#carmichael thorn | ▪��� orphan au ▪︎ |

[clubsmarties]

Eli smiled and sighed as he chewed his lip before getting up off the chair to be centimeters away from her face. That almost mischievous childlike smile displayed as he brought her chin up with his fingertip and pressed a fleeting but warm kiss on her soft plump lips. "I don't think kissing you would ever disappoint me." He situated himself back on his chair and wrapped his ankles around the legs of the seat. "The saddle night was a good day. I'm sorry it got cut short. My little sister needed me and if you ever meet her, you'd see why. She and I are really close. She's my best friend. Just don't tell my brother and sister," he chuckled making his eyebrows crease. "Our little secret." The thought had crossed his mind once but ended up deciding that it was best if he didn't. "I wanted to but I think I'm going to stay or find some place to settle that would still be a flight away from them. I think I exhausted my time in Chicago." A sort of melancholy took over his voice saying that out loud. Her excitement was contagious and it made him nod. "I'd love to meet your best friends. That's a genuine feeling because I don't normally like to meet people." The bribery bit had him smile at her. He did wonder what she'd have up her sleeve.

"Don't worry about that. I don't deem you too much. Has anyone ever deemed you to be too much?" His curiosity had gotten him to ask the question. Otherwise he didn't think she'd have hesitancy over being known. "Realism isn't a bad thing. Though it's good to have a balance." he hummed and nodded. "We can learn together. I know a few things but the kitchen isn't really my forte. Eating is though. I wouldn't mind learning together and coming up with different recipes to try." It was a nice thought. Laurel and him in the kitchen making something and having fun. Not paying too much attention to the exact recipe just winging it at times. He smiled as they fluttered one quick time and shook his head. "I'll proudly take the title then. I don't know who to thank. Mom or dad could have had green eyes. Who knows."

"I fooled you with my subpar dancing skills. Mama P used to love to be twirled so every chance we got we used to twirl her. So she'd take us around the kitchen to dance. It was Papa P who used to teach us how to lead." The last time he skiied was last Christmas. The last holiday that was normal. "Not since last year. It was a family trip. I've got a picture of that time in my dorm. I love the snow. It's a magical place and would love to go back. Maybe rent a cabin and spend the holidays there." A dream he knew that couldn't be made reality since he didn't have the funds to actually do it. At least not yet. "Have you ever been?" He shrugged his shoulders and cleared his throat. "Some people deem readers dorky and nerdy. So, it is not everyone's favorite hobby." She was cute when she laughed and her eyes sparkled with that joy. "It has worked. You have charmed me. Maybe now you should write a self help book on how to flirt the right amount."

"A one person type huh? Seems like we've got that in common." The smile he threw her was one that was half amused. "Cheerleading and tennis? Consider me more than intrigued. Do you still remember your cheer routine?" He'd wait until later to let her know he was one of the few cheer guys at the bottom of the pyramid. She didn't need to know that right now. "Silence isn't all bad. It depends on the person you're with. If they're using silence as a means for punishment then yeah that is not good. But if you're sitting in silence with someone who makes it safe and warm then you'd find it's also very fun. As for stargazing we should go sometime? I can't say I'll be full of facts but maybe I'll end up surprising you." Just then their food arrived and he grabbed it. "Shall we head back to the room?"

Laurel shook her head before smiling at his question. "Are you disappointed the kiss wasn't my favorite part? Maybe I just need a reminder," she teased. Although, she quickly corrected the confusion. "Sorry, I did mean the Halloween dance being my favorite part of the night though. That time at the Saddle, the kiss took the prize that night." Her head tilted curiously when he spoke of his siblings, she remembered him sharing about his move to Texas. Laurel just wondered why leaving became the choice if it wasn't top of the list. "I get it. It must've been a difficult decision to leave. Would you move back, after school?" She nodded in confirmation, her smile remaining as they talked of her dad. "Yep. I mean, not near campus, but he lives in Austin. I get to see him some weekends, or if he's near campus, we grab lunch." Laurel's happiness couldn't be contained, even now that he mentioned stopping by the diner. "Wait, really? Not because of the special, but just so you can say hi. If you wanted." Her eyes were practically shining with anticipation, the thought of bribing him started as a joke, but now she was eager to put it in practice. "Wow, so free rein in the bribery space. I'll begin thinking of bribing options." A moment was spent trying to decipher if he was serious, and she leaned yes. "Good to know, because now I know I definitely won't keep them to myself."

His head tilt was enough to have her quickly provide more context to her words. He seemed genuinely lost, as if not liking each other wasn't an option. "No no, I didn't mean because of you." She was almost certain there was nothing he could say that would deter her. "I just meant like...you deem I'm too much after you get to know me. Hey, I have confidence in this. Just a smidge of realism." Getting her hopes up would be devastating, but she couldn't bring herself to fall into that rabbit hole. Instead, focusing on his dramatic gestures. Laurel grimaced for a second, wooed with food. "I'll need to learn how to cook more than a grilled cheese." She hoped he meant the different food places she could take him to. If cooking was in question, she had just been given a map to his heart that she couldn't use. Unless she took up cooking classes. Yep, that could be an option. Laurel couldn't help the burst of laughter while he fluttered his eyes. Was it wrong to say that it was hot and incredibly charming? How was she not supposed to fall? "Yup, those eyes. Hm," feigning to be thinking about whether he took the title or not. "Yes, definitely the prettiest I've seen."

"I can never contain my questions, as you've seen, so you won't need to worry about that. I'll ask each time." Her curiosity won each time, and even the awkward questions didn't keep her. His answer surprised her, evidenced by the amused grin that followed. "Really? The way you were dancing, I would've thought it was a main hobby." Being led in the dance floor was definitely a new one for her. "Suitable might be a stretch, but any time you need a dance partner, I'll happily sign up. Why's it boring? There's boring books, sure, but don't know about the whole activity." Not really her cup of tea, too much silence. "I knew you were full of surprises, skiing is an interesting one. Have you been recently? I mean, I know Texas is not really the spot for it." At the question of her own hobbies, Laurel's thoughts ran trying to think of something. Only distracted by his follow-up question, which made her laugh once more, covering her face momentarily. "It's working then? I knew that how-to guide would come in handy," she joked, gaze peeking through her fingertips covering her face, before her hands dropped back on the counter. "But nope, not on my hobby list. That'd mean flirting everywhere, and that's more of a one-person thing for me. I'm trying to find new things to be honest. I did cheerleading way back when, some tennis and that was fun. Lately, books are also making my list." Because of school, but still. "I really like stargazing, not super great at it, but it's nice. The good kind of silence."

[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]

​❝ 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]

"Ugh," Juju rolled her eyes and sighed. This she knew. "It was peer pressure from the people there. They spooked them into thinking it wouldn't work. That stress from the job would pull them apart and would get them to hate each other like it did to so many others before them. It was just nonsense and these two bought into it. They didn't realize that they were always built different."

She shook her head but understood. "I'm an only child but I do have Laurel and I've treated her like a sister. I get the protective mode. It's why I didn't let your brother drag her down. I can jump in to defend her. He doesn't scare me. Agency boys don't frighten me. If someone comes for her then they better prepare to square up. I bite back." Releasing a sigh she shrugged. "So I understand where you're all coming from. It doesn't mean I agree with the tactics."

"They're both that meme of idiots in love." she said that lovingly. "These two will risk their own lives if it means the other gets to live. Believe me, I wrangle Laurel in a lot of the time. It's that love and dedication to each other that proves they're not like anyone else. No matter what they're loyal to the other. I agree. I'd very much like for them to find a new career. But you can only lead a horse to water not make them drink it."

She shook the apology away quickly. "No, don't do that. You have nothing to be sorry for. Least of all apologize for your brother's bedside manner. He needs to do it himself. Not to me either. But to Laurel. I can't say I've lost anyone close to me. So, I can't even begin to imagine how different I'd react if I was in your shoes but I do understand fear over someone not making it. Your brother isn't the only one who could leave. Laurel has been in my life for years. I can't even begin to think about what happens if I lose her. So I get it."

"No sense at all." Inez couldn't help but join in on her laughter, beginning to feel ridiculous for the intense attitude she carried since arriving here (only increasing with her brother's encouragement). "Mhm, I'm inclined to agree." She had not seen her brother with that goofy smile, not the way he had when he talked about her. "We never really understood why, it just seemed bizarre that they broke up right before they began their time at the academy." Inez didn't like to pry, so she didn't ask much, and didn't question when they remained friends. "It's not that simple," but explaining it wouldn't be easy. "Do you have any siblings? It's impossible to not jump at their defense, even when there's no one to blame. Oddly enough, we find someone to blame." Some siblings, like Isaac, more than others. Inez usually tried maintaining neutrality, but she did tend to side with her siblings when needed. "We just want to protect him, but you may have a point. It sounds like they were both pretty torn up." Pretty confirmed, upon hearing how she kept his sweaters on. Isa had mentioned he always had the same blanket wrapped around him during their calls.

Inez was only half-surprised when Julia confirmed she was still in love with him. She hadn't asked her brother anything related to feelings or dating, knowing there was probably more to the story if they were still best friends and even lived together. But, hearing someone else confirm her vague suspicions was vindicating. Making Isaac understand would be a whole other thing though. "No, it's not that. I didn't think the love was lost, I just didn't expect both of them to be so...devoted, to the point of risking their life. They can't keep doing this, putting each other at risk. I'm grateful, of course, but it's not good."

Clown party of the century seemed too accurate, especially knowing she missed a good portion of it, and only knew what Isaac had shared thus far. Then again, it seemed Isaac was too clouded by his emotions to provide an accurate retelling. "I apologize, for our behavior." It was the first time an actual apology came from her lips, on behalf of the entire family. "I do see that you guys care for him and her, being here all this time. I see that, and I do appreciate it. As mentioned, we're just very protective of our family. We've lost too much, the thought of losing another puts us in a spot where we don't recognize ourselves."

[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]

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]

@overnightheartbeats

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

[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]

"Babe, pretty sure I can handle a little push since it's been months." He tried to calm her inner thoughts and sighed. "I promise you if I didn't feel ready I wouldn't push it. I've just missed you." Hearing he was loved despite not being himself or the man she thoroughly deserved, it felt a little like getting a prize without the effort. She was too good for him and he knew that. "I love you too." It felt so foreign at the moment. Like it was him saying it back to her but someone else.

Shaking his head he was adamant about her not putting this on herself. "This wasn't your fault. I don't think it could ever be your fault. I made a decision, stupid as it was, I made it alone and chose to not include you in it. This was on me. I'm sorry."

Eli gently got into bed, it felt like the weight he was carrying had bogged him down for months. He needed to figure out who he was again and he knew he'd get there but first course of action was mending the fractured foundation of his relationship with laurel. She deserved that much. The suggestion of a casual date made him think. A movie was casual though it always seemed too casual for his taste. Movies usually never let you talk to each other and was the perfect excuse for ones who didn't want to talk. Dinner seemed too casual again for what he wanted. He wracked his brain for an idea, maybe something that could Kickstart their journey into a better them. "How about miniature golf?" Eli finally suggested as he thought that could be perfect. "We haven't been since our third date and we did enjoy it. As I recall you beat me and then bought dinner for us. That was a good night."

He opened his arms for her and rubbed her lower back. "Had you not slept this entire time? How much sleep did you get?" The answer would be something he'd cringe at he was sure.

"I do win. You can judge me all you want, as long as I keep getting lots," she interrupted herself to press a soft kiss to his lips, "and lots of these in return." How she missed him, truly. The teasing comments, that twinkle in his eyes, and the grin full of amusement - just to name a few. Part of her feared this was a fluke, a one-night thing brought on by their conversation earlier. Still, despite this fear, she couldn't pull herself away from this moment.

"No secret to share, it's only because I love you." It seemed like just a cheesy comment, but it was the honest truth with Laurel. This amount of patience and gentleness was something only afforded to a select few in this world. People she loved. Everyone else was truly on a two-chance plan, and two was already pushing it. She hummed in thought, unsure how to answer him. He seemed adamant about not excusing his behavior, she was determined to not let him continue blaming himself. It was quite the conundrum. How to explain that she'd take any, and all, broken promises just to have him back after death? Laurel had heard it said before, not being able to live without someone. It seemed like the cheesy comments people just threw around. She didn't quite understand that then, but after almost losing him and then actually seeing him slip through her fingers, well - she was certain Laurel Thorn would not be able to live in a world without him. After a minute, lost in her own thoughts, she half-conceded. “Maybe so, but you’re also too harsh on yourself. I let you go through this alone.” God knows she could’ve been much more insistent. “We both kind of fell off the wagon, maybe making it up is us working towards new promises. Ours might just be a tad bit outdated.”

A soft smile pulled on her lips as a crimson flush formed, now feeling a twinge of shyness with her idea. “I don’t want to forget either, it's not that. I don’t know,” a sigh escaped her, shrugging her shoulders. “I just don’t want to push you too much, too fast." But, the way he said please, it was impossible to deny him. Defeated, she nodded in agreement - making it up to her and their anniversary. It was a good question, but this almost felt as awkward as their early days navigating the 'official' shift from friends to something more. The awkwardness was there, why not go for it? "Hm, how about a date? Something casual, I'll even leave all the planning to you." She made sure to note the date planning was his, so he could make it up to her, like he wanted. "It'll be like starting with our basics, reconnecting along the way. A second first date, how many couples get that?"

The mention of their bed breaking made her laugh, shaking her head at his remark. In between laughs, she answered. "Deal. Sofa is only for bed-breaking emergencies. We'll still get a nicer sofa though, so we don't end up with a sore neck." Stepping into their room together again felt bizarre. She moved her folded pajamas from his side of the bed, what had become her side the last four months. Laurel wasted no time to pull back the duvet, patting his empty spot as she climbed into bed. "If you're not sleepy, we can get some ideas rolling on that date," but as she said it, her drowsiness got the better of her as she yawned, cozily snuggling into his chest. "Or maybe, just one idea or two before I pass out."

[clubsmarties]

@overnightheartbeats

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

[clubsmarties]

"Yes, really. Why are you so shocked? If it came down between them or you. There is no question that I'd choose you." There was a small smile at that. "There would be no need to recruit me." He rolled his eyes dramatically at her and sighed. "I forgot to spell one little word one time and I never live it down." Nothing but a playful tone displayed when he looked up at her. 'That very one. Funny how when I put in the dryer, it never comes out in my basket. Think it has grown legs and walked itself over to your room? Poor hoodie probably confused since our bedrooms are literally next to each other. Wow. Way to inflate your own ego." He knocked on her head just for good measure. "Its a little bit like a watermelon."

He shrugged. "I mean yes but also you weren't like the others. There was something about you that didn't want to hang out with me because I was the shiny new thing. Some people were off putting. That's very true. I hated public speaking so I was grateful you took on those presentations. It wasn't like I didn't help with them. I think I did most of the visuals you just talked." A team they were back then. Nothing had changed that.

"Maybe she talks to me. Ever thought of that? I'm a good listener after all. Not my fault that they're all ladies who love to gossip. One of them says I'd be perfect for their granddaughter if she wasn't married. Says we got the same sarcastic nature. But I say two deeply sarcastic people in a relationship is boring. There's no balance." He nodded his head and laughed. "Sure is and you've already been signed up. It was in the friendship contract."

"Really?" Her surprise was genuine, She knew this was just conversation, but his swift response stunned her. The thought of him not leaving her behind, even in a hypothetical world, made her feel a different kind of special. He'd still choose their friendship, being chosen was a rare commodity. "You know, I'm pretty sure the agency would have something to say about that - the company you keep and all. Unless I recruited you to my side, or something," she joked, her amusement growing, just thinking of that imaginary world. After a second, her lips turned upward, an appreciative smile forming. "I'm glad though, that you and I wouldn't change." Appreciation came and went, her eyes rolling at the resurgence of the old nickname. "You should spell it out for me, just to make sure you can still spell. Okay, Mr. technicalities. Stealing adjacent, fine - I lost any shame in that a while back anyway. Purple one, you mean my pajamas, slash loungewear, slash late nights working sweater?" It had quickly become a favorite of hers, so Laurel used it for everything. Especially when working late at home, that sweater was like a warm blanket. "Hm, I will. Someday, when I'm convinced you can handle the thorn experience." Leave it to her to hype something up without knowing if she can truly deliver. She just hoped those words would not come back to bite her in the ass.

Her head tilted slightly as she listened, using her fork to take a small piece of his dessert. Hey, he wasn't the only one who could steal dessert. "Hm, that's fair. Invade your space, so I really had a 50/50 shot that you were completely thrown off by me then." She didn't necessarily invade his space, or she didn't think, at least. But, she was definitely persistent in getting to know the new kid in her class. "Uh huh, you said the same thing in class. I think you were just glad I did most of the talking during our group presentations."

Laurel's smile grew at his married comment. Was this going to become a running joke between them - the old pact to get married if they didn't find anyone else? Possibly, though he didn't laugh. Maybe, plan C was going to be a thing. No harm in going along with it? "Okay then. When we're married. How do you even know all this? Have you been talking to Betty in HR again? You basically have an internship there at this point." It was entertaining though, to see how the HR ladies flocked to him. "Oh, snuggling included. Is this part of the full Eli experience? I might just sign up."

[clubsmarties]

Seeing his sisters having fun was all that Eli wished for. He was fine hanging back, he had exhausted his people threshold for the time being so he sat and watched. He and Issac had called a half truce just until they could work through their issues and frankly he didn't have the energy or emotional capacity to hold a conversation with him without wanting to walk away. He had told him not yet and let him know this wasn't a forever thing. Now thinking about it. This was their version of it's a break for now not forever he and Laurel had done years ago now.

Corner of his eye he saw his girl waddling back to him and he couldn't help but smile at her. He could see the frustration on her features, her beautiful features that now held a glow they didn't before. He noticed her hand tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and watched the moment she locked eyes with him and started to laugh. He mouthed an I love you and held out his arms for her to sit on his lap. Extra weight not minded at all.

"Was there a long line in the bathroom?" Eli asked, voice edging with humor. "I told you I could have taken you contraband style to the guys bathroom." The more he told her the less inclined she felt to take him up on it. Guys bathroom was a nightmare and he could never argue with that. One hand pulled her hair away from her face and smiled at her. "Are you doing okay? Want a snack?"

Before she could ask he chuckled and pointed behind her to the line. "Isa and the girls are waiting to get into that ride. The inside Rollercoaster. They did end up sticking me with their bags."