#and follows the second one up with 'genuinely mrs sweetly is a wonderful woman and i take her word as gospel amen'

[charlottesweetly]

ive like. suddenly gotten really attached to an Everything Is Fine (Actually) AU where Charlotte and Sam are just in an open marriage, and Sam and Ted are besties

[talesofstyles]

Reconcile

happy christmas eve, you lot! i’ve got a little present for you. enjoy this 10,5k of nearly divorced harry trying to win his wife and bitter nine year old daughter back. oh and i threw in a little baby goat in the mix too since it’s set in the peak district and i just couldn’t resist 🥳

“Penny for your thoughts.”

He turned to look at her, who was giggling as she leaned closer to him. She was most definitely not a giggler sober, but he found out that a copious amount of alcohol could turn her into one. He felt slightly guilty knowing that she was going to be hungover as hell in the morning, but she was having a great time.

And so was he.

“I was just thinking about how great you are, how lucky I am to be sitting next to you right now and that you need to drink more water because otherwise, you’d be miserable tomorrow,” he says with a smile as he twisted the cap and handed her the bottle of water.

That goofy smile of hers turned into a gooey smile of affection. “That’s so sweet,” she murmured, taking a gulp of water and handed the bottle back to him so he could take some too. She then tilted her head, giving him a doe-eyed look and asked, “what else do you like about me?”

“Let’s see,” he put a finger to his chin and tapped. “Well, I love how kind and inclusive you are, how you always care about people and that you always see the good in everyone.” 

Her smile grew sappier.

“Oh,” he gave her a sly grin. “I also love that thing you do with your tongue on the underside of my cock.”

She burst out laughing. But then she leaned even closer to him and whispered huskily in his ear, “I��ll do that very thing when we get back to the hotel.”

His eyes widened and he wanted nothing more than just to drag her back to their hotel suite and take up on her offer. But he’d promised her that he’d show her around Vegas since she’d never been before, and he wanted to keep that promise.

“Wanna know what I like about you?” She turned to him, still with a gooey smile on her face.

“Do I ever,” he smirked.

“I like that you’re hands down the kindest human I’ve ever met,” she began. “You’re genuine, and grounded. Funny too. I truly hit the jackpot with you. I’m the luckiest girl on earth.”

“Oh,” she added as an afterthought. “And you’re really good with your tongue.”

He wanted to laugh, because she always made him laugh. But he was still stuck on the fact that she thought she was lucky to be with him. He felt exactly the same way about her, like this was always meant to be. 

“I wasn’t looking for this,” he admitted honestly. “I know it’s only been six weeks, but I really can’t imagine never having met you.”

“Me too,” her eyes were bright, shining with excitement. “It’s weird, right? Because I swear I’ve never felt such a deep connection with someone this quick.”

“Do you believe in soulmates?” He murmured. “That there’s a perfect person for everyone out there?”

She tilted her head. “Do you think that’s us?”

There was no hesitation in his answer. “I do think that might be us.”

“I think so too,” she said with a tender smile.

This was real.

He was overwhelmed with the understanding that she was his, and he never wanted to let her go. 

So he suggested what any sane, semi-drunk man would at that moment. “We’re in Vegas. We should get married.”

***

Harry

Pulling into the drive of what used to be our holiday cottage, but is now where my wife and children live full-time without me, feels strange to me. There’s that moment of what feels like a homecoming—that sense of belonging somewhere where I feel safe, and I know my happiness is inside.

But now, for the first time in ten years, there’s a sense of detachment that I know I’ve got to put in place. It is why I need to take a moment or two in the car before I walk inside to sort myself out and put on a shield. A shield which lets me walk inside, and be okay with the fact that I don’t live there anymore even just for the holidays. 

This charming little cottage, which can’t exactly be called little since it is quite spacious and has three bedrooms, has always been more of a second home rather than a holiday home for us. We used to come here often, sometimes even only for the weekends. I’ve always loved this place. Now, looking back, I realised that many of the happiest times during our marriage were spent in this home. 

It was where we spent the first few weeks soaking in newlywed bliss after that whirlwind of a trip to Las Vegas when we decided out of nowhere to tie the knot. Then there were the sleepless nights with a wailing newborn, because even though both of our babies were born in London, we always whisked them off here to Bakewell shortly after so we were close enough that both sets of their grandparents could dote on them during the first few weeks of their lives.

After I exit the car, I walk up to the front door and ring the doorbell. I don’t feel comfortable walking in as I respect that this is YN’s sanctuary now. The wait isn’t long, because in just a few seconds, the door is opened and there’s my wife, looking like a breath of fresh air.

It had been eight long months since the last time I saw her. Last time was the night when she asked me to leave our marital home, and I fled to LA first thing the next morning. I talked daily with the kids on the phone, but I didn’t really recall ever getting the chance to talk to her aside from the quick polite greetings before she handed her phone to the kids.

“Hey,” she says, her expression a bit guarded. I’ve missed her so much that it takes everything in me to keep myself from pulling her into my arms and kiss the fuck out of her. “Come in.”

“You alright?” I ask her as I follow her into the house. This may sound like I’m just making a small talk, but I’m not. I’m genuinely curious and I want to know how she’s doing. 

But she doesn’t even respond to my question. All I get is a head-tilt motioning towards the kitchen. “They’re in the kitchen.”

My gaze immediately lands on the accent table that holds a lot of photos and a key bowl. I silently let out a sigh of relief seeing YN hasn’t removed all of the family photos with me in it. It’s a good sign, but I don’t have much hope behind that. Maybe that’s just her trying to keep everything as normal as possible at home for the kids. 

My wife and I never had a big fight when we separated. It had been somewhat rational, but still emotional, discussion. She wasn’t angry, she was just done. And I didn’t fight for her. Instead, yours truly here walked away the next morning and didn’t look back.

I’ve done a lot of dumb things in my life. But nothing ever compares to that. That was pretty fucking stupid on my part, and I know I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.

I’ve accepted that maybe this is my punishment for being a shit husband to a wonderful woman who doesn’t deserve to be treated like a second best. She did the right thing by kicking me to the curb, and I’d never resent her for it. If I could turn back time and change everything, I would in a heartbeat. I’d try harder to be a better husband, a better father, put my family first. But I can’t. Now all I can do is just try not to be a dickhead and make things harder for her than it already is. It’s too late for me to try to be a better husband, but it isn’t for me to try to be the best father that my children deserve. 

I follow my wife through the living room and into the kitchen, and I’d be dead not to check out her arse in those leggings. It’s something I quickly avert my eyes from, though, as I realise both of my children are sitting at the kitchen island, eating scones with their tea. 

George, my six-year-old, is the first to turn his head and hop off from the island stool to jump into my arms. “Daddeeeeee!”

“My Booger Butt,” I greet my little lad with a smile as I squat down to be on his level before scooping him up into my arms. Booger Butt is one of the countless nicknames I have for him, and one that never fails to make him double over in laughter whenever he hears it. He’s also Mr Tadpole Climbing a Beanpole sometimes, and he used to be Sir Screams-a-Lot when he was a baby. He thinks they’re hilarious, and he’d always respond by calling me Baddy Daddy. 

“I‘ve missed you so much, Baddy Daddy,” he says sweetly as he nuzzles his head into the crook of my neck and I swear if I don’t pull myself together right this second, I’m going to cry. 

“I’ve missed you more, mate,” I say as I ruffle his hair and kiss his cheek. “I love you.” 

My daughter doesn’t seem fazed by the father and son reunion behind her and continues munching on her scone without even giving me a glance. With my left arm full of my son, I walk up to her and ruffle her hair just like I did with her little brother. “Hey Silly Putty Pudding Pie,” I greet her with one of her nicknames, hoping to get her to laugh. But she ignores me, taking a sip of her brew instead. 

I don’t want to give up, so I lean to the side and bend to put my face close to hers. I try again, “hello to you too, poppet.”

“Whatever,” she mumbles around a mouthful of scone. 

“Minnie,” YN growls, her tone filled with warning.

This is why I respect YN so much. I hurt her badly, broke her heart, and it would’ve been so easy for her to use Minnie as a pawn and turn my child against me. But every time, even on the phone, whenever she is present, she never let Minnie be disrespectful to me in any way.

My gaze moves to my wife—yes I’m still going to refer to her as my wife since she still is, albeit only on paper—and she gives me an apologetic look. I give a slight shake of my head, telling her silently to let it go. 

She takes the last bite of her scone and puts the dish in the sink, before walking to the staircase without giving me a second glance. I can see YN trying to hold her tongue from further rebuking our daughter, and I give her a small smile, my silent way of telling her ‘it’s okay.’

“Sorry about that,” she mutters, referring to Minnie’s attitude. She grabs a mug from the cupboard, then holds it up in silent invitation. I nod, and she turns to the pot. “I can’t keep up with her mood shifts anymore.”

“It’s alright,” I tell her, willing to take my share of the blame. “I’m sure the shift has everything to do with me.”

“Not true,” she replies as she pours the coffee into our mugs, adding a splash of milk to hers but keeping mine just like that because she knows I take my coffee black. “She’s been like that with me as well and I’m not sure why. She’s only nine but she acts as if she’s thirteen already.”

I can’t help but laugh and turn to my little lad. “Can you be six forever?”

“No,” he says immediately without even taking a second to think.

“Just no?”

“No,” he gives me a toothy grin. “I want a lego city set but mummy said it’s for eight-year-olds. So I cannot wait to be eight.”

I set him on the counter and give him a conspiratorial smirk before I whisper to him. It’s a little too loud to be considered a whisper, but I want my wife to hear it. “Tell you what, we’ll get one of those sets tomorrow on our day out.”

His eyes light up instantly and my wife rolls her eyes jokingly, “I hear that.” Jokingly, because I know for sure she doesn’t mind me spoiling our children. She does it too. 

“Where are you taking them tomorrow?”

“To your mum’s pudding shop for breakfast, then probably fishing, and the toys shop now apparently,” I tell her our itinerary. I have the kids for the whole day tomorrow since it’s Saturday. It’s bittersweet because I’ve missed my children and I can’t wait to spend time with them, but I’m also sad because what I wouldn’t give to turn tomorrow into a family day out instead. I know she would most likely decline, but I can’t help offer her, “would you like to come with us?”

She gives me a subtle shake of her head. “No thanks. Enjoy it, it’s your time with them.”

***

I’m renting a room above The Old Nags Head during my stay here. I plan to stay for a week before I have to go back to London, and even though the thought of having to leave my children again is killing me, I’m trying to cheer myself up by reminding myself that it’ll be Christmas soon enough and I’ll get to visit again.

But then I’ll have to leave again. 

And visit again, but knowing in just a week or two, I would have to say goodbye to them again.

Fuck, this is killing me. I’m a family man through and through, and not being with them physically hurts. I shouldn’t be in this room sulking alone. I should be there in that home with my wife and children, probably helping Minnie and George with their homework or making dinner for all of us.

I was prepared to sulk some more, but then I heard a knock on the door. I was not expecting company so I’ve got no idea who it is, and I’m quite surprised when I see Jamie, YN’s brother as I open the door. 

We were quite close, but now that I broke his little sister’s heart, I can’t tell if this is a pleasant visit or if he’s just here to knock me square on my arse. 

“Got time for tea downstairs?” He asks

Honestly, I haven’t got any appetite. But I could use a few pints so I nod and lock the door behind me, following him downstairs to the pub. 

The Old Nags Head is the oldest and most famous pub in Bakewell. The pub itself is a former smithy dating back to the 16th century, and certainly looks the part; thick stone walls, low ceilings, welcoming log fires and dark timber beams. The pub remains at the centre of the community, as it has been for hundreds of years. It offers the best classic pub grubs, and even has its own ale called the Nags 1577. 

It’s the perfect place to drown my sorrows. 

Except, the current owner of that very pub happens to be none other than my wife’s granddad whom everyone here calls Pop. Out of all members of her family, she is the closest to Pop, so I know for sure that I’m the last person he wants to see. 

We sit at the bar table facing the window, which is good because Pop is behind the main bar, and this way I don’t have to actually talk to him. 

“Ya want owt?” Jamie asks as he does a quick perusal of the menu. I’m not even sure why he bothers, because even I know what he’s going to order. It’s Pop’s signature steak and ale pie. Ten years of being his brother in law, not once I ever saw him order something else. 

“Just a pint,” I tell him. 

It doesn’t take long after Jamie orders his food and our drinks before two pints are placed before us, and we each take a savouring sip.

And then Jamie point-blank asks me, “so what did you do?”

I really can’t tell anything from his expression, because he keeps his face blank. But I give him a bark of mirthless laughter. “It’s what I didn’t do, mate. She didn’t say anything?”

“Not a word,” he shakes his head, “what didn’t you do?”

“I stopped paying attention to my wife. Got caught up in my career. The travelling for tours she understood, but it was when I was home and hanging out more with my bandmates than with my family that she couldn’t forgive. And what little time I had left, I gave to Minnie and George. I think I just stupidly assumed she would always be there for me, no matter what.”

“Was there any infidelity?” He asks.

“God, no,” I shake my head hard. “You know I’d never do that to your sister. I love her, and she’s more than enough for me.”

Obviously, I’m not going to tell him this, but ironically, our sex life didn’t diminish. We were combustible in bed, and my mistake was in thinking that was enough for her. 

I look at the pudding shop right across the street as I take another sip, and I nearly choke on my beer when I see a familiar face walking out of the shop. 

“What in the ever-loving fuck?” I growl. 

That’s my wife, walking out of her mum’s pudding shop. She is not alone. There’s a guy with his hand pressed to her lower back while her head is tipped back, laughing at something he’s saying. I suddenly feel sick to my stomach when the bastard’s palm drops from my wife’s back to take her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. She smiles, all doe-eyed, as they walk to God knows where. 

“What?” Jamie looks at me confused for a second, but then he follows my gaze and he finally sees what’s causing me distress. “Oh, that.”

“You knew about that?”

He nods. “She’s been seeing him for about three weeks now.”

“Fuck,” I mutter and pinch the bridge of my nose.

“She didn’t tell you?” Jamie asks and I shake my head. 

“Three weeks you said?”

Jamie nods again. “He makes her happy.”

“I’m her husband,” I can’t help but say bitterly. “I should be the one making her happy.”

“Look, I’m sorry mate,” he offers, I know he’s trying his best to keep his tone neutral. “Maybe you need to get back in the dating game too. It’ll distract you.”

“I don’t want to fucking date anyone else,” I growl.

“I know it’s hard to get back in the saddle,” he adds sympathetically.

“I don’t want to get out of my current saddle,” I grumble. “I want to keep my current saddle with my wife in it.”

Jamie blinks in surprise, hell I’m even surprised at what I’ve just said out loud because I’ve never admitted this since we split. When YN asked me to leave, I assumed right away that my marriage was over. I didn’t want it to, but I thought there was nothing I could do. 

But now, seeing her laughing at another man’s joke and his hand holding hers, I just know that I can’t let her go without a fight. 

“Have you told her this?” He asks curiously.

I shake my head again. “We haven’t got the chance to have a civil conversation these days.”

“Then I suggest you stop being such a bloody whinge bucket and have a civil conversation with your wife.”

My shoulders immediately sag in defeat. “I know. I need to sit down with her and tell her how I feel.”

“Which is?” He presses.

“That I want her back,” I mutter.

“You’ve got to have a better plan than that,” he points out. “I mean… I’m not a marriage therapist, but I’m pretty sure that you’ve got to be prepared to fix the shit first.”

I can’t help but tilt my head towards the pudding shop where my wife had just walked out the door. “She’s moved on. You said it yourself that he makes her happy. Tell me how to compete with that.”

“Make her happier,” he says simply. I can only let out a heavy sigh, but I know that's solid advice. “Listen, if you really want to save your marriage, you need to make it work. Romance her again. Lots of flowers, nice romantic dinners out. Compliments, chocolates. All that sort of thing.”

“You think that’ll work?”

“I don’t know,” he answers truthfully. “But I do know that you’ll regret it for the rest of your life if you don’t do anything about it.”

***

My emotions are a mixed bag this morning. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to spend the whole day with my kids, but the fact that I have just learnt last night that my wife is currently seeing another man doesn’t sit right with me.

I know Jamie was right. If I want to save my marriage, I need to get my head out of my arse and do something to win my wife back. Sure, I don’t even know where to start since she doesn’t give me the time of day. But I do know that starting today, I’m a man on a mission. It’s Operation Conquer YN: day 1. 

It’s currently 8:40am, which means I’m twenty minutes early. I hope the kids won’t be ready yet, so I’ll get a chance to talk for a little bit to my wife.

When I ring the doorbell, I can hear George pounding down the stairs, yelling, “I got it!”

The door flies open and he jumps into my arms right away. My little lad truly misses me, and it really does warm my heart. Now, I love my children equally, but before I got here yesterday, I thought Minnie would be the one to jump all over me since she’s a daddy’s girl through and through, while George has always been a mummy’s boy since the day he was born. 

But again, I should’ve known. Since YN and I split, Minnie sort of puts herself in her mum’s corner. Every time I actually got the chance to talk to her on the phone when I was still in LA, it was always extremely short before she quickly handed her mum’s phone to her little brother. I try not to take her behaviour to heart, because I guess it’s what nine-year-olds do when they don’t quite understand why their parents aren’t together. They just need someone to blame, and my daughter is way more mature than her age. She’s bloody smart too, which she definitely takes after her mum, and I know that she knows it’s my fault that her mum and I separated.

Now that I think of it, it’s not just my wife that I desperately need to win back. But also my daughter.

“Daddy!” George chirps. He’s got a milk moustache and the sight never fails to get me to chuckle. “You’re early.”

“I know,” I reply with a tender smile. “I just can’t wait to spend the day with you lot.” 

“I’m going to get ready!” He announces excitedly as he squirms in my arms wanting to be put down, and he runs up the stairs before I can even reply.

I look around, and my gaze lands on the sofa, a hazel leather sofa that YN picked out. It’s so comfy and I could nap there forever.

Then there’s the coffee table, where YN, Minnie, George and I sat around and played board games. Catan is our family’s favourite, followed closely by Monopoly. 

The corner where we always put the Christmas tree, right next to the fireplace. And every year it didn’t matter how hard I tried, I could never get the bloody thing to stay straight. 

I miss this little cottage. Sure, the house in South Kensington is our marital house, but this cosy little cottage in the middle of nowhere feels more like home to me. And now I truly get why YN was so adamant to move here permanently after we separated, didn't matter how hard I tried to persuade her to stay in London.

“You’re early,” my wife blinks in surprise, but quickly masks it. “Minnie darling, go and get ready.”

“Do I really have to go?” My nine-year-old whines and I feel a pang. She really doesn’t want to spend time with me.

“Minnie, that’s not nice,” YN reprimands her before I can stop her.

“I’ve missed you, poppet,” I say, wanting to look at her in the eyes but she refuses to meet my gaze. Which hurts, but it’s fine. I know it’ll take some time for her to warm up to me. “I want to spend the day with you and your brother. I promise I’ll try to make it fun for you both.”

“Fine,” she replies, before marching up the stairs to her room. There’s still a hint of sulkiness in her tone, but at least I didn’t get a heavy sigh. I know it’s a small win but honestly, it’s better than none.

“Coffee’s in the pot,” she tells me politely from where she’s sitting at the island. She has her laptop open before her, and I can see her writing an email. I bet she’s working today, even if it’s Saturday, because my wife is such a hard-worker. She works remotely for a consulting firm and I’m beyond proud of her.

I nod and pour the coffee, and I let the silence carry on for a bit before saying, “saw you getting cosy with your new boyfriend last night.”

She instantly looks up from her laptop, giving me a death glare. Her tone is defensive when she says, “that’s none of your business.”

“You could’ve at least told me that you were seeing someone,” I tell her, making elaborate gestures with my coffee mug.

“Why would I do that?” She retorts defensively. “Last time I checked, you didn’t give a shit about me when we were married. Why on earth would I assume you do now?”

Hearing that, it feels like Chuck Norris himself just kicked me in the nuts. I can only mutter, “we’re still married.”

“Not for long,” she replies faintly.

“Don’t say that,” I say, my breath a little jagged. “We can still fix this, darling. I know we can.”

“Are you mad?” She snaps, but then she takes a deep breath, and her tone is a lot calmer when she adds, “Harry, it’s too late.”

“No, it’s not. It’s never too late to get our marriage back on track,” I plead desperately. “Would you at least give me a shot?”

“What do you mean?” She frowns. 

“You can continue to see Mr Wife-stealer-”

“He’s not a wife-stealer,” she snaps, cutting me off. “He’s got a name.”

“Well, he’s stealing my wife,” I grumble like a stroppy child.

“You’re being such a child,” she retorts. “His name is Luke, he’s a decent guy, and he makes me happy.”

“I’m not afraid to go head to head with him,” I say defiantly. 

“Fuck’s sake, Harry, we’re not on a bloody Love Island,” she says in exasperation. “Two children are involved here, this isn’t a game.”

“I know it isn’t,” I reply with a sigh. “Just please give me another shot, darling. Let me remind you how great we were together.”

“You mean the sex?” She demands, one side of her upper lip curls in a sneer.  

I bend my head and murmur, “we were dynamite in the sack, weren’t we?”

I see the flash in her eyes as she remembers, and it makes me want to beat my chest in victory. But the euphoric feeling is short-lived when she says, “a relationship is so much more than just sex. If you don’t understand it then-”

“I do, fuck, I do know that,” I cut her off in a strangled, desperate voice. “At least let me try, darling. Fuck if I’m letting you go without a fight.”

We lapse into silence as she gives me a sceptical look, and I know in this moment that my biggest challenge is to regain her trust, as well as accepting the fact that she has someone else fighting for her attention. 

I know this will be tough, because I let her down over and over again. And worse, I let my children down too, because I was never quite able to make my family my highest priority. It was all my fault, I knew it then, still do now. That’s why when she asked me to leave, I couldn’t even argue. I was a shit husband and father, and I deserved that.

Trying to win Minnie is probably going to be the easiest because beneath this ‘tweenage’ attitude going on, I know she is a sweet girl who loves her daddy. I need to devote more attention to her, maybe take her on some daddy-daughter dates. I know it’ll work because I’ve never given her enough on a consistent basis. 

YN is going to be the most difficult, because I really broke her heart. I’ve been married to her for ten years, so I can say with confidence that I know for sure she would never fall for things like flowers or gifts. I have to show her that I genuinely want to fix our marriage, and that my interest in her is real. It’ll be like starting all over again. 

And on top of that, she’s seeing someone else and she said it herself that he does make her happy. I know she’s not lying about it, as Jamie also told me the same thing last night and I saw with my own eyes how she laughed with him last night. Seeing that killed me, because I don’t have the ability to make her laugh like that anymore, but I couldn’t deny that there was a small part of me that was happy for her.

She may have sneered when I insinuated I’d be glad to remind her of the good times, but I saw it in her eyes. There was still a slight burn, and that might just have to be my angle. 

But then I remember our last time together. It was only two days before she asked me to leave and I remember coming home mid-morning after a meeting with my manager and publicist to find her lying in our bed, clad in sexy lingerie. I had my mouth on every inch of her, a good deal of time between her legs, and after she reciprocated by taking me into her mouth.

The kids were in school, and apparently, she took a sick day because I had told her the night before that I only had one meeting in the morning that day. After, she cuddled in close, and we talked for a while. She seemed happy, but then there was a hint of hesitation in her voice when she suggested, “fancy just spending all day in bed until school pick-ups?”

I mean, what man in his right mind would say no to that? The kids were gone for at least another five hours, I had a gorgeous wife naked and wanting more of what we just did… 

Yet, I’d said no. “Sorry, doll. I’m meeting the lads at the studio in about an hour.”

I didn’t see it then, but I do now and it’s clear as day. The look on her face had been blank, and there wasn’t even disappointment like she would usually show me. She hadn’t tried to get me to change my mind. There hadn’t been a guilt-laden frown to give me pause.

I realise now what it was.

It was the moment my wife finally gave up on me.

My chest constricts as it finally dawns on me the pain she must have been feeling. I’m not just talking about that day. That had been our life for several years.

No wonder she asked me to leave.

No wonder she’s moving on with Mr Wife-stealer.

No wonder that, at this moment, I realise I’ve got tons of work to do because sex isn’t going to be the answer in winning my wife back.

***

“Will the baby just eat when you give it the bottle?” Minnie asks her uncle Jamie as the four of us gaze at the baby goat in front of us. For the first time since yesterday, I actually see the slight curve up of lips that form a fond smile. Seeing that smile on my daughter’s face, I’m glad we didn’t go fishing and end up going to the barn instead. We were actually already on our way, but Jamie texted me that the mother goat had given birth this morning, and he wanted me to tell Minnie and George. The goats are a new addition to the farm, so they have been so excited to see baby goats. I knew from the look in their eyes that they would have a much better time seeing baby goats rather than fishing. 

It turns out that there’s only one baby goat, because the other one sadly didn’t make it. And the dam isn’t producing milk, so the kid needs to be bottle-fed until the mother is producing again. I can’t help but smile fondly at the baby goat too because it’s adorable. It’s a soft little white goat with a pink nose and ears. The dam is a Pygmy but since it has blue eyes, Jamie thinks she must have Nigerian Dwarf genes somewhere in her.

“It’s a female… a doeling,” Jamie tells her. “And she will if she’s hungry. You want to try to feed her? Look, she’s hungry again.”

We watch for a moment as the baby goat walks on wobbly legs, bleating in hunger. Jamie mixes the powdered formula and makes a bottle for her, then he hands the bottle to Minnie.

But Minnie shakes her head. “Maybe next time. I want to see you do it first.”

“Alright then,” Jamie nods, then turns towards my little lad. “How about you, mate? Wanna feed her?”

“No thank you,” says George as he shakes his head, and then he giggles, “she smells funny.”

“Can I do it?” I ask and Jamie nods as he hands me the bottle. 

I sit down against the wall with my children sitting on either side of me. And as if the goat can sense that I hold the key to filling her empty belly, the doeling starts to prance in excitement and falls over a few times due to what I assume is clumsiness. I love that she can walk normally but still choose chaos—honestly, she could’ve been my third child. There’s no stopping the surge of fondness that swells within me as I watch her little antics. 

“Come here little crumpet,” I coo at the goat.

The little goat scrambles right onto my lap, bleating hungrily. I wrap my arm around her and tip the bottle. She latches on instantly, and Minnie and George are aww-ing and ooh-ing over the way the baby goat’s little tail swishes back and forth so fast in ecstatic happiness as she drinks her milk. 

“You’re a hungry little thing, aren’t you?” Minnie murmurs and the little tail swishes faster as she pushes at the bottle to suck the milk down faster. “What’s her name, uncle Jamie?”

“I haven’t named her yet,” Jamie says. “What do you lot think we should call her?”

“Blue,” George suggests instantly, without looking away from the baby goat on my lap. 

“Ooh, I like it,” Minnie adds. “Like her eyes.”

“Blue it is, then,” Jamie grins. “Now, even though the dam is still not producing milk, we still need to train her to at least try to nurse, so she’ll do it right away when the dam is finally producing milk. Let’s see if we can get her to try to eat from the dam.”

He plucks the baby from my arms, and a series of yearning bleats come from the kid as he carries her to her mother. He places her near the dam’s udders and gives the baby a gentle push.

Much to our surprise, Blue spins away from Jamie and her mother and runs back to me. Although in all fairness, I am holding the bottle she was just drinking from. Jamie attempts three more times to get the baby to try to nurse from her mother, but she’s having none of it. 

Finally, he takes the bottle from me and walks across to the opposite wall. He sits down, holds the bottle out, and calls to the doeling. “Come here, baby. Come eat.”

Blue’s tail gives a few nervous twitches, but she doesn’t move towards Jamie. In fact, she takes a few hesitant steps backwards until she bumps into my legs. I’m amazed as I watch her stare hungrily at the bottle, bleating hungrily, but refusing to go to Jamie.

“Daddy, she thinks you’re her mummy,” says George and both my children burst in laughter.

“What?” I say in astonishment.

“I don’t think that doeling is going to feed from anyone but you,” Jamie adds with a chuckle as he stands up. He walks over and hands me the bottle. Blue jumps directly into my lap.

On autopilot, I offer the goat the nipple but look up to Jamie in panic. “What should we do?”

“Dunno, I’ll just try and do it when she’s hungry again in a few hours,” he shrugs. “But if she still doesn’t wanna eat, I’ll bring her to you.”

Any last vestiges of humour, happiness and downright giddiness over the cuteness of a baby goat fades as I realise I might or might not have just added another task to my list. Heavens help me.

***

“Let’s have a daddy and daughter date tomorrow.”

It’s a solid suggestion, and I really hope she’d say yes. Her little brother has his classmate’s birthday party to go to, so I know it’d be perfect for a little one-on-one time. 

We’re on our way back home after spending a whole day together. It was great, and even though I didn’t have happy-go-lucky Minnie, George had a great time, and it was enough for me. And at least she didn’t ask to go home early, so I’d call that a win.

“No, thanks,” she replies. There’s still not a hint of sulkiness in her tone, but it doesn’t sound technically warm either. 

I glance over through the rear-view mirror as she stares out the window with her arms folded. Her brother is sleeping next to her, and I figured this might be a good time to talk since she’s trapped in the car with me.

Everyone always says that Minnie is a mini-me, while George is a carbon-copy of his mum. Minnie has my nose, eyebrows, chin, even my smile; which is slightly lopsided and has a dimple on one side. I know I’m biased, but she truly is the most beautiful little girl I’ve ever seen.

Where Minnie shines, though, is her personality, which is a combination of her mum and me. She has her mum’s sunny disposition—aside from the days where she’s got a bag on—and always sees the good in everyone. She’s our little ray of sunshine, tender and caring and always trying to make others feel good.

From me, she gets her stubbornness, which even though I know is a good trait to have when she’s older, it made things so much harder when she was a toddler. She also has my terrible sense of humour, but the thing I’m most proud of is her work ethic. I can’t take full credit for that though, because her mother is a hard worker as well.

Ever since she started distancing herself from me, I know which subjects are safe, and which are not. School always falls in the safe category, because she enjoys it and excels. So I figure now that’s where I should start. “How’s school going?”

“Alright,” she replies, still looking out the window. 

Now, this really doesn’t sound at all like my daughter.

“Come on, Min,” I say desperately. “Tell daddy what’s been eating you. I can’t help if I don’t know what it is.”

“It’s nothing, I’m fine,” she says absently.

“Do you want to go and get some ice cream with me tomorrow?” That was our thing at least once every two weeks and she loved it.

“No, thank you.”

“Ice skating?”

“No, thank you.”

“Oh I know,” I say excitedly. “I’ve got a show in London in a couple of weeks, Jingle Ball. Do you want to come with me?”

Minnie has always been my biggest fan, clapping the hardest and yelling the loudest for her daddy. So it really takes me by surprise when she mutters, “shows, shows, shows… that’s all you care about, dad.”

I twist to peer out my window so she doesn’t see the wince that comes unbidden to my face if she looks through the mirror. That was a direct slam against me. 

That really does hurt, and I rub at the throb of pain behind my breastbone.

“That’s not true,” I reply faintly. 

“Did you care about my last ballet recital?”

Early this year, Minnie had a ballet recital. She was so excited about it because I had just finished my tour in December last year, and I’d already told my management that I would like a couple of months off. There was no reason for me not to attend, so I promised her I’d be there.

Except at the last moment, I realised I had forgot to switch an important meeting I had with the team from the new Manchester Arena. Since I invested in it, we had a meeting every few months because I said right from the beginning that I would take more than just a capital interest. I wanted to be involved in the development, because that was a huge project and I was really proud of it. 

YN was in charge of our schedule and when she reminded me about the recital, which conflicted directly with my meeting, we ended up getting in the worst row we’ve ever had throughout our marriage.

“You’re going to let our daughter down in a way she won’t forgive,” she stated.

I refused to believe that, brushing off her comment with “I’ll take her out for something special later.” But my wife turned and stalked away from me. 

That day, the meeting went great and the construction was almost done a few weeks earlier than intended, so there was an option if we wanted to open sooner. YN sent me a text with a video of Minnie’s performance, and it was beautiful. I was such a proud dad that I showed the video to everyone in that room. 

When I got home, my wife and children cuddled on the sofa, watching a film. George was snoozing with his head on his mum’s lap on the far end, so I plopped myself down beside Minnie. I tugged on her hair playfully, and asked if she wanted to go out to a special daddy-daughter dinner to celebrate her recital.

“No, thank you,” she replied quietly, not taking her eyes off the telly. 

“Come on, poppet,” I coaxed, trying to tickle her in the ribs a little. She only squirmed closer to her mum, not laughing from the tickle but grimacing like she didn’t want to be touched.

YN stared over Minnie with sorrow in her eyes. She gave a tiny shake of her head, but I wasn’t ready to give up. 

“The Ivy?” I tried to tempt her because my kid loves chips, and she’s obsessed with their truffle and parmesan chips.

“No, thank you,” she muttered again, her head resting on her mum’s shoulder and her arm crossed over her middle. YN cuddled her with an arm around her shoulder. It had been clear that they were a unit, and I hadn’t been included.

“Minnie decided she wants to stop ballet lessons, so that was her last recital.”

“Oh,” I’d replied dumbly.

I couldn’t think of another damn thing to say because to do so would be disingenuous. There’s no doubt I killed my daughter’s potential love of ballet by not coming to her recital. I knew that because of YN’s expression of disappointment and Minnie’s dull dismissal. 

Later that night, I walked by Minnie’s room and glanced in as the door was slightly open. I had bought her a bouquet of flowers that I gave her before I left for my meeting, and I saw that they’d been stuffed into the bin beside her desk.

I blink out of that memory, feeling the heavy weight of guilt. “Of course I did, my love. If I knew-”

“But not enough to come,” she replies dully. “And what about my debate competition? George’s piano recital? You showed up to none of them.”

I sigh heavily. “Minnie, a lot of parents have demanding jobs where they’re required to work or travel more than others. Sometimes A&E doctors have to work on Christmas and cannot see their children open the presents. Sometimes, a firefighter has to leave their house at night and can’t tuck their kids in bed.”

“I understand that,” she whirls and looks at me through the rear-view mirror. “Except you’re not saving lives or fighting fires, are you? You just get up on a stage and sing.”

“I’m a terrible dad, aren’t I?” I concede. “I know I’ve done things wrong in the past, but I’m trying to make it up to you, poppet. But I can’t do it if you won’t let me.”

She doesn’t say anything and it’s killing me. “You know I love you, right?”

“I know,” she rushes to assure me and I feel a little lighter. My daughter may act like a tween and have some bitter feelings towards me, but she loves me. 

“I don’t like seeing you like this,” I continue. “Tell me how to make it up to you and I’ll do it. I want things to be good between us again.”

Her eyes flare with shock, and then they dart away as if she’s considering something. I wait expectantly. Maybe she’s going to finally open up and pour out her feelings for me. I’m ready for it.

I’m ready to listen, and validate, and reassure her that she, along with her mum and brother, are the loves of my life. 

Her gaze comes back to me, her expression serious, and I brace.

“Can we get a puppy?”

What? 

There’s no stopping the unlocking of my jaw and the dropping of my mouth because this was the last thing I expected her to say. 

I’m so caught off guard that I can’t even think to immediately tell her ��no’, which gives her time to launch into all the reasons why we should have a dog.

“Minnie, puppies are a lot of work. You’ve got to potty train them, teach them manners, and they get up for hours at night.” 

“I promise I’ll do all that,” she exclaims.

“Like how you were supposed to take care of Fishy?” I can’t help but remind her. Fishy was her goldfish that we had to throw a funeral for a few years ago because she forgot to feed him. That poor sod died of hunger.

Minnie rolls her eyes. “I was six.”

She’s got a point.

Still, it’s obvious part of her request is manipulation because she threw it at me when I opened myself up to vulnerability. She knows I’m trying, and she’s throwing me a clear bone.

Get her a puppy, and all will be forgiven.

“Tell you what,” I look over my shoulder after I parked the car since we’ve reached home. “I promise to think about it, and I’ll talk to mummy.” 

“Really?” She bounces in her seat in excitement.

“We’ll talk about it,” I reiterate in a calm, even voice. But there’s no stopping her excitement. The fact that I’m willing to consider is a huge victory for her because she knows that when I make my mind up about something, I never change it. 

I open the door for her, and she is quick to unbuckle herself and throws herself at me. 

I’m so surprised at the spontaneous act of affection that I almost don’t hug her back. It’s been so long since she’s shown this to me, and it’s the best feeling in the world.

I squeeze her tight, and I can only hope that my darling girl will always love her daddy the way she does right now. 

George doesn’t even stir as I pick him up, and I tuck him in his bed straight away since I don’t want to wake him up. He must be tired, and good thing I’ve fed them both dinner.

Minnie even gives me another hug before she gets ready for bed, and that results in me having a permanent smile on my face even as I walk down the stairs and into the kitchen to see my wife. 

“She’s chirpy,” YN comments when she sees me walking into the kitchen. “What did you do?”

“Got her to talk to me,” I smirk. 

She looks surprised, and well, I can’t blame her. “Did she?”

“She did,” I nod. “Pointed out all my flaws, and when I asked her how I could make it up to her, she asked for a puppy.”

“What?”

“Exactly my reaction,” I chuckle. 

“Boy, if she’s this good at emotional blackmailing at nine, we’d probably be in deep shit in a couple of years,” she jokes and I can’t help but laugh. 

I’ve missed this.

“Will you go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?” I blurt out before I can stop myself. 

“I can’t.”

“What? Got a hot date already?” I ask teasingly, but her silence tells me what I don’t want to know. “Oh, you’re going out with him.”

“Mr Wife- I mean Luke asked me out first and I already said yes.”

I shouldn’t be laughing because the fact that my wife going on a date with another man is not funny at all, but it’s hard to hide my smirk when she almost calls him by the nickname I’ve given him, Mr Wife-stealer. 

“Well, fair enough. He asked you first,” I say nonchalantly. “What does he do?”

“He’s an A&E doctor at the Northern General,” she says, her tone lightens a little.

“Smart then isn’t he,” I mutter. 

“Yes. He’s smart, attentive, caring and generous with his time.” 

I keep my expression and tone bland, but she landed a direct blow there and it fucking hurts. “All the things I’m not,” I state, voicing the conclusion she was aiming at.

“Well,” she drawls with a tiny bit of sympathy. “I do think you’re smart.”

I give her a side eye-roll before I decide to be downright nosy and ask, “you can’t have been on many dates then?”

“True,” she chirps, a gleam in her eye as she sticks the knife in. “He is busy and his schedules are unpredictable. But when he’s gone, he makes sure I know I’m always on his mind. He sends me flowers for absolutely no reason other than because he wants to, calls me every day and we text all the time.”

Well, sodding fucking bollocking shit wank. I didn’t think YN would fall for that crap. And I realise… I never thought to do that stuff for her. I was the self-absorbed type of person who figured that my wife knew I thought about her all the time when I was away. I mean we were married, so I just assumed she knew.

I’m a shit head. 

“What else does he do for you?” I ask and she blinks in surprise.

“Why?” She asks suspiciously.

“I told you I want our marriage to work.”

Her eyes narrow slightly, trying to read my tone and see whether I’m being genuine or it’s just bollocks. Finally, she replies primly, “I’m not giving away his secrets.”

What the fuck does that mean? Have they shagged? I would bet a million pounds they had not though, because I know YN and she wouldn’t enter into that deep of a relationship lightly.

Without even thinking twice, I make a sudden step into her. My arm goes around her waist and I pull her body into me. Not a single inch of space between us. Her mouth opens in a gasp of surprise, and I use the opportunity to kiss her.

I kiss the fuck out of my wife.

Her hands slap against my upper arms, and her fingers dig into my sleeves. Even as she’s pushing me away, her mouth opens, and her tongue touches mine briefly. 

When I pull back, I ask, “did he kiss you like this?”

She shakes her head, breathlessly admitting, “we haven’t-”

My jaw drops. “Are you joking?”

“I’m not,” she murmurs.

“How long exactly have you been seeing him?” 

“About four weeks.”

“Honey, he’s rooting for the other team,” I tell her and she slaps my arm. 

“Sod off, he’s not,” she counters.

“Four weeks with the hottest, most gorgeous, shaggable woman and he hasn’t tried to kiss you? I mean not that I’m not grateful because, fuck, I am. But wow.”

“Of course he did try,” she rolls her eyes. “But I’m not ready for that, and he’s okay with us taking it slow.” 

For a second I don’t say anything in response. Instead, I loosen my hold, bringing my hand to her lower back, and cupping her intimately from behind. Moaning, she leans into me. “I’m guessing he hasn’t touched you like this then.”

She doesn’t answer. Instead, she lets her eyelids flutter closed as her teeth bite into her lower lip.

Fuck. I could drag her to the floor right now, and we could go at it.

But then she comes to her senses, blinking rapidly, and I release her immediately when she gives me a tiny shove backwards. 

“You’re not playing fair,” she accuses. 

Damn right I’m not. I grab her upper arms, pull her back into me for one last kiss before I let her go just as quickly. “I’m playing to win.”

She takes a step back, brushes a wisp of hair from her temple, and puts on a cool expression. “That’s not going to make me take you back.”

I smirk.

She waves a dismissive hand. “Don’t get me wrong. You’re great with your hands and your mouth, but a lot of men know how to please a woman.”

She’s got a bonus point for trying to make me jealous, but I’m not falling for it. Instead, I give her a devilish smile and dip my head towards her. 

“That’s true, but no one will ever please you the way I can.”

I’m enjoying our banter, and I expect her to come up with a snappy retort that might make me kiss her again.

Instead, her expression is sad when she says, “I wish I could be happy with that.”

My heart squeezes, and I lift a hand to palm the side of her neck. I wait until she meets my gaze. “We’re more than just sex, darling. I know you need and deserve more. I’m ready to prove that to you.”

I lean in, pressing my lips to her forehead. 

She doesn’t respond as I pivot and head through the living room, letting myself out the door. 

All in all, I think that went very well.

***

I’m back at my wife’s cottage, waiting for my kids as they get ready upstairs. Minnie has finally agreed to go on a daddy-daughter date and George is going to an overnight sleepover birthday party, and I’ll drop him off at his classmate’s house before I take his sister out to dinner. I’ll make sure to make it up to him by taking him on a special one on one date too next week. 

There’s a light rap on the door, and my head swings that way. I have no doubt that it’s Mr Wife-stealer who’s going to take my wife out on a date.

I glance towards the master suite, but the door is closed. YN is probably putting on the finishing touches of her makeup. And the kids are still upstairs.

Nothing left to do but let him in.

Forcing a smile, I open the front door. He blinks in surprise to see me standing there, and I know I’ve got two options here; I could either easily dispel the awkwardness by being cool, welcoming and explaining our schedules happened to overlap.

Or… I could use whatever amount of alone time I have with him to instill some doubt inside his head.

That would be a dirty play, but as I have told my wife, I play to win.

Broadening my smile, I stick my hand out. “You must be Luke. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Harry.”

He seems momentarily frozen, but then basic manners take over. When he shakes my hand, it’s a bit limp, perhaps denoting a lack of confidence. After I release him, I bid him entrance with a sweep of my hand. “YN is in the bedroom. She’s still getting ready.”

Luke frowns over the fact that I know YN is in the bedroom. Probably over me even being here to talk to him. But I don’t dispel any innuendo he might glean from that.

I loop an arm around his shoulders, clamp down, and start guiding him to the kitchen. “Come on in and sit for a bit while she’s finishing up. Want a beer?”

Luke moves to one of the island stools, looking completely frazzled. “Uh… no, thank you.”

I shrug, moving to the fridge and opening it. Grabbing a bottle, I say with a sly grin as I close it. “So glad YN still stocks my favourite beer.”

I am so going to hell.

But that’s the truth. It’s my wife’s favourite beer, too, but I don't tell him that. Instead, I let the implication that I come over and have beers often. Luke’s frown deepens.

“YN tells me you work at the Northern General?” I take a sip of my beer, then lean my forearms on the island directly across from him so we’re eye level.

“Yeah… uh, that’s right.” Poor Luke. He seems incapable of carrying on a polite conversation with the husband of the woman he’s dating. 

But I’m going to give him a pass. Setting my beer down, I straighten. “Let me go tell YN you’re here.”

“Um… you don’t have-” he starts to say, but I move past him without a backward glance. Through the living room, down the small hall, and a hard left takes me to the master suite. The door’s closed. I don’t bother knocking because I know YN is dressed.

I find her in the ensuite, her makeup drawer open and she’s huddled over it, touching something inside. 

“Your date’s here,” I announce.

She lets out a yip of fright, shoving whatever it was in her hand to the back and slamming the drawer closed. 

“Damn it, Harry,” she snaps, her palm pressed against her heart. “You scared the hell out of me. And what are you doing in my room?”

“Just running an errand for you. Wanted to let you know your date is here,” I say casually and I give her a mischievous grin. “Don’t worry, I welcomed him in, offered him a drink, and made small talk.”

She rolls her eyes, rising from her vanity chair and moves past me without another word. I start to follow, but then I hesitate and turn back to the drawer of her vanity. Quietly, I pull it open as far as it will go, spotting a picture of YN and me stuffed in the back.

I recognise it. It’s from a trip we took to Anguilla a few years back, just the two of us, and fuck if we didn’t look happy and deeply in love.

Was that what she was looking at when I walked in?

That could be good or bad, but either way, no way to know the answer. I shut the drawer, then catch up to her as she’s moving through the living room. Luke sees her, sliding off the stool. When she holds out her hands, he takes them and leans in to kiss her on the cheek.

Lame.

I sit on the armrest of the sofa, watching. Luke glances over YN’s shoulder at me as he pulls back, smiling victoriously. 

I just smirk back. Because he’d probably lose it if he knew the type of kiss I gave my wife just last night. But I’ll keep that information to myself, though.

YN grabs her handbag off the accent table near the staircase before addressing me. “Make sure Minnie locks up when you leave, and remind George I’ll pick him up at ten tomorrow morning.” 

I give her a jaunty salute. “Aye-aye, Captain.”

In return, I get another eye roll. 

Luke puts his hand on my wife’s back, shooting me a look that says, ‘she’s mine tonight’, and I want to punch his teeth down the back of his throat. I just smile blandly, because, in just a few minutes of talking to him and watching how they interact, I can tell he’s getting nothing more than a friendly kiss when he brings her home.

YN might want to keep pushing at that relationship, but I am willing to bet that it’s not going to go anywhere. I know this, because I’m sure that my wife is still in love with me. 

-

Read part II here!

[heloisedaphnebrightmore]

Like a dream pt. 1|2 [Sirius Black x Reader] - Challenge

Title: Like a dream pt. 1 ➔ Like a dream pt. 2 - Here! Pairing: Sirius Black x Female!Reader   Word count: 3.4k Published: 20 January 2021 Author: Heloise Daphne Brightmore Notes: Important note at the end Summary: Sirius and you were supposed to be enemies, but your crush on him might not be as unrequited as you thought. Challenge: [x] [x] This is part of @sleep-i-ness​ writing challenge on tumblr. I used the below dialogue 

“Can I kiss you?” “I don’t know, can you?”

Bingo: [x] This is part of my Make me feel Bingo Card by @girl-next-door-writes​ on tumblr

Square filled: Enemies to lovers

Harry Potter Characters Masterlist | Masterlists

Make me feel Bingo Masterlist

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You always disliked Sirius Black. Or at least that’s what you told everyone who dared to comment on your constant bickering and picking on one another. But you couldn’t deceive yourself. You caught yourself gazing at the boy from afar, hands getting clammy around him, air stuck in your lungs.

You felt your face heat up around him, making your crush on the boy dangerously obvious. You tried to conceal it with muggle makeup and useful charms you learnt from your friends and so far, it has been helping, but your nervous state couldn’t be fixed, even if you tried to count from one to ten, even if you tried to think of awful thoughts. The boy had effects on you that no one else had.

Your families having an amazing relationship didn’t help in keeping a distance either. So, when your mother announced the Blacks visit, you almost forgot to breathe for a mere second. You rushed up to your room, dressing up into your prettiest dress, putting on just a small amount of make-up, before taking care of the mess on top of your head that others called hair.

It barely took an hour or so before you heard your parents greeting the Blacks downstairs. You took a deep breath and wore the coldest expression you could possibly manage. You knew Sirius would have a couple of snarky comments spiced up with his usually cocky grin, one that always took your breath away, so you composed yourself and prepared for the worst.

Walking down the stairs felt even more difficult as your legs slightly wobbled. When you caught sight of him, even the air stuck in your lungs, your throat dried out. You wanted to scream into outer space, scolding yourself for being affected by someone who never really had a kind word to say to you. Although he never really offended you either. You just mutually got on each others’ nerves.

“Darling, finally, come on down,” your mother ushered you over to them as she saw you heading down the stairs.

You smiled sweetly as you greeted Walburga and Orion, before you turned to Regulus, but when your eyes met Sirius, words didn’t seem to want to leave your lips. He wore his usual cocky smile as he studied your face, seemingly unbothered about the lack of greeting.

“Cat got your tongue?” he asked, snickering as his parents followed yours into the dining room with Regulus behind them.

“You wish, Black,” you scoffed, but deep down you wanted to run into a wall. You were not one to be silent, one without words, but Sirius’ presence often caused you a momentary brain damage.

“Actually, I don’t. It would get boring,” he shrugged casually. You tilted your head in confusion, brows furrowed.

“You can’t possibly tell me you wouldn’t be happy if I couldn’t talk,” you raised a brow curiously.

“So, I’d have to listen to my own voice at all times? I’d love it. For a short period of time, of course. But for any longer, please, even I’d go mental,” he pulled a face, making you giggle. It wasn’t a sound you often let yourself have when Sirius was around. You didn’t necessarily hate each other, but none of you really had a nice word to say to the other, which often led to a bickering session.

“And we certainly wouldn’t want that,” you added sarcastically with a cheeky grin across your face.

“Are you going to join us today?” Regulus arrived from the dining room, waving his hand to follow him.

You joined your families at the table, quickly diving into the food, trying to avoid any awkward conversation. As you looked up at Sirius, his cold expression and blank eyes reminded you of the rumours you heard about his relationship with his family. He was distant and almost robotic.

“Darling, how’s school been?” Walburga turned to you with a sweet, but very clearly phony expression.

“It’s been going well, thank you for asking. I’m certainly not going to be a potions master, but I’m doing rather well in all my other classes,” you replied with a genuine smile, feeling proud of your achievements.

“That’s wonderful, dear,” she smiled as she turned to your mother. “You have got a beautiful and very intelligent child on your hand, love. You must be very proud of her,” she added. Your mom quickly tapped her lips with a napkin, ready to answer.

“Indeed. She is making us very proud,” she replied as she turned to you and offered you a loving, happy smile. “But I’m sure you are just as proud. You have two amazing sons who I hear seem to do quite well in school and part of the quidditch team of their houses as well,” she added, the information you have shared with her finally becoming useful.

“Regulus is indeed doing very well. Top grades of his year and it seems he will soon be captain of the quidditch team,” she added with a proud smile, but then the conversation turned into an awkward silence as Walburga decided not to mention Sirius. As you looked at the boy, he was wearing the same cold expression, slightly more annoyed than before as he rolled his eyes.

You wanted to tell him to ignore his mother’s mean behaviour, but you didn’t have the right to. You didn’t know much about their relationship and you certainly didn’t have a friendship of any kind with Sirius.

Instead, you heaved a deep sigh, swallowed hard and concentrated back on your meal.

The dinner didn’t last long, soon you found yourself in the living room, sipping on a cup of tea, your parents having an utterly boring conversation with the Blacks.

“Mom, would you please excuse me?” you asked as you placed your cup and saucer on the table in front of you.

“Of course, darling, go ahead,” she smiled and continued her conversation with Walburga.

You stood up from your seat and looked over at Sirius who seemed even more miserable than you. It was clearly painted across his face that he didn’t want to be there, let alone listen to the conversation your parents were having.

“Mrs. Black, would you mind if I stole Sirius for a second?” you asked. The woman looked at her son, slight disappointment across her face, but then she nodded reluctantly.

“Not at all, sweetheart,” she shook her head. Sirius looked at you with a frown across his face as he stood and followed you out of the house, straight to the garden.

“Why would you do that?” he asked, furrowing his brows.

“You couldn’t look any more miserable sitting there,” you shrugged.

“Thanks,” he scoffed as he took a seat on a bench beside the wall. You sat down next to him, a slightly awkward silence distancing the two of you as you kept your eyes busy, looking around the carefully planted flowers your mother felt so proud of.

“You know, this is not the Black I’m used to,” you added as you grew tired of the silence.

“Why, what did you expect?” he tilted his head backwards, looking up at the darkness, stars lighting up the sky.

“I don’t really know. In school you are cocky, unpredictable and not to mention annoying at all times,” you scoffed as you remembered how many times you wanted to wrap your fingers around his neck and squeeze it, just a little. “But here you are like this sample boy. Quiet and well behaved, but most of all cold,” he grimaced at your words, which you weren’t sure how to take at first.

“My parents hate me, how else am I supposed to behave? I don’t plan to fuel the fire any more than it already is,” he replied with a serious expression.

“Well, I know my words don’t mean much, but if it’s worth even a bit, I prefer the Sirius I go to school with,” you shrugged casually, trying not to reveal your crush on him, but still trying to be honest. When Sirius started smiling, you couldn’t stop yourself from mirroring his expression.

“Huh, so you don’t hate me that much after all,” he snickered proudly, his usually cocky smirk painted across his face once again.

“I never hated you. I just can’t stand you,” you added as you turned away from the boy, trying to hide your blushing cheeks.

He leaned forward, attempting to catch a glimpse of your face, but you carefully looked anywhere except him. “Then why are you blushing?” he chuckled as your head shot up, looking straight into his grey eyes that seemed even darker under the moonlight. He must have understood your confusion. “Your ears are bright red,” he added with a cheeky wink.

You groaned, feeling annoyed both because of your own obvious behaviour and his impeccable sight. “I’m just feeling warm,” you tried to save the situation which earned you a sceptical look from Sirius before it quickly turned into a barking laughter.

“I’m sure that’s true. Especially because there are goosebumps all over your arm,” he chuckled as he bit into his lower lip, your eyes immediately focusing on his movement. You scolded yourself inside for your silly behaviour and folded your arms in front of your chest as you turned away from the boy, quietly sulking.

He took off his suit jacket and placed it on your back, his scent finding its way into your nostrils almost immediately. It was warm and soft, and it smelled like him. You looked at the boy with a questioningly raised brow, not knowing how to take it.

“What? I can’t possibly have a beautiful lady freezing to death beside me,” he shrugged nonchalantly with a mischievous smile playing in the corner of his mouth.

“Beautiful lady?” you asked, scepticism clear in your tone. “When in the last 5 minutes did I become a beautiful lady?” you snorted in disbelief, ignoring how un-ladylike it was.

“You have always been beautiful,” he added casually as if the words were more familiar to him than to you. You frowned at his unusual behaviour, complimenting each other was not something you often or ever did.

“Are you sick? Are you under some kind of a potion? Blink twice if you are,” you nagged him, causing a silent laughter to erupt from his lungs.

“I’m perfectly fine. You know, just because people don’t say something out loud, it doesn’t mean they don’t think it,” he said.

“Okay- thanks, I guess,” you tried to find the right words to say.

“Not a problem,” he smiled proudly.

Once again, an awkward silence fell on the pair of you, but this time you couldn’t possibly break it. His unusual behaviour made you feel wary and you weren’t sure what would be the best way to strike up a conversation.

“Did I make you feel awkward?” he asked, his eyes focused on the dark sky and the small little stars painted across it.

“I wouldn’t say you made me feel awkward, but I certainly didn’t expect any positive comment from you,” you shrugged casually, trying to play it cool. Your heart was pulsing loudly in your ears, your throat dried out, but you couldn’t have given even a hint of the effects he had on you.

“Hey, I’m not that bad,” he groaned.

“I’m not saying you are, but we are always bickering about some silly thing that I can’t even remember because it’s always so meaningless, so for you to say that I’m beautiful, it was certainly unexpected,” you explained.

“Well, I can’t possibly tell you how pretty you are in the middle of our little arguments.”

“Actually, you could,” you snickered, which made him chuckle as he watched your playful expression.

“Now that you mention it, if I used it before, you might have shut up quicker,” he snorted as he saw your face turn into an expression that clearly screamed how badly you wanted to hex him.

“You are going too far, Black,” you added.

“Isn’t that what we usually do?” he asked wriggling his brows, making you chuckle.

“What was that creepy move?” you asked, trying to silence your laughter.

“My signature move,” he winked. “Girls, love it.”

“Sure, if you want to scare them away,” you huffed, but you couldn’t remove the smile from your face.

“We could have done this sooner, you know,” he stated, making you feel confused.

“What do you mean?” you asked.

“Have a normal conversation without you getting mad at me?” he grinned.

“I wouldn’t get mad at you if you didn’t behave like a complete idiot,” you shrugged, your smile still hiding in the corner of your lips.

“Fair enough,” he chuckled. “But then how else would I catch my crush’s attention?” he raised a questioning brow. For a second you thought you heard it wrong, for a second you thought you were hallucinating. His words seemed too unreal.

“You what?” you attempted to word your confusion.

“How else did you expect me to get your attention?” he chuckled playfully, his own words making him feel lighter.

“Why would you want to catch my attention?” you asked dumbfounded.

“Have you even heard what I said?'' he laughed watching the confused expression across your face. “I will help you out. I just said I wanted to catch my crush’s attention. My crush would be you. Do you need any further explanation?” he chuckled playfully as your face grew even more confused. As if your brain was unable to process his words. Even your own brain couldn’t believe what he said. But your heart, your heart was beating dangerously as the words left his mouth as if they needed no further explanation.  

“You like me?” you asked, clearly needing more to go on.

“I have fancied you since forever,” he smiled as he scooted closer to you on the bench. “I wasn’t sure if you liked me, you always got mad at me. But then sometimes you gave me these mixed signals and I couldn’t place it anywhere,” he shook his head scoffing. “Up until I overheard Lily’s conversation with James, and it felt like hope,” he raised a questioning brow, waiting for you to put the puzzles together, but you remained silent.

He turned his complete torso towards you, watching your profile as he tucked a loose hair behind your ear. You felt your face heat up, but you didn’t turn away. You knew you were exposed, but you still didn’t know how to react. You looked at the boy, his grey eyes eagerly waiting for you to say something.

“What do you want me to say?” you asked. “You already know, don’t you?” you turned away as you heaved a deep sigh.

“I just overheard a conversation, that means nothing,” he shook his head, disputing. “Look at me, please,” he asked as he gently got hold of your jaw and turned you back. “Do you like me?” he asked, wasting no time.

You wanted to say no, you still couldn’t believe his words. Your constant bickering has been ongoing for so long, that it just didn’t make sense. But then something had changed in you too. You didn’t know when you started having feelings for him, but it just happened. However, accepting your own feelings seemed more reasonable than his.

“I’m being honest. I do like you. I have for quite a while,” his eyes didn’t lie. He looked at you with a warm, loving expression and although it was hard to believe his words, his gaze couldn’t have lied.

You let out a deep breath as you composed yourself, preparing for the worst. Maybe it was a prank, and he was going to laugh, maybe he was just joking with your feelings, maybe he made a silly bet with someone. You didn’t know what to expect, but every possible negative outcome went through your head ringing an alarm.

You looked down at your lap, playing with your hands nervously. “I do like you,” you whispered, your tone uncertain and barely audible. You collected all the bravery you could find within you and looked up at him. A gentle, warm smile spread across his face as he lifted one of your hands and cupped it in his, warming up your cold skin. His genuine expression reassured you with a simple look at him. The whole boy seemed so happy, he couldn’t have played the part that well. It felt unreal, as if a dream of yours came true, but you couldn’t possibly feel happier.  

“So, if I ask you to go out with me, would I get a yes?” he asked as his smile grew wider.

“I guess, you would have to ask me first,” you chuckled, making him huff playfully.

“Okay, so, would you like to go out with me?” he asked confidently and for a second you left him hanging, as if you were debating your options.

“I guess that could be arranged,” you replied which made him shake his head as he pulled you into a hug, his arms wrapped around your shoulders, his face hidden in your neck. As he pulled away, he stopped a few inches away from your face, his eyes wandering between your eyes and lips, his intentions screaming obviousness.

“I- Can I kiss you?” he asked, the unusual uncertainty in his voice making you braver this time.

“I don’t know, can you?” you asked back, clearly catching him off guard. But soon his surprised expression turned into a cheeky grin.

“Well, I could,” he smirked, but didn’t move.

“Then I guess the question is, will you?” you added playfully, trying to guide him to the right direction, hoping for him to finally make that last step.

“Would you like me to?” he played along, but this time you started losing your patience.

“For Merlin’s sake, just kiss me already!” you instructed him, huffing, both of you laughing silently, before he placed his hands on each side of your neck and pulled you closer to him, attaching his lips to yours finally.

As if you have been waiting forever, it felt like pure satisfaction, warm, happy and safe. Sirius felt like a safe place that you didn’t know you needed, but now that you were there, you couldn’t even think of ever letting go. You fit into each other’s embrace so perfectly, it felt like a dream.

…

Your body was sweating, your head was spinning as you slowly opened your eyes. A wet towel was carefully placed on your forehead which fell down into your lap as you slowly pushed yourself up into a seated position.

As you looked around you recognised the hospital wing of Hogwarts, the metal frame of the bed creaking as you moved around. You pulled the cover off your body and placed your feet on the cold floor, hissing at the uncomfortable feeling. But before you could have gotten out of bed, the door opened, and a blonde-haired girl walked into the infirmary, reading a newspaper.

“Marlene?” you asked. She looked up from her book and gave you a confused look.

“What are you doing? Madam Pomfrey said you should rest. You got hit pretty badly,” she added as she sat down beside you.

“What are you talking about?” you frowned in confusion.

“You got hit by a bludger and passed out. Do you not remember?” you shook your head in a reply.

“And what about Sirius?” you asked, clinging onto the only recent memory you could remember.

“What are you talking about? You hate Sirius,” she furrowed her brows as she watched your face fall.

You felt like you couldn’t breathe, like you have been kicked in the gut and kneed in the chest. Air didn’t seem to want to leave or enter your body as you finally understood that it was all a dream. A wishful thinking that you knew too well would never happen. There was no way Sirius would ever look at you that way and to realise it after you woke up from a dream that quite possibly felt like the best thing that happened to you in awhile, it was heart-breaking.

“I do,” you replied as you tried to hold back the tears that threatened to roll down your cheeks and reveal your well-hidden secret. You felt so stupid, so naive for thinking about having a shot at the coolest boy of the school, but most of all, you hated yourself for having such a vivid dream. A dream that you knew will always remain only a dream.

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[chubbyreaderchan]

Forgive | Bruce Wayne x Reader

a/n: honestly this is kind of my own timeline. It vaguely has anything to do with any known plots other. Bruce and his wife end up in the future and meet old man Bruce.

tagging: @sam-draws​

The future.

It wasn't the first time that Bruce Wayne was thrust forward in time. However, it was the first for one Mrs. (Y/n) Wayne. The city was very different, yet at the same time it still felt like home as they traveled across building tops to make it towards Wayne Mansion. Of course, Bruce suspected Chronos and needed to head towards the Batcave to not only figure out where he is but to go back to the time they belonged in.

However, his number one priority before that is to get (Y/n) somewhere safe. Which again, was in the Batcave. He knew his future self would be able to take care of her.

"The city is amazing..." She said softly, holding onto Bruce's Batman clad side. They stood atop of a large building, Bruce trying to make a decision on what would be the safest way to get his wife home. "Technology is amazing." A barely there smile danced on Bruce's face. "It is." He said softly. His eyes glanced at her beautiful face before he gripped her close, shooting his grapple across the city.

He loved the way she held tighter around his waste as they traveled through with very little pauses. It wasn't long until they were at an entrance to the Batcave.

Bruce leaned forward, scanned his eye and it immediately opened one of the doors. Inside sat the cars and several motorbikes only one of which was familiar to (Y/n) however.

It was the one that (Y/n) rode in the first time Bruce had saved her. "Stay here." Bruce said gently, moving to a second set of doors. "I have to go...talk to myself." She smiled and nodded. "Okay." She leaned up against him and pressed a soft kiss against his. "Be safe."

Bruce smiled softly at her again before turning to scan his hand to enter the second set of doors. He left through them and it closed silently. (Y/n) could help but wonder where her children where during this. Where they okay? She wondered around the different vehicles, glancing at each one before finally deciding to sit in the one she knew. Her hand touched the side, finger print scanned. It unlocked with a barely noticeable click. She slid in, getting relatively comfortable.

She watched the clock on the dash, it slowly seemed to pass. A bit of worry began to naw at her stomach. Where was he? Is he okay? It seemed like it had been a while. Then the garage slowly began to open. A strange looking car drove, thin yet muscular figure appeared from the car. He wore a Batman suit but it was definitely not what Bruce would wear. Was he one of hers? Then he noticed her sitting in the car. His white eyes narrowed at her and he swung the door open.

"Who are you?! How did you get in here?!" He half shouted. He grabbed her firmly by the arm pulling her out. "Where you really going to steal from Batman?" He stated slightly confused. His eyes wondered her face, she looked familiar but he didn't know why he knew her face.

"No I'm not-"

He tugged her along and put his hand on the scanner. "You're coming with me." His grip was strong but it didn't hurt as he pulled her through the very familiar entry way of the Batcave. He tugged her along to the control room first, perhaps Bruce knew who she was? She wasn't resisting him. "Look, sweetie" she spoke so gently to him. "I'm guessing you don't know me but-" before she could explain they came upon Bruce. No, two Bruces deep in conversation which instantly stopped when the much older Bruce looked up to see (Y/n). His beautiful eyes widened.

"(Y/n)?!" He was in shock. "Terry... Let her go." He demanded darkly, causing the confused Terry to let go. "The (Y/n)?" He asked looking at her again. That's why he knew her. Bruce had many pictures of her hung up around the manner, but pictures were hardly the same. Especially since he doesn't spend a lot of time looking at them. Bruce would sometimes talk about her, but only after a glass of whiskey or two.

"You aged well, Bruce." She said softly, approaching him. Her Bruce looked at her a little sadly. He already knew that she was long dead in this time from their last encounter with the future. It was one of the few things he cared about. The older Bruce looked genuinely shocked. "That's the other thing. While I work..." Her current Bruce spoke. "I need to leave her here for her safety." "Of course" there was no hesitation in the older Bruce's voice. "Thank you." Bruce, her Bruce, leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her lips. "You're coming with me." He said to Terry. Then they were off.

She watched as the left through the doors once again to figure out where Chronos was and what exactly he was up to. The room was silent as older Bruce walked over to sit down in his usual chair to look at his screens. He couldn't look at her. It was so damn hard. She was so beautiful and he missed her so damn much. He wanted to kiss her so badly but he didn't know if that would be appropriate. He was an old man. She was still so young.

Without warning, she sat down next to him and took his hand gently. She leaned against his shoulder like she had so many times before this. Bruce stiffened, despite his body automatically wanting to hold her close. She frowned slightly, he was still her husband in this time... wasn’t he? Slowly, she pulled back, looking down at her hands. “Sorry... habit.” 

“No... it’s alright.” Bruce assured, smiling at her and she smiled back. “I hope I still look at good as you do,” She said suddenly, looking over his still very handsome face. Then his eyes flashed for a moment of sadness. “You are always beautiful.” Bruce said vaguely. “If you would like... you can hold on to me again.” The Batcave was suddenly cold without her on his arm. He missed her every damn day. He felt so much guilt about her death too. She died because she loved him. 

(Y/n) smiled again so sweetly, scooting closer and wrapping her arms around his once again and leaning against him. He leaned forward slightly putting on a video feed from Terry’s suit. “So... is he one of our boys?” She asked with a small smile, looking up at him then glanced worriedly as she watched her version of Bruce. The older Bruce gently squeezed her hand in his. “I’ll be okay.” He assured. “I know,” was her response but she held his hands so tightly. The feeling of her skin against his sparked a hint of youth in his soul. Her death was one of those items that truly rotted him from the inside. Maybe he could just enjoy her presence even if it was just for a short period. He almost hoped that it would take his past self a while to figure this out. Everything about her was so comforting. She was the brightest light in his very dark world. 

“He never met you.” He answered the earlier question. “Oh...” She frowned. “So did we--?” “No... I...” Bruce turned in his chair to look her in the eyes. “You aren’t alive anymore... you died... years ago.” “Oh Bruce.” She said softly, moving forward to hug him to her. He was surprised but it was nice to feel her arms around him. He wrapped his arms around her, enjoying the feeling he had missed for so many years. It was nice to be enveloped in her arms, her favorite perfume brought many good memories of her to the older Bruce. “Have you been alone this whole time?” Bruce nodded. “You couldn’t be beat.” She pulled from the hug half way, a sad smile on her face. “I’m sorry, Bruce...” She reached her hand, pressing it against his cheek slightly. Her thumb brushed part of a long scar that ran down his cheek. She wondered if she would be there what he got it. 

“No, (Y/n)... I’m sorry. I’m the reason you died.” 

“Oh, Bruce... I don’t think--” 

He placed a hand over hers upon his cheek. “No, I didn’t make it in time...” His blue eyes held so much pain in them, yet still held love for the woman before him. Nothing changed over the years when it came to her. “Bruce... " “(Y/n)...” He pulled her hand off of his face, holding it gently. He still wore their wedding ring, this caused a small smile to appear on her face when she noticed. He followed her eyes. “Even in death I’ll always be loyal to you.” he smiled, a few wrinkles deepened at the corners of his mouth. A soft sigh came from her lips. 

“Bruce... I forgive you.” She looked him over again. “It’s okay.” “It’s not okay... You were tortured because I wasn’t careful enough.” 

“Bruce... feeling sorry about my death doesn’t help anyone.” “I know.” he responded. 

“Can... you tell me who did it?” 

“I don’t think that would be safe.” he admitted. “I wouldn’t want you to worry. You should be able to live without knowing something like that, like everyone else.” Bruce was now regretting telling her why she wasn’t around anymore. “I know...” She responded. 

Then he glanced at the computer screen where a fight had broken out. A soft gasp of nervousness escaped her, grabbing the older Bruce’s hand once again. It would never become easy to watch her husband fight like this. It was also quite strange to hold his hand while watching him risk his life. Then a grunt is heard and the feed cuts. He had to be okay, right? She looked to the older version of her dear husband. He doesn’t seem entirely concerned. A firm stoic look stayed on his face, not many would find it comforting but (Y/n) did. She leaned against him again. “Come on, let’s go have some coffee. They are just fine. It was just a kick.” 

He was fantastic at thinking first and worrying last. It was always a trait that she admired. “Okay” She agreed. She was curious how much the home had changed over the years. Especially since she was gone. Bruce slowly stood up with his cane, however, (Y/n) instantly was at his side to help him. 

“I don’t need help” He almost snapped but was able to control his tone, especially when he felt her at his side again. He ignored his need for pride, wrapping an arm around her waste. The movement was so smooth, so comfortable. He remembered doing it so many times and it was as natural as ever, no matter how many years it had been. His fingers tightened firmly as he walked up the steps with her. It was familiar yet different as they wondered up to the main part. There were obvious scars and broken pieces. It had gone through some things, that was for sure. Once in the kitchen, without hesitation she went to work to make the coffee. 

“You don’t change much, hm?” A teasing smile was on her lips as she noticed that the placement of everything was the same. “You know me well” he simply responded. The statement was true in many ways, even down to his exact perfect cup of coffee. How did she and Alfred do it? She placed it down then sat in her spot. A spot that had been empty for too long, Bruce thought to himself. 

“Do we have grandchildren?” She asked suddenly, sipping her own perfect cup of coffee. “I don’t want to spoil anything for you.” Bruce said simply, then looked over as a large black dog walked into the kitchen. “Oh! Hello!” She hopped out of the seat and approached the dog slowly. “His name is Ace.” “Nice to meet you Ace” She spoke gently. He allowed her to pet the dog, causing another smile to appear on his face. It had been too long since he smiled this much. 

She was his happiness. Always has been.

“I love you so much.” Old man Bruce said suddenly, causing her to look up at him with a smile. “I love you too Bruce.” 

“I’m an old man now.” 

“And I told you that you aged very well.” He smiled again at her as she approached him again. Part of her wanted to kiss him but she was worried if that would be wrong from her Bruce’s perspective. She bit her lip looking him over once. How much trouble could she be in if she did? Then his watch alerted him. “They are back.” Bruce said moving to get up once more. She moved to help him but he was up without struggle. His arm was back around her protectively. It was like he didn’t want to let her go. Back down into the batcave they went and there her Bruce was looking as confident as ever in his cape and cowl.

“We can go home soon.” Bruce, her Bruce spoke looking her in the eyes. “It wasn’t Chronos but I have found the device that was used thanks to persuading a... ‘friend’ of his” He referred to Terry. 

“I just want to discuss something with myself.” Bruce nodded to his older self, walking off. 

“So you’re one of my sons?” She said to Terry who just looked surprised when she called him her son. 

--

Bruce had finished his discussion. A small smile was on both of their lips as they returned. “We’re ready to go home, (Y/n).” He held up a small device and moved to hold on to her. “Wait!” She said quickly. In a moment she moved forward and wrapped her arms around the future Bruce. She pressed her lips to his in a loving kiss, causing both Bruces to widen their eyes in shock. But only for a second, the older Bruce’s hands landed on her hips. 

He missed those soft lips against her own. They always seemed to take his breath away. She pulled away from him, her hand still rested on his chest. “Bruce... just remember I will always love you.” 

“I know.” 

She trotted off to wrap her arms around her Bruce tightly and in a flash of green they were gone. 

“So that way the famous, (Y/n)?” 

“Yep.” 

“She’s special, hm?” 

“Very.” 

Moments later, a voice familiar called to him. To both of them. They looked at one another in a slight confusion but older Bruce had a knowing look. “You... let him--?” 

“Yep.” 

(Y/n) much older walked down the steps and smiled at her husband. “Do you two want to come up for a break?”

Bruce saved her after all. 

[enigma-im]

Second Day of Christmas...

Trope: Teacher/Student (college) (Nsfw) Relationship: Saytr x Human Word Count: 5,426

I quickly grab my clothes from off the floor, putting them on as I shuffle out of the bedroom. Stopping at the door I look back at the naked satyr lounging tangled in his sheets. I can't help but pat myself on the back with the lay tonight. He is a rather sexy man, putting my past one night stands to shame with skills in the bedroom. Hell, I almost overslept from how exhausted he got me. I debate leaving my number as I walk into the living room. Before I can decide my phone chimes, notifying me of my ride outside.

"Shh, shh," I hush the phone, wincing at its volume. Hearing shuffling from the bedroom I quickly abscond out the front door.

Breakfast with Shelby is live with juicy details of our weekend. She talks about her weekend vacation with her boyfriend to her parent's beach resort. I can't help but scoff at her rich family. They spent most of the time there humping like bunnies on every surface. Minimal time was spent actually on the beach.

I share my weekend events, explaining a night spent man hunting and coming up short till the last minute. A handsome satyr bought me a drink, wooing me with his words before getting me back to his place. The night was honestly great, to a surprising degree. He listened and adapted eagerly to every moaned instruction, going above and beyond before reaching his own end.

"Shame you didn't get his number," she says, swiping through her phone.

"Eh, don't think he would have written. He is more of a once in a lifetime lay more than a potential relationship," I shrug, hiding my true disappointment.

"Who knows, maybe you'll see him again," she giggles at her phone, thoroughly distracted now.

"If that fates demand it," I mumble, finishing off my drink in a single swig.

Classes begin today, starting off the spring semester. My day begins with Calculus, Satan's greatest creation. Bless first-day intros that lack any actual work. Next is ITE, the easiest class for someone using computers since they could read and write. Then the first day of classes ends with English, the most weirdly complicated college course besides science.

I walk in and take the first seat closest to the door. Dropping my bag on my desk I begin checking my messages before class begins. I respect the amount of money I spent on these classes not to get distracted by my mobile device. Don't respect that class, but the copious amounts of money spent to sit here and do nothing till I can go home and reteach it all to myself.

The class fills up till it's at compacity, normal for the first day. The teacher walks in shortly after we were scheduled to start, dropping his case on to his desk.

"Hello, hello. Welcome to English 111, I am Mr. Farfick," the teacher begins the class. I set down my phone, shoving it into my bag as I give my sole attention to Mr. Farfick. Our eyes meet immediately as he is already staring, stiff as a bored and white as a sheet. I feel to be in a similar fashion as my blood runs cold and a nervous chuckle wishes to leave my throat.

Hello, Mr. Best-One-Night-Stand-Ever.

The hour and a half are spent in thick tension. Everyone else seems oblivious to the teacher and I's strife. Tobias- Mr. Farfick is fidgeting as he hands out papers, avoiding all contact with me as I do the same. I can't bring myself to look to the teacher who spent hours last week between my legs. Like, how would any expect to look at this man and not have your first thought be him giving you bedroom eyes while eating you out? That's just evil.

2 o'clock couldn't come fast enough, me being the first to bolt out the room. I race to my car, flustered all to hell as unwanted images of his o-face pops into my mind. It plays on repeat, evening morphing scenes to him at his desk doing the same. I can't drop it, I'm not 100% sure if I want to. I shake my head at the idea.

I have to change classes.

The next day I head to the offices to talk with a counselor about changing teachers. I sit in the waiting room longer than necessary till I'm called back. I jump, following the woman into her small box office.

'Hello, what can I help you with today," she asks, already clicking away on her computer.

"Uh, I was curious about other English 111 classes, the day isn't really working for me," I lie.

She nods," of course, let's see. We have a Tuesday and Thursday class at 11 am with Mr. Farfick, or Monday and Wednesday at 12:30 am with the same teacher."

I wince," no other teacher?"

She clicks away again, giving a sorrowful look," no, it appears he is the only available English teacher this semester. I can promise you that he has received nothing but praises from the previous student. He is a good teacher."

'also a good student', I think to myself.

"Alright, I trust you. I guess I'll have to keep it as is and figure it out myself. Thank you," I stand, heading out the office," have a good day."

"You too, bye," she smiles sweetly. I smile back, dropping it with a groan once out of sight. It seems I have no other options besides wasting a semester taking one class later. I have to deal with him.

Class the next day is equally tense as the one before. He ignores me altogether, not even looking to my side of the room as he speaks to the class. I can't blame him, even though it stings a bit. Right now I can't stare at him too long or saucy images pop into my head. Instead of paying attention, I come up with a plan of attack.

The obvious option is to talk to him, getting all out in the open. We were two consenting adults, there was nothing wrong with what we did. He wasn't my teacher and I wasn't his student, if anything it was the other way around. His pleased grin as he watches me cum on his fingers comes to mind. I shake my head from the thought.

2 o'clock comes around, startling me from my thoughts. I watch as the class heads out, leaving me to slowly pack as to stall. As the last student walks out I make my move. I stand before Tobias-Mr. Farfick-, startling him when he looks up.

"H-hello," he greets. It's kind of cute to see him so flustered.

"We should talk," I get straight to the point. He drops his shoulders, sighing as he looks around. He stands from his desk, grabbing his bag as he heads to the door.

"Let's talk in my office then," he leaves me to follow.

We walk up to the teacher's offices, stopping by one as he unlocks the door. He waves me inside, shutting it behind himself as he lounges against it. I look around his station, stalling a bit as I admire his knickknacks and pictures.

"Nice office," I say.

"Thanks," he answers. I glance over at the couch against the wall.

"You have a couch," I say casually," that's neat."

"Yea, I sometimes sleep here when I need it," he answers.

The silence is deafening as small talk falls flat. I sigh, knowing avoiding this won't do us any good.

"About, uh, last week. We don't need to let that affect our school relationship. I won't bring it up if you don't and we can just pretend it didn't happen," I offer.

He jumps from the door," right! I'm sorry I've been so skittish in class, this kind of thing has never happened before and I really didn't know what to do."

"yea, can't say that I've run into this issue before either," I joke with a dry laugh.

The silence comes back just as strong, suffocating me as I try to think of anything to say. I kick my shoe against his carpet, cleaning off a bit of dirt. With a huff, I look back at him.

"Well, I guess that's it. I'm going to head out now," I point to the door," yep." I skirt past him, grabbing the handle. As I tug it open he speaks.

"Why did you leave in the middle of the night," he asks. I freeze, confused. I shut the door as I turn back to him.

"What?"

"Before, you snuck out before morning and I was really wondering why. I don't do the one-night stand thing often but when I have they normally stay for breakfast," he explains. I'm caught off guard by his genuine displeasure of me leaving that night. In my experience men generally don't want me around the next morning.

"You wanted me to stay for breakfast," I ask dumbfounded.

"well yea," he says like it was obvious," you were really fun at the bar and I wanted to try to get your number if you were up for that."

"You wanted my number?"

"of course. I thought the night was fun, even great, and going out for dinner sometime was something I wanted to do with you," he shrugs," but you clearly weren't up for that as you snuck out in the middle of the night."

I stare at him even more confused," you wanted to get dinner sometime?"

"Can you stop repeating what I've said," he snaps," you know what, never mind. I was just curious and for the next week I kept thinking, 'did I do something wrong' 'was the sex not that good'? It hardly matters now so excuse me for taking up your time. Feel free to see yourself out." he stomps out of the way, his hooves clomping on the floor. I continue to look at him dumbfounded, utterly conflicted at his confession. No man has ever wanted me to stick around.

His dejected face plucks at my heart as my emotions guide me forward. Without truly thinking I grab his tie and tugs him close, pressing my lips to his in a determined kiss. He jumps, not reacting as I pull away.

"If I'd known you wanted me to stay for breakfast I would have stayed. I would have love to give you my number. I honestly don't know if I would have agreed to dinner but my answer may have leaned towards yes, and you were the best sex I ever had," I ramble on, answering all his questions in one go.

It takes a moment for him to catch up, I give him a second to catch up. I fiddle with his tie, becoming nervous as he stares at me dazed.

"The best sex you ever had," he huffs with a smile.

"By a long shot," I smile wide. He grabs me and tugs me against his body as he steals a kiss. The taunt string that sat between us snaps as he backs me against his desk. He lifts me easily onto the tabletop, fitting himself between my legs. I run my hands through his hair, petting at his horns before tugging him closer.

Our tongues mix as we fiddle with one another's pants. I reach into his easily, finding his hard cock and pulling it out. He unbuttons my pants, tugging them hard down my legs. As I jerk him off he splits away from my lips, a string of saliva connecting us. I lick it away, grinning like a fool at his dazed face. I palm him, pleased to be reacquainted once more. With a groan he splits my legs farther, shoving my underwear to the side to pet at my cunt.

"So wet," he hums," I need you."

I squeeze his cock as I whisper in his ear," then take me, Professor." he rewards me with another moan, his head dropping to my shoulder as he shoos my hand away from his cock. He tugs me to the end of the desk, wrapping my legs around him as he thrusts in.

He whines," Divine.' I couldn't agree more.

He doesn't draw this out any longer, grabbing my hips and pumping into me. We both grunt and groan, keeping quiet despite the thumps of his thighs hitting the desk are louder than us. I hold on to him, already feeling the throbbing in my clit. Everything about this adds to the appeal. Fucking in his office where anyone can walk in. Fucking my teacher shortly after class. Fucking the sexy Satyr from last week. All together brings me towards my climax faster than normal.

Tobias grunts, stuttering in his movement. He begins panting, lazily kissing my shoulder. His hand snakes around from my hip to where we meet, beginning to rub at my clit with practiced ease. It seems he hasn't forgotten. I choke on a cry, burying my face against his neck as I tug on his tie and fist his hair.

"Please, please," I ramble under my breath. My body feels like fire as my coming climax starts to wash over me. I jerk into his next few thrust, wanting to worship his magic fingers. I cum with a surprised yelp, biting into my fist as my legs tremble around his hips. He grunts, his face pinching in agony as he bucks wildly. A few wavy moans leave his lips as he tosses his head back. I feel him cum, pulsing as he fills me. I shudder at the feeling, my nails digging into his hair.

He comes back to himself first, dropping his head so his hair obscures his face. With a large breath, he looks at me between his bangs. He smiles, getting me to smile back.

"Never disappoint, Annika," he praises. I nearly giggle like a girl at that.

"Not so bad yourself," I tug on his tie, pulling him into a kiss. We bask in the afterglow, feeling high as we lazily kiss. It isn't till someone knocks on his door does the reality of our situation sink in.

Quickly, he pulls out, tucking himself away as I right my underwear. He straightens his tie, fixing his hair as I hop off the desk to pull on my pants. I feel his cum dribble out, shivering in mild disgust at the feeling. I walk over to my bag swinging it over my shoulder as Tobias- Mr. Farfick- answers the door.

"Hello," an older woman greets," Do you have a moment?" she glances at me then back to him.

"Uh, yea," he jumps to attention," we finished our conversation, let me just see Mrs. Annika out."

The older woman walks in, stepping near his desk, as he guides me to the door. I step out into the hall, turning to him when I notice him lingering. He grabs the door and doorframe, leaning towards me to whisper in my ear.

"See you in class next week," he purrs. A blush curls up against my neck as I give an unsteady, 'ok'. He chuckles, warm and deep, before shutting the door.

I stare at the closed door for a moment, everything truly setting in now that I'm alone. A shiver of excitement rumbles around my body as I rush down the hall. I make it out of the building and to my car where I sit in silence to think about everything.

"He creampied me in his office," I say surprised," my teacher creampied me." I grab the steering wheel to steady myself, groaning in discomfort. "what the hell is wrong with me," I shout," nobody actually does this! I don't do things like this, I'm a semi-good person who definitely doesn't sleep with their fucking teacher!"

I try to scold myself, I really do, but it was all too good to be truly mad about it. Tobias is just… he is fantastic. I know if given the chance to sleep with him again I would take it, with no hesitations. Still, it's my teacher. Sure he is my teacher for just the semester and I met him before then, but should it be an issue? Will he get fired if someone knew? This isn't high school rules anymore, it's not illegal, but he could get fired.

"fuck," I thunk my head on the steering wheel," he better know what he's doing because I sure as hell don't."

I finally drive home, still going over what happened. The weekend comes and goes as I get the minimal homework I have done. When Monday comes I'm almost giddy at the aspect of having English today. Who knew the only way to get me excited over school was to fuck my teacher?

Calculus almost gets my mood down, almost. ITE continues to be the easiest class in existence. Finally, English 111.

Mr. Farfick is here on time, sitting on his computer and not paying anyone a bit of mind. I sit in my previous spot by the door, trying my damndest not to stare at him. We didn't decide if we were going to ignore what happened, the two cases of it. Are we pretending it didn't happen? Will it happen again? I nearly moaned at the idea of it happening again.

"Hello, hello," he greets," I hope you all had a lovely weekend and managed to get the one assignment I gave you done." he looks out to the class, not avoiding me but not paying attention. Are we pretending it never happened? A few people groan out a droll yes as we all get out our assignment.

He walks the room, picking them up at the end of each row. As he passes mine he stops.

"Did you do your homework," he asks casually. I hand him the stack with a nod. He mumbles loud enough for me," Good girl," and walks on. I choke on my breath, gulping hard as I try not to smile like a fool.

Guess we aren't ignoring anything.

Class is filled with subtle glances and double meaning remarks. It's hard to not give him flirty looks and twirl my hair like some freshman. I try to keep it professional while playing along. Class ends and I stall putting my things away. As the last student leaves, I walk up to his desk.

"Afternoon, Annika," he smiles to himself as he works on his computer," do you need something?"

"Besides you," I shrug, resting my hip next to his desk," maybe."

He looks up with a pleased grin," you need me? Should I be so tempted?"

"Not yet, I have some questions," I say with a bit more seriousness. He sobers a bit, leaning forward on crossed arms.

"What can I help you with, Annika," he asks. His genuine want to help shines through as he focuses solely on me. It makes me stutter a little, my heartwarming up more to him.

"two things," I start," what's happening here, and will we get in trouble for it?" it's best to cut to the chase with this.

He smiles again," worried, Annika?"

"About my degree, yes," I answer honestly.

He drops his chin to his desk," you won't get in trouble, I might, but it's mostly surface-level disciplinary actions like time off and pay cut."

"Are you so willing to lose money because of a fling," I ask, a little angry at his lack of self-preservation.

"A fling," he cocks a brow," would I be too bold to want more than that?"

I recoil at him, not put off but surprised. "You want a relationship or something," I ask.

He nods," I told you I liked you, Annika, and I'd like to see where this goes. Of course, I'm not going to force you but if I want something I generally go for it. To let a few weeks decide if I should drop all feelings for you or not seems rather stupid. I won't be your teacher for long, and you won't be my student for long. So why stall just so we don't feel weird about it?"

I watch him, a bit lost in thought. I mean, he has a point. As long as I don't get in trouble and he doesn't care about getting in trouble then what's the issue? Still, it begs the question of 'am I interested in being in a relationship with him?'. I look at his eager face, seeing the dorky man that lies within. He is excited and I think I feel that too.

"ok," I shrug.

"Ok?"

"ok, as in yes or sure. Generally another word for affirmation," I explain as I reach into my bag, ripping a small piece of paper out.

He watches eagerly," I know what that means, but what are you affirming?"

I write my number on the paper, handing it to him," to going out. Now I have to leave, feel free to write."

I walk out with a cute little wave. He looks from me to the paper, smiling wide as he gets his phone out. I walk out of the building with a pep in my step.

He calls later that day, to my surprise. I answer the unsaved number knowing fully well who it is.

"Hello, hello," I mimic his class greetings.

"evening, Annika, hope I'm not calling at a bad time," his voice purrs through the speaker. I lounge back in my bed, pinching the phone between my ear and shoulder.

"Of course not, I was just doing some boring English homework," I tease.

"Boring? How rude of the teacher to give out such lame assignments then," he answers. I snort, shaking my head.

"It's fine, he's pretty cute so he can get away with keeping English boring," I joke.

"We will get back to the cute part, you don't like English?"

I grab the paper on the bed, looking it over," it's not my favorite, I tolerate it. Perhaps I just need proper motivation."

"What kind of motivation?"

I hum," not sure, some positive reinforcement wouldn't hurt."

"like perhaps an evening with your 'cute' professor," he asks, his voice low and sultry. I nibble on my lip, feeling giddy.

"Wouldn't hurt," I bite back a smile," I heard he is really good in bed."

"Is that right? I don't think he would mind giving up some of his free time to keep you motivated to pass," he says.

"you would know?"

"of course, I'm really close with him," he drops his game, speaking without the erotic purr," can we stop pretending I'm not him, I'm getting hard and I wanted to have an actual conversation with you."

I bark out a laugh," you're hard? I didn't even do anything."

He snorts," oh, you did plenty. I could barely sit in class today without thinking about bending you over my desk. See your cute little pussy soaked and spread for my enjoyment."

"that's so cruel, how am I to sit in class now knowing what your thinking. Every time you walk by I just wanna grab your horns and drag you to you're knees to get you to work on getting this 'little pussy' ready for your enjoyment," I tease back. I hear a faint groan from him as if he pulled the phone away.

"Stop, I wanted to be a gentleman and ask you how your day was," he scolds.

"well it's better now, only if you were here to deal with this throbbing between my legs it would be amazing," I grin as he groans again.

"Naughty, naughty," he tsks," tell me about your day and we can decide tomorrow how to deal with you in my office."

"Promise," I ask.

"Promise," he says firmly.

We actually manage to talk about something other than sex. I talk about my day, as does he, and go on about my degree. It's sweet how attentive he is throughout, adding feedback about class courses and teacher drama. The entire time we talk I can't wipe the smile off my face.

The next day in his office is…eventful.

"Fuck," he moans near my ear. He pounds into me against his bookshelf, the shelves hitting uncomfortably against my back. I can't bother to care as his finger rubs my clit and his cock pumps into me. Small wails leave my lips, leading him to cover my mouth with his own. Our cries of pleasure mix, his hips adding the beat to our music of the body.

"Please," I beg against his lips.

"I got you," he mumbles. I grapple at his shoulders, squeezing him closer with my legs and grinding into his thrusts. He grabs my hands from around him, pinning them on the shelf with our fingers clasped together. He kisses me, swallowing my groans as I fall apart.

"T-Tobias," I shutter.

"Annika," he echoes back, squeezing my hand as his face pinches. His cum floods me once again, painting my insides with his seed. We rest against each other, breathing heavily in the silent room. Tobias rocks his hips slowly, leaning down to press sweet kisses to my cheek and neck.

"So beautiful," he whispers," I could stay like this forever."

I smile lazily," yea, I could to-" I'm interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Mr. Farfick," a younger voice calls out. Their silhouette is partially seen through the frosted glass.

"Shit," Tobias- Mr. Farfick- curses. He pulls out, setting me down gently on my feet. I watch him fumble with his clothes, tucking himself away and rebuttoning his shirt. He is quite the sight as I slowly fix my clothes.

"Seem a bit flustered there," I tease.

He looks to me a bit panicked as he fixes his tie," well yea, there is a student at my door."

"Mr. Farfick," they call again.

"Just a moment," he answers back.

I button my shorts as a mischievous smile curls my lips," I thought you didn't mind getting caught."

"No, I said it's not a big deal if I get caught, but I rather not if I can help it," he corrects. I stand at the bookshelf with my shirt still undone and bra unhooked. With him all proper and straight he looks to me, his eyes drop to my breast before he looks back to me.

He squints as he walks over and begins to right my clothes," Don't be evil right now."

I tug his tie and brings him in for a kiss," who says I'm being evil."

He closes his eye in frustration, growling low in his throat," be a good girl and go sit down by the desk."

"Ok, Mr. Farfick," I purr, kissing his cheek before I sit back down. He huffs, walking over to the door. Before he opens it he throws me a warning look.

"Sorry, I was speaking with another student. What do you need," he asks the tall lad before him. I don't bother paying attention, looking around his room, and thinking back on moments ago.

I don't hear him shut the door or walk over till he grabs my hair and slowly guides my head back. He scowls down at me, pulling my hair a little tighter

"Something wrong," I ask casually.

"You, young lady, are in big trouble," he twists my chair and frames me with his arms. I grab his tie again, pulling him closer.

"what? Little old me," I mock innocence. He rolls his eyes, letting me tug him in for a kiss.

The semester is a lot more fun than I anticipated. We have fewer moments in his office after the last incident with the student. But we make up for it at his place on the weekends. English becomes a lot more fun when every good grade is rewarded with gratuitous sex.

At the final week of class, I lay in Tobias' bed, snuggled up in his arms after another study session. I pet my foot up his hairy legs, relishing in the softness of his fur. He opens his eyes, a lazy smile decorating his face.

"Hi," I whisper.

"Hello," he shuts his eyes back, pulling me closer.

"Finals are next week, imma be a bit too busy to come over," I say quietly, not wanting to break the peace of the room.

He hums, answering in his gravelly voice," you sure you don't want some help studying?"

"I actually need to study," I answer," we do a lot less studying when together."

He gropes at my ass," I don't know what you mean, I think we did a lot of studying tonight."

I snort," yea if I was taking anatomy." he chuckles, snuggling his face against my chest. I pet at his hair, pushing it off his forehead and around his horns.

"I wanna make a deal if I have to spend a week without you," he grumbles from between my breast.

"What kind of deal," I scratch the back of his head. He hums, rubbing his cheeks against my boob.

"Pass all your exams and I'll take you out to dinner as a reward. Nothing cheap, but a genuine date," he looks up at me as he speaks. We haven't gone out before, deciding against it for reasons. The fact that he wants to almost knocks the breath from me. A part of me always saw this as a fling, even though he hasn't validated that thought. We talk, often, but sex is a given anytime we're in the same room. It's nice to be properly taken out, shown off without the threat of consequences.

"And if I fail," I ask instead of answering. He cocks a brow, rising and crawling over me. I pet at his chest, smiling at where this was going. He leans down, kissing under my jaw.

He whispers," let's just say, I suggest you don't." I can't stop the girlish giggle that leaves my mouth, relishing in the love bites being littered across my neck.

The next week is rather torturous. I nearly call Tobias just to get an excuse to stop doing study packets. I hold strong, keeping distractions to a minimum. For some reason, I really wanna get the best grade I can, perhaps to have something to be proud of when I show Tobias. I fluster at the idea that I want to impress him.

Exams are torturous, especially in Calculus. The ITE exam was a joke, only one or two questions being confusing. English wasn't hard but trying to focus with Tobias just a few feet away was its own form of torture. When he walked around the room I nearly covered my answers in pure nervousness. The one time I catch his eyes, he gives a sweet motivating smile. I keep that with me as I turn in the test and walk out.

I don't see Tobias till grades are posted, wanting to give him whatever news I have the second I know. I skip to his house, feeling giddy as I knock on his door. I bounce on my toes, waiting for him to answer as I pinch my phone in my hand. The door opens and I nearly shove the phone in his face with my excitement.

"I passed them all," I cheer. He takes the phone from me, checking it over.

"Got a C in calculus," he tries to scold, a smile still tugging on the corners of his mouth.

I roll my eyes," C's get degrees, you try taking that class."

"You're right, I can't talk, I failed calculus in high school," he sets my phone on the table by the door and picks me up. I wrap my legs around his waist, hugging him as we walk inside.

"So dinner this weekend," I ask, bouncing in his hold.

"Well, since you were such a good girl. I guess," he jokes," but first, I've missed you." he carries me over to his bedroom, dropping me on the bed before crawling over me. I drag him down for a kiss, smiling like a fool the entire time.

"Proud of you," he says between kisses," you did very well."

"it's because I had a good teacher," I tease. He snorts, working on removing my clothes as I work on his.

I do hope the sex isn't different now that he isn't my teacher. He makes me swallow those words that night.

[kalimagik]

Becoming a Home:  Journey to Hogwarts - Ch. 8

Word Count: ~3k

A/N: Here is the 8th chapter of our series that has been such a joy in my life. I have enjoyed writing this part so much. There is love and fluff and all sorts of cuteness! Huge thanks to @iliveiloveiwrite​, @heloisedaphnebrightmore​, @obsessedwithrandomthings​, and @firewhisky-kisses​ for reading and helping me come up with ideas for this chapter! I hope you all enjoy <3

Series Masterlist

The portal stood open in front of her. Ana had already hugged the other girls goodbye, they were happy to be staying, but going was just for the best. Hermione may have found the citizenship loophole, but she hadn’t seemed to warm up to Ana anymore.

She looked back at the faces that she loved so much. Who knew that a book club could have led to all of this? Even though Des, Kiara, Ellie, and Mel were there, one face wasn’t watching her - Ron. Ana had told him to stay back at the Burrow. She said her goodbyes to the Weasleys there. Only Arthur was with her now.

“Goodbye, Ana,” Ellie spoke again as Ana took a step forward, waving one more time. She could feel the power of the portal and almost see home. It was such a weird feeling. The room across the barrier was home, she should be happy to be going back. Ana hesitated a second longer - was this the right choice? If it was, why wasn’t she smiling?

“ANA! WAIT! Please, don’t go!” Ron bursted into the Ministry room, pushing through those who were seeing Ana off. He was slightly out of breath, signifying that he ran through the entire building to find her. He didn’t stop until Ana’s hands were in his own and he could brush the loose blond hair out of her face.

“What are you doing here, Ron? I told you not to come.” Ana looked past Ron at Hermione, who was in the corner, making sure everything was going smoothly. Her eyes then drifted to her four friends. Despite all being very different people, they were all romantics. They were watching her with wide eyes and pouts on their faces.

“I couldn’t just let you leave,” Ron explained, drawing his attention back to you. “Ana, love, there is such a connection here. I would be a bloody idiot if I let you go. I would never be able to forgive myself.” Ron’s eyes pleaded with her. “Just give me a chance to make your life here amazing - please.”

“I don’t know, Ron. I-I -” Ana tried to speak, but couldn’t find the words. She didn’t want to seem weak in front of him. She was supposed to be a Gryffindor afterall. The portal still spun behind her, Ron unrelenting, looking for some answers. Ana breathed in deeply. “I don’t fit in here, Ron. I’m in the way,” she spoke confidently.

“What are you talking about?” Ron was still completely confused. He thought that everything had been going off perfectly. He was searching her face, trying to find some sort of explanation.

“Ana,” Hermione interjected, stepping forward from where she had been keeping rather quiet. “I know this is Ronald’s moment, but I know that you- uh, heard me a while back - talking to Ginny. I was rather harsh with you, but I can see how happy Ron makes you and you make him.” Hermione looked down at her clasp hands. Ana could tell how hard this was, but could hear how genuine her words were. “You should stay. I’m sorry.”

Ron turned back to Ana instantly. “Please, will you stay?”

“You really want me here?” she had to reiterate more for herself than anyone else. Instead of responding, Ron drew her face to his, pressing his lips firmly against her own. He conveyed everything he couldn’t say with the kiss, not caring that everyone else was watching. “Okay, I’ll stay,” the girl grinned when she pulled away, lips swollen and face lighting up.

-

Ana stood in front of her mirror, clasping a necklace around her neck. She held the pendant tenderly in her fingers, remembering how Ron insisted on showering her with gifts after she decided to stay. Ana made him return the more expensive ones, but he insisted that she kept the little silver necklace with a diamond in the middle of a star. It was now one of her favorite possessions.

“Wow, you look beautiful,” Ron grinned, standing in the doorway of their bedroom, looking at her reflection from behind her. Ana could feel the blush spreading on her cheeks as she looked over her dress one more time. “Everyone will begin arriving soon,” Ron informed her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “This evening is going to be perfect,” he whispered, placing a kiss on Ana’s temple.

The doorbell rang and Ron went to let in the first guests. Ana and Ron had just moved into a small house together right outside of London. It may have only been six months since Ana decided to stay, but when had anything about their relationship been conventional.

As a hoard of Weasleys entered the little house, Ana thought about how nervous Ron was when he asked her to move out of the Burrow and into a house of their own the month prior.

-

“Ana?” Ron timidly entered into Bill’s old room.

“Hiya,” Ana giggled, pecking Ron’s lips. “What’s up?”

“I have a surprise for you.”

Ana groaned playfully before teasing her boyfriend. “I thought I told you no more gifts. I explicitly said that me accepting the necklace meant the end of your gifts,” she giggled.

“Well, it wouldn’t be just a present for you.” Ron pulled out a little square box. Nothing like a ring box, but just a gift box. “Go ahead, open it.” He placed the little black box in Ana’s hands. She slid the lid off and flipped over the bottom half, a little gold key falling into her hand.

Ana looked up at Ron with a confused face. “What’s this?”

“It’s been a little crowded in this house recently and I had been thinking about moving out for a while, but I was wondering if you might want to come with me,” Ron looked at the girl sitting in front of him hopefully. The moment she stepped into his life, she changed everything and this was the one way that he could think of to show her how positive a change that was for him.

“Move in with you?”

“I know that it is really fast and that we’ve barely known each other a year, but everything just feels right with you. I love you.” Her breath hitched in her chest as her heart swelled. I love you, Ana and I’m not afraid of it.”

Ana immediately reached up, wrapping her arms around Ron’s neck and pulling him closer to her. “I love you too, Ron,” she beamed before kissing him.

-

“Ana! Our favorite girl,” Fred grinned devilishly, hugging her tightly.

“Don’t you look lovely, dear!” Molly exclaimed, pulling Ana into a bear hug before hugging her own son. “The place looks amazing! You really do have quite the touch,” Molly smiled, looking around the sitting room.

“Thank you, Mrs. Weasley.”

“Ana, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Molly? Oh, George! Put that down! You are going to break it!” she scolded, turning to the younger twin. Ana chuckled to herself as the people that became her family gathered in her home, well her shared home.

Ana escaped to the kitchen for a moment to check on the dinner. She didn’t want her first big event to be ruined by a burnt ham. She was soon joined by Molly Weasley.

“I apologize for my boys. They are like having a troll in an antique shop,” Molly huffed, stirring the vegetables in the pot.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that, Molly,” Ana interjected, “You’re a guest tonight!”

“Nonsense, dear. I will always be here to help. Living with Ronald won’t be a walk in the park,” she laughed, busying herself.

“I am feeling a little nervous,” Ana admitted. “I’ve mostly lived by myself, not with another person to worry about and care for.”

“Ana, sweetheart, I can already tell that you are going to be a natural. My Ronald is in love with you, I can tell when I look at him. His eyes have always given it away,” Molly smiled sweetly. Ana could feel the blush rising in her cheeks, Molly’s words made her heart swell.

“I hope you’re right, Molly.”

“I’ve raised more than seven children, I know I’m right.” Molly affectionately rubbed Ana’s arms before pulling her into another hug. The plump woman could not have hoped for a better partner for her youngest son. She could tell when the two still lived at the Burrow that they would wind up with each other even if it took them a bit to figure it out themselves.

Ron was talking with Charlie when Ginny and Harry arrived,  Bill, Fleur, and little Victoire following shortly. “Blimey! Who knew that Ron could put together such a place,” Harry teased, hugging his best friend.

“You know that I did none of this, right mate? Between her charms and creative eye, Ana put this place together in the blink of an eye. I barely had time to offer to help.”

“Don’t forget that you picked out the kitchen counter and paint. It’s honestly my favorite part of the house,” Ana giggled, coming up beside him, greeting both Harry and Ginny.

-

“Ron?” Ana called from the kitchen while Ron unpacked in the bedroom. “What do you think of this color?” She held a swatch of possible paint colors up to the wall over the cracked countertop. The blond woman sighed, feeling defeated. The entire kitchen needed to be redone.

“Darling, breathe.” Ron could see the look and worry across her face, so naturally his wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.. “It already looks beautiful and this is the last thing we have to do.”

“That’s exactly why it has to be perfect,” she explained, holding the paint colors back up to the wall.

“I like that one,” Ron pointed to a very soft gray. “It will go with the dark blue cabinets and brings out the color in the counter I chose last week.” Ana eyed the color a bit, thinking about their previous choices before a smile erupted on her face.

“It's brilliant, Ron!” She turned in his arms to hug him, excited at the prospect of their home finally being finished.

“I can have it painted by week’s end before going back to work,” he promised. He would honestly do anything to see the smile that graced her face and as long as he was the one keeping it there, he would be happy.

-

The bell rang again and Ron went to answer because Victoire had rushed Ana, begging her to play dolls with her. The little blond had taken a liking to Ana after the first time they met and Ana created an entire world of make believe with the little girl.

“Ana,” Ron called, “Your friends are here! And Remus and Tonks of course!” Five couples noisily piled into the home, each commenting on the layout and greeting the entire Weasley family.

“Merlin!” Mel exclaimed, “it’s been too long, Ana.”

“You really should have stayed in London,” Ellie followed, pouting playfully.

“I don’t know you guys, it’s really great out here. It’s quiet, plus, I think you all are forgetting that we can apparate now. I can see you all seconds after I receive your owls,” she laughed, catching Ron’s eye from across the room. “Can I get you guys anything to drink?”

Kiara clung onto Neville’s arm. “I’ll pass on that,” she shrugged. “Maybe just a coca cola?”

“KIARA JONES? Are you turning down alcohol? I am shocked!” Ana feigned surprise.

“Bugger off,” Kaira chuckled, clinging on to Neville’s arm.

“I guess wanting a coca cola is acceptable,” Ana teased the dark haired girl, “Anyone else?”

“You know I will take one,” Des grinned widely. “Why don’t Sirius and I actually get those for everyone? It seems that you have another guest.” Des pointed to the door. Before Ana turned around to greet her last guest, she looked at all of her friends again - the friends she came to this amazing world with. They all looked so happy, each with someone they loved dearly and Ana could just see it on their faces.

Des and Sirius laughed at the bar, pouring drinks for the room. Ellie leaned into Blaise while she spoke with Tonks and Remus. Draco had his arm draped over Mel’s shoulder while speaking with the twins. She was laughing so hard at whatever the three boys had said. And Kiara and Neville were just wrapped up in each other. Thank Merlin he had given into her.

“Ana?” a soft voice spoke from the doorway.

“Hermione,” Ana smiled widely, immediately hugging the brunette. “I’m so happy that you could make it!” She held Hermione at an arm’s length, looking her up and down to make sure she looked okay. “You haven’t been working too hard, have you?” she chuckled.

“No, I actually went on holiday,” Hermione beamed. “It was wonderful.”

“Good, I’m glad. Everyone is inside, let me get you a drink,” Ana spoke, leading Hermione to where Ginny and Harry were standing. “Thank you so much for inviting me, Ana. Truly,” Hermione spoke quietly before Ana walked to get more drinks.

Friendship hadn’t come instantly, but over the last few months, Ana was really making an effort with Hermione and now they were much closer than they had been. When Ana showed interest in having a housewarming party, she instantly added Hermione to her guest list. Ron couldn’t be happier than his childhood best friend was now friends with the love of his life.

“Need some help over here, darling,” Ron asked, placing his hand on Ana’s lower back and a kiss against her temple.

“If you could take around some of the entreés, that would be brilliant. Thank you, love,” Ana grinned, handing a tray to Ron.

“I’d do anything for you,” Ron winked, taking the food around to all the chatting groups. Des popped by, handing Ana her drink before sliding her arm around Sirius’ waist, joining Ellie, Blaise, Tonks, and Remus.

Ana took in the sight of all the people she loved so much around her. There was life, happiness, and conversation filling her new home. It was exactly how she wanted it to feel all the time. It filled her heart with warmth.

“Auntie Ana?” Victoire tugged on Ana’s dress.

“Oh, sweetie, I’m not you aunt,” Ana tried to explain, bending down to be on the little girl’s level, her navy dress falling over her bent knees.

“Why not? You live with Uncle Ron?” Victoire’s innocence was precious. Ana couldn’t keep herself from smiling at the idea even though she knew that was not coming anytime soon.

Instead of arguing with the little girl, Ana just continued the conversation. “What do you need, love?”

“Do you have any cookies?”

“Mhmmmm, let me think,” Ana pretended to ponder what was in her kitchen. “You know what? I do! But, you have to make sure you eat all your dinner before you can have any, okay? Cookies don’t taste nearly as good if you don’t eat anything healthy before.” Ana laughed loudly at the disgust that appeared on Victoire’s face. “But don’t worry,” she reassured her, “I put a special batch aside for you!”

Victoire’s face brightened as she wrapped her tiny arms as far around Ana as she could before running back to her father and climbing up on his lap. It was adorable. “Someone seems to like you,” Ron cooed in Ana’s ear, wrapping his arms around her waist as if they belonged there.

“Yeah, so much so that she called me auntie,” Ana chuckled, turning in his arms so that she was facing him.

“Mhm, auntie, you say? Maybe we can make that happen one day,” Ron whispered, peppering kisses across Ana’s face, causing her to giggle.

“Not just yet,” she said over her laughter, “Let’s just enjoy this right now.” Ron nodded, kissing her forehead, then her nose, and then her lips.

“I guess I can do that,” Ron rolled his eyes, not wanting to let Ana go.

“Ronald,” she giggled, “we have guests, we should probably get back to them, and-” Ana sniffed, “I think dinner is ready!” Ana pulled away from Ron quickly and he just watched lovingly as she shuffled around the kitchen. Luckily, he was nearby because she nearly dropped the ham after pulling it out of the oven.

Ron placed many tables in a row earlier in order to fit everyone at the dining room table. It was cozy, but no one seemed to mind. Ron hit his knife against his glass after everyone had food on their plates. “How about a toast?”

“Here! Here!” George called, lifting his glass up.

Ron laughed before starting to speak, “I want to thank you all for warming Ana and I’s new home. It’s amazing to see so many people in here. You are all always welcomed like Mum opened the Burrow for everyone, I know Ana would love it,” he paused, looking at his girlfriend, “And, here is to all of the girls that turned our lives upside down when they fell into Hogwarts. I think I speak for all the lads when I say that it is the greatest chaos to ever enter our lives. Cheers!”

Glasses clinked around the table, chattering and eating beginning as Ron sat in his designated seat next to Ana. “That was beautiful,” Ana smiled, nudging Ron a bit with her shoulder.

“I meant every word of it. I love you, Ana,” Ron spoke softly, placing a gentle kiss on Ana’s lips, knowing that he would do that at least once a day for the rest of his life.

-

taglist: @jenniweaslee​​​ @just-an-outstanding-auror​​​ @the-hufflefluffwriter​​​ @ravenclaw-member​​​  @accio-slytherout​

[amalthea9]

Styles x Happy Second Meeting

Managed to write Styles and Happy’s second meeting! Thank you SO MUCH to anyone who takes a peak, especially anyone who reads it that I tagged! Love to all me lads! <3

@ariel-seagull-wings @dci-softy-edgelord @lieutenant-cinnamon-roll @captain-dad @fyeahmeninroyalnavy @horatios-harem @countessofedrington​

----------------------------------------------------------

The following afternoon, Styles tells Matthews he’s going back to Neptune's Daughter, as casually as he can.

But Matthews smirks and says he wouldn’t mind going back.

“That Miss Happy is a lovely woman!” Matthews remarks. “And I do believe she took a shine to you, Styles!”

Styles rolls his eyes and sighs.

“Yeah...sure,” Styles replies, clearly not believing Matthews.

They arrive at the tavern, and as the men approach the bar, Styles looks around for Happy. But he doesn’t see her serving the tables or at the bar. So he assumes she’s with a client, a sting of disappointment hits Styles that he has to wait to see her. When he gets the attention of Mrs. Miller, he sees her smirking as she approaches.

“Had fun with Happy, did ye?” she quips.

Styles doesn’t bother to respond to her remark and simply puts the money for two hours on the table.

“Would you please let Happy know I’m here?”

Mrs. Miller takes the money as she informs Styles that Happy is with another client but that his time is up in another five minutes. Styles nods and orders some ale, as does Matthews. They take seats at one of the tables and enjoy the music and company of the other sailors. But Styles’ is unusually quiet, and Matthews can tell that Styles does fancy Happy, though he won’t admit it to himself or others.

When Happy hears the knock at her door, Miller is not only telling the man his time is up, but that Happy has another client waiting. Happy’s heart skips, for the fourth time that day, hoping the next client is Styles. 

She’s polite as possible to the other man as she hurries him out. Opening her door to let the sailor out, Mrs. Miller stands to the side, smirking at Happy.

“Your ugly sailor's back,” Miller begins, and Happy doesn’t hide her excitement. “Paid for two hours. I’ll send him up in 10 minutes.”

“I’ll be ready in 5,” Happy replies, beaming. 

“Goodness!” Mrs. Miller scoffs. “Never seen you this excited to see a client before! Am I missing somethin' that makes him special?”

“Yes,” Happy replies, a touch of coldness in her voice. “You are. He’s not ugly for one thing...not to me.”

Happy closes the door without another word, and Mrs. Miller shakes her head as she goes down the stairs.

She makes her way back to Styles and tells him Happy will be ready in about five minutes and Styles nods. Within those five minutes, Styles' mind replays the events of yesterday and finds himself remembering Happy’s smile, laughter, bright olive green eyes...

"Styles?" 

Matthews' voice wakes Styles from his thoughts and he looks to his shipmate.

"Miller said miss Happy would see you, didn't ye hear?" Matthews asked. "Or does Miss Happy already got your head up in the clouds?" He mused with a smirk.

Styles mumbled something like a thank you to Matthews, then left the bar and headed up the stairs. Matthews smiled to himself as he watched Styles go up.

"Already taken with her, he is," he said to himself and chuckled.

Styles took a deep breath and exhaled as he knocked on Happy's door.

When it opened, Styles saw Happy's expression was one of annoyance and his heart sank.

"Where have ye been, Mr. Styles?"  Happy demanded sternly. "I've been waitin' all day for ye!"

Styles had frozen when he saw her annoyed expression, but upon hearing her demand, he sighed with relief and smiled.

And as soon as Happy saw that sweet smile, she couldn't keep up the act any longer.

She smirked and giggled as she grabbed his hand and pulled him gently into her room.

"Well, I suppose ye did keep yer promise, even though I had to wait longer for ye this time." Happy mused as she led Styles over to the bed to sit. 

"I know, Miss Happy," Styles began. "Sorry about that."

Happy slapped his knee as if to scold him.

"Just Happy, remember?" She reprimanded. "And it's alright, I'm just glad ye came back."

"Well I promised didn't I?" Styles smiled. "And a sailor keeps his promises!"

Happy smiled brightly and chuckled, and Styles' smile grew to see it. 

"Now then," Happy began, rising from the bed. "I'm gettin' an ale for meself, can I get ye anything'? On the house o' course."

"An ale for me too please, Happy," Styles replied with a nod.

Happy nodded and left to fetch the drinks. As Styles sat on the bed, staring at the door, he still wondered at how all of this was happening. Happy enjoyed his company. Yes he paid her, but she had paid for another hour with him yesterday. She seemed genuinely interested in becoming his friend, but that seemed far fetched for a man like Styles. He had never been good with women, and the idea of love returned by another was something he'd only known once. And that was a distant memory of a much younger man. Nowadays, he paid for a woman's time, and for a while he had paid for the sex too, but when he reached his 30s, paying for sex became tiring. So he didn'tdo it often. He had resigned to be alone and unloved. 

Maybe he was being taken for a fool by this woman…

But he'd rather not think about that right now. He would rather just be here with Happy and enjoy the company of a beautiful woman, with a smile and laughter that made his heart flutter. 

Happy returned with the drinks and handed Styles his ale as she sat herself down next to him on the bed.

“So then, Mr. Styles,” Happy began cheerfully.

“Sean,” Styles said, cutting her off. “I’m...me first name is Sean.”

Styles smiled shyly at her as he said this, then looked away and took a drink from his ale.

Happy beamed at him as he shyly sipped at his ale.

“Sean…” Happy repeated softly. 

To hear Happy say his name made Styles’ heart flutter worse than just seeing her smile. He didn’t really know why, perhaps because of how he could see her beaming face out of the corner of his eye as she repeated it.

“A pleasure to meet ye, Sean Styles,” Happy chuckled, putting forth a hand for Styles to shake.

Styles chuckled at this gesture and switched the hand that held the ale so he could shake her hand. He shook her hand once, but before letting it go, he decided to kiss the back of her hand.

Happy giggled softly, amused that he did better this time than he had yesterday. And seeing the genuine sweetness in his sea green eyes warmed her heart. 

What was it about this man that made Happy wish to be around him as much as she could? Did he know that she truly did enjoy his company? She would do her best to convey that in her actions.

Styles’ smiled as he released her hand and took another sip of ale. 

“I know that yesterday,” Styles began softly, looking to the floor as he spoke. “Ye didn’t want to talk about yourself...but...I would like to hear a bit about ye today.”

Happy smiled warmly at Styles as he spoke. It had been a long time since a client had asked to know more about her. 

"B-but if that's too much I.." Styles began nervously as he looked to Happy.

"No no, Mr. Styles," Happy smiled, shaking her head dismissively. "I mean...Sean,"

she said sweetly.

"I'll tell ye whatever ye like, because I'd say ye earned it."

Styles looked at Happy curiously.

"Because ye came back to see me," Happy elaborated. "Yes, ye be payin' for the time, but still. Ye came back to see me as I had asked of ye. And that's an act that earns a kind gesture from me. Which includes me talking more about myself."

Styles felt a pang of sadness in his heart just then. He was afraid that Happy thought that he only came back because he had the money to pay for her time. 

"I would've found a way to see ye..."

Styles' voice was low and soft as he said this, and his eyes looked to the ground, his thumbs rubbing the rim of his mug. 

Happy felt her heart skip a beat.

Sean was different. That kind of 'different' she hadn't experienced in so many years. The different kind of man that puts his heart into his words. 

She smiled softly and took a sip of her ale as she spoke.

"So, about me," Happy began softly.

"Me father was a merchant. I don't remember him much, I was very young when he was lost at sea. But mum always told me he was a good man."

Styles nodded thoughtfully. Glimpses of memories ran through his head just then. All the times his father beat him within an inch of his life, or worse, his mother. 

"I take it...yer father was not.." Happy said quietly, noticing the slight change in Styles' demeanor.

"No…" Styles replied quietly. 

"Then I hope he died alone," Happy said flatly, taking another sip.

Styles smiled at Happy’s bluntness of disdain, and he nodded.

"I hope he did too. But I had left home as soon as I could join the navy."

Happy nodded thoughtfully and wanted to ask about Styles' mother, but she also didn't want it to be a painful question.

"I do know that...my mother was proud of me for joining the navy." Styles commented softly, his gaze distant.

“I know she was, Sean,” Happy smiled softly. 

Styles nodded as he spoke again.

“I went back to say goodbye to her, and luckily, me father was at the tavern drinking. I remember her smile, despite her cut lip and...black eye. ‘I’m so proud of you, Sean.’ she said. ‘You’ll be a fine sailor, you will.’ We hugged and then, I was off.”

There was a sad silence for a moment, before Styles nearly whispered.

“I didn’t see her after that day…”

Happy said nothing, there was nothing to say. She set her ale on the bedside table, and gently rested her hand upon Styles’ nearest to her. She kept her eyes on his hands that held his mug. Styles felt warmth in his heart, letting himself believe that Happy’s act of comfort was genuine. He released his mug with one hand and took her hand into his, keeping his gaze on their hands.

“I lost my mother to plague…” Happy whispered. “I was fourteen…”

Styles squeezed her hand, remaining silent for a moment.

“But just like your mother,” Happy began again, a small smile on her lips. “She was a good mother, and she did her best by me.”

Styles smiled a sad smile as he nodded slightly.

“I’m sorry about yer mother though..” Styles said, his voice low and gentle.

He let his gaze come to Happy’s face, and he saw that she was smiling gently at him.

“Thank ye, Sean,” she said kindly. “But they’re both in a better place now, I believe. And that’s something to smile about.”

Styles nodded and his smile became more cheerful at Happy’s words, and Happy squeezed his hand before releasing it. Though if she had been honest, she enjoyed how large and warm his hand was compared to hers and didn’t want to let go. 

"Did ye come here after…?" Styles began, then felt he was being too intrusive. "Sorry, Happy…"

"No no, Sean!" Happy assured him with a shake of her head. "Nothin' wrong with asking that! I had to live on the streets after losing mum, but I managed it! Then at sixteen, I found this place. Mrs. Miller took me in as a server and I earned me keep that way for a time. The 'other' work came a bit later. Now I work off me debt to her for takin' me in."

Styles nodded as he finished his ale and set it aside. He looked back to Happy and saw that she had a thoughtful expression on her face as she gazed off into the nothingness.

"Happy?..." he asked softly.

"It's a funny thing…" Happy began quietly. "There's been nights that I have hated myself for...doin' this kind of work…" She smiled sadly as she said this, and Styles was about to say something.

"But then again," Happy began again, and her smile was warm. "I may not have met ye if I wasn't here."

Styles smiled warmly in reply. 

"And I'm thankin' my lucky stars that ye were here."

Happy chuckled softly and there was a contented silence between them for a moment. 

Downstairs, they could hear the band beginning a song, and Happy began to hum it absent-mindedly. 

"I don' think I've heard that song before, " Styles commented softly. 

"Ya don't?" Happy inquired. "It's one of me favorites to sing."

"Would you...sing it for me now?" Styles asked shyly.

"Wha?! Without accompaniment?" Happy chuckled.

Styles looked away, a sudden sheepishness coming over him.

"I mean...if you don' want to," he began quietly.

"I didn' say that, Sean," Happy chuckled. "I'll do me best without the music."

Styles smiled that ‘toothy’ grin that made Happy smile all the more. Happy rose from the bed to stand before Styles. She cleared her throat with exaggeration, making Styles chuckle, then began.

"I'll swim and sail on savage seas,

With never a fear of drowning.

And gladly ride the waves of life

If you would marry me.

No scorching sun nor freezing cold

Will stop me on my journey.

If you will promise me your heart 

And love me for eternity.

My dearest one, my darling dear

Your mighty words astound me!

But I've no need for mighty deeds

When I feel your arms around me.

But I would bring you rings of gold,

I'd even sing you poetry.

And I would keep you from all harm

If you would stay beside me.

I have no use for rings of gold

I care not for your poetry.

I only want your hand to hold,

I only want you near me.

To love and kiss to sweetly hold

For the dancing and the dreaming.

Through all life's sorrows

And delights,

I'll keep your laugh inside me.

I'll swim and sail a savage seas,

With never a fear of drowning.

I'd gladly ride the waves so white

And you will marry me!"

As Happy laughed and curtsied, Styles clapped and whistled.

"That was wonderful, Happy!" Styles exclaimed happily.

"Oh you're too kind, Sean Styles," Happy chuckled as she resumed her seat next to him on the bed. "It's much more fun with a partner to sing with, and with the flute. But I'm happy ye liked it nonetheless!"

"I loved it, Happy!" Styles replied enthusiastically. "I could hear ye sing all day!"

Realizing that might have been too forward, Styles turned his face away and cleared his throat nervously.

But he felt Happy’s hand gently on his knee, and he turned back to see her eyes shining and a soft smile was on her lips.

"I'll never refuse singing for ye, Sean Styles," Happy stated sweetly.

Styles couldn't stop the flip of his stomach at her sweet words, and he mustered a smile as best he could.

"An' now it's your turn!" Happy announced cheerfully. "I want to hear a sea shanty!"

Styles scoffed and shook his head. 

"You don't want to hear my singin', Happy," he began. "Ye would throw me out for sure."

Happy’s heart sank once again to hear Styles bringing himself down.

"I'll throw ye out if ye keep that nonsense up," Happy stated, with a sad tone to her voice.

Styles looked up to see the genuine sadness in Happy's eyes and it seemed to him that this wasn't an act from her. She genuinely wished for him not to put himself down in front of her.

Styles smiled a soft smile and nodded.

"Yes ma'am," he said. "No more of that nonsense. I'll sing for ye."

Happy beamed and clapped her hands in delight.

Styles chuckled, saying she's probably already heard all of the ones he knows. But Happy told him to just sing one he enjoys. Still seated and looking off into the distance, he began.

"Now we are ready to head for the Horn.

Way, hay, roll an' go!

Our boots an' our clothes boys are all in the pawn.

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Heave a pawl, o heave away!

Way, hay, roll an' go!

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored.

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Man the stout caps'n an' heave with a will.

Way, hay, roll an' go!

Soon we'll be drivin' her 'way down the hill

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Heave a pawl, o heave away,

Way, hay, roll an' go!

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored.

To be rollicking randy dandy-O.

Soon we'll be warping her out through the locks,

Way, hay, roll an' go!

Where the pretty young gals all come down in their flocks,

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Heave a pawl, o heave away

Way, hay, roll an' go

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored

To be rollicking randy dandy-O

We're outward bound for Vallipo Bay!

Way, hay, roll an' go

Get crackin', m' lads, 'tis a hell o' a way

To be rollicking randy dandy-O

Heave a pawl, o heave away

Way, hay, roll an' go!

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored.

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Heave a pawl, o heave away!

Way, hay, roll an' go!

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!"

Finished with the song, Styles looked to Happy with a smile.

Happy applauded him with joyful enthusiasm.

"Oh that was wonderful, Sean!" Happy praised him, her smile bright. 

Styles nodded a 'thank you' as he chuckled softly.

"Can ye teach it to me?" Happy asked excitedly. "I picked up the chorus well enough, but can you sing it again so I can work on learnin' the rest?"

Styles smiled as he replied.

"Only if you help me learn the song you sang for me afterwards."

Happy pretended to spit in her hand and then offered it to Styles, grinning.

Styles chuckled as he mimicked her actions and shook her hand.

The rest of their time was spent teaching each other their songs. And as both sang and laughed with each other, Styles couldn't recall the last time he had been so genuinely happy.

Nor could Happy recall either. And she knew the time was coming to an end soon. 

How dearly she wanted Styles to stay…

And how dearly he wanted the same…

But the knock on the door came, and both their hearts sank.

Happy remembered then that tomorrow was Styles' last day on shore. Her heart raced as they both got up from the bed, but she kept her composure as best she could.

"I'm so happy to see you again, Sean," Happy said, smiling at him. 

But Styles could see the sadness behind the smile, because he felt it too.

"So am I to see you again, Happy," Styles replied with a nod. 

They stood facing each other now, and Styles wanted to say something more. He wanted to tell her how happy she made him feel. How he would stay and visit until she kicked him out.

But his tongue felt stuck in his mouth and no words came out. 

Besides, doubts still played in the back of his mind that Happy even wanted him to stay longer. Or see him for a third time even. Regardless, Styles was out of money he could spend, which made him even more miserable and unsure what to say. 

"Well, I...I should be…" Styles mumbled, his legs feeling heavier than ever before.

Happy watched as Styles turned and started towards the door. She didn't want to be forward, but she also didn't want this to be their last exchange before he left for sea.

"Oi now!" Happy called out, smiling. But there was a slight tremble in her voice even as she smiled.

Styles stopped, his heart quickening for a moment as he heard her call out to him. He slowly turned back around to face Happy, his expression anxious. 

"You can't be leavin' like this, Sean," Happy smiled. "When will I see you again?"

Styles knew that he shouldn't have tried to just leave, but now he would have to confess that he was out of expendable funds and couldn't see her tomorrow. Which made his stomach turn with anxiety. He didn't want to let Happy down...ever.

"I don't know, Happy…" Styles began in a low and sad tone. 

He couldn't even look at her right now, and Happy’s heart hurt to see this. 

"I don't have...any more"-"oh I'm not workin’ tomorrow!"

Styles looked up to see Happy’s soft smile as she cut him off. She had also stepped up to him as she had interrupted him.

Styles looked at Happy with confusion, and Happy quickly explained.

"We get a day to run errands if we have any," Happy began. "And I happen to need to visit the market tomorrow for some supplies for the kitchens. As well as the tailors for some supplies for dress repairin’."

Styles felt his anxiety melt away as Happy told him this, and he smiled and replied. 

"I'd be happy to accompany you on your errands, Happy," Styles replied.

Happy giggled at his choice of words, and nodded.

"Tomorrow at noon, meet me here," Happy instructed, smiling bright. 

“Tomorrow at noon,” Styles nodded, smiling brightly in return.

With that, Styles took Happy’s hand in his and kissed it sweetly, and then left the room. Happy felt her heart swell with excitement, so thankful that she got to see Styles one more time. 

Styles made his way back down the stairs, all smiles, and saw that Matthews and Oldroyd still remained at their table.

When Matthews saw Styles approaching, he greeted him with a cheeky grin.

“Ah! Our Romeo returns at last!” Matthews teased.

“Oh shut it, Matthews,” Styles retorted with annoyance as he took a seat. 

But Matthews could see a smile was still on Styles’ lips and the older sailor chuckled to himself.

But Matthews smirks and says he wouldn’t mind going back.

The following afternoon, Styles tells Matthews he’s going back to Neptune's Daughter, as casually as he can.

“That Miss Happy is a lovely woman!” Matthews remarks. “And I do believe she took a shine to you, Styles!”

Styles rolls his eyes and sighs.

“Yeah...sure,” Styles replies, clearly not believing Matthews.

They arrive at the tavern, and as the men approach the bar, Styles looks around for Happy. But he doesn’t see her serving the tables or at the bar. So he assumes she’s with a client, a sting of disappointment hits Styles that he has to wait to see her. When he gets the attention of Mrs. Miller, he sees her smirking as she approaches.

“Had fun with Happy, did ye?” she quips.

Styles doesn’t bother to respond to her remark and simply puts the money for two hours on the table.

“Would you please let Happy know I’m here?”

Mrs. Miller takes the money as she informs Styles that Happy is with another client but that his time is up in another five minutes. Styles nods and orders some ale, as does Matthews. They take seats at one of the tables and enjoy the music and company of the other sailors. But Styles’ is unusually quiet, and Matthews can tell that Styles does fancy Happy, though he won’t admit it to himself or others.

When Happy hears the knock at her door, Miller is not only telling the man his time is up, but that Happy has another client waiting. Happy’s heart skips, for the fourth time that day, hoping the next client is Styles. 

She’s polite as possible to the other man as she hurries him out. Opening her door to let the sailor out, Mrs. Miller stands to the side, smirking at Happy.

“Your ugly sailor's back,” Miller begins, and Happy doesn’t hide her excitement. “Paid for two hours. I’ll send him up in 10 minutes.”

“I’ll be ready in 5,” Happy replies, beaming. 

“Goodness!” Mrs. Miller scoffs. “Never seen you this excited to see a client before! Am I missing somethin' that makes him special?”

“Yes,” Happy replies, a touch of coldness in her voice. “You are. He’s not ugly for one thing...not to me.”

Happy closes the door without another word, and Mrs. Miller shakes her head as she goes down the stairs.

She makes her way back to Styles and tells him Happy will be ready in about five minutes and Styles nods. Within those five minutes, Styles' mind replays the events of yesterday and finds himself remembering Happy’s smile, laughter, bright olive green eyes...

"Styles?" 

Matthews' voice wakes Styles from his thoughts and he looks to his shipmate.

"Miller said miss Happy would see you, didn't ye hear?" Matthews asked. "Or does Miss Happy already got your head up in the clouds?" He mused with a smirk.

Styles mumbled something like a thank you to Matthews, then left the bar and headed up the stairs. Matthews smiled to himself as he watched Styles go up.

"Already taken with her, he is," he said to himself and chuckled.

Styles took a deep breath and exhaled as he knocked on Happy's door.

When it opened, Styles saw Happy's expression was one of annoyance and his heart sank.

"Where have ye been, Mr. Styles?"  Happy demanded sternly. "I've been waitin' all day for ye!"

Styles had frozen when he saw her annoyed expression, but upon hearing her demand, he sighed with relief and smiled.

And as soon as Happy saw that sweet smile, she couldn't keep up the act any longer.

She smirked and giggled as she grabbed his hand and pulled him gently into her room.

"Well, I suppose ye did keep yer promise, even though I had to wait longer for ye this time." Happy mused as she led Styles over to the bed to sit. 

"I know, Miss Happy," Styles began. "Sorry about that."

Happy slapped his knee as if to scold him.

"Just Happy, remember?" She reprimanded. "And it's alright, I'm just glad ye came back."

"Well I promised didn't I?" Styles smiled. "And a sailor keeps his promises!"

Happy smiled brightly and chuckled, and Styles' smile grew to see it. 

"Now then," Happy began, rising from the bed. "I'm gettin' an ale for meself, can I get ye anything'? On the house o' course."

"An ale for me too please, Happy," Styles replied with a nod.

Happy nodded and left to fetch the drinks. As Styles sat on the bed, staring at the door, he still wondered at how all of this was happening. Happy enjoyed his company. Yes he paid her, but she had paid for another hour with him yesterday. She seemed genuinely interested in becoming his friend, but that seemed far fetched for a man like Styles. He had never been good with women, and the idea of love returned by another was something he'd only known once. And that was a distant memory of a much younger man. Nowadays, he paid for a woman's time, and for a while he had paid for the sex too, but when he reached his 30s, paying for sex became tiring. So he didn'tdo it often. He had resigned to be alone and unloved. 

Maybe he was being taken for a fool by this woman…

But he'd rather not think about that right now. He would rather just be here with Happy and enjoy the company of a beautiful woman, with a smile and laughter that made his heart flutter. 

Happy returned with the drinks and handed Styles his ale as she sat herself down next to him on the bed.

“So then, Mr. Styles,” Happy began cheerfully.

“Sean,” Styles said, cutting her off. “I’m...me first name is Sean.”

Styles smiled shyly at her as he said this, then looked away and took a drink from his ale.

Happy beamed at him as he shyly sipped at his ale.

“Sean…” Happy repeated softly. 

To hear Happy say his name made Styles’ heart flutter worse than just seeing her smile. He didn’t really know why, perhaps because of how he could see her beaming face out of the corner of his eye as she repeated it.

“A pleasure to meet ye, Sean Styles,” Happy chuckled, putting forth a hand for Styles to shake.

Styles chuckled at this gesture and switched the hand that held the ale so he could shake her hand. He shook her hand once, but before letting it go, he decided to kiss the back of her hand.

Happy giggled softly, amused that he did better this time than he had yesterday. And seeing the genuine sweetness in his sea green eyes warmed her heart. 

What was it about this man that made Happy wish to be around him as much as she could? Did he know that she truly did enjoy his company? She would do her best to convey that in her actions.

Styles’ smiled as he released her hand and took another sip of ale. 

“I know that yesterday,” Styles began softly, looking to the floor as he spoke. “Ye didn’t want to talk about yourself...but...I would like to hear a bit about ye today.”

Happy smiled warmly at Styles as he spoke. It had been a long time since a client had asked to know more about her. 

"B-but if that's too much I.." Styles began nervously as he looked to Happy.

"No no, Mr. Styles," Happy smiled, shaking her head dismissively. "I mean...Sean,"

she said sweetly.

"I'll tell ye whatever ye like, because I'd say ye earned it."

Styles looked at Happy curiously.

"Because ye came back to see me," Happy elaborated. "Yes, ye be payin' for the time, but still. Ye came back to see me as I had asked of ye. And that's an act that earns a kind gesture from me. Which includes me talking more about myself."

Styles felt a pang of sadness in his heart just then. He was afraid that Happy thought that he only came back because he had the money to pay for her time. 

"I would've found a way to see ye..."

Styles' voice was low and soft as he said this, and his eyes looked to the ground, his thumbs rubbing the rim of his mug. 

Happy felt her heart skip a beat.

Sean was different. That kind of 'different' she hadn't experienced in so many years. The different kind of man that puts his heart into his words. 

She smiled softly and took a sip of her ale as she spoke.

"So, about me," Happy began softly.

"Me father was a merchant. I don't remember him much, I was very young when he was lost at sea. But mum always told me he was a good man."

Styles nodded thoughtfully. Glimpses of memories ran through his head just then. All the times his father beat him within an inch of his life, or worse, his mother. 

"I take it...yer father was not.." Happy said quietly, noticing the slight change in Styles' demeanor.

"No…" Styles replied quietly. 

"Then I hope he died alone," Happy said flatly, taking another sip.

Styles smiled at Happy’s bluntness of disdain, and he nodded.

"I hope he did too. But I had left home as soon as I could join the navy."

Happy nodded thoughtfully and wanted to ask about Styles' mother, but she also didn't want it to be a painful question.

"I do know that...my mother was proud of me for joining the navy." Styles commented softly, his gaze distant.

“I know she was, Sean,” Happy smiled softly. 

Styles nodded as he spoke again.

“I went back to say goodbye to her, and luckily, me father was at the tavern drinking. I remember her smile, despite her cut lip and...black eye. ‘I’m so proud of you, Sean.’ she said. ‘You’ll be a fine sailor, you will.’ We hugged and then, I was off.”

There was a sad silence for a moment, before Styles nearly whispered.

“I didn’t see her after that day…”

Happy said nothing, there was nothing to say. She set her ale on the bedside table, and gently rested her hand upon Styles’ nearest to her. She kept her eyes on his hands that held his mug. Styles felt warmth in his heart, letting himself believe that Happy’s act of comfort was genuine. He released his mug with one hand and took her hand into his, keeping his gaze on their hands.

“I lost my mother to plague…” Happy whispered. “I was fourteen…”

Styles squeezed her hand, remaining silent for a moment.

“But just like your mother,” Happy began again, a small smile on her lips. “She was a good mother, and she did her best by me.”

Styles smiled a sad smile as he nodded slightly.

“I’m sorry about yer mother though..” Styles said, his voice low and gentle.

He let his gaze come to Happy’s face, and he saw that she was smiling gently at him.

“Thank ye, Sean,” she said kindly. “But they’re both in a better place now, I believe. And that’s something to smile about.”

Styles nodded and his smile became more cheerful at Happy’s words, and Happy squeezed his hand before releasing it. Though if she had been honest, she enjoyed how large and warm his hand was compared to hers and didn’t want to let go. 

"Did ye come here after…?" Styles began, then felt he was being too intrusive. "Sorry, Happy…"

"No no, Sean!" Happy assured him with a shake of her head. "Nothin' wrong with asking that! I had to live on the streets after losing mum, but I managed it! Then at sixteen, I found this place. Mrs. Miller took me in as a server and I earned me keep that way for a time. The 'other' work came a bit later. Now I work off me debt to her for takin' me in."

Styles nodded as he finished his ale and set it aside. He looked back to Happy and saw that she had a thoughtful expression on her face as she gazed off into the nothingness.

"Happy?..." he asked softly.

"It's a funny thing…" Happy began quietly. "There's been nights that I have hated myself for...doin' this kind of work…" She smiled sadly as she said this, and Styles was about to say something.

"But then again," Happy began again, and her smile was warm. "I may not have met ye if I wasn't here."

Styles smiled warmly in reply. 

"And I'm thankin' my lucky stars that ye were here."

Happy chuckled softly and there was a contented silence between them for a moment. 

Downstairs, they could hear the band beginning a song, and Happy began to hum it absent-mindedly. 

"I don' think I've heard that song before, " Styles commented softly. 

"Ya don't?" Happy inquired. "It's one of me favorites to sing."

"Would you...sing it for me now?" Styles asked shyly.

"Wha?! Without accompaniment?" Happy chuckled.

Styles looked away, a sudden sheepishness coming over him.

"I mean...if you don' want to," he began quietly.

"I didn' say that, Sean," Happy chuckled. "I'll do me best without the music."

Styles smiled that ‘toothy’ grin that made Happy smile all the more. Happy rose from the bed to stand before Styles. She cleared her throat with exaggeration, making Styles chuckle, then began.

"I'll swim and sail on savage seas,

With never a fear of drowning.

And gladly ride the waves of life

If you would marry me.

No scorching sun nor freezing cold

Will stop me on my journey.

If you will promise me your heart 

And love me for eternity.

My dearest one, my darling dear

Your mighty words astound me!

But I've no need for mighty deeds

When I feel your arms around me.

But I would bring you rings of gold,

I'd even sing you poetry.

And I would keep you from all harm

If you would stay beside me.

I have no use for rings of gold

I care not for your poetry.

I only want your hand to hold,

I only want you near me.

To love and kiss to sweetly hold

For the dancing and the dreaming.

Through all life's sorrows

And delights,

I'll keep your laugh inside me.

I'll swim and sail a savage seas,

With never a fear of drowning.

I'd gladly ride the waves so white

And you will marry me!"

As Happy laughed and curtsied, Styles clapped and whistled.

"That was wonderful, Happy!" Styles exclaimed happily.

"Oh you're too kind, Sean Styles," Happy chuckled as she resumed her seat next to him on the bed. "It's much more fun with a partner to sing with, and with the flute. But I'm happy ye liked it nonetheless!"

"I loved it, Happy!" Styles replied enthusiastically. "I could hear ye sing all day!"

Realizing that might have been too forward, Styles turned his face away and cleared his throat nervously.

But he felt Happy’s hand gently on his knee, and he turned back to see her eyes shining and a soft smile was on her lips.

"I'll never refuse singing for ye, Sean Styles," Happy stated sweetly.

Styles couldn't stop the flip of his stomach at her sweet words, and he mustered a smile as best he could.

"An' now it's your turn!" Happy announced cheerfully. "I want to hear a sea shanty!"

Styles scoffed and shook his head. 

"You don't want to hear my singin', Happy," he began. "Ye would throw me out for sure."

Happy’s heart sank once again to hear Styles bringing himself down.

"I'll throw ye out if ye keep that nonsense up," Happy stated, with a sad tone to her voice.

Styles looked up to see the genuine sadness in Happy's eyes and it seemed to him that this wasn't an act from her. She genuinely wished for him not to put himself down in front of her.

Styles smiled a soft smile and nodded.

"Yes ma'am," he said. "No more of that nonsense. I'll sing for ye."

Happy beamed and clapped her hands in delight.

Styles chuckled, saying she's probably already heard all of the ones he knows. But Happy told him to just sing one he enjoys. Still seated and looking off into the distance, he began.

"Now we are ready to head for the Horn.

Way, hay, roll an' go!

Our boots an' our clothes boys are all in the pawn.

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Heave a pawl, o heave away!

Way, hay, roll an' go!

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored.

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Man the stout caps'n an' heave with a will.

Way, hay, roll an' go!

Soon we'll be drivin' her 'way down the hill

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Heave a pawl, o heave away,

Way, hay, roll an' go!

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored.

To be rollicking randy dandy-O.

Soon we'll be warping her out through the locks,

Way, hay, roll an' go!

Where the pretty young gals all come down in their flocks,

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Heave a pawl, o heave away

Way, hay, roll an' go

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored

To be rollicking randy dandy-O

We're outward bound for Vallipo Bay!

Way, hay, roll an' go

Get crackin', m' lads, 'tis a hell o' a way

To be rollicking randy dandy-O

Heave a pawl, o heave away

Way, hay, roll an' go!

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored.

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!

Heave a pawl, o heave away!

Way, hay, roll an' go!

The anchor's on board an' the cable's all stored

To be rollicking randy dandy-O!"

Finished with the song, Styles looked to Happy with a smile.

Happy applauded him with joyful enthusiasm.

"Oh that was wonderful, Sean!" Happy praised him, her smile bright. 

Styles nodded a 'thank you' as he chuckled softly.

"Can ye teach it to me?" Happy asked excitedly. "I picked up the chorus well enough, but can you sing it again so I can work on learnin' the rest?"

Styles smiled as he replied.

"Only if you help me learn the song you sang for me afterwards."

Happy pretended to spit in her hand and then offered it to Styles, grinning.

Styles chuckled as he mimicked her actions and shook her hand.

The rest of their time was spent teaching each other their songs. And as both sang and laughed with each other, Styles couldn't recall the last time he had been so genuinely happy.

Nor could Happy recall either. And she knew the time was coming to an end soon. 

How dearly she wanted Styles to stay…

And how dearly he wanted the same…

But the knock on the door came, and both their hearts sank.

Happy remembered then that tomorrow was Styles' last day on shore. Her heart raced as they both got up from the bed, but she kept her composure as best she could.

"I'm so happy to see you again, Sean," Happy said, smiling at him. 

But Styles could see the sadness behind the smile, because he felt it too.

"So am I to see you again, Happy," Styles replied with a nod. 

They stood facing each other now, and Styles wanted to say something more. He wanted to tell her how happy she made him feel. How he would stay and visit until she kicked him out.

But his tongue felt stuck in his mouth and no words came out. 

Besides, doubts still played in the back of his mind that Happy even wanted him to stay longer. Or see him for a third time even. Regardless, Styles was out of money he could spend, which made him even more miserable and unsure what to say. 

"Well, I...I should be…" Styles mumbled, his legs feeling heavier than ever before.

Happy watched as Styles turned and started towards the door. She didn't want to be forward, but she also didn't want this to be their last exchange before he left for sea.

"Oi now!" Happy called out, smiling. But there was a slight tremble in her voice even as she smiled.

Styles stopped, his heart quickening for a moment as he heard her call out to him. He slowly turned back around to face Happy, his expression anxious. 

"You can't be leavin' like this, Sean," Happy smiled. "When will I see you again?"

Styles knew that he shouldn't have tried to just leave, but now he would have to confess that he was out of expendable funds and couldn't see her tomorrow. Which made his stomach turn with anxiety. He didn't want to let Happy down...ever.

"I don't know, Happy…" Styles began in a low and sad tone. 

He couldn't even look at her right now, and Happy’s heart hurt to see this. 

"I don't have...any more"-"oh I'm not workin’ tomorrow!"

Styles looked up to see Happy’s soft smile as she cut him off. She had also stepped up to him as she had interrupted him.

Styles looked at Happy with confusion, and Happy quickly explained.

"We get a day to run errands if we have any," Happy began. "And I happen to need to visit the market tomorrow for some supplies for the kitchens. As well as the tailors for some supplies for dress repairin’."

Styles felt his anxiety melt away as Happy told him this, and he smiled and replied. 

"I'd be happy to accompany you on your errands, Happy," Styles replied.

Happy giggled at his choice of words, and nodded.

"Tomorrow at noon, meet me here," Happy instructed, smiling bright. 

“Tomorrow at noon,” Styles nodded, smiling brightly in return.

With that, Styles took Happy’s hand in his and kissed it sweetly, and then left the room. Happy felt her heart swell with excitement, so thankful that she got to see Styles one more time. 

Styles made his way back down the stairs, all smiles, and saw that Matthews and Oldroyd still remained at their table.

When Matthews saw Styles approaching, he greeted him with a cheeky grin.

“Ah! Our Romeo returns at last!” Matthews teased.

“Oh shut it, Matthews,” Styles retorted with annoyance as he took a seat. 

But Matthews could see a smile was still on Styles’ lips and the older sailor chuckled to himself.

[vidkid20ssimblrlair]

Episode 21: Uninvited

"Ms. Madison. This is ridiculous!"

"You're being ridiculous!"

I stood there helplessly watching Madison and Mr. Jones argue at the front door. I wasn’t entirely sure what to do or even what to say. I found it all confusing. Gemma. Who was she? Where did she come from? Was Madison right? Was Jones right? I was beginning to think I should have stayed in bed.

"We can't trust everyone who shows up on our front door!"

"I trusted you."

"Yeah, but DJ didn't. He saved our lives, but that didn't stop him. He questioned us. Watched us. Even camped with us before he even let us set foot on this property. Before he led us to you. If DJ was here..."

"That was different. You were a group. This is one woman!"

"Um...excuse me?" Wade drawled standing in the doorway. He pointed his finger out the door. "What you want me to do with her?"

Jones sighed. "Bring her in. Take her into the kitchen."

"But tie her up," Madison added.

"Madison. That's not how we do things."

"Oh, so would you like me to give her the grand tour then?"

"No."

"Then let me handle things."

Wade shook his head and went back outside. He quickly returned with Gemma. He held both her wrist behind her back and stirred her through the doorway pushing through the two of them. He then glanced over at me.

"Audrey. Come help me for a second."

I was surprised. It was a miracle he even remembered my name considering he had got it wrong numerous times over the weeks and that’s when he wasn’t calling me 'girly'. I looked over at Madison searching for an answer for why he needed me, but she shrugged and went back to bickering with Jones.

"Didn't you hear me? Come on. I don't got all day," he snarled causing me to jump and I followed them into the kitchen.

He sat Gemma down in one of the kitchen chairs and stood over her. He then reached in his back pocket and handed me a handgun.

"Cover me," he said. "Never can be too careful."

"I..."

"Just point the thing at her and pull the trigger if she tries something."

"Um...ok."

Het hen glanced at the hallway and roared, "We got some rope? What the hell I'm supposed to tie her up with?"

Madison answered back. "There's some rope on the bus. Use that."

He rolled his eyes and looked over at the stairwell. He smiled. "Tao! Just who I need."

I looked up to see Tao standing in the archway. He looked at Wade, to me, to Gemma, and back at Wade. His expression a ball of confusion and nerves. His eyes quickly went back to Gemma.

"Who's she?" he said pointing at her.

Gemma turned around to him smiling. "Gemma. Gemma Ryan. Hello."

Wade frowned. "Never you mind her. I need you to go get some rope. Should be in the bus"

"But..."

"Go!"

He took one last glance at Gemma and back at me as he walked past. Still looking bewildered. He ran out into the hallway and what I assumed out the front. The three of us were left in awkward silence then. Gemma's eyes darting here and there, but her same eerie smile never fading.

"I didn't know they were such strapping young men here," she cooed winking at Wade. Such big arms and muscles. You work out?"

Wade blushed. "Ma'am...I..."

"Seriously."

It took everything in me not to gag. Wade, on the other hand, appeared to be flustered. He was bright red now. He felt up his arms and avoided eye contact with her. She giggled and a small smile spread across his face. I rolled my eyes. Wade was falling for it hook line and sinker. What an idiot. Thankfully, Tao came back before Gemma could shower him with any more compliments. He held up the rope and gave it to him. Then he stood back watching. The southern looked conflicted as he stared down at it and back at Gemma but gripped the rope looking serious now.

"Put your wrist behind you," he said eyeing her hands on her lap. "And sit up."

"You don't have to do that if you don't want," she said sweetly, but her charms didn't work this time.

He came up behind her and grabbed her wrist forcefully doing it for her. He wrapped the rope around her wrist and looked up at Tao.

"Go find the others. Tell em’ we have a visitor."

Tao ran off and hurried up the stairs. As Wade tied her up, I stood in front of her and carefully aimed the gun in her direction. She eyed me smirking.

"You know how to use that thing? I would be careful."

"I would be quiet if I was you," I shot back.

"Tell me this. Do you always do what they tell you to do?" she whispered catching me off guard. Her sickening sweet tone sounding more venomous. "I thought you were smarter than that. My mistake.”

"Something wrong?" Wade asked popping up as if he was in a trance. He finished tying up her wrist and came back around to the front. He wrapped the rope around her torso and legs. He looked up at me with genuine concern. "Tell me if so, girly."

"No. It's fine."

"You sure?" He cut his eye at Gemma and grumbled, "You better not be saying nothing weird to her. I'll gag ya if I have to."

I smiled and watched him finish up. I then heard two loud voices. I looked up to see it was Nathan and Aaron. They appeared to be arguing about something, but stopped in their tracks and looked to be both trying to make sense of the scene.

"Who the hell is she?" Nathan perplexed beating Aaron to it.

"Audrey, why didn't you tell me there were more handsome fellas here," she said grinning at me suddenly. She flashed them the same cheesy grin and winked. "Hi. I'm Gemma. Gemma Ryan."

They looked at each other and back at us. Both confused as ever. Gemma looked to be both disappointed and annoyed with their reactions. I hid my face chuckling.

"You really should warn us of these things you know," Arron said dryly.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't exactly have time to send out invitations," Wade said sarcastically. "By the way, where’s Tao? He was supposed to tell you. Damn that boy!"

Arron smirked. "Well, no matter. Hmm. Do my ears deceive me or do I hear a slight accent, Ms. Ryan?"

"Oh. I have a slight Scottish accent still. It likes to comes out when around any Scott's or Brits no matter how long I’ve been in the states. Are you British?"

"I'm from England. Yes. Nice to meet you despite your er...circumstances. Are you hurt? I'm a doctor. Dr. Aaron Pinto to be specific."

"Ah. A real live doctor. This place is getting better and better by the minute," she squealed.

"Well, don't get too happy. You might not be here long," Madison interjected entering the room with Jones. "Well since you're here Aaron, does it look like she’s been bitten?”

He felt her forehead and shook his head. "No. Well, there's no fever at least."

"Well, I guess we’re safe for now. Maybe we can confirm that later, but now it’s time for some questions."

"Questions?"

"Yep. Just a few questions."

Jones frowned. "Ms. Goodwin, please be advised I will cut things short if I feel like things are getting out of hand."

"I told you I'm just going question her. If everything checks out and she doesn't pose a threat, then I'll free her and you can do what you please. Don't worry."

"Fine," he said. He pulled out a seat at the table. "Besides, DJ will be home soon. I'm sure he'll add his two cents in as well on Ms. Gemma's fate here."

"Yeah, Matthew will want to have a say not including the rest of them. Maybe we can even take a vote," Nathan added. He patted Jones on arm playfully sat down. "Too bad we don't have any popcorn for this interrogation though."

"Holy shit. Who's she?" another voice echoed through the room. I looked up to see Omar. He furrowed his brow. "Something happened?"

Tao then entered the room behind him seemingly out of breath. "Oh, there you go. I was looking all over for you guys."

Wade scoffed. "Yeah right."

"Tao. Go outside. Keep watch," Madison said eyeing him. "Holler if you see someone."

"But I want to see the action."

"Tao!"

"Fine," he moaned. "But who is she really? I want to know."

"An uninvited guest. Now go!"

He pouted and stomped his way out into the hallway. A few seconds later the front slammed and Madison turned her attention back to us.

"Ok. So everyone. This is Gemma and she literally threw herself on our front steps about an hour ago. I'm about to interrogate her. Have a seat, stand, watch, whatever."

Gemma gasped in wonderment. "So is this everyone who lives here? Is there more?"

"That's none of your business! I'm asking the questions here," Madison spat. She then looked over at me flashing me a smile and winked. "Keep that gun trained on her deputy."

I nodded almost forgetting I was still holding the thing. I gripped it tighter with my sweaty palms and glanced over at Jones. The man wasn’t a fan of guns, but he seemed to be tolerating it for now. I took aim again as Madison suddenly exit the kitchen. She came back with the chair she was using outside and placed it right in front of Gemma. She sat down with the back of the chair up against her chest. Then she leaned forward with fire in her eyes.

"Who are you really?"

"I told you I'm Gemma..."

"I know that," she said rubbing her temples. "Ok, how about this? Have you ever been with a group?"

"No. Never. It was just me and my boyfriend," she said sounding way too cheerful.

"Really? Why do I doubt that? Not that it's not possible to survive with only one other person, but it's rare nowadays. Strength in numbers as they say. The dead have certainly gotten that memo at least."

"I have come across people, but my boyfriend has always maintained we stay to ourselves. Quite silly in my opinion, but he’s always been a loner."

Madison smirked. "Sound like a real rebel. Who is this boyfriend? What's his name?"

She paused. "John. What does it matter what's his name is?"

"Just asking. 'John' could be still out there though. Can you describe him?"

"Well, he's blonde, fit, good looking. You know the type right?" she said winking.

"Sure, but it’s not much of a description to go off of either. No recognizable scars or tattoos?"

"No. A tat of some playing cards on his arm."

"That's a start. Where's the last place you saw him?"

"We got split up in the midst of rotters. Remember? Wasn't exactly taking in the scenery when it happened," she laughed nervously. She looked around expecting us to join in, but the room remained silent. She shrugged. "I don't know. I guess a few miles away from here."

"Well, maybe you can take us to the very spot later. We can also retrieve some of your stuff from the car you were staying in. Hey, maybe we'll run into him there. He might be alive."

"I doubt that."

"You sure have little faith in him. It's almost as if you hope he's dead. That if he even exists," she snorted. "Hmm...I almost forgot. Three more questions for you."

The woman scowled. "What?"

"How many of the dead have you killed?”

"I don't know. I don't count them. Dozens."

"How many people have you killed?"

"What?" she spluttered. "What kind of question is that?"

"Just answer the question."

"I..no..no one. Absolutely no one. Who would? Human life is precious," she said appearing to look insulted. "I know there's bad people out there, but killing? Heaven forbids!"

"Oh, drop the act sweetheart.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“Ever heard of the saying ‘Lady Doth Protest too Much?’," she quipped. Gemma stared at her blankly and she rolled her eyes. "Anyway, I have more questions for you."

"What? I thought that was it," the woman said looking as if she had been through the wringer now.

"No. Well, something crossed my mind or should I say, someone? You might know her. The name’s Jade. Heard of her?"

This seemed to spark a genuine reaction. Her eyes grew wide at just the mention of the name and she bit her lip. "Never heard of her."

"I know when people are lying to me."

"I'm not lying. I don't know her. Who is she?"

"You happen to hear the phrase 'we're watching you’ lately by any chance?"

"What? No. That sounds frightening."

"Don't play dumb."

"I'm quite tired right now. I've had a long day and the baby..."

"Now you're tired," she jeered. "It's funny how the baby gets mentioned when it's convenient."

"Madison!"

"Jones. I got this!"

"Guys! Guys!" Tao screamed standing in the doorway. He looked as if he had seen a ghost.

Madison shook her head. "Tao. Not now."

"No. My sister, Matt, everyone. They're back..."

"Good. It's about time. It's almost dark."

"No! You don't understand. Something's wrong. Something happened. Come quick!"

Previous Episode - Part 1, Part 2

All Episodes

Finally! A new episode. I know. Blame school! I had to read 50 pages and some last week.  >_>

Can’t wait to show you what’s next. 

[boogiewrites]

Choking On Sapphires 52

Title & Song: Pale Blue Eyes

Characters: Alfie Solomons x Genevieve (OFC)

Word Count:  6300+

Summary: Genevieve makes moves to better her image. She and Alfie see each other for the first time since he left. She finds herself alone in the cross hairs of a dangerous man.

Warnings/Tags: Language. Angst. Some fluff. 

**Chapter song is Pale Blue Eyes by The Kills. (The original song by Velvet Underground is one of my all time favs.)*

Positive feedback is MUCH appreciated! Reblogs, likes, asks and comments feed me to write more! Let me know if you’d like tagged in my work.

My Masterlist. (Includes Parts 1-51)

You're in your office, sitting cross-legged in your big leather chair, the flowers of suitors covering every previously empty surface of the room, all their letters piled into a box on the coffee table, all except for Alfie's. "More letters and messages," Claire says, throwing all but one envelope into the box, putting a stack of messages in her handwriting on the end of your desk, and tapping the last envelope in her hand. "One more from your father." she raises an eyebrow with a smirk.

"Let's see what the stupid bastard wants to try to do now. Perhaps chuck me out of my own house this time?" you scoff and rolls your eyes, the letter opener ripping the paper and thumping as you toss it back on the desk. You clear your throat as you unfold the parchment. "Genevieve, I have seen your work in the Jewish community of London and calling yourself as such. I am gravely disappointed in your decision of that area of study." you let out an awkward laugh "He's upset I'm doing charity work. How rich." you smirk, "Unlike him." you snark. "It has been your mothers wish to see you in heaven after she dies and knowing now that she will not has brought her great distress." you move your eyes to Claire. "Oh fucking please." you groan. "I only ever wanted the best for you, a husband and children to make you a proper lady and wife and mother. I see now you have become the opposite and are happy to destroy yourself and us in the process. No daughter of mine would be childless and unmarried by your age." you look back up at Claire as you rub your temple. "I see mother has gotten him to soften but he's decided to attack something else now. Because all I am is a baby maker. Clearly." your eyes widen before you sigh and return them to the paper. "If you decide to see sense and choose this path for yourself, we may discuss you being associated with us again, as it is what a woman should want for herself and her family. It is a shame to know I have raised such a selfish daughter who would deprive her mother and father of the grandchildren and son in law they deserve after working so hard to raise her well." you set the paper down on the desk. "Is he too daft to realize the children would be Jewish as well if I had them? Daft prick." you huff out a laugh.

"What a crock of shite." Claire says, taking the letter into her hands. "No threats though, which is a nice for a change." she shrugs.

"Let's write one back this time shall we?" you say cheerfully, a pen already in your hand and raised in preparation.

"Oh yes, most certainly." Claire says, sitting down in the chair in front of your desk.

"George. You cut me off from my family. I wish that would include you as well. You can't try to control me and banish me, it doesn't work that way. I also find your aversion to my charity work highly curious as you say you follow Jesus Christ's teachings, but I do not find it surprising as the only thing you've ever given anyone is hell. You will leave my mother out of this as you have never and will never speak for her. I loathe the fact that you try to use her against me and lie about her wants, but this as well, does not surprise me in the least as all you are is a self-serving, manipulative snake who isn't worthy of anyone's time. You are the selfish one who did absolutely no raising of me. All you were was a sperm donor and your involvement in my life began and ended with that. You have plenty of other grandchildren and in-laws to try to force your evil opinions onto. I will identify as and do as I please now. My decisions have nothing to do with you any longer, as I don't find you a subject valuable enough to waste my time on to think about. I have better things to do, as you've seen I'm a very busy woman. What I choose to do with my time and body are absolutely no concern to you. I'm living my life for myself, by myself and I urge you to do the same. You will not contact me or anyone I associate with further as my decisions are final. And I ask you to keep my name out of your mouth as I keep yours out of my existence entirely. Your daughter, Genevieve Channah Lafitte." you smile smugly at the paper, setting the pen down dramatically.

"You do speak well in anger." Claire nods. "The name is a beautiful touch."

"Altar would be proud, yeah?" you smile and blow on the paper to dry the ink.

"Using the Lafitte family name and your middle name as a stab at him yes. Only second to an actual blade." she nods.

"Perhaps one day I can make that happen. Not today but," you let out a happy sigh, "One day he'll get what's coming to him. Revenge is a game of patience." you fold the paper, place it in an envelope and hand it back to Claire. "Send this out with the next post, please." you smile at her sweetly.

"Yes ma'am." she says with a chuckle. ----- He's in his town car, being driven to an afternoon board meeting for a Jewish charity he was apart of. Ollie is shuffling through papers, giving him the right ones for what he needed to know for the meeting, he has on his little gold glasses, as always sliding down his wrinkled nose while it twitched as he read.

"There's the general agenda, a vote on allocation of assets and the voting on a new board member."

"Mmmph." he says with a grunt, looking over the bulleted list for last meetings minutes. "Feels like the vote came early this year." he says with a  furrowed brow.

"It's a bit early yes, but... someone actually applied instead of having a private vote to bring someone in like it's been done before."

"Someone actually applied?" he looks to Ollie whose eyes are a bit larger than usual. "Odd, that." he says, sorting through papers to find the application. "Usually just an associate is brought on without all this fuss." he grunts as he gets out the car, papers under his arm, large coat, shawl, and hat all large and menacing when accompanied by the unapproachable expression his face sat in for weeks now.

"Yes, I suppose since it's a woman they wanted to go through the proper channels instead of trying to grease palms for it." he makes an excuse, chewing the inside of his cheek as he walks with Alfie to the long table in the large echoing conference room.

"A woman eh?" he says with an amused huff. "Another would be a good addition. Hopefully, a younger one as Mrs. Cohen is getting terribly old." he says under his breath.

"Well she is." his voice cracks but Alfie doesn't notice as he takes his seat, nodding and giving a brief greeting to the other board members that were still filing in. "Applications here, sir." he says cautiously, handing Alfie the copy.

He clears his throat, removing his coat, just a pressed white button-up, and his vest over it now, his Kippot worn under his hat still on as he takes off the wide-brimmed, intimidating accessory. Once his eyes fall across the lovely signed named, he closes his eyes. "You can't be serious." he whispers so only Ollie can hear him.

"I'm...afraid so sir." he says quietly.

Alfie groans, his hand going to his forehead. "And you didn't think this was important to tell me about earlier than right fucking now?" he hisses, eyes harsh and glaring at the younger man.

"I didn't look at the papers until last night and you've been in meetings all day." he says as an excuse. Alfie lets out a small growl, lips moving to under his mustache in annoyance, eyes still narrowed as they return to the paper in front of him.

"Alright. Go on. Sit in the back, now." he says dismissively, a hand motioning him away. He was not prepared for this. --- "I'm so fucking nervous Claire. I'm never nervous." you whine as you sit in the car, pulled up to the old, remodeled building.

"It's fine. You're fine. You'll be wonderful. They'll love you." she says patting your knee.

"It's not getting on the board I'm worried about." you turn to face her. "You know that." your face serious.

She sighs heavily. "I know." she nods. "Come on, you don't want to be late."

You both get out of the car, you straighten your dress and have Claire look you over before you go in.

"Okay?" you ask with an uncomfortable smile.

"You look gorgeous, of course. You'll knock them and him dead."

You give her an amused expression that borderlined on a frown. "I haven't seen him in so long." you whisper as you walk into the building, your heels clacking on the floor, your dress swishing about your ankles. "I feel like my heart is going to beat out of my chest." you groan.

"He won't make a scene and neither will you. It's fine." she squeezes your hand supportively before you open the door to the large room.

You walk in before Claire, your chin high, face as lovely and pleasant as it ever has been. You move like you own the space, taking a seat in the front line of the rows of chairs in front of the long wooden table the board sat at, facing the group of people gathering.

You don't look at him, you can't just yet. You look at the papers in your hands, putting the glasses you'd bought that so closely resembled his on as you look over the application you'd sent in again.

"He's not taken his eyes off you since you walked in." Clair whispers, a hand over her mouth to cover the words, he could probably read lips the clever bastard.

"Good." you say with the first genuine smile she's seen in weeks from you.

"What's the expression?" you inquire.

"Trying to not look obvious but I see his Adam's apple bobbing. He might have even know you were coming from the amount of white in his eyes I can see." she almost giggles you give her a little smirk back. You see Claire give him a nod of acknowledgment as you look over the papers.

He tries to look away. He tries and fails many times over. He puts the papers that were in his hands down on the table so his nerves wouldn't show. You looked even more beautiful than he remembered somehow. You take off your long black coat first, your form as perfect as he recalled. You tug the gloves off your hands, he sees your pearl-like teeth pull them off, set in the middle of soft pink lips. Your makeup wasn't heavy, your hair was curled and down, you looked an absolute vision to him. Your dress was long and navy, fit snugly at your waist, with beaded embellishments across the bust, sheer panels made up the upper chest that went to your collar bones and long sleeves the flounced about your wrists. It was modest but stunning on you, but you could've worn flour sacks in and he would've thought you were pristine.

The head of the board Mr. Klein addresses you after the meeting comes to order. You rise and walk stoically to the podium that sat in the middle of the rows of chairs, Alfie sat to your left at the far end of the line of men and one very old woman.

"Miss Genevieve Durand." he lilts, already showing favor with you as you turn your charm up and give him a very polite and sweet smile.

"Yes, sir Mr. Klein." you give him a nod that's close to a bow with the greeting.

He knew even without the impressive list of accomplishments you'd added since he left that you could get on the board with charm alone. But had almost forgotten the hypnotizing endearing nature of you that you could make ooze out of every pore when you wanted it to. He tries to focus on the words you say and the ones asked of you but his ears seem to be ringing. His stomach aches, his palms sweat like a schoolboy over you as he watches you laugh and raise your hand to your chest as you do so, that slight crinkle of your perfectly sloped nose let him know you were being purposeful in your charm this evening.

"We have your rather impressive application here," he says before he clears his throat. "But I would love to hear from the woman herself about why you think you would be good for the board as I have not had the pleasure of meeting you before." his eyes are kind, you don't get a bad vibe from this guy and you feel more at ease as he and the rest of the board look at you. "Since you went through the proper channels of applying, might I assume you aren't familiar with anyone on the board personally?" he asks innocently.

You bury the lump in your throat at the question. "I have seen Mrs. Cohen and Mr. Abrahams at Temple... and I know Mr. Solomons." with his name falling from your lips, for the first time since you'd called him in your home before he left, you move your eyes to meet his. You give him a close-lipped smile that you hope makes him swell with regret. You hold the eye contact but for a few seconds, but those few seconds spent staring into those blue eyes of his, merely a meter away sends something deep in your chest ablaze.

"Oh, wonderful! You aren't a stranger to us then. How do you know Miss Durand, Mr. Sololmons?" he turns his head to Alfie and you look down at the podium and hold back a smirk, awaiting the sound of his voice.

"We've been in business together for quite some time now. Although we're old friends at this point, I dare say." You're pleased with the answer, and how good it sounds coming out of his plush lipped mouth. Still as low and gritty as it ever was, it rubs up against your skin and gives you goosebumps.

"So tell us about this business then. I'd love to hear all about you, Miss Durand."

"I'd love to tell you," you say with a wide smile. "I own the Abeille Company of London. I'm currently the number one producer and seller of honey in the city. I also grow and sell berries from my country estate just outside of London."

"Very successful indeed," he says, his tone impressed. "And what work have you been doing in the community, Miss Durand? What makes you a good fit for us?" he asks politely, it felt like a formality but you were here to sell.

"The first thing I suppose would be that I'm Jewish." you joke with a charming smile and chuckle that the board members all follow. Alfie doesn't laugh but you can feel his smile beaming at you. You hoped he was proud. And he was so proud. You standing and declaring it, wearing the amulet he'd given you, the picture of success and beauty. Seeing you again was breaking down his want to hate himself, that principle he'd set for himself starting to seem less important now in your presence. "I've been very active in the community of London as a late. I've always supported local business, and oversee a few Family ran businesses myself. In my own home and business, almost the entirety of my staff is Jewish. The maids in my home are all young Jewish girls, all of which I've come across while down on their luck, bless them. I take them in and give them a place to live, a job and guidance as they need."

"That's very kind work you're doing." Mrs. Cohen interjects.

"Thank you, ma'am. I was once a young girl out on her own and through the help of others, I helped make a name for myself. I find it fitting to return the favor." you say with a smile and a nod. "With my charity work, for this particular foundation, I've given a donation of four hundred pounds to support your cause."

Alfie can't help but have a slightly dopey smirk on his face as he loved seeing you throw your money around as a woman. It backed up the power your strong posture and educated words brought.

"And what lead you to donate such a generous amount to us?" Mr. Abrahams asks.

"I love animals and I find it important to help those less fortunate. With your association doing both and helping those with a physical disability at that, I was drawn to it and felt compelled to support its endeavors," you answer concisely. "Although it was Mr. Klein who said it, Mr. Solomons was the first to bring it to my attention of going without sight for a set aside period of time a day, and having done that I would like to say that it is certainly a most effective means of communicating the importance of helping those without sight that exist in world made for those with sight." a few hums of appreciate and thoughtfulness from the group. You see Alfie's fingers messing about in his beard at the mentioned of him, helping hide the impressed look on his face. "Outside of my work with this organization, I also donate money and time to other Jewish causes in the city. My support has helped form a scholarship for Jewish children wishing to seek an education in the arts. I myself teach courses at that institution to bring my own love of art to them as I find it has helped my life tremendously."

"And you recently were awarded an honor for you work weren't you?" one of the men you don't know asks.

"Yes sir I was." you nod. "Although the award had no relation to the Jewish community, it was an honor to be nominated and to win such a thing for something that I hold so dear to my heart."

So dear to her heart, he thinks, a picture of him being what won, he can't help but be hopeful you were trying to send him subconscious messages. You never toyed with your words, after all.

"I also sponsor one day of meals per month to the Jewish children's home, where I help prepare and serve the meals as well."

Alfie tried not to fully swoon. You had been a busy little bee without him. Making even more of a name for yourself in different ways. Making a facade of purity and piousness to mask the dirty work you did. It was brilliant and not far from what he himself did.

"You have been studying with Rabbi Gold to have your bat mitzvah, is this correct?"

"Correct, sir." you say proudly.

"Is there a reason you didn't go through with the ritual when you came of age?"

"The opportunity was not allowed to me at the time and I am making amends to the neglect of my faith and heritage that has been outside of my control by educating myself fully before going through with it now."

"And what have you been learning?" he asks with a casual inquisitiveness.

"I have been focusing as of late on the mitzvah of chesed and that has brought me to the aforementioned accomplishments of mine. I have also focused on my own time, outside of my time with Rabbi Gold, to learn more Kosher cooking. But I must admit it never feels like study because I just truly enjoy it." you give a light-hearted chuckle that spreads to the pleasant smiles of the board.

"Might we try some of this cooking?" he jokes with a laugh.

"Oh, but of course sir." you give a feminine giggle at his casual behavior. The smile and laugh working together make a dopey smile appear across Alfie's face that he doesn't remember to hide. Hearing you speak of all this with such certainty was stirring something deep, deep within him.

"Is there a particular portion you have enjoying learning about?"

"Yes, from chayei sarah. Actions speaking louder than words." you state matter of factly. Alfie feels the bite in them that must be directed at him. Actions? He wonders. Would getting up with this table and kissing you in front of God and everyone else be action enough? "Being proactive and useful. To actively seek out opportunities for kindness and not only doing them when they are bluntly presented to us as Rebecca did."

"And may we ask if such actions have brought you to be as worthy of a man of the same actions as you? We have no unmarried women on the board, afterall." your face flushes scarlet at the question.

"No it has not, sir." you look down at your hands, the portrait of a blushing bride, full of innocence and naivety. "Perhaps it is in the cards for me..." you shrug. "Not my decision to make is it?" you give a bashful smile. "I must take the lesson of God judging my sincerity and not my success with such things. Although with deception not being my strong suit one has to wonder why." you joke, with a sheepish smile. A laugh travels across the line of people, including Alfie. He was as impressed as ever with you. The words you could spin, the emotions you could pull out of people was just fantastically mesmerizing. This coy and shy but confident woman who he'd seen kill men twice her size, bathed in blood, fucked out of her mind and spilling sinful, lustful words from her panting, trembling lips was the same woman standing before him. Such a dual nature as he'd never known a woman to have before.

"Let us discuss the acceptance or denial of Miss Durand for board membership." he says with a stern nod and a smile. They go one by one, approving you, comments of thanks for your donation and seeing as you were clearly a rising star, a future pillar in the community they would be happy to have you. Then it comes down to Alfie last who is wearing a smug but breathtakingly handsome smile on his face.

"I know Miss Durand. I'm familiar with her both professionally and personally and consider her a dear friend. I would beyond a doubt support the decision to bring her on. We would be smart to use a strong and clever woman like her. I have found her to be nothing but kind, thoughtful and fair even before she was studying and I have no doubt with her deeper understanding she will do nothing but flourish and be a valued member of the community as she has already proven to be by her generous donations of money and time to not only us but other charities. My vote is an unequivocal yes." your eyes meet while he speaks every word. Your smile growing with each compliment. You look away as he stares you down, the sweet words feeling dirty as his eyes were telling you other things he wished to say.

"Not that it needs saying but, welcome to board Miss Durand!" Mr. Klein announces. Light applause from the small crowd behind you that you'd forgotten about.

"Thank you so much." you say with another bright and disarming smile.

You're speaking with Mrs. Cohen afterward, discussing making challah and you feel a familiar warmth across your lower back.

"You mind if I steal her away for a moment?" he says with a devastating smile.

"Oh no dear." she says happily with a shake of her head and a smile as he moves slowly to join the others.

He moves you away from the crowd just slightly, a hand on your lower back that feels as if it might burn if he leaves it there too long. "I did not know you were applying to be on the board until I saw it on the agenda today," he says quietly, eyes scanning across the people behind you before moving down to meet yours. "Did you not remember that I was on the board?" he says with a half smile. "You wouldn't have even had to go through the with that inquisition if I'd known." he says obviously.

"Well, I...didn't want to bother you with it." your voice is softer and less certain with him than it had been earlier, he does not miss this fact.

"Bother me?" he scoffs. "I believe the last we spoke I said you could never be a bother, dear." his voice is less predatory and more caring now.

"And how long has it been since we last spoke?" your face is more solemn and the sharp stab of guilt is planted firmly in his gut. Your doe eyes full of honesty seek the same from him.

"Too long." he says, his lips pursing together.

"It has." you sigh and look away from him.

Claire appears. "It's almost time to leave for the ball, Gen." she says, leaning in close. He moves her head to face the tall man in front of you.

"Hello, Alfie." she states calmly, no emotion behind it.

"Good to see you again Claire." he says with a nod.

"Just a moment." you say and give her a look she understands.

"Which are you attending tonight?" he asks politely.

"One for the arts center I mentioned earlier."

"You back to going to them alone then, eh?" he says with the guilt obvious in his voice.

"No." you answer, your eyes calm again as they find his the opposite. His mouth opens slightly.

"No?" he asks with raised brows, his heart falling into his intestines.

"Niko asked to accompany me. I wasn't going to attend it as I didn't want to be late because of this." you state matter of factly. "But he offered." you shrug.

"Niko?" he says, his false front of civility falling. "The Greek's son?" he says in an offended way.

"Yes. That Niko."

"The son of the man who tried to fuckin' kill me?" his face twists into anger and hurt.

"He had nothing to do with that. He didn't know about it and he didn't agree with it being done." you say defensively.

"And you believe him?" he says, chin jutting forward, eyes looking around to make sure he wasn't causing a scene.

"Yes. He's not lied to me yet," you say with a small frown. "I don't know why you're so upset, you and I attended charity ball's together long ago if you recall." your tone is harsher, your eyes hard but sparkling with sadness.

"Yeah." he gruffs out, not looking away from your eyes. "We did." he pauses for a moment, fingers moving to his beard. "But that was different." he says with a deep inflection, brow furrowing.

"Was it?" you say, the hurt now clear, your shoulders dropping. "I wouldn't know would I?" you say with a bite that he deserved. He'd never told you how he felt, you'd both just knew somehow didn't you?

He sighs, his eyes mirroring that sadness. "Genevieve I-" he begins and you cut him off.

"Save it," you say, your chest sighing and your voice exasperated. "I know you have words. And none for me as of late." you swallow hard, near tears. "I'm no longer interested in just words and poor excuses." you shake your head and give a small huff of exhaustion to his behavior. "Only actions." you almost whisper. "I'll see you at the next meeting." you say, jaw clenched and turning away before you started crying.

You had no intentions of being with Niko in any way. You'd made it clear to him this wasn't a date. You knew he liked you, but you thought to go to a ball with a man instead of going alone would be nice after having to deal with wannabe suitors and nosy women at all the ones you'd been to recently. You knew you'd be distracted at best the rest of the night after seeing Alfie anyway. You hadn't come in with any expectations so you weren't shattered in the events that followed, but with his display of jealousy, you had to separate yourself. You weren't his, he had no reason to be jealous and use that tone with you. And to imply you were being duped...well that was just insulting.

He knew he deserved worse. He'd left and not called. He'd never given you a reason for not sleeping with you any longer, he gave no apologies or excuses just now when he had the opportunity. He stands there and shoves his hands into his pockets, face to the ground as he grumbles to no one, bottom lip hanging in his exhaustion with himself. Why couldn't he just fucking do and say what he meant when it came to you. The emotions you roused in him were uncontrollable at times and he felt ashamed at how he reacted in anger. He could charm the pants off anyone in fucking London and there he stood before you, a tongue-tied little boy looking up at a goddess he could barely fathom. The emotions that surged through him when you were near or even the mere thought of you now was something he didn't fully understand the power of. Perhaps he should stop getting in the way of his own chance at happiness. --- All you thought about was Alfie that night. You spoke in anger, and not that he didn't deserve it but you didn't want him to have more reasons not to contact you. As your nerves eased, your mind clearing, you missed him. You still missed him despite all the things you'd done to distract yourself. Seeing him made your heart thump like you were a school girl with a crush. He still exuded his power, that charming smile and handsome face, his confident body as he moved with masculine motions. He had smelled surprisingly good, he even looked better than you'd thought. He'd been eating well enough, beard still full and hair peeking out from under his hat as it curled at the ends, begging you to touch it. But you hadn't. You'd stayed strong. You could beg, but you wouldn't. If you had to beg for his attention you didn't want it.

A lot of good had come out of him leaving, of leaving your heart sitting in your outstretched hand and him walking away. He'd sent the flowers, but that was all. No calls or visits. He didn't stop by, didn't invite you to tea, nothing. You hadn't done these things either to be fair but... he was the one who left. He was the one that had pulled away and you weren't going to beg for any man's attention. You hoped learning about Niko, hearing the hurt and anger, seeing it in your face as you boldly looked into his eyes would prompt him to action. You hoped. But you weren't going to hold your breath. ------ You're in a grand banquet hall, giving fake smiles and polite conversation as Niko has left you alone and the wolves were ascending. Alfie wouldn't ever leave you alone at one of these things. Especially not when the man approaching you was there. Cyrus Horne is stalking his way towards you, he was a physically intimidating man, taller than Aflie, with eyes that made you feel nauseous as they raked up and down your body as he approached. He still gave you that vibration of warning and danger in your gut, same as he had when you'd first seen him at the ball with Alfie.

"Always a treat to lay eyes on you Genevieve." your skin crawls.

"Horne." you say flatly with a nod of acknowledgment.

"What are you doing here? You're not Jewish." he says with a smirk.

"I am Jewish actually." you state obviously.

"Since when?" he says incredulously.

"Since I was born." you say with attitude, rolling your eyes up to him, lips pursed in clear annoyance.

"Ah, I see. I thought you might've gone and converted for Solomons." you scoff loudly.

"Don't insult me. I'd never do such a thing for a man." your voice and face full of offense taken.

"Not a desperate attempted to get him back?" you glare at him, your mouth open in disgust.

"You can't get something back you never had, Horne." you shake your head.

"Oh, how poetic of you. Realizing he's a monster just like me?" he shoots you a smile and a wink.

"What you two think you are is no concern of mine." you look away and shake your head and sigh, looking out into the crowd.

"You two were living together though." he says as if it was a huge secret.

"Yeah there was a reason for that." you roll your eyes.

"And it wasn't because he was losing the war in London and decided to latch onto a rising star?" he tries to lean forward and you move away disgusted.

"If you might recall..." you begin with attitude. "And I suppose you try to kill so many people you forget, that you blew up his fucking house." you stand your ground to his intimidation tactics.

"Ah so the man figured it out." he laughs. "He comes running to a bleeding heart like you to clean up after him?" he juts his chin down at you, using a condescending tone.

"I told him he could stay with me while his house was rebuilt. He cleans up his own messes." your tone is indifferent.

"What a sweet, sweet girl." he hisses in a predatory way. "Thought you might've been caught up in those fancy words he likes to use to lure in women." his voice dips and he keeps intruding on your personal space.

"I've never been much for pretty words. They don't mean shit." you meet his eyes fearlessly, the bite clear in your voice.

"Cleverness inside such an appealing vessel." he hums in a sleazy way.

"Did you not hear what I just fucking said?" you move away from his touch.

"And feisty...I like it when they have a bit of bite." he whispers.

"I don't give a fuck what you like Horne. Can you just fuck off?" your brows raised, one hand dismissing him.

"Excuse you? You want to change that tone?" he speaks slowly.

"No I fucking don't." you say louder.

"No wonder you two paired off....both too wiley for your own good." he groans.

"There was no pairing off. We worked together. I don't understand why you care about Solomons and me in the first place." you say with a condescending lilt.

"Because I've wanted to keep an eye on you ever since the night he was stupid enough to introduce you to me." he gives you an unsettling, wolfish smile.

"Oh, so it's some conquering what "his" thing then? How original." you scoff and roll your eyes.

"Well if he's fool enough to not use you to his advantage than I will." he says in a voice that indicates he thinks he's being smooth.

"Wow. So pompous! I'm not interested in even being looked at by a man like you Horne. Let alone be 'used'. Take your garish and outdated attempts at sexist compliments and try it on someone else. I'm not interested." you cross your arms and post up against him with a bold gaze.

"A bloodthirsty bitch like yourself could use a man like me you know." his brow furrows as he doesn't back down.

"Funny you think I need a man for any reason. Useless...the lot of you." you scoff.

"I've got more to offer than Solomons. And if you'll help a beast like him why won't you help a beast like me?" he plays as if he's hurt.

"Because he has manners." you state plainly and he laughs loudly.

"Is that what it is? You like to "courted"?" he snorts out another laugh.

"No. I don't. I wish all men would leave me the fuck alone. I don't prefer to be talked to like I'm something to be had. Because I'm not."

"But all women are to be had, darling. It's how you were made. To take from men." he leans in again, the uncomfortable and aggressive look and tone making you want to gag.

"Do you hear yourself? Are you capable of self-reflection and hearing? Because you're acting as if you're not. I'm not interested in having anything to do with you, Horne. I wasn't the night we were introduced, I'm not now and I never will be." you hold your ground against his perverted glare.

"We'll see about that."

"No we won't." you spit out.

"I always get what I want Genevieve." he coos.

"No one gets what they want all the time and the man who thinks he does is a fool." you glare. "And I'm not interested in fools."

"You're too brazen for your own good, woman." he says leaning away from you.

"And saying things like that is surely the way to make me want to have anything to do with you." you stare him down in defiance.

"Who said I needed you to want it?" he quirks an eyebrow down in your direction.

"This grotesque attempt at a conversation is over." you say loudly and clearly, snarling at him slightly.

"But it won't be the last you see of me darling." he lilts out as you stomp away.

Pt. 53 The Rat

@fangirlfreakingout @jaegeeeeer @cosettewinchester@lookuptheskyisfalling-blog @brianaisasongbird @cry5t4l-w4rri0r@iliveonchocolateandnetflix @jess2464 @hardygal69@thegarrisonpublichouse @a-flock-of-angry-pigeons @pootle@negansdirtygirl22 @musingsby-night @wtf-is-wrong-with-this@shine-dont-shadow @inkinterrupted@vale0413 @lafayettes-baguettes-1 @sxlomons @aphnxrising @emerald-bijou @elaenom 

[huntressjinsoul]

The Making Of

Summary: AU. As they decide to turn over a new leaf and a better deal, TBD signs to a new record label and meets their new songwriter, MC.

A/N: Slightly nsfw. Happy Kaitlyn Appreciation Week! Thank you for hosting @aryn-choices

Kaitlyn looked around the building and its surroundings before looking at the man in front of her.

“Alright, welcome, TBD, to HDS Productions. I know it’s a little unorthodox, but I’d like to give you a tour of our building,” the CEO of the record company, Chris Powell said. “I know we’re fairly a new label, but thank you for choosing us.”

“Oh it’s no problem. You were the most genuine label offering us a good contract,” Amara smiled.

“Thank you, we try our best to be authentic to our clients,” Chris beamed. “I’m sorry my partner, Ms. Becca Davenport, isn’t here to welcome you as well. She had to attend to one of our other clients.”

“Oh it’s fine, Mr. Powell,” Annisa replied.

“Please, at this label, we’re on a first name basis with everyone. Now, c’mon let’s start this tour.” Chris led them through the building, noting important people. “While I manage the label and its overall business affairs, Becca looks over the legal stuff and the contracts.” They reached another private office, and knocked before opening it. “This is Zack, he’s in A&R and the head of promo for all of our artists.”

“Hey, you must be TBD. I look forward to working with you guys,” Zack grinned.

“Nice to meet you Zack,” Kaitlyn grinned as she shook his hand.

“Alright, moving on next door is the head of our marketing team and publicity. She also creates the cover art for our artists’ singles and albums,” Chris explained. “I think she’s away for lunch now, but you’ll meet Abbie later. Now onto the most important part, the recording studios.”

As TBD looked around the booths, Kaitlyn heard a loud laugh coming from one of the booths. She directed her attention to the two men and, more specifically, the woman. “Who are they, Chris?”

“Ah, that’s one of our signed artists, Zig Ortega. The other guy is Tyler, our senior producer, and the woman is MC, one of our senior songwriters. It looks like they’re on a break, let’s go meet them.”

Chris opened the door and popped his head in the room. “Hey guys, our new clients are here and I’m giving them a tour.”

“Hey, I’m Zig, one of the artists,” Zig smiled politely.

“Sup? So can I take a look at those drums in that booth there? Because I’m digging them,” Rachel stated. Chris shrugged and nodded before Rachel went inside the booth.

“She’s… not one for talking with new people,” Kaitlyn explained.  

“Hey it be like that,” Tyler chuckled. “It’s nice to meet you girls, I’m Tyler.”

“And I’m MC, songwriter,” MC smiled widely. Kaitlyn was enraptured by her smile and was too busy staring at MC to greet her.

Thankfully, Amara saved her. “Hey, I’m Amara. These two are Kaitlyn and Annisa. And the one checking out the drums is Rachel. We can’t wait to work with you guys.”

“The feeling is mutual,” MC replied sweetly. “Now, I’m used to writing more pop and R&B, but I think I can take on the challenge of writing some metal and rock.”

“Oh don’t worry, Kaitlyn can help you. She writes most of our discography,” Annisa said as she playfully bumps her elbow at said girl.

“Cool, it looks like we’ll be spending a lot of time together then,” MC grinned at Kaitlyn.

“G-great, I look forward to it,” she hastily replied.

“This is your chance to ask her out,” Annisa told Kaitlyn as they sat in Rachel’s van on their way to HDS Productions. Annisa grabbed a stale pizza crust up from under her seat. “Rachel would it kill you if you cleaned up your van?” She scrunched up her nose in disgust.

“Yes, yes it would,” Rachel replied bluntly.

“What do you mean?” Kaitlyn asked, feigning innocence.

“We all know you’ve got the hots for MC. So don’t play dumb,” Amara interjected from the passenger seat, throwing a smirk at Kaitlyn. For the last couple of days, TBD worked with a few producers and songwriters to get a feel of the artistry. They collectively agreed that it’d be best to work with Tyler, MC, and another one of the senior songwriters, James. “Maybe try not to undress her with your eyes whenever you look at her?”

“Ugh I thought that I was discreet,” Kaitlyn groaned. The last couple of days gave her a challenge between work and pleasure. Through her eyes, Kaitlyn was being discreet and there was a little flirtation between her and MC. In actuality, the rest of TBD suffered second hand embarrassment from all the stuttering and butchered pickup lines Kaitlyn tried with MC.

“As discreet as a bomb,” Rachel deadpanned. “If you don’t ask her out today, I’m going to do it for you.”

A few minutes later, the band was met by MC and James in the studio. “Hey girls. We’re going to do something a little different today. MC and I will talk to each of you individually to compose and write your parts on your single. Amara, Rachel, you’re with me. Kaitlyn and Annisa, you’re with MC.”

“You’re with me first, Annisa,” MC grinned. “Let’s go across the hall for more privacy.” During the wait, Kaitlyn mentally prepared herself for her time with MC. She calmed her nerves as if she was preparing to perform at one of her concerts. After a few minutes, MC and Annisa came back to the studio. “Alright, Kaitlyn, your turn.” She got up and followed MC to the other studio across the hall. “Ok. So I know we settled on a having a socially political song undermining our current government- great idea by the way- but is there anything else you’d like to add? Annisa said that you guys wanted it to be direct, no metaphors, no double meanings.”

“Yeah, I feel like we could use our music to inspire our audience to take a stand,” Kaitlyn explained. “I want it straight forward so everyone can see our stance and understand better.”

“Well, I think that’s an awesome idea. I’ve always believed that artists should be able to connect to their audience and inspire them,” MC smiled widely.

Kaitlyn felt her heart skip a beat upon seeing her smile and decided that now was a good time to bring up asking her out. “Hey, I was thinking, well, wondering. You’re single, I’m single, we should fix that,” Kaitlyn finished off lamely. She groaned and face palmed.  “Ok, I really like you. And I’ve been so nervous to ask you out. My bandmates keep teasing me about it, and I’m finally growing some balls.  Will you go on a date with me? You don’t have to say yes if you’re not interested, I underst- mmmph.”

She was cut off by a pair of lips kissing her own. After the initial shock, Kaitlyn eagerly kissed MC back. After a few more minutes, MC pulled away, but still remained close, smirking. “I was wondering when you’d make your move.”

“I- you- wha,” Kaitlyn stuttered.

MC giggled and played with Kaitlyn’s hair. “You were pretty obvious, Kait. I can call you Kait, right?”

“You can call me anytime,” Kaitlyn said dreamily. She snapped out of it when she heard MC laugh and blushed. “I mean, yeah you can call me that.”

“Now as much as I want to continue making out with you, we have work to do unfortunately,” MC said as she stroked the side of Kaitlyn’s face softly. Kaitlyn sighed in content and moved her face closer. “We can discuss the details of our date later.”

“One more kiss?” Kaitlyn pouted. MC smiled softly and kissed her once again.

Four Months Later

“Mmmm you sure we can’t just stay in bed all day?” Kaitlyn murmured as she kissed her way up to MC.

“You know I really want to but it’s your first album listening party, babe. That’s a huge deal,” MC sighed as Kaitlyn kissed her way towards her breasts. “You need to get glammed up soon.”

“Is it really that important though? I mean, I could call Amara and say that I’m sick,” Kaitlyn smirked as her fingers wondered down MC’s stomach.

MC groaned, “You really should go, Kait. It’s a party for TBD and your album release. Although, you’re making it really hard for me right now.”

“That’s not the only thing that’s hard.”

“Babe, you don’t have a penis.”

“Ooo but we could get one,” Kaitlyn smirked mischievously.

MC laughed and flipped both of them over. “We’ll revisit that later.” She kissed the rockstar soundly before sitting up to gather her clothes. “Now come on. Annisa texted me to drive you over to her apartment to get ready. And Rachel left a voicemail basically saying, ‘Stop fucking and get our girl over here pronto!’”

Kaitlyn groaned but complied. “We should, like, take a shower together though.” When MC glared at her, she countered. “Hey, I’m serious! We reek of sex and taking one together will be quicker. No funny business I promise.”

There was, in fact, funny business during that shower.

After dropping off Kaitlyn to Anissa and Amara’s apartment, MC drove off and prepared for the party as well. She arrived at the party early and was talking to Abbie and Becca when TBD made their appearance. She walked over to the band and greeted them. “Hey guys! Congratulations on the album! You all look great, especially you,” MC directed towards Kaitlyn, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend and kissing her soundly.

“Barf. I’m gonna go drink all of our bosses’ alcohol,” Rachel said as she walked off. Amara and Annisa rolled their eyes at her but followed her after thanking MC.

“Hey, Kaitlyn, congratulations on the release. Chris and I are very sure that this album will blow you guys up bigger than ever,” Becca said.

“Thanks, Becca, but TBD has to thank you and Chris for signing us on to HDS Productions. We made the best choice signing on here,” Kaitlyn replied.

“It’s no problem at all,” Becca grinned. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I heard Zack telling Tyler and Zig that he’s bringing the big guns out tonight and I have to find out what it is. Can’t have the whole flooding fiasco happen again,” she rolled her eyes playfully as she walked away.

When Kaitlyn looked at MC confusedly, MC replied, “I’ll tell you that story later. It was before HDS first opened for business.”

A few hours later into the party, Kaitlyn was resting outside and nursing a beer bottle in her hand.

“Hey, you tired?” MC asked behind her.

“Nah, just needed the fresh air,” she shrugged.

MC walked up behind her and held her from behind as Kaitlyn sighed and relaxed further into MC’s embrace. “I’m really happy and proud of you and TBD, I hope you know that,” MC mumbled into Kaitlyn’s hair.

“I know, and I am so happy that I met you. You, James, and Tyler helped us a whole lot. We’re so lucky to have an awesome record label.”

“I’m so glad Chris and Becca expanded their reach to rock and metal musicians. Without them, I wouldn’t have met you. I love you, Kaitlyn, and I can’t wait to see you grow into the talented artist you are.”

Kaitlyn turned around to face MC and kissed her deeply. She pulled away slightly, “I love you too, MC.”

[itsawinwinthing]

Cell Block Tango  - Sebastian Stan (Ch 4)

Pairing: Sebastian Stan x Original Female Character

Word count: 2079

A/N: I love writing this story!

Warnings: none 

_______________________________________________________________________

2 weeks later

NICOLA's P.O.V

"Nicola Elaine Deitrich! You need to get up! you have a very important meeting to get to this morning and you cannot afford to be late!" My best friend Rachel yells at me, pulling on my covers and dragging me out of my bed.

"How did you get into my apartment," I say through my grogginess, as I threw a pillow at her knocking her off my bed with a thud.

"You forget that I know how to pick a lock," She retorts back, scooping up my bedding and tossing it back on the bed.

"True New Yorker right here folks," I exclaim to the non-existent audience, sometimes I feel as though the two of us could have our own reality show with the dynamic we have between the two of us

"Oh, hush up will ya, get your ass in the shower woman!" She exclaims shoving me forcefully towards the bathroom.

To catch you up on what has occurred these last few weeks, after Chris and Sebastian had asked me if I'd like to be managed by the same agency they did not for a single second fail me. After the weekend of the senior show had finished an agent got into contact with me and asked if I would meet with them to discuss what a future with them may look like. Needless to say, I am beyond nervous, ecstatic, and petrified all at once!

Once I had finished up getting ready, my blonde hair was pulled back into a cute messy ponytail, and the feeling I was overdressed I trotted down the hallway to my living room. Stopping in front of the kitchen, waiting for Rachel to turn around. She turned around, taking a drink of my orange juice out of the carton before choking on it almost instantly.

"Holy shit," She gawked.

"Too much?" I asked awkwardly, but she just stood there looking at me, "Oh Lord, I knew it was too much," I cursed.

"No! no! no! Cole, it isn't too much, you just look like a million bucks," She smiled sweetly kissing my forehead, "Now. Here, drinks some orange juice, chew some gums, and go kicks some ass," She stated kindly.

"I'll call you as soon as I get out of the meeting ok," I explain as I head for the door, taking a glance at the clock on my wall, I had 30 minutes to get to the agency and not screw up this opportunity.

. . .

Good god Nicola, could your hands be any clammier, calm yourself you're a professional woman, showcase that. I struggled to keep myself together, I had never been so anxious in my life, but I'm going to the one thing I knew how to do best, and I was going to act my nervous ass through this meeting. I sat on the subway rubbing my hands against either other to try and minimize the moistness of my palms before the automated voice over the speaker notified us that we were at my stop.

I walked down the sidewalk, glancing up at the address on the sign of the building before strolling inside and heading to the 14th floor. I was the only one in the elevator so I took the opportunity to take a couple deep breaths, knowing that Sebastian and Chris were the ones who set up this opportunity for me and I was not about to waste it. Before I could fully prepare the elevator dinged, I took one more deep breath and walked out and up to the lady at the desk.

"Good morning miss, how can I help you?" She asked kindly.

"Yes, hello, I have a meeting with Janelle Baron this morning," I say softly, trying to hide my nervous and not come off too strong.

"You must be Nicola Dietrich," She grinned widely, "Janelle has been looking forward to meeting you for weeks, please take a seat and she will be right with you," She instructed sweetly as I felt butterflies erupt inside of me. Was Janelle Baron really excited to meet me? I sat there twiddling my thumbs and mentally calming myself as I sat there and waited.

"Ms. Dietrich," I heard, pulling me from my thought as a very poised late 40's African-American woman approached me, "I'm Janelle Baron, it's an absolute pleasure to meet you," She chuckled shaking my hand.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Baron," I smiled back.

"Please Mrs. Baron is my mother-in-law, call me Janelle. If you'll follow me we have been waiting for you," She motioned as I began to follow her.

"We?" I questioned curiously, wondering who else would be meeting with us, and she simply nodded in response as we made small talk walking through the corridor before she ushered me into a large glass conference room.

My heart nearly stopped as I turned my attention from her and to the other people inside the room waiting for our arrival. It was Chris and Sebastian, and a man whose face seemed familiar, but a name wouldn't come to me.

"Nicola!" Chris cheered jovially, hopping up from his seat quickly as Sebastian and the other man finished up their conversation, "So nice to see you again! You look great!" He chuckled wrapping me in a big hug, lifting me off the ground.

"Hi Chris," I giggled, hugging him back, as my eyes flickered over his shoulder to see Sebastian standing there, a soft smile on his face. Chris set me back on the ground, Janelle getting a nice laugh out of Chris' reaction to seeing me again.

"Hello Nicola, you look fantastic," Sebastian smiled softly before stepping forward to give me a hug, he smelt the same way he did the first time we met, and it made this strange heat radiate in my chest.

"Wow ok, how am I suppose to top that Seb," The man behind him gawks jokingly.

"You don't," Sebastian chuckles, releasing me from his grasp.

"Come on man," He chuckles before returning his attention to me, "Hello there, sorry, my names Anthony Mackie, it's nice to meet you, Nicola, I've heard a lot about you," He grinned. Anthony Mackie, this name, I knew this name, I knew that he seemed familiar to me.

"Nice to meet you as well Anthony," I smiled back, shaking his hand.

"Ok lady and gents lets take a seat shall we?" Janelle said, motioning for us to take a seat. Chris, Sebastian, and Anthony sat on the other side of the table from Janelle and me, listening intently.

"Chris and Sebastian tell me and I quote that you are 'jaw-droppingly talented' based off of watch you perform at Tisch a few weeks ago," Janelle states, smiling up at me, but I was without words, all of this was so insane, and to know that these ridiculously talented men thought that about me was crazy. I shifted my gaze to the men across the table who were grinning like absolute idiots.

"That's very kind of them," I mutter.

"What I want to know Nicola is, do you have what it takes to not just pursue this kind of career, but be successful at it as well? There's plenty of actors who made it but aren't very successful, and I want you to be successful Nicola," She asks straight, the smile fading from my face as I realized the seriousness of her voice. It wasn't rude, or inquisitive, it was a genuine question, and she was looking for a genuine answer and I was going to give her one.

"Yes, ma'am I believe I will be. I have the drive, determination . . ." I say, and not wanting to sound cocky I paused until I realized I need to be confident in myself, ". . . And I have the talent to succeed ma'am, this is my passion ... no, it's not just a passion, it's my life, and I'd do anything to live out this life," I say passionately, "Not acting, is not an option for me," I say softer, trying to tone down my intensity, but it was true acting was everything, and doing anything else wasn't an option for me.

The room stayed silent for a long moment as Janelle scribbled into what looked like some sort of document. I looked over at the guys, nervous that I had come off too desperate, Chris sent me and wink and Sebastian nodded reassuringly.

"Ms. Dietrich if you don't mind signing this for me, then we'll have a deal," She smiled.

"A deal?" I ask.

"Yes, Nicola, a contract that I will represent you as your agent form this agency," She giggled, sliding the document over to me.

"Really?" I beamed, trying to not geek out too soon, "Thank you, Janelle, I will not disappoint," I say more calm and professional, taking the pen and signing the contract as Chris and Sebastian quickly high-five one another.

"I know you won't, and Nicola after you graduate I'll need you to get new headshots taken before we start scouting out  auditions for you?" She smiled before saying her goodbye's and ushering me out of the room.

SEBASTIAN's P.O.V

I sat there chatting back and forth with Mackie and Chris when the sound of muffled voices echoed off the glass walls. I glanced up for a moment to see Janelle walking down the hallway with Nicola, a strange heat began to radiate through my chest and I laid eyes on her, she looked absolutely stunning, and I was about to make an absolute fool of myself if I didn't get a grip.

When she walked into the room Chris quickly enveloped her in a hug, and I couldn't help put a smile.

NICOLA's P.O.V

I walked towards the elevator so lost in my own thoughts and emotions that I didn't even realize what was physically happening in front of me.

"Earth to Nicola," Chris muttered, waving his hand in front of my face, snapping me back to reality.

"I think we may have lost her," Sebastian chuckles. Without even thinking about what I was doing I threw my arms around Sebastian burying my face into his denim shirt, "Woah, Nicola it's ok," He laughed softly holding onto me.

"Thank you," I whispered softly, releasing myself from his grasp, keeping hold of his forearm "To both of you," I say grabbing onto Chris's arm as well, "This is a debt I'll never be able to repay either of you," I stated looking back a forth from one to the other.

"There is nothing to repay," Chris assured putting his hand on my shoulder.

"We saw real talent, and we jumped at the opportunity to give that talent a shot," Sebastian added on.

"Thank you guys seriously from the bottom of my heart, thank you," I exclaimed, the sincerity oozing from my voice as we exited the elevator, "One more day and I'll be out of college and on to the rest of my life," I say as we step out onto the busy New York street.

"Nicola?" Sebastian said, grabbing my attention.

"Mhmm," I responded.

"Before we go, we should exchange numbers," Chris suggested, and simultaneously the three of us traded phones before returning them to their rightful owners.

"One more thing before you go," Sebastian said, "Would you do us the honor of allowing us to cheer you on at your graduation tomorrow?" He asked as Chris rested his hand on Sebastian's shoulder, a nervous smile dancing across his lips.

"You really want to come to my graduation?" I asked.

"Absolutely! We'd be delighted," Chris smiled.

"Ok, I'll uh, leave two tickets at the box office for you. It's at Yankee Stadium tomorrow 12:00," I informed them.

Butterflies fluttering around in my stomach as I hugged these men for the 3rd time today before we parted ways. I turned back slightly, glancing through the sea of people to see Sebastian looking back, a massive grin spread across his face before he turned back and disappeared into the abyss of people.

chapter 5

[evdothansen]

Fix It (Jelly Legs, Pt. II) – Michael Mell x Heere!Reader

Author’s Note: Part One Here! I would like to say that I’m surprised at the angsty-ish turn this took like,,, that was not my plan. But I think y’all will like it.

Pairing: Michael Mell x Heere!Reader;

Request: not specifically reqquested but that anon did ask for more michael stuff so here i am;

Word Count: 2211;

TW: swearing as usual;

“Look, it’s not what you’re thinking, Jer.” Was the first thing any of you said after a tense moment. Michael looked at his best friend with caution, both hands in front of his body. That had been a specially unlucky statement, for it was probably exactly what Jeremy was thinking. Jeremy crossed his arms and shook his head.

“It’s exactly what I’m thinking, Michael!”

“We were just – ”

“Just what?” Jeremy interrupted him. “Come on, finish that sentence. I wanna hear it.”

Michael staggered for a moment then looked at his feet. You fidgeted with your hands before looking up at your brother. “We were just hanging out, Jeremy.”

He looked at you and you realized he felt betrayed. You hadn’t been scared of your brother like this for years now, although you didn’t think he was right. “Yeah, right. I saw you just, you know, hanging out, Y/N.”

“Bro, look – ”

“Michael, no.” Jeremy cut him off again, getting more pissed by the minute. “I mean, seriously? Y/N, you told me you were going to Christine’s house, and now you call me so I can rush to the hospital and find out you were with Michael? And he broke his leg? And you weren’t just with Michael, you were – you were all over each other!”

“Let’s not exaggerate, please.” You told him with the last bit of sarcasm you had.

“Oh, give me a break!” He threw his hands in the air. “I just found out that my best friend and my little sister have been making out, and I don’t know for how long!”

“We’re in a hospital, Jeremy!” You told him. “Quit the tantrum, for God’s sake!”

“Tantrum? Oh, don’t you –”

“Okay, dude, that’s enough.” Michael told him restrainedly. “You saw something you dislike for some reason, okay. We can talk about it, if you think it’s that big of a deal. Just… Just stop taking it out on Y/N.”

“Oh, so now you’re gonna defend my sister?” Jeremy posed.

“Of course I’m gonna defend your sister, Jeremy.” Michael replied, still calm but visibly not just brave enough to take back your hand. If Jeremy could actually look at his face, he would have seen he was sweating a lot.

“I don’t wanna imagine –”

“Oh, stop.” You cut him off. “I’ve had enough! Look, Jeremiah, your best friend just broke his leg. From what the nurse said, he should be in a good enough amount of pain. He certainly doesn’t need nor deserve your little show about this. Not now, not later. It’s not like you own either of us.”

Jeremy seemed stunned. Silence fell between the three of you for what seemed like an eternity. Then, the door creaked open and the nurse came back in, looking at the three of you awkwardly. He cleaned his throat, looking at Michael’s cast and knocking on it. “Well, Mr. Mell, looks like you’re good to go. They will rent crutches for you at the reception, if so you wish. Now, if your girlfriend could be so kind to take the X-Ray papers, maybe –”

“Jeremy, come on, bro!” Michael called, interrupting the nurse as you brother stormed off the small room. Through the window, he gave you both the middle finger, and Michael sighed audibly.

You rapidly fetched the envelope from the nurse’s hand and helped Michael down the hospital bed where he had been sitting. He put his arm around your shoulder for support, and you two stumbled up to the reception, where he got crutches. While you waited for the woman to finish the paperwork on it, you realized you boyfriend looked pretty beaten. Of course he does, Y/N, you mentally slapped yourself. He broke his leg and now his best friend isn’t talking to him. You subtly took his hand, running your thumb over his knuckles soothingly. “Hey.” You called him, but he didn’t look at you at first. “I’m sorry for this, okay? I’ll make it up to you, I swear. It was a dumb idea, and I’m sorry Jeremy got head over heels about –”

“Y/N.” He chuckled slightly, finally looking up at you. “Don’t lose your mind over this. It wasn’t your fault. Okay, the leg probably was –”

“I’ll let you have that.” You mumbled, smiling a little.

“But it’s not your fault that Jeremy still hasn’t grown up, okay? Or mine.” He told you rather bitter-sweetly, then sighed, intertwining your fingers. “I just wish –”

“It hadn’t happened, I know.” You completed him.

“You Heeres have this annoying habit of cutting people off and being wrong about what they were saying, you know that?” He told you, narrowing his eyes. “Of course not, Y/N. I had one of the best nights in my life. I would redo it all over again, if it meant I’d still be here, with you.” He said, squeezing your hand in reassurance. You blushed a little, looking down at your feet for a moment. “I just – I just wish Jeremy could be ok with this, you know.”

“He will be, even if I have to make him.” You replied, but Michael offered you a sad smile and turned away. “I mean, what arguments does he have? That we’re spending more time together? Fine, then what?”

“Then maybe,” he spoke slowly, still not looking at you. “maybe he doesn’t want or trust a guy like me to be with you.”

It took you a good whole minute to understand what Michael was saying. What did he mean, not trust? Michael was Jeremy's best friend for all his life! You knew Jeremy trusted him more than he trusted you even, that Michael was his favourite person in the world. Then it hit you, heavy like an anchor. All of your little feuds aside, Jeremy loved you and wanted the best only for you. Michael, despite having spent his entire life by your side, didn't think he was enough. You looked at him, surprised. He was still staring at the walls, as if they were telling him something. You could see the pain in his eyes, and something told you it didn't come from his leg.

When you looked at him, you couldn't help but ne flustered. Michael was handsome in his nerdy way, with his naturally tanned skin (although he almost never saw the sun) and pitch black hair. His features were smooth, and you always felt an urge to straighten his glasses. He also happened to be one of the best people you'd ever known – Michael was always there if any of his friends needed them, didn't stress over the status quo and his presence had a calming effect on you. But, for a second, you tried to see Michael as he saw and described himself. A loser in High School, who didn't have any friends except for Jeremy and you. A loner to most of the people, a stoner and a geek who had a special appreciation for old garbage and things said to be lame. Your felt your eyes watering. How could Michael ever – no. You quickly wiped your eyes, squeezing his hand. "Michael, you are –"

And, just then, the woman arrived with his crutches. You helped him up and onto them, and the two of you started wondering how you'd get home when you both saw Jeremy sitting inside the PT Cruiser. Oh, boy, that would be a ride. 

Jeremy silently drove until Michael’s house, where all of you hopped out. You helped Michael out and into the house, where he kissed your temple and said it’d be fine, and you should go. You hugged him and gave him the Cruiser’s keys before walking out again.

You and your brother walked back to your house, which thankfully wasn’t that far away. He didn’t say a word until you two reached your porch and you waited for him to open the door. “I don’t have my keys.” Your brother mumbled, and you sighed before ringing the doorbell. “Wait, I thought you had yours with you!”

“Jeremy, I don’t have keys to our house.” You told him bitterly. “Remember? You convinced dad I’m not old enough to be trustworthy.”

“Oh, so now you’re gonna take it out on me?” He protested, and you turned to look at him.

“Yes! Yes, I am, Jeremy!” You yelled, not caring anymore. “You don’t have any rights to act like a jerk about this, and, even if you did, do you know how bad you’re making Michael feel?”

His glare hesitated for a second before he started looking angry again. “The two of you were snuggling behind my back and you’re talking about Michael feeling bad?”

“What is so scandalous about me and Michael dating, anyways, Jeremy?”

“Wait, what do you mean you and Michael are dating?,” a third voice said, and only then you realized your dad had opened the door and was observing both of you.

“D-dad!” You said, taken aback. “Hi!”

“Wait, Y/N, are you and Michael dating?” Your dad ignored it, a smile growing on his face. You not answering probably said enough. “That’s so great, sweetie! He’s a good boy, I’ve always known it.”

You smiled at your dad awkwardly and gave your brother a look. “Yeah, I know, dad. I like him a lot.”

“And, I mean, it’s so good that it’s Michael, because he’s Jeremy’s best friend since pre-school and we know and trust him, right?” Your dad added enthusiastically, trying to maintain a conversation despite the facts that you and Jeremy were still standing outside, it was dark and he was not wearing any pants. You gave your brother another look, but he was now staring at the floor.

“Yeah, why don’t you tell Jeremy that, dad?��� You said as sweetly as you could, and he finally seemed to realize something was up. “Because he seems to have forgotten it.”

“Oh.” Your father said. “You two were fighting. Why – why don’t we all come in? As – as your dad, I probably –”

“Don’t bother, dad.” You told him with a genuine smile, entering your homeroom and leaving your coat by the hanger. Jeremy followed you and your father closed the door. “Jeremy just mistook his ass for a hat, it’s not your fault.”

“T-that was a little inappropriate, Y/N.” Your dad tried to reprehend you.

“Let her be, dad.” Jeremy said, looking beaten. “She… She’s right.”

“What is that?” You asked, furrowing your brow.

“You’re right, ok?!” He yelled at you, and you took a step back. “I’ve been an asshole to you the whole night. Neither you nor Michael deserve it.”

“Is that supposed to be an apology?”

“Ok, I know, I don’t deserve it.” He told you hurriedly, and you kept your hands on your hips. “It’s just… You just… You caught me by surprise! Michael never told me nothing, and Michael tells me everything. I never realized you liked him, and we live in the same house! I wasn’t – I wasn’t waiting for it.”

“That’s still not a good enough reason to yell at me inside a hospital and make your best friend feel like crap, Jeremy!” You told him, still a little mad. “Did you know he thinks he isn’t enough? Michael doesn’t exactly have a great self-esteem and you know it, do you think you made his situation any better by yelling at him when you saw us kissing?”

“Wait, you and Michael were kissing inside a hospital?” Your dad interrupted, and Jeremy turned to him.

“Yes, they were! Anyone would have freaked out!” Jeremy defended himself, and you exploded.

“No, not anyone! Anyone would’ve acted normally, except for the one person Michael needed to act normally and supportively at that moment – you! His best friend, my brother!”  

None of you said anything for a while. You stared at Jeremy angrily, but you were becoming more upset and less mad at the situation. Your eyes started watering as he continuously stared at the ground, a million things going through his mind. You could see regret growing bigger inside his eyes. Your father just looked from one to the other, as discreetly as you could.

“Okay.” Jeremy finally said. “I fucked up, you’re right. I’ll make it up to both of you, Y/N, I swear.”

You wiped a single tear from your cheek, reaching for your phone as it vibrated inside your pocket. “Yeah, you better.” You told him, and then looked at the screen. When you read the incoming text, you felt a knot coming up your throat. It was a text from Michael. You let out a sob and shoved the phone into Jeremy’s hands, biting your lips as you choked back the tears. He read it aloud.

“Hey, Y/N. Look, Jeremy’s probably right. You deserve better than your brother’s best friend, a complete loser, ok? Keep that in mind, make things less hard and please don’t try to call.” Your brother looked up at you and opened his mouth, but you took your phone back and ran as fast as you could to the bathroom in the corridor. “Y/N! Y/N, come back! I’ll fix it, I – I promise!” His voice broke and faded as you locked the door, falling into the ground.

[dancingalone21]

Boner

Summary: The reader moves into a new town and finds out something surprising about her gorgeous neighbor.

Pairing: neighbor!Dean x Reader

Requested: @whispersandwhiskerburn

~

Change.

You’ve never despised a word so much in your god damn life. It mocks you, rips every little aggravation from the world and throws it right into your fucking face. It’s turned your life completely and totally upside down. Then it spun you the fuck around just to make sure you’re officially screwed.

Having just moved from New York two weeks ago, you can now call Nashville home. Forget a different state, you feel like you’re in a freaking different reality. The friendly residents alone throw you for a loop. You’re slightly convinced that they have some ulterior motive. Then again considering the shady fuckers in your past, you could just be paranoid. 

Growing up in a big city has given you a tough exterior that the men around here seem to be intimated by. It must be the way you carry yourself, also the permanent bitch face that you’ve acquired over the years.

You’ve finally settled into your new country home, a charming ranch that looks like it was pulled right from Better Homes & Gardens. It’s nothing spectacular but it feels like a mansion compared to your old cramped one bedroom apartment back home.

To say you still feel like an outcast in your own neighborhood is definitely an understatement. The constant pleasantries from a lot of your nearby neighbors is exhausting. How the fuck did you end up in the Brady Bunch?

“You see that Infiniti parked next to Nancy’s car? That’s her brothers car.” Your nosy neighbor Mrs. Simmons points to a red house that’s a few doors down from your own. The woman acts like she’s filling you in on government secrets.

“Oh ok.” You barely mumble, wondering why the fuck you need to know that.

“Nancy drives a black SUV and her husband Bill drives a gray Tacoma truck. Just letting you know, dear. So you don’t get nervous if you see a car you don’t recognize. He visits from time to time.”

Is this ridiculous chick for real? In New York, if there wasn’t a random drunken bum passed out on your apartment steps then it was a good day.

“Oh! And you know the Winchesters live right next to you in the blue house. So the black Impala belongs to…”

“I’m sorry but I’m gonna have to get going.” You sweetly cut her off, enjoying the confusion that appears on her face.

“Are you sure, Y/N? There’s much more I need to fill you in on!”

“I have…a lasagna in the oven. I just planned on running out to check the mail and then you were were walking by…”

“Oh alright. Well stop by soon!” Mrs. Simmons sings finally moving in the direction towards her own house. Which just so happens to be directly across the street from your own. Ugh.

You rush inside hoping to avoid anyone else, glancing at the bad ass black Impala in your neighbors driveway. It’s a gorgeous car and it belongs to an even more gorgeous man. Of course he’s a gorgeous married man with a beautiful wife and two adorable little kids.

It’s freaking fantastic. It’s just what you need on your friggin plate. A daily reminder that you’re braving this lame world alone. A reminder that your own marriage blew the fuck up, barely allowing you to crawl out in one piece. A constant punch in the gut that pulls you out of your false sense of happiness.

You’ve only spoken to the wife briefly, a quick ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ and Kelly was off to her nursing job. Dean on the other hand is around more with the kids, he’s been nice enough to take care of some handy work around the house for you. Helpful bastard.

Aggravated that you don’t actually have a lasagna in your oven, you whine to yourself about the noises your stomach is making. Grabbing your phone and keys in a huff, it’s off to the stupid supermarket you go.

“Hey neighbor!” You automatically know who that deep, sinful voice belongs to. Demanding yourself to ignore him, you quickly make a beeline to your Honda Accord. The immediate blush on your cheeks is embarrassing enough. You don’t need to glance in his direction to know he looks hot as hell.

“What’s up, Y/N?”

“Oh. Uhh…just heading out for some groceries.” You look down to the ground and shyly tuck a few strands behind your ear, missing the boyish grin he throws your way.

“You?”

“I’m supposed to mow the lawn but I’m procrastinating. I’ve just been fucking around outside, tidying up the kids toys and stuff.”

“Sounds fun. I’m surprised they’re not outside running around like usual.” You smirk, thankful you’re not stuck in that particular hell just yet.

“The kids are at their grandparents lake house for the weekend. Kelly too. They’ll be home in a couple of days.” The flirty gleam in his eye flashes so fast you’re not sure if you imagined it.

“Ah. Why didn’t you go?”

“Eh. Didn’t feel like it. I rather have some me time. To feel like a normal adult for a little while.” He snickers loudly, scratching at the scruff on his chin and it’s annoyingly distracting.

“Makes sense…”

“So watcha doing later?” Dean asks mischievously, his sexy bowlegs carrying him dangerously closer to you.

“Just hanging out. You?” You nervously chew your bottom lip, for some reason this friggin man turns you to complete mush.

“Same. So since I finally have the house to myself. Wanna come over?”

“Uhh come over?”

“Yeah. I can make you dinner or we can just order in and watch a movie. I’m sure there’s something good on Netflix. Whatever you want.” He shrugs sweetly then licks his pink plump lips. Oh god, those fucking lips.

“Just the two of us?”

“Yup. Just you and me, sweetheart.”

“I…I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Oh. You mean the date in general or…”

“Date.” Your eyes widen, shocked at how casual he’s being about this. You don’t know him very well but you can usually spot a douchebag from miles away.

“Are you serious?”

“Uh yeah. If you’re not interested then that’s cool. I guess it could get complicated since we’re neighbors and if it didn’t work out…” Dean trails off, now awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

“Yeah. Not to mention that your wife and kids are also my neighbors.” You snap before speed walking to get into your Accord.

“Wait…” Dean’s long legs are annoyingly faster so he quickly blocks your car door, refusing to let you get in.

“Sorry, dude. I’m not gonna help you cheat.” You scoff with a scowl before giving up and racing into your house. So much for buying mother fucking food.

“My…what?!” Dean calls after you, now hot on your tail but you thankfully bolt inside before he can follow you.

“Fuck.” He growls under his breath, banging on your door before he stubbornly marches around to the back of your house.

“Y/N. Open up!” He demands before deciding to just stroll right on in. Granted it’s not the best idea but Dean isn’t caring at the moment.

“Did you seriously just barge through the back door and waltz in here uninvited.” You groan meeting him in your kitchen.

“Well yeah but I have a legit reason.” He explains, ignoring the dramatic eye roll in his direction.

“Oh this should be good. Let me guess…the spark is gone in your marriage but you stay for the kids. So you’re actually a decent guy, just in a tough situation. Aw poor you.” You laugh humorlessly.

“There’s been a huge misunderstanding.” Dean states now clearly amused with this whole situation.

“I’m glad you think this is funny.”

“I do. I think it’s really funny actually.”

“Get out, Dean.”

“Who the hell told you that Kelly’s my wife? She’s my sister. And Amy and Brian are my niece and nephew.” He carefully moves a little closer to you, still unsure if you’ll believe him.

“What…but I heard Amy call you daddy the other day. When you guys were playing in the front yard.” You respond skeptically.

“She’s only two, Y/N. I try to correct her but it never sticks. Especially since I’m around all the time, I don’t blame the kid for being confused.”

Well this is…unexpected. Fuck. His words and actions actually seem genuine, you now feel your anger start to slip away. You better not be wrong about this, you hope to God that you’re not being blinded by his insane good looks.

“Why do you wear a wedding ring around your neck then?”

“It’s my mom’s wedding band. She died five years ago and it’s just something I did to feel close to her and it stuck.” He tells you, his hand tightly grasping the gold chain on his chest.

Hmmmm. Why the hell doesn’t the man have his own place? He’s in his early thirties. You know he owns his own construction company so it doesn’t make any sense.

“Why are you living with your sister? Do you have a gambling problem? Did you lose all of your money to some card shark?” You wonder giggling, not able to keep a straight face as you finish your questions.

“I have plenty of money! Thank you very much.” He smirks back feeling relieved that your demeanor towards him has changed. You notice his expression suddenly grow serious a second later.

“My brother in law died about a year and a half ago from a heart attack. With my sister being a nurse and her long hours, along with two little kids…she needed help. Babysitters weren’t cutting it and she didn’t like random people with the kids anyways. So I told her I’d move in and help out so here I am.”

“Oh. That’s…nice of you.”

“I’m really surprised you didn’t know all of this.” Dean rubs his hand over his face looking a little tired and now you feel like an asshole.

“How would I know if you or Kelly didn’t tell me?”

“I saw you talking to Mrs. Simmons who lives for neighborhood gossip. She’s just the worst. I thought for sure she would have told you all of that. She’s done it before with new neighbors.” Dean sighs heavily, giving you a grateful smile when you hand him a beer.

“She actually tried talking about you but I shut it down. I could only take so much.” You crack up pulling a cute laugh from his sexy lips.

“So how about that date?” Dean winks, slipping back into his charming self as he shoots you a drop dead smile.

“Yes definitely. How about you make dinner and I’ll bring the dessert? Maybe cookies or something. Oh! How about pie? It’s my favorite.” You reply excitedly.

“I’m not sure if you’re trying to turn me on but I have a boner now.” Dean grins wickedly making your mouth drop open.

“Wow, Winchester. You must really like pie.” You laugh out, now completely taken with the man before you.

“Yeah I like pie…among other things.” Dean bites his bottom lip while his eyes scan your body and you immediately feel your cheeks heat up.

Well, shit. Maybe change isn’t such a bad thing.

~

[thatssonanii]

Line In The Sand - Chapter 5 (Pt. 1)

Tama Tonga/OC

The next morning, Sevyn was up bright and early ready for her long trip. Colin had promised to take her to see her father this weekend and hadn’t gone back on his word. He more than likely had business to handle somewhere near Orlando since he was going along with her. Pablo and Tama accompanied them to Colin’s jet, Johnny had gotten the weekend off to spend with his family.

 During their flight, Tama kept his focus on his phone and the conversation he was having with Pablo and Colin. He didn’t spare Sevyn a second look. A part of him was upset with how she stormed away off the night before, he was one to talk through his issues. Just like the first night he had met her, he followed her to the bedroom she occupied last night to finish talking but she had pushed a dresser in front of the door as well as locking it. He could’ve gotten inside if he wanted to but it would make way too much noise and alert everyone.

 Sevyn storming off made it easier for him to keep his urge to fuck her at bay. As long as she ignored him and refused to finish their conversation, Tama wouldn’t lay a finger on her. He could feel Sevyn’s eyes boring a hole in his face but he refused to meet her gaze.

 The most Tama did was escort her from the jet and into the SUV. She offered him a thank you to which he nodded then moved to the front seat with Pablo.

 “We’re going to go see her father then I need to go to Maggie’s house, Pablo. After that, she can go back to the hotel for the night.” Colin relayed staring down at his phone.

 “Who is Maggie, Col?”

 Colin dropped his phone in his lap to focus all of his attention on his wife. His blue eyes were ablaze with irritation. If Sevyn could be as silent as she is when they are in public all the time, Colin wouldn’t complain one bit. She is beautiful in his eyes, the most gorgeous thing he had ever laid eyes on but she talked entirely too much for him.

 “If I wanted to tell you who she was right this second, I would have given you the information,” he deadpanned. “You will meet her later.”

 Sevyn sat behind the driver seat which gave Tama the perfect view of her from his seat on the passenger side. He watched her deflate into her seat as Colin talked down to her. The drive to her father’s house seem to drag on to Tama, he wanted to hurry and get there so he could see what was happening.

  Tama got ready to get out along with Colin and Sevyn only to be stopped by Pablo. He searched Pablo’s face for an answer but he only got a head shake. After closing his door, he slouched in his seat and pulled at his beard wondering why they weren’t going inside.

 “You don’t have to come to the back room. You can just sit in the living room,” Sevyn offered as they approached the modern two-story home.

 “And miss the freak show,” Colin chuckled. “Not a chance in hell. I wanna see my money at work. If it’s not up to par, I might just pull out.”

 “If you pull out then so will I.” Sevyn rolled her eyes ignoring Colin’s glare as she used her key to enter her childhood home.

 There was a nurse coming down the stairs just as the couple stepped inside. It was hard for Sevyn to read her face but that wasn’t unusual. The nurse approached her, pulling her into a tight hug as usual then gave Colin a polite nod.

 “Is he awake?” Sevyn whispered.

 “Wide awake. He must’ve known you were coming.” She laughed before letting Sevyn know that she would be in the kitchen preparing dinner. Colin pushed her towards the stairs, walking up closely behind her.

 She eased her father’s door open, honestly afraid of what she would find on the other side. “Hey Daddy. Look at you sitting up.” Forgetting all about Colin she rushed over to his bedside to hug him as tight as she could without hurting him.

“Hey there, ladybug. I didn’t know you were comin.”

 His voice was stronger than when she saw him a month prior. Though he was still a little on the thinner side than she was used to, he looked to be doing better.

 “I wanted to surprise you, Daddy. How are you feeling? The treatments helping?”

 He kissed the top of her head, urging her to sit beside him. “Your dear old pops is doin’ just fine. This cancer isn’t gonna get me down.”

 “Yeah,” Colin interjected, “Thanks to my money old Owen is doing just fine. Shit, he better be.”

 “Colin, leave. I don’t need you hovering over me,” Sevyn sneered.

 “You’ve got ten minutes and counting. Hurry up with the dead man.”

 Sevyn waited until Colin was gone to turn her attention back to her dad. He looked bothered, a bit angry.

 “Is he treatin’ you alright? I heard one of my nurses sayin’ she saw him pullin’ on you the last time yall came to see me.”

 “It was just a little disagreement, Daddy. We’re doing fine, you just worry about getting better.”

 Sevyn’s father, Owen, had no idea of the deal between his daughter and Colin. All he knew was that Colin had agreed to take care of his medical expenses until he no longer needed the help. Had Owen got wind of what Colin was putting his daughter through he would immediately refuse all the medical attention and get his only child away from Colin.

 “What are the doctors saying, Daddy?” She asked fearful of his response.

 “They say the treatments are workin’ so far. Your dad is doin’ alright.”

 “You’re in remission then?”

 He shook his head, bringing his hand up to her face to rub her cheek. “No, not yet. I’m still in the woods, Princess. But we’re almost out.”

 The bedroom door flew open, knocking harshly into the wall behind it startling Sevyn. Colin stood with a smile on his face. “Let’s go, Sevyn. Maggie is waiting.” She rose from her spot, crossing the room to get to her husband. “It hasn’t been ten minutes yet, Colin. You can go by yourself, I’ll just stay her with my dad.” Colin gripped her arm, pulling her out of the room with him. “We’ll come back before we leave. I want you to meet Maggie, that sack of bones isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.” Sevyn struggled to get out of his hold trying not to upset her dad, when she caught Colin’s stare she stopped then looked back at her dad one more time. “I’ll see you in a little while, Daddy. I love you, okay?”

 “Love you too, Princess. You take care of my baby, Colin. I mean that.”

 Sevyn slammed the SUV’s door, not bothering to wait for Colin or Pablo to get out and do it. She was beyond pissed. It had been a month since she had last seen her father only for Colin to interrupt their moment to go meet with someone, she probably wouldn’t even like.

 “You alright, Mrs. Harris?” Tama asked from the front seat.

 “She’s fine, Tama. Just a little upset. Nothing to worry about.”

 Even with Colin’s assurance, Tama didn’t believe it. She was upset, fresh tears were pooling in her eyes but she didn’t dare allow them to fall.

 “Don’t touch me,” she screeched snatching from Colin’s grasp.

 “Stop fucking yelling. I told you about showing your ass. Keep it up and I won’t let your ungrateful ass go back there.”

 “Fuck you, Colin. I can get out here and walk back, that way we can be rid of each other for the night. Maybe for life.”

 Quicker than Sevyn could rationalize, Colin had snatched her by her braids until she was halfway across the backseat. She whimpered softly trying to get out of his grasp but he was much stronger than her. “You won’t be satisfied until I break your fucking jaw. Watch the way you talk to me,” he yelled ignoring Pablo and Tama’s presence. “You do what the fuck I tell you to, when I tell you to. You are mine. Do you hear me? You’re mine!”

 “You’re hurting me. Let go,” she screamed clawing at his hands.

 “Watch that fucking tone or the next time I jut might take your breath away. Don’t fucking play with me.”

 Tama sat in the front seat clenching his fists until they had started to turn white at the knuckle. This is the first time he had seen someone put hands on a woman in front of him and he was completely conflicted. Pablo offered him a knowing glance before putting his eyes back on the road. Their job was far from easy, it took a lot of restraint to keep it.

 “When we get to Maggie’s you’re gonna act like you have sense. Right?”

 Sevyn ignored him, continuing to stare out of her window trying to ignore the throbbing pain in her head. It was beyond embarrassing for anyone to see her treated the way Colin does. It was one thing to do it in private but in front of others was pure humiliation.

 “Leave me alone, Colin. Please.”

  Upon entering Maggie’s home, Sevyn was already on alert from seeing Colin produce a house key from his pocket. Her home was almost the size of the one her and Colin shared, it was decorated tastefully but Sevyn still had no desire to be there. Colin led through the house until he met the woman Sevyn assumed to be Maggie in the large living area.

 “You made it! I didn’t think you would.”

 Sevyn took in everything about her. Maggie stood much taller than she, much slender and had much bigger breasts. Blonde hair and blue eyes. The kind of woman Colin dated before Sevyn, which always made Sevyn question why he wanted her. When Sevyn saw his lips come into contact with Maggie’s, she couldn’t help the involuntarily groan that left her lips. Colin stepped away turning to face Sevyn, Pablo and Tama with a genuine smile.

 “This is Maggie,” he introduced sweetly. “Maggie, you remember Pablo. That’s Tama, one of my newer guys and that beautiful piece of work is my wife.”

 “Why are you kissing her, Colin?” Sevyn asked feeling her blood boil. Sure, they didn’t love each other but could he not cheat in private like other men.

 “Watch your tone. I kiss her because I can and I want to. Is there a problem?”

 “Colin, seriously. This is extremely disrespectful. You brought me here to meet your side chick,” Sevyn snapped folding her arms across her chest, “Did you even tell her you were married?”

 “Of course I did. She knows that you are mine, my most valuable possession. I wouldn’t call her a side chick though,” he shrugged nonchalantly.  

 Colin and Maggie left the room talking and laughing quietly amongst each other. Sevyn looked to Pablo for answers. “I didn’t know, little bit. The times I’ve seen her it seemed to be business.”  She nodded feeling Tama’s eyes on her. It would be bad to meet his gaze, if she looked at him she would break down and this was not the place to do that.

 “We’re gonna be here all day, little bit. Want me to see if Tama can take you to the hotel or back to your dad’s?” Pablo asked softly. She nodded and he was off, leaving her alone with Tama.

 “You still don’t wanna talk to me, huh?” Tama whispered pulling on his beard.

Bit of a cliffhanger lol but only because there’s a lotto fit in wit Maggie‘s encounter

@lavitabella87

[crimsonrevolt]

Congratulations Jen you’ve been accepted to Crimson Revolt as Emma Vanity!

↳ please refer to our character checklist

Jen -- your applications are always so thought through and developed, and it’s such a joy to read through them because it’s always so easy to see how invested you are in the character you’re applying for. I love how you shaped Emma and thought about who she is as a person and what her ambitions are, and how highly central her drive is (even when it might be hidden behind false smiles and a pretty appearance.) If that hadn’t sold me alone, all of the effort you took into the headcanons and your in character section would have done the trick. I’m already so excited to see where you take Emma and can’t wait to see you play out this journey with her!  *your faceclaim change to Camila Mendes has been accepted!

application beneath the cut

OUT OF CHARACTER

INTRODUCTION

Jen, GMT, 22, she/her

ACTIVITY

I still have characters in other rps and obviously Greta in this one also but I am still reasonably confident that I’ll be able to do replies every other day or every two days.

TRIGGERS

*removed for privacy

HOW DID YOU FIND US?

I am a member of this wonderful group!

WHAT HARRY POTTER CHARACTER DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH MOST?

This is such a tough one to me because they’re all so near and dear to my hearts. If you were asking me to pick a favourite then it would be a tie between the twins and Ginny but as for which one I relate to most I would probably have to go for Mrs Weasley. Family is hugely important to me and I think that being open and caring are two of the most important things a person can be and those are two things that she embodies and that I strive for.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Nothing I can think of!

IN CHARACTER

DESIRED CHARACTER

Emma Helena Vanity

FACE CLAIM

I’d like to use Camila Mendes for her please!

REASON FOR CHOSEN CHARACTER

At the beginning I was only every going to play one muse but because I have no self restraint I found myself flicking through the untaken skeletons one day and Emma stood out to me again. I am a complete sucker for driven women who take no prisoners, letting no one get in the way of what they want, and she is exactly that.

What strikes me about Emma is that her most defining characteristics are all things she keeps hidden beneath polished smiles, a pristine appearance and polite conversation. She’s a girl who wants the best and will settle for nothing less, embracing the role she’s been cast in simply because it suits her best interest. Despite her annoyance at being seen as more of a doll than an equal, she plays herself up in that part because people consistently underestimate her which hugely works in her favour when it comes to getting what she wants.

I love that she is wholly out for herself, no time to give others consideration when she drives herself so strongly. Completely unapologetic about any lack of genuine care, she’s gotten very good at faking interest in people to later use information or favours she’s given them to her advantage.

She is endlessly confident and assured of her life choices and the way she holds herself. So much so that she finds it easy to critique others on the way that they go about their lives while holding herself higher than them.

I think in her mind she’s got her life all planned out, goals set in place that she intends to be as unmovable as she is. Except I would love to start testing her and seeing if things change for her and opinions begin to shift or she’ll just always be completely set in her ways.

PREFERRED SHIPS // CHARACTER SEXUALITY // GENDER & PRONOUNS

Emma is bisexual and biromantic though she will only officially be seen to date men in order to keep up with appearances. She recognises that playing her part in pureblood society is necessary in order too get what she wants and to do that she needs to marry into a good family- eventually. This isn’t to say that she wouldn’t and hasn’t happily be with another woman or someone who isn’t pureblooded just the relationship is almost guaranteed to be kept a secret at the time and after its end.

I just see Emma and chemistry really but the most important thing would be that whoever she ends up with she’s her for what she is- someone to be a partner not just a prize or an accomplishment. Anyone who thought she was just another pretty face would not be someone she’d ever be truly happy with even though she’d probably settle for someone she could tolerate.s

She identifies as female and uses she/her pronouns

CREATE ONE (OR MORE!) OF THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR CHARACTER:

Anything I have for Emma can be found here: https://vanityxe.tumblr.com/

IN CHARACTER QUESTIONNAIRE

♔ If you were able to invent one spell, potion, or charm, what would it do, what would you use it for or how would you use it? Feel free to name it:

A light little hum is given at the question. “Well, it would be foolish for me not to want to invent something to aid me in my profession, would it not?” It’s rhetorical just like almost all of her questions are when she hardly cares about other people’s answers but she still does the polite thing and pauses for a moment to allow input before continuing. “The real question would be how could I possibly improve upon what is out there already? As much as I can find it soothing the upkeep of my broom can be rather tiresome after a hard match so perhaps a spell that would either speed the process up or do it for me completely.”

♔ You have to venture deep into the Forbidden Forest one night. Pick one other character and one object (muggle or magical), besides your wand, that you’d want with you:

Emma wrinkles her nose delicately at the thought which would naturally be abhorrent to a lady such as herself. “I cannot say I’ve ever thought too much about this- it’s hardly a proper pastime. But I suppose I would take some enchanted thread or map to ensure I would be able to find my way out.” Pearly teeth gently chew on her lower lip as she forms the answer that’s expected from her. “Why, I suppose I would take any strong young man who could help keep me safe in there. I’m precious cargo, am I not?” She laughs, practised enough times that it sounds genuine without her features creasing too much.

♔ What kinds of decisions are the most difficult for you to make?

“I don’t find any decisions particularly difficult when it’s a simple case of what’s best for me.” The girl paused, a delicate sigh exhaled as she decides that she can’t dodge the question so completely and at least a sliver of honest is needed. “Though I suppose I take slightly more time when it comes to how I choose to spend my personal time to balance enjoyment with opportunity.”

♔ What is one thing you would never want said about you?

It’s easy to answer- almost too easy really but she still takes a moment to pretend to contemplate it with one perfectly manicured nail resting on her cheek. “That I will never amount to anything.” A small smile then graces her lips, as though she was about to confess a secret. “Although that would only encourage me to work that little bit harder to prove them wrong.”

WRITING SAMPLE

Stepping out of the changing rooms with another win under her belt, the brunette was pleased with her performance and that of her team. Pleased but not satisfied. It had been a convincing enough win but it was easy for her to pick out mistakes from her play already. While the rest of her team favoured violence as a way to win, Emma had always preferred a more measured and clinical approach, only resorting to dirtier tactics if things weren’t going her way. She wanted to be the best on pure talent and skill alone, not how many cheap shots she took. Except today she’d allowed herself to get sucked into the rougher side of the game after she hadn’t been able to stop her blood from boiling after being called girlie and princess one too many times.

It had made her game too sloppy, not up to her usual polished standards and that meant that she would be spending even more of her time on the pitch in order to ensure that it’s not a mistake that she makes twice. With her bag resting on her shoulder, she make her way to the spot that she usually aparates home from while trying to smooth out the disappointed frown she knew was resting on her brow.

“Miss Vanity!” A voice called out to her and she turned to face them with a pleased smile on her face that someone had recognised her. The middle aged man jogs over to her, shoving a programme in her direction. “Would you sign this for me? Getting the signature best female seeker in the league was too good an opportunity to pass up.” His comment despite being well intended ate away at her already frayed nerves. It wasn’t good enough to her, not when she was one of only two starting seekers, four in the total of the league.

At that moment Emma wanted to do so much. She wanted to scrunch up her nose and purse her lips at the casual sexism. To stomp her foot and unleash her rage and frustration at always being placed second best. To demand that he considers her on level playing terms with her male counterparts. To rant or to put him in his place with some cutting or seething words. Except she does none of that. A hand rises to smooth down hair that she already knows is in place before she aims her perfect, practised smile his way as though he’s just given her the best compliment she’d ever received. “Well, I can only hope that one day I’ve improved enough to simply be the best.” The words are spoken so evenly with just the right amount of sweetness that any irritation she possessed was so easily cloaked by it.

Rather than deter her it was exchanges like these that simply propelled her forward. Gave her yet more incentive to keep going until no one could deny that she was the best not just in the league or the country but in the world. One day, she would have the pleasure of proving them all wrong and that alone was enough to make her smile so genuinely as she asked sweetly. “Now, who can I make this out to?”

[janeykath318]

Enterprise Models 6

Jenna was the last of her colleagues to get to the airport due to a misunderstanding on the departure time. Bones had texted her "Where are You?" A half hour ago and she'd replied with "Getting ready to leave. Don't we still have a half hour before we go to the airport?" "NO! Flight leaves at 8:00 sharp. Get your rear over here before Pike has a stroke. Don't want to stress a man his age." Jenna had promptly freaked out and tumbled the rest of her stuff in her suitcases, then called for a cab. She'd lecture Bones on his disrespect for Chris later. 

She made it through security in the nick of time and hauled her carry on over to her waiting friends. "Bout time ya got here!" Bones grumbled. "Wasn't my fault!" She panted. "I was told 8:30 two days ago!!" "Sorry about that, Jen," Pike said, appearing from behind Spock. "I dropped the ball on that. They changed the time late last night. Thought I had everyone notified." Jenna was slightly hurt at being forgotten by the object of her admiration, but he probably had a lot of details to take care of and it was understandable that he'd miss one of his many employees. She did a double take at the utter casual vibe he was  oozing in comfortable flying clothes. It was a side of her boss she hadn't seen before and hoped might indicate he would be a bit more relaxed with her. Leonard, however, looked grim and anxious as they waited to board, being severely aviophobic. "Deep breaths, Bones." Jenna encouraged him. "I'll sit beside you and chatter about stupid stuff to take your mind off things." She steered her friend on board and guided him to a seat, plopping down beside him with a sigh. It was going to be a long flight, but if things went to plan, Nero would soon be in prison and the long chase would be over. "What, you're not making him sit with Carol?" Chris joked, as he sat down on Leonard's other side. "Do I look like I have a death wish?" She asked. "Uhura and Spock will never let me hear the end of it if they had to endure a whole flight listening to those two argue, much as they enjoy UST. "Good point. I'm glad to see you do have some common sense," Chris said with a wink. If you only knew, thought Jenna, wondering what he'd say if he could see her doing her real job. She'd been known to get herself in some pretty tight jams because she tended to leap first, look later. There was that time in LA when she'd been involved in a high-speed pursuit and nearly got run off a bridge, then there was that crazy fight with the counterfeiters who turned out to have serious mixed martial arts skills....the list went on and on. "Yo, where are ya, Jen? You look like you're already in Paris or something." "Sorry Bones, I was thinking about the good old days." She scrambled to think about a modeling memory on the spot. "Like what?" He muttered, eyebrow rising suspiciously. "The time we went to Hawaii for a shoot and the native women were all over you and I got to walk around in gorgeous sundresses all day." Leonard rolled his eyes. "What a memory, all right. You wouldn't shut up about how you wanted to move there and have your own pineapple trees. And by the time we got back, you were red and peeling and Chris chewed you out for being out in the sun too much and getting burnt." Oh, she remembered that lecture, all right. Chris did too, judging by the grin on his face. "That was back in my young and stupid days," she said with a haughty sniff. "Now I know better, but I have every intention of returning to Hawaii some day, perhaps for a honeymoon, if I'm lucky enough to find Mr. Right." "Heaven help the man," Leonard muttered, earning himself another poke. "What, you're not up for the job, McCoy?" Chris asked, looking way too amused for her liking. "Nope. Just bein' her friend is exhausting enough." "You talk like I'm a high-maintenance woman, Bones. I'm a little insulted," Jenna put in with a mock wounded expression. "That's cause you're always trying to give me a heart attack." Bones grumbled, and gave her the eye, not being able to say more. Jenna had to admit, her agency history was filled with an unfortunate rash of injuries sustained on the job and she was hiding more than a few scars under her designer wardrobe. Luckily, none of them would hinder her from her current cover occupation. Pike shook his head. "You two sound like an old married couple," he said fondly. "That's because we've known each other so long. We all know her sights are elsewhere, though, aren't they, Jenna?" Jenna flushed, but didn't deny it. "Now, Bones, let’s not make this anymore awkward, shall we?" She said sweetly. "I can always make you sit next to Carol on the next leg of the trip." "Might not be such a bad idea." Leonard grunted. He didn't want to be voyeur for all the longing looks and gazes Chris and Jenna would be giving each other. Halfway in, he was sure Pike was smitten as badly as Jenna and he was groaning inwardly as the two made conversation that threatened to devolve into flirting. "I've been doing a little research on you, boss," Jenna said. "Oh? What kind exactly?" Chris asked warily. "Just wanted to see what you did in your model days and Wow, Chris, I must tell you, the cowboy shoot was absolutely mind-blowing. I think my brain melted just looking at the pictures. You looked like a natural on a horse." "That's because I've been riding them practically since I could walk," he told her. "Really?" She said in surprise. "Yep. Grew up on a ranch. It's in my blood." "Whoa, that's neat! How did you get from that to modeling?" Jenna quickly asked, seizing the opportunity to learn more about her greatly esteemed "boss." "Decided to go into law enforcement," he answered. "Catching criminals was my bread and butter for almost 15 years before things went south and I'd had enough." Jenna was too caught up in picturing him in a cop uniform to ask a follow up question. The smile on her face must have given her away because he gave her an exasperated look. "You're incorrigible." Chris said, not for the last time. "Welcome to my world," Bones muttered from behind the magazine he'd retreated into. "It's not hard to understand how you made such a success in this business," she continued glibly. "The stern don't-give-me-any-of-your-crap attitude really attracts people." "I'm flattered you think so. If only it was more effective in managing you lot." He sighed, eying her meaningfully. "Are we really that bad?" She questioned entreatingly, putting on an angelic expression. It didn't fool him for one second. "Yep, but despite the grey hairs you give me, you're good people, which is hard to find in this world." "Why thank you, Chris. If there's one thing I try to be, it's kind and genuine, even if I am a brat sometimes." Jenna said quietly and honestly. He looked at her and thought George Kirk's daughter was an absolute gem. What a shame he'd failed the man and cost him the chance to see her grow up into the wonderful woman sitting beside him. Out loud he said "Never change, Jenna." If there was anybody whom he liked being driven crazy by, it was definitely her.