#also try not to get jealous and run out before you get to make mimosas

[crimsonclad]

oh my GOD Tommy was putting the champagne in the freezer bc he wanted it to chill fast he wanted to pop that bottle in 45-50 minutes after a leisurely breakfast I’m going to scream

is that champagne i see (on the top shelf to the right)

[be11atrixthestrange]

Waking Up In Vegas: Chapter 4

After a night of debauchery, Ron and Hermione wake up in Vegas... married.

Muggle!AU. Romcom!Romione. Slow burning, smutty, angst-fest.

Rated M for reasons.

Ao3 | FFN

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Chapter 4

[Hermione]

Hermione breathes a sigh of relief when she enters her hotel room, and the door shuts behind her. She pulls off the Chudley Cannons t-shirt and boxers, throwing them into a pile on the floor by her suitcase, before making her way to the bathroom for a shower.

Her suite's bathroom is an assault of color, too happy and cheerful to match her sullen mood. The tiles form an elaborate design which Hermione guesses is supposed to be a mermaid, but who knows, really. She stopped trying to identify any cohesive theme to the hotel's elaborate decor the moment she arrived.

As she scrubs herself clean, she can't help but wonder about last night. Did they really have sex? If they had, it would be a first for her. She's had sex before, of course, but only within the boundaries of a committed relationship. Never a one-night-stand, if that's what that was.

The idea that she and Ron Weasley might have shagged last night doesn't bother her in the way she'd expect — in fact, there's a small, but very present part of her that hopes they did. Hermione's only slept with one other man before, and her anxiety surfaces every time she imagines having sex with someone else — someone who might see her differently than her ex-boyfriend Viktor. She often wonders if there's anyone else out there that finds her attractive enough, and hates to admit that insecurity led her to stay with Viktor much longer than she really should have. It's that same fear that makes the thought of taking her clothes off in front of another man so daunting. She's often tempted to numb her worries with alcohol, and get it over with. Maybe last night she did.

Hermione glances down at her body and tries to keep her insecurities at bay, but she can't. She's never been one to concern herself with cosmetic endeavors, not like Lavender, who is always talking about tanning lotion and bikini waxes. She wonders what parts of her Ron had seen and touched, and oddly, she's desperate to know if he liked it.

She's imagined sleeping with Ron before. Not intentionally, of course. It's just a passing thought that occurs with any single, attractive, age-appropriate man, but for some reason, it happens more frequently with Ron. Neville, Dean, and Seamus, Harry's other groomsmen, are all just as attractive, but she isn't nearly as curious to know what it would be like to shag them. Maybe it's the way that Ron bickers with her and irritates her — there's something so focused about it. It's like he knows exactly how to push her buttons. Her need to learn more about him in bed must be purely academic — if he can drive her mind crazy, what might he be able to do to her body?

It's tempting to reprimand herself like she might a friend after a one-night-stand, but she doesn't feel guilty. If there's any reason to be angry with herself, it's not because she slept with Ron; it's because she can't remember it, and she really, really, wants to. For science, of course.

Unable to avoid the day any longer, she turns the shower off and reaches for her towel to dry herself. Any guilt she feels is mostly about ditching Ginny last night. This week is for Ginny, and as her maid of honor, Hermione has a duty not to abandon her to rendezvous with her brother.

She wraps her towel tightly around her body and heads back into the bedroom. The bathroom's aggressive color scheme continues into the rest of the suite, but the mermaid tiles are now replaced with lime-green area rugs, lava lamps, and an ombre accent wall that fades from white to teal. The whole ordeal feels both retro and modern, like she's entering both the past and future at the same time. While rummaging in her suitcase, she finds her phone, blinking with dozens of missed messages from Ginny. Scrolling through the messages tells her that Ginny was really worried about her last night.

Where did you go?

Are you ok?

Are you with someone?

Please text me back, I'm worried!

The phone buzzes and startles Hermione. She glances down to see Ginny's name again, this time accompanied by a new message.

Don't forget about brunch! You owe me a mimosa and an explanation! 11 am :)

Okay, Ginny doesn't sound too angry. Hermione checks the clock and groans. 10:55 am.

She extracts a clean change of clothes from her bag, which happens to be a periwinkle sundress that Ginny convinced her to buy for the trip. It's a little shorter and more revealing than Hermione would typically choose, but seeing her in it might make Ginny feel more sympathetic. Plus, if she shows up looking perfectly put-together, she might have a chance at convincing the girls that she did not get blackout drunk and shag Ron Weasley last night. Still, she imagines showing up to brunch in Ron's boxers and Chudley Cannons t-shirt, and the picture brings a smile to her lips. Of course, she'd never do that, but the look on Lavender's face might be worth it.

Hermione sends Ginny a quick text to tell her she's on her way and pulls the sundress over her head. She then stations herself in front of the bathroom mirror to work on both her hair and an alibi.

x

One step into the god-knows-what-themed restaurant gives Hermione an instant headache. The music, the conversation, and the smell of breakfast food and alcohol instantly remind her of her hangover. She passes the giant, decorative goblet in the middle of the room and spots Ginny's red hair, standing out against the forest-green wall paint behind her. Ginny sees her too, and waves her down.

"Hermione Jean Granger!" says Ginny as soon as Hermione sits down at the creaky bamboo chair across from her. Also at the table are Luna, Demelza, and Lavender, who eyes Hermione's dress suspiciously. "Dish!"

Ginny's already halfway through her first mimosa and is smiling brightly. Hermione instantly relaxes at her demeanor, her guilt melting away. "Dish? About what?"

"Where you ran off to last night, of course!"

"Ginny thinks you shagged someone, but I think you just went back to bed," says Lavender, and Hermione is briefly tempted to wipe the smug smile off her face with the truth, but she resists.

"What does everyone else think?" asks Hermione. Maybe they'll come up with a better alibi than she has.

"We took bets. I think you ran off and shagged a stranger, because I know there's a rebel in there somewhere," says Ginny, waving a lazy finger toward her face. "Lavender thinks you just went to bed early like a party-pooper. Luna thinks you got lost. And Demelza thinks you disappeared with Ron."

"What?" says Hermione, glancing curiously at Demelza, "Ron?"

"Yeah," shrugs Demelza. "It would make sense."

"Would it?"

"Not like that," chuckles Lavender, rolling her eyes. "It would make sense because he's the best man. Demelza thinks you two are planning something for Ginny and Harry, and that's why you two disappeared. We can't figure out where he went either, but Harry's working on finding out," she adds bitterly.

"Oh," says Hermione, breathing a sigh of relief. "I thought you meant—"

"We didn't," laughs Demelza.

"Definitely not," says Lavender cooly. "You're not his type, anyway."

Hermione turns away from Lavender, ignoring the prickle of insecurity ignited by her comment. "Well, not to let you all down, but I had too much to drink last night, so I just went back to my hotel room early. I meant to send a text, but I passed out pretty quickly."

"Knew it," says Lavender.

"As for Ron," she adds, turning back to face Lavender, "I did run into him. He was with a girl, but I don't know who she was. Super pretty, though." Hermione can't help but enjoy the flash of jealousy on Lavender's face.

Lavender meets her eyes with a scowl before dropping her gaze to Hermione's exposed legs. "Nice dress. Who's it for?"

"Sorry? Who's it for?"

"Your dress is awfully short," she adds matter-of-factly, taking a strategic sip of her mimosa.

"Oh, well," Hermione shrugs. "It's warm out."

"Well, you look very attractive. Almost like you're trying to impress someone." Lavender's cheery tone juxtaposes her icy stare. If only there was a prize for backhanded compliments, Lavender could finally consider herself a winner.

"I just like this dress," says Hermione through gritted teeth. "Who would I be trying to impress?" The table has gone awkwardly quiet, the air suddenly thick with tension.

Lavender shrugs. "Nobody. Wouldn't be worth your time," she says, bringing her mimosa back to her dolled-up lips.

Hermione rolls her eyes. Lavender doesn't seem to like Hermione, and Hermione cannot figure out why. It might have something to do with how often she and Ron talk to one another. Lavender has a habit of inserting herself into their little arguments and trying to redirect Ron's attention as if she's trying to save him from Hermione's incessant pestering. Maybe she means well, but Hermione finds it condescending.

They only ever talk about wedding logistics — It's not like they flirt. As far as Hermione knows, Lavender has nothing to be jealous of. Either way, Hermione doesn't have time to mull it over because Luna breaks the tension. "Are you sure you didn't get lost?"

"Sorry, what?" asks Hermione, having already forgotten the previous conversation.

"Last night," clarifies Luna. "You weren't lost?"

Oh. "No Luna, I wasn't lost. Why?"

Luna shrugs. "I just checked your room before I went to bed. You weren't there."

Hermione feels Lavender's piercing stare once more and tries to send a quieting glance to Luna, but Luna remains oblivious. "Are you sure you didn't get lost?" Hermione retorts. All the girls, except for Lavender, laugh.

Luna smiles wistfully. "Maybe I had the wrong room."

"Probably," says Hermione firmly, then in an attempt to change the subject, "Another round of mimosas?"

Ginny's beams. "Sure! But this round's on you!"

"Sounds good," says Hermione, rising to her feet. "I'll be right back."

It's probably in her best interest to keep the drinks flowing.

x

Hermione is waiting at the bar for another round of mimosas, tracing the playing cards ingrained into the counter with her finger, and mulling over her conversation with the girls. Something feels very off with Lavender, and she wonders if she suspects anything. Hermione glances down at her dress; it is awfully short. She tugs self-consciously at the hem. Lavender doesn't think she's wearing this dress to impress Ron, does she?

Sure, she wore this dress the day they arrived in Vegas, and at one point, she noticed Ron's gaze drifting from her face to her chest then to her thigh. Normally, she'd react by calling a man out on that, but with Ron, she said nothing. It was such a fleeting glance, probably because Lavender was watching, and he might not have wanted to offend her. But she also liked it. Something about his eyes on her body made her feel sexy, and it's been a while since she's felt that way. The memory of Ron's wandering eyes and how they made her feel might have been part of her motivation to wear the dress this morning. A small part, but a contributing factor nonetheless. Maybe Lavender can sense that. She seems to detect any possible interest in Ron like a bloodhound, and clearly, she still thinks Ron is her man.

A sudden voice startles her out of her reverie.

"Hey! Good to see you again!"

Hermione turns to see a woman about her age. She doesn't recognize her at all. "Hey," she says tentatively.

The woman is wearing a green jumpsuit that almost camouflages her into the restaurant's decor. Her bright pink manicure reminds Hermione of claws, and her large gold spectacles magnify her eyes, giving her the appearance of an insect. She looks like she's intentionally trying to dress as an animal, but hasn't decided which one.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

Did Hermione meet this woman last night? "I'm okay. Doing better," she adds, hoping her tone is neutral enough to be non-committal.

"Okay, that's good to hear! We had so much fun last night, by the way!"

Hermione is more confused than ever, but she feels like her opportunity to admit that has passed. "Thank you," she says instead. "I… did too. I think."

The woman laughs, an almost-maniacal cackling sound that makes Hermione shudder. "Honestly, I'm so honored that you included me. I know we just met last night, but I already feel like I've known you two forever!"

Okay, what the hell is happening?

"Oh, of course, I feel that way too!" she lies. Hermione needs to find a way to end this conversation.

"I'm glad I found you! I tried to send you this photo, but I realized this morning that I didn't have your number." She pulls her phone out of her pocket and scrolls through her camera roll. Hermione curiously looks over her shoulder, hoping that maybe this photo will spark her memory of last night. "Here it is!"

The woman shoves the phone into Hermione's face, and Hermione's jaw drops.

"I know! It's so cute, isn't it?"

It feels like her heart has stopped. She's looking at a photo of Ron holding her up, one hand is under her knees, and the other supporting her back. Hermione's arms are laced around Ron's neck, and their lips are pressed together in a passionate kiss. Above them is a sign that reads Just Married.

"That's definitely one you should get framed!" says the woman excitedly.

Hermione tries to steady her breath, but she feels about to panic. This has to be some sort of joke. "Yes, thank you," she says in the giddiest tone she can manage.

"Go ahead, send it to yourself!" says the woman.

"Right, right," says Hermione. A few clicks of the keypad later, Hemione feels her phone buzz again in her pocket. She hands the phone back to the woman.

"And now I have your number,'' she says! "We should definitely celebrate again. I will text you!"

"Yeah," says Hermione mechanically, although she knows it won't happen. "Of course."

"Congratulations again!" The woman hugs Hermione before sauntering away.

As soon as she disappears into the crowd, Hermione pulls out her phone to examine the photo. She recalls how horrified Ron was to wake up next to her and has no idea how she'll be able to have this conversation. She's tempted just to delete the photo, but she knows that won't make it go away.

Then, something jumps out at her. On the wall below the words Just Married are the words Follow your heart's desire! They're small and easy to miss, but it sounds like bad branding.

She switches her screen to search those words. A single click pulls up a website.

Erised Elopements

Follow your heart's desire!

Maybe there is a way to make it all go away.

She saves the address into her phone, right as the bartender pulls up with five mimosas. "Sorry about the wait!"

"No problem," says Hermione distractedly, pocketing her phone. She smiles and pays for the drinks before heading back to a restless table of girls.

"What took you so long?" asked Ginny.

Hermione shrugged, setting the drinks down on the table. "Busy, I guess."

"Are you ok, Hermione?" asks Luna.

"Yes, why?"

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I'm fine." Ginny looks at her with concern, and Hermione waves her off. "I'm great."

"Are you sure you haven't seen a ghost? This hotel is haunted, you know."

"No, Luna, I haven't seen a ghost." Just accidentally got married.

"Okay," says Ginny. "If you're feeling ill, just let us know. You can go back to your room and rest…"

"Actually, that might be a good idea," says Hermione quickly. "Are you sure you won't mind?"

"No, of course not," says Ginny, although Hermione can sense the disappointment in her voice.

"Sorry. I'll be ready to rally tonight, I promise." Hermione snags her purse and slings it over her shoulder. She slides her untouched mimosa across the table to Ginny. "An extra for you."

Ginny perks up and takes a sip. "Feel better, Hermione!"

"Thank you," says Hermione as she waves goodbye and turns to leave the hotel restaurant, still aware of Lavender's eyes on the hem of her dress. At first, she heads in the direction of her room. Then, checking over her shoulder to make sure the girls aren't watching, she pulls out her phone and searches the address from the website. She'll be able to fix this; she's sure of it.

[xxisxxisxxis]

Gateway Drug | Part Ninety-Four [PT.2]

Words: 2k

Warning(s): explicit language

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VIVIAN

"Who was that?" Mandy asks me as I hang up the phone after talking to Nikki.

"Nikki." I reply, helping her get the straps on her dress adjusted. 

She doesn't look like a conventional bride in her satin black dress that reaches just below her thighs. 

"Looks pretty." I tell her. 

"Thanks." She replies. 

I think for a moment before clearing my throat. 

"Are you nervous at all?" I ask her and she looks at me. 

"No? Should I be?" 

"I mean, it's just a big step, you know?"

"Not any bigger than already living together. It's not gonna change much." She says. "It's just a silly piece of paper to me." She admits. "I'm doing this for him, he's always wanted to get married--don't get me wrong, I have, too--but it's never been on my absolutely priority list like it's on his." She explains. 

"If it's just a silly piece of paper, why does it take so long to get it annulled, or divorce finalized?" I ask her and she furrows her brows. 

"There's a lot that goes into marriage, Mandy, and it does change things to an extent. But it's a good change." I assure her. 

"No offense, Vivian, but shouldn't you be worried about your own marriage before you worry about mine?" She asks me, a little aggravated. 

I get aggravated right back. 

"I didn't mean anything by it, Amanda. I just think you shouldn't marry him because he wants marriage more than you do and you want to make him happy. You marry him because you love him and you want to do it without the pressure of living up to a standard he subconsciously has placed on you. I'm just trying to look out for both of you because I'm his friend and I'm--"

"--Trust me, I'm well aware." She cuts me short. 

"Then act like it and don't talk to me like that in my own fucking house." I snap. 

She just stares at me and I stare at her. 

"You know what? I need to get going. I've gotta run to town. Thanks for your help." She says flatly, getting the dress back off and pulling her clothes on.

When she gets to the door she stops and turns to me. 

"I get it. You're carrying his kid and I'm the woman he proposed to when you wouldn't stay with him. I wasn't trying to be a bitch. I'm just trying to fucking adjust to this shit, because it's hard on me, Vivian. This whole clusterfuck is really fucking hard on me." 

"Like it's easy for me?" I ask her, scoffing. 

"I have to know I'm second to him, Vivian. Do you know how much that fucking hurts? And he swears up and down I'm first, I'm a priority, but I know I'm not. I know if both of us was fucking dying and he could only save one, he'd choose you." 

"Well, like you said, I'm the one pregnant with his kid, so…" I blurt it without a thought and immediately regret it. 

She just looks hurt--betrayed even--and slams the door shut on her way out before she gets to her car and squeals out of the driveway. 

"Shit." I say to myself. "Vivian, you shouldn't have fucking said that...what have you done?" 

I figured Duff would call shortly after and scold me. Little did I know the phone call would be skipped altogether.

"What the hell, Vivian?!" Duff says, slamming my door shut and I jump a little, looking at him as he comes to me in the living room. 

"I didn't mean to say what I said." I tell him. 

"Didn't mean to say it?! You basically told her you were more important because you're knocked up with my baby!"

"Am I not?" I ask him, raising my brows. 

"That doesn't mean you're more important to me, Vivian. That doesn't mean Mandy's second place right now. You're both important to me in different ways!"

"Oh, so if I told you Nikki and I were done and I wanted to be with you, you wouldn't leave her within a matter of days and be with me?" 

"Not with you acting like this." He declares. 

"Like what?"

"Like fucking--" He stops talking before he says something he'll regret, before huffing out a breath of air… "You're jealous, and I get that, but you're not treating Mandy like shit just because you think you have the upper hand, right now." 

"I didn't treat her like shit, I just said--" 

"--I know what you said. She told me what you said. I love you, but I'm not doing the petty cat-fight drama so cut it out." He states sternly. "And if you wanna play the, 'I'm carrying his baby' card, that's fine. Be the woman I just got pregnant. But she'll always be the one I married."

"She's also the one hammering screwdrivers with you at brunch, I've heard." I tell him, crossing my arms, trying not to be hurt by his words. 

"Whatever makes you feel a million miles taller than everybody else, Viv." He gives up, heading to the door before turning to look at me. "You're taking your medication like you're supposed to, right?" 

"Go fuck yourself." I snap. 

"That's what I thought." He says sharply. 

"You can leave now." I say, defensively. 

I thought that was that...thought.

"I just missed a dose or two, Nikki, honestly." I tell him the next morning, not necessarily telling the truth but also not lying completely. 

"Vivian, we're not doing this shit where you don't take your medication, again." He tells me. 

"I'm not doing it, Nikki." 

"And I've heard some shit about fucking lithium and you don't need to just miss any doses if you can help it. It can fuck your body up and if it can do that to you it sure as shit can hurt the baby." 

"Nikki, I didn't miss any doses on purpose, I just forgot." 

"Right, like you forgot to take your Nardil for three months in a row at times." 

"Can you hop off, Nikki, I mean, seriously. I'm trying here." 

"I'm not trying to get on to you, Viv, I just want you to take this serious."

"I do." I insist. 

"Then why is Duff telling me you went off on Mandy and him?" 

"Oh, he told you that, too? Along with my lack of taking my medicine on time?" 

"He's worried, Vivian."

"He should be. He's fucking his life up by marrying her." 

"Vivian." He snaps and I look at him, sighing. 

"We broke up. And within a few weeks, he's engaged to her, Nikki. They're getting married in two months, did you know that? Who the hell gets married five months after they have a breakup from someone they were in love with? Not to mention his drinking." 

"So what if the guy had a few screwdrivers at breakfast or whatever? I've seen Sharise throw back mimosas at ten in the morning before." 

"Champagne and orange juice is a lot different than straight vodka and orange juice, Nikki." I state. 

"Alcohol is alcohol." He reminds me. "And besides, he's probably drinking because he's under a lot of pressure with the band right now, and you're catching a lot of shit right now, and he's got a lot on his mind." He adds. 

"I do, too, but I'm not rushing into a marriage to try to convince myself I'm making the right decision." I mumble. 

"Nah, I think you and I both did enough of that five years ago." He replies and I realize what I said, and look at him pointedly. 

"I didn't mean it like that."

"I didn't say you did. I just think maybe you're taking something out on him because you don't want him to me the same mistake we did." He suggests. 

"Oh, so you're the therapist now or something?" 

He just stares at me with a little smirk, his eyes searching mine. 

"I'm gonna blame the exponential amount of bitchiness on the pregnancy." Is all he says before trying to get up.

"Okay, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." I say, reaching out and grabbing his wrist, and he looks at me and sits back down. "I'm sorry, Nikki, alright?" 

"There's a reason I wanted to talk to you, I didn't just bring you down here so you could start a fight." He raises his brows. "I wanted to talk to you about something important." 

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear and he rubs his face. "Look, about the whole sex thing…" 

My face burns with embarrassment and I let out a breath. 

"I don't wanna talk about it, Nikki. Let's just forget it happened." I tell him. 

"No, don't do that, Viv, it's not anything to be--"

"--I cried and whined over not getting dick. Yes, it is something to be embarrassed about. So let's just not even acknowledge it happened." 

"You were crying and whining because I, your husband, wouldn't be intimate with you. It has nothing to do with sex itself, but the feeling that comes with it--at least that's what Amber told me." He tells me. 

I just smile at the fact he's actually paying attention to his therapist instead of blowing off her intel. 

"I guess you're right." I reply. 

"And I'm sorry for that…it's not like I just found out about the baby. I've known it since you told me. I agreed to work this out with you, you know? So I shouldn't have thrown it in your face that I'm not attracted to you because of the baby thing."

"Well...are you not attracted to me?" 

"The first session we had I was trying to get you on Amber's desk, Viv." He reminds me, chuckling. 

"That was before you knew I was pregnant, Nikki." 

"...It was?" 

"I think it was." 

"...oh…" 

"Look, I'm just as attracted to you now as I was when we first met." He assures me. 

"You hated me when we first met."

"Doesn't mean I didn't wanna get you under me." He shrugs. 

"Oh, whatever." I roll my eyes and he grins. 

"My point is that I'm sorry for making you feel like something's wrong with you or you're undesirable or something. The truth is, Amber suggested that we wait on having sex for a while until we're mentally stable enough to separate sex and intimacy from problem solving and apologies." 

"...And you agree with her?" I raise a brow, not believing my ears. 

Since when the hell does Nikki Sixx take marriage advice from anybody? 

"Yeah, I guess I do." He shrugs.

I just scoff.

"Viv, you said it yourself multiple times the past few years that sex doesn't solve anything." 

"I meant using sex as a means to brush things under the rug. Not just happy-go-lucky-'we aren't just doing this to keep our marriage from falling apart'-sex." 

"Was there a difference in the two by 1986?" He raises his brows and I'm about to argue some more, but he has a point.

"I'm trying, Viv. You know I am. I haven't tried barely at all, and you know that, too, so please, let's just see if this works." He pleads. 

"So, what, we're just not gonna do anything until we get our crap together?" 

"That's a good way to put it, yeah." He nods. 

Despite it being an inconvenience, it'd be well worth it. Maybe if we aren't so focused on getting each other's bones jumped, it'll give us time to actually grow up, some. 

"Okay, Nikki." I agree and he looks relieved.

I made a very deliberate point to stop by Amber's office on the way out.

[barbasbodaciousbeard]

If You Love Someone, Let Them Go: Part 3

Summary: Since starting with SVU, Sonny hadn’t kept much terribly close to the chest. The squad knew about his family, growing up on Staten Island, the classes at Fordam. What was hidden was why he didn’t date. Sonny Carisi was also separated from his childhood sweetheart, a separation neither ever took to divorce. They had the same haunts. They’d grown up neighbors. Their paths crossed every few months, and divorce talks would turn into reminiscing would turn into a night spent together, sometimes sex sometimes just talking until the early morning. It always ended with one of them waking up alone however. How will that change when the squad finds out?

Pairings: Sonny Carisi x Original Character,

A/N: The babies. I’ve outlined like eight chapters at least, so I think this thing’s just going to go until I run out of steam. So here’s a third part already. 

Part 1 - Part 2

March 2014

“You sure you’ll be okay?” Teresa asked him for the hundredth time since he’d gotten to the church. He was just trying to tie his tie in peace, but there she was over his shoulder, just enough mimosas in her system to older sister him. 

“I can see Victoria. It’s Gina’s weddin’, T. I’m not an asshole. She’s a bridesmaid. I missed rehearsal, but apparently you paired us off to walk down the aisle. Real sensitive, by the way.”

“Don’t like cry or anything either. Or if you do, cry in the bathroom. And leave her alone during the reception. We’ve all been drinking already.”

“I can tell. Honestly, she’ll hate me if anything happens, okay? Last time I saw her I left in the morning.”

“Dominick Anthony Carisi, what the fuck did you just tell me?”

“I saw her in November. We talked. I went home with her. I realized I fundamentally fucked up and she needs better, so I panicked and took a cab home at three in the morning.”

“You mean to say you had the opportunity to make things better with Tori four months ago? And instead you royally fucked up again, and you still think you have the right to mope?”

“I don’t mope.”

“I was at Christmas. You twisted your ring on your finger for like twelve hours and cried in the bathroom when her favorite carol played. Either way, I’m checking in with her. You stay the fuck away from her, Sonny, unless you’re going to get your head out of your ass.”

“Don’t tell me what to do! We been married almost eight years!”

“You haven’t seen her but once since August. Don’t act like this is a perfect relationship. There’s not really one any more.” Just like that, Sonny was left with the groomsmen as Teresa pulled Victoria out of the bridal suite. He bounced on the balls of his feet now as he gelled his hair, not prepared to step out for pictures and actually see her again.

“You slept with Dom?” Teresa bit out, sparing no time.

“Several times?” she joked before sighing and crossing her arms as she realized that no one was going to drop it. “In November. He left. It’s fine. Proved me right.”

“I told him to leave you alone after the ceremony. I didn’t know or I wouldn’t have paired you off to walk together.”

“All the bridesmaids and groomsmen are married to or dating each other, Teresa. We can handle it. It’s what? Three minutes of walking. And who knows. Maybe I want to hang out with him.”

“And you tear up every time we’ve mentioned him the last year.”

“I can behave, okay? I put my marriage in a box and tucked it away for the day. I’ll step out if I gotta cry, but really I had enough mimosas, I can pretend everything is fine but not enough to cry or nothing.”

“Okay. I’m sorry he’s a dumbass.”

“I shouldn’t of taken him home any way. We’ll be fine. Stop being dramatic.” 

As if to prove Victoria’s point, Teresa rolled her eyes, following her back into the bridal suite. The general consensus in the family was that both of them needed to get their head out of their ass and tell each other what was happening, but neither was willing to. She didn’t know they’d already taken a chance to talk it out and ruined it. When it was time to take pictures, none of the sisters missed the way Sonny and Victoria refused to look at each other while waiting their turns. It seemed the toes of their shoes were far more interesting. 

Teresa also noticed both of them were wearing their rings, and for once, Victoria had both the band and engagement ring on, the first time since she’d left. All of his sisters had kept in touch with her, accepting the fact they needed to stop meddling for a while. No one was maid of honor or best man. Instead, all of the siblings and their partners made up the party. That meant Gianna Carisi had insisted each groomsmen and bridesmaid couple get pictures, and she refused to have a separation keep her from having pictures of Sonny and Victoria, even if she was furious at Victoria for hurting her son. 

“Our turn, Tor,” Sonny said, trying to lighten the mood. It was a delicate balance, knowing his sisters and mother were watching them so closely. 

“Pull her to you,” the photographer encouraged. “I hear you’ve been together a decade!” Suddenly, Victoria wanted the ground to swallow her up, and she wanted to know which Carisi had been talking like their relationship was doing well. Still, she followed Sonny’s lead when he took her hand and pulled her against him. His hand came to rest on the small of her back and her hand rested on his ribs, as natural as it had always been. Almost like they hadn’t been living separate lives for seven months. They smiled for the camera, and when Victoria dared to look up at him, she couldn’t help but give a genuine smile at being so close to him again. She was soon rewarded with his dimpled grin, and before her brain could stop her, she brushed the strand of his hair that had escaped the gel back into place.

“Thanks, doll,” he smiled softly, hating the moment they pulled away. It was time for Bella and Tommy, who was freshly paroled and fidgeting nervously. It felt safe to look at Victoria now, and he took her in, thankful for the dress his sister had picked for her. It was a deep green, with a sweetheart neck like her wedding dress had all those years ago. The bodice was pleated before it flowed down, and little sheer straps fell off her shoulder, fluttering around her bicep. She looked ethereal, and he loved the color on her fair skin with her red hair pinned up at the nape of her neck. She caught him staring, and he felt his cheeks flush. Their previous conversation didn’t bring either of them closure, but it got the painful stuff out of the way. He knew why she left. She felt like he’d proven her right. Maybe they could just enjoy the wedding, but together.

“You scrub up real nice, Sonny,” she said, moving to lean on the wall beside him.

“Apparently it was an elaborate ruse for ma to get pictures of us dressed up.”

“Now we got a picture like we’re married.”

“We still are.”

“We need to figure that out soon.”

“How about we just have fun today? Or are you gonna make me hang out with Tommy all day and all night?”

“Divorce talk tomorrow?”

“Deal,” he said, extending a hand that she shook gladly. The thought crossed his mind that the champagne the bridesmaids had been drinking and beers the groomsmen had may be what was taking the edge off now that they’d proven they wouldn’t break if they touched. That was what had worried him the most. He was afraid any touch would break the wall holding back the emotions of the past year. That it would set her off and he’d make her cry again. Instead, she could take his arm easily to walk down the aisle. It just made him remember their own wedding, and while neither would acknowledge it, they still loved each other. It was apparently easy to forget a separation and months of no communication when he thought about her walking to him down the aisle of the same church he’d attended growing up and his sister was now getting married in.

“I’m jealous you get flats.”  Her head came to rest on his shoulder, and he felt a contentedness he’d not felt in a long time return.

“You’re so much taller though,” he joked, pressing a kiss to her hair. 

“True. I can reach your shoulder.” She wanted to say they shouldn’t get so affectionate, but it felt like before he got distant. They were on a team, sectioned off from everyone else. 

“Normally, you’re right under my armpit. Bet this smells better.”

“Your armpit just smells like Old Spice.”

“Good to know it works. Just get through the ceremony. Kick off your shoes at the reception. Just like prom.”

“Promise to cover me? You know Ma will be after me to put them back on.”

“She’s so happy we’re being friendly that she won’t care.”

“Is it weird for you that they’re all trying to play therapist?”

“They know how much I miss you.”

“I miss you too.” Sonny beamed when she threw her arms around his torso.

“You ain’t drunk, are you Tor?”

“Two glasses of champagne. Relaxed, but sober. You?”

“Couple beers. In the same boat.” The last pictures were finished, and everyone was herded to the back of the church and pairing off. Sonny looked down at her with a smile, offering his arm happily. Victoria’s hand came to rest on his forearm, and she grinned up at him.

“You look too damn good in a tux.”

“I could say the same about you in that dress.”

“If all it was going to see you two happy again was for Gina to get married sooner, I’d have made her months ago,” Bella huffed, poking her brother’s back. 

“I’d have done it!” Gina laughed.

“They’ll be weird again next week,” Teresa said, and her husband squeezed her arm. The groom’s brother and his wife shared a look that told him they were still trying to figure out the best way to handle the Carisis, and it was also apparent they hadn’t thought that both Victoria and Sonny would show up and get along.

“Shut up, all of ya,” Sonny said, his free hand resting where Victoria’s sat on his forearm. “We’re walking soon.” Victoria gave him a grateful smile, and soon enough, they were making their way to their spots. They stole glances throughout the ceremony. They were thirteen and fifteen when Teresa got married, meaning their last memory of both being in front of a church like this was their own wedding ceremony, the one his mom helped them plan for their first wedding anniversary. Sonny just kept seeing her in that perfect dress, walking to him in the church they’d always gone to together. 

Where religion was not an important part of Victoria’s life, she believed in God, but not like Sonny did. She thought God was real, but uninvolved because she couldn’t reconcile him with the bad in the world. Sonny was devout and had reconciled his belief in an involved God with what he saw in his work. If there was one thing he was certain of, and had been since the first time he kissed her, it was that God had put him on this Earth for her and her on this Earth for him. Maybe that was why he couldn’t consider a divorce. It felt like a lie. When he talked to her tomorrow, he’d tell her the truth. Tell her how he shut down processing the homicides. Communicate. He took her arm again gladly as they walked down the aisle.

“Feels familiar, huh?” he teased. Every member of the Carisi family had gotten married here, their own church ceremony included. She nudged him playfully with her shoulder, grinning. 

“Long time ago. You got even hotter. Not fair.”

“I could say the same about you.” He waggled his brows, and she laughed, something little he’d missed a lot. She could imagine coming home to him again. Imagine him coming home to her. He was relaxed, laughing and joking like he hadn’t since things were good. Tightness came to her chest as she wondered if it was because she was gone he was doing better. She pushed the thought away, refusing to consider the possibility. Maybe he was happy because she was here. Gina had told them all to sit wherever they wanted at the tables designated for the bridal party, so Sonny settled close beside Victoria, arm slung easily around her shoulders. 

“The best part about no best man or maid of honor?” he murmured, leaning against her. “No speeches. Drinks, dances, garter, bouquet, party.”

“This party? Not ready for Dominick Carisi’s moves.”

“Please, Victoria Carisi? The true talent.” He squeezed her shoulders, kissing her temple. “Can I get you a drink?”

“That’d be amazing.”

“You goin’ gin and tonic or pinot?”

“Pinot.”

“You got it, tesoro.” Now it was really like she had Sonny back. He hadn’t called her by the pet name in years, but he’d insisted it was because she was his treasure to come home to. It always made her blush, and today wasn’t any different. She could see the way his mom was looking at her, lifting a brow. Not sure what else to do, she gave a wave, and Gianna shook her head. His sisters weren’t angry at her. They saw it as just a really prolonged fight. His mom, on the other hand, was furious she’d leave him and even more furious she was dragging it out.

“Ignore her,” Sonny said, sliding a glass of wine in front of her. “She got hysterical me. The girls didn’t.”

“Hysterical?” she asked softly.

“I couldn’t figure out how to function. Bella sent ma instead of coming herself.”

“I should’ve told you in person. I’m sorry.”

“It’s in the past. We’ll figure things out tomorrow.” She cupped his cheek, smiling softly. There were too many good times, she decided. She’d tell him she didn’t want a divorce tomorrow. Maybe she’d beg him to move back in together. His hand went to rest on hers, and he held it in place, turning his head to press a gentle kiss to her wrist before he laced their fingers. Their hands rested on his lap, Gina and her new husband giving a little speech before the DJ announced the father daughter dance. 

“Are you crying already?” she teased. 

“Shut up. You know how I get at weddings.” The hand he wasn’t holding settled on his bicep as she put her head on his shoulder. They watched each dance and as Tommy and Bella joined the other unmarried couples to catch the bouquet and garter. By the time dancing started, their drinks were empty. 

“You wanna join me on the dance floor or at the buffet first, Mrs. Carisi?” He was probably taking advantage of the levity to feel like they’d never been apart, but he was going to indulge as long as he could. 

“Buffet, please.”

“Good choice. Fuel up before we show ‘em how it’s done.” They loaded up plates, settling in at the table and eating happily. He caught her up on the extended family, what she’d been doing, what he’d been doing. They hadn’t really done that last time. That had been all raw emotion and desperation for affection. This felt like they’d never been apart. There was affection, sure, but it was the same grounding touch they’d always had. 

“You hear that?” he smiled, taking her hand and pulling her towards the dance floor. Her eyes widened as she laughed, arms looping around his neck as his arms settled low around her waist. 

“It’s our first dance song,” she giggled, as they swayed off beat.

“You're my sunshine and I want you to know that my feelings are true. I really love you,” he sang off key as she joined in. They could hear his sisters laughing. They still didn’t know how to dance to Queen together, but they’d been very pleased with their song choice, something that seemed to hold true.

She was giddy, a combination of the wine and normality washing over her. He spun her, pulling her close again and peppering kisses to her hair as she flung her arms around him neck. She’d left her shoes at the table before they even got food, and since he’d been wrong about how glad his mom would be to see them together, Sonny chased her off when she tried to fuss at Victoria for being barefoot, but not at any of his sisters. When the songs were the fast kind everyone danced to together, she leaned her back against him and his hands stayed on his hips. When the songs turned slow, he’d pull her against him, singing softly against her ear. 

“You goin’ back to the city?” Sonny asked as the guests filtered out.

“Yeah. I’ll be calling an uber.”

“Listen, I got a hotel room. There’s too many Carisi’s at ma’s.”

“You propositioning me, Sonny?” she teased, arm still wrapped around his waist.

“I wouldn’t turn ya down, but there’s two beds. Was sharing it with Leo, but he went home with one of the groom’s cousins. Otherwise, I’d be sleeping on your couch because you ain’t driving home or Ubering alone.”

“I’d like that,” she smiled softly, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I’ll pack up my bag and come back. I’m sure you gotta gather your stuff.”

“Deal.” He watched her go, knowing all he had was a duffel bag he’d barely bothered to unpack. She probably had a little rolling suitcase, complete with a change of clothes on top of whatever she’d worn here and the matching oversized shirts the girls all wore. 

“You gotta shit or get off the pot, Dom,” Bella said, stepping beside him with her arms crossed.

“Excuse me?”

“She’s still in love with you. You’re in love with her. Get back together or get divorced. This isn’t healthy.”

“I can’t be what she needs anymore.”

“I think tonight shows that you can. You just won’t.”

“Leave it, Bella,” he bit out. “Let me have tonight. She might leave before I wake up. Or want a divorce. Or I might not be able to tell her how I feel and make it all worse.”

“We just hate watching both of you like this.”

“She was made for me, Bella. I’m not giving her up. But if being separated and staying married is the best I get, I’m keeping it.”

“Whatever you say, Dominick,” she said, squeezing his shoulder. “It was just good to see you both happy today.” He saw Victoria coming back, leaving his sister to take the little rolling bag she had, proud to still be able to predict something she’d do. She had changed into leggings and the Fordham Law sweatshirt she’d taken when he’d first started. She took it with her, and he was proud to know that sometimes she was still walking around in his clothes. 

“Ready?” she asked, and he nodded, hand on her back as he guided her to his car. Once he loaded the bags, he opened her door, smiling as she settled in with a yawn. 

“You’re gonna be asleep before we get to the room.”

“I’m tired,” she whined. “We got here early.”

“I’ll get ya tucked in soon, Tor.” When they got there, she was out. The bags were in the trunk, so he scooped her up carefully, kicking the car closed. With some maneuvering, he opened the door to the hotel room before laying her down. He locked the door before running downstairs to get the bags and coming back. She’d wiggled her way out of her leggings and bra, settling herself under the blanket. He couldn’t help but laugh, locking the hotel door and hanging up his suit and her dress as he pulled on sweatpants. He went to the other bad, hearing a quiet protest.

“Here,” she whined, holding her arms out towards him. 

“You sure, doll?”

“Sure. Come hold me.” He obliged happily, climbing into the bed beside her. When she put her head on his chest, he smoothed her hair. The next morning would be hard, he knew. He wanted her home, but he had to tell her about how the homicides impacted him. That would be the hard part. That burden was one he didn’t want to share. He watched her sleep until he drifted off. The sun coming through the window was what woke him up, and he was ecstatic to feel the weight of Victoria still slung over his torso. She stretched as he let out a yawn, smiling up at him.

“Morning,” she whispered, smiling the sleepy smile he missed. Now he realized what she meant. He hadn’t seen that sleepy smile but a handful of times in the months before she left. 

“Morning,” he murmured, rubbing her back. He wanted to say he was scared she’d be gone, but he’d been the one to run last time. If she had, it would have been fair. 

“Breakfast before serious talk?”

“Place has room service. That okay?”

“Yeah. I’m comfy.”

“Me too.” The arm that wasn’t wrapped around her reached for the menu, showing it to her. Once they’d picked, he ordered, absentmindedly twirling her hair around his finger. She put on some movie, and he watched her face as she paid attention. 

“You’re starin’, Dom,” she teased softly, looking over at him. 

“You’re beautiful. Can’t help myself.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, doll.” She stared for a minute before leaning forward and kissing him sweetly. His heart was pounding like it did when he was seventeen and asked her to homecoming as his hands glided over her sides. Her fingers curled into his hair and a soft groan escaped him. Almost a year. It had been almost a year since they were content and lazy, kissing in bed without the plan being sex and sleep or without the desperation of the night in November. She granted him access to her mouth, and a soft gasp escaped her. He pulled back, nipping her lip lightly. Someone knocked at the door, and a disgruntled sound escaped her. He chuckled airily. 

“I’ll get the food,” he said, reluctantly detangling himself from her. Trying to walk backwards to watch her, he nearly tripped, so he opened the door, took the food and quickly scribbled a signature before hurrying back to her. 

“You’re hot when you’re flustered.” He kissed her, cheeks pink. 

“You’re just hot. Here’s your french toast.”

“Damn, that’s even hotter.” He rolled his eyes, propping himself up against the headboard as he dug into his eggs. She settled beside him, eating happily as her head came to rest on his shoulder. It was companionable silence until the food and coffee was gone, then the weight of what they needed to talk about settled. 

“What do you want to happen?” she asked softly, twisting her rings around her finger.

“My wife back,” he said simply. 

“It’s not that simple and you know it.”

“I do. But I don’t want a divorce, Tor.”

“I know. I don’t either.”

“Are you ready to tell me?”

“Tell you what?” He wanted to kick himself as soon as the words came out. He’d spent the night before thinking about what he needed to share and what could help.  When the time came though, his defenses took over. Telling her what he’d seen, how it impacted him, made him feel weak. Like he couldn’t protect her from the horrors of what he had to see. 

“That’s my answer I guess,” she said, and he could tell she was fighting tears as she got back into her leggings and grabbed her phone and bag.

“Tor, don’t go. We can talk more about this. We had a good night, didn’t we?”

“We did, Sonny, but I can’t not know why you acted like that and come home. How the hell am I supposed to trust that you won’t revert back to being absent?”

“Because it’s different now.”

“Why?”

“I’m not ready.”

“I don’t expect every detail, Sonny, but I can’t not know what’s happening in your head. Especially when it makes you act like you don’t want to be home. Like you don’t want me.”

“I want you, Victoria. More than anything.” His hand scrubbed over his face as he watched her go. Maybe this was worse than if she’d left during the night.

“Then call me when you’re ready to actually communicate, Dominick. I love you, but I can’t live like that.”

[breanime]

one of them spoiled a book/movie/tv show/etc for the other(s) for billy russo?

Warning: Game of Thrones spoilers! (RIP to a show that had such potential and then turned into a spiraling pile of garbage)

Brunches with Frank, Karen, Billy, and Curtis were always the highlight of your week. Especially because after brunch, you and Billy would go back to his place and watch Game of Thrones until one of you (usually you) started kissing on the other and then… well, the show would have to get paused for a while. It was taking you a long time to get through it, to be honest—not that you minded.

You were almost finished with season two, and you were the last of your friend group to watch it. Things between you and Billy were… in limbo. You weren’t officially dating, but you weren’t seeing anyone else, and you knew Billy wasn’t either. Karen joked that your one-year anniversary would come and go before you admitted you were in a relationship with Billy, but she was wrong. It wasn’t about being in denial; it was about being realistic.

Billy was into you, but only as a friend. Yeah, the two of you slept together but… he wasn’t emotionally invested in you. It was a fling. And while you knew you had feelings for him, you also knew Billy wasn’t the monogamous type, so you would just take what you could get from him.

Currently, Billy had his arm on the back of your chair. The two of you were sharing a meal, and you were sipping a mimosa while Karen and Frank shared knowing looks that you were certain were about you and Billy.

“So, who do you think is gonna be on the Iron Throne by the end of it all?” Curtis asked, leaning back in his chair. “My money is on Khaleesi.”

“Bullshit,” Frank said, waving his hand in the air, “It’s gonna be the Stark sisters; Arya as the Hand of the Queen and Sansa running shit.”

“I think it’s going to be Daenerys,” Karen answered, “It’s hers by rights.”

“Nah,” Billy shook his head, “She ain’t ready.”

“It’s gonna be Robb,” you said, “Sansa is going to be his Hand of the King, her or Tyrion…”

“Oh, you sweet summer child,” Karen cooed.

“He is!” You argued. “Who else has the political background and time on the field and heart that Robb has? He’s the best choice!”

“Yeah,” Curtis took a drink, trying not to spoil it for you, “that’s true…”

“…Plus he’s hot,” you added.

Billy frowned down at you.

“Oh yeah,” Karen nodded eagerly, “Richard Madden is just…” She sighed. “So dreamy.”

“Dreamy? Really?” Frank grunted. “In what way?”

“In what way?” You said back. “Oh, Frankie, it’ll be easier to tell you ways he isn’t dreamy than to tell you how he is.”

“He’s gorgeous,” Karen began.

“His eyes,” you added.

“His smile,” Karen said.

“His body—”

“His head on a stake after the Freys murder him,” Billy deadpanned.

“WHAT?!” Your eyes were wide, and Billy pulled back from you.

“Shit,” he muttered.

“Billy!” Karen cried.

“Damn, Bill,” Frank murmured.

“Spoiler alert, man! Damn,” Curtis shook his head, “Sorry, Y/N…”

“Robb dies?!” You asked, jaw dropping. “Wait—who are the Freys? Wait—he’d decapitated?!”

“The Starks love a good beheading…” Frank said, shrugging one-shoulder.

“Oh man, how are you gonna make this up to her?” Curtis asked as you sat there gaping like a fish.

“Hey, come on, Y/N, I’m sorry,” Billy said, ignoring everyone else.

“I can’t believe it—I’m so sad!”

“We were like, two episodes away from his death—”

“—nooooo!” You shrank back from him, your eyes still wide. “You know Robb is my favorite character!”

“Cause he’s so dreamy,” he said, his voice just above a growl.

“No, because he was the fucking King of the North!” You shot back. “I can’t believe he dies! I can’t believe you ruined the surprise for me!”

“There’s still so many things that happen,” Karen intervened, “you’re gonna be so surprised at all the twists and turns.”

“Yeah,” Billy agreed, “we haven’t even got to the best parts yet…”

“You still want to watch it?” You asked, frowning.

“Hell yeah,” he answered, putting his arm over the back of your chair again, “I love our GOT dates.”

Dates? You bit your lip, trying not to smile. Oh. Cool.

The waitress brought another round of mimosas to the table, handing them out to each of you.

“To Russo spoiling his girlfriend’s favorite TV show!” Curtis cheered.

“To Russo!” Karen and Frank echoed, clinking their classes together.

You toasted with them, watching Billy to see if he was annoyed or irritated that they’d called you his girlfriend… He didn’t seem to mind. He leaned closer to you, pressing a kiss to the side of your face—a surprisingly openly affectionate gesture.

“I promise I’ll make this up to you later,” he whispered before straightening up.

You bit your lip. You were still disappointed by the spoiler, but there was something you wanted to test out, too. Something that, if you were right, would easily overpower the disappointment. “You know,” you whispered back, “some people’s boyfriends give them flowers or puppies, but mine just dishes out spoilers…”

He laughed, and that one, simple sound immediately put you at ease. “I told you,” he repeated, “I’ll make it up to you. I got plans…” He leaned closer to you again, his dark eyes gleaming. “…Gonna make you see that what you got is worth 100 Robb Starks…”

Now you laughed, heart full. Your boyfriend may spoil TV shows for you, and he may get irrationally jealous of fictional characters, but he was exactly what you wanted in a man.

Besides, you could be a little tactless, too. Karen had been right in her teasing about you not knowing about your one-year anniversary; you had no idea that you and Billy had even been dating, so when your anniversary came, it was a surprise to you.

Billy was cool with it, though. He laughed at your confusion, and the two of you spent the majority of the evening mapping out your relationship and debating when the two of you actually became a real couple. The rest of the night, you spent doing…other things…

(And no, watching Game of Thrones was not among them.)

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

Robb Stark is an absolute babe, and I stand by that statement. Anyway, that gif is totally Billy’s face when reader starts gushing about the King in the North lol. Thanks for reading!

Everything Taglist: @encounterthepast @jigsawlover10 @gollyderek  @charlylama @realduckvader @teacuplotus @whovianayesha  @lexxierave @loveintheroyalfamily  @fanfictionrecommendations-com  @maxslime-blog @songforhema @lucielandss @themadhatter92  @christinawxxx @anabella-baby @blackcoffeeandgreenteaforme @luminex3 @ashkuuuu @luckysstrikes @carlaangel86 @floralpeaceofmind @dylanobrusso @iaintnofurry  @ymariejp @its-my-little-dumpster-fire @mrsjaxtellerfan @holamor @drinix @rhabakoli @stories-you-wont-hear @king4thesirens @leahnicole1219 @evanlys19  @binbons-is-theloml @aikeia @bitch-imma-head-out  @witchygagirl

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Benny B Taglist (minus Sirius): @banditthewriter @something-tofightfor

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

drunk chris continuation?💕

A/N- Heres Part 2! Hangover cure! 

Part 1

You disappeared into the kitchen to make the hangover cure, grabbing a bottle of champagne, and orange juice from the fridge, making mimosas to relieve Chris’s headache. You knew he was a beer man, but this was vitamin C boost. Whatever, that what you were claiming was the cure. You also dug into the fridge and dug out stuff to make blueberry pancakes. What was mimosas without fluffy pancakes to go with it. Flipping on your playlist, and plugging your phone into the kitchen outlet, you got started with the tunes of Billy Joel playing in the background.

Chris made his way to the shower, once he got the water running, he figured a couple tablets would help with the throbbing behind his eyes. Opening the medicine cabinet, he shook the bottle and popped the meds, palming his hand under the facet to collect a swallow of water. Dipping his head back to ease them back. Oh that better kick in soon he thought, while his hand dipped into the stream of water and finding it satisfactory, he shed off his clothes, tossing his wallet and phone up on the counter and got in. Giving a sigh at just how good the hot water felt falling down his back and turning into it fully to drench himself and soap up, already feeling better.

Afterwards he dried off and slipped on a loose pair of sweats and nothing else, since today was just a lazy day. Going into the kitchen, he caught you bouncing happily to the soft tone of Joel, sipping on what looked like bubbly orange juice from one of the flute glasses you kept for special occasions. His stomach rumbled, and he was surprised to find that yea, he was hungry. Hands sliding along your bare hips, lifting his shirt up enough for him to palm your ass while you flip two pancakes. “Feeling yourself again?” You tip your head over your shoulder and give him a quick kiss while waiting for them to cook through.

“Much better, I took a couple tablets and they helped. Is there anything I can do to help?” His hands were still on your bare ass cheeks, fondling them, making them clench under his touch. “Nope, one of those flutes are yours, and we will have breakfast out on the deck? Its not to bad out, but your gonna want your sunglasses. I will be out in a minute.” You scooped out the pancakes and onto a plate with the others you already made. Chris gave one last squeeze and a light tap that made you jump in place while he nipped your neck.

“Your an animal” You hiss at him joking while he went to grab stuff from the fridge to accompany the breakfast you made, along with silverware and plates. “Theres no denying that baby, I love everything about you, you expect me to keep my hands entirely to myself when your bare ass in the kitchen?” He wiggled his brows and whistled to Dodger, who happily followed him out onto the deck, setting up the table, he was quick to go back inside and grab his sunglasses, perching them on his face.

“No, thats the whole point. Although we sitting out on the patio, Im gonna need something to cover my bare bottom.” You claim when he returned to you to grab your plate of pancakes, letting his hand wander one last time for a firm squeeze, pecking your lips playfully. “Fine, I can understand that.” He relented and took the plate from your hand. You pat his chest and give him a light push to go back out.

“Your insatiable, go out, I will be there in a minute.” you laugh, and retreat to put on some boy shorts, slipping them on with a hop while you continue down the hallway, collecting your mimosa and the ingredients to continue making more. When you step onto the concrete of the patio, your toes flex underneath the warmth already building in the late morning. Setting it all down on the glass top, you perch in your seat, shading your eyes to see Dodger on the other side of the pool and stretched out in the shade.

Chris is sitting next to you, scrolling through his phone, and obviously reading over the messages you two shared last night, groaning softly and you grin while collecting a couple still warm pancakes, pulling of a bite to pop in your mouth. “What? wishing they took away your phone last night?” you ponder, leaning over to look at what hes reading. “They should have. It wasnt just you that got random ass messages. Mom, Carly, Shanna. “ he continued scrolling, and flipped it so your could see. “Even a joint message to Anthony and Seb.” You collect his phone to read through it and laugh at his rambles, which both men responded with Wtf man, go to bed from Seb, and Anthony, well he egged him on.

You talk to all your friends this way? Your girl gonna get jealous.We knew you loved us man.

“Its your job to take it away before I go out” Chris informed you when you handed it back over and went back to your pancakes, drizzling syrup over them. “Oh no, what if you need to give me a call, ask me to marry you again? Be sure you tell Anthony Im willing to share, im not a jealous girlfriend.” You smirk, and Chris glares over his sunglasses at you, making you lean over and put a playful kiss on his pouting lips. “You love me and you know it Evans.”

“Yea I do, still your job to take away my phone next time.” He finally took a pancake and ripped it in tiny pieces and nibbling on a piece. You were about to retort when you heard someones voice behind you, and half turning in your chair, you saw Scott wandering into the kitchen. Waving your hand to catch his attention. “Were out here, grab a glass and I will make you a my morning hangover cure.”

Scott grabbed a flute glass and came out, immediately dropping his sunglasses on his face with a groan. “Suns a bitch, shining so bright so early in the morning.” He walked past the two of you and dropped a greasy mcdonalds bag in Chris’s lap. “I figured you might want to try that.

“Its 11 am Scott...” You retort as you take another bite of your pancakes. “And I made breakfast.”

Chris is digging out a sausage biscuit and Scott hands over his flute glass, which you start to put one together for him. ��And your pancakes are delicious Y/N, but we need hangover breakfeast, greasy fast food will soak up that last bit of alchohol. We are pros at this, been at it since 16. Blame Chris, he corrupted me way back then.” You roll your eyes and smirk when handing it back over, which he sipped off the top.

“You know what Im not surprised. Under that nice sweet man exterior of his, I knew theres a corrupted side.” you smirk at your man, winking.

Hes unwrapping the biscuit, sharing bites of the biscuit with Dodger whos sitting near him with his head in his lap. “If I remember correctly, I wasnt the one who insisted I went out.” He arched a brow, who in turn Scott pointed right at you.

The traitor.

“Excuse me, it was YOUR girlfriend and contacted me saying you need a drunk night out with your friends. I delivered.” Scott informed Chris, and your acting all innocent, whistling and looking around, suddenly the other side of the pool looks really interesting. In your weak attempt to change the subject. “Chris wouldnt some bird feeders look awful nice over there, something for Dodger to watch.”

Taking a bit bite of his biscuit, Chris snorted after he swallowed. “I KNEW IT WAS YOU.” Exaggerating his words, you look over slyly and shake your head in denial. “Oh I dont know what your talking about Chris.” In a semi aggressive whisper across the table, fake covering your mouth to exaggerate it “Scott how could you throw me under the bus?! were no longer best friends.”

Scott laughs and tosses back the last of his drink. “That is until you need someone to come over and hang out cause your bored.”

“Okay, well until then, your dead to me.”

“Deal Sweetheart, okay gonna go check on the others. Since you know, not a one of us left sober except for Mikey. Check on you two love birds later.”

As Scott left, Chris tossed the last bite to Dodger and you pushed away your plate, moving to a stand and coming around to sit on Chris’s lap, brushing your hand through his hand while he circled his arms around your waist and pressed his face in your chest, making your laugh. “Your not to upset I called in your friends, you really did need a night out Handsome.”

“Mmmph mmph mmoh” He mutters and you ease his head up, chuckling. “What?” your brow arches in question.

“Hell no, it was needed, but... “ His arm tightened around your waist and moved to a stand, not letting you go, your arm loped around his neck to balance while he braced his arm under your knees. “It was tricky and you didnt take away my phone.” Chris went around the table and started to the pool. As soon as you realized his intent and started to wriggle to try to get loose. “Dont you dare Chris... Chris! CHRISTOPHER DONT YOU DARE!”

But he did dare, and you went splashing into the pool, you shot back up sputtering when he to jumped in next to you, you swam over to where he would pop up, and shoved him back under. His hand snaked up to your boy shorts, pulling them off, leaving you squealing, and he shot up in front of you. Pushing your hands against his chest to push away from him, trying to escape, he dove after you, leaving you laughing and twisting away, till you came up behind him, yanking his own pants down, blowing water in his face when he turned around.

“Get your ass over here baby.” He growled and you shook your head, pushing the hair from your face and staying just out of his reach as you two circled around the pool till he ended up catching you right at the edge, and your legs wrapped around his waist, nipping at his lips playfully.

“Oops look like you caught me!” You grinned at him and he grinned back, cupping your face in his hands and kissing you back deeply. “My plan all along, wear you out and then I get to do what I want with you.”

Which he did, making you orgasm twice pressed between the pool wall and him, you two finally got out, and went to take a “quick” shower, the water going cold on you two, but at least the chlorine was washed off. Instead of really redressing, you slip on black panties and tank top, going out to pick up the patio table, and he follows you out to help, catching sight of your hips. “Oh shit baby, does that hurt?” He frowned and slid a hand over your hip. Frowning you look down, and chuckle.

His fingers must have gripped you pretty hard in the pool, as they fit exactly where he liked to grasp to get the most leverage in his thrusts. “Chris baby, I didnt even know they were there.” You purr as your arm loped around his neck and you nuzzled his neck. “So dont worry about it, It doesnt hurt at all.”

He looks doubtful, and you feathered kisses against his neck. “Promise, but you can make it up to me.” You grin and go back inside, which he followed you and the two of you worked on putting stuff away. “What is that Babygirl?”

“You can watch your video you sent me together so I can see you squirm and love me one more time in bed?”

He seemed to ponder that, and as you bent over the washing maching, his palm squeezed over your ass, making you arch.

“Deal baby, get that cute ass in bed with your phone.”

After dissecting the video in the most hilarious moments, you were laughing so hard tears were streaming down your face, awwing about how sweet he was, Chris took over and proved his words about how much he loved you in the best way possible, leaving you crying his name over and over. Did Chris end up unwinding? Most definitely. It was probably the best day hes had in a while.

Your plan worked like a charm.

[i-jus-wanna-writehappy]

11 Times Poe Dameron Embarrasses Himself and the 1 Time He Doesn’t

Pairing: Poe Dameron x fem!Reader (Modern AU)

Warnings: cursing

Author’s Note: I started writing this and I found myself thinking of Oscar;s role in Life Itself as much as in the Star Wars movies, so if you’ve seen it, there will be some similarities.

Tags: @thotyana-in-this-hoe @neeadinghugs 

Masterlist

*     *     *     *

You’re tempted to stop running as the stitch in your side is joined by a rumble in your stomach, but Poe is still chattering away as he runs beside you, so you take a deep breath and pretend you feel just fine. It goes well for a while, you and Poe have run a few more blocks and nearly run into three different strollers when your stomach growls loud enough for him to hear. “You wanna call it early for lunch?” Poe laughs, jogging in place as he glances at his watch. His green shirt is soaked through with sweat and you’re sure you don’t look any more comfortable. “If we stop now, I’ll get our lunch and drinks?” You barter with him so it doesn’t seem like you’ll be the only one gaining anything from stopping.

Poe finally stops running in place and tosses an arm over your shoulders, “Are you trying to get me drunk so you can have your way with me?” He smirks over at you as he leads you to Vincenzo’s because it’s where you always go for lunch. “Poe, please,” You start, ducking out from under his arm, “I’m hot as hell, I wouldn’t have to get you drunk to have my way with you.” Laughing, Poe steps into the street to let a toddler and his leash and his mother barrel between the two of you, “What can I say, I’m only a man.” Poe quips, joining you on the sidewalk again for the journey.

*

“Oh, yeah, some of us are going out tonight.” You remember, interrupting Poe’s outlandish story and taking way too quick a drink of your mimosa. Instead of saying anything in response, Poe levels his eyes and holds you in place with a five second gaze before standing and pulling the umbrella out of your table. “Poe, Poe, I don’t think those are meant to be removed from the tables.” You laugh, watching him struggle with the large umbrella. Scoffing, Poe stands on his chair and continues to pull the umbrella from the hole in the table, knocking over the pitcher of water on the table beside you and bonking himself on the forehead before pulling the umbrella out all the way and walking it to rest on the wall of the restaurant.

Two tables of people have left - unable to stay frustrated with Poe once he tossed them a dashing smile and an apology, but unwilling to have any more fumbling result in any more drinks getting knocked onto them or their food - and Poe is panting when he sits back down, “You’re lucky I practically own this place, or we’d be kicked out, now what exactly are you doing?” Once again, Poe doesn’t answer right away, instead, watching you with narrowed eyes for a moment, “Sorry, I had to let the sun shine on your face, I had to really be able to look at your face so that I could make sure you weren’t feeding me bullshit.”

You can’t help the laugh that forces its way out of your mouth in a snort, “Bullshit?” Frowning dramatically and keeping his gaze completely serious, Poe nods, “Bullshit.” Standing from his seat, Poe makes his way to your side of the table and puts his face close to yours, eyes flitting between your own while also taking a quick detour to your lips. You have to lean back to take another sip from your mimosa and Poe’s lack of movement makes you want to laugh again as you think of him pulling the same kind of antics when you met your senior year of college. 

“You’re not bullshitting me. And you’re still with that asshole.” Poe deducts, making his way back to his seat and wiping his sweaty hands on his grey jogging pants, which he wears on your runs on purpose though he’ll never admit it. Rolling your eyes, you grab a bread stick from the small plate you and Poe got to share, “I’m not even gonna acknowledge the shitty comment you made about Armitage, because I will not encourage that behavior. No, Poe Dameron, you big baby, I’m not bullshitting you. So, are you gonna come out and party with us tonight? I invited our cute new server, Rey.”

Poe mimics you with a roll of his eyes and a bite of a bread stick, “I’m gonna go home, grab a beer, take my pants off, and find a way to keep my hands busy. That’ll be a party in itself, you guys are more than welcome to come to my party.” He smiles at you through a mouth of bread and any tension in the conversation is gone. “Well if those are your standards of a party Dameron, you spend every night partying.” Swallowing the bread in a lump, Poe leans forward, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively as he puts his glass to his mouth, “Only the days we spend together, Y/N.” The comment pushes you to down the rest of your mimosa and check your smart watch, “You’re disgusting, Poe.” You chastise him, wrinkling your nose with no animosity behind the words at all. Poe laughs and stands as you do, “Alright, well, we’ll be at the usual place downtown at ten tonight if you decide you wanna come out. I’m gonna go get dressed and come in for a quick shift so I can break the news to Rey.”

The mention of another woman upsets Poe a bit. He’s been flirting with you since your senior year of college and despite you throwing flirty comments right back, you’ve always treated his behavior like a joke, almost like it’s your form of formality. And you keep trying to set him up with women, these women who don’t look or act anything like you, and honestly, he’s beginning to think that you have no idea what his type is. Yeah, one hundred percent, he’s gotten laid since your friendship has began, but you don’t introduce him to one night stands. You introduce him to women that you want to see him with on double dates. Women you want to see him with at all, and honestly, that irritates him a bit more. Unless you dig being jealous. Are you trying to set him up so you can rush to him in a jealous rage? Shove him against a wall and shove your tongue in his mouth while having him-

“Get out of your head and come give me a hug, Poe, you weirdo.” You order, pulling him out of his thoughts. Clearing his throat, and regretting the grey sweatpants, Poe shuffles over to you, enveloping you in a tight hug. Burying your nose in his hair and smelling his coconut shampoo, you think of Poe being home alone tonight and no matter how much he jokes, you feel like he could use a friend, so you squeeze him a little tighter and pull back a little to look at him, “Hey, I love you, Bug.” Like he did earlier, Poe looks into your eyes for a minute before he leans forward, eyes fluttering closed. They close completely and he realizes that he’s been leaning for a while and opens his eyes back up.

The two of you are still in each others arms, but now it’s more like Poe is dipping you rather than hugging you. “Poe, I still have that boyfriend you mentioned earlier.” You huff, exasperated as you release yourself from Poe’s hold. Shaking his head, Poe screws his eyes closed tight, “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, I mean, I guess I did, but my intention wasn’t to - shit. Yeah, sorry. That was a dick move.” Opening his eyes, Poe flashes you a charming smile and lifts his shoulder in a shrug, “Can you blame a guy for trying?” You want to tell him that yes, yes you can blame a guy for trying, but looking at Poe, you fall into your same rhythm and you know that you won’t be able to stay mad at him. Especially not looking right into those deep brown eyes.

“Don’t do that again, Poe Dameron. I’m serious. People end marriages for less.” You finally say, walking around the table setting down enough money from the pocket in your leggings to cover your meal and a hefty tip from both of you. “But I’m guessing you won’t end a relationship for it.” Poe asks, his head tilted in what he probably means to be a seductive way, but all you can see are the pictures you’ve seen of him as a child in his family photos. “I know, Poe, what an awful friend I am for not falling prey to the charm you’ve been trying to perfect since college.” Poe laughs with you, wanting to keep the banter going, but you squeeze his bicep fondly - not noticing it’s thicker than usual - and start off, checking the time on your watch before jogging out of sight.

[ladylillianrose]

Episode 17 Thoughts

I think Aydan is going to be the one to tell Eda the truth eventually. She wants to tell her so badly!

Serkan honey she deserves the truth and you know it!

Oh Eda you are such a fibber. The fact that you know you need to dig is only going to make you more determined to get to the bottom of it!

I love Engin! Hes still pulling for EdSer regardless. He knows things will work out in the end.

Oooo both Eda and Serkan beating out all their frustrations.

Of course you're feeling sick Eda, you're working out a ton, you're pissed off a.d probably dehydrated.

Grrrr Efe, still don't trust you at all. Even if you are working for Eda's grandma you're still shady as hell 😡😡😡

Having hoped i was pregnant several times (i wasn't any of them), you can be nauseous and sensitive to smells and other pregnancy symptoms and not be pregnant at all.

Ooo bitchy assistant is not gonna fly with anyone in that office.

Serkan has wanted to scrap that car and buy her a new one since day 1, but Eda would never allow it.

Yaaas sassy Leyla! Put Erdem in his place!

Lmao baby Serkan!! Omg Engin trying so hard not to laugh at his joke.

Engin's face when Eda is suggested to work with Serkan. He's like "I couldn't have planned it better myself."

Lmfao their faces when she said she would be alone with Serkan!

Ha! I knew that she would be pregnant again. Breast feeding doesnt always prevent pregnancies, i know a few people who it happened to and they ended up with 2 under 2!

Using Leyla to spy on Eda tsk tsk Serkan. Although considering her symptoms I can understand why he might have suspicions of pregnancy later on.

Serkan i think you would enjoy Eda beating you up far too much 😈😈

Somehow i imagine the valet is very invested in their relationship and hopes everything turns out okay with them lol

Always worried and taking care of Eda when shes ill 😍😍😍

Ferit and Celin fighting over dog custody, *sigh* just give the dog to Ferit, Selin. You won't have time for it anyway

Lmao his face when the dr asks if she could be pregnant. He's like "No...No...No?" 🤣

Lmfao Serkan, why is the first thing you mention nausea canbe a symptomof Ebola 🤣🤣🤣 This man and his overreacting

I love the mimosa plant! Lmao Eda calling Serkan out, saying he's cowardly and preferring solitude like the plant.

Oooo the husband is pissing me off, and clearly upsetting his wife too.

Serkan you should know by now that telling Eda not to do something is a sure fire way to get her to do exactly that.

Perfect response from Aydan about why she makes video calls 🤣🤣

Eda saying if she didnt want Aydan to call she would say so🥰

Lmao Aydan's face at not only a baby but him being called Little Serkan

Lmao I'm dying at the mischievous look on Eda's face when she suggests that they could take care of Little Serkan. And Serkan's look of "God help me with this crazy woman I'm in love with and can't say no to!"

His face when he overhears them talking! Omg Serkan sweetheart, deep breaths.😂😂😂

The fact that he keeps looking at Eda's stomach has ne dying 🤣🤣🤣

Kerem honest to god has the best facial expressions for everything, i cannot with this man's talent🤣🤣🤣😍😍😍

Lmao looking at the pregnancy test in the trash and just having his brain go 🤯🤯🤯🤣🤣🤣

Aydan immediately going to wild theories of running out and adopting a baby. Sure she couldnt have been pregnant and had a baby because of the timing, but they could just run out amd adopt?🤣🤣🤣 Even with all the Bolat $$ it would still take longer than one day to do an adoption!

Serkan is totally the helicopter husband 🤣🤣🤣

Serkan always has to explain to Engin when he needs him for stuff other than what he is saying lol.🤣🤣🤣

Ooo Engin you need to make it clear that you are off the market!

SIRIUS!!!! He's so cute in his little jacket!😍😍😍 Omg the thought of Serkan putting it on him to keep him warm and dry 😍😍😍

I've missed our sweet boy! And he has missed his Mama!!🥰🥰🥰🥰

Engin's pure joy at being an uncle😍😍😍

And rightly pointing out that Serkan and Eda need to talk!!

He found a house and is moving in!!! Tell me its the doctors house!!

What is Efe plotting now, and why is he telling Selin....🤔🤔🤔

Lmao he is so panicked about little Serkan its adorable🥺🥺🥺

Omg telling little Serkan he's luckier than other Serkan's cause he got to spend all day with Eda🥺🥺🥺🥰😍😍😍

Also side note, that baby shouldnt be sleeping in a hat, blanket and coat! Too many layers and its dangerous to sleep in a hat (can get caught over their nose, mouth or throat) (Sorry I have a degree in child development and I worked with infants for 3 years, so i know a lot about babies!)

Lmao omg telling baby Serkan about architecture and the Roman Empire (the Roman Empire is something i could totally see my husband telling a child about lol)🥰🥰🥰🥰

Serkan saying the baby is a business man like him 🤣🤣

Omg Ayfer and Aydan being so confused about the baby and possible pregnancy lmao🤣🤣🤣

Serkan's face at having to burp the baby🤣🤣🤣

Lmfao Efe that is the best thing you have ever said 🤣🤣🤣

Ooo jealous Serkan is back!🤣🤣🥰🥰

Im so glad that Ayfer and Aydan's talks with Eda and Serkan cleared everything up😂😂😂😂😂

Selin you need to stop being such a bitch to Ceren. And Ceren has every right to stand up for herself and Eda.

Ugh hes so proud of her, and he loves to watch her work and be herself.🥺🥺🥺

These two I swear! Just kiss and make up you are killing me😭😭😭😭😭

The sudden💡 as everything becomes clear to Serkan. 🤣🤣

Eda is going to kill him for his assumptions, and not coming right out and asking her.

And yet despite everything Eda wants to help Aydan.

The poetry 🥺🥺🥺😭😭😭💔

Efe causing trouble of course!!😡😡😡

Omg i love that Eda did the VR visit to London for Aydan❤❤

I would like Ceren and Ferit to end up together but they need to give it some time before they start a relationship.

Lmao Eda and Aydan shushing Serkan during the play🤣🤣

Oooo Efe holding that meeting when Serkan said they didnt need one.

Ceren taking Ferit to get a new dog 🥰🥰🥰

Lmao oh Engin, honey you are just so clueless with women.

Serkan and Ferit teasing Engin 🤣🤣🤣

Efe what the hell did you do to the attic!!!🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

The truth has to come put about Efe, Eda's parents and everything!!!

Omg what if whoever Efe is working for isn't grandma, but instead the person responsible for Eda's parents death? And that wasnt an accudent, but was someone trying to get revenge on Alptekin? Perhaps Kaan's father?

[seductresses-temple]

Fuck

So, this is actually a little something I cooked up for my best friend @50shades-of-truth it’s my first time writing ANY content for this paring and it’s un-betaed and probably sucks SO bad but I love him so much and my bb deserves nice (adjacent) things! Soooo without further adieu

Lessons From Mother

Pairing: Blaise Zabini and Neville Longbottom

Rating: Teen

Warnings: None

__________________

Growing up, his mother Selina was all Blaise had ever had. His father -whom his mother never spoke about- had died when he was young. Blaise remembered very little about him. He remembered the smell of sandalwood, a rich, deep laugh that filled up a room, and being held, but as time went on - as it is wont to do- those memories faded into a vague, fuzzy thing. The one thing Blaise did know about his father, with an absolute certainty, was that his death absolutely gutted his mother.

Boyfriends came and went.

Husbands came and went.

Every single man paled in comparison to the bittersweet memories of a long gone ghost.

Blaise adored his mother, he admired her strength and tenacity, sought to emulate her grace and beauty, and he lived his life by the lessons she’d instilled in him. She’d taught him manners, maths, how to dress with style, banking, she had a rule for everything, especially love, especially how to avoid love and Blaise had been doing a damn good job of it for seventeen years...until Neville.

Rule Number One: Don’t let them talk you into anything

It had all started with fucking Slughorn.

Classes at Hogwarts had resumed session over a year after the war and Blaise’s mother had - in no uncertain terms - made it quite clear that he was to continue his education if given the opportunity.

Of course McGonagall just had to give him an opportunity.

Two weeks before term was to begin, his letter came during Sunday breakfast and his mother had fixed him with a happy, expectant stare. They’d gone shopping in Diagon Alley the same day.

Summer passed by all too quickly after that and before Blaise knew it, he was sitting in Slughorn’s potion’s class, getting paired with Neville fucking Longbottom on a three month long potions assignment. All in the name of Interhouse Unity or whatever nonsensical prattle the faculty seemed content to spew about.

As if being back at Hogwarts wasn’t enough of a chore, being paired with the absolute worst potion’s partner on the face of the planet was just salt in the wound, wasn’t it? The only silver lining Blaise could find in the situation was that Draco had gotten paired with Potter and had turned nearly as read as Weasley’s hair.

“You will need to meet with your partner at least twice a week outside of class to conduct research, all of which will be recorded in these journals,” Slughorn waved a small, black, leather bound journal in the air before flicking his wand and sending a pile of them floating through the room.

“You will each share a journal to make the process as collaborative as possible and they will be collected the same day as your potion. Now, everyone switch seats so that you are sitting with your partner, you’ll have the rest of class to have a friendly debate over which potion you’ll be crafting for this assignment.” Slughorn clapped his hands and shuffled behind his desk, seeming all too pleased with himself.

Blaise refused to move from his seat. It wasn’t like he wanted to be there in the first place. To his credit, Blaise’s stubbornness seemed to have no effect on Longbottom whatsoever.

“I had an idea already,” Longbottom plopped down in the seat beside him, journal clutched in his fist.

“You let me do all the work and we actually pass?” Blaise raised an eyebrow at him. It was the only idea that had any merit, after all, Longbottom was rubbish at potions and Blaise Zabini had never failed a class in his life. He certainly didn’t plan on starting just because he’d been paired with an accident waiting to happen.

“Ha,” Longbottom rolled his eyes before leaning in conspiratorially, a wide, mischievous grin splitting his face and making his eyes absolutely sparkle.

“I’ve got something big I’m working on. It’s a risk, but that’s what you lot are all about, yeah? Ambition, cunning, pride. Think you’re in for the ride, Zabini?”

If Blaise had been a smart man, he would have known it was the beginning of the end in that moment. He would have ran away and never looked back. Better to run away than be a fool in love. But having never fallen before Blaise was too blind to know…

Rule Number Two: Don’t fall for their doe-eyed stares

Neville Longbottom, against all odds, was actually quite brilliant. His grand master plan -if they could pull it off- would be even more powerful than dittany. It would effectively have the power to heal wounds left behind by Dark Magic and Magical Creatures alike. Even old scars.

“I’m making it for Bill,” Longbottom told him one day while they were working out on the front lawn, the journal sitting between them as they got settled on top of a large blanket in tacky Gryffindor colors.

“And Bill is?” Blaise asked, twirling a bit of dittany between his fingers, having no issues whatsoever showcasing his boredom.

It seemed to have no ill effect on Longbottom, however, who propelled himself into explaining far more of the Weasley family tree than Blaise could ever bring himself to care about. He didn’t care, not in the slightest, but something about the way Longbottom looked as he spoke made Blaise pause. Made him listen. Made him stare deeply into Longbottom’s eyes, which were impossibly brown with small flecks of hazel and hang onto his every word. There was a fire in his eyes as he talked about healing, his eyes warm and bright, his voice strong and sure, and his face just a little bit flushed, lips moving a mile a minute.

Blaise certainly didn’t think about what those lips would feel like against his own.

That would be preposterous.

Rule Number Three: Don’t become smitten with their little habits.

Neville Longbottom was something of an artist and apparently brilliant at charms.

It was a small fact Blaise had learned by happenstance. The first time the two of them had sat down in the library to research the potion they were creating, Blaise had been reading aloud from some of their research material while Longbottom scribbled notes in the journal. It wasn’t until later that night, when Blaise was leafing through the journal before bed -out of sheer boredom, mind- that he spotted the most gorgeous picture of an English Rose in the margins. It was charmed to bloom, over and over, and looked so fantastically detailed, Blaise would have sworn he could nearly smell it.

They passed the journal off periodically and every time Blaise received it back there was always some new little drawing that caught his eye. Without thought, Blaise took to scribbling the name under each new addition. It got to the point where Longbottom would start drawing less common plants, testing Blaise’s knowledge, and it had turned into a game of sorts.

Their little plant trivia was how Blaise found out that Neville fucking Longbottom was a bit of a bastard underneath that shy, unassuming disposition. Blaise also found out he didn’t care to lose their little game. Every time Blaise couldn’t identify a picture before their next hand off, Longbottom was nothing but smug grins and little jabs.

“I thought part of being cunning was being resourceful, Zabini?” Or something like, “well, I see why you weren’t sorted into Ravenclaw.” Or a little shove and a “you’re allowed to use a book, you know?” All of which just made Blaise scowl and grumble and try all the harder to the point that Longbottom started leaving little words of encouragement under each drawing.

Blaise found a “you’ve got this” under a doodle of a ‘shy plant’ and there was a rush of vindication when he was able to scribble mimosa pudica underneath. He got a very enthusiastic “show me what you’ve got!” under an incredibly graphic drawing of Hydnellum peckii and he wrote a disgruntled “you’re gross” underneath his answer.

What really put the final nail in Blaise’s coffin was reading the words “I believe in you,” under a drawing of a tulip, its petals charmed to turn yellow ever so slowly.

Blaise didn’t write an answer.

Rule Number Four: Don’t give them the power to make you jealous

Jealousy was an ugly, foul little thing. After the incident with the tulips, Blaise couldn’t bring himself to speak to Longbottom afterward. Every time he tried those damnable yellow twinged tulips flashed in his mind and he heard his mother’s voice in the back of his head. “Be careful with your heart, my darling boy.”

So Blaise was careful, which meant working on their potion -two nights a week- in a terse silence while silently counting down the minutes until he didn’t have to be in such close proximity to Longbottom because it was all becoming too maddening. What was a boy to do when the object of his affection was so close? Their breath mingling together, faces mere inches apart as both of them hovered intently over their potion. They watched the surface suspiciously, anticipation coiled tightly in their chest, and Blaise did everything in his power not to lean over and steal a kiss.

So lost in his own little word of trying to fight his stupid, selfish impulses, Blaise almost didn’t hear Longbottom who was mumbling something at his side. Alright, so he didn’t hear him at all.

“Hm?” Blaise hoped he sounded distracted instead of incredibly flustered. The heat of the potion and the fire in his belly didn’t seem to be agreeing with one another and it was all a bit too much.

“I was wondering if you could watch the potion this evening, just this once. I sort of, well I,” Longbottom cleared his throat, a hand coming up to rub the back of his neck as he sat back in his chair, away from Blaise.

“I sort of have a date, I suppose,” he said at last and something vicious ripped through Blaise.

“A date,” Blaise had to pull the word from his throat. His voice must have sounded odd or strained or too much of something because it made Longbottom wince just to look at him.

“You’re right,” Longbottom gulped.

“I shouldn’t go, we’re supposed to be, well, partners. I can’t just l-leave you to go it alone,” with a nod, Longbottom pulled their journal into his lap and scribbled something down, staring at the table, the potion, anywhere but at Blaise really.

Fuck.

Blaise understood now, why they called Jealousy a ‘little green monster’ because his was currently stomping around his heart, throwing things, and having the world’s most Apocalyptic meltdown.

“Go on your date, Longbottom, for pity’s sake. Have fun,” Blaise waved a dismissive hand, building a wall around his heart brick-by-brick because it was the only thing saving the useless thing from crumbling to pieces.

Rule Number Five: Love with your whole heart or don’t love at all

It was, Blaise liked to think, quite hard to get under his skin. That’s what he thought, anyway, until the day Neville walked into the library, eyes puffy and raw, the tip of his little nose just a little bit red, and the tracks of his tears down his cheeks as visible as the sun in a clear blue sky. Blaise felt instantaneously livid, his emotions flaring hot and intense like a bonfire.

“What’s wrong?” he snapped his book shut and put all of his attention on the boy in front of him, silently wondering how long of a prison sentence he’d get for killing whoever dared to make Neville cry. He was sure to get some leniency, if any member of the Wizengamot took one look at Neville, spoke with him just once, and saw how good and pure and sweet he was.

“It’s nothing,” Neville pulled out their journal, his trembling hands causing it to drop onto the table which caused two things to happen.

The first was that the page just so happen to open on the page where Neville’s tulip was slowly filling with yellow. The second was that a spare bit of parchment came tumbling out of it, falling -ironically- into Blaise’s lap. Without meaning to, Blaise couldn’t help but catch it and he couldn’t help it if a few of the words seemed to jump off the page. The words someone else and break up may as well have been written in red ink.

“He’s an idiot,” Blaise muttered, handing Neville the parchment back, trying to pretend as though he didn’t feel his magic jump beneath his skin as their fingers brushed together.

“He isn’t the only one,” Neville fixed him with a pointed stare and Blaise could only sit and stare back at him.

The boy has a point, some logical part of him whispered but he didn’t have time to dwell on it. Their potion was so close to being done and Neville seemed content to through his heartbreak on the backburner in favor of getting down to work.

It was astounding to see him in his element. Blaise couldn’t help but steal glances out the corner of his eye, watching Neville hunched over the potion with a book in his lap, brow furrowed in concentration, and his bottom lip held loosely between his teeth. A strand of his hair fell over his eyes and Blaise’s heart fluttered so hard he thought the damned thing would fly away.

Tucking away every lesson his mother had ever taught him, Blaise reached over for the journal, scribbling down what he should have written over a month ago.

Yellow tulip- Hopeless love- Neville, will you go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend?

The smile that spread across Neville’s face as Blaise caught him reading the note over his shoulder nearly stopped his heart.

Fuck.

There was no denying it.

Love seemed to give no fucks about the rules.

[darlinggod]

title: how was i to know (i was far too much in love to see) (AO3 link)

summary: There’s a perfectly rational explanation as to why Clarke doesn’t like Bree and Bellamy has nothing to do with it. She’s mostly sure. 

A/N: This is mostly fluff and pining!Clarke. I love only ever writing, like, one kind of fanfiction!

Bree is not exactly hard to like. She’s smart, if a little lazy. Her jokes are inappropriate, but she’s charming enough to pull it off. In theory, she sounds like someone Clarke might actually like. But, there’s just something off about her. Clarke can’t like her. Not for a lack of trying, she’s looked at it from every angle. Clarke finds herself thinking about it a lot. It’s like staring at a painting that’s technically sound and still getting repulsed by it. It’s driving her insane.

But, Bree is Bellamy’s… something. She should, at least, figure out what she doesn’t like about her. He’s her best friend and she’s gotten along with most of his hook-ups. Though, she has to admit, none of them have hung around him this long.

The point is, once she understands why she doesn’t get along with his... whatever she is to him (because there absolutely has to be a reason for it), she might be able to look Bellamy in the eye again without feeling like she’s doing something wrong and just barely getting away with it.

Raven is as sympathetic as Clarke expects she would be when she tells her about it at brunch.

“You can’t be serious.” Raven looks utterly unimpressed but she can’t be exactly sure if it’s a reaction to what she said or if it’s just her default mood. “Oh, my god, you are unbelievable,” she mutters under her breath. Okay, so it’s her, then.

Clarke shifts uncomfortably. “What?”

“Clarke.” Raven stops herself abruptly, biting her bottom lip. “Never mind,” she says and chugs the rest of her mimosa, instead.

She doesn’t push, knows she won’t like what Raven has to say. Clarke considers her words, instead. “Do you like Bree?”

Raven makes a non-committal noise. “She’s fine.”

“Just fine?” Clarke asks and feels hope sparking in her chest. If Raven doesn’t like Bree either, there’s hope she isn’t over-reacting.  

“Clarke, you know that it’s hard for me to like people. I barely know her,” Raven tells her and, she knows she’s right. Raven doesn’t take easy to anyone, except for Luna, maybe. But,she was in love with Luna almost immediately, so that doesn’t count.

She thinks of Bree, for what seems like the millionth time, and tries to make sense of all this, but she draws a blank. Instead, she finds herself thinking of the time she’d seen Bellamy’s arm wrapped around Bree’s waist and her grinning up at him. Her stomach feels like lead.

Clarke pokes at her salad with her knife, her appetite gone. “But, you know why I don’t.” The answer is buzzing at the back of her head. Clarke has every intention of ignoring it until she absolutely has no choice.

“I’m not interfering.”

Clarke doesn’t laugh at that but it’s a close thing. Raven’s the most meddlesome person she knows. If she were to make a list of every single inappropriate comment someone has made about her love-life—or lack thereof—, Raven would make most of it.

But she doesn’t feel like following that train of thought. “You hacked into my laptop yesterday!”

“Okay, first,” she says, holding up a single finger, “guessing that your password is your middle name is not hacking— “

“Hey, that’s genius. No one knows my middle name which, conveniently, also means that witches can’t put curses on me!”

“— Second,” Raven continues, ignoring her, which, fair, “you kept going on and on about you haven’t installed any anti-virus software in your new laptop yet, and it was driving me insane.”

“I was getting to it,” Clarke protests in a tone that suggests she was not, in fact, getting to it.

“You needed it too with all the weird porn you watch.”

“For the last time, I was dating Sterling at the time and he was into some weird things!” Raven makes a face. “It was one time!”

“One time too many,” Raven mumbles.

Clarke smacks her shoulder with a discarded napkin and Raven jabs her in her ribcage.

“Next time, I’ll let you catch the virus.”

“Well, I like it better when you meddle.”

There’s an extended silence. Clarke’s not talking about the computer anymore and Raven is both smart and a good enough friend to pick up on it.

“Fine,” she relents, “you’re jealous.”

There it is. The most obvious explanation to her troubles. She knows that if she digs enough, she’ll find it’s true. And that, unfortunately, also makes it the most problematic explanation.

“He’s my best friend,” she reasons weakly, “We’re not a thing.”

“Those things aren’t mutually exclusive,” her friend retorts, not unkindly.

“Yeah but I don’t have feelings…” she trails off. She can’t say that. Even before this whole thing, she could never say that. They were Bellamy and Clarke. She realizes, with an ungentle tug of her stomach, that she had always thought that it was going to be them in the end. She swallows and it hurts.

Her expression must be truly pitiful because Raven backtracks. “He’s your best friend. Maybe, you just don’t want to share him.”

“Maybe.” She knows Raven is lying for her benefit. But, Clarke feels like she’s lying too.

                                                 Millers and Boon

Miller

                                                                                                 Is bellamy dead???

No

What

                                                                                  Why are you texting me then

                                                                                                 It’s 3 in the morning

I’m working I can’t tell the time

                                                                  There aren’t any clocks in the hospital?

It’s how they keep us here

Wait why would I be the one telling you that bellamy’s dead

                                                                                      Idk you’re always together

                                                                           And youre his emergency contact

It makes perfect sense to have a doctor as your emergency contact

                                                                                                                       Right.

Fuck off

But seriously

Bree

(two attachments sent)

She looks like me doesn’t she?

                                                                                                         I guess I see it

                                                             But you also said bryan looks like bellamy

HE DOES

                                                                                                Ok Clarke whatever

                                                                      Wait you woke me up for this??????

I mean you didn’t have to wake up for a text

                                                                                                  I cannot stand you.

                                        Does this have anything to do with your feelings for him

…………..

Did you talk to raven

             you think raven is the only person who thinks you’re in love with bellamy

                                                                        jasper calls you guys mom and dad

yeah but we’re talking about real people

                                                                                            im going to bed clarke

tell your boyfriend I said hi

                                                                  im not relaying your existence to bryan

                                                   you made it too weird with the bellamy comment

YOU CANT HIDE FROM THE TRUTH NATHAN

                                                                                       Millers and Boon is offline

She feels bad when she invites her friends over for dinner the next day and it’s only half because she misses them. In truth, she needs a distraction. Clarke’s never been particularly good at feelings. And whenever she’s had them, they were short-lived, all-consuming and almost painful. But, with Bellamy, it’s— it’s all encompassing. It’s soft and sweet and makes her feel like she’s doing something right. It’s a feeling in her chest that she carries with her everywhere she goes. She knows what she feels, and she’ll be fucked if she lets him go because she’s too afraid to be happy.

When Bellamy shoots her a messing telling her that he’s on his way, she finds that she isn’t actually that afraid anymore. It’s always nice seeing Bellamy, Clarke decides, when he pokes his head into her apartment without knocking. It’s nice to see him when she’s upset, and when she’s excited, it’s even nice when she’s on the brink of admitting that she’s in love with him. If there’s only thing she can be sure of, it’s that she’ll always want to see him. His smile is the one she’ll most easily recognize. She’d know him from miles away. He sets her at ease.

“Hey.” He wraps his arm around her shoulder as he enters the apartment and absent-mindedly presses a kiss to her temple.

“Oh,” she says. I love you, she thinks. “You’re early.”

“Nice to see you, too,” he replies, a teasing lilt to his voice. You have no idea, she thinks. She gravitates towards him, smile growing on its own accord. Not a fucking clue. Bellamy smiles back with his whole body. His shoulders perk up and his eyes sparkles and her head feels like it’s clearing itself up, like the noise is leaking out. She’s starting to realize that he loves her too. In whatever way.

He drops onto the couch and she slots herself next to him, the way she always has. “I just didn’t realize you were going to be early.”

He shrugs. “I’m on time. Everyone else is just late.”

“You’ve been friends with us for years, you should know what ‘on time’ means.”

“Just because my friends are impolite assholes, doesn’t mean I have to be.” She sticks out his tongue at him and he rolls his eyes, but it’s all stained with fondness.

“Yeah, you’re just a regular asshole.”

“Run of the mill,” he agrees, deadpan. Clarke bites her bottom lip to stop herself from giggling. It was all fairly clear, in hindsight. He makes her forget herself. He makes her happy.

“Here.” He gets up abruptly and extends a hand to her. She raises an eyebrow. “Help me set the table,” says Bellamy. She snorts and lets him help her to her feet.

“I was going to do that on my own before you got here,” she says primly.

He snorts. “You don’t have to do everything on your own, you know.”

Her whole body feel warm, her skin buzzing lightly. “I know.” She bumps his shoulder with hers. “I got you for that.”

They’re standing closely, and there’s a moment where she thinks he’s going to kiss her. But, he grabs the pizza boxes from the counter and sets them on the table instead. She sighs and sets out to search for the paper plates she hasn’t seen in weeks.

There’s a few minutes of easy silence. He gets the beer out of the fridge and she finally finds the paper plates in the cabinet next to stove she never uses. He even helps her clean up a little, dusting the countertops and picking up some of the garbage she had left lying around. He calls her a spoilt princess teasingly even though she knows it’s true and she calls him a dumb, helpful idiot, which rings, like, thirty percent true, at least.

“Hey,” he calls when the place looks – what she can only assume is—satisfactory to him, “Bree’s going to stop by to drop something off. Is that cool?”

A wave of hurt hits her. It starts at her stomach and she feels it constrict her insides. She’s surprised at how violent it is. How momentarily blinding. “Yeah,” she replies, not really looking at him. “Of course, it’s fine. Why wouldn’t it be?”

He laughs, not unkindly. “I didn’t think you really liked her.”

“That’s crazy,” she scoffs, but she sounds defensive to her own ears. “I don’t have a reason not to.”

“I just thought—“

“—Well, you thought wrong,” Clarke snaps.

Hurt flashes in his eyes and she regrets. The jealousy is immediately replaced with a vague sadness. She wants him to be happy. She would like him to be happy with her, but that’s secondary. That’s another unchangeable truth. But she can’t just stand there and pretend it’s all okay. She thought she was ready, but. She doesn’t think she’s strong enough. Maybe, just not yet.

“I have to go.” She doesn’t have the desire nor the energy to hide the breaking of her voice, or heart. She spins on her heel before she can do something even stupider like yell. Or cry.

“Wait,” he calls. She pauses long enough for him to catch her wrist. Her skin burns hot where he touches her. Her eyes burn. She burns. She turns to face him slowly, her heart thundering in her chest, and stares at the spot above his shoulder, still not daring to look at him. She’s sure he can feel her pulse, wild and erratic.

“Are you jealous, Clarke?”

Her first instinct is to laugh it off. Her second is to run for the hills. Maybe, that says something about her character. She does neither, which definitely says something about what he means to her. She risks a glance at him. His face is wide open, eyes as honest as she’s ever seen. His expression, she’s hopeful enough to call it longing. It hits her, for maybe the first time, that she wants him to know. That he might want to know.

She blinks. “Yes.”

His eyes widen, the grip on her wrist loosening. Her hands are shaking, her throat is dry. She only notices that his hands are shaking, too, when he slides it into hers.  

“You know I’m in love with you, right?” His voice is so soft, she’s half-sure she imagined it. Mostly, she finds herself settling into the revelation the way one might settle into their bed after a long, tiring day.

She feels relief and joy and she feels. More than she’s felt in a long time. She laughs, watery, and squeezes his hand. “I didn’t.”

He grins, a little crooked, a little shy. “Well, I am,” he says. He is beaming. She thinks she might explode, come undone. But she stays the way she is, and he looks at her the way he does. They are the same and they are in love.

“Oh.” I love you, she thinks. She tugs him closer, just because she can. “I love you, too,” she says.

He brushes her cheek with his thumb and she lets out a sigh so loud, it’s almost embarrassing. Almost. She gets on her tiptoes and kisses him then. He kisses her sweetly, and if he hadn’t said it before, she would’ve known that he loved her right there. She pulls away, places her hands on his shoulders to steady herself.

“Bree?” she asks because, apparently, she’s the jealous type. He kisses her quickly and she giggles into it, coaxing a longer one out of him. He grins smugly

“We slept together once. She’s pretty cool so, we hang out.”

She smiles, resting her forehead against his. “You know, I think I see it.”

[iamn0tdansmith]

“Meet me here tomorrow?”

 Dan tried to hide the desperation in his voice. He didn’t want her to leave. It was already so late at night, he wished they could just curl up in bed together and laze around all day. Unfortunately, they had lives and responsibilities and they both had other people they needed to deal with, somehow. He hadn’t heard much of her phone conversation with Alex. If she had shut herself away in the bathroom, it was probably for a reason, and after all the shit they’ve been through, he wanted to respect her privacy.

           They kissed again, and he offered her a ride back to her hotel. It wasn’t too far from his own, but there was no way he’d let her walk back at half past two in the morning. The five-minute lift became a half-hour long, as they couldn’t stop kissing each other in the car. It was sweet; every time Rinan was ready to get out of the car, she’d turn back and kiss him one more time, which turned into heated make-outs. He missed her as soon as she shut the car door.

 --------

           Alex Turner sat at the table in his hotel room, in the room he was meant to be sharing with Rinan, absentmindedly spinning and empty glass. There was whisky in the glass, before he had drank it all, and now he was out. He thought about going out for a smoke, but he only had one cigarette left. His cell phone was the only other item on the table. He stared at it, waiting for any sign of life. He had already blown Rinan’s phone enough that night, and he hated how clingy it made him seem, but he was worried sick. After the awards show, she had just disappeared. Even the journalists hadn’t seen her. No one knew where she had gone, and it worried him.

           The two of them were close. Close enough for Alex to know many of her dark secrets, and close enough for him to be rightfully worried, given those secrets. He decided to give her a call again, just one more call. He put it on speaker and let it ring, waiting to hear the voicemail message he had heard over a dozen times that night. But then he heard her voice, Rinan’s real voice, not the poor-quality recording of her voicemail.

           “What happened? I’ve been trying to reach you, love; where’d you make off to?” He tried to hide the relief in his voice, not wanting her to feel bad for worrying him. He was just glad she was okay.

“I met up with Dan. And we just cut out early. I’m sorry if I worried you.”

Alex sat back in his chair. This whole time, she was with another guy? Really, he knew he couldn’t be upset or jealous because it’s not like they were an exclusive couple. He just thought they had enough of a commitment to each other that she’d at least take the time to let him know she was alright. That’s what annoyed him the most; the fact that she couldn’t take three seconds before or after getting screwed by Dan Smith to just tell him she wasn’t dead in a ditch somewhere. He didn’t say any of that, though. “I’ll see you in a bit, then.”

He waited for her to reply before he hung up the phone. Alex wasn’t sure what he meant by ‘in a bit’. He still didn’t know if she’d be staying at Dan’s or coming back to their hotel room. He just knew he couldn’t stay here, not at the moment. He wrote her a note, just in case she came back while he was out. He didn’t want to worry her. He left the hotel not knowing where he was going, he just needed some air.

First stop was to get more cigarettes, as he had lit up his last one as soon as he stepped outside. Next stop was a bar that was surprisingly still open. Alex sat on a stool, a few seats down from a man passed out on the bar top.

“Is it too late for a whisky rocks?” Alex asked the bartender.

“You’re just in time for last call, mate. Here you go.”

Alex nursed it slowly, enjoying the burn. There was a couple making out in the back. In fact, he wasn’t quite sure they weren’t doing more than that. Whatever they were doing, he pretended he didn’t see any of it. Alex stayed in the bar until it closed up, then continued to wander around the city. He had circled his way back toward the hotel and decided to stroll through the park nearby.

Rinan was on one of the benches, and Alex noticed her from afar. He would have recognized her anywhere, but it still surprised him to see her there. He strode over, having calmed down from their previous phone conversation. “Ah, fancy seeing you here.” He said, a smile on his lips. Seeing her confused expression, he explained himself, joking with her.

“I’m sorry about earlier. I’m just feeling a lot of things that I really can’t seem to figure out.”

Alex sat next to her, nodding. He understood all too well. “I can’t say that it’s alright, because it’s not. But I will tell you I’m not giving up on this. I know we don’t really behave like a normal couple, but I’m okay with that. I’ll let you explore whatever you want with whoever you want. I’ll still be here. You’ve got me, Rin.”

He pulled her close to him, wanting her to feel the truth in his words. He meant every one of them, because he knew no matter what happened, no matter who Rinan chose, she would always have her. They were far too close to ever leave each other.

Eventually they went back to the hotel room, and the two of them slept for a really long while, entangled in the bedsheets and each other.

  --------

Meanwhile, Dan had barely slept. He couldn’t stop thinking of Rinan, and by the time he had actually fallen asleep, his phone woke him up. It was Christina calling, again. He groaned and picked it up.

She spoke before he could. “I’m outside your hotel room!” Her all-too-enthusiastic voice said over the phone.

“What? Chris, I told you I’d come see you later. Why are you here?” He grumbled, shuffling out of bed. It was rare for him to be so snappy with someone, but after being bombarded with calls and texts from her all night, he was running low on patience.

“I just missed you, silly, and you told me we’d see each other in the morning.” She was so matter-of-fact, so oblivious.

Daniel let her in, and she immediately wrapped her arms around his chest in a hug. He didn’t push her away, but he didn’t hug her back either. “Chris, listen, I’m actually glad you’re here because we need to talk.”

She pulled away and looked up at him, her bangs falling into her eyes. “What is it? You’re not breaking up with me, are you? On our almost-two-month-iversary?” Her lip started quivering like a child.

“I’m sorry, I really liked you, and you’re a sweet girl but I don’t see this working in the long run, hun.” Dan had left out all the parts about how he was in love with another woman, but what he said wasn’t wrong.

The redhead burst into tears sinking down on the edge of the bed, and Dan rubbed her lightly on the shoulder. He didn’t want to give her any wrong ideas, but he also couldn’t just watch a girl cry and not try to console them. Break-ups sucked, especially when you’re being dumped. Just then, the crying stopped. Christina pointed at a small black rectangle on the floor.

“What is that?” She asked accusingly.

Dan shrugged. “I don’t know,” he replied in all honesty. He had no idea what that was.

Christina stood from her seat on the bed and walked over to the item, picking it up in her hand. She took the lid off of the rectangle and showed it to him. “This is lipstick, Dan. And I doubt it’s yours.” She glanced around the room, only just noticing that Kyle wasn’t in it. “Wait, you lied to me yesterday? And you were with some whore!” She shouted at him.

“Whoa, wait. Chris, that’s not—” He was at a loss for words, and even if he did know what to tell her, she wouldn’t give him the chance.

“Who is she, Dan? Huh? Tell me!” Christina threw the lipstick at him and it bounced off his chest. Whatever sadness she felt a few moments earlier had turned to rage.

“Ow, what the hell?” He rubbed the spot where the tiny metal box hit him. Now he was a bit peeved. “Christina, just go, alright? I already told you we’re done.”

“I’m going to find out who she is, Dan. Don’t you worry! And when I know, I’m going to ruin both your lives.” Her pretty brown eyes narrowed at him, but he just took what she said as empty threats. How would she ever find out? And how could she possibly ruin their lives when she won’t be in them?

Daniel led her to the door and shut it behind her, glad to be rid of her. Crazy bitch… he thought. But he had other things to think about, now. He needed to get ready to see Rin.

 --------

Alex watched Rinan get ready in their hotel room the next morning. They had chatted over breakfast together like nothing had changed, like she wasn’t about to go meet with another guy. He had to continuously remind himself that A.) he and Rin were not exclusive. B.) because of that, he had no right to have an opinion on what she did or who she saw. And C.) he had stupidly gone and told her that he was okay with her ‘exploring herself.’ Whatever that meant. He wanted her to be happy, he truly did, but he wanted her to be happy with him. There was no taking back what he said now, and he still meant it for the most part. It was just going to be really hard on him to watch the woman he loves so much be with someone else.

What reassured him, though, was knowing they’d be on tour together soon, which meant lots of time together. Alex might just be able to remind her all the reasons why the two of them work so well together, in more ways than one.

“I never got a chance to congratulate you on your win, love, so congratulations.” Alex lifted his mimosa glass, making her come over to lift her empty one to cling together. “Here’s to the first of many awards for your incredible career.”

She smiled at him, but then announced she was heading out almost right after. The nice moment became a sour one for Alex. Still, he tried to be supportive. “Alright, love, have a good time. I’ll let you know if I end up going out with the boys, if you’d want to join us later.”

Rinan thanked him and surprised him by giving him a kiss on the cheek as she left. That girl had his heart and she didn’t even know it. Now, it seemed, she had two men’s hearts. Eventually, she would have to choose between them.

--------

When a knock came from his door, Dan jumped up from the balcony chair. He all but sprinted to it, excited to see Rin again. She stood on the other side of it, gorgeous as ever. Dan pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her hair and leaving soft kisses on her neck.

“I’m so glad to see you. I broke things off with Christina, and everything is okay.” He announced. When Rinan asked if she took it well, he grimaced. “Not so much, but she’ll get over it. We weren’t even together for two whole months. By the way, this belongs to you.” He handed her the lipstick Christina had found, and she tucked it away in her purse.

Dan put his hands in the pockets of his dark wash jeans. He was wearing a plain black t-shirt with a thin navy-blue hoodie over it. When Rin asked what he wanted to do, he smiled. “I was thinking we could visit the city, maybe go to the aquarium nearby, visit some of the touristy-places. There’s a fair in town, too!” He said excitedly, then kissed her firmly on the lips. “I just want to spend the day with you.”

[buttercup-blue]

Vegas

I’m sure no one gives a fuck about this long ass post, but this blog is more my diary than anything else and a lot always happens on travel weekends.

I just got back from Vegas. Thank god I had a direct flight on the way back. This weekend was incredible, Travel Daddy and I always have the best time together.

I asked for a late dinner the night I got in so I could have some time to freshen up. When I got there, he had a bottle of wine waiting for me. We sat outside on the balcony with me on his lap (our room overlooked the Bellagio fountains) sipping on wine and catching up. When I got there I had no makeup on wearing denim cutoffs and a Brandy Melville long sleeve thermal so I wanted to put some effort in to getting ready for dinner. I showered, rubbed myself down in lotion and did a full beauty routine.

We went to a very intimate Mediterranean restaurant the first night. We have a tradition when we go out to eat where we each have a glass of champagne first and then split a bottle of red wine. I was already about 5-6 glasses of wine deep (counting the ones we had at the hotel) by the time our appetizers came 😂 I love that he can keep up with me and lets loose as much as I do. But just to clarify, I have an extremely high alcohol tolerance (the only good thing having an alcoholic dad gave me). I’ve never gotten sick from drinking with him, I don’t suffer from hangovers. I’m a happy drunk and know how to conduct myself. I also trust him completely so I’m comfortable with heavy drinking around him because I know nothing bad will happen. I usually drink in moderation, but I also believe there’s need for celebration from time to time.

We went to a cocktail lounge after. It was sugar baby hunting grounds and gave us a good laugh. Literally every girl was with an old guy. I complimented the girl sitting on the couch next to me on her shoes because we both were in the same boat. Of course they were Jimmy Choo.

Then we went to my favorite bar and had a couple more glasses of champagne. All of the sudden I hit a wall and was exhausted. It was only 2, but I flew in from the east coast so it was much later. When we finally got to the room, I was useless. We pretty much always have sex at the end of the night but I was out like a light.

I woke up super early the next day and made it up to him. Our sex is amazing and we like to try new things/toys. He REALLY loves when I get off though, so he’s extraordinarily attentive.

We had a cabana rented for the day. We went to the pool relatively early and settled in. There is a $400 minimum for the cabana so between him and I, we had a lot of work to do. We ordered breakfast, coffee and mimosas. We have another mimosa. I get a Red Bull slushie, a drink in a coconut, a house sangria that is champagne based and then switched to glasses of Vueve. We lounge around in the sun talking and it’s a lovely lazy day. We ordered lunch, which was basically half the menu to try. I was mid conversation with him and realized he fell asleep on me. I walked over to the daybed he was in and danced around it and he was definitely out cold. I figured I’d go on a walk around the pool because the views are incredible (it’s a rooftop pool). I ended up in the hot tub and was on my phone editing pictures.

A sexy guy my age on the other side of the hot tub called out to me and said his friends thought my bathing suit was too much to handle. I laughed and told them it’s conservative in my standards. He waded over and started chatting with me. We are both in similar fields (which is very uncommon for me to meet someone who does what I do) and we have an absolutely amazing conversation. Travel Daddy texted me and said the food came, about 15 minutes later I finally ended the conversation. He asked for my number and I said I would just see him around.

When I got back to the cabana, TD asked me if any guys hit on me while he was out jokingly. I think he’s prideful of the fact that I get unsolicited attention from the opposite sex. I told him about the conversation I had. He asked me if the guy was cute, which I said yeah. He asked me his age, which is around mine. And then asked me why I didn’t get his number 😂 I love that he doesn’t have a jealous bone in his body. He just wants to see me happy.

So after another 5 glasses of champagne, I’m ready to call it an afternoon. We brought a bottle of champagne back to the room. I pour two flutes and start running a bath. By the time I get out, I walked into the living room to see what he was up to and he was passed out on the couch. So I showered, washed my hair, put on moisturizers etc and got real clean and comfy. He woke up right when I got into bed and was going to take a nap. He said he’d take a shower while I rested and said he’d wake me up in 45 minutes.

He woke me up an hour before our dinner reservation. I wanted to play before we went out so I was confused why he let me sleep an hour and a half. He said I looked so peaceful sleeping and wanted to let me rest. We snuggled for a bit, then I started getting ready for dinner.

I brought a Herve Leger style dress with me. I never wear dresses like that anymore, but I figured it could be an option, especially in Vegas. He asked if I could beat my outfit last night in terms of sex appeal. So I figured that was the green light to ditch the more conservative option and go with the bandage. I wriggled it on and zipped it up. He was floored and kept grabbing on me, I loved it.

We went to a supper club for dinner. I’m a foodie and like trying new things. It was small plates so he had me pick 4 and he picked 4. We both got manhattans after our initial glass of champagne. The food was unreal, the music was so fun. The ambience was amazing, per usual it was a wonderful dinner (that’s what we do best.)

He got front row tickets for a Cirque Du Soleil show and we cabbed to the hotel it was at after our lengthy dinner. We grabbed two cocktails on our way in and made it to our seats in perfect time. I’ve seen Cirque Du Soleil shows before, but not this one. It has such a happy story line. I’m pretty sure I was smiling like an idiot for the full 90 minutes, I was so joyful.

After sitting in the dark for so long though, I was getting sleepy. I asked if we could go to the Venetian to get a drink because the ceiling always makes me feel more awake (the ceiling is painted to look like a cloudy day and is bright in there).

We both have a glass of wine and are super deep in conversation. It’s getting late though, and he was ready to head back. When we got to our hotel, I asked if he wanted to have one more glass of champagne at my favorite bar. He declined which is abnormal, but I didn’t mind. He said I could go out dancing if I wanted to, but he needed to call it a night. Obviously I went back with him and was ready to have sex. But this time he was too tired and fell asleep immediately 😂

So you bet your ass the next morning I climbed on top of him first thing to show how much I appreciated him setting this weekend up for me. We had AMAZING sex, then he needed to leave for the airport early. I walked him down, kissed him goodbye and got myself breakfast. He was very clearly satisfied by the weekend, which was a relief because I felt like it was one sided in my favor this time.

I didn’t fly out until late in the day, so I packed up and checked my bag at the concierge. I went and picked up some new makeup from Chanel and poked around Louis Vuitton. I had a massage appointment in the early afternoon for 80 minutes. He left his account open so I could charge it to the room. I had an incredible massage and sat in the aromatherapy steam room for a while. About an hour before I needed to leave for the airport I showered, blew my hair dry, moisturized but went bare faced for the rest of the day. If you can’t already tell, I’m a bit of a freak when it comes to being clean, I really like self care.

On the way out, I realized they had a whole section of Alo gear. I started browsing around and found an outfit I LOVED. I asked the girls at the spa reception if I could charge it to the room and they said absolutely. I didn’t ask TD if it was okay, but I got leggings, a bra top and wrap top. I’m hoping it just comes through as a charge from the spa because he knows I was there… but I also spent ~$500 on the afternoon so hopefully I’m not in the doghouse 😂

I left Vegas feeling happy, well fed and totally refreshed. I walked through the airport with my shoulders back more than usual and my head nice and high. Sometimes I let daily things get the best of me and get super stressed out. This was the rerouting I really needed.

Out of all of this what I’d like to share with other SBs is that experiences have value to them. He doesn’t give me a lot of cash. He would if he could, but I understand why he can’t. However, I genuinely love spending time with him. This is our fourth trip together and they’re always a blast. We stay at the most beautiful places, go to the most amazing restaurants, enjoy incredible cocktails and I don’t have to worry about a single thing the whole time. As much as I’m a partner to him, he’s protective of me and wants to make sure I’m comfortable, safe and doing things that interest me. I would never be able to experience some of the most amazing memories in my life if it wasn’t for him.

So as much as being a SB is about the hustle, I would choose him over a douchebag SD I don’t actually like that much giving me $5k for a weekend of my time.

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Eight

Authors note: I’m going away for a few days so the next chapter won’t be up until Thursday or Friday. It’s already written though so I can post it as soon as I get a second when I’m back, just wanted to let you all know. Thanks so much for all the support so far, you guys are amazing! :)

March 10 2013

Mother's day.  For those who are fortunate to have their mothers still with them, it's a lovely day that gives you the perfect excuse to show your mother how much you love her and to spend some time with her. For those who aren't so lucky, it's a reminder of what you lost. Without fail every year it put Everly in a bad mood. She hated herself for feeling that way, for being jealous of those happy little families out for brunch or for a picnic if the weather was nice enough. It was a day that made her resentful towards everyone who paraded around with their mother who they probably didn't appreciate half as much as they should anyway and then she felt angry towards herself for being so petty. Overall it was just a stressful, horrible day and she wished it didn't exist. Especially since this year it shared the anniversary of her mother's death.

She was just finishing putting her makeup on for the day, contemplating that very thought when her phone buzzed next to her and Harry's named flashed on the screen.

“Thinking of you today, hope you're doing alright xx”

She smiled, her mood lifting just a touch.

“Thanks, Harry. I'm thinking of you too. Any plans? Xx”

“Just heading up to Althorp with Wills to visit mum, might see my uncle too if he's around. You?”

“About to have lunch with my grandmothers then going to visit my mum as well.”

“Try to have a good day, love. Still coming over tonight?”

Everly confirmed their plans before looking at the clock.

“Shit,” She mumbled to herself before throwing her phone into her purse. She was already running short on time and after being distracted by Harry she would now be slightly more than fashionably late.

*

“I'm sorry! I'm sorry!” She frantically apologized, trying to catch her breath as she ran up to the very fancy restaurant where she was meeting her grandmothers. It was unseasonably warm so she found them easily as they were seated on the patio in front of the building.

They both looked up, a slight look of shock on their faces.

“That's quite alright, dear,” Her grandma Evelyn, her mother's mother and Everly's namesake, assured her. “We're just glad you could make it this year.”

Her grandmothers had been organizing this mother's day brunch for the past four years now and every year Everly had cancelled on them at the last minute.

“Here, take a seat,” Her grandma Joyce instructed, pulling out a chair as Everly hopped over the rail of the restaurants patio, earning a stern look from both grandparents. “Would you like a drink? We've started with some mimosas.”

She smiled as the two elderly ladies giggled like naughty schoolgirls at the fact that they were drinking before noon. As much as she'd been tempted to cancel once again and spend the whole day moping about, she was already glad she came.

“A mimosa sounds perfect,” She decided. “I can't miss out on all the fun you two seem to be having.”

Joyce flagged down a waitress and ordered her granddaughter's drink before both of them turned their attention to her, staring at her intently.

“How are you, darling?” Evelyn asked. “You look, well, you actually look wonderful!”

A grin slid onto Everly's face as she realized the stark difference there must be in her since they last saw her, on the last day of Adam's trial and as she thought about the person who had helped her come so far in such a short time.

“I am wonderful,” Everly confessed. “Things are going very well for me at the moment. I feel...happy again. For the first time in a very long time.”

“Oh I am so pleased to hear that!” Joyce breathed a sigh of relief, but there was a twinge of sadness in her eyes and Everly's stomach twisted as she realized they might want to talk about what happened. “We are sorry, you know. We should have seen how unhappy you were, we should have noticed that you withdrew from us.”

“But we just thought you were a normal, young adult who didn't want to be bothered by her family all the time,” Evelyn piped in, defending their actions. “If we'd known what you were going through, we would have been there for you.”

“I know that,” Everly assured them. “I don't blame anyone, but myself. I was good at hiding what was happening because I didn't want anyone to know and get involved.”

They nodded, but before the conversation could continue the waitress came over with Everly's drink, ready to take their food orders and by the time she left, her grandmothers were ready to change the subject.

“So,” Joyce started, a cheeky grin on her face as she sipped her mimosa. “I know you went through a lot and might not be eager to get back into the dating scene, but is there anyone special in your life at the moment?”

Everly hesitated, not sure she wanted to open that can of worms just yet, but the soft smile that slid on her face as she thought of Harry and the pink twinge on her cheeks gave her away.

“Oh, I know that look!” Evelyn teased. “There is someone! What's his name?”

“His name is Harry,” She confessed, knowing she wouldn't easily get out of this conversation. She also knew neither of her grandmothers would tell anyone without her permission and, feeling like a high school girl with a crush, she was quite eager to talk about him.

“Does this 'Harry' have a last name?” Evelyn prodded.

“Um, not exactly...”

“Oh no,” Joyce sighed, a frown replacing the look of glee that had been on her face moments before. “He's not another sleezy drug dealing lunatic is he? What kind of respectable young man doesn't have a last name? Is he some kind of rapper thug?”

Everly giggled at the though of Harry trying to rap or act like a thug as she shook her head.

“No, no, he's definitely not,” She assured them. “And Harry would be a horrible name for a rapper, Grandma.”

“Well I don't know these things!” Joyce shrugged. “Why doesn't he have a last name then?”

Everly mulled over how to answer the question without setting off too much excitement.

“I guess Wales would be his last name,” She informed them, enjoying the look of puzzlement on their faces. “But Mountbatten-Windsor is probably the technical one even though I don't think it's ever used.”

The look of shock that slowly took over them as they worked out, almost in perfect synchronization, who she was talking about was priceless.

“What?!” Joyce shrieked, drawing a few glances of concern to the table. Much to Everly's relief though, everyone soon lost interest probably just assuming she'd had a few too many mimosas already.

“Are you trying to tell us that you are dating Prince Harry, the third in line to be king of England?!” Evelyn asked, thankfully in a much quieter tone than her counterpart.

“I am,” Everly confirmed, unable to hide her grin. “For almost two months now actually.”

“How on earth did that happen?”

“Well I've been working in Dave, my godfather's, bar and he came in one night looking for a quiet place to have a drink when he got back from Afghanistan,” She explained. “We met once at some event Dad dragged me too when we were young, but we never kept in touch so it was nice to catch up and once we started talking we just really hit it off.”

“How has he been with everything you went through?” Joyce asked, her concern evident in her voice. Everly really wished that not every conversation came back to this issue, but she knew how hard it had been for them to see her at the trial so she tried to be patient.

“He's been really wonderful,” Everly assured them. “He was, uh, actually the first person I really opened up to about it and he's been nothing, but kind and understanding about the whole thing and any boundaries I have. He's really been the positive influence I think I needed to pull my head away from what happened.”

“Excellent,” Joyce grinned, satisfied with her answer. “You do seem very happy, you practically glow when you talk about him.”

“I am happy,” Everly blushed. “I got very lucky finding him when I did. Please don't tell my dad though. It's still quite new and I don't want to deal with whatever complaints I'm sure he'll have.”

Joyce nodded, feeling slightly uncomfortable about keeping something from her son, but not wanting to interfere in their business.

“Have you heard from your dad lately?” Evelyn asked, having heard from Joyce how strained their relationship had become.

“Nope,” Everly sighed. “And I think it's better off that way for now.”

“He does love you very much you know,” Joyce said quietly, unable to not defend her child, but earning an eye roll from her granddaughter.

“He has a great way of showing it,” She snapped, bitterly. “Not even coming to one day of the trial or reaching out to me once when it was happening really screams 'I love you'.”

“He was the one who got you out of the situation though,” Evelyn reminded her, but was met with more snark.

“Only to save his own reputation!” Everly argued. “'Former Prime Minister's daughter beaten to death by crazy, drug addicted boyfriend while he stood by and did nothing' isn't the most flattering headline.”

Joyce frowned, frustrated that she felt that way.

“He did it because he loves you,” She insisted.

“Can we just not talk about this?” Everly asked. “It's mother's day, not father's day. Today isn't about him.”

Joyce opened her mouth to protest, wanting things to be okay within her family, but Evelyn spoke first.

“Alright, dear. We'll drop it for now.”

The rest of the lunch passed without any more tension. The three shared a few more mimosas and plenty of laughs, enjoying each others company and making up for the time they had lost the last few years. There was guilt felt all round, Everly for pushing her family away and her grandmothers for not stepping in sooner, but they didn't let it rise to the surface and focused on the future.

After their lunch, they said their goodbyes and Everly headed to her mother's grave. She hadn't been in years, since before she'd met Adam, and just the sight of her headstone brought tears to her eyes. She placed the bouquet she'd brought by the stone before sitting on the grass next to her. Before she even knew what was happening, she found herself pouring her heart out. She told her everything, about how Adam had treated her and how heartbroken she was that the first man she'd ever truly loved had turned out to be such a monster, how she feared for her life every day, how she thought her fate was just to stay with him until he accidentally killed her as if it was some kind of punishment for how she'd behaved after her mother died. She told her how angry she'd been at her for dying and how she sometimes had blamed her for what happened to her, knowing she wouldn't have ended up in that situation if her mother hadn't died, but how she instantly felt guilty for ever feeling that way. She told her how strained her relationship with her father had become, how he was such a different person than he was when she was alive and how she wasn't sure their relationship was repairable anymore.

And lastly, she told her about Harry. How he appeared just when she really needed someone and brought the light back into her life. How he'd been so incredibly patient with her and treated her so well. How he made her laugh and how much fun they had together and, of course, how insanely attractive he was.

She hadn't even realized how fast time had passed and two hours later, with her mascara smeared all down her cheeks from all the tears she'd shed, she stood up, brushed off her jeans and headed home to get ready to go to Harry's place.

*

When he opened the door it was instantly clear that he was as emotionally drained as she was.

“You don't have to knock, you know,” He told her his voice soft and tired. “Especially if I'm expecting you.”

“Okay, I'll just barge in next time,” She smiled, earning a chuckle from Harry. She stepped through the door and pulled him into the hug that they both needed. “How are you doing? How was your day?”

Harry sighed, wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her hair.

“I'm alright,” He said a moment later. “It was a long, emotional day, but Mother's day always is. How was yours?”

“The same,” She admitted. “Lunch with my grandmothers was nice and so was visiting my mum, but it was draining all the same. I told her about you.”

“Oh did you now?” Harry smiled as he led her into the living room. Since he'd been out of town all day, they were meeting up later than usual and had both already eaten dinner. “Did you make sure to tell her how devastatingly handsome I am?”

Everly laughed.

“Yes, I did,” She assured him. “And how modest you are as well.”

Harry flopped down on the couch as soon as they reached it, desperate to put his feet up after the long day. He pulled Everly down next to him and put his arm around her as she snuggled into his side.

“How did your mother die?” Harry asked after a moment of silence. “I realized today that I never asked you that and I don't think I ever heard about it.”

“Cancer,” Everly told him, her voice wavering slightly. “Ovarian cancer. She got it young, usually it's more common in older women, but it's one of those cancers that doesn't really have any warning signs until it's too late to cure.”

“I'm sorry,” He squeezed her closer to him. “That must have been awful.”

“It all happened so fast, I think that was the hardest part.” Everly explained. “She was fine and then a few months later she was gone, it didn't seem real. And then when I accepted that it was real, I was so angry at her for not fighting it harder or catching it sooner. Now I know she did all that she could, but it was a tough time, yeah.”

“Will it increase your risk?” Harry asked, suddenly feeling a twinge of panic at the thought of the woman in his arms being taken away from him in that way.

“Slightly, but not as much as other cancers like breast cancer for example. And I get checked regularly so they'd probably catch it in time anyway,” She assured him. Harry nodded and they fell into a comfortable silence until Everly spoke again. “Did Kate go with you and Will today?”

“No, she went to visit her mum instead. She's been before, but it's something me and Will like to do on our own on Mother's day.” Harry explained.

“That makes sense,” Everly nodded as she stifled a yawn.

“She would have liked you, you know,” Harry said quietly after another moment of silence. “She would have admired your spunky little spirit and how strong you are.”

“I'm not that strong,” Everly said quietly after a moment of shock while she absorbed what he'd said. “I got myself into a bad situation then stayed until someone else got me out. From what I know of your mother, she wouldn't have admired that.”

“You're stronger than you give yourself credit for,” Harry insisted. “You went through a horrible ordeal and haven't let it hold you back. You're moving on with your life and have made yourself into an independent, self-sufficient woman and my mother would have found that as amazing as I do.”

Everly blushed at his compliments.

“I would have loved to meet her,” Everly confessed. “I always thought she seemed like such a lovely woman with such a big heart.”

“She was,” Harry agreed. “And you two would have gotten along very well. She would have loved your sense of humour and how you're not afraid to tease me mercilessly.”

“My mom would have liked you too,” Everly smiled, letting her eyes slide shut as the warmth of Harry's house and his embrace paired with the stress of the day suddenly made her very sleepy. “Especially how devastatingly handsome you are.”

She felt Harry's chest move as he chuckled and placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head before she slowly dozed off in his arms.

[ourloveisforthelovely]

Best of you 3

A/n: smut, RPF 

Words: 3, 076

Link to Chapter 2

Pairings; Richard Speight Jr x OFC 

________________

When Lora’s eyes fluttered open that next morning she realized that she wasn’t in her hotel room. Blinking she put a hand on her head that was swimming. The feeling of a hangover washed over her miserably.

“Need an aspirin?”

Lora quickly turned to see Richard lounging beside her like nothing was out of the ordinary.

“Rich…what happened last night? How am I here? What did we do?”

Richard smirked as he reached over and pushed a strand of Lora’s hair behind her ears.

“We didn’t do anything. You went to sleep the moment I got you back in bed. As far as what happened before that lets just say you and Brianna got shit faced on jello shots. Besides I wasn’t doing anything with you being wasted the way you were.”

Lora groaned sitting up as Richard stood walking into the bathroom and came back with a bottle of aspirin and a bottle of water.

“Here darlin.”

Lora quickly downed a few pills before looking at Richard as he got back into bed beside her.

“You don’t drink much do you?”

He asked with a smirk. Lora shook her head.

“I’m a shitty excuse for a rock star huh?”

Richard shrugged. In the moment he was too busy being in awe of her. Waking up hung over she was still beyond beautiful. Sure her hair was all over the place and make up slightly smudged but he was still head over heels in love with her.

“Honestly I am kind of glad you are the way you are. We don’t have to worry about you drinking and doing drugs. Saves Robbie a lot of headache let me tell you.”

“I don’t have to worry about you that much. You’re smart.”

Rob’s words echoed in her head as she turned back to Richard.

“Why did you come after me?”

Richard leaned back taking her hand in his.

“Well I was kind of a dick to you after that whole thing with Misha. Also Matt came and talked to me…kind of talked some sense into me. I’m sorry….about everything. You didn’t deserve any of that bullshit.”

Lora looked at their intertwined hands. She was enjoying the feeling of his skin on hers. She had missed this feeling since their little make out session at that nightclub.

“Well I wasn’t no box of candy myself either Rich.”

Richard rolled his eyes.

“Please! You have been a saint. Lora you have been trying to get through to me for months and I’ve just been stubborn. Just hear me out here baby…I was jealous when Misha kissed you. Even though it was just Misha being Misha I was green with envy. I also know that Matt has had his eye on you too and that didn’t help whenever I saw you two together. I just thought that I was too old for you and would just be holding you back.”

Lora’s blue eyes looked clearly shocked. This was what she had been wanting to hear for months. She chuckled at the thought that it took her to go out with Briana and get shitfaced for Richard to see his true feelings were valid.

“Hold me back from what?”

She replied softly. Richard shrugged.

“I dunno….someone younger who doesn’t have the baggage I have.”

Lora frowned.

“If you are talking about your kids that doesn’t matter to me Rich. I don’t care about what you had before me. I know the divorce was rough for you and I am really sorry that you had to go through that. I don’t mind your kids. That is part of you and if we were hypothetically together….then that is just part of the package.”

Richard looked relieved when those words left Lora’s mouth.

“So hypothetically would you consider being with me?”

Lora watched Richard a moment before climbing her way on top of him. His amber eyes watched her carefully as she pressed a tender kiss to his lips. Richard groaned, squeezing her hips pushing forward to deepen the kiss. Lora finally pulled away but kept her lips close to his to savor the moment.

“Let’s stop talking hypothetically and start talking actuality.”

Richard chuckled pulling Lora down for another kiss.

“Fine sugar. I want you. I want you in every meaning of the word.”

Lora dug her hips into Richard’s earning a low growl as she pushed against his painfully obvious erection.

“Finally.”

She cooed running her finger down his chest stopping at the waist band his jeans. Richard smirked before pushing Lora onto her back with a lust filled gaze.

“Darlin you really know how to be a tease.”

Lora smiled that his southern accent seemed to appear when he was turned on. Continuing to rock her hips into his Lora was more thankful than ever that Briana had convinced her to wear a mini dress. As Richard rocked his erection into her body the pressure that he was putting on her clit was heavenly.

“Now who’s being the tease?”

Lora asked. Richard chuckled pulling her hands over her head. He kept them locked in his while continuing his assault on her neck.

“I’m going to mark you all up sugar so everyone knows who you belong to.”

Lora moaned against his lips.

“It isn’t like most of our friends already think we will be perfect together.”

Richard reached down pushing her panties to the side. He had to mentally tell himself to calm down and enjoy the foreplay. Right as he sunk his finger into her already soaking body there was a knock at the door. Both Richard and Lora groaned muttering curses at the person on the other side.

“Hold on darlin.”

Richard groaned before stalking off to the door. Once it was opened there stood Rob on the other side with his cheerful smile on his face. His smile faded however when he noticed the scowl on Richard’s face.

“You don’t look happy this morning. Uh did my sister turn you down or something?”

Richard shook his head.

“No we are actually good. Like relationship about to fuck each other good.”

Rob winced clearly realizing what he had just done. Richard couldn’t help but smirk at the fact Rob looked like he could puke at any moment.

“Sorry to cock block you buddy but we have a panel in fifteen minutes.”

“Mother fucker!”

Richard groaned.

“Give me a few minutes I’ll be right out.”

Richard shut the door before Rob could get another word out. He looked back to Lora who was sitting up in the bed watching him with a smile.

“Darlin I’m really sorry but I…”

She nodded.

“I heard. It’s cool. We have all night tonight and all of your free time.”

Lora got out of bed pulling her dress down. Richard quickly pulled her back into his arms.

“You better be ready to live up to that promise princess. I’m going to make you mine later.”

Lora’s skin broke out into chill bumps as Richard’s lips closed down on her neck sucking softly.

“Oh I will be. I’m going shopping with Kim this morning. Want me to pick up something sexy to wear for you tonight?”

Richard looked up from the t shirt that he was pulling on.

“Sugar you are playing with fire. Now I am going to have to go that panel with a hardon. Hope you are happy.”

Lora nodded with a pleased smile.

“Of course I am. You can think about what you get to do to my tight little pussy when you are done today. Well see you later.”

She heard Richard mumble something about her being a tease as she opened the main door to see Rob tapping his foot anxiously.

“I don’t want to know!”

He all but shrieked as he met his little sister’s gaze. Lora chuckled.

“Don’t worry Robbie. All it that happened was some making out and heavy petting.”

Rob winced.

“LORA!!!”

She giggled and reached out to ruffle her brother’s hair before trotting away leaving Rob looking even more disturbed than he already was.

A few hours later Lora sat with Kim having lunch. Kim was in fits of giggles after Lora told her about Rob’s near mental break down upon realizing that his baby sister was about to fuck his best friend.

“At least he didn’t walk inside and Richard be eating you out or something.”

Kim said taking a sip of her mimosa. Lora shrugged innocently.

“I can see that happening before long….maybe tonight? I’m just hoping the whole Robbie walking in doesn’t happen. I’ve been a good girl I want my fun.”

Kim laughed again.

“We will not be seeing you and Richard for some time will we?”

Lora shrugged.

“Maybe not? I did just buy three different lingerie outfits. I think that will keep Richard busy for a while.”

Kim took another sip of her drink before looking serious.

“So the mom in me has to come out now. You’re on birth control right?”

Lora’s amused expression faded as she looked around the restaurant a few times making sure that there wasn’t anyone who could over hear their conversation.

“I’m going to tell you something that I haven’t really told many people. I can’t have kids Kim. The doctors have always told me that it would be a miracle if I ever was able to conceive let alone carry the child so I don’t think an unplanned pregnancy is something that I have to worry about.”

Kim’s mouth fell as she reached across the table taking Lora’s hands in hers. She now felt awful for even bringing the subject up.

“Lora I am so sorry I even mentioned that. I feel awful.”

Lora shook her head.

“No, don’t! It’s fine. I accepted it a long time ago. Its just not something that I go around broadcasting. Besides I am happy just playing aunty with Rob’s kids. I can spoil them then send them back home to mom and dad. His kids are enough for me. You know I also keep Misha and Vicki’s kids from time to time so I get to mom urges out of my system. I honestly don’t think I would be a good mother. Also with our schedule I don’t have the time to be a mom. Richard has his kids already and I doubt he would want to start over anyway.”

Kim smiled.

“You’re adorable. I have seen you with Rob and Misha’s kids you would be a great mom for what its worth.”

A few hours later…

Lora sat on Richard’s bed dressed in only a push up bra, matching cheekie panties, and stockings. Hearing Richard’s key in the door she quickly adjusted her breasts as Richard stepped in. He was looking down at his phone, which hit the floor the moment his eyes met Lora’s body.

“God damn.”

He muttered not bothering with his phone. Lora’s blue eyes batted as he stepped closer.

“Darlin you wasn’t kidding earlier huh?”

Lora shook her head as she stood wrapping her arms around Richard’s shoulders. His amber eyes were busy checking out every piece of her body. From the way her breasts were pressed against his chest to the way her perfectly round ass looked in those damned panties everything was too perfect. Richard couldn’t help but praying this wasn’t another one of his dreams were he would wake up the moment he was about to come.

“No I wasn’t kidding. Rich there is something that you should know about me. I’m pretty serious about a lot of things. That would include when I tell you things that I would do for you or what I have planned. Put your hands on me.”

Lora said while pressing soft kisses down his jawline. Richard didn’t need much more encouragement to let his hands squeeze her ass pulling her body if possible tighter to his.

“Good I don’t want jokes when it comes to our sex life.”

Backing Lora against the wall Richard quickly pulled her leg over his hip. Pushing Lora’s head to the side Richard attacked her neck with kisses and sucking marks onto her neck. Marking her up was his goal yet again. He liked the idea of his love bites littering that pretty neck of hers.

“I’m going to make you mine darlin. I’m going to make you feel so good. I can’t wait to get inside you baby.”

Lora cried out against his body as Richard rocked his body into hers. He was moving into her almost painfully slow. It was just enough to apply enough pressure onto her clit to provide some relief.

“Richard don’t be a tease.”

She moaned against his lips. Richard chuckled against her lips.

“Don’t be a tease? Really sugar? You are the one dressed in this sex on legs outfit. Why don’t you get out of this thing? We can use this later. Right now I want whats mine.”

Lora didn’t argue as Richard backed away letting her stand on feet. As seductively as possible she reached behind her letting the bra fall to the the floor. Richard meanwhile, he started undressing himself before sitting down on the bed watching her every move.

“Come here baby. I’ll take the rest off.”

He cooed. Needing no more encouragement Lora quickly walked to her lover taking her place on his lap. Richard quickly pulled her into a long kiss while his hands massed her breasts. Finally he let his mouth take the place of where his hands had been. Lora cried out as his tongue massaged each nipple.

Between Richard rocking his cock between their bodies and his mouth on her breasts Lora’s senses were in over drive.

“I want to taste you darlin. I have been wanting to taste you for so long.”

Richard purred laying Lora back on the bed and sliding between her spread legs. He gently pulled down her panties and tossed them over his shoulder. Spreading her legs again Richard stroked his finger over her clit and down her slit. Her body shivered at his touch.

“You’re so wet.”

Lora, who was trying not to come, by one touch looked at him with wide eyes.

“Jeez I wonder why? I finally have the man I’ve been wanting for a while touch me. Yep that’s why.”

Richard laughed before letting his tongue take place of the track his finger had taken. Lora cried out as she watched him take his time licking at every inch of her pussy.

“Damn it Richard do you have to go that slow.”

“Makes it better.”

He growled with a smirk. Richard watched her sexually frustrated face a moment before giving her an eyebrow wiggle and beginning to lick faster.

“Fuck Rich!”

She cried out as he pushed two finger inside her. Lora was unaware that her hips were coming off of the bed until Richard pushed her down.

“Keep your ass on the bed.”

He growled, curling his finger hitting at every perfect inch imaginable.

“Come for me baby girl.”

It took one more curl of his fingers to send Lora over the edge. As she tried to come down from her high Lora became aware of Richard climbing on top of her.

“Enough foreplay. I need inside you. We can play more later.”

Lora almost  came again the moment he pushed into her. Her body clenched around his cock as she stretched to accommodate him. Throwing her head back into the pillow Lora raised her hips to meet Richard’s thrusts.

“Damn baby. You’re so tight! All mine!”

Richard growled as he rocked into her hard. Reaching up to grab onto the bed frame he had to find someway to keep himself from coming so fast. This was every x-rated dream that he had been having about Lora and more.

“You take my cock so well Lora. Fuck I don’t know what the hell I have been thinking staying away so long.”

Laura meanwhile, pushed Richard onto his back taking her place on top. Richard’s eye widened as Lora began to move.

“That’s’ it baby. Keep moving like that.”

Richard moaned trying to keep his eyes open as Lora’s body milked him for all that he was worth. His eye snapped open as Lora’s body began to tighten around his. Reaching up, Richard yanked Lora down so he could slam into her harder.

“Come on baby. I can’t last much longer.”

Richard half moaned. Lora cried out as her orgasm shot through her a second time. Richard didn’t ease up on his thrusts. She half wondered if either of them would be able to walk right the next day. Leaning down Lora ran her tongue down his neck before beginning to suck.

“You thought that I was going to be the only one marked up big boy? I don’t think so.”

Lora said purposely tightening her body around his cock again. She knew he was close by the way he was becoming more erratic with his moments.

“That’s it baby. Come for me. Fill me up.”

Lora whispered into his ear. It took Richard two more thrusts before he came hard.

“Damn!”

Richard groaned as he continued to lazily rock his body into Lora’s. Neither said anything for a few moments. Lora lay stroking her fingers through her lover’s bed ravaged hair.

“Did you like that?”

Richard laughed, pulling her into a long kiss.

“If you need the answer to that questions check you undercarriage. I haven’t came that hard in ages.”

Lora smiled feeling satisfied as Richard rolled her onto her side wrapping his arms around her.

“I want that again.”

Lora said sleepily.

“I don’t think you will make it through round 2 princess. Sleep sugar and we can play some more.”

Lora didn’t need much encouragement before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep….

_____

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