#carmichael thorn | ▪︎ orphan au ▪︎ |

[clubsmarties]

Five Songs To Describe Orphan Boy ™️

Closing Time - Semisonic

Closing time, open all the doors

And let you out into the world

Closing time, turn all of the lights on

Closing time, you don't have to go home

But you can't stay here

I know who I want to take me home

I know who I want to take me home

I know who I want to take me home

Take me home

Closing time, time for you to go out

To the places you will be from

Even Flow - Pearl Jam

Freezin', rests his head on a pillow made of concrete, again

Oh, feelin' maybe he'll see a little better, set a days, ooh yeah

Oh, hand out, faces that he sees time again ain't that familiar,

Kneelin', looking through the paper though he doesn't know to read, ooh yeah

Oh, prayin', now to something that has never showed him anything

Oh, feelin', understands the weather of the winter's on its way

Oh, ceilings, few and far between all the legal halls of shame, yeah

Elderly Woman Behind The Counter - Pearl Jam

I seem to recognize your face

Haunting, familiar yet

I can't seem to place it

Cannot find the candle of thought to light your name

Lifetimes are catching up with me

All these changes taking place

I wish I'd seen the place

But no one's ever taken me

Plush - Stone Temple Pilots

Where ya going for tomorrow?

Where ya goin' with the mask I found

And I feel, and I feel

When the dogs begin to smell her

Will she smell alone?

And I feel, so much depends on the weather

So is it raining in your bedroom?

And I see, that these are the eyes of disarray

Would you even care?

Swallowed - Bush

Swallowed, followed

Heavy about everything but my love

Swallowed, sorrowed

I'm with everyone and yet not

I'm with everyone and yet not

I'm with everyone and yet

Just wanted to be myself

× tagged by @overnightheartbeats

× tagging but don't feel obligated to; @isleofmuses / @4fter-hours @thestoriesincoffeestains /

[clubsmarties]

This is the her picture: sent by @overnightheartbeats

Choosing just one proved to be harder than expected so have three! That first one just something angelic about it if we leave out the fact you smashed it at the air hockey table and wiped the floor with Aaron and Issac. I may also like that shirt too. You don't know. Third is obvious because I like stripes ( jk. It may be your smile who knows.) The second one is you in a nutshell. I say hey stand there let me take a picture and you pull out the camera to get a picture of a picture. 🤣 you're silly but I still haven't returned you. So, guess you're alright.

[clubsmarties]

@overnightheartbeats

[clubsmarties]

—

Holding eye contact was a rare occurrence for him. More often opting for quick glances as he went his merry way but hovering over Laurel's frame right now gave him a euphoric feeling. Staring and having her stare back was unlike anything he'd ever experienced.

He smirked against her inner thigh as he heard her stuttering words. "Mhmm," came his uttered hum against her left thigh. "Would you like me to stop?" His husky voice slipped through as his eyes shot up to give her a quick glance. He couldn't help the smirk that flashed over his features as he took her in, drank her in was more accurate. The noises she was making felt like a chorus hallelujah's he wanted to keep eliciting from her.

His hand stopped the miniscule motions that they were doing on her hip bones and ducked down to kiss around her naval. Her silent request to rid him of his sweater was accepted as he leaned back and helped her pull it off him. Having the garment land somewhere next to the one she had discarded earlier. Once that was done he went back to his original task, eliciting those sweet moans of hers. He buried his head between her breasts as he took his time swirling his tongue, teasing her enjoying the fact that he could. He purposely avoided the bud not wanting to give her what she desired just yet.

—

"I think my hips have some hope, but I'll let you be the judge of that." How easily their banter grew. "Sign me up then, I'd love to go with you." It didn't go unnoticed, a worthwhile partner. Laurel wasn't sure if she would consider herself that worthwhile partner, but she was eager to try.

"That's really sweet of them, they send you care packages every month? Well, not to worry. I can be patient, no rush on those waffles. I think I am seeing that glow you're talking about."

Being under him was a feeling unlike any other. The intensity of his gaze pierced right through her. It almost made her shy away, but she couldn't look away from those beautiful, green eyes. This didn't feel real, a moment outside of the world. A moment just for them.

The shiver coursing through her body came in waves. Gasps escaped her, the feeling of him being so close to her inner thighs was leaving her with no coherent thoughts. His warm mouth on her was a fireworks show, head leaning back in complete pleasure as another breathy moan left her. It was only a moment before she looked back at him, meeting his eyes through his eyelashes, reaching to run her hand through his hair. He had to know, definitely had to know how he was driving her crazy. They had learned how easily they got along while talking, but here with him, she was discovering how easily they got along without speaking too. She gently tugged on his sweater, silently encouraging him to remove it, pleading really. Just wanting to run her hands through every bit of skin available. "I'm...you're...like to tease, don't you?" Like her thoughts, her words coming out incoherent and breathy.

[clubsmarties]

​❝ let’s go get hot chocolate then go for a walk. ❞ - eli/laurel (following your theme of recovery era & shenanigans) @overnightheartbeats

Laurel must have sensed his jitteriness at being put on bedrest for the duration of his last week of recovery and for that he was grateful. He hardly complained as she tended to him which gave them slight domestic bliss. They had a lot of time to make up for, with his temporary memory loss and the fact that laurel saved his life being a match for the necessary organ. They took given a second chance to another level. So, as he watched her move around the room, his room which was now more like their room he couldn't help but smile.

"You've done enough, come take a seat." Eli patted the side of the bed willing her to come to him. He reached out for her and pulled her in as he left whisker like kisses against her lips. The idea she came out with made him smile. "Yes," he breathed into her mouth and nodded. "Lets go get hot chocolate and put cinnamon on it. Also maybe ice cream. Can't have hot without the cold. But first," he nibbled on her lip before he sucked on it and gave her a kiss. "Stay here for a second." His voice was low like the room would get their secrets if he spoke any louder.

"Just a few more minutes." Eli murmured as he enjoyed the feel of her lips against his and had a vague memory of wanting to do this when he laid there in bed out of commission.

[clubsmarties]

❝ i’ll race you through the corn maze! ❞ - isaac/eli (sorry....isaac insisted)

"That one right there?" Eli asked as a smirk quickly formed on his features. A glint of mischief since Issac always fed him. One more quick glance at their girls and he nodded. "You're on, just don't get lost." He nudged into him and flicked his nose to get an advantage and took off.

Reaching one end of it he looked up and saw the sun was angled to the south which meant taking a left would have him crash into a bush and taking a right would get him to the other end before Issac so that way he went.

Slightly out of breath he tried to steady his breathing before he leaned against one of the ends of the maze and twirled his ribbon he had gotten from one of the other booths and grinned. "Damn, you're losing your touch. Might need a round two in front of your girl so you can run faster."

[clubsmarties]

plucked from chaos meme || @overnightheartbeats

"It's really killing you that you don't have any more details than that huh?" Eli laughed but knew he wouldn't budge. He had a pretty good poker face and even if they guessed correctly over why he wanted them to come down, he wouldn't confirm to them over their face time call.

Emma confirming their flight made him smugly smile. "I'll be there. I honestly can't wait for you two to grill Issac. There's a lot to catch up on. Also, because I'm so nice. Dinner plans have been made as we speak. Alright guys, gotta go. Laurel says hi. See you tomorrow."

—

It was a little early but as he checked flight status he knew being early would be an advantage. Kicking around the floor anticipation coursed through him. Seeing Inez and Emma in person made him giddy. He did have half a mind to ask them if they'd ever move down here but he knew they both had lives they needed to venture out to. Though with the news of the family expanding he could say that would be incentive enough. He'd get there after. Right now as he looked up he saw the two faces he had come learned to know as family.

Opening up his arms for them he grinned at them.

[clubsmarties]

"When?" Eli asked on the verge of a laughing fit. "Have you ever behaved? Pretty sure baby girl there is proof neither of us can behave." True in their nature there were more moments where they misbehaved than actually behaved and that made him laugh. "One thing is for sure she won't be alone." Whether that was because of found cousins or not their daughter was not going to know what it was like not to feel loved. "The badge? Oh you're a sexy rebel. Let's keep your record untouched. Don't want our kid to judge you."

And I love you would never get old. He would always love hearing it come from her. The way she loved him even down to the fragments made him feel lucky that she had stuck around for the ups and downs. "Has it made me sexier though," he asked, a playful smile gracing his lips. "Thanks for the vote of confidence baby." He'd forgive Issac he knew it. Laurel knew it and deep down even Issac knew it. Their bond was just too strong to be broken by a deep misunderstanding. The guy saw past the nerdy comic book era and still welcomed him into his space. That would never not count for something. Rosaline made his head turn to her and a soft smile flashed across his features. "Rosaline Phillips Thorn." He liked the name and how well it flowed. A wide grin overtook him as he laughed. "I think that's it. That's her name. Nickname we can keep as Rosebud. But oh my god we did it. She's not nameless anymore." He made a zipped lip gesture and nodded as he waited for her to drop the name and once he heard it he smiled. "Aurora. Well hot damn I like that one too. Do you think we can arm wrestle her for it?" Eli teased knowing full well he was wise not to fuck with juju.

"Things keep getting in the way , but it also wouldn't be us if our good news didn't keep being sidelined one way or another. We'll tell them before they leave. Maybe you can convince them to stay and move." Wishful thinking on his part but also not impossible. With a niece on the way, Inez and Emma would have an excuse to not be so far away. "I do think so. Isa would have his entire family in one place and he wouldn't have to travel back and forth. I'd love them to be closer. Maybe we can float the idea at dinner with them?"

He tried to hide his smile as she got sidetracked with the tiramisu, a regular occurrence the last few months. His sleeve covered his knowing smile as he took a bite of his churro and licked the cinnamon off his lips. "I may have the number on my phone," he made his voice level as he passed her his phone for her to look at. The screen lighting up and showing off a silly picture of themselves at the pier. He had promised he'd change it but he still hadn't gotten around to it. The pass code he knew she knew as it combined all their favorite numbers.

"Are you done with this piece?" he asked as he chewed his own and covered a yawn. "Who would have thought this outing would make me sleepy. Glad I have the day off tomorrow. I don't think I have the energy to be work me walking around at the station."

"I'm glad to hear, we'll make sure to put it on the calendar." She was smiling as they talked about their future, thinking of their baby girl having the family that they, for one reason or another, didn't always have. "True, first-time experience. Not sure I'm ready, but I'll do my best to not break you in half," she teased with a wink. Although, she knew that this was going to be one of the most difficult things she'd do. It was terrifying, but she felt a smidge better knowing he'd be by her side through it all. Staring at him like it was her full-time job, that had not changed in all these years. Each time, she looked at him like he was the moon and the stars. His smug smile only confirmed that subtly still wasn't one of her traits. Watching him lick his lips was the epitome of unfair, just for a second, biting on her lower lip. "Would we? Could use my pregnancy excuse, or see if the badge gets us out of it." Unlikely, and it also wasn't something she carried around these days. But, as she joked, Laurel dropped her finger and just leaned in for a quick peck. "Kidding babe, I can behave."

She felt a warmth in her chest when he kissed her hand, taking his hand and gently squeezing. "And I love you," pressing a kiss to the back of his hand. Laurel could make no promises that she could stop, no on and off switch there, but she sure as hell would try. Tormenting Eli with this was not what she wanted. She had apologized, he had forgiven her. Like all the other times, they would get through this - something she had to count on. “True, we did find our way with all of that. And, you guys will too. Look at you, fatherhood is already making you wiser,” she commented with a small smile. Baby names were all they had been thinking about lately. They cycled through family names, varying websites, and the books she’d been exchanging with Juju. Yet, nothing really struck them. “Our little Rosebud," the mention of the flower relation to her name brought one of their early memories to the forefront. That afternoon at the diner, talking about her name, and now here they were, talking about their child's. Her face lit up with his suggestions, how had it not occurred to them earlier. "Rosie sounds cute," but it felt like something was missing from it. "I like the road you're going on, Rosie...Rosalie, hm no." Her brows were furrowed in deep thought, all the names they've looked at beginning to blur together. After a minute or two, she finally perked up. "What do you think about Rosaline?" Laurel 's face softened as her laughter filled the space. "Right? I thought Juju was pranking me when she told me, but yup. They found her name, I do know. I wasn't supposed to, but you know Juju and I have no secrets. It slipped by her, I'll tell you but don't tell anyone else." Completely teasing, knowing he wouldn't, but it amused her to say. "They picked Aurora." Like the princess, she just thought.

Laurel leaned into him while she began eating her delicious churro. "Always so generous, just know we love you for it. And, we thank you for your sweets stash." We, the word kept floating in her mind. How their we was evolving and expanding to include their girl. "I hope she never loses that energy. We've known each other that long, a whole lifetime. I can't believe she's all grown up now." Laurel's dimpled smile made an appearance, feeling a warmth rise in her chest. "Almost like she manifested that for me. Took some time, but we got there, and we haven't even told them that piece yet." That was a piece they had chosen to keep as a surprise until his siblings arrived, but with everything that had happened, those news just didn't seem appropriate to share anymore. "She's a gem, I love her. Like my own little sister." Just another thing that she was grateful for, bringing in more family to her life. "It was reminding me of that cabin trip, Less drama that time around, but I guess that's family. Moving to Chicago, that's a long way from here." Moving seemed like such a foreign concept. They both had been in Texas quite some time, but she was curious if his thoughts on moving back home had changed. "But I understand them wanting to be closer, it would be great to have more family here. Do you think they're open to moving out here? Isa might benefit from having them closer, we could help them settle in here if they decide to move. I agree, we owe them a fun time after coming all the way out here. The Italian spot? Their outdoor seating is the cutest, with those standing heaters too. Comfy bench is a bonus too. Oh my god, and they have that tiramisu," okay, she was back on her sweets kick (one she rarely left these days). "I'll call them when we get home to make a reservation.”

The soft napkin on her skin tickled, but she knew. Churros were never a clean operation. HIs stern voice had her shaking her head in between laughter, but he was right. Something she appreciated, the way he looked out for her. Because right now, she could have churros for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. "Yes captain, I promise. Actual food first and treats later, you can keep the churros away from me until then. We should get some for them to enjoy too.” Taking a swig of the water, Laurel saw the Phillips siblings approach the front of the line. At least, the outing had not been a complete disaster. “Here, let’s switch. I get water and you get your churro.”

[clubsmarties]

@overnightheartbeats

Guy Madison & Robert Mitchum in Till the End of Time , 1946 dir. Edward Dmytryk

[clubsmarties]

He smiled softly at her as his face leaned into her palm. It seemed in the moment that it was just more than their relationship had fractured. Their friendship suffered along with it and for that he was going to spend his lifetime trying to make it up to her. "Because your kisses need to be judged. We've been at this long how long?" He asked, clear smirk on his features. "You should know by now." Two of his fingers pressed into her wrist and rubbed small circles around it. "Took me long enough. I was always in there but I was my own block. I should have done a better job at making this work." This included coming back from the dead. Too bad that they didn't sell books on how to reestablish a life after seeing it flash before your eyes.

"I am ready. We've been apart for far too long. We missed our anniversary, your birthday. It's time to make it up to you. While I don't think we can ever go back to how we were. I think we can look for something better in the future." With that he caressed her ring finger, the thought was a terrifying one. Now was something he could see but not soon. "To be honest, my neck was suffering on that sofa. We need to buy another one. Better one."

Laurel was listening to whoever was on the other end of the line, but she couldn't bring herself to concentrate on their words. Her mind was going back to her earlier action. She had promised him time, but her heart got carried away. It wasn't anything crazy, just a kiss on the cheek, yet she felt bad for even that.

Thoughts interrupted. Her mind was already a frenzy, but his touch set her soul ablaze. Awakening every part of her. The grip on her phone loosened, and she pressed the side button to turn it off, setting it down on the counter behind them. It had been months that she felt his lips on hers. But, most importantly, the first time in months that she didn't feel a barrier between them, keeping her miles away from him despite sharing an apartment together.

If she wasn't so caught up in the feeling of his kiss, she probably would've teared up, just thinking of his closeness. The love she had kept for him all this time, was a wilted flower returning to life the moment he accepted it once more. Nothing held more importance in this moment. It was impossible to hide her joy and eagerness to return his kiss, arms wrapping around him as he rested his hands on her waist.

She was in a daze, a loose smile drawn as her fingertips brushed her own lips. That had really happened. A million thoughts ran through her mind, as it had been on pause, and the play button was pressed the moment he pulled back. But, none of it made it out. "You are always judging my kisses," she playfully complained, thinking of the first kiss..or peck, they shared. He still maintained that wasn't an 'actual kiss'. "But, I like that you correct me. I've missed you too," her hand reaching up to softly caress his cheek.

Laurel shook her head, leaning in to rest her forehead against his. "It's not your fault, I'm just glad you came back to me," she confessed. The thought of losing him had crossed her mind at some point during those months, a thought that shattered her heart each time. "Really?" her breathy voice full of surprise. Was she sure she wasn't dreaming? "Are you sure? I would love that, but we don't have to move so fast if you're not ready."

[clubsmarties]

@overnightheartbeats

“There are some people who could hear you speak a thousand words, and still not understand you. And there are others who will understand — without you even speaking a word.”

— Yasmin Mogahed

[clubsmarties]

@overnightheartbeats

[clubsmarties]

@overnightheartbeats

[clubsmarties]

@overnightheartbeats

[clubsmarties]

@overnightheartbeats

[clubsmarties]

@overnightheartbeats

unbuttoning anything for someone is… incredibly intimate and cinematographical, oscar worthy to say the least