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atinylittlepain · 2 years ago

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Apothecary - Chapter Six

joel miller x witchy!reader

series masterlist

living in an aftermath, joel tries to hold her together as she falls apart.

warnings | 18+ smut, significant angst, canon-typical violence

wordcount: 4.3K (we were concise this week lol)

a/n | this is a rather insular chapter, and it happens to be one of my favorites so far. feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you think <3

p.s. if i had to offer one song for this chapter, it'd be magneto by nick cave and the bad seeds (yes, more nick cave, sue me)

.......................................

“Nothing?” “I don’t think she even touched the plate, old man.” Ellie huffs, setting the plate of what had been dinner down on the kitchen counter, the plate that Joel had placed in front of the closed guestroom door last night with a quiet plea for her to eat something. But judging by the untouched look of the food, his plea went unanswered.

“Alright, kid, I’ll check on her. You better get to school.” Ellie nods, though she makes no move to leave, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth as she looks at him.

“Do you think she’s gonna, like, be ok?” Joel has to clear his throat before answering her, trying to make his voice sound as certain as he can.

“She’ll be ok, kid. It’s just a– a hard thing– what happened. But she’ll be ok, I’m gonna make sure of it.” Ellie offers him a faint smile, her brow still scrunched up in worry.

“We’ll make sure of it, right? I can help too, y’know.” He has to smile at that, giving her shoulder a quick squeeze as he nods.

“I know, kid. You’re right, we’ll make sure she’s ok. Now you better get to class before you’re late– again.” It’s just enough levity for her smile to broaden, her eyes to roll with a huff, and then Ellie’s out the door, and Joel’s shoulders slump immediately.

When he goes upstairs, Stevie is laying in front of the guestroom, swiping her paw under the closed door in what could only be frustration. She and Stevie have been staying with them for a little over two weeks now. It hadn’t been soon after that day he found her in her shop that she showed up in the middle of the night at his front door, wide-eyed and disheveled. She hadn’t known where else to go after someone had thrown a rock into one of the windows of her house. And then, when he had walked her to her shop the next morning, he had been stunned speechless at the words smeared over the door in thick, black paint.

Witch

Slut

Baby killer

She hasn’t left his house since, and she’s barely left the guestroom he set her up in either.

“Darlin? I’m coming in, alright?” He doesn’t wait for a response, knowing now from prior experience that he’d just be waiting forever. Stevie darts in the second he cracks open the door, making a beeline for the bed where her mom is curled up under a swath of blankets, even though it’s the beginning of September and still plenty warm out.

He kneels down alongside the bed, right next to where her face is half smushed into her pillow, her eyes cracking open to peer at him. Faded dark circles face him, and his heart catches at the sight.

“Hey, darlin. Think we oughta get some food in you, huh?” She lets out a long sigh, blinking hard a few times.

“Not right now, Joel. I’m just– really tired.” That’s become her new favorite phrase, and it scares him more than when she had been endlessly crying. It’s always said on a breathy exhale, like she’s trying to be casual about the fact that she’s been in bed for days, and seems to have no plans of getting out anytime soon. Any emotion is masked behind her flat voice and vacant eyes, and he’d give just about anything for a glimmer of something. Anger, sadness, he’d even take fear right now, just any proof that she’s still there. But there’s nothing, just her owlish stare, and Stevie nuzzling up against the blankets.

“Alright, not right now. Will you drink some water, at least? For me, please?” You’d think that he just asked her to run a marathon with the exhausted huff she lets out, shifting slowly to sit up with her back against the headboard, her head lolling onto her shoulder to look at him. It’s such a far cry from the woman he’s gotten used to, all slow movements and barely-there words as he offers her the glass of water he brought up for her. She takes two little sips then slumps down, handing him back the glass and scrunching her eyes shut.

“Baby, I-I’m really tired– I just need to lay down for a while.” He can feel his frustration rising, but he swallows it down, taking her hand in his and squeezing lightly. She doesn’t squeeze back.

“Ok, darlin, I know you are. Gotta get to work, but you know where I’ll be, right?” All he gets from her is a nod as she lays back down, curling in on her side.

“Think you might get cleaned up today? Bet a shower would feel good.” Another long sigh.

“I just got a shower yesterday.”

“That– that was Monday, darlin, remember? It’s Friday now.” That’s new, and it makes fear kick up in his chest, cold and frantic. She, however, isn’t phased by it, simply shrugging her shoulders beneath the blankets. Stevie stumbles over the blankets up towards her head, nuzzling up against the back of her neck. It’s a small comfort to him, knowing that she isn’t completely alone during the day, just enough reassurance for him to murmur a soft “I’ll be back soon, honey” and get up with a sigh. He takes one more look at her before closing the door behind him, no acknowledgement from her save for another deep sigh.

Things around town have gotten tense, to say the least. Word spread fast about what happened to Maura’s baby, and while it was clear that no one was to blame, just a horrible stroke of luck, it was a whole lot easier to blame the witch for what happened. Now, as Joel walks to the stables everyday, people openly stare at him, murmuring just loud enough for him to hear about how he’s “harboring the murderer.” The only thing that keeps him from knocking their lights out is knowing that it’d only make things worse for her.

People are being particularly vocal this morning, but he gets no relief when he gets to the stables either, seeing Mason and Matthew, Maura’s husband, are getting ready to saddle up for patrol.

“Don’t know why Maria’s letting her walk around free. Oughta be a trial for what she did.” Mason scoffs at Matthew’s words.

“You know why, that’s practically her sister-in-law, that’s why.” Mason’s eyes narrow into slits as Joel approaches them, Matthew’s face reflecting a similar sneer.

“You boys better watch what you say. Especially when it ain’t based in any reality.”

“What do you know about reality, Miller? She’s got you so turned around I bet you believe just about anything she tells you.” Joel can feel anger rising like bile in his throat as he looks at the men, and he keeps his hands on his hips to stop himself from doing something he’ll regret.

“You saying you two are talking about reality? Some fucking story about her, what? Hexing a baby?” He focuses his attention on Matthew before continuing.

“Son, I’m sorry for your loss. I really am. But trying to blame someone for this– this horrible misfortune– it ain’t gonna make that pain go away.” Matthew lets out a bitter laugh at Joel’s words, his eyes flashing wild as he takes a few halting steps toward him.

“I’m not trying to do anything, Miller. I know she did it.” Joel would like to punch him in the teeth, but instead he scoffs at the man, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Let’s just say for a minute that I’m living in the same delusional world that you are. How are you so sure that she did it, huh?” Matthew’s face stretches into a grin that doesn’t meet his bloodshot eyes at that.

“I know she did it– she did it to get back at me.” That makes Joel pause, and Matthew catches it, his grin splitting wider.

“She was jealous, you see. When I wouldn’t leave Maura for her, she got real upset. I guess she’s used to getting what she wants, but I’m a faithful man, and I wouldn’t look twice at that slu–” Joel doesn’t let him finish that sentence, grabbing him by his shoulders and driving him backward until his back slams against the wall of the stables.

“See, now I know you’re full of shit because she’s with me. She’s been with me all fucking summer, so I find your little story pretty hard to believe.”

“Not all the time.” Joel squints at him, keeping him pinned against the wall.

“Come again?”

“She wasn’t with you all the time, not during all her little house visits. Lemme tell you, Maura wasn’t the only one she was checking on.” He does it before he can think, his fist making contact squarely with Matthew’s jaw, the man groaning and doubling over, though Joel is quick to haul him up by his shirt collar.

“Listen to me, you keep my woman’s name out of your mouth. Do you understand me?” Matthew gives him no answer, his eyes squinting slits as Joel shoves him back against the wall. As he turns to leave, his eyes catch Mason’s, the man grinning as he watches the whole thing. The look makes Joel’s stomach twist, and it’s all he can do to walk away from the pair.

He doesn’t care that he’ll miss his shift. He needs to talk to her. Now.

Any patience, any gentleness, any carefulness has dissolved in his need to speak to her, and it clearly catches her by surprise when he comes barreling into her room, giving her shoulder a brusque squeeze that has her wide eyes looking up at him.

“Wha– I thought you were going to work.”

“We need to talk.”

“Joel, I’m really–”

“Tired. I know, but you can’t– I can’t– I need you to talk to me. I know that you’re hurting, but I need you here with me, or else I can’t, I can’t do anything to help.” She sits up at that, brow furrowed.

“What’re you talking about?” He sighs, sitting down on the edge of the bed, glancing at Stevie who has curled up on the pillow next to her.

“There’s– talk, around town.”

“Uh, yeah, I’m aware.”

“That isn’t what I meant– I mean– Matthew, Maura’s husband– he’s saying that you–” She cuts him off with a bitter laugh. “No.”

“You don’t know what I was going to say.”

“It’s always the same– they’re always the same– he’s telling people I tried to fuck him, isn’t he?” The blunt crassness of her words coupled with her still blank eyes is unnerving to him. Even now, her voice is flat, no emotion to be found in her cool assessment of him.

“Not in so many words. He said that you had reason to want to– get back at him.”

“And you believe him? You believe that I’d be capable of something like that?”

“I don’t, and I’ll fight this, whatever this is. But I need you here fighting with me. I can’t do this without you– and I can’t keep watching you– disappear right in front of me.” Silence, a heavy pall of it falls between them as she continues to stare at him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

“Maybe they’re right.” It comes out so hoarse, he almost thinks he didn’t hear her right.

“What?”

“Maybe it is my fault, somehow. Maybe I-I– somehow– I– it’s my fault, my fault, all my fault–” Before she can dissolve any further, he takes her face in his hands, holding her steady.

“Don’t go there, darlin. I know you don’t really believe that. Remember what you told me? About when you held her?” Her eyes widen at that, and he feels something like hope lift off in his chest when she nods.

“She was– she was so small, Joel. And it wasn’t right, it was too early– and I knew it.” “And you did everything you could, right?” Another nod, her eyes narrowing into something like focus.

“I-I did. I did. But, it just happened. It was too early, and– and I don’t think anyone could’ve done anything to change it.”

“That’s right. It just happened. Ain’t anyone’s fault. Don’t let them get into your head, darlin. You and I know the truth, and Ellie, and Tommy, and Maria, and– Stevie.” The cat, who had been dozing on her pillow, lifts her head at that, letting out a questioning mrrp. It isn’t much, but her lips twitch into what could become a smile, eventually. He’ll take it.

“I think I’d like to get a shower now.”

…

He could shout from the palpable relief he feels seeing her at the kitchen table, hair still damp from her shower, eating a plate of leftovers. It’s clear to him that she’s still not all there, still quiet, eyes endlessly downturned, movements slow and small. But she’s clean, she’s eating, and she’s even talking a little, and whatever has changed, Joel’s just glad that it did. He sits in the chair next to her, resisting the urge to stay as close to her as he can, afraid that she might float away if he doesn’t, but worried she’ll shut back down if he does. She sets her fork down and sits back in her chair, tilting her head to look at him, worry a perpetual crease between her brows.

“Could you come with me to the shop? I’d like to get a few of my things.” He nods, trying to keep his voice even when he responds, though inside he feels nothing but elation at her question.

“Of course, darlin. You just tell me when, and we’ll go.”

“Could we– could we go now?”

Though it caught him off guard, he scrambled to get them out the door before she changed her mind. He reckons it’s more for him than it is for her, the tight hold he keeps on her hand as they walk through town. For her part, she keeps her chin tilted down, eyes on each of her steps as they pass through the stream of stares and whispers. But she comes to a stuttering stop in front of the apothecary door, and Joel can’t help but smile.

“Dina and Ellie– they cleaned up the– mess. But it wouldn’t come all the way off, so they gave it a new coat of paint.” What once had been a plain white door is now painted a deep green, though it’s beyond Joel how Ellie managed to find that color. For a moment, she’s completely still, considering the door before her. And then, she squeezes his hand, and he knows that these tears of hers are different, no despair to be found.

“I’ll have to thank them for this.”

Ellie has also been going to the shop in the afternoons everyday, taking care of the plants in her absence, another thing that seems to surprise her when she enters the shop, what could be a smile threatening a quiver in her lips. But he swears that the green goes a bit greener, leaves stretching out and lifting as she walks amongst them, reverential fingers checking here and there. She collects a few bottles and tins, a few books, tucking them into her bag, before checking what she explains with a quiet murmur is soap, curing on the counter of the back room. There’s no ease about this for her, he can tell in her skittish movements, her eyes glancing around like she’s waiting for something to happen, and she’s ready to leave in a flash. He hates it, that the space in which he had first met her, the space in which she had always been so at peace, now conjures this kind of fear in her.

They return home as quick as they left, and he can see just how much it took out of her, the heavy slump to her shoulders, the unfocused haze falling back over her eyes as she sits down on the couch in the living room, her bag still slung over one shoulder. She lets him take the bag from her, setting it down on the floor. He moves tentatively, letting out a quiet sigh when she lets him pull her into his side on the couch, his arm wrapping around her tight.

Wordlessly, she leans back in his hold, and he’s stunned into stillness when she tilts her chin up and brushes her lips against his.

“Thank you, Joel. For everything, for dealing with me through all this.”

“I’m not dealing with you. I’m taking care of you, you don’t have to thank me for that.” She presses another kiss to his lips, though he stops her when she tries to deepen it, holding her by her shoulders.

“I don’t– don’t think that’s a good idea right now.”

“Please, Joel– I just wanna feel something else for a little while. Just wanna feel you.” She presses a smattering of kisses to what skin she can get to beneath the collar of his shirt, and he sighs, already feeling himself dissolving under her touch. He knows this is probably a terrible idea, that whatever is going on in her head can’t possibly be good, but he also knows that whatever peace he can give her, he will in a heartbeat.

“Hey, hey, easy, darlin. Let’s go upstairs, alright? Lemme take care of you properly.” She lets him lead her upstairs, into his bedroom. She lets him lay her back on his bed, gentle and sweet as he undresses her. And she lets him take over when her trembling fingers fumble at the buttons of his shirt, shucking off his clothes as quickly as he can to keep contact with her.

There are no words for this, the way their hands move over each other’s bodies, getting reacquainted with bare skin they had each mapped so well. He settles between the plush of her thighs, pressing a kiss into the soft skin before finally tasting her. She’s an endless tide of sighs, writhing above him as he works her over with his tongue. Her pleasure is his privilege, and he collects every whimper, every scrunch of her brow, every tensed muscle, tokens of what he can do for his woman. He can’t help the way his hips rut into the mattress beneath him, chasing whatever sensation he can find as he takes in the sight of her, the feel of her beneath his mouth. When she comes, it’s an unraveling, a slow tumble that he holds her steady through, his arms wrapped around her hips to hold her up to his mouth as he coaxes her through her pleasure. The first word to leave her lips as she comes down is his name, a breathless plea to come closer that he answers in kind, crawling up the bed to hover over her, their lips catching in a desperate tangle.

Broken groans resound from both of them when he presses his hips forward, a dizzy prickle skittering up his spine as he settles into the heat of her. He lets his lips drag wherever he can, over her collarbone, the arc of her neck, her jaw, giving her a moment, waiting for her word.

“I’m not going to break, Joel.” The tone of her voice, certain and steeled, makes him lean back to catch her gaze.

“I know that, darlin. I know you aren’t.”

“Then don’t treat me like I’m fragile. I want you to fuck me.” Truthfully, he has been treating her as if at any moment she could shatter. But the way that she’s looking at him, the steady heat of her gaze, the tick of her jaw, the way her nails are grazing up and down his back makes him feel like she’s coming back to him, and something inside him snaps at the thought.

He gives her what she wants, a push and pull that has them both sighing with each press of his hips into hers. He wants to leave marks, to stamp something permanent of him into her, and with the harsh grind of his hips, the desperate graze of his teeth along her chest, he thinks he’ll be successful in his desires, drawing whimpers out of her with the force he fucks her with.

Neither of them are making much sense, words slurred into skin, frantic coaxing to see each over the edge.

That’s it, darlin.

S’good, huh?

It’s all yours, honey. Go on, take it.

When she comes again, it’s with a shattered yelp of his name, her fingers pressing little moons into his shoulder blades as she crashes around him. She’s a fucking vision beneath him, tears streaking silver down her cheeks, her face a twist of pleasure, sobs that sing sweet for a change, and it’s enough to send him spiraling after her. He only realizes he’s crying when he sees his own tears smudged against her sternum, his forehead pressed against her collarbone as he catches his breath.

He goes to get up and grab something to clean her up with, but she doesn’t let him get far, pulling him back down by his shoulders and holding him against her.

“Can we just stay like this for a little while, please?” The sigh he lets out at her question melts him even further into her, his arms wrapping her up and pulling her into a closer tangle. They’re a mess, sweat-damp skin sticking slick and his spend dripping onto the sheets beneath them, but he reckons he needs this as much as she does, burying his face in the junction of her neck and inhaling her deeply.

She relaxes in his arms, muscles going slack against his, her fingers trailing shapes across his shoulder blades. He feels like for the first time in ages, he’s got her, he’s really got her.

…

Ellie won’t stop staring at her. The kid had stopped dead in her tracks when she got home and saw her and Joel in the kitchen, quietly fixing dinner. Joel had quickly shook his head at her, a silent plea to not make a big deal out of it. But if there’s one thing Ellie is not, it’s subtle, and she’s been staring at her for most of the meal like she might disappear if she takes her eyes away from her. If it’s bothering her, however, she doesn’t show it, still a bit hazy around the edges as they eat, leaving Joel to muster up whatever conversation he can, which is to say that most of the meal is spent in slightly tense silence while Ellie continues to stare at her, much to his chagrin.

“I want to thank you, Ellie. I got to see today how you’ve been taking care of the shop. I really appreciate it and– just, thank you, kid.” Ellie’s eyes widen at her words, before softening with an emphatic nod.

“Yeah– I mean, of course. You, like, taught me well, and stuff. And I want you to know, if anyone else tries to mess with you, I will personally fuck them up–”

“Ellie.”

“What? I’m just saying, geez.” Ellie lets out a huff at Joel, while he’s about ready to give her another lecture about her language, though his annoyance dissolves when his woman lets out a light laugh at the girl’s exclamation.

“Thanks, kid, but I don’t want you fucking anyone up for me. That’s not gonna be necessary, alright?” Ellie gives her a sheepish smile at that, a light moment that relieves whatever tightness had been in the air. But just as soon as they all seem to slump back into ease, the sound of someone knocking on the front door echoes through the house.

Joel excuses himself, a wordless plea for her and Ellie to stay put. He’s admittedly surprised to see that it’s Maria standing on his porch, a steely look on her face and her hands on her hips.

“We have a problem.”

“That son of a bitch started it.”

“I don’t care who started it, Joel. I’m gonna finish it, all of it. I’ve called a town meeting for tomorrow night. This can’t keep going on. It’s— people are asking me questions that I can’t answer. And I know Mason is getting people more worked up the longer this goes on.”

“Maria, she’s— she’s not ready for this.”

“She’s gonna have to be. I’m worried, Joel. The longer we let people talk, the more out of hand this’ll get and— I wouldn’t put it past some of those men to—try something.” He feels a cool prickle shoot up the back of his neck at Maria’s words, his mind going back to the night of the dance, the way Mason had grabbed her, and he knows that Maria is right, that something needs to be done now before it escalates.

“There are people on her side too, Joel. It’s just– there’s so much talk going around that everyone’s too afraid to say anything otherwise. If we can hear her side, I know people will come forward. But if she stays holed up like this, people are just gonna keep talking.”

“You’re right, Maria.” He hadn’t been expecting it, the sound of her voice startling him as he turns to look at her padding up behind him. She places a firm palm between his shoulder blades, a presence, a confirmation.

“Just tell me what time tomorrow, and I’ll be there.”

...........................

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ohforficsakelibrary · 11 months ago

Text

You Brought Me Poison Flowers

Chapter 8: Beet - If a man and a woman eat of the same beet, they will fall in love.

prev / series masterlist / masterlist / Lennie's shop ad moodboard!

Series Summary: Joel and Ellie settle into life in Jackson, one more easily than the other, until Joel is reminded of what normal feels like. The kind of normal that he perhaps never had. A series of one-shot glimpses into a relationship (no true plot here, people.) Soft!Joel. Two touch-starved babes.

Chapter subtitles taken from Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham. Although herbal preparations are consistent with historic uses, nothing herein is to be construed as medical advice.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Herbalist!OFC (age-appropriate age gap)

Word Count: ~6.2K (It's a hefty one, y'all)

Warnings: Discussion of past character death, descriptions of loneliness. Please read with care.

Rating: Explicit 18+ / oral (f receiving), unprotected piv, multiple orgasms (f), creampie. Minors DNI.

A/N: Lenora breaks a bit but Joel Miller was a contractor and he's good with his hands.

This took me longer than anticipated to write, but it's a bit of a longer one and it's definitely one that moves them into new territory. Thank you all so much as always for your lovely comments and reblogs. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love these two so much and I sincerely hope that you all enjoy!

A soft knock sounds on Joel's door at 7:30pm sharp on Saturday evening.

Lennie is on his doorstep, blue linen dress and a soft smile, canvas bag slung over her shoulder.

Joel grins, checks both ways behind her, and yanks her through the door. He has her against the wall and she can feel the smile on his lips as he kisses her.

And Joel can feel the exact moment she melts into his hold.

“You stayin’ the night?” He quips, relieving her of the bag on her shoulder.

“No, Mom just said never show up empty handed.

“You wanna stay the night?”

“Feed me and we’ll see.”

“Kitchen’s through here,” he points, “leave your shoes on, you’re fine.”

“Smells, amazing. Ellie home?”

“Nah, she’s actually at a sleepover,” his eyebrows are arched as he sets her bag on the kitchen island, “for a birthday. She has friends.”

“Shame you’ve just got me.”

“Not a shame at all,” he samples the taste of her again before she reaches into her bag.

“I brought her this though, had a copy in my collection,” she pulls 2001: A Space Odyssey from her bag, “she’s probably read it already, but on the off chance she hasn’t.”

Joel fits in behind her, pressing his chest to her back. “Ohh, that’s a classic. She’s gonna love that. Thank you, Len.”

She pulls an amber dropper bottle from her bag next, “and Tommy stopped by, said you wanted bitters?”

Joel takes the bottle from her fingers, holding it up to the light. “Tommy did some meddling then. He dropped off a batch of maple whiskey this morning.”

“Well then, it only seems right to make an old fashioned,” and she reaches into her bag for a bottle of gin, “and you can keep that for whatever you’d like.”

“How the fuck did you make bitters?” One hand rubs at her hip as he places the dropper on the counter.

“Gentian root, ginger, lavender, cherry bark, black walnut, you want me to keep going?”

“No,” Joel’s hips are pressed against her ass, “I want to kiss you.”

"Kiss me then."

Joel spins her around, hoists her up onto the kitchen island and fits between her legs, fingers skating up her thighs. She fits both hands to his jaw as he presses soft lips to hers.

Slowly, tenderly at first before he slips his tongue into her mouth, drawing forth a moan from the back of her throat.

And it’s nothing short of relief, this flood of affection from a granite man.

Being left to her own devices these past few days had caused slippage. Even with the rush of him still warm through her blood.

He could still change his mind.

Lennie swallows hard when his mouth moves away, fingers still drawing light circles on her thighs with the flats of his nails.

“Anything I can do to help?” She asks, tucking a curl behind his ear.

A need to feel useful.

“You can tell me how you like your steak,” Joel grins up at her.

“Medium rare?”

“That a question or your answer?”

“Medium rare.” She says again and he steals another kiss before turning back to the stove.

Joel doesn’t allow her to lift a finger.

He fixes them drinks and ushers her to the dining table.

He dishes out a salad topped with sliced beet and goat’s cheese.

He places a perfectly-cooked medium rare steak in front of her with mashed potato and broccoli accompaniments.

He keeps her water and whiskey glasses full.

He offers her strawberries and hand-whipped sweet cream for dessert.

He doesn’t let her help with the dishes.

Instead, Joel again places her on the countertop, beside the sink this time, and Lennie swings her feet and laughs at his jokes and accepts the kisses he offers while dodging soapy hands.

And Joel thinks what a privilege it is to have a smart beautiful thing here purely to keep you company and not because your back needs watchin’.

_____

“You want the tour?” Joel finally asks, crumpling a dish towel between his hands before he hangs it on the oven handle and dries the backs of his hands on his jeans.

“Sure.”

"You sure you're sure, you didn't sound sure."

"I am."

"Alright. Thought you'd say somethin' smart," he helps her down from the countertop and places her feet back on the floor, "like 'is this a ploy to get me into your bedroom, Miller?'" He pitches his voice up a hair and mimics her northeastern accent.

"Is it?"

"Do you want it to be?"

Lennie doesn't answer.

He refills their whiskey instead and starts with the bottom floor.

Joel's home is still sparse because he hasn’t quite filled the space yet. The house had sat vacant for years before folks borrowed trinkets to adorn their own spaces and bartering for replacements had been too low on his list of priorities.

The pictures of someone else’s family have been taken down and relegated to a box somewhere.

Joel has none of his own.

Lennie hangs back as he shows her Ellie’s ‘lair’ and ‘the good bathroom’ with the bathtub, her glass of whiskey clutched in both hands, always sticking to the doorway of each room as Joel guides her through.

She never quite sets her feet over thresholds.

And Joel notices, but he can’t figure out why.

“You have a record player,” Lennie’s eyes light up when she spots it in the corner of the living room upon their return.

“Not sure if it works, haven’t tried it. But there are a few albums left,” Joel sets his glass down on the coffee table and slumps down on the couch, suddenly aware of the dull ache in his back from being on his feet far too long.��

He notices that she wants to check but it’s like she needs permission.

“Go on, take a look,” he urges her and Lennie sits on her heels in front of the media cabinet as she flips through the small collection.

She hums to herself, “mm, we don’t have this one,” and he notes the use of the word but doesn’t ask, because she’s holding up a Diana Krall album with light in her eyes and asking if she can put it on.

“Only if you’ll dance with me,” he stands, ignoring the way his back muscles protest because the need to hold her again is too strong.

“Didn’t take you for a dancing man,” she takes his hand as the soft sound of jazz fills the room.

He fits both hands around the small of her back as she encircles his neck.

He can feel the faintest tremor thrumming through her muscles.

And the way she's too conscious of her breathing.

“Hey, Len,” and she feels it rumble through his chest where she’s held tight there, “can I ask you somethin’?”

She hums.

“What’s up? You’re like a— a vampire.”

“Fuck, I’m sorry, Joel.”

“It’s okay if you are. Just. Warn a man.”

Lennie doesn't laugh.

“I’m sorry.”

“And stop apologizing.” She feels him smile into her hairline. “Len, what’s going on?”

“I’ll try. You made the most beautiful dinner, and damn good old fashioneds, and you have a beautiful house. It’s been such a lovely evening.”

“You leavin’?” Joel pulls back and stares down into her eyes because those are leavin’ words.

“Do you want me to leave?”

“Not even a little bit, baby,” he pulls her in close again, swaying her to the music, his tone suggesting what she’s just said is the most ridiculous thing in the world because it is.

But she sniffs hard against his collar and he leans back again to get a look at her face.

Lennie’s eyes are swimming.

The gold is lost.

“Oh, Lenora. No, no, no, none of that. I ain’t kickin’ you out.”

He takes her face in his hands with all of the tenderness he’s capable of.

Like clutching at a frantic sparrow with a broken wing.

And Joel briefly wonders if the kindest thing he can do is snap its neck.

He can’t. Its claws have already dug into his heart.

“You don’t have to leave, Len. Please don’t leave. Not yet.”

And gears gnash against each other in Joel’s brain because what he wants to say might lead to a flood.

Flood now and rebuild later.

“I think we gotta clear the air on something though.”

She tenses in his hold even against the soothing of his hand down her spine.

“Yeah?”

“You gotta tell me what’s going on, baby,” he still soothes, keeping her head tucked under his chin.

“You closed up again tonight. M' glasses are gone.”

After a moment, “why the tears when I ask you to stay? And why don’t you ever ask for what you want, Len?”

She breaks from him to stare up into big brown eyes that are soft despite the firmness in his tone.

And the last thing Lenora wants to do is finish this evening by dropping her baggage off at his doorstep. But Joel can read in her expression that she’s about to deflect and his voice sharpens.

“Your honest answer, Len. We can’t do this if we ain’t honest. I may be out of practice, but I know that much.”

“Because I’m afraid to want things, Joel.”

Lenora answers quick because Lenora knows where all of her shit is.

She just doesn’t know what to do about it.

“Why.” He presses again. Firmly, but far from devoid of compassion.

“Because I’m terrified they won’t want me back.”

“I think it’s pretty clear that I do, though.”

“That’s exactly it. You terrify me.” She’s out of his hold now and he thinks better of pulling her in again. “All of this is terrifying.”

“But why, Lenora.”

“Have you ever felt needed, but not wanted, Joel?” She snaps back.

And Lennie watches the consideration of it ping around his brain.

Sarah, his precious baby girl who needed him for food and shelter and comfort, wanted him for the same from the moment she could parse the two. She loved her daddy. Screamed her head off the entire first week of kindergarten because she wanted her daddy.

Sarah’s mom didn’t need or want him. She made that clear.

Tess didn’t need him. A guard dog has his uses but she could have found anyone. Tess wanted him. Even after they blew up that night. When he screamed “I can’t love you” so loudly that their mismatched glasses shook in their cabinets. Tess still held him at night. Because Tess wanted him.

And Ellie, now safe in the want from the need side of things, still seeks just him out for comfort. She’s fed all day by the folks down at Mess and Mr. Hayes at the farm, and Jess who makes those maple candies. She is safe, her Uncle Tommy sees to that. But she still curls up at his side in lamp light on chilly nights.��She chooses him.

“I can’t say that I have.”

“Yeah. It’s all I’ve felt these last few years,” She’s taken a seat on the edge of the couch cushion like she’s afraid to settle in, gaze locked on the rug. Biting back tears. “Needed but not wanted. And not, feeling unwanted, just, not experiencing it—proactively. In the affirmative.”

“People here need me, but I’m a fixture.” Her voice is monotone as she continues. “Permanently cemented to the floor in my shop. They come and go, they take and they give you something material in exchange.”

“They look at me and see through me, Joel.” She gestures at her heart with her hands.

“They seek me out because they need me. But slot someone else with my knowledge behind that bar and really, there’s no difference. Occasionally someone shares a mug of tea or a glass of gin and I love that, I really do.”

She swipes the back of her hand quickly over her cheek.

“But the one person who ever wanted me died in my arms and he took it with him.”

“And I felt so empty, Joel.” Her fragile whisper cracks. “Everything just became so cold.”

“Tommy told me what happened,” he whispers, “to Andy.”

Lennie looks up at him through tears.

“I didn’t have anyone, Joel. For years. And I forgot what that felt like.”

And in this moment, Joel realizes that he’s never actually been alone either.

He had Sarah.

He had Tommy.

He had Tess.

He had Ellie.

You keep going for family.

She had no one.

And she kept going anyway.

He can’t say he would have been that strong.

He wasn’t. That first night without his daughter.

Without his heart.

“I forgot what it felt like to have someone spend hours talking to you because they want to. To have someone just to sit with in front of a fire. To share a sunset with. To make…fucking dinner with so you don’t have to do it all on your own.” She gestures weakly towards the kitchen.

“To be held and kissed and touched, Joel.”

Her voice is so small now, rasped through the pain that crushes her from the inside out and Joel wants desperately to hold her again but he settles for clenching his fist and shoving his fingers in his pockets.

He wants her to let it out.

"And I'm sorry that it breaks me apart like this," she swipes at her cheeks again, angrier this time. "It feels like something that shouldn't even matter, like I should be able to do this on my own."

“Andy left and touch went out of my life. Companionship. This feeling of being wanted. And I convinced myself I didn’t want it anymore. Didn’t need it.”

“And then you came out of fucking nowhere.”

Lenora holds a hand out and stares into her palm, “and to have it placed in front of you like food after famine.”

“Knowing that at any moment you could do something to have it snatched away.”

Her fist closes now.

“And I feel like I have no right to exist in someone else’s space and I think maybe if I just don’t take up room. Maybe if I’m not too loud, or too headstrong, maybe if I don’t ask, it’ll stick around for just a little while longer. I’ll make that compromise.”

“Because it’s the only thing I want. To have someone want me.”

“And I am terrified of fucking it up, Joel,” her voice is low as she finishes, finally angling her eyes back up at him.

Cheeks wet with tears that flow too fast for her to catch.

And Joel steps around the coffee table to kneel in front of her, noticing how she stiffens with the action of it, not unlike she did when Ellie hugged her in the stables.

How she flinches when someone gets too close.

Where she melted before, she freezes up again for fear of having said too much.

Of having been too much.

Felt too much.

Taken up too much space here in his home.

Her nerves are still terrified of affection, regardless of how badly he longs to give it.

How badly she needs to receive it.

And Joel pushes the boundary a fraction, brushing a curl that clings to his finger off of her cheek.

Running calloused knuckles as softly as he can down the salty streaks that mar her skin.

“Because it’s perfect?” He asks barely above a whisper, mouch catching on the syllables.

“Because it’s perfect, Joel,” she breathes, relaxing upon her skin’s recognition of his.

His heart jumps.

“Because it’s a taste of everything I’ve always wanted and the last time I had that, my entire world shattered and I’m afraid, Joel.”

“But for right now?” The pads of his fingers trace one tendon of her neck, as his eyes meet hers again, “it’s perfect?”

“Yeah,” she breathes, warm against his skin.

“Then let it be perfect, Lenora.”

And Joel closes the gap that opened between them with his lips. Feather-soft brushes at first before they feel the need to convince her more ardently.

He kisses her until she kisses back.

Until she winds her fingers in his hair and opens to let his tongue slip inside.

Until she lets herself feel his face in her hands and the taste of him in her mouth.

Joel only stops when she breaks for breath, chin reddened from the scrape of his beard.

“For as long as it is, Lenora” he whispers against her lips, “let it be perfect.”

And she clutches his massive face in her palms, searching his eyes.

Receiving nothing but sincerity in return.

She presses her forehead against his, “yeah.”

“Promise me, Lenora.”

“I promise.”

“You swear that’s the truth? The whole truth and nothing bu…”

“Stooop, Joel,” she chides weakly at his poor man's joke, touching the tip of her nose to his before kissing him again.

He smiles and hums from deep in his chest.

“Len?” He whispers against her lips.

“Yeah,” she sniffs, attempting to stuff it all back inside.

“What do you want?" Another kiss pressed to her mouth, "right in this moment, what do you want?”

“No thinking,” he adds, head spinning from having her this close. “What do you want?”

“I want you to touch me.”

“Where?” Joel breathes against her mouth.

“Everywhere.”

Joel stands, uncaring of how his knees click with the motion, and holds out a hand.

Her small palm is skittish in his hold.

Joel laces his fingers with hers.

“It’s warmer upstairs.”

"Is this a ploy to get me into your bedroom, Miller?" Lennie sniffles and Joel looks her dead in the eyes.

"Yes. Yes it is."

_____

Joel guides her to sit on the edge of the bed, kneeling before her again to slip her sandals from her feet, encircling her ankles gently with each hand before trailing his fingers up the backs of her calves.

She shivers but not from the temperature.

Joel pulls off his socks before shedding his flannel and t-shirt, tossing both onto a chair in the corner.

He makes himself more vulnerable than she feels.

Her eyes track him around the room before he settles beside her on the edge of the bed, cupping her cheek and turning her face in towards him.

“Are you cold?” He presses a kiss to her lips.

“No.” Heat from the kitchen has risen, warming the whole upper floor.

“Are you sure? I can start a fire.” He nods behind him at the fireplace in his bedroom.

“I’m okay,” she reaches to run a hand down his forearm.

“Whatever you need. You tell me, okay?”

“Yeah.”

His mouth is a quick distraction before his tongue slips against hers.

Joel's palm fits to her cheek, thumb tracing one cheekbone.

Fingers trail down the side of her neck and skate gently over the front of her throat before his hand flattens over her breastbone, tucking under the collar of her dress.

His lips break from hers to kiss her neck and suck on her ear as he palms one shoulder.

Lennie reaches down to undo the tie of her dress before Joel asks if he can instead.

Chill bumps form on her skin when he unwraps linen, broad palm soothing warm over her stomach when it’s finally bare.

He shifts with her to help slip it from her form, mouth never far from hers before he lands the dress on the chair over his own clothes. Lennie's hands fly to his hair slipping soft strands between her fingers as she finally turns her body in towards him.

The warmth that radiates from his skin sets her head spinning.

He presses kisses to her collarbone before returning to her mouth.

“Lie back, Len.” He whispers there.

Joel follows, fitting one knee between her legs. A palm on either side of her head, careful of her long hair.

“This okay?”

“Yeah,” she hums with arms around his neck when he tips his head to run his nose over the lines of ink on her left arm, licking at the sensitive ditch of her elbow before he nips at her bicep.

The press of his bare chest against her skin when he mouths at one breast through her bra makes Lennie moan and arch up against the solid weight of him.

He shifts lower to trail his nose over her ribs. Inhaling the cedar scent of her soap and pressing kisses to every inch of skin, pulling soft gasps from her throat.

He notes what makes her breath catch. What makes her fingers tighten in his hair and nails sink into his shoulders.

Joel worships down to her hipbones before Lennie grows too impatient to allow him to continue.

“Joel,” she pants and he angles big brown eyes up at her, “I need you.”

He wraps one hand around the meat of her thigh, shifting on the bed to settle properly between her legs, rubbing at her hips.

He mouths at her stomach before hooking fingers in the waistband of her underwear.

“May I?”

“God, please yes,” she pants.

Joel slips fabric down her legs and off of her toes, hanging her panties off the footboard before his lips trail up her inner thighs.

Lennie trembles.

"This okay?" Joel runs his palms over the creases of her thighs as she nods, thumbs brushing at soft fluff before spreading her open with a deep, needy groan.

One thumb gently starts rubbing circles over her clit and Lennie gasps.

“Mmm,” he growls as he lowers his face and breathes the scent of her deep, exhaling with a moan before his tongue darts out to lick his bottom lip.

She’s already slick with anticipation.

Joel tentatively trails the flat of his tongue over her slit and Lennie moans and writhes in his hold. He continues, thumbs holding her open, tongue learning what makes her cant her hips towards his face.

What makes her moan his name.

His tongue dips inside of her and she keens and fists the sheets, tipping her head to the side as he curls the tip of it before one hand slings a leg over his shoulder.

Joel’s lips latch to her clit and she rolls her hips but one palm holds her firm, splayed against her stomach as two fingers tease before slipping into her heat, the slide made easy by her arousal. Joel quirks them, feeling for that spot where the silk of her gives way to texture before he beckons, coaxing a soft cry from her throat.

He presses his hips into the mattress in an effort to give his aching cock some manner of relief.

“Joel…oh fuu—” she whimpers as the tip of his tongue flicks against that sensitive bundle of nerves before he soothes with the flat of it and repeats. One of Lennie's hands tangles in soft ashen brown curls, raking, caressing, tugging when his fingers become more insistent.

“Taste so fuckin’ good,” he murmurs against her, rubbing the high bridge of his nose where his tongue just left, fingers still building in pace.

Lennie reaches up with her other hand to clamp it over her own mouth when his tongue starts twirling soft circles around her clit before he sucks hard.

Her hips buck against him and his eyes flick up towards her face.

Cameras are a thing Joel misses.

Lennie’s head is thrown back, resting on a halo of black curls splayed against his pillows, palm doing a poor job of stifling the moans that come from her chest now.

A chest that heaves for breath.

Breathlessness that he’s causing.

And so he stares for a moment, pressing the image into his mind like a wet flower between the pages of a book.

One that succumbs to the weight but leaves an imprint of its own against the text.

“There’s no one here, baby,” he whispers, reaching his free hand up to soothe over her sternum, “it’s just me.” He laps at her again, “you can be as loud as you want.”

The hand over her mouth slips down to run across his, holding him holding her as her ribs heave.

“Joel?” She gasps in warning.

“Go on, beautiful,” he murmurs against her heat. “Come for me.”

And she falls apart between his fingers and his tongue with his name lodged in her lungs on an inhale.

She only breathes again when her muscles give up their grip. Joel promptly stuffs his fingers into his mouth, cleaning them with an audible pop.

Stuttering breath catches in her throat before she swallows hard. Joel makes his way up her body again until she tastes the tang of her release on his lips.

“I’m a bit out of practice, but I hope…” he starts.

“Jesus, Joel.” She laughs and rakes her fingers through his hair. “You were…that was.” A breathless whisper. “Perfect. That was perfect.”

He hums and nuzzles her jaw as she basks in the heat of him.

Basks in his attention as plush lips suck at hers.

And as his tongue slips inside he feels it.

Feels her melting again.

“Joel,” her hand clutches the hair at the nape of his neck before he tips his face to look into her eyes.

“Hmm.”

“I need you inside me,” she whispers.

“Whatever the lady wants,” he mouths at the curve of one breast through the fabric of her bra. “the lady gets.”

She sits up as he leaves the bed for a moment to undress, propping herself up with hands behind her back, knees knocked together.

Watching as generous fingers deftly unlatch his belt. As he steps out of his jeans and hangs them over the arm of the chair, careful not to leave them lying on her dress where the weight of denim would cause linen to wrinkle.

She watches as he bends to slip off his boxer briefs, noting the hole in the hip just below the elastic band from where his thumbs have worn threads away.

Lennie watches the breadth of his shoulders and the curve of his bum and the strength of his form and the smile on his face when he turns to her again.

She tucks her chin against her shoulder, staring up at him through big, bright eyes before her gaze slips lower to where his cock stands thick and proud against the soft swell of his stomach.

This man.

This broad, rugged, brutal, yet tender-hearted thing.

Wants her.

“Hey,” the corner of his lips quirk as he settles back onto the bed to sit beside her.

“Hey,” she echoes, tipping her face towards him. His fingers find her jaw and his mouth finds hers again. He feels her smile and it makes his lips spread into a grin, teeth accidentally clacking against hers.

“Sorry, baby.”

She just wraps a hand around the base of his strong neck and pulls him down with her against the pillows.

Joel’s palm splays across her stomach, rubbing warm circles into her skin as his tongue slips against hers, cock pressed against her thigh.

“Skin ‘s so soft, Len.” Joel presses his lips to her collarbone, shifting to kiss down her sternum.

“Mm, you’ve said that before,” she runs a hand through his hair before soothing across the span of his shoulders, briefly fascinated by the size of him.

At how much space he takes up.

“‘Cause it’s true,” he drags his nose against where the underwire of her bra bites into her flesh, “I like it. I like you, Len.”

Joel rubs his bearded cheek down her stomach and she squirms.

“Jesus, Joel that tickles—”

He hums a laugh that turns to a low growl, big brown eyes angled up towards her for permission.

She parts her legs and he settles between them, palms dipping into the curves of her waist and smoothing low over her stomach.

Joel meets her eyes as he rocks his hips, tentatively sending his cock slipping through the slick at her core.

She gasps and reaches for his wrists as he continues coating his length to ease the slide.

Massive palms hitch at the creases of her thighs, one thumb guiding his cock to notch at her entrance.

Brown eyes lock and Joel slowly presses inside of her.

Watching as her lids flutter shut while his mouth falls open. Tongue tracing the inside of his bottom teeth.

He pauses until her grip on his wrists relaxes, starting up a slow rock of his hips as her teeth catch her lip.

He takes his time with her.

Time to adjust.

Time for her to sink into the feel of him. Into how he presses and stretches and pulls and grips.

Time to build. In pace, in pressure, in urgency until finally he lets the reins out.

The way Joel fucks is devastating.

Hard, driving strokes that move her to brace one palm up against his headboard.

The roll in surprisingly loose hips that causes his cock to catch on her g-spot with every stroke before pressing farther against the deepest parts of her.

Palms that knead the flesh of her hips. Gripping to bruising.

A pace that builds in speed before slowing again when he presses himself deeper, grinding his pubic bone against her clit

Lennie twists in his hold, hands gripping at down and cotton as she sinks her teeth into a pillow that smells of woodfire and Joel and her ponderosa soap.

"Joel," she moans, "wait, I want—"

Immediately he stills, sucking in breath through his teeth.

"Y' okay?" He murmurs, watching her chest heave.

"Yeah," she rakes curls out of her face, "'m gonna boss you around for a minute though."

Joel bites his bottom lip and gently bucks his hips against hers. "Good."

"Move for a second?"

Joel pulls out and they both whimper at the loss as he sits back on his heels.

Lennie turns to lay flat on her stomach before casting an expectant look back over her shoulder.

Joel let's out a soft "oh fuck" and she arches her back slightly, accentuating an ass that Joel just has to touch.

She hums as he palms her flesh before fitting his thumbs into the dimples at the base of her spine.

"C'mon, Joel," she moans, tucking her nose back into his pillow, "don't keep a girl waiting."

"Yes, ma'am," and he shifts to straddle her form before sheathing his cock inside of her again, moving slowly, testing the angle. His fingers dig into her hips as he alternates between hard thrusts and a slow rock that grinds the head of his cock against the mouth of her womb.

And Lennie can't keep quiet now even if she tried.

He smirks when one hand again reaches to steady herself against the headboard and takes it as license to hook a hand over her shoulder to pull her against him when his hips slam forward.

"Oh ff—" She moans from her chest.

“Still with me, Len?” he growls over the staccato of skin on skin.

"You're too far away," she pants and Joel folds to brace his palms against the mattress and press his chest against her back.

The soft swell of his stomach fits perfectly to the curve of her spine.

He envelops her in his breadth and his weight and his heat and finally the wet of his mouth where he sucks at the delicate skin just behind her ear.

"Better, baby?"

“God yes,” she moans, “don’t stop, Joel.” Lennie’s head falls back against his shoulder and he grins.

“There she is.”

And she comes white hot with his name on her lips and his nose buried in her hair.

Joel presses deep for as long as he can before he feels himself hurtle towards the inevitable brink.

The moment he moves to pull out, Lennie reaches to catch a scruffy cheek that's burning with heat.

"Joel, stay," she moans, turning her face towards his.

"'Y— fuck — y' sure—" he grits out, panting frantically against her cheek.

"Want you inside," she gasps against his lips and it sends his hips slamming against hers as he comes with a shout, cock throbbing as he spills himself deep, weight briefly collapsing against her.

"Lenora," he whispers when his senses return.

She hums, boneless underneath him, basking in the way one palm trails down her ribs as he shifts to pull out and settle to one side of her.

Fingers skipping over the damp skin of her back before engulfing the base of her skull.

"Lenora, look at me."

She does, hazy and molten, eyes glittering with low lamp light.

"Can you stay the night?"

And her face splits with laughter before he pulls her in against his chest.

"Yeah, Joel," she nuzzles his collarbone, "I'd like that."

_____

“God she’s such a fucking bitch!” Ellie screams when she bursts through the front door just after 8 o'clock the next morning.

Lennie immediately stiffens, looking to Joel for all the world like the panicked deer that’s jumped out in front of a car. He holds up a hand in her direction and Lennie has no idea what the fuck that’s supposed to mean because she’s sitting at Joel’s kitchen table in nothing but his brown flannel shirt and her come-damp panties and by all accounts she’s not supposed to be here.

“Hey, don’t slam the door,” he calls in Ellie’s direction, her heavy footsteps getting louder as she makes her way towards the kitchen.

“She tore up my fucking book, Joel!” She’s rounded the corner now, “she tore up Will Liv—heeeyyy, Lennie.”

Fucking caught now.

“Hey, Ellie,” she tugs Joel's shirt further down over her bare thighs.

Ellie’s eyebrows are in her hairline, eyes flitting between the pair of them before she speaks after what feels like an hour.

“Good job, old man. You bagged the prettiest girl in town,” Ellie slaps Joel on the back before moving to grab a plate from the dish rack.

“Ellie…”

“Oh shit,” something connects for her as she takes a seat, “that’s where you were the other night. When you came slinking in at like four in the morning.” She locks eyes with Lennie, “your house.”

And Joel’s been struck dumb because “Ellie” with varying degrees of annoyance seems to be all he can bring himself to say as she dishes out bacon and eggs.

“Honestly, though, it’s about time he got laid.” This to Lennie, who’s wide-eyed, red in the face, and certain that she wants to die.

“And there are worse people I could be forced to sit across the breakfast table from,” she shovels a forkful of scrambled eggs into her mouth. “You know Martha has a crush on him right?" She throws a thumb in Joel's direction. "The school teacher? The ditzy one.”

“Okay, Ellie, room, now.” Joel grinds out.

“What, she does! Everyone in town knows that.”

“Ellie, wha…who is Martha? What are you talkin’ about?”

“Actually, everyone in town does know that,” Lennie murmurs.

“See?" Ellie gestures towards Lennie. "Thank you.”

“Hey, Joel?” Tommy calls as the front door slams behind him. “Jimmy wanted to see if we could help with the barn today and I told him—heeeyyy, Lennie.”

“I suppose this is the first and last time you’ll ever spend the night,” Joel looks over to where Lennie’s clutching the sleeves of his flannel in her hands and covering the bottom half of her face.

“It’s the first and last time I don’t leave before sunrise.”

“Alright, look,” Tommy reaches over Joel’s shoulder for two strips of bacon, “I’ll get outta here, you swing by whenever and we’ll discuss the barn, Ellie, you’re with me kid. Len?” He grins. “You enjoy your morning.”

“I’m not finished breakfast,” Ellie protests.

“Bring the plate. I don’t care. It’s across the way. I got a kitchen table too, c’mon, hustle.”

And to their surprise she grabs her plate and heads for the door. Tommy follows, throwing a wink over his shoulder before they hear the front door swing shut.

Keys jingle and the lock latches.

Lennie’s eyes are wide when she finds Joel’s stare again.

And to her surprise, he bursts out laughing.

The way it shakes his shoulders and rounds out his cheeks is contagious and she can’t help but follow suit.

When the mirth calms he reaches out for Lennie and encourages her onto his lap.

“‘M so sorry about that, Len.”

“It’s—" she rubs at his heart over the fabric of his t-shirt, "it’s okay.”

She means it too.

“You know," she wraps an arm around his neck, "I’m actually just fucking you to get back at Martha,” she teases, sucking languidly on Joel’s bottom lip.

And it drags another laugh from his chest.

“Is that so?” Joel nuzzles her neck before kissing a path down her skin. “Sounds like you’re puttin’ a target on your back being here.”

“Make it worth my while then, Miller.”

And he does.

He eats her out again on the kitchen table, right there between the bacon and eggs. Has her coming on his tongue with one of her hands tangled in his hair and the other clamped over her mouth lest anyone hear.

He’s tempted to rip it away.

Let this Martha know exactly who Joel Miller is fucking.

The prettiest girl in town.

At least the door's locked.

And Lennie's safe here.

She's wanted. Right here.

Taglist: @iamskyereads @harriedandharassed @jessthebaker @anoverwhelmingdin

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#joel miller #the last of us fanfiction #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller smut #joel miller x ofc #pedro pascal character fanfiction #pedro pascal characters #pedro pascal #ohforficsake

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idontplaytrack · 4 months ago

Note

could you do more amber appleton x reader fics please? I don’t have a very specific request but maybe one where reader finds out ambers living situation and begs amber to let her help somehow with some angst? thank you! <3

Honey

Amber Appleton x fem! reader

Warnings: coarse language, angst, implied/mentioned sex

Amber hates asking for help, but reader’s had enough of it and begs Amber to step back

Amber was…a lot of things: bubbly, kind, helpful, supportive, optimistic. Well, and was also quick frankly the cutest person you’ve ever laid your eyes on. She was the first friend you’ve made at high school, and your crush on her only started to show up in junior year. So when you’ve been around her for the last nine or so months, you’ve been a tad nervous. That you’d make a fool out of yourself if you ever drew a blank while you were hanging out with her. Expertly, you shoved those feelings for her aside and chose to ignore them— hoping they’d go away. You could never be good enough for her, she was a straight-A student and as established, very pretty. You knew a bunch of students off the top of your head that had crushes on her and/or tried to ask her out. Though she hasn’t said yes to any of them, you never once thought you’d have a chance. Did you dream of it? Yes. But did you think it would ever happen? Absolutely not.

“Amber~” You walked up behind her, chin resting on her shoulder for just a second, “Good morning.”

She grunts, shrugging slightly. You took the hint and moved off of her. You were immediately concerned, she’s never been like this before. Just yesterday, she was on cloud nine because she got invited to audition for Carnegie Mellon. So this, was unexpected. Especially from her.

“Hey, what’s the matter, Ams?”

Her face perked up, she smiles at you, “Nothing. I’m fine!”

You bit back a sigh. “Are you sure? We still have time before class, we can talk—”

“Yep!” She confirmed in her usual chipper tone. “Come on, let’s get to home room.”

“Okay…” You squinted at her. She squinted back, “y/n, I’m okay.”

“Sure. Okay, let’s go.” A quiet sigh inevitably falls from your mouth as you agreed with her, walking side by side to the designated classroom. You decided to drop it— for now.

After lunch, you finally saw her again in wood shop and what caused alarm bells to go off in your head was how careless she was being, it was as though she was purposely trying to injure herself. "Amber." You seethed, "What are you doing? Be careful."

Not a single peep out of her. You were very quickly losing your patience, especially after what happened before homeroom. You had been worried about her all day. She huffs and went up to the teacher to ask for permission to use the restroom, knowing that you couldn't stop her and that the teacher only allowed one student to go at a time. When she returned to the workshop about ten minutes later, she didn't even look at you anymore. But she did seem super agitated which only caused you to be more concerned and even a bit anxious. What the hell was going on?

"Hey, could we talk? Please?"

"What's there to talk about? I'm gonna be late for my shift." Amber says dismissively.

A lie. She had more than a half hour to get there.

That look on her face was seriously starting to irk you, why was she acting as if you owed her the world?

"So?" She tilted her head up, "What? What is it that you wanted to talk about?"

"What happened?" You asked, "Why are you acting like this? I'm just trying to help you and you're acting like— like you hate me now."

"I don't hate you." Amber's gaze softened as she gnawed on her lower lip, "I'm sorry, okay? It's just that something happened last night with my Mom and I've been pissed off about it." "What happened?" You repeated, "Let me help you, Amber."

And then that expression was back on her face, that annoyed, unhappy look. It was very subtle, but having spent nearly everyday with her, you knew.

"I don't need your help."

"So then you're just gonna be like this from now? So angry?" You snapped.

"I don't need your help y/n, leave me alone."

"Fuck, Amber. Why is it so hard for you to ask for help? Let people help you?" Your voice got shaky towards the end, you were looking right into her eyes. That harsh glare had its moments of softening, she was about to cry.

"I don't know what to do." She mumbles, "I don't know how anyone will be able to help me. I didn't want you to know that I—"

You tug on her arm and told her to sit down on the bench, you did the same. "Amber, it's okay. You can tell me anything. Whatever it is, we'll be okay. We'll figure it out...get through it."

And that triggered the waterworks. Amber just broke down in tears and gave you the shock of your life. You instantly engulfed her in a hug, rubbing her back to calm her down. "Last night— they found out me and my Mom have been sleeping on— on one of the school's buses."

Oh. Fuck, it was much worse than what you could've guessed. Your heart shattered, you couldn't believe you didn't find out sooner and helped her, and her Mom.

"She got fired and she was just so upset and I didn't know what to do because she wanted me to go stay at Oliver's with her but he hits her and has her drinking again. I didn't want that, so I told her no, told her not to go...but she still went so I just— I slept on a bench and now— I guess, now you know."

"Stay with me." You told her, biting back the rapidly forming tears. "Please, Amber, let me help you. You're my best friend, I don't want you to feel unsafe at Oliver's, I don't want you sleeping on benches, I don't want you to be scared to come to me for help. Do you have any idea how much you've helped me since we met on our first day?"

Amber sniffled, "You're my best friend, of course I'd help you."

"And you're mine, of course I'd help you." You breathed out heavily, a painful lump in your throat.

"I got to get to the donut shop." Amber got up, taking a deep breath to recompose herself, "I'll see you later? Promise."

"What time do you get off?"

"Eight-thirty."

"I'll be there." You promised. A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips, "Okay."

————

While you headed home, Amber headed in the opposite direction towards the donut shop. The whole time, her revelation kept replaying in your mind on a loop. You simply could not shake it off. In the shower, it had you screaming out of frustration from the fact that it kept haunting you. "Fuck!" You groaned, fist slamming into the wall on your side, "Stop it! Stop it, just help her. Stop thinking about it, Amber's alright right now."

After your shower, you dried off, got dressed and started to deep clean the house. Again, out of frustration. And to distract yourself. It worked, though you were sweaty again after you finished the chores two hours later. Plopping onto the couch, you stared at the clock: 6:35pm. You had plenty of time before you had to go pick Amber up from work. Your Mom was on the way home from work, your Dad was on a business trip. But that was the least of your worries because they knew Amber and absolutely adored her. Amber doesn't come by to hang out that much, because she worked after school most days, but they knew her and knew her well enough to trust her completely.

After some thinking, you got started on dinner. Your mom gets home right around that time. "Mom, hey."

“Hi, sweetie." You mom smiled at you, approaching the kitchen, "What are you making?"

"Nothing fancy, just a lasagna since we had the ingredients." You smiled back, "Um, Mom? Amber's gonna have to stay with us for awhile."

"Oh. Amber? No problem, she can stay as long as she wants to." She agreed quickly.

"Thanks." You were a little shocked by the fact that she didn't even need to know more first, but really relieved she didn't and trusted you and Amber like that.

Your Mom excuses herself to go take a shower, you acknowledge that with a nod and off she went while you finished up putting the lasagna together then into the oven. And when your Mom came back downstairs, the lasagna was done, fresh out the oven. "Honey, that smells amazing." "Thanks, mom." You beamed brightly, "Oh, I have to go pick Amber up in a few, but if you want you can eat first."

"It's okay, honey. I'll wait, I'm not that hungry yet since Jodie at the office brought cake to celebrate her birthday."

"Oh, alright. I'll get going now, but I'll see you back here in a bit."

"Drive safe, sweetie." Your Mom gives you a hug before you leave.

It was a short drive to the donut shop. You pulled up right outside, watching Amber wipe down the counter and then she saw you. Her face lit up with a smile before she waves at you. Lloyd sees you as well and waved hello. Amber puts the rag aside, picked up a pink box and walked outside to meet you. "Good night, Lloyd!"

"See ya, Amber!"

"Hello." Amber was back to her usual self now, and thank god because you couldn't cry anymore, no way.

"Hey, how was work?"

"It was fun, never boring because Lloyd's always cracking jokes." Amber shrugs, "And we get free donuts."

"Those are always great." You nodded gleefully.

Parking your car in the garage, you stepped inside the house with her swiftly. "Hi!" Amber greeted you Mom instantly.

Your Mom playfully stares at her, "Remember not to call me 'Mrs. y/ln'?"

"Yes, I remember, Eda. How are you?"

"I had a good day at work, got to leave on time." Your Mom answers, "It's been awhile, and I get to see you?"

Amber chuckles, amused. "I come bearing donuts."

"Do you have rainbow sprinkle?" You and your Mom asked in unison. Amber laughs, so did you and your Mom.

"Certainly do. You each get one."

Dinner was lovely, you got to be with Amber and your Mom. Having good food and chatting the night away. But eventually, dinner concluded and you were by the sink— with Amber, washing up the dishes. Your Mom was gonna do it, but you offered, seeing that she was likely tired from work. "Let me help you."

"You are helping." You squint at her jokingly, "By standing here and chatting with me. Keeps me awake."

After the dishes were dried, you head up to your room with Amber at your heel, holding onto your hand as you walked up the stairs. She initiated the hand-holding, not you. But honestly, as startled as you were, you did not want to let go. Why? You were happy she was showing you affection.

Amber would be sleeping in your bed with you. It was big enough for two but besides that, it wouldn’t be the first time she slept here. She had no objections to sharing a bed with you, with you being her best friend.

“Just take whatever clothes you like.” You told her as she stood by your dresser rifling through the drawer, “Towels are in the bathroom. So are extra toothbrushes and pads— if you need them.”

“Okay.” She answered softly, “Thanks, y/n. Really. You don’t know what you’re doing for me, I can’t ever thank you enough.”

“As long as you’re safe, that’s a big enough thank you.” You replied earnestly.

“I’m gonna go take a shower, if that’s okay.”

“Of course.” You nodded, “Take your time. I’ll just…be here getting comfy in bed.”

She grabs a carefully selected stack of clothing and began walking towards your bathroom. “Amber wait.”

“What is it?” She asked, turning around to face you completely.

“Where’s Bobby?” You asked nervously.

“I left him at Ricky’s this morning.” Amber tells you.

“Oh.” You heaved a sigh of relief.

Amber leaves you alone for the next twenty minutes to shower, then she was back out with you again. You picked up on a difference in her mood, it was intense and made your heart race. She was looking at you a certain…way that made butterflies rage in your chest.

“Can I…give you something?” She asks, sitting down next to you.

“What?” You asked with caution.

“A kiss.”

“A kiss? Sure, Amber. You, want to kiss me?” You scoffed. But in the next second you feel her hand on your cheek, her face inches away from yours. “Yes.”

“Amber, you’re vulnerable right now, I don’t think I should—”

“That’s not why I want to kiss you.” Amber says, face somehow closer.

Fuck, you were so tempted. You wanted this. You’ve dreamed of this.

“Okay.” You decided, she kisses you. Not just fleetingly but a hungry, long kiss that caused you to ache. When she pulled away, you were damn near whining into her mouth. One thing led to another that night, it was everything you could’ve ever imagined and more. Amber was passionate, but so, so gentle with you, it was the best sex you’ve ever had and the first time anyone’s made you come.

As happy as you were, you were quickly bothered with the question of ‘what are we?’ right as you sobered up. Was this a confession of sorts that led to more? Or was it just…a one night stand? You looked at her looking at you, wondering if it was the right thing to do albeit enthusiastic consent from both parties, given the circumstance.

Before you could even process that you had tears in your eyes, she was asking you if you were okay. “I’m worried.” You revealed without much thought.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know.” You continued, “I’m scared that I shouldn’t have done that because you’re—”

“I wanted that, okay? Don’t be scared, I would’ve stopped you if I didn’t want that.” She caresses your cheek.

“But I’m more worried about how things would be like between us now, Ams.” Your voice quivered with each word, “I— I wanted to tell you that I had feelings for you but I could never do it, I just— I didn’t want things between us to change, not in a good way.”

Amber smiles, thumb still smoothing over your cheek, “I like you too, y/n. So much, I wouldn’t have done something like that with you if I didn’t. We’re okay, we’re more than okay. We’re spectacular.”

You laughed a little then ended up bursting into tears while your head was nuzzled against her chest. Amber rubs your back, planting a kiss to the crown of your head, “You are mine.”

A smile creeps onto your face, “I’m yours.”

Amber chuckles, combing her hand through your hair in a calming motion. “Yes, you are. About time.”

“Good night.” You whispered, then took some deep breaths to even out your breathing.

“Sweet dreams, honey.”

🏷️ Tag list:

@ashecampos @auliisflower @cheesysoup-arlo @frogs00 @ludoesartnstuffs @pda128

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dr-spencer-reids-queen · 1 year ago

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Catching Out: Part One

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2.1k

Summary: Spencer has his suspicions about your parents but you refuse to even listen to him. There is nothing going on with your parents... right? No, they’re normal parents that are just overprotective of you. Spencer is just being paranoid.

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill

Author’s Note: So, I know in previous episodes I had mentioned the reader's birthday is in February, but I forgot that when I wrote this episode. I have decided to change it to April since I've also based some other episodes around her birthday being in April. So, from now on, the reader's birthday is now in April.

I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there are any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them. If you’ve seen the show, then it’s the same level of angst unless otherwise stated

"Plenty sit still. Hunger is a wanderer." - Zulu proverb

The first thing Spencer always does when he gets into work is go straight to the breakroom and make himself a cup of coffee. He usually makes yours, but JJ got you coffee this morning when she came in. Spencer's brow has been furrowed ever since he first came in, and you know exactly why.

It's your parents. You didn't think they would have behaved the way they did. Your mom wasn't as bad as your dad, but you could feel how they both felt. They were pissed, but you're not exactly sure why.

"Spencer, it was one bad dinner. You're telling me you don't have bad days?"

"This was more than that, Y/N. Something is bugging me about this."

"Spencer, it's nothing. They just had a bad day, that's all."

"What's got you getting premature wrinkles?" Emily asks when she walks in.

"It's my parents. They didn't take to Spencer well," you sigh.

"It's not her parents, it's her dad," Spencer says and finishes up stirring his coffee.

"You have a strict dad? I know a little about that," Emily chuckles.

"He's always been like that, though. Whenever I brought home a boy, he'd become this scary man and run them off. He always said they were never good enough for me. I won't let that happen to you, Spencer," you shrug. "He's just being protective."

"He's being possessive."

"Spencer," you sigh and look at him.

"Are you his only daughter?" Emily asks.

"His only biological daughter. He fosters a bunch of kids, or he did. I can't imagine them still doing that." You don't want to talk about this anymore, so you turn to something that you know will bring everyone's spirits up. "It's your birthday soon, baby. That's exciting."

"I guess," Spencer shrugs.

He's never liked his birthday, but you're going to make it memorable for him. He is turning twenty-seven, and you're going to turn twenty-six four months after him.

"I'll make this one memorable," you wink at him. The glass doors open and Derek walks in with a confused look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"I met this incredible woman at this coffee shop, but she kind of rejected me. She knew who I was, but I've never met her before in my life."

"She knew your name?" Spencer asks.

"I don't know how I could forget a face like hers."

"You've been with so many girls that you can't remember all their names?"

"Oh, come on, are you surprised?" Emily scoffs.

"This has never happened to me before."

"It hasn't happened to me before either," Spencer shrugs.

"Well, it can't happen to you. You have an eidetic memory."

"Besides, you only got one name to remember," Derek smirks.

"Hey, it's not nice to tease," you pout and kiss Spencer's cheek. "I was pretty memorable last night. Twice, in fact."

Spencer blushes at the memory of you two last night. How could he ever forget? All four of you head to the briefing room to meet with everyone. JJ is ready to start the briefing, and when you take your seats, she starts.

"Okay, six victims have been killed in a series of burglaries/homicides all over central California. Bakersfield, Fresno, Chico, and two nights ago, Alan and Brenda Paisley in Sacramento."

"That's a big area. Are we sure it's the same unsub?"

"His DNA was found in all of the homes. They hadn't connected it because he crossed jurisdictional lines. The head of the Sacramento field office has established a multi-agency task force, and he wants us to run point."

"It looks like we got a lot of investigators on this one."

"We'll streamline it if we need to."

"You should know that they've already named him the 'Highway 99 Killer'," JJ says.

"We'll deal with that when we get there."

"He targets one to two-person households. He kills the victims while they sleep. It looks like he uses blunt force trauma with objects found at the home. Multiple bashes to the head," Spencer reads through the file.

"After he kills the victims, he ransacks the homes for valuables," JJ says. "What's unique about this unsub is that after he kills them, he sits down to have dinner in their homes. They found his DNA all over the food and the table."

"Are these burglaries that turned into homicides or homicides that turned into burglaries?" Rossi asks.

"Between the two offenses, it seems the primary motivation is homicide. Otherwise, he would have just stolen the items and fled."

"He stays there for hours, he eats their food, he tries on their clothes, he showers, and he even sleeps in their beds. It's like if Goldilocks became a serial killer," Emily jokes. "They've got plenty of DNA, but they found no fingerprints. If he doesn't take their cars, how does he get there?"

"There are no witness reports of strange cars on the street."

"So, there's no prints, no gun, no noise, no car, and no witnesses. This all adds up to prior experience."

"There has to be a record of him somewhere."

"Until we find it, he'd have moved onto another town, which could be anywhere. Wheels up in twenty."

You and the rest of the team take twenty minutes to get ready, and before you know it, you're already in the air. You're sitting next to Spencer who has a map of California only relevant to the areas involved with the murders; so, not the entire map of California. He has a red Sharpie in his hand, and you stare at the way he holds his pens. He doesn't hold it like a normal person would.

"You hold your pens weird," you say and look into his eyes. He scrunches his face in confusion, but you lean up and kiss his cheek. "It's cute."

"So, our unsub hit four homes in about five weeks. The first one is at the beginning of September in Bakersfield. Then, in Fresno a week later. Eight days later, he hit Chico."

As JJ talks, Spencer marks the areas with circles and the dates to have a record of where he's been. Maybe you can determine where he's going next.

"Then, he changes direction and heads south to Sacramento at the end of September."

"These crime scenes are spread out over four hundred miles. I mean, how many serial killers move around like that?" JJ asks.

"Not many. Of the ones who do, we categorize them into two subgroups. In one model, he's an itinerant homeless person, someone who's been displaced. With the second type, their occupation allows them to travel. He could be killing while on business."

"Would a truck driver make sense?"

"Long-haul truck driver Bruce Mendenhall shot his victims and disposed of their bodies at truck stops across four different states," Spencer says.

It's a possibility.

"Mendenhall targeted mostly high-risk victims: prostitutes and hitchhikers that he picked up right off the highway. I don't think it's a truck driver. They'd use their rigs to get away, and someone would have noticed a tractor-trailer parked in the neighborhood," Hotch dismisses that idea.

"How about someone in corporate sales? They still travel," Rossi suggests.

"Or computer professionals. They travel to install the software. Maybe someone in real estate like a land assessor?"

"They just discovered a new murder in Modesto," JJ says with her phone in her hand.

"He went south again," Spencer sighs and marks that on the map.

"Right, when we land, Reid, JJ and I will go to the task force headquarters. The four of you to Modesto," Hotch says to you, Rossi, Derek, and Emily. "We're going to log some miles on this one."

The first stop was Modesto to drop off you and the others before the rest went up north in Sacramento. It's only an hour's drive between the two cities, so if you're needed up there, then you can drive. The detective on the case, Detective Daniels, meets you at the newest crime scene. The murders just happened, so the house is soaked with energy, trauma, and blood. You can feel it just by standing on the side of the road.

"I'm Detective Daniels. It's nice to meet you."

"How are you doing?" Derek asks. "I'm Agent Morgan, and this is Agent Rossi, Agent Prentiss, and Agent Y/N."

Detective Daniels walks with you to the house, but you pause before your feet can touch the porch steps. Besides the obvious energies inside the house, you look around at the neighborhood. No dogs are barking and no sign of an alarm system, but they do have outdoor lights. The neighbor says they didn't turn it on, and the unsub knew that.

The three basic things any burglar looks for are dogs, alarms, and lights. That tells you the unsub is patient enough to find a vulnerable house.

"I'm going to talk to the neighbor," Emily says.

The detective and Derek walk into the house, but you can't seem to take a step toward it. Rossi is about to go in when he notices you have frozen.

"Are you okay?"

"This house is oozing death and spiritual energy. Rossi, it's everywhere," you whisper.

"It'll be okay. Come on."

Rossi escorts you inside, which is much worse than the outside. There is blood everywhere but only you can see it. Blood oozes down the walls and is caked on the furniture, and it doesn't help that you can clearly see the spirits of the deceased still in their beds. The unsub is a black shadow, but you can clearly see him take an iron and smash it over their heads while they are sleeping.

You have to look away because this is too brutal.

"What do you see?" Derek asks.

"You don't want to know."

Derek walks into the bathroom and notices two bottles of nail polish remover out along with some washcloths and a plastic baggie.

"Check this out." Derek shows you what he found. "I've seen this kind of thing before with burglaries when the criminal is a substance abuser. Oftentimes, they huff household cleaners just so they can get high."

"What was his point of entry?" Rossi asks.

"The laundry room window."

"It explains where he found the murder weapon," you mutter and stare at the bloody iron. "This is serious overkill. He's killing with rage. I saw it."

"You saw it?"

"How does a man with such rage calm himself down enough to make coffee and eggs?" Rossi asks, getting the detective back on track.

"He's disorganized, picks an opportunistic weapon at a crime scene, and strikes with rage. Though, he's organized enough to follow through with a ritual enough after he kills. He cleans up, goes through their things, and eats."

"It's very unusual. The intensity of the rage followed by a long period of calmness spent inside the house is not common."

"Can you explain what he does with his clothes?"

"His clothes?"

Detective Daniels holds up dirty clothes with gloved hands. The unsub was wearing these when he entered the house, and he must have stolen the clothes here to change into. You put some gloves on before reaching out to them.

"May I?"

Daniels hands over the clothes, and you concentrate on the energy left behind on them. You're getting a lot of emotion and fear, and that allows you to see bits and pieces of what the unsub might have been doing before coming here. Train tracks pop into your head, and you can't seem to get that out.

"I see train tracks," you tell your team.

"When we found the deceased, the shirt was placed over his chest and the pants over his legs," Daniels explains.

"This is the first time we're hearing about this."

"Why would he cover up the body?"

"He wears their clean clothes, sleeps in their nice bed, and then puts his dirty clothes on the male victim's body. This might be some form of transference," you say.

"Transfer of what?"

"By symbolically dressing Mr. Sullivan in his clothes, he's equalizing their status. Mr. Sullivan has all these things and he doesn't. This guy has a problem with his station in life. He can't bring himself up on his own, so he makes himself feel better by destroying others and living their lives."

"That might be why he stays so long. He needs that time just so he can feel at home and pretends this is all his," Derek back you up. "He's playing out his fantasy."

"Given this behavior--the dirty clothes and the cheap drug choice--I'd say we're looking for someone homeless."

"How does a homeless man move about the state like this?" Daniels asks.

"There's a reason I saw the train tracks, Rossi," you say and take out your phone to call your boyfriend. "Hey, are you in front of a map?"

"I am now."

"Good. I think I know how the unsub is getting around. Do you see train tracks linking Bakersfield and Sacramento?"

"I'll be damned. He's hopping trains," Spencer confirms.

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

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catamano · 1 year ago

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11:47am - Georgia

Lunchtime. The best and worst time of day. Forty-five minutes of freedom but the halls and cafeteria are jam packed with people. I’m the last one out of bio as I make my way into the hall. I don’t feel like eating with anyone today. My mood hasn’t improved very much since this morning, especially since I was pulled aside after math class. Is everything okay, Georgia? You’ve been late a lot. I said yes and told her I’d do my best not to let it happen again. I asked her about extra credit or test corrections and she said we’d talk Tuesday.

Laughter echoes through the hall as I pass by three girls that I don’t know. They’re probably seniors. I’m the only freshman that has a locker with the seniors. I have no idea why. It’s the best spot in the school so I guess I just got lucky.

“Georgia, hey!” I look up and see Parker standing right in front of my locker. She’s dressed in a black turtleneck and denim skirt. Both mine. How many things of mine does she have? Whatever. I’m just surprised to see her not having lunch with her boyfriend.

“Hey,” I say quietly. I’ve been pretty annoyed with her lately. She’s blown me off for three straight weekends and has yet to come to one of my games. I promise I’ll come to the next one!

“Where were you this morning?” she asks, glancing at her phone. She’s been so absorbed in her own thing, I’m surprised she even realized I wasn’t here.

“Late,” I dryly reply. I manage to get my locker open on the first try. Nice. The lock is not great so usually it takes a few tries.

“Why?” She’s staring at me now.

“I lost track of time,” I answer. Partly a lie, but I don’t care. I unzip my front backpack pocket and grab my ID before quickly shutting my locker.

“Do you want to get lunch?” Weird question. A month ago lunch together was always implied.

“Sure.” I shrug. I guess lunch with Parker is fine. Maybe we can catch up.

We silently start walking down the hall in the direction of the cafeteria. This is so awkward. We’ve known each other for almost ten years and we’re acting like strangers. We used to tell each other everything, now I feel like we barely know each other. We haven’t been talking too much outside of school. Every time I text her and ask how she is, she sends a ton of messages, usually relating to her boyfriend. As soon as I try to talk anything related to me, she stops replying. I’m kind of sick of it.

“So,” she pauses, smiling, “do you want to see a picture my homecoming dress?”

“You got a dress?” I ask. We were supposed to go shopping together.

“Yeah, last weekend, Michael’s sister invited me to go with her and her friends,” she tells me.

“Seriously?” I feel my eyes start to narrow. She told me she had to do something with her mom last weekend. Whatever.

“What?” Is she seriously clueless? I stop walking. I don’t feel like having lunch with her anymore.

“We were supposed to go together,” I remind her. It’s funny that she can blow me off for three weekends but still wear my clothes to school.

“Yeah, but I’m sure your mom already ordered you one, didn’t she?” When I graduated middle school, Mom ordered me a dress for the ceremony. Parker has not stopped giving me a hard time about it.

“No.”

“Oh, well, I can come with you and help pick out yours!” she offers. That’s not the same thing and she knows it.

“It’s fine,” I say, “I’ll just go with someone else.” Mom has asked me to go twice and I’ve told her no because I was waiting for Parker. After this morning, I don’t feel like shopping with Mom. Maybe I’ll ask Weiss or Sasha.

#while char and nai are having their cry lunch #here's what g is up to #ugh #somethingmore #sm #the sims 4 #georgia #parker #georgia pov

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joe9cool · 1 year ago

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Collide- Epilogue- Lover of Mine

A/N: This is fanfiction, I do not know anyone on or affiliated with the Chargers. I own my original characters. You do not have permission to post my story elsewhere. Thank you and enjoy!

"What brings my brother to New York during this Bye Week?" Mitch sat down on his couch while Justin stayed standing. "I can't just visit my brother? I hardly ever see you. I thought it would be nice to come see you and Isabelle while I have the time off'

"You are so full of shit. This is year four for you and you decided to suddenly take a break and fly out here?" Justin paused, "I can't spend time with you guys?"

Mitch rolled his eyes. "Justin, it's you." He noticed his younger brother fidgeting nervously. "What's going on?"

"Nothing." Before Mitch could respond, the door opened, and Justin had never been relieved at Isabelle's arrival. "Hi Justin." She was surprised. "Did something happen?" He was confused. "No, I just thought I'd surprise you and we could spend this time together, grab some lunch"

"I'm calling full of shit. But okay." Isabelle laughed. "Let me change, and then we will go." When she walked out, Mitch looked at Justin. "Again, I'm gonna ask what is wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Justin Patrick"

"I promise Dad. Nothing is wrong." He said in his mocking voice. Isabelle walked out of the room and Mitch decided it could wait til lunch, and they all walked out of the door.

—--------------------------------------------------------------

"Eating on the Upper east side? What's the occasion?" Isabelle asked as they sipped their drinks (water for Justin, of course)

"Why do you guys assume something is wrong?" He was actually offended that his own family thought he didn't want to spend time with them.

Mitch laughed. "Again, you call me at the last minute to say that you've got a hotel here and are spending a few days in town on your bye week. What is going on?"

Isabelle cut in. "We are glad you are here, but something is up. Also you mentioned not telling Sara you were in New York."

It was true, Sara was off in Tokyo doing promotional press for a few days.

Justin put down his menu. "Fine you got me, I wanted to wait until after lunch, but since I have an appointment. Look, I need your guys help shopping."

Isabelle choked on her drink, immediately understanding why he was there. Mitch began laughing. "Really Justin? I don't know the first thing about clothing either. Why don't you ask Sara's stylist?"

Isabelle looked at him. "Baby, he is not talking about clothes."

Mitch stopped laughing. "Then what?"

"Oh my god! How did you even get into med school?" Justin smiled. "I want your guys input on a ring for Sara."

That got Mitch. "Woah woah. For an engagement ring?" Justin smiled, and Mitch leaned back into his seat. Exasperated. "Wow. I mean Justin, it hasn't even been two years. Are you sure?"

Justin nodded. "You don't like Sara?"

"That's not it. I love her to death, and I couldn't be happier to officially have her as her sister. But again this is you. You have to admit no one would expect you to be the first one to be married."

He laughed and Isabelle smiled. "You always knew what you wanted and went after it. Even when you and Sara were apart. Its-"

"Always been her." Justin finished.

"Do mom and dad know? What about Pat and Carly?"

He smiled. "I called them when I got to the hotel earlier today." —---------------------------------------------------------------------

"Justin? Is everything okay?" Holly was confused as she answered her middle son's facetime call. It was early in the morning, but Justin wanted to speak to his dad too, and he had to catch him early before he left to do whatever.

"Yeah everything is fine. Can I talk to you and dad for a minute?" His hands were sweating, and the reality of what he was about to say was hitting him.

It wasn't a nervous sweat in the sense of marriage. It was the fact that he wanted his family's input. He knew they loved Sara, and she loved them but you never knew.

"Hi Justin. Are you okay? What happened?" He saw both of his parents on the screen and smiled. He knew he only asked for both of them when it was something major, and it usually was a big life decision.

"I just wanted to ask you guys something." Holly and Mark were confused. "What is it son? Is it about football?"

Justin laughed. "No, it's actually about Sara." This time Holly cut in. "Oh my god please don't tell me you broke up again. I'm gonna kill you."

He rolled his eyes. "It's not that mom."

"Then what is it?"

He took a deep breath. "I'm going to ask her to marry me, and I want your blessing."

There was a pause, then Mark laughed while Holly screamed. Justin was confused "is this reaction out of happiness or?"

"OF COURSE IT IS! oh my god! Of course you have our blessing! Shouldn't you be asking her parents this?" His dad laughed and Justin joined in. "I'm going to ask, I wanted your input, she's joining our family too. If she even says yes." Justin trailed off the possibility of her saying no now creeping into his mind.

Holly knew what her son was thinking. "Honey, she's not going to say no. She loves you, and the whole family loves her. We couldn't be happier over this."

"Thanks guys."

"Do you have a ring?" He laughed. "Not yet, I'm heading to New York a few days earlier than usual to have Mitch and Isabelle help me."

"Good idea, and we won't tell Pat. God knows your brother can't keep a secret." They all laughed, knowing the younger Herbert too well. "We love you son, and Sara too"

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Justin told the story of their mom and dads approval as they drove to a private residence that Justin gave. It was actually her management he contacted about looking for rings. He knew that he couldn't walk into a jewelry store and pick something out in broad daylight. The surprise would be ruined immediately. Her manager Alex, along with Law got him in touch with Jamie Wolf, who was popular among celebrity jewelry. She conducted business out of her brownstone for famous clients

They were in a ritzy part of Manhattan, one that Mitch and Isabelle weren't familiar with. "You know Justin, it's okay if you don't pick out a ring. Take your time with it." Mitch stated as they pulled into a driveway that matched the address on their phone. Justin laughed, "I think I'll know it when I see it"

As they got out of their cars, the door to the expensive brownstone opened and a woman in her forties peeked outside. “You must be Justin! Law told me all about you!” Justin climbed the steps and she wrapped him into a hug. One thing he learned about being around designers: you had to be ready for any type of greeting. Once Jamie did the same to Mitch and Isabelle, she invited them to sit down where there were horderves and champagne. They all sat down and took a glass of champagne. “Okay, so Law called me and said you are here for an engagement ring for Sara correct?”

Justin nodded and smiled. She clapped her hands together. “Excellent, now before we begin to look at rings and decide if we want custom or not I always like to hear the moment you decided you wanted this moment."

Everyone was looking at him and it dawned on him they wanted the story. "Well, I've always known to be honest." He trailed off, and Mitch rolled his eyes. "He isn't very romantic in that sense." He told Jamie and Isabelle to cut in. "Neither of them are. Are you sure you didn't want to bring Pat?"

Justin laughed. "There was one moment….

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1 week earlier.

Justin had just pulled into the driveway, he had just wanted to go home and sleep after coming back from a game where they got blown out. It was embarrassing, they were tied with the chiefs for first in the division, they couldn't afford losses at all. Yet Justin threw for 2 interceptions, one that gave the other team the confidence to come back.

He was surprised to see the lights on. This meant that Sara was probably suffering from her insomnia. She had started seeing a therapist for her anxiety and been prescribed medication for when her sleep got really bad. She was stubborn though, granted she didn't really need them since she was doing well.

Justin walked in to music turned up loud, but not too loud. It was one of the boy bands she listened to. One Direction.. or was it 5 seconds of summer?

He stepped into the kitchen/living room to see a few trays of chocolate chip cookies on the island. Covered so the cats didn't get to them. Justin smiled as he saw his girlfriend dancing with Eugene, well more like twirling him around. The song changing to a piano melody.

'Lover of mine' Maybe we'll take some time' Kaleidoscope mind gets in the way Hope and I pray darling hat you will stay Butterfly lies chase them away

Dance around the living room Lose me in the sight of you' I've seen the red I've seen the blue Take all of me.

Sara turned to face Justin and squealed. Letting Eugene down on the counter she paused the music. "Why must you always do that?"

Justin laughed and went up to her. Kissing her, he stated. "Because it's fun. Anyway you can't sleep?"

She nodded. "I actually napped before the game so I have all of this energy. I'm sorry about the loss. I'll clean this all up and we will go to bed.

He shook his head. "Grabbing a cookie, he plopped it in his mouth and groaned. "Oh my god are these chocolate chip turtle cookies?" She nodded and he sighed. "I guess I can't have the guys over after practice for the film. Her eyebrows raised in confusion. He laughed. "You're gonna make them all fat."

She giggled. "Invite them over, i'll make a full spread. I miss cooking." He kissed her.

"I love you."

"I love you." She put the music back on, and in the moment, he grabbed her hand and they began dancing, more like swaying

'Dance around the living room Lose me in the sight of you I've seen the red I've seen the blue Take all of me' Lead to where your secrets are Where we've been a thousand times Swallow every single lie Take all of me

I'll never give you away Cause I've already made that mistake

If my name never fell off your lips again, I know it'd be such a shame When I take a look at my life And all of my crimes You're the only thing that I think I got right I'll never give you away Cause I already made that mistake'

The last line rang true as it stayed In his head, gathering the brunette closer to him

It was in that moment he knew. Granted, he always did know deep down. But now, he could see this, coming home to her and knowing what to say and do to calm him down and vice versa. They loved each other other and were committed.

He made a note to make some phone calls while he was at the facility tomorrow.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Aww that is so sweet!" Jamie smiled after Justin told her the watered down version. "Okay, now follow me and you can bring your glasses with." They all got up and followed her upstairs to a room that had a code Jamie entered. When they all walked in it looked like a walk in closet with an island that she had the group stand at while she opened two skinny draws. Pulling out two trays she set them down. Immediately Justin's eyes widened along with Mitch's and Isabelle gasped.

All the rings were gorgeous,sparkly, and huge. "All my rings are at least two carats. These all in this case are four, and these are three. If you dont like any of these, I can custom make one.”

“Just outta curiosity, what is the price range.?” Jamie said the number casually, “All my rings start at $100,000.” The number may have shocked the other two, But Justin knew he'd drop a pretty penny. It didn't matter, he wanted this ring to be special. Hopefully she’d be wearing this for the rest of her life. “Do you know her style?”

“Shes simple, classic. She wears alot of dainty jewelry, she loves emerald gems, and no gold.” Mitch laughed. “I got to say I am impressed you all know that.”

Isabelle cut in. “Do you have any emerald cut rings? Maybe the main stone is diamond, and then two emeralds on the sides in trapezoid cut. Then for the band we can go with a plain platinum band.” Justin and Mitch stared at her before Justin looked at Jamie, “Yeah, exactly what she said." The designer laughed. "And how many carats are we looking at?"

She showed him the different weights in Emerald cuts and he settled on the 2 for the middle stone, and .75 carat each for the sides, making it a total of 3.5 carats.It wasn't obnoxiously big, but people would notice it on her finger. He knew her ring size from getting the Oregon ring.

After dropping a hefty amount of money on the ring (as much as he paid for his house in Oregon) She told him it would take her a couple weeks to get the ring ready. Jamie told him that she could ship to him which he declined. He didn't want to keep the ring in the house where she would find it and especially not in his football bag.

No, he still had another stop on the east coast to make once the ring was done.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"God Justin!" He looked up to see his girlfriend's head thrown back and her fists full of the bed sheets. Moaning, his hand snaked up her body underneath his t-shirt to pinch a nipple while he tongue flicked her clit.

He arrived home off a weekend with his brother and girlfriend, feeling good

Maybe it was the fact that he was one step closer to officially making Sara a member of his family,maybe it was those spandex shorts that accentuated her ass. Maybe it was the fact he was planning to ask her one of the biggest questions of life. Nevertheless he was on her, knocking the pile of folded laundry on the floor.

He latched on her and his tongue fucked into her, causing her to squeal and close her legs around him. Justin loved it, he could die by getting crushed by those thighs and he'd be the happiest man.

He continued his motions, all the way to her orgasm. Stopping once she was cleaned up he pulled away and she was a heaving mess on the bed. "Oh my god." She looked over at the messed up pile. "You're gonna fix that." She said between breaths, and he nodded and laughed.

"What on earth was that for?" She got up and stared at him. He shrugged. "I can't just eat out my girlfriend?"

"I mean you can. I won't ever complain. But damn. You were like in heat!" He laughed. "I just missed you. That's all."

She just nodded. "Well you're still folding the laundry."

He smiled and nodded. "Yes babe. Let me just get dinner started. I have some steaks marinating so I'll get those ready for the grill."

"What should I make for the sides?" She got up. "Don't worry about it. I have asparagus too." He walked out. Justin knew he played it cool.

—--------------------------------------------------------- Something was up with her boyfriend.

He was being super nice. Not that Justin wasn't a nice guy, but he seemed to be laying it on pretty thick. Justin was coming home earlier than usual. He would only slightly complain about her reality shows. (She knew he would like Jersey shore family reunion) however he kept giving her full control of the TV. He was more affectionate when they would step out in public. Not full on makeouts, but he would stop and kiss her randomly at the grocery store.

While she loved it, it wasn't her man. "Why are you complaining?" Samira told her between takes. She was sitting with her and Joe, along with Greg. "I know it sounds stupid. But it's not him you know?"

"You think he is cheating on you?" Greg asked as he popped a grape in his mouth. She shook her head. "No he isn't, I'm sure of that."

"Have you tried asking him?" Samira asked. She nodded. "Yes, but he swears its nothing. Maybe I'm just overreacting."

"You do have trust issues from other relationships."

"I trust him. It's not that. I'm just wondering why he is acting different"

Joe stayed quiet. Justin had called him a few days ago telling him he wanted to propose and thought about maybe doing it on their 2nd anniversary, which was also his and Alisha's anniversary. Justin was worried it would be overshadowed. Joe laughed and told him it was no big deal. He was excited for his co-star and close friend. She was going to finally have her moment after being broken hearted for so long.

He was so happy for her, but he swore to secrecy to not say anything to anyone, not even her costars. Alisha knew, but she was his wife he had to tell her.

"Joe!" He snapped out of his daydream to find the group staring at him. "What's up?" He asked. Sara narrowed her eyes at him. "You know something we dont?"

He scoffed. "I don't know what you're talking about." He took a bite out of his snack.

"I don't trust you Grant, I think you know something about my boyfriend that I dont." He rolled his eyes, trying to play it cool. "You're right. We're having an affair. We planned on telling you and Alisha when we have dinner next week. But I can't deny my love for that tall glorious man anymore."

Samira giggled and Sara laughed. "I'm still calling shit on it but okay. I will find out."

—-----------------------------------------------------------------

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Justin was an idiot. He and Sara had gotten into an argument earlier. They had a Victory monday so Justin had time for golf. He was excited, since he finally had the ability to swing normally.

Justin asked Sara to join him on the course and surprisingly she agreed. It had been a rough week. She had reshoots and decided to take on co-producing Lord Huron's new album. He had warned her that it might become too much, but she was stubborn.

It was wearing on her and he saw that. So maybe this was his chance to get her to relax and spend some time together. They were really busy, which meant they had no time together, sex was out of the question. They were both worked up and wanted to take their stress out on each other.

Unfortunately it didn't go that way. In between swings she was on her phone messaging Ben about a guitar riff on one song, then Heidi called about some rumor she wanted to dispel. She wasn't focused on the game, which pissed him off.

Also, she wasn't athletic and wasn't able to grasp the mechanics of a perfect swing. Justin tried to explain it to her but she wasn't getting it. "Well maybe if you actually paid attention you would understand it." He snapped. She glared at him. "And I told you, I'm not athletic, I've never been. I mini golf that's it."

"You don't even try! I think you are just making excuses because you don't want to do it." She rolled her eyes. "What are you, my dad? I got that shit from him my whole life."

"That has nothing to do with anything!" "Yeah and I want to see you try to film 12 hour days."

"We aren't talking about careers, I know sure as shit you can't throw a football. I'm talking about hobbies. You don't care."

"I do care! I'm sorry I'm busy." She took a deep breath and walked away. "Where are you going?" He called.

"I'm going back to the clubhouse." She wanted to take the cart and leave him stranded, but she wanted to walk. "Are you insane? We are far out and you don't know where you are."

She ignored him and kept walking. Sara heard his footsteps behind her. "Get back here!"

"No dad!" "You're being a brat." When he saw she wasn't budging, he cursed and ran back to the cart to put his stuff away and catch up to her. He drove the cart up and kept pace with her. "Get on the cart."

She kept walking. He sighed. "I'm sorry. You don't have to talk to me but you're not going to walk all the way back. It's too hot." She stopped, and got on the back off the cart.

They were both annoyed and didn't speak at the clubhouse and on the car ride home. When they got in the house, she went straight to the bathroom and slammed the door shut.

You dumbass, now she's not going to want to marry you. He thought as he waited for her to get out of the shower.

He was just irritated. Football was always stressful, and he missed Sara. It wasn't her fault he was just being an ass. He wanted competition and Sara wasn't just that person. They worked as a nice balance, but he could be a major ass.

He stayed on the couch with the cats until he heard the door to the bedroom open and Sara walked out in one of his shirts, towel drying her now long hair. "Hi" She went up to him and he grabbed her thighs to pull her closer to him. "I'm sorry." He spoke after a minute. "I got too excited and frustrated that you don't like golf."

She sighed. "It's partially my fault. I never really give it a chance. I should have been more focused." She rubbed his shoulders. "Forgive me?" He nodded. "Forgive me as well?" She smiled and kissed him. "Next time I swear. I need to start taking lessons. I'll kick your ass at your invitational next year." He laughed. "Yeah okay babe."

His phone rang, and he glanced at it. Sara looked at it. "Is it Mitch or Isabelle?" He knew she could tell it was a New York area code. He shook his head and declined the call. "I don't know the number." He kissed her again. "Wanna order in? We can watch Jersey Shore and cuddle with the cats."

She smiled "I knew you would like the show!" He rolled his eyes. "Easy, I know you like it." She laughed. "Uh huh that's why you were upset when Sam got mad at the house when she found the letter."

"Hey, she got mad at everyone else but Ron. I don't know why she is putting up with him. He looks like a douche." She laughed. "I got to dry my hair. Do you want to do sushi or tacos?"

"Or there is that steakhouse down the street? I could pick it up?" She nodded and ordered her usual. Justin placed the order.

Crisis averted.

—--------------‐—--------‐—----------------------------------------

"Explain to me again why you are flying out Thursday before your game against the Jets?" Sara asked Justin over the phone. She was in Canada where she was doing a talk show to support her new project. She was flying in New York to watch Justin against the Jets for Monday Night Football. Sara's entire family would be there as well in the suite, their dad wanted to sit out in the cold, but with his heart it wasn't the best idea.

"Well, I wanted to see Mitch and Isabelle. Mitch really liked when I came up for the bye week. Plus he is graduating from Med school, so I'm rarely going to see him once he becomes a doctor." Justin bit his tongue, hoping his girlfriend bought the lie.

"Oh well that's nice. I was just surprised the team was okay with it." He had cleared it with Staley and Moore. Justin had no choice but to tell them he had plans to propose and wanted to go up to Pittsburgh to seek her parents' blessing. Her family was coming on Saturday and he would be locked in, unable to talk to them. So he had to see them first.

He just hoped he could do it without being spotted. Once again he had contacted AnnSophie about using her jet, which meant that he told her, which she told Joey. So far almost everyone in their friend group knew about his plans.

"If you want any motivation to kick Rodgers ass. Just know I met him at an awards ceremony when he was with his then fiance, he was staring at my boobs in my dress the whole time." That got Justin annoyed. Since it was known that he and Sara were an item, teams would use that as an excuse to taunt him about his relationship. It took everything in him not to fight Kelce when after a touchdown, Kelce went up to Justin and held up his hand to mimic a phone. "Have your girl call me." He muttered to Justin who was fuming. Luckily Bosa destroyed him when he took the field.

Justin made sure to pick up nice quality meat for him to grill.

—-----------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you sir. Have a nice day." Justin handed the taxi driver $20 as a tip. Once the cab pulled away, he turned towards the big house that homed Sara growing up. He took a deep breath. It was Friday afternoon, and he hoped her parents would be home. He flew out to New York first to pick up the ring.

Justin didn't get speechless or in awe of materialistic things, but when the jeweler opened the black velvet box he choked up. Seeing the ring, his vision, him putting it on her finger. "Wow. It's beautiful." He wiped the tears in his eyes. "Thank you."

"Your reaction is the best one yet. She's going to say yes." He nodded, still in awe of the reality.

As he approached the double doors of the large two bedroom home his hands were sweating, he put his hands in his pockets to feel the black velvet for the one hundred times before knocking on the door.

After a few seconds he heard Cathy's familiar voice call. "Coming!" Before the door opened. Her expression was shock as she didn't expect to see the six foot six man at her door. "Justin! What a nice surprise to see you!" She pulled him down for a hug. "Come in come in!" She ushered him inside. "Not that I don't mind seeing you, but aren't you supposed to be in New York?"

Before he could answer, he heard Katie's voice. "Mom who is it?" She was sitting at the kitchen island with papers scattered around and a laptop."Justin! What are you doing here? I thought we would see you Sunday night before the game. You know Charlie and Trisitan have been non-stop bragging to their friends" He smiled. "I'm glad. They will have fun Sunday."

Cathy's back was towards them, cleaning up what he assumed was lunch. "Do you want some shrimp salad? Mike didn't eat much."

It sounded good, but he was too nervous to eat. Katie was looking at him like she knew something was up. "No I'm fine. Speaking of Mr. Wozniak, is he here?" He was still using proper terms, no matter what they said. "He's in his study, probably trying to figure out how to sneak a burger in without me knowing." Justin laughed. "Um I wanted to talk to him, well actually I'd like to speak with the both of you."

"Is everything alright?" Cathy was still tidying up, but now with concern. Katie was on her work laptop, trying to pretend she was focusing on an excel spreadsheet but was dialed in on the conversation.

"Everything is great, I Uh wanted to speak, well actually ask you and Mr. Wozniak about something." Cathy nearly dropped the plastic container she was holding. Katie's eyes widened at the screen. Immediately they knew what this was about. "Oh, okay. Well, let me put this in the fridge and we will go to the study to see Mike." She did that, and then wiped her hands on the dish towel. "Katie, will you take out the banana bread when the timer dings?" The younger girl nodded and as soon as her mom and Justin were out of sight, she grabbed her phone and made a group message chat to Brittany and Alyssa.

K: 911 SISTER EMERGENCY!

A: OMG WHAT HAPPENED?

B: SISTER EMERGENCY? WHERE'S SARA?

A: ILL ADD HER

K: DO NOT ADD HER! THIS IS ABOUT HER!

B: IS EVERYTHING OKAY?

K: Justin is here. Showed up at mom's house.

A: Wait what? What for?

B: why would Justin show up to Pittsburgh?

K: he is in the study right now with our parents. He told mom he wants to ask them about 'something'

A: Katie, is this what I think it is? B: Hold on, I got to put my face in a pillow so I don't wake the kids when I scream.

K: 💍💍💍

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Justin my boy! What brings you here? Thought we weren't seeing you til Sunday." Mike got up from his desk with the support of his cane and shook Justin's hand. "Have a seat." Justin took a seat across the desk and Cathy stood next to her husband's chair. "So what brings you here?"

Justin fiddled with his hands for a second before he spoke. "I think you know why I'm here." Cathy had a big smile on her face

Mike chucked. "I do know why you're here. I've been through this three times before." He folded his hands on his desk like he was about to deny someone a loan. "You want our blessing to ask Sara for her hand in marriage."

He nodded, fiddling with his thumbs. As much as he tried to be confident he was nervous as hell. Mike Wozniak was an intimidating man.

Mike sighed. "Well no."

Cathy gasped, Justin could feel himself wanting to throw up. "Sir." He choked out.

Mike began laughing. Justin was lost. Cathy looked like she wanted to put him back in the hospital again. "Michael." She warned

"I'm sorry I'm sorry. Son, why are you asking me? I'm not marrying you Sara is.." He laughed some more. "I've done that, will all of my girl's partners, take it as an initiation to enter the Wozniak family." He looked at his wife. "What do you think hun? Should we give him our blessing?"

Cathy roller her eyes playfully. "I certainly didn't know you did that to the others."

"Well Justin, you are the first one to ask her mother and I. That says volumes."

Justin smiled, feeling a whole lot better about the conversation. "To be honest I was going to ask whether I had your blessing or not."

Mike laughed. "I wouldn't expect anything less." He fell back into his chair. "God, I never thought I'd see the day. You love her right son? I don't need you repeating what happened when I was in a coma."

Justin shook his head. "No sir. I've already lived without her once, I don't want to do that again. I love her more than words can express. You raised an amazing young woman."

Mike sighed and looked at his wife. "We are very lucky. We know we could have been better parents and made many mistakes, especially when it came to her. I thought she was just going to elope and we would have to find out in a magazine. It would serve us right"

He sighed again. "Thank you for loving her the way she deserves it. She's a special woman. I know you realize that." Justin nodded. "I do sir."

Cathy was wiping tears in her eyes. "Congratulations you guys. I'm so happy for you."

Justin made light. "Hey, I haven't asked her yet. I got to plan something."

They all got up to go back into the kitchen. "Well Sara isn't a person of grand gestures like her sisters. Katie got engaged in the middle of a winery in Italy, Brittany was at a Pirates game, and Alyssa had a scavenger hunt that led to a glass chapel. So I say you got it easy." Mike laughed as he approached the door. They heard feet running away and Cathy laughed. "I knew Katie was listening in."

They walked into the kitchen to find Katie at the table, trying to disguise her being out of breath. "So what's up? She tried to act casual."

Mike sat down. "Oh nothing, we weren't discussing a partnership with Justin" Justin had to hide a laugh as he watched her eyes bug out. "Dad! You know you aren't supposed to be working!" She looked at Cathy. "And you are okay with this?"

"Cathy nodded. "Justin will make a great addition to our family."

Katie looked back and forth between all of them. "Does this mean what I think it means?" Justin nodded and she squealed and rounded the island to hug him. "Oh I'm so happy! You know how excited Charlie and Tristian are going to be?"

Justin laughed. He could only imagine. "You can't say anything though."

Katie rolled her eyes. "I won't, those brats can't keep a secret to save their lives." He laughed.

"Do you have a ring in mind?" Justin smiled and reached into his pocket. "I have it on me." The girls gasped while Mike rolled his eyes. Justin opened the box and Cathy and Katie both oohed and ahhed over the 3.5 carat sparkler. "Oh my god it's beautiful, and it's so Sara." Katie held up her phone. "It's so sparkly my phone doesn't do justice." She managed to take a video with Justin moving the ring around in different lights. "I picked it up before I came here."

A plate of banana bread with ice cream was placed in front of him. “Justin, we could help you plan something.” Cathy passed out plates and sat down. "So. We all know Sara doesn't like public or attention grabbing gestures."

Not like Justin was comfortable doing that anyway.

"What about taking her on vacation. Charles took me all across Europe then proposed in Tuscany. It was so romantic."

Justin took a bite of the bread. "I don't know, I have only been overseas once, and that was a charity trip." He admitted. "I want to surprise Sara. Granted we have talked about our futures and we both want this, but I want her to be surprised by the actual event."

"Well when you do it we want to be there. Make sure she has her nails done, and make sure you have a photographer to capture the moment. Also make sure the background is nice, maybe some roses and candles."

"Jesus you're going to overwhelm him. He will know when its right. You kids and social media, everything has to be this big production." Justin said a silent thank you to his future father in law.

There was one thing everyone was right about, he needed a plan

—-------------------------------------------------------------------

"Why are you guys being weird?" Sara looked at Katie and Brittany as she took a sip of her hot chocolate. They were sitting outside the suite bundled up in their typical east coast attire. As usual it was cold and snowy. The Chargers were up a touchdown in the first quarter. Many commentators doubted that Justin and his team would be able to do it in the cold. Sara scoffed hearing that. They didnt realize that Justin lived in Oregon where it got cold.

"Nothing, nothing wrong. Why are you saying that? Katie was looking at her phone while Brittany went back inside to feed Ameilia.

"Aunt Sara is right, you are being weird." Charlie munched on his popcorn without taking his eyes off the field.

"Okay Charlie it's too cold, go back inside and play with your cousins." He shook his head. "I'm not a baby, and they are all babies. Who am I going to discuss the game with?" Katie rolled her eyes, " Talk to grandpa. Go inside Charles." He huffed and went in.

"God, if this is how he is at eight. I can't imagine the teenage years." She sighed and Sara laughed. "Okay, see? I'm not the only one who notices you being off, you, Brittany, and Alyssa. When I saw mom at the airport she began crying. Claims they are tears of 'happiness''' she did air quotes around the word. "Hell, even dad was just staring at me this morning at breakfast, saying his little girl is growing up. Hello? I'm 27."

"Oh stop being so paranoid, They are just happy there is peace in the family. Dad has been given a second chance at life. Its been a wakeup call for all of us, I know its unusual, but just enjoy it.” Katie felt bad about gaslighting her baby sister, but in this case it was necessary. Her family wasn't going to be responsible for giving it away or having Sara be hot on the trail.

"I guess you're right, it's just weird you know? The other day dad said that he found old recordings of my high school plays and had plans to watch them all.”

Katie smiled, “Yes, all of the older kids are coming over next weekend to watch them all. Dad has a lot of time to make up for, we all do.” Sara’s cheeks turned pink and she looked down at her drink. “I’m not used to this, all of this attention from you guys.” She admitted and they laughed

The Chargers were able to pull off the win, but due to a shortened week, Justin only had about an hour to talk to Sara’s family and discuss the game with her nephews before he had to be back on the bus. Sara was staying with her family for a few more days before heading home.

She had forgotten about what she and sister discussed until she saw Justin and her dad off in a corner speaking to themselves.

"SARA!" She turned to see Brittany calling her. "Can you hold Eliza for a minute? I need to change Amelia's diaper."

"Oh of course!" Eliza was three and could walk, however she was a runner and thought it was a fun game to take off, and for a little girl she was fast.

However as much as she tried to keep the little girl occupied, her mind kept going to her dad and Justin.

What on earth could they possibly be talking about? —-----------------------------------------------------------------

6 photos on Instagram

SaraCWozniak: Family and Football

Bella Hadid, Timothee Chalamet, 150,000 likes

Commenter: where's Justin? Commenter 2: your man balled out today Commenter 3: your sisters are hot HollyHerbert: miss everyone! Next time KateHarlow: look at you in your WAG speak AnnSophie : living your best lover era.

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"I'm glad we decided to try this place." Justin took a bite of his chicken while Sara laughed and took a sip of her wine. "No, I decided to try this place. You just wanted leftovers." She looked over at the stroller where Eugene and Nova were situated, sniffing the air as she opened the net. "Isn't that right, kids?" Eugene meowed in response. "He just wants your fish. You starve the poor guy." Sara laughed as she went into her bag and got out a treat to give them. Justin couldn't help the words that came out of his mouth

"God, you are such a mom." Sara looked up, surprised. "Is it a bad thing?" He shook his head. "Definitely not. It comes naturally. I mean just with our cats. I can only imagine when…." He trailed off, and Sara finished for him. "We have kids." She reached across the table and grabbed his hand and they exchanged smiles.

"Excuse me? I'm so sorry. But can I get a photo with both of you?" The moment was ruined when a girl who was in her teens approached the table. As much as she was annoyed, the poor girl looked scared, and she couldn't be rude. "Sure, but can it wait til we finish eating?" The Girl nodded and showed the couple where her family was eating. It was a weekday, so there weren't too many people out.

The city of Irvine was very respectful. People did see them out and about and sent the stories and photos to deumoxi. Which as much as Justin and Sara hated it, it wasn't something they couldn't control. They couldn't just be at home all day.

Sure, there were moments where people were recording and sometimes they were photographed during runs to the grocery store. But overall they were left alone.

They talked and finished their meals, when the bill was paid they headed over to the family's table and took photos and allowed the cats to be pet. The family was very sweet and kept apologizing for their time. Before they departed, Justin went up to the waiter and paid for their food, and they took the cats and walked home.

Along the walk they ran into their neighbor and their kids and stopped to talk. Their neighbor John and his wife were in their mid thirties with five kids. All were total sweethearts and Sara made a point to bring over food when the wife couldn't leave the house because of a sick kid or helped watching one of them. As Justin spoke with Dan about power washers he saw Sara bent down at eye level with the kids, talking about the cats and how to pet them, showing them how to feed them treats. She laughed along with the oldest boy, who was tickled at the sensation of Nova licking his hand

He almost dropped to one knee right then and there.

They said their goodbyes and when they got in, Justin was on her before she could say a word to him.

"What's gotten into you?" She breathed between kisses. He stayed silent, instead focusing on getting her pants off. But she stopped him. "Hey, Hey, Hey. What's going on?" That got him to halt. He kissed her again. "I don't know, seeing you with the kids, the conversation we had earlier. It just got to me." She kissed him, and he thought that was it until she smirked. "Justin Herbert, do you have a breeding kink?

His cheeks turned pink. "Maybe." She laughed. "You know it's okay, I've thought about it a few times." He raised his eyebrow at her. "Are you saying you want kids?"

She lightly pinched his arm, "Hey I told you before, I'm not popping out a baby on girlfriend salary. I want the name first." He smiled. "Agreed. We can practice first." They fell on the couch and Justin got to work.

The ring in his shoebox in the closet in the back of his mind

—--------------------------------------------------------------

"Ladies and Gentlemen we couldn't have done it without the organizer of this event! She is the biggest Fleetwood Mac fan and I was so touched when she told me she wanted to do this in honor of Christine. Sara I'm so proud of you and you are truly the daughter I never had. Sara, please join me on stage for this next song." Grabbing the mic on the side of the stage she stepped out to the roaring applause of the Forum.

It was March, and football was over. The Bengals won the Superbowl, knocking out the Chargers in the second round. Justin was bummed, but he and Joe were good friends and despite the analysts constantly comparing them. It was all in good fun. They were able to avenge themselves against the Jags, but fell short to the eventual super bowl champions.

Sara had been working behind the scenes with organizers, management's and Netflix to secure the concert and get it aired on the streaming service. While she was offered a huge sum of money, she only took ten percent of what was left over after everyone was paid and gave the rest to Christine's charity.

She got all of the major stars, Harry, Stevie, and other members of the band (except Lindsey) Adele, Elton John even reached out to volunteer his services.

It was a blast and everything came together. Now all there was left to sing was Landslide with Stevie and the band. She was terrified, but calmed her nerves with an edible beforehand.

As she sang she looked back into the audience, where Justin, his family and hers were in attendance. As she locked eyes with Justin she felt calm.

People knew he was here. She made sure the Netflix cameras didn't cut to him. However they cut to her family and noticed he was next to them. So he was in a few shots.

She made it through the song and had to be rushed off stage while they played a segment on screen of Christine's family talking about her early days in the band. She and Harry were going to be dueting 'Go your own way'

Things with Harry were better. As first it was awkward, but she was determined to get over it. She knew how much Harry loved the band, and if it wasn't for him she wouldn't have developed such a close bond with Stevie.

They worked tirelessly to get this done, he was very helpful in getting his friends to participate. He was willing to meet Justin and inform him that he and Sara were just friends, and he respected their friendship. That seemed to settle her boyfriend a bit.

Before she knew it, it was time to grab the mic and wait for Harry's line as a cue for her to sing her part.

Once the event finished, everyone made their way to the after party. Which was largely made up of celebrities and crew and members. Sara tried to stay by Justin and his family side as much as possible so they didn't feel overwhelmed. Patrick was the life of the party. Everyone was drawn to him, Mark and Holly were in awe talking to Stevie.

Photos were taken and shared on social media. There were the news articles, with 'sources'

Inside Sara Wozniak's low-key serious romance with Justin Herbert

Why are celebs so private?

Probably got other women in other cities

Just post a fucking photo together

I think he is just using her for fame

I hope Herbert doesn't get a big head because he's hanging out with all these famous people

You watch he is going to be another Rodgers.

Didn't he dump her because of her fame? Is she that desperate to have someone like her fat ass.

Everything went off perfectly, and Justin had never been so proud. He was never a person of the arts, but being with Sara and around her friends made him truly appreciate the craft. She had supported him throughout his career, and it was nice to be able to do the same for her.

Everyone had almost left the after party, Justin and Sara were the last. They were made aware that there were swarms of paps outside, waiting to get that rare shot of them at a public event. They smiled at each other, Justin grabbed her hand, and they ran to the SUV that was waiting for them. It was caught on video, and people thought it was a cute moment.

In that SUV, Justin and Sara were laughing

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Can you stop being a pussy?" Justin's eyes widened at Patrick's statement. "I thought you were just facetiming me to wish me a Happy Birthday. I don't even know what you're talking about." He lied through his teeth. Patrick rolled his eyes, "Where's Sara?" He looked up above his phone screen to see her floating in the ocean that surrounded their private villa.

Just a few days after the memorial concert, Sara surprised Justin with a week-long birthday vacation in Turks and Caicos. They hopped on a private Jet, and were greeted with a car to take them and their luggage to their private hut which was more like a house. It was so private only employees had access to it. Which meant no cameras. It was no doubt expensive, and Justin felt guilty. Everytime he would mention something, she would kiss him and tell him she had last year's birthday to make up for.

"That doesn't count, we weren't together around this time last year. I don't deserve it." She rolled her eyes and said she would wait for him in the water while he took his family's calls for his birthday

"She's not around me."

"Dude I know you have a ring for her. Isabelle had a few too many at the after party and told Carly. Thanks for telling me by the way. I'm touched." Patrick joked but he could tell his younger brother was hurt. "Listen, I'm sorry but you can't keep a secret."

Pat shrugged. "True, but I also wouldn't be a bitch and have the ring for five months."

"I didn't want to do it during the season. She deserves better than that."

"Well your season ended in January. So now what's the excuse?" Justin sighed. "I just want it to be perfect."

Pat shrugged. "Well, I mean you're gonna have some perfect moments over the next couple of weeks. You have the ring on you?" Justin smiled. "It's in my bag."

"Good luck bro you got this."

"Thank you."

Patrick smiled. "I gotta go. Happy Birthday and call me when she says yes."

They hung up, and before Justin went outside to join Sara in the water he made a phone call to the room service. He jumped in the water disturbing Sara as she floated on her back. She squealed and laughed as he came back to the surface, grabbing her and pulling her to him. They kissed and she smiled. "Happy 26th Birthday Baby." He smiled. "Thank you, beautiful."

She wiped the hair out of his face. "Beautiful boy. Your eyes are as blue as this ocean." He blushed and she giggled. "Stop." He mumbled.

"Where did you wanna go tonight? There's dinner by the ocean. We can have room service. Oooh or there is one overlooking the ocean." He smiled at her excitement. "You pick."

"Justin, it's your birthday. You have to pick."

He smiled. "By the beach sounds nice." She nodded. "I have to give you your gifts before we leave. We have plenty of time." It was 1pm, and they probably wouldn't get dinner til 7. They were snacking on all of the food the resort had to offer since they arrived a couple days ago. Sara indulged in some fruity cocktails. Luckily, the hut had a few workout machines. Justin would run every morning then spend some time on the machines. She joined him yesterday, but overall decided they were on vacation.

"Sara. You didn't have to get me anything." He looked around "this was way more than enough." She rolled her eyes. "Oh shush. I wanted to spoil you. You've been so good to me." She kissed him and moaned when he slipped his tongue in her mouth. Once they broke the kiss she whispered. "Let me be good to you."

"Hmm you're always good for me." He moaned as he felt her hand snake down. "Baby." He looked around seeing no one. "I don't think we can do this here."

She hummed. "You're right. We can fuck at night when it's dark."

He laughed

—------------------------------------------------------------

"Look what Ashley sent me." Justin turned his phone around to show Sara the photo his manager took. It was the cats snuggling together on the couch. "Aww that is soo cute!" She smiled and looked at him. "You miss them don't you?"

"I do. Even Eugene. The little menace that he is." She giggled. "Remember when he got into the freezer and ate all of the chicken hearts on the guest bed? And he still wanted his dinner. That was like.. Twenty chicken hearts! How did he not throw up?"

Justin shook his head as he gave Sara a glass of water on the couch. They had just gotten back from a late dinner, followed by a walk on the beach. He wanted to do it there, (he had the ring in his pocket the entire nignt) but there were many people for being late. The last thing he wanted was people to take videos and post them everywhere. He didn't want to have their families find out about the engagement through social media.

So here they were, back at the hut. Sara said she wanted to relax a bit before taking a dip in the hottub on the deck. Justin agreed that sounded nice before heading off to bed.

As Justin took his seat next to Sara they enjoyed the sound of the waves in the ocean. It was calming and peaceful. Until Sara broke it. "Can I play some music?"

He laughed. "Sure, go ahead." She pulled out her phone and scrolled through what was her Playlist. "Any suggestions, Birthday Boy?"

Justin was about to say no, but then he thought about it. "Actually yes, I got one." She handed him the phone and he typed it in before pressing play.

I think about you all the time I can't get you off my mind If they only knew Who I've been talking to.

You got a place off the park I'll come on by after dark Was nervous when You let me in

Justin knew she remembered the song when they were at Bella's party. He grabbed her left hand and began tracing circles on it with his thumb

To be honest, he didn't have a definite plan of what he was going to say, which was unlike him. He was always prepared, always ready.

Until he met her

And it hurts All throughout my insides I couldn't stop if I tried loving you I'll never learn So I'll call you when I'm outside You Said the keys behind the porch light for unit two

And I thought of maybe quitting But there's no quitting you.

His mind was running a mile a minute as the song played its course. Once the song was finished, he was interrupted by Sara cuddling closer to him and then laying into him.

"What's in your pocket?"

"Huh?" She sat up. "I felt something poke me."

She was talking about the ring box. "Is it something or are you just happy to see me?" She smiled and he laughed. "Pervert."

He could have left it at that, but in his heart it was this moment right now. Taking a deep breath he reached into his pocket and pulled out the small black box.

Opening up his hand he presented it to Sara, her knowing immediately what it was. "Oh." She whispered and he smiled.

"I know this isn't a typical proposal." He started. "But nothing about our relationship has been typical since we met."

She laughed as tears came to her eyes.

"My whole life I had a plan, and love wasn't on the list anytime soon,and you came and flipped my world upside down in the best way, and I almost didn't realize it." He felt the lump in his throat. " You challenge me, love and support me even when I deserve it. I love you more than words can say, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Sara Christine, will you marry me?"

Tears were spilling down her cheeks. "Are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure about anything in my life." He said, exasperated that she would even question that.

She was full on sobbing now, and in a second she launched herself at him, them both falling onto the floor. Her gripping him tight. "How long have you been planning this?" She pulled away to look at him

"Umm I have had the ring since November." Her eyes widened. "Four months!?"

He sat up, with her on his lap facing him. "I didn't want to do it during the season!"

"Fair."

"Is that a yes?" He was nervous. She nodded and the tears came back. "Yes Justin, I will marry you."

He smiled and they kissed. She hugged him again and peppered kisses on his neck. "I love you so much Justin." She whispered.

He buried his face in her neck. "Mine forever." He then had a thought. "Don't you want your ring?"

"Oh shit the ring!" They both laughed and he picked up the box from the couch. Opening it she gasped at the emerald cut diamond with the green emeralds on the sides. It wasn't small, it wasn't big. It was perfect,

And it was hers. She watched as he took it out of the box, holding her left hand, he slipped the ring on her finger and it was a perfect fit. She stared at it, admiring the diamonds shining in the light. "It's gorgeous." Sara looked at him "Did you design this?"

He nodded, then thought about it. "Well Isabelle helped when I was in New York." She kissed him again. "My fiancé." He smiled and echoed her statement "my fiance."

"Holy shit! We are getting married!" He laughed and kissed her again. Getting up, he went over to the fridge and got out the champagne. "Should we pop this open?" She nodded and they went out to the balcony, where they shook the bottle and opened it. With a 'pop' the champagne spilled on their hands. They were so giddy that they forgot the glasses and began sipping from the bottle. They both had a few before deciding to jump into the ocean, fully clothed and all

"SHE SAID YES!" Justin yelled into the night sky as he came up for air. Laughing, Sara pulled her hair from her face. "You might have just announced it to everyone."

He was on cloud nine, the woman of his dreams agreed to marry him.

—---------------------------------------------‐—---------------------

They woke up the next morning, tangled in the crisp white blankets. They were up late in the night celebrating their engagement. First in the shower, then all over the bed.

"Wanna do some floating breakfast in the water?" He whispered and she hummed yes before kissing him. Rolling over onto her back, she held her hand up in the light, admiring her new accessory on her hand. It wasn't about the ring, (it was beautiful and her style completely) but it was the fact that she was marrying the man of her dreams.

"When should we tell everyone?" She thought about it. "I think we should wait until we get back. Let the rest of this week be about us."

"I agree, it's going to be chaos as soon as we tell people." They were going to have to be concerned about telling people and who they trusted and making sure not to leak it to the press, they weren't sure if they would make a formal announcement.

But like she said this was something they should worry about later. Right now it was about them.

He rolled on top of her. "Don't you usually workout at this time?"

"I am working out." She laughed. "Well, I skipped yesterday. I could use a good one before breakfast."

—-------------------------------------------------------------

It was that last night on the island and they were both soaking up every moment before heading back home and to responsibilities. Sara had to head to Italy for a Valentino promotional event. She asked Justin to come but he declined. "Maybe one day I will get the nerve to join you."

They were in the middle of packing when Sara's phone rang signaling she had a facetime call. She wanted to reject it but seeing it was her nephew she answered it. "Hello Charles David Burke the Third."

"God, that makes me sound like such a loser." For being nine, he was already giving a teenager attitude. Sara laughed. "I'm sure your mother would love to hear you say that"

"Are you going to tell her?"

"Maybe." She teased.

"Hey no fair! If you tell her I'll tell her you stole her black jacket!" Sara laughed

"Ha! Nice try, she knows already and I got yelled at for it!" Charlie huffed and Justin laughed in the background "why did you call? Is everything okay?"

"Are you guys coming to Pittsburgh?"

"That's next month Charlie,"

"But our football season will be over! Justin won't come to a game and see me"

"Oh so that's what this is about? It's about Justin and not me!" She feigned hurt, and her fiancé cut in "Hey Charlie, how about I do some reps with you? We will run routes and everything."

The little boy's eyes lit up. "Really?" Justin appeared next to her "Yes, I can call my brother Patrick to give you some pointers." Charlie began playing tight end.

Sara felt a yawn coming on, and out of reflex she put her hand in front of her mouth to cover it.

It just so happened to be the hand that contained the ring.

"Are you and Justin getting married?" Sara stopped and looked next to her, she saw Justin's eyes widened. "What makes you say that?" He asked.

"Because Aunt Sara has a big diamond on her left hand."

"What!?" They heard a new voice and Charles and Katie both were now next to Charlie, a twin girl in each hand. It was night time in Pennsylvania, they were all going to bed. Well now they were wide awake. "What's going on? Are you guys engaged?" Katie's eyes darted back and forth between the couple, who were a deer in headlights "uhh." Sara started

"Yes" Justin interrupted. "I asked her on my birthday." He smiled at her.

"AHHHH" Katie screamed and the girls began crying. Sara had to hold in her laugh as Tristian ran in confused. "Mommy what's wrong!"

"You're Aunt Sara and Uncle Justin are getting married!" Justin smiled big at that. He wasn't an Uncle on his side so when he was referred to as Uncle for the first time it gave him a good feeling.

The rest of the call was chaos. Suddenly Katie put them on a multiple call with her entire family. Everyone congratulating them and talking about a summer engagement party.

Once they hung up they both looked at each other. "I'm sorry, I know we didn't plan to tell them that way." Justin shook his head. "It's not a problem. I know as soon as I go to the facility the guys are going to ask, and I would like our families to know first."

"They are going to be shocked." Justin laughed. "Actually everyone knew it was coming. I took Isabelle and Mitch shopping. My parents and Pat knew, and I asked your mom and dad for their blessing before Monday Night Football. Katie was there, so I'm guessing your sisters know too."

"Yeah probably." Sara laughed. Then was touched. "You asked for my hand?"

He nodded. "I know it's old fashioned, but it was something I felt was right. Our families would be connected forever."

"What if they said no?" She teased. Justin laughed. "I was still going to ask. It just would have been awkward."

Sara laughed. "Was your family okay?"

"Why wouldn't they be? They all love you!" That warmed her heart. She loved all of his friends and family and while she knew they loved her. There was always that doubt

"Speaking of, let's call them" He nodded and grabbed his phone. He facetimed his parents, then did a three way. Patrick was at Carly's down south so it worked. "Hi everyone." Sara stated.

"Hi guys. How's Turks? Excited to get back soon I'm sure." Carly smiled.

"It was a blast, I posted so many photos on my private story I'm surprised you didn't block me." Sara joked. Everyone laughed. Then there was silence.

"Soooo. Is there a reason for the family call?" Patrick trailed off…… everyone looking on the edge of their seat.

"We can't just talk to you guys? We just wanted to touch base for this year's invitational. We set the dates." Justin said with a straight face and despite her being the actress she wanted to laugh at the Herbert's reaction. "That's it? You didn't have to call for that?" Mitch responded.

"Mitch that's rude!" Holly scolded.

Justin spoke again. "Well we also need to look at dates next year."

Holly laughed. "Justin, we always have the invitational in July."

Sara cut in. "Holly, you know how I feel about heat. I'm not getting married in July. Plus no time for a honeymoon."

It was silent, until Mark broke it. "You mean…."

"We're engaged."

Just like Sara's family, there was a sound of joy. Although it wasn't as much as her family. There was genuine happiness and love, and excitement at the prospect of a wedding next year.

"Oh my god! Finally! I thought it was going to be another year!" Pat laughed. Carly rolled her eyes. "Let's see the ring!"

Sara held her hand up. All the girls oohed and ahhed over the ring in the light. "It's perfect." She addressed Isabelle. "Thank you Isabelle."

The Girl giggled. "You should have seen him at the jeweler. That man had no idea what he was doing!"

It was an agreement that only the immediate family would know, and as much as they wanted to spread the news to all family and friends, they wanted to keep it to themselves for a while before they were ready for the public to know. Sara's fame had grown over the past year and had reached superstar status. People were more invested in her relationship, questions about Justin were more prominent in interviews. Anytime she gave a snippet, news articles ran with it.

While they were on the plane heading back to Los Angeles. It was agreed that Sara wouldn't wear her ring in public. However, Justin and Sara did tell their respective management to keep everyone in the loop and plan PR distractions to divert news media.

When they arrived home, Sara went straight to the cats who didn't seem to care that their parents were gone. They had Ashley, the fun aunt, who had put the "My parents are getting married!" bandana on them. After more congratulations were shared they were alone. They were soaking in the moments before life had to resume to normal. Sara wore her ring around the house, she would leave it in a safe in their shared closet where other expensive pieces of jewelry were.

—------------------------------------------------------------------

Justin arrived at the facility, he had just dropped Sara and her assistant Ailyah at the airport. Aliyah was one of Sara's friends from Pittsburgh who was an event specialist and manager, and while others on Sara's team were hesitant to bring on another friend in, however Ailyah was very trustworthy, and Sara would never make the mistake of getting too close to a worker again

Justin could tell Erika was a sore subject. Gossip ran wild with people guessing what happened to their fallout. Erika had picked up a job as a Marketing Coordinator in Philadelphia and lived a private life. Sara's team had paid her off to sign a lifetime NDA.

He knew she felt nothing but betrayal and hurt towards her former best friend. Luckily she had a good support system, including him.

He walked Into the dining area to grab himself a protein bar. A good fifty percent of the team were there. While guys were still packing up and leaving as soon as the media obligations were over, many were still in town and that number was growing as the years went on, and that spoke for the team's culture.

Williams was the first to ask. He had told the core guys. Bosa, Ekeler, Williams, and Allen who all cornered him in the weight room once the others went to the locker rooms. Bosa was the first one to speak. "So how was your vacation? Annie told me you guys were in Turks and Caicos." He was trying to play it off, but Justin noticed the other guys were paying attention closely. Justin shrugged. "It was fun, got some sun. It was nice to relax."

Mike chimed in. "Anything major happened?

Justin had a small smirk. "Eh."

Keenan cut in. "Alright. I'm not tip-toeing around this. Did you propose or not?"

Justin dropped the dumbbells and faced his friends. With a smile he nodded and spoke. "I'm getting married next year."

The guys whooped and hollered. Joey picked Justin up in a big bear hug. "Congrats man. I'm so happy you got your head out of your ass." Justin laughed. "I have you to thank for."

It was true, if it wasn't for Bosa trying to make a pass at Sara during the beginning who knows what would have happened. He could tell Joey was touched. "Hey, I'm just happy you found someone."

Justin nodded. "Same goes for you." Joey looked away and blushed. —-----------------------------------------------------------------

Sara was glad to be home. Italy was always a blast, and seeing all of her friends were always a good time.

It was the hardest week ever, being away from Justin after a romantic week, not seeing her babies, and finally, keeping such a big secret. As much as she wasn't ready for the world to know, she wanted to tell Timothee and Bella. But it would have to wait until she got them alone in a more private setting where there was no risk of someone overhearing.

She was home by herself, as Justin was in Vegas filming commercials and endorsements. After throwing her stuff in the laundry, she opened her PR packages. All her skincare she would be giving to friends and her team as well as Carly or Isabelle and Holly. There was a big box from Law that contained tons of white lingerie sets with a note that said 'For the honeymoon.' With a wink. She laughed and sorted through it. It was lacy, see through pieces that she was sure Justin would love. The one part that got her was a white cashmere robe that said 'Bride' written in silver cursive on the left breast. Turning it around, she gasped when she saw the back

In the same print in bigger letters.

Mrs.Herbert

She was sure she had the stupidest smile on her face. Placing it gently on the bed, she took a photo to send to her sisters as well as Holly. Shooting a quick text to Law to thank him, she sifted through the other boxes. More PR, more outfits the stylist wanted her to wear to upcoming events, some packages she ordered for the cats. Finally she got to the biggest box of them all. It was heavy, and she saw it was from Alyssa's address in St. Louis. Confused, she opened it and gasped.

It was all bridal things, magazines, bride mugs, every trinket someone received that was newly engaged. Going through all of them Sara was misty eyed. She remembered seeing all of her sisters go through this, and as much as she scoffed. It was a front because she was told by family and friends that this would never be her. Alyssa, being the closest in age and the most recent marriage, knew how her youngest sister was feeling during that time. The jokes were made that Sara was always the bridesmaid never the bride. She was going to be the aunt who never married and traveled. She knew it hurt her baby sister.

Finally, all the way at the bottom there was a small blue box. Grabbing it, she opened it and began crying.

It was her great grandmother's barrette, it had pearls and emeralds and it had been passed down generations. Her grandmother, and mother wore it. Katie and Brittany didn't wear it because they didn't think it went with the style of their dresses and hair. Alyssa was on the fence about it, until others pressured her, saying Sara was probably never going to get married and this was the last chance. On the day of the wedding, she had told everyone that the piece had broken when she was doing a trial run on her hair. Sara's heart shattered hearing that and her mother told her she could have a replica made to which a cousin told her not to waste her money, joking Sara wasn't probably going to get married anyways.

Looking at the hair piece, everything was perfectly intact. Confused, and through tears she read the note

Remember this? I was never an emerald girl like you, and I knew It would look so much better on you. I just told everyone it broke so I didn't have to wear it, because I knew it was always meant for you. Congratulations Sara, I'm so happy this is your moment with your man. This is yours forever to pass down to your future daughter.

I love you Sare bear and I couldn't be happier you found your soulmate.

Big sissy Lissy

Sara smiled and made a note to call her when she wasn't an emotional basket case though she probably would be a mess all over again when they spoke.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------

"There she is!" Sara laughed as she was lifted off the ground by Pat. They had just arrived at Justin's well, now their Oregon home after a long road trip. Justin opened the carriers and both cats cautiously came out, sniffing the area until they remembered this was their second home.

Putting her down, Pat grabbed her hand and examined the ring. "Isabelle did a good job, you should just marry her."

"Ha ha ha" Justin spoke sarcastically. He hugged Pat. "Good to see you asshole. Are mom and dad back at the house?"

"Yes, and a couple cousins and Aunts are there. Mom's bursting at the seams wanting to tell them. I came here to warn you they are joining us for dinner, so you might want to take off the ring."

Justin nodded. It had only been a month since they got engaged. They both agreed that they wouldn't give anyone a hint until the end of the off season, right before camp they wouldn't be doing any precautionary measures to hide it.

They were getting ideas of wedding planning. The couple knew they needed to pick a date soon and a location. Sara wanted to get married in Oregon, however Justin told her there weren't too many places that could hold a celebrity wedding. He wasn't stupid, he knew this wedding would attract sports fans as well as those interested in celebrities' personal lives. Pittsburgh was an option, but Sara sorta shook her head. All of her sisters, barring Alyssa, married there. Alyssa married in California at the same Vineyard one of his teammates married at.

Sara wanted it to be in 2025 as well. She didn't want to wait two football seasons to be married. The most ideal dates being March and April. That way it wouldn't be too hot no matter where they picked.

Once they were done getting situated they made their way over to his parents house. Sara's ring was in her pocket. Justin made her carry it if it were to be announced to the extended family. "We're doing such a great job keeping this under wraps." He joked and she laughed.

They made it to the house and after giving ample attention to Dylan they made their way to the dining room where Justin's aunt and cousins were. "How was Turks? I saw the photos on your Instagram. It looked gorgeous." Madi smiled. Holly was clutching her drink and smiling as she smiled. Justin cut in. "It was really good. It was nice to get away and not think about football for a bit.

The girls all stayed in the kitchen and spoke. Justin noticed Sara was fiddling in her pocket where the ring was in. He smiled, they just had to get to August and they would be fine.

As the night went on, the group decided to relax in the large hot tub in the backyard. They all had a few drinks, and Justin, who was a lightweight, was getting very handsy and clinging to Sara. She giggled as he pulled her to him during their soak. "I love you." He murmured.

"I love you too." She stroked his cheek and his cousins both awwed. "I swear I've never seen him so loved up. Who knew my cousin was so emotional when he's in love?"

Sara smiled, as Justin nuzzled his face in her neck. "You're wearing my favorite bikini too. God, you're trying to kill me." He groaned.

It was the white one, the one she wore infront of his teammates that he was jealous of. "I remember you were so upset when I was talking to Joey." She laughed as he grabbed her ass. "Cause you're mine." He said out loud. "My love, my fiancé"

"Fiance?!" His Aunt, who was behind them and heard it all, came up behind the tub. "You guys are Engaged!" She looked at her sister, who was looking away. "When did this happen!"

"On my birthday. Only the immediate family knew. Well… now you all knew."

Everyone gathered around the couple to congratulate them and ask the typical questions. "Oh my god. I will give you the information to the wedding planner me and my husband used! She's great! Where and when were you thinking of getting married?"

Sara smiled. "Probably next offseason. I want to marry here, but I don't think my status and fame will allow that." She said sadly.

"Isn't there security we can hire for the day? Or a wedding weekend!" His cousin squealed. As everyone began talking about wedding planning Justin looked at Sara

"It's going to be one hectic wedding planning." She sighed. Already anticipating the chaos her family could possibly bring

Justin smiled. "We could go to the Magistrate this week."

"Oooh no you won't! Justin Patrick you will not deprive us and Sara's family of a wedding!"

"Hey, my family had three already! Trust me they won't care about this one." Sara joked.

"We care." Pat intervened. "You cannot deprive us of seeing Justin get in his feelings and be mushy in front of everyone!" Justin flung some of the hot water at him

Holly sat back and smiled. She had never seen her son so happy and relaxed. Of all the sons she was worried about, it was Justin. He was always so focused on football, so emotionless when it came to relationships. She knew deep down when she first met Sara that she was the one. How Justin interacted with her, how he looked at her. Sure, he was a total idiot for doing what he did. But they found their way back to each other.

And now they were getting married, and Sara would officially be a part of their family. Looking around, she met eyes with her future daughter in law and they both shared a smile, thinking the same thing.

Mrs. Sara Herbert.

A.N. Finally right? Lol, I want these epilogues to be longer than usual. This is one out of three. I am so excited for these!

#Justin Herbert #NFL imagines #alexa writes collide #Los Angeles Chargers

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fostercare-expat · 9 months ago

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My helper is sick, so she understandably hasn’t grocery shopped in awhile. So this morning at 5:45am the only thing I could figure out to cook from our ingredients was pancakes from scratch. Needless to say, we ate way after the sun rose. But I figure their God understands I’m doing the best I can.

Thankfully the commute to drop them at school and go to work was only 2 hours instead of 3 like last time. But I got a grumpy old man taxi driver who doesn’t understand how to use the GPS, so he ends up scolding me like an 8 year old child. Wouldn’t shut up even after I firmly said “Sir, you have made your point already.” But it was a good lesson to me about how kids must feel when I scold them and go on and on! And as I pointed out to the kids after we got out of the taxi, it was a good lesson for me about learning when to just keep my mouth shut even though I really wanted to argue back. So maybe grumpy man was actually a gift to us all.

Yesterday the social worker and me and the other foster mom were on text messages in group chat to each other all day. How the heck do social workers have more than 1 case? This case is all consuming right now. And she probably had 10 or 20 other cases. It’s crazy.

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johnsbleu · 1 year ago

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Hold My Hand: John Wick x Reader Chapter 156

warnings: nsfw, john’s pov (i love how that’s a warning lmao) HMH Masterlist

The shop is always so peaceful and quiet in the mornings. The sun peeks in through the windows and shines on the the floor, leaving the shadows of the window panes. The plants that Y/N bought look so nice and green in the sunlight, and they add some color to the shop. I told her that the shop doesn’t need any more plants, but who am I to say no to her? She’s just too damn cute.

I grab the watering can and fill it up with some water in the bathroom, then I stop and turn around to head into the office to grab the plant food Y/N bought for the plants. I can already hear her right now telling me to ‘feed her babies’. I smile a little when I think about her, then I add a few drops of the liquid to the water and slosh it around to mix it up before I head back out to water the plants.

Looking over at the door, I see Tony knocking on the door to be let in, so I set the watering can aside and walk over to unlock the door.

“Hey, Mr. Wick.” Tony says, and I let out a small laugh. He shakes his head and laughs, “John, sorry. It just feels wrong sometimes.”

“No worries.” I grab the watering can and finish watering the plants that are littered throughout the shop, then I wave when Katie walks in, “Hey.”

Katie smiles as she shuts the door, “Surprised to see you here.”

“Yeah,” I laugh as I look at her, “Grace has to take her mom to an appointment this morning, so I’m just opening until she’s able to come in.”

“How’s the Mrs. and the little munchkin?”

I smile at the thought of my beautiful girls back home waiting for me, “They’re good. Both were fast asleep when I left this morning. Ro is cutting another tooth, so it was a sleepless night for all of us last night, which isn’t great since we have Ronan’s nine month checkup this afternoon.”

“Oh,” Katie grimaces, then she nods as she walks over to me, “My nephew is teething. I know how hard that is. My condolences.”

“Thanks. I’ll pass them along.” I smile, then I look over at Tony as he begins to go through a box of books we just got. I walk over to change to the sign on the door to let people know we’re open, then I take another quick walk around the shop to make sure everything is in place.

There’s a new shipment of toys and books for the kid’s section, so I walk into the office and grab it so I can put them out on the shelves. I smile when I open the box and see the stuffed animals inside, and I grab out the little pig and set it aside for a very special girl who I know will love it. I grab out several stuffed animals and clip them to the rope for toys, then I set books out on the display before I stand back and admire my work a little.

There’s a few things that I need to get done this morning; just some more shipments of new books and things, and I also need to make the schedule for next week, then I can finally head home to see my girls.

Since Grace came in a little early, I was able to get out early as well, which is great since Y/N probably needs my help to get Ro ready for the day. It’s only a little after 10, so I decide to call her to see if she’s eaten anything yet--I know Ro will have eaten by now, but Y/N tends to forget about herself.

“Hi, baby.”

“Hi, are you on your way home?”

I smile as I nod, “I am, I just wanted to call and see if you’ve eaten yet.”

“I just fed Bug, now we’re laying in bed just relaxing.”

I nod my head again since I know she hasn’t eaten, “Okay, well, I’ll be home in about 15 minutes.”

Y/N laughs when Ronan babbles loudly into the phone, “She said that she wants you to hurry up because she misses her daddy.”

“Well, I’ll be there soon,” I laugh, turning down the street to the bagel shop, “I love you.”

“Don’t take too long, I miss you!”

Nodding my head, I laugh a little, “I miss you too. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Okay, I love you.”

“I love you too, peach.”

Walking into the house, I smile when Bleu trots over to greet me, then he runs back to the stairs and looks at me, like he’s telling me that the girls are upstairs. I follow him upstairs and smile when I turn the corner and see Y/N standing in front of the mirror as she fixes her romper thing she’s wearing.

“Hi.” I smile, and she looks over at me and perks up. She has a little hop in her step as she walks over and wraps her arms around my waist, then she kisses me several times before she leans back and looks down to see that I have stuff in my hands, “I bought you breakfast.”

“What? Baby, that’s so sweet.” she smiles as she looks up at me, then she stands on her tiptoes to kiss me again. “Ro is napping right now, but she should be up soon.”

I nod my head as I hand the bag and orange juice to her, “Go eat. I can get her when she’s up.”

“Best man ever,” she smiles, and I pat her behind as she walks past. She turns around and scrunches her eyebrows, “Aren’t you coming with me? She won’t be up for another 15 minutes, I’m sure.”

“Yeah, I’m coming with.” I laugh, and she smiles as she turns around and heads downstairs with me behind her. She sits down on the couch and looks up at me with big curious eyes, and I laugh, “What?”

Y/N shakes her head as she shrugs, then she reaches in for her bagel and sees there’s one for me as well. She hands it to me and sits back on the couch as she begins to pulls pieces off. It’s a little habit that she has which I find adorable--instead of just biting into the bagel like most, she’ll pull off small parts and eat them.

“How’s the shop? Oh, did you water the plants?”

“I did,” I nod as I look at her, “I even put the plant food in it.”

Y/N smiles as she looks at me, “Thank you. They’re getting big, aren’t they?”

“They are. The one has really long vines that are starting to hang down.”

“Ooh, I can cut them off and make a whole new plant.” she says, and I smile as I reach over to wipe away the cream cheese on her lip. “The shop was good though?”

I nod, leaning forward to take a drink of her orange juice, “Yeah, Tony and Katie came in, then Grace came in a little later since her mom had an appointment.”

Y/N hums as she nods, “That’s why she was coming in late. I completely forgot. I wanted to send her and her mom some flowers because she’s starting chemo, I should do that now.”

“Baby,” I put my hand out and stop her from getting up, “Sit down.”

Y/N widens her eyes a little as she sits back down, “What?”

“Just sit down,” I laugh as she looks at me as her eyes grow sad, “I just want to sit with you for a few minutes.”

A smile spreads across her face as she moves closer to me, “You just want me to yourself?”

“Yes!” I laugh as I nod, then I pull her closer to kiss her a few times. I lean back to look at her as she keeps her eyes closed and smiles softly, then she opens her eyes and pecks me quickly before she finishes her bagel. “After Ro’s appointment in a bit, I have somewhere I want to bring you two. I just heard about it the other day, so I wanted to surprise my girls, but I knew you’d think it was weird if I started driving in the opposite direction of home after we leave the doctor.”

Y/N perks up and smiles, “A surprise?”

“Yup.” I nod, then I lean over to kiss her. I look over my shoulder when I hear Bleu whimpering at the top of the stairs to let me know Ronan is awake, then I kiss Y/N again before I get up.

“Give me a hint!” Y/N says as she kneels on the couch, and I look over at her and shake my head before I head upstairs. “Ugh! You’re the worst!”

I laugh as I look at her, “You just said I was the best man ever five minutes ago.”

“Okay, well, you are the best man ever,” she says, smiling as sweet as she can so I’ll give her a hint, but I shake my head and continue walking upstairs.

Pushing the door open to Ronan’s room, I smile and wave at her as she stands up and reaches up for me. I walk over to turn off her noise machine, then I get a new diaper out since she’ll need to be changed.

“Hey, Bug.” I smile as I walk over to get her from her crib, and I hug and kiss her as she stretches out a little. “You’re stinky.”

“She gets that from you.” Y/N says as she walks in, then she smiles and waves at Ronan before I lay her down to change her.

I make noises and faces at Ronan to keep her from getting fussy while I change her diaper, then I quickly put a new one on and look over to see what Y/N is picking for Ronan to wear. She holds up a little onesie that is a pale pink, then she grabs something else, but I don’t know what they’re called.

“Look at these,” Y/N smiles, holding up the outfit for Ronan, “Tess bought it the other day.”

“What are those called?”

Y/N scrunches her face up as she thinks, “Uh, I don’t know. I think my mom always called them bloomers. I just call them ruffle butt shorts.”

I laugh as I look down at Ronan, then I hold her as she stands up in front of me. Y/N pulls the onesie over Ronan’s head and gets her arms through it, then she snaps it closed before she pulls on the little shorts with the ruffles on the butt.

“So pretty!” she smiles as Ronan squeals.

“No bow today?” I ask, and Y/N scoffs as she shakes her head since we both know Ronan will just rip it off. “How was she this morning?”

Y/N grabs out the little sandals for Ronan, then she sets them aside before she grabs her things to pack for the day, “Uh, pretty good actually. After you left this morning, I went back to bed since she was still sleeping, then she finally woke up around…8. She ate, we played, then she went down for her nap. She’s been good. Still drooling quite a bit.”

“How are you?” I ask, and Y/N stands up straight and looks at me. “How are you, mom? Are you still hungry?”

“No.” she shakes her head and smiles as she walks over to me, then she places her hand on the back of my neck and pulls me down to her lips, “How did I get so lucky?”

I laugh as I shake my head, “I ask myself how I got so lucky every day.”

Ronan babbles as Y/N and I look into each other’s eyes, then we look at her and smile when she bounces in my arms.

“Who’s this big guy, huh?” Y/N asks, and Ronan giggles, “Is that your daddy? Your dada?”

A smile spreads across my face when I hear Ronan babbling and saying ‘dada’ over and over, and I smother her little face in kisses. She tilts her head back and giggles loudly when I tickle her, then she looks at her momma and reaches for her.

“Oh, I’ll protect you!” she laughs as she takes her, then she makes a loud chomping noise in the crook of her neck as Ronan giggles loudly. Y/N leans back to look at Ronan as she laughs, then she looks over at me.

“Man, she’s really starting to look like you.” I laugh as I look at them, then I shake my head, “I think she’s momma’s twin lately.”

Y/N smiles as she looks over at Ronan, “It’s the dimple in the right cheek. She still looks just like her daddy. She’s gorgeous.”

“She is,” I nod, then I cup Y/N’s cheek, “So are you, peach. You look beautiful today.”

“It’s makeup and coffee,” she says as we laugh, then she nods, “Lots of makeup.”

I shake my head and lean down to kiss her, “It’s not. You’re just beautiful, baby.”

Y/N leans back and smiles at me, “Thank you, handsome.”

“Now because of this surprise, the only hint I’ll give you is that maybe you should bring a change of clothes for bug.” I say, and Y/N perks up, “It’s an outside surprise.”

“Am I dressed okay?” she asks, looking down at her outfit before she looks up at me.

I nod my head and smile, “Definitely. I just thought you’d want to bring a change of clothes for her in case she gets dirty. I’m gonna need some pictures of my girls, but we can take those right away before she gets dirty.”

Y/N cocks up her eyebrow and smirks, “I’m very curious.”

“You’re gonna love it.” I smile at her, then I leave the room.

Ronan’s appointments always make me so nervous, Y/N as well. We both know that Ronan is a happy and healthy little girl, but there’s always that small fear that something could be wrong with her. An underlying illness we don’t know about. It stresses us out.

Y/N is holding Ronan in her lap as best as she can since she’s fighting to be put down, but as soon as she lets go of her, she’ll open every cupboard in here. She scoots her up in her arms as Ronan fusses a little, and I lean over to tickle Ronan’s belly and hopefully calm her down. The door finally opens as Doctor Marlene walks in, and I reach out to shake her hand before she sits down on the chair and places Ronan’s chart in her lap.

“Hi, Ronan.” she smiles as she reaches out to tickle her tummy, and Ronan cries as she squirms, “You can put her down.”

“Are you sure? She’s a handful.” Y/N grimaces, “She’ll get into everything.”

Doctor Marlene laughs as she reaches over and tugs on the cupboards, “Baby proof.”

Y/N lets Ronan off her lap, but she keeps her eye completely fixed on her until I reach over and pat her thigh a little to calm her down.

“Alright,” Doctor Marlene inhales and opens the chart as she sets it on the desk, “Is she eating well?”

“Oh, yeah.” Y/N laughs as we look at each other, “She’s been eating a variety of baby foods, but she still gets formula. She’s drinking from a sippy cup. We’ve even managed to get her to drink from a real cup a few times, we’re very proud.”

Doctor Marlene chuckles, “Oh, that’s always so exciting though. How’s her sleep? She sleeping okay?”

“Yeah,” I nod as Y/N smiles, “She sleeps through the night, maybe once or twice she’ll fuss a little and one of us will go soothe her, but for the most part, she’s doing good. Getting two naps during the day as well.”

“Good, good.” she nods, then she looks at us again, “How’s the poopy diapers? Consistency and color been changing a bit with the introduction of foods?”

I laugh as Y/N looks at me and raises her eyebrows, “Yeah, got a bit of a scare the other day when I changed her and noticed her…poop wasn’t the right color. Y/N had to remind me that we had been feeding Ronan peas for a few days.”

“Hey, we’ve all been there,” Doctor Marlene laughs, and we all look over at Ronan as she toddles around the room, “I see she’s walking really well. When did that start?”

“June 14th,” I say, and Y/N smiles softly when I look at her, “We were sitting in the living room playing, and next thing we knew she was walking over to us after she had crawled away.”

“Hmm, so she’s sitting with no support, pulling herself up, and walking,” Doctor Marlene smiles, then she looks over at Ronan when she says ‘dada’ and walks to me, “And saying ‘dada’.”

Y/N laughs and reaches over to pinch Ronan’s cheek, “Her first word, of course. ‘Mama’ wasn’t far behind though, I have to brag a little.”

Doctor Marlene smiles, then she inhales deeply, “Well, let’s get the worst part over with.”

I sit back and watch as the doctor lifts up Ronan and sets her on the scale, then she quickly jots down on her chart. She looks over her shoulder at Y/N and smiles when she gets up to help. I would walk over to help, but the room is small and I don’t want to crowd around them.

“26 inches.” Y/N laughs, then she looks over at me, “I think she’s gonna be short.”

“Just like her mom.” I smile, and Y/N looks over at me again as she smiles.

Ronan giggles when Y/N picks her up and holds her, then she squeals loudly as Y/N laughs and walks over to sit with me. Doctor Marlene sits back down and smiles as she looks through Ronan’s chart, then she looks up at Ronan and pinches her chunky leg.

“She needs one shot today.” she says, and I nod as I look over at Ronan in Y/N’s lap, “Just one quick little shot, and you’re free to go. She’s usually good with her shots.”

“She is,” Y/N smiles as she kisses Ronan’s cheek, then she hands her to me since I’m closer to the doctor.

I take Ronan and set her in my lap, then I hold her legs a little since she’s kicking them. Doctor Marlene starts to sing and dance a little as she squeezes Ronan’s legs and arms to keep her in a good mood, then she gets the needle ready and smiles at Ronan.

Doctor Marlene sings to distract Ronan, then she smiles and gives her the shot, “Boop!”

Ronan stares at the doctor for a moment with her wide brown eyes, then she kicks her legs and laughs. Y/N leans over to kiss her cheek, then she smiles as she looks up at me.

Doctor Marlene laughs, “Such a good kiddo. You’re all set!”

“Thank you.” Y/N smiles as she gets Ronan dressed.

“Enjoy this weather, it’s gorgeous today.” she says, then she waves at Ronan, “Bye-bye.”

Ronan looks up at the doctor and waves, then she squeals and looks up at Y/N as she pulls her little bloomers back on. She puts Ronan on her hip and turns around to look at me, then she smiles and leans down to kiss me.

“Ready?”

“Yup,” I stand up and hold the door open for my girls, then I smile as they walk out and look at me.

Even though Ronan’s eyes are brown like mine, she looks so much like her mom when I look into her eyes. They both have this curiosity in them, and they both can bring me to my knees. I love them so much, and I couldn’t imagine my life without my girls.

“Now onto my surprise,” I say, and Y/N looks at me and grins as she squints her eyes, still trying her hardest to guess.

Both of the girls fell asleep on the drive, but to be fair, it was almost an hour long drive and neither of them got much sleep last night. I almost contemplated just driving back home since they’re so tired, but I know Y/N would probably be upset and feel bad since she’d think she’d ruined my big surprise or something.

I park the car and turn it off before I reach over and gently rub the back of my hand against Y/N’s cheek to wake her up, and I smile when she inhales deeply and opens her eyes a little.

“Oh god, I fell asleep.” she whispers, then she looks over at me and laughs, “That’s embarrassing.”

“You’re tired.” I smile at her as I shrug, “It’s okay.”

Y/N yawns as she sits up, then she pulls down the visor so she can check herself in the mirror. She rotates her neck a little and looks over her shoulder to check on Ronan, then she smiles at me before she looks around to see we’re in a parking lot.

“Oh, our surprise?”

“Yup,” I nod, then I pucker my lips for a kiss. She smiles as she leans over to kiss me, then she cups my face and leans back to look at me. I give her another kiss before we both look back at Ronan as she begins to make noise, then I kiss the palm of Y/N’s hand. “I’ll get her.”

Getting out of the car, I pop the trunk and open the back door to get Ronan out, then I kiss her cheek and bring her to the back so I can change her diaper. Y/N looks around as she stands next to me, and I smile when she stands on her tiptoes to get a look at where we are.

“Nice try,” I laugh, and Y/N scoffs and playfully rolls her eyes. “You only have to wait a few more minutes.”

Y/N points at the stroller, silently asking if we need it, and I nod my head since we probably will. I’ll push it if Ronan ends up wanting to walk, but most likely she’ll get tired from walking after a while. Y/N smiles when I put Ronan in the stroller, then she watches as I grab Ro’s bag and her purse and stuff them into the basket under the stroller.

“Alright…” I smile at Y/N, and I place my hand on her back as we begin to walk. “Have any idea?”

“To be honest…” Y/N laughs as she shakes her head, “No.”

I smile as I lean down to kiss her, then I look around before I move my hand down to her ass and squeeze it. I spank her a few times as we walk through the parking lot, and Y/N shakes her head and laughs quietly.

“You look so good today.” I whisper to her, and she raises her eyebrows and looks up at me. “Maybe mom and dad can have some alone time later?”

“I was really hoping for that.” she smiles, nodding her head.

I place my hand on her back again as we walk up to the gate, and I see Y/N perk up more as I walk over to pay for our tickets. The woman behind the counter leans up to see Ronan in the stroller, then she smiles before she slides two tickets across for me and Y/N.

I give the woman a smile and wave as we walk through the gate, then I turn around and look at Ronan, ��You’re free because you’re so little!”

“Thank god…” Y/N laughs, “12 bucks for a toddler is ridiculous!”

Shaking my head, I let out a small laugh as I walk over to Y/N and kiss her. She smiles as she looks at me, then she looks around and perks up when she looks into the distance.

“Is that…”

“500…thousand sunflowers.” I say, Y/N gasps as she looks over at me, “And guess what? We can even pick some to take home. They have seeds too that we can take home and plant.”

Y/N smiles as she looks around, then she points, “There’s even a little barnyard.”

“See why I wanted to bring a change of clothes for bug?” I ask, and she nods her head and laughs, “I want to get some pictures of us all first, then we can change her. I should have brought Bleu. We could take some family pictures here today.”

When Y/N sees the petting zoo with goats, she gasps loudly and grabs my arm, yanking me along with her. I push Ronan’s shoulder, laughing as I try to keep up with my wife.

Pressing a kiss to Ronan’s cheek, I rock her back and forth, then I smile when Y/N leans up to kiss her too. She rubs her hand over Ronan’s hair and smiles, then she kisses her again before I lay her down in her crib.

Y/N walks over and stands by the door and smiles when I look at her, then she gestures to the kitchen. I nod my head and look back down at Ronan, then I walk over to turn on her nightlight and noise machine before I close the door behind me a little.

From the top of the stairs, I can see the slightest glimpse of Y/N as she cleans up the mess in the kitchen, so I head down to help her.

She’s been a little more quiet since we got home, and she keeps staring at me and looking away when I look at her. I feel like there might be something weighing on her mind, and I want her to be open and talk with me about it.

“She down?”

“Out like a light.” I laugh, then I reach over to grab the condiments on the counter to put them away. “Are you tired?”

Y/N sighs, “A little, but I feel like I won’t be able to sleep again tonight. She’s been good today and her teeth aren’t bothering her too bad, but I just…don’t think I’ll sleep that well tonight.”

“Are you okay?” I ask as I look at her, and she nods, wiping down the counter with a wet rag. “Baby…”

“I’m okay.” she says as she looks up at me.

I hold her gaze for a moment, then I walk over to put away the clean dishes. I bump into Y/N’s backside when she moves, and I spank her a few times as she quietly laughs.

Usually I’d get some cheeky comment from her, or she’d just bend over the counter so I’d spank her again, but she just smiles and moves past. Very unlike her.

I watch as Y/N stands at the counter for a moment and looks around, probably thinking of what she’s going to clean next, and I walk over and stand behind her. I reach up to move her hair off her shoulder, then I lean down and kiss her neck, hoping like hell she’s going to give me the invitation to take this further. She tilts her head back against my chest and smiles--that’s a yes--and I look down as I move my hands up to her breasts. She’s only wearing a tank top since it was a little warmer in the house when we got home earlier, and I can see she’s not wearing a bra.

Reaching up, I pull the strap of her tank top down to reveal her breast, then I caress it in my hand before I twist and roll her nipple between my finger and thumb. Y/N lets out a small breath as she leans back against my chest, then she looks down and watches as I pull the other strap of her tank top down. I suck and kiss on her neck as she leans back in my arms, then I turn her around and lift her onto the counter.

We maintain eye contact for a moment, then I reach up and pull her shirt off before our lips meet for a kiss. She tugs my shirt up a little, so I stand back and pull it off, then I’m right back to kissing her again. Cupping her face in my hand, I slide my tongue into her mouth and hum when I taste hers, then I pull her shorts off. She kisses my forehead and cheek as I help her get her underwear off, then she lays back and spreads her legs as I dive between them. I immediately dip my tongue deep into her pussy to get a good taste, then I suck on her clit as she squirms a little.

“Shit, yeah, keep doing that.” she whimpers, then she reaches down to tug my hair a little, “Oh, fuck!”

I reach down to pull my pants and boxers off, then I stroke myself as I continue to eat her out. I kiss along her thighs as she sits up and breathes heavily, then she watches as I scoot her closer. She reaches forward and takes me into her hand, stroking me a few times, then she positions me between her legs and looks at me as I slide in deep. My eyes roll shut when I feel her wet and warm for me, and I reach up and kiss her as I slowly thrust my hips.

“Wait…” she whispers to me, then she hops off the counter and leans over. I slide back between her legs and put my hand over her mouth since I know she’s going to moan loudly, and I smile when she does. “Oh, shit.”

“Ah, fuck…” I laugh quietly, “I’m never gonna last.”

Y/N chuckles a little as she looks over her shoulder at me, “I know.”

Placing my hands on her waist, I pull her down onto me harder and faster as we both pant loudly, and she puts her head down and moans against the granite countertop. She clings the side of it as I roll my hips, then she reaches back and places her hand on my stomach.

“Slow down…” she whispers, then she leans up a little, “Let me feel every inch of you.”

I lean over her back as I slowly slide in and out of her wet pussy, then I reach up and slide my finger into her mouth as we both moan. She sucks on my middle finger as I fuck her slowly, then she squeezes her eyes shut and nods for me to pick up the pace. I jerk my hips faster and harder knocking the breath out of her every time, then I lean down and suck on her neck before moving up to the spot behind her ear that always drives her crazy.

“John,” she moans softly, reaching back to place her hand on the back of my neck to pull me closer, then she moans when I begin rubbing circles on her clit, “Keep going, keep fucking me, don’t stop!”

Panting against her shoulder, I grip her sides tighter as she moans, then I let out a small laugh when I feel her rolling her hips to ride out her orgasm and letting out a string of moans, curse words, and my name.

“Oh shit, John, oh fuck…” she moans, then she leans over the counter and looks back at me as I stand up and fuck her harder to bring on my orgasm. She closes her eyes and leans her head against the counter, and I look down to watch as I slide and out of her wet pussy.

“Shit…” I whisper quietly, then I grip her sides tight as I lean over her and groan loudly, spilling inside of her as I squeeze my eyes shut and see colors dancing between them. “Oh, fuck…”

Y/N leans over so she can see me, then she smiles as she tilts her head back to kiss me, “Thank you. I needed that.”

I laugh breathlessly as I nod, “I did too.”

Y/N moves from in front of me and grabs her shirt from the counter and grabs her shorts, then she walks away as I stand there with my pants around my ankles. I watch as she walks upstairs to our room, and I furrow my brow a little by her cold demeanor.

I pull my pants up and grab my shirt, then I head upstairs to see if she’ll talk to me. I watch her as she walks around the bedroom and throws her clothes into the laundry basket, then she opens the drawer and pulls out a nightgown to put on. I slouch a little when she walks into the bathroom to brush her teeth, and I sit down on the bed.

After a few minutes, Y/N comes out of the bathroom and smiles softly as she walks over to get into bed. I raise my eyebrows when she looks up at me, and she furrows her brow and laughs.

“Well…”

“What?” she laughs, grabbing lotion to rub into her hands.

I exhale a little as I pull my jeans off and toss them into the laundry basket along with my shirt, then I walk over to sit on Y/N’s side of the bed.

“What’s going on with you?” I ask as I reach for her hands, “Are you okay? Talk to me.”

Y/N looks up at me and sighs as she closes her eyes, “It’s stupid. Like, it’s seriously the dumbest thing ever. You’re going to laugh over how stupid it is.”

“It’s not stupid if it’s making you upset.” I say, and Y/N shrugs a little as she nods. “Talk to me.”

Y/N inhales deeply and sits up to take my hands, “I couldn’t sleep last night because I just kept having such bad…nightmares.”

“Like when you were pregnant?”

“Yeah,” she nods as she looks at me, “I’m obviously not pregnant, I’m on birth control again, but…yeah, they were bad nightmares.”

I look down at Y/N’s hand as I rub my thumb over her wedding ring, “Is that why you’ve been staring at me all day?”

“Well, that, and you’re just so handsome!” Y/N laughs as she shrugs, then she rolls her eyes, “It’s so dumb, I don’t even want to say it but I know you’ll be upset if I don’t say it--just like I would be if the roles were reversed.”

“Right…”

Y/N takes a deep breath and leans back against the headboard, “I had a few dreams last night, and one was like…we were together, but we lived in an apartment and it was late at night. You came home at like, 3 in the morning with pizza, and you were…wearing a suit, and you were sweaty and bloody. You came home, we ate, went to bed, and that was it. It was just us in this little one bedroom apartment in NYC. We had nothing. Almost like we moved around a lot or something, like we couldn’t ever stay in one place. It wasn’t scary, but it was kind of like a glimpse of what our life would be like had we gone in a different direction. I just woke up and felt…sad and empty, and I can’t explain why.”

“You were sad because that’s a terrible life. Who the hell would want that life?” I laugh, and Y/N shrugs as she looks at me, “That’s certainly not a life that I would want for me or for you, especially not for you. The moment I realized how important you were to me, which was fairly quickly, that was the moment I realized that that old life wasn’t the one I wanted anymore. I want this life. I want to sit on the couch and do nothing with you, which we’re very good at. I want to go swimming with my girls, go see beautiful flowers, and surprise my babies with things. I want to raise my children with the love of my life, and I can’t really do that when I have a gun in my hand and I’m constantly leaving home, now can I?”

Y/N bites her cheek as she nods, “Right.”

“I also think you were sad because in this nightmare of yours, what’s the one thing we didn’t have that we can’t live without?” I say, and she looks at me, furrowing her brow, “Ronan Charlotte.”

She laughs as she nods her head, “God, I can’t imagine our life without her, John. She is the most precious thing to me. You and her are so fucking important to me. If I lost you or her--”

“I’m not leaving,” I whisper as I cup her face, and she nods again. “Was that your only nightmare?”

“I had another one where you cheated on me with someone at the shop.” she says quickly, and I furrow my brow and laugh. “I know! I know how stupid it is. I can’t control my brain when I’m asleep, Jonathan!”

I shake my head as I lean over to kiss her a few times, “I love you, but sometimes your brain is…”

“Dumb! I know!” she laughs, then she shakes her head and looks at me, “I know it won’t happen, so don’t even prepare your speech.”

Putting my hands up in defense, I laugh, “Okay, fine.”

“It isn’t anything you do or don’t do, okay?” she says, and I nod. “It’s not our relationship, it’s not how you treat me, it’s not you at all. I promise. It’s...it’s me. It’s my past, and it’s not fair to you. It’s not fair that I can’t get those thoughts out of my head and you end up thinking you’re not doing a good job at loving me. I promise you, John, I know that you love me, and I know that you love the life that we have. I know you’re not going to stray or find someone else.”

I reach over and wipe away the tear on her cheek, “There is no one else. There’s only you. Only you are on my radar.”

Y/N smiles softly as she leans into the palm of my head, “It’s unfair to you because you say shit like that.”

“I’d never leave.” I whisper as I move closer to her, “I’m not leaving. No matter what. Not unless you scream in my face that you hate me.”

“I would never do that,” Y/N sniffles as she leans up to cup my face and kiss me, “I love you more than I can put into words.”

I wrap my arms around Y/N and hug her tight, then I lean back and look at her, “I know that this is all because of your ex. I know that. Every now and again, you worry about things that aren’t going to happen because someone has made you paranoid and made you feel like you don’t deserve the life that we have. I’m the same way. For a different reason. But I’m the same way.”

“I don’t want you to get sick of me when I ask for a little reassurance,” she whispers holding my gaze, “Because I should know how you feel, but sometimes I need more reassurance than usual and you’re always there to give it to me, but I don’t want you to get sick of it.”

I let out a small laugh, “You think I’m going to get sick of telling you how much I love you and adore you? We’ve been together for almost three years, and I tell you every day. I will never get sick of it. I love telling you those things because I love you and I want to make you happy. You do the same for me. When I’m getting in my head about things, you pull me back to where I need to be: here.”

“I feel safe and secure with you, which is why I turn to you when I need a little reassurance. I have some self-doubt, I know you do too, and it bottles up over time no matter how well we love one another.” she says, and I nod my head in agreement. “And when it gets too overwhelming for me to handle, it spills over, and that’s when I come to you. Thank you for always being so patient and understanding, I know it can be difficult.”

“Loving you has never been difficult--nothing about you is difficult.” I smile at her, and she tilts her head a little as she tears up, “I was made to love you. I was wired perfectly to love you. And the way your heart was perfectly crafted to be so loving and understanding of me, it’s obvious that you were made to love me too.”

Y/N looks up at me with tears in her eyes, and they spill out when she blinks. She sits up and kneels on the bed as we kiss, then she pulls me down on top of her. She sniffles a little as I hover just above her lips, and she smiles a little as she nods.

“I love you.” I whisper to her, watching a tear slide down her cheek, “I love you, and that will never change.”

“I love you too.” she whispers back, then she lifts her nightgown a little as I pull my cock free from my boxers. She gasps as I slide between her legs, then she clings to me, her body shaking a little from the pressure of me between her legs, “I love you.”

I smooth Y/N’s hair away from her face as I hold her gaze, then I lean down to kiss her softly as I roll my hips, “The love of my life.”

“Love of my life,” she whispers, then she closes her eyes and clings to me as I lean down to make love to her.

As I walk past the laundry room, I see Ronan sitting at Y/N’s feet as she puts in a load of dirty clothes. Ronan pulls herself up on Y/N’s leg and squeals when she turns around and sees me kneeling down to take her. She walks over to me as she wobbles a little, then she reaches up. I pick her up and toss her in the air, then I kiss her cheek and walk over to kiss Y/N.

“This is the last load, and we’re officially done with laundry.” she says as she looks over to kiss me, “I think we’ve washed everything in the house.”

I laugh, nodding my head, “I did about 5 loads of clothes yesterday. I didn’t realize we had so many clothes.”

“Imagine what it’ll be like with another baby,” she laughs, then she leans over and tickles Ronan’s tummy as she talks in her mom-voice, “Lots of socks and poopy pants, and that’s just because of your dad!”

“Hey,” I laugh as she looks up at me, “I’ll have you know, I haven’t pooped my pants in weeks!”

Y/N laughs as she nods, “Ah, the potty training paid off, Ro!”

I reach out for Y/N’s hand after she shuts the washing machine and turns it on, then I walk with my girls to the living room. I set Ronan down on the floor near her toys, then I sit down on the couch with Y/N and wrap my arm around her shoulder to hold her.

“Thanks for last night,” she whispers, and I smile as I lean down to kiss her. “I slept really well and didn’t have any nightmares.”

“Good,” I smile, and she leans closer to me to rest her head on my shoulder, “I should run to the store in a bit, huh?”

Y/N looks up at me and nods, “My parents are coming around 5, and who knows when Tess will show up.”

“I’ll go in a bit then. I got a few hours to just relax with my girls. Oh, wait…” I lean down to kiss her again, then I get up to grab the bag from the kitchen, “I forgot that I got you girls something yesterday.”

“Ro…” Y/N calls out and claps her hands to get Ronan to come over to her, and she pulls herself up and toddles over.

I hand the bag to Y/N and smile as she leans down and opens it with Ronan, then I laugh when Ronan grabs out the pig stuffed animal and waves it around in the air as she squeals.

“Do you like it?” I ask, and Ronan immediately chews on the ear, “Yup, figured it would be in her mouth within two minutes.”

“Babies.” Y/N laughs, then she looks down at the bag when I gesture to it. She opens the bag again and reaches in for a journal that I saw and thought she’d like. Y/N looks up at me and smiles, “This is beautiful.”

I smile as I lean over to look at it, “It just came in yesterday, same with the little pig, but I saw them and thought my girls deserved a little gift. Ro has her stuffed pig now, and you can use this journal for whatever you want.”

“How about some sweet love notes between me and my husband?” she asks, and I nod my head and smile at her. “We already filled up the other one.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” I smile, then I lean over to kiss her.

Ronan walks over to us with her pig and puts in on my leg, then she reaches up. I pick her up and set her between Y/N and I, and she smiles, drool covering her chin.

“Think she’ll be up all night?”

“Oh, absolutely.” Y/N laughs, then she looks at me, “But we’re Team Wick and we can handle it, can’t we?”

I reach over and tousle her hair, “Of course we can. We’re a team.”

“As long as I got you…”

“You always got me,” I whisper to her, and she smiles, “And you always have Ro too. We’re not going anywhere.”

Y/N smiles as she looks at me, then she leans over and kisses me, “And neither am I.”

tagslist: @sakurachan-9 @ruby-octo @angie-20000 @beingnerdyissupercool @star017 @perrysglasses @volcasaurus

is this the taglist? idk. let me know if u want to be added or removed!!

#john wick x you #john wick x y/n #john wick imagine #john wick x reader #fic: hold my hand #i love a cute lil chapter where john is just loving on his girls

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cdyssey · 2 years ago

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Yellowjackets 2.05 Reactions:

The stacks of VHS tapes everywhere in Van’s house/shop are so charming. 😭 The rainbow carpet! The past due bills!

“Parker Posey is my new dream woman. I would marry her today.” So right, bestie.

VAN RECOMMENDING QUEER MOVIES TO PEOPLE. OH, I LOVE HER. VAN’S STORE BEING SAFE FOR QUEER CUSTOMERS!!

Tai collapsing after seeing her ex for the first time in 25 years because she hasn’t slept in, like, five days. Go, girl failure. Give us nothing. <3

Shaunatai friendship moments. 😭 Tai being so gentle with her. I’m actually unwell about them.

“Happy wife, happy life.” I fucking love her.

Atm, Shauna is firmly in nothing-fucking-supernatural-is-happening-here-at-all-camp with Tai and Nat! It’s really interesting that this makes three out of our core four. (I honestly half-suspect that it’s actually four out of four, and teen Misty is just going along with the majority right now to be included.)

Shauna overhearing Lottie creepily prophesy the sex of her baby again and Tai turning around to watch her. 😭

Fucking creepy grown ass detective who is taking this underaged teenager on dates!! Preying on her emotions for a gd case!!!

“I sexually hustled you.” Oh, God, Callie. Go home. ☠️

Good on Callie for figuring out who Matt is by looking at the check!!!! Okay, yes, she absolutely did not need to be having feelings for this man, but also, I feel so bad for her. Everyone this girl cares about hurts her in some unimaginably fucked up way.

“Maybe he did die, and that’s his ghost.” ANANWJJEJWNWDIWWI

Akilah naming the mouse Nugget. ;w;

Misty kissing her and Crystal’s pinky swear. 😭 Mari is 100% manipulating the chore cards.

Callie lying to Matt!!!!!! Oh, God, she’s in it to protect her parents now. Her mom. So fucked up, but so good. All she has wanted this entire time is to feel close to her mother.

“There’s only ever one rule: Win.” Very suspicious line, lmao. I wonder if this is going to end up being Walter’s ethos.

Van immediately knowing that Tai is there about the sleepwalking.

NOT TAI GIVING HER THE BOOB PEN WKQKQKWJEJDJWIEJDJEJD.

THEY WENT TO SHAUNA’S WEDDING. OH, GOD. THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY. And that also means they were together at least for a little bit after returning from the woods. (We know from Jeff’s bro-off with Kevyn that he and Shauna basically got married almost as soon as Shauna got back from the woods. It’s wrenching that Mrs. Taylor was there in so many ways. Wow. For Shauna, who was so entangled with Jackie, and now she’s about to literally live her life. For Jeff, whose two girlfriends died and one of them came back wrong. For Tai and Van and other Yellowjackets if they attended, who had to look at the Taylors and know that they ate their daughter. And even for Mrs. Taylor, a grieving mother. Just one line, but it’s so, so loaded.)

“Promise you won’t freak out.” / “Sure.” / “No.” AJWJWJJWIWJSJDW.

“A fucking cop?” MELANIE LYNSKEY’S EYEBROWS ARCHING EJWJDNS.

CONCERNED PARENTS ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COP’S AGE!!! Listen, the Sadecki family is fucked up to hell and back, but I love them.

“So… I did fix it?” / “You-you did that great.” So, so effed up. <33

NAT IS STILL WEARING THOSE GODDAMN LEATHER PANTS. GIRL, YOU’RE GONNA GET AN INFECTION!! This being said, it’s notable that she’s wearing a purple top now.

Akilah being a skeptic too. Also, every time we get a new piece of Akilah lore, I want to die a little inside because it’s so lovely and they’re 100% priming us for her inevitable death. 😭 Her friendship with Tai is so sweet, though.

I love the distinction that Akilah makes here, though—doing the pre-game rituals and going to Lottie’s morning sit-down not because she believes in these things, but because they make her feel good.

“Well, yeah—because you’re totally whipped.” AKKQKQOQIEIEJWJEJDJS. Splashing each other with water. Kids being kids, even in the desolate and unforgiving wilderness. 😭

Oh, God. This Travis/Nat confrontation. So upsetting. Nat immediately fessing up to it is incredible; she’s not a character who likes to deal with lies.

Lottie curling her hand around Nat’s shoulder!!! Gays, we win again.

“Actually, uh, before we go into the black recesses of my soul, I just need a minute.” Same.

MISTYNAT REUNION!!!! What if they kissed between the gate slats. Then what

(I’m sorry. I ship almost all of these women together. I think if this season doesn’t end with ALL of them making out by the fire in Lottie’s compound, it’s a missed opportunity.)

Misty’s look of utter horror as Nat stalks away. She came so far for her.

I know it’s just the effect of Tawny Cypress’s contacts, but Tai’s eyes being slightly red at certain times is just chef’s kiss.

Tai sitting in the chair like a child, knees pulled up to her chest. She looks and sounds so vulnerable, even as she’s trying to be glib.

Misty and Crystal trading secrets back-and-forth QNQKQKKWJE. So funny and so effed up.

You know, I could have done without the shot of the shit and piss being poured out. We can imply that. 😭

KRISTEN. 😭😭😭😭 The fact that she went by the mistaken name just to keep her peers’ approval. So Misty-coded.

OH, GOD. IS MISTY ABOUT TO FUCKING ADMIT TO DESTROYING THE BLACK BOX. NO. NO. NO. THAT MIGHT BE TOO EFFED UP, EVEN FOR KRISTEN.

FUCK, SHE’S GOING TO DO IT.

IT IS TOO FUCKED UP FOR KRISTEN.

“You’re the reason we never got rescued?”

“You’re not that good of an actress.” Fair in this moment, but Misty did slay that Steel Magnolias monologue.

“I’ll… fucking… kill you.” JESUS CHRIST

KRISTEN. OH, MY FUCKING GO D.

I’M LOSING MY SHIT.

GOD, GOD GOD GOD DGOD GOD

I am so FUCKED UP ABOUT THIS.

Directly on the heels of Misty losing her best friend in the wilderness, we get adult Misty reeling over Nat. I am so fucking unwell.

“Maybe Lottie is jealous of what Natalie and I have.” Natalie has two hands, Misty. <3

Walter having done the due diligence of checking to see about Adam’s murder, but coming to the wrong conclusion.

“You think I’m capable of murder?” DIRECTLY ON THE HEELS OF KRISTEN’S DEATH. I’M SO FUCKED UP.

WALTER STILL BEING INTO MISTY EVEN THOUGH HE SUSPECTS SHE’S A MURDERER EJWNDNNE. Listen, I love him, but I think he’s as dead as a doorknob by the end of this season.

“… regardless of your extracurricular activities.” AMQMQKWKDNSSN.

Shauna all dolled up to pretend to have an affair, lmao SNDNSNDNWJNS.

Randy Walsh being such a dumbass is one of my favorite recurring bits. Just stellar.

“After what you and Jeff did, you owe me.” ANQKWJRJWJJWNDJSSN. Where else on television will you find an emotionally unwell, violent MILF who tells her husband’s best friend who blackmailed her friends to go jerk off into a trash can? Go on, tell me.

“Hey. Don’t you you dare think about me.” AKQKQOOQJEEIENNWIEIWKWJDNNENEJD. SOBBING.

Tai playing the mediator between Lottie and Shauna.

NOT TAISSA SNOOPING THROUGH VAN’S MEDICINE CABINETS. GIRL FAILURE, DON’T SCREW THIS UP A SECOND TIME.

Van having cared for her mother—despite everything—in the last years of her life. Goddamn.

“I’m mixing my pop culture metaphors ‘cause I’m fucking upset!” AWKWKWKJEDJWJ. Lauren Ambrose is killing it.

“I’m losing my fucking mind, and I’m terrified!” GOD, THAT WAS VISCERAL. The way she can’t admit to not having been this afraid since the woods. The way she can’t ask for help because she doesn’t want to hurt any other people that she loves. She still loves Van . Absolutely fucking devastating.

Tai breaking down in sobs. I’m so upset. 😭 TAIVAN EMBRACE.

No, Yellowjackets, I did not need to be in the bathroom with Randy Walsh failing to jerk off. Thank you for asking.

Nat screaming at Lottie!!!! “She’s preying and profiting.”

Nat breaking the fuck down in front of Lottie.

“You know what he was going through. You started it.” JESUS CHRIST.

“Maybe that’s true, but I need to know.” YELLS, SCREAMS.

Tai following Shauna out into the woods, even though she’s giving her the silent treatment. 😭

“But I’m rightfully freaking the fuck out about having a baby in the middle of the fucking woods, and news flash, having a bunch of psychos praying for me in some weird fucking tree cult isn’t making my life any easier.” GOD GOD GOD GOD GOD.

“I don’t need your fucking prayers. I need you to have my back.” / “I do.” LOSING MY MIND OVER THESE TWO.

IT’S SHAUNA NEEDING SOMEONE TO BE NORMAL WITH HER, AND TAISSA NEEDING TO FEEL NORMAL HERSELF, TO NOT HAVE ANY MORE NIGHTMARES.

NO, NOT LABOR PAINS. OH, GOD.

Misty sobbing over Kristen. Calling her by Crystal twice before she says her actual name. Ugh. Trying CPR to the Bees Gees. Jesus CHRIST.

Can they go into Randy’s room without a warrant???? Kevyn so badly doesn’t want it to be Shauna. I really do appreciate that about him.

NOT MATT SMELLING THE GODDAMN CONDOM. WHAT IS THIS SHOW.

STRAWBERRIES.

LIKE THE LUBE.

UNREAL.

Javi speaking cryptically about someone not telling him to come back, a “she.” 😬

Misty coming up with a believable lie about Kristen, and one of the last things Kristen ever said to her was that she was a bad liar. FUCK FUCK FUCK.

Van screaming for Tai and Shauna. Misty calling out for Kristen, even though she fucking knows that she can’t hear her.

THE GIRLS RITUALISTICALLY CHANTING. I’M SO FUCKED UP. AND IT’S WORKING. AND TAI’S DOING IT.

Tai finally sleeping soundly at Van’s. 😭

Oh, my fucking God. Van taking the pills out of the trash can.

SLEEPWALKING TAI. THAT EVIL SMILE. THE WAY SHE BOBS HER HEAD. TERRIFYING.

“This isn’t where we’re supposed to be.” AUHDJDWNH.

“He was seeing some girl. Part of me wanted to ruin it. But another part of me just missed him.” This line of dialogue is so goddamn raw and brutal.

NAT OVERDOSING.

NAT ENVISIONING THAT THEY DIDN’T FUCKING MAKE IT. THOSE BURNED BODIES.

THE ANTLER QUEEN?!?!!

WE BROUGHT IT BACK.

WE BROUGHT IT BACK WITH US:

WHAT THE AFTUAL HELL

NAT LAYING HER HEAD ON LOTTIE’S LAP AND THEY’RE FUCKING TEENAGERS AGAIN. I’M

NO, IT’S ONLY NAT WHO’S THE TEENAGER. SHE’S GONE BACK TO BEINT A CHILD. AND LOTTIE IS STILL AN ADULT, BUT SHE’S SEEING THE SHADOW OF THE ANTLER QUEEN ON THE FLOOR AND

DID ALL OF THESE PEOPLE DIE AND LITERALLY COME BACK WRONG

THIS SHOW

#yellowjackets spoilers #yellowjackets #s: yellowjackets #cannibalism tw #THIS SHOW IS UNHINGED #I’M #maggie blogs

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ctommyisnt · 1 year ago

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Tommyinnit is a hair stylist au that I have so many ideas and outlines for but I wrote this last year and nothing else (not my best work bc I wrote this a year ago)(2k words):

With a jingle of the doors welcome bell, Tommy was interrupted from taking a bite of his roast beef sandwich. Something he had been looking forward to all day. But Tommy looked up, and his hope left when he saw that it was not his mother (meaning he would definitely be able to finish his lunch break). It was, in fact, a walk-in.

It was a sunday, at eight in the morning. Nobody came here at this hour and Tommy still fought his mother over her unreasonably early working hours. On a weekend.

(Oh, it’s good practice to get up early. Besides, you only work two days a week, it’s not too much trouble.)

Fuck.

“Hello?” The man said, kinda eyeing Tommy like he was a wild racoon sitting inside a football stadium. Like Tommy was out of place, something to be wary of, and about to steal some food. Idiot. He already had food.

“Yeah?” Tommy replied completely deadpan. Staring at the dangly man as if he could make him disappear. He fucking wished he could. The man looked unkempt yet dapper at the same time. A trendy and fashionable sweater looking like it hasn’t been washed in a week, and a flannel underneath untucked from his jeans. His eyebags nearly covered his entire face and his hands fidgeted at his hem and fingers constantly. The only thing perfect about the man was his hair. It was tidy, well groomed, and perfectly styled. As if this man had gotten out of bed in the same clothes as yesterday, yet still found himself able to apply product that morning.

Though by the looks of the man, morning probably meant an hour ago.

“Um, is anyone working here?” He asked, rubbing his thumb against his fingers nervously.

Tommy stared even harder at him, “I do.”

He paused, “do you do walk-ins?”

Tommy looked down at his sandwich, “if we’re not busy.”

“Oh,” at least he looked guilty, “Uh, I was looking to get a haircut?”

He narrowed his eyes. With only a quick glance, he could tell that the man had recently gotten a haircut. It was cut long, trimmed neatly at the nape of his neck and curls neatly swept across his forehead. It was professional, tidy even with the length, and likely cost a lot of money.

Now. Tommy could tell the man to fuck off so he could eat his sandwich in peace. But knowing his luck, his mom would come back from grabbing a new broom (he broke the last one) from the shops and scold him, and force Tommy to give him a free (free!) haircut.

“Yeah sure. Go sit down. Grab a magazine or something.” Tommy told him, immediately taking a bite of his sandwich.

He would be damned if he didn’t at least finish half his lunch before using scissors.

“So what’s your name?” He asked, settling into routine as he ambled over to the chair. Unprofessional as fuck, but hey, this man didn’t look like he cared in the slightest. Also he didn’t want to give him a panic attack for some reason. He turned the chair away from him so the brunette was facing the mirror.

“Wilbur. Wilbur soot.”

“Pretentious ass name,” Tommy quipped. From the mirror, he could see the man’s small smile. Aha! It was working. “Do you have any ideas what you want?”

Wilbur hesitated a moment before hardening his gaze, “shave it all off.”

Tommy paused. Like, full on double took.

“I’m sorry?”

“Shave it,” He repeated, daring Tommy to argue with him.

Now. He was taught better than this. His mother, the esteemed and astounding Kristin Innit, had told him the golden rule of hairdressing. ‘You can guide, advise, and even offer a nudge in a new direction, but the customer does get to make their own decision. No matter how wrong that decision is.

However, his mom would also be heartbroken if she knew he shaved off beautiful hair. And there was no doubt, however much Tommy did not want to admit it, this nervous wreck of a human being had beautiful hair.

“No.”

Wilbur startled, and spun the chair around, “I’m sorry?”

Tommy crossed his arms, “I said no, can you not understand me?”

“Oh I understand you just fine, I just think it’s completely rude to refuse a service.”

“Oh so your a fucking Karen now?”

Wilbur huffed, “No! I just-”

“Well you're acting like it. I’m trying to fucking help, why the hell would you shave your hair?”

“It’s none of your damn business!”

“You made it my business when you asked me to cut your hair!” He retorted.

God, people were so difficult. One, if you're going to shave your head it's so much cheaper to just buy a razor and do it at home. Two, while yes Tommy has shaved a head of hair off, but that was usually for nice reasons, like comradery for a friend or to donate hair. Or even cooler, some guy just discovering he’s trans or someone deciding to get a new look. Those people were always cool as fuck. This man? he looked like he was going through a midlife crisis at the ripe age of the mid twenties.

“Oh my god, are you going to do my hair or not? I can go somewhere else.”

Tommy sighed, “You absolute motherfucking-” he started, mumbling, “just- let me wash your hair first. Think it over.”

Wilbur rolled his head back, obviously annoyed, “fine. You're not convincing me otherwise, though.”

“Didn’t think so,” Tommy grumbled.

Tommy set him up with the basin and started the routine. This was one of his favorite tasks to do, which seemed weird. Especially since most customers hated it. Hell he used to hate washing other people’s hair for the longest time.

But now? It’s the feeling of caring for someone. Doing something small that they do on their own. Or maybe they don’t. It’s helping a stranger for now reason other than to help.

Or maybe he’s just getting paid to prepare them for a haircut. Who fucking knows.

“So why are you shaving it?” Tommy asked again, hoping the warm water would make this strange and uncomfortably tall man give out his secrets. That was also one of his favorite parts of his job. He got to hear all of the tea, and Tommy loves to gossip.

Wilbur huffed, “I thought I said it was none of your business?” he repeated, crossing his arms to prove a point.

“Need I remind you that hair is literally my business?” He said, scrubbing just a tad bit rougher than he would have. This man’s curly hair was soft to the touch but only because of the product from whatever salon he just came from. Tommy didn’t think he normally took care of it, just some nice but cheap hair products you buy from the department store. A shame, he has like, the best hair.

Other than Tommy’s, of course. Today it was mostly blonde with red highlights, hidden so it wasn’t obvious unless he was in the sun. It was dope as fuck.

“There’s no way you actually have the credentials,” Wilbur argued, “you’re literally what? Fourteen? How legal is this place?”

Tommy knew that it was rude but… he couldn’t help but splash some water on Wilbur’s face.

“First of all, fuck you. Second of all I am almost eighteen and I have my certifications they are on my fucking desk, I thought you got those ugly ass glasses so you could see. Also this is my mother’s place.” He ranted. Then he winced, his mom would have branded him with a curling iron if she heard him insult a customer, several times, without censorship, to their face. Honestly, Tommy thought he went too far at that point, but Wilbur called him fourteen and insulted his mom’s business.

But luckily for him, Wilbur snorted, “ahh, so it’s nepotism.”

“Kill yourself.”

“Duly noted.” He replied. Tommy washed the last of the soap out and started to drain the water out, grabbing one of the fluffy beige towels to pat most of the water off and moving him back to the mirror.

“So why did you come here?” Tommy asked, “you want to shave your head, you could’ve done it at home. Probably it would cost less too if you get a cheap enough razor.”

Wilbur rolled his neck, ouch, and stared at himself in the mirror, as if trying to interrogate it out of himself, “probably because I’d be too much of a pussy to actually go ahead with it. At least now I have someone else who wouldn’t hesitate,” Wilbur ran a hand through his still-damp hair,

“Or at least I thought I would.”

Tommy tilted his head, “do you not like the haircut? It’s not bad, looks expensive, but it may not be your style, hmm?” He fluffed the hair a bit, moving it this way and that. Mostly to piss off Wilbur.

“No- it’s,” he struggled under Tommy’s movements, “I’ve had the same haircut for two years and I just- my fucking hairstylist is so… pissy.”

Tommy narrowed his eyes, “elaborate.”

“Well- I got him when I first started my last job- an analyst for a big label company- and needed to look more professional, but I think I want to quit and I asked my stylist for a change and he said no.”

“Excuse me?” Tommy asked, spinning the chair so Wilbur was face to face with him instead of talking through the mirror, “he said no?”

“You said no! It seems to be very fucking common!” Wilbur exclaimed, hands shooting up, “I want to get rid of this fucking hair and quit my fucking job and fly to California or god knows where and completely start over but nobody is letting me!”

He groaned and put his face in his hands, fingers tugging at the hair in front of his face so it hung lower.

Tommy pursed his lips, so he was going through a midlife crisis.

“How old are you?”

“Excuse me?”

“Are you thirty?”

“Excuse me?”

Tommy rolled his eyes, “look, here’s what I think. One, your last stylist was an absolute dick who thinks he’s smart but is probably just a pretentious bitch. Two, just talking to I think you're definitely unsatisfied. Probably understimulated and overthinking too.”

Wilbur opened his mouth but Tommy put a finger in his face, “Three, I don’t think you actually want to shave your hair. That would just make you more depressed and self-loathingessed. But I have some ideas.”

Wilbur stared at him, “I thought you were a hair stylist not a therapist.”

“I can do both,” he joked.

Wilbur bit his lip and turned the chair back around so he was looking at himself again, rubbing his jaw and thinking. This time, Tommy let him think.

“I just- I don’t want to hate my hair even if I change it. How do I know I’ll still like it?” He asked.

Tommy pat his hands against him as he thought, “Tough one, you never truly know, but I can tell you that I am a five star stylist and can make anything look good.” He bragged to WIlbur, “why don’t we look at a few things and go from there, hmm?” Tommy asked.

And this time, Wilbur nodded.

They spent about twenty minutes looking through a few magazines or pictures Tommy had on his several pinterest boards. Eventually, through much debate, they decided on something a bit more simple.

Tommy snipped his hair on the sides, getting rid of the mini sideburns to give him more of a boyish look, expertly teasing the sides to bring more focus on the front and top of his hair, where most of the fluff was.

And for the fun part? Tommy had mentioned darker highlights and Wilbur had jumped at the chance. Nothing drastic, Wilbur didn’t want to get fired or to look like a fool, but he wanted something different. So Tommy delivered.

His mom walked in at some point, Tommy and Wilbur bantering drastically as the dye set, and offering a wave and a snort before she disappeared into the office. They got along like a house on fire, plus they both played minecraft.

“We will absolutely have to create a minecraft world together, I’m going to kick your ass at pvp.”

“Hard pass, I refuse to fight a child.”

“That’s because your a little bitch.”

“Okay but what about frosted tips?”

“Absolutely not.”

It wasn’t Tommy’s best work, and he definitely didn’t think Wilbur would stick with it, but the bemusement and relief that were in his client's eyes as he admired his hair in the mirror? It was one of his favorite feelings.

And sure, they hadn’t made that minecraft world, but Tommy had a feeling they would be meeting up again real soon.

—

#tommyinnit #Wilbur soot #tommyinnit fanfiction #Wilbur soot fanfiction #crimeboys

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anglophiletraveler · 1 year ago

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Chapter 31 of In My Life

Chapter 31

I Love You Just The Way You Are

By Billy Joel

The Weekend Part 2!

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

Hmmmm what is our favourite couple up to? They’ve been having a fun and loving weekend and it continues onto Sunday morning. Thanks always to everyone who supports me and this adventure of mine. Special thanks to Karen Bockius for continuing to be my beta for this story, however she hasn’t read this bit yet, I wanted to keep it as a surprise for her, and also Happy Birthday Karen! Your Eagles won!

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

Ross woke the next morning to the sound of a text notification on his phone. He reached for Demelza but then heard her playing on the cello. The sound of Demelza’s cello always made him smile. He looked at the phone and saw that it was his mother texting, so he called her back. He let out a big yawn and stretched his long body.

“Morning Ross, did I wake you?”

“No, well yeah, but it’s time I was getting up anyway. Demelza’s downstairs practising.”

“I never know what time to call you in the mornings.”

“You’re fine mum, no worries. How are you feeling?”

“Oh pretty good. Friday they got my latest test results back and made me go into the hospital for fluids because I was a little dehydrated.”

“Oh mum ya gotta take care of yourself! How long were you there?”

“Just eight hours. And I do take care of myself Ross! I drink plenty of water everyday. I don’t know how I get dehydrated. I hate the taste of water.”

Ross smiled. He knew that his mum had never liked the taste of water. “Well have you tried getting some of that flavoured powder mix that you can put in water? Demelza uses those because she’s not crazy about the taste of water either.”

“Oh I keep forgetting to put them on the damn shopping list. I’ll be glad to get the surgery and get these two lumps of skin lobbed off. I’m tired of worrying about them, and I’m tired of everyone else worrying about them,” Grace was almost in tears by now.

Ross closed his eyes. He hated hearing the frustration in his mother’s voice. “I know mama. I’d give anything if you weren’t going through this. I really wish that you would reconsider and start seeing an oncologist up here in London.”

“Ross, I’m really perfectly happy with my doctors down here. London is too far away, and the doctors are just as good down here. Now, enough about me. How are you and Demelza getting along?”

“Fine, fine.” He stopped talking on the phone to make sure Demelza was still practising before he continued talking with his mum. “I finally broached the subject of kids with her yesterday.”

“Oh wow. How did that go?”

“Alright. Kind of like I thought. She’s not sure if she wants children, because of raising her brothers and her career. She said that she really hasn’t thought about it that much, which I believe. She said she would give it some thought. But mom, just so you know… I told her that I wanted to be with her whether she wanted kids or not.”

“Oh. Darling, that’s… that’s a big statement. Can you live with that?” Ross noticed that Grace’s voice cracked.

Ross bit his lip, “I, I think so. I don’t want to lose her mum. I’m sorry, I know that’s not what you want to hear… but for now that’s where things stand on the subject. I also mentioned to her about getting a bigger place, because this place is just so small with the two of us. I need a bigger office and she needs a better practise space.”

There was silence on the line and then Ross noticed a sniffle from Grace like she was trying not to cry. He knew this would upset his mum and it killed him to hear like this.

“Mum?”

“I’m still here. Well that’s a big decision, and it’s not one that you absolutely have to make today. And I coulda told ya that you two needed a bigger place! Well, I have to go take my medicine. I’ll talk to you in a couple days. Love you.”

“I love you too mum.” Ross heard the click on her end. He felt horrible. He could tell that she was in a hurry to get off the phone with him. Maybe he should’ve waited to tell his mum about his talk with Demelza yesterday. He knew how much she wanted grandkids, and the thought of not ever having any probably hit her pretty hard. The mother and son have just always been so close and he’s always been able to tell her almost anything, but maybe he should’ve waited on this. He noticed that Demelza stopped playing, and heard her footsteps on the stairs.

Demelza padded her way into the bedroom with two mugs of coffee in one hand and a mug of hot tea in the other and a smile on her face, “Morning! Coffee, tea or meeee!”

Ross laughed at Demelza’s play on the phrase, “Mmmm I’ll take you every time! Along with the coffee! Thank you gorgeous!” Demelza carefully leaned down and kissed him good morning. She couldn’t help but squeal when she felt something pinch her bottom, “Well, you are very welcome!” She took a sip of her tea and Ross was enjoying his coffee.

She heard a moan of approval from Ross when he took a drink, “Oh I hope that means I finally got it right? Is it good?” Demelza asked.

“It’s perfect, thank you,” Ross answered back. “Oh good! I don’t know why I’m so challenged at making coffee in that machine. I think we need to get a new one. Did I hear you talking with someone earlier?”

“Yes, mama called to check in. She’s more than ready to have her surgery over and done with. I still wish that she would come up to London and have her surgery here,” Ross was worried that his mum wasn’t getting the best care possible in Truro and had asked her a couple of times to have her treatment in London. Because you know, everything is better in London.

“Oh Ross, I don’t blame her. She has doctors that she’s comfortable with and doesn’t want to leave them for people she doesn’t know. I know you mean well. Maybe if she had come up here from the start and got a second opinion, but she didn’t so we just have to go with it. Besides, your father wouldn’t let her stick with doctors if he didn’t approve of them, yeah.”

Ross took another drink of his coffee, “I suppose you’re right. She did seem a little down though.” He didn’t tell Demelza why she was down.

“Did she? Did you speak with your father?”

“No, she didn’t mention him, so I don’t know where he was. Do you think I should try to speak with him when he isn’t around her?” Ross asked.

Demelza shrugged, “Mmmm I don’t know. You would probably know better than I would about that.”

“I’ll have to have a think on it.” Ross took Demelza’s cup and his cup and set them on the nightstand. Ross was looking at Demelza in her nightgown made of white eyelet material. It was sort of old fashioned but it looked beautiful on Demelza. “That is a lovely nightgown that you have on. What’s this material called?” Ross couldn’t help but notice Demelza’s ivory cleavage peeking out over the top of the nightgown.

Demelza smiled at his interest, “Why thank you sir. This is white eyelet. I’m glad that you like it, I just bought it a couple of days ago.”

Ross hummed, “I’m glad that you bought something for yourself. Did you buy yourself anything else?” Ross was playing with one of the strings that tied the nightgown together.

“Just some socks that look really warm, and another cardigan. I bought you some socks too, but they're still in the bag. Is that okay that I bought a few things?” Demela suddenly got a look on her face like a scared child.

Ross put his hand gently on Demelza’s cheek and brushed some hair out of her eyes. His eyebrows went up like a sad puppy dog, “Oh Demelza you don’t ever have to ask my permission to buy anything. I don’t want you to ever feel afraid to purchase something for yourself or for the house. You earn your money, you work hard for it. I’m just disappointed that you didn’t buy me a new nightgown too!” His lips curled up in a smile to get her to smile too.

She let out a big sigh, “Well, if you’re really good, the next time I go to Mark & Spencer’s I’ll buy you a new nightgown!”

They both laughed. Ross reached up and started untying Demelza’s nightgown, “Well, I think it would be grand if this nightgown was on the floor.” Ross sat up so that he could pull the nightgown off over Demelza’s head. He let out a sigh and looked at Demelza’s dreamy eyes, “That’s definitely much better.” He lifted one of her ivory hands to his mouth and gently kissed it. Then he made his way up her arm with kisses until he got to her neck. Demelza leaned her head over to give him more access. “Roooss” she moaned softly. She was often amazed at how quickly Ross could arouse her, make her weak at her knees. She put her hands in his hair to hold him close to her, to feel those beautiful curls.

Ross moved to kiss Demelza’s lips which she wholly accepted. Hot, messy kisses. Ross felt Demelza’s fingernails scratching his back, up and down. The sensation caused him to hiss and drop his head back. Demelza took the opportunity to attack his neck, sucking and biting. Ross lifted her from under her hips and placed her on top of him. Demelza raised up so that she could adjust Ross’s cock between her folds and lowered herself. They both moaned at the same time from the feeling of joining together.

Ross leaned back to look at her. There she was, his beautiful Cornish Goddess sitting on top of him with her creamy skin glowing and her red hair still wild from the previous night’s activities. She had this dreamy look in her blue eyes that took his breath away. He would never tire of seeing her like this. “I know this sounds corny, but if I died right now, I would die a happy man,” Ross whispered. She couldn’t help but giggle, “Oh Ross, I love you.”

Demelza was holding onto Ross’s shoulders and began to rise up and down on Ross. Demelza laid her head back hoping that Ross would attack her neck like she did his. She didn’t have to hope for very long. As soon as she felt his lips on her she shivered. She felt Ross’s hands on her hips again, helping her raise up and down on himself.

Demelza’s cleavage was flushed from the heat. He heard whimpering sounds come from Demelza, so he lowered a hand to where they joined so he could gently rub her sweet spot with his thumb. Ross lowered his head to Demelza’s shoulder. He loved the sounds that she was making. He knew she was getting close, and so was he. Demelza whispered, “Ross, please take me.”

All of a sudden Ross growled and rolled them over so that Demelza was on her back beneath him. He didn’t even lose connection with her. Even though the previous day and a half had been filled with lovemaking, their lips felt desperate to connect with each other, full of passion and heat. Demelza wrapped her legs around Ross’s waist and locked her ankles. When they were in this position, it made her feel like they were one. Soon both of their breathing picked up and Ross was entering her faster. The intensity was building. They were staring into each other's eyes as they came to their end, tears in both of their eyes from the feelings they shared. Ross collapsed on top of Demelza in exhaustion, both of them trying to catch their breath. Demelza could feel the stickiness from the sweat on Ross’s back but she didn’t care. She just wanted to enjoy this moment full of love and passion for each other. Then she had a question.

“Ross.”

“Hmmm.”

She could hear the sleepiness in his response, “Is it like this for every couple?”

Ross’s head was still laying down on her breast, “What do you mean?”

“Well, I just wondered, well we’ve been a couple like this for a while now, and our lovemaking is still very passionate and frequent. Is it like this for couples who live together or who are married?”

Ross raised his head to look at his love, “Baby, I don’t know. I’ve really only had one long term relationship, and most of that was spent apart because of Uni. I’ve never lived with anyone else except for you. I mean, I’ve heard husbands complain after being married for a while, after kids, that it’s not the same, but I don’t know if that’s just talk.”

“Oh. Well, what about your parents?” Demelza asked.

“My parents! Bloody fucking hell Demelza! Do you really want to put that image in my mind!! And here in bed with you! Christ on a bike!”

Demelza was laughing at Ross. “Judas Ross! Well they seem very loving toward each other, so I just wondered.”

“Yes, they are still very loving towards each other, and I just assume, Judas, I can’t believe that I’m going to say this, I’m just assuming that they are still very active …. Sexually.“ Demelza couldn’t help but laugh at Ross. “In fact, when I was growing up I walked in on them twice! And Demelza, a kid just can’t un-see that! It’s burned in my mind forever! Fuck, I need to go brush my teeth and take a shower now after that. Care to join me?”

“Sure, but we just need to get clean. No funny business. Don’t forget we have dinner plans for tonight!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

Demelza loved watching his naked arse walk away from her!

Demelza was still giggling at Ross, yelling out to him, “Ross, you said ‘Judas’!!

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

It was in the shower soaping each other up that they noticed the marks that they had left on each other!

“Judas Ross!”

He was looking around thinking there was a spider in the shower, “What? What’s wrong?”

She put her hand up to her mouth, “Your neck! I’m so sorry, I didna realise that I sucked that hard!”

Ross got a smile on his face, “Oh really? Is it that big?”

“I’m afraid it’s in a spot that might be hard to cover up! I’m so sorry! That was careless of me,” Demelza was upset with herself.

Ross just laughed, “Baby it’s okay, I’ll just wear a turtleneck tonight! No big deal.” Then he started looking around Demelza’s neck and spotted a mark on her neck as well, "Um well, it looks like you’re going to need a turtleneck as well!”

“What!? Really?” She started pulling down her skin like she could see it on herself making Ross laugh. “Ross, stop laughing! It’s not funny! We’re too old to be giving each other bite marks!”

“Oh dear, just a minute ago you were worried that we were going to stop having sex and now you’re upset because you have a couple of hickies on your neck!” Ross couldn’t stop smiling.

“A couple! A couple! Dammit Ross!” Demelza rushed out of the shower to look in the mirror. “Where? I don’t see two hickies, just the one!” Ross was really laughing now! “Ross Poldark you wanker!!” She stuck her hand in the shower and turned the cold water on full blast!

“Fuck Demelza that’s cold! Shit!!” He jumped out of the shower.

Demelza stuck her tongue out at him, “Now who’s laughing!”

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

Demelza was downstairs preparing a snack for the two of them so as not to spoil their appetite for dinner out tonight. Ross was still upstairs getting dressed and looking at his suits for the week coming up. Demelza was right about the hickey on his neck, he was going to have to cover it up somehow. He noticed his duffle bag in the bottom of the closet and what was hiding in it. He shut the bedroom door and pulled out his mother’s engagement ring. He opened the box to look at it. It was just as beautiful as ever. Set in rose gold, it might not have the biggest centre diamond in the world, probably not even a half carrot, but the way the middle round diamond was cut, it was brilliant and sparkled like a thousand carrots in the world. And the smaller round diamonds around the centre diamond just added to the daintiness of the ring.

What am I waiting for? A special weekend away? We’ve just spoken about having children, and even though Demelza’s not sure about them, do I really want to leave her if she doesn’t want to have kids? I just can’t see myself doing that. I’m so happy with her. I can’t imagine breaking up with her. I love our life together and I don’t want anyone else. I’ve already told her that I would support her in her decision if she doesn’t want children. So what else is there, Poldark???

“Ross are you still upstairs?” he heard Demelza yelling.

He opened the door, “Yeah, I’ll be right down.” He pulled the ring from the box and put it in his pocket.

Demelza had put a platter of veggies and dip with cheese and crackers on the coffee table with some drinks. “Are you in the mood for a movie?” she asked.

Then Ross spotted the backgammon game and got an idea. “Nah. How about a game of backgammon?” He walked over to get the game and set it on the coffee table next to the food.

Demelza was kind of surprised that he suggested backgammon because she always beat him! “Really? Alright, sounds like fun. We haven’t played in a while. Maybe you’ll win this time!”

“Haha very funny Dem! What time are we meeting Dr and Mrs Enys?”

Demelza laughed at how Ross referred to Caroline and Dwight, “6:30, so we have time for a game or two.” Demelza started setting up the board.

“Sounds grand,” Ross replied with a smile. They got comfy on the floor, sitting on pillows on opposite sides of the coffee table. They rolled one dye to see who would go first, and Demelza won of course. “Dammit! It’s starting already!”

“We don’t have to play if you don’t want to. We could play chess. We haven’t played that in a while,” Demelza offered to play the game that Ross was more skilled at playing.

Ross held up his hand, “No, no I can handle it. Go ahead, start the game.”

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

Ross couldn’t keep his mind on the game, nervous as to how he’s going to pull off his plan. Demelza had noticed that he was a little jittery, but she just thought it was because he was losing the game.

Demelza just landed on one of Ross’s stones and placed it on the bar, making that two stones on the bar for Ross. “Ross, what is wrong with you? Two stones on the bar, that’s not very good!”

“Damnit, I know, I know,” Ross answered back. He was trying to keep his eye on Demelza’s dice cup, but she kept picking it up and playing with it. He had to distract her somehow. He was taking his time making his next move. “Do we have any more dip?”

“I’m not sure. I’ll go check, but don’t roll your dice until I get back!”

“Of course not! Cheeky you!”

Demelza got up and went into the kitchen and Ross made his move. He took the engagement ring out of his pocket and quietly placed it in her dice cup with his shaking hands. Then he quickly set up his cell phone to record casually sitting on the sofa behind him. After all, he had to get this on video!

Demelza came back into the livingroom with more dip and sat back down, “Alright, this is the last of it. Go ahead and roll.”

“Thanks, babe.” Ross rolled the dice and it was the right number to get one of his stones back in play. “Yes!!! Today is my lucky day!!”

“We’ll see. You still have one more stone on the bar.” Demelza was shaking the dice in the dice cup, unaware that there is a special shiny something in the dice cup. She emptied out the contents of the cup on the board. At first she didn’t notice because she was busy looking at the dice, then all of a sudden she let out the shrillest scream that Ross has ever heard! “WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA” she jumped up to stand up and was covering her mouth with one hand and with the other was shaking a finger at the board!!! “Ross! Rooosss! What is that?” She was moving from one foot to the other!

“I don’t know, what is it that you’re staring at?”

She was still dancing from one foot to the other. Ross was getting a kick out of the scene. It was actually more of a reaction than he thought he would get out of Demelza. “Stop it Ross!”

Ross picked up the ring and stood up and took a step towards Demelza, and then got down on one knee.

“Demelza, my love. I know things have moved quickly between us. Lord knows, you hit me like a freight train on that aeroplane just a few short months ago. I had been doing my best to stay away from long term relationships, but I couldn’t help myself with you. I’m pretty sure that I fell in love, hopelessly in love with you on that aeroplane. I promise to support you in your hopes, your dreams, your career, if you will just do me the honour of becoming my wife and my partner for life. Will you marry me Demelza?”

Demelza’s whole body was shaking, and she just dropped to her knees. Tears were streaming down her cheeks, her blue eyes sparkling more than ever, one shaky hand covering her mouth. She felt like she was breathing so hard that she was going to pass out. Softly she said, “Oh Ross. Yes, of course I’ll marry you!”

Ross had the most joyous look on his face, “You will? Really?”

“Of course I will!” She held out her left hand, and Ross placed the ring on the ring finger of her left hand. He cupped Demelza’s face in his hands and gave her the most loving kiss. He didn’t want it to end. He pulled away and looked back down at the ring.

“It fits! I wasn’t sure if it would!”

Demelza gasped at the ring, “Oh Ross it’s perfect! I love it!”

Ross was grinning from ear to ear, “You do! It’s my mum’s! I’m so glad that you like it.”

Demelza was already moving her hand to watch it sparkle, “How could I not love it? It really is beautiful, and I love that it was your mum’s. And it does fit perfectly. I thought her hands were a wee bit larger than mine.”

“I think they are now, but they didn’t used to be.” He looked up in her eyes, “Oh Demelza you’ve made me so happy!

“Judas Ross, you’ve made me so happy. I had no idea that you were planning something like this! How long have you been planning on proposing?”

Ross realised that they were still sitting on the floor in an awkward position, so he helped Demelza up to sit on the sofa. “Honestly, just since I came out of the shower! I’ve had the ring since Nampara. Mama gave it to me when we were there, but I had no idea in my head when I would propose. This weekend has been so special, and I just couldn’t think of why I should wait, so here we are!” He leaned in and kissed her again, and leaned his forehead against hers.

“Is that why you wanted to play backgammon so badly?” Demelza’s was lighter and full of hope.

Ross laughed, “Yep! The idea just came to my head when I came downstairs and spotted the game! I was sweating it too. You kept playing with your dice cup and wouldn’t put it down! I was going out of my mind waiting for the perfect moment. So I finally had you go get more dip so I could put the ring in your cup and set up my phone to record!”

Now Demelza was laughing, “Well, aren’t you the sneaky one! And I’m so glad that you are! I can’t wait to tell Caroline and Dwight tonight! Caroline will scream almost as loud as I did!”

“I’m sure she will. But before we go, can we call my parents? I don’t want them to hear about it on Facetime.”

“Oh aye, do you wanna do that now?” Demelza asked.

“If that’s alright with you?”

“Of course.” Demelza was watching her ring sparkle again. “I can’t believe this is really happening to me!” Ross took her in his arms. “You can believe it. You make me so happy, Demelza.”

Ross called his mother, “Ross! I didn’t expect to hear from you again today. Is anything wrong?”

“No mama, everything’s perfect. Is da there with you?”

“Well yeah, he’s sitting right here with me, do you want to talk to him?’ Grace was really confused now.

“Let’s skype so I can talk to the both of you.”

“Okay, go ahead,” said Grace.

Joshua yelled, “I’m here Ross. What’s going on?”

“Hi da. Well I have Demelza here with me too.”

Demelza waved into the phone, “Hello everyone! How are you!”

Grace was getting impatient now, “Ross for heaven’s sake, what is going on!”

Ross was chuckling at his mother’s impatience, “We have some news for you. I just asked Demelza to marry me, and she said yes! Isn’t that great”

Grace and Joshua both gasped at the same time. “Oh Ross, Demelza! That makes us so happy!” Grace said.

“Absolutely, that’s the best news! Congratulations to the both of you and welcome to the family Demelza! We will love having you as our daughter!” Joshua added.

The tears started again for Demelza, “Oh goodness, you’ve got me in tears again. That’s so sweet of you both to say! I’m so lucky to be a part of your wonderful family!”

“And mama, Demelza is wearing your ring, and it fits perfectly!” Ross told his mother.

Grace was crying, “Oh that makes my heart happy! Demelza I hope that it gives you as much happiness as it has for me all of these years. And who knows, maybe you can pass it down to your first born.” That statement took Ross back since he had just spoken with his mother earlier about the possibility of not having any children.

Demelza grabbed Ross’s hand, “Thank you so much Grace. I love it. It’s so beautiful, and it really does fit perfectly.”

Ross looked at Demelza, “It’s like it was meant to be.” He wiped the tears from Demelza’s face.

Grace wiped her tears so that she could talk some more, “Yes, I think it certainly was. Oh Demelza, you are the perfect fit for Ross. I’m so grateful that he found you!”

Joshua noticed his wife looking tired and overwhelmed by the news, “Ross, I think we are going to hang up now, so you two can finish celebrating. I think your mother is ready for a kip. Congratulations again to the both of you. We love you!”

Ross’s chin started to tremble, “We love you too da. Thank you for everything. I love you!” Ross disconnected the call. Demelza was rubbing his shoulder and wrapped him up in a hug. Ross finally pulled back, wiping his own tears, “Hey, no more tears now, yeah? How’s about we take some pictures and selfies!”

The giddy couple took selfies together in different positions, of course showing the left hand with the ring, and then pictures of just the ring. Demelza wrapped her arms around Ross’s neck, "Sooo, after dinner tonight with Caroline and Dwight, we can post a few pictures, yeah!”

Ross looked deep into her eyes, “Yeah.” He rubbed his nose against Demelza’s and kissed her lips softly, and then again and again melting into her, kissing her ear, moving down to her neck with open mouth kisses. Then Ross felt a wet tongue on his cheek and it wasn’t Demelza’s, “Seamus! Get back boy! Go on, quit licking me!” Demelza was laughing at Seamus giving love to Ross and interrupting their celebration. Seamus knocked Ross over and was licking his master all over his face! Ross was laughing so hard, but he’d much rather be kissing his new fiance. “Come on Seamus get up now! Enough!” Ross was finally able to get Seamus off of him and stand up. “Well, so much for a celebratory snog!” He looked at his watch, “It’s almost time to go meet Caroline and Dwight, I need to change before we go.” “Yeah, I guess I do too, but we can finish this later.” Demelza stated. “Well, I’m looking forward to it, Mrs. Poldark,” Ross raised his eyebrow at Demelza and gave her another kiss.

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

Ross came down the steps dressed and ready to go to dinner, to find Demelza standing by the front window moving the engagement ring around to see it sparkle in the light. The diamond was almost as brilliant as the smile on her face. Ross quietly walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her ear, “Hello Mrs Poldark!”

Demelza turned around in Ross’s arms and looked up at him, “Not yet! Don’t jinx us!” She put her hands on Ross’s turtleneck to smooth it out.

Ross leaned down to kiss the side of her forehead, “Are you happy?”

“Oh Ross, I’ve never been happier. I can’t believe this has all happened to me. But Ross, are you sure you want to get married? You didn’t propose just because you thought it was the right thing to do?”

Ross furrowed his brow, “What the hell are you talking about Demelza? Of course I want to marry you! I proposed to you because I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Why would you think otherwise?”

“Well, we really haven’t talked much about getting married, and we’ve only just mentioned whether or not to have children. I don’t want you to regret it down the line if we..don’t have children.”

Ross let out a sigh, “You’re right, we haven’t really talked about marriage formally, but we’ve talked about long term. And as far as children go, if you decide that you really, really don’t want to have children, then I will respect that. But I think that we should have future conversations about it before that decision is made. But no matter what, I will still love you, and I will still want you to be my wife. Understood?” Ross leaned down and lifted her chin up with a finger. “Hey love, I don’t want anyone else but you, okay? I am very happy and I hope you are too.”

Demelza looked up into his whiskey eyes, “I am very happy. I just wanted to make sure you are.”

Ross smiled, “Well, then it’s settled. Are you ready to go meet the Enys’s?”

Demelza laughed, “You better not let Caroline hear you call them that!”

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

Ross and Demelza arrived at the restaurant, ready to make the big announcement. Demelza had insisted that they both try to wear something to cover up their hickies, so Ross was wearing a turtleneck jumper, and Demelza was wearing a scarf, so hopefully Caroline wouldn’t figure it out. Ross hadn’t been able to wipe the smile off his face since they’d left the house. He grabbed Demelza’s hand and kissed it before opening the door of the restaurant. The hostess showed them to the table where Dwight and Caroline were sitting. Ross whispered to her to bring three bottles of Proseco over to the table. Dwight and Caroline stood to greet their friends and exchange hugs and kisses, then everyone sat down in a cosy booth.

Dwight had a big smile on his face, “So how is everyone doing? We haven’t seen much of each other since New Year’s.”

Demelza was doing her best to hold her hands under the table until the right moment. She could have sworn that Caroline was staring at her, so she was trying to focus on Dwight.

Ross pushed his sleeves up a bit and put one arm around Demelza’s shoulders, “Oh we’ve been busy with Demelza’s schedule at the orchestra and the private lessons that she’s taking. I’m hoping to be moved to the charity division shortly so that will be fun learning new things. How about you two? Are you still picking up extra shifts at the A&E?”

Caroline butted in, “No he’s not, he’s much too busy with me to be picking up extra shifts. Aren’t you darling?”

Dwight shook his head, “Whatever you say darling. Whatever you say!” That made Ross laugh really loud, throwing his head back to show his almost perfect white teeth.

Demelza had been looking around the restaurant, “I don’t think I’ve ever been here before. Have you Caroline? I wonder what’s good here?”

Just then the server brought over two bottles of Proseco and four glasses. Dwight furrowed his brow, “Hey mate, we didn’t order Proseco!”

The server stopped pouring and looked at Ross. “Actually, I ordered the Proseco, so keep pouring!” The server finished pouring into the four glasses and left the two couples.

Dwight looked at Ross confused, “What’s the occasion?”

Ross looked at Demelza like he was going to burst, “Well, I asked Demelza to marry me, and she said yes!” He gave Demelza a quick kiss and then she raised her left hand to show off her ring! And as expected, Caroline shrieked loudly enough for the whole restaurant to turn around and stare at them! Dwight was shaking his head at Caroline, and Ross was laughing even louder while he scooted out of the booth so that Demelza and Caroline could get up to hug and scream some more while Caroline looked at the ring. It was obvious enough to the rest of the restaurant patrons that they all started clapping!

“Oh my God Demelza why didn’t you tell me!!” Caroline said.

“I did, I did! It just happened a couple hours ago!” Demelza said.

“Oh my gosh! Let me see it again!”

Demelza showed off the ring to Caroline again, “It’s Ross’s mum’s engagement ring! And it fits perfectly!”

Caroline put her hand over her heart, “Oh Demelza that’s so sweet! And it’s beautiful, and very vintage! Ross, I’m so mad at you, why didn’t you tell me that you were going to propose to my best friend!!!”

Ross raised his hands, “Sorry Caroline, I didn’t know that I was supposed to clear it with you first! I didn’t even tell Dwight!”

“No he didn’t,” said Dwight. “Although you did tell me that you brought the ring back from Nampara.”

Caroline smacked Dwight on the arm, “And you didn’t even tell me that! Dr. Enys! How could you keep me in the dark!”

Ross was laughing at Caroline, “Caroline he kept you in the dark, so that you wouldn’t blab to Demelza that I brought the ring back with me!”

Caroline gasped at Ross. Demelza just smiled watching all of the exchanges going on.

Dwight raised his glass, “Well, I must make a toast for this most auspicious occasion, to the beautiful, intelligent, talented Demelza, who swept my best mate off of his feet and was finally able to make him a deliriously happy man for the first time in his life. To Demelza!” They all raised their glasses to toast to Demelza which made her face turn redder than her hair! That was the first of many toasts made that evening. By the end of the meal, Caroline and Demelza were sitting next to each other with their heads together already planning the wedding, and Dwight and Ross were sitting next to each other just taking it all in.

Dwight leaned into Ross, “Thanks a lot mate.”

Ross looked at him, “For what?”

“For putting more pressure on me to propose now! They’re probably planning a double wedding as we speak!”

Ross laughed at his best friend, “Sorry about that mate. I didn’t even think about that.” He picked up the second empty Proseco bottle. “Should I order another one?”

“No! I have to work in the morning,” Dwight yelled at him. “So, I suppose that any issues were worked out? Since you proposed so quickly?”

Ross was shaking his head, “You suppose correctly my friend. And I’m going to start looking for a new place.”

Dwight’s eyebrows raised, “Really? I thought you liked your place?”

“Oh I do, but it’s much too small. Demelza needs a proper music room, and I’d like a bigger office, and Seamus could use a bigger garden. And you know, some extra bedrooms for guests.”

“Or babies?” Dwight said, looking at Ross.

Ross shrugged his shoulders, “Possibly.”

Dwight smiled at Ross’s comment, “I imagine Grace and Joshua were very happy with the announcement.”

Demelza had turned from Caroline to look at Ross. Dwight had a big grin on his face, “Yes, they were very happy. We facetimed so they could see Demelza wearing the ring.”

Dwight was nodding and then furrowed his brow, “Sooo do you have an idea of when the wedding will be? Before or after Grace’s surgery?”

Demelza looked at Ross, “We hadn’t thought of her surgery. Is that an issue, Dwight?”

Dwight shook his head, “It could be. Recovery time could vary a lot. She’ll have tubes and drains in for quite a while. And there’s always a risk of infection with those. Has the surgery been scheduled yet?”

“No, they want her to do more chemo first, which she’s not happy about. So this recovery time, what do you think, two months, three months?” Ross asked.

“Mmmore like four to six months, longer if infection sets in. It can take a lot out of a woman.”

Demelza spoke up, “Do you think we should have the wedding before the surgery?”

Dwight squinted, “I don’t want to tell you what to do, but if you don’t get married before her surgery, you might want to wait until she’s fully recovered, maybe a year down the road. Sorry if I just spoiled any plans.”

“No, I’m glad you spoke up, Dwight. I guess we will need to talk about it when we get home,” Demelza responded in a low tone.

Caroline noticed the look on Demelza’s face, “Well it doesn’t matter, Dem. Either way I will make sure that you have the wedding of your dreams! Just leave everything to me!”

Demelza put her hand on top of Caroline’s, “Thanks Caroline.”

Ross was watching Demelza. They will have a lot to decide in the next couple of days. He stood up and reached out a hand to Demelza, “Well my love, it’s getting late and I think it’s time we head home.”

Demelza stood up and took his hand, “Are you going to be okay to drive?”

Dwight and Caroline both looked up at Ross. “Don’t look at us, we took a Lyft, mate,” Dwight said. “You want to share one with us?”

Ross’s permanent smile was still on his face, “Well, yeah I guess we probably should.” They all laughed at Ross.

Caroline stood up, “Oh and by the way…” she walked over to Ross and pulled down his turtleneck to expose the love bites, and then pulled Demelza’s scarf off, “You two are so busted!!!”

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

Ross and Demelza practically fell through the front door laughing their head off after leaving Dwight and Caroline in the Lyft car. The Prosecco had definitely gone to their heads. Ross had loudly shut the front door and locked it, stirring up Seamus in the process. He was bouncing around and jumping up on Ross, practically knocking him over, which really didn’t take much effort given Ross’s intoxicated state. Luckily Ross was able to catch himself on the couch.

“Ross are you alright?”

“Yes, yes I’m fine. I better let this mongrel outside. Come on boy, let's head out the back door.”

Demelza followed them to the kitchen. Demelza yawned, “Okay, I’m gonna grab us a couple of bottles of water and head upstairs, yeah?”

Ross shook his head, “Sounds good. I’ll be up as soon as I take care of Seamus.”

Demelza stood at the fridge and took off her shoes, unzipped her pants and took them off and laid them on the kitchen island, and then grabbed the water and headed upstairs.

Ross came back inside with Seamus and locked the door and gave him some water and started to head upstairs. He stopped at the island and noticed Demelza’s pants laying on it, along with her shoes. He chuckled and picked them up and took them upstairs, groaning on the way up.

He found Demelza sitting on the bed attempting to remove her blouse but it was tangled with the scarf that she had worn to hide the love bites.

Ross stood and looked at her fighting with her clothes. “Oh love, here, let me help you before you rip your blouse.” He was able to untangle the scarf and then worked on unbuttoning her blouse, “Demelza, my love, do you know what I found downstairs on the kitchen island?”

“Hmmm?”

Ross was starting to giggle at this point, “I found your pants and your shoes on the kitchen island! I didn’t think you’d had that much to drink?”

“What did you say? Nooo, I don’t think that you drunk that much? Did I?”

Ross couldn’t help but smile at this beautiful person before him. This was only the second time he had seen Demelza tipsy, so it tickled him to watch her right now. He sat down on the bed next to her and turned her back towards him so he could unhook her bra. He started rubbing her back, “There, better?”

Demelza nodded her head. “Mmmmuch better. Thanks you much very for taking care of me, Ross.”

Ross couldn’t help but laugh at Demelza’s backward words. “You’re welcome much very.” Ross started kissing the back of her neck and her back, giving her shivers. Ross chuckled.

Demelza jumped and gasped, “Ross!”

Ross jumped, “What? What’s wrong?”

“We have to tell Drake! We have to call him!” she exclaimed.

Ross closed his eyes and smiled, “We will baby, but tomorrow. It’s too late tonight to call him tonight, yeah?”

“Oh yeah, right.”

“Right, I’m going to go to the bathroom and get ready for bed, okay?”

“Okay. I love you Ross.”

Ross was giggling, “I love you too Demelza. I’ll be right out in a bit.”

Ross went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. Demelza took off her earrings and her bracelet and climbed under the covers to get comfortable.

Ross came out of the bathroom ready for a night of lovemaking to celebrate their engagement. He stepped through the door in just his boxers, ready to give Demelza a corny, sexy pose, only to find her asleep under the blankets with a smile on her face, her red hair scattered on the pillow around her head.

He leaned against the door frame and just smiled at the vision in front of him. “Oh well my love, there’s always tomorrow night.” He tip-toed around the room to turn off the lights and climbed into bed beside her. He leaned over and gently kissed her head and settled in behind her to wrap his arm around her. “Good night my fiance!”

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

The engagement ring Ross gave Demelza! You might have to click on the link twice.

#aidan turner #modernpoldark #poldark #ross poldark #six sentence sunday #demelza carne #demelza poldark #work in progress

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