#Don Hume x OFC

[sassyandclassy94]

I Feel Like Gold

Don Hume x Original Female Character

Part 4 of the “He’s Progressed and She’s Impressed” Series

Summary: Main plot is Don x OFC’s ✨wedding night✨, but there’s also a heart-melting moment between him and his boys during the reception in the first half of the story

Word count: 10,673 (These keep getting longer and longer. I wish I could say I’m sorry, but that’d be a lie so I won’t)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Do I have to name them…? I mean, it’s about a wedding night and we all know what happens on those nights. It’s 18+ so… if you’re younger than that, don’t engage please. I also split this story into two chapters for more convenient reading. Yall are welcome :)

Author’s Note: I’ve had this ready to go since FOREVER. And once again this is based on the movie portrayals alone and not the real boys. Thank you.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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“You may now kiss the bride.”

Kate stood on her toes and Don leaned down so they could kiss, their height difference creating a little bit of a hassle. The freshly married couple kept their kiss brief and sweet in hopes of keeping any snide remarks away. This was not entirely what they wanted; if Don and Kate had their way they would’ve eloped instead of having an actual wedding. But to appease her parents, they compromised and decided to have a small and private wedding, with only family and a few close friends (which, on Don’s side, of course consisted of his former rowing crew). It wasn’t what they wanted, but it was as good a compromise as they were gonna get.

When they were at the reception Kate honestly wished they could just leave. Despite her outgoing and bubbly personality she actually hated being the center of attention. She turned her head to observe her new husband. This must really be bothering you, she thought before Don, feeling her eyes on him, met her gaze. He was trying to hide it, but she could tell by his slightly stiff posture that he was not enjoying this anymore.

She looked at the clock on the wall. 7:00… It wasn’t too early to leave, was it? She didn’t think so. Besides… she shouldn’t admit this but, she couldn’t wait to finally be alone with Don. Her new husband. That has such a sweet ring to it, she thought to herself with a smile. She placed a gentle hand on Don’s thigh under the table and, turning his head to look at her again, he gave her a half smile and placed his hand on top of hers.

“You wanna go home?” she asked quietly.

Don nodded and his expression lifted. “Yeah, I–” his voice cracked and he paused to clear his throat before rising from his chair. “I think we’ve been here long enough.” He extended his hand to her and she eagerly took it.

“Let’s get outta here…” She winked

Now the fun could truly begin.

But just as they rose from their seats, a booming voice caught their attention. It was Bobby’s.

More on AO3

[seasidesandstarscapes]

Harmony

Summary: Keep your friends close and your exes closer

Rating: Explicit

Genre: Choose Your Own Era, Established Don/OFC, Past Joe/OFC, Friends to Lovers, Exes to Lovers, Threesome (F/M/M), Switch Don

Words: 3001

A/N: for @crushribbons !!! ily!!!

-

AO3

or

They’ve been dating for six months when it happens.

With her arm hooked in Don’s, they walk down the street, a pleasant warm evening with just the slightest breeze. She chatters on and on while Don nods along, a small smile on his face.

That’s when Joe appears from around the corner, whistling with his hands in his pockets. She and Don freeze but while her stomach turns cartwheels, she has no idea why Don has turned to stone.

“Joe,” Don greets his friend after he collects himself and she notes how Joe’s eyes light up.

“Donny, funny seeing you round here,” he jokes as he gives Don’s arm a friendly slap.

Joe then turns to her, his stare soft and fond. “And hello to you too.”

She blushes, accepts the kiss Joe places on the back of her offering hand.

Joe is quick to turn back to Don, already deep into rowing talk and she listens. The two bounce off each other, a natural ease as Don chimes in when Joe takes a breath. They laugh and joke, unaware of the world around them.

She likes this side of Don, when his walls come down. So often he carries the weight of the world, finds comfort in his own mind. Not that this is a terrible thing. But to see him smile with Joe, there’s a beauty to this friendship.

“Well I better not spoil your evening,” Joe looks at her. “I’ll see you around.”

Her heart thumps in her chest and she curses inside her head. Those damn blue eyes still have her in a chokehold.

“Everything okay?” Don asks as they continue on their walk.

She didn’t realize how quiet she had become and she shakes her head in apology. “I’m alright. Honest,” she smiles at Don.

Worry still knits his brow, but he doesn’t push. Always so considerate Don is that the next words spill out of her mouth.

“Joe and I used to date.”

“Oh?” Don’s voice rises in surprise.

She dares to look into his eyes and almost wants to laugh. Don doesn’t seem at all jealous. Instead, there is a curiosity swimming in the hazel hues that look down at her.

“He’s a friend,” she reassures. “We ended on a good note.”

Don hums, nods. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from him.”

“You’ve thought about his dating life?” She teases with a poke to Don’s side.

“Not really,” Don’s face has gone red.

He looks down at his shoes and guilt settles in her chest.

“I’m sorry,” she tucks close to Don. “I promise you don’t need to worry. I’m happy with you. Very happy.”

“I’m not worried,” Don stops and faces her.

He cups her face with one hand, pulls her into a tender kiss. Her heart melts and she falls easily into the embrace. When they part, it’s Don who chases after as if he never wants the kiss to end.

With a small laugh she tugs his hand and they hurry along to make the most of the night.

~

Don is an attentive lover. If only his boys knew just how much, she’s sure they’d be blushing messes.

Like she is now, arching off the bed when Don licks a broad stripe up her clit. He slips a finger inside her and she gasps. Yet the first thing she sees when she closes her eyes is shining blue staring down at her. Screwing her eyes shut even more, she focuses back on Don, his curling tongue, the added finger scissoring her open.

“Don,” she stutters out. Another name almost left her lips and she holds a hand over her mouth.

Better safe than sorry.

Don keeps going with his ministrations, tongue flicking, fingers pumping as the heat coils low in her stomach. She trembles, her thighs threatening to clamp around Don’s head.

“I’m close,” she dares to speak and Don pulls back, lips shining with her slick.

He kisses her then and she moans, savoring the taste of the two of them mingling together. Don is swift to put on the condom, to line himself up. She sinks into the mattress, biting her lip as Don pushes in.

He’s bigger than Joe and this thought does little to relax her. Don runs a hand along her side, gently cups one of her breasts.

“Darling,” he pulls her from her mind and her eyes snap open.

Don’s stare is intense, his mouth just slightly open as he pushes in all the way. Her hands scramble up Don’s arms, urges him to come closer. With a groan, Don drapes himself over her, pulls her into his arms. He starts slow and soft, letting her body get used to the intrusion.

He’s so warm, safe, and she moans with the drag of his cock inside her. When she clenches, she catches Don’s breath hitching and does it again and again.

Don is quiet, so unlike Joe’s constant run of compliments and she can’t decide which she prefers. With a huff, she tries to stop comparing the two men, guides one of Don’s hands to her clit.

With an understanding nod, Don rubs his fingers on the sensitive nub, speeds up his thrusts. She hopes coming will clear her mind and she repeats Don’s name, begging, pleading.

When her orgasm crashes into her, her mind goes blank and she cries out. Don’s hips stutter as he finishes soon after, all but collapsing on top of her. Their breaths mingle in the silent room and then Don pulls out, braces his hands on either side of her head.

“You said Joe’s name.”

Her stomach drops, eyes go wide and she freezes. She waits for the berating, the inevitable break up but instead the corner of Don’s mouth quirks.

“Is he better in bed?”

She whines, covers her face with her hands. “Don’t tease me, Don.”

“Not teasing,” Don pulls her hands down. He sits next to her, tugs her close to him. “I mean, Joe is handsome,” Don mumbles.

Taken aback, she stares at Don, eyebrows furrowing. Don’s face has turned red and he looks everywhere but at her.

“Don,” she tests the waters. “Have you thought about Joe?”

Don doesn’t answer, shifts to move off the bed.

“Oh no, you don’t,” she wraps her arms around his waist and puts all her weight into holding him still. “I want an honest answer, Don.”

“Why?” Don’s voice is small.

Don is perched on the edge of the bed now and she sits up, hugging him around the shoulders.

“Well,” she takes a breath.

This idea has just popped into her mind. It’s ridiculous, it must be, but the what-ifs bounce around, refuse to leave her alone.

“What if I want a night with both of you? At the same time?”

Don’s head whips to her and she curls into herself. She’s in hot water now, but the words are out, never to be taken back.

“Do you think he’d want to?”

Her eyes are about to burst out of her head and instead she laughs. She kisses Don on the cheek, relief flooding through her. At this, Don smiles, turns to kiss her on the lips.

“You know,” she starts as Don pulls her into his lap. “Joe would always talk about this strong silent brown haired man on his rowing team. If I had known it was you, I would’ve gotten you two in bed sooner.”

“Oh, Christ,” Don groans but the smile remains on his face.

A new kind of excitement jolts through her. She’s had her fair share of adventures but not like this. Not something so intimate and vulnerable.

Her mind races as Don cleans the two of them up, carries her to the bathroom. When Don looks at her, her smiles turn shy and she can’t help the little bit of doubt in the back of her mind. But when Don tucks her hair behind her ear, places a soft kiss on her cheek, she lets out her first relieved breath.

Soon, the tub is filled with steaming water and Don helps her in before joining her. She lays back against his chest, his legs tangle with hers and they get to talking. Figuring out just how they’ll ask Joe, their escape route if he yells at them.

At the very least, it’ll be something to laugh at, and hopefully Joe will remain their friend at the end of the day.

~

Joe blinks at the two of them.

Regret sneaks into her mind and she can see Don shrink in the corner of her eye.

“When?” Joe asks at last.

She perks up at this and Don dares to look at Joe.

“Whenever?” She squeaks out.

She’s still in shock that Joe has agreed and wrings her hands in her lap at her sudden eagerness.

“Like now?”

The three look between each other, and all it takes is a nod from Don before they’re scrambling to the bedroom. How perfect this is all working out, from inviting Joe to dinner and now into the bedroom. It must be a dream.

Joe pulls her into his arms first, kisses her neck. “Missed you, baby,” he murmurs into her skin.

“Yeah?” She teases.

Don’s hands on her hips ground her and she reaches her arm behind to tug Don down to the other side of her neck.

“You been treating her alright, Don?”

“You tell me,” Don retorts with a grin.

“Boys,” she chastises with friendly slaps. “Unless you two are planning to kiss and make up.”

Joe shrugs before pulling Don into an open mouthed kiss. Don’s knees buckle and she’s not surprised. Joe did always have a way of stealing her breath away.

She sneaks out from between them, watches the two as she strips down. Don isn’t the most competitive person but seeing him with Joe, it’s as if he’s determined to show her who the better kisser is.

He grips onto Joe’s collar, grinds their hips together. Joe bites Don’s lip and already works at his belt buckle. She’d be content to just watch the two but the men have other ideas. They break apart with heaving breaths and Joe goes to her first. He sits her down on the bed, pushes her legs apart. Diving into her heat, Joe licks and sucks at her clit and she braces her hands behind her on the bed.

Joe’s tongue moves just as fast as his rambling mouth and she curls her fingers into the sheets. He wants to wring her dry, but she doesn’t want to tap out so soon. The bed dips behind her and she tilts her head back, meeting Don in a soft kiss. He holds her against his chest, his clothes long gone as takes her breasts into his hands. Don squeezes and pinches her nipples all while trailing kisses along her jaw and neck.

“Want you,” she gasps. “Want both of you so bad.”

Joe raises his eyebrows, slows his tongue to teasing, little licks and she has half a mind to kick him in the head. Her flash of frustration makes Joe grin and he kisses the inside of her thigh.

“How do you want us?”

Any way possible, she thinks, but curiosity has grabbed her and she caresses Joe’s face while tracing her fingers along Don’s arm.

“You haven’t had Don yet. Why not give him a try?” She glances up at Don. His eyes dart around, a nervous lick to his lips. “I want you in me, darling,”

She kisses his jaw and Don lets out a shuddered breath. The two men look at each other before sharing an intense stare and she moves to lay down on the bed.

“I, uh, I‘ve never been with a man,” Joe admits as he crawls up.

He can look at her just fine, but he seems to avoid Don’s gaze.

“I’ll show you,” Don’s voice is quiet, an eager edge laced in his words.

Don pulls Joe into another kiss, helps him out of the last of his clothes. When Joe is finally bare, Don grabs the condoms and Vaseline, setting them down between her legs.

While Don coats Joe’s fingers, she takes a small amount of Vaseline and rubs her clit in slow circles as she watches. Joe’s hand hesitates as Don tugs him to his hole, their knees knocking before the two slot together. They bite back their gasps when their cocks touch and Don guides Joe to push a finger inside of him.

“Slow,” Don instructs Joe. “I’ll let you know when you can add another finger.”

Joe nods, his other hand on Don’s hip as he pushes the finger in at an agonizing pace. She knows Don doesn’t need it that gentle, but it’s sweet to see Don take his time with Joe. Don relaxes with the intrusion, runs a hand along her leg and grips the back of Joe’s neck with the other.

When Don tells Joe to add more, she slides two fingers into herself, mimicking Joe’s steady movements. Don’s body shakes, he holds onto her and moans to let Joe know just how good it feels.

She can see Don clench around Joe’s fingers and she grins. It’s her turn to tell Joe what to do.

“Joe,” she calls out.

Joe has never turned faster and Don’s eyes shine with excitement.

“Three fingers. Hard.”

Joe exchanges a glance with Don. A single nod is all it takes and Joe does as she says. Don’s moan echoes in the room, his fingers digging into her thigh.

Swearing, Joe bears his fingers down and Don lets out a near sob, his hands grabbing for Joe, grabbing for her.

“Come here, baby,” she pulls her hand away from herself, holds out her arms.

Releasing Don, Joe helps him over to her, a pitiful crawl on his hands and knees until he is hovering above her.

“You’re going to feel so good,” she says as she cups Don’s face. “You’re going to be a good boy for both of us.”

Don moans at this, nods his head fervently. Once the condom is on, he sinks into her, a harsh breath leaving him once fully inside. He buries his face into her neck and she hugs him around the shoulders. Grinning at Joe, she coaxes him forward with a finger and he lines himself up with Don.

Don bites down on the crook of her neck as Joe pushes in, a low groan leaving him.

“Christ, Don, you’re so tight.”

Joe’s calloused hands hold Don’s hips in place and Don lets out a small whimper as Joe settles into him.

“You can do this, Donny,” she smiles. “Show me what you can do.”

With shaking arms, Don holds himself up just enough so they can kiss. He moves his hips, shallow, tentative until Joe’s impatience takes over. He thrusts into Don, pushing him impossibly deeper into her.

Her scream is captured in Don’s mouth and he swallows her sounds, pulls away as his own moans escape from him. Their rhythm is off at first, Joe going faster than Don can, but with her hips meeting Don’s, they soon find their pace.

Joe slamming into Don sends shockwaves up her spine, her hole spasming around Don’s cock. Between his whimpers and moans, Don is on pure instinct, too far gone to sense anything else. He’s not going to last long at this rate and she reaches down to rub her clit. She wants to come with them, needs to see Don and Joe succumb to their pleasure.

“Feel so good, Donny,” Joe rambles. “God, I should’ve taken you the first day I saw you.”

The words are all too familiar to her and she can’t help the smile that spreads on her face. Joe is a hopeless romantic to the end.

Don’s cries swap between her name and Joe’s, his thrusts just going along with Joe’s. Even like this though, Don fills her up, his cock sliding in and out of her as if this is all Don is meant to do.

“Come on, baby,” she breathes. “You’re doing so well.”

Don whines, his hips stutter and he slams into her once more before he finishes.

“Shit, shit, Don,” Joe’s thrusts are relenting. “Gonna come. Gonna fill you up.”

When Joe fucks into Don, pulling out more moans from him, his body against hers is all it takes. She comes with a bitten down scream and it mixes with Joe’s heady groan.

The room is filled with each of them trying to catch their breath, the question of what happens next. It’s so loud and incredibly quiet, her mind spins.

“Goddamn, Don,” Joe murmurs as he pulls out.

Don collapses on top of her but the weight is nothing more than a secure warmth blanketing her.

“He’s good, isn’t he?” She muses as she caresses Don’s head.

Something unintelligible comes out of Don as he slowly rolls off of her. Joe comes to his side, tucks himself along Don while she props herself up on an elbow.

“Already falling asleep on us?” Joe teases. “What’s happened to our infamous stroke?”

Don gives a shrug while his eyes remain closed. The faintest hint of a smile graces his face and she grins.

“Don’t worry,” she tells Joe. “He’ll be the first one up tomorrow with breakfast made.”

“Truly a gentleman. I’m glad you found him,” Joe lays an arm across Don’s waist.

“Me too,” she curls into Don and then to her surprise, she tangles her hand with Joe’s. “I’m glad you found us.”

A silent conversation lingers in the air, a future that perhaps isn’t so impossible. Joe melds well into the life she and Don have created, she knows from the past. She can see what’s happened on this night.

Falling asleep to Don’s breathing is easy and with Joe settling in with the two of them, tomorrow brings a new beginning.

[sassyandclassy94]

Well That Was Unexpected…

Don Hume x Original Female Character

Part 2 of “He’s Progressed and She’s Impressed”

Summary: Don’s first kiss. That’s it. That’s the summary

Word count: 6,618 (ALAS AND SORROW OF THE WORLD! It’s a LITTLE shorter than I had originally planed)

Rating: Teen and up

Author’s note: Hey, Siri! Play “Speechless” and “Stronger” and blare it from the mountaintops!

Tags: @solo-pitstop-vibes @fentybucky @i-am-a-lost-girl16 and @groovin2beats because I wouldn’t be writing this series if it weren’t for y’all’s support 🫶🏻

Part One

“You seeing Kate again tonight?” Bobby asked Don after crew practice.

A smile teased at the corner of Don’s mouth at the mention of his ‘lady-of-interest’, Kate Barlowe. “Yeah,” he nodded.

“You two have been spending an awful lot of time together lately.” He smirked and delivered a side-eye as he followed his boys to the showers.

Don simply blew off his comment and continued on his way. Bobby was right though; he and Kate had been spending a good amount of time together since their first date a couple of months ago. And he would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy every evening that he’d spent with her; with each outing leaving him feeling more and more attached. So much in fact, that he was seriously considering asking her to be his steady girl on their next date. Which was tonight.

“Have you kissed her yet?” Bobby asked in a lower tone that was almost a whisper when they got to the showers.

Don looked down at the floor and blushed before shaking his head.

“What?!” he almost exclaimed. “You two have been going out for what? Four and a half months now and you haven’t kissed her yet??” His eyes were wide as he looked at his friend in disbelief.

“No…” he shook his head again slowly.

Bobby shook his head. “I cannot figure you out, Don.”

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[sassyandclassy94]

Sneak Peek at “He’s Progressed and She’s Impressed” Part Two

Their date was a simple location: the piano hall on the UW campus. It wasn’t fancy by any means, but it was warm and dry, and didn’t cost money. It was also a plus that no one seemed to care that he was sneaking a non-college girl onto the campus. Perhaps people just assumed? Who knows. Either way, Don was more than happy to get away with it.

They set up their little picnic stuff in a corner, laying everything out on the blanket before beginning to eat. Don was quiet during then; trying to calm his nerves and force food down his throat while he listened to Kate and Shorty (Shorty acted as their chaperone this night because both Joe and Bobby had prior engagements) chat back and forth. In a few minutes Shorty stuffed his last bite of food into his mouth and took a final swig of his soda before standing up from the blanket.

“If you two’ll excuse me, I need to visit the bathroom; I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said after starting to walk off. He stopped and turned back to face Kate and Don. “Play something for her, Hume.” He gestured to the piano and, before turning and heading off in the other direction again, he added, “Behave!”

Kate grinned while Don shook his head slowly. “The fact that he is warning us to behave is downright ironic.”

[seasidesandstarscapes]

Evening Sun

Summary: Don has been working on Ulbrickson's ranch for several months when a new face arrives.

He doesn't expect to be swept off his feet with just one meeting.

Pairing: Don/OFC (Original Female Character)

Rating: G

Genre: Canon Era, Ranch AU, Stable Hand Don, First Meetings, Getting to Know Each Other, Falling in Love, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, First Kiss, Dancing

Words: 2784

Warnings: Light references to period-typical racism and sexism

A/N: Now, you know me. Y'all KNOW me. But this OC came to me and man, I wish she was a bestie in real life. I would love to write more about her and Don, so please send me your thoughts!!!

-

AO3

or

The sun beats down on Don’s neck, sweat beading his forehead.

They’ve been at this for hours now, he’s sure, but no one has broken the horse’s spirit. A part of Don wants to let the wild animal go, to let it live its life as it should. How cruel it is that they must tame what the world deems different, that conformity is strangling everything in its wake.

Another boy gets thrown off and the kicked up dust seeps into Don’s mouth. He coughs, takes a sip from his canteen, but still stands tall.

He was lucky to get this job. Despite the constant struggle with his lungs, Don pushes through. It’s daily reminders of a better tomorrow that keeps him going when all else tells him to give up.

“Damn, he was so close,” Jim mumbles next to him.

If there’s been one constant in his life since leaving his home, it’s his friendship with Jim. One of the few stable hands that doesn’t give him a hard time for his silence. Don can talk, sure, but he just chooses not to. There isn’t reason to waste breath on the bits that won’t matter.

Don’s turn is coming up again and he steels himself, hoping maybe one of the other boys will finally come out on top.

Yet, no one has moved into the ring and that’s when Don sees a figure approaching the gate. Her skin is dark, warm like the stained wood of a bookshelf Don once admired. Maybe just as smooth too. Her brown eyes dance in the sunlight, an even stare with a challenge on the edges.

“What do you want?” One of the more brazen boys snaps at her.

“Looks like you boys have your hands full with this one,” she waves to the stallion.

The horse paces the edge of the enclosure, snorting and stomping its hooves.

“Yeah and you think you can do better?”

The boys laugh, but Don and Jim stay quiet. At this, the woman raises her brow. In one quick movement she’s in the enclosure and on the wild horse’s back. The boys exclaim and Don grips onto the wooden slats, his heart thrumming in his chest.

No matter how the horse bucks, she remains firm, giving back just as much as the horse gives her. It’s a fierce battle, dust clouding Don’s vision. Hooves slam into the ground, the woman lets out a few grunts. At one point the horse rears and Don starts to climb the fence, but Jim’s hand on his arm stops him.

The horse throws its head back one final time, snorts, and then walks at a calm trot around the ring.

“There we are,” the woman smiles, patting the horse’s neck. “That wasn’t so bad now, was it?”

Don begs to differ and the horse nickers in response. The woman continues to soothe the horse with soft words, gentle touches until she can bring the animal to a stop.

She slides off the horse with grace and grins at all the boys. Before anyone can say a thing, a harsh voice cuts through.

“Boys, why isn’t anyone doing their work?”

Ulbrickson marches up to the enclosure, then pauses at the sight before him.

“And who is this?” His mouth forms a thin line.

Don could never read Ulbrickson well, but right now is even more impossible.

“My name is Penelope, sir,” the woman nods her head. “I’d like to be hired on as a stable hand.”

A low murmur passes through the other boys while Don and Jim exchange a glance. There’s too much to consider here and everyone is playing a dangerous game.

“I don’t—,” Ulbrickson begins and Penelope is quick to cut in.

“—hire colored folk?”

“Hire women,” Ulbrickson frowns.

Don can see the flash in Ulbrickson’s eyes but it’s not one of malice. No, instead, Don can sense amusement and wonders if it’s his imagination.

“But you don’t seem like one to take no for an answer,” Ulbrickson crosses his arms. “Alright then.”

“Thank you, sir,” Penelope smiles.

“It’s Ulbrickson.”

The air is a little less stuffy and the corner of Don’s mouth turns up when Jim raises his brows at him. Ulbrickson sends the boys on their way, but before Don leaves he turns back to Penelope.

She’s petting the side of the horse’s neck, once again murmuring little praises. Her hair is tied back into a bun, but soft waves run through her thick, coarse hair. Don takes note of the men’s trousers she wears, but really, what else should she be in? Stable work isn’t quite catered to the dress and Don wonders what her story is.

“You don’t talk much, do you?”

Don freezes when Penelope’s gaze locks with his. He ducks his head, embarrassed, and there is a soft laugh.

“Will it surprise you if I told you I used to be shy?”

There is a little spark in the back of Don’s mind and he looks back at Penelope. Her smile is stunning, comforting like his mother’s and Don swallows.

“What changed?” He finds his voice.

“Now, there’s something,” Penelope grins. “Can’t possibly be told in one day.”

Don bites his lip, digs within himself to find his courage. “Well, I’m here for a while yet.”

“Good.”

This earns him an even bigger smile and Don blushes. He gives one, two nods, then steps back to head to his chores. He’s floating on air when he’s back at the barn, and the usual exhaustion that comes with carrying bales of hay is nowhere to be seen today.

When Don helps the other boys to let the horses out to pasture, he spots the once wild stallion and in the distance, Penelope perched on her own bit of fence.

He doesn’t know what the days will bring, but all Don can hope is that Penelope won’t be leaving any time soon.

The days pass and Penelope runs circles around the boys.

Just when Don thinks he’s close to catching up with her, she’s off, leaving everyone in the dust. Even Ulbrickson is turned on his head, but he’s not complaining.

Only a few of the boys do, but their remarks are met with threats of being let go that instant. One or two leave of their own awful volition but it’s all for the best. With the worst gone, Penelope truly shines.

She sings through her work, familiar tunes Don used to play on the piano, and his fingers itch to get back to it. He wants to harmonize with her singing, the two of them creating music no one has heard before. If he still can remember his lessons. It’s been years and a small ache hits Don in his chest.

He misses his family, his home, but the fire took everything and Don has tried to accept this lonely life of his. Even Jim’s friendship has only filled a part of that hole, one that may be never completely healed.

“I don’t remember my mama’s name,” Penelope brings up when she and Don are brushing down the horses. “Some days, it’s hard to remember her face.”

“Did…did she die?” Don ventures.

There’s a sigh and Don can just barely see Penelope’s face fall. “No. She couldn't take care of all of us. Left us at the orphanage where I ran away. My brothers and sisters were too young to follow.”

“I’m sorry,” Don runs the brush slowly along the horse‘s back. “Will you look for her?”

“I don’t know,” Penelope admits. “I’ve gone so long without her, I don’t know if I can go back.”

Don nods, understanding all too well. Just the thought of going to his hometown makes him sick.

“Suppose that’s why I’ve taken to horses. Especially the wild ones. We’re not so different.”

The last part hits Don square in the chest and he wonders if Penelope means something more. Means the two of them.

“I'm scared there’ll be a day when I forget them,” Don admits, speaking softly. “When even their memory won’t exist.”

He stops brushing and that’s when Don notices Penelope stepping close to him. He glances up from the ground, swallows at the dark brown depths that stare back. He could get lost in her eyes, the compassion that shines, the layers of understanding.

“You won’t,” she reassured, voice soft like a spring breeze. “Even if the light starts to fade, they’ll always be in here.”

She lays a hand over Don’s heart. Her touch is warm, inviting, but Don stays his hand. He breathes in time with her, the seconds ticking by. With a small smile, Penelope draws back, then tends to the horse Don has been brushing.

Don watches her every movement, her figure caught in a hazy light. A bit of hair has come undone from her bun and Don wonders if she would mind him tucking it back into place.

Instead, he copies her brush strokes, takes care of the horse’s side and haunches. When they’re finished, Don almost begs her to stay by his side. She smiles at Don, a fondness, empathy Don can’t begin to describe and then she’s gone.

Letting out a heavy breath, Don pats the horse and carries on to the next one. The weight on his shoulders is the lightest it’s been in years and Don can’t keep the smile off his face.

The barn and pastures are buzzing, boys bustling about and nonstop chatter.

Save for Don, but he listens to each and every conversation with ease.

“You coming to the dance tonight, Don?” A new boy asks from his spot in the hayloft.

“Nice try, Coy,” another newbie — Don thinks his name is Johnny — shoots back. “Don never comes out with us.”

”Yeah, you should know. You’ve only been with us two weeks,” Jim settles the argument once and for all.

There’s laughter and joking, but Don is struck with a thought. Before Jim has a chance to ask, Don is searching and finds Penelope by one of the water troughs.

“Don!” She beams at him and waves. “You look like you’re in a hurry.”

Don wipes his hands against his trousers, swallows down his nerves. “Will you come to the dance with me tonight?”

At this, Penelope’s smile fades into a thin line. “That’s real sweet of you, Don, but I don’t think they let people like me in.”

The thought hadn’t even occurred to Don and his stomach drops. A sadness lingers in the air, but like embers bursting to life, Don doesn’t give in to misery.

“Then how about a dance here? Just you and me?”

Penelope stares at Don like he’s grown another head, then a bright laugh leaves her. “I really don’t have anything nice to wear.”

“That’s okay,” Don shrugs. “Neither do I.”

There is more laughter and Don has never heard anything more beautiful. A plan forms in his head, he’ll have to pull some strings, but he’s going to make this work.

“I expect you at eight o’clock sharp, Mr. Hume,” Penelope gives an exaggerated curtsy.

“On the dot, Miss Penelope,” Don offers back much to his and Penelope’s surprise.

Don’s face grows hot and he races from the scene, embarrassment and excitement flooding through his veins. He takes a few moments to catch his breath, then, with a few light smacks to his face, he’s ready to face the boys.

The questions are relentless, but Don keeps a tight lip and it’s Jim who has to bat them all back with the handle of his pitchfork. He asks with his eyes but Don just shrugs and this satisfies Jim for now.

The rest of the day flies by and before Don knows it, he’s combing his hair in front of a cracked mirror. He’s put on his cleanest clothes, but there’s still a few mouse-chewed holes here and there.

“You’re not taking out a gal looking like that, are you?” Ulbrickson comes into the barn, in his arms an old gramaphone.

He sets it on a crate and looks Don over with a frown. “Come on then,” Ulbrickson motions with his head.

Obediently, Don follows but he pauses when Ulbrickson opens the door to his home. “Well?”

Collecting himself, Don scurries in, keeping his arms close to his sides. Ulbrickson’s house isn’t a mansion, but there are many fine things, lamps on the tables and pictures hanging on the wall. Don edges his way along the room, standing at attention when Ulbrickson holds a suit coat up to Don.

“I think Hazel’s cousin is about the same size as you. Left this a few months back.”

Ulbrickson keeps his hand out and Don takes the coat, slow and gentle as if it’s made out of glass. He puts it on, smooths down the front with his hands. There is a small smile on Ulbrickson’s face and Don dares to give one back. Just as he’s about to say his thanks, footsteps on the stairs grab their attention.

Don’s breath catches in his throat and he can only stare as Penelope appears. Her dress is light blue, ruffled on the shoulders and flowing down from her waist. Her hair is out of its usual buns, purposeful ripples pressed along her head. A faint blush appears on her cheeks and Don meets her at the bottom of the stairs.

“Aren’t you two just a pair,” Hazel grins, having followed behind Penelope.

Hazel squeezes to the side, her hands clasped together in joy. It’s Don’s turn to blush now and words escape him. Penelope is a dream, the acceptance and help of Ulbrickson and Hazel is more than he could ever ask for.

Penelope looks on expectantly and Don straightens up, offering her his arm. When she places her hand in the crook of his elbow, Don’s knees almost buckle, but he manages to stay standing.

He leads her out of the house and to the barn. The floor is swept clean, the lanterns offer soft lighting. Even the horses in the stalls stand watch, part of the audience. Don and Penelope separate just long enough for Don to crank up the gramophone but then Don is quick to bring Penelope back in his arms. His hands shake as he places one on her waist, the other taking her hand.

Her fingers are slender and while worn down from the hard work, Don is sure he hasn’t felt anything softer. Her grip is firm on his shoulder and with the slow music, they sway in time. The music fills the barn, the two bathed in a golden light.

Don isn’t sure where to look first, there’s so much to take in. Never has he seen anyone as stunning as Penelope and his heart skips a beat. Her eyes trail up to Don’s, searching, asking. When their gazes meet, time slows. Don tilts his head down, Penelope stands on her toes but just before their lips can meet, the record scratches.

Jolted from the moment, Don hides his disappointment to fix the gramophone. When he turns back, Penelope is petting the stallion she had tamed, long strokes across its neck. Don could watch this forever and he’s slow to stand next to her.

“Do you have a name for him?” Don asks, tangling his fingers in the horse’s mane.

Penelope pauses, then a small smile spreads across her face. “Dmitri.”

It’s a perfect fit and Don nods his approval. Glancing from the horse to Penelope, Don falls again, his heart thudding in his chest. Penelope gives him a shy look from under her lashes and then in two small steps, Don has his hands on her waist, she holds tight to his shoulders.

The kiss they share is electric. Don forgets how to breathe, all he can feel is Penelope in his hands, the softness of her lips. Her hands slide along his shoulders, up until she takes hold of his jaw. Don’s knees weaken, their bodies flush together.

Their embrace only ends when Dmitri knocks into Don with his head, causing the two to stumble. Neither are upset though and Don finds the courage to place a kiss on Penelope’s cheek before gently pulling away.

He checks over the record, places the needle back in the groove and the music starts again. Holding out his hand, Don waits for Penelope to accept it and when she does, they hold each other close. She lays her head on his chest while Don wraps her up in his arms. They both sigh, eyes closing, hearts beating as one.

For one night, the world is theirs, a promise already in the making.

[sassyandclassy94]

My Boys in the Boat Masterlist

Ratings are subject to change as the series progress and all of these fics can be found on my AO3 under the same URL.

(*) indicates 18+

Don Hume:

“He’s Progressed and She’s Impressed”

“I’m Not Much of a Talker” (part 1)

“That Was Unexpected…” (part 2)

“The Proposal” (part 3)

“I Feel Like Gold” (part 4)*

Bobby Moch:

“About to Throw Hands” (Bobby x Female!Reader oneshot)

“Of Sunburns, Vinegar, and a Sun-Poisoned Coxswain” (Bobby x OFC oneshot standalone)

“Let Me Spend My Whole Life Loving You”

“Water Under the Bridge” (Part 1)