#a few minutes later she comes to my door and asks to bum a cig off me

[punkrockisafulltimejob]

Nothing like having my sleep schedule completely disrespected

[tallglassofsweetpea]

Little Darlin’: Chapter Six

Sweet Pea x OC, 1950′s AU

Warnings (this chapter): language, sexual content/smut

AN: Things get pretty spicy in this chapter ;) All previous chapters can be found in my masterlist on my blog. It’s also now available on AO3 under the username: sweepee 

I hope you enjoy!!

(Please let me know if you’d like to be tagged for future chapters. Also feel free to message me if you have any suggestions for this story and where you’d like to see it go, or if you have any general comments/questions! My ask is open :) Also I am taking requests!!!)

Chapter Six: Save The Last Dance

It was the day of the Riverdale High homecoming game and dance. Trish came over to Lily’s house early that so she could drop off her things before the girls headed over to the football game together. Lily hadn’t exactly spilled the beans on what happened between her and Sweet Pea that night he unexpectedly stayed the night. She wanted to wait until after she attended the dance with Reggie.

The two girls cheered on the team from the bleachers, both of them wrapped up in a blanket to shield them from the chill of the cool September air. Every so often, Archie would glance up to the bleachers and wink or wave to Trish. Trish of course smiled back at him, which made Lily feel somewhat queasy. How could she even stomach him? Lily really hoped she would be able to break free from him soon.

It was almost half time, and the Bulldogs were in the lead. She hated to admit it, but Lily was actually rather impressed with how well both Archie and Reggie were on the field. Archie had managed to scored one more touch down just before the buzzer rang, signaling half time. The crowd of students and families alike all jumped to their feet and cheered. Trish hopped out of her seat and ran over to the fence separating her from the field. Lily watched as Archie jogged over to her and gave her a big kiss. They looked like they were straight out of a movie, whispers could be heard amongst the crowd. “Gosh, Trish is so lucky!” “They’re like the perfect couple.” Had Lily not known the true nature of their relationship she would have thought the same thing.

Lily heard someone whispering. “Hey.” She looked around her confused, but nobody was looking her way.

“Down here.”

Lily narrowed her eyes, it sounded like it was coming from underneath the bleachers.

She glanced around her, before “accidentally” dropping her clutch bag at her feet and leaned over to grab it. She looked through the opening between seat levels, her eyes widened at the sight of Sweet Pea standing below the bleachers smoking a cig.

“Hey princess.”

“Pea, what on earth are you doing down there?” She shout-whispered down to him.

Sweet Pea merely shrugged his shoulders, raising his hands up. He motioned her down. “Come down here.”

Lily sighed, picked up her purse and made her way down the bleachers. She made sure nobody was watching before she snuck underneath the bleachers and walked over to Sweet Pea. He was leaning against one of the metal supports, he tossed the butt of his cigarette to the side and let his hands rest on her hips.

“What are you doing here?”

“Same thing everyone else is doing, watching the big game. Go Bulldogs.” He said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Lily rolled her eyes.

Sweet Pea reached out and caressed her cheek “I wanted to see you before the dance. Be careful tonight.”

Lily let out a sigh. “As I said before, I’ll be fine.”

Sweet Pea looked away from her, scoffing. Lily glanced around them before she leaned up and pecked his lips. “It’s just one night.” Sweet Pea’s eyes softened.

Sweet Pea shifted uncomfortably. “I want you to bring this with you.” He reached in his pocket, pulling out a small pocketknife and offering it to her.

Lily stood there, flabbergasted. Her jaw fell open. “Have you gone insane? I’m not going to carry a knife. Oh my goodness, Sweet Pea. Why are you even carrying this thing around?!” She said quietly but sternly.

Sweet Pea offered it to her again, rolling his eyes. “It’s for protection. Take it, just in case.”

Lily crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed at him. “Just in case what?”

“Look, I told you I don’t trust that clown.” He knew how guys like Reggie Mantle were. He knew that they only went after girls like Lily with one reason in mind. And even though Sweet Pea knew that him and Lily weren’t technically together, the idea of her going with Reggie to a dance really bugged him. It was clear as day that he was jealous, though he would never tell her. He was too proud.

Lily chewed on her lip and studied him for a second before finally letting out a sigh and snatching it out of his hand. She shook her head in disbelief and slipped the pocketknife into her purse. Sweet Pea watched her, his smirk was a dead giveaway of how proud he was of himself.

The announcer’s voice boomed from the speakers, signaling the start of the second half of the game.

Lily looked up and then back to Sweet Pea. “I’ve gotta head back to Trish, it sounds like the game is picking back up again.”

Sweet Pea reached out to hold her dainty hand in his, lightly tugging her closer to him and looking down into her emerald eyes. He raised his hand to tuck back a strand of hair behind her ear, his thumb barely grazing her cheek. He studied her features, he wondered if he would ever get over how beautiful she was.

“Promise me something?” He said it more like a demand than a question.

“What is it?”

“Save the last dance for me.”

She smiled up at him, nodding her head. “It’s all yours.” Sweet Pea grabbed her by the waist and leaned down to capture her lips. He kissed her hard, the hand that held hers now held the back of her neck, intensifying the kiss. Lily’s hands were placed on his chest, her fingers curling around the lapels of his leather serpent jacket to steady herself. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her palms, it was thumping about as fast as hers. It made her feel good that she had the same effect on him that he had on her. She felt Sweet Pea’s large hand make its way down to her bum, giving it a light squeeze. Lily pulled back with a soft giggle, glancing around to make sure nobody was watching.

“Pea.” She playfully swatted him on the chest, giggling. Sweet Pea huffed and pressed his forehead to hers.

“You drive me crazy, doll.”

Lily pulled back laughing, holding his hand.

“I’ve got to go. I’ll try to call you tonight after the dance.”

Sweet Pea nodded, reluctantly letting go of her hand. She fixed her hair and made her way out from under the bleachers.

“Make sure that bulldog keeps his paws off of you!”

Lily rolled her eyes and laughed, looking back at him once more. “Bye, Sweets.”

**

Trish and Lily went to get their hair done together after the game had ended, then they headed to Lily’s house to finish getting ready. The Bulldogs had ultimately taken the win, which Lily was thankful for. At least the boys would be in a good mood for the night.

The boys showed up about a half hour before the dance to get Lily and Trish. Both couples posed for pictures at the door. Reggie led Lily over to his friends from the football team and introduced her to them.

Lily and Reggie sat at the table with Trish and Archie chatting for a few minutes when Trish stood up and pulled Archie over to the dance floor.

“You two gonna sit there all night or are you gonna get up and dance?” Archie gestured for them to join them on the dance floor.

Truthfully, sitting at the table all night didn’t sound like a bad idea to Lily.

Reggie turned to Lily with a playful grin on his face. “Whad’ya say Lily?”

Lily stammered a bit. “I actually-“

“It’ll be fun!” Reggie stood up from his seat and gently pulled Lily from her seat and dragged her over to Archie and Trish. Lily figured she may as well do her best to have fun and danced along with the rest of the group. But no matter what, her mind kept slipping back to the night her and Sweet Pea danced together at the Wyrm. She remembered the how good it felt to have his body pressed against hers, his hands traveling up and down her body as they moved to the beat. Her thoughts drifted to the way his hands had felt against her bare skin just the other night.

A few songs later, the music slowed. Lily wanted to make a run for the bathroom as soon as she heard the song come on. But Reggie already had his arms wrapped around Lily’s waist. Lily avoided his gaze, thoughts of Sweet Pea and her slow dancing that night occupying her brain.

“You look very pretty tonight, Lily.” Reggie’s voice pulled her out of her daze. She politely smiled up at him.

“Thank you, Reggie. You clean up quite nicely yourself.”

Lily nodded. She wasn’t lying, he did look very handsome. Any girl there would have loved to have been in Lily’s shoes that night. And Lily also would have loved for any other girl to have been in her shoes.

“Are you having a nice time tonight?”

“Yes, it’s been lovely so far. Thank you again for inviting me.”

Reggie grinned at her, pulling her in a little closer to him. “There’s no-one else I’d rather be with. Just between you and me, I think I’ve got the best looking date in the whole place.” He said with a simper of pride.

“You know, there’s this tradition we have after the homecoming dance. We all head over to Cheryl Blossom’s house for a little bash. I was hoping you would join me…”

Lily’s eyes widened. She could practically see the flashing red lights in her mind signaling this party was bad news.

“I appreciate the invitation, Reggie. I really do. But my folks are sort of strict on curfew.”

Reggie looked disappointed. “You’re sure you can’t make it?”

“Yeah, I’d love to go.” A blatant lie. “There’s no way my parents would go for it.”

“Ain’t that a bite…” He looked like he was thinking. “How about this? I’ll bring you to Pop’s for a milkshake after the dance gets out.”

Lily sighed. “I suppose that would be okay.”

“Great.” The smile instantly returned to his face.

The song came to an end and Lily excused herself to the bathroom to freshen up. She really wasn’t interested in going to Pop’s with Reggie, but she figured it was the least she could agree to since she declined the party invitation.

As she rounded the corner coming back from the restroom, she could hear a group of guys talking back and forth. It sounded like Reggie and some of the other guys from the football team.

“So did you convince her to come to Cheryl’s?”

“She’s not coming, she says she has a strict curfew.”

“Man, I told you there’s was no way in hell that you could nail her by the end of the night. She’s a total prude.”

Reggie sighed. “I knew I should’ve just picked an easy girl, now I’m gonna be down 20 bucks!”

Chuck let out a hearty laugh. “Look’s like Im 20 bucks richer! That’s what you get for trying to show off, Mantle. You can kiss that crisp Mr. Jackson goodbye!”

“Not yet, Chuck. I asked her out to Pop’s after the dance, if I really play my cards right I could have her moaning in my backseat in the parking lot.

Lily gasped. It was all a bet? She rounded the corner and stormed over to the group of Bulldogs.

Reggie forced a smile upon seeing her. “Lily, there you are-“

Lily slapped him across the face, sending him stumbling back out of shock. “Even if we were the last two people on earth I would not once find myself anywhere near the backseat of your car, Reggie. You disgusting pig!” She blew right past him before he could say anything, leaving the group of Bulldogs with their jaws to the floor. Lily pushed through the doors of the gymnasium and took a seat on the cold concrete steps, taking in a deep breath of crisp autumn air. She was utterly infuriated, how dare that Reggie Mantle treat her as if she was some conquest. She felt a bit angry at herself for believing that he was any different from the rest of his jock friends. She couldn’t understand what was wrong with those boys, everything was a competition for them and they didn’t care who they hurt in the process.

Lily’s head shot up at the deep voice. Sweet Pea was walking across the parking lot.

“How do you do it, Sweet Pea?” He came over to stand before her, looking down at her with a confused look.

“Do what?”

“How do you manage to just show up wherever I am?”

“I was in the neighborhood.”

She gave him a pressing look.

“Oh, so you aren’t here to check on me or anything…”

“Definitely not.” Sweet Pea smirked.

“Hmm. Well, I’m doing just fine.”

Sweet Pea pulled an amused expression and crossed his arms. “Is that so?”

She nodded her head and forced a smile, trying her best not to crack under his stare.

“If it’s going so well…why are you out here?”

Lily let her smile fade. “Fine. It’s not going so well.”

“What happened?”

“It’s just-it’s Reggie and his low-life friends.”

Sweet Pea tensed up. “What did he do to you? Did he hurt you? I swear to god I’ll kill that-“

“No, no! He didn’t hurt me.” Sweet Pea relaxed a bit but his fists remained clenched. “I overheard him talking with Chuck, I guess they had a bet going…”

Sweet Pea’s brow furrowed. “A bet?”

“They bet on whether or not Reggie could get me to sleep with him by the end of the night…”

“I’m going to kill him.” Sweet Pea made a move for the entrance, but Lily jumped up in front of him to block him from the door and placed a hand on his chest.

“Sweet Pea, don’t.”

“Fuck that, Lily! Someone has to put that asshole in his place, and I’m more than willing to volunteer.” He made a move to go around her and she stepped in front of him again.

“I took care of it.” Sweet Pea looked at her for a second.

“You took care of it?”

“I backhanded him across the face.”

Sweet Pea’s eyes bugged out of his head. “You did?” She nodded her head yes.

Sweet Pea let out a deep breath and shook his head, a warm rumble of laughter escaping him. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, but I think I like it.” He lifted her chin and pulled her into a kiss.

“Come on, let’s get the hell out of here.”

**

“I wish I had just listened to you in the first place, I cannot believe I trusted him.”

“Really? I can.”

Lily shot him Sweet Pea a look. “And what exactly is that supposed to mean?”

“I just mean that you’re a trusting person. It’s your best and worst trait.”

“I guess you’re right. I really do want to trust people, but it seems like every time I do it backfires on me.”

“I know what you mean.”

“What do you think your best and worst trait would be?”

Sweet Pea shrugged. “I don’t know, you tell me.”

Lily looked at him, carefully thinking about it. “I think you’re too proud.”

“Too proud?” Sweet Pea chuckled.

“Yes. You’re very confident, very sure of yourself but I think that gets in the way of showing others how you really feel.”

Lily turned to look out the window and smiled to herself, proud of her assessment.

“You better not be running all over town giving away my secrets, darlin’. I’ve got a reputation to keep up.”

Lily couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s exactly what I was talking about.”

They pulled into the empty lot of Sweetwater Forest and Sweet Pea put the car in park.

Lily watched with curious eyes as Sweet Pea got out of the car and ran over to her side of the black Ford de Luxe and opened the door for her. He took her hand and and pulled her from the passenger seat into the cool night air. “Come on.”

He led her over to stand next to the car. Lily watched him lean into the drivers side of the car and began flipping through the radio until he finally settled on Bobby Helms’ “My Special Angel” and turned up the volume so she could hear it outside. Sweet Pea slowly walked back over to where Lily stood and offered her his hand.

“I believe I was promised the last dance?”

She couldn’t help but smile, his eyes were warm and playful. She reached out and accepted his hand, he twirled her around and pulled her close, letting his other hand rest on her waist. The two of them swayed in the darkness as the music softly played from the car speakers.

Lily rested her head against his warm chest, savoring the moment. Sweet Pea pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. The faint scent of vanilla filled his senses.

Lily pulled back to look up at him. “Sweet Pea, what are we doing?”

“Last I checked, we’re dancing.”

“No, I mean what are we doing? What is this?”

She watched the gears begin to turn in his mind as he came to understand what she meant. “I have no idea.”

That wasn’t exactly what she had been hoping to hear. “Okay.” She started to chew on her lip.

“Shit. I didn’t mean it like that.” He brought his hand up to her chin, lifting her head back up to look at him. “I’ve just never been in a relationship before.”

“Neither have I.”

“I guess that’s one thing we have in common, then.”

Lily gave him a small smile.

“You really want to try this? You want to be my girl?”

Lily’s eyes were gleaming in adoration. “I’ve always been your girl, Pea.”

Sweet Pea brought her in closer and let his lips crash down on hers. Lily pressed into him, standing on the tip of her toes and deepening the kiss. She brought her hand up to the back of his head, letting her fingers curl into his dark locks. Sweet Pea let his hand travel to her bottom, giving it a squeeze before he lifted her up and walked her over to the car so her back was pressed against the cool metal. She tightly wrapped her legs around him and felt his body push into hers, his arousal pressed against her. Her hips involuntarily thrusted up, grinding her hips against him, making Sweet Pea groan against her lips. He pulled back first, his eyes were dark and full of desire. Lily sighed his name as Sweet Pea began kissing and sucking on the soft skin of her neck, sending tingles all the way down her body. That aching sensation between her thighs returned. “Pea?” He pulled back to look at her, both of them out of breath. Lily lifted her hand to caress his strong jawline. She looked up at him through her dark lashes.

“Should we get in the car?”

He let her down and opened the door to the backseat, climbing in after her and picking up right where they left off. Their lips passionately clashed and collided. Their hands explored each other’s bodies. Sweet Pea’s let his hands venture higher and higher up her leg, his fingers gently pushing up the fabric of her dress up her thigh. He gently caressed her smooth skin and lifted her leg so it was resting on top of his.

He pulled back to whisper in her ear. “Tell me if you want me to stop.”

Lily nodded her head in anticipation. He kissed his way down her neck. Lily’s fingers sank into his dark curls as he kissed up and down her neck, teasing the sensitive skin. He moved his hand further up until his fingers felt the lace trim of her panties. Lily let out a sigh, her fingers tightly tangled in his hair. He felt her hips jerk forward slightly into his hand.

“Is this okay?” Sweet Pea let his finger lightly run over her core through the fabric of her panties. Lily gasped at the sensation, her eyes snapping shut. It was like music to his ears. He wanted to hear more.

He whispered in her ear softly, “I want to make you feel good baby.” Lily looked up at him with hazy eyes and nodded again, giving him the go-ahead. He ran his finger over her once again and she let out another moan. Sweet Pea could feel dampness through the fabric of her panties.

“You’re so beautiful.” He whispered, her hips began bucking in search of his hand. He pushed her panties to the side and ran his finger along her wet slit up and down before letting a finger slowly sink into her heat, earning him a low moan. Lily’s eyes were glued to his hand, watching it disappear beneath her dress. He slowly dragged his finger out, adding a second before he slowly sank back into her opening. He began pumping his fingers in and out of her, slowly. “T-that feels really…good.”  “Yeah?” Lily nodded her head and sighed. “What about when I do this...” Sweet Pea pulled his fingers out of her opening, gathering some of her wetness on his fingers and gliding up to the small pearl at the top. Lily gasped at the contact, shocked by the amount of pleasure such a subtle touch could bring. “Does that feel good?” Sweet Pea began gently rubbing circles over her clit. “Sweet Pea.” He watched as she let her her head fall back against the leather seat, her breath growing jagged. Her fingers dug into his shoulders. Seeing her like that, panting and moaning his name in pure bliss made him harden. She felt the aching feeling deep in her abdomen intensifying, a warmth spreading throughout her body. “I-I don’t know what’s happening.” Lily managed to choke out. Sweet Pea could feel her begin to tighten around his fingers as he pumped them in and out of her, his thumb gently rubbing against her most sensitive spot. He could tell she was close. “It’s okay baby, just let it happen. Trust me.” His voice was rough but comforting. Lily’s heart was beating heavily against her chest, her breath soon came in short gasps. The pleasure between her thighs was rising, she could feel herself tightening around his fingers as they continued to move inside of her. Sweet Pea had butterflies in his stomach as he watched her come undone. Her face flushed pink, her full lips parted, emerald green eyes bore into his until she arched her back, meeting his thrusts. Lily threw her head back as the pleasure overtook her. Her nails dug into the leather of his jacket as she let out a string of whimpers and moans as she finally reached her peak.

Sweet Pea slowed his movements as she came down from her high.

“You are so damn beautiful. Holy shit.”

Lily lifted her head back up to look at Sweet Pea, who sat there with a look of complete awe. “That was…oh my goodness.” She went to cover her face in embarrassment, but Sweet Pea caught them in his own.

“Don’t hide from me.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just kind of embarrassed.”

Sweet Pea brought her hands up to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to them. “Nothing to be embarrassed about. I think that was one of the sexiest things I’ve ever seen.”

Lily shyly smiled at him. She closed her eyes and attempted to catch her breath. Sweet Pea found it painfully cute how coy she became after what had just happened.

“Did you like it?”

“Yes, thank you. It was…thank you.” Lily looked down to Sweet Pea’s lap. “Should I-“

“Thanks doll, but it’s past midnight and I’ve gotta get you home. Surprised the car hasn’t turned into a pumpkin yet.”

**

Sweet Pea dropped her off at home, they kissed each other goodbye and he watched her quietly enter her house. Sweet Pea smiled to himself, playing over the events of the night in his head. He was quickly learning that the good little Northside girl had a bit of a bad side to her. And in turn, she had a real talent of making him weak. Whether she was aware of it or not, it still scared the hell out of him. He was about to pass by Pop’s when someone caught his eye, Reggie Mantle was walking out to his car. Against his better judgement, Sweet Pea pulled into the otherwise empty parking lot. He reached into his glove compartment and pulled out his pair of brass knuckles, letting his fingers curl around the cool metal.

Nobody messed with Pea’s girl.

[thepinkwriterr]

Loner // IT 2017 Chapter Twenty - Four

Billy Joel - Vienna

--

 Slow down, you crazy child And take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile It's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two When will you realize, Vienna waits for you? And you know that when the truth is told That you can get what you want or you can just get old You're gonna kick off before you even get half through

Why don't you realize, Vienna waits for you?

//

Kali's POV

Saturday mornings mean breakfast with James.

I got out last weekend saying I had to study with Beverly. I can't fuck him on it this weekend, so I guess I have to tough it out.

I threw on a sweater along with some jeans. It was a brisk morning, but still a little cold. I made my way to my car, sighing as I opened the door. I would rather die than sit across from James and pretend again.

The drive there was filled with nothing but music. I didn't sing along, I didn't think, I didn't even sing the lyrics in my head. I just looked out at the road and followed the signs.

"Hey babe." I heard behind me. I slapped on a smile,"Hey." I mirrored his actions. "What can I getcha kids?" The waitress asked.

I ended up getting a waffle and some juice. James got the same, but with some toast. "So," He swallowed a sip of his juice,"How's school?"

I shrugged,"It's okay," The waitress set out food in front of us as I spoke,"I guess." He cut into waffle while I stared at mine. "Howa-how's school for you?" Had I forgotten how to converse like a normal person?

"It's pretty good. Passed my exam." He grinned. "That's great!" I genuinely cared for James and wanted to see him prosper, but this pretending was putting a damper on everything.

"Any progress with Richie?" He asked, snapping me from my thoughts. I realized that I had been staring off into space for a few minutes. "Uh-no..." I answered, looking away, scratching the back of my neck.

The rest of the breakfast was bleak. We had resorted to small talk again, like when he was just Dani's older brother. I hated that it had panned out like this, but it was a result of drifting apart, I guess.

He looked at his watch, sighing. "Well, I gotta go. I have a seminar in twenty minutes." I stood, meeting him in a hug. "I'll see you later." He kissed my forehead. "See ya."

I bolted to my car door, slamming it behind me. I took a lot of time to think on the way home. The end result of my cathartic epiphany was that I was a terrible person, and I should probably get my shit together.

All that time wasted on thinking. For that? That conclusion? God, I'm falling apart.

Danielle's POV

Monday came looming around after a boring, dreary Sunday. I got ready, throwing on shorts and a striped shirt. I was ungrounded this afternoon, so I was given my cassette rights back.

Boyz-N-The-Hood played through the speakers of my headphones. I nodded along to the music as I walked down the street. My car rights were still revoked, so I had to walk to and from school.

School was boring, as usual. Eddie and I worked together in History, and that was the highlight of my day. And now, I get to sit in detention with Richie! Yay!

I sighed as I opened the door. I saw the infamous head of thick, black curls. The sight made my heart melt every time I saw them. I sat in my usual seat, pulling out my homework. I started filling out English sheets.

I slipped on my headphones, hearing the piano fill through my head. Slow down, you crazy child. You're so ambitious for a juvenile

But then if you're so smart, then tell me, why are you still so afraid?

Where's the fire, what's the hurry about? You'd better cool it off before you burn it out

You've got so much to do and only so many hours in a day

But you know that when the truth is told; That you can get what you want or you get old

You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through

When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

Humming along to the tune I did my best to compete my math problems. I was a little distracted, as the words to the song were infectious. Slow down, you crazy child. Take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile?

I sang that part aloud.

"Why don't you realize, Vienna waits for you?" I heard from behind me. I turned as the song changed. The gentle strum of an acoustic guitar began.

"Ground Control to Major Tom...Ground Control to Major Tom..." I sang. "Take your protein pills and put your helmet on." Richie sang back. I sat the headphones on a desk, music pouring through the speakers and into the air.

"Ground Control to Major Tom

Commencing countdown, engines on...

Check ignition and may God's love be with you ..." Richie finished the line. "This is Ground Control to Major Tom! You've really made the grade and the papers want to know whose shirts you wear!" I sang back to him.

"Now, it's time to leave the capsule if you dare

This is Major Tom to Ground Control, I'm stepping through the door

And I'm floating in a most peculiar way, and the stars look very different today..." He looked at my knowingly as he sang in his deep voice.

"For here, am I sitting in a tin can

Far above the world

Planet Earth is blue, and there's nothing I can do..." As we sang I had gotten closer. When I sang the final words of my line I was centimeters from his face.

The solo crooned from the headphones behind us. My eyes darted from his eyes to lips, then back again. He pressed his lips together, shaking his head lightly. We stared into each others eyes until the song ended. Next up was America.

"Kathy, I'm lost," I said, though I knew she was sleeping

I'm empty and aching and I don't know why

Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike

They've all come to look for America

All come to look for America." I sang softly my favorite section of the song.

His stupid watch beeped as She's Always a Woman started.

But he didn't move, he just sat and looked to me.

Kali's POV

I spent the whole thinking of our sleepover. And, most importantly, avoiding Beverly.

"Prefect." She smiled, sitting Indian style in the middle of my rug. I joined her, sitting across from the redhead. "So... you wanna play a game?" She asked. "Of course." I smirked. "Truth or dare?" "Sure."

"Truth or dare?" She asked. "Hmm...Truth. Imma start easy." She laughed. "Alright...uh...Do you have a crush?" I thought for a minute. "Yes." "Really? While dating James? Scandalous!"

I shrugged,"Who's to say it isn't James?" Her face fell serious. "Who is it?" "Ah, ah, ah!" I wagged my finger in her face,"One question only!"

"Truth or dare?" I asked. "Dare!" She smirked. "Hmm...I dare you to...crank call Jake." We both giggled, rushing down to the phone. "Hello?" I heard his groggy voice through the receiver.

"Hello? Yes-is this Jake Marsh?" "Yeah..." "This is Dr. Teagues, from the STD clinic," She faked a deep voice,"I'm afraid to inform you that the test results came back positive."

"I don't know what you're talking about..." He responded, baffled. "Your girlfriend has chlyamidia, sir." She then hung up the phone, sending both of us into a fit of giggles.

"Okay, truth or dare?" She asked. "Uh...Dare...." She smirked, rubbing her hands together. "Finally! Muhahaha!" She faked a manical laugh. "I dare...you...to... bum a cigarette." Her smirk stood strong. I sighed,"Fine..."

I coughed as I inhaled. I hated the feeling of the thick smoke filling my lungs. "Not like that," She plucked the cig from me,"Like this." She stuck it in between her lips and inhaled.

She stuck it back in between my wide lips. "See..." She looked into my eyes, trailing off as I inhaled again. I pulled the cigarette from my lips and exhaled.

Grabbing the back of my head, she pressed her lips into mine. Her lips were soft and inviting, like I could grow flowers between the two rosey pods.

Thought the entire day I dreaded seeing her. I didn't even want to say her name. But god, did I miss her laugh.

Danielle's POV

"She is frequently kind,

And she's suddenly cruel

She can do as she pleases,

She's nobody's fool

But she can't be convicted,

She's earned her degree

And the most she will do

Is throw shadows at you,

But she's always a woman to me..." We sang whilst looking deeply into each other's eyes.

His singing made me fall in love with him... I just knew it...

Kali's POV

I saw her walk past me. I ignored her, pretending to retrieve something from my bag.

When I sat across from her during lab groups I felt nothing. Upon looking at her lovely cheek bones I felt everything.

What was happening to me? I looked up at her again, counting the freckles dotting across her face.

[aniallstory-blog]

Chapter Eighteen

After the emotional part of the day was done, it was time to celebrate. We all went back to my house, buzzing from the success of the day and started the party while we got ready. Around nine pm, we were picked up by yet another limousine and headed out on the town to meet up with my other bridesmaids. Charlotte and Gemma assured me that it would be a good night, but would't tell me where we were going so when we pulled up outside Rumpus Room, one of the busiest rooftop bars in London, I was shocked.

“Are we actually gonna try to get in there?” I asked as we stepped out on to the sidewalk. “It's guestlist only, there's no way we'll get in at this time.”

“We will if we're on the guestlist,” Gemma smiled at me, linking her arm through mine.

“Are we?” I asked her, my voice full of skepticism. “How'd we manage that?”

I suddenly felt an arm around my shoulder and someone standing on the side of me opposite to Gemma.

“Bein' related to Harry Styles does, on occasion, have some perks.”

I smiled at the familiar voice and looked up to see Harry looking down at me.

“Wow, I really am being spoiled today!”

“'Course ya are,” Harry grinned. “Only get one bachelorette party!”

Harry slid his arm off of my shoulder and led the group towards the door.

-

My other bridesmaids were apparently already inside and ready to start the party as they greeted us with a tray full of shots. Charlotte, Gemma and I reached for them eagerly, but Harry quickly disappeared to buy something a tad less strong for himself, his mother and Maura. We settled into a nice booth in the corner of the room with a great view of the city and I looked around at my little posse, my heart filling with love.

“Can I just take a moment to thank you all for being here?” I asked, interrupting the various conversations my friends and family had fallen into. “I know weddings are a hassle and I know this one has been particularly rushed, but I appreciate each and every one of you for supporting Niall and I. I hope I haven't been too much of a picky bridezilla, especially while I was picking out my dress today.”

“Oh my god!” My bridesmaid, Abby squealed. “Did you find one?!”

I couldn't even hide the massive grin that burst onto my face.

“I did!” I told them as I pulled out my phone to find the picture Gemma had sent me. “It's this one right here.”

I held out the phone so the three bridesmaids who weren't there and Harry could see what I looked like. The girls all cooed and showered me with praise while Harry looked a tad teary.

“Ya look amazin', AJ,” He said quietly. “Niall's gonna lose it when he sees you.”

“That's what I said,” Maura smiled as she sipped her gin and tonic.

“Do you think he'll cry?” Sarah asked, handing me back my phone.

“I don't think so,” I said scrunching up my nose. “I think he'll think I look beautiful and he'll be happy, but I don't think seeing me in a pretty dress will be enough to make him cry. Maybe once he realizes he'll have to spend the rest of his life with me the tears will start.”

Everyone chuckled at my self-deprecating joke and Anne swatted my arm as she shook her head.

“He's a lucky man for getting to spend his life with you,” She insisted. “And your dress was enough to make us all cry today so I wouldn't underestimate the power of a beautiful bride!”

Maura nodded in agreement.

“If I know my son like I think I do, there'll be a few tears on the day,” She warned me. “He's a typical Irish lad who doesn't like to get too emotional unnecessarily, but he's been known to shed a tear over much less than something like this. He won't be able to help himself when he sees you.”

I blushed and took a gulp of my drink, never one to take a compliment well. Luckily Gemma swooped in before I had to comment.

“I think we'll all be sobbing through the whole ceremony,” She smiled. “We're an emotional bunch. Hopefully Lou has some very waterproof makeup for us all!”

“Lou's doin' yer makeup?”

I nodded in response to Harry's question.

“Yeah, I asked her the other day,” I informed him. “I asked Lux if she wanted to be the flowergirl too, she was over the moon.”

“I bet she was,” He smiled fondly. “I know you're trying to keep the wedding small, but I was wonderin' if m'allowed t'bring a plus one?”

Suddenly all the eyes at the table landed on Harry and he shifted nervously under our collective gaze.

“Of course you are,” I said, my voice laced with suspicion. “As long as it's not a Kardashian or any of their relatives. We're going to have enough trouble keeping the paparazzi away as it is.”

“S'not, I swear,” Harry chuckled, shaking his head.

He offered no more information as we all stared him down.

“So who is she?” Gemma blurted out after a tense moment of silence. “I didn't know you were seeing anyone.”

Anne nodded in agreement, looking quite shocked that she hadn't been informed. I was surprised too as usually Harry told his mum everything which usually meant I knew far earlier than I was supposed to as she told my dad and he told me. Word travelled fast in our family, secrets like this were hard to come by.

“Her name's Isabel,” Harry said quietly, a proud little smile on his face. “She's french and we're not really 'seeing each other' yet, we're just talkin', but m'going to see her tomorrow after the premiere to talk about things.”

“Awe, I'm happy for you, Haz,” I smiled. “Of course she can come to the wedding!”

“Might not get that far, but figured I'd ask jus' in case.”

“Show me a picture,” Gemma demanded, still looking shocked that this was the first he'd mentioned her. “How'd you meet her?”

“On the set of Dunkirk,” He explained as he fished his phone out to pull up a picture. He scrolled through for a minute before his eyes lit up and he passed the phone to Gemma. I peeked over her shoulder and my jaw dropped.

“Harry, she's gorgeous!”

“N'smart too!” He beamed proudly. “She's a historian, was helpin' out with makin' sure the film was accurate, s'how we met.”

“Well she's the prettiest historian I've ever seen,” Gemma smiled. “Does she model too?”

“Nope, has no interest in that stuff,” Harry informed us. “Doesn't even think she's that beautiful, no matter how many times I tell her.”

We passed the phone around so Anne, Maura and all my friends could see and everyone's reaction was the same as mine.

“Well I hope it works out for you, Harry,” Charlotte said as she passed his phone back. “She seems lovely from what you've said.”

“She is,” Harry agreed. “And I can trust that none of this information leaves this table, yeah? S'still new and m'worried about the fans. They always tear my girls apart and I don't want that for her, 'specially not when we're not even together yet.”

“Oh please,” I rolled my eyes as I finished my drink off. “These girls are experts at keeping top secret One Direction love life details to themselves. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Just makin' sure!” Harry protested, holding his hands up in defense. “Now, let's get this party started, shall we? Looks like there's a few people who need another drink.”

-

Almost two hours later, it was safe to say that I was drunk. Apparently being the guest of honour meant that I had to constantly have a drink in my hand and was scolded if it didn't disappear fast enough. And that was how I found myself on the dance floor, dancing badly and shouting along the words to some cheesy pop song. Just as my current jam ended, I felt myself being pulled away from my bridesmaids. Looking to see who was holding my hand, I saw Harry's familiar face.

“M'gonna take these lovely ladies home now, yeah?” He told me once we were away from the noise of the DJ and next to Maura and Anne. “They're tired and I've got an early flight.”

I pouted dramatically and shook my head.

“Nooo,” I whined, holding onto Harry as I felt myself sway slightly. “You can't go yet, the party's jus' gettin' started.”

Harry chuckled as the older women smiled at me in amusement.

“Have to, love,” He insisted. “But Gemma's goin' to take good care of ya, gave her money for your cab home and everything.”

I sighed dramatically, but nodded my head.

“Alriiiiiight,” I said, dragging out the word as I reluctantly let go of Harry to give the other's a hug. “Thanks for comin' and thanks for the help today. Get home safe.”

“Do ya want me t'get you some water before I leave?” Harry asked, raising his eyebrow at me in concern causing me to wrinkle my nose in disgust.

“Water? M'good with gin for now thanks,” I informed him before an idea struck me. “Ooh, but could I bum a cig off of you?”

“A cig? You don't smoke, AJ and neither do I so I don't have any.”

“And if he did, he wouldn't give them to you,” Anne informed me, giving me the look she used to give me when I was younger and misbehaved which I promptly ignored.

“Well if you don't have one, can ya bum on off someone else for me?” I asked. “I like a cigarette when m'drinking sometimes, you know that. Jus' don't tell my dad or Niall, alright?”

Harry shook his head, a smile on his face.

“M'not gonna bum one for ya either, love,” He told me, patting my shoulder in what felt like a rather patronizing way. “Now, go find Gemma and enjoy the rest of your night, yeah?”

I sighed dramatically once again, but nodded and pulled him into a hug before I pranced off back to my friends.

Once I had the idea in my head that I wanted a cigarette, I couldn't kill the craving. Luckily Charlotte was also in the mood once I mentioned it so the two of us snuck outside to see if we could scrounge one up to share. It didn't take us long to find a very generous drunk girl who 'absolutely, completely, adored my outfit' and was willing to donate to our cause.

As Charlotte lit it up and took a long drag, we enjoyed the quiet, cool air and I pulled out my phone. I had a message from Harry letting me know everyone got home safely and to enjoy my night and a few messages from Niall that were full of typos showing his level of inebriation was probably close to mine (unless of course my blurry vision was inhibiting my reading abilities). I took the cigarette from Charlotte as I opened Instagram with the intention of posting one of the many selfies we'd taken that night. However, before I could switch to the posting part of the app, a picture of Niall popped up on my screen. Well more specifically Niall's back.

“Oh no,” I groaned, handing the cigarette back to Charlotte. “Niall's not even been in Ibiza for a day and he's already sunburnt!”

“Really? Let me see,” Charlotte laughed, taking my phone to look at the picture. After a moment she rolled her eyes and handed it back to me. “That's nothing, he's barely pink!”

“Yeah, but if he's pink now, just think how bad it'll be in the morning!”

She rolled her eyes again, but as she got distracted by some cute guy that just walked out into the smoking area, I closed the app and pulled up Niall's number in my phone. Unfortunately for me, Charlotte's attention snapped back to me as soon as she heard the ringing.

“What are you doing?” She demanded to know, her tone stern. “Who are you calling?”

“M'calling Niall,” I admitted. “Gotta tell him to put some lotion on before he goes to bed tonight and to make sure he wears extra sunscreen tomorrow if he's already burnt.”

“What, are you his mother or something?” She asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Give me your damn phone.”

Before I could even oblige with her request, my phone was snatched out my hand, the call disconnected as it was shoved into her purse.

“Charlotte, what was that for?”

My words came out a lot whinier than they were meant and she simply shook her head as she passed my the last little bit of the cigarette.

“This is supposed to be your last wild night out as an unmarried lady,” She reminded me. “I know your wedding's still ages away, but you are strictly forbidden from talking to your groom during your bachelorette party!”

I pouted slightly as I stomped out the cigarette butt.

“Fine, I promise I won't call him,” I relented. “Can I have my phone back now?”

“Nope!” Charlotte grinned, linking her arm with mine. “You can have it back at the end of the night when I know you won't be making any naughty phone calls! Now, let's go get ourselves another drink!”

-

It was almost three hours later when I stumbled into the house, waving goodbye to my friends in the cab as it drove off to take them home. I was absolutely plastered. The drinks had not stopped all night and considering I was already decently intoxicated when Harry, Anne and Maura had left the bar and now I was done for.

“Jus' get ya self some water 'n go t'sleep,” I drunkenly mumbled to myself as I locked the door.

That was when I realized all the lights were on and the smell of delicious greasy food wafted into my nostrils. Furrowing my brow in confusion, I staggered into the kitchen and found Maura plating up the most amazing burger I'd ever seen.

“Ah, perfect timin'!” She smiled. “I thought ya'd be home soon.”

“You made that for me?” I asked as she nodded her head. I felt my eyes well up with tears as I slipped into the mushy, emotional kind of drunk I always got when I started getting tired. “You stayed up to make me drunk food?”

“I did,” Maura confirmed. “Wanted ta make sure ya got home alright anyway and I thought ya'd need it from the state you were in when I left!”

“M'in a worser state now!” I informed her (just in case she couldn't tell) as I pulled myself onto a stool by the island and she pushed the plate towards me. “This s'so nice of you, Maura. You're the best.”

“It's no trouble,” She smiled, shaking her head as I bit into the burger and let out a moan of absolute bliss. “Let me get ya some water too, you need that more than anything.”

I mumbled my thanks through my full mouth before continuing to devour my food. Maura took a seat across from me, a cup of tea in her hand and we sat in silence until I finished shovelling food into my face. Once I was done, I chugged down the glass of water.

“You're the best mother-in-law ever,” I told her, causing a laugh to burst from her lips. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” Maura nodded. “I'd like to think by now you know I'm always here for you, can ask me anything you'd like.”

“Are you glad Niall chose me?” I asked, picking at my nails nervous for the answer. “Like are you and Bobby glad that he’s marrying me?”

“Well I can't speak for Bobby, but from what I've heard and seen and the few conversations we've had I think he'd agree when I say that of course we are,” She told me, looking slightly taken aback by the question. “You make Niall very happy and we support anything that brings him joy.”

I nodded in thought for a moment before I realized I wasn't satisfied with her answer.

“But do you like me? Are you happy that it's me making Niall happy?” I tried to explain myself. “M’not making sense, but you can like things that aren't good for you, yeah? Like how Niall likes beer a little more thans good for him sometimes and apparently I like smoking if tonight is anything to go by.”

I wrinkled my nose in disgust at myself as I caught a whiff of stale cigarette smell from my hair earning another laugh from Maura.

“Oh, honey! We absolutely like you! Love you, even,” Maura assured me. “You're smart, beautiful, independent, funny. I could go on and on if you'd like. We've always loved you and I think you're wonderful for Niall. You keep each other grounded and you're not afraid to tell him when he's bein' an idiot. Like this whole delaying the weddin' business. You didn't let him get away with that nonsense for a minute and that's what he needs. Too many girls would let someone like him walk all over them, but you stand up to him. Helps keep his head on straight!”

My cheeks felt like they were going to split from how wide I was smiling by the time she was done singing my praises.

“Means a lot, Maura,” I told her, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I love your son a whole lot. More than I ever thought I'd love anyone. You did a good job raisin' him, he's practically perfect in every way and I dunno what I'd do without him. Makes me happy to know that you're all as excited for me join your family as I am and I hope that when me and Niall have any babies we do half as good a job raising them as you did with Niall.”

Maura smiled proudly at my rambled compliment.

“Thanks, honey, I'm sure you'll do even better than we did,” She assured me. “Now let's get you to bed, the later you stay up the worse you're going to feel in the mornin'.”

I nodded, hopped down from my stool and followed Maura down the hall to the stairs, leaving the dishes to be dealt with in the morning.

[sceawere]

táimid naimhde sa chathair | tommy shelby/reader

anon request:   you grew up with tommy and had a really long serious relationship but left when grace came along you left him - a few years later he finds you with a job as a singer in sabinis bar in London, engaged to a son of his -tommy is determined to get you back 

“When is that boy going to marry you?”

“Oh, Polly, don’t go buying a hat. It’s been bloody years, I think if he was going to make a move he’d have long done it”

“It took him nearly ten to ask for you in the first place, this is Tommy we’re talking about. Can’t do anything but make things more difficult, that boy”

“It took him nearly ten years because we were children, Polly”

“Still”

“Thanks for listening to me rant, anyway”

You stood from her table, dropping your cup in the sink as you went.

“I better get home”

“Have you told him about London yet?”

Your cousin had got a job offer at a club in London and invited you to come along. They wanted a singer to add to their roster and you were apparently perfect for the job, according to your cousin at least. She didn’t much like Tommy and you thought it was more about her trying to get you to move to greener pastures than actually about the work.

“No. Can’t seem to find the time”

“He’s been thinking about an expansion. This might be what tips him over”

“Exactly. You don’t want him in London, Polly, do you?”

You looked at her expectantly, knowing her answer already.

“No, I don’t. But I don’t want you there alone. And I don’t want you two apart. So here are my options”

“Polly, I love you like a mother, you know I do. But at some point you’re going to have to realise that Tommy is a man now and let him make his own decisions”

“Some bloody chance. This whole place would burn without me clipping those boys ears and sending them the right way”

“Isn’t that the bloody truth”

You smiled back at her, heading for the door. You heard her shout after you right before it closed behind you.

“Tell him or I will!”

-

“Who’s that behind the bar?”

“New girl”

“She’s…nice, though”

John laughed at you, looking through the window of the side room to the bar.

“Yeah, Tommy let her know she’s in the wrong place”

“Oh, he did?”

“Don’t go getting jealous, now”

“Fuck off, John-o. Seriously though, she won’t last the month”

“You putting money down on that?”

“I never bet, not against you lot. I know too much about how you operate”

You saw Tommy come into the Garrison, heading for the bar and chatting to the barmaid.

“He wouldn’t”

You turned to John who had gotten serious.

“Wouldn’t what?”

“Cheat. He’s not like that”

You smiled back, quirking your eyebrows together.

“I know”

“You know what?”

“Uh, that you-“

“Wouldn’t cheat on me with the pretty new thing behind the counter”

Tommy sat himself beside you, lighting a cig.

“You talking about me when I’m not here?”

“Always”

He gave you a slight smile, focusing back on his smoke, distracted.

“You ok?”

He hummed back. You’d learned to expect less from Tommy ever since he came home. Since his body came home at least. The man you’d fallen in love with as a child was long gone. Tommy had always been reserved, calculated, thinking things over constantly. But the war had exacerbated it all, without doing the same to his good traits. He seemed hollower somehow. You’d tried to mend the gaps, fill the spaces. But you can’t fix a person. Especially one who doesn’t want you to.

-

It had been weeks and you and Tommy had been snapping at each other more and more, smiling at each other less and less. You were both pacing round after an argument, the silence stretching between you. Tommy threw himself down in a chair and you took the chance.

“Why do we insist on doing this to each other?”

Tommy sighed, not looking up to you.

“Doing what?”

“Pretending like we still love each other. That this is anything other than going through the motions anymore”

He sighed, stubbing out his smoke, and stood.

“Tommy, we need to talk about this”

“No we don’t”

“I stood on that platform praying to God to bring you home to me at the end of it all. I said I didn’t care how you came back, just please God - just send me my Tommy home alive. I think he listened a little too hard to that first bit.

I thought maybe you’d end up with scars or burns or something. I never thought…you never really came home did you, Tommy? Your body’s here but your souls still buried in that mud somewhere”

“You been talking to Polly?”

“All the damn time”

“That’s why you sound like her then”

“Tommy…do you love me? Say it and I’ll know if you mean it or not”

You swallowed back your tears when he didn’t answer, nodding to yourself, your mind made up.

“My cousin’s going down to London, I’m going to go with her”

“You’re not giving me a fucking ultima-

“No, see, Tommy, this has nothing to do with you anymore. This is about me. This is about what I deserve. I’ve loved you since we were children but we’re not anymore and I think we both need to face up that we’ve just…outgrown this. I waited for you to come home and you never did. I waited all this time for a shadow”

“I never asked you to”

“No, it was my decision. And so is this”

You walked over, eyes fluttering closed as you placed a kiss on his cheek.

“Goodbye, Thomas”

-

“5 minutes!”

One of the women was doing her usual round down the corridor, slamming her hands on all the doors and screaming at the top of her lungs. You’d asked when you first started working at the Eden why they didn’t just pull a bell or something back here but they said it was tradition. It was a different woman’s turn each night to go round and get the rest of the performers off their butt and onto the stage on time. Tonight, it sounded like it was Audrey’s turn and she was committed to her job.

You were putting the finishing touches to your hair and make-up when the door opened out the corner of your eye.

“Yeah, just a sec, I’m almost ready”

“Look pretty perfect to me”

“Frankie! Aww, you brought me flowers!” You gave them a sniff, smiling, before falling back into your chair. You draped an arm over the back, legs crossed. “What did you do this time?”

“Can’t a guy bring his best girl flowers?”

“Depends, did a guy mean to insinuate he has other girls?”

“A guy did not. A guy apologises. A guy would like to remind his girl that she’s a fucking handful and a half and he couldn’t possibly manage anyone else”

You smirked at him, jumping up to plant a kiss on his cheek, then going to get your shoes on.

“A guy can get a handful when a girl has finished work”

“You leading the stage tonight?”

“Uh-huh, any requests?”

“Won’t be here to listen, this is a flying visit”

“Oh?”

“Dad needs me for some business”

You sighed, turning to him.

“And what does Mr Sabini need from you?”

He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

“Some new guys in town throwing their weight around. Dad wants to get the message out before trouble starts brewing”

“Don’t get shot this time Francis, please? I just put new sheets on the bed, babe, they’re fancy. I don’t want your blood getting all over them again”

“My heart warms at your concern for my welfare”

He was perched on the edge of your dressing table and he still had to dip his head so you could plant a kiss on his forehead.

“I’ll sing the one you like anyway”

“Wish I was here to see it”

You’d started working at another Sabini’s clubs when you first moved to London and he’d been impressed with you. One night he invited you to a fancy dinner with his associates and there you met his son, Francis. You and Frankie had hit it off and 2 years later you were the star act at the Eden and engaged to boot. ‘Greener pastures’ your cousin had reminded you. At least 40 times since you got here.

“You’d only fall in love with me” You scrunched up your nose as you spoke and he rolled his eyes, smiling.

“Get up there and drive ‘em wild, yeah? Not paying you to suck up to the boss”

“Oh, in that case, my days are about to get a lot easier”

He followed you out, hand swatting at your bum on the way past and you giggled, joining the crowd of women heading to the stage like a river flowing to the sea.

-

You heard about the ‘new guys’ talking Eden from Frankie the night it happened. It had been your night off and you’d been lounging about, enjoying the peace when he marched in. He was storming about the apartment now, his tie half pulled off, pacing around with his drink in hand.

“Those fucking-“

“Frankie, love, maybe you should calm down a little?”

“I’m too fucking angry”

You were sat on the dresser, watching him move back and forth.

“Then tell me about it, properly. Come here”

You scooted up to the edge and motioned to him. He sighed and moved over to you, dropping the glass on the counter by your hip. You fixed his collar, properly undoing his tie and made him laugh when you slung it over your head to rest around your own neck. You gave him a little smile back. Both of you knew you weren’t in a fairy tale. You loved each other in your own way – a partnership rather than a true relationship. You were friends first, and you were equally fine with that. Both of you had been burned before and were just enjoying being with each other, you didn’t need anything else.

“Now, Frankie, use your big boy words and tell me all about it”

He rolled his eyes at you and sighed, collecting himself before he spoke.

“It’s those fucking Gypsies”

Your heart skipped a beat and you flicked your eyes up to him, tensing.

“Gypsies?”

“From Birmingham. Walked right in and kicked it all to shit”

His hand went to reach for his glass again but you threw yours down over his.

“What’s their name?”

His eyebrows rose, looking to you and noticing your change in behaviour.

“Why?”

“I…”you considered coming up with a lie or just stating you were curious but decided against it. You and Francis had promised never to lie to each other. He was honest about his work, you’d gone into it with your eyes open. You couldn’t leave Tommy for holding back and then become him in your next relationship.

“I think I knew them. When I lived in Birmingham”

“You knew them?”

His tone was leading, asking you to elaborate.

“They’re Shelby’s? They’re brothers?”

“Fucking hell”

“I was…I was with one of them”

Frankie backed off from you, angry again, and started pacing across the room before he dropped onto the end of the bed. He put his arms on his knees, holding his glass between them with both hands.

“This is…actually this is good. You can help us”

“Help you?”

You slipped off the edge of the dresser, pulling your gown around you.

“We need intel. We need to know how to fight back”

“That’s not fair, Frankie, you can’t ask me to do that”

“I already have”

“Francis, don’t”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m your fiancé, not your spy”

“You’re an employee of a club they run now”

“And that comes first?”

“Right now, that comes first”

-

You turned up for work as usual the next night, not knowing what would happen with the new bosses. Would Tommy be there?

You and Frankie had spent the previous day having one blazing row after another, the faults of not being entirely in love with each other was that it was easier to detach at times like this and make it all about the business.

Arthur had gathered all the staff who’d turned up around the stage, barking his orders. They’d fired most of them, or those who were loyal to Sabini just hadn’t turned up for work, knowing better than to risk it. It was mostly the women who worked the stage and the lower downs who had nothing to do with the owners business, they just did their job. You tried to blend into the crowd, avoiding the inevitable as long as possible.

Arthur finished his speech, sending everyone off in every direction and you sighed in relief, turning to head for the backrooms yourself. You hadn’t seen Tommy yet and you hoped he’d given the expansion to his brothers to handle. Hopefully this would all get worked out and territory returned to usual. You knew taking the Eden was a power play to get the game moving, rather than a sensible business acquisition. They were unlikely to be able to hold it long. You just had to stick it out.

You nodded to the other girls as you entered your dressing room, looking down the corridor to them, rather than into the space. When you did, you gasped and then stood still, hand still on the doorknob, eyes wide.

“Tommy”

-

You’d been getting ready around him for 20 minutes and he’d barely said a word. He’d raised his eyebrows when you’d told him to turn around so you could change your dress and only when you’d physically spun him around did he move.

“Nothing I haven’t seen before”

“Nothing you’re going to see again. You forget we’re not childhood friends here, this isn’t lovely old Birmingham. Works different in London. We’re enemies in the city”

He let out a chuckle at that and you let yourself look over to the sound, an ingrained reaction to seek out his smile.

“Ah, yes, I heard about you and Sabini’s boy. Do you love him?”

You sighed, then let out your own sarcastic laugh, shaking your head and perching against the dressing table.

“Would you feel better or worse if I did? Is that why you came back here? To find out if I was happy? Or to convince yourself I’m not?”

His lighter wouldn’t spark and he huffed, shoving it back in his pocket. You flicked the drawer open, digging out yours and handing it off to his side. He turned at the sight and raised his eyebrow at you when he handed it back.

“You smoke now? After you spent 10 years telling me to stop?”

“Frankie bought it for me”

“Oh, Frankie did?”

“Hmm…I like candles in my dressing room. He buys me them too”

“He buys you a lot”

You tilted your head at him, sneering at his tone.

“He didn’t buy me”

“I would never-“

“Fuck off, Tommy”

He smirked at his nickname, blowing smoke up into the air.

“Do you love him?”

“I love the way he makes me feel”

“And what’s that?”

“Happy. Wanted. Like we have a future”

“And what would that be?”

“I don’t know, but I know he’ll be there”

“I’m sure”

“Me and Frankie are wise enough to know that we have a good partnership and that’s just right for us. Sometimes life isn’t a fairy tale, Tommy. I thought you’d realised that by now”

“Oh, I have”

One of the other women knocked on your door, giving you your warning, and you shouted back that you’d heard. When Tommy turned to leave you threw out the question again.

“Why did you come here tonight?”

He pulled the door open, not looking at you, and mumbled his response as he left, balancing his cig in the side of his mouth.

“Because I still miss you”

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