#addison could help too! if it's in her wheelhouse

[ineffablecabbage]

Watching episodes where Benton yells at people I don't particularly like is chef's kiss. Yes, baby, get him. Carter and I both approve.

Well, Carter's ... busy right now, but kick his ass.

[alj4890]

Flirty Prompt

(Thomas x Amanda) with the following conversation as a prompt given by @prompt-nonny

Amanda: "You're so full of it." Thomas: "I prefer 'confident'." Amanda: "You would, you crazy man." Thomas: "You are so sweet." Amanda: "I hate you sometimes." Thomas: "I love you too." Have fun 😘 -Prompt Nonny ❤

A/N Thank you for the prompt! LOL! I had to include some other characters from Red Carpet Diaries in this to gauge their reactions. Hope you enjoy it and look forward for more prompts for my pairs. 

@lxaah11 @alleksa16 @penguininapinktuxedo @blackcoffee85 @stopforamoment   @krsnlove   @annekebbphotography  @cora-nova @bella-ca  @hopelessromantic1352 . @sunflowergirl05 @desiree-0816 @greywitchyshots @lilyofchoices @emceesynonymroll @dr-nancy-house @aworldoffandoms @pixieferry @lolablackwrites @flyawayboo @i-bloody-love-drake-walker

Taken from Another Night/Another Dream series.

And Scene!

Thomas stood on the stage he normally had his students act out the different scenes they composed in their small groups. His signature frown was firmly in place while he studied the placement of the furniture for tomorrow's lesson.

His day had been wretched. It started with his coffeemaker breaking this morning, then the flat tire on the interstate, followed by ruining one of his favorite shirts to change said tire. Can't forget about the ridiculous answers on a set of exams his students turned in. Then the faculty meeting was beyond tedious. To top it all off, Amanda's visit was postponed.

The lady he had been dating and was currently engaged to was supposed to be here Monday. Then Tuesday. Wednesday, still no fiancee. Now it was Thursday. They were supposed to meet with the wedding planner tomorrow evening and he did not want to go without her. It had been nearly a month since they had been together and he was sick of being apart.

He ran a hand over his face while studying a scene that one of his students had turned in. The young man had a great deal of talent and Thomas believed he could go far if given the right opportunities. But this scene...

Perhaps it was because he was in such a foul mood that he could not appreciate the meet-cute nor the flirtation to follow. The accidental on purpose kiss was cliché at best, yet it seemed to fit the tone of the rest of the scene.

"I always love seeing handsome men on stage."

Thomas whirled around in surprise. Amanda stood in the doorway of his auditorium and smiled. His own smile, the first one in quite a while, came up as he hopped down and met her halfway. He pulled her into a passionate embrace and held her close.

"Does the theater always do this to you or is it that you missed me?" Amanda teased.

"You know very well what caused this." He muttered against her lips. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming this evening?"

"I wasn't certain what time I would be landing, so I thought I would surprise you." She kissed him once more before sitting down. "Holly told me you were staying late at the university, so I decided to stop here first." She glanced at the stage and the papers in his hand. "I didn't mean to interrupt your work."

He urged her out of the chair and over to the stage. "You are never an interruption. Besides, I could use another perspective."

Amanda smiled at him and laughed nervously. "I'm not exactly known for my theater talents. I can talk all day about film history, but this..." She waved her hand at the theater room. "This is completely out of my wheelhouse."

"You give yourself too little credit." He told her, his frown fierce once more. "Your intelligence and ability to critique something logically and without insult is vastly superior to most people's."

"Careful." Amanda wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him close to her. "Compliments like that will have me acting in a way that I'm certain is discouraged in the student handbook." She stood on her tiptoes and captured his lips in a heated kiss.

"This simply makes me grateful that you are not a student." He muttered against her neck. His hands moved down to cup her backside, pressing her closer. "Therefore the rules do not apply."

"And what would you have done, Professor Hunt, if I had walked through that door as your student?" Her teasing smile brought his own to form.

"I suppose this would not be happening." He sat down on the antique chaise lounge and pulled her into his lap.

"Professor Hunt! I am surprised at you." Amanda nipped his ear gently before pressing another tender kiss to his lips. "What was it you wanted my opinion on?"

He exaggerated a groan at her ability to remain clear headed. He should have continued with his seduction before telling her he needed her help.

"Will you read this and tell me what you think?" He handed her the scene.

She got comfortable in his arms and smiled at the occasional brush of his lips against her neck as he read over her shoulder. His fingers slowly moved up and down her arm.

"You are being quite distracting." She whispered. He held her tighter to him and paused his movements.

"I didn't say stop." She kissed his cheek when he chuckled and continued to read while he resumed his own activities on her skin.

She set the paper down. "Hmm."

He cocked an eyebrow and waited.

"It has a great deal of potential." Amanda picked it up again. "Though this conversation," she pointed at the lines, "it seems so out of character for the two."

He reread it and nodded. "I agree. I think it throws their romance off for the audience."

"Exactly! They have both been so sweet to one another and then to transition to something like this...would it be believable or would people act surprised?" Her eyes lit up with mischief. "We should try it out!"

"What? Now?" He watched as excitment flooded over her.

"Yes! Let's see if we can't get a few friends to meet us for a late dinner or drinks?"

"You just arrived." He argued pulling her closer. "We can test this another--"

"Aren't you grading this tomorrow?" She asked.

Thomas could see it was a losing battle. He had discovered that when her mind was made up, it was nearly impossible to change it. "Very well." He stood up and held his hand out to her. With a sudden tug he had her in his arms. "Once this experiment is conducted, you are mine."

___________

A couple of hours later...

"I need wedding details please!" Addison exclaimed. "What is being decided tomorrow?"

"We are touring the final two optional places for the ceremony and reception. I believe we will most likely have the rehersal dinner there as well." Amanda pulled a small notebook out and flipped through the pages. "Flowers and decorations too. Then Saturday is cake tasting and deciding on food."

Thomas watched her face light up while she discussed the upcoming wedding with Addison and Matt. He reached across the table and took her hand. Her smile glowed when her gaze met his and she gently squeezed his hand.

"We come bearing drinks." Ryan announced as he expertly flourished a tray.

"Impressive." Matt chuckled when Holly rolled her eyes.

"Don't encourage him. His ego is big enough." She sat back down and winked at Ryan when he placed her drink in front of her.

"Did you ever wait tables?" Amanda asked.

"No, but my first acting job was as a handsome waiter." He waggled his eyebrows at the group, causing snorts and laughter. "I'm simply quoting the script."

"Perfect timing." Addison pointed toward the pool table that was available. "Who's ready to play first?"

"I say Hunt and future Hunt against me and Holly." Ryan suggested. "Winners take on the ridiculously dynamic duo."

"I can't help that not only am I incredibly talented at pool, but that I am with a natural born hustler." Matt wrapped his arm around Addison. She pressed a kiss to his lips, giggling at the playful boos and wadded napkins thrown at them.

Amanda hung back a few paces with Thomas while the others walked over to the pool table. "Ready for your scene Mr. Hunt?"

He nodded. "Let's get this over with." He leaned down close to her ear and whispered what he had planned for the rest of the evening.

"Hurry up!" Holly yelled out. "Some of us would like to kick your butts at pool!"

Thomas picked up a pool cue and handed it to Amanda. She shook her head with a laugh and pushed it back. "Let me see what you've got."

A wicked grin appeared on his face. "At the beginning of my career--"

"Are we talking pre-underwear or post-underwear model era?" Ryan asked.

Amanda nearly choked on her drink at Thomas's glare.

"During." He answered. "As I was saying, one of the photographers would try and loosen everyone up by having us shoot a few games of pool."

"So you and the other models were in your underwear holding your pool sticks?" Holly teased. Ryan spit his drink out and stared at her in surprise.

"Yes." Thomas ignored the innuendo. "Much like my talent at modeling," he winked surreptitiously to Amanda, "I developed quite a bit of talent at billiards."

Amanda rolled her eyes. "You're so full of it."

The other two couples stared at her in shock. They had never heard her speak in such a way. Her teasing was usually sweet and directed toward herself.

Thomas leaned down and struck the cue ball with enough force to scatter the balls. A striped ball went into one of the pockets. He glanced over his shoulder at her as he lined up for another shot. "I prefer 'confident'."

He knocked another striped ball in a corner pocket and moved around the table.

Amanda shook her head in mock frustration. "You would, you crazy man."

Thomas purposely took his time to line up the next shot. "You are so sweet." His tone was nothing but sarcasm.

Addison stared wide eyed at the couple. She met Holly's concerned gaze and bit her lip wondering how to stop what had to be an argument occurring.

When another striped ball dropped in a pocket. Amanda groaned and dropped her head forward. "I hate you sometimes."

Holly gasped. Ryan placed his hand on hers to stop her from interfering. What happened to the two people that were nearly gushing with happiness while talking about their wedding? Matt had a comforting arm around Addison as her lip trembled waiting to hear Thomas's response.

He looked up at Amanda. "I love you too." His shot glanced off the side and he handed the cue to Ryan. "You're up."

Ryan took it silently as they all watched him walk back over to where Amanda sat. The two couples were shocked to see the pair share a tender kiss and a few words that none could hear.

Ryan messed up his shot for constantly looking up to see if they were truly okay. He handed the pool cue to Amanda who smiled happily and studied the table.

"There is no way I am near as good as you." She said over her shoulder to Thomas. "If I were you, I would demand to pick partners next time."

"I would still pick you." Thomas told her, smiling softly when she beamed at him.

She knocked another striped in and missed her second shot. "Here you go Holly."

Holly stared in disbelief at Thomas pulling Amanda between his legs when she decided to stand next to his stool. She leaned back against him and kissed his cheek. They were talking too softly to be overheard again.

Holly threw the pool stick down on the table in frustration. She shook her finger at the two. "That's it! What is going on?"

Thomas and Amanda stared at her in confusion. "What are you talking about?" He asked.

"THIS!" She motioned at them. "Am I crazy or were you two not acting like someone had taken over your bodies earlier?"

"I don't know what you mean." Amanda managed to say with a straight face.

Holly strangled on a frustrated sound and turned to the others to back her up.

"You were so sarcastic and mean." Addison explained. "You actually said you hated Thomas!"

"Now you act like nothing happened!" Holly finally managed to get out.

Amanda bit her lip and looked at Thomas. "We have to tell them or else they are going to hate me."

"I think we must. I can't have them thinking anything like that." He turned his attention to the group that was now even more confused. "We were acting out a scene."

"What?" Matt asked. "A scene? Why?"

Amanda pulled it out of her purse and handed it over to them to read. "The couple seemed like us in some aspects, yet that conversation seems out of place for the two. We thought we would try it out and see if it was us comparing their relationship to ours."

The four read it and gave their opinions. "I think it fits this pair in the scene." Matt said. "You two on the other hand, no."

"I'm with Matt." Holly added.

"Me too." Ryan replied. "And don't ever scare us like that again. I think you took ten years off my life, which means I will start being cast in father of the bride roles." He dramatically shuddered.

Addison shook her head. "I agree with Thomas and Amanda. This couple is too sweet in this story."

"Three against three." Thomas sighed as he took the paper back. "I suppose I will have to wait until they act it out and see the tone of the scene they intend to have before grading it."

"And I promise I won't say I hate Thomas." Amanda added. Her smile grew in mischief. "Except when we play cards. Then all bets are off."

Thomas shook his head and placed some money down. "Since we made you are test subjects in this little experiment, enjoy another round on us. I have an early class tomorrow, so we are leaving."

"All is forgiven." Ryan reassured them. "Or it will be after the next round."

Amanda chuckled and said her goodbyes as she slipped her hand in Thomas's.

Once back at his home, he kept the lights off as he pulled her into a passionate kiss. Her surprised laughter caused him to pause.

"I told you this would happen." He pressed his lips to hers again.

"You're so full of it." Amanda teased while unbuttoning his shirt.

His smile briefly appeared before he groaned at her caress. "I prefer 'confident'." Their lips met again in a heated exchange.

"In this context, it works." Her words were muffled under his lips.

"Yes, it does." Thomas pulled her upstairs. "Forget about that script. Right now, the only thing I want you focusing on is the infamous love scene."

"Yes, Professor Hunt." She mumbled before being kissed.

[daisychains4]

Strings (15/16)

Chapter 15: When You’re Ready (Masterlist)

Warnings: None

Note: Italics are song lyrics

AN: This is the Shawn Mendes x reader AU teenage heartbreak story you didn’t know you needed.

It had taken a lot of convincing, but Shawn managed to talk you into hanging out with his friends - once upon a time, they had been your friends, too. You had made him promise that he would keep Shade a secret. You knew he’d told his parents about your son, but you feared that if he told anyone else, the media was bound to find out.

You had taken Shade over to Zoe’s house to spend the night. It was the first time you’d left him overnight since you moved from Toronto.

Shawn knocked on the door of your apartment, as he’d done many times before, but this felt different. He was nervous as he waited for you to answer.

Shawn couldn’t help but gape at you when you opened the door. You wore a fitted black shirt that showed off your slender collarbones and a pair of tight leather pants with heeled boots. Your hair fell loosely around your shoulders, and you wore red lipstick. He thought you were more beautiful than ever, and he had to remind himself to close his mouth as you stood back to let him in.

“You look...” he muttered. He cleared his throat. “Wow.” You blushed in return.

You took a moment to admire Shawn when his back was to you. He wore his signature tight black pants and boots with a simple white tee-shirt and fitted blazer. Though he was just Shawn to you, you could see why millions of girls around the world had fallen in love with him. He was gorgeous.

“Are you ready?” he asked, turning around.

“I’ll just get my coat,” you said, walking back to the bedroom to grab your coat and purse off your bed. Shawn opened the apartment door and gently ushered you through it with his hand on the small of your back. You noticed that he didn’t remove his hand as you walked down the narrow stairs of your apartment building together.

Shawn slipped on his favorite pair of sunglasses as he held the apartment building’s exterior door for you. He ducked his head down and walked with his hands in his pockets to his car that was parked on the street. He smiled as he held the door to his old black Jeep open for you.

“You still have it!” you gushed, stepping into the passenger seat. “I can’t believe it!” You would have thought Shawn would drive a much flashier car now.

“Are you kidding?” he asked as he leaned into the open doorway. “This is my baby! I’ll never get rid of her. Besides,” he smirked playfully, glancing past you to the back seat. “I have too many good memories in here.”

You blushed furiously and smacked Shawn lightly in the shoulder. “Shawn!” you laughed with him. It was the first time either one of you had openly acknowledged your past relationship. Shawn avoided the subject because he knew it made you uncomfortable. But tonight would be different. He wanted you to remember what it was like when you were in love.

Almost an hour later, Shawn was parking his Jeep in the driveway of a small house in Pickering. It was the first time you had been back in your hometown after more than three years. He could tell you were nervous. Shawn wasn’t the only person you had left behind, and you’d be facing your old friends for the first time.

“Do they know I’m coming?” you asked as you sat in the car. Shawn could tell you were nervous.

“No,” he answered. “I didn't tell them. I was afraid you’d change your mind,” he admitted.

You braced yourself. “Ok,” you said. “Let’s get this party started.”

You weren’t sure what you expected when Matt and Catherine, two of your oldest friends, opened the door. Certainly surprise, maybe speechlessness, sadness, or even anger. You didn’t give your old friends enough credit.

Catherine squealed the instant she saw you, and in the moment it took for you to step across the threshold of their house, Catherine had her arms wrapped tightly around your body. You breathed a sigh of relief and returned the hug.

“You guys!” Catherine cried in the direction of another room. “You’ll never believe who’s here!” She pulled you into the direction of the other guests.

Shawn started to follow, but Matt pulled him back. “(Y/N)’s here?” Matt whispered. “(Y/N)? You didn’t tell me you had seen her again.”

Shawn brushed off his shock. “Yeah, well, we’ve been hanging out,” he replied nonchalantly. “She lives in Toronto now.”

“Oh, she lives in Toronto now,” Matt mimicked him cheekily. “We’ve been hanging out. Just like that? And you’re what, back together?”

“No…” Shawn said slowly. “We’re friends.”

Matt looked at his friend quizzically. “I don’t believe that.”

“Well believe it, Matt, because we are. It’s fine.”

“Where has she been all this time?”

“Her mum moved her to Edmonton after she caught us in bed together, and she just moved to Toronto for a job. And we ran into each other, and after we” Shawn motioned between him and Matt “figured out where she worked, I… well, I went to see her, and that’s it. We’re hanging out.”

“As friends,” Matt repeated skeptically. “And you didn’t mention this to any of us.”

“It didn’t seem like a big deal,” Shawn hedged, although he knew Matt didn’t believe him. “Because we’re just friends…”

“I still don’t believe that,” Matt said as he followed Shawn through the foyer and into the living room, where they found you encircled by your old friends.

You thought you might understand what it felt like to be Shawn. The second your old friends had recognized you, they’d surrounded you. Everyone wanted a hug; everyone had questions for you. Where had you been? How long had you been back? What had you been doing for the last three years? Why hadn’t you tried to contact anyone? You tried to answer their questions, but it seemed like they would never end.

Shawn came to your rescue and managed to break up the crowd, at least for the most part. He handed you a glass of red wine and helped you field some of the questions that had been thrown your way. This was definitely his wheelhouse, not yours. You only liked this much attention when you were dancing.

Maybe I had too many drinks, but that's just what I needed.

I hope that you don't think that what I'm saying sounds conceited.

A couple of hours later, you were much more relaxed. You were no longer the center of attention, and you were enjoying catching up with your high school girlfriends. You much preferred asking the questions to answering them, and you loved listening to stories of college - most of your friends were still in school - and of adventures in dating.

When I look across the room, you're staring right back at me,

Like somebody told a joke and we're the only ones laughing.

It wasn’t easy keeping the attention off of yourself. You could tell that the girls were dying to ask about you and Shawn, but as he was standing at the kitchen island within earshot of where they were sitting, the girls refrained. Shawn looked up when he heard Addison ask if you were seeing anyone.

“No,” you said, shaking her head. “I’m too busy for boys,” you emphasized the word.

The girls turned away from you momentarily, and you couldn’t help but glance in Shawn’s direction. He was looking at you, too. You both smiled, as if sharing a private joke.

Don't know why I try 'cause ain't nobody like you;

Familiar disappointment every single time I do.

Brian was standing with Shawn in the kitchen. He seemed to be the only one who didn’t think you and Shawn were back together. “Bro,” he said. Shawn could tell he’d already had several beers. “I can’t believe you aren’t with that hot chick anymore.” Shawn knew he meant Hailey. “But that means,” he continued, “you’re free to hookup with anyone you want now! So… who have you hooked up with lately?” he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Dude,” Shawn said, shoving his friend lightly in the shoulder. “I’m not like that.”

Brian raised his eyebrows at him, as if to say bullshit.

“Anymore,” Shawn added.

Ian joined the conversation. “Right. Because he’s back with (Y/N).”

“What— No! We’re just—”

“You can lie to yourself as long as you want,” Ian said knowingly. “But we all know where this is headed.”

Every single night my arms are not around you,

My mind's still wrapped around you.

You and Shawn had left the party not long after. It was getting harder to avoid awkward questions the more everyone drank. You’d had a good time, but you were both tired from the evening.

“What time do you have to pick up Shade?” Shawn asked around a yawn.

“Not until 10,” you replied. “Zoe is taking him and her daughter for breakfast first.”

Shawn couldn’t help but glance over in your direction as he drove. You didn’t seem to notice. Your head was resting comfortably on the seat behind you and you seemed mesmerized by the lights on the highway as you sped along.

Baby, tell me when you're ready,

I'm waiting.

Shawn swallowed. “You know, we’re still pretty far from your place,” he said. “I’m closer.”

It took you minute to understand what he was saying. You sat up and looked at Shawn.

He somehow found the courage to say, “You could stay.”

Baby, anytime you're ready,

I'm waiting.

A small “ok” managed to escape your lips. It was hard to know who was more surprised.

Even ten years from now,

If you haven't found somebody

I promise, I'll be around.

Shawn found he was no longer tired as he pulled into his large garage. He walked around to your side of the car to let you out. Neither of you said a word as he let you into the house.

Tell me when you're ready,

I'm waiting.

Shawn followed you into the big, open living room. You stopped in front of the wall of windows that offered a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario. Shawn stood behind you, barely an inch between you. You could feel his breath stir your hair, but you felt like you could hardly breathe at all.

What if my dad is right when he says that you're the one?

No, I can't even argue, I won't even fight him on it.

Shawn didn’t question his feelings for you anymore.

Call you when it's late and I know that you're in bed

'Cause I'm three hours back, seems like you're always six ahead.

He knew that he would do anything, give up anything to be with you again.

I don't know why I try 'cause ain't nobody like you;

Familiar disappointment every single time I do.

He also knew you would never ask him to give up anything. He would never find anyone more perfect for him than you; he’d been around the world searching for a way to heal his heart, and you were the only one who could.

Shawn placed his hands gently on your arms. He breathed in the smell of your hair, and whispered “(Y/N)” as he circled his arms around your waist.

And every single night my arms are not around you,

My mind's still wrapped around you.

You turned your head to the side, just enough to feel his lips place a gentle kiss to your temple. You wrapped your arms around his. He wanted to stay that way forever, but all too soon, you were pulling away, disentangling yourself from his embrace. You turned to face him.

“Shawn,” you said sadly. He reached out to touch your shoulders; he couldn’t let you run away anymore. He knew you wanted him as much as he wanted you.

Baby, tell me when you're ready;

I'm waiting.

“(Y/N),” he said again. He bent his head to peer into your eyes. It was dark, but he could see that your eyes were wet. He reached up to touch your cheek softly. “(Y/N),” he repeated.

Baby, anytime you're ready,

I'm waiting.

You leaned your cheek into his hand, closing your eyes and relishing the feeling of his skin on yours. You let him tilt your chin up toward him.

Even ten years from now,

If you haven't found somebody

I promise, I'll be around.

Shawn looked into your eyes, giving you a chance to back away. For once, you didn’t.

Tell me when you're ready;

I'm waiting.

After a moment that felt like an eternity, Shawn closed the space between you. For the first time since you were seventeen, his lips brushed yours. It was so light you weren’t sure if you had imagined it.

And if I have to, I'll wait forever

Say the word and I'll change my plans.

You reached up to wrap your hands around Shawn’s neck and pull him to you. Your lips crashed together, and in your kiss, words that had gone unspoken for so long seemed to pass between you.

Shawn wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you tightly against him as your kiss deepened.

“Shawn,” you gasped into his mouth.

“(Y/N),” he whispered back, not breaking their kiss.

He moved his mouth along your jaw. “Are you sure?” you asked while he placed tender kisses on your neck.

Shawn pulled back to look you in the eye.

“You’re the only thing I’m sure about,” he replied earnestly.

“Even after all this time?”

“My feelings for you have never changed, (Y/N). I’ve never wanted anything more than I want you.”

“But your life is so…” you began. “How do Shade and I fit into all that?” You wanted desperately for him to tell you that somehow everything would be perfect.

“We can make it work,” he said, stroking soothing circles into your back. “We’ll figure it out, make it our life. Together. I won’t promise that it will be easy. I can’t do that. All I know is that I’m not whole without you. You’ll never convince me that you and I aren’t supposed to be together because I know in my heart that you’re the only one for me. After all this time, (Y/N),” he finally confessed, “I still love you.”

Yeah, you know that we fit together;

I know your heart like the back of my hand.

Tears momentarily kept you from responding. Shawn gently wiped your cheeks and pressed the tears to his heart.

So baby, tell me when you're ready;

I'm waiting.

Baby, anytime you're ready,

I'm waiting.

Even ten years from now,

If you haven't found somebody

I promise, I'll be around.

Tell me when you're ready;

I'm waiting.

“I love you, too.”

That was all Shawn needed to hear. He pressed his lips back to yours, and knew that he would be happy to spend the rest of his life kissing you.

Baby, tell me when you're ready;

I'm waiting.

Baby, anytime you're ready,

I'm waiting.

Even ten years from now,

If you haven't found somebody

I promise, I'll be around.

Tell me when you're ready;

I'm waiting; I’m waiting.