#blue and green hearts are the usual ones for Elle!! perfect!

[brown-little-robin]

@ghosts-and-blue-sweaters @thatfriendlyanon !!!!! <3<3<3

It means a lot to me that when people send heart emojis, they have a specific color/style they use. And heart they choose to use seems to really reflect that persons personality and how they love.

Actually, do me a favor. Reblog this with the hearts you typically use.

💜💜💜💜

[whatsonmedia]

Thursday Thrills: Kick Off Your Weekend with a Festival Extravaganza!

This week is the last week of summer, but that doesn't mean the fun has to end! In fact, this is the perfect time to celebrate the season with a summer festival extravaganza! There are music festivals, food festivals, art festivals, and more happening all over the UK and New York this week. So gather your friends, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to have a blast! Waterworks Festival 16 Sept Returning after massive success from 2022, there is no better way to end this year’s summers festival season in the capital.  Taking over the lush green location Gunnersbury Park, London.  With a mega production set-up, hosting seven stages which will feature a tastie delightful music genre selection spanning from across the electronic dance music dance floors and airwaves including heart-stopping techno, bass, grime and house. Waterworks has gone all out on the line-up which includes 70 ready for-it DJs to keep you on your feat. It’s going to be an explosive Saturday to get to live your best vibe at this one-dayer open-air festival for one last big dance off of the summer.  Expect all the usual festival thrills stacks of delicious food and beverage stalls so you can refuel to keep you going on this ten-hour danceathon.  Don't forget to look out for the afterparties! Celebrating dance musics diverse couture the weekends line-up features Charisse C DJ Holographic, Eliza Rose, Heléna Star, Call Super b2b Palms Trax, Dave Harvey, Team Woibey: Ell Murphy, FAE (UK), Mixtress, Ohmydais, DJ Spit b2b Sherelle Elijah and Skilliam, Moktar b2b Surusinghe, Nick León, Lukas Wigflex, Marie Montexier, Mor Elian and many more Tickets & More Info www.waterworksfestival.co.uk Dream Nation FR 15 – 16 SeptIf you're up for nipping over to France for a weekend of your finest life festivalling then grab your passport and book those last-minute flights, ferry or eurostar tickets for this one massive open-air festival for the lovers of EDM.  Taking place at one of the area’s most magnificant and standout locations.  Is a celebration of 10 years showcasing the finest sounds of techno, trance, D'n'B, dubstep, and hard-style dance music, spread across six huge stage production set-up for two full on days of non-stop heart-racing dance music to feast your festival feet on and live the end of the summers festival season like it’s your last day on earth.  The immersive experience features a production that's off the chart which keeps its 30,000 strong festival goers in a fine state of dance music euphoria. Taking place at Parc des Expos, Paris Nord. Festival-goers dig out your best festival threads for the special festival celebration. This year’s line-up includes Ellen Allien, Nina Kraviz, Zeds Dead, Miss K8, Hilight Tribe, Wilkinson, Sefa, Virtual Riot, Liquid Stranger, Ajja, Hector Oaks, Billx, La P’tite Fumée, Bliss, Barely Alive, Cassie Raptor, Fox Stevenson, Koven, Rooler, Act Of Rage, Gpf, Freedom Fighters Tickets & More Info www.dreamnation.fr DnB Allstars Festival 2023 17 Sep Just as your festival blues might be starting to kick in, stop right there!  This brand-new London festival is sure to bring your Sunday proverbial roof down.  Making ur festival season to go out in true hardcore festival style for DnB Allstars Festival.  Expect ten-hours of non-stop music featuring across seven sacked to the rafters’ stages who are hosted by elite clubbing brands bringing along their finest DJs which includes 100 strong contenders from the dance music industry.  DnB Allstars is one of the fiercest dance music brands which has hosted to rammed out packed out dance music arenas across this summer.  This is the brands debut festival staged at the picturesque greenbelt location of Gunnersbury Park, London.  The capital is going down as one of the biggest festival UK locations. The amazing Line-Up Features Sub Focus (DJ Set & Id),  Hedex B2b Bou (UK), Camo & Krooked B2b Mefjus, Kings Of The Rollers Presents 'Dubageddon' Ft. Kings Of The Rollers B2b Dj Bryan Gee B2b Randall B2b Plus Inja & Trigga, General Levy, Goldie, Bladerunner, Harriet Jaxxon, Culture Shock, Grafix, Total Science, Kyrist, Dj Hazard, Basslayerz, Disrupta,  Mollie Collins, Blackmarket, Bryan Gee, Dj Brockie, Dj Hype, Dj Phantasy, Dj Rap, Dillinja, Fabio & Grooverider, Fatman D, Jumpin Jack Frost, Kenny Ken, Mickey Finn, Nicky Profile Tickets & More Info www.dnballstars.uk One Out Festival UK 16 SeptIn its third inception and a brand-new location in Walton-On-Thames for the best house party, One Out Festival is back by demand even bigger. Hosting even more stages this year, adding to a line-up of fine diverse DJs & live artists. In a place where 5000 like-minded ravers can expect to get their dance on to House, Disco, and DnB across four stages.  Franky Wah, Prospa, Sam Divine, Paul Woolford, Danny Howard, A.M.C, Dr Banana, Flava D, Harriet Jaxxon, Foxy from Space, Interplanetary Criminal, Jakkob, The Menendez Brothers, Rio Tashan Tickets & More Info www.oneout.co.uk Mint Festival UK 16 – 17 SeptOne of the cities of Leeds insane two-day music festivals returns to start student life in full throttle. Newsam Green Farm is the beautiful location where four super-sized curated stages will host music genres spanning off the bad.est bassline sounds of d'n'b, techno, tech house, and much more. With a massive killer line-up which features DJ Freq, Ben Hemsley, Sarah Story, East End Dubs, Chaos in The CBD, Jayda G, Enzo Siragusa, Willow, Archie Hamilton, Rich NxT plus more Tickets & More Info mintfestival.co.uk Read the full article

[hufflepuffwithaslytherinkink]

Tacenda - Chapter 4 Snippet

Cormac McLaggen was the one who asked Eleanor to the ball. She was shocked at first, Cormac is good looking, popular and the year above her. Lots of girls were trying to get his attention yet he seemed intent on taking her.

She said yes not in excitement but rather shock. She was glad someone had asked her to the ball she just didn’t think it would be Cormac, she was hoping it would be Zacharias Smith.

Not that Cormac isn’t nice, he’s just intimidating.

It started when Eleanor said she was going to get ready with Hannah in the Hufflepuff dorm, she wanted to be with her friend. Yet Cormac complained, he said there was no need for him to trapse all the way down to the basement when they were in the same house.

Eleanor gave in and got ready with the girls in her own dorm instead, not that she didn’t like them it’s just she wanted to share this moment with her best friend.

Thankfully Lavender, Parvati and Hermione happily helped her a little. She needed it. Which was more than obvious when she couldn’t even reach the zip on the back of her dress. It’s a deep green, strappy dress, the tulle skirt falling just above her ankles. With her hair styled back in a low bun.

As soon as she’s finished getting ready, she heads into the common room where Cormac is  waiting for her, stood by the fire in formal dress robes, his sandy hair combed back, his blue eyes sparkling and a single red rose in his hand.

He shoots her a dazzling smile as she walks over to him. He holds out the rose before taking her hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it.

“A red rose for my Gryffindor princess.” He tells her charmingly, making the skin on her neck and chest flush red.

“Thank you.” She says bashfully. Eleanor never knows how to take compliments.

“You look beautiful.” He tells her, his thumb rubbing the back of her hand.

Eleanor brushes a stray hair behind her ear shyly. “Thank you. You look handsome.” She tells him.

He gives her a blinding smile. “I know.” He says before linking their arms and guiding them towards the great hall.

The noise of students heading to the great hall is overwhelming, the chatter and squeals of delight bounce off the walls. Her eyes dart around staring at the beautifully dressed students, all of them breath-taking and elegant.

So much was going on she can’t really process it all. Not properly at least, she’s pulled back to reality by Cormac giving her arm a squeeze.

“Should we go into the great hall?” He asks her. Eleanor nods with a smile, she can’t wait to see how it’s decorated. She hopes there is snow fairies.

Cormac places a hand on her lower back, making her heart stop momentarily, as he guides her into the great hall. At first Eleanor doesn’t notice the decoration, instead focusing on the feeling of Cormac’s hand sitting just above the swell of her backside.

“I must admit it’s rather beautiful.” Cormac says. Eleanor turns to stare at him, he’s looking up at something.

She turns to see what he’s staring at and quietly gasps in shock. This could not be the great hall. It’s beautiful. Everything is white, as though covered in a layer of ice, snowflakes are falling from the ceiling, stopping just before landing on anyone. There’s a stage where the professors usually sit adorned with various musical instruments. Tables clutter the room, some for students to sit at and others containing ice sculptures, drinks and snacks. There’s a dance floor in the middle of it all that people are walking around apprehensively.

“It is.” Eleanor breathes, trying to take in the smallest of details. Everyone around her doing the same.

“Elle.” Hannah walks towards, Ernie MacMillan following close behind with a warm smile.

“Hannah.” Eleanor gasps pulling her friend into a tight hug. She stares at Hannah in awe, she’s in a long, strapless, blush pink dress, her long blonde hair falling in perfect waves down her back. What looks like snowflakes decorate her hair. “You look amazing.”

Hannah does a little wiggle, her eyes crinkling as she smiles at Eleanor. “Thank you. You look absolutely stunning.”

Eleanor feels her face burn at the compliment. She really doesn’t take them well.

“Thanks.” She mutters. “Hi Ernie.”

“Hey Elle, you do look lovely.” He smiles at her.

Eleanor blushes even more at his words. She was grateful for the compliments but wished everyone would stop, if they continued she might die of embarrassment before the ball even started.

“MacMillan.” Cormac says coolly nodding in Ernie’s direction.

“McLaggen.” Ernie nods back with a small smile. Eleanor and Hannah look between them uncomfortably.

Eleanor is trying to think of something to say when Professor Flitwick starts to run around telling everyone to get into place for the champions to open the ball.

Thank Merlin, Eleanor couldn’t deal with anymore awkwardness.

She willingly lets Cormac guide her towards the edge of the dance floor, Hannah following close by, pulling Ernie with her.

They watch with everyone else as Viktor, Fleur, Cedric and Harry enter the great hall. They look amazing, their partners do too their dresses are… is that Hermione? Eleanor thinks her mouth dropping open as she sees the girl who just helped her get ready on the arm of Viktor Krum.

“Elle, why didn’t you tell me Hermione was going with Krum?” Hannah gasps grabbing Eleanor’s arm excitedly.

“I didn’t know.” Eleanor mumbles watching as the girl she shares a dorm with prepares to dance with a world-famous seeker.

She knew Parvati was going with Harry, she wouldn’t stop talking about it and, no offence to Harry, but he was just Harry, their friend, their classmate. The boy they’d seen spill pumpkin juice on himself and fall down a flight of stairs.

“She looks lovely.” Cormac states, Eleanor follows his gaze to Hermione and she nods with a smile. She really does, not that she doesn’t always look nice, but she must have put so much effort into getting ready.

“She does.” Eleanor agrees smiling at her friend.

They watch as the eight of them waltz around the dance floor. Krum is rather stiff and moves clumsily, Hermione seeming small and delicate in his grasp. Fleur practically glides, Roger Davies following her movements in a daze. Cedric and Cho are elegant and classic whilst Harry and Parvati are… not. They’re okay but Harry doesn’t seem to be able to move his arms and legs in tandem.

“What on earth is Potter doing?” Cormac says furrowing his brow at Harry’s moves.

“He’s dancing.” Hannah says happily.

“He is?” Cormac asks sceptically.

“Don’t be rude, Cormac, he’s trying.” Eleanor rebukes him. Cormac gives her a sceptical look before his lips pull up at the corners.

“You’re right. I guess he can’t be good at everything.” Cormac says wrapping his arm around Eleanor’s waist causing her heart to flutter.

As soon as the first dance is finished everyone is seated at tables to eat. Eleanor and Cormac are seated with Hannah and Ernie, Cormac’s friend Michael and his date Susan, a boy from Durmstrang with a sixth year Slytherin and a couple of Ravenclaw students Eleanor doesn’t know.

The food is amazing and thankfully everyone at the table gets along well. As soon as the deserts disappear Dumbledore takes to the stage to announce the Weird Sisters are going to be playing.

Eleanor and Hannah instantly turn to each other excitedly. The Weird Sisters are their favourite bad.

“Oh my God.” Eleanor cries out as Hannah squeals “Merlin’s armpit hair.”

“How did they manage to get the Weird Sisters?” Ernie asks incredulously staring at the stage in shock.

“Who cares? They’re here!” Hannah shouts bouncing in her seat.

“They’re okay but they’re not the best. I think they’re rather mediocre.” Cormac states leaning back in his chair with an unimpressed expression.

Eleanor turns to him slightly stunned. She’d never met someone who didn’t like the Weird Sisters before.

Before she can say anything Charlie appears gushing about actually seeing the Weird Sisters, there, with his own eyes!

Everyone gets up to dance, Eleanor goes to follow them but stops seeing Cormac remaining in his chair.

“Do you want to dance?” She asks. Cormac looks up at her face, he appears bored but smiles at her charmingly.

“I’d normally say no to these but considering it’s you asking. I’d be delighted.” He tells her getting to his feet and holding his arm out.

Eleanor can’t stop the huge grin that fills her face as she wraps her fingers around his arm. They make their way to the dancefloor, Cormac leading her towards her friends.

It’s not long before they’re all dancing enthusiastically, some students screaming as the lead singer parades around the stage, their favourite songs echoing around the hall.

After about half an hour Eleanor fells breathless from screaming and dancing for so long. She’s a little hot and turns to see Cormac watching her carefully. “Should we get a drink?” He asks nodding towards the drinks table. Eleanor follows his gaze and nods.

[tessisawriter]

Invisible String, Part 1 (Colton Parayko)

Request: Can you write an imagine where the reader is John Krasinski’s [niece] but she’s dating Colton Parayko and like she has to breaks the news and John acts mad or something and scares them but then he says he’s joking and he’s fine with it? Thanks

***NOTE***: I changed some details in the last scene b/c I moved the timeline up from October 7 to September 14.

A/N: I’m back! The protagonist is an OC but I decided to call her Y/N instead of giving her an actual name b/c John Krasinski has nieces and/or nephews irl. I already planned the entire plot but idk whether the series will be 2 or 3 parts—I’ll post an update when I know more. This series takes place from March 2018 to June 2019 and is loosely based on Taylor Swift’s “Invisible String.” Here is the playlist.

Warnings: Six swear words, rough breakup, alcohol, loneliness & homesickness

Word Count: 3.4k

March 21, 2018

You were impervious to the mix of pitying and derisive glances from passersby as you sat on the curb. You knew you looked like a cliché, crying in front of a restaurant because your boyfriend broke up with you on your 22nd birthday, but you didn’t care. One question gnawed at you: how had six words upended your seemingly perfect day and relationship?

Your brain was buzzing with activity, wondering if Max had given you any clues that something was amiss. This morning, you woke up in his Cambridge apartment to him singing “Happy Birthday” while kneeling at the side of the bed. As soon as Max finished singing, he kissed you before grabbing his backpack and hurrying out of the room. That didn’t mean anything, though: Max was one of the only seniors to have the misfortune of taking all morning classes because his major was Theater, Dance, and Media. He was also (as usual) running late.

The rest of the day unfolded like any other Wednesday as you followed your schedule of lounging in bed, studying for an hour, going to the sandwich shop across the street for lunch, and heading to campus at 1PM for your classes. Afterwards, you went back to the apartment to find Max waiting there, already dressed for dinner. You quickly showered, curled your long (Y/HC) hair, and changed into a dark green dress and black booties before taking his hand and going to an Italian restaurant in Boston’s North End.

There were no warning signs at dinner, either. In fact, everything was perfect until you were waiting for the check and Max said with a detached look in his eyes, “I think we should break up.”

You didn’t want to relive what happened next, but the images of you acting like Elle Woods when Warner broke up with her in Legally Blonde popped into your head unbidden. You closed your eyes in humiliation and shame as you remembered Max, the man you dated for three years, abandoning you at the table and fleeing the restaurant. The other customers stared at you, some sympathetic, others scandalized, and the rest in pure shock.

You snapped out of the flashback when you felt a large hand rest on your shoulder. You whipped your head around to find a young man with blonde hair and black rimmed glasses squatting next to you on the curb.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

The panic faded as you took in the man’s features. He was definitely in his 20s, probably a few years older than you, and his blue eyes were filled with concern. Something about that concern, though, made you snap.

“Do I look like I’m okay? I mean, come on, look at me!” you demanded while pointing at your face, which you (correctly) assumed had giant black streaks of mascara on it.

You fully expected the man to walk away and leave you be, but he sat down on the curb instead and said, “My bad, that was a stupid question. I’ve got some tissues if you want them?”

That made your attitude soften. He was only trying to help, so you nodded and he handed you a pack of tissues from his pocket. You smiled at him, took the tissues, and wiped your eyes and face. As soon as you were satisfied that they were clean, you broke the silence. “Thank you…?”

“Colton, and it’s no problem. What’s your name?”

“Y/N.” You held out your hand for him to shake, which he did. After a pause, you asked: “Why did you stop? Surely you have somewhere better to be tonight.”

He chuckled, and the sound of it made your heart flutter. “I was just heading back to my hotel when I saw you, and I figured I’d stop and make sure you get home safe. That is, assuming you live here?”

“Yeah, I live in Cambridge.” As soon as the words left your mouth, you realized they were no longer true, so you amended your statement. “Well, I lived in Cambridge until about 15 minutes ago when my now ex-boyfriend dumped me. On my fucking birthday.”

“Shit, that sucks. I’m really sorry.” He paused before adding, “I’m assuming he isn’t here.”

“Nope. He hightailed it out of the restaurant as soon as he got his credit card back.”

Colton shook his head. “What a jackass.”

“I know, right? I wasted three whole years with someone who not only broke up with me in a very public setting on my birthday, but also couldn’t be bothered to ask where I would go! He probably assumed I’d go to my parents’ house, but still.”

“Your parents live here?” Colton asked as he fished his phone out of his pocket and unlocked it.

“Yeah, right by Boston Common, why?”

“I’ll get an Uber and drop you off before going back to the hotel.”

“Oh no, you don’t have to do that,” you protested while going through your bag for your phone. “We just met! I’ll pay.”

“Nonsense. You’ve been through a lot tonight. Let me take care of it.”

You stared into Colton’s eyes and realized he wasn’t going to back down. It took everything in you to suppress your pride, thank him, and provide the address. Colton typed it into his phone, waited for a moment, and said, “The closest one is around the block.”

“That’s good.” Your burst of energy dissipated as quickly as it came, and you fell silent. From the corner of your eye, you saw Colton open his mouth as if to say something before the headlights of a car momentarily blinded you.

“That’s the Uber.” Colton stood up and offered his hand, and you took it. You couldn’t help but notice how well they fit together as he pulled you up and off the curb, but after regaining your balance, something else grabbed your attention: his height.

“Gee, how tall are you? No one’s ever made me feel like a dwarf before,” you joked as he led you to the car, your hands still intertwined.

He chuckled and opened the door for you. You let go of his hand and slid into the car. After Colton slid in next to you and shut the door, he replied, “I’m 6’6” and no one’s ever made me feel like I’m not a giant before. You’re what, 5’10”?”

“6 feet, actually,” you corrected him. “So, where are you from, Colton?”

“St. Albert; it’s just outside Edmonton in Canada, but I’ve been in the States for a while. I went to the University of Alaska in Fairbanks before moving to, uh, St. Louis.”

You noticed Colton’s hesitancy and the fact that he lowered his voice when saying “St. Louis,” and you were about to ask why when you thought better of it. You were protective of your privacy, too, especially whenever people commented about how funny it was that you shared the same last name as John Krasinski. It wasn’t a coincidence—he was your uncle, and the two of you were extremely close—but you went along with it and never corrected them because it wasn’t their business. So, you let it go. “And what brings you to Boston?”

“Work,” he said before changing the subject. “What do you do? Are you still in school or—”

“I’m a senior at Harvard,” you cut him off. You generally didn’t drop the “H-bomb,” as you and your friends called it, with people you didn’t know well, but this was a special case. Colton just confirmed he was hiding something, and after looking at him in better lighting, his face seemed familiar, which weirded you out. You had to get back on equal footing, and the H-bomb almost always unsettled people.

“Wow, you must be really smart,” Colton said, seeming impressed but unphased. You couldn’t help yourself from raising an eyebrow as he asked, “What’s your major?”

“Government. What was yours?”

“Business administration.”

“Ah.” You fell silent again, this time on purpose, as you racked your brain for where you might have crossed paths with Colton. He wasn’t from Boston, not even close, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that you’d seen him before, and recently.

Colton didn’t let you ruminate for long before reviving the conversation. “What do you want to do when you graduate?”

“I’ll be a lawyer one day, but I have to be a paralegal first. I’m looking for jobs right now.”

Before Colton could reply, the car came to a stop. You looked out the window and saw your parents’ townhouse and your childhood home.Your time in the car had flown by, a sensation you rarely, if ever, experienced. And there was something between you and Colton, a connection you couldn’t quite describe, that made you want to spend more time with him. But your time was up. “This is me. It was nice to meet you, Colton, and thanks again for the ride—I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem,” he replied. “I’m glad I found you.”

You were overwhelmed by an intense desire to ask for his number. If only he lived in Boston or somewhere in the Northeast. But he lived in St. Louis, so you moved to open the door, only to feel Colton’s hand wrap around yours and hear him say: “Y/N?”

“Yeah?” You turned around and locked eyes with him. It was like being in a trance, and your heartbeat thundered in your ears.

It felt like years, but it was more like a few moments before Colton let go of your hand. “Good luck with the search. I’m sure you’ll find a good job.”

You wanted to let out a sigh of disappointment, but you just said, “Thanks,” and smiled at him before getting out of the car.

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

The smell of bacon finally lured you out of your bed at noon the next day.

It had been a rough night. The reality of the breakup hit you like a ton of bricks when you rang the doorbell and all but collapsed in your mom’s arms when she answered the door. She brought you over to the couch, where your dad was waiting anxiously. As soon as you sat down, you grabbed your mom and cried for an hour straight as she held you and stroked your hair. You knew Max wasn’t worth your tears, but it had more to do with you. Despite his major, he wasn’t that good of an actor, and yet, he fooled you into thinking he could be your person. You took immense pride in your instincts, but they failed you with Max. How could you have possibly fallen in love with such a heartless person? More terrifying, would you have ended up marrying him a few years down the road if he hadn’t broken up with you?

You didn’t know the answer to either question, so you stopped crying and began venting about how the breakup went down. Your dad almost hit the ceiling after hearing that Max left you at the restaurant, and you had to talk him out of driving to Cambridge to “give that little shit a piece of my mind!” That wasn’t to say you weren’t thinking about revenge, but your dad potentially getting arrested was not helpful. After that, you started crying again, only this time out of frustration, and didn’t stop until you practically passed out on the couch. The last thing you remembered was your parents guiding you up the stairs to your bed.

Thankfully, you had no classes on Thursdays, so you were able to sleep in and be, if nothing else, well-rested. Your stomach rumbled when you smelled the bacon, so you got out of bed and made your way down the stairs to the kitchen, where your parents were sitting at the table and watching the television.

“Ugh, why are you watching the news?” you said as a way of greeting while making a beeline for the bacon.

“Good morning to you, too, sweetheart,” your dad replied. “I’m waiting for the sports report. I missed the game last night and Uncle John wouldn’t tell me the score. He said he’s sorry about, I quote, ‘the scumbag’ and he’ll call you tonight.”

“God, I miss him. And you,” you addressed your mom as you shoveled a load of bacon onto your plate, “are the best.”

“See, honey? I knew bacon would cheer her up,” she said to your dad.

“I didn’t doubt it. Y/N, we have to figure out a time to get your stuff from that piece of shit’s apartment. I’m not letting you go by yourself, but do you want to let him know ahead of time or just show up?”

“Who did the B’s play?” you sat down at the table and changed the subject immediately. You didn’t care about sports, but your dad and Uncle John were major Bruins fans and the mere mention of Max gave you a headache.

“The Blues.”

“Where do they play again?” you asked as you ate your bacon. It had to be a team from the Western Conference, but the only teams you knew there were the Canucks and Blackhawks because they were on your dad’s shit list.

“St. Louis.”

You almost choked on your food. “What?”

“St. Louis, sweetie. You know, the Gateway Arch—”

“Yeah, I know, Mom,” you recovered. “That’s the team Jenna likes, right, Dad?”

“Yes. Shh, here it is!” He didn’t need to tell you twice; you doubted Colton was a professional hockey player, but your curiosity won out as you intently watched the television.

The score flashed on the screen—an OT loss for the Bruins—and your dad groaned. “Ugh, I’ve got to turn this garbage off.”

And suddenly, a few Blues players, including one that looked awfully similar to Colton (albeit without glasses), flashed onto the screen. You didn’t get a good enough look at him to be sure, though, because your dad changed the channel. You let out a noise of frustration.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” your mom asked, and your dad looked like he had the same question when he turned away from the television.

“I’ll text the scumbag and tell him I’m coming this afternoon, if that’s okay with you, Dad,” you said. “I want to get it over with and besides, I need my laptop and textbooks.”

“That’s perfect, sweetheart. The office doesn’t need me today, anyway.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back; my phone’s upstairs,” you called out behind you as you raced back up the stairs. You did not want to text Max, but it was better than telling your dad that the man he praised for making sure you got home last night was potentially part of the team responsible for his beloved Bruins’ loss.

You locked your bedroom door and grabbed your phone to pull up Google and the St. Louis Blues roster. Part of you thought there was no way a professional hockey player actually cared enough to bring you home, but the Blues being in town and one of its members resembling Colton were too many coincidences for your liking. You tapped your foot impatiently as the phone loaded the roster, and you scrolled through the list until you found a name of interest.

“C. Parayko, 55, R, 6’6’’…”

It cut off after that, so you scrolled sideways to see the other information. It left you without a shadow of doubt, but you clicked on the name anyway to view a picture. Colton’s headshot and full first name stared back at you as if they were looking into your soul.

It really was him. You had to have seen him on the little television at the sandwich shop’s register yesterday.

But what did this information mean for you, really, besides discovering his identity? It was nice to know his full name because it confirmed that he was a real person instead of a delusion your reeling mind made up, but it didn’t change one important fact: you lived in Boston and he lived in St. Louis. Barring a radical change in one of your lives, which you didn’t see happening, that was the reality of the situation. It was time to stop dreaming and confront your immediate future.

You pulled up Max’s number and began composing the text which, after several drafts, read: “I’ll be at the apartment today from 3 to 5. My dad’s coming with me, so make yourself scarce. I want my shit back.”

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

6 months later: September 14, 2018

You were miserable only two weeks after relocating to St. Louis.

It was funny how one phone call could completely change someone’s life. In your case, said phone call involved an extremely attractive job offer with a clear path for advancement within one year. The offers you had received from legal firms in Boston, New York, D.C., and Philadelphia were underwhelming, to say the least, and you were only a week away from graduation. You had already endured a lot of change this year, so why not one more?

After nearly giving your parents a heart attack but ultimately receiving their blessing, you accepted the offer and moved to St. Louis on September 1st. Uncle John had been especially supportive, enlisting Jenna (known by the rest of the world as Pam from The Office) to fly out from L.A. and show you around the city last week. She made sure you knew the ins and outs of the city, which you really appreciated. You also loved your job. You were doing important work every day, and your boss was already hinting at giving you the promotion you wanted. 

So, why were you unhappy? It was your social life, or rather, lack of one. You didn’t know anyone in St. Louis, and while your coworkers weren’t mean, they didn’t make you feel welcome, either.

That seemed to have changed earlier today when two of your desk neighbors who were around your age, Harper and Ellie, invited you out for drinks after work. You couldn’t have been happier. You went home after work, did your hair and makeup, put on your favorite royal blue mini dress, and met them at the dive bar you recommended. You were so excited on the way over that you could barely sit still; maybe you’d make friends with these girls and finally feel like you fit in in this city.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Harper and Ellie abandoned you within less than five minutes after two guys came over and asked them to dance. You were now sitting at the bar alone, nursing a cocktail and despairing over your situation.

It was times like these when you thought about Colton. It had been six months since you’d met him in Boston, and you didn’t want to risk looking like a lunatic by slipping into his DMs on Instagram, but you were getting desperate. It was bad enough that being from the Northeast made you stick out like a sore thumb, but the loneliness was eating you alive, and the combination made you feel unmoored. Maybe a familiar and friendly face could change that.

As if God had answered your prayers, you heard a commotion near the entrance. You swiveled your stool in that direction and saw a group of tall, good-looking men in their 20s entering the bar. The tallest one had blonde hair and black rimmed glasses.

It was Colton.

Your brain screamed at you to look away and approach him after he settled in, but you couldn’t take your eyes off of him as he laughed at something one of his friends said. It was as if he felt your stare because he suddenly looked in your direction and appeared to gasp.

It was only then that you turned away and faced the bar, drinking the rest of your cocktail in a few gulps. You were so embarrassed; he probably thought you were a stalker or something. You were about to flag down the bartender for another drink when you felt that familiar large hand rest on your shoulder.

You turned your head and found Colton staring at you, his blue eyes full of incredulity and…happiness?

“Y/N. It’s really you,” he breathed.

[argylemnwrites]

Thanks for the tag @axwalker! Sorry it took me days to get around to answering!

Music

Favorite Genre: pop, soft blues-rock

Fav artists: Eric Hutchinson, Lady Gaga, Ella Henderson, James Morrison, Elle King, Chris Stapleton

Fav song: Really depends on my mood, but “Food Chain” by Eric Hutchinson is consistently up there

Most Listened to Song: This is very dependent on my writing and overall mood, but currently, both “Uphill Battle” by Rozzi and “To Hell and Back” by Maren Morris from my Riley Liu playlist have been playing on repeat a lot

Five fav lyrics: These are going to be from musicals, because the word play in musicals is just damn memorable

“Is there an IUD/That can stop the image of you and me?” - “Oh My God I Think I Like You�� from Crazy Ex Girlfriend (Season 1)

“Maybe she’s what you prefer/But hey, last year I was her/Maybe you will change your mind/But you might look up to find/I’ve moved on to better things/Better jobs or bigger rings/I don’t have the time to cry/I’m too busy loving my name up on that list/Kind of a cool, ironic twist” - “So Much Better” from Legally Blonde The Musical

“So I ain’t gonna fuss/I ain’t gonna frown/Have your fun/Go out on the town/Stay out late and don’t come home ‘til three/And go right off to sleep if you’re sleepy/There’s no use waitin’ up for me” - “All ‘Er Nothing” from Oklahoma!

“I have no problem being picked out from the bottom/If he’s your broken condom, I’m Plan B/So lower your expectations and settle for me” - “Settle for Me” from Crazy Ex Girlfriend  (Season 1)

“You and your words, obsessed with your legacy/Your sentences border on senseless/And you are paranoid in every paragraph/Of how they perceive you/You, you, you” - “Burn” from Hamilton

Radio or your own playlists? Radio while driving, own playlists at home

Solo artist or band? Solo artist

Pop or indie? Pop

Loud or soft volume? Soft, usually

Slow or fast songs? Both

Music videos or lyric videos? Both

Speakers or headset? Speakers

Riding a bus in silence or listening to music? I haven’t ridden a bus in about a decade

Driving in silence or with music? Music or podcasts

BOOKS

Fav Genre: General fiction, mystery, dystopian

Fav Writers: Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Jhupma Lahiri

Fav Books: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie, 1984 by George Orwell

Fav book series: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Comfort book: Pride and Prejudice

Fav characters: Elizabeth Bennet, Ron Weasley, Gilbert Blythe, Jo March

Five quotes from your favorite books you know by heart: Pretty sure the only book I can quote by heart is Pride and Prejudice, hahaha

“You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.”

“I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.”

“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day, you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”

“If I had not a letter to write myself, I might sit by you and admire the evenness of your writing, as another young lady once did.”

“It will be of no use to us if twenty such should come since you will not visit them.” “Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will visit them all.”

Hard cover or paperback? Both

Buy or rent? Buy

Standalones or series? Standalone

Ebooks or physical copies? Physical copies

Reading at night or during the day? Both

Reading at home or in nature? Both

Listening to music while reading or reading in silence? Music most of the time

Reading in order or read the ending first? In order!

Reliable or unreliable narrator? Most of the time reliable, but I do enjoy things getting mixed up with an unreliable one sometimes

Realism or Fantasy? Realism

One or multiple POVs? Both

Judge the cover or summary? Summary

Rereading or reading just once? Rereading

TV AND MOVIES

Fav genre? Drama, dramedy, comedy

Fav movie?  This is like asking a parent to pick a favorite child, but Mad Max Fury Road is near perfect, so if I have to pick just one, this is it.

Comfort movie? Mean Girls, Clueless, Hot Fuzz

Movies you watch every year? It’s A Wonderful Life and White Christmas

Comfort TV show? Parks and Rec, Frasier, Gilmore Girls

Most Rewatched TV show? The Office (US), Parks and Rec

5 Favorite characters? Diane Lockhart, Janet, Ron Swanson, Joan Holloway/Harris, Emily Gilmore

Tv show or movie? Movie

Short seasons Depends on the show

One episode a week or binge? Binge

One season or multiple seasons?  Multiple

One part or Saga? One part

Half hour or hour long episodes? Depends on the show

Subtitles on or off? Off

Download or watch online? Watch online

Since I’m horribly late with this response, not going to tag anyone specific.

[athingthatwantsvirginia]

Going Carole King

PART FIFTEEN OF THE DO YOU SEE HER FACE? SERIES

Pairing: Jess Mariano x Original Character (Ella Stevens)

Warnings: familial tension, plentiful pop culture references

Word Count: 3.7K

Summary: Thanksgiving brings pie-baking and family introductions.

Air in the diner was fragrant with spices, and Ella’s cheeks were flushed with the heat of the oven as she stepped back out of the kitchen. Only a few patrons peppered the red tables, Rory and Lorelai at the counter. They spoke about the four Thanksgivings they were roped into. A rare smile stuck out on Luke’s face as his palms rested on the counter, speaking with his one true love. Ella rolled her eyes at the sight. How could he be so oblivious? Shaking her head to herself, Ella turned to Jess, sitting on his stool near the kitchen door with 1984 in his hands. His brow was heavy with concentration, noting something in the margin.

“Some light reading, huh?” she asked, eyebrows raised.

He looked up with a smirk at the sound of her voice. With hair pulled away from the hairline in a bandana and cascading down her back, Ella had an excited sparkle to her eyes and a streak of flour across her forehead. Jess licked the pad of his thumb and swiped it away. She scrunched up her nose.

“Now I have Jess spit on my face,” she said with a groan.

“Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Snorting a laugh, she rolled her eyes. “Fuck off.”

“Hey!” Luke scolded, brows furrowed as he shot a look back at her. His hands went to his hips, and Lorelai and Rory snickered behind him.

Ella brought a hand to her mouth self-consciously. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. God, you have hearing like the Bionic Woman!”

Only grunting irritably, Luke went back to his conversation. Ella scoffed and turned to Jess, who marked his place in his book and stuffed it in the back pocket of his jeans. She brought her hands to his shoulders and his arms laced around her waist.

“Are you going for a record with those pies this year?” Jess asked. She’d arrived at the diner around six in the morning, and had cooked continuously until two in the afternoon. And he hadn’t seen her so jazzed since applications, though now the stress was far more pleasant.

She nodded. “Every year, it gets more impressive. Don’t you remember last year? You were here by then.”

Pursing his lips, Jess shook his head a little. “I think that day I was perfecting the chalk outline of a body.”

“How have you never been arrested?”

He shrugged. “There’s always time.”

“You’re impossible.”

“Right back at ya.”

Casting a glance over the counter at the nearly empty diner, she snuck a kiss to his cheek. Jess gasped, and placed a hand where her lips had been. “How dare you, Lady Chatterley!”

“Shut up,” she smiled, but then averted her gaze and turned more serious. “Hey, Jess?”

“Yes, Eleanor?”

Sighing heavily, she looked back up at him and clutched at her necklace. “Okay, my family’s coming to town tonight and considering Adam practically walked in on us the other day anyway, I thought maybe you could come for Thanksgiving?”

By the time she finished with her rapid speech, she slightly was winded. The key on her necklace zipped back and forth along its chain anxiously. Jess raised his eyebrows and sighed, running a hand over his mouth.

“Elle, your dad already hates me-”

“What? Why would he?”

“Do you not remember the hair gel comment?” he asked.

Ella scoffed. “It rings a bell but he’s an asshole to everyone. It doesn’t mean he hates you!”

“I’m working tomorrow.”

“So am I. But I get off at two. The festivities here are usually over by then, and I’m sure you can just come with me.”

“I don’t do families,” he argued.

���Well, I don’t do boyfriends but look what happened!” she countered, and he only stared back at her with his mouth set in a thin line.

She wasn’t planning to relent, but then the timer in the kitchen dinged and she breathed out a harsh breath through her nose.

“To be continued,” she said. She turned to Luke before retreating back into the kitchen: “Talk some sense into your nephew, please!”

“Trouble in paradise?” Lorelai chimed in, looking to the scowling boy, who hopped down off his stool and came to stand by Luke.

Jess didn’t reply.

“What happened? You roll your eyes at her one too many times or something?” Luke asked.

“You’re one to talk,” Lorelai said.

Jess sighed, speaking only to his uncle. “She wants me to go to her house for Thanksgiving.”

Luke stared at him for a moment, mouth slightly agape. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Jess shrugged, then noticed the flabbergasted looks both Lorelai and Rory shot his way. The mother and daughter then glanced at each other, sending nonverbal signals between them. Jess rolled his eyes. “What?”

Rory fiddled with the mug of coffee before her, speaking shyly. “It’s just...Ella doesn’t really...her family functions don’t ever exactly have open invitations.”

“Well, I must be special, then,” Jess said flatly, sighing again.

Luke sighed back, finally turning to Jess with a wary gaze. “You have to go. You’re off the hook tomorrow at two, okay?”

“I thought we talked about that totalitarian thing, Uncle Luke,” Jess said, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning with his back to the counter.

“Just Luke,” his uncle grumbled, shaking his head one last time before going to write a receipt for a couple near the door.

A crash sounded from the back and Jess could hear Ella mutter a string of obscenities under her breath. Luke hardly batted an eyelash at the noise, and Lorelai and Rory giggled between sips from their giant coffee mugs. She didn’t have Sookie’s reputation, but Ella wasn’t known for being a silent presence while she baked by any means.

“You okay?” Jess called.

“Yes!”

“She’s beauty and she’s grace,” he deadpanned.

“Bite me, Mariano!” she shouted back, nearly a growl.

“You know she’s not going to take ‘no’ for an answer, don’t you, Bender?” Lorelai teased.

Chewing on his lower lip, Jess nodded. It was clear this was a hill she was willing to die on. And maybe it wouldn’t be so bad? At least if he met everyone he would be able to add faces to names. And the pleading look in her hazel eyes surely wasn’t helping him want to refuse her. Arriving back behind the counter, Ella pulled the sleeves of her burgundy sweater over her hands and brushed past Jess to grab the pot and refill Lorelai and Rory’s coffees. Tapping his fingers rhythmically on the counter next to her, Jess hung his head in defeat.

“Fine. I’ll go.”

“What was that?” she asked, raising one eyebrow but not facing him.

“I know you heard me, Daria.”

“Well, I wanna hear it again, James Dean,” she said, finally locking eyes with him.

“Fine, I will come to the Stevens family Thanksgiving,” he repeated.

A wicked grin bloomed on her face and she stood on her tiptoes to plant another kiss on his cheek. “There’s that heart of gold. Didn’t think you’d cave so easily.”

“I’ll go if-”

“I swear-”

“If you play me something on Patty’s piano.”

She took a step back and confusion painted her face. “What? Why?”

“Well, I got to see the dance moves, now I wanna see the piano skills,” he explained, nonchalant.

“No way,” she said, shaking her head.

Jess shrugged. “That’s my final offer, ma’am.”

Hands in her back pockets, she let her narrowed eyes linger on his smug smirk for a moment. “Fine. Deal.”

“And you don’t subscribe to the Hallmark holidays.”

“Not happily. Believe me.”

.   .   .

Though the paint was faded, the Stevens’ door was still a decently bright shade of blue. They both stared at it, hand-in-hand, preparing to enter. Ella’s nails were bitten down and her heart was in the throat. She could only imagine what Jess was feeling; if he was anxious, he wasn’t showing it. Birds chirped in the oak tree in the front yard, despite the bitter bite to the cold wind. The sun shone down, and almost all the leaves had fallen off the trees. She fiddled with her necklace, and the smell of the Thanksgiving dinner cooking inside the house only made her queasy.

“You ready?” Jess asked, breaking the silence. She had been motionless, staring at the worn wood before them for over ninety seconds.

Swallowing dryly, she shook her head. “No.”

Taking her hand back from his, she smoothed down the font of her dark green dress. Her hair was back in a french braid, a stiffer ensemble than she usually went for. Then, she turned back to him. Though he didn’t have a baseball cap, Jess was giving his uncle a run for his money with the flannel and jeans look.

“Just...don’t let anything they say bother you, alright? Last night, I went over the whole thing and told them you’re my boyfriend and not just my friend, so that’ll probably make them want to interrogate you more,” she said, tugging gently at his collar to straighten it.

“I’ll try not to screw it up,” Jess told her, almost defensive.

An annoyed crease formed between her brows. “No, Jess, I don’t care what they think of you. And I figured it was time to get this over with. I’m just nervous they’ll scare you off.”

He scoffed. “Please. My mother’s a certified whackjob. If there’s anyone who gets the family thing, it’s me.”

Nodding, she let out a long breath. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me,” he said, shrugging dismissively. “Getting to see you go all Carole King tonight will be thanks enough.”

Ella rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Mariano. You really shouldn’t get your hopes up.”

“Too late,” he said, kissing her cheek once and taking her hand again. “You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” she sighed, then went to turn the knob.

.   .   .

Sitting on the overstuffed couch, Jess felt a little claustrophobic. Dinner had gone well enough. As it turned out, almost all the members of Ella’s family were a thousand times more talkative than her. Jess and Ella were mostly spared from the conversation, after the compulsory greetings and basic questions about him. The food was decent, though Ella assured him they could stop by Luke’s after to have the truly good meal later. Relatively full of turkey, various family members were sprawled around the living room, Fiona, Jake and Aunt Julie’s husband Michael chattering indistinctly in the peach kitchen. Jess sat in the corner, watching his surroundings, his hand in Ella’s. Her older brother Noah sat on his sister’s other side, quietly sipping a beer. Aunt Julie was across the room in the armchair by the TV, a toddler asleep on her chest.

Jess assumed it was the kid responsible for the projectile vomiting Ella had told him about over the summer. Amid the white noise of speech, Ella deep in a debate with her younger brother about the newest Harry Potter movie, a little redhead girl ran up to her.

“Ellie!” Erin chirped happily, her hands on Ella’s knees.

Immediately, Ella turned away from Adam, who sat on the floor by the TV, and focused on the child in front of her. Adam whined slightly, and Noah took over for Ella, though he spoke more softly than her and didn’t speak with his hands.

“Yeah, sweetie?” Ella asked.

Using a pudgy hand, Erin gestured for Ella to come closer, to be told a secret. Ella smiled over at Jess, who raised his eyebrows curiously and watched as she leaned over and let the little girl whisper in her ear.

Laughing slightly, Ella nodded and brought the little girl into her lap. She had just started kindergarten, but was very small for her age. She weighed practically nothing to Ella.

“Yeah, sure,” Ella said, turning to Jess with a little smirk. “Jess? Erin wanted to meet you.”

“Oh,” he said. Then, after a pause: “Hi.”

He felt his palms instantly begin to sweat. As an only child, he didn’t have much experience with kids. Was he good with them? Terrible with them? There was no way to know. Like people who had never been stung by a bee avoiding the insects at all costs, for fear of a life-threatening allergic reaction. Despite Ella’s insistence that it was not a test, that she was more concerned with him being scared off, Jess worried about his performance. He wasn’t good with parents. In fact, he wasn’t good with anyone. And he knew how much those kids meant to her.

The redhead girl extended her hand. “I’m Erin Mary Miller.”

Jess chuckled slightly and shook the tiny hand back. “Jess Mariano.”

“What’s your middle name?” Erin asked.

Ella smirked. “Great question. What is your middle name, Jess?”

She’d asked him a few times, but had never got it out of him.

“Santa Claus,” he answered flatly.

To his surprise though, the girl erupted in a fit of bright giggles. Ella laughed along with her, watching fondly.

“You’re not Santa Claus! He doesn’t live in Connecticut!” Erin exclaimed, shaking her head at Jess as though he were crazy.

“Really? Where does he live?” he asked.

“The North Pole, silly!”

“Oh, you’re right. I forgot,” Jess said, nodding.

Ella hummed. “Yeah, Erin knows all kinds of things. She just started kindergarten.”

“Congratulations,” Jess said, nodding at the little girl.

“Thank you!” she smiled, utterly charmed.

“Hey, Jess?” Ella asked, tilting her head a little as Erin hugged her around the middle again. She was a very affectionate child. “Do you have your cards with you?”

Nodding, Jess reached in the pocket of his jeans and produced the blue deck. He heard Erin whispering questions and secrets in Ella’s ear again. He began shuffling, then fanned them and held them out. “Pick a card.”

Over the next ten minutes, Jess did his best to dazzle the five-year-old, claiming he was pure magic. The conversation once or twice again veered to Santa Claus, since he had brought it up. Christmas was in only a month, after all. Though a pit of nerves still sat in his stomach, he began to feel calmer as he kept Erin laughing and Ella played along with his bits. Soon, Fiona came in and announced it was time for pie, for everyone to gather around the cramped dining table and card tables. The house was quaint, and clearly not meant for a big family on a daily basis.

Fiona was perhaps the member of the family Jess had been the most curious about.

Of course, he’d met Ella’s father. He could only barely see the resemblance, with Jake’s dark brown hair and height and blue eyes. It was clear Ella had gotten pretty much all her looks from her mother. And her brothers both looked more like their father. Noah was tall as well, though with Ella’s freckles. Adam had the same thick glasses, but Ella’s short height. He’d heard many things about all of them.

However, Fiona was the person definitely involved in most of Ella’s rants. Her father was usually the main source of tension, but Fiona certainly did no help to calm the situations, according to Ella. She was a tall woman, with hair dyed inky black. Chunky bracelets hung from her wrists and a heart pendant was clasped around her neck. She wore bright clothes and had a nasally voice. Her eyes were an icy grey. Overall, she wasn’t the most unlikable woman. She and Jake seemed happy enough, outwardly at least. But Jess could see immediately why she and Ella did not get along. Fiona was bubbly and chirpy and always had a toothy and people-pleasing smile on her face. She seemed Ella’s opposite in nearly every way.

After Fiona’s announcement, everyone made slow attempts to return to their places. Erin ran off immediately, eager for the promise of dessert. As Julie passed them into the kitchen, Annie still dozing on her shoulder, she offered Jess and Ella, hands attached again, a generous smile.

“Guess there’s gonna be a magic kit on the Christmas list this year, huh?” she said, chuckling.

Jess’s face fell slightly. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t-”

“No, no, don’t worry about it,” Julie interrupted, a bright smile only growing. “Nothing that’s got her laughing like that could be a bad thing.”

And, for a moment, just the two of them were left in the living room. Ella pulled him up off the couch and hesitated a moment before leading the way back into the kitchen.

“One more round, then we’re free,” she said, sighing slightly, though not altogether in irritation.

He nodded over at her wordlessly, smirking.

Ella squeezed his hand and pressed a kiss to his cheek, before they entered the peach-tiled lion’s den once again.

.   .   .

Bluish light streamed in through the windows of the dance studio. They sat, full of both the Stevens and Danes Thanksgiving dinners, on the piano bench. Fingers poised over the keys, Ella felt her heart rise up in her throat. Usually, she didn’t get stage fright. But, usually, she was playing for a group of six-year-olds, and Miss Patty, who had known her since the day she was born. Jess waited, a smirk ever-present. The day hadn’t been quite as challenging as he’d initially imagined. Ella’s father had hardly been warm, but it was easier when there were other people around to distract from the interrogation. The festivities were just too hectic for a proper stripping down, and Jess suspected it was why Ella had chosen it as the moment to formally introduce him to her household.

“Today would be nice,” he teased, gesturing to the instrument.

“Shut up,” she hissed, shaking her head at herself.

Then, she swallowed down her nerves and launched into one of the first songs her mother taught her to play. Back when her hair was still always in pigtails and she wore overalls every single day. It was familiar, and as she sang in her rough, half-speaking voice (her grandmother’s jazz genes had certainly skipped over her), she smiled a little. She remembered her mother humming the song, “Rhiannon,” in the kitchen as she made dinner and in the living room as she sat cross-stitching on sleepy Sunday afternoons. Keeping her eyes on the piano, Ella’s cheeks flamed. When she finally finished, she had barely let the last note ring out before she started rambling, still not looking over at him.

“So, yeah, I can sort of play. But my mom was the one who was actually good. That one’s easy because it’s not traditionally a piano song, not like the classical shit I have to play for recitals and stuff, but-”

“Eleanor,” Jess said, cutting her short.

“Hm?” she asked, finally venturing a glance at him.

There was a soft smile on his face. “Come here,” he said in a husky whisper, a hand on her cheek as he leaned into her. He tasted like cinnamon and sugar, her own apple pie recipe. It was quiet and Ella almost felt a private world insulating them as they kissed.

And when she pulled away, she saw a kind shine in his eyes. Clearing her throat, she bit back a laugh. “So, was that the review?”

“You could call it that. You really don’t know how to accurately describe your talent.”

“Thanks,” she said quietly as she rolled her eyes, brushing off the compliment and taking in the moment. Starlight and cinnamon and deep brown eyes. Jess.

His eyes lingered on her. He would’ve said more, elaborated on how beautiful it sounded, but both her clear embarrassment and his own sheepishness stopped him.

“Y’know, I had my first kiss in this spot,” she said after a pause.

“Really? Does he go to our school?”

Her eyes fell a little, and she smirked self-consciously. “She graduated last year.”

Jess’s eyebrows shot up momentarily. “She, huh?”

“Yeah. And if you have a problem with that, you should tell me now so I can dump your ass.”

“I don’t have a problem.”

“You don’t?”

“Nope,” he assured her in earnest. “No problem at all.”

“Good.”

He hummed in acknowledgement, tucking a strand which had fallen loose from the braid behind her ear. “Lucky her.”

She scoffed. “More like lucky me. She was a year older and she was the best ballerina in the class. Stayed behind sometimes to practice while I was getting ready to fill in for shows, when my mom had already died but Mrs. Rotherschild was starting to have knee problems. I must’ve still been fourteen. Anyway...a few make-outs ensued.”

“Huh,” he said.

She nodded. “Yeah. We never told anyone. And she was in New York for dance stuff most weekends anyway, so we couldn’t actually go out. She’s at Juilliard now...but yeah. I’m glad it happened. Definitely one of my better firsts.”

Huffing out a breath, Ella tugged the elastic from the end of her braid and shook it out as she spoke. Tight waves were undone and fell loose down her back. Her heart calmed, the tension releasing from her shoulders.

“Don’t...tell anyone about that, okay?” she asked, fiddling with her necklace again.

He nodded, a small smile on his face. “‘Course. Cross my heart.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, still smiling softly as he planted a kiss on her forehead.

“What about you?”

“Hm?”

“Who was your first kiss?” she asked.

Biting his lip, he had to rack his brain a moment. He decided not to count the few random instances of spin-the-bottle. Back in New York when he went to parties he was probably too young for, bouncing between friends’ apartments during the day as his mother wooed her husbands-of-the-week.

“My first girlfriend. We were out smoking during lunch and I made out with her on a dare. But..she ended up being my girlfriend so it must not’ve been the worst kiss ever,” he said, shrugging casually at the memory.

She smiled. “Little Jess was quite the romantic, huh?”

Rolling his eyes and fighting his blush, he stood up and held his hand out to her. “Whatever. Are we renting The Godfather or what?”

“That’s the plan,” she said, placing her bag back on her shoulder and taking his hand. She could feel the cold air creeping through the cracks in the front door of the dance studio as they approached it, leaning into Jess's side. “So...I’ve already learned so much about you tonight. What’s the big deal if I know your middle name?”

Jess sighed, sliding the barn-style door aside as they emerged into the night. “Keep dreaming, Stevens.”

“I always am.”

[stanbillyhargrove]

Ghosts Prologue

Billy Hargrove x Katrina

A/N: as with my previous fic, this is a multi chapter story that will contain smut, angst, death and substance abuse. Be aware.

She was six years old the first time. The first time she met a new friend and tried to bring them home to meet her mom only to be scolded for wasting time with imaginary friends. Her bright green eyes were dewy when she walked away, her friend silently walking beside her.

"You're not imaginary, are you?" She asked the woman beside her.

The woman smiled down at her, her voice was wispy, like the wind, "they don't understand. You're special, Katrina."

A light pink dusting rose on her cheeks as she smiled, "will you teach me how to braid my hair like you?"

The woman smiled brightly, ran a hand over her blonde braid, "of course my dear."

With the patience only a loving mother could have, she sat with Katrina and showed her how to weave her hair into a perfect braid and whispered, "I always wanted a little girl."

--

When Katrina was eight she met a boy at school. He had no hair, was thin and sickly, his face hollow. When she insisted to her teacher that there was a boy hiding behind her desk she got sent to the principal's office for disrupting the class. There was a meeting with her parents and a counselor about her imaginary friends. Katrina had cried and swore that the boy was real and that's when the endless line of doctors started. Bored old men who shoved pills at her, told her she was crazy, broken and called her friends hallucinations.

The blonde woman's blue eyes burned with tears, "I'm real, Katrina. They're trying to take you away from me. Please don't leave me."

Her parents forced the pills into her and told her to be good for once when she cried about it.

--

When Katrina was ten the doctors thought they had fixed her, she didn't talk to imaginary people anymore. The blonde woman wasn't holding her hand as she walked beside her anymore, wasn't patiently teaching her how to do her hair. There were other people missing too, the little boy that liked to wander the playground with her and the old man who sat out in the garden admiring the flowers and other people Katrina saw every day but had never talked to. She felt their absence like a hole in her chest. Except at night, then they were all there in her dreams, smiling and laughing and happy to have her back. The blonde woman would wrap Katrina in her arms and squeeze her tight and hold her hand as they talked and she would cry when it was time for Katrina to leave, would plead for her to stay.

"Please, Katrina. Stay with me, I always wanted a little girl."

But every morning her parents shoved the pills into her, told her if she didn't take them she'd be sent away. That her friends weren't real and she needed to realize that, grow up.

--

Katrina was fifteen she had mostly forgotten about her imaginary friends. They were just part of her dreams now, she didn't think anything of it anymore. One night she was pulled from her dreams and dropped back into her bed. Her eyes were open but she couldn't move, her limbs felt like they were full of cement. A looming presence made her start to panic, her heart racing as she tried to move, scream, anything. A man appeared in her line of sight, all shrouded in darkness. Her lungs were ready to explode with a scream that wouldn't come out when he got closer. His face was gnarled, skin ripped away and twisted into a bloody mess. He moved in a jerking, twisting motion, limbs at odd angles like most of his bones had been broken. He loomed over her, so close she could see her reflection off his black eyes and drug one crooked, pointed finger down her cheek. Katrina felt like her heart was about to explode, like she was going to die from the pressure in her chest from the scream that wouldn't come out. His mouth opened, thick, black blood pouring down his chin with a gurgling, choking sound. She woke up screaming, limbs flailing wildly and drenched in a layer of sweat. When her parents came running they said it was a nightmare, totally normal but to tell the doctors if she started getting them a lot. Explained away the scratch down her cheek by saying she probably did it during her sleep. But Kristina never found the courage to tell anyone that now when she touched someone images and memories popped into her head that weren't her own.

There were a few beings like him, horrible, twisted things who made her feel like she was dying and left red scratches or purples bruises when they touched her. The doctors told her it was sleep paralysis, that she hurt herself waking up and that it was okay. The marks she could live with, they went away after a few days, it was the flash of memories in her head that scared her more. The choking smell of burning flesh or the feeling of lungs filling with water, the white hot agony of twisted bones or the slow burn that spread from gaping wounds, the sound of screeching metal and bright lights. She saw so many different things from their touch but they all had one thing in common, an all consuming rage.

--

By eighteen, Katrina had forgotten about her invisible friends from childhood. They were just figures in her dreams now. She still got sleep paralysis and would still wake up with scratches and bruises but it was just a weird quirk she thought. After graduation, Katrina fell in love with another girl, named Elle. Elle had grown up in the south, had sun streaked hair, lightly tanned skin and a slight twang to her voice that made Katrina swoon. But when she brought Elle home to meet her parent's they couldn't control themselves.

"Are you kidding me? I won't have it," her mother had spat, "you're an embarrassment."

"A fucking queer," her father growled, "I'm not having a fucking queer for a daughter."

Katrina was cut off, disgraced and treated like she didn't exist to her parents anymore and so she moved in with Elle. Elle was loving and gracious and was always there for Katrina. She loved taking Katrina away from the day to day, whether that be climbing a mountain or creating date nights in their apartment, Elle was always finding ways to brighten Katrina's life.

Katrina didn't usually see bad things when Elle touched her, Elle was too happy to be consumed by bad feelings. Instead she felt the warmth of the sun on her face, saw them walking through a forest, glimpses of Katrina's smile and tasted sweet tea on her tongue. Elle's happiness was infectious, seeping into Katrina's head with every touch.

--

It was October and Katrina and Elle were twenty three and planning a wedding when Katrina had a dream about Elle. Katrina was used to the crushing fear that accompanied sleep paralysis but Elle had never been in the dreams. This time, Katrina was watching as the twisted man from her nightmares lurched towards Elle, blood running in rivers down his body. Katrina tried desperately to move, to scream, to somehow alert Elle, but of course nothing worked. She watched in horror as the man inched closer to Elle's sleeping body. When he was right next to her he looked over at Katrina with black eyes and twitched his mouth in what she thought was a grin. Katrina's mind was screaming as she watched his mouth open to let black blood pour down his chin and onto Elle's chest, then he reached out and tapped the centre of her chest with his pointed finger, once, twice. Elle's body twitched as her eyes and mouth opened and a scream echoed in Katrina's ears, the same black blood now pouring from Elle's lips in thick rivers.

Katrina was waiting for Elle at home two days later when she saw a smoky figure appear out of the corner. The room filled with the smell of old books and the feeling of crackling energy, like before a lightning strike. The figure swirled and billowed, tendrils of smoke curling off it as it moved through their apartment. Katrina stared in shock as it moved through their apartment and disappeared through the front door. She thought back to the morning, trying to remember if she had taken her pills. She had, she always took them first thing.

An hour later Katrina got a call from the hospital, there was an accident. Elle was dead when Katrina arrived, she'd had a brain hemorrhage while driving. Other than being sickly pale and frozen, Elle looked fine, the only mark on her was a black bruise in the centre of her chest. When she touched Elle's hand, she felt nothing, just a terrifying darkness that spread and threatened to consume her.

Katrina stopped taking her pills after Elle died, she couldn't get herself out of bed long enough to get the refills. She started seeing people again, the blonde woman and the little boy, they stood by her bed and tried to comfort her. Being crazy was manageable, she thought, better than lonely.

Katrina had been alone in their house for months and when there were only two months left on the lease of their house she saw Elle for the first time. She was lying in bed and rolled over to search for the TV remote and instead saw Elle lying next to her.

"Elle? Am I dreaming?"

Elle's face split into a warm smile, "wide awake, my love."

"B-but...you're...no that's not true, you can't be," Katrina sputtered, backing away.

"Aren't you happy to see me?"

"No..no, I must be dreaming.."

Elle reached forward, ran a cold hand up Katrina's arm, "don't you love me?"

Katrina's eyes swelled with tears when she felt the sun that usually came with Elle's memories. It wasn't right, it was muted like there was something blocking the feeling.

"I can't...you're gone, Ellie."

The smell of Elle's perfume wafted through the air, light and citrusy, it made Katrina's chest hurt.

"But I'm right here, Katie. I missed you."

Tears slid down Katrina's face as she slid off the bed, whispering, "no, Ellie, this isn't real. You're not real, please. Please, go away."

She closed her eyes tight and when she looked back at the bed, Elle was gone. Katrina saw her a couple more times before she decided to move out a few weeks later.

[spiffysixxsense]

Hello annoying best friend here to fulfill my duty by asking you to answer all of the cute asks

angel; do you have a nickname?

not really. my name is already short and I don't have a prominent quality to nickname me after. The only person who refers to me as anything other than my name is my boyfriend, but I don't think “babe/baby” really counts as a nickname lol

awe; how old are you?

24

baby; favorite color?

dark teal (blue-green? I've never found a good name for my favorite color)

bloop; spirit animal?

so because I didn't have a good answer for this, I decided to google a quiz to find out, lol. My answer was a deer. here's why;

When you have the deer as spirit animal, you are highly sensitive and have a strong intuition. By affinity with this animal, you have the power to deal with challenges with grace. You master the art of being both determined and gentle in your approach.

The deer totem wisdom imparts those with a special connection with this animal with the ability to be vigilant, move quickly, and trust their instincts to get out the trickiest situations

blossom; favorite book/movie/song?

i don't really have a favorite book, i don't read much outside of school (I wish i did)

movie: A Beautiful Mind

song: oh dear lord i cannot pick just one, but all-time favorite band of mine is Shinedown

blush; what was your stuffed animal as a child?

a little stuffed dog that looked like Kipper from the TV show, I still have him :)

breeze; most precious childhood memory?

lmao what came to mind was when i pledged to never drink, smoke, or say bad words. two out of fucking three ain't bad i guess. 

bright; mermaids or fairies?

(honestly neither but) fairies

bubbles; do you have a best friend?

given the asker, i would say yes :) also i am lame and my boyfriend is also my best friend 

buttercup; showers or baths?

S H O W E R S. hate baths!

butterfly; dream destination?

I've never had a huge desire to travel honestly. like sure i could say Italy or Greece look beautiful, but the actual act of traveling overseas really stresses me out lol. so i would have to say more like upper midwest, like Maine, in the fall time for all the pretty trees.

buttons; are you religious or spiritual?

i am neither

calm; favorite scent?

anything fruity - pineapple, mango, berries, apples. at least in terms of what candles i like lol.

candlelight; what did you dream about last night?

i do not remember anything from last night - the last dream i remember involved my boyfriend, dad and i being lost up north lol

charming; have you ever been in love?

currently 

cozy; eye/hair color?

hazel / brunette 

cuddly; what’s your favorite time period?

the 1970′s for the fashion

cupcake; favorite flower/plant?

love me a good succulent

cute; what did you get on your last birthday?

well this last birthday was amidst quarantine, so I got some candles and granola (my boyfriend knows me well lol)

cutie pie; most precious item you own?

i have no idea? what an odd question? probably some stuffed animal?

cutsie; what makes you happy?

picnics, alone time, my boyfriend, my cat choosing to cuddle with me.

daisies; describe a moment when you felt free.

I really cant think of a time I've ever felt truly free. maybe when i drove myself to school earlier this year & didn't have to wait for someone to pick me up? 

daydream; how do you want to be remembered?

as a light in others lives. happy, bubbly. things i currently am not

daylight; favorite album of all time?

gosh these dang music questions. well, Nickelback - All the Right Reasons was the first album i ever bought myself. then maybe Shinedown - The Sound of Madness (i cant pick one OKAY)

dear; zodiac sign?

Taurus 

delightful; concerts or museums?

concerts

dimples; have you ever written a letter?

yes? this question makes me feel old, lol. 

dobby; dream job?

criminologist. some way to be reducing the mass incarceration rate in the US. 

doll; how do you like to dress?

comfy, v necks and leggings. As i have gotten older i have slowly wanted to be more feminine i think, because i really want some sundresses for summer lol

dovey; any paranormal/magical experiences?

one! when i was 12ish, i swear i saw a reflection of a uniformed man (like old school soldier uniform - blue blazer with gold cufflinks) behind me in the glass of my snakes tank at the time. it was weird because the only reason i even looked that way was because my snake started shaking his tail against the glass, something that corn snakes do when they are scared, but also something that in his entire life had never done unprompted ever. 

dreams; do you want or have any tattoos?

want yes, have no

drizzle; do you believe in aliens?

100%. no way we are alone in this universe

euphoric; talk about someone you love.

he makes my days so much better :)

fairy; do you have a pet?

I have one little old kitty :)

fluffy; ocean or mountain?

to vacation, ocean. to live, mountain

forever; where do you feel time stop?

the secretary of state? lol

froglet; are you a good plant owner?

I've never owned a plant lol

garden; how many languages do you know?

one :(

gem; who are your favorite tumblrs?

@cy-ne-fin 

giggles; what is your aesthetic of choice?

sepia photography/old books that have yellowed into sepia. or fresh greenery on white marble. 

glittery; do you like anons? why/why not?

i don't really get any anymore, but as long as they are nice or just questions/venting, im down. don't be offended if i never answer though, for some reason i never get Tumblr notifications lol

glow; list the top 5 things you like about yourself

im compassionate

im empathetic (which is similar but im struggling to get to 5 lol)

im goal-oriented

im determined (once i have said goal. again, related lol) 

i guess i like my lips/lip shape

heart; silk or lace?

lace

honey; coffee or tea? how do you take it?

tea. iced, black or green really, with sugar. 

hugsy; do you enjoy people watching or bird watching more? why?

bird watching because it means i am probably alone and in nature as opposed to somewhere in a crowd of people. and i wont feel creepy for watching the birds lol

hunnybunch; what sounds help you sleep?

white noise, a fan running. if that's not enough, i enjoy asmr. if i am really struggling/having anxiety, i will look up sleep stories from the headspace app on youtube (life hack to not have to pay for the app lol)

jewel; what’s your favorite kind of weather?

to be outside, i enjoy just warm enough to be comfy in pants and a t-shirt (so like 65F-ish) and sunny.To be inside, i love when it is cooler (like 50F?) and raining. I love the look, sound, and smell of rain but it is usually just inconvenient to be in. 

jiggly; what do you usually like to do on weekends?

well now all days are the same for me, #quarantine, so the same thing i do every day, just about nothing, lol

joy; do you laugh loudly or giggle more?

i guess laugh loudly because i am a loud person in general. i have a deep voice

kinky; do you blush easily?

i don't think so, my embarrassment turns into sweat, not blush, lmao

kisses; what romantic cliché do you wish for most?

i guess being proposed to someday? but i don't have a certain dream way of it happening, just the fact that its happening is enough for me lol. id enjoy if someone (cough Elle or also maybe Michael lol) were secretly filming and/or taking photos of it? I am not sure how you'd manage that though

kitty; what’s your favorite time of the day?

late at night when everything is quiet

ladybug; what’s your favorite artist to listen to when you’re sad?

old school three days grace (one-x album in particular)

love; what is your favorite season and why?

i always gravitate to fall for the leaves and pumpkin patches. but honestly, i think my favorite season is spring. i love the newly budding trees and flowers, the feeling of renewal, the release from the horrible Michigan winter lol, but most importantly, spring time for my whole life as of yet has always meant that school is over for the semester! as opposed to the fall when the semester starts. this is very long winded but spring final answer lol

lovey; what is your favorite flavor of macaron and ice cream?

I've never had a macaron and blue moon ice cream 

magic; what are five flaws you have?

ooooo boy

im short tempered/angry too much 

im unmotivated (which is confusing maybe because i said i am determined earlier. you see, once i HAVE a goal i feel determined to finish it. but i am unmotivated to create said goals, lol) 

im nonconfrontational to a fault where i always put others’ feelings before my own

i let fear of change stop me from ever taking risks/ am anxious

i am stubborn and sometimes have a hard time admitting i am wrong

moonlight; do you prefer soft pastels, warm neutrals, or cool darks?

this depends - screw pastels. warm neutrals for makeup purposes, but cool darks for aesthetic or decor purposes

munchkin; what do you look for in your significant other?

someone who feels like home. I am not entirely sure how else to explain that. you just feel peace and content with them. 

paddywack; how would you describe a perfect date?

something that allows you to only be with your date - so like a picnic or hike or just a walk even. my boyfriend and i liked to walk around in the fall for me to take pictures of leaves while he played pokemon go (man i miss the pokemon go summer and i have never even PLAYED it, it was just so fun to be with him while he played)

pebbles; how do you spend free time by yourself?

on youtube usually

precious; what is something valuable that you learned in your life?

The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb. if your family is toxic for whatever reason, you do not owe them your time strictly because they are family. 

pretty; do you like to cook or bake more?

cook, im not super into sweets & i want to enjoy the final product

prince; how would you describe your handwriting?

normal? like its legible but its not pretty or cute

princess; do you play any instruments? if not, are there any you wish you could play?

no:( wish i could play bass or drums

prinky; how do you relieve stress?

i don't :)

i really don't have an answer other than solving whatever is stressing me out, lol. i wish i had more mechanisms to calm me down but nothing i have tried has ever really worked

pumpkin; what is your favourite kind of fruit/vegetable?

you know these favorites questions are hard for me lol. right now, i am loving watermelon, but i also love most fruits. kiwis! vegetable, i feel like i have to say potato lol

rainbow; what was the last line of the last book you read?

lol the last thing i read had to be some academic text, so that's boring

roses; what is the most significant event in your life so far?

meeting Alex i guess, it changes my whole life path to have someone you want to do life with 

smile; what is one thing that has greatly affected you?

quarantine? lol

shine; art or music?

music is art.

shimmer; do animals tend to like you?

i think so. Elle’s dog griffin loves me for some reason lol

smitten; do you collect anything?

not really

smoochies; how many pillows do you sleep with?

4

snuggle; what is your favourite candy?

jolly ranchers 

snuggly; do you have a camera? if so, what kind?

nope

sparkle; do you wear jewelry?

nope

spooky; sunrise or sunset?

sunset

sprinkles; do you like to listen to music with headphones or no headphones?

headphones

starlight; what was your favourite show as a child?

Spongebob probably. unless we are talking like really tiny, toddler age, then Winnie the pooh

soft; describe your favourite spot in your house.

i live in a 2 bedroom apartment, there arent any spots. lol. my bed i guess

soothe; digital or vinyl?

i mean digital for convenience but vinyl for aesthetic 

squeezed; who do you miss right now?

i mean the only person i really actively miss ever is Alex. @cy-ne-fin sometimes, but i have also grown used to living away from each other

sugary; what traits do you value most in friends?

loyalty, honesty, & humor

sunshine; do you prefer for things to be practical or aesthetically pleasing?

if i must pick, practical. 

sweet; do you find it easy to open up?

absolutely not. i feel like a burden with my feelings even though i shouldn't 

sweetie; do you like kids? if so, do you ever want to have any?

honestly not really. am on the fence still about ever having any 

thimble; is there somebody you look up to? who are they?

not really

toot; what is something you find unique about yourself?

i am as average as they come man, nothing is unique about me lol

tootsie; what kind of friend are you?

like a background friend? like i am not very social, so we do not have to talk every day to be friends. so like im here if you need me, but i enjoy alone time. 

treasure; what was something that made you smile today?

the way my boyfriend looks at me, & as i was working on this my cat came to cuddle, which i gave as an answer earlier before he jumped up here :)

velvet; are you an early bird or a night owl?

night owlllllll

whiffle; if you could have a magical power, what would it be?

the power to heal those who are hurting (including myself)

whimsical; do you prefer doing stuff at home or going out?

home home home home

whiskers; do you usually wear makeup?

not anymore, i did in high school/early college years. not I've stopped caring

wiggly; are you a messy or tidy person?

messy? kinda in the middle really. 

wispy; do you like the place where you grew up? do you think you will live there when you get older?

my state, sure. my city in particular is definitely pretty boring

wobbly; have you ever wished upon a star?

I've never seen one :(

[wolfpawn]

I Hate You, I Love You, Chapter 24

Chapter Summary -  Danielle and Tom have a dinner out with Diana, which is a pleasant affair until someone recognises Tom and paparazzi become involved.

Previous Chapter

Rating - Mature (some chapters contain smut)

Triggers - references to Tom Hiddleston’s work with the #MeToo Movement. That chapter will be tagged accordingly.

authors Note - I have been working on this for the last 3 years, it is currently 180+ chapters long.  This will be updated daily, so long as I can get time to do so, obviously.

tags: @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog  @jessibelle-nerdy-mum @nonsensicalobsessions @damalseer @hiddlesbitch1 @winterisakiller

If you wish to be tagged, please let me know.

The longer Danielle sat by his side, the more Tom wanted her to remain there. Diana, as expected, was heartbroken and happy for the girl she had seen slave through years of study and exams. “You are going to do brilliantly sweetheart, just like Tom.”

“Well, I will be staying very much behind the camera,” Danielle commented.

“I have an idea.” Tom declared. “I am taking you two lovely ladies out to dinner.”

“Wonderful.” Diana smiled.

Danielle looked uncertain. “What…if there are any…”

Tom swallowed, “With her gone, they don’t come around anymore, Suffolk is, once more, calm and quiet.”

“Well then, if you’re buying.” She smiled, earning the megawatt smile Tom had for when he was at his happiest. “So, where to?”

“Manzoni’s?” He suggested.

“Just because you have no mortgage, doesn’t mean you should take one out to eat in a stupidly overpriced restaurant.” Danielle looked him up and down.

“Come on, Elle, you deserve fine dining in celebration of your huge career change.” He urged.

“I can’t, seriously Tom, it’s too much.”

“Elle, I missed your birthday, I have been an unmitigated ass to you this year, and I really need to thank you for…well, that other thing, so please, please let me do this; I know how much you love their carbonara.”

“You know nothing Hiddleston.”

“Yes I do, Emma said you practically made sex noises at the table when you ate there before,” Tom whispered into her ear as soon as Diana left the room to get ready to go out. Danielle went puce red at his words, the deep timbre of his voice sending a shudder down her spine in a way that could be very much be accused of being sinful as she looked to the ground, not wanting him to see the embarrassment on her face. “Elle.” The manner in which he spoke her name caused her to gasp slightly. “Please.”

“I don’t know if I…” she looked at him, her eyes focusing on the icy blue and green specks of his. “I…” She forgot the art of speech for a moment, as his eyes focused back on hers. “Yes.”

His pupils widened fractionally and a glimmer of brightness added to them at her agreement. “Thank you.”

“I think I should get changed.”

“You look perfect as you are.”

“I don’t think I am to their dress code Tom, I am in my normal clothes.”

“I know, your River Island black jeans, your favourite t-shirt, your grey and black open cardigan and your, what appear to be yet another pair of Converse, how many pairs of black converse can one girl own?” He asked, his voice affectionate, his eyes not once leaving hers as he spoke.

“I just buy new of the same…you didn’t even look at my clothes there.”

“I looked at them when you opened your door.” He smiled.

“I…”

“Are we ready?” Diana came back into the room and froze as she realised the peculiar tension between her son and neighbour, both still sitting next to each other, and both staring into one another’s eyes.

Tom’s stare was the first to break; he turned to his mother and smiled. “Yes, we are. I just convinced Danielle to come, she was somewhat reluctant.” He rose to his feet, rubbing his hands off his pants as he did; glad they were dark enough to hide the sweatiness of his palms from his nerves at being so close to Danielle.

“I see.” Diana looked between them again, still paying attention to the tension that surrounded them. “Well, you can drive there, but I will drive home, my doctor said I shouldn’t mix alcohol with my medication.”

“What medication?” both demanded immediately in unison, their previous nervousness immediately dissolved.

“I had a small ear, nose and throat infection last week; I am on decongestants for it.” She dismissed.

“What ones?” Danielle asked.

“I can’t remember the name; they are made by that Pfizer company.”

“Yeah, no alcohol for you.” Danielle agreed, Tom listening to her and nodding.

“I was not aware paramedics are so up-to-date on pharmacy stuff.”

“Pharmacology? Yes, we need to know the ones that react badly together, and some react very badly, decongestants, plus alcohol equals a stoned effect and very bad issues with blood pressure, not a nice combo.” She explained to him.

“Well then, it’s settled, into the car you two.” Diana ushered them out the door of her house and towards Tom’s car. “Tom darling, your car is in the way, so we’ll take it.”

“Is there anyone not trying to drive my car?” He stated in exasperation, opening the passenger side door for his mother.

Danielle raised her hand. “I don’t.” Tom looked at her; there was some form of offence on his face as he did. “I would be terrified to drive it, sitting in it, however, well, that is another thing entirely.” She beamed as she got into the back seat. “Are these things heated?”

Tom closed the door on the passenger side before heading to the driving seat. “They are.”

“Fancy prick.” She grumbled under her breath. “Ow!” She yelped immediately after since Diana had reached back and pinched her leg.

“Mind how you speak of my wonderful son.” Diana chastised.

“Haha, Ow!” Tom went from chiding Danielle to yelping himself as Diana clipped the back of his head. “Mum.”

“And you, mind how you provoke my favourite neighbour, she is like a daughter to me.”

“Sorry, mum.” Both stated at the same time, causing Diana to glance between them and for both to erupt in giggles.

“Two five-year-olds, that’s what you are like.” Diana sighed, shaking her head.

“Tom started it,” Danielle stated lowly.

“Did not.” He retorted.

“Dear God, drive boy, before I lose my patience altogether,” Diana ordered.

*

The meal was a pleasant affair, and as Tom had predicted, Danielle had gone for the carbonara, and both having finished almost two bottles of wine between them.

“I regret the drinking.” Danielle groaned as Diana went to the bathroom. “Why did I drink fancy wine?” She held up the bottle. “I am going to kill you in the morning.”

“No one forced you to drink it, you’d think the food would have helped,” Tom commented. “Though it does seem quite strong.”

“Yep, look at that percentage.”

“Shit, I am not driving anywhere until after lunch.”

“Good plan, I don’t plan on getting up until after lunch.” Danielle declared.

“Better plan.” Tom commended.

Danielle pointed to her feet. “Down there’s for dancing.”

“What the hell does that even mean, you have been saying that since I met you, and I still haven’t figured it out. In fact, it was one of the first things you ever said in my presence.”

“It means we use our feet for dancing and our heads for thinking, obviously.” Danielle chuckled, as though it blatantly clear.

“Elle, thank you for coming out tonight, I am so happy for you.”

“Thanks.” Danielle smiled. “Thank you for helping me with telling your mum, and for the extortionately overpriced meal.”

“My pleasure Elle, I hope I can take you out in London some time, there are some great places there or LA.”

“Maybe.” She gave a small smile. “I am not exactly Hollywood.”

“Two Disney movies are fairly Hollywood.” He gave another grin back. “How is Paul about all of this, shouldn’t you spend time with him when you’re home?”

“Paul is in Africa at the moment. He goes for a couple of weeks every other year as part of a Doctors Without Borders thing. He won’t be back for at least another fortnight.”

“That’s noble of him.”

Danielle nodded. “Yes, it is.” There was a proud smile on her face that caused Tom’s stomach to sink. “So what’s next for you, movie star?”

“Well, thankfully Ragnarok is over, so I am waiting to see if there needs to be any reshoots, then I have a few more ad campaigns to shoot too.” He began.

“Are you home for Christmas?”

“Definitely, you?”

“Four days.”

“Yikes.” He gave a small grimace. “Need a lift from the airport?”

“Isn’t that usually my line?” She smiled back.

Tom chuckled. “Usually, yeah.” Danielle bit her bottom lip as she smiled. “Elle…” she glanced back at him, taking Tom’s breath away.

“We have a small issue.” Diana declared quietly as she came back to them. “You’ve been spotted, darling.” She informed Tom.

“Shit.” Tom leant back. “I’m sorry Elle.” He rose from the chair. “Walk out the door with mum, and walk to the car, I’ll see you there.”

Not entirely sure what to do, Danielle just nodded and got to her feet. “Darling,” she looked to Diana, “Just ignore them and pretend they are not there.”

As Danielle walked out of the restaurant, she realised that was far easier said than done; as a camera flashed at her time and again, the bright light of which blinding her. From what she had seen beforehand, it was only three men, but it felt as though fireworks were erupting around her over and over as they shouted random questions at her and Diana.

“Mrs Hiddleston, did you really approve of Taylor, or was that all part of the act?”

“Mrs Hiddleston, does this girl meet your approval?”

“Are you the girl Tom left Taylor for?”

“Did Tom cheat on Taylor with you?”

“Are you the obsessed paramedic?”

Danielle swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest at what they were saying. “Gentlemen, please.” Relief filled her as Tom’s voice from behind them.

“Tom, are you worried about what Taylor will write and sing about you in her next album?”

“Who is the girl Tom, did you leave Taylor for her?”

“I am just having dinner with family, nothing of note, so please, let us enjoy our evening,” Tom asked politely.

“Taylor is saying you cheated on her, what have you to say to that Tom? Is this the girl you cheated with?”

“She is nothing to do with any of this, she is just a friend.”

Danielle just kept walking, passed Tom’s car, and passed the side of the street, her paces fast, and her head down. She thought she heard Tom calling her back, but she kept going, arms tucked in around her. To her relief, the photographers seemed more interested in following the celebrity and not her, so she walked along, sobering up as she went.

She made her way to the taxi depot not too far from the restaurant and asked for a cab, doing everything in her power to not show how upset she was. When she got to her house, she cursed, she had no idea where her purse was, her house keys, phone and money were inside.

A mixture of relief and dread filled her when Tom came out of his mother’s driveway, her purse in hand. He ran straight to the driver’s window and handed him fifty pounds. “Keep the change.” He smiled at the thrilled man before running to Danielle’s door and opening it for her. “Elle.” She took her purse from his hand and walked to her door. “I’m sorry Elle.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” She stated, not looking at him.

“Elle please, look at me.” He begged, following her to her door. “They say that stuff to get a reaction.”

“I gave them none.” She answered coolly.

“Are you mad at me?”

“Why would I be, you did nothing wrong, you brought me for a nice dinner, you came out to try and get them away.”

“Then I don’t understand.”

The words ‘She’s just a friend’ repeated in Danielle’s head. It had never hurt her as deeply before, she knew she would never be anything other than that to him, but Tom physically saying the words hurt. “I just need to get some rest; the wine did me no favours.”

“Why didn’t you come home with us?”

“I wouldn’t have appeared as ‘just a friend’ if I went home with you, would I? That would have added fuel to the fire.”

“Elle, I…I had to say that, they would hound you otherwise.”

“What do you mean ‘had to say that’ that’s all we are, isn’t it? I mean, we’re friends, nothing else, it wasn’t a lie.” she snapped.

Tom felt as though he had taken a kick to the gut. “I…”

“What Tom? What? We’re friends, nothing else; you are the big movie star with blonde, statuesque starlets at your beck and call. Of course they got curious when they saw you with me, I’m nothing like that, I’m no one, the idea that after being with one of the most wealthy and renowned women in the music industry to well, short, plain and anonymous, they must have thought you were having a sort of breakdown.”

“Elle…you’re…”

“Nothing, I’m faceless, and I’m actually okay with that.” her tone was becoming more high pitched as she became more upset.

“You are not ‘nothing’,” Tom argued. “You’re brilliant.”

“Tom.”

“No, you are brave, strong, independent, perfect.” Tom came up close to her, his chest almost against hers. “Elle, you are so much more than what you think you are.” He tucked a few loose strands of her hair behind her ear. “Why can’t you see that?”

“Tom…” she was about to argue with him when Tom leant forward and pressed his lips to hers, silencing her.

For a few moments, Danielle’s mind short-circuited, leaving her silently staring at him, as he tried to deepen the kiss, she reacted in kind, enjoying the feeling of his strong lips against hers, the smell of his cologne filling her nostrils, sending her stomach in a knot with anxious excitement. But when his hand came to her cheek, and he sighed in contentment; she came to her senses. “Tom.”

“Elle.” His voice ghosted against her lips.

“We can’t.”

“Why not?” he groaned when she pulled back from him.

“Tom, you need to leave.”

“Elle.”

“Please.” She swallowed hard, her voice breaking, “Please leave.”

“Elle.”

“Please, Tom.” There was no disguising the upset in her voice.

Heartbroken, Tom nodded and turned from her doorstep, looking at her again when he had taken a few paces. “I’m sorry Elle, I shouldn’t have…and Paul.”

Danielle said nothing with regards to her breakup with the doctor; she only nodded before turning the key in the door and walking inside, closing it behind her and allowing her heartbreak to take over at her pushing away Tom. It had been a mistake on his behalf, surely. She had no idea why he had done it, but she was not what he looked for in a woman, and she knew it. She would never be good enough for him, and she needed to accept that.

[fortuneboldlyfavors]

Star | Roger Taylor x Reader

A/N: I haven’t written in ages, so I hope this is okay. Also, thank you so much to @lap-of-the-gods for requesting this from my Christmas prompt lists. Sorry this took so long! - Elle 

The Christmas season was fast approaching. The air felt crisper than usual, but festivity filled the air. The sun wasn’t quite up yet, and there was a faint glow of Christmas lights left on from the night before in pub windows. The walk from the cafe to the studio wasn’t far, and you were taking a moment to enjoy the quiet before the hustle and bustle of London began. The biggest hustle and bustle of London and by far the loudest would be walking through the Studio doors in a couple of hours and while you loved working for them all dearly, the peacefulness of the morning was refreshing.

 It had been just over a year since you had begun working as an assistant and you loved it, sure a lot of the time you were run off your feet between the bands that came in, producers and other staff but you adored your job. You could catch little glimpses of what was the start of something unusual, a top 10 hit here or a number 1 record there and you felt genuinely fortunate. Maybe it wasn’t the most glamorous job the whole time, and perhaps you did have to grab a tea or coffee or two, but you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

 Upon reaching the studio, you noticed that despite the early hour craziness was ensuing inside. Boxes littered the floor, a few of the staff hovering around a towering Christmas tree in the center of the lobby. You headed into the main foyer of the studio and placed the tray of coffees on the receptionist’s desk, quickly working to disperse them amongst the few that were around this early. Coffee on a cold and first start, what could be better? The warm liquid left you feeling toasty and ready for the day. 

“Come give us a hand?” Valerie, one of the other assistants called, ushering you over with a perfectly manicured hand. 

There was a distant hum as a soft rendition of some Christmas carol buzzed through the radio as you joined your colleagues into decorating the studio for Christmas. The walls had already been richly covered in tinsel and lights by your colleagues. Baubles and beads and tinsel had been laid out ready to wrap the tree in gorgeous reds, silvers, and golds. You had all agreed that it was easier to decorate before the sessions for the day had started. Beat the busyness of the artists and overworked producers. You knew that the boys weren’t early risers but they were due for a session shortly, and you at least wanted most of the tree decorated before you’d have to run back and forth for both the band and the studio producers.

Between the few of you, you had made a decent effort in getting a majority of the decorations onto the tree. The deep green covered in beautifully glittered ornaments indeed did spark some festivity into the place.

Taking careful steps around the boxes that spread over the floor, a sparkle caught the light drawing your attention to a golden star rested in the deep red box nestled upon deep blue velvet. It was gorgeous; the detail so intricate that it was almost a shame to keep it in the box for a moment longer.  You had the star gently grasped in both hands as you settled yourself in front of the step stool, gaping up at the magnificent tree in front of you. It was a stretch, but you’d have to make it work. A star this beautiful deserved to be at the very top of the tree — the star of the show, no pun intended of course. You climbed to the top of the step stool and tried to balance yourself.

Arms outstretched and the tips of your shoes only just touching the stool you edged closer towards the top of the tree. You were so close, your fingertips from one hand just gracing the edge of the pine leaves. Just a little bit further, a little bit further and you’d have it. You urged yourself to stretch out just a little farther and just as you had almost grasped the top of the tree the stool shook beneath you, the balance shifting. You tried your best to steady the seat only to send yourself toppling sideways. Your heart lurched, your mind racing with a thousand thoughts.  You thought of the delicate star, all the work that had gone into the tree, the idea of your collision with the hardwood floor, with boxes littered everywhere. You closed your eyes, arms curling into your chest in attempts to cradle the star. You had braced for impact, but it sure felt a lot softer than you had expected. Slowly you opened your eyes as a chuckle made its way to your ears. Looking up you noticed that not only had you not fallen on the ground but you’d fallen into a certain legendary Drummer.

“I always knew you’d fall for me, love,” his voice in your ear sent shivers up your spine. Peering up from beneath your lashes you noticed the looks of everyone around you. The staff members that were previously helping you decorate but were now staring at you wide-eyed. Freddie, John, and Brian stood behind Roger with unreadable expressions. You desperately urged the heat in your cheeks to calm down, one hand releasing the star and resting against your cheek. Roger looked deeply into your eyes, a cheeky smirk on his face as he held you in his arms.

“Rog always said you were a catch, dear” Freddie spoke. “If only we knew he meant it quite literally” Freddie chuckled as he passed you both on the way up.

The hand that was on your cheek moved to Rogers' chest tapping it gently, gesturing for him to put you down.  He placed you on your feet, still staying within such proximity that your noses could almost touch as you looked up into his eyes.

“Don’t be too long darling; we have another masterpiece to record,” Freddie called pressing the button for the lift. John and Brian followed not far behind shaking their heads with amused smiles on their faces.

“Let me help, hm?”

“That’d be great Rog,” you’d expected the blonde himself to get up on the stool, but within seconds you had gone from holding out the star to the man to holding on to the decoration for dear life. Strong arms wrapped around your thighs as you were lifted easily towards the top of the tree. The tip of the tree in one hand and the star in the other you quickly adjusted it, so it sat straight on the tip of the tree. You turned quickly nodding down at the drummer below, and soon you were back on your feet again.

“So, what do you think?” You asked taking a step closer to Roger to admire the tree.

“Beautiful,” he mumbled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear his fingers gently trailing your cheek and his crystal eyes looking deeply into yours.

“Roger, I meant the star. The tree. How’s it look?”

He smirked cheekily, moving back to stand beside you eyes squinting up towards the tree as if he were analyzing your decoration choices.  

“It looks perfect love. Very festive. Are you going to make a wish?” He wrapped an arm around your shoulder smiling down at you.

“That’s shooting stars, Rog; I don’t know if it applies to Christmas stars.”

“Well, where’s your sense of Christmas spirit, ey? Magic and such,” The arm that was around you squeezed around your shoulder in jest.

You bit your lip and tried to fight the smile that was always so present in your conversations with Roger.

Closing your eyes you thought of a quick wish, shooting star or not what could it hurt? I mean you knew it was likely never to come true, but there was no harm in trying.

“What’d you wish for?”

“Rog. Come on.” Deacy called from the lift, bass case in hand the other tapping against the lift doors, propping them open while he spoke. Roger gave the bassist a quick nod in agreement. Moments later the faint ding of the lift doors closing rang through the lobby, and Roger quickly turned his attention back to you.

“What are you doing later?” he asked, hand moving from your cheek to rest against your waist.

You scoured your brain looking for the right words to say. If you tried to play a little hard to get and said you were busy, you could lose the chance. But if you said you had no plans, you could look like a bit of a loser. You drew your lip between your teeth trying to find an answer.

“What did you have in mind?” The second the words left your mouth you could feel yourself heating up. What if you had said the completely wrong thing and he’d laugh it off and leave you alone. What if it was all a complete joke?

A smile graced his lips, his fingers fiddling against your sides.

“8 pm then. I’ll meet you here beneath our star.”

Roger left a lingering kiss on your cheek before releasing you from his hold.

Your eyes followed him all the way until the lift doors closed before trailing back up to the Christmas star. A faint smile on your lips as you tried to control the fast pace of your heart.

You were going to be going out with Roger.

Maybe there was a method to his madness. Christmas was said to be the most magical time of the year, and now perhaps you could believe that. Perhaps a wish on a Christmas star worked all the same. 

After all your Christmas wish was finally coming true.

[my-star-jjong]

tag game // 15 question

Tagged by the wonderful and talented @briee-elle ~! <3

1. Are you named after anyone? My tumblr name is a reference to Kim Jonghyun 🌹 My real name was apparently taken from Dostojewski.

2. When was the last time you cried? I cry a lot. Like, a lot lot. But these days I don’t cry because I’m sad. I usually cry because I’m touched or because I’m happy. The last big time I cried was after Music Bank Berlin, because I was so happy.

3. Do you have kids? I have a cat.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Are cats cute?

5. What is the first thing you notice about people? Their eyes. Because regardless of me liking them or not, whether they are acting like arseholes or not, I can always find comfort in the fact that they at the very least have beautiful eyes. Because all eyes are beautiful.

6. What’s your eye colour? Blue/Green. Which one of the two depends on the lighting, they switch colour heavily.

7. Scary movie or happy ending? As long as the movie is good and I’m interested in the plot I’m fine with both.

8. Any special talents? I am very good at pretending I got my shit together. People often tell me how mature I seem. How independent and self confident I look. But I am not, I am merely a work in progress. Yet believing in myself and wearing that belief proudly makes it look like I’m already at the finish line.

I used to do it on purpose. I used to be scared of rejection, scared of looking stupid. So I habitually pretended to be more than I was. I am not quite sure yet how I will lift the burden of perfection that I have created on myself. I just know that I am exceptionally good at pretending.

9. Where were you born? On earth. Such a bummer, would’ve been cool to be Martian.

10. What are your hobbies? Don’t really have any? Which is sad I know bla bla, but I’m broke and have no time, leave me be.

11. Do you have any pets? A fluffy ass cat called Barney. (I call him Barns for short.) He has my whole heart. If I ever have a puppy, I’ll call him Euler.

12. How tall are you? Around 1,70m I think? I’m not sure.

13. What sports do you play/have played? I played tennis for a really long time but it got more frustrating than fun and I stopped. I also used to do taekwondo and I’d love to get back into it. I did a few others but I don’t talk about those ‘cause I don’t associate good times with them.

14. Favourite subject in school? Math. (And the sciences.) Bur honestly? I think whether I like a subject or not depends highly on the teacher. I, for example, dislike history. Because except for one year, I always had shit history teachers. But it’s really hard to ruin math and the sciences for me so I’ll go with those.

15. Dream job? Mathematician. People that know me know how unsure I am of my future and how much I worry about going into math. (For different reasons.) But I truly love mathematics. Whether I will end up a mathematician or decide to use my base in mathematics to venture into another science doesn’t matter, I really want to study math.

I’ll tag a of my mutuals and people I follow, you don’t have to do it if you don’t want to or have no time!

@taeyongfcksmyknee @skeletonseungminnie @yes3racha @jisungsings @ikon-on-my-hellevator-cactus @weetaliix @leeknowbaby @kim-uwujin @ftstraykids @koalasheepchannie @devilchannie

[hrhduchessoflancaster]

Chapter Seventy-Two: Family, Duty, Honour

A/N: Special thanks to those who read this story and have been part of it! xx Bea __________________________________________________________________

For her birthday, all Elle wanted was to relax. No tension. No meetings. No events. Nothing. All she wanted to do was go to Woodenford and be away for a while. But of course, that couldn’t exactly happen since her birthday coincided with Remembrance Week.

And so, Rupert and Lisa were in full-event mode that week, planning and organising all the events she would attend alone and the ones she’d join Harry on, specially Remembrance Sunday, which included all senior members of the Royal Family.

“ On Tuesday, you and the Duke will oversee the opening of the Remembrance Field at Westminster Abbey. And, on Sunday, you’ll be present for the ceremony at the Cenotaph, as per usual.”, said Ronald to her. Nodding, Elle smiled.

“ All your clothes had been pre-selected for these events, ma’am. All you need to do is choosing which ones to wear.”, said Lisa, smiling.

“ Very well.”, said Elle. “ Any other events or engagements this week?”, she asked the pair.

“ No ma’am. But you do have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.”, said Lisa.

“ Oh yes… that one I knew. I can’t wait to see how baby is doing.”, replied Elle, smiling at her baby bump. At almost seventeen weeks into her pregnancy, all the worst parts of nausea and mood-swings were gone. Georgiana had told her and Harry that they’d be able to discover the baby’s sex at their next appointment but they had decided, after long debating it, that they didn’t want to know.

After her meetings, that afternoon, Elle and her mother went on baby shopping. But before they could hit the stores, Elle and Victoria went through hers and her brothers’ baby clothes that her mother had kept all those years.

“ I’ve brought them back from Woodenford last week, had them washed. They even look brand new.”, said Victoria, as the mother and daughter sat together in Elle’s former bedroom.

“Awn, just look at this tiny bodysuit!”, said Elle, picking up a pale yellow one-piece. “ This was yours. Your brother had one just like it but it was white.”, said Victoria. Picking up another bodysuit, Elle got misty-eyed as she noticed the little animals pattern on it.

“ Oh this one is perfect…”, she told her mother.

“ This was your brothers. He absolutely adore everything that had little animals in it.”, commented Victoria.

“ It seems like yesterday when it was I who was preparing your nursery, selecting your baby clothes…”, said her mother, emotionally. Elle looked at the older woman before her and squeezed her hand.

“ I still can’t believe by baby girl is having a baby…”, said Victoria, folding a few one-pieces.

“ Sometimes, I can’t even believe myself.”, said Elle. “ It feels so strange, to know that there’s a little human growing inside of me.”, she continued, caressing her lower stomach.

“ It’s incredible, isn’t it?”, said her mother and Elle nodded her head. “ Our husbands can’t even begin to imagine what’s like to feel it growing, to nurture it, to carry your child for nine months and then finally be able to hold he or she in your arms. We women, are magical beings, my dear.”, continued Victoria.

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

The appointment with Georgiana the next day was longer than she expected. Harry stood by her side all the way as the doctor poked and looked her all over.

“ You’re in the middle of your pregnancy. In the next coming weeks, you’ll begin to feel the baby moving. The baby will also begin to develop much quicker. You’ll notice that you’ll gain more weight and your gravity centre will start to change, so I recommend lower heels from your twentieth week on. Or at least, studier heels. That should give you more support.”, said Georgiana.

“ Now, let’s see how the baby’s doing, shall we?”, continued the Doctor as Elle laid on the bed, popping her blouse up.

“ Here we are…”, said Georgiana and the trio looked at the ultrasound machine’s telly to see the baby.

“ As you can see here, the baby’s heart is strong and pumping loudly.”, said Georgiana. She then proceeded to take measurements of the baby, to see if everything was in order.

“ So, the baby is currently thirteen centimeters and weights about one-hundred and fourteen grams. Which are all perfectly within the normal rates. Do you really don’t wanna know the sex?”, asked Georgiana. Elle looked at Harry, who was holding her hands and he smiled at her, shaking his head.

“ We don’t. We want to be surprise when little nugget is here.”, said Elle smiling. They had began calling their baby nugget two nights before, when Elle simply tired of calling “it”. Georgianna shook her head and smiled as the couple looked at each other.

_____Flashback

“ What do you think it will be like?”, asked Harry as they laid in bed that night. He had on hand draped across her body and Elle had put both her hands on her lower stomach.

“ I don’t know. Physically, we’ve already talked about it. Ginger or blonde, but I’m betting on ginger.  Although there’s a chance it might be born with darker hair since my dad had a pretty dark shade of black locks.”, commented Elle.

“ Eyes blue or green. And a few freckles on the nose and cheeks. Personality wise, I hope he or she be strong-willed and charismatic as you are. Witty and compassionate as I am. And healthy. That, above all else.”, she finished.

“I agree… though I hope it doesn’t inherit your stubbornness.”, said Harry smirking. Elle playfully hit his side.

“ I call it determination. And, how about we stop calling the baby it? It’s beginning to sound weird.”, she said. Popping his head on his hand, Harry raised an eyebrow and looked quizzically at her.

“  Okay… what do you wan to call he or she?”, he asked her.

“ I don’t know… bun? Bean? Sprout?”, she suggested.

“ Nah… they’re all too common. How about gummy bear?”, Harry said. Elle shook her head.

“ Too long.”, she replied. Thinking for a while, she grinned as she turned her face to her husband.

“ I know it! What do you think about nugget?”, she asked him

“ Nugget? As in chicken nugget?”, questioned Harry.

“ No, silly! As in gold nugget! Because our baby is so small and so precious… like a gold nugget.”, explained Elle. Harry’s lips opened in a smile and his eyes glistened.

“ Perfect. It’s perfect.”, he replied, lowering his head to place a loving kiss on her lips, followed by another on her bump.

“ Our little nugget.”, he whispered against her stomach.

_______End of Flashback

Leaving the clinic, they stopped at Hyde Park for a walk. They haven’t been able to go for a walk in the park for a while and the weather wasn’t so bad. Bundled up with her coat and scarf, Elle snuggled against Harry’s side as they walked slowly along the Serpentine. As they walked side by side, they noticed how little people were at the park. Most of them were joggers and seniors, barely any families. The wind blew on the trees and droplets of water fell into their faces as they walked the path.

“ Hmm…”, sighed Elle. “ This is nice. I’ve been longing to come here. Don’t know why.”, she said to Harry.

“ We could’ve come earlier. Why didn’t you tell me?”, he asked her.

“ We were busy and there’s so much going on that I guess I forgot.”, replied Elle smiling.

“ Oh… speaking of forgetting. I almost forgot to tell you. My mum and I went shopping yesterday for baby clothes and she happened to have a lot of stuff from when Ed and I were little.”, said Elle.

“ Really? Did she bring them over?”, Harry asked her, just as they were nearing the small bridge that divided the Serpentine.

“ She did. And I don’t think we’ll need to buy that much for little nugget after all.”, said Elle chuckling.

“ my mum is a hoarder! She had so much stuff! I’ve selected a few things and put them aside in a box in the nursery. As soon as we have the furniture and decorations on, I’ll put them on the drawers.”, she continued.

“ I can’t wait to start on the nursery. I’ve come up with a few idea. William helped with the theme.”, said Harry.

“ You did?”, asked Elle smiling. “ I can’t wait to see them.”, she replied. By then, they had crossed the bridge and began making their way to the familiar memorial they had first visited a few years ago.

“ Just to think that in a few months, nugget will be here with us.”, said Elle, caressing her bump. Harry smiled at her and put his left hand above hers and smiled.

“ Our family is growing and sometimes I can’t believe it’s really happening, you know?”, said Harry and Elle nodded her head.

“ Sometimes it all seems like a dream. I’ve dreamt so long of this and now it’s finally here. You, me our child. It seems too good to be true.”, said Harry, giving Elle a sad smile.

“ But it is true, Harry. And nothing will change that.”, said Elle grinning, placing a hand on his cheek. He smiled and leaned over to give her a small kiss.

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

Opening the Remembrance Field at Westminster Abbey with Harry was an emotional waterfall for Elle. She’d seen first hand the struggles veterans had everyday with her work at Tedwork Recovery House in Wiltshire but she never spoke or saw with her eyes the suffering of the families and loved ones of those who did not return. She truly felt sorry for them and tried to be as compassionate and kind to them as she possibly could, without having a meltdown.

She placed a cross at the memorial beside Harry’s and  carefully moved along the line to talk to the Chelsea Pensioners that stood there. Many congratulated her and her husband on their marriage and child, and many, absentmindedly, spoke about their time during the wars they’d fought and how important and significant it was, for them, to have something like the memorial field to remember their fallen comrades.

At the end of the day, Elle was emotionally drained. She had cried all the way back to Kensington Palace and Harry had no idea what to do to make her feel better. So he hugged her. He took her in his arms and hugged her, gently caressing her back, her hair, placing kisses on her temple and cheek. He knew that when and if she wanted to say something she would do so. For now, holding her was the best he could so for her and he was glad to it.

“ I just kept thinking… all of that heartache, all of that pain. It made me think over and over again that one of them could be me.”, said Elle, whispering and Harry looked quizzically at her.

“ What do you mean?”, he asked her.

“ You’re still in the military, Harry. One day they could call you up for something or ship you off for training somewhere far away and I won’t see you, I won’t know where you are or how you’ve been. And that thought scared me.”, she replied. Harry looked into her eyes and saw the fear behind her green orbs. He saw how utterly shaken his wife had been by all she’d see and heard that afternoon.

“ Oh my love… there’s no need for you to worry about that. I’m working on cerimonial duties only and the chances of me being called up or signing up for anything like that are very, very slim.”, he reassured her.

“ But there is still a possibility. Even if it’s small.”, said Elle. “ I don’t know if I can survive going through it. Seeing you go…”, said Elle, tears falling from her eyes. Harry scooped her up and set her in front of him, cupping her cheeks.

“ Hey…”, he began, drying her tears with his fingers. “ I’m not planning on leaving any time soon, ok? I have you. I have out little nugget. The idea of beyond away from you doesn’t exist in my mind.”, Harry told her, placing gentle kissed on her cheeks and temple. Elle sighed and hugged him closer to her, pressing her face on his chest, listening to his strong, rhythmic, heartbeat. Soon enough, she was falling asleep.

************ Dressed in her black dress and hat, Elle accompanied Kate and Camilla to the balcony that oversaw the Cenotaph below. They had attended along with the rest of the Royal Family to a service in the Chapel. As they took their place, they watched below, seeing their respective husbands, Andrew, Edward, Philip and Her Majesty taking walking to the marks on the ground.  

The day was particularly chilly and Elle regretted not having a warmer coat on her. As the wind blew on her face and hat, she waited, along with everybody else for Big Ben to strike. The eleven strokes were followed by a complete silence. She had never felt anything so powerful as that. Not a sound could be heard. Not even the birds or children made a noise. For two whole minutes, everything was silent.

Elle closed her eyes, sending a small prayer to all of those who lost their lives and asked God to bless them all with full lives, without the horrors of another war or conflict. When the silence was broken by the sound of the canon, she looked down to her husband. Elle notice how Harry’s eyes were still closed tightly together, before he let out a sigh, opening them up. He briefly looked up, and they caught each other’s eyes. A small smile, from the corner of their lips was shared before Harry looked ahead again, ready to take his part in the service.

As he laid down his wreath, alongside William and Andrew, a small tear fell down he cheek and she notice her Majesty had brushed aside a tear that had fell down her cheek as well. Remembrance week was always emotional for her and her family. But being this close to the Cenotaph, in the middle of it all, had a special meaning and significance to Elle and she’d never forgot it.

“ Somber but beautiful service, is it not?”, said Camilla to her as they reentered the building.

“ It is. It’s something else. I’ve never felt so much respect and sorrow at the same time.”, said Elle and Camilla nodded her head.

“ Even when I attended Remembrance services in Salisbury with my parents… it’s different, much more symbolic and official, I guess.”, continued Elle.

“ Indeed, my dear. Indeed.”, replied Camilla. “ In a happier note, how are you and the baby?”, she asked

“ We’re well. Soon, I’ll be entering my twentieth week. I can’t believe it’s been this long already.”, said Elle, smiling, a hand resting on her baby bump.

“ Oh I know… I’ve never understood how a pregnancy can seem to go so quickly at one point and so slow at another. Your last few week pass by like glaciers moving. Trust me.”, said Camilla and they chuckled.

“ Well, I’m a little far from that yet, but I’ll keep it in mind.”, said Elle. As they went down, they noticed the other members of the Royal Family had gathered in the hall and were ready to leave for their luncheon. Meeting Harry at the bottom of the staircase, he took her hand into his, guiding her on the last remaining steps.

“ Are you alright?”, he asked her, sounding concerned after what had happened on Westminster Abbey.

“ Yeah…yeah…”, she replied nodding her head. “ Just… heavy stuff you know?”, she said and he nodded his head, serious. “ But I’m fine. At least I feel better than I felt on Thursday.”, she continued and he smiled at her.

“ That’s good to hear. I don’t like seeing you sad or worried. Or both.”, said Harry, taking her hand in his and placing a kiss on the back of it. She smiled at the gesture and held his hand onto hers.

“ Come, everyone is waiting. We’ll have lunch with Grandma at Clarence.”, said Harry, as they walked towards his father. She gave him a kind smile and they walked together towards Charles and Camilla.

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

As the weekend came and Remembrance Week was over, Elle felt much better. She resumed her activities as if nothing had happened. The anguish she had felt was mostly over and she was beyond glad for it. In the middle of all the chaos that was Remembrance Week, her birthday had passed and she had completely overlooked the fact.

Harry, on the other hand, had something up his sleeve. Had talked over to Ronald, Lisa and Daniel, as well as his father and Dr. Yates, Harry planned a surprise to give Elle what she had wanted for a very long time: a time out. They could be away for long, but it was enough to give them both a rest from all they’ve been through since the bombing.

With Lisa’s and Valerie’s help, who had packed everything Elle would need on their short trip, Harry came into her office one morning, with a huge grin on his face. Elle was so engrossed on a paper she was finishing for the Royal Historical Society that she didn’t even notice him coming in. It was only when he was literally beside her that she saw him, taking a small scare when she did so.

“ Harry! Jesus! Don’t creep on me like that!”, she exclaimed, hand upon her chest. She hear Harry chuckle and lean down to kiss her cheek.

“ It wasn’t my fault. You were so focused on whatever it is you’re writing that you didn’t see or hear me coming in.”, said Harry smiling at her. Elle sighed and shook her head as he took a seat in front of her. Without a second look at him, she kept on typing, feeling his eyes on her.

“ What is it, Harry?”, she asked, without taking her eyes from the screen, slightly annoyed.

“ I’m taking you out.”, he said and she paused, looking at him.

“ What? As in right now?”, she asked, a little confused.

“ Yeah. As in this minute.”, he replied, standing up. “ Come on, we don’t have time to lose, love.”

“ But… Harry, it’s still morning! I can’t just up and leave! I’m in the middle of something here.”, she said, now fully annoyed.

“ You can finish it later.”, was all he said. Coming to her side he pulled her up. “ Come on! The car is waiting.”

“ But I’m not even properly dressed to go out. I don’t even know where we are going!”, exclaimed Elle as she was pulled by her husband out of her office.

“ Elle, love, just humor me, alright?”, he asked her. She sighed and nodded her head, following him out of apartment 8 and into the car, where she was met by Lisa, Leo, Alfred and Ingrid.

“ Guys, good morning.”, she said and they all responded in unison.

“ Do any of you, by any chance, knows where my weirdo of a husband is taking us?”, she asked the quartet by none replied.

“ Oh… I see it…it’s a conspirator against me.”, she said as she eyed her husband, who held a chuckle.

“ Just get in the car. You’ll love it.”, said Harry smiling encouraging.

“ I very much hope so.”, Elle replied.

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

“ I can’t believe we’re in Cyprus!”, exclaimed Elle as she looked over the hotel balcony once again. Bewildered, she still couldn’t put together that Harry had taken them there.

“ I did a little research and it turns out this is one of the top ten babymoon places to go.”, he said to her, as he circled his arms around her waist.

“ Babymoon?”, she asked, turning her body so she could face him.

“ Yeah… and we also didn’t celebrate your birthday. So it’s a two-in- one package deal.”, he replied.

“ Awn Harry…”, pulling his head towards hers, she placed her lips on his, pulling his body as close to hers as she could. With a hunger for more, she deepened their kiss, pressing herself against his body.

“ You have no idea what you’re doing to me, husband…”, said Elle, breathing unevenly, as they pulled away from each other.

“ I think I get the idea…”, he replied smiling smugly.

“ Yeah?”, she said seductively. Harry gulped loudly as she kissed his neck. When she looked up at him she smirked then pulled away from him, returning to the room. Still in shock, Harry stood motionless for a few second before he heard her calling for him.

“ Well? Come on then! I want to explore the city!”, she exclaimed excitedly.

“ You’re seriously gonna leave me hanging after all that?”, he asked her, perplexed.

“ That’s payback for annoying me earlier, darling.”, she replied, putting on her light coat. Harry sighed and let out a guttural growl of annoyance, before following her. Smiling sweetly at him, she pecked his cheek.

“ Don’t worry, you’ll get a little present later, if you behave.”, she whispered in his ear as they went down to the lobby. Satisfied with her answer, Harry took her hand in his and soon they were on the car with Ingrid, Leo and Alfred, ready to see some sights.

Lisa had hired them a very chirpy guide to take them to a few places in Limassol and the adjacent cities. Alethea was an incredibly interesting and insightful woman, full of stories to share, who knew exactly what amount of information of needed for each place they’d visited.

They went to a sightseeing tour, where she pointed out the main monuments and touristy things, and needed thri day at the Marina, where they walked along the beautiful coast line in the sunset on their first day. And, true to her word, Elle fulfilled the deal she had made with Harry, since he behaved marvelously well during their outing.

On the following day, they visited the Medieval Castle in the far south of the city, which got Elle extremely excited. She could barely contain herself as she questioned Alethea and even the castle curator, who, upon knowing she and Harry were visiting, took up himself to show them around.

Harry didn’t know what amused him more: seeing his wife so excited or the faces the curator and Aletheia made when Elle went full-on historian on them. They also visited the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, which both of them thought it was one of the most beautiful things they’d ever seen.

On their third day in Limessol, Alethea took them to a city nearby called Kolossi, where they spent the day, visiting the ancient Greek ruins of the Kolossi Castle and the Kourion Ancient Theatre, both marvels of humanity that left not only Elle, but also Harry and their RPO’s in awe. As they sat in the ancient amphitheatre, watching the sea from beyond it, Elle felt a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a very long time.

Closing her eyes, she let the salty sea breeze caress her skin and breathed in and out deeply, as if releasing all the tension she’s been feeling since the bombing and the imminent threat on their lives. She felt something warm caressing her hand and knew it was Harry’s hand above hers. He scooted closer to her and pulled her to his chest. Breathing in the scent of his cologne, Elle sighed happily. Knowing they were together, safe and relaxed, away from chaos even for a few days, was enough for her.

“ Happy birthday, my love.”, he whispered in her ear. “ May you live many, many years in complete happiness, health and love. And may I be lucky enough to live every single one of them beside you.”, he finished, kissing her temple. Smiling, Elle opened her eyes and turned her face to look into his. She cupped his cheek, feeling his scruffy beard and grinned, a small tear falling from the corner of her eye.

“ Thank you. Thank you so much for this incredible break, for being such an incredible husband, friend and person. Thank you, my darling. My Harry.”, she said, pulling his lips onto hers. All loving and gentleness was placed on that single kiss. And to Elle, it was the best birthday gift she could ever receive.

[tattooednursewrites]

Yep, Sure Am Speechless - Ch 24

Elizabeth (OFC) returns to her place as healer on the Avengers team after taking time off after her mom is diagnosed with cancer. In her absence, the Avengers have gained some new members, including Bucky Barnes. Heart eyes and flirtation abound.

Masterlist

Ch 24

I leaned back in my seat with a groan. “Holy shit, Bucky. That was… absolutely fucking amazing. Seriously. You outdid yourself,” I said, my lips twitching when he blushed.

“Elle is right, Barnes. This was the best meal I’ve had in a while,” Natasha added, taking a sip of her wine.

“Yes, truly. Thank you so much for sharing it with us,” Wanda murmured, glancing at Pietro, who mumbled his thanks through a mouthful of food.

Steve was watching Bucky with a small smile. “Don’t know how you did it, but you got the recipes just right. Smelled like home when I came in, and tasting it? I coulda sworn I was at your ma’s table. Truly.”

I smiled at Steve before turning my attention back to Bucky, who was still blushing, staring at his empty plate. “Glad you all enjoyed it,” he said, glancing around the table before his eyes found mine. “Feelin’ better? Did you get enough to eat?”

I grinned at him. “Much better, thank you. And I don’t know if I could eat another bite, as much as I want to. I feel a food coma coming on.”

“Wouldn’t say no to that,” Bucky said softly, eyes not leaving mine as he smirked.

“Why don’t you head up? I can take care of clean up,” Natasha broke in, her voice not quite masking her amusement.

Pietro stood, carrying his plate to the kitchen. “I have a… an appointment. I promise to help with cleaning next time. See you tomorrow.”

Wanda watched Pietro leave with her mouth hanging open. “I cannot believe he left. Him and his ‘appointments’. I will help you clean up, Natalia.”

“It’s okay, Wanda,” Nat said, chuckling softly. “Besides, I think Vision wanted you to stop in and see him.”

“Oh… well. If you are sure?” Wanda replied, distracted.

Nat nodded. “Go, really.”

Wanda said her goodnights before heading for the elevator. I watched her leave, then turned to Nat, suspicious. “I don’t mind helping you clean up, Nat. Really.”

“I’ve got it, Elle. Really. You and Barnes should go on up.”

I looked to Bucky, who shrugged. Okay. “Well, night y’all,” I said, Bucky helping me up. I felt his hand move to the small of my back to guide me. “See you in the morning. I’ll make coffee.”

Nat gave me a small smile. “I know you will.”

I shook my head, smiling. “You coming up, Steve?”

“You guys go on up. I’ve got a few things to take care of. I’ll see you bright and early for training.”

My smile fell when he said ‘early’. “How early, Steve?”

He chuckled, shaking his head at me. “Six,” he said, and seeing me start to argue, he added “thirty.”

I sighed. Before I had a chance to reply, Bucky was agreeing to the obscenely early start time. Great. We said goodnight again before heading to the elevator. I noticed Steve and Nat watching us go, before Bucky distracted me, pulling me closer and kissing the top of my head.

*********

Steve turned to Nat after watching Bucky pull Ella onto the elevator. “Okay. Spill.”

Natasha quirked an eyebrow at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she drawled, as she began clearing the table.

“Seriously? I know you better that that, Natasha. For one, you never volunteer for clean-up. What’s going on?”

“I’m just being nice, Rogers. It isn’t that unusual,” she replied, turning toward him. He crossed his arms, his lips pressing into a thin line. “And… I need some distraction, okay?”

Steve hesitated, watching Nat’s shoulders draw in further, her frame tense. “Okay, I’ll let it go. But I’m here, okay?”

Natasha nodded, turning back to the counter and arranging the dishes. As Steve turned to finish clearing the table he caught her mumbled “Thank you.”

*********

“So, Tony mentioned something while you were gone,” Bucky broke into my thoughts. My cheek was on his shoulder as his fingers drew lazy patterns on my side. We were recovering from round two, which I thought should totally get us out of early morning training. I mean, cardio is cardio.

“What’s that?”

“Well… I didn’t realize your birthday was coming up…”

“I guess so, yeah. I’m not really big on birthdays. My mom and I usually did something small… cake and a chick flick… and now…”

Bucky gave me a squeeze. “Well, you know Tony… is Tony. He’s planning a big, fancy – meaning over the top, surprise party,” Bucky muttered, pulling you close when he felt you tense. “He’ll probably try and kick my ass for letting you in on his surprise, but I wanted to give you the choice. He plans on having me get you all decked out under the guise of going out to dinner. If you want we can bail on the party and just do dinner… or do anything you want really.”

I took a breath, hoping I wouldn’t regret what I was about to say. “No, it’s okay. I’m not a huge fan of parties – especially fancy ones, but it might be nice. Being on your arm and showing you off. Maybe I can even convince you to dance with me?”

“Anything you want, doll. Seriously. You want a party? I’ll dress up and be your arm candy… although that seems a bit backwards,” his lips quirked. “You get bored, or overwhelmed, we’ll leave. And it’d be my pleasure to dance with you.”

I grinned, tucking my face into his chest. “Thank you, James.”

*********

I stood in front of the mirror, spinning back and forth. “I don’t know Nat. It’s… tight. Like, hard to move in tight.”

“Kind of the point, Elle. It’s hot. But if you’re not comfortable in it let me unzip you and you can try the next one.”

I turned, feeling Nat lower the zipper. “Sorry, Nat I know I’m being picky. You only had to try on three dresses… all of which rocked… to decide what you wanted to wear. What’s this now, eight?”

“Thirteen. But who’s counting?”

I laughed. I had let Natasha know that Bucky told me about the party. She was proud of him, and promised that she would’ve told me if he hadn’t. She had chosen a deep green dress. It was embroidered, sequined, and form fitting - with a high slit and almost vine-like neckline. It was gorgeous, and she looked phenomenal in it.

After four more not quite right dresses I was ready to give up. I was pulling on my sundress when Natasha came in with another dress.

“One more, Elle. Just try one more.”

“I can’t wear that, Nat! It would be impossible to wear a bra! Not all of us have your gravity defying ta-tas you know.”

“Just put it on. For me.”

I sighed. “Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

I closed the door, pulling my dress over my head. I slipped into it, able to zip the side zipper without help. Holy shit. Well fuck. Now I was going to have to deal with gloating Nat.

The dress was amazing. It was floor length, and the fabric was thick, but moveable. It was a blue so dark that it looked black until the light hit it. The bodice was form fitting until the hips, with a full skirt that flared to the floor. There was a slit up to the hip, but the way the skirt was made the fabric was overlapped at the waist, so you only got hints of leg when I moved. The neckline was a v that gave more than a hint at cleavage, but still left a lot to the imagination. So, the front was awesome, but not really revealing. Then I turned. It was backless, with the exception of a few inch-thick strips that crisscrossed, leaving almost all of my back exposed to just before the swell of my ass. Somehow the thick fabric and cut of the dress managed to fight gravity and keep my breasts up and out, enhancing the cleavage. And the best part? It had pockets!

“Holy shit, Nat! I’m in love! And it has pockets!!”

Natasha laughed. “Well, let’s see it.”

I came out, striking a pose with my knee pressing the slit open a bit, hands in pockets. Nat grinned. “You look stunning, Elizabeth. Really. Barnes is going to… well, just make sure he doesn’t hurt the dress when he rips it off of you.”

I felt the blush heat my cheeks and chest. “Yeah. Good plan.”

“Okay, now we just need shoes.”

I changed, putting the dress carefully back on the hanger before following Natasha to the shoes section. She immediately found a pair of dark gray wrap heels that fit perfectly. I, on the other hand, hated heels. I was having trouble finding a pair that I wouldn’t end up taking off in the first hour just for the sake of comfort. Maybe if I painted my toenails to match my dress no one would notice? Nat keeps having to try and drag me away from the boots. I picked up a pair of black slip on boots and she lost her patience.

“Comfort isn’t everything, Elle. You can tolerate heels for one night, right?”

“I’m just going to try them on. They’re pretty.”

“They don’t even have a heel. They are in no way meant to be formal.”

“I know, aren’t they perfect?”

Nat glared at me, hoping I would crack. When I didn’t she rolled her eyes at me. “Fine. I’m hungry. Lunch?”

*********

“It isn’t too…dark? I know I tend toward dark colors and black, if my closet is any indication,” Bucky confirmed, turning back and forth in front of the mirror. The suit itself was an almost shiny black. The shirt was a dark blue, that was only noticeably blue because it was next to the black of the jacket and tie. Steve had talked him into suspenders.

Steve shook his head at me. “It looks great, Buck. Ella’ll love it. You sure you don’t want to get some dress shoes?”

“I’ll just shine my boots. Let me keep a little comfort, yeah?”

“Sure, Buck,” Steve sighed. He checked his phone. “Nat’s asking if we want to meet them for lunch. Ella is apparently demanding tacos as a treat for making it through shopping.”

Bucky grinned. That’s his girl. “Tacos sound perfect. Let’s get out of here.”

*********

Steve saw the exact moment Ella noticed them. She ran at them, launching herself at Bucky, who caught her with a grin, burying his face in her neck and letting her momentum spin them around before setting her on her feet, but keeping hold of her. Natasha stalked over, her eyes on the couple, a smirk curving her lips.

“Hey,” he greeted, still being ignored by Ella and Bucky.

“Hey yourself, Rogers,” Nat snarked, bumping her shoulder against his. “Think they’ll remember that we were getting tacos anytime soon?”

Ella twisted in Bucky’s hold. “Tacos? Yes please.”

He caught Nat’s eye and smirked. She returned it before looking down with a blush. Wait, what? He didn’t realize he was still standing there staring at where Nat had been until she called from the door, Bucky and Ella already making their way inside. “Coming, Rogers?”

“Yeah, yeah… coming…”

*********

“So, did you happen to notice…”

Bucky was brushing his teeth and paused to meet my eyes in the mirror.

“There seems to be… something. Between Steve and Natasha. I’ve noticed it before, but now it seems… more intense?”

Bucky tilted his head at me, eyes narrowing, before leaning over the sink to spit. “What is or isn’t there is not our business, Ella. We shouldn’t meddle.”

“But they would be…”

“Yes, it would be great, but that’s for them to figure out. And I thought you said Nat and Bruce,” Bucky circled his toothbrush at me before rinsing it and reaching for the mouthwash.

“Yeah, but Bruce left. And I don’t think he’s coming back, Bucky. I love him and all, but Natasha deserves some happy,” I cut my eyes to him, leaning against the counter. “Just, think about it? Please?” I said, giving him puppy eyes. “Crap, I need to go wash my face and brush my teeth and all. I’ll be back in a few.”

“You know, you could always bring some stuff over here from your room. I know it’s not far, but I want you in my bed, and having some of your stuff here would be more convenient,” Bucky seemed to study me for a reaction.

“Well, you do have a double sink and all, but I don’t want to be in the way,” I said, pretending to consider it while fighting a smile.

“Alright you little shit, go get your stuff. I’m ready to get you into bed,” Bucky grinned, smacking me on the ass.

“Yes, sir,” I laughed, strutting out of the bathroom with a wink.

[ramblingthoughtsofayoungadult]

The Good Doctor-Alfie Solomons Imagine

Requested: Yes

Warnings: some violence, mentions of blood, fluff

  Camden Town in the 1920s was practically a war zone due to all the gang activity. People had to be careful about what time they went out unless they wanted to get caught in the crossfire. Two years ago, Y/N Y/L/N started her practice in Camden Town and quickly became one of those careful people. She knew of the gangsters around Camden Town, but made sure she never came into contact with them and always had her own back. One night she had been forced to work late in her office thanks to a mountain of ridiculous paperwork. Most of it was redundant but Y/N was a perfectionist who could not put anything more than her absolute best into everything that she did. This was part of the reason she was one of the best doctors in England and also one of the things Y/N detested about herself.

    “I just had to stay and fill out all this paper work,” Y/N muttered as she squinted behind her glasses in the poorly lit light of her office. 

   Janet, her assistant, had offered to do it, but Y/N had practically shooed her out of the office so that the young girl could have a fun weekend. Unfortunately, Y/N’s idea of a fun weekend involved nothing but sleep and tea. Just as she was signing her name at the bottom of the fifteenth page of another article, someone banged on the front door of her practice. Y/N jumped, dropped her pen, and grabbed the small black pistol she kept in her top desk drawer for emergencies. She remained calm as she stood from her desk and exited her office. The gun was extended in front of her as she passed Janet’s empty receptionist desk and entered the waiting room. The blinds of the office door had been drawn closed and the light was dim in the waiting room so Y/N couldn’t make out an outline of the person at her practice door. Said person banged against the door four more times, making her gulp a little.

    “Who is it?” Her voice didn’t waver and she sounded confident in spite of her nerves.

    “’s bloody Santa Claus,” a gruff voice called back.

     In her experience, sarcasm was usually a good indicator that she wasn’t in any real danger. However, just to be safe, Y/N kept her pistol extended in front of her as she slowly approached the door and peeked out from behind the blinds. She nearly screamed when she saw the bloodied bearded face staring back at her but relaxed when she saw that he didn’t have any weapons. Y/N pulled away from the blinds, stuck her pistol in the back of her skirt, and opened the door. The tall, hulking man almost crashed into her arms, but managed to steady himself with the help of Y/N grabbing his shoulders. His black wool coat was torn on the shoulders and at the lapel and there were a couple of blood stains around either side of his ribs. His face was scratched up as well, but the man was still handsome.

     “What happened to you?” Y/N asked.

    “Business,” he said, a little blood spilling out of his mouth when he spoke. “Can you help me or not?”

   Y/N nodded, feeling the caretaker inside of her take over. She wrapped her arm around his waist and he leaned on her for some support as she guided him into her examination room. Slowly, she helped him sit down on the sheet-covered bed. 

   “I am going to take your jacket off now, all right? Let me know if anything hurts.”

   “Of course, doctor.”

   Y/N tried to keep a gentle touch as she slipped his coat off his shoulders and arms before hanging it up neatly on the coat rack in the corner. She switched on the light in the room so that she could get a better look at her strange patient. When she turned the light on, the man looked at her and his blue green eyes widened. 

   “What is it?” Y/N asked.

   “You’re a bloody bird.” He smirked, revealing his blood-stained teeth.

   In spite of the warm feeling that spread throughout the pit of her stomach, Y/N ignored his comment and took his blood pressure and heart rate. She felt his eyes boring into her as she went through her basic procedure of checking with patients. 

   “What’s your name?” Y/N asked.

   “Alfie,” he said.

   “Well, Alfie, I’m going to need to take off your shirt so that I can get a better look at your injuries.”

   “Sure that’s all you’ll be doing, love?”

   “Positive.”

   She had to admit that most men in Alfie’s condition wouldn’t have tried flirting with her or speaking more than necessary. It showed just how much strength he had. Her nimble fingers made quick work of the buttons and she was as careful with taking off his shirt as she had been when she took off his coat. He had several stab wounds near his ribs, bruises all over his shoulders and upper back. Alfie had a considerable amount of muscle for his age and Y/N couldn’t ignore it. Also, Y/N couldn’t ignore the tattoos scattered across Alfie’s broad chest and back.

   “It looks like you’ll need a few stitches. Let me know if you get uncomfortable at all, all right?”

   “I’ll be fine.”

   He managed to keep his chin up as Y/N disinfected all of the open wounds and was nearly silent when she began stitching him up. She caught him gritting his teeth a few times and shook her head.

   “Experiencing pain is completely normal, Alfie, you don’t have to act tough. I have had grown men cry in here before.”

   “They weren’t really grown men if they cried anyway,” Alfie said.

   Y/N shook her head as she applied salve and tapped gauze over all of Alfie’s new stitches. “The lengths men go to solidify their masculinity will never cease to amaze me.”

  “So I amaze ya?” Alfie teased.

  “Not more than the average man.” Y/N put her stitching supplies away and cleaned off the blood from Alfie’s face, feeling her own burn up by the way he was staring at her.

  “Tell me, how did you end up becoming a doctor?” 

   “Same as everyone else: studied hard, went to Cambridge, and got licensed. Is it shocking for you to see a colored woman as a doctor?”

   “A little bit.”

   “You would be amazed at what we can do when we’re not in a maid’s uniform.” Y/N dead panned.

   “I didn’t mean it like that---”

   “Well, you’re all cleaned up now. Try to stay out of any trouble and rest so you won’t tear open your stitches.”

   And then you’d have to come back here, Y/N thought bitterly.

   She threw away the bloodied Q tip and washed her hands. She should’ve worn gloves but she had forgotten them in the haste of trying to take care of the older man.

   “Doctor, I didn’t mean to offend ya, I was just trying to make conversation. Personally, I don’t particularly care about the color of your skin since I think it adds to your beauty.”

   Y/N was surprised at Alfie’s words and slowly turned to face him. They were quite sweet even though they weren’t articulated the best. His eyes seemed to apologize and she could tell that he was being honest. 

   “That was very kind of you, Alfie.” 

    “Thank you.” Alfie leaned forward a little. “You know, you never told me your name.”

   “It’s Y/N, Y/N Y/L/N.”

   “Y/N, sounds like the perfect name for a doctor.” 

   Y/N smiled thinly. “Let me go get you some painkillers.”

   Before he could answer, Y/N sauntered out of the exam room and walked over to the room where she kept all the medication her patients could need. She plucked a bottle of ibuprofen from one of the shelves and on her way back to the exam room, gunshots rang out far too close to her practice. The gunshots were quickly followed by yelling and more gunshots. She hurried into the exam room to find Alfie slowly getting to his feet.

   “What are you doing?” Y/N swiftly helped him stand.

   “I’ve got to go finish the business that’s going on outside.” 

   “I should’ve known you were in some shady business.” She put the pill bottle in his pants pocket.

    Alfie turned to her. “Don’t worry, Doctor, you’re in safe hands. Some of my men are out front.”

   “And it doesn’t sound like it’s going well.” Y/N grabbed her pistol from behind her and handed it to Alfie. “Here.”

   Alfie’s eyes widened at the gun in his hand. “This is a bloody Colt 1903. Where’d you get this from?”

   “It was a graduation present from my father. You’ll probably need it out there. Keep a good grip on it since it is pretty small.” 

   “What else are you hidin from me, Doctor?” He smirked.

   “I’m just defensive is all.” Y/N slid Alfie’s coat on for him and helped him walk out of the exam room and into the waiting area. Outside, there were still gunshots, but they had gotten even closer. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.”    

“You’re mad if you think ‘m letting you go out there.”

   “You’re mad if you think I’m going to stand by and let a bunch of gangsters destroy my practice.”

   Y/N stormed into her office and grabbed her Browning rifle from the closet that she usually kept locked. She loaded it and walked back into the waiting room. Alfie’s eyes were they size of saucers when he laid eyes on the rifle.

   “Bloomin ‘ell,” he said.

   “You can go outside first since that front door is the only way in and out of here. I’ll cover you best as I can.” Y/N set the weapon up properly in her hands and glanced up at Alfie’s stunned expression. “My father was a hunter and he taught me a few things.” 

   “Marry me.”    

Y/N rolled her eyes at Alfie’s words but did have a few butterfly flutters in the pit of her stomach. She had to focus at the task at hand, but it was nice to have impressed Alfie so much. When Alfie managed to exit the practice and evade Sabini’s----due in part to Y/N covering him so well----he was forever grateful that Dr. Greene, his usual doctor, had been in Switzerland at the time. 

[imagine-that-one-thing]

Styles & Co - Part 7

Previous Parts found HERE!

My eyes open and my head feels hazy and confused, I sit up in an unfamiliar bed, lost and dazed. 

The last I remember is the whist airport, Harry's long arm tugging me along as our fingers laced together. I was right behind him, tremendously bleary-eyed and doing my best to keep up with his accelerated pace. 

Over twenty-four hours worth of travelling doesn't go down well with me. 

I pet my hands on the bed, attempting to locate Harry, my heart racing as my frantic hands struggle to find him close to me. "Harry?" I push the covers off me, exposing the empty side of the bed, beginning to feel a little panicky. 

"Elle, what's the matter?" I hear his voice request, my eyes unable to see where he is. 

The light flickers on and Harry is standing in the doorway of a bathroom, "Harry, where are we?" I breathe, still baffled and unsettled.

"The resort, relax." Harry discloses, crawling on the bed and pressing a caress to my forehead.

I take the moment to take in a deep breath and take in my surroundings. "What time is it?" I doubt, a little mistaken for time right now. Harry snickers, finding it interesting how I'm a little out of it. 

"Seven in the morning, baby." He acknowledges while getting off the bed and pushing back the neutral curtains, permitting natural light to shine into the bedroom. Harry turns the lights off and gestures for me to get out of bed while wandering out of the bedroom area. 

I accompany him, entering a small room before he opens a door, my eyes become attracted to the rich bluish water. 

I step out, gaping over the enchanting outlook of the glistening cerulean water.

A romantic retreat in an over-water bungalow, thatched-huts on stilts line flawlessly overlooking a clear lagoon with striking green mountains behind them. Pure paradise. "Oh, my." I gasp, my eyes transfixed by the delightful scenes. 

I did not expect Harry to book us a getaway at an over water-bungalow resort, perched over the crystal-clear waters on stilts; fanning out from a lush private island. Breathtaking is the only word suitable to describe such beauty. 

"This is beautiful," I gasp, completely hypnotised. 

My eyes shine toward Harry and he responds, "not as beautiful as you, go back in and get some sleep. We have a long night ahead of us." He grins, smoothly charming me and awakening small butterflies in my stomach.

"A long night?" I challenge, his enrapturing, loam-grey eyes shimmering, his lips forming a straight line as he yet again nods. 

"In more way than one." He flirts cheekily, and I playfully hit arm. 

"Don't be cheeky," I urge, considerably relishing his cheekiness, there's something about the way he smirks and the way his eyes narrow down on me that attract me. 

"I've got a few things to do, my love. But, I'll be done in a few hours so we can then start celebrating New Year's, Eve." Harry informs me, reminding me that it is indeed New Year's Eve. 

I lean up and kiss him, tenderly pulling away, promptly investigating, "What are you doing?" I ask.

What could he possibly have to do while on a vacation with me? 

"Just gotta double check things with the resort. Get some more sleep, you'll need it." He again gleams, causing me to chuckle yet again. Cheeky, I like it.

***

Harry's eyes gaze at my body, my dress hugging me in all the right places, his tongue licking his lips as he straightens his tie. "You, my dear, are so divine." He gawks, his words are soft and gradual, almost as if he didn't know which words to use. 

I give him a bashful smirk, my eyes gawking at his attire. 

The man could wear a paper bag and still be the hottest man around. "It's going to be a long night," Harry murmurs against my lips, not being able to resist my temptation, "in more ways than one." He continues, ruining my lipstick as he lures me in for a deeper kiss, enthralling me, like always.

I pull away, his thumb pressing against my lips and fixing the mess he produced, "it'll be long." I agree, my eyes radiating into his, "especially for you." I smile, taking a step away from him, confusion taking over the expression on his face. 

"How?" He clears his throat, using his own thumb to wipe away the lipstick smeared across his lips. 

There's something about a romantic bungalow over the water that brings out the extra romantic and teasing side of me. Making love is great in our own bed, but even better when romance is heightened over a gorgeous turquoise lagoon.

With a devious grin, my eyes flicker up at Harry, "I'm not wearing underwear," I answer, stepping outside the door, entering out onto the extensive boardwalk where he has to behave himself. 

He closes the door behind him, his eyes burning into me, his mind perhaps thinking of devious ways to get me back to our room before midnight. "Elise, you're very, very naughty." He murmurs, his hand intertwining with mine, guiding me away from our perfect bungalow. My heels echo against the wooden boardwalk, the noise of the salty ocean echoing a delightful, relaxing sound that is like music to my ears.

We walk hand in hand making our way around the retreat, finding the lovely restaurant Harry chose for us to dine at tonight, a luxury he emphasised on for our New Years celebrations. 

We are welcomed politely and immediately escorted towards a table outside in a secluded area where only a few other couples unobtrusively dine. I admire the glass bottom flooring, attracted by the unique dining experience offered. Harry graciously pulls my chair out of me, a gesture he doesn't get a chance to do very often. 

I give him a smile to show my appreciation, taking the seat and looking down at my feet, watching as fish swim below. I smile at our waitress, my eyes peering at Harry as he studies the menu, paying no attention as I gawk at him while I am completely captivated by his appearance tonight. 

He sits charmingly in front of me, an attractive navy blue button-down covering his flawless skin, so effortless, yet so charming. He finally looks up and he smiles, "sweetheart, what do you want to order?" He inquires, a sigh escaping my lip as I think of inappropriate thoughts regarding him. 

I highly doubt ordering him with a side of wine is suitable to say while perched at a dinner table. I lick my lips subtly, diverting my attention to my menu, "wine, please." I clear my throat, my eyes promptly scanning the list of delicious wines the restaurant has to offer. "White wine of your choice," I inform him, turning the page and reading the main course menu that is full of many delicious plates.  It's almost too hard to choose.

Harry's eyes sparkle, a small smirk becoming noticeable; wine can sometimes make me a little frisky, and cheekier than usual. 

"Elise, what did you do while I was out?" Harry begins a conversation while overlooking the menu himself. I shrug, remembering how I did absolutely nothing. Jet lag is a bitch to me. 

"I slept. What did you get up to, Mister?" I challenge, unsure of what exactly he did while I was relaxing. He never did elaborate on what he had to do. 

"I had to take care of a few things." He unconcernedly counters, gesturing for our waitress to collect our order. 

The waitress politely orders our wine before starting us off with an appetiser of Harry's choice. I raise a brow, fixated on Harrys eyes as they try to avoid contact with mine. "Elle, figure out what you would like to eat." He motions down at my menu as I continue to stare into his emerald eyes. 

"What did you have to do, Harry?" I adamantly; however, I respectfully challenge Harry, not wanting to start anything while at dinner, although the fact that my boyfriend went missing while on a beautiful island is considerably sly. Surely there isn't too much he could have possibly done that's entertaining without me. 

Perhaps he went to check out the bar? 

I wouldn't mind, he knows that. But my curiosity is intrigued with finding out what he got himself into. "I had to make some calls back home to Anastasia, she has things to do for me." He briefly elucidates my question, giving me quite the monotonous answer. 

Surely Anastasia would much prefer a little time off while it is New Year's, Eve. "Harry, give her time to her family." I graciously command before he changes the conversation entirely, deciding he wants to discuss things other than business for a change. 

That's quite the surprise.

"Elise," Harry distracts my attention away from the delightful wine that was just re-poured for me. I look up and smile at him, watching as he leans back in his chair, his hand digging into his pants pocket. "Darling, how much do you love me?" The question rolls off his tongue effortlessly and cheekily, his eyes shining as I cock my head slightly to the side. I love this man quite a lot, no other man has caught my fancy ever since I met him. 

There's not a man on earth that could possibly take my attention away from the man sitting right in front of me. To say my love for him is infinite would be far too cliché and mushy for my liking so I will settle for loving him on occasions. "I only love you, sometimes." I gracefully beam in a joking manner, "what did you do, Styles?" I immediately raise a brow, unsure of what he's managed to do that he needs to be reassured I love him. 

Usually, Harry asks me this question when he wants something, or he's done something that could perhaps bother me, or it has to do with business. "I haven't done anything. So you love me, sometimes?" He informs me, he confirms my own words, with a grin, I agree. 

"On some occasions, yes," unsure of what it is that he's going to spring on me. 

I wouldn't be surprised if he's about to tell me that he has to fly back to London for some bloody business thing that's gone wrong. 

"Your Christmas gift arrived." Harry lowers his eyes to his lap, a weird comment to roll off his tongue. 

I was expecting something along the lines of "baby, I have to fly back to London." Or "baby, I have a business deal and you won't like it." Generally, he doesn't challenge my love for him when he abruptly wants to hand me some sort of belated Christmas present. "Harry, you said you were my gift." I remind him of the exact words he told me on Christmas morning.

*** flashback***

I find myself tangled within the sheets, my boyfriend's legs over mine, his arm wrapped tightly around my torso. It's around nine in the morning and he's yet to leave the bed, his perfect body has been nestled beside me the whole night, not moving once for anything, not even for the buzzing sound of his phone. "Harry, Harry wake up." I tenderly nudge him, pulling him from his peaceful slumber, groans escape his dry lips before his eyes immediately open.

"Elise, what's wrong?" He murmurs tiredly, pulling me even closer within his secure grasp. 

I considerately wiggle from him, pulling him further from his sleepy state as he props himself up on his forearms, "baby, what's the matter?" His hoarse voice inquires, uncertain as to why I'm waking him and pulling myself from his secure grip. 

"You're late for work," I murmur, not wanting him to rush away too suddenly. I'm selfish, I want his body against mine, but I know he has things to do. He looks at me for a moment, that cheeky grin waking along with the rest of him. 

"My love, it's Christmas. You asked me to take the full day off, remember?" He presses, leaning over and placing a soft kiss on my cheek. 

"You took the day off?" I request, finding my body moving closer to his, nestling into him perfectly.

"Yes, you said all you wanted for Christmas was me. So, here I am, sweetheart." He cutely announces, moving to wrap his arms around me as he lowers himself back into the bed. "I'm all yours for twenty-four hours. Do as you please." He relaxes, his voice getting deeper as he becomes sleepier. 

"Do as I please?" I cheekily whisper in a teasing tone. He hums against my skin as he places sloppy kisses on my neck. I chuckle cheekily, a few ideas coming to mind, ideas that I don't need to express vocally. 

"But, wait until I'm not so sleepy, I really need sleep, baby." He adds, causing me to chuckle further on this attractive morning. "What's my present? You know yours." Harry sleepily murmurs, beginning to get comfortable with his arm wrapped around me, his legs tangled with mine again.

"You'll find out tonight," I inform him, leaving it to his imagination to figure out the rest.

*** end of flashback***

Harry shakes his head, again looking down at whatever lay in his lap, "Elise, did you really think I wouldn't get you anything?" He softly questions, leaning closer to the table, I give him a shrug. 

I wasn't concerned about a materialistic item he may have gotten me, I told him what I wanted, and he gave me twenty-four hours of no work, no phone calls, no texts, no emails, nothing. 

He was all mine, of course, once we escaped the family Christmas- he was all mine.

He brings his hand into view, a small red Cartier box in his hand, "If you don't like it, I'm sorry. But, I saw you on the website." He informs me, flicking the box open to reveal a rather impressive bracelet.  "Oh, my." I gasp and he carefully takes it out of its position in the box, gently taking my hand and placing the bracelet on my wrist, clipping it into place. A perfect fit. "Thank you, it's so lovely." I gawk, exceedingly appreciative to be able to wear such a beautiful rose gold bracelet that glistens in the lighting of the restaurant. 

Harry tries to refrain from buying me jewellery, many times he has voiced his opinion on preferring for me to pick it out myself and him just swiping his card. He's not a fan of purchasing jewellery, he only does it on rare occasions or when there's a business event approaching and he desires to have me show off a lovely set of diamonds— something I don't do often unless it's specifically asked.

*** ***

We find ourselves sitting on the sand, hearkening the noise of the waves crashing as my own giggles get lost within the crashing waves, "shhh," Harry laughs, quietening me with a delicate kiss on my lips. 

"What? You don't like my giggle?" I humorously challenge, my feet burying themselves in the delicate sand.

"I do, very much. But it's just for my ears." He murmurs, lightly brushing his lips against mine, a teasing motion that is beginning to take its toll on me. "Sweetheart, are you a bit cold?" His voice distracts me from my eyes gazing into his, the cold shivers running through my body reminding me of the sea breeze that whistles around us late at night. 

I give him nod, debating whether to graze my hands over his body and to press my lips to his or not. "Here you go," he slides his jacket down his lengthy arms and carefully drapes it over my shoulders.

At times he can be a complete sweetheart when he wants to be.  I appreciate seeing the difference between boyfriend Harry and CEO Harry, he seems to get his ties crossed between the two. "I love you," I grin, pressing a kiss to his delicious lips before he can even respond back to me. 

He gently pulls away, a smirk prominently pressed against his lips, Harry presses his hand mildly to my cheek, cupping my face as his eyes radiate into mine.

"I love you, too." The words roll off his tongue melodiously, bringing to life the butterflies in my stomach.

Being able to be carefree with him is absolutely wondrous, to be able to lie on a beach right before midnight, listening to nothing but the waves against the shore, the distant sound of music and restaurants still bustling, and feeling the cold sand between my toes as Harry presses sweet kisses to my lips is one of the most relaxing and darling things to experience. There are no business calls interrupting us, no texts or a grouchy Harry pissed off with his employers, it's strictly just the two of us and I wouldn't want it any other way.

"It is close to midnight," Harry reminds me of the New Year that is close to embracing us within the next few minutes while we lie under the stars, with the waves echoing along the shore. 

I give him a nod, my hand mildly pressing to his chest grasping his shirt carefully, "kiss me," I command persistently, narrowing my eyes on his. 

His grin widens while his emerald green eyes glisten in the moonlight, radiating charmingly as he leans down and brushes his lips against mine, leaving me wanting more. "I know you can do better than that," I chuckle, my fingers smoothly drawing at his shirt. 

He hums an mhm, knowing he can do much better than a simplistic tickling brush of his lips with mine. "Savin' the good kiss for midnight," he notifies me, immediately glimpsing down at his phone, "there's a minute left, love." He enlightens me, my eyes concentrating on his lips, my body yearning the taste that he allows.

The countdown begins and the sound of early party poppers mimic from the restaurants, a few cheers echoing as well. 

Harry glances at me with a prominent grin. He gently pins me on my back, his body hovering over mine while I press my brazen hands to his broad shoulders. We both hear the ten-second countdown begin and he takes it as a signal to lean down and take bold possession of my lips, his tongue intertwining with mine as our bodies inch closer, my heart beating faster as my arms wrap around his neck, leaving no space between our bodies. 

The cheers of the New Year ringing in echoes resoundingly, fireworks beginning to explode as we continue to stay intertwined with our lips. He tenderly pulls away, leaving me wanting more as usual. "Happy new year," he hums, letting out a small breath as I beam up at him.  One year down and many more to go with him. 

"Happy new year." I smile, "now c'mere." I tug at his shirt, tugging him in for a romantically intense kiss, my hands unable to stop themselves from travelling up and down his body.

*** ***

It's four in the morning when the sound of Harry's phone continues to echo, pulling me from my slumber. 

I mildly push him, wanting him to turn it off and allow me to sleep. 

We've only been asleep for about an hour and I'm very eager to continue dreaming. I feel Harry move within the bed, pulling the covers as he leans over for his phone, "this better be important," he unkindly answers the phone, his voice deep and full of sleep. "What do you mean? Is there anything you don't fuck up?" He grumbles, sitting up in the bed, distracting me from falling back asleep. "I am not even in the bloody country! How the hell did you manage to compromise my business' integrity?" Harry snaps, raising his voice even further.  Something tells me the start of this New Years is not going to go as planned. 

His business at times can definitely be a damn moment ruiner, particularly at four in the morning... Four hours into a New Year that is meant to bring us pleasure and God knows what else.

"Elise, we need to go," Harry commands as he pushes himself off the bed, turning the light on.

"What?" I dispute, shielding my eyes from the fluorescent light, considerably grouchy that I'm being roughly awoken. Again!

I rub my eyes and sit up on the bed, taking note of Harry reaching for the suitcase. You've got to be kidding me right now. We literally just got here and we have to leave because of business.

"Elise, I need to go back and fix things, we will be back in a few days." He explains, forcing his clothes into the bag while I stare at him. 

"Are you getting up or not?" He questions, irritated and extremely ill-tempered as he tries to grab clothes and do something on his phone. "No. I don't want to leave." I shake my head, having no desire to go back to London just to fly back in a few days. I doubt he will even want to make the flight back here once he reaches London. 

He will end up too consumed with his work that he will disregard the trip. "I don't want you here on your own." He shakes his head, throwing his phone on the bed out of frustration, letting out a heavy huff.

Harry takes a deep breath, his hand running through his hair before pressing to the suitcase. "I'll stay," I notify him, going against his wishes and not moving from the luxury of the bed. 

"I don't have the time to argue you, fine. Book me a flight, please." He gestures towards his phone as he paces the bedroom up and down. I grab his phone and aid him in making things easier for him. "If you need me, call me. I don't want you here by your fucking self... Just come with me." He shakes his head at the thought of me not leaving with him.

"No, you brought me here for a vacation and now your work is getting in the middle of it." I shake my head much preferring to stay in a tropical place- after all, the vacation is paid for so I might as well relish in it on my time off, it is not like I have anything else better to do on my time off. 

Well, that of course, is beside contemplating Logan's proposal, but for right now I much prefer to pretend that he, along with his proposition does not exist. "Things don't go to plan. I have work here to do, too!" Harry raises his voice, "I have a client to meet and now I fucking can't because one of my employees fucked up while I was gone." Harry continues with an ill-tempered tone, thoroughly annoyed and frustrated. 

"So this was a business trip?" I dispute, taking note of his comment of having work to do here, too.

Now things make sense, he had absolutely no reason to abruptly fly us to a tropical island, he did this for business and it just happened to be a gesture to satisfy me wanting him for the New Year. 

"Damn it, Elise, are we going to argue about this?" He grunts.

"No." I sigh, deciding not to make him any more irritated than he already is. "I'll meet your client," I suggest, surely it can't be too hard to meet a client and tell them whatever it is Harry needs to tell them.

"And what will you do? I don't need any other problems right now." He mutters, not seeming too fond of the idea of my suggestion. If he was to give me the right briefing I doubt I would fuck it up for him.

"Have faith in me, damn Harry I'm not entirely useless. You have taught me a little bit of the business world." I cross my arms, my eyes narrowing down on him while he zips up the suitcase.

With a heavy sigh, he responds to my idea, "Okay, I'm sorry. I'm just tired and irritated." his voice sounds lower and collected, a clear indication he is doing his best to stay composed and not take his frustration out on me; something I admire about him, he always does his best to stay composed and not get too riled up at me. 

"Look, I'll meet your client and tell them you're ill or something, you tell me everything and I'll do it," I reassure him.

"I don't know, Elise," Harry sighs, thinking about my proposal, "You'd be meeting a businessman, a strong, intimidating man, who probably won't take you seriously," Harry informs, only causing me to roll my eyes. 

"Oh, really?" I raise a brow, already not being too fond of Harry's choice of client, if he won't take me seriously then he isn't worth the time of day. "So, basically because I am a woman doing what he clearly thinks is purely a 'mans' job, he will not take me entirely seriously?" I grumble, looking at Harry as he thinks of the suitable words to muster up in a response, "Remember I am your girlfriend and you currently are not talking to me as a CEO, but as my boyfriend." I calmly remind him, just to make it clear that what he says perhaps might piss me off if he uses his 'CEO' choice of words. 

"I will leave this all up to you, if you think you can handle it, I will trust your judgement. I will prompt you from the airport and email you things. Oh and by the way, I exclusively disagree that it is solely a 'mans' job as you declared," Harry responds as he throws on a t-shirt over his tanned body.

"Good answer," I nod with a smile, pleased that he did not state something irrational out of frustration and irritation. 

"Mhm, okay, I will call you when I land and all that shit I am obliged to do, so you don't think the worst." He walks around the bed and comes over to me, pressing a delicate kiss to my lips, "Now, don't get carried away and get whisked off your feet by some hot guy on the beach that buy ou drinks." He jokes with a small chuckle, plausibly trying to convince himself that he is perfectly okay with me staying here and defying his wishes of travelling with him to London. 

"I will try, but I can't promise anything." I playfully tease, hushing him with a kiss so he doesn't respond. With a heavy sigh, he pulls away from me, my lips curling into a pout as he leaves my lips bare. 

"Have a safe flight, I love you, sometimes." I wink, finally noticing his lips curve into a small smirk, irritation no longer being prominently known.

"I love you too, on some occasions, behave yourself." He clears his throat, shuffling towards his suitcase and pulling it behind him as he paces closer to the door, he turns on his foot, for a moment he wordlessly stares over at me with a tortuous grin. 

I put aside the unsettling feeling amongst me and give him a small smile including a nod, gesturing that I have not changed my mind and that he needs to hurry to catch his flight.

Without further ado, he takes a breath and steps out, leaving me unattended in our bungalow. 

[jeremystrele]

Spell + The Gypsy Collective’s Dreamy Byron Bay Base

Spell + The Gypsy Collective’s Dreamy Byron Bay Base

Work Space

Elle Murrell

Inside Spell & The Gypsy Collective’s head office in Byron Bay’s Arts and Industrial Estate. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

Co-founders, sisters Elizabeth Abegg and Isabella Pennefather. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

Mel Gubbin worked closely with the duo on the design of the space and has since started her own interior design business Avenue Twenty Two. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

The open-plan office includes comprises a ground floor and mezzanine, totalling 800-square-metres in total. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

‘It offers a kind of carte blanche for our design team, with a whisper of exotic memories from our travels,’ says Elizabeth of the space. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

In 2016 Spell & the Gypsy Collective won the Australian Business of the Year Award at the National Telstra Business Awards. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

From humble beginnings selling jewellery at the Byron Bay markets, Spell has become an internationally adored lifestyle brand, and employs 50 women in Byron Bay. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

‘Walking lighter on the earth is one of our core values,’ tells Elizabeth, who is passionate about new, sustainable fabric innovations the brand is making. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

The label is stocked on popular online retailers including Free People, Revolve and Planet Blue, and is a favourite among celebrities. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

The aesthetic balances clean and modern with the label’s rustic, earthy undertones. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

Spell has a bricks-and-mortar store in Byron Bay and recently held a pop-up store in Los Angeles. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

The space is big on inclusion, low on divisions. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

The brand has grown from strength to strength with over 1 million followers across its social media platforms. Photo – Kara Rosenlund for The Design Files.

Growing up, Elizabeth Abegg would shout across the house to her sister, Isabella. As she tells, it often came out as more of a muffled ‘Sbella’, and led to the nicknames Spelly or Spell. When Isabella started making and selling jewellery this also became her label name. After Elizabeth too felt the call of Byron Bay and the pair began to expand the brand together, they toyed with a name change, yet recognised the traction they’d already gained. While it stuck, it did, however, morph into ‘Spell & the Gypsy Collective‘ – a hat-tip to loyal customers that are ‘so much a part of our brand’.

It soon becomes clear that ‘collectivism’ is a pillar that extends to this award-winning brand’s physical space too. Located in the Arts and Industry Estate of Byron Bay, the considered haven is designed to encourage collaboration, and any divisions between the department’s 50-employee-strong team have been dissolved.

Fostering a down-to-earth atmosphere, yet featuring transportative, exotic embellishments, Elizabeth took us through the idyllic open-plan office as we learned more…

From Byron Bay market stalls to this incredible head office, how has Spell & The Gypsy Collective transformed since launching in 2009?

I think in the early days we just loved our shabby little garage office space. First, it was just Isabella and I, making jewellery and creating content, then it was a few local girls we hired… and flash forward around five years and we had a team of almost 30 and we were busting at the seams.

These days we release six fashion-and-accessory collections a year, designing everything in-house so our Design Team alone is over 15 people. Isabella and I have always had wonderful luck putting a wish list together and things just coming true.

I remember about eight years ago we walked around the industrial estate deciding what office we’d love to one day occupy. The office we’re in now was the one we chose. It took eight years but finally, it found us.

What are some of your favourite features of the space?

I love how clean and modern it is, while still having this rustic, earthy feel.

I love the boardroom, with its blush leather chairs and the locally-made, reclaimed wood table, which we brought with us from our old studio. I love all the little nooks that allow us to break off into smaller groups and have meetings.

If I’m honest, there’s really no aspect of the office that I don’t love, it’s all so considered.

Today, Spell is a huge international success. why have you decided to remain in Byron Bay?

Moving our operations has never been a consideration. Isabella and I are both so settled here with our families and this area is our home – it’s in our hearts.

Byron Bay has always been the third part of the puzzle for us, without this town I’m not sure who we’d be as a brand.

These days we have a very strong and hardworking team of very experienced people working for us, and this town is also their home.

What kind of atmosphere have you’ve tried to create here?

I wanted the atmosphere to feel inclusive. I didn’t want our Finance Team to feel left out of the creative aspect, or customer care to feel alienated from the Design Team. So all the departments kind of flow into each other, and there is no hierarchy really. Though Isabella and I do have our own offices, but they’re all glass.

When we design, we used to have to lock ourselves away in some villa somewhere to create that feeling of escapism, which usually runs through our collections. So we wanted to create a space here, where we didn’t need to look outside of ourselves too much when we needed inspiration. It offers a kind of carte blanche for our Design Team, with a whisper of exotic memories from our travels.

Were there any key designers involved in helping you fashion this haven?

My personal assistant Mel Gubbin worked closely with us to bring our dreams to life, she had a strong vision and drove a lot of it. She’s since gone on to run her own interior design business, Avenue Twenty Two.

There were so many creatives who worked with us to build or source one-off pieces for space, including Blush & Ochre, Zeigler Build and Salt x Steel.

What Is the most challenging thing about running a picture-perfect workplace?

We have tried to make sure that there is substance behind the ‘picture perfect’ world we have created around us. For instance, from an operational perspective, if you look on our roof it’s covered in solar panels, and our energy plan utilises only locally-produced green energy. We have a stringent recycling policy (with beautiful custom built recycling bins) and compost all our green waste at our local organic cafe.

From a fashion perspective, we’re trying to plug sustainable fabrics into our collections wherever we can, and making sure all our suppliers are ethically accredited.

It’s all just about making sure if you scratch below the surface in our business, it’s still beautiful. Walking lighter on the earth is one of our core values.

What has been the response to the space you’ve created?

I think it’s the awe on peoples faces when they walk in that stays with me. It truly is a beautiful entrance. We were so lucky that the original building had the most incredible reclaimed beams in the foyer, so we left them untouched and they’re one of the best parts of the building.

So many visitors to our office are creatives that I really look up to, photographers, stylists, founders of other beautiful brands – and everyone is always so gracious because they know where we’ve come from, and how much the space, while elevated and a real evolution of the brand, still really reflects us.

What Is on the horizon for Spell?

We recently opened a pop-up store in Venice Beach, California, and it was such a huge success that we’re looking forward to experimenting in this space – we hope to trial a few more pop-ups over the next year or two.

But still, the biggest focus for us (and what excites me most as a founder) is our sustainability journey. Our next collection in January is the first where we’ve found a sustainable alternative to conventionally produced rayon. We’re very excited about that because when it comes to sustainability rayon and viscose have always been the ‘elephant in the room’, so to speak. It’s exciting to have found an ecologically responsible solution.

Type of space –

International fashion and lifestyle brand headquarters.

Size of space –

800-square-metre office, including a mezzanine.

Number of employees –

50.

DesignerS/contractors –

Isabella and Elizabeth alongside Mel Gubbin of Avenue Twenty Two.

An office should be…

Inclusive.

Spell & The Gypsy Collective has a new collection dropping globally in late January 2019. Find out more at Shop.spelldesigns.com.au or by following on Instagram @spell.