeing him jump from the tone I picked up than before. Almost feeling like I was getting somewhere till I heard a slight snore.

I wouldn't really mind him sleeping off the hangover but tomorrow him and I, would be getting on a plane to his first show of the summer tour. Yes, you heard it right. I was going to endure my time on tour with the boys, I was completely ready. All my bags already at the door of my apartment. But knowing Paul, I knew the boy hasn't even pulled out his suitcase from his garage.

"C'mon Paul, I need you to get up." Explaining a little softer this time, earning a groan. Taking a seat on his armchair.

I watched as his messy waves popped up from the blanket, "Close those curtains please" he spoke, his voice raspy and still sleepy. I smirked, shaking my head.

"You don't have curtains. Your walls are windows," I began, as the Malibu sun shined bright. "How much did you drink last night?" He shuffled the blanket to cover himself completely now.

"Enough." He replied then, shifting to lay on his stomach. Sighing, I stood up fixing the throw poorly hanging on the chair I was in. "That's no excuse Paulie, you still have to pack and that mess downstairs is horrendous."

He didn't budge still giving me a reply, but like a two year old stuck in a twenty nine year old's body.

"I don't wanna." He whined, muffled into his pillow. I rolled my eyes stepping closer to the foot of his bed. "Oh how sad." I retorted back sarcastically. "You're really not going to start packing?"

The bed moved a little when he shook his head, "Nope." I put my hand to my hip, questioning him now. "And what about your wardrobe?"

"I'll buy a new one." He replied, leaving me to huff loudly. He was unbelievable. He probably could buy a new one, but I wasn't going to let him off the hook. One because he needed to get the hell up and two his closet was larger than mine.

I had my hands resting on the end of the bed, thinking of what to do next. First I decided to try and find his feet, which would be fast since they-

"If you touch my feet, I'll kick you Liz."

Aware of my intentions, I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. Ugh, I hate him. He ruins the fun. I ran my fingers through my hair. Staying silent for a little longer, brainstorming what I could do to pull this giant from bed.

Then it came to me.

I felt my cheeks rise in heat and my lips curl devilishly. Kicking off my Birks quietly before placing a foot onto the bed.

Paul never moved at first until I had both my feet on the bed and I could almost touch his ceiling. I watched his long lashes flutter open slowly and his soft green eyes peek up at my baby blues. Suddenly turning a shade I never seen before.

"What the fuck Lizzie!" He yelled.

Giggling at him as he bounced all over the bed from my jumping. Sometimes almost stepping onto his legs, just missing them as he shuffled to move. "Get up! Get up! Get upppppp!" I cried almost melody-like. Starting to pick up a groove.

"You're such a loser!" He laughed, only having me sing back Beck's Loser to be a smart ass and him throw up a pillow.

I continued this till I found he was not going to go back to sleep now. I bounced around a little more, now facing the steps and my back to him.

Still singing, breathlessly now to what I knew. "Things are gonna change, I can- whoa!"

Paul got a good grip on my shirt, pulling me down to bed. Scaring me shitless as he chuckled. I looked over at him as we sat side by side now, shaking my head before I got back on track. "So, coffee then we'll get started?" I offered up, Paul rubbed his eyes before he nodded and I began to climb out of bed.

"Hey Liz?" He called before my feet met the floor. "Hm?" I turned to him.

"You're not going to drive me crazy this summer, right?" He asked then, his charming smile joining shortly after.

I squinted my eyes at him, before lightly hitting his bare, bicep.

"Can't make any promises."

Not knowing that it would be both of us, driving each other.

[jojoreadwhat]

i've been thinking a lot about your mouth /honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Lucy's POV.

Time was slipping through my fingers as I indulged my extra time into an easy read of by Jane Austen looking over at the red lit alarm clock on my night stand, reading a quarter to five. I sighed to myself, fickled with emotions about what to expect tonight.

Of course it would be fun, for being someone who enjoyed space, old TV series and over read books. I was a sucker for live performances. Every weekend back in New York, I'd find myself with good friends sneaking our ways to the city to night clubs with local bands. Just for the hell of being apart of the city life.

This time being different as it was going to be Matty and the boys of all people performing. Kinda turning the tables on him trying to get to know me so well and allow me to venture him now. Even though our escapades of walking me home was something I'd hold so close. I smiled just thinking about it.

I rose from my bed and retreated to the door that held different types of styles for different occasions and different days. I was becoming friends with my closet, never had I ever had so many outfit changes. I found myself in a spaghetti strap dark teal flowy top, my black high waisted jeans and my chucks. Complimenting it all with a green army jacket and tying my hair up into a little bun with my bangs hanging loose.

I decided to go an extra step, refreshing my playlist before grabbing my makeup bag out of drawer and sitting pretzel leg in front of my mirror. Nothing too much, just some liner, mascara, and a little shade to my prominent rouge lips. I sat there admiring, taken back on my sudden outbursts of deciding to go out, looking pretty and then soon going to be hanging out in a place that served possibilities among the drinks they poured.

It was also going to be a semi-date with a boy. Something that I hadn't been on in the past year. So I feel a little rusty from my past endeavors.

I found my eyes trailing back to the red numbers, reading 5:50pm indicating that time had too much energy on it's hands. Grabbing my bag and turning everything off,I headed down to the common ground where Abby was watching some silly reality show close to the Kardashians but a British version and Liz was concentrated on her school work.

"Lulu! How are you?" Abby greeted as I sat next to her on the pale green sofa. Unwinding in the little bits of time I had to kill. Abby always had an interest in my well-being as she was majoring in psychology. I didn't mind her pry, I found a comfort in it. Liz had joined in when I began talking my Woman Studies class and how she found Professor Mullen to be just as cool as I. Coming to conclusion that we all three had a successful week of first time classes.

I was in the middle of talking about the lame book I was going to take a flight into on Sunday when the doorbell had rang. Liz and Abby had looked at each other, trying to figure out if someone had invited company over. I stood up from the sofa,

"That's for me. If I'm not out too long. Pizza and The Office?" I smiled before walking towards the door and greeting Matty.

"Hey you." I smiled, my eyes automatically landing to his wild curled mane. His black leather jacket lounging over his frame, complimenting the light blue button down. Trailing down to his signature holy black jeans and a pair of black boots. His impeccable style beyond compared to the slight comfortable standards of mine.

"Ready?" He asked, before I shut the door behind me.

-------------------------------------------------------

Matty's POV.

I rang the doorbell of the little green house on the block.

"Hey you." She greeted, closing the door behind her. Her little smile shining, and she looked good tonight.

Green was a color made for her, complimenting her hair, her eyes, everything. And what topped it all was the beat up chucks, a little punk rock princess in disguise.

"Ready?" I asked, she nodded and we headed down the walkway. Opening the door to my '88 BMW.

Our steady breathing filling in the spaces that were silent between us. Glancing at her as she glanced out the window, bobbing her head to the 80's tunes that I had burned onto a CD an hour before.

We had arrived at the pub, the boys were going to meet her for the first time. Making it official that she wasn't going anywhere yet. The place was pretty packed, Mickey was struggling with an overflow of ordered drinks as George was in the back getting ready for our gig.

With her hand in mine, I made our way to the backstage. Seeing Ross first, who was hitting a blunt. "Matty boy, where have you been?" He asked, before I brought Lucy into view.

"This is Lucy. Lucy, this is my mate Ross." Her pretty smile, so friendly as she put her hand out to shake his. Ross taken back that I was even introducing her, it was like a rare gem kind of event.

I then brought her into the dressing room the two others were, glued to their phones. Breaking entry as their heads shot up. George peering a smile because he was the only who knew that she was different for me from the rest.

She was just this intriguing puzzle piece placed into my drowned out life style. Right off the bat taking me by surprise that she hadn't slept with me yet. Taking me into a big hall of surprises when she got along with the boys, even laughing at jokes Ross told and we made him feel good about. I sat on the sofa, watching her at a close distance as she talked old tunes with George and cute dogs with Adam.

"On in five!" Celia, the barmaid had announced peering from the hall.

++

I walked back into the crowd of regulars with Lucy, buying her a drink and standing against stage, her eyes batting as she sipped and talked. Before I had jumped onto the stage, leaving her front and center. The boys joined me once they had gotten in gear near George's drum set. Agreeing on the first song of the night, the boys beginning the measures of Chocolate.

"Welcome to the party, we're The 1975" I yelled into the crowd.

The gig was a weekly ritual, we were the house band. Same people, different day. Familiar faces ranging and staggering the place.

"Hey now call it a split 'cause you know that you will Oh you bite your friends like chocolate!"

I couldn't help focusing on the sway from her, a sway that was ricocheting from the sounds of our band. As it progressed each song we played. Dancing away, with her cup in her hand.

++

My vision was becoming obviated from the bottle wine between the boys and I. Everything becoming a blur, the crowd still going and the night was coming down blissfully.

The boys, Lucy and I retreated to the bar. George's boss giving us drinks on the house and talking about whatever. My eyes were focused on Lucy who joined in most of the time, but her eyes danced around the room.

An idea had popped in my head, I had a little bit of money to spend, not that she was like that or anything. But it was far better than this, Lucy looked at me. Smiling shyly, blush erupting lightly against her cheeks.

I motioned my head to the door at her, curious if she was in. She nodded, before excusing herself to head to the ladies room. I sat waiting a few when a pair of arms wrapped around my neck.

"Matthew." Her devious voice greeted.

With a body so familiar that had laid upon my sheets till early morning risings. Her heart shaped tattoo on her hand. Her name was nowhere near my lips. Just the hazy memory of an encounter that went down the list with the others.

--------------------------------------------

Lucy's POV.

Matty and the boys were so good tonight, especially Matty. He was so into the crowd, making sure all was good and that everyone was on their feet. Not a soul was sitting just a dance party all night long.

I had gotten really acquainted with the boys too, they were all so nice and humble. Explaining the reasons behind why Matty was friends with them in the first place. They never let you miss a moment, reeling you in even if you were a pass buyer.

But things were beginning to get calm and Matty wanted to embark on other plans. Excusing myself first to freshen up.

The poorly lit restroom had definitely lots of story held. The one florescent light flickering as I reapplied my lipstick that was washed from my rum and coke. My eyes trailing to the faded lettering against the mirror reading 'Rita was here.' with a big heart around it. As I held the rouge stick to my lips steadily. Smacking my lips together for coverage before throwing it back into my bag and taking one last look.

I stepped back into the crowd. Making my way through them till I reached bar and this immediate knot in my throat tightened like a noose.

The brunette was flirty, her finger twirling one of Matty's curls. As she stood tall enough where her laced white bra began playing peek-a-boo through the side of her shirt. I expected this, the first time I ever laid eyes on him he had girls clinging to him. Which I couldn't blame because I happened to be one from a distance.

Feeling baffled as she babbled on about whatever, as he just lightly smiled. His eyes trailing around from her to other things till they landed on me. They trailed back to her as his long fingers wrapped around her hand playing with his nest. Rising from the stool and excusing himself as she looked on to him till her eyes met the direction he was heading.

Heading towards me.

"Ready, Blue?" He asked before his hand was in mine as he pushed through the crowd until we had reached the brisk air of the night.

++

Matty took control, leading us on the outskirts of town to a liquor store nearby. One by one, walking down the aisle till Matty picked up a bottle of red wine. He led us to a little park shortly after covered in trees and greenery that was pair with a little lake. We sat on the grass, splitting the wine between us and just talking... about anything to everything.

Our laughs and giggles combining with the ruffle of the trees that towered. It was dark enough that we laid out underneath the stars, so many of them that I had trouble counting. The questions kept rolling, both answering them one after the other. Getting a better view of this boy that had helped me out of the pool.

I rested my head against his arm, just caught up in the moment. Caught up in everything happening.

"So, what about this one?" I pointed to the tattoo that was embedded on his chest. Playing peek-a-boo behind his button down. He trailed over at me, "It's for my Nana, Annie. She meant a lot to me." He replied, knowing the feeling all too well. Matty propped his head on his hand, peering down at me now. I was making an abstract piece of art in his eyes with his brown ones against mine. "What?" I asked, he always chuckled when I questioned why he stared so long.

"Why do you question why I stare?" He asked, the boy with the 100 questions.

"Why do you stare so much?" I retorted.

He just chuckled louder, looking away a second before coming back again. "I don't think you're going to make it easy."

I raised my eyebrow, "For?" I asked.

"To get to know you." He replied, "You're hard to read." I just smirked, "That's why I'm a writer.. Keep you on your toes." He just smiled, "Touché Blue, touché."

Matty looked everywhere from my eyes, to my blouse till his chestnut eyes met the curve of my lips. My eyes watching him as his eyes watched my lips part, his free hand landing on my cheek. His calloused thumb running over my bottom lip. Hesitant as he took his bottom lip between his teeth.

I had a feeling where this was going. I wanted it to go there. I wanted those lips to waltz against mine. But the girl at the bar lingered across my mind. How she practically fell to Matty's feet, like the rest of them from the party and wherever he stepped.

Was I one of those girls? Did I want to be one of those girls?

Matty was something else, honestly admitting and I couldn't blame anyone who found him intriguing like I. I knew he wasn't new to the game, the boy wore his experiences like the way he wore his leather jacket. I was just uneasy at becoming something he was used to instead of a new experience like he was for me.

A few curls began to fall into his face as he began to lower himself, inches away from my mouth. An abundance of thoughts running through my mind, all too familiar from moments before. Unsure if my reflex would act fast like those thoughts did. Beginning to feel his hot breath that almost warmed me from the autumn air. I slightly placed my hand to his lowering chest, his once closed eyes now a shade of dark brown. Asking for answers as they trailed my face, almost piercing it.

"I-I'm sorry." I felt my chest sinking, unsure if I made the right decision. If I had pushed him away before he got any closer. His eyes still trailing, "For?"

I sighed with the feeling of embarrassment rushing in, dreading the words about to spill from my oozing mouth. "I don't want to be one of them." Closing my eyes to hide from his reaction.

When I opened them back up, he was still propped on his hand, his lips curled into a soft smirk that graced his face.

"Trust me." He paused, "You're not one of them. Not in the slightest."