#(and ryan has the same with wanting to pick her up from the airport) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

hazel-light · 3 years ago

Text

Chapter Word Count: ~7,400

Total Fic Word Count: ~30,000

Genre: (Wedding) Fake Dating, Friends to Lovers, lots of bed sharing and every self indulgent fluffy trope possible.

Warnings: None? Lots of fluff? Occasional cussing? Some suggestive themes, moments, and jokes I guess. No smut or anything!

Disclaimer: I am not Daniel Sharman, and I do not pretend to know how he would act, speak, etc. This is fiction okay, there’s a lot of creative license, and potential to be OOC. Ricky isn’t mentioned because I started writing this before we knew he existed, so apologies for that. Also, if you’re DShar himself, please do us both a favor and don’t read this, okay???? Same if you know him 🙈

Title taken from the song Yellow Lights by Harry Hudson which suits this story quite a bit!

A/N: You thought I'd skip all the possibilities and tropes that come with the holidays?! Of course not. This is the final part to Yellow Lights. Thank you all for making my return to writing and posting so wonderful. I am so, so, grateful. I hope the ending lives up to your expectations. <3

The next month and a half passes by uneventfully. I try not to spend all of my time thinking about how great Rachel's wedding was, and equally try to ignore the wistful feeling Henry’s wedding left me with. Having Daniel be my fake boyfriend in front of my family showed me everything that I’d ever wanted; someone who fit in seamlessly, who loved me for me, with the perfect balance of romance and friendship. Whatever crush I had successfully buried when Daniel and I first met is now achingly hard to avoid. I curse my active imagination and optimism for letting me indulge in the moments of pretend, leaning too comfortably into our façade.

As a result, I don’t talk to Daniel much. He is busy finishing filming his project in London, and I try to focus on my life in LA. I’ve become paranoid that every text I send him is one too many, too annoying, or too bothersome. I figure I can reassess things when Daniel comes home from filming, and try to find my footing in our friendship again.

This seems like a solid plan until I’m on Zoom with my family for Thanksgiving. Since I’ve already flown back once this year for the wedding, and I’m planning to fly back again next month for Christmas, staying put for Thanksgiving was the economical choice. The call is mostly uneventful until the subject of Daniel comes up.

“Where’s that boy?” Aunt Judith crows from her spot at the dining table.

“Hmm?” I ask.

“She means Daniel.” Ryan rolls his eyes, bringing the iPad closer to her.

“Oh! Right.” I try to recover. “He’s still away filming his new project, actually, but I was able to fly out to see him at the end of September for another wedding, actually.”

Aunt Judith frowns. “That’s a long time to not see someone that handsome—” I start to laugh, “Are you sure he’s not cheating on you?”

Oh shit. It’s in this moment that I realize Daniel and I had never “broken up” as far as my family knows. I hear the rest of my family start sputtering in the background.

“Aunt Judith— you can’t just—”

“That’s awful, I—”

“It is kind of a long time, huh?—”

I try to keep a straight face. “Guys! It’s okay. He’s an actor, it comes with the territory. I expected this.”

“So you aren’t sure that he’s not cheating on you?” Ryan frowns.

“That isn’t what I meant, Ry. Daniel and I are fine. We’re really good, actually.”

“Well I certainly hope you’ll be bringing him home for Christmas then.” Aunt Judith huffs.

“It would be nice to see him,” Rachel speaks up for the first time, and her husband Nick nods. “I didn’t get to talk to him a whole lot at the wedding.”

I clear my throat, my mind racing. “You know, we haven’t actually talked about what we’re doing for Christmas yet; I’ll have to see what he’s doing— if he’s going to spend it with his family.”

“But you’re still coming home,” Ryan states.

“Yes, I am still coming home, no matter what.”

Ryan and Rachel’s mom, my auntie Kim speaks up. “I think it’s pretty common for a boyfriend to defer to his girlfriend’s family for the holidays. I mean, Ryan splits the day with Katharine of course, but Nick always came here with Rachel.”

“I hear you, Auntie Kim, but Daniel never gets to see his family so I’m not sure— all I’m saying is I’m not sure. He may very well come, and I will let you all know as soon as I know.” I smile tersely.

“Well hurry up, and find out,” Auntie Kim chastises. “Christmas is only a month away.”

When I hang up with them, it’s 7pm and I’m feeling antsy. How could I have forgotten that my entire family still thought Daniel and I were together? I’m not sure how to get out of this one. Tired of panicking alone in my head, I pick up my phone and dial Daniel before I can talk myself out of it. It rings and rings, and my anxiety that he won’t answer grows with each tone.

Eventually I hear rustling on the other line.

“Lauren?” Daniel’s voice crackles through the phone.

“Hi.”

“Are you alright?”

“What? Uh— yeah, I just needed to talk to you about something—” I glance at the time on my phone. “Oh god, no. What time is it there? I’m so sorry— I didn’t even stop to think about the time difference, I—”

I hear him suppress a yawn. “Lauren. It must be pretty important if you’re calling me AND rambling like this.”

“No, no, it can wait, I’m sorry— uh, go back to bed. I’m sorry I woke you up.”

“Lauren,” he stops me softly and firmly. “Stop apologizing. What’s going on?”

I sit quietly, feeling like an absolute idiot.

“Lauren, come on. You can tell me.”

“I— we… we never broke up?”

He laughs. “Sorry, what?”

“We never broke up.”

“Am I still asleep, is this a dream?”

“My family still thinks we’re together and they asked me if you’re coming home for Christmas.”

We’re both quiet for a moment.

“Oh.” is all he says.

“I talked to them for Thanksgiving, and they were asking about you. I realized too late that they thought we were still together— because I never told them we broke up. I didn’t think it through this far.”

“Right, I didn’t either.”

My phone starts ringing, telling me Daniel’s trying to FaceTime me.

I accept, and I’m faced with a dark screen.

“Why are we FaceTiming?”

I hear a lamp click on and suddenly Daniel’s face is illuminated as he lays in bed, lines from his pillow still on his face.

“Figured we should at least be able to see each other if you’re going to break up with me in the middle of the night,” he teases.

I shake my head. “Not funny, this is serious, D.”

“I know, I know.”

“If I break up with you, they’re going to yell at me and tell me I’m a stupid idiot.”

Daniel laughs.

“And if you break up with me they’re going to hate you, which means they’ll hate that we managed to ‘stay friends.’ And if it’s mutual…..” I shake my head, thinking. “They’ll think we were lying.”

“Which we were.”

I sigh, “Which we were.”

“So,” Daniel pulls his blanket up higher. “What are our options here?”

“I don’t know, that’s why I called you.”

I watch him stare off into space and reminisce about when I got to see this sleepy Daniel firsthand in Cape Cod.

“I could come for Christmas…” he trails off and I frown.

“That seems like asking a lot. You’ve already given up a lot of your free time this year for me.”

He shrugs into his pillow. “Do you not want me to come for Christmas?”

I pause. “I mean, that isn’t really the issue here. You have to be tired of being in love with me by now.”

He laughs loudly — a stark contrast to the quiet of his room. “Yes, being in love with you is very exhausting.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“I’m kidding. Being in love with you is not exhausting. At all.”

I roll my eyes and say nothing. “I don’t think I can bear to break your family’s hearts at Christmas of all times.”

“Man of the year.” I drawl. “What are you supposed to be doing for Christmas? Going home?”

“No, usually I travel somewhere, but I hadn't decided yet.”

I hum in response.

“Kind of leaning towards traveling to Massachusetts now, if I’m honest.”

I look at him incredulously, only to see a playful grin on his face, but I know he’s serious.

“I’m not going to stop you if you really want to come. But I—” I swallow. “Eventually we’re going to need to plan for whatever happens after Christmas.”

He nods. “I know, we will. Let’s just enjoy Christmas together, first.”

I smile. “Okay. We can enjoy it. Together.”

He clears his throat. “I hope I’m not too rusty at this boyfriend performance, it’s been a few months.”

“Daniel Sharman has performance issues… I hope that doesn’t get out to the press.”

His eyes flash. “Bold, for you.”

I shrug. “You walked into that one, baby.”

“Well, you’re lucky you’re cute, darling.”

We look at each other for a moment, and I hope my eyes don’t give away how fond I am for this man who is willing to commit to fake-loving me, and putting up with my family, and who is setting the bar way too high for any actual real relationship I could hope for.

So much for reburying my feelings.

I break eye contact first. “I’ll let you get back to sleep. Sorry again for waking you up.”

“Do Not Disturb doesn’t apply to you, Lauren. Call any time.”

I smile softly. “Sweet dreams, I’ll text you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight.”

—-

I’m standing in the Boston Logan airport waiting for international arrivals; specifically Daniel’s flight from London. According to the board, his flight landed 15 minutes ago, so he should be coming to the lobby any time now. I bounce on my feet, simultaneously eager and nervous to see Daniel for the first time since parting ways after Henry and Claire’s wedding.

Eventually I see the hat and sunglasses I recognize from a selfie he sent me earlier, and I can feel my heart race. I begin walking towards him, and feel my pace quicken as I get closer. Eventually he sees me too and he’s grinning at me with his signature toothy smile that I missed so much.

When we come into contact I don’t know what the appropriate response is, so I simply grin up at him.

“Hi,” I breathe.

“Hi,” he smiles back, and before I know it he’s closer than he was before and he’s ducking down to kiss me.

It surprises me but I respond quickly, leaning up to meet him.

When it’s over he pulls back just enough to nuzzle his nose with mine.

“Missed you,” he says softly.

“Missed you most.” I smile.

He stands up straight, adjusting his backpack on his shoulder, threading his other hand through mine.

I can’t see his eyes, but I assume he must be looking around when he speaks.

“Oh, are you by yourself?”

The question catches me off guard.

“Yeah— well, Ryan’s in the car, circling so he wouldn’t have to pay for parking,” I roll my eyes.

He nods, “Sorry, then—“ he makes an inconclusive gesture. “Suppose I didn’t need to kiss you quite yet.”

My stomach drops and I smile tightly, “That’s okay— better safe than sorry. I get it.”

He tugs on my hand pulling me into a hug.

“I did miss you, though.”

“And I still missed you most.” I tease.

Daniel shakes his head, but doesn’t argue, pulling back from me and reaching for his suitcase with his freehand.

“Let’s get this show on the road.”

—-

I bring Daniel upstairs to show him around, and so he can put his suitcase in my room.

“Welcome to my childhood bedroom,” I announce, opening the door and leading Daniel inside.

“Wow, where little Lauren grew up,” Daniel teases looking around. When I first arrived home yesterday, I was quick to tidy up, and hide anything that was too embarrassing, but my room is more or less the exact same as I had left it when I was 18 and moving to college.

I nod. “Yes, many secrets to my backstory can be discovered in here.”

Daniel laughs.

Ryan appears in my doorway leaning against the doorframe.

“Just so you know, Daniel, my bedroom is on the other side of this wall,” he nods to his right. “I can hear everything that happens in here. The walls are thin.”

I frown, blushing, “Ew, Ryan.”

Daniel just laughs and smirks, “Got it, bro.”

I look at him incredulously, “Don’t encourage him.”

The two share a look and shrug, seemingly equally enjoying my discomfort.

“Dinner’s ready!” Auntie Kim calls up to us.

I use that as my cue, brushing past both of them to go downstairs, leaving their laughter behind me.

—-

After Christmas Eve dinner, Katharine stops by and the four of us decide to watch the classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I’m the last to arrive in the living room, and when I enter I immediately notice that Ryan is cuddled up with Katharine, and sprawled out over the entire couch, leaving Daniel sitting in the only other seat— the armchair.

I narrow my eyes at them, “Are you guys for real?”

Ryan looks at us and hums innocently, “What?”

“You took the entire couch.”

I see Katharine bite her lip in amusement, as Ryan shrugs.

“I assumed you guys would cuddle anyway. Can you not share the armchair?”

Daniel intervenes, “Of course we can. C’mon Laur.”

He pats his lap. I hesitate briefly before nestling into his lap, tucking my head into his neck.

“Am I crushing you?” I whisper.

“Not at all, you’re keeping me warm.”

I huff a laugh as he puts the blanket over us and Ryan starts the movie. The steady rise and fall of his chest brings me a sense of peace and I have to try not to fall asleep, especially when his fingers gently caress my arm and my leg where he’s holding me to him. I exhale, turning further into his neck and nuzzling into him.

“Tickles,” he breathes, just shy of a whisper.

“You smell good,” I tell him, letting my eyes close.

His chuckle reverberates through his body. “Thanks, darling.”

I feel my eyes shut and sleep take over. I start to come to when I hear the ending song come on, and it drifts into whatever dream I’m having.

“She asleep?” I hear Ryan ask.

“Think so,” Daniel answers.

“You need help waking her up?”

“No, I’ve got it, thanks though. Nice seeing you, Katharine.”

I hear footsteps retreat and feel a series of kisses pressed to my shoulder, as Daniel’s long fingers brush hair away from my face.

“Time to wake up, pretty girl. You can go back to sleep once we’re in your bed.”

I shake my head no, clinging to him tighter.

“Like this bed.” I murmur drowsily.

He laughs softly. “Promise we can cuddle there too.”

“Promise?” I ask, peeking one eye open.

“I promise,” he confirms, pressing one more kiss to my shoulder.

I lift my head to look at him, rubbing my eyes.

“There she is,” he smiles gently at me.

I smile back sleepily, the words coming out before I fully think them through.

“Wanna know a secret?”

“Tell me.”

I swallow, letting my gaze flicker down to his mouth for just a moment. “I like cuddling with you.”

“You do, huh?”

I nod.

“Well the feeling’s mutual. Let’s go upstairs and brush our teeth so we can cuddle more in your bed.”

“Okay,” I relent, getting off of him. He stands up after me and I instinctively lace my fingers with his, leading us back upstairs. When we’re brushed and changed, we settle ourselves in bed and I claim my spot tucked into his neck again.

“Sweet dreams,” he says, kissing the top of my head. I echo the sentiment and gently kiss the spot on his neck I’m closest to. His arms tighten around me and I’m falling asleep again.

—-

For once, I wake up before Daniel. He looks peaceful as he sleeps on his stomach, his arm across my waist, face half smushed into the pillow. I turn my head to look at the clock to see it’s about 9:30 and know the others will be waking up soon. I turn back to Daniel and card my fingers gently through his hair. Eventually his breathing changes and his eyes flutter open, still clouded with sleep.

“Merry Christmas,” I whisper, our faces just inches apart.

He pulls himself closer to me, nuzzling into my side and closing his eyes again. “Merry Christmas.”

It’s quiet for a moment before he speaks again, voice raspy with sleep. “Is everyone else awake?”

“No, I don’t think so. I haven’t heard anyone up and around… they might be soon. Usually we kind of wander downstairs around 10, and it’s just past 9:30.”

He hums in response.

“You can go back to sleep for a little while if you want,” I offer, still running my fingers through his hair. “I’ll wake you when it’s time to go downstairs.”

I start to think he’s drifted off to sleep again when he opens his eyes and looks at me. “No, I can get up. I want to give you your present.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “I told you not to get me anything; you coming here like this with me— twice— is more than enough.”

He rolls his eyes, detaching himself from me and rolling out of bed. “And look like the asshole who didn’t get his girlfriend anything for Christmas? Not a chance.”

I sit up. “We could’ve lied about it—”

“Lauren,” Daniel looks back at me exasperatedly, leaning over his suitcase. “It’s Christmas. Please just open your present.”

He pulls out a neatly wrapped, thin rectangle and places it in my lap, sitting next to me on the bed.

“Merry Christmas, Laur.”

I carefully unwrap the package to reveal a framed art print, with a circle of stars in the middle; underneath it says “The Night Everything Changed” with the coordinates of what I assume to be Los Angeles. I look up to him with soft eyes, and he gives a one shouldered shrug.

“Saw an ad for this online— where you can get the night sky documented of any night you want, anywhere you want. I thought it would be nice to commemorate this past year, for us…” he trails off, and I hug the frame to my chest.

“Daniel, I love it— Really, really love it. It’s so thoughtful.” I reach out and thread our fingers together. “I’m going to hang this in my room. I want it somewhere I see every day.”

He smiles and squeezes my hand. “I’m glad you like it. I actually wanted to talk to you about something— in relation to this. I—”

We’re interrupted by a light knocking on the door, and we both turn.

“Are you guys awake?” Ryan’s voice calls.

“Yeah, we’ll be out in a sec!” I answer.

I turn back to Daniel who squeezes my hand and moves to get up, but I pull him back.

“They can wait; this is special. I want to hear what you have to say.” I smile at him warmly, but he shakes his head, lifting the back of my hand to kiss it.

“It’s alright, I’d rather wait and tell you when we have more time to talk.”

I frown. “Promise me you won’t forget?”

He laughs. “Trust me, I won’t forget.”

He moves to stand, pulling me up with him to go downstairs, but I stop him, wrapping my arms around him tightly.

“Thank you, D. It means a lot to me.”

He returns my embrace, placing a kiss to the top of my head.

When we pull apart, I take his hand again. “Time for Christmas. Your present is under the tree, by the way.”

Daniel laughs. “A present double-standard.”

I shake my head and lead him out of the room.

—-

I think we’re done with presents when Ryan surprises me, coming over to Daniel and I on the loveseat.

“This is for both of you, kind of.” He hands me a thin, narrow gift.

Daniel looks up, surprised. “Thanks, man. That was thoughtful of you.”

He looks at me, silently asking, did you know about this?, and I shake my head no.

I unwrap the package to find a small frame, with a one hundred dollar bill matted in the middle. I look at Ryan and furrow my eyebrows.

“It's the hundred bucks I said I’d give you if you brought a real date to Rachel’s wedding. Seeing as the same guy is here for Christmas I figured you earned it. Thought I’d frame it— but you can take it out and spend it on a date or something, I don’t care.”

Auntie Kim squints. “Sorry, you told her what?”

I roll my eyes and try to avoid the way my stomach sinks at the reminder of how this all started.

I feel Daniel’s hand on my knee. “Clever, Ryan.”

I look over at him to see him flashing his polite interview smile, and I instantly know he knows exactly what I’m feeling.

Auntie Kim stands and stretches. “I don’t get it, but I’m going to go start breakfast. Your sister and Nick are picking up Judith soon and then they’re coming over. Katharine isn’t coming until dinner, right, Ryan?”

As Ryan confirms, she walks out of the room. Ryan turns back to us. “Mind if I shower first?”

I shake my head no, still lost in my thoughts, and I hear Daniel tell him to go ahead.

We’re left alone and I feel Daniel’s thumb brushing my knee.

“Thank you for my presents.”

“You’re welcome— I’m glad you like them; they don’t beat your present for me though.”

He rolls his eyes and we sit for a moment, the framed hundred dollar bill still in my hands.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I look at him and shake my head. “I don’t know. Just an odd reminder of how this started, and that it’s going to have to end soon, I guess.”

Daniel frowns. “We haven’t really gotten to talk about that. Why don’t we table that for later— we still have a nice day ahead of us. Those are problems for tomorrow.”

I nod and smile at him, and he pulls me in to kiss my temple, and I hear the click of an iPhone camera. I look up to see Auntie Kim in the doorway.

“Sorry, I just wanted to tell you that the coffee’s on. It was too cute not to capture.”

Daniel stands up, offering me his hand. “Make sure you send me a copy. I’ll have to add it to my collection.”

I chuckle as I stand. “Let me guess; the album is called ‘Cute and Shit.’”

He grins. “How’d you know?”

—-

Christmas flies by. It’s filled with good food, wine, and everyone I love. It’s hours after dinner, and Auntie Kim has already driven Aunt Judith home before going to bed herself.

Ryan, Katharine, Daniel, and I are all still seated around the dining room table playing some kind of team card game, and everyone’s faces are red from laughter and wine.

I can’t help but watch Daniel, who is in some kind of hilarious argument with Ryan over some card he pulled. His eyes shine from the light of the chandelier, and his smile is big and bright, taking over his whole face.

It hits me in this moment that I’ve surpassed unlabeled romantic feelings; I am truly in love with this man. The realization consumes me until Katharine knocks her shoulder into mine giggling.

“Can you believe we love these idiots?”

“Sometimes it’s a hard pill to swallow,” I tease, giggling, catching Daniel’s eye mid-argument. He winks at me and I feel my already red cheeks flush even deeper.

“You two are so cute,” Katharine continues, watching our interaction. She lowers her voice, whispering to me behind her wine glass. “I was kind of worried that when you got a boyfriend he wouldn’t mesh well with our dynamic, ya know? But it kind of feels like Daniel’s always been here.”

Her words vocalize the thoughts that have been ringing in my head all day. “I know what you mean.”

Katharine dramatically clears her throat. “Are you two done? Is it our turn yet?”

—-

We part ways from Ryan and Katharine in the hallway, giggling and shushing each other in the wee hours of the morning. I shut my door behind me and waggle my eyebrows at Daniel.

“Uh oh, there’s trouble,” he teases. “Planning to seduce me?”

I shrug exaggeratedly and he laughs before looking around. “Fuck, where are my sweatpants?”

I giggle. “They’re literally right behind you on the chair.”

“Oh, thanks.” He grabs them before looking at me. “Can I change in here tonight?”

I flush. “Yeah, sure.”

After sharing a room together all this time, this is the first time we’ve changed in front of each other and the thought makes my skin tingle. I make my way over to my dresser, pulling out my own sleep shorts and t-shirt. I wiggle out of my pants and pull on my shorts, glancing over my shoulder to see Daniel, shirtless, adjusting his sweatpants on his hips. My throat runs dry, and I turn around to pull my own shirt over my head, reaching behind me to unclip my bra once it’s on. I bundle my discarded clothes in my hand, walking over to toss them in the hamper. I turn around to find Daniel already looking at me. He’s still shirtless and my eyes drift to his defined chest. He looks down as if noticing for the first time.

“It’s really, uh, hot in here.” He speaks again. “Would it bother you if I slept shirtless?”

I shake my head, mentally screaming. “No, it is warm,” I agree, reaching up to put my hair in a bun on top of my head.

He watches me intently, and I laugh self consciously. “What?”

“Nothing. Just thinking about how this was the best Christmas I’ve had in a while.”

My face lights up. “Really?”

“Yeah.” I see his grin quirk up, and know something else is coming. “I’d say it was almost perfect.”

“Oh?” I question, finishing my bun. “Go on.”

“We fit in a lot of classic traditions today, but we missed one that I’m quite fond of.”

I look at him, trying to think of what it could be, as he takes a step closer to me.

“There wasn’t any mistletoe.”

I swallow. “There wasn’t.” I pause, my mind racing. Before I can fully think it through I find myself offering, “But we could pretend?”

“Hmm?” He murmurs, taking a step closer to me so he’s right in front of me now. I know he’s giving me a chance to take it back, or make a joke; I’m nervous, but I don’t want to take it back. I just really want to kiss him.

“I’d really like it if you had a perfect Christmas.”

“And you?” He questions softly. “What would make it a perfect Christmas for you?”

Instead of answering him, I reach up on my tiptoes to kiss him for a moment, pulling back to look him in the eyes. His eyes meet mine in some unspoken understanding, and then he’s dipping down to kiss me again.

He kisses me softly, delicately, like all the kisses at the wedding. He pulls back briefly to look at me, as if he still expects me to change my mind. I kiss him again, wanting there to be no doubt in his mind, and he kisses me back with purpose and passion, and I’m caught off guard by the weight of it. I gasp, and Daniel uses this opportunity to deepen the kiss, pulling me closer. It reminds me of our very first kiss back on his couch. My arms move around his neck, pulling our bodies flush together.

Daniel pulls away first, but barely, breathing hard, kissing down from my jaw to my neck.

This is definitely new territory for us.

I move my hands to his hair, and he groans at the feeling. I can’t help myself as I sigh breathlessly, a shiver running down my back. He grins against my neck, his teeth scraping at my skin and I moan softly.

“Wait,” I say breathlessly, a thought somehow flitting through my mind. “Earlier, didn’t you say there was something else I should know about my present?”

“I can tell you tomorrow,” he murmurs into my neck between kisses. “It’s time for bed.” He tugs me down onto the bed so I’m underneath him, resuming his kisses on my neck.

“This doesn't seem like going to sleep to me,” I tease.

“It is, shhhh, you’re dreaming.”

“That I’d believe,” I laugh, and Daniel smirks, moving so we're eye to eye again.

“Dream about me often?”

“Shhh.” I pull him closer, turning his words back on him. “You’re dreaming, go back to bed.”

“Happily,” he murmurs, kissing me again.

I bring my hands down to his bare shoulders, feeling his warm, toned skin against my fingertips. I gently drag my nails down his chest to his stomach, and I feel his muscles clench at my touch. I can’t help but smirk to myself as he pulls away to rest his forehead on my shoulder, letting out a shuddering breath. I bring my nails around his back, tracing up his taut muscles and across his shoulder blades.

I feel one of his hands come down, pushing my shirt up, his mouth pressing hot kisses to my abdomen. His nose takes over pushing my shirt up, exploring every new inch revealed with his mouth, his hand now running over my thigh, fingers squeezing occasionally, slowly climbing higher. As his hand reaches the bottom of my shorts, he lightly tugs at the fabric. He pauses, his blue eyes tentatively peering up at me.

“Can I…?” He looks nervous, like I’ll reject him. As if I have ever rejected him, or could ever manage to deny him. I’m not even entirely sure what he’s asking but I find myself nodding quickly. As he goes to tug my shorts down we hear a bang on the wall we share with Ryan followed by a crash, a “Shhhh” and a “Shit.”

We both startle and look over toward the wall, before looking back at each other and laughing softly.

“Ugh, I don’t want to know,” I say, shaking my head.

“You probably, definitely don’t.” He smiles at me before pulling his hand off my shorts, and my shirt back down, letting his fingers trace along the waistband of my shorts before he clears his throat. “We should, uh, get some sleep.”

I blink at the abrupt change in mood before nodding awkwardly. “Okay, sure.”

He rolls off of me, and I reach over to shut the lamp off. I’m hesitant to cuddle up to him, unsure if what just happened changed something between us, but I’m relieved when I feel his arm wrap around me the way it always does. Neither of us say anything, and I try not to think about the last few minutes, the firmness of his body behind mine, or the way my body’s buzzing— closing my eyes to try and get some rest.

—-

The next two days with my family go pretty much the same way as Christmas did. Daniel gets on swimmingly with everyone, and my heart aches every time I realize that once the holidays are over, our charade is going to come to an end—a permanent end— this time. I try to ignore that thought and enjoy my time, basking in the coupley moments in front of my family, and leaning into every touch we share.

I never get a chance to ask about my Christmas present; the time never feels right, and Daniel doesn’t bring it up either. Nothing happens between us like Christmas night; when bedtime rolls around we change in the bathroom and go straight to bed. We cuddle, but there’s no after-dark kisses or wandering hands. I wonder if Daniel feels as self-conscious about that night as I do; if he does, he doesn’t show it.

—-

We’re in my room packing to go back to LA in an effort to try to beat the inevitable New Year’s rush at the airport.

“I need to find something to wrap this in so it doesn’t break in my luggage,” I frown, holding up Daniel’s present. “It’s my new prized possession— nothing can happen to it.”

Daniel looks over and laughs. “Want me to wrap it in my sweatpants? That's what I did on the way here.”

“Okay, thank you.” I pad across the floor and pass him the frame, our fingers brushing in the process.

“Of course.” His lips quirk up as he carefully arranges the frame in his suitcase.

A moment passes, and I wonder if now is a good time to ask about my present .

“Hey, I’ve been wanting to ask—“

“Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you—“

We both stop mid-sentence and Daniel laughs, “Sorry what were you saying?”

I shake my head, courage gone. “No— sorry, go ahead.”

He looks at me curiously but continues, “Henry texted me; he and Claire invited us to their New Year’s Eve party. They’re having it in LA this year.”

I quirk an eyebrow. “Us? They want me to go?”

He shrugs. “Yeah, Claire apparently requested your presence specifically.”

“Oh, that’s nice of her. I usually stay in for New Year’s.”

“It could be fun— if you aren’t sick of me yet,” Daniel teases.

“Ha!" I laugh, "If you aren’t sick of me yet, more like.” I shake my head. “And don’t mind sharing your friends with me.”

“They’re basically your friends now, too,” he argues.

“I’m not sure one wedding constitutes that, but I appreciate the sentiment.”

“You should come.”

I stop and look at him.

“I’ll call a car and pick you up on the way.”

When I hesitate, he softens his voice. “Please come.”

I swallow, “Okay.”

I’m not a big party person, but I also know I don’t have it in my heart to deny him, especially after everything he’s done for me.

He grins. “Really?”

I nod. “Yeah, I’ll go.”

“Cool, I’ll, uh, let them know we’re coming.”

I bite my lip to suppress my smile and start planning my outfit in my head.

—-

When we arrive at Claire and Henry’s house on New Year’s Eve, I try not to gawk at the size. It’s massive and sits high on one of the tallest hills in LA, away from the noise of the city.

The first person to spot us as we walk in is, unfortunately, Eleanor. I’d hoped she was in London, and away from us, but alas.

“Daniel!” she squeals, throwing her arms around him. “I was so hoping you’d be here.”

“Hi, El,” he placates her with a strained smile. “You remember Lauren?” He gestures back to me.

“Laura?” she asks, disinterested.

“Lauren,” I correct, forcing myself to smile. “Nice to see you again.”

“Eleanor,” Daniel intervenes. “Could you point us in the direction of Henry and Claire, perhaps?”

She frowns, but quickly covers it up. “They were in the kitchen last I checked— we have just got to catch up later.”

“We will!” He agrees graciously. “Let us get a drink, and I’m sure we'll have plenty of time to talk later.”

Daniel puts a hand on my back, guiding me forward and into another room, which turns out to be the kitchen. He’s immediately drawn into a series of bro hugs and handshakes by Henry and some of his other friends.

“Lauren! I’m so glad you came!” I turn to find Claire by a table of beverages.

“Claire! So nice to see you, thank you for inviting me.”

“Thank you for coming,” she says, pulling me into a quick hug. “I told Daniel he just had to bring you.”

I laugh. “He told me you were quite persistent— I usually have a low key New Year’s at home, but this is a fun change of pace.”

“Can I get you a drink?” She asks, already reaching for a bottle of champagne.

“Sure, thank you.” I catch Daniel’s eye across the room; he’s being clapped on the back and led out of the kitchen. I smile reassuringly, hoping to communicate that I’m fine here. He seems to understand, as he smiles back and nods before turning back to his friends.

Claire giggles, bringing my attention back to her.

“You look at him with such heart eyes, it’s cute.”

I try to keep my face from panicking. “Sorry?” She laughs like my reaction is the funniest thing in the world. “Oh don’t worry, he looks at you just the same, so you’re fine.”

I chuckle nervously. “I think maybe you’ve got the wrong impression—”

She shrugs like we’re talking about something commonplace, like the weather.

“Maybe, it’s possible... but I don’t think so. Now come! There’s some other girls I’d love for you to meet.”

—-

I spend a good portion of the night talking with Claire and her friends. They’re all very kind to me, but eventually I excuse myself to get some air out on the balcony.

I’m looking up at the sky — it’s dark, dotted with faint stars and a distant passing plane — when I hear somebody come out and join me. As they settle next to me against the railing I immediately know who it is just by how comfortable I feel.

“Whatcha doin out here, LaurLaur? The New Year’s only a few minutes away.”

I grin at him. “Just getting some air and admiring the stars. From up here you can actually see them.”

He hums, looking up with me.

“It reminds me of a certain piece of art a certain someone got me for Christmas.”

He chuckles. “I’m glad you like it so much.”

“It was very thoughtful…. I wonder if any of the stars are in the same places as they were that night.”

“Which night?”

“The night everything changed. Your birthday.”

Daniel leans against the railing facing me, and looks like he’s about to say something before he changes his mind.

Eventually he speaks again. “Things are going to change again soon, right? You said you’re sure about the break up?”

I swallow, scoffing my shoe against the balcony floor.

“I mean, we still need to figure it out, but you can’t keep fake dating me forever. That isn’t fair to you.”

He smiles wistfully. “It’s not like there was anyone else I was trying to date.”

“I’m a lucky girl,” I lament, and Daniel blushes and shakes his head. “It’s a real shame we’re over, though," I jest, trying to lighten the mood. "I’ve never gotten to kiss anyone at midnight.”

His eyebrows raise in surprise. “Never?”

“Nope,” I pop the p and look down at my feet.

“Well.” He clears his throat conspiratorially. “We can agree not to bring our fake relationship into the New Year if you want, but if the kiss starts before midnight, I think we’d get by on a technicality...”

I laugh. “You really want Eleanor to hate me, don’t you?”

He grins cheekily and shakes his head. “Nah, I think I saw her latched onto some other poor bugger inside. We’re in the clear.”

I roll my eyes, looking back up at the sky. I feel his finger trace my arm, gently using my elbow to turn my attention back towards him.

His voice is softer now, “It’s up to you, but there’s no one else I’d rather kiss at midnight.”

I look into his eyes and realize he’s being sincere. My heart’s beating out of my chest. Yes, I want to kiss him, but I want it to mean something. I keep giving in because I know one day this is all going to go away, and I’ll be left with just my memories and heartache.

He must see some hesitance in my eyes, because he’s taking a step back.

“If you don’t want to, it’s fine. Really.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “Not trying to pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do.”

I shake my head. “It’s not that I don’t want to, I just…” I trail off, looking over the balcony, trying to swallow my feelings, which have manifested as anxious tears in my eyes. I feel a tear escape, and I hastily reach up to wipe it away.

“Hey,” Daniel says gently. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t.” I let out a watery laugh. “Sorry, I don’t know why I’m…”

I feel his steady stare, and I come to terms with the fact that I’ve really gotten myself into a mess that I can’t just smooth over. I’m going to have to tell him.

I take a minute to compose myself, and Daniel stays quiet giving me time to put my words together as I look anywhere but at him.

“I do want to kiss you, D,” I start slowly, trying to keep my voice steady, “but I can’t if it’s just another part of our fake relationship.”

He tugs me closer by hand, gently, so I have no choice but to look at him. I swallow the lump in my throat. “I… know this wasn’t supposed to be real. But it has been, for me.”

He shakes his head and squeezes my hand. “So then stop trying to break up with me.”

I blink at him, and he continues.

“The night everything changed— your star map— I wasn’t referencing the story we told your family about my birthday.” Daniel looks at me long and hard like I’m missing something totally obvious. “It’s actually the stars from a night a month or so later.”

A month or two— Oh. OH.

“The night Ryan FaceTimed me?” I whisper, afraid to be wrong.

He takes my other hand in his, lacing our fingers together. “Listen— Fuck. I’m in love with you, Lauren.” He looks at me so intensely and my head is spinning. “I love you, and I’m in love with you.”

“What?” I ask dumbly.

He licks his lips. “A wise woman once said to me, you don’t confess to ‘kind of like someone’ when you’ve already been friends as long as we have.”

I stare at him for a second, my cheeks burning. “Well your friend sounds pretty smart.” I swallow. “Because I love you, too.”

He laughs, relief flooding his features. He pulls me to his chest, crushing me and squeezing the air out of my lungs. Eventually he pulls back, hands cupping my face.

He grins and shakes his head. “She is smart, so, so smart, but I don’t want to be her friend anymore.”

“What do you mean?” My brows furrow in confusion, worried that somehow I’ve misread this whole interaction, my relief quickly being replaced by panic.

“Well.” He steps forward, keeping our faces incredibly close. “I’m hoping she agrees to be my very real girlfriend— that is, if she doesn’t break up with me first.”

I hear everyone inside start the countdown to midnight. I’m still looking into Daniel’s eyes in disbelief, my hands clinging to the front of his shirt.

When the countdown hits one, I’ve finally found the words I want to say.

“Happy New Year, boyfriend.”

He’s grinning as he kisses me, and I am too. It’s not our most elegant kiss, a mess of teeth and giggles, and whispered “I love you”s. We never stray too far from each other’s lips, kissing again and again like we can’t get enough— and maybe we can’t.

Eventually, we calm down a bit, and when we kiss this time it’s all-consuming, sucking the air out of my lungs. It feels like my love is fizzling to the top of my skin, and I feel it. ‘It’ being every indescribable emotion in our kisses this past year, but this time I know what it is: true, unadulterated, uninhibited love. I am in love with my best friend, who is now my boyfriend, and I don’t care who knows it— as long as he does.

His fingers press bruisingly into my hips before he pulls back just enough to look at me.

“Can we go home?” He whispers sheepishly, brushing some hair out of my face tenderly. “I’m kind of tired of sharing you with the public.”

I huff a laugh. “I know exactly what you mean.” I lean forward to kiss him one last time before pulling back to lace our fingers together, squeezing tightly. “Please— take me home, D.”

I don’t have to tell him twice.

---

tagged: @rogershoe @heyrowena @yunsh-17 @trenko-heart @dylxnshxrmxn

#THE END!!!!#can you believe it?!#daniel sharman fluff #daniel sharman x oc #daniel sharman fanfiction #daniel sharman fanfic #daniel sharman fic #daniel sharman imagine #yellow lights

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joannaliceevans-fanficblog · 3 years ago

Text

The One: Chapter Two

A/N: Heeeeey everyone! I’m back, but not completely. I got my muse back though! Anyways, sorry for the long wait!

Enjoy kids!

The One Masterlist

Masterlist of Drabbles and Series

Summary: You have finally returned back home in Toronto.

You sat in the window seat of the plane, looking out through the window. A million things ran through your mind, and one of them was returning home. You haven't been home since you left four years ago and after your breakup with Simu. He had tried to call you a few days after you left. Your brother, Ryan, warned him to stay away. But Simu didn’t listen and called you. Of course, you didn’t pick up the phone. Simu tried many times, but soon he stopped when you disconnected your number and got a new one. All he knew was you were somewhere in the states for your studies but not sure which one.

After all this time, you wondered how he was doing. From time to time, you would either look him up on his facebook or instagram. Sometimes you even ask your brother occasionally but you always met with the rolling eyes and ‘why do you care when he doesn’t care’ tone from him. Either way, Simu is a hotshot in Canada.

You made the mistake of working last night and headed to the airport right after. The plane landed, and you realized you had made it home. You got out of the aircraft and headed to the international gate. You waited in the lengthy line and got your luggage, and you finally made it out of the darn airport. All you wanted to do was to sleep.

Yawning, you saw your best friend driving her BMW up the road. You waved her over and ran towards the car. Diana parked the car, and she jumped out. You both didn’t care if you got onlookers. You haven’t seen her in two years.

“Okay, enough. Better get in the car before I get yelled at. You placed your bags in the trunk and got into the front passenger seat. Closing the door and Diana was off.

It was quiet for a few moments when Diana looked down at the shiny platinum, 1-carat ring glistering on your left finger.

“Jesus, Chris went all out on you, didn’t he?” Diana asked as she made it into the freeway. You looked down and smiled.

“Yes, he did. I told him that I didn’t want anything extravagant. But he insisted because he loves me, and I deserve everything.” You said.

“Well, it’s nothing compared to mine,” Diana said, quickly showing her engagement ring.

“Oh, please! You have a beautiful ring!” You said, “But, it shouldn’t matter.”

“Anyways, tonight we have dinner with my family. Then after that, we have drinks at Ransom’s Bar. We are going to meet with Ben and his best man.” Diana said.

“Sounds like a plan! Ben’s best man is from college?” You asked, and Diana nodded, “Yep! He went to the same school as us, but he’s from a different department.”

“Have you met him?” You added, and Diana sighed.

“I haven’t. All I know is that they met after Ben finished his residency.” Diana said.

It was quiet for a moment when Diana looked down to see that you were trying to call someone. Then released a muffled fuck and hung up.

“Is Chris coming?” Diana asked, changing the subject as she noticed that you kept looking down at your phone. You sighed and turned to your best friend.

“He is, but he’s coming from London." You said, looking at your phone again. He has some work stuff to do.”

“Did something happen? You look worried.” Diana asked. You sighed once more and ran your hands to your hair.

“I called him last night, and he hung up. I thought he was busy. When I called him before leaving earlier, he didn’t pick up. He always picks up on the first ring with me.” You said, getting concerned.

“I’m sure it’s nothing, hon. Come, let’s not think about that!” Diana said as she made a turn off the freeway and towards her and Ben’s house.

“Oh, and not to worry. Ben is staying at the old apartment. He’s letting the rest of the girls and me, plus my parents and family stay.” Diana said.

Later that night, you were getting ready for the night. You took a nice, warm shower, blow-dried your hair, and did your make-up. The outfit you chose was a simple black fifties-style cocktail dress. Before you headed down, you looked at yourself once more. Nodding to yourself, you grabbed your purse and your phone. Diana, let you sleep in a bit, knowing that you worked that last night.

Once you went down the stairs, Diana was there with her brother Daniel and her parents. Looking at your phone screen, your heart sank, as you didn’t see one single response from Chris. You wanted to cry but held yourself back.

You went to dinner at one of the best French restaurants in Toronto. Wine, good mussels, and frites. You caught up with her family, as they treated you like their own. After a good chat, it was time to go and meet with Ben and his best man. During the drive down to Ransom’s Bar, you stare at the street lights as memories of him begin to flood back into your mind.

You moaned and let out a loud growl as your phone rang and rang. You blindly reached over to the nightstand and snatched it. You didn’t even bother to see who it was and answered the phone.

Hmmph?

Ooo, sweetheart.

A smile escaped your sleepy face.

Babe, it’s too early!

Too early? Honey, it’s 10:45 am.

You heard him laughing, and that sent you blushing a million shades of red.

I had a long study night, babe….

I know you did. But listen, I’ll be there in 20 minutes.

Your eyes widened.

I’m sorry, WHAT? I look like death; I don’t even have time-

Honey, I’ve been with you since the beginning of our college years. Trust me. I’ve seen everything from you looking like death to an angel.

With that, you hung up and laid back down on the bed.

“2 minutes,” You told yourself.

20 minutes later

“Babe-“ You heard and felt those familiar lips against your forehead. You moaned and attempted to roll over, but you felt the bed dip, and a pair of arms were wrapped around your waist. That familiar scent of warm vanilla and citrus sent your body into overdrive.

“Why do you smell so good, like I want to eat you.” You said, snuggling closer to him. Simu laughed and kissed your forehead.

“You always want to eat me.” Simu said, still laughing, “Anyways, why don’t you get up, take a shower, and then we can have lunch, mama made?”

The thought of Simu’s mom’s cooking made your mouth water.

“Please tell me, and she made congee?” You asked, sitting up.

“Of course she did. Mama knew you would want some when I went over earlier, now get ready, and I’ll have it ready by the time you're done.” Simu said, getting up from the bed.

But you just sat up and pouted.

“But-“

“But what, babe?”

You continued to pout, as you didn’t want to come out of bed. Simu looked at you and sighed.

“I take it that you want to eat first, then get ready?” Simu asked you.

“I mean, I’ll get up. But I was hoping to stay in bed with you.” You said. Another sigh came out from Simu, and he took a seat next to you.

“Okay, how about this. You get out of bed, and I get the food ready while you wash up and look less like death, and then we cuddle on the couch. With trashy Netflix movies?” Simu asked, then got up.

You smacked him playfully on his arm as you were about to get up; your man scooped you into his arms and carried you out of the bedroom.

The car came to a complete stop, and you and Diana got out of the vehicle. Placing the alarm on, you walked towards the bar. A smile grew on your face as memories came to you. This was your go-to place. Either you and Diana come after an exam, or hang out with friends. But what made your heart warm was when Simu took you here on a first date.

You followed Diana towards the back, where her fiancée Ben was. You laughed as you watched the two kiss and say many mush love words towards each other. You cleared your throat, and the two let go of each other.

“You two see each other every day.” You said, shaking your head while letting out a giggle.

“And someday your prince will come!” Ben said, placing an arm around you. You playfully pushed him away and stuck your tongue at him.

“Oh, don’t worry, Ben, she’s already found her prince!” Diana said, giggling. Ben looked at you with a shocked face.

“Wait, it’s that Ch-“ Ben started, as you and Diana hushed him. Ben got the message and zipped his lips.

“ANYWAYS, tonight is about you two! Where is your Best Dude?” You asked, taking a seat as the couple did the same. Ben signed and checked his watch, “He’s running late.”

Simu sighed as he parked his Jaguar to the side of the curb. He was running his hands against his face letting out another sigh. His phone rang as he looked at who it was. Simu wasn’t in the mood for another fight but still picked up.

“Where are you?!” a voice yelled over the phone.

“If you pay attention for the last month or so, I said I’m going to my best friend's rehearsal party. You chose not to listen and decided to go out with your friends as always,” Simu stated as he heard a loud annoyed groan on the other line.

“Why are you going to those types of parties anyways? It's not necessary when you can attend other ones”

“Listen, babe, and I don’t understand why we need to keep doing this and argue about the same thing over and over.”

A loud upset moan came about.

“Then don’t make it! I’m attending these parties for you and throwing them for you-“

Slamming his hands onto the steering wheel, Simu groaned in frustration.

“Don’t put this on me, Jess. I prefer to attend my best friend's wedding and none of those extravagant parties you like to attend. You are always with friends or with those high-end classes, so call friends or associates and don’t make me mention Bret.”

Before she could argue back, Simu hung up. The phone rang again, and he denied the call. Turning off the engine, Simu got out and headed towards the bar.

Tonight was the night he looked forward to. He hasn’t seen his best friend in a long time, and he gets to meet the Maid of Honor. He had asked about Diana’s Maid of Honor but didn’t get much from Ben. As he walked and looked around, memories started to flow into his mind. Simu paused for a moment and realized where he was going. It was all too familiar to him. When Ben told him about the bar, he didn’t even stop to think about it until now.

It’s been four years since you left, and he has you still tucked into his heart. You were the one that got away. Everything around the place still brings back memories of you. Simu moved on with life, but from time to time, you would pop up. Sighing, he rubbed his hands together and headed into the bar.

Walking in, the bar was in full swing. Walking through the crowd, Simu spotted his friend and headed towards the back. He was sitting by himself, looking at the phone. The bar was busy for a Thursday night, and he was grateful that it was so he wouldn’t be noticed.

“Ben, my man!” Simu yelled through the loud crowd as Ben looked up and smiled. Both men gave hugs and took a seat.

“The girls went to get drinks. I hope you still drink-“

“Whiskey Sour?” Simu finished, and Ben laughed, “Things never change.”

“Speaking of who’s the maid of honor, do you know who’s keeping a secret?” Simu asked. Before answering, Ben looked up “well why don’t you find out yourself?” Ben said as he nodded his head as Simu turned around. Diana placed her drink down on the table next to Ben. A figure emerges from the crowd as she puts her drink down on the table, digging into your purse for your phone.

“Damn, it's pretty packed for a Thursday night,” you said as Simu slowly turned to his side to look at the person next to him.

He knows that voice, and he remembers that voice. Even after four years, it still sounds the same to him. You looked up after finding your phone when you turned to your right when you stared into a pair of eyes you know too well.

@jtargaryen18 @patzammit @icanfeelastormbrewing @what-is-your-plan-today @sweater-daddiesdumbdork @mariestark @jassy2101 @onetwo3000 @rainbowkisses31 @katiew1973

#chris evans fanfiction #chris evans x reader #CHRIS EVANS ANGST #Simu Liu #simu liu x reader #simu liu fanfiction #simu liu angst

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mattsboldyy · 4 years ago

Text

The 24 Days in the Bubble. | WJ Canada

CHAPTER ONE | POSSIBILITIES

Summary - Is there a possibility of a girl joining Team Canada in the 2021 World Junior Tournament? Maybe? One question, who would be the lucky lady that gets to play with a bunch of boys?

Warnings - mentions of covid , covid testing , masking , female reader , cuss words

Requested - No, Idea came from myself(:

Words - 1.5k

Requests - Open

Taglist: @2manytabsopen @prettyboyjackhughes @sorokns @ricohenrique @cherrylita @tonyspep @lovereadinghockeyy @only-goalies-allowed @hawksgirl1 @mysoftboybowen @hoespill @capsvsducks @tysonsjosty@cherrybarzy

Authors note- I got all of my information from google, websites, & from the documentary Team Canada put out based off of the 2021 Tournament therefore, some information that takes place in this series may be false, but just know that I got all my information from the documentary and the internet. Thank you and enjoy!

NOVEMBER 2, 2020

“So André, we’ve heard some rumors of a girl possibly joining the tournament?” One person asked over the zoom call that had been the only way for media outlets to ask their questions they had for different staff members or world junior players.

“We’ll see. There is still some things we need to figure out first especially with everything going on in the world with Covid-19, we may have to wait till next World Junior Tournament.” Coach Tourigny said.

“Okay next question goes to Rob Smith from..”

You turned off your phone. Woah. This was kinda cool. A girl in the World Junior tournament? That was the talk of the town.... well, talk of the country you should say, all of the girls were trying to figure out where they could tryout, trying to email the coaches, email any staff member, really. You had always been good at hockey but you’d never thought about going to the World Junior Tournament. -

“Hey Y/N!” Your mom said, walking in the front door, taking her mask off and walking over to the kitchen island where you were sitting.

“Hi mom! How was your day?” You ask, putting your phone down and looking at your mom who was standing on the other side of the island.

“It was alright! Same old people coming in and out of the office.. did you see the interview with André Tourigny about the possibility of girls playing in the World Junior competition?” Your mom asked, turning around and opening the cabinet to start fixing dinner.

“Yeah I did. It’s pretty cool!” You said, picking up your phone again after getting some texts from your friends.

”You should maybe tryout!” Your mom said, looking at you.

“Meh.” Was all you said as you got up from the kitchen island and went over to the living room couch and sat down there.

NOVEMBER 6, 2020

You were sitting at your desk typing out a email when you got a call from a number that you didn’t recognize so out of instinct, put your phone on silent and continued typing, until you here a notification come from your phone, you look and a voicemail has been left from that same unfamiliar number. You clicked on the notification, pressed play, put the phone on your desk, and listened to the voicemail, continuing to type.

”Hi, this is Michael Dyck, I’m in assistant coach for the 2021 Team Canada World Junior team. I’ve been looking at your highlights due to the possibility of a female joining the tournament this year. Call me back as soon as possible. Thank you, bye.”

Your jaw dropped. Why would he be calling you? Why would they look at your highlights out of all the female players in Canada?

You picked up your phone, ran out of your room, down the stairs and into the living room where your mom, dad, & brother was sitting.

“The assistant coach for Team Canada just left me a voicemail and said he has been watching my highlights and he asked me to call him back!” You said, running over to sit on the seat next to your mom on the couch.

”Well call him back!” Your dad said.

You nodded and pressed the phone button, calling Michael Dyck back.

”Y/N! Thank you so much for returning my call! How are you?” Micheal asked.

”I’m doing great! And it’s no problem!” You said, looking at your mom with wide eyes.

”That’s good! Hope your family is doing well and staying healthy. Anyways, I wanted to discuss the possibility of you becoming apart of Team Canada.” He said.

”Me?” You said, coving your mouth with your hand out of excitement.

Michael laughed, “Yes, you. Me, head coach André Tourigny, and the rest of the Team Canada‘s staff has been looking through you highlights and we think you would be a perfect fit for this year’s team. You would still need to tryout but there is a great chance you will make it onto the final roster. If you do make it onto the final roster, you won’t be home for Christmas and most likely New Years too. We have no idea how long this whole quarantining thing is going to be, but we would love to have you join us at the selection camp in Red Deer on November 16 for Team Canada.”

”It’s a honor! Thank you!” You said, looking over at your parents and brother.

”No, thank you! I’ll be in touch, have a good one, Y/N.” Michael said.

”You too!” You said, before hanging up.

”What just happened.” You said, getting up and walking back over to the steps.

”Our daughter could be the first girl on Team Canada!” Your parents said, laughing and high-fiving each other.

You laughed and went back into your room.

No really. What just happened?

NOVEMBER 8, 2020

It was a few days after the call with Michael before it got released to the public that Y/N L/N was the only female that had been chosen to participate in the selection camp. Some had good thoughts and some had bad thoughts about the situation. Either way, you were still terrified. Your friends & family were both so excited for you, and they were still going to be happy for you even if you didn’t make it past the selection camp.

NOVEMBER 16, 2020

You walked into the airport, seeing camera equipment everywhere, following the players.

“You must be Y/N!” André said.

”That’s me!” You laugh nervously.

”It’s very nice to meet you! I would give you a hug but covid is kind of making that impossible.” Coach Tourigny said, laughing after the last part of his sentence.

“No you’re fine! It’s nice to meet you too!” You said, looking around at the other players.

You and Coach André talked for a few minutes until you went over to the group of players, standing around different parts of the airport.

”Hi!” You heard someone say, you turned around and saw a brown haired boy with dark eyes.

”Hey!” You said, still not knowing who the boy was.

”You must be Y/N! I’m Braden! Braden Schneider!” Braden said.

”Oh very nice to meet you!“ You said, smiling up at him.

“Nice to meet you too! Hopefully we both make it onto the final roster! You seem like such a sweet person!“

”Oh thank you! You seem nice too!” You said.

You and Braden talked to each other for a few more moments before someone else came up to you two. You figured out the boy that had came up to you was a boy named Ryan. Ryan Suzuki! He was very nice and friendly. You also met Kirby Dach, Bowen Byram, and Dylan Holloway. They all seemed very nice!

After meeting Braden, Ryan, Kirby, Bowen, and Dylan, someone else came up to you.

”Y/N! How are you?” Someone said.

”Hi! You must be Mitch Love!” You said through your mask.

”That’s me! It’s a honor to have you joining us in Red Deer!” Mitch said, laughing.

”Oh yeah! No worries! It’s a even bigger honor to be here!” You said, chatting with Mitch a few more minutes till he said he had to go and you sat down by yourself.

”Alright everyone, we have the plane ready to go! Just go through that gate and there should be some airline staff members to help you.” Mitch said, gesturing over to the gate.

You nodded and headed for the gate, with all your other possible World Junior teammates.

After the rest of the players trying out for Team Canada took their seats, you were left trying to find a seat.

”You can sit here!” Someone said.

You turned around to see a blonde headed boy who you had never met before.

”Oh thank you!” You said, taking the seat next to him.

”I’m Kaiden, Kaiden Guhle! Nice to meet you.” He said, smiling over at you.

”Hey. I’m Y/N! Nice to meet you too.” You said smiling back at him.

”So where are you from?” Kaiden asked after the safety instructions were announced and the plane was taking off.

“I’m from about 20 minutes from Toronto! How about you?” You asked, looking at the screen that was in front of you, attached to the back of the seat to whoever was sitting in front you of you.

“Edmonton.“ He said, looking out of the airplane window.

”Oh, that’s cool.” You said.

”Yeah. I’m just ready to get to Red Deer for selection camp.” Kaiden said, looking back over at you.

”Me too.” You said, tapping on the screen in front of you.

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procrastinatorimagines · 4 years ago

Text

I Want Us Part 1

Fandom: Chicago PD / SVU

Series: I Want Us

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4 // Part 5 // Part 6 // Part 7 // Part 8 // Part 9 // Part 10 (Final)

Character/s: Reader x Carisi

Warning/s: mentions of kidnapping

Word Count: 2,171

Request: Hi! So, idk if you will be up for writing a kind of crossover, if not it's totally okay. I was thinking reader being a detective in chicago pd but they go help svu with a case and she and carisi (still detective) have something ?? First meeting and stuff or more deep as in long distance relationship and reader gets pregnant so one of them have to leave their city ?? Idk I want you to feel comfortable writing whatever inspires you more. Amazing work btw!!

Summary: When a child abduction case crosses state lines in New York, Intelligence flies out to meet the Special Victims Unit and track down the missing boy. With the clock ticking, both units decide to mix up partners in order to combine their knowledge of the case with knowledge of New York City, pairing Intelligence’s newest member Y/N with Detective Carisi.

“I’m telling you boss, it’s like he’s just vanished,” Adam insisted, leaning forward in his chair as he spoke to Voight, who was standing in front of a whiteboard filled with potential leads and locations of your suspect and his son, Logan, who he kidnapped in the early hours of the morning, none of which had panned out.

Voight looked increasing frustrated, and you didn’t blame him, the father and your suspect, Ronny had just been released from Statesville for assault and battery of his former spouse and older child. You were all scared for this boy’s safety and well aware of how quickly the odds of survival decreased as the clock continued to tick.

Jay and Hailey had interviewed the family, the mother Claire and his older sister Josie, and were now at Hailey’s desk going over the statements, with Jay obviously sat on it instead of on a chair. Kev and Vanessa had gone to the prison, talked to Ronny’s cell mate and old friends, the warden, anyone who might have overheard him mention any plans. Leaving you and Antonio to review any surveillance, put out BOLOS and search the bogus address Ronny had given his parole officer.

You’d all turned up a sum total of nothing.

“There has to be something,” Voight addressed the room, facing his unit with conviction, “go back over what we’ve got so far, we must have missed something, overlooked something, anything.”

Adam spoke up again and you knew why, he’d already gone back over the witness statements, reinterviewed everyone with Kim who said they might have seen or heard anything in the neighbourhood, it was a dead end. “Listen-”

“No, you listen,” Voight snapped and you winced a little, you might have all been thinking the same thing as Ruzek, but he was the only one who usually ever said what was on everybody’s minds, putting him on the receiving end of Voight’s temper. “Unless you want to go downstairs and tell that terrified mother that her son’s ‘just vanished’, you shut up and do you job, clear?”

You’d been in the unit a couple of years now and you were damn proud to be here. No matter how frustrating this was, you still had faith that you would catch the bad guy, this unit did it’s job and it did it well, you just hoped you wouldn’t be too late for Logan.

Ruzek begrudgingly nodded and so did the rest of you even though Voight hadn’t waited for an answer, heading straight back into his office. Turning back in your chair to your desk, you looked to where you were midway through re-combing the surveillence in the area for any sign of a vehicle Ronny might have fled in. He only had one registered in his name, and you and Antonio had found it less than a block from the foreclosed house he’d put as his current residence. Someone had clearly been squatting there, but there wasn’t anything useful in the house or in the beat up old car.

You were just starting to think that maybe they had actually vanished off of the face of the earth when Trudy made her way up the stairs. “CCTV camera just picked up Ronny and Logan, dyed hair and new clothes but facial rec seems to be a match,” she announced, getting all your attention as Voight made his way out of his office.

“Where?” He asked her, noticing the not so triumphant look on Trudy’s face.

“JFK Airport,” she replied, met with annoyed sighs and confused looks. How had he gotten there? You were shocked to say the least, you and Antonio had made sure to call all the airports in Chicago to make sure this guy didn’t flee.

“He’s in New York?” Hailey looked to Voight, waiting like the rest of you were to be told what to do next.

“One of his old prison buddies relocated there last year,” Kev told you all, rifling through his paperwork to find the information he was looking for, “yeah, Ryan O’Connell, got a rep for making people disappear, some that want to, some that don’t.”

“Looks like we’re going to New York,” he decided, aware that the ever ticking clock was now getting faster, you needed to find them now. “I’ll call ahead, get some boots on the ground before we arrive, we’ll roll out as soon as we can. Upton, get the family up to speed, see if they know where he might go in New York.” She nodded.

You all packed up to leave, needing to make arrangements before you could just fly out. “Who’s he calling?” You asked your partner as you headed for the stairs.

“Captain Benson I assume,” he told you, elaborating when he saw that that hadn’t clarified much, “oh I forget, you weren’t with us then. We’ve done a couple of cases with the Special Victims Unit over there, good people and cops, especially their Captain, this is their kind of case.”

You nodded, you’d heard about some of the cases Intelligence had done in New York, especially about Nadia Decotis, and you were looking forward to getting the chance to work with them, circumstances aside.

Voight text you all details about the flight and you left to prepare, you had a job to do and a boy to find, and you were determined to find him.

While the flight itself wasn’t actually that long, it felt like forever, ever second ticking past putting you and the unit further behind Ronny and Logan. You knew it would be straight to business the second your feet hit the tarmac, but Voight had assured you all that although he’d only had time to briefly fill SVU in about the case, they had made finding this boy their top priority. If it was good enough for Voight, it was good enough for you, so you passed the time by looking at everything you had on this O’Connell so you had somewhere to start when you arrived.

There were cars waiting when you arrived, taking you straight to the 16th Precinct and the Special Victims Unit. It was much bigger than the 21st, and nicer too. You had never really spent any time in New York, but it was all just as impressive as you’d heard.

“Hank,” a woman smiled, making her way to greet you all at the entrance of the Unit’s bullpen.

“Olivia,” Hank shook her hand with familiarity, this must have been the Captain. “It’s Captain now isn’t it, congratulations.”

“Thanks, it’s been an adjustment,” she replied, shaking hands with the rest of Intelligence and welcoming them inside.

“Well, it’s certainly well deserved,” Jay told her as the rest of SVU headed over to introduce, or reintroduce, themselves.

“Thanks Halstead,” she smiled, reaching you and Vanessa last. “We haven’t met, I’m Captain Olivia Benson,” she told you.

“Officer Vanessa Rojas,” Vanessa told her, following after Kev to be introduced to the rest of the Unit.

“Detective Y/N. Y/L/N,” you continued, “I’ve heard good things.”

“Likewise, Hank mentioned he had a couple of new members,” she said, leading you further into the main room, “this is Sergeant Tutuola, Detectives Rollins and Carisi, and Officer Tamin,” she gestured around the group as you all shook hands.

You could tell Voight wanted this part to hurry along, eager to get stuck into the case, so you said the generic ‘nice to meet yous’ and stepped out of the way as Voight and Benson positioned themselves at the front of the group.

“So fill us in,” Voight addressed her as he passed out extra copies of your case files to the rest of SVU.

“Okay, so we followed Ronny’s tracks as far as we could after he left JFK, but by the time any unis arrived he was in the wind, we’ve got BOLOS out but nothing so far, although a surveillance camera did pick up the vehicle he left in,” Benson explained.

“Plates?” You asked but she shook her head, bringing up a shot of the back of the car on the screen nearest to her. It was a long way away from your whiteboards and blue tac, you thought.

“Stollen, but we’re trying to match the make and model with any recent reports of car thefts,” she answered.

“Any we’re tracking the names they used to get through airport security,” the male detective, Carisi, continued, “checking for any credit or debit cards under the same names as their fake passports.”

“They must have been good, do we know where Ronny got them from yet?” Hailey asked as Benson got up the images of their passports too, complete with fake names, fake addresses and disguises.

“We’re thinking this O’Connell guy,” Tutuola told her, “he’s got the connections and experience, and this must have been in the works for a while.”

“Yeah, we’re looking at anyone and everyone he’s been in contact with in prison, seeing if any of them might have sent him any packages or had any New York connections,” Rollins said.

“We’ve already gone through the prison logs,” Jay countered, “we know O’Connell did time with him before he got out last year.”

“Yeah, but since then they don’t appear to have had any direct contact, so we’re thinking there’s a middle man, probably the figure you can see in the drivers seat of the car they took from JFK, O’Connell rarely does business in person, that’s why we only had him in for a minor possession stint,” Rollins grabbed a file on O’Connell’s record and handed it to Jay to flip through.

“Can we get a clearer image on that?” Adam asked, pointing to the blurred image of the car. You squinted at the image, trying to get a better look, but the man was clearly wearing a hat and shades, even if they managed to tidy it up, facial recognition would be a waste of time.

“Unfortunately not, but we’re doing everything we can,” Benson said.

“So what now?” Antonio voiced up, all of you turning to your Sergeant and Captain Benson.

“We’re in your house, it’s your call,” Voight said to Benson. He had a lot of respect for her, you noted, he never gave up point on a case so easily.

“Well with your know-how on the case, and our knowledge of New York, we though it was best to combine teams, partner up one of us and one of yours,” she looked back at both units, still stood a little apart from one another, and you and Antonio shared the briefest glance, seeing the other partners in your unit do the same.

You worked well together, all of you did, and let’s be honest, Intelligence had never been very good at sharing, but if it was what was best for Logan, so be it. It hadn’t escaped anyone’s notice that the numbers didn’t add up, so you waited to see who would be moved around.

“Fin, you mind going with Dawson?” Benson gestured to the two men, who happily nodded and Antonio gave you an encouraging nod before he headed off the join the Sergeant at his desk.

“Halstead and Rollins, Upton and Kat,” she continued with Voight’s approval and you knew you’d be next, she’d done her best not to split up any of Intelligence’s partners entirely. “Which leaves Carisi and Y/L/N,” you nodded and so did he.

“Well then, let’s get to it,” Voight ordered, “we’ve got a child to find before he disappears.” With that, he and Benson went to go talk in her office, leaving you all with your new partners.

“First time in New York?” He asked you as he grabbed a chair for you to sit at his desk. You could see notes on the case covering most of the surface, potential locations O’Connell may use and streets that the car may have turned down after they lost it on surveillance, none of which looked familiar to you.

“I got a connecting flight through here once,” you shrugged, feeling out of your element away from Chicago and fully understanding why Captain Benson thought it best to mix up the units.

Carisi chuckled as you took your seat, pulling out the files you’d brought with you from Chicago. “We’re on O’Connell,” he explained, “these are all the files on his known and potential locations.”

You leaned closer to take a look at what he’d been doing. “That’s a lot of ground to cover,” you noted, feeling a sense of dread. O’Connell’s file had him as one of the best, and Ronny had a head start, they might not even be in the state anymore.

Carisi seemed to sense your worry. “We’ve got traffic stops in and out of the city, ports and airports, he won’t slip through again,” he tried to reassure you, but you knew he wasn’t entirely convinced either.

He handed you one of his files and you handed him one of yours. “Let’s get started.”

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hockeynascarfan91258 · 3 years ago

Text

Banner made by me!

A/N: Here is Chapter 2. If you need to catch up and the link to Chapter 1 is provided at the end of this Update.

It's been a few days since Eden started her relationship with both Sid and Kris. The day after the gala was Valentine's Day Sid took her out on a nice little date of playing golf before they headed to the game. After the game in which they won and Sid and Kris had both scored a goal and gotten an assist, they head back to Sid's and they celebrated with Kris who had made them all dinner. And of course they had ended the night with wild steamy sex. Eden made sure she was packed and ready as after the Penguins game ended she was headed to the Daytona. She was happy that rain was on her side.

She had her car at the arena with her bag in it. As soon as the game was over she was going to head to the airport and fly to Daytona and Chase going to meet her at the airport. The game had just started. They were playing the Red Wings. Eden was happy.

The Penguins ended up winning and again both Sid and Kris had a goal. Eden went to clean up and put things away and stock up for the next game. She then went to look for Sid and Kris to say goodbye before she left for Daytona.

Eden heads into the locker room. The guys have all left except for Kris and Sid. They had media before they could shower and suck. She walks in and Sid was sitting in front of his make locker stall. He hadn't showered yet either. Eden goes over and climbs into his lap.

"Hey baby." Sid says.

"Hey are you okay?" Sid asks.

"Yes just didn't want to leave cus I know when we do I will be going home with out you." Sid says.

"Aww baby. It's just a few days. Then I will be back here." Eden says.

"I know but with him." Sid says.

"Who Chase?" Eden asks.

"Yes Chase." Sid says.

"He's just my best friend. Yes I love him to pieces but not like the way I love you." Eden says.

"I'm afraid you are going to leave me for him because you don't want to share me with Kris." Sid says.

"Hey look at me baby. I would never leave you baby or Kris." Eden says.

"Are you sure?" Sid asks.

"Unless you cheated with another girl then yes I am sure." Eden says.

"Okay." Sid says looking up into her eyes.

Eden sees a bunch of emotions swirling in them. She leans down and kisses him. One kiss lead to another until they were fighting for control of the kiss. Soon they were all but ripping each other's clothes off. Eden then lowers herself down onto Sid's cock and starts to move riding him.

"God baby that's it ride my cock." Sid moans leaning back against his locker watching her.

"God baby you feel so good inside me stretching me." Eden moans throwing her head back in pleasure.

"Hmm you look so pretty taking my cock up inside your sweet pussy, tits bouncing as you ride me cow girl." Sid groans.

Eden starts to move harder and faster. Sid leans forward and starts to attack her breasted with his mouth ravaging them both making Eden Yelp out in pleasure.

"Fuck Sid." Eden screams.

"That's it baby let them know who is fucking you, making you feel so good." Sid moans.

He flips her onto her back on the bench and starts to pound into her. Eden wraps her legs around his waist pulling him in further.

"Sid oh god." Eden calls out as she digs her nails into his back.

"Cum for me pretty girl. " Sid begs knowing she was close.

"Sid god." Eden calls out as she cums hard.

Orgasm rushing trough her.

"Eden baby." Sid moans as he cums hard feeling her walls milking his release out of him.

They ride it out.

"Hmm we need to head to the showers baby Kris is there waiting for us." Sid says.

"Hmm okay." Eden says.

Eden and Sid head to the showers. Kris was in a stall locked in. Eden and Sid shower together. Eden finished before Sid and goes to get out. She heads out to Sid's locker so she could get dressed. She was drying off when Kris comes up behind her wrapping his arms around her. He was still wet from his shower. Eden turns to face him.

"God all wet baby." Eden purrs at him.

"I am now question is are you wet for me?." Kris asks pulling her in for a kiss.

That was all it took. Eden pulls off his towel and Kris pulls off her. He then picks her up and slams her back into Sid's locker. Eden wraps her legs around him letting him go deeper.

"God Kris." Eden moans.

"Sorry I needed you baby. Its going to be fast and its going to be rough." Kris groans.

They both move together building each other up. They call out each other's name as they both orgasm. They ride it out.

"We need to get dressed and go out cus I have a plane to catch." Eden says.

"I know baby but me and Sid wanted to fill you up with our cum so you remember who you belong too." Kris replies kissing her.

Kris puts her feet on the ground so she could get dressed. She does. Sid comes out and both him and Kris get dressed.

"Safe trip baby, text me when you get to Daytona." Sid says kissing her cheek.

"I will baby. See you guys Monday night." Eden says.

"Okay baby." Kris says kissing her too.

"Please play nice when Chase is here." Eden says.

"Can't make promises baby but we will try." Kris and Sid both say.

They then head out of the arena and up to their cars. Eden gets in hers. She had a text from Chase.

"After the game drive to the airstrip there is a surprise waiting for you." Chase texted.

"Okay see you soon." Eden replied.

"Sooner then you think. ;)." Chase replies back.

Eden shook her head. She then heads out to the airstrip. A little bit later she arrives and parks. There was a plane waiting for her that she didn't recognize. She gets out of the car grabbing her bag. She heads towards the plane as the door opens up and the steps come down. Eden happily climbs them. Waiting inside was none other then Chase, Ryan and Fletch.

"Hi baby." Eden coos as Fletch jumps all over her.

"Down Fletch." Chase says.

Fletch lays down immediately.

"Aww he just missed me." Eden says squatting down scratching his ears and rubbing his belly.

She then stands up and embraces Chase in the biggest hug. Chase hugged her right back.

"Oh would you two get a damn room." Ryan says rolling his eyes chuckling.

"Hi to you too Ryan." Eden says.

"We better get going." Chase says.

"Yup got a race to run later today." Ryan says.

"Are you flying?" Eden asks Chase.

"Yup this is my plane." Chase says.

"Aww okay." Eden replies.

Chase heads to the cockpit. Ryan and Eden take seats and buckle up. When they were cleared they took off for Daytona. Ryan and Eden both snooze on the flight.

A little bit later they Eden and Ryan woke as they were landing.

"Thanks for coming to get me with Chase." Eden says.

"Always. I am just glad you could come. He has been so happy." Ryan says.

"I am glad I could come too. I love watching him race." Eden replies.

"Yeah he has a surprise for you when he gets you back to the coach." Ryan says.

"He always does." Eden says smiling.

Chase finished got them on the ground safely. He then turns off everything and heads out to get Eden and Ryan so they could get off the plane and head back to the track. Chase comes out.

"Okay we can go now." Chase says leashing Fletch.

"I will take him." Eden says taking the leash from Chase.

"Okay I will get your bags." Chase replies.

Eden nods her head. Chase grabs the bags and the three of them and Fletch get off the plane. They head to Chase's car and get in. Chase drives them to the track. He shows his credentials and heads to the motor coach lot. He pulls up beside his coach and parks.

"Thanks for going with me to get her." Chase says to Ryan.

"Anytime man." Ryan says.

"Goodnight Ryan." Eden says.

"Goodnight guys. See you later today. " Ryan says.

He hugs them both and then heads off to his coach. Eden walks Fletch over to the grass and lets him use the bathroom. They then head back to Chase's coach and head inside. Chase carries her bag into his room.

"Oh am I sleeping in here?" Eden asks.

"Figured you would want the bed. I will sleep on the couch." Chase says.

"No that is okay Chase we can share the bed." Eden says.

"You sure?" Chase asks.

"Yes figured we could cuddle and watch Netflix until we fell asleep. That way Fletch could sleep with us too." Eden says.

"Okay." Chase says.

He left her to get changed. Eden changed into her pajamas and then called Chase back in. Chase got ready for bed and they both climbed in. Eden snuggled up against Chase. Fletch jumped on the bed laying at their feet.

"I missed you Clyde." Eden says.

"I know princess I missed you too." Chase says kissing her head.

"So I have to tell you something. I know I can and you won't judge me." Eden says.

"Never would I judge you." Chase says.

"Sid isn't just my boyfriend. I am also dating Kris too." Eden says.

"Wait what?" Chase asks.

"Yeah apparently Kris and Sid are bisexual and are in a relationship. So they wanted me to be in a poly relationship with them both." Eden replies.

"Okay, are you happy?" Chase asks.

"Yes." Eden says.

"Then I am happy." Chase says kissing her head.

"This is why I love you so much. You always support me and have my back." Eden says.

"I love you just as much. I will always have your back and I will always support you. Just like I know you will always do the same with me." Chase says.

"Always." Eden says.

Chase and Eden cuddle as they watch netflix. They end up falling asleep.

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

Later that next morning Eden woke up to something smelling amazing. She opens her eyes seeing Chase walk in with breakfast.

"Something smells so good." Eden says.

"Breakfast in bed for my princess." Chase says.

"Oh what did you make?" Eden asks.

"French Toast, eggs just like you like them, scrapple and sausage." Chase replies.

"My favorites." Eden says.

"Of course." Chase replies smiling.

He sits down and they both dig in. Fletch tried to steal some. Eden and Chase didn't feed him food but they did let him lick their plates when they were done.

"So what time is the race?" Eden asks.

"Four." Chase replies.

"Okay." Eden says.

"Since I am racing the hooters theme, I have an outfit for you." Chase says.

"Want me to be your hooters girl huh?' Eden asks chuckling.

"Of course." Chase replies.

Eden laughed. She would do anything for him. They hung out at the coach until it time for them to head down to the track. Eden put her orange shorts and hooters shirt on. She then links hands with Chase and they head down to the track. Eden stood on Pitt lane while Chase did drivers intros. Finally Chase joined her at his car. Eden looped her arm through his and leaned her head on his shoulder. They say a prayer and then the anthem was sung. Finally it was time for Chase to climb into the car.

"Be safe baby." Eden says.

"I will. See you after." Chase replies.

"Yes. Good luck." Eden says.

She kisses him on the cheek.

"Love you Princess." Chase says.

"Love you too Clyde." Eden says.

Chase gets in the car and Eden took her seat on the box. Ear phones on so she could hear Chase and Allan.

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

Meanwhile back in Pittsburgh. Sid and Kris were at Sid's in the game room. They were watching the Daytona 500. �� During the anthem they zoomed in on Chase and there Eden was looking like a two bit hooker leaning against Chase.

"What the actual fuck." Sid says.

"How the fuck could she do that on National Tv." Kris says.

"She looks like a whore." Sid says.

"Yes and Chase is an asshole." Kris says.

Sid grabbed his phone.

"What the fuck are you doing Eden? Looking like a whore on National TV." Sid texted.

Eden didn't reply which only pissed Sid off more. He would have to teach her a lesson when she got home.

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

Eden was enjoying the race. Chase was running good and she was so proud of him.

Chase ended up winning the race and she was so happy and excited. She all but jumped off the box and read to victory lane. A few minutes later Chase pulled in and got out of the car. They celebrated him and then interviewed him. Eden goes over and kisses him.

"Congratulations Clyde I am so happy for you." Eden says.

"Thank you baby." Chase asks returning the kiss.

Eden got an idea. She took the checkered flag. After posing in a few pictures with Chase she left VL. She took the flag back and headed into the coach. She stripped out of her clothes snd wrapped the flag around her body waiting for him to come back.

A little bit later Chase finally came back and entered his coach.

"Eden you here?" Chase calls out.

"Yes in the bedroom." Eden replied.

Chase comes walking through the door a few seconds later.

"What is this?" Chase asks seeing her as she kneeled up on the bed.

"Come get your prize Clyde." Eden says.

Chase walked over to her. Eden locked eyes with him seeing the love and lust in them.

"Are you sure?" Chase asks.

Eden grabbed him by his firesuit belt pulling him closer to her kissing him. Chase kissed back. Eden reaches up and starts to pull down his suit. She then runs her hands up his chest as she lifts his under shirt up and over his head.

"God damn." Eden says voice hitching.

"Eden are you sure about this? Once we cross this we can't go back." Chase says.

"I know Chase trust me. I want this." Eden says.

She then finished taking off his suit followed by his boxers. Eden then looked him up and down wondering why she didn't do this sooner. Chase kisses her as he pulls the flag off her throwing it behind him.

"God Eden you are so beautiful. I love you so much." Chase says as he gently lays her back on the bed.

"You're not bad on the eyes either Clyde." Eden says.

"I don't have any condoms." Chase says.

"Chase I don't care I just need you. And wait why don't you have condoms?" Eden asks.

"Because I am still a virgin Eden. I love you and I was saving myself for you." Chase says.

"Aww Clyde. I love you too." Eden says.

Chase leans down kissing her softly as he pushed into her. Eden moans against his lips. He was a lot bigger then Sid and Kris so it took a few for her to adjust.

"God Eden." Chase moans out as he moves.

"That's it Clyde baby. Doing so good." Eden purrs as she moves with him.

Chase moans as he moved a little harder.

"God Chase that is it." Eden moans moving with him.

She digs her nails into his back as she moves.

"Fuck baby." Chase groans as it made him move harder.

"So close Chase so close." Eden moans.

"Me too baby, I am going to pull out since I don't have a condom." Chase says.

"No baby please cum inside me." Eden begs.

"Are you sure baby? Chase asks.

"God yes please. I want to feel you inside." Eden begs.

"God okay." Chase moans.

He thrusts into her a few more times.

"God Clyde baby." Eden calls out as she cums hard.

Her orgasm running through her.

"Eden baby." Chase moans as he cums hard her walls milking his release from him.

The ride it out together. They make love a few more times before falling to the bed spent. Eden was curled up against Chase's chest. They were still connected from their love making.

"God that was magical." Eden says.

"Really even with my inexperience?" Chase asks.

"God yes baby. You made me orgasm four times. That is pretty good for being a virgin." Eden says kissing his chest.

" I'm glad I lived up to the hype." Chase says kissing her head.

"You did and I love you." Eden says.

"I love you too Eden. I have always loved you." Chase says.

"I know. When we went to senior prom together everyone thought we were a couple then. I should have listened to them and we wouldn't be here right now." Eden says sadly.

"Where do we go from here?" Chase asks.

"I am not sure but I love you. However after a good nights rest we can figure it out." Eden says.

"Yes so true. I have some media to do in the morning then I can fly us back to Pittsburgh." Chase says.

"Okay baby get some sleep." Eden says.

"You too princess, Goodnight I love you." Chase says.

"Goodnight Clyde I love you too." Eden says.

They snuggle together with Fletch at their feel falling into a much needed sleep.

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thewidowsghost · 4 years ago

Text

Fox - Chapter 7

Previously on Fox:

"You're asking a professionally trained pilot to be you're co-pilot?" (Y/n) asks teasingly.

"Good, you completely understand," Clint says and she shakes her head playfully.

"So," (Y/n) asks when the jet was in the air. "Where are we off too?" she asks.

"Missouri," Clint answers.

(Y/n)'s POV

As Clint pilots the jet, it begins to get darker outside.

"Go to sleep," he murmurs. "If you're not up before we get there I'll wake you up."

"You sure?" I ask, and he nods.

3rd Person POV

As (Y/n) nods off, Clint wonders her her powers had come from. Glancing at his (E/C) eyed partner, he sees that she had shifted into a fox.

"Fox," Clint murmurs, "that's a good code name."

Looking over, Clint examines (Y/n)'s fox form. She is a fiery orange with black paws and a white muzzle and a white tipped tail.

Two hours later, (Y/n) wakes up, shifting back into herself.

"I think I've figured out what your code name should be," Clint tells the (H/C) haired woman, and her bright (E/C) gaze turn to look at the blond haired man. "I was thinking Fox," he says and (Y/n) nods thoughtfully.

"I like that," she responds simply. "What's your code name?" she asks, knowing he had to have one.

"Hawkeye," he answers. "I don't see too well up close, but I can see just about everything far away. I think that's what makes me such a good archer in Fury's eyes - or rather, eye."

(Y/n) laughs, then she says, "I've always wanted to get into archery, but I've never been good with aiming things like that."

Clint is silent for a moment. "So how are you so good with your projectile powers?" he wonders aloud.

"I think it's an instinctive thing," (Y/n) says. "I've wondered that before too," she adds.

"You wanna sleep?" (Y/n) offers. "I can pilot for a while, just put in the coordinates, an I'll keep an eye out."

"I guess," Clint says, shifting in his seat. He punches in some coordinates and relaxes in his seat.

Clint sleeps for about five hours. (Y/n) nudges his shoulder as she notices the jet descending in a field behind an old-style farmhouse.

"Clint," (Y/n) nudges him again, and the archer sits up in his seat.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

"Nothing, I think we're here," (Y/n) says, noticing that the jet had become stationary in the air and was moving gently down towards the ground; Clint jumps to his feet.

"Grab you're stuff," he calls over his shoulder as he moves towards the back of the jet.

(Y/n)'s POV

I grab my guitar and sling it over my shoulder and pick up my suitcase.

I walk over to stand beside Clint as the back of the jet opens.

"Let's go!" Clint says, looking - and sounding - excited.

We step off the jet and I look around to see a barn and an old-style farm house.

The two of us cross the field towards the house and we walk up the steps and Clint opens the door to the house.

"Come on," Clint urges, gesturing for me to walk in.

I take a tentative step in and Clint closes the door behind us.

Clint leads me into a living room/ kitchen where I see toys scattered around.

"Wait here," Clint says and I stay put as he walks up a set of stairs.

A few minutes later, Clint walks back down the stairs with a woman. She has wavy chocolate brown hair and warm brown eyes.

I wave a little and she smiles warmly. "Hello," I say shyly.

"Laura, this is (Y/n), my new partner. (Y/n), this is my wife Laura," Clint says and I smile at the woman.

I walk over and shake Laura's hand. "Nice to meet you!" I say brightly.

"Let me show you where you can put your things," Laura says, and she leads me up the stairs.

Laura takes me to a spare room and gestures for me to put my things in the room. I set my suitcase and guitar on the bed. "Thanks," I say and Laura smiles; she leads me back downstairs where Clint is beginning to make pancakes.

"Feel free to have a seat at the table," Laura tells me, pushing me gently towards the table. Smiling softly, I sit down and Laura sits down in the chair left adjacent to mine. "So," Laura begins, "where are you from?"

"Well, before I joined the Air Force four years ago, I lived with m dad in Malibu." Laura nods, then asks when I had met Clint. "Yesterday," I answer. "My four year contract was up on Saturday, but Director Fury and Clint came by, asking me for a job as Clint's partner. I accepted, and my Commanding Officer, Ryan, let me leave early."

"What attracted SHIELD to you?" Laura asks.

"Ha, I knew someone wasn't going to call it the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division," I say, smirking a little at Clint; but I then answer her question, giving her a brief explanation of my abilities.

"So you basically can control the elements and you can turn into animals?" Laura asks.

In response, I shift into a fox - the same on as the flight to the Bartons' house.

"That's really cool!" Laura says once I shift back into myself.

3rd Person POV

"I can turn into people, though I have to see them first," (Y/n) tells Laura.

Laura watches interestingly as (Y/n) closes her eyes and transforms into ten year old Wanda, then into Laura herself, then into Clint, and then back to herself.

"Wow!" someone exclaims from behind (Y/n) and she turns around, looking startled. "That's so cool!" the little girl says. She has brown hair and hazel eyes and standing beside her is a little boy, about three, with brown hair and brown eyes.

"(Y/n), this is Lila and Cooper. Lila, Cooper, this is (Y/n), but if (Y/n) is okay with it, you can call her Auntie (Y/n)," Laura says, studying the (H/C) haired woman. She sits there for a moment, silent with shock, before she nods, her (E/C) eyes sparkling happily.

Lila and Cooper walk over and (Y/n) stands up. "You can turn into animals?" Cooper asks.

"Can you turn into a cat?" Lila adds.

"Yeah, watch!" (Y/n) says, and concentrating for a moment, Lila and Cooper look down at (Y/n) who had turned into a brown, white and black Maine Coon kitten with amber eyes.

Purring, Kitten (Y/n) walks over and places her brown paws on Lila's knees. The brown haired girl laughs and she two kids sit on the ground, Cooper pulling Kitten (Y/n) into his lap.

Clint and Laura watch, smiles on their faces as they watch their two kids play with the kitten.

"She's going to be an amazing aunt," Laura murmurs, leaning into her husband. Clint nods as Maine Coon (Y/n) jumps out of Coopers lap and she shifts into a black-and-white border collie puppy.

The children laugh in delight as (Y/n) jumps around, wagging her white tipped tail, licking the kids' fingers.

(Y/n) shifts back into herself, sitting on the floor, and she smiles as the kids wrap their arms around her. (Y/n) rests her head on Cooper's head, feeling extremely happy.

"When do you have to be home?" Laura asks when the five sit down for breakfast.

(Y/n)'s POV

"My dad's friend is supposed to pick me up from the airport on Saturday," I answer, but then I see Cooper and Lila's expressions and I hastily add, "but I'll come back to visit as soon as I can." At my words, Cooper and Lila relax and they continue to eat their pancakes.

Once breakfast is finished, I help Laura clean the dishes, and we talk, getting to know each other.

It doesn't take me long to feel at home with the Bartons' - literally a few hours. Each day - except for Saturday - I would help Clint make breakfast, hanging out with Lila and Cooper - I was taking my naming of honorary aunt very seriously - and then help Laura make lunch. After that, I would help Clint around on the farm, and then help Laura make dinner.

"You're too helpful for your own good," Laura teases as I help her clean up the dinner dishes on Friday night.

"I feel like I owe you guys," I answer, stopping drying the dishes for a moment. "I am staying in your house," I continue at Laura's questioning look.

"You don't owe us anything," Laura says. "Just protect my husband out in the field, and you're good," she says, and I laugh.

"I'll do my best," I tell Laura and she smiles.

The next morning, I wake up the Clint nudging my shoulder.

"Breakfast is ready if you want to eat before I have to take you home," he says and I sit up.

"Okay, I'll be down in a second," I tell the archer and he nods, leaving the room.

I get out of the bed, and walk over to my suitcase, pulling out a blue, green, and purple tie-dye shirt, a pair of gray skinny jeans and a pair of black-and-white Converse.

I put on the clothes and zip up my suitcase. I carry my suitcase and my guitar downstairs and set it beside the front door before I walk into the dining room where Clint, Laura, Cooper, and Lila are already up.

3rd Person POV

"Morning!" (Y/n) says cheerfully, walking into the dining room.

"Good morning Auntie (Y/n)," Cooper says running over to the (E/C) eyed woman. She bends down and pulls him into a hug, Cooper resting his small head against her shoulder. Lila walks over and joins the hug.

Clint and Laura stop what they are doing to watch their children cling onto (Y/n) as though their lives depend on it.

"I'll come back soon," (Y/n) murmurs when the two children let go, letting (Y/n) stand up and carry the two to their seats at the dining room table.

"I think the three of us are going to miss you a lot," Laura say, referring to her and her two children.

"If Clint doesn't get annoyed with me at work, I'll come back as often as possible," (Y/n) says, shooting a teasing glance at her partner.

The five laugh and joke around through breakfast and it sees like everyone is dreading (Y/n)'s departure in the next hour.

After breakfast, everyone moves towards the front door. (Y/n) bends down and Lila runs and wraps the woman in a hug.

"I'm gonna miss you, kiddo," (Y/n) murmurs to the little girl and Lila giggles a little at (Y/n)'s words. They pull away and Cooper runs over to take Lila's place in their aunt's arms. "See you soon, Coop," (Y/n) says. Cooper lets go and goes to stand beside his slightly older sister.

(Y/n) straightens up and Laura walks towards her and the two hug warmly. "Keep an eye on Clint for me?" she asks, and (Y/n) smiles.

"Of course," (Y/n) says, and Laura smiles, the two pulling out of the warm embrace.

"Hey!" Clint exclaims and Laura and (Y/n) laugh.

"We'll see you guys soon," Clint says, hugging each of his children and then his wife.

(Y/n) slides her guitar case on her back and picks up her suitcase. Clint leads the way out and (Y/n) follows, the other three Bartons' following her out.

The five walk across the field to the Quinjet and (Y/n) walks in, setting her guitar and suitcase in the storage area. She walks back out of the jet and gives Laura, Lila, and Cooper one more hug before joining Clint in the jet. The two sit down in their respective seats and start the jet. The two partners wave out the window at the Bartons' standing on the lawn; and they fly towards Malibu.

On the flight there, (Y/n) gives Clint the chance to sleep as he had gotten up before her to make breakfast.

While he is asleep, they end up in Malibu. "Hey, Clint," (Y/n) says, nudging the blond archer, and he jolts awake, looking around.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

"Nothing, we're here," (Y/n) says and Clint nods.

Word Count: 2198 words

I'm really loving the direction of this story, and I hope you guys love it as much as I do.

See y'all next time!

Love, Kaitlynn ❤😍

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taleofharrison · 5 years ago

Text

Finally | Michael Clifford

Summary: You’re Calum’s sister and just broke up with your boyfriend and you think it’s time to give your crush Michael a shot.

Warnings: a mention of cheating and swearing

Requested: No, just something I wanted to write for my boy.

Word Count: 2262

A/N: this is based from a prompt I saw around here I don’t remember exactly waht it was and sister!reader which is a prompt I’ll always be a sucker for anyways enjoy

MASTERLIST HERE

"Y/N/N!" Calum exclaimed once he opened the door and saw you, he was happy when you visited you were his sister after all but his face completely changed once he saw the tears running down your face "what happened? what's wrong?" "Ryan he-" you trailed off looking for the right words to say "we're done" The moment he heard the name of your now ex-boyfriend he knew that he had to cancel his plans with the guys to make you company and listen to whatever emotions you had to get out. He was your older brother after all and your only family in California. "Alright so get comfy" he pulled you into his house "I'm going to call Luke and tell him I can't go out today" "No Calum, don't cancel your plans because of me" you tried to stop him "I didn't know you had plans" "You're my sister and an asshole just broke your heart" he stated "You need me more than they do" "I guess there's nothing I can do to change your mind" you sighed taking a seat on the biggest couch while Calum went to his bedroom "...I can't go today my sister needs me" he said to the phone coming back to the living room pillows and blankets in his free hand "I'll see you tomorrow then" He finished the call and helped you build a small pillow fort with the couch cushions, pillows and blankets just you two used to do whenever one of you felt upset the only thing that was missing was your older sister Mali. "Now tell me what happened" Calum spoke after finding a comfortable position next to you. "Ryan and I broke up" you simple stated hoping it'd be enough for him even though you knew it wouldn't he could read you like a book "Y/N tell me what happened" he pushed "Please" It was 6-month relationship Calum just couldn't take that as an answer even though he never really liked him he knew he couldn't stop you from dating him if you were meant to last then you would last and even though it seems like it destiny didn't want it to be with a defeated sigh you prepared yourself to start talking again. "He was cheating on me" your voice became small the lump in your throat growing bigger again "You know he gave his house key I wanted to surprise for his birthday and I-I heard moans and then-" Calum's blood was boiling he more than anything wanted to go and hit him square on the face but you were more important and you were crying again this time on your brother's chest. "I gotta tell you the truth I never really liked him" his chin resting on your head "and I know you love him but he's not worth it okay" "I know you love him" his words echoed in your head. Did you love him? You started dating him the moment you accepted that maybe Michael, your crush since you were in school your brother's best friend and bandmate, just was not meant to happen. These 5 words suddenly put everything in perspective. "You did love him right?" Calum asked once your sobs suddenly stopped and you pulled away from him. He knew you better than anyone in the world he knew exactly what words made you stop. "I don't know" you whispered sure you had exchanged 'I love yous' but did you mean them? did you trick yourself into believing you love him back? did he ever love you back? Maybe you were just crying because your trust was broken. Your brain was running at full speed and your tears began again everything was confusing again. Calum was quick to hug you again he would be there to listen to you and hold you and give you as much advice as possible.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "No problem mate" Luke replied to the phone "See you tomorrow. I guess" "What? Calum is not coming?" Ash asked Luke making Michael turn his head to give full attention to his best friends' conversation. "No, Y/N has a problem" Luke explained "he wants to be by her side" "Is she hurt? What happened?" Michael jumped at the answer getting a suspicious look from Ashton. "Relax mate," Luke said "she just got her heart broken. It sucks but physically she's okay" A not so subtle sigh of relief escaped from Michael's lips and Ashton could've sworn he saw a faint smirk that disappeared fast. "You seem quite happy to know that Y/N/N got her heart broken" Ashton teased and suddenly the whole attention of the two musicians was on Michael. "I-I mean she could've had an accident or-or something" he stammered "she could be in the hospital I'm relieved she's at Calums safe and sound" Ashton and Luke shared a playful smile knowing exactly what Michael was feeling. "Or maybe you're happy she and Ryan aren't together anymore and you can have a shot with her after all?" Luke inquired making Ashton burst out laughing "What?!" Michael exclaimed "I-No!" "Yeah sure," Ashton laughed "why don't you just admit you're in love with Y/N?" "I'm not-" Michael tried to defend himself "Dude" Luke interrupted him, "I think you and Y/N are the only ones who don't know you're in love with each other" "She's not-She can't-" Michael mumbled trying to find the right words "I'm just another brother to her" "No, WE are brothers to her" Ashton pointed to himself and Luke "she doesn't look at us the same way she looks at you" "You had a lot of opportunities to make a move" Luke joined Ashton in his lecture to Michael "what stopped you?" "I don't want to hurt her" he whispered looking down feet. He couldn't believe what the boys were telling him. Was he really that oblivious? Were you really in love with him? Was this just a sick joke? He knew Ash and Luke wouldn't do that but he couldn't help the doubt inside of him. He knew he was in love with you the moment you were allowed to join them on tour the gleam in your eyes when they picked you up at the airport was something he would never forget, all the times you made them laughed while playing videogames lit up his days especially the way you celebrated when he let you win and the way you smiled and dance from the wings of the stage gave him more energy than what he needed to have on stage. "I just don't want to fuck things up with her" he added with a groan. For the first time since the conversation started Luke and Ash admitted he had a point what if they broke up in bad terms? It would not only hurt her friendship with Y/N but with Calum too and it may hurt the band in a way too. "You're not going to fuck fuck up anything" Ashton assured him "Calum trusts you, Y/N trusts you AND she has feelings for you too...what do you have to lose?" "Give her time and try to make a move" Luke spoke again grabbing his shoulder showing Mike some support "You're gonna regret it if you don't so please don't let this go" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About a month later after what felt like a thousand video calls with your sister Mali and your brother Calum and eating as much pizza as possible your vision and thoughts were finally clear and you even had enough guts to meet with Ryan again, you didn't think he'd agree to meet you but to your surprise he did. As you waited for him in café Calum's words echoed in your head it was amazing the influence and connection you had with your siblings. "Y/N don't go he's not worth it" but here you were looking at the window waiting for him and maybe he was right, maybe you shouldn't be here, maybe you shouldn't have arranged this meeting but it was late your ex-boyfriend was now in the café looking for you. "Hey!" he said taking the seat in front of you "What do you want to talk about?" "Uhm-I need to clear things up a lot has happened this past month and I want to-I need answers" you explained "How long have you been cheating on me?" you asked avoiding eye contact. "Uhm-since we hit the 4-month mark I think" he answered awkwardly he wasn't expecting this. "So for two months" you weren't hurt, you were completely healed but it still surprised you. "I- Y/N I gotta be honest I never felt a strong connection from your part," Ryan said "It felt like you were waiting for someone else" "Can I ask you something? And please be honest with me" he asked again after the silence that took over both of you, his answer was a small nod from you "Did you ever love me?" "No" it came as a barely audible whisper and in a way as word vomit "I'm sorry" "Don't be" Ryan brushed it off "We both hurt each other I guess I needed to know that to finally move on" You barely smiled at his answer "Can I hug you?" "Go for it" he chuckled "Now go after the boy who really has your heart" You smiled pulling away from him "Thank you" was the last thing you told him before making your way back to your car. You drove as fast as you could back to Calum's place he had told you he'd be with the boys songwriting and you were welcome to join them for a movie night/sleepover if your meeting turned out wrong. As you drove back you were preparing yourself, trying to come up with a speech. You were trying to focus, looking through your brain for the right words but soon you realized that it was harder than what you thought it would be. You had been in love for years now why now finding for the right words to come forward was the hardest thing you've ever done? When you parked in you knew your time was over. "It's now or never" you sighed giving yourself strength before knocking the door. "Y/N/N! How did it go?" your brother asked "You look okay" "Yeah everything went smoothly I don't know if we can be friends after but we ended up in good terms" you answered, "uhm actually I'm here to talk to Michael, can I come in?" "Uhm sure" Calum wasn't expecting that answer but had to admit he was happy you were finally going to tell Michael what you felt, he secretly had been rooting for that relationship As you walked into the living room you saw him it felt as though you two were the only ones in the room but Ashton, Luke and Calum were there too and if Luke hadn't spoken to you, you probably wouldn't have noticed them. "Hey you!" he greeted making Ashton and Michael take the attention from the sheet with lyrics they had been checking to give it to you "Is everything alright?" "Yeah everything's fine" you replied after his voice brought you back to reality "Micahel can we talk in private?" "Yeah-sure uhh" Michael answered he was taken aback by your words "Should we go to the backyard?" "Yeah, I think it's better than the kitchen" you accepted knowing that your friends would eavesdrop your conversation. You walked towards the backyard leaving the guys behind Michael got up quickly from the couch following you. "So what do you have to tell me?" he asked you once he closed the backyard door. "Okay so please don't speak let me finish first," you asked and he nodded doubtfully not really knowing what to expect. "I-I don't want to say I love you but I think I do" you took a second to rethink what you just said "Yeah that's it I'm in love with you Michael since who knows when and I really thought I could move on with Ryan because I thought I didn't have a chance with you but I just can't pretend anymore" Michael was so surprised and shocked he would be lying if he said he hadn't thought of this happening though he always imagined he would be confessing his feelings and you saying I love you back. "Please say something" you pleaded closing your eyes. Before you knew it Michael was kissing you it took you a second to kiss him back. It was the best feeling in the world. "I'm in love with you too" he breathed once you had to pull away from each other "For a few years now" You let out a breathed laugh full of relief, it had come out the way you imagined even better after a brief second you pulled him again into another kiss. "Fucking finally!" Ashton exclaimed making you both stop abruptly "Guys you have to see this!" "I guess our alone time has come to an end" Michael joked making you laugh once again and he felt his heart flutter just like every time he made you laugh "Can I take you on a date tomorrow night?" "Of course!" you exclaimed pulling him closer to kiss him another time you knew the boys were cheering you on from the house but this time you didn't care you just smiled between the kiss finally feeling happy.

#5sos #5sos blurbs #5sos imagines #5sos blurb #5sos imagine #5sos fluff #michael clifford #michael clifford x reader #michael clifford imagine #michael clifford imagines #michael clifford blurb #michael clifford blurbs #michael clifford fluff #michael clifford fic #5sos fics #My Writing Corner #angie is writing

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javier-djarin · 5 years ago

Text

Como Me Duele: Epilogue

Ship: Javi x Reader

Rating: M

Word Count: 2,057 words

Warnings: Language, Soft!Javi

Masterlist

(Gif by @pascvl)

Summary: Just a glimpse into the life of the Peñas.

A/N: As they say, all good things must come to an end. This is the last part to this fic. I have toyed with the idea of doing one shots to fill the time between Chapter 12 and now, since there is a significant time jump. But those are a ways out. Thank you again for all the love and support! I love you all so much and absolutely love the comments you send me! Please let me know if you want to be on my tag list for any future fics! I have a few lined up. As always, the translations are at the bottom.

15 Years Later

Mariana was stretched out on the pool deck soaking up sun, with Olivia next to her. Marcela was helping Y/N in the garden, pulling weeds and picking vegetables while Jaime was playing catch with his little brother, Javier. It was the middle of June in Laredo, which meant that it was hot, but it was nothing compared to the heat of Colombia. A heat their children never had to experience, but heard stories about. Only the twins had ever been to the country where their parents’ story started, but they were too young to remember any of it.

Javi walked out of the barn, having just finished watering the horses, and wiped the sweat from his brow. He looked around their massive backyard with a large smile. Seeing his children made his heart swell with such happiness, that sometimes he was afraid he’d wake up and it’d all be a dream. But then, his gaze found her. She was covered in sweat and specks of dirt in her swimsuit top and sports shorts as she weeded the garden, but he’d never seen anything more beautiful. Every time he saw her, he found his footing. This was all real; she was real. Seventeen years together, fifteen years of marriage, and four kids later and he was still as in love with her as the day he saw her in that red dress. He smirked at her when she stood up and he saw the sweat glistening off her skin, dripping down between her breasts. “You checking me out, Mister?” She laughed, approaching him as she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.

Javi smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close. “Siempre, mi hermosa,” he said.

She grinned at him. “I look gross right now.”

He shook his head. “No, Hermosa, you look as perfect as the day I first saw you in your apartment.”

He smiled wide at her, a few more wrinkles appeared around his eyes over the years, just like her, but he was still her Javi. She blushed at his comment and replied, “After all these years, you still make me blush.”

Javi leaned down and met his lips with hers, kissing her delicately. She reached up and lightly tugged at the hair near the nape of his neck and smiled into his kiss. “Careful,” he growled, “you know what that does to me.”

She laughed and kissed him again.

“Get a room!” Mariana shouted from the deck.

Javi looked up and smiled at his daughter before dipping Y/N and giving her a very passionate kiss. They both grinned against each other’s lips as they heard the rest of their children groan in disgust together. Marcela came over and dropped the vegetable basket on the ground in front of them. “Can’t you just wait until tomorrow? Do this when you aren’t here?” She laughed.

He looked at his eldest daughter. She was a spitting image of his wife. Honestly, both of his beautiful daughters were; his hermositas. “When you find the love of your life, you’ll understand one day. And I hope your kids are just as disturbed,” Javi laughed.

Marcela wrapped her hand around him, and he held her close. “Does that mean I can go out with Ryan when you get back?” She asked.

He looked at Y/N slightly horrified. “Ryan?”

She looked over to Marcela. “Your father and I will talk about it tonight,” she said, giving her daughter a wink.

Marcela smiled and grabbed the basket again, heading into the house. Javi turned to his wife. “Ryan?”

She rested her hand on her hip and glared at him through her sunglasses. “I told you about him, mi amor. He plays on the baseball team and they do debate together.”

Javi’s eyes grew wide. “Is he that boy that drove here two weeks ago?” He asked, suddenly concerned, “he has a car.”

“Javi, she’s going to be sixteen in a few weeks. It’s time we start to let her grow up.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Ryan is a very sweet boy. Besides, you should count your blessings. Everyone is afraid to date the daughters of the famed DEA Agent who brought down both Pablo Escobar and the Cali Godfathers. I’m surprised Ryan worked up the nerve,” she laughed.

“He. Has. A. Car, Hermosa.”

“Good,” she said, “then we don’t have to drive them around.” She gave him her doe-eyed look he couldn’t resist.

Javi let out a long nervous breath. “Nothing was ever going to prepare me for this day. They’re growing up way too fast.”

“It seemed like just yesterday the four of us packed up and moved back to Cali.”

He kissed her before bringing her to his side as they walked towards the house. “Speaking of packed…”

“I’m going inside to shower…” she began.

He gave her his trademarked devilish grin. “Oh?”

“You’ll get plenty of that this week, mi amor.” He laughed at her. “Anyway,” she continued, “I was going to finish laundry and finish packing.”

“Well, don’t pack too many clothes,” he whispered into her neck.

She gasped and slapped his shoulder. “Go practice with your sons. Jaime has a game tonight.”

“What time are your parents getting here?”

“They’ll be here before Jaime’s game. Dad is driving us to the airport. Steve and Connie said they’d meet us at the ballpark, since Olivia is here. They’re staying the night so we don’t have to make extra stops tomorrow. We can go straight to the airport. And then, this time tomorrow the four of us will be sitting on a cruise ship sipping cocktails.”

Javi smiled. They made a point to do trips with The Murphys as often as they could, especially since the girls were so close. But then, every summer, the four of them would escape for a week sans kids. This year, they decided on a cruise to celebrate The Peñas’ fifteenth wedding anniversary. Steve actually suggested it, and the girls were sold. Javi was obviously eager to get away, and wherever his hermosa wanted to go, he would follow.

***

It was late after Jaime’s game, and the adults were sitting on the deck. Y/N’s parents turned in early, so that left Javi, Y/N, Steve, and Connie. Javi had her pulled into his lap, hand wrapped around her waist as they sat laughing about old times. Both Javi and Steve’s beers ran out, and so she and Connie offered to run inside and fetch them some. Steve waited until they were gone before he said, “Do you ever feel like you’re living in a dream?”

Javi nodded. “Every damn day.” They sat in silence for a minute. “You know, I never thanked you,” he said.

“For what?” Steve asked.

Javi took a deep breath and sighed. “For everything you did that day,” he added. They never talked about that day. Despite the fact she survived, he never wanted to relive it.

“It’s no big deal, man. You would have done the same thing.”

“Steve, if you weren’t there keeping a level head and doing what I should have, she might not have made it. I owe you everything.”

Steve smiled at him. “I’d do anything for you two. Besides,” he laughed, “It’s in the handbook. It says your partner has your back when you get shot, your wife gets kidnapped, when you’re getting married, but tells you when you’re being a dumbass.”

Javi laughed at Steve. “It all worked out, didn’t it? Even after you threatened me to leave her alone.”

Connie and Y/N rejoined them. “I knew you wouldn’t listen,” Steve said.

“Does he ever?” She said, handing Javi his beer before returning to his lap.

Connie grinned. “Not as long as I’ve known him.”

“He called her ‘forbidden fruit’ the first time I said to back off.”

She turned to look at him. Her eyes rolled as she looked down at his big grin on his face. “Forbidden fruit?”

“Damn right,” he said, his grin going into that same devilish look he always had.

She lightly kissed his lips. “Who knew I’d marry someone so cheesy?”

“Solo para ti, Hermosa.”

Steve laughed. “So, Javi, Connie tells me Marcela has a date?”

“Thanks for the reminder, dick.”

Giggling, Connie said, “When Olivia invited her first date over, Steve wore his badge.”

“I sure did,” he said, tipping his bottle at Javi, “he had her home fifteen minutes before curfew.”

Javi smiled. “You wanna have a barbecue that night. Two DEA Agents might have him back here fifteen minutes after they leave.”

“Shooting some clay birds while we wait.”

Y/N looked at Connie, shaking her head. “You two are insufferable. Ryan is a good boy.”

“No,” Javi said, “Dusty, is a good boy.” Motioning to the dog at their feet. “Ryan is a boy.”

They laughed. “And she’s our daughter,” Y/N said, “I do believe the first time we went out, your persistence in the backseat got you nowhere.”

Steve chuckled and nodded. “I believe she called you harmless at one point.”

Javi glared at him. “Fuck you, Murphy.”

Y/N smiled and ran her hand up and down his back. “He was! Connie and I were dying over him practically tripping over himself. He could hardly form sentences during that car ride.”

“In my defense,” Javi said, “it worked.” He motioned to her in his lap.

“Three weeks later,” Steve added.

“Again, fuck you, Murphy.”

Steve finished his beer and stood up. “Well, now that Javi has told me to fuck off twice, I’m heading to bed. See you bright and early tomorrow.” Connie got up to follow him, but he stopped at the door. “Happy Anniversary, you guys.”

Javi held his beer up to Steve and Y/N smiled as they retired for the night. “It’s hard to believe it’s been fifteen years,” Javi said, finishing his beer.

She turned in his lap, so she was straddling him as she ran her hands over his chest and shoulders. “You know,” she grinned, “that night at the club, I only danced with Rodriguez to piss you off.”

“Oh, it was obvious, Hermosa. Which is why I danced with that nurse.”

“I won that game,” she added, kissing him.

“You always win.” He returned her kiss. “I did always wonder about something. What did you tell Kate about me before we got together?” His hermosa blushed and looked away. “Now you’re embarrassed? I would think what we did last week in the shower would have been more embarrassing?”

She laughed and pushed on him. “After the night of the club, I told her that I had this neighbor who was hands down the most attractive man I have ever seen. I told her while we danced, I’d never felt so alive before and that I would look for any excuse just to have your hands on me. I also told her that it was so obvious you looked for similar excuses to touch me. So, when you picked me up and tossed me in that Jeep, she made a comment about it. When we got back to my apartment, she told me that she’d never seen someone look at anyone the way you did at me. As angry as you were about Lara, she watched you sneak glimpses of me, and vice versa. She was so annoyed it took you as long as it did to do anything about it.”

He laughed, and ran his hands down her back, cupping her bottom to pull her closer to him. Javi looked up into her eyes with so much love and adoration as she returned his gaze. Her hands rested in his hair, holding him steady - tethering him to his reality. He had a few tears in his eyes. “I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you, Hermosa.”

“Me neither. It scared me at first, because my heart ached to have you. And I can’t imagine it any other way.”

“El mejor tipo de dolor,” he smiled.

She leaned down and rubbed her nose on his. “Sí, y como me duele,” she said, smiling before she kissed him just as passionately and deeply as they did the first time all those years ago.

Translations

Siempre - Always.

Solo para ti. - Only for you.

El mejor tipo de dolor - The best type of pain.

Sí, y como me duele - Yes, and oh how it hurts.

Tag list

@magneticbucky @larakasser @pedropascalownsmyheart @wander-lustbabe @frietiemeloen @wickedfrsgrl

#Javier Pena #Javier Peña #Javier Pena x Reader #Narcos #Como Me Duele

79 notes · View notes

jamielea81 · 5 years ago

Text

Conversations

Chapter 5

Description: You accompany your friends on a day trip to Animal Kingdom Theme Park where you meet Scott Evans by chance. This one afternoon leads to a year long friendship with both Chris and Scott over text messages and phone calls.

Pairing: Chris Evans x Reader

Warning: Cursing and drinking.

Word Count: 5,200

A/N: See note at the end of the chapter. Italics are internal thoughts.

Catch up with Chapter 4

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport was packed for your five o’clock flight on the twenty seventh. Apparently, everyone else was also saying goodbye to the Christmas holiday besides yourself. Vacation time is always great, but you had a story due on December twenty ninth that really needed to be finished. Technically, the article could have been written while staying in the frozen tundra that you once called home. The assignment is a piece covering various places to celebrate New Year’s Eve. All the information for the story could be found online and any questions could easily be answered via phone call, but after a week with your family, you needed the peace and quiet. You had grown accustomed to living alone. Home centered you, even if it was just a rental. You also thrived in an office setting; the beat of the busy newsroom also matching the beat of your heart.

Y/N: Getting ready to board. Just wanted to say goodnight in case I crash when I get home.

Grabbing your purse and duffle bag off the floor, you joined the massive crowd waiting to board the plane. This was the part of travel that gave you anxiety. The takeoff, landing, and overall length of a flight never bothered you. Nope, it was the crowd that stood directly in front of the gate. As if being on the plane longer than need be and stuffed next to two other people was enjoyable. But because everyone else stood around the gate, your anxiety made you join them.

After twenty minutes of waiting for boarding sections to be called, why they even had family boarding on a flight to Orlando was beyond you, you were seated somewhat comfortably in your window seat. The flight was full, so you did have two seat mates. Sisters from what you could tell with the bickering. The one in the middle seat explained they retired to Florida but made the trip home to see their brother for Christmas. So, you were right, sisters.

Chris didn’t send a text back, so you quickly typed one out before shutting it off for the flight.

Y/N: There are rumors that the flight has a wealthy oil baron on it. I’m pretty sure I am seated next to him. If you don’t hear from me, you know why.

You made it through the flight easy enough. All the seats were equipped with monitors loaded with various movies and television shows. Plugging in your earbuds, you settled on Toy Story 4 since you hadn’t seen it yet. After that finished, you mindlessly watched a couple of episodes of the Big Bang Theory.

As much fun as you had with your family, it was good to be home. Between the time spent at your mom’s house and then at your dad’s, plus your brother dragging you out nightly, to quote Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon, you were “getting too old for this shit.”

Walking in your house around ten that night, you were a little disappointed to see Chris hadn’t texted back. Knowing that him and Scott where in Boston to spend time with family and friends, you tried not to let it bother you too much. You were exhausted anyway. A long hot shower and your bed sounded like the ultimate plan. Emptying your suitcase into the washer could wait until tomorrow.

With a one load of clothes in the washer, a second in the dryer, and your article half done, you were feeling pretty proud of yourself. You even woke up before your alarm this morning. Maybe a trip back home was all you needed for a boost. Usually post vacation, you needed another vacation to cope with life.

Your phone vibrated on your desk indicating you had a message. Picking it up, you saw it was Chris, so you swiped the message open.

Chris: Oil barons are so overrated. You better be home in Orlando.

You smirked at his response.

Chris: I was out late last night. Hope you had a good trip home sweetheart.

Y/N: I’m sorry, me and Spencer (the oil baron) are picking out rings. Can I call you later?

Chris: OK smartass. Don’t make me fly out there.

Oh boy, did you wish he would deliver on that threat. In actuality, you had only spent five, maybe ten minutes at the most with Chris. And even though you’ve spent hours upon hours over the last couple of months talking to him on the phone and through text messaging, you were really hoping for some in person time.

Y/N: Oh no, the baron wouldn’t like that. I might though.

You bit your lip as soon as you hit send. While Chris flirted with you often, it was rare for you to come back with a comment of your own. When a few minutes had passed without a response, you got back to work on your article. Hours later and he still hadn’t responded, you worried that maybe you had taken the game to far. You knew your comment was totally innocent, but you couldn’t help but worry. You overthink everything, that’s just who you are.

Ugh! Why am I like this?

It wasn’t until the next day when you received a response from Chris where he completely ignored what you said.

Chris: Can you tell Scott that purple pants is not a good look.

Yep, you were not going to attempt to flirt again. You would leave all the flirting to him.

Y/N: I need context here.

Chris: For New Years Eve. He’s wearing purple pants.

Y/N: I stan Scott Evans. You can’t change my mind.

Chris: 😂

Chris: You do you sweetheart

The end of 2019 was here and it was a year you were happy with. You didn’t make any bad haircut decisions. All your potted plants were still alive. You had written a few articles you were very proud of. You spent time with family. You made some new friends. Overall, it was a year that you had no regrets in. You only hoped 2020 would be the same.

After finishing up at the office a little earlier than usual, you joined a group of your co-workers for a long dinner, opting not to join them bar hoping as the night went on. You were keeping your word on that whole not drinking for quite some time promise you made to yourself. Well, at least not hard alcohol. Wine doesn’t count.

By eight you were home and already in your pajamas. Brooks and Jana always went to Brooks’ brother’s house on New Year’s Eve. It was their tradition. The last few years they had invited you to come along, but you had always declined. It was their family thing and even though you loved Brooks like a brother, it felt like an intrusion to join them.

Even though Christmas was over last week, you had a pile of Hallmark Christmas movies you had stored on your DVR that you needed to get through. Write Before Christmas was the first on your list. The movie starred Chad Michael Murray who you had a crush on since his One Tree Hill days. DVR was really the way to go. Being able to fast forward through commercials meant you could get in almost three movies before midnight.

After you had thoroughly swooned over Chad, you moved on to Holiday Date. It was the whole fake dating plot with a predictable outcome, but it was cute so far nonetheless.

You hit pause because your phone was buzzing out of control. You could see from the preview screen that you had six messages from Scott.

Scott: Happy New Year!

Scott: Hope you’re out finding someone to kiss at midnight

Scott: You better be out

Followed by a picture of Scott and his boyfriend embracing. A picture of a few women standing on top of a bar pouring shots directly from bottles into the mouths of who you assumed were some of Scott’s friends. And a group shot of about ten that included Chris. The were all sitting in in chairs in front of a few tables, a few people crouched down in front and a pretty blonde sitting on Chris’ lap. So, there’s that.

“You can’t get jealous about someone who isn’t yours,” you said to yourself.

It was the truth. And you had no idea who she was. How many sisters did the boys have? You looked at the picture again, deciding for sure she wasn’t a sister. Not in the way she was sitting nor the way he was holding her.

Sighing out loud, you set the phone down on the cushion next to you. You moved from your comfy place on the couch, stomping your feet until you noticed you were doing so. You steady yourself and then walked calmly into the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle of rosé from your refrigerator, you uncorked it and filled your large wine glass to the rim.

It’s New Year’s, I’m allowed a glass of wine. A large glass of wine.

You made your way back to your couch, inhaling a couple of large gulps before hitting the play button on the remote. Deciding you needed to formulate an appropriate response to Scott rather than saying something stupid, you delved back into the romance on the screen. Or at least you tried to.

When a half hour had passed, you picked up your phone, typing out a normal response to Scott. Normal meaning how a person who was not in any sort of relationship with Chris Evans should respond. Because you weren’t. In fact, you hoped he got laid. Well, maybe not that.

Y/N: Happy New Year!

Y/N: You and Zach look so cute! Have a great night.

There. That’s how a normal person who wasn’t living in a fantasy land would respond.

Your second movie ended but you honestly weren’t paying all that much attention. Rather than starting up a third movie, you switched it to cable, finding Ryan Seacrest hosting the annual countdown show.

Finishing your wine shortly before midnight, you washed out the glass and set it in the rack to dry. You found your way back to your couch, laying down to watch the ball drop. You fired off a text to Jana to tell her you loved her as that was your traditional greeting to each other. She sent one back almost right away asking for the two of you to get lunch on Friday. The ball dropped to a chorus of cheers followed by a rendition of Auld Lang Syne by the New York City crowd. The after show played on and you fell asleep while a band you hadn’t heard of played in the background.

In the too early hours of the morning, you woke from your place on the couch, neck aching from the odd angle you slept in. Deciding to leave your phone where it was, you crawled in to bed with no plans of waking any time soon.

Of course, you couldn’t sleep forever. You had to eat at some point as evident from your stomach loudly growling around eleven in the morning.

After eating, then showering, and getting dressed for the day, you finally took a peek at your phone. Nothing from Chris. Which is whatever because you didn’t reach out to him either. But of course, there was a message from Scott from around three in the morning.

Scott: How you doin’?

You could totally hear him saying it in a Joey Tribbiani accent.

Scott: Earth to Sassy

You typed out a reply, but you doubted he was out of bed if he was texting you so late.

Y/N: Sassy was sleeping, you late night partier you

Deciding that you didn’t want to be rude, you sent Chris a text. It was New Years after all, so it was only polite. Hopefully he was awake. And alone. No. That was none of your business. Keeping it simple was the way to go.

Y/N: Happy New Year

Almost immediately, Chris responded back.

Chris: Happy New Year

And that was it. He was probably hungover...or occupied.

Friday found you at Champs for lunch with Jana. The two of you chatting about New Year’s Eve. Brooks’ brother and wife had a little boy almost a year ago, so the party was a little different than it had been in previous years. This apparently ignited a fatherhood desire for Brooks over the last couple of days.

“And I want to have a little one too, but I’m so close to making partner. It’s just not the right time,” Jana sighed out.

You reached across the table grabbing her hand, rubbing it soothingly. “When it’s right, it’s right,” you replied.

She nodded her head, giving your hand a squeeze before pulling it away. “The thing is, I don’t know if I’ll be any less busy after I make partner. I kind of wish we would have started a family right after we got married. Coulda, shoulda, I guess.”

“Is there ever a right time though?” you asked. “Then there’s me who hasn’t dated in how long?” You let out a chuckle, quickly sticking a chicken finger in your mouth. You really didn’t want the sympathy, you’re not even sure why you said it.

“Whose fault is that? I don’t see you putting yourself out there. Oh! Maybe you should ask Chris out,” she says, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Dude. No,” you replied. “Number one, we don’t live in the same state. The same region even. Number two, he’s so not interested. If he were, he probably would have made something happen. Number three, he barely knows me. Number four, he’s him and I’m me.”

Jana put her hand over your mouth, giving you a warning glare. When she didn’t immediately remove it, you licked it, causing her to cringe and grab a napkin to wipe the spot you licked. You chuckled quietly to yourself.

“You’re a brat. Do you know that?” she questioned. “But you’re also amazing and I don’t want to hear anything different. If not Chris, just put yourself out there. It’s a start of a brand new year. Make some changes.”

Numbly, you nodded your head. Maybe you had been hiding away, in a way. It wasn’t like you were staying home all the time. You went out. Sometimes. Okay fine. When you weren’t working or out with your married couple friends, you mostly kept to the office and your house. You’d think about adding something more social to your schedule.

January dragged on as it usually did. You definitely were enjoying the cooler and sometimes cold temperatures, making use of the new sweaters you purchased around Christmas. Your relationship with Chris had started to fizzle. It was subtle at first. Texts not being responded to for hours. Phone calls not being answered from time to time. Okay, that one wasn’t a big deal. But most of those phone calls weren’t being returned. A lot less sweethearts being tossed your way. It was different. And because you had developed feelings or the at the very least, a crush on Chris, you were feeling down about it. Scott was still in your life and it felt like he would always be. Maybe it was safer that way. Maybe being close with both of the brothers would ruin the other friendship in the end. Especially if feelings weren’t returned.

It was near the end of January when you brought it up to Scott. You weren’t looking for drama or attention, so you just casually mentioned over the phone when he brought up Chris that you hadn’t been hearing from Chris quite as often.

“Did Chris tell you what he bought Shanna?” Scott chuckles out.

“No, he didn’t,” you said and then took a breath. “Actually, I haven’t really been hearing from Chris a whole lot lately.”

You hear Scott blow out a breath and then you hear him groan. “He does that sometimes. I’m sorry,” Scott sighs.

“Why are you sorry? Don’t be sorry. It’s fine. It’s totally fine. As long as we’re good,” you stifled out.

“Of course, you and I are good. Not even a question Sassy.”

The nickname instantly putting you at ease.

“Good.” You bit at your lip, wondering if you should push further. Why not, might as well make this a one and done conversation. “What did you mean by, he does this sometimes?” you asked.

“When he’s with someone, he kind of just gets wrapped up in that person. He’ll eventually gets better at talking to the outside world, it just takes him awhile.”

Welp. There it is. So, at least you can give up on this little crush. Definitely not feelings. Just a crush and you would be over it by tomorrow.

“Oh!” you exclaimed.

Get. It. Together.

“I didn’t know he was seeing anyone,” you said in a much calmer voice.

“Yeah…It’s with Courtney. And you have no idea who Courtney is, sorry. They’ve dated a bunch of times of the years. Just can never seem to make it work. She’s great and everyone loves her, they just never seem to work. And you better not tell him I told you that,” he warned.

“Geez, calm down Grumpy. Like I said, we aren’t exactly talking these days and I’m not exactly going to bring up a girlfriend I don’t know,” you replied.

Scott chuckled. “There’s the Sassy I know. Anyway, it’s still new again. They started to hangout right around Christmas.”

“Oh, is she that girl on his lap from the pictures you sent me on New Year’s?” you asked.

“Yeah, she was there that night. Long blonde hair?”

“Yep,” you replied.

“That would be Courtney. I wouldn’t worry, it won’t last. I mean, I want the best for him and if it’s her, the more power to them.”

Now you were confused.

“Wh-why would I worry?” you said and then promptly cleared your throat.

“Come on Y/N, it’s not hard to tell that you maybe have teeny-tiny crush on my brother. A little bit. Come on. Tell me I’m wrong,” he teased.

He couldn’t see you, but you were giving him the best bitch face you could muster. “Shuddup.”

It was a week a way from Valentines Day. Even though you were single for it again this year, you were never one of those people who hated the holiday. If you were with someone and the two of you decided to make the day special, great. If not, that was fine too. When your co-workers got flowers delivered to their desk, you always thought it was sweet. Brooks always went over the top for all holidays and you loved hearing about the special thing he did for Jana. What you didn’t love was your father calling you to wish you a happy Valentines Day that was really just a phone call prying into your relationship status. You loved your dad, you really did, you just wished he wouldn’t get on your case as much as he did.

You were up earlier than normal. Being the great friend that you were, you were bringing Jana breakfast since she was apparently going into the office earlier and earlier, surviving only on coffee. You stopped at your favorite coffee house, picking up two coffees, two apple cinnamon muffins, and a small bowl of oatmeal for Jana. You figured she could have the oatmeal now and snack on the muffin later.

Because she wasn’t pissed at you for any reason, she was already in the lobby, ready to sign you in.

“Good morning princess. I come baring gifts of a nutritional breakfast,” you greeted her after saying hello to Phil at the security desk.

“Why, thank you, bestie. Where would I be without you?” She puts her hand over her heart. The two of you were both smartasses and you often felt bad for Brooks.

You pass her the tray of coffees and wave your goodbye to Phil with your now free hand.

Jana’s apparently hungry as she scarfs down the oatmeal, only stopping to thank you for adding cinnamon for her. You’re still picking at your muffin because you ate a bowl of cereal before leaving your house. If you’re up early, your body wants to eat right away. Waiting was not an option.

“So, what does Brooks have planned for next week?” you asked.

“You know he doesn’t tell me. I’d bet money that you know and are just messing with me.” She smirks at you before picking up her own muffin, peeling back the wrapper.

Honestly, you don’t know. Brooks knows you well enough to know that you will squeal, especially if it’s something good.

“You’ll just have to wait and see,” you tease.

She sits up straight in her seat. “You know?! Tell me!”

You start to chuckle and shake your head. “I swear on your Chanel bag I don’t know. Just messing with you.”

After your short chat, Jana kicks you out of her office. The firm’s decision on who was making partner was going to be announced in a matter of days, so everyone was putting more time in. You checked your phone for any e-mails from the paper while you waited for the elevator. There were only two so far, just a couple of assignments for the week.

“Good morning, Y/N. What brings you here so early?” Ethan asks, bumping your shoulder slightly as he comes to stand next to you at the elevator. He’s dressed in another impeccable suit. Hair styled perfectly.

“Brought Jana a little breakfast. How are you Ethan?” you asked.

The elevator opens and a few people shuffle out. Ethan holds the elevator door for you to enter, and surprisingly he gets in. You press the button for the lobby, but he doesn’t push a button for any floor.

“I’m great. It’s going to be going to be a great week.”

He’s so sure of himself, but you can’t even fault him because he’s always so nice with a smile always present on his face. Jana’s said that he’s a bit of a know it all, but he’s a hard worker too.

The elevator doors open, the two of you walking out with Ethan walking next to you. He walks a little ahead, grabbing the door for you.

“Thank you,” you muttered as the two of you start to make your way across the parking lot.

“So, Y/N, are you seeing anyone?” he asked.

You stop in your tracks, right in the path of cars circling the lot. Deciding that’s not safe, you walk to an empty parking spot, Ethan trailing behind. The fact that he’d ask such a question surprises, but at the same time, it’s Ethan, you’re surprised he hasn’t asked sooner.

“I put the siiiiing in single,” you kind of speak and sing at the same time. Ethan in turn stares at you blankly. Apparently, he’s not a fan of Lizzo. “Ethan, we need to get you listening to popular music. I’m single.”

He gets the biggest grin on his face. Your cross your arms across your chest and lean on one leg, slightly amused. You know what’s coming, but you don’t want him to be so sure of your answer.

“Can I take you out sometime?” he asks, forest green eyes looking directly into yours.

You let him wait for your answer. Ethan is nice enough, he’s also easy on the eyes, and your dating life has also been lacking for quite some time. You’re actually slightly surprised it’s taken him this long to ask. Chewing on your bottom lip to really sell your indecision, he finally starts to squirm. He starts to brush his fingers through his perfectly jelled hair and you almost feel bad. A smile starts to form on your face and he instantly drops his hand, realizing what he was doing.

“I’d like that. Just not on Valentines Day. Not for a first date,” you tell him.

“Okay. Not on Valentines Day. Great. Okay,” he replies.

He’s such a dork, but it’s sweet. Ethan just stands there grinning at you and you’re really itching to get in your car rather than standing in a parking lot of a law firm.

“Give me your phone, I’ll put my number in it so you can call me,” you tell him.

Ethan passes you his phone, smile still bright on his face. You shake your head slightly but smile back, entering your number and passing him back the phone.

“I’ll call you,” he said.

“I look forward to it,” you reply, instantly cringing at your words.

I look forward to it? Who’s the dork now?

You offer him a slight wave before turning around and walking to your car. You’re kind of excited for the first time in a while. Getting in your car, you fire off a text to Jana.

Y/N: Ethan finally asked me out.

Jana: Oh, great. I’m going to have to see him even more now?

You chuckle at her response. You know she’s half teasing, but what a brat.

Y/N: You assume I said yes?

Y/N: OK, I said yes. But calm down, it’s one date. No one said anything about double dating.

Ethan waited two days before texting you. He asked to take you to dinner on Wednesday, which was two days before Valentines Day, so you said yes. The restaurant he chose was on the higher end, so wearing jeans was out of the question. Jana called you before you had the chance to call her. She was screaming in your ear and you could barely make out what she was saying.

“What? But say it slower with less yelling,” you said to her screeching.

“She made partner,” you hear Brooks shouting from the background.

“I made partner!” she yells, in a much lower tone than before.

“Oh my god, this is amazing! I knew you’d get it!”

“I can finally get some sleep,” she sighs out.

You know she’s exhausted, but all you want to do is go out and celebrate.

“Drinks tomorrow then?” you ask.

“Yeah. Yeah. But like, let’s go early,” she replied.

You chuckle at her response. “Early it is. I have news for your too. Ethan’s taking me to The Capital Grille on Wednesday.”

“Oh, fancy. Makes sense though since the two of us made partner,” she said.

“What?! I didn’t know that was even a thing.”

“Yeah, it happens. Rarely though. They couldn’t decide, so we both got it,” she said.

“Well, you get some rest, and call me tomorrow, love.”

“I will. Bye Y/N.”

You texted Scott a day later to tell him about your date. He told you he was excited for you and glad you had said yes. You laughed at the excited part because while you had been in a dry spell, it hadn’t been that long. Maybe six months. Maybe you should be more excited. Once you assigned a number to it, it sounded bad.

Scott asked if you’d heard from Chris. You had, but it was four days earlier. It was just a text saying hi, asking how I’ve been, but then the conversation fizzled out. That seemed to be the new norm in your relationship. A text every four days or five days. He had a girlfriend; he probably shouldn’t be talking to another girl daily and calling her sweetheart. You wouldn’t like that if it were the other way around.

Two days before your date, you sent Scott three pictures of dresses you were deciding between for your date with Ethan. He called you a few minutes later, wanting to go over your options.

“So, what kind of place is this?”

“It’s an expensive steakhouse in Orlando,” you replied.

“Okay, then option two is out. That’s way too casual. You should probably just throw it away. I don’t want to see that dress again.”

“Scott! Jerk. Leave my dress alone. It’s not that bad,” you complain.

“Want my help or not?”

“Fine. But I’m not throwing it out. I wear that to work a lot,” you replied.

“My point exactly. You don’t wear a work dress on a date Sassy.” Scott said.

“You takin’ to Sassy?” Chris says in the background.

Shit. He’s with Chris?

You’re not sure why you don’t want Chris to know about your date. You feel weird about him being there while this conversation is taking place.

“What about the first dress. The black one?”

It’s your attempt to move the conversation along. The sooner you get off the phone, the better.

“How slutty do you want to be on this date?” Scott asks.

Instantly you cringe, slapping your free hand against your forehead.

“Scoooott,” you whine.

“Slutty?” you hear Chris ask.

Jesus.

“It’s an honest question. Like a little slutty or a lot slutty?” Scott asked.

“Give me the phone,” Chris said. You hear Scott object in the background, but it’s too late, Chris has the phone. “What is Scott goin’ on about? You got a date or somethin’ sweetheart?”

There’s that nickname again and damnit if you stomach doesn’t flip. You really hoped you were over that.

“Yeah. Yeah, I have a date,” you practically whisper out.

“And you didn’t tell me?” he asked.

A part of you thinks he’s joking or teasing, but his tone isn’t coming off that way and it’s rubbing you the wrong way.

“Tell you?” you question.

“Well, yeah. You tell Scott all about it, but don’t mention it to me,” he replied.

“Chris, you and I haven’t been exactly talking a whole lot lately. When would I have told you?”

He scoffs at your response. “We talk.”

You’re shaking your head but he can’t see you which is annoying.

“Besides, you didn’t tell me you were seeing someone, let a lone had a girlfriend,” you replied.

There. You said it. It was none of your business, but you didn’t like this whole conversation and the attitude that was coming with it.

You hear breathing from his end but apparently the cat had caught his tongue because he wasn’t responding.

“I gotta go,” you said.

“Y/N, wait,” you hear him say, but your pushing the end call button before you can even stop yourself.

This was not a conversation you wanted to have. You were simply seeking a guy’s opinion on what to wear for a date. Your first in six freaking months and Chris who barely speaks to you needs to complain about not knowing about said date. You groaned out loud, picking up the work dress and sticking it back in your closest. Sending pictures of the two remaining dresses to Jana to make the final decision, you walked into your kitchen, opting for tea rather than wine.

You phone buzzed while the water simmered in the pot.

Scott: Hey, it’s Scott. I’ll call you later.

Scott was your friend. You just hoped that if your friendship with Chris was over, it wouldn’t cause any drama or stress for Scott.

Chapter 6

A/N: If you’ve read any of my past stories, you will know that I love a happy ending. Please don’t worry. I will fix this. I want this to be as realistic as it can be, so I don’t believe that Chris would put his life on hold for someone he has a phone relationship with. But have faith and know I love you all.

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hazel-light · 3 years ago

Text

CATCH UP ON CHAPTER ONE HERE

Chapter Two Word Count: ~8,500

Genre: (Wedding) Fake Dating, Friends to Lovers, lots of bed sharing and every self indulgent fluffy trope possible.

Warnings: None? Lots of fluff? Occasional cussing? Some suggestive themes, moments, and jokes I guess. No smut or anything!

Disclaimer: I am not Daniel Sharman, and I do not pretend to know how he would act, speak, etc. This is fiction okay, there’s a lot of creative license, and potential to be OOC. Ricky isn't mentioned because I started writing this before we knew he existed, so apologies for that. Also, if you’re DShar himself, please do us both a favor and don’t read this, okay???? Same if you know him 🙈

Title taken from the song Yellow Lights by Harry Hudson which suits this story quite a bit!

A/N: Thank you to everyone who sent me feedback on the first part! I really appreciate it :) Things pick up quite a bit here.... I hope you all enjoy! The third part will be up tomorrow, as promised. <3

It was finally time to fly back to Massachusetts. I had changed my flight so that Daniel and I could be on the same one and seated together.

It’s ridiculously early when I arrive at his apartment to pick him up in our shared Uber, since we have to account for the time difference on the East Coast. He opens the door to his apartment, looking super cozy and ready for travel, one suitcase behind him and a backpack by the door.

“Today’s the day,” I grin at him.

“Oh shit, is it really?” He feigns, rolling his eyes. “Good thing I packed early, then.”

“You’re a professional traveler by this point, I bet you have it down pat.”

“You would think that, wouldn’t you? I actually put a bit more thought into this trip than I usually do.... I need to make a good impression, and I’m making a lot of first impressions.”

I can’t keep my face from forming an endeared expression. “That’s really cute.”

He puts his hands up bashfully. “I take my roles very seriously, Lauren.”

I shake my head. “Well, it means a lot to me; not only that you’re doing this, but that you’re taking it seriously.”

He shrugs, softening his playful demeanor. “Even if we weren’t together in their eyes, I would care what your family thinks. They’re important to you, so it’s important to me.”

“Dannnnielllll,” I whine, “Please don't make me cry this early in the day.”

He laughs, picking up his luggage. “At this rate you’re not going to survive the weekend. I haven’t even turned on my boyfriend charm yet.”

God help me then, I think, making my way back to the car.

Getting through LAX is fairly easy, and remarkably Daniel successfully flies under the radar. He offers to let me have the window seat, but I let him take it, figuring the farther out of sight from the aisle he is, the better.

Like all flights, I fall asleep as soon as we hit cruising altitude; Daniel has his headphones in and spends the time working on something in a notebook. In what seems like minutes, I’m being gently shaken awake by a smiling Daniel.

“Lovely girlfriend of mine, it’s time to rise and shine. Our relationship starts,” he pretends to check the time, “now.”

“Oh thank you, handsome boyfriend. I’m ready.”

Daniel laughs as we stand and wait to exit the plane. Once we step off and onto the ramp, Daniel offers me his hand. “Ready?”

I lace my fingers through his and try to ignore the flutter in my stomach. “Ready.”

Getting our luggage from baggage claim is fairly painless, which leads us to looking for Ryan and Katharine, his longtime girlfriend, in the airport. They’re picking us up on their way to the hotel on the Cape, where the wedding reception is going to be held, and also where we’re going to be staying.

We walk through the airport hand in hand, as I check my phone yet again to see if Ryan has texted. Nothing. We stop for a moment, and peripherally I hear a girl’s voice from behind us,

“Um excuse me, are you Daniel Sharman? Can I get a photo?”

I glance at Daniel, whose face has gone blank. I move to let go of his hand instinctively but he tightens his grip as we turn around. I laugh when I realize the voice belongs to Katharine, who’s standing in front of Ryan, who is trying his best not to laugh.

“Not funny, you guys,” I say, biting back a grin. “We haven’t been recognized so far.”

I turn back to Daniel, who’s looking at me slightly confused. “Daniel, please meet Ryan and his girlfriend Katharine.”

“Oh,” he laughs, reaching out to shake their hands. “That was good. It’s nice to meet you both.”

Katharine knocks into Ryan, who’s still grinning. “It was this loser’s idea. He said he couldn't do it because you’d recognize his voice too soon.”

“A fair point,” I add, teasing. “Besides, women tend to be Daniel’s main demographic, so.”

Daniel scoffs and rolls his eyes.

“What?” I laugh, “It’s true.”

“I wanted to see if you’d drop her hand in front of a fan,” Ryan challenges. “You passed the test.”

“That’s a stupid test, Ry. I wouldn’t have been offended if he did, since this is our first public outing as a couple.”

Daniel looks at me like I’ve somehow insulted him. “I would never do that to you, Laur. That’s crazy; I wouldn’t try to hide you.”

“Okay, well, I’m just saying.” I look at Ryan expectantly. “Still trying to figure out why you haven’t hugged me yet.”

“It takes two hands to hug, I think,” he taunts, nodding towards where Daniel and I are still holding hands.

I blush. “Can you not be this annoying? We literally just arrived.” I let go of Daniel’s hand and step toward Ryan. Katharine and Daniel watch amusedly as Ryan and I hug, trying to see who can crush the other the most. “I missed you, dummy.”

“I missed you, too. You can let go now. Really.”

I let go of Ryan and narrow my eyes at him. “You’re a brat.”

“Whatever, let’s go.”

I grab the handle of my suitcase, smiling at Daniel, who smiles softly back at me. I glance at his hand and then back at him, and he chuckles softly as he meets me halfway in my attempt to hold his hand again. I blush and look away, turning my attention back to Ryan and Katharine, who are leading us out of the airport to where they’d parked.

---

The car ride to the hotel on the Cape is filled with small talk, mainly questions for Daniel, who takes them in stride. I watch him and smile as he is able to keep up with Ryan’s antics and provide thoughtful answers. He is anything but flustered, and I feel a sense of pride trickle through me. At some point, Daniel catches me watching up with a smile on my face and he just smiles back, continuing his easy conversation with Ryan and Katharine. I jump in where I’m needed, or when I can provide something interesting, but for the most part I bask in how well things seem to be going.

Once we arrive and park at the hotel, the four of us get our luggage and head inside to check in. Ryan gives our name to the woman at the desk and she looks us up.

“Got it. I see the mother of the bride reserved two king rooms on the wedding family floor, which is 3.” I see Ryan glance at us, but I just don’t look at him, I just squeeze Daniel’s hand.

“That sounds right to me.”

Daniel nods next to me. The woman nods and hands us each two key cards. We thank her and head to the elevator for our floor.

Katharine checks her phone. “Do you guys want to get settled and meet back up for dinner? The hotel restaurant has seating out by the beach.”

I look at Daniel who looks at me before shrugging. “Yeah, that sounds great. You want to meet in like 45 minutes?”

The elevator dings and we exit to our floor. Our room is farther down the hall than Ryan and Katharine’s.

“Sure, we’ll head over to your room then.” Ryan smiles before ducking into his room with Katharine.

Once I hear their door click shut, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

Daniel huffs a laugh at me, stopping to unlock our door.

“You alright?”

“Great. How’re you doing with all this?”

“Good; they’re nice— Ryan is literally exactly what I expected.”

I laugh at that and follow Daniel into the room. I look around and admire the quaint decor. The bed takes up most of the room but there’s a closet and a bureau on the opposite wall, and tall windows that don’t open but overlook the beach below and the sea beyond. Opposite the windows is a wall covered in different paintings and signs— very boho beachy.

I sit on the bed and look at Daniel, who’s already unzipping his luggage to hang up his suit.

“This is cute,” I comment.

“Yeah, it’s nice.”

I bite my nail and watch as he turns around to face the closet.

“I uh, forgot that we’d be sharing a bed. Just didn’t think of it— sorry.”

Daniel laughs and gives me an incredulous look over his shoulder.

“You thought your aunt would book us two beds even though as far as she knows we’re super in love?”

I blush. “Well, no. I just— I don’t know, I didn’t even think about it is all I meant.”

Daniel rolls his eyes. “It doesn’t bother me. I quite appreciate a good cuddle, if I’m honest. Haven’t had one in a while.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Oh?”

“Why— do you hate that? Are you one of those women who like their space?”

I snort. “No, no, we can cuddle. You just surprise me, is all.”

“Surprise you, huh?”

Daniel turns around with a mischievous sparkle in his eye. He takes two strides so he’s standing in front of me, and puts his hands on either side of my face. He leans down so we’re eye to eye and I can’t help but glance briefly at his lips, wondering if he’s going to kiss me again.

“You know,” he says softly, “You should really unpack your dress so it doesn’t wrinkle.” He winks and pulls back, kissing my forehead.

I shake my head even though he’s facing away from me now, hopping off the bed to follow his advice.

“You’re trouble, Sharman. Such a tease.”’

“Sorry?” He looks at me innocently, batting his eyelashes dramatically. “Oh, were you expecting a kiss?”

I feel myself blush as I pull my dress out and walk around him to hang it up.

“I wasn’t expecting anything. Like I said, you’re full of surprises.”

He lowers his voice. “So, you don’t want a kiss?”

I turn around to face him, eyes narrowed, thoughts rushing, but before I can retort there’s a knock on the door.

I turn away promptly to answer the door, grateful for the exit. I hear Daniel chuckle behind me as I open the door to reveal Ryan, who clears his throat.

“Hope I’m not interrupting.” He peers past me, presumably at Daniel. “Katharine called the restaurant to make a reservation and they only had a 6:45, so she said we’d take it. I tried to text you but you didn’t answer.”

“Sorry,” I apologize. “My phone's still in my bag. We were unpacking.”

“That’s fine. Are you guys good to head to dinner, or...?”

I feel an arm wrap around my waist. “Yeah, we’re good. I grabbed your purse, Laur, and I have my wallet and the room key.”

I can feel Ryan watching me so I lean back against Daniel’s chest and look up at him. “Thank you,” I say sweetly, taking my bag from him before turning back to Ryan. “Let’s go.”

—-

Dinner on the beach is lovely. There’s a subtle warm breeze and the food is delicious. The conversation is easy and I can’t help but feel an unusual sense of peace of bringing two of my favorite men together and having them get along so well.

I’m in a reverie when I feel Daniel’s hand lightly squeeze my thigh, bringing me back to reality. I blink, looking across the table at Ryan and Katharine, and try to ignore Daniel smirking next to me.

“Hmm? Sorry, I dazed out there for a minute.”

Katharine laughs. “Totally fine, I was asking how it’s been dating someone who's in the spotlight.”

“Oh, um.” I pause, taking a sip of water. “It’s been fine, you know, since we’ve been so low key about it. The public doesn’t know about us. I imagine it’d be different then.”

Daniel nods. “I think for the most part, the fans would be welcoming, but there are always going to be people who… aren’t.”

Ryan leans on his hand, looking between the two of us. “Isn’t it weird, though? The thought that there are so many girls thinking about getting with your boyfriend constantly?”

“I—” I look at Daniel, who looks mortified, but also curious at how I’ll respond. “I guess I’ve never really thought about it like that.”

Ryan makes a noise of indignation. “You watch his movies and shows and stuff, don’t you?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Of course I do.”

“And it isn’t weird watching him make out with people on screen? Doesn’t it make you jealous?”

I open and close my mouth. I can tell behind his hand Daniel’s smirking, and even Katharine’s looking at me curiously.

“Well, of course I don’t love it— but I mean— it’s his job. There’s nothing I can do about it.”

I look at Daniel, who’s looking at me curiously.

“You never said it made you jealous.”

“I mean—” I shrug, at a loss for words.

He looks at me for a moment before looking away, clearing his throat as we’re interrupted by the waiter bringing our check.

Ryan goes to grab it, but Daniel beats him to it.

“I got it. I said I’d owe you a hundred bucks if you came with a real date, so,” Ryan teases.

I cross my arms. “Oh, and you believe me now?”

“After seeing how jealous you got in that conversation? Yeah.”

I scoff and Daniel and Katharine laugh while Ryan rolls his eyes.

“I’m just playing around, Laur.”

Daniel intervenes, sticking his card in the check holder and placing it at the edge of the table.

“I’ve got it, bro. First meeting and all that; but thank you.”

I look at Daniel. “You don’t have to do that, we all have our own jobs.”

Daniel shrugs. “I know, I just want to.” He places his hand on my thigh again, and leans in to kiss my temple. He whispers against my head. “Let me do this, please?”

“Okay,” I sigh. “Well, thank you.”

“Yes, thank you,” Katharine echoes, smiling.

“My pleasure.”

—-

We’re back in our room, just finished brushing our teeth, when I bring it up again.

“You really didn’t have to pay for dinner you know.”

“I know,” he says. “But I don’t want him giving you money like me coming here was something that had to be bribed, or bought. I came because I wanted to— the details of which Ryan doesn’t need to know.”

I hum in thought.

“Besides, apparently I’m causing you bouts of jealousy, so really it’s the least I can do,” he teases.

I scoff, “Comes with the territory I guess…. along with apparently fighting off swarms of girls who want to jump your bones.”

It’s his turn to roll his eyes, folding down the bed covers, “Do people even use that expression anymore?”

“Doesn’t matter, you know what I mean.”

“And yet, you’re the woman in my bed tonight.”

I laugh, folding down the other side of the bed, “How scandalous.”

“Very. Cuddling is serious business, you know.”

Daniel settles into bed, looking at me where I’m still sat on the edge.

“You coming in?”

“Yeah,” I flush, hesitating.

He extends an arm, and I take the invitation, cuddling up against his chest.

“See, this is nice.”

“I never said it wouldn’t be.”

“I know." He pauses, "Try to relax, I promise this weekend is going to go smoothly, if I have any say in it. Not to sound too cocky, but I’m good at my job.”

I laugh at that, before sighing, “I know you are.”

“Good. Sweet dreams, then.”

“Sweet dreams," I echo, snuggling a little bit closer to him.

—-

When I wake up in the morning, my chest is pressed against Daniel’s shirt, and I feel his fingertips lightly tracing up and down my back.

“Morning,” he hums.

“Good morning,” I answer, shifting slightly. “How long have you been awake?”

Daniel makes a noncommittal noise. “Not sure, didn’t want to risk waking you up to check my phone.”

I look up at him as best I can from my position. “You’ve just been staring at the ceiling this whole time?”

“It hasn’t been that long. Plus I’m resting, and enjoying our cuddle.”

I turn away blushing and snuggle back into him. “You are very warm; makes me not want to get up.”

“Our alarm hasn’t gone off yet—” He’s cut off by the alarm on his phone doing just that. “Nevermind.”

I make no effort to move from my cozy position.

“Come on,” He urges, pulling my hair lightly. “We have to get up and brush our teeth. I have a feeling there’s some kissing in our future, so.”

“Oh? Is there someone you have your eye on?” I tease.

“Just my fake girlfriend. I think I’ll probably need to demonstrate to her family how in love I am.”

“Demonstrate, huh? I’ll tell the children to shield their eyes.”

I feel Daniel’s laugh rumble through his chest, and I grin.

“Come on, we have to get ready and we have to make a good impression!”

I groan, rolling off and away from him. “I’m going to complain the whole time.”

“I’d expect nothing less.”

I don’t have to turn around to know he’s smirking.

Daniel showers first so I can use the bathroom to style my hair and do my makeup once I’m done with mine.

When I’m done, I find Daniel suited and sitting on the edge of the bed, scrolling on his phone. I walk up to him, standing in between his legs, and he looks up at me, taking in my appearance.

“You look beautiful.”

I reach my hand up to smooth his collar. “And you look very handsome; it might be a hard sell for anyone to believe you’re here with me,” I joke.

He shakes his head, smiling softly. He reaches up to take my hand, pulling my wrist up to his lips where he leaves a gentle kiss.

“I don’t think anyone will have any trouble believing that, actually.”

My heart stutters in my chest, and I swallow.

“Are you ready to meet everyone?”

“I am. Are you nervous?”

I look at him for a minute and really think about it.

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “With you, I’m not nervous.”

He smiles. “Good; let’s get going.”

—

As we exit the hotel, we take a right before descending down the stairs to the beach ceremony hand in hand. The sun feels warm on our skin, but the soft breeze keeps it from feeling overbearing. I can feel some family members’ eyes on me as I smile and wave with my free hand, sure I’ll have plenty of time to talk to them after. We pick our seats and I look up at Daniel, who is already smiling down at me. I smile back as he places our clasped hands in my lap, his thumb gently brushing back and forth over my skin.

“It’s a beautiful day to get married,” he states, looking around.

I hum in agreement, wrapping my free hand around his bicep.

“I always wondered about summer weddings— I’d worry that I’d sweat off all my makeup if I was the bride.”

Daniel huffs a laugh. “Yeah. I assume most grooms are sweating buckets before they even reach the reception.”

My eyes wander down to where he has the first few buttons of his shirt undone to accommodate the heat.

“My eyes are up here.”

My eyes flash back up to his, and he smirks. I shake my head and try not to blush at getting caught. He leans down to kiss my temple.

“You’re cute when you blush,” he murmurs against my hair, squeezing my hand.

I turn to him and raise my eyebrow. “Diving right in are we?”

He shrugs and diverts his attention back to the altar.

“Ryan looks so much older in his tux.”

I look to where Ryan stands next to Nick, Rachel’s soon-to-be husband, as one of the groomsmen.

“Sometimes I forget he’s only 18, but then he’s still a baby to me in some ways.”

Daniel shakes his head. “Just imagine, one day we’ll be sitting at his wedding.”

“I can’t even think about that— though, to be fair, he may beat me to getting married. He and Katharine have been dating since they were 13.”

He lets out a low whistle. “True high school sweethearts. Do you think they’ll stay together through college?”

I sigh, looking over at Katharine a few rows ahead with my Aunt Judith. “I hope so, I think they’re a good fit. She’s already part of the family.”

It’s quiet for a moment before something hits me.

“You said we’ll be sitting at Ryan’s wedding.” I tug on Daniel’s arm. “Plan on sticking around?”

“Well, I—” He opens and closes his mouth a few times, not sure of the right response.

I giggle and lean up to kiss his cheek before pulling back just enough to whisper, “You know, you’re really cute when you blush.”

He turns to me before I can pull away entirely, placing a quick kiss on my lips, leaving me blinking up at him.

He smirks. “Touché.”

———

There’s something to be said for attending a wedding with someone.

I’m not sure if I’m emotional because it’s Rachel, my cousin who I’ve grown up with, or the fact that when something particularly romantic happens, I look at Daniel, who will smile and squeeze my hand in solidarity.

We’re both a little teary eyed by the time the ceremony ends. I reach my free hand up to wipe a stray tear from his face. He laughs, embarrassed.

“It’s okay, I’m feeling it too. Easy to feel a little sappy on a day like today.”

“Mmm. Really sets the mood for the start of our relationship.”

I roll my eyes good-naturedly.

“Speaking of…” I trail off, eyeing a few family members approaching over his shoulder.

“Get ready, because introductions start now.”

—-

The members of my family that are introduced seem to welcome Daniel with no hesitations— and far fewer questions than I anticipated. He handles them all smoothly and I’m thankful we discussed some things beforehand. Eventually, we part ways, excusing ourselves with promises to catch up more later.

We don’t get too far before a little girl runs up to us. She can’t be older than 4 or 5.

“Hi,” she giggles. “I’m Marnie.”

Daniel and I share a smile, and I bend down a bit. “Hi Marnie, I’m Lauren, and this is Daniel.” He waves. “Are you here for the wedding too?”

She nods bashfully. “Nick kissed her! Now he’s a husband.”

Daniel laughs. “He is.”

“How do you know Nick?” I ask.

“He’s my cousin,” she says, kicking some sand with her sandals.

“Ahh, the girl he kissed is my cousin Rachel. Now she’s a wife!” I exclaim.

She looks at me curiously. “Is a wife like a mom?”

Before I can answer, we hear someone call her name, and we look up to see a couple around our age standing on the patio about 10 feet away.

“Is that your mom and dad?” Daniel asks.

“Yeah, I gotta go— see you later!”

She dashes off, and we wave at the couple who wave back, calling out an apology.

“It’s fine— she’s super cute!” I smile.

We watch as they head back toward the hotel, and presumably the reception.

We walk along the stone wall lining the patio, watching from a distance as bridal party photos are taken.

I look at him. “Should we take our own photo to celebrate the occasion, and how nice we look?”

Daniel laughs, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “Sure.”

He bends down so we can take a selfie, before shaking his head.

“Wait.” He sits on the wall, and pulls me so I’m sitting on his lap. I try to mask my blush as he looks at the phone screen. “Better. More natural angle.”

We take one selfie smiling and another with silly faces.

“Do you two want me to take a photo for you?” A woman passing by asks.

I hesitate, but Daniel’s already handing over his phone. “That would be great, thanks.”

We stay seated with his arm around my waist. And I turn to lean into him, putting my hand on his chest.

We grin and the woman takes a photo.

“Boooo, boring,” Ryan heckles, walking up behind the woman out of nowhere. “Give us something good.”

I roll my eyes, and feel Daniel chuckle.

“Aren’t you supposed to be taking formal photos?” I query.

“I finished.” He shrugs, taking the camera from the woman, who excuses herself. “Now give me something good.”

“Alright Ryan, since you asked so nicely,” Daniel drawls. I feel his hand on my neck tilting my head up. “Give the man what he wants.” He smirks, eyes sparkling, leaning in to kiss me.

I can’t help but grin into the kiss as I hear Ryan quickly change his tune. “Okay gross, this is excessive. I got it, you can stop.”

Eventually we pull away, and I turn to Ryan innocently. “Sorry, were you saying something?”

“I’m starting to regret pushing the whole plus one agenda.” He frowns, handing Daniel back his phone.

“No you aren’t,” I tease.

“I’m going to go find my girlfriend,” he rebuts, stalking off.

Daniel shakes his head. “He’s funny.” Lowering his voice, he says into my ear, “One kiss down, many to go.”

I shove him playfully and slide off his lap, turning back towards the hotel to hide my blush. “If any of those pictures came out good, send them to me, please.”

“Okay, but wait.” He stands and pulls my elbow gently, and as I turn back to him his lips meet mine.

“What was that for?” I ask as we finally pull away.

“Just making sure we found our rhythm.” He shrugs. “Besides, as your boyfriend, I technically don’t need a reason.”

I bite my lip. “Is that so?”

He looks at me innocently. “It goes both ways, you know, these lips are yours for the day.”

I bark a laugh. “That sounds so weird, but, okay, noted.”

He grins, lacing our fingers together and pulling me back toward the hotel and the reception.

—-

Inside the reception, each table seats 6; we’re seated at one of the family tables with Ryan, Katharine, and my Aunt Judith. Aunt Judith is my late grandmother’s sister. She has a sharp tongue and rarely minces words when she speaks, a trait that suited her long career as a lawyer in the city. She’s one of the family members who I’ve been most nervous for Daniel to meet, as I know she’ll be critical and her eagle eye will be looking for weaknesses between us. I’ve seen her do it to Rachel’s boyfriends over the years, and even to Katharine when she and Ryan started dating.

“So, Daniel…” Aunt Judith begins. “Ryan here tells me you had… concerns, about Lauren telling us about you.”

Here comes the interrogation. I glare at Ryan, who shrugs, before looking at Daniel who appears unusually calm.

“Not concerns, really,” he starts, “We were friends for a long time, as you know, and I think we were both just nervous—“ he looks at me, “and trying to take our time in figuring out the transition into being together romantically.”

I nod, “And it was only like a month before I told Ryan. You guys know I tell you everything.”

Aunt Judith watches as the others laugh knowingly, and Daniel grins at me.

“Are you planning to keep your relationship private from the press?” She pushes.

“Well,” Ryan interjects, “At the airport they were holding hands, even when Katharine approached him pretending to be a fangirl.”

I roll my eyes, “That was so unnecessary, you guys. Daniel and I both like our privacy so I wouldn’t say we’re hiding it, but we aren’t flaunting it all over either.”

“I’m definitely not ashamed or trying to hide Lauren, if that’s what you mean.” Daniel jests lightly.

“I should hope not,” she says, looking at him over her glass, as she takes a sip.

Katherine turns to Daniel, “What is it about Lauren that drew you in?”

Ryan snorts, “Yeah, how’d she escape the friendzone?”

I put a hand over my face, embarrassed, which Aunt Judith seems to interpret to mean something else entirely.

“Please tell me you did nothing scandalous, so help me, Lauren….”

“What,” I look at her, “No, of course not, why would you assume that?”

She shrugs and Daniel intervenes, “It wasn’t something sudden… I always knew she was beautiful, and obviously as we became friends I saw how kind and thoughtful she was. Funny too,” he says smirking at me.

“Hmm,” she says taking a sip from her drink again, but I can tell she’s secretly pleased with his answer.

—-

Once dinner is finished I excuse Daniel and I from the table, so I can introduce him to Rachel, her new husband, Nick, and of course my Auntie Kim.

I feel Daniel’s hand squeeze mine and I turn back to look at him, smiling.

“Getting tired of all these introductions yet?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “No, I’m fine.”

“Such a good sport,” I tease, and he rolls his eyes.

We wait for the last people currently talking to Rachel and Nick to clear, and when Rachel sees me she squeals.

“Lauren!”

I laugh, “Hi Rach, congratulations!”

“Thank you,” she beams, looking over at Nick briefly.

“And welcome to the family, officially, Nick.”

He grins and motions behind me, “Who’s this guy you’re towing around?”

“Right,” I blush. “Rachel, Nick, this is my boyfriend Daniel.”

“It’s a pleasure,” Daniel greets, sticking out his hand to shake theirs. Neither Nick or Rachel do a great job of hiding their surprise.

“No offense, Laur, but when Ryan told me you were bringing a boyfriend I thought he was messing with us.” Nick interjects.

I force a grin on my face, feeling Daniel’s hand comfortingly move to my back.

“I’m all too real, I’m afraid.” Daniel interjects. “Sorry to disappoint.”

I lean back into him, and watch as Rachel smacks Nick on the arm.

“No, no, we’re very glad you’re real Daniel. Just surprised is all. Don’t mind Nick.”

Auntie Kim approaches saving us from the awkward encounter.

“This must be the infamous Daniel, who has won our Lauren’s heart.”

I blush, as she moves to hug him.

He smirks, “Well, she’s won mine as well.”

“You two are so cute. We are so thrilled you could come today, Daniel.”

“I was too, it is really great to meet you all after hearing this one talk about you all nonstop.”

The group laughs.

“We are very much looking forward to getting to know you better, hopefully this will be the first of many visits.”

He smiles, “Definitely.”

—

At some point much later in the evening, I lose Daniel. He steps away to use the restroom and I get pulled into conversation with a family friend. I keep my eyes peeled for him but somehow I don’t seem to see him anywhere.

I’m standing by the bar waiting for a drink when I feel a pair of arms wrap around my waist.

“Hi, darling.”

My stomach flutters at the pet name.

“Oh hello, I was wondering where you ran off to.”

His arms tighten around my waist. “I was having a riveting conversation with one of your aunts, actually.”

I turn my head to look at him curiously. “Which one?”

“Aunt Judith,” he smirks, waving the bartender over to order a drink of his own.

“Oh boy,” I laugh. “What did you guys talk about?”

Once he places his order he leans down to whisper in my ear, “She wanted to know if we were using protection, and after that, we went over the unexpected costs of raising children.”

I turn around in his arms, horrified. “No! —She didn’t.”

“Oh yes,” he laughs, grinning. “She did.”

“What did you even say?”

He pretended to think. “I told her, diaper prices are definitely outrageous, and I agree, college costs are inflated beyond belief—” I glare at him. “Oh, and that it was very important to me that we practice safe sex, but, if anything ever did happen, I would be there for you every step of the way.”

“Oh God.” I bury my face into his chest, and he laughs, affectionately stroking my hair. “I’m so sorry, that’s mortifying….”

“I’ve been asked weirder things, just being an actor in LA.”

“Still.” I look up at him. “Your answer was very sweet, though.”

“Well, it’s the truth. I’ll always be there for you— fake pregnancies and all.”

We’re staring at each other now, his fingers still running through my hair, his other hand on my lower back. Time seems to slow down and my eyes flicker to his mouth, his words from earlier echoing in my head. It goes both ways. Before I can talk myself out of it, I reach up to kiss him, because it feels right.

“You’re the best fake boyfriend, you know that?” I murmur against his mouth.

He pulls me closer to him, brushing his nose against mine. “I might need another kiss to convince me.”

The bartender behind us clears his throat. “Excuse me, sir, ma’am? Your drinks?”

We break apart, and as our moment ends I try to quell the butterflies in my tummy.

Daniel smiles politely at the bartender, passing me my drink before taking his glass in one hand and my hand in the other.

We make our way back to our now vacant table. He lets go of my hand to pull his chair closer to mine as we sit down, draping his arm over the back of my chair. I lean into him as we sip our drinks, people-watching the other tables and the crowd on the dance floor. I feel his fingers start drawing shapes on my shoulder, causing me to look up at him.

“Are you having a good time?” he asks.

“I am, largely thanks to you. Are you having a good time?”

“I am; everyone has been really welcoming. It’s nice to meet the people you’ve told me about, and hear the stories everyone has to tell me about you. There have been some good ones, I have to say…”

I roll my eyes, smiling. “I’m sure.”

“The only way it could be better would be if they had baby pictures.”

“Listen, I’ll be the first to say I peaked in preschool. I was much cuter then, I peaked—” Daniel laughs. “I’ll get some and show you. You’ll be so disappointed this is how I’ve turned out.”

“No, I don’t think so. I mean I bet you were cute but, I couldn’t be disappointed.”

I shake my head, blushing. “Don’t be so sure— you haven’t seen them yet.”

“I am sure…. I’m looking at you right now.”

I start to smile despite myself. “Oooooh, that was smooth, Sharman.”

“No, no, no," he protests, smirking, "it’s easy when you tell the truth.”

“Have you always been this cheesy, or is this a boyfriend exclusive privilege I’ve unlocked?”

“You know—” He’s interrupted as the little girl from earlier runs up to us.

“Hi,” she says bashfully.

I smile, “Hi Marnie,”

She turns to Daniel and taps twice on his knee. “Can I sit?”

Daniel looks at me, and then around the room. Marnie’s parents are nowhere in sight.

“Sure, angel. Where are your mom and dad?”

She shrugs before he lifts her into his lap. The three of us smile at each other as Marnie gets shy. She leans up to whisper in Daniel’s ear, cupping both of her tiny hands around his ear. I can’t hear what she’s saying but I watch as Daniel’s eyes twinkle in amusement.

“Not yet,” he answers to whatever she asked, and she giggles before whispering again, and he laughs. “Mhm, I do.”

Marnie pulls back and looks at him with amazement, whispering even more excitedly. This time he pauses before smiling at me, before turning back to her.

“What do you think?” She looks at me quickly before back at him, nodding shyly. He nods along with her, before leaning in and whispering in her head with his hands cupped secretly like hers had been. Marnie is absolutely beaming now. It’s easy to see how smitten she is with him.

Curiosity gets the best of me. “Do I get to know a secret, too?” I ask, teasingly.

She looks unsure before Daniel swoops in playfully. “Nope, these secrets are for me and Marnie only.”

“Darn it.” I sigh dramatically.

The music changes to something Marnie clearly recognizes as her face lights up, as she tugs on Daniel’s sleeve. “Can we dance? Me and you?”

Daniel looks at me. “Will you be okay here?”

“Absolutely, I’ll be watching.”

He puts his drink on the table as I pick mine up to take a sip, watching as her tiny hand fits in his and she drags him out to dance. The two of them are so cute and my heart feels like it’s going to burst.

Ryan slides into Daniel’s seat a minute later.

“You know, if you and Daniel had a daughter, she’d probably look just like Marnie.”

I glance at him, realizing he’s right. Dark brown curls and bright blue eyes, with a toothy smile and a loud laugh.

“Don’t let my ovaries hear you. I’m not having any children until I have two rings on this finger,” I say, waggling my left hand at him.

Ryan laughs and we watch as Daniel is so good with Marnie, letting her swing his arms around and move them to the beat.

“I like him,” Ryan says definitively.

I look at him, surprised. “Wow, I mean I obviously like him too, I just thought you’d be more skeptical.”

“I did too until I saw you guys together. I just…” He looks emotional all of a sudden. “Shit.”

I laugh softly. “It’s okay, Ry, it’s an emotional day.” I rub his shoulder as he pinches his eyes.

I see Daniel glance over, concerned, but I give him a thumbs up. He nods and goes back to spinning Marnie around.

“I just...” I turn back to Ryan as he speaks, giving him my full attention. “I can see that he loves you— really loves you. It’s all I ever wanted for you.”

I feel my heart squish uncomfortably in my chest. I feel guilty that my cousin is so happy for me, so proud and vulnerable over a relationship that’s just for show. I swallow.

“Me too, I— thank you, Ryan. I love you, so much.”

The song changes again into something slow and I watch Marnie shriek, horrified, before running off into the crowd. Daniel looks after her, humored, before looking at me, gesturing with his head that I come join him. Ryan must see it too because he kisses my temple.

“I love you, too. Go get your man; I should find Katharine.”

Like I’m in a trance, I don’t take my eyes off Daniel as I approach. He smiles and reaches his hands out for me, lacing our fingers together.

“May I have this dance?”

“You may, I was getting a little jealous over there.”

He drops one of my hands to wrap it around my waist, and I bring mine around his neck as we begin to sway, staying close together.

He chuckles. “Well, don’t be, I think everyone here knows who I’m going home with.”

“Yeah, you’re stuck with me.”

He smiles softly but doesn’t answer. I feel my eyes flutter shut as he moves closer pressing his lips to mine gently, tenderly. I kiss him back and for a second I swear I feel it— that all-encompassing love Ryan says he sees between us. When we pull apart, he keeps his head dipped down, pressing his cheek to mine for the remainder of the song. I close my eyes and nuzzle into him, letting myself pretend this is real, just for another moment.

Eventually I break our silence.

“Hey, what did Marnie ask you?”

“Hmm?” He murmurs, the sound vibrating against my cheek.

“During your super secret whisper time.”

“Oh,” he laughs breathily. “She wanted to know if we were married.”

“Ahhh,” I chuckle. “I see. What else did she want to know?”

He pauses as the song starts to fade out and our swaying slows down. “I don’t know if I can tell you that. Some secrets need to stay secret, after all.”

While it was clearly meant to be a joke, he says it a bit too seriously, so I drop it and smile tightly as we pull apart.

“Okay.”

He tugs my hand playfully. “Nothing bad, I promise.”

I make a face at him. “Well, I guess I’ll never know.”

He laughs. “You’ll just have to take my word for it.”

—-

A little while later, we’re watching Rachel and Nick leave for their honeymoon as the wedding party begins to disperse.

“I suppose we should say our goodbyes,” I say, tearing my eyes away as their car drives off.

I hug my Auntie Kim goodbye and tell her I’ll see her at Christmas. She fawns over Daniel, telling him to watch over me, and how happy she is to have gotten to meet him. It makes me smile to see how well he gets on with her. It’s hardest to say goodbye to Ryan. I hug him fiercely, and he returns the hug just as vigorously.

“I wish I could take you back with me.”

“I know.”

“We need to FaceTime more.”

“We will.”

When I step back, Ryan and Daniel go to shake hands, and I see Aunt Judith sitting at the bar by herself. I excuse myself as they chat and take the seat next to her.

“Aunt Judith, I’m afraid I leave again tomorrow.”

She turns toward me, swirling the scotch in her glass. She disregards what I’ve said and instead looks past me into the crowd.

“Where’s that man of yours?”

“He’s saying goodbye to Ryan at the moment.”

She hums.

“What?” I ask.

“He’s a looker.”

I chuckle. “So I’ve been told.”

“I think he could be husband material though. Not as dense as men usually are.”

I suppress a smile. “Huh, I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.” I give her a kiss on the cheek goodbye, walking over to rejoin Daniel who seems to be finishing a serious chat with Ryan as I approach. As I join his side, Ryan shakes his hand one last time before walking away. Daniel glances at me, placing a hand on my back, looking back towards Aunt Judith at the bar.

“Should I go say goodbye to her?”

“I think you’re alright.”

Aunt Judith waves at us, and Daniel waves back.

”Was everything okay with Ryan?”

“Oh, yeah, yeah; just talking.” He shifts, interlacing our hands. “Ready to go back to our room?”

I nod and we head towards the elevators, hands swinging between us. While we wait, I subconsciously start swaying to the soft music playing from the hallway speakers. Daniel glances at me smirking, and I look up at him giggling, “What?”

“Nothing. You want to spin, like Marnie?” He teases, lifting our joined hands. I spin twice before bumping into his chest, giggling more. “Ooops.”

He shakes his head at me as the elevator doors open. He wraps both his arms around me, walking me backward into the elevator and I laugh into his tie. I turn around so we’re both facing the doors as he reaches around me to press the button for our floor. The mirrored doors slide closed and I meet his eyes in the reflection. We’re both grinning.

“You’re absolutely ridiculous,” he taunts, and I stick my tongue out in the reflection. His arms tighten around me and I press backwards into his chest.

—-

Back at the room, we start to get ready for bed. We share the bathroom to brush our teeth and do our nighttime routines, playfully brushing and bumping into each other. I drag my feet, trying to make the evening last as long as possible, trying to stretch out this daydream I’m living in before we have to go home tomorrow.

I get into bed first, lying on my back and watching as Daniel pads across the room to his side of the bed. He shuts off the overhead light as he passes, leaving only the soft blue moonlight from the window covering us.

He climbs into bed next to me but stays propped up on his elbow. I look at him and he begins tracing my face with his other hand. I crinkle my nose at him, and laugh softly.

“What’re you doing?”

“Waiting.”

“For what?”

He gestures behind me to a decorative sign on the wall.

I turn my head to look at it. “I can’t read that without my contacts.”

His fingers trace over my lips, and I hold my breath at the intimate gesture.

His voice drops even softer. “It says always kiss me goodnight. So I’m waiting.”

I look back at him, expecting him to crack a joke, but he doesn’t; his eyes are sincere. I run the arm closest to him up behind his neck, catching my fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. He takes the hint, letting my touch guide him as he leans down and kisses me.

The kiss is sleepy, soft, lips tenderly pressed together, moving slowly against each other. It ends with a few gentle kisses that drift from my mouth to my cheek, up to my forehead. His gaze is already fixed on me when my eyes flutter back open.

I start to think about how final that kiss felt, how this is the end of our weekend of pretend; how it doesn’t make any sense that we’re kissing when no one’s here to see us, but maybe we’re both lonely and already missing the comfort, the closeness of this façade. I run my hand up from the nape of his neck to scratch gently at his scalp and his eyes flutter shut, finally breaking our eye contact.

“That feels nice,” he whispers. Wordlessly, we shift so his head is on my chest, his arm around my waist, my nails still soothingly sifting through his hair, quietly lulling him to sleep.

---

tagged: @rogershoe @heyrowena @yunsh-17

#daniel sharman fluff #daniel sharman fic #daniel sharman fanfiction #daniel sharman fanfic #daniel sharman imagine #daniel sharman x oc #yellow lights

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luci-in-trenchcoats · 5 years ago

Text

Love Her (Part 7)

Summary: The reader heads home to stay with Dean and the twins. Only some things have changed around there and the reader learns a little more about Dean’s past...

Masterlist

Pairing: Doctor!Dean x foster daughter!reader

Word Count: 3,700ish

Warnings: language, mentions of death

______

“It looks the same,” you said when you got to Dean’s place around midnight after your concussion was cleared.

“It is. Your room’s the way you left it. We can unpack and pick you up whatever you need tomorrow. Let’s just let you get some rest for now. You sleep in and don’t worry about anything, okay?” he said.

“Sure,” you said. You followed him inside and found John and Mary on the couch watching TV.

“Hey,” said Dean as he locked up the front door. “You guys mind staying the night?”

“No, not at all,” said Mary as she stood up. She walked over and gave you a hug. “Hi sweetie.”

“Hi,” you said.

“She home for good?” asked John as he joined you in the foyer, giving you an unexpected hug as well. You always thought he hadn’t liked you but obviously that had changed over the past few years.

“I’m her foster parent for the moment. She’s an adult so she gets a choice now of where and what she wants to do so she’s here as long as she wants,” said Dean. “It’s late though so let’s just all head to bed, alright?”

His parents nodded and turned off the TV, heading upstairs to the guest room as you went with Dean to your old room.

“I think there was a pair of your pajamas left in the laundry I never got to give back to you,” he said, going to the dresser. He pulled out a shirt and pair of shorts and handed them to you. “Your face okay? I can get you some of your pain medicine.”

“Dean. It’s okay. I’m okay. I’m just tired,” you said. He nodded and went to leave, turning around when you took a seat on the bed.

“If you need something-”

“I know, Dean. You always worry over everything,” you said. “Not that that’s bad.”

“I’ll see you in the morning then, sweetheart,” he said.

“Night, Dean.”

“Goodnight, Y/N.”

“Guys, guys,” said Dean as the twins nearly knocked you over from another round of hugs as you put together your room the next day. “Y/N has a concussion. We have to be careful around her the next few weeks.”

“Sorry,” they both said when the door to the room opened. You saw a woman in sweats walk into the doorway, an angry look on her face quickly disappearing when she saw you.

“What happened to her?” she asked, immediately walking in. You took a step back, Dean chuckling.

“I forgot to pick you up at the airport, didn’t I,” said Dean.

“Yeah. I figured you got excited with Y/N coming home,” she said. “Why does she look like she was in a fight?”

“Long story. She’s okay now,” said Dean, looking to you. “I suppose I forgot to mention it last night with all of the chaos going on. Y/N, this is Ana. She’s my fiance.”

“Fiance?” you asked, Dean giving you a smile.

“Twins, give us a minute?” asked Dean. They begrudgingly left the room as Ana walked over and gave you a hug you weren’t sure if you should return.

“Dean mentioned you might need some warming up to at first,” said Ana, giving you a smile.

“Fiance?” you asked again.

“Things weren’t...great after you left. Like...really not great. Sammy and my friends took me out one night to try and help but I wanted to just go home. I went outside the bar and saw this little redhead kicking some drunk guy that been bothering her’s ass. I tried to be a knight in shining armor and got an accidental hit to the nuts for it,” he said. “She felt sorry for me after that. She bought me a drink to apologize and we found out we had a lot in common.”

“I think I have you to thank for getting us together,” said Ana with a smile. “He mentioned that his oldest wanted him to try dating again.”

“Ana’s birth mother gave her up for adoption,” said Dean. “She spent some time in foster care and wound back up in it when she was a teenager. She’s a doctor over at the hospital.”

“Cool,” you said, giving her a nod. “Uh, I’m glad you decided to be happy again.”

“Well I figured the least I could do was try,” said Dean. “You always tried for me.”

“So you’re with us?” she asked, a smile in her voice. You glanced at Dean who smiled.

“Ana knows all about you. She’s been around awhile. She’s been waiting to meet you,” said Dean.

“I don’t know what I want to do yet,” you said. “Just right now, I want to be with the twins.”

“Of course,” she said. “Can I steal Dean for a second?”

You nodded and she grabbed his hand, pulling him out of the room. You bit your bottom lip and went back to putting away your clothes, sighing as you closed your eyes.

“Hi,” said Ana, poking her head back in the room. “I know this is probably weird for you. I get it, trust me. But I just wanted to say I’m really glad you’re finally home and if you ever want to talk about stuff, stuff that maybe Dean doesn’t understand, I’m always here.”

“Were you ever adopted?” you asked.

“Once. As a baby,” she said. “By a single mother. She was the person I consider my mom. She got sick and died when I was eight. I went back into the system and moved for a while before I found a foster home I could stick around in until I was too old. I know you’ll believe me when I say you know that Dean is different than most other people.”

“He could have fought back more about me getting moved,” you said.

“He could have. But the twins wouldn’t be here and they wouldn’t be together. You don’t know how many nights he lost sleep over that. He wanted to go and get you. He did. But from what I understand, you love Ryan and Rae more than anything and he had you take the hit so they would be okay. He said you’re strong and you could take it. I’m not saying it’s right but it’s what happened. I’m not going to try and be your mother either. You had a mom and I understand that. I’m not going to replace anyone. I just want you to know that he has been waiting for this for a very long time,” she said.

“Thanks,” you said quietly.

“And there’s a surprise for you in the basement when you’re ready for it,” she said with a smile.

“Ana?” you asked, getting a hum from her. “The twins call you mom, don’t they.”

“They started to once we got engaged about six months ago,” she said.

“They should have a mom,” you said.

“Y/N. You’re not an outsider here. Dean made it very clear to me that his kids will always come first, all three of them,” she said. “I’m here to talk is all.”

“Is he okay? Dean?” you asked.

“I think he finally is,” she said. “He was waiting around like a little boy for Christmas lately.”

“Do you think I should let him adopt me?”

“I think whatever you decide, whatever you call him, you’ll always have a father in Dean,” she said.

“I think I’m finally starting to understand that,” you said, grabbing your bracelet. “Even if he can be overbearing.”

“That’s not necessarily bad,” she said. “I’ll let you finish up in here.”

“Thanks, Ana,” you said as she left. Dean popped back in after a moment and helped you finish, not saying much aside from asking where you wanted things. “Dean.”

“Hm?”

“I like her,” you said.

“Me too,” he said. “She came into my life when I really needed her to. Oh and I called school, got you all registered. You don’t have to start tomorrow. You should stay home this week to recover from the concussion and decompress a bit.”

“Okay,” you said as you turned off the closet light. “I know you want an answer about the adoption thing but...I honestly don’t know right now, Dean. The stuff with my dad...”

“I don’t need a paper to tell me what you are to me. We never have to bring it up again so if you ever decide you want it, you tell me otherwise we’ll consider it put to rest, okay?” he asked.

“You’re okay with that?”

“You’re home with your family and you’re safe and no one can take you away. That’s all I wanted,” he said.

“Dean?” you said. “I’m sorry about what I said last night. I don’t hate you. You’re the only person since my mom that ever cared about me and the twins.”

“Apology accepted. I’m just happy you’re home,” he said, giving you a hug. “Now if you’re up for it, birthday girl, there’s a surprise for you.”

“I heard,” you said as you started to leave your room. You were nearly knocked off your feet again by Ryan and Rae, Dean sighing. “They missed me.”

“Come on!” said Ryan, pulling you downstairs to the basement.

“Slowly,” said Dean as you went with your brother, Rae right beside you as Dean followed you down. You saw a sheet covering a strange shape in the middle of the floor, Ana and Dean’s parents along with Sam already down there. “Go ahead.”

You walked over and pulled off the sheet, cocking your head for a moment.

“That is two years worth of birthday and Christmas presents,” said Dean. “I still hope you wanted those bath bombs.”

“Thank you. All of you,” you said, Ryan and Rae each grabbing hold of your legs. “Will you guys help me open this stuff?”

“Yeah,” they both said, not diving right into the presents like you were expecting them to. You sat down and they both gave you hugs, trying to climb in your lap and holding on tight.

“Don’t go away again,” said Rae.

“Pretty please?” asked Ryan.

“I’m not going anywhere,” you said, giving them a big squeezing hug. “I love you both so much. I’m not going away ever again.”

“I think she tuckered herself out today,” you heard Ana say as she and Dean watched a movie in the family room. You’d rested your head on his lap and shut your eyes after a bit of it, relaxing as he ran his hand over your head.

“She’s been through a lot. She went through so fucking much she didn’t deserve to,” said Dean.

“She’ll be okay. Look at her. She’s already cuddling with you,” she said.

“You girls are going to have to learn to share,” he teased. “She’s different than before.”

“Good different or bad different?” she asked.

“She reminds me of when I was her age,” said Dean gently, lightly brushing your cheek with his finger.

“The stuff with Sam?”

“I thought my dad was going to beat me to death,” said Dean.

“Your dad had anger problems,” she said.

“Still. That was the last straw,” said Dean. “I ran away I thought I was so horrible for my family.”

“Your dad never should have said those things to you,” said Ana.

“But was he wrong?”

“I would take a look at your daughter and say yeah, he was wrong,” she said.

“She doesn’t want me to be her father,” said Dean quietly. “I wouldn’t want me to my father. I could have let something slip to her in a letter or something. She’s a smart girl, she would have kept her mouth shut. But I was scared and I picked the twins over her. Again. I know logically it was the smartest move but she never gets picked first. Never. I want to pick her first for once in her life so fucking bad.”

“I think she knows that Dean. She’s not a child. She understands.”

“She hasn’t been a child since she was eleven years old,” said Dean. “Before that maybe. Who knows what kind of home she grew up in. I know her mother was kind and good and that’s probably why she is the way she is but a drunk sack of shit for a father? I have no idea if he ever hurt her, manipulated her, bossed her around or scared her. She might have been too young to even realize. I-”

“De,” she said softly. “Stop spinning your wheels, baby. You love her and I know I’m going to fall in love with her just like I did the twins. It won’t be all perfect in one day.”

“Even with all the shit that has ever happened to me, I always had someone I could fall back on, even if I didn’t know it,” he said.

“She’s got that,” said Ana. “You just remember to lean back on me too.”

“I almost didn’t call you after I got your number, you know,” he said. “Y/N had a bad night once and I told her about Joanna. For a split second I think she almost told me she didn’t want me to be alone.”

“She probably almost did. Keep being that safe place for her, Dean. I’ll try and be that for her too. God knows she needs it. She’s going to want to fall apart sometimes. She’s going to need to. She has to learn that when that happens, you don’t always have to be the one that puts yourself back together,” she said.

“You tell her you were married before?” asked Dean.

“No, not yet. Felt like my life was cursed for a while there,” she said. “I still think Dan and Jo are up there laughing their asses off at us.”

“Probably,” said Dean. “God, I can’t even keep track of how many times I asked Jo to keep an eye on Y/N, like she could have done something.”

“Maybe she did. Besides all the house and school swapping, this last house was the only bad one, right?” said Ana.

“Maybe. I just…” trailed off Dean. It got quiet and you swore you felt him shudder.

“How many times have I told you, Winchester?” she said.

“I know,” he breathed out. “I want to stop feeling so guilty.”

“I know, which is why I called Benny and you are taking the week off to stay home with Y/N. You two can talk or you can lay in bed and cry watching sad movies or whatever but you need rest too, De. You’ve been waiting two years for this. Take a few days,” she said.

“You’re not going to give me a choice, are you,” he said.

“What do you think?” she said.

“Fine,” he said, rubbing on your shoulder so you were forced to sit up and open your eyes. “Sorry sweetheart. You fell asleep. Why don’t you head to bed?”

“Okay. Night,” you said as you got up, wondering what the hell else had happened to Dean when he was younger.

“Good morning,” said Dean around nine the next morning when you walked out of your room. “I took the week off too if that’s cool.”

“Mhm,” you said, going to the kitchen and to the coffee machine, pouring yourself a cup.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I’ve been drinking it for like a year,” you said.

“Fine but only a little,” he said as you carried a mug over to the couch where he was watching some morning talk show. You curled up next to him, Dean placing a careful arm over your shoulders. “You okay?”

“Kind of a redundant question given the circumstances,” you said, taking a sip of your coffee before Dean pulled it away and set it on the end table.

“How’s your face feel?” he asked. “Or head?”

“Better,” you said.

“Can I get you anything?” he asked.

“A time machine,” you said.

“I could do with one of those too,” he said.

“I wish my mom had ran away with me and the twins,” you said.

“Me too, sweetheart,” he said. “It’s easy to look at just the negative side of things with stuff like that happens though. Try and think that the twins are still here and happy and they don’t even know about everything that happened.”

“I’m never telling them,” you said.

“I don’t plan on it either. Not until maybe someday when they’re adults if they get curious but even then I’d may lie to be honest,” he said. “I know the past few years haven’t been easy but try and think of the positives now.”

“What positives?” you asked.

“...I’m sure there were some,” he said. “Did you ever have a boyfriend at all? Or win any awards at school? You were so good at school.”

“Still undateable and friendless and it’s kind of hard to get involved in anything when you move every two months,” you said.

“I’ll be your friend,” he said.

“I’m pathetic. I’m not that pathetic, Dean,” you said. You closed your eyes and leaned forward. “I’m sorry. That was mean. You can be my friend.”

“It’s okay. I told you before, I’ll take whatever you throw my way,” he said. You sat back and tucked your knees into your chest, wrapping your arms around them.

“I’m so tired of being alone, Dean,” you said, turning your head towards him. “Now I’m back and I can’t get myself to relax, even with the twins. It feels like they’re better off without me.”

“Every single day those two ask about you. Every day. Maybe you guys can set aside some time everyday to play or spend time together,” said Dean.

“Yeah, I think we’ll do that,” you said, resting your head on his shoulder. “I feel so clingy.”

“Cling all you want. Please. I want to cling too,” he said.

“Dean, I still don’t know if I ever want a dad again,” you said.

“That’s okay.”

“But can I still have a Dean?” you asked.

“Always,” he said, giving you a hug. “You can stay here forever if you want.”

“Maybe not forever,” you said with a smile. “But awhile.”

“At least a few years?” he asked.

“Yeah. I was thinking of online college, after high school,” you said. “That way I could work and do school.”

“You could. Maybe something part time though? You could commute to the university right next door if you wanted to,” he said. “Whatever you want to do, it’s your life, but I was thinking last night and maybe you might like to go there.”

“I can’t afford a private school,” you said.

“Yes you can. I’ll pay,” he said.

“Dean-”

“I’m a doctor. Ana is a doctor. I’d rather use the money on that than buying stuff we don’t need,” he said.

“I don’t want to think about that stuff right now,” you said.

“That’s fine, sweetheart,” he said.

“Can you make me pancakes?” you asked quietly.

“Of course,” he said, frowning when he looked at you and saw your wet eyes. “Sweetheart.”

He used his sleeve and wiped off your eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just missed you is all,” you said. “I didn’t even know how much until now.”

“You don’t have to miss me anymore. We can spend the whole week together, I promise.”

“Hey you two,” said Ana that night when she got home around nine. You were in Dean’s room watching a movie in his bed and eating ice cream after the kids had gone to sleep. “Sorry I’m late. Had to cover for Carl again.”

“S’okay,” said Dean. “You get dinner at the hospital?”

“Mhm,” she said. She popped in their bathroom for a few minutes before returning with wet hair and some pajamas on, crawling on top of the bed beside you. “How was your guys day?”

“Good. We had a lazy day at home before we grabbed the twins from school. We hung out at the park for a bit,” said Dean. You started to move towards the end of the bed and climb off, taking your ice cream with you. “Getting more?”

“No. I think I’m going to go bed,” you said.

“You don’t have to,” said Ana with a smile. “It’s a big bed.”

“I really should go to sleep,” you said. You left and walked out to the kitchen, finishing off your ice cream when Dean walked in. “What.”

“Ana would like to spend time with you too,” he said. You gave him a side glance and ate your last spoonful before you chucked the bowl in the sink. “You know I am not one to open up to people. She’s kind and she knows what you’ve gone through better than I do. You don’t have to leave the room when she comes in.”

“You’re adults. You want to spend alone time with your fiance I’m sure,” you said.

“Y/N. Everyone in this house is part of this family. All five of us. She doesn’t want anything more than to get to know you,” he said.

“...I’ll try,” you said quietly.

“That’s all I ever ask,” he said, taking your bowl back out. “More cookie dough?”

“Yeah,” you said.

“Okay, sweetheart. I’ll bring it right on in.”

_____

A/N: Read Part 8 here!

#spn #supernatural #dean x foster daughter!reader #au #series #dean winchester

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puckngrind · 5 years ago

Text

Roommates: Chapter 2

Warning: Poly-ish relationship, swearing, smut

Chapter 1

You were thankful for an off night when you got home. Landing on the couch for the night you plopped yourself between both guys. Ryan rubbing your tired feet and Josh’s fingers mindlessly played with your hair as the three of you watched a movie you’ve all seen so many times that the boys quote it. It’s exactly how you loved finishing a rough week.

“Where are you boys going for break?” You moved your head to look down at Ryan then up at Josh.

“Miami.” Ryan shrugs his shoulders and presses his thumb hard into the ball of the foot he had in hand.

“Nowhere.” Josh mumbles.

In unison, “what?” Ryan stops rubbing your feet as both of you look at Josh.

“I’m gonna go home for the weekend but want to work on some things so I’m not going anywhere.” He stares deep into your eyes and the only thing that breaks your concentration is Ryan’s voice.

“Andy, you could come with us if you want. We aren’t leaving until that Sunday.” Ryan’s hands started creeping up to your ankle.

“Nah, I’m good.” Josh leans forward a bit and returns his attention to the movie. You and Ryan look at each other. He shrugs his shoulders again at you then returns his attention to the movie and your feet.

Sure enough Josh left for Toronto as soon as the game was over before All Star break. He breathed in your hair, kissed the top of your head, told you he’d see you soon while rushing to jump on the red eye home.

“Ready?” Ryan easy smile greets you as you say bye to the few teammates left in the room. Leading you to the car you can see his smile hasn’t wiped off his face.

“You good Ry?” You run your hands into his damp hair.

“Of course.” He starts humming to the song on the radio.

“Have we ever been alone for three days?” You hadn’t moved your focus off of him while he drove.

“I don’t think so. Should be fun.” You see the glimmer in his eye. “Did Josh say bye?” Ryan pulls into his parking spot and sees Josh’s SUV in its spot.

“Yup. Cam took him to the airport.” You almost shouted while slipping out of the car and Ryan met you before you even shut the door. Pulling your face to his and kissing you so hard while inching towards you until your body was pinned between him and the side of his car. His knee slipped between your legs. “Ry.” You breathed out when he moved his lips from yours and started sucking on your neck. “Ryan.” Your voice became firm because you aware enough to realize he wasn’t stopping even in the parking garage. “Babe.” You pushed a little but your body reacted to his movements.

“Yes sweetheart.” The same glimmering eyes from before caught yours and a smile that said more than his words did spread across his face.

“Can we take this into our place? Out of the public eye...please?” You looked side to side seeing if anyone else was around.

“Sure thing.” He pulls his body up right and adjusts his belt. Grabbing your hand you make it up to your place. Ryan almost slams the door and pins you against it. His teeth scrap across your jaw and you moan.

“Not saying I don’t love it but what has gotten into you babe?” You whisper as your hands rest over his abs.

“Nothing.” Ryan’s knee slides in between your legs making you moan again.

“Well you are a little more...” he hikes your leg up and you feel him pressed against you making you forget what you were saying.

“I need you.” Ryan nibbles at your ear and in one swift motion pulls you to the couch his body weight on you before you could even blink.

“Fuck you are gorgeous.” Ryan pulls up slightly to take you in. Generic home sweater and leggings. Not exactly screaming sexy but his steel blue eyes are locked on yours. You feel your breath catch in your throat from the intensity of how Ryan is looking. His fingers graze your face and dance along the top of your sweater. He lifts up to his knees and dances his fingers down your body and under your leggings. Slowly wiggling to help him glide them off. Ryan pulls off his shirt and stands slightly to remove his pants. You go to take off the sweater and his hand finds your. “Leave it for now.” His voice low and quiet. He pulls your body up and into his lap. Your core meeting his hard cock making a moan slip out. His hands firmly on your hips to keep you in place and his lips sucking exactly at the spot that makes me melt.

“Ry.” You moan out as his hands slip under the sweater and unhook you’re bra. “Please fuck me.” You didn’t mean for it to come across as demanding and it sounded but since leaving the arena the fore play was enough to send you over the edge.

He grunts in response and tosses you back onto the couch. You pull off the sweater and he pulls your panties off with his teeth which sends shivers through your body. Kisses then licks up your folds making your hips fly off of the couch. You feel him laugh as his nose presses into your clit. “Ready for me eh?” He kisses your thighs and looks up to you with so much desire and love in his face.

“Get up here please.” You breathe out and grab towards him. He glides up your body as you wrap your legs around him. Thrusting hard into you makes your head hit the end of the couch and you both laugh.

“Sorry.” He mumbles and leans down to kiss you.

“Felt good Ry.” You pull his body towards you. “Do it again.” With that Ryan thrusts hard into you your arms fly up to brace yourself.

“That’s hot.” Ryan panted and keeps up his rhythm. Moans and praises escape from his lips between kissing you deeply. You feel your orgasm building as he speeds up. “I’m close too.” He whispers which sends it crashing over your body. You feel Ryan release deep inside of you as he rides out your high. Crashing his body into you kissing your neck sweetly.

You laid in silence with Ryan peppers you with kisses. “I’m going to miss you this week.” He breaks the silence.

“Ry, I’m going to miss you but it’s just a few days. You leave for longer in the summer.” You rub your hand down his face which has twisted up and he sucks the air into his nose hard and you know he’s not saying something. “Ryan. What’s up babe?”

“I’m fine.” He sits up.

“You sure?” You slowly sit up and lean into his side.

“Yeah.” He kisses your forehead. “Let’s shower and head to bed, kay?”

You dropped the thick feelings you felt radiating off Ryan that night and enjoyed the weekend just the two of you. Strolling around North Market, dinner in the Short North, cuddles and more sex but much more how the two of you move together.

And just like that you watched him pack for Miami. You joked about using enough sunscreen as he pulled you in and kissed you hard promising not to become a lobster before heading out the door.

Josh asked you to pick him up from the airport and you arrived early to greet him at the luggage terminal. In a last minute decision you scribbled a sign to hold for him. You see him easily over the crowd. Black hat bobbing over the sea of heads. As he approaches his eyes squint to read your sign:

Josh, Will you have Tim Hortons

for breakfast with me, eh?

His laugh is loud as he scoops you off your feet and kisses the top of your head.

“Missed ya (y/n).” He hasn’t put you down.

“Same Anderson. Now put me down and take me to get some of your homeland coffee.” You wiggle trying to get out of his grip.

“Cute. But I was thinking Forno.” His smirk says it all as he finally lowers you to the ground.

“You know I cannot say no to that!”

“I know. Mom says hello by the way. Asked if you were coming home this summer.” Josh starts walking towards the exit.

“I’ll text her. Wait, no bag?” You stop on your tracks and Josh grabs your hand.

“Nope, packed light and left some things at home.” Josh pulls you to his side and wraps his arm around your shoulders. “How was your weekend?”

“Good.” You knew Josh wouldn’t probe for anything more.

“That’s great. It’s starving! Let’s get out of here.”

Brunch was amazing and Josh made you laugh so hard you almost chocked on your water. Going home seemed to be exactly what he needed. He talked the week too and what he was working on and with what coach.

“Thanks for taking off today. I could have grabbed a Lyft back.” Josh looks deep into your eyes and for a moment you forget you are in a public place and reach out for his hand.

“I needed a day off anyway. Mental health day you know.” He interlocks his fingers with yours then you slink your hand back to take a sip of your coffee. “What do you want to say with the day?” You look back up to see his pools of blue haven’t stopped staring at you.

“Oh, I just want to hang out at home maybe we can take a walk down by the river before dinner. Nothing too exciting.” His eyebrows raise and his smile says he plans are staying in bed with you until dinner which is exactly what you wanted to do.

You enter your home as normal. Taking off your shoes, putting your bag own then Josh drops his carry on hard on the floor and you jump.

“Babe, sorry.” His hands glide from your forehead to your collarbone. You smile up at him. “You seem tense. Let’s grab a shower to relax.” You shake your head and Josh leads you to his room’s bath.

Josh’s lips ghost your skin while the warm water sprays you both. His hands caress your breasts and you moan. “Fuck.” Josh whispers as his lips attached to the back of your neck. You feel him growing as his body inches closer to your back.

“What? I didn’t do anything?” You turn and look up at him.

“Yeah you did. You moaned.” Josh kisses your lips sweetly and you bite at his lip. “And there you go again.” He groans. “Let’s get out of the shower and in bed so I can properly fuck you.” Josh steps out before you can protest that shower sex sounded perfectly amazing and wraps you up in a towel before drying himself off.

Toeing over to his bed you pat the rest of yourself dry. Josh presses into your back and flips you around. He’s somehow almost completely dry except the curls on the back of his neck. He pulls the towel off of your body and tosses it to his chair. “Come here.” He picks you up and places you on his bed. Dropping to his knees Josh starts kissing up your leg. Leaning on your elbows you suck in hard as Josh’s tongue finds your clit and then explores your folds. You feel his fingers at your entrance. One finger hooks inside causing your hand to fly up into Josh’s hair. You feel his laugh radiate throughout your body as he slides another finger inside pumping in and out.

“Joshhhh...” You feel your orgasm explode inside of you and before you come down it Josh stands up and slides himself right into you. “but I was gonna...” He trusts hard into you as his body curves over yours and his hand firmly holding your leg up to press further into you.

“Later. Move back.” He starts to crawl up into the bed pulling out just long enough to adjust and thrusts even harder into you. Sweat already dripping from his abs. You glides your hands down his abs then around to his back. He pulls your leg up even further and your nails scrap down his back. A slew of curses and grunts escape his lips as you feel him twitch inside of you. He manages to pull your leg up further causing an intense orgasm to wash over you and you feel your legs shake in his grasp.

A few hours later you get out of bed and make your way down to the river. Josh grabs your hand as you jabber on about work, life, plans.

“When do you think you will come to Burlington this summer?” His question wasn’t out of the norm but the grip on your hand made you look up at him.

“I’m not sure yet. I guess we need to start looking at summer huh?” You smile and he smirks up at you.

“Maybe we can do a weekend up at Muskoka.” His grip tightens then his fingers dance between yours.

“Oh, that sounds fun.” You stop and he turns into you leaning down kissing you gently. “Josh.” You whisper.

“What?” He looks at you with that ‘I have no idea what you are talking about’ look and his dimples appear.

“I love your dimples.” You rub your thumb over his cheek and his already pink cheeks become red.

“Uh, thanks...how about we doordash so it’s at home by the time we get back huh?” He was changing the subject and you did just that. Dinner in bed wasn’t something you did a lot but loved just relaxing with Josh.

Your alarm wakes you up and you are startled by the amount of notifications you have. You see Ryan’s text as Josh pulls you in still somewhat asleep.

Ryan: We will be fine. Don’t get on instagram.

“What the fuck?” You say louder than your usual morning volume.

“What babe?” Josh’s groggy voice is in your ear.

“Ryan says don’t check insta. Whhhyyy???” Josh reaches for his phone while you just throw yours towards your feet.

“Oh! Shit...” Josh’s hand rubs his face and looks over at you.

“What? What? WHAT?” You go to get your phone again and Josh’s hand stops you.

“No, (y/n). Don’t.”

#roommates fic #ryan plus josh #sorry it has taken so long to update #my andy man 77 #27 is my favorite d man

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something-tofightfor · 5 years ago

Text

Just a Place - Part 11

Pairing: Ryan Brenner x Reader

Word Count: 8,570

Rating: M (language, implied zest, a terrible human being)

Summary: Continuing your coffee “date” with Jackie, you start to shift your way of thinking about the woman, about Ryan, and about yourself. And during a night out with Ginny, a lot more becomes clear for Ryan, too.

Author’s Note: Picked this because most of you said you wanted option 2 from the sneaks. Thinking about it, this story is winding down... which I’m excited about, but also very sad about. Enjoy.

Your POV

You’d thought something was up when Jackie had still been wearing her scarf and coat inside the coffee shop, though it looked like she’d been there for a while, but it hadn’t been until she stood that you saw what the woman had been hiding. She’s pregnant. Like… really pregnant. You felt your eyes widen, but you didn’t say anything, hearing Ryan’s quiet exclamation from next to you as his hands flattened on the tabletop after Jackie retreated. “She’s… pregnant.” He sounded like he was in disbelief, and you wondered for a minute if it was because he was upset, but when you finally turned your head to look at him, you found him staring at you, a wide grin on his face - the one that forced his cheeks round and narrowed his eyes. What? “I can’t believe her, she…”

“Ryan, are you alright?” Your voice was thin, but he nodded, leaning in and kissing you without warning, his lips soft against yours, one hand resting against your cheek. “Ry, you -”

“Oh, I’m great.” He kissed you again, this time much more quickly and took a deep breath. “This is all I needed to be … God, she…” He laughed, head moving back and forth before he brought a hand up to run it through his hair. “She is unbelievable, waited until you walked away to try and…” Ryan ran his tongue along his lower lip, still staring at you. “Goddamn.” A truly speechless Ryan was something that you weren’t too familiar with, but as you watched him, you got the feeling that his inability to form words wasn’t because he was flustered - it was because he was trying to say things to you in a way that would comfort you. I get it, Ryan. I didn’t before but I…

You hadn’t wanted to give Ryan a chance to talk to Jackie alone, but you knew that he’d needed it, no matter what he said to you or how it made you feel to think of them speaking candidly to each other. There’d been something uninfished between them, and with you sitting there, it never would have come up. But she said something to him, and now… You watched as he slid his hand across the table and took yours, squeezing the tips of your fingers tightly. Say something. “You should try a muffin, Ryan, the girl at the counter said…”

“I love you.” He interrupted you, leaning toward you and locking eyes, the expression in his serious - but still warm. “I know this has been hard for you, but I hope that you know that… that I… it’ll always be you.” Sucking in a breath, you widened your eyes, opening your mouth to respond, but were interrupted by the return of the blonde woman, Ryan leaning back into his chair but not letting go of your hand. I do. Sometimes it’s hard to…

“Sorry about that, it’s like I have to pee every…” She talked quickly as she sat back down, getting comfortable on the bench, her eyes focusing on your hands briefly before they moved back to the plate of baked goods. “Not that you’d know because you don’t have kids, but…” Jackie shrugged, reaching for the cinnamon bread on the tray and picking it up, her eyes dropping back to where your hands were joined on the tabletop. “So what were we talking about? How long are you in Ogden for?” She chewed thoughtfully, and you watched her, waiting. She’s asking him, not me. She doesn’t care what I say.

“Leavin’ tomorrow night, I think. Maybe the mornin’ after.” Ryan reached out, picking up a muffin, slowly peeling the paper from the bottom of it. “Meetin’ Ginny tonight, going out with her and that’s the last of the things we’ve got planned here.” Jackie nodded as Ryan finally let go of your hand, reaching into his pocket for his phone as he took a big bite, chewing. “Damn, that’s good.” He stared down at the screen in his hand and then sighed, turning his head slightly to look at you. “I gotta go call Ginny, actually. I’ll be right back?” No, don’t leave me with her, I don’t …

“That’s fine, Ryan.” He stood as he pressed the button to dial, and you followed him with your gaze as he walked across the restaurant to the waiting area and then into the lobby, taking a seat on one of the benches, phone held to his ear.

“So Ryan told you about me? About...us?” You reached up and rubbed at the bridge of your nose, closing your eyes as Jackie’s words interrupted your thoughts. Here we go. “How we knew each othe-”

“He did.” You decided to go with friendliness, at least to start. “I’ve heard all about you, Jackie.” Well, mostly friendly.

“We were close. You must have so many questions for me, since… well, since Ryan and I -”

“Not really.” You reached out, taking a blueberry mini muffin and popping the whole thing into your mouth. She frowned, watching you chew, and when you were done, you continued. “He told me everything I needed to know.” And a bunch that I didn’t want to know. “The second night we knew each other, he…” Are you really going to do this? You stared at Jackie, watching her watch you, and took a deep breath. Yes. “He… we got caught in a storm in Vegas, and he ended up in my room to wait it out, and we talked. We talked a lot, and you came up because he tried to…” You trailed off, your mind going back to the way you’d wanted him to kiss you more than anything that night, the way he’d seemed almost embarrassed to tell you about Jackie after jumping up from the bed and going into the bathroom, the feeling of his lips against yours for the first time. “I knew about you before he kissed me once, Jackie.”

“What?” She sounded incredulous, and you held back a laugh at the look in her eyes. “He talked about me and then kissed you?” The blonde laughed, head shaking back and forth. “How’d that fe-”

“He didn’t owe me anything, Jackie. We’d known each other for 24 hours at that point, and had only had a couple real conversations, but he still thought it was important to tell me about himself and his life and his past before we… before anything happened.” You chewed on your lip. “He didn’t need to bring you up, but he did. He could have just ….” You waved your hand in the air. “Just done whatever with me in Vegas, one night, nothing more, but he didn’t.” You leaned in toward her, tapping your fingertips on the table. “He told me about you for the same reason he left you in the first place - Ryan’s not a liar, and he’s not going to force himself to do something or say something if his heart’s not in it. And he’s not going to take advantage of someone because of a feeling.” Were there feelings then? “He didn’t want to be here and be what you wanted him to be, because it wasn’t him.” She stared at you, still silent. “I think he cared about you, Jackie. And he definitely cared about Lia, but you… you’re holding on to something that doesn’t… it’s not possible anymore.”

“You think you know me from what he’s said.” Her eyes narrowed and Jackie reached up, pushing her hair back from her forehead. “But you don’t know anything about what Ryan and I-”

“You’re married, Jackie. You’re pregnant. You called Ryan and wanted him to tell you not to marry this guy, and then when he wouldn’t play your game, you went through with it, and…” You paused. “I know what it’s like to lose Ryan, and I know that it’s miserable. But he gave you a chance to be happy, to have a family, something he was never going to give you, and here you are, years later, still trying to… get him back?” She jumped as if you’d startled her, her eyes widening. No one talks to you this way, do they? “Why would you want to be with someone that couldn’t give you what you wanted most?” You’d started the day very close to outright hating the woman, but as you sat in front of her, you were more irritated at the way she was so obviously still pining for Ryan though she’d chosen another life for herself - going all in on her second marriage. As much as she can, anyway. “He loves me, Jackie. And he’s happy, and… so am I.”

‘He loved me too, or he wouldn’t have come back, wouldn’t have told me he wanted to…” Jackie swallowed. “That guitar, it was supposed to … we… I thought…” Her lips pressed together. “He was supposed to -”

“That’s the thing, Jackie. Ryan wasn’t supposed to do anything for you, or for anyone else. That’s not how it works.” You took a drink from your mug, steadying yourself. “You can’t guilt someone into doing something, or bribe them or force them, because if you do, it’s not gonna end how you want it to.” You sighed, deciding again to be honest with her after looking and seeing that Ryan was still on the phone, a wide grin on his face. “Leaving him to go to that airport in Vegas was hard, and I’d only known him for a few days. We were still basically strangers, and we hadn’t... Not telling him how I felt when we talked after that was… it was worse, but I still didn’t do it, because it wouldn’t have been fair to him to expect him to choose me.” Like you did.

“You don’t know -” Her lip curled, eyes flashing. Oh, but I do.

“I do know, Jackie, and the sooner you understand that, the better. This is it. He agreed to see you today because that’s who he is, but it won’t happen again, and you know it. Did you think that him seeing you like this was going to make him realize that he wanted to stay? That he wanted to step in again and…” Be with you? Are you delusional? “That he’d leave me? That he’d … encourage you to leave your husband? Ryan? This isn’t a game, and it’s not a competition.” It never was. You realized it was true as soon as the words left your mouth, but tried not to let it show. I’ve been thinking that I have to compete with her, and it’s never been… “Shit.” You whispered the word, looking down.

“I could have given him… we could have been…” Her voice was thin and you heard it waver, but you hadn’t had a chance to reply before she spoke again. “I wanted to. I tried to tell him that I just needed to have him try to understand what I …”

“You shouldn’t have to ask someone something like that, Jackie. It’s not real then, and with Ryan, it’s… it has to be real, otherwise there’s no point.” You broke off a piece of a scone, chewing on it. “I thought I’d hate you, you know that? I thought that… all this time, that meeting you would be like meeting an enemy or someone that I’d have to worry about even though he told me that that was crazy.” Eyes closing, you laughed. “But I was wrong.” You swore under your breath again, and when you looked back at the woman, you saw that she looked almost distraught, the meaning behind your words sinking in. “You’re not a th-”

“Hey, sorry about that.” Ryan’s voice startled you, and you turned your head, feeling his fingers closing around your shoulder. “Ginny started talkin’ and…. Everything alright here?” Looking up, you saw a questioning look in his eyes, nodding at him without pause. I’m fine, Ryan. But she’s not.

‘Yeah, we were just talking about you, Ry.” Ryan rolled his eyes but sat down next to you, Jackie staying quiet on the other side of the table. “Is Ginny still coming over tonight?”

“She is. I told her she could stay in the second bedroom an’ just go home tomorrow, that way we can spend more -”

“Where are you guys going?” Jackie recovered and you fought back an eye roll of your own, looking away from Ryan and back at the woman. “Out downtown, or?” What, so you can show up?

“Ginny’s comin’ to our place and we’re gonna record somethin’, and then go out to celebrate.” Ryan’s arm was around the back of your chair, something you were sure that the other woman hadn’t missed. “Might be the last time that I see Ginny for a while, and if she’s going to be playin’ Southbound with me, I think -”

“Southbound? You mean my song? The one I -” Jackie sounded both excited and angry, but you didn’t say anything, waiting to see what Ryan’s response would be. “The one we wrote together? Why is she going to…”

“It’s not about you, Jackie. I was wrong.” His words simple and straight to the point, Ryan sighed, shoulders straight. “Thought it was about you at first, but it’s not, it’s about Ginny and… and Cowboy, an’ what they mean to me.” You watched the light leave her eyes, Jackie’s palms curved around her mug. “So havin’ her sing it with me makes sense.” Jackie stayed silent, raising her mug to her lips but not drinking, her eyes focused on the table in front of her. “Look, Jackie, I -” Ryan’s tone was soft, even for him, but it didn’t concern you the way it would have previously. “The first time I was here, when we met, it was a real confusing time for me, and for you.” You looked over at him, watching as Ryan used his free hand to rub at one bearded cheek.

“It was. Especially with Wes and my mom and having to explain things to Lia.” She set the mug down, her eyes trained on Ryan’s face, left hand resting on the tabletop. “We’d only been here a little while, but you know that, you... “ Jackie’s eyes were glistening, head shaking back and forth as she pressed her lips together. “You helped so much, Ryan. Not just with the roof or the truck or the house or… you being here was what we needed.” As she spoke, one of her hands moved to her stomach, and though you couldn’t see it beneath the table, you could tell that she was moving her hand in a circle over it, cradling the bump. “What I needed, even now.” You’ve got to be kidding me.

“No, it’s not.” Ryan’s voice was still quiet, and even though he didn’t remove his arm from around your shoulders, his palm slid over, resting at the center of your back as he leaned forward, reaching out to lay his other hand over Jackie’s and squeezing it gently. “You needed - need - someone to love you, Jackie. And that wasn’t ever gonna be me, but I don’t think… I don’t think you get that yet.” You were proud of him for being honest, proud of him for telling her exactly what he felt. He was closing the door for the last time, like you’d suggested, and you knew without a doubt that unless you brought her up or someone else did, Ryan wouldn’t ever mention Jackie again in front of you after you left the cafe. Good. This is… this is good.

The woman stayed quiet, watching Ryan’s hand atop hers intently, and you saw her lower lip quiver, mentally preparing yourself for her tears. It’s not going to work. You wanted to speak but didn’t want to interrupt their moment - maybe their last meaningful moment - and so you didn’t, instead waiting. “You’re so sure, Ryan.” She looked up, slowly, and for a moment you saw her how he’d likely seen her in the beginning - vulnerable, looking for support, earnest. “How can you be so sure you didn’t...don’t...?” You felt Ryan take a deep breath, tightening his hand on hers once more before he pulled it away and gestured toward you.

“Because, Jackie, if I was supposed to come back here an’ be with you, I wouldn’t feel the way I do about her.” Ryan paused and you felt your heart thump in your chest at his words. “You need to let me go. Let go of a couple months four years ago and focus on what you got now - right now - in front of you.” He straightened up, taking a deep breath. “Don’t screw up a chance for yourself to be happy by thinkin’ of me.” He let out the breath, and you finally looked at him, seeing resolve on his face. “We’re gonna go now, because I don’t… I don’t know what else there is to say.” Oh. The other woman kept quiet, even as Ryan stood, pulling his coat back on. “I hope you’re happy, Jackie. You were always a real good mom, and so I hope… that’s true for that little one, too.”

There was sincerity in his voice, and you finally stood up, sliding your arms back into your coat and zipping it quickly, Jackie still silent. She won’t let him have the final word, there’s no way. But as you waited a few seconds, the silence stretched. Maybe I’m wr- “You’re giving up on a good thing, Ryan, a really good thing.” She looked back up at him, but she wasn’t crying - there was resolve on her face. “You’ll regret it someday.” Ryan sighed, the sound loud, even in the busy room, and you felt him shrug his shoulders next to you.

“Not as much as you’d regret losin’ your husband to a memory.” He reached over, taking your hand, his fingers slipping smoothly between yours. “Goodbye, Jackie.”

---

Ryan’s POV

Midway through their practice session, Ryan heard a loud snap and felt an absence of one of the strings beneath his fingers. Shit. Virginia stopped playing and singing, her eyes on his hands. “Break a string, Ry?” I did. He sighed, gripping the neck with one hand and using the other to rub at his face. “You got a new set to change ‘em?”

“Yeah, but that will put us behind, and…” He sighed, closing his eyes. “I’m a little off, Ginny, I’m sorry, I -”

“Jackie threw you off, Ry?” There was no judgement in her voice - only understanding, and Ryan nodded, opening his eyes again. “How’d that go? She tell you she’s -”

“You knew?” He set the guitar to the side, leaning in closer. “About the baby? About -”

“I did.” Ginny shrugged, fingers idly plucking the strings of Cowboy’s guitar. “Wasn’t my place to tell you, but everyone in town knows. Her new husband’s some hotshot doctor, Miriam introduced ‘em… and that’s that.” Virginia shook her head. “I see her sometimes, in the store with Lia, she always says hi, asks about Henry… but Ryan, I can tell she always wanted to ask about you, even though the first time she did, I told her that I didn’t know because we weren’t talkin’ anymore.” That makes sense. “It was a huge wedding, and everyone thought that she was pregnant then, because it happened so fast, but…” Ginny shrugged again. “She wasn’t, but now she is, and I thought that she woulda been over you by now, you know?” The woman smiled, leaning over and pushing Ryan’s knee. “You’re a good guy, but she’s got everything she could ever want, so why would she…”

It seems like it. Ryan shook his head, looking past Ginny and out the back door at the hot tub. “She won’t let go, Ginny. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotta tell her or show her that I don’t… it’s over; she doesn’t get it.” He frowned. “She was all covered up when we got to the coffee place today, and then when things didn’t go her way she took her coat off and stood up, like me seein’ her belly was gonna change my mind.”

“She’s always been dramatic.” Virginia’s eyebrow was raised, her head cocked to the side. “No surprise there.” No, none at all. “But you said you’re off, Ryan? Is everything alright? Did -” Ginny gestured at the stairs, knowing you were up there in the shower. “She handle it OK?”

“Yeah, as well as … I donno, she didn’t really react. I think she got that all out of her system the other night when we argued, but Ginny, seein’ her and Jackie in the same room?” Ryan shook his head, hair falling into his eyes as his fingers tightened around the neck of his guitar. If I can’t be honest with Ginny, who can I be honest with? “I felt somethin’ for Jackie once, there’s no point in trying to… ignore it.” The dark haired woman nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. “But the way I felt then? It doesn’t… there’s no way to compare it to what I feel now, it’s not even close.” He took a deep breath, feeling his lip curl slightly. “Even before I found her again in that park, I…” Ryan gestured toward the stairs, pausing. “It was always more, it was…”

“It was real, Ryan. What you two have now is… it’s what Cowboy and I…” She smiled sadly, swallowing. “When you know, you know, and I’m lookin’ at you, and I see it. You know, she knows and Jackie knows, too. She’d be blind not to see it, even if she doesn’t want to.” What? What’s she… “I never thought I’d get to see you in love, Ryan Brenner, but now that I have?” Ginny reached out, squeezing Ryan’s knee. “I hope I never see you any other way again. It looks good on you.” He stared at his friend wordlessly, Ryan replaying her words in his mind, but before he spoke, Ginny beat him to it. “Now change those strings, Brenner, we’ve got a song to record and then beers to drink.” He grinned, carefully setting the guitar down in the case and snapping it shut. Not gonna use this one, even though it’s the one I finished the song on.

“Got a better idea, Ginny.” He stood, crossing the room and picking up the case your father’s guitar was in, carrying it back over to the couch and pulling the instrument out. “Gonna play on this one.” Her eyes went wide at the sight of the guitar’s smooth surface, but Ginny didn’t say anything, just nodded. “You ready?” At her agreement, Ryan took a deep breath and began to pluck at the strings, relaxing with the familiar weight of the guitar on his lap. This is right. I don’t need that guitar anymore.

---

An hour later, the three of you were sitting in the living room, waiting for your car to arrive. You’d ordered another ride so that you wouldn’t have to worry about the amount you drank, and Ryan watched as you and Ginny laughed together, both of you looking at the screen of your phone. “How long we gotta wait?” He finally spoke, waiting a few seconds for you to raise your eyes to meet his. When they did, he felt himself smiling, nose wrinkling even before you said anything.

“Fifteen minutes, Brenner.” You bit your lip, keeping eyes on him for a few more seconds, and then looked back down, returning to the conversation you were having with Ginny. They’re friends already, it’s like they’ve known each other for years. He watched you and then stood, walking back up the stairs and into the bedroom where he’d put the recorder when they’d finished with it, picking it up before he sat on the edge of the bed and pressing play.

The notes were familiar to him; he’d played them hundreds of times, the lyrics were permanently etched onto his mind - but the song hadn’t ever sounded as good to him as it did when he was singing with Ginny, their voices joined together and making the familiar contents new again. Even that first time, with Georgie and the guys, it wasn’t… wasn’t like this. Ryan closed his eyes as he listened, fingers tightening around the small piece of equipment. Ginny took the lead, singing Ryan’s words as if she’d written them, and though they’d recorded three different takes, Ryan knew that the first one was the good one, the one that he’d go back to. It was my first real song, and it’s… it’s finally right. “Hey.” He looked up from his hands, finding you standing in the doorway, arms crossed over your chest. “Car’s gonna be here in a few minutes, I wanted to make sure you…”

“Which one you think’s best?” He held the recorder up, song still playing. “Of the three we -”

“The one you did first, Ryan.” You stepped into the room completely, dropping your hands to your sides. “Ginny took over, she made that song hers, I’ve neve heard it that way before.” You were right, he knew, and as you sat next to him, leaning your head on his shoulder and humming along with the final bars of the song, Ryan closed his eyes. “How about you?” He answered without pause, turning his head to kiss you as he pressed the button to stop the replay, letting the device fall from his hand onto the mattress.

“Same one.” He sighed, both arms going around you. “It’s perfect, I didn’t even know that it needed to sound any different ‘til-” He stopped as he heard Ginny yelling up the stairs for the two of you. “Guess we gotta go.” He mumbled the words into your hair. “We -” The woman’s voice called out again and both of you laughed, Ryan standing up and pulling you to your feet and into his chest. “Let’s go say goodbye to Ogden.”

---

The bar that Ginny chose - Brewski’s - was busy, but the three of you had been able to get onto one of the pool tables, Ryan watching as the two of you played the first game, still laughing as you settled in, the balls clinking against each other and the sides of the table as you lined up and took your shots. He felt truly relaxed for the first time in days, and Ryan’s eyes wandered over the other people in the building, ears tuned both to the sound of your voice and the loud music coming from the TouchTunes machine next to the kitchen doors. Feels good to be here with them. He was perched on a stool, holding his beer glass in one hand,and Ryan found himself singing along as he swiveled his head back to your table, watching as Ginny sunk the last shot, dropping her cue on the table in victory. ‘Course she won. You met Ryan’s eyes, grinning, and within a few seconds you’d stepped over to him, reaching up to put your arms around his neck. “What?”

“You should have told me your friend knew how to play pool, Ryan Brenner.” You leaned in to speak into his ear, lips barely touching his skin. “She knew she was gonna win that whole time, and so did you.” I did. He put both hands on your hips, spreading his knees apart so that you could step closer. “Your turn. She gonna beat you as bad as she beat me?” Probably. You kissed his cheek, pulling back so that you could look at him, and Ryan felt his heart thumping in his chest. I never thought I’d be this comfortable in Ogden, never with… “Gonna go get another round while you guys rack, want the same thing?” He nodded, feeling your forearms tighten against him, his hands sliding up your sides.

“Yeah. Now go, before I keep you here an’ we -” He bit down on his lower lip, eyes locked on yours. “Go.” You laughed, pulling away from Ryan and turning to walk toward the bar, and as soon as you disappeared into the crowd, Ryan stood, walking over to Ginny, who was watching him with an amused smile on her face, “What?” The dark haired woman looked away, gathering the balls and placing them quickly. “Ginny.” Even over the sound of the music, Ryan knew that she’d heard him. “C’mon, Gin. What are you thinking?”

“Ryan.” Ginny finished what she was doing and then stepped toward him, reaching up to touch his cheek. “You know what I’m thinking.” No, I don’t, actually, I … “What are you waiting for, with her?” Ginny’s eyes searched his, her lips pressed in a thin line. “Why are you waiting?” Waiting? For what? He frowned and finally, Ginny laughed, gesturing toward the bar. “You love her, she loves you, you’ve been with her for longer than you’ve been with anyone except me an’ Cowboy, so… what are you waiting for?” Ginny took a drink from her beer glass, draining the remaining liquid from it. “You’re not gettin’ any younger, Ry.” What is she… He shook his head quickly, tongue poking into the center of his cheek.

“Ginny, what are -”

“When you know, you know, Ryan.” His eyes moved down to Ginny’s hand, the fingers still curled around her empty glass. “I knew. He knew.” Her eyes left his face, gaze moving downward. “Wish we’d had more time, Ry.” She let the glass go, stepping back from him and Ryan watched as she twisted the simple gold band on her finger with her thumb. She means… His eyes widened. “I know you, know how stubborn you are, how… how much you think things over before you do ‘em.” I do. “You don’t need to think, Ryan. Not with this.” Ginny turned away from him, hands moving over the balls again, and when she’d removed the frame from around them, picking up her cue, she turned back to face him, a knowing look in her eyes, visible even in the dim lighting. “Neither of you are goin’ anywhere, you should make it official.”

He sucked in a breath, the meaning behind her words sinking in. Official. “Ginny, are you sayin’ that I should -”

“Yes.” She didn’t say anything else, but Ryan could see the look in her eyes - certainty bordered with a sadness that he knew she felt on a daily basis. “I am. You should.” Wordlessly, Ryan turned away, picking up your discarded cue stick and feeling himself breathing harder. Is Ginny right? Is that what she wants? What I want? The realization that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you wasn’t a new one, but for Ryan, the thought hadn’t grown into anything more. Forever for Ryan simply meant being with you, next to you, being able to come home to you every day, but as he contemplated his friend’s words, he began to doubt that assessment of the term being enough. “Ry?” He shook himself out of his thoughts and brought hs focus back to Ginny, who was leaning against the pool table. “I don’t mean right now, but… what else are you lookin’ for? Because you two are…” She sighed. “Remember when me an’ Cowboy got married in that little park in Cleveland? Right by the lake? Just you and me and him and that couple we used as witnesses?” He nodded. “We didn’t need to do it, but we wanted to because we needed each other, and we didn’t wanna wait anymore, that’s why it didn’t matter where we did it, just that we … did.” Ginny’s eyes were filled with unshed tears. “We shoulda done it sooner. He was it for me, and she’s it for you, Brenner. I’ve never seen you look at another person the way you look at her, an’ maybe she doesn’t need it either, but I think you might.”

“What are you sayin’ Ginny? I need to be…” She stepped closer to him, reaching out to take Ryan’s free hand. “Why would I need it if -”

“Cause you’ve never had someone like her before. This - what you’ve got now is what you’re used to, and yeah, a wedding’s just words, just paper, just a ring… but Ryan? You know damn well it’ll feel different than that with her after.” It already does. She squeezed his hand. “Think about it. Bring it up to her, maybe. See what she says, but I know I’m right.” Ginny cocked her head to the side, looking over his shoulder. “She’s comin back, so…” She stepped away Ryan turned, reaching out to take one of the three glasses from your hands.

“Thanks, thought I could carry all three, but that was harder than I thought.” He smiled at you, handing the beer he’d grabbed to Ginny and then waiting until you handed him his, raising the glass to his lips. “You guys didn’t start yet?”

“Nah, we were talkin’.” Ginny wiped at her mouth with one hand, swallowing. “You know how this one gets, won’t ever shut up.” The three of you laughed at that and Ginny stepped back to the table, flexing her shoulders. “Now let me kick your ass, Ryan, so we can just sit down and drink.”

---

Ginny did win, but he put up more of a fight than you had, and as she triumphantly made her last shot, reaching out and dropping the stick onto the table, Ryan could only smile at his friend, seeing the excitement and happiness in her eyes. I miss seein’ that. I hope she…He frowned at the thought of her words from earlier about Cowboy being it for her, and hoped that she didn’t mean to stay alone for the rest of her life. But she doesn’t need anyone else, she… she’s got Henry and her family and… He knew that Ginny would never love someone else the way she’d loved Cowboy, wouldn’t ever let herself get so attached to any one thing aside from their son. But if that’s what she wants, it’s what she should… “Want another round?” She cut into his thoughts, pushing on Ryan’s shoulder. “You look like you’re thinkin’ about something serious, Ryan.”

“I was just…” He closed his eyes. Not your place, don’t bring it up. “Just thinkin’, Ginny.” She winked at him, and Ryan felt your arms go around his waist from behind, the weight of your body not far behind. “What are you doin’?” You squeezed him and he turned to face you, careful not to hit you with his elbow as he moved. “Are you… are you drunk?” He laughed when he finally laid eyes on you, but you shook your head, wrinkling your nose.

“No. I’ve only had three beers, Brenner, I’m -”

“And we shared that pitcher.” Ginny spoke up from behind him and Ryan laughed as you drooped your head, sighing.

“Alright, maybe I’m a little…” You lifted your chin again, meeting his eyes. “Tipsy. But you’ve had just as much as me, and you’re ... “ You trailed off as Ryan leaned down, pausing before he kissed you. “Ry…”

“Oh I am definitely a little drunk.” He pressed his lips to yours. “Been nice to relax, yeah?” You nodded, pulling one arm away from him and raising your hand to his hair, Ryan’s eyes closing as the tips of your fingers touched his scalp. “But I’m good, havin’ a good time, so-” You kissed him hard, his exhale followed by a quiet groan as you tilted your head to the side, pulling on his hair. Oh, that’s what you want? Alright. Giving in to you - because it was exactly what he wanted - Ryan kissed you back, both arms wrapping around you to hold you close to him. When you pulled back to breathe, Ryan gave you a second and then pulled you back in, feeling the surprise in you as he continued the kiss, both hands pressed against your back. You hummed when that kiss ended, looking up at him with a slightly dazed look on your eyes.Yeah. “That’s enough.” He quickly wet his lips with his tongue, hands moving to your hips. “Gotta stop, or…”

“Or what, Ryan?” But you stepped away, closing you eyes. “Don’t answer that. You can’t do anything about it, so…” No, not here I can’t. “One more then we should go?” You looked at Ginny and so did Ryan, both of them nodding at you. “I’ll go get it, I’ve got a tab open.” You slipped out of his arms fully, but not before you rose onto your tiptoes to kiss Ryan’s cheek, the tip of your nose brushing against the skin just beneath his eye. “Be right back.” He nodded once, hands falling back to his sides as you turned back to the bar. Shit. Ryan’s chest expanded as he took in a breath, watching you move. But after a few seconds, he turned back to see that Ginny was perched on her stool, one eyebrow raised as she stared at him. Yeah, Ginny. I know.

---

The next morning, Ryan woke up to the sound of the water running in the bathroom, his eyes cracking open as he groped for his phone. It’s already eleven? Jesus. He sat up, using the heels of his hands to wipe the sleep from his eyes and then stretched, feeling the muscles of his shoulders tense and then relax. “Good morning, Ry.” You emerged from the small room, wrapped only in a towel and Ryan moved without hesitation after seeing you, standing from the bed and pushing you backwards, his body pinning you against the wall as he hugged you. I want this. “Ryan, what are you -” You laughed as he moved toward you, but the sound died on your lips as he reached you, kissing the side of your neck and then the top of your shoulder, not saying a word. “Ryan, you -”

“Shh.” He took a deep breath and then straightened up, meeting your eyes. “I just needed to…” Ginny’s right. She’s always right. His mouth back on your skin, you slid both hands up his bare back, staying quiet. “Good morning.” He knew his heart was hammering in his chest but Ryan didn’t care, holding you close. “Do I have time to shower?”

‘Yeah, Ry.” You turned your head to press your cheek against his skin, Ryan feeling the vibration of your words throughout his body as you spoke. “Ginny’s still here, and we don’t have to leave ‘til five, so we have plenty of time.” You paused, and he heard the concern when you next spoke. “Is everything alright? You’re … you seem off, Ryan.” Just thinkin’ about you and me and what Ginny said and…

“Yeah, I’m fine, just wakin’ up, and seein’ you walk out of a bathroom like this, it…” It what? “Not used to seein’ you like that in a place where our stuff’s not scattered everywhere or there’s not ladders or…”

“This is the last morning things will be like that for a while.” You removed yourself from his grip, adjusting the towel. “We gotta start looking for another house, decide where we’re going to go next…” We do. He felt himself deflate at the thought, and for a few seconds, Ryan was confused. But nothing’s changing, that’s been my life for years. “I have to answer emails about jobs, and…” You smiled at him, running your fingers through your wet hair. “Back to normal, right?” Right. Normal. “I’ll go start breakfast once I’m dressed.” He nodded, stepping into the bathroom, and even though he heard you moving around as you got dressed and he turned the water back on, his mind was elsewhere.

---

Your POV

The three of you ate breakfast at the table, Ryan sitting next to Ginny, you across from him. Something’s different. He’s… he’s got something on his mind, he… You couldn’t place it, and Ryan was still just as engaged as he’d been previously with you and Ginny, but even as you chewed on your toast, you realized that he’d been different since you’d been in the bar the previous night. Wonder what happened. He and Ginny laughed together, the woman putting an arm around him and playfully pulling him close, and the sound that left his mouth warmed you from head to toe. I wish I could give him this all the time. You knew that was impossible - Ryan had no desire to live in Ogden and neither did you, and the rest of his friends were scattered across the country; Georgie and Fabienne and Alexander, Matt and Jack, Cliff, Charlie … they were all over, and there was no way to keep him close to everyone at once. I don’t know what to do. You took a deep breath, deciding to worry later, and just as you were ready to stand up to take the dishes to the sink, Ryan spoke. “Ginny, is that music store still open? The one where my guitar’s from?”

“Yeah, it’s still there, they actually give lessons now.” She handed you her plate, thanking you, and you grabbed Ryan’s too, moving over to the sink. “Why? You stopping in before you guys leave?”

“Gotta get new strings, thought I had a spare set, but the only ones I’ve got are the kind we use on the other guitar.” We? I’ve never personally changed the strings on that thing in my life. “Figured we could stop in on our way outta town.” They continued the conversation, and by the time that Ginny was ready to leave, the kitchen was spotless, all of the dishes drying in the rack and the food that you and Ryan had bought but couldn’t take with you packed up into a carton for the woman. “Didn’t want it to go to waste.” Ryan shrugged his shoulders. “And we’ve got a while drivin’, so…”

“I appreciate it, Ryan.” Ginny frowned for a second. “Hate takin’ handouts, but…”

“That’s not what it is, Ginny.” You stepped closer, surprising yourself by interrupting. “We bought too much, and it’s stupid to throw it away when you guys’ll eat it.” She watched you, almost as if she was waiting for some sort of judgement, even though you’d never even hinted at it in the days you’d known her. “Would have given you everything, but someone wanted to keep the snacks.” Ryan scoffed next to you, and Ginny finally smiled again.

“He eats a lot, doesn’t he?” She winked at him and then stepped closer to you, putting her arms around your neck without warning. “Take care of him,” she whispered in your ear as she hugged you fiercely. “He’s like my little brother.” I know, Ginny. “Don’t be a stranger, Ryan. Both of you, actually.” Ginny stepped over to him, reaching up to touch Ryan’s chest, one fingertip over his heart. “We lost too much time. Don’t do the same.”

“I won’t, Gin.” He hugged her tightly, nearly crushing the woman to his chest, and you turned away, giving them a chance to say goodbye. I’m glad we came. You heard him promise to email her the file of the recording once he’d made some changes to it and put it on the computer as you headed up the steps to finish packing your bags, and by the time Ryan made it up to you, you were nearly done. “You shoulda waited.” He stepped next to you, one arm winding around your waist. “Woulda helped, you didn’t -”

“Nah, you were saying goodbye, you guys needed a minute, it’s no big deal.” You finished folding your clothes, zipping the bag shut. “Just have to grab the coats and the guitars, and we’re good to go.” He kissed the side of your head, holding you for a few seconds, and when he let you go, you stared up at him. “Everything alright? You’ve been -”

“Yes. Ginny and I just had a pretty… important conversation, and it’s made me think, and... “ Ryan ran a hand through his hair. “Nothin’ to worry about, I just wasn’t… wasn’t expectin’ it to make so much sense, and it threw me off.” His eyes moved over your face, the sunlight pouring in through the window and turning them into a brilliant, warm brown. I wish we had this all the time. “What?” You watched his eyes narrow, cheeks going round as he smiled. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Shit.

“I... “ You shook your head, lowering your gaze back to the bag on the bed. I have him, that’s enough. Doesn’t matter what we’re doing. “I liked being here, Ryan. It wasn’t an easy week, but it was nice to meet another one of your friends, nice to see another city you spent a lot of time in, it…” He grabbed you again, spinning you to face him, hands settled against your hips. “I’m surprised.”

“So’m I.” He leaned down, letting out a quiet sigh. ‘Was good to be back here, to see Ginny, really meet Henry.” He kissed you then, lips falling softly against yours and then pressing harder. “Was good to have you here with me.” Yeah, it was. “Thank you for understandin’ everything.” You reached up, pushing the hair out of his eyes before you dropped your hand to his shoulder, squeezing it in response. “We should go, I don’t know how late that store’s open, and I... “ He trailed off. “I don’t wanna risk it.” It’s just strings, Ryan, you can get them anywhere. But you nodded, and only a few minutes later, the car was loaded up, Ryan sitting behind the wheel. “I liked this house, it was perfect.”

“Yeah, I could see myself living in a place like that,” you replied quickly, eyes on the side of the building. “Not too big, but there was space. Plenty of room for us to be sep…” Your eyes widened. “I just meant…”

“No, it’s fine, I get it.” He turned the radio down, glancing over at you. “We’re already livin’ together, just not… not anywhere permanent, right?” He didn’t seem to want you to answer, and kept talking. “You ever think about that? About what...our place would be like?” No. Yes. All the time. What do you want me to say?

“We don’t … that isn’t…” Confused at his question, you turned in your seat to face him. “Everything’s been short term, Ryan, the house in Charleston was…”

“Yeah, but if you… if… it’s not always gonna be…” He was flustered, and you immediately felt bad, even though he’d been the one to bring it up.

“Is that… do you think about it, Ryan?” Your lips stayed parted, eyes on his face. Is this what he’s been thinking about? “Living somewhere?” The interior of the car was quiet as Ryan turned a corner, eyes on the road.

“Sometimes.” The honesty in his tone shocked you. That wasn’t… that’s not what we…”I figure you’ll want to settle somewhere sometime. People always do, even if they don’t stay, you’ll want… more than this.” Do I? “Would be kinda nice to call someplace my own.” He sounded nervous to admit it, so you answered quickly, trying to comfort him.

“Yeah, it’d be a nice change to know exactly where all my stuff is… not just that some of it’s in Philly and some’s in Texas and some is in Colorado…” He laughed at that, and you reached over to touch his denim-clad knee. “We can talk about that if you want, Ryan. Maybe start… start thinking about what it might look like?” Please don’t overreact. Please don’t… “To st-”

“OK.” He glanced at you. “We should.” Are you serious? “But first, let’s just go in here and get…” He sighed, putting the car into park. “Get some strings.” Yeah.

The shop was small, and you felt comfortable as soon as you were inside, eyes moving over the instruments that filled it, lingering on the wall of acoustic guitars. “This is where yours came from, Ry?” He pulled one of them off the wall, his fingers drifting over the strings but not with any purpose or pressure. “When you were -”

“Yeah.” He looked around the room fondly, a half smile on his lips. “Came in here with Georgie the first afternoon I was in Ogden, an’ saw it. Didn’t even have a price yet.” He put the guitar back, moving to the next. “Played it for a minute and it felt good in my hands.” Ryan paused, turning his head to look at you. “Came back a couple times that week, played it, and then was plannin’ on buying it before I left for Portland if I could earn enough money and use my old Washburn as a trade in.” He shrugged, sitting down on a bench and putting the guitar he was holding over one knee. “And then Cowboy died, and things changed. Jackie… when I was leavin’? She surprised me with it, bought it without me knowing, and I told her… I told her that I’d make good music on it.”

“And you did, Ryan. You wrote so many things on it, played in so many places.” It’s important to him. “It’s a good memory for you, You might -”

“But I wanted to buy it for myself, I didn’t want… someone to give it to me. Wanted to earn it.” You knew what he meant - knew that Ryan valued feeling like he’d achieved something every time he met a goal that he’d set for himself. “An’ I’m grateful that she bought it for me, I’d never had a new guitar before, and never one that nice, but… bein’ given something isn’t the same as gettin’ it for yourself.” He strummed the guitar that he was holding, and you heard a few notes of the song he’d written for you, his tattooed fingers easily picking them out. “I-”

“Can I help the two of you with something?” A middle aged woman approached, a smile plastered onto her face. “Do you need to see -” Ryan cleared his throat, immediately pausing his song.

“No, ma’am, not right now. I got a guitar from here a couple years ago, and I’ll need some strings, but right now, I’m just… playin’.” She looked between the two of you, waiting, and then Ryan spoke again. “Sign says you give lessons?”

“Yes, we have some students that come in and take lessons each week, it’s a new thing that we offer.” She stepped over to the wall of guitars, adjusting the one that Ryan had previously held. “Lots of interest, but a lot of the people here don’t have guitars of their own, and we’ve only got two of the loaners to use, so scheduling is hard.” She shrugged her shoulders. “We make do, but-” Ryan turned his head to look at you, an unreadable expression in his eyes. What are you thinking?

“I’ve…” You watched his jaw work, fingers tightening on the neck of the instrument he held. “My guitar’s a couple years old, but it’s still…” He closed his eyes, inhaling. “It needs a new set of strings, but I think…” Ryan swallowed, eyes still on you. “I’d like to donate it.” What?

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