#knives out fanfiction

[lanabuckybarnes]

| Handprints |

18+ Minors DNI

✧Pairing✧ Hugh Ransom Drysdale x Fiancé Reader (F)

✧Warnings✧ Soft Rannie, Jealousy, Some lil bitch flirting with what’s yours, Insecurities, Wow Ransom knows comfort??, Drinking, Crying, Assault (deserved), Unprotected PinV, Desperation, Dirty Talk, Multiple Orgasms, Aftercare King — This is pretty tame for me but if I’ve missed any warnings please don’t be afraid to let me know

✧Word Count✧ 1.4K

✧Author Note✧ Everyone say frick you to this man because I ain’t been able to get things done thanks to his stupidly handsome face and my brain hyperfixating on it. Fr tho I have WIPs, ideas and everything inbetween all left to rot because this son of a bitch is plaguing my mind. He’s so hot tho….

Also big thx to my homegirlies @samodivaa @delicatebarness for reading my filth and coming up with the title 🫶

You didn’t want to go out with Ransom tonight. You had your evening all planned out; sex in the shower, snuggling in bed, sex there too — the whole shebang. But of course, Ransom found himself invited to a dinner party with some old friends that he was excited to introduce you to, so your evening was cut short to merely sharing the shower with him and fleeting kisses between tellings of his long day — he didn’t even have time to make you cum.

The night was enjoyable; most of your fiancé's friends were just like him so you could deal with them. Until she arrived, her curves wrapped in a beautiful floor-length golden gown, her incredibly blonde locks curled to perfection and her eyes predatory.

“Oh my god Rannie!!” She squealed at the sight of your incredibly handsome man, outstretching her perfect little arms and pulling him in for a tight hug.

“Hey Charlotte” Ransom smiled wide, perfect pearly white teeth directed at the stunning lady “This is my fiancé” he said, reaching a large ringed hand out to envelop yours.

Charlotte turned, that cute little lady act dropping to a sneer when she turned her attention to you. Jealously oozed out of her, jealously and bewilderment. Her scrutinising glare made you feel ugly and small.

“Hey,” she forced, spitting your name back at you. Her hand squeezed Ransom’s bicep “Wow Ran you’ve gotten big…” her eyes flickered to him before returning to you “Did you see him in high school, he was so scrawny, skinny little arms and a big bobblehead. Bet you get a lot of girls' attention now hm?”

God you wanted the ground to swallow you whole.

“Maybe but I’ve only got my eyes on one” Your betrothed looked upon you with sparkling blue orbs, squeezing your hand tight. For a moment the party faded leaving you both staring into each other's adoring eyes until Charcuterie cut it short with a fake ‘awww’.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to it then,” she says, giving Ransom a bright, man-killing smile and you a much duller, green eyed glare.

“Well that went well.”

“Huh?” Ransom turns, pulling you close by your waist and laying a soft kiss on your forehead.

“She likes you,”

“Yuh huh?”

“And she hates me.”

“She doesn’t hate you” he guffawed, his eyes scrunching up until the blue was barely visible.

“She does, she’s jealous” you argued, pushing him away slightly.

“I think you’re projecting pretty girl” he joked, quickly reining in his laugh when he noticed how upset you looked. Ransom put on a more serious look, hooking a finger under your chin with his free hand “Baby, you’re the only person I want. I only love you” You knew that. There was just something in that girl's gorgeous eyes that made your whole mind thrum with insecurity.

“I know” You pouted and he kissed you with a coo.

“Of course you do, look at the size of that rock on your finger” For effect he clasped your left hand, shoving the massive crystal into your eyeline.

The rest of the night you tried to let the situation with Charlotte go. You stuck around your fiancé most of the evening, stealing his warmth while listening to his old college football teammate drum on and on about how good of a quarterback Ransom once was.

“I remember one game he got rushed to hospital trying to challenge this mountain of a man. He was on his ass and there was blood pouring out of his head.”

“That must’ve been why he thought it was a good idea to settle for someone like her, y’know with the head injury.” A loud laugh came from behind your small huddle, you knew who it was before you even turned.

“That was out of order Charlotte” a girl in your group chastised, glaring at the now very drunk woman.

“Oh I don’t care, you lot sugarcoat everything. Ransom you could do so much better than…that” Her ringed hand failed in your direction, and a growl settled on her lips at the mere sight of you. It was enough to push you over the edge.

Shoving Ransom’s arm off your shoulders you darted away, heading straight for the car you came here in. You had to get out of the crowd, you were thoroughly embarrassed and angry at the whole situation, fat tears falling down your face by the time you swung the passenger door open.

You don’t know how long it took Ransom to settle in the seat beside you, not too long anyway. Instantly his arms were around you, a hand cradling your head into his neck while the other rubbed up and down your spine.

“I'm so sorry baby, I’m so fucking sorry” His words were thick with remorse, his fingers tightening around you “We shouldn’t have come here.”

He let you cry until you ran out of tears, his arms wrapped around you tightly until you pulled away, sighing at the wet patch on his tan jacket.

“I’m sorry” you whispered in a low voice, rubbing a sleeve over his wet shoulder in a feeble attempt to dry it off.

“Don’t apologise, pretty girl, that's what I’m here for. For letting you cry on me…and for slapping whoever disrespects what’s mine.”

“What?” You gawked, red eyes wide at his words.

“I smacked the shit outta her, she’ll think twice about saying shit like that again.” He looked so nonchalant about the whole thing, a pout of sheer unconcern pulling on his lips.

You tried to look appalled at your man’s actions, letting your jaw hang low in astonishment, but it quickly dissolved, a smile breaking out and a shocked laugh bubbling forth.

“Oh my god Hugh Drysdale!!” You smacked his arm softly, giggling freely at just the thought of that blonde’s face with Ransom’s handprint on the side of it. “We gotta get out of here before she calls the cops.”

“Agreed.” He hummed, starting the engine and setting off down the road, singing away to your shared playlist.

“Fuck baby, fucking hell…”

There was a distinct schlick schlick sound coming from the ajar door of the massive house leaving a tiny part of your brain silently thankful for its size. The rest of you doesn’t give a flying fuck.

Ransom laid out on his back beneath you, face and chest flushed and his hair awry thanks to your wandering hands. His hands gripped at your hips, helping you bounce on his thick length, chasing your third orgasm of the night. Somewhere along the journey home your insecurities and jealousy fizzled into raw desire, your hands groping at Ransom while he drove. You barely made it through the front door before you jumped his bones, shoving him into the wall and swallowing his length with ease only experience would get you. Charlotte could never.

“Taking me like such a good girl—fuckkkk—yes baby squeeze my dick” Not only was he a mess physically, his brain had short-circuited after you straddled his body, ripping the belt from the loops of his pants.

“So full Rannie” you whimpered, collapsing onto your hands. Sweat dripped off your forehead and onto his body, you fucked him ferally like two people with nothing on the brain except each other — which wasn’t far from the truth.

“That’s it, good girl, gimme one more baby I know you can” Ransom urged, pushing himself into a sit and using the last of his brainpower to sink a hand between your joined bodies to rub tight circles over your puffy clit.

“She could never make you feel this good could she?” you gripped at his locks, moaning into his open mouth. Ransom’s head shook violently in your grasp, muttering out how you were the only woman in the world that could make him feel this euphoric. Your orgasm was approaching quicker and quicker, jumping over each mental hurdle until all that was left for your brain to think of was the man filling you to the brim.

“Fuck shit m’fucking close baby, gonna fill you up again, you want that huh? Want my cum in that messy little cunt?”

His words hooked your release between their clawed fingers and hurtled it into your body. Your world went white, your body stiffening and your walls milking the man below you for all he was worth. He spilt the last of what he could offer right against your cervix, holding you tight as he shouted like a madman.

The room settled, the only sounds being your mixed breaths gasping for air.

“That was good” Ransom chuckled, pulling out of your with a hiss and flipping you over “might need to make you jealous more.”

“Don’t you dare” you warned with a glare, sealing your lips with his when he leaned down, cleaning up the mess between your legs before dealing with his own.

“I really am sorry about tonight baby, you didn’t deserve to be spoken to like that” The brunette broke the silence that had overcome you both, his fingers massaging down your spine.

“It’s alright, she got what she deserved.”

“Yes” Ransom nodded, resting his weight against your back “and you got what you did too.”

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Thanks for reading~

[babyjakes]

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event | kinkmas 2023

prompt | mutual masturbation

pairing | best friend!ransom drysdale x reader

warnings | very innocent!reader, bordering on little!reader. soft!ran <333 specifically soft for reader. ddlg undertones tbh (no use of the word daddy but ran is daddy af and also tells reader to "be a big girl" multiple times.) reader is having orgasm troubles/anxiety. mutual masturbation (clit rubbing, jerking off through pants.) subtle humiliation vibes (not verbalized.) praise and encouragement. delayed orgasm. he steps in and helps/finishes her off. he also comes in his pants lol. they come together! :D

word count | 886

it all starts when he overhears you on the phone with your friend, admitting you’ve never been able to make yourself come 😭

it somehow leads to him laying you out on your bed, tugging playfully at your jean shorts. “c’mon, baby. i promise, i wont make it weird. i just wanna help you”

and he’s your beeeest friend, your very best friend in the whole wide world, and you know he’s got plenty of experience and knowledge when it comes to this sort of thing, so you try to swallow down your humiliation and go along with it

he kneels attentively in front of you as you rest back against your pillows, shyly pulling off your bottoms. he chuckles sympathetically at your cute little pastel panties with your favorite cartoon characters on them. if it were any other girl, he'd probably make fun of them, but you've always been a sweet innocent baby in his eyes so he can't help but find it endearing 💕💕

"c'mon, cutie. don't be shy, it's just me" you try to remember that he's right; it's just your ran, your safe, wonderful ran, who you've known your whole life

you squeeze your knees together as you pull off your panties. ransom's surprisingly patient with you, "let me see, silly. can you show me how you've been doing it? i can't help unless i know what the problem is"

it takes a bit more coaxing before your knees finally fall to either side of you, revealing your perfect little petals which instantly have ran giving you the biggest heart eyes 🥺💖 "oh baby, you're so pretty down there. aww, are you a little wet, sweetheart? it's okay, don't be embarrassed" as you're squirming softly in front of him

your hands are so clumsy as you try to figure out where to even begin. he's right: you're wet (though you swear this isn't turning you on!!!) your fingers fumble around as you lamely begin poking and prodding at your leaky hole

ran raises an eyebrow at you, not sure whether or not you're playing dumb or just really this clueless. "that's it?" he asks in disbelief, clearly not impressed. you sigh, trying not to hide your face in your hands from embarrassment. "what about your clit?" noticing how you immediately grow more squirmy at his question, he calls your bluff- "come on, y/n. be a big girl and show me" 🥲🥲

you finally bring one hand up to begin rubbing carefully over your little button. you fail to hold in a soft gasp at the sudden rush of pleasure, earning a smile from the man sitting in front of you. "there you go. keep going, princess," he encourages you

as the warm, fuzzy feelings grow, you find the courage to spread yourself out a little with your other hand, giving you better access to your swelling bundle of nerves. ran's grin grows as he watches it growing and pulsating beneath your rubs

"shit, sweetheart. so fucking cute when you play with yourself like that," he curses softly, bringing one of his own hands down to begin palming himself through his pants. seeing him getting worked up by you only turns you on more. you don't even notice when your juices begin leaking down onto your bedsheets 🥲

you become more vocal, holding back fewer of your sweet little moans and whimpers. the noises you're making are clearly driving ran crazy, his pace over his impressive bulge quickening as his face flushes red. "fuck, just like that. keep rubbing that pretty little button for me, baby. look at you, you're fucking soaked"

your fingers grow faster over your throbbing clit, your breaths becoming more labored as you feel pressure beginning to build in your tummy. as soon as you recognize what's about to happen, a familiar sense of doubt hits you as your motions begin to falter. "r-ran," you choke out, big eyes looking up at him for help.

he's immediately leaning down with a worried look on his face, quickly recognizing the problem. "no, no baby, it's okay," he tries to cheer you on, "just keep going, you're almost there"

"can't do it," you frown as your poor clit twitches helplessly after being abandoned so abruptly

"yeah you can, come on. let me help," you can't even think to speak up or stop him before he's reaching down, using his own fingers to resume the stimulation. for whatever reason, you lay back and take it. "spread yourself open for me, sweetheart. just like you did before, there," he hums in approval as your hands fumble to do as he instructed. he keeps his pace steady over your hardened nub, watching as you quickly near the edge once more

"now come on, baby. be a big girl and come for me," with him towering over you, one hand gripping himself shamelessly through his pants while the other works your burning button just right, he's able to coax an orgasm out of you with just a simple command

"there it is, that's my girl," he's beaming proudly as you're finally given your release. the sight of you losing control under his simple touch and order is too much for him to handle; he comes right there in his jeans with a loud groan 😌

[intrepidacious]

occupy my brain [masterlist]

summary: Being Harlan Thrombey's research assistant would be the perfect summer job if it weren't for his grandson.

pairing: ransom drysdale x f!reader

series word count: 4.9k+

warnings: smut (18+ only!!); forensics student/intern!reader; rivals to fwb to lovers; slow burn; pre canon; ransom drysdale catches feelings 🤭

a/n: i've never been able to stop thinking about my fwb ransom drabbles, so i've been semi-secretly expanding that fic behind the scenes. surprise!! if you want to get notified whenever i post a new chapter, you can follow @intrepidacious-fics and turn on notifications or follow along on my ao3

please mind that my blog is 18+ only, minors and ageless accounts will be blocked

✨ this series is ongoing; last update 07/02/25

titles of future chapters and their order are subject to change 🧡 most if not all chapters can be read as standalones

occupy my brain

come on down

damage ensued

searching for redemption

lost in a haze

🎵 series playlist

moodboard by @barnesafterglow

moodboard by @treatbuckywkisses

[justsomerandomfanfic]

Future Mrs. Drysdale - Ransom Drysdale X Female Reader

Title: Future Mrs. Drysdale

Ransom Drysdale X Female Reader

Additional Characters: Reader's Friends (Samantha, Tyler, and Lilith), bartender (Mentioned), Walt, Linda, Fran (Mentioned), Joni, Richard, Harlan, Meg (Mentioned), Jacob (Mentioned), and Marta

WC: 5,261

Warnings: Ransom (he needs his own warning sometimes), ignoring the Knives Out events, some breaks for flashbacks, bars, alcohol mentioned, italics, teasing, banter, flirting, nicknames, some suggestiveness, somewhat soft Ransom, mentions of Ransom's not so good home life, cursing, toxic family shenanigans, movie references, slight angst, and fluff

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Ransom stirred beside you, his arm draped lazily - yet, protectively - over your waist, pulling you closer to his chest. You blinked awake, feeling the warmth of his breath against your neck and the slow rise and fall of his chest against your back. Carefully flipping onto your side, you smiled upon seeing Ransom's face. He looked so peaceful, with his mouth slightly open, and soft breaths leaving him. He was gorgeous. You knew that from the very beginning, despite his attitude.

You first met Ransom at a bar, of all places. A typical place for him to go, but not for you. It was your friend's birthday, and even though you weren't the biggest fan of bars, you went along since they were your friends after all. You'd deal with some discomfort for them. You didn't like how loud bars were, or how dark they all seemed to be. It was difficult to see sometimes, and hard to hear when people were talking to you. The dim atmosphere, the loud music, and the people yelling over that music made you overstimulate very quickly.

~~~

You found yourself to be the driver for the event. You did drink sometimes, but tonight was a night that you didn't feel up for it, and you knew that all of your other friends would be drinking, so being the driver was technically the only option; unless you got them all a cab or Lyft or something. But, you were confident that you could get the four of you all to your designated homes by the end of the night. 

You had been sitting in a booth with your three friends, trying to pay attention to whatever your friends were talking about over the pumping music that practically vibrated through the floors. 

"And then I told Toby- Wait! Y/N! Don't look now, but there is this reeeeeally hot guy looking at you." Your birthday friend - Samantha - spoke, her voice somewhat slurred; you'd have to make sure to only get her water at this point. But, at her words, your eyebrows furrowed, and your eyes followed where she was looking, only to see that there was some guy just watching you from across the club bar thing you were at.

Creepy.

"He's probably looking at you," You dismissed with a shrug of your shoulder before gesturing to the birthday sash and light-up tiara on her head, "You could help navigate ships like a lighthouse in a storm with that thing." You meant it nicely, and your friend knew that, cackling at your joke. 

"Hey, at least I’m the beacon of fabulousness! Try not to get blinded by my radiance." She said while still laughing, you and your two other friends joined in. "But, like, no, he is sooooo looking at you."

"Lucky," One of your other friends - Tyler - said, "He is hot."

“So hot. Bet he has a yacht. Like one of those big ones, with like four floors and a jacuzzi.” Lilith spoke. “Trust fund baby!”

Shaking your head, you brushed your hair back out of your face. Feeling a strange buzzing on the side of your face, you turned, and yet again, your eyes landed on the guy across the bar. He was still looking at you. It was obvious that he knew that you had noticed him too because even in the dim light, you could see the smirk on his face widen. 

Rolling your eyes, Samantha spoke, "Ohhh! Oh my god! This song is my song!" She exclaimed, sliding out of the booth, and grabbing Tyler and Lilith by their hands. "We're gonna dance!" She gave you a bright grin, only for you to nod, giving her a smile in return.

"Just be careful. I'll be getting another water at the bar if you need me." You gestured to the bar behind you, and your friends gave you one last smile, waving before getting lost in the dancing crowd.

You sat there for a moment, before slipping yourself out of the booth. Walking up to the bar, you gave the bartender a polite grin, opening your mouth to speak, only for a voice beside you to interrupt. 

"Bartender, a Cosmopolitan for the lady." Snapping your gaze to the man beside you, you found yourself looking at the man that your friends had pointed out to you. "I’ll have an Old Fashioned - make it strong." He then turned his attention back to you, that smirk of his remaining on his face. 

Taking a moment, you observed the man in front of you. He was dressed in a cable-knit sweater, with brown slacks, nice shoes, a brown overcoat, and a fancy scarf. And though the bar was still pretty dim with its lighting, you could see that his eyes were blue - maybe green? And even though you hated yourself for it, you'd admit that his hair was nice.

But he screamed 'money.' It was obvious from the way he portrayed himself, held himself, and spoke. Even down to the gold ring that adorned his pinkie finger. 'Trouble.' That was another word that came to your mind. Now, you weren't one to judge a book by its cover, but you could just tell that this guy was no good. So, you held your walls up high, wary.

"Wow, that’s a pretty confident move, ordering for me without even asking. Are you always this presumptuous, ordering drinks for every woman in your line of sight?" You asked, arching an eyebrow at the stranger.

His smirk widened, making a dimple show itself on his left cheek. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the counter, "Oh, I wouldn’t say I order for every woman I see." You huffed at his answer, you doubted that, "I'm Ransom, by the way."

You raised an eyebrow, "Ransom?" You were pretty sure that was a fake name or something. ‘Who names their kid 'Ransom'?’

"Yep," He popped the 'p', "It's my middle name," He answered, "Everyone calls me 'Ransom.' Except the help."

'Oh god... The help?' Crossing your arms, you see from the corner of your eye that the bartender had slid both his and your drink over to you, "And what do they call you?" You asked, already over this conversation.

"Hugh." He answered, short, and it was obvious by the way that he said it - with a frustrated frown - and the slight glint in his eyes, that he hated his first name. "So," He began again, leaning closer towards you whilst grabbing his drink and taking a sip; his grin returning. "What's your name, beautiful."

 You held back rolling your eyes, still unimpressed and ever-so tempted to just ignore him and just walk away, "Y/N," You answered right back, "Look, I know what you're trying to do here." You tilted your head slightly, narrowing your eyes.

"Oh?" He answered cheekily, "And what am I doing?" He took another sip of his drink.

“You're trying to be charming, all suave and mysterious, thinking you can sweep me off my feet and into your bed with a few smooth lines and a couple of drinks. Maybe tell me it will all be worth my while, but let me save you some time - I'm not that easily impressed."

Oh, you wished you could smack that smirk off his face as he lightly scoffs with a short glance around the room, "Well, I do enjoy a challenge. So, tell me, Y/N, what does it take to impress you?"

~~~

What started as a chance encounter at a bar turned into one date, then many more. What began as a playful game of cat and mouse evolved into something real and profound. Before you knew it, you were exchanging "I love yous" and making plans for the future. And now, here you were, with a proposal that felt both inevitable and perfect, all because he did the one thing you never expected - impress you. 

He likes to bring it up a lot; him winning the game and impressing you.

Letting out a small sigh, you continued to admire your fiancé. You loved how messy and untamed his hair was - strands of brown locks falling across his forehead, a refreshing contrast to the perfectly styled look he wore every day. 

"You're staring," He muttered with a sigh, his voice thick and husky with sleep - making a pleasant shiver roll down your spine - his eyes fluttered open; deep blue eyes meeting your own. 

"Am I?" You questioned with a chuckle, reaching out to brush those stray strands of hair out of his face, "Sorry - I don't mean to stare." You added softly, your finger running along his jawline. You wanted to tell him that he was just too pretty not to stare at, but before you could even say anything, Ransom spoke.

"Don't need to apologize, sweetheart." He pulled you closer into him with the arm over your waist, his smile softening slightly, "I know I'm irresistible."

You rolled your eyes playfully, shaking your head with a chuckle. "Handsome Ransom," You murmured, cupping his cheek. He grinned, taking your hand and pressing a gentle kiss to your palm, his eyes twinkling with amusement and affection; your engagement ring sparkled as the morning sunlight hit it. It was moments like these - soft, sweet, and tender - that you wished you could live in forever. "You know I love you, right?" You muttered, the tips of your fingers brushing along his lips. His hand still holding yours.

“Yeah, I know you do,” He answered, his voice softening as he looked into your eyes. “And you know I love you too, right?” He gave your hand a gentle squeeze, his gaze warm, and you couldn't help but melt. 

Those three words slipped so easily out from Ransom’s lips - more so when alone with you - but a year ago, they were like a foreign language he was struggling to learn. You understood the reasons behind his hesitance, the walls he had built up over the years. So when you first felt his fingers brush along your back, you didn’t think much of it. It was just a gentle, absentminded touch as the two of you lay in bed one evening, the world outside forgotten.

~~~

A Year Ago...

Ransom’s fingers traced idle patterns along the bare, soft skin of your back, his touch gentle yet deliberate. As you lay there, you felt him pause, his hand stilling, hovering in the air. Then, slowly, you realized what he was doing - his fingers were tracing letters, spelling out the words he’d never been able to say aloud: I love you.

For a moment, you said nothing, letting the quiet confession settle between you. You knew how hard it was for him, how those three words had never come easily. Ransom had grown up in a house where love was a transaction, where affection was a rare and conditional thing. His parents had been cold, calculating, more interested in appearances and money than in nurturing a child. So, for him, love wasn’t something he’d ever been taught to express. It was foreign, almost dangerous territory.

But here, in this quiet moment, he was letting down his guard. The weight of his confession hung in the air, and when you finally flipped to your side to look at him, his eyes were searching yours, nervous, vulnerable in a way you hadn’t seen before.

“I’ve never said that to anyone before,” He admitted, his voice low, almost hesitant. “Didn’t think I’d ever want to. But with you… It’s… Shit- It’s different.” 

You smiled softly, brushing your fingers along his cheek. “I know, Ransom. I know.” 

~~~

"Now," Ransom's hypnotizing voice interrupted your memories as he let go of your hand, "How about breakfast?" He then asked, sitting himself up on his elbow, leaning over you slightly.  

A small smile tugged at the corners of your mouth as you nodded, watching him slip out of bed and stretch his arms above his head, the motion causing his muscles to flex subtly beneath the smooth fabric. The soft material of his blue silk pajamas caught the light, emphasizing the luxurious sheen. “Sure,” You mumbled quietly, admiring his form, the way the pajamas clung just right, accentuating his physique in a way that was both effortless and undeniably attractive.

Ransom noticed your lingering gaze, his smirk reforming as he placed his hands on his hips, "Is something wrong, sweetheart?" He teased, and you shook your head.

“No, I just, uh,” You trailed off, sitting up as you ran your fingers through your hair. You didn’t know why you were so shy all of a sudden. "I'm starving, what were you thinking for breakfast." You changed the subject, feeling your face flush as you slipped yourself out of bed.

You fixed your side of the bed, re-fluffing the pillows, before you opened the curtains; letting the sunlight fully enter the room. All the while, Ransom watched you, his smirk slipping back into a small, admiring smile. You walked around the room, gracefully, almost like an angel - your hair a mess - wearing one of his other silk pajama tops. It was insane, the feeling he would get in his chest from just looking at you, from just being near you. He felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest. 

You were saying something, as you were getting dressed for the day, though, normally, he would practically hang onto your every word, Ransom's mind was elsewhere. Before he knew it, his feet were moving on their own - the feeling of his bare feet hitting the soft carpet, over to you.

Upon noticing Ransom making his way over to you, you saw the intense look in his eyes; his expression was unreadable. A flutter of concern mixed with the rapid beat of your heart as you watched him approach, your words trailing off into silence. The room seemed to shrink around you, the air thick with anticipation. Without a word, he wrapped his hand around your waist, pulling you close to his chest, while his other hand cupped your cheek. The concern you held for him melted away the moment his lips met yours. The kiss was passionate, yet tender, leaving you completely breathless; on Cloud Nine. The whole world around you slipped away, fading, until there was only the two of you. Your hands - your mind fuzzy - raised only to clutch onto the silky fabric of his pajama shirt. 

It was over quickly, much too soon. Ransom pulled back slowly, his breathing heavy, his eyes locked onto yours, his grip on your waist tightening as he tried to steady himself. "Damn..." He breathed heavily, closing his eyes briefly and resting his forehead against yours.

Your heart swelled, mind still fuzzy, and heart warm - stomach filled with what had to be more than a million butterflies, "That better be how you kiss me on our wedding day." You breathily spoke, a grin breaking out across your face; he chuckled in response, leaning down to give you one last quick peck on the lips. 

"Oh, believe me, baby, it will be," He muttered with a grin before pulling back, "Now, I don't know about you... But, I'm craving pancakes."

~~~

"Just one time, Ran, please." You were practically begging at this point, following Ransom around his apartment as he headed to the living room.

"Nope," He popped the 'p', "That shit is not happening." He waved his hand in the air dismissively, before taking a seat on the couch. 

Huffing, you crossed your arms once you stopped in front of him. "Ran, come on, I just want to meet them once." You raised your pointer finger, "Just one time."

Stretching out, his arms draped across the back of the plush couch, Ransom sighed, deliberately looking away from you. He knew that if he kept his gaze on you - especially when you were wearing one of his beloved cream cable-knit sweaters - he’d probably give in. But he couldn’t. Not this time.

The thought of bringing you to the upcoming family dinner made his chest tighten with anxiety. It was going to be hell, and he knew it. If you came with him, his family would undoubtedly try to tear you down. Not that he didn’t believe you could handle them; in fact, he was certain you could. But no one should have to endure his family for more than... Well, ever. He wanted to keep you as far away from their toxic grip as possible.

But underneath it all, in the deepest recesses of his soul, there was a gnawing fear. What if you saw them, saw where he came from, and decided he wasn’t right for you? What if their venomous influence made you question everything? The idea that you might change your mind about him, that you might see him as just another product of his family’s twisted world, was a thought he couldn’t bear. 

He snapped out of his thoughts when you moved to sit on his lap, straddling his thighs. He didn't move, he kept his eyes on the window; 'Had that tree always been there?'

"Ransom," You reached out, cupping his cheeks in your hands, gently moving his face to look at you, his reluctant eyes met yours. "I know how much you dislike your family. From all the stories you've told me, how they treat you and each other... I understand wholly and completely. I won't blame you for not wanting to bring me along." Your thumbs caressed his cheeks soothingly, "But I just want to meet them once. Only once. And I really want to meet your grandfather. You know how much I love 'The Needle Game.'" You smiled softly, one hand leaving his cheek to brush back his unruly hair. "And no matter what happens, I'll be by your side the entire time. I promise. And- And if they get too much, we can leave anytime you want." 

The look in your eyes was sincere. He could tell you meant it. Letting out a deep sigh of defeat, he shut his eyes. "Fine." Opening his eyes to see that bright smile appear on your face, Ransom spoke again, "One dinner." He raised his own hand in the air slightly, raising his pointer finger; and narrowing his eyes. 

"One dinner." You agreed, before cupping his face with both hands once more, leaning down to press a plethora of kisses all over his face. "Thank you."

"Yeah yeah, I get it. You owe me big time, though." He huffed, his hands finally leaving the back of the couch to land on your waist.

You gained your own grin, your gaze turning mischievous as you leaned forward, "Oh, honey, I'm going to make you the best goddamn Biscoff Tiramisu you've ever had."

~~~

Standing in front of the full-body mirror, you adjusted your own cable-knit sweater; one that you didn't steal from Ransom. It was in your favorite color and went along great with the rest of your outfit. You observed yourself in the mirror, a small frown on your face, and your eyebrows furrowed. Ransom said he didn't care what you wore, but you still wanted to look nice; even if it was meeting his family.

Ransom appeared in the mirror behind you, dressed in his cream cable-knit, brown slacks, and nice shoes; it reminded you of what he wore when you first met at that bar over a year and a half ago. His arms wrapped around you, his face digging into the nook where your neck and shoulder met. He kissed your neck then moved his chin upwards, pressing a gentle kiss to your cheek. "You look beautiful, as always." He spoke, resting his chin on your shoulder, looking at you through the mirror.

"Thank you, Ran," You smiled, feeling your cheeks flush, "You look handsome, as always." Your words made the nervous Ransom smile somewhat, his face digging back into your neck. 

"We don't have to go." He muttered, words slightly muffled, "We could stay here, in bed all night. I could order your favorite takeout..." He tried, his voice trailing off, "And we can watch whatever show you're into, even if I hate it."

Turning around in his grasp, you leaned up to press a kiss to the tip of his nose, "As tempting as that sounds," You smirked, "I really want to see their faces when they meet me, and when they find out we're getting married." You raised your hands to fiddle with the collar of his sweater. Ransom never told his family that he had met you, or that he was in an actual relationship that didn't only last a night. He knew that his family still thought he slept around, going from woman to woman. He ignored their comments, knowing that they were wrong. So wrong.

As he thought about it, actually, the mere idea of seeing his family's shocked faces when they met you, seeing the ring on your finger, the more he accepted his fate. Though, he still hated that you'd have to be in the same building as them all. If he could, he'd move to some other state with you.

An almost wicked grin appeared on his face, "They'll absolutely lose it."

You mirrored his expression, "That's the plan, honey."

Driving the forty-five minutes to the Thrombey Mansion was relaxing and somehow tense at the same time. You were more relaxed than tense, or nervous rather. You loved long car rides, seeing the buildings and trees flash by. Ransom, on the other hand, was more tense than anything. His one hand held the steering wheel with a somewhat death-like grip, his knuckles white, his other hand held your thigh, grip gentle. There was a frown on his face, eyebrow furrowed slightly, eyes hardly leaving the road. 

You looked over at him periodically throughout the ride, but once you were in a somewhat rural part of Massachusetts, and stopped at a light, you reached over and took one of his hands off the wheel. Ransom glanced over at you as you did so, letting out a deep breath from his mouth, the tension building in his chest deflating somewhat. Your hand covered his on your thigh, your fingers brushing along his hand. The knuckles of his singular hand on the wheel became slightly lax from the contact between you two.

You didn't know how long it took for you both to pull up to the old-money mansion, but once your eyes spotted it in the distance, your eyes couldn't leave it; your mouth fell agape slightly. You loved the look of the mansion. With its distinctive Gothic Revival design, large, dark stone bricks, steeply pitched roofs, and turrets. For some reason, it reminded you of the castle that you got to see when you went to Canada for an end-of-the-year high school trip; this mansion was just less castley.

As Ransom pulled up into a spot, sparking, you snapped your wide-eyed gaze to him, "You got to live here?" You asked incredulously, your tone laced with awe.

Despite how he was feeling, at the sight of your face, he gave you a small nod and smile. "Yep."

"You know how jealous I am?" You asked, tilting your head slightly, "This was my dream as a kid to live in a castle-mansion." Your eyes widened once more as a thought appeared in your head, you shuffled in your seat, "Oh! Does it have secret rooms? Like in the movie, 'Clue?'"

"Maybe," He shrugged, "Never really got around to finding that out myself."

Letting out a deep sigh, you shook your hands, "Well, are you ready?" You asked, and Ransom let out his own sigh.

"Never."

Exiting on his side, Ransom walked around the car to open the passenger door for you. Taking your hand in his, he led you up the steps, all the while, you were looking at the amazing architecture. Entering, you found yourself staring at all the paintings and pictures hung up on the dark-wooded walls. You tilted your head up once you spotted the chandelier. Ransom stopped at the closed double doors. He could already hear them fighting, not yelling per se, but loudly proclaiming their opinions. He pressed his lips together.

You took a step closer to him, "It's okay," You reassured, smiling softly at him, placing a peck on his lips. "You got this. I'm here. I'm not going to leave your side." You repeated your promise from a couple of days ago.

Nodding, he reached out with both hands and with a turn and push, the doors flew open. Confidently sauntering in, with your hand in his, his usual 'don't care' attitude returning to his features. 

Everyone was sitting at the table, and at your entrance, Walt spoke up, not even looking up from his plate. "Look at that, Ransom showed up on time for once." His condescending tone was evident, and at his words, the rest of the family looked up. However, they had only expected Ransom, not the addition of the young woman holding his hand.

"Oh, please, don't stand up - wouldn't want you to exert yourself." Ransom's tone was filled with sarcasm, leading you to the two empty chairs at the table. Pulling out your chair for you, having you sit at the end so you didn't have to sit next to his stepfather. Even Ransom didn't want to sit next to him. 

"Well," His mother, Linda began from across the table, "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

Clearing his throat, "Everyone, this is Y/N." He answered before Fran entered to place two plates before you. You quickly thanked the woman, adjusting the napkin on your lap.

"So," Joni's bubbly voice began, "What do you do for a living, Y/N?" Quick to the questioning.

"Oh," You began, "I am a freelance artist."

Richard, Ransom's stepfather then spoke, leaning forward in his seat to stare at you, his eyes narrowed. "I suppose it’s an unconventional choice - very bohemian. But do you ever worry about stability? I mean, it’s not like having a real, steady job with benefits, right?"

“Absolutely, it’s a bit unconventional. But I find that real value often comes from doing what you love, not just what pays the bills.” You answered without even a hint of hesitation.

"I quite enjoy art in all forms. Physical art is very similar to writing. Both paint a picture for those who lay their eyes upon it." Harlan finally spoke, earning your attention, "What mediums do you use, my dear?" He smiled kindly, and just from his aura, you could tell he was an extremely caring man. It was refreshing compared to the cold exterior the other members of the family displayed.

"I agree whole-heartedly to that statement." You returned his smile, "I work with oil paints, mostly. Painting landscapes and portraits. Sometimes I dabble in photography." You explained further, and you noticed everyone else had gone silent, staring at you.

"Well," Linda began again, changing the subject, "How did you two meet exactly?" She asked, gesturing to both you and her son.

Glancing at Ransom, you felt his hand land on your thigh, squeezing it gently, "At a bar-"

"Of course," Richard scoffed, not even letting her finish, "A bar. Figures."

Walt chimed in with a smirk, “Well, if Ransom met you there, I can only assume you know this 'relationship' won't last long."

Ransom’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he maintained his cool demeanor. With a smirk of his own, he replied, “Well, if you think a bar is such a terrible place to meet someone, you might want to reconsider. After all, it led to this," He grabbed your hand to show off the ring on your finger, “So I guess it’s working out better than expected.”

The table erupted in gasps, and both you and Ransom smirked, reveling in the reaction. Linda frowned, clearly upset that her son had never mentioned you or the proposal. Richard’s eyes narrowed with suspicion, convinced there must be some ulterior motive behind the relationship. Walt glared at you, likely concerned about how your marriage to Ransom might affect the family’s inheritance.

Joni offered a forced smile, congratulating you both with a tone that betrayed her insincerity. Meg, on the other hand, found the whole idea of Ransom settling down amusing, clearly looking forward to seeing how it all played out. Jacob, though curious, quickly returned to his phone, more interested in his own world than the family drama.

Marta grinned, her expression filled with approval, while Harlan’s face lit up with a knowing smile. He had been waiting for the day that Ransom would make a significant, personal commitment like this, and he was genuinely pleased to see it finally happen. 'Maybe,' He thought, 'Maybe she'll bring out the best in him.'

Walt's eyes narrowed, and his voice dripped with disdain as he continued, “You know, it’s pretty clear you’re just here for the money. I’d bet you’re already dreaming about what you’re going to do with Ransom’s inheritance.”

The table fell silent once more, all eyes on you. You raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his attempt to undermine you. With a smirk, you replied, “Oh, absolutely. I’m already planning to invest in a yacht and a private island. But don’t worry, Walt, I’ll make sure to send you a postcard from the Caribbean.” Ransom's frown from Walt's words lifted right back into a matching smirk, his chest filling with pride. He hadn't seen this side of you in a long time - the confident, witty side you showed when he first met you. The way you held yourself, unbothered by Walt's comments, was something he admired. “Sarcasm and jokes aside,” You continued, placing your fork down, “I love Ransom. If you can’t see that, then I guess that’s your loss.” Walt's expression faltered, but the tension in the room was broken, and Ransom gave your thigh a reassuring, thankful squeeze. You didn’t up and leave, like Ransom feared.

Marta then spoke, shifting in her seat, "When's the wedding?"

You glanced at Ransom, giving her a small shrug, "We haven't decided between spring or summer yet. We don't have a date yet either, we're just taking it one day at a time." 

"Y/N, Ransom. You have my blessing," Harlan spoke up, raising his glass towards you, "I wish you both the best."

"Thank you, Mr. Thrombey.” You smiled warmly, only for the older man to wave a hand.

"Please," He began, "Call me 'granddad.'"

~~~

Standing out in the large foyer, you clasped your hands behind yourself, looking up at Ransom with a bright grin, "Well," You began, "I think that went pretty smoothly."

"Hmm," Ransom gave you a closed-lip smile, "I will admit, I was expecting much worse."

Stepping closer, you tilted your head, "I think Granddad likes me," You spoke proudly, "And Marta, she's sweet. Can we invite them to our wedding?"

He chuckled lightly, wrapping his arms around your waist as your hands came up to fiddle with his brown overcoat's lapels. "If you want them there, yes,” He assured you, kissing your forehead, “Just you, me, Harlan, Marta, your family, some of my friends, and yours. Sounds good to me." He muttered, tightening his grip around your waist.

"Sounds perfect," You muttered right back, "Mr. Drysdale."

Ransom smirked, leaning down to brush his lips against yours, his blue eyes sparkled, "Future Mrs. Drysdale."

~~~

Main Masterlist | Miscellaneous Masterlist

[cissyenthusiast010155]

Sinking My Claws Into You ~Dark!Claire Debella xFem Younger!Wealthy!Reader

Summary— A darker fic, set after Claire gets back from Miles’ private island, and she now has to deal with the reality of basically going bankrupt. Luckily, Claire has got her hooks in you, a young, wealthy enthusiast from New York…

Mommy… Master List

Requests & Prompt-List

Warnings: dark fic, lightly implied smut, age gap (all legal), teasing, taunting, manipulation, alcohol consumption, unrequited feelings, little bit of gold digging behavior, praise, flustering, wealth, yucky men, flirting, little bit of sugar mommy behavior, etc.

Enjoy (;

Ever since Claire had backed away from her friendship with Miles, she had hit nothing but impossible obstacles one after another. Without Miles’ endorsement and backing for her campaign for the U.S. Senate, the middle aged woman was facing a fate worse than death. She would have happily rode on the back of Miles’ wealth all the way, but she couldn’t ignore the events that had come to pass. However, her decision now left the woman desperate.

Miles was an eccentric prick whom Claire had met more than 20 years ago. Back then, he had charmed her. And being the young, naive woman that she was, Claire had fallen for his persuasive nature. Not to mention how easy it was considering he was loaded. But Miles never wanted anything more than a friendship from Claire, and Claire eventually was forced to accept this by the amount of pretty models and talented girls that he always had in rotation and the overtly harsh rejection he gave her, which the snob was always happy to remind her of. Over the years, the only reason Claire put up with Miles was for the money. Miles had endorsed her when she ran for mayor, and then now for governor as well.

Miles was always there to dole out a check for whatever the woman needed. And Claire took full advantage of that. The price she paid over the years was well worth the bank she raked in. Miles would compare her to others and batter Claire all the time, she was his favorite plaything. But she always took it with a stoic face, telling herself that it would be worth it, that the amount of money she was getting leveled out the fact that he was a knee-faced jerk.

But then she and Claire had had a falling out. Claire had gone behind her back and stabbed a mutual friend in the back. And if there was one thing that Claire could not stand, it was betrayal. In the heat of the moment, Claire let emotions get the best of her and she broke it off. God she kicked herself for being friends with Miles for as long as she had been… It had been over 2 decades of unhealthy friendship, but in her eyes, the money had made it all worth it. But now, without Miles’ money… She was through. Finished. Done.

That was until she met you.

Claire had met you at an art benefit, one of those fancy events where the rich and wealthy got together, socialized, and gave away millions of dollars like it was nothing. Claire had been there campaigning for more funding and endorsements. She had already talked with three or twelve basic, filthy rich white guys, the kind that flashed toothy smiles while heavily and shamelessly flirting with her. She would indulge these men as little as possible, before moving past them. Those guys weren’t the type she was looking for. They weren't a Miles or a Y/N Astor… Claire rolled her eyes and shrugged off her disgust at the idea of what those rich guys wanted from her.

After a particularly gagging interaction with a young bachelor (at least half her age and nonetheless just as gross as the rest of them who only wanted her body and willing to give nothing in return), Claire had looked around the room, champagne glass in hand, when her gaze had landed on you at the bar. She immediately noticed how the woman carried herself with youthful elegance, and that she was the type of lady who could make anything look good. She could also tell that the woman had money, she was not the type of lady that flattered and flirted with filthy rich men to get into their pockets. She wasn’t a part of the common folk. No, this woman was in the one percent. Her clothing and accessories were not loud, but Claire could read the nicheness of the fashion and knew that she was wearing thousands of dollars: her Manolo pumps, the Cartier watch, the small Dolce purse, etc. This was the type of girl she needed, and she knew this woman could replace Miles and his money. Claire finished her glass, gave it to a server, took a deep breath, put on a smile, and then sauntered over to the stunning lady.

“I would buy you a drink, ‘hun, but it is an open bar…” Claire hummed, glancing over to the wealthy woman with a sly smirk.

You blushed just a smidge, and Claire immediately took that as her first win of the night. This girl was young. Not young enough to not be able to handle commitment, but definitely young enough to fall for Claire’s charm and to agree to hand over her money without a second thought. Again, the perfect mark. While Claire waited for you to make your move, she ordered herself a red wine from the open bar.

“You’re too kind…” you lightly retorted, swirling the expensive amber liquid in your glass.

“And who do I have the pleasure of giving my kindness to today…?” Claire cooed widening her smirk as she now turned her body from the bar to face you.

You slowly swiveled towards the older woman. Claire allowed her eyes to wander and take in the younger woman in front of her. You took a swig of her whiskey, before humming lightly.

“I’m Y/N.”

Claire nodded in satisfaction, taking the glass of red from the bartender when it was ready for her. Her eyes shimmered with predatory intent. She could tell this woman was book smart. But she was confident that she could outplay you in this game.

“I’m Claire Debella. My colleagues call me Debella, you can call me Claire…” the older woman hummed, with a teasing tone.

You sucked in a breath, your face flushing some more, before you nodded lightly.

“Where are you from, Y/N?” Claire cooed, playing with the younger woman’s name in her mouth.

“New York. I went to Harvard, have family in Connecticut” You breathed out, lightly fidgeting with your fingers and your glass while struggling to maintain eye contact.

“Smart girl…” the older brunette cooed, sending a sly wink your way.

Another blush rippled through the wealthy woman’s face. Claire could tell this girl was shy. That was also good, it spoke to her privacy and naivety.

“What about you…?” You softly asked.

“Connecticut.” Peggy promptly responded, before taking control of the conversation once more,

“Are you here alone, Y/N?”

Claire could tell that her words were having an effect on the young, wealthy woman. You nearly choked on her drink at her last words, as well as flushed, fidgeting, struggling to hold eye contact… But not in an uncomfortable way, in a flustered way. In a way where you looked adorable while you were trying to cover her ruby red cheeks in embarrassment. And that was exactly what Claire was going for.

“I am…” you breathed out.

“Really?” Claire cooed, quirking her brow dramatically accompanied by a sip of red, “A stunning girl like you…? I’m surprised that a cute guy or girl hasn’t snatched you up yet…”

Now your face was beet red, and she was desperately trying to swallow all of her liquid courage, overwhelmed from all the praise that the older woman was showering her with. Now the your glass was empty.

“Why don’t we ditch this open bar and go somewhere that has some nice, expensive whiskey for you? Hmmmmm, ‘hun?” Claire purred, leaning in close to the woman’s personal space.

You gulped and nodded mindlessly.

“I’d like that…” you breathed out nervously.

“Good girl…” Claire hummed out in delight.

She placed her glass along with the younger woman’s on the bar, signaling to the bartender that the two of you were done. She then linked her arm with yours with ease and guided you, the clueless, naive, wealthy, young woman out of the expensive, testosterone filled event, getting in the back of your Maserati and heading into a future filled with good fortune for the one and only Claire Debella.

~~~

Claire Debella Masterlist ~Coming Soon (;

[holylulusworld]

Jealous

Summary: No one can touch your man.

Pairing: Ransom Drysdale x fem!Reader

Warnings: jealousy, possessive reader, implied smut

You hate parties. You hate sharing your man’s attention. You hate it even more when women flit around him like you’re not even there.

Ransom is in his element. He smiles widely and chuckles at something one of the women said. You on the other hand are fuming. 

Sulking in a corner you sip on a glass of champagne. You’re close to ripping her blonde hair out when she grabs his biceps and giggles at something your man said. 

You square your jaw. The audacity of some women makes your blood boil. Ransom Drysdale has been a taken man for four years. They know he's in a relationship. Yet, that person is all over your man.

“That bitch,” you mutter under your breath as the woman gets bold. She slaps his chest and giggles again. “How dare her even look at my man. He’s not hers to touch.”

While you watch Ransom and get angrier per minute, he glances at you now and then. He smirks to himself and hopes you’ll get jealous. 

Ransom would never admit it, but he loves it when you get jealous.

Most of the time, you are all over him and lay claim to his body and lips for the rest of the night. He can hardly wait for you to strike and grab him by the collar to kiss him breathlessly.

“That is enough,” you tell yourself and stalk toward the woman touching your man. You clear your throat to get her attention. “You’re not his wife, don’t talk to him!” 

She smirks at you like you said something funny. “Who do you think you are?” She pushes her tits out and shows off her bleached teeth. “I talk to whoever I want to talk to.”

“Not if the man you are chatting up is my man,” you push her away from Ransom. “I'll give you five seconds to move and never look back. If not,” you smirk darkly and take another step toward her, “well, you’ll see what happens then.”

“Bitch,” she turns on her heels and is on her way toward the next man. She purrs his name and forgets about Ransom the moment the man smiles at her.

“Damn,” Ransom tugs at his suddenly too-tight pants. “Baby, I would never look at another woman. You know that.”

“As if I’d let you look at another woman,” you coo. He smirks when you fist his tie and wrap it around your hand, tugging hard. “You’re my man.”

“Prove it, baby cakes.”

“Oh, I will prove it all night long,” you lean closer to whisper your promise. “I hope you prepared my throne. You’ll let me ride that pretty face of yours because you talked to that woman.”

“I can hardly wait to taste that sweet cunt…”

Tags in reblog.

[lambtotheslaughterr]

Summit : Chapter Seven

A Ransom Drysdale Series

[THIS STORY WILL CONTAIN THEMES OF NON-CON/DUB-CON, MENTAL-EMOTIONAL-PHYSICAL ABUSE, ETC. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. 18+. MINORS DO NOT INTERACT]

WC: 3.7k

Dividers provided by @firefly-graphics

CHAPTER SIX | MASTERLIST | CHAPTER EIGHT

            The following morning came when you wished it hadn’t. You woke to the sound of the floor creaking outside your door & you threw off your blankets in a panic. Swinging open your bedroom door, you poked your head out & caught Ransom at the top of the stairs, his back to you. Having heard your door & heavy breathing, Ransom paused to look back at you.

            “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.” He offered an apologetic smile.

            You frowned when you noted the few bags he held in his hands. Was he going to leave without telling you?

            In a fit of mild frustration, you began signing at him, walking slowly towards him.

            Ransom’s eyes flicked rapidly as he followed the movement of your hands. But you didn’t slow down to translate. You couldn’t believe he would sneak out from under you without saying goodbye.

            As you got within reaching distance, he finally dropped his bags & reached for you, his hands catching your swinging wrists. Your chest was heaving & you felt your eyes watering as he forced you to calm down.

            “I don’t understand a damn thing you’re saying but I know when I’ve pissed off a woman.” He joked, but this was no laughing matter.

            You attempted to break from his hold but his grip was strong, almost bruising.

            “I wasn’t going to leave you without saying anything.” He gazed into your eyes, his own softening, “I promise. I was letting you sleep a bit longer.”

            You weren’t sure if you believed him, but his words did have a small impact on your mood. You sniffed, shaking your head, still attempting to sign but his strength kept you from properly doing so.

            “_____,” he moved his hands to your face, cupping your cheeks, “I promise. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

            As he gazed into your eyes, you felt your care for him skyrocket. Closing the distance, you wrapped your arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. Ransom sighed into the hug, his arms wrapping securely around your body. You blinked away the tears that threatened to fall & rested your head on his shoulder. One of his hands ran along the back of your head, comforting you.

            Finally, after a moment, you pulled away but he didn’t let you go just yet.

            The two of you stared at one another in silence. Ransom gave a small, sad smile as he peered at you. Again, he cupped your cheek & you leant your face into it, appreciating the warmth & affection.

            “C’mon.” He finally said, his hand falling to your own as he led you down the stairs.

            Having gathered his fallen bags, he dropped them again at the bottom of the stairs before leading the way towards the kitchen. In there, you noticed a plethora amount of candles, lighters, & gathered fruits & vegetables from the garden.

            “I already got you set up for the next two days. Generator isn’t going to work so this’ll be all you have.” He said as he walked around the island. “If you can, avoid lighting the candles at night. I know this place can get pretty dark but I don’t want anyone drawn to the house if they see light.”

            You knew how worried he sounded based on his tone alone, but you didn’t share the same concern. Since you’d been staying with Ransom, you had yet to see another human being. The chances were slim to none, but you would do as he asked.

            “Curtains are heavy in every room, in case you need to shield any candlelight you’ll need from outside eyes. I already gathered food as you see so you won’t have to do that this morning or tomorrow. Just gotta water when it cools down later.”

            You nodded along as he continued giving you instructions. It was quite cute, you thought, how he looking out for you. It had been a long time since someone had your back. It was a feeling you missed greatly.

            By the time Ransom finished giving his rundown, you eyed him readily.

            You followed him to the front door & he opened it, throwing his bags out onto the porch. You saw over his shoulder a truck parked a few yards away. He turned to face you then, closing the distance.

            For a third time, Ransom leaned down & pressed his lips to yours. You found yourself actively returning it. Now that it was happening, Ransom leaving, you wanted nothing more than to hang onto him & never let him leave. Or, if anything, sneak into the bed of the truck & go with him. But you knew it was a better plan for you to stay. For once, you would listen to him.

            “I’ll be back tomorrow night should all things go well.” He said, his breath fanning your face. You rested your forehead against his, nodding along as he spoke.

            “Stay inside as much as you can. Read that book. I’ll be back before you know it.”

            With that, Ransom kissed your forehead before parting from you. You stood in the doorway, watching as he gathered his bags & walked towards the truck. He threw the bags into the bed of the truck before rounding to the driver’s side. But before he got in, he caught your eyes. Raising his hand, he had his ring finger & middle finger curled in, but his pinkie, pointer, & thumb extended.

            ‘I love you’.

            You felt your lips part in disbelief.

            “Saw it in a movie once.” He joked from far away. “Go inside.”

            But you didn’t, still in shock & awe at his proclamation. You did not return the sign but felt your heart thumping. Ransom hopped into the truck, & after a few failed attempts of starting the engine, it finally roared to life. He waved at you through the dashboard window before driving down the driveway & out of sight.

            Leaning against the frame of the door, your thoughts ran rampant.

            Love? You bit your lip, he loved…you?

            You knew about love. You loved your mother, your father, the farm you grew up on. But love love, romantic love? You knew nothing of it. But as your heart continued thrumming & your breath came fast, you wondered if that’s what those sensations were.

            Perhaps you too loved Ransom.

            The first day without Ransom dragged on. You felt lonelier in those first couple hours than you had the whole year previously when you traveled alone. Ransom’s family estate felt cold & lifeless without his presence there to bring it excitement & energy. For the first time since the virus happened, you felt…bored. Nothing appealed to you, not even reading. You found yourself lounging in the library, trying to force your eyes to read the words of the book he suggested to you but you could not focus. Your thoughts remained on Ransom.

            He never did tell you exactly where his uncle’s vacation home was so you wouldn’t even be able to pinpoint a rough location of where he’d be on the map. You were forced to sit in silence for hours as you thought about him traveling alone. Part of you was beginning to regret not fighting for you to go with him more. Ransom had never traveled by himself, not properly like you. It would have been beneficial for him for you to come. You knew the world out there, he didn’t.

            But there was nothing you could do now except wait, though waiting felt awfully long. It would only be two days, but already the first couple hours felt like weeks. You had to distract yourself. Leaving the book in the library, you went into the kitchen & grabbed a peach & cut it into slices before placing them into a bowl. Taking the bowl of peaches with you, you headed for the stairs.

            You had never explored Ransom’s family estate to it’s entirety. Perhaps exploring rooms you had yet to would fair well as a distraction. Most of the rooms on the second floor proved uninteresting. There was little memorabilia, which in hindsight you found odd that there were no family photos anywhere or personal items, but from what little you knew about Ransom’s family, they were not the sentimental type.

            Back in the hallway, you were approaching the last door you had yet to go through at the end of the hallway. Opening it, you expected to see either another bedroom or small bathroom, but you were surprised when what greeted you was a set of narrow stairs. Pausing in the doorway, you peered up the stairs but they curved half-way up, giving no clue as to what would be at the top.

            Hesitantly, you took the first step trying to see to the top but nothing yet. What were you so worried about? It was an attic. There would be no boogeyman. You had faced scarier obstacles. Swallowing your reluctance, you climbed the rest of the stairs & were relieved by what you came across. It was fairly lit room, thanks to the two windows in the small space. As you peered around, it looked as if it was once a playroom. There was two cushioned chairs, a coffee table, & a few small bookcases. On one of the bookcases was a number of game boards. That made you smile.

            Placing your bowl of peaches on the coffee table, you crouched to your knees to eye the plethora of games before you. You wondered if Ransom just never thought to come up there. The two of you could have passed the time better had you played a number of these games. You pulled out a dust-covered decades old version of The Game of Life.

            Popping off the lid, you peered at the game pieces inside. They were certainly old but still in decent shape. You fingered a few of the game pieces, recalling your days on the farm. Game nights were a regular thing with your parents. Your mother’s favorite had been Clue, always kicking yours & your father’s asses at discovering who the villain was. You felt yourself smiling at the memory. Replacing the lid, you placed another random board game on top of Life before topping both off with your bowl of fruit.

            You decided you would bring them down to the dining room, that way when Ransom returned, the two of you could play. But just as you were turning around to head back down the stairs, the corner of one of the game boards knocked over a few times that were on top of the bookcase. As the objects clattered to the ground, you groaned inwardly. Putting the games on the coffee table, you moved to place the objects back where they were. But as you did, your hands stopped over an object you hadn’t seen in quite some time: a compact disc player.

            A smile parted your lips as you grabbed it, popping the player open. Inside, the disc in place was Billie Holiday’s Solitude album. Fortunately, a pair of old-school headphones were attached to the player. Untangling the cord, you wrapped the headphones around your head until the foam parts were over your ears.

            Bracing yourself for the possibility that the player may not work, you hit ‘play’. To your relief, music filled your ears as Billie’s voice sang. It was a little scratchy & skipped every now & then, but it was a small win on your part. Leaving the attic with the music still playing in your ears, you brought everything to the dining room, leaving the gameboards but finishing the fruit. Back in the library, you returned to your spot on one of the loungers.

            Kicking your feet up, you stared out the window, no thoughts racing through your mind for once as Billie hid them all away with her songs. Before you knew it, you felt your eyes begin to grow tired. The summer sun cast the library in a golden glow & you welcomed the feeling of safety & comfort. With the music, you no longer felt lonely. As Billie continued to sing softly in your, your lids began to fall close. Then, without a fear in the world, you fell asleep.

            The first night without Ransom arrived & you found yourself approaching his bedroom door down the hall from your own. Before winding down for the night, you did as he instructed & pulled all the curtains closed before double checking all doors & windows were locked. Then when you climbed the stairs, a single candle in your hand, you turned left towards Ransom’s room rather than right to your own.

            You hadn’t put much thought into what exactly it was that you were doing but you let your feet carry you as they felt. Inside Ransom’s room, you dressed down & found an old, worn-through shirt of his before climbing into his bed. Nestling under the covers, you inhaled deeply. Ransom. It made you feel comfortable.

            Your thoughts strayed to him, picturing holed up in an equally large estate as he fought with a generator. You imagined he was thinking of you just as much, if not more. The candle on the nightstand beside you flickered & you watched it in a daze. If Ransom knew you were taking solace in his own bed, you imagined he would be rushing home in an instant. Never would you be so bold as to crawl into his bed if he were there. But you admittedly missed him. This was what you needed to ease your first night without him.

            Outside, it was windy & you could hear the howls of a brewing storm as it passed overhead. You pulled the covers up & over your ears, only your eyes peeking out. Reaching out to the nightstand, you pulled out the disc player you found earlier & brought it into bed with you. Placing the foam over your ears, you hit play again & waited as Billie’s voice drowned out the windy noise. In only a short time, you fell into a deep & restful sleep.

            The following morning found yourself out in the garden before the sun rose. You watered the plants & picked any new fruit or vegetables that were ready to be harvested. After doing those few light chores you spent most of your day at the dining room table playing cards by yourself. Your mother had taught you how to play solitaire at a young age but it had been so long that you struggled on remembering some of what she taught you. But as time passed, you figured it out & played without issue.

            It wasn’t until a little after midday that your stomach growled with hunger. You picked at a few different fruits & vegetables, but nothing was sticking out to you. You never thought there would come a day where you could actually be picky again when it came to food. Your father would be disappointed, but you told yourself he would be relieved you found a safe place to stay, a safe person to protect you. Or at least, that’s just what you told yourself.

            When nothing sounded appetizing, you recalled the fish you had made just the other night. The pond wasn’t far away, you’d only need the map to guide you there & back. It would be nice, you thought, to have another meal ready for when Ransom returned. You imagined he wasn’t having a whole lot of luck with food except for what little he brought with him. Without much further internal debate, you decided you would make the short journey to the pond & see if you couldn’t catch a bass or two.

            After getting ready & gathering the tools you’d need, you set out in direction towards the pond. The day wasn’t as sunny. The storm from the previous night still cast a large gray cloud over the area. But you welcomed the change. It would still be hot but not nearly as it had been in the weeks prior.

            Fortunately, the pond proved easy to find & quick to get to, only a little over twenty minutes. Once there, you set up your little spot & prepared your fishing rod. Once you had decided you would be going fishing, you suckered out a handful of worms from the garden & placed them in a small jar from the kitchen. Swinging a line out into the pond, you sat down & waited patiently. You almost considered bringing the disc player, but even you knew that would go against everything your father trained & taught you. Though you were confident about being alone in the woods, you couldn’t risk limiting any of your senses. You may have welcomed a domesticated life for the time being, but you were still & always would be a survivor first.

            After a couple hours & no catch, you were forced to begin packing up. The clouds darkened & had grown heavy. The first drop of rain landed on your cheek & you realized the storm hadn’t passed fully. There would surely be another one tonight. In a rush, you quickly packed up & began heading back in the direction of the estate.

            Though you were frustrated you didn’t succeed in catching any fish, part of you was relieved that you wouldn’t have to face Ransom’s dismay at you having left the house, something he told you not to do plenty of times. But you were more than capable of taking care of yourself, more so than him. Still, since you had no catch, you wouldn’t have to deal with his expected frustrations.

            You had only been walking for a few minutes before the rain began to come down hard. In a matter of seconds, the forest was being poured on & you slipped as you began to pick up a light jog. A thunderclap ripped through the trees, catching you by surprise, & you glanced up as you ran. The sky lit up & practically split open as a bolt of lightning struck a tree nearby. Kicking your legs, you ran faster, your vision growing blurry as rain gathered in your eyes. You wiped at them desperately, but just as you had, your foot caught a root & sent you flying to the ground.

            You crashed into the forest floor with a dull thud, your face caked in mud. Wincing inwardly, you pushed yourself upwards, but when you went to stand, your ankle whined in protest, forcing you back to your knees. Hissing, you quickly turned over to inspect your ankle. When you touched it, a dull yet sharp pain shot up your leg. You bit your lip in frustration, angry with yourself for having fallen. As your eyes glanced forward, in search of the root that caused your mishap, you were mildly confused by what your eyes landed on.

            A single stick stuck out of the ground. But as you peered closer, it looked less & less like a stick. Swallowing your pain, you dragged yourself closer to inspect the object sticking out from the muddied earth. You were reaching out to touch it & just as you were about to, another thunderclap sounded followed by another lightning bolt, which lit up the forest, exposing the object for what it truly was.

            In horror, you flung yourself backwards, the storm wreaking havoc above you momentarily forgotten about.

            It can’t be, you reasoned with yourself. But as you returned to the object, you couldn’t deny what was on display just in front of you: a finger, chewed down to the bone. Little to no flesh was left on it, likely having been gotten at by forest life, but it was exactly what it was, a human finger.

            Another tree was struck in the distance, kicking you out of your horrified state. Unable to inspect the sight further, you were forced to get up, your ankle still screaming in protest, but you pushed on, gritting your teeth as you limped as fast as you could back to the estate. After racing through the trees as fast as you could, you finally made it back & threw yourself into the greenhouse, finally out of the storm.

            You dropped your gear on the ground & sat, sitting crisscross so you could attend to your ankle. But there was nothing in the greenhouse you could use to stabilize your ankle. You would have to go inside. Resting for another minute, you finally made way towards the house, the gear forgotten about. As you stumbled inside the house, you had use your whole body weight to close the door as the high-speed winds battled against you. But once you got the door shut, you clattered around in the dimly lit kitchen in search of the med kit.

            Once you found it, you collapsed on the floor & began to wrap your ankle. You wouldn’t be able to put much pressure on it to keep it from worsening, but it’d have to do. You knew you didn’t break your ankle, you’d be in much more pain, but you likely sprained it. You only needed to ice it & keep it elevated in the meantime for it to heal better.

            But as you finished putting away the med kit & limped towards the stairs, leaving a trail of mud in your wake, your mind still wandered to the finger out in the woods. It had been sticking straight up out of the ground, as if it had roots like a tree. And that only meant one thing, it was attached to a body. A human body. Ransom had once told you that the estate was on a land of many acres. The land where that finger stuck out was part of the estate.

            As you made it to the bathroom upstairs, a single horrified thought occurred to you then. Did Ransom know it was there? Or did he put it there? And most importantly, who was it? You decided that when the storm cleared your ankle be damned, you would be going back out there & discovering the answers for yourself.

i was so excited to write this chapter but i'm even MORE excited to write the next. it's about to get deceptively juicy, friends.

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[likeahorribledream]

new guy

» CHAPTER NINE: STORM IS COMING

CHAPTER EIGHT

SUMMARY: Turns out you and Ransom don't necessarily have the same goal for your relationship.

PAIRING: Ransom x Reader

WORD COUNT: 2.9k

WARNINGS: Fluff, angst. New Girl AU.

REQUEST: Librarian!Reader, she’s shy and insecure about her appearance.

18+. Minors DNI.

ᴍᴀɪɴ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ

𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃

All his life Ransom has heard people around him complain about how quickly the weekends go by and that they all hate Monday mornings but he never understood why. He thought that by getting a job he'd finally understand but he doesn't. He loves the weekend because he can sleep in with his girl but he also loves week days. 

His alarm doesn't bother him because he's usually already awake to gently wake you up instead of the very annoying sound coming from the alarm clock on your phone. Your alarm goes off at 7, but he wakes you up at 6:59 every morning.

Neither of you talk aside from mumbling a quick "good morning". You aren't morning people and you both love your peace and quiet after waking up. 

Ransom loves mornings just because you're a little grumpy and cuddly. It's not unusual for you to stop in the middle of a task just to get a hug from him before going back to getting ready. 

Then, he gets to spend the entire day with you at work and watching you share your love of books with other people. Watching you recommend books is one of his favorite things. The way your eyes light up when you're talking and how you can't stop smiling make him melt. 

Going to work is never a chore because he gets to do it with you. 

Never in his wildest dreams did he think he'd ever be the kind of guy to one, be in a relationship and two, be obsessed with a girl and yet here he is. 

Harlan cutting him off changed him but meeting you transformed him. He's glad he met you after losing everything because otherwise he probably wouldn't have looked at you twice, he would have been too busy chasing other girls to notice you. He wasn't good enough for you back then, he still doesn't think that he is now but he works at himself every day to change that. 

Some may say that Ransom isn't Ransom anymore but he'd argue that he's never been more himself than he is now. 

Going to work is never a chore but he still looks forward to the weekend. 

You promised to teach him how to cook on Saturday morning and it's something new that he's looking forward to. 

If his family could see him now. Selfish, trust-fund asshole Ransom Drysdale learning to cook from a girl, from his girl. They would hate every second of it and for the first time in his life Ransom could say that he genuinely doesn't care what they think. 

Every day that he wakes up this week means it's a day closer to Saturday morning and he's excited, which you think is adorable. 

Sometimes he reminds you of a child. In the sense that he gets excited for the most basic things and you find it endearing. It makes your heart ache that no one ever took the time to show him those things but you're glad that you get to be the one to teach him. They make fond little memories that you will look back to in years and smile as you think of them. 

You feel bad for not spending as much time with Chase and Theo as you used to but they don't mind. You're happy, happier than they have ever seen you before and that's all that matters to them. 

With the week finally over and work out of the way, you can finally relax and have fun with the guys. It's been a while since you've done a Friday game night and that's exactly what you're doing tonight. Take outs and board games. Ransom didn't really feel like playing so instead he's sitting on the couch, scrolling through breakfast recipes on his phone while the three of you are sitting on the floor around the coffee table. 

"Theo." You laugh. "Stop showing me your cards! I'm cheating and it's not even on purpose." You shake your head.

You've been playing for an hour and it's the fourth time you've had to tell Theo to hide his cards. He's too busy bickering with Chase to even notice what he's doing. 

Ransom gets off the couch and stands next to you, looking down at you. "Can we go to bed?"

You look up at him. "You don't want to play with us?" 

"Not really, no." He shrugs. 

"I'm having fun, I don't want to go to bed yet." You sigh and put down your cards. 

"Alright. Can I snuggle while you play?"

You smile. "Best of both worlds." 

Ransom sits on the floor between you and the couch, resting his back against it as you lean back into him. 

"Never in a million year did I ever think I'd see Ransom ask to snuggle." Theo says after watching your exchange with Ransom. 

"Why not?" Ransom asks as he wraps his arms around your waist. 

Theo shrugs and shakes his head. "You don't strike me as the cuddling type." 

"Guys usually tend to hide their soft side." Chase adds.

Ransom snorts and shakes his head disapprovingly. "I've never cared about what other people think of me and I've never let their opinions stop me from doing what I want. Am I supposed to keep my hands to myself or pretend like I don't care about my girl because otherwise people are going to be uncomfortable? Fuck that, that's dumb." 

You bite back a smile and turn your head to the side to kiss his cheek. 

"That's good." Chase nods, approving of Ransom's way of thinking. "The guys before you thought the opposite, it's nice to see that you actually care." 

You clear your throat, suddenly uncomfortable with the conversation. "Can we not talk about that?" You ask quietly, picking at your cards and avoiding eye contact. 

"That's because she needed a man." He peppers your neck with kisses and grins at the sound of your laughter. 

"I need one of those too." Theo mumbles under his breath. 

"Not this one." You warn him. 

"Your brother then?" Theo smirks playfully.

"There are so many men out there, does it really have to be my brother?" You whine.

"Yes! He's sweet and funny." 

"And hot." Chase adds.

"So hot." Theo sighs dreamily. 

You point a finger at Chase. "Don't encourage him." 

"Looks like Theo's going to be your brother-in-law." Ransom teases you. 

You turn to the side to look at him. "You do know that means you and Theo will technically be family." You ask, raising a brow. 

He stops laughing and looks at Theo. "Stay the fuck away from her brother."

Theo gasps. "That's no way to talk to your future brother-in-law, Ranny." 

"Don't call me that." 

You and Chase exchange a look before rolling your eyes. Ransom can pretend all he wants but everyone knows he adores Theo just like Theo adores him. For some reason they like to bicker. Constantly. It's like they are making up for all those years they were brother less.

You collect everyone's cards while they keep fighting and put them back in the box, clearly you're done playing for tonight. Ransom sees that you're moving to get up and helps you stand. 

"Where are you going, kitten?" 

"To bed, are you coming?" You hold out your hand.

He takes it right away and hurries to his feet. 

"Good night." You say to your friends before leading Ransom out of the living room to his room. 

You lie down under his covers together, he's holding you close to his chest as he spoons you. He lovingly kisses the skin of your shoulder and of the side of your neck. 

"Are you tired?" 

You nod and turn your head to the side to try and catch a glimpse of him. "You?"

"I'm beat." He moves his hand to your cheek to hold your head to the side. He brushes his nose against yours and smiles softly before leaning down to kiss you. "Good night my love." He whispers between two kisses, making you smile.

You cover his hand on your cheek with yours, not hesitating to press your lips to his. "Good night baby." You whisper back once he gives you a chance to breathe again. 

He moves his hand down from your cheek and instead lays it flat on your chest, right above your heart. He waits for you to turn back your head to bury his in your neck. It doesn't take long at all for sleep to find you both once you're comfortable and all wrapped up around each other.

Surprisingly enough, you manage to stay in that exact position all through the night. It doesn't look like either of you moved even an inch. 

You wake up first but you don't move or open your eyes, enjoying every second of being in Ransom's warmth and arms.

Ransom lets out a small content sigh as he wakes up. He doesn't need to open his eyes or look at you to know that you're already awake and he smiles.

"Good morning." He whispers against your neck, his voice low and dripping with sleep. 

You smile and move your hand to his hair, gently scratching his head as you run your fingers through his hair. It's longer than when he first moved in and he uses a lot less products to keep it perfectly styled all the time, which you love because they are fluffier and softer. Especially in the morning. "Good morning." You say softly. 

You stay like this for a few more minutes before speaking again. "I'm sorry Ran but I need to move. The leg that's under me is cramping up." You laugh quietly. 

He chuckles and moves to give you enough space to lie on your back instead. Ransom comes to lie on top of you, settling himself between your legs as he holds himself up on his elbows to make sure he doesn't crush you. 

"Better?" He leans down to give both of your cheeks a kiss. 

"Much." You giggle at his kisses. "You woke up into a cuddly mood this morning." 

"Too much?" He looks down at you, worried he might be overdoing it.

You quickly shake your head no. "I like it." You reassure him with a smile.

"Can we go make breakfast and come back to bed after eating? I don't want to move but I'm starving." He huffs, slightly annoyed that he needs to get up.

"It's Saturday, we can do whatever we want." You smile. 

"Kiss." He purses his lips, making you laugh.

You put your arms around his shoulders and lift yourself up, enough to reach his lips and kiss him softly. 

He grins and sits up, taking you with him. "I want more of this but after breakfast." 

"Don't ever say I like food more than you again, look who is choosing food over cuddling and kissing." You stick your tongue out before getting out of bed and stretching your arms above your head.

Ransom kneels on the bed behind you and wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you back into his chest. "Want me to starve for you, kitten? You say the word and I will. I'll starve to death if I have to." He gently bites your neck. 

You laugh. "So dramatic." You tease him. "No need to starve." You slip out of his hold before he has time to stop you and make your way to the door. "But don't expect kisses later. You chose food over me, you are gonna have to deal with the consequences." 

"Alright, come back here." Ransom gets out of bed to stop you from leaving but you're too quick.

You hurry to the kitchen and give him a cheeky grin. "Too slow, old man."

"You're lucky you're so fucking cute." He kisses your cheek and helps you set up. 

"What do you want to make?" You ask him, standing in front of the fridge to take out what you need for the recipe he chose.

"Pancakes? It seems like a pretty easy thing to do." 

"Easy and delicious." You bring all the ingredients you're going to need and put them down on the kitchen island. "I'm going to let you make them, I'll just tell you the steps." 

Normally making pancake batter takes you about two minutes but Ransom is really taking his time and you're letting him go at his own pace. 

Chase and Theo join you in the kitchen, their stomachs already growling. 

"Mom and dad are making us pancakes." Theo says to Chase, teasing you. 

You and Ransom both laugh at the same time except in very different ways. You laugh genuinely but Ransom sounds more like he's heard something stupid.

"That's not gonna happen." He shakes his head and chuckles before flipping the first pancake.

"What's not gonna happen?" You're pretty sure you already know the answer but you need to hear him say it. 

Ransom shrugs. "I'm not having kids." 

He's so focused on not burning anything that he misses the moment you get crushed by his words.  

"You don't want kids?" You stare at his back, your heart pounding in your chest.

"Nope." He says, emphasizing on the "p" sound. 

Your eyes fall to the ground and you stare at the floor, not knowing what to say. 

Theo and Chase keep glancing at each other and silently decide to leave the kitchen to go into Chase's room. 

Ransom feels the weird shift in the air and turns around, surprised to see you standing behind him. 

"Kitten, are you ok? You look like you've seen a ghost." He smiles in the hope it'll make you smile but you give him nothing. He turns off the stove and walks over to you, gently putting his hands on your shoulders. "What's wrong?" 

"I want to have kids." You say quietly, avoiding looking into his eyes. 

"Oh." He clears his throat. 

"Yeah." You take a few steps back and he lets go of you, his hands dropping back to his side. "Are you sure?" You hesitate to ask but the pain in your chest is making you desperate.

"Are you?" He keeps looking directly at you while you do everything in your power to avoid eye contact.

"I'm more than sure." You finally look up and the pain in your eyes knocks the wind out of his lungs. 

"You know me, you know of my family… We're not good people. It's in our DNA. I'm not going to add another selfish asshole to our family tree. I can't." 

You understand why he doesn't want kids, you really do. You don't blame him for thinking this way. "You're not like them, Ran. You wouldn't be like your dad-"

"Look, maybe I'll change my mind in like 10 years. We have time, right?"

"No, you do. I don't. What happens if in 10 years you change your mind and it's too late? What if I get pregnant before then and you resent me for the next 18 years?" You shake your head. "I'm willing to compromise about a lot of things but not this. I'm sorry." You walk around the kitchen island and head to your room, swallowing with difficulty because of the lump in your throat, rapidly forming from your unshed tears and heartache. 

Ransom follows you. "Why can't I be enough for you?"

You sit on your bed and take in a few shaky breaths. "You are enough, more than enough." 

"Then we don't need kids." He nervously runs his fingers through his hair.

"I do." You quickly wipe off the tear that escapes at the corner of your eye. "I don't know how to explain it, I just know that I do. I've known since I was teenager. It's the one thing in my life I've always been sure of. It's not because you're not enough, it's just… different." 

"Aren't we happy just the two of us together?" He is getting desperate as he gets a bad feeling about where this conversation is headed.

"We are." You nod. 

"Then why risk messing it up?" He kneels on the floor in front of you, resting his hands on your thighs with a pleading look in his eyes.

You smile sadly down at him and stroke his cheek with your hand. "I don't see having kids as a risk of messing things up, for me having kids is adding to my happiness." 

Ransom wipes angrily at his cheeks, he doesn't even know when he started crying. He stands up and looks down at you, holding back more tears. "So that's it then? We're done?" 

"I don't know." You answer sincerely. "I don't want us to be done." 

He stares at you then leaves your room. He storms out of the loft and slams the door as he goes, taking the stairs two at a time to get to the first floor and outside. 

You slowly stand up and walk over to your door to close it quietly before heading back to bed. You jump at the sound of the front door being slammed shut and quickly crawl into bed, hiding under your covers. You finally let the tears come out, hoping it will help soothe the soul crushing pain in your heart. 

It doesn't. 

Ransom pulls out his phone from his pocket, not caring that he's only wearing sweats and a coat outside. He scrolls through his contacts until he finds the person he's looking for. He lifts his phone to his ear as it starts to ring and he's relieved when the other person picks up almost instantly.

"Can I come over to your place? I really need to see you."

Lordy lord. It's been awhile.... This was written a long LONG time ago. I haven't edited anything I'm sorry. If you're one of the few that stuck around for this story, thank you and I promise there's more to come.

[ronearoundblindly]

Love of My Life (a RoAR drabble)

Flufftober Day 10, Ransom Drysdale x rich!Reader (see series)

This is it, gang, the moment Ran has avoided for soooo long... No warnings, and I even avoided cursing (there is one 'damn' and some taking the lord's name in vain lol). Hopefully, it still seems like Ran then! 🤣 Unedited, short.

"Watch out!"

Ran yanks his foot off the gas and swivels the beamer to the right, missing his chance to merge up the ramp to Drop Offs.

"My god, Hugh, what is wrong with you? Should I have called Dubois?"

"No," he bites back, "I just didn't see that guy in my blindspot."

Ran is utterly distracted while driving you to the airport. You're on your way back to Beijing for who knows how long, and since everything changed two days ago, he's struggled to focus.

Now he has to loop around the entire place to get back to your departure door. That gives him time, but he hasn't used that wisely so far. Why would traffic be different?

His head pivots back and forth, triple-checking his mirrors.

Your hand lightly lays on his arm. He can't feel the warmth of your skin through his sweater sleeve, sadly.

"Hugh," you soothe, "we'll figure out the money and get you back out to visit soon, I promise."

For once--for one bizarre and shining moment in Ransom Drysdale's life--this isn't about money, so he huffs in annoyance.

"That's not... Let's just get you there."

He takes only a split second to look at your soft smile before overly attending the road. He's not thinking about the heated conversation in this very car the other night, he's ignoring the elephant in the back seat with a tattooed forehead that reads "marriage," and he's definitely swallowing three gigantic stone words.

His car pulls up to the busy curb, and you start for the door handle.

"Wait," he shout-whispers, unable to figure out what his voice should sound like. If he speaks deeper, will that be more serious? If he's quiet, will it seem gentle and genuine? He has no idea. Ran's never told anyone this before, not deliberately, not for real.

You squeeze his hand sweetly when he reaches out.

"I promise I charged my phone."

"No, that--"

"And I've CC-ed you on all my itinerary emails."

"Great but--"

"Yes, I ordered more night cream for the hotel, and I'll keep up with--"

"Just SHUT UP for a--" Ran covers his mouth "--sorry. I--I just..."

He can't finish the damn phrase. The pressure in his chest is topping out the meters and he can't do it.

Patiently, you sit back in the front seat, sighing, eyes darting between him and the airport security guard keeping the flow of cars steady. You bite your lip instead of prompting him.

He has another false start.

By this point, Ransom might cry in frustration.

This is not supposed to be so difficult. Why has he made this so difficult? You two have shared far more intimate things than this. Christ, he's proposed already! It's a good thing you've asked him not to tell anybody because he can't even say I love you.

"I know you do, Hugh. It's okay."

Did he? Did he just blurt that out in the middle of thought?!? That's twice now then, but perhaps the first instance you've truly heard. Third time's the charm maybe...

"I love you," he says, no chance to be mistaken. He hears it, he knows you hear it, and he means it. His voice sounds normal yet foreign, changed but unchanged, kind. He sounds kind. Ran isn't sure if he likes it.

"And I love you, too," you return easily.

The true and enormous grin that blooms across your face is something he definitely likes though--loves even.

He smiles but quickly reins it back in, aware that stupid guard is eyeing their immobile vehicle with no one unloading.

"Come 'ere," he breathes.

You're on him in a flash, tender lips kissing his, and just for luck, he mumbles it a few more times. Practice. He'll need practice. You told him he would to lead a new life with you. One day it will seem as normal as swiping his credit card.

"I love you. I love you. I love you."

He gets his favorite giggle in response. He really is a sucker for that silly noise. How he used to hate it...but oh, how he loves it now.

There's a bracing tap at his window.

"Hey! Let's get moving, you two. Other people need this space."

Yeah, whatever, Ran thinks. I don't care about anyone but her.

[Main Masterlist; Root of All Ransom Masterlist; Ko-Fi]

@supraveng @1950schick @patzammit @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @yiiiikesmish @ashesofblackroses @starkleila @brandycranby

[dbnightingale24]

First, I want to thank everyone who has read, reblogged, or supported my stories. It means more than I’ll ever be able to put into words, truly. Without you all, I wouldn’t feel confident in launching my Patreon page! I’ll still post fanfics, but I’ll also be taking requests, and posting original stories. I hope you all will follow along, and continue to enjoy my stories! Thank you so much; you’ve given me the confidence I needed to do this. I love you!

Here’s the link if you’d like to follow along:

https://www.patreon.com/user?u=113976020&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

(It’ll be more official soon!)

@fuckingbye @emerald-evans @autumnrose40 @thickania

[babyjakes]

dreamy undoing.

〈 disclaimer: this blog posts content not suitable for individuals under the age of 18. minors are strictly prohibited from viewing, sharing, or interacting with this blog. for more information on this blog's commitment to protecting minors, read our full statement here. 〉

event | april '23 ddlg-themed blurb night

summary | when you need it most, ransom knows exactly how to clear out your pretty little head.

pairing | daddy!ransom drysdale x little!reader

warnings | ddlg. soft sweet doting daddy!ransom. toys: warming cream, clit pump, vibe, butt plug. fingering. soo much praise, a little dumbification, lots of "shhhhh"s which are my favorite hehe <3. reader cries a little but only due to pleasure. reader is tied up. multiple orgasms, squirting.

word count | 1,517

requested by 🫧 anon | Life has been so stressy lately and I just know that Daddy Ari or Daddy Andy (or any Daddy you feel like writing!) would put together the perfect plan to wipe all the stressy thoughts from their little one’s brain. Daddy would make sure she feels all safe and little first, and then maybe tie her up to show her some new toys he got for her as he tells her that he’s going to use them to make all her stress go away. By the end, all she can do is come and squirt over and over and over again as daddy makes her make a big big mess.

an | ohh bestie i'm so glad you sent in a toy request, i have been craving a good toy fic and this was perfectly timed for blurb night!! hope it's alright with you that i chose ransom, i just love him and miss him and always think of him first when it comes to toys hehe <3 also?? this was supposed to be just a quick lil blurb but the adhd medication got me completely carried away..... hope you enjoy >:-)

"There you go baby— shhh," Ransom's voice is the softest, sweetest thing you've ever heard as his gentle fingers spread the yummy-scented cream all over your poor little button. Your legs twitch against the ropes holding you open and spread wide for your daddy. Though you're all tied up in quite a punishing position, this is not a disciplinary session. Instead, the restraints are simply there for your safety, for your comfort. Ransom knows this is exactly what you need after such a grueling week of school and work; all he wants to do is let his pretty baby's mind melt away to nothing as he rewards her endlessly for all the hard work she's been doing.

"Mmm... Daddy," you mumble. Ransom hums along with you as he rolls your tiny knot of nerves between his fingers, the effects of the special cream not taking long at all to be felt. "Th-thank you Daddy, feels so nice, feels—"

"Shhh— you're welcome, baby," the dark-haired man leans his head in to press a kiss against your forehead as he works your sensitive clit with his fingers. "You just let Daddy take care of you, hmm? Don't have to worry about a single thing, sunshine. Need to empty out that pretty little head of yours, s'not good for a tiny baby like you to be doin' so much thinkin'."

From the little pile of toys he has sitting next to you on the bed, he grabs your favorite pump next. It's a simple device with a round plastic cup for your clit, connected to a small bulb that allows your daddy to work the suction manually. As Ransom uses his fingers to spread you out gently, fitting the toy into its place, your toes curl in excitement. "Need to get your sweet little button all puffy and ready for Daddy to play with, right baby?" he smiles as he sucks your poor clit up with a squeeze, earning an eager nod from you as he wiggles the pump carefully, making sure the seal is air-tight.

"Bet that feels nice— huh, princess?" he croons knowingly as he grabs the next toy: your pretty pink plug, custom-made with genuine Swarovski crystals embedded in the base. "Don't worry, angel. Gonna get it nice and slick for you, make sure nothing hurts for my pretty little girl." Eyeing your dripping folds, he hums in approval. "Such a good girl, getting so messy for me already."

Your mind floats safely through your tiny headspace as Ransom preps the plug with plenty of lubricant, earning a quiet whimper from you as he begins rubbing the blunted tip up against your puckered hole. "Easy baby, shhh," he soothes you once more, bringing one hand up to tap against the hard plastic encasing your clit as the other begins working the plug into you. He releases the pump before squeezing it again and again at a quick, teasing pace, your poor puffy button getting sucked up over and over by the tool.

Your breaths deepen, heart thumping faster and faster as your clit pulsates in pleasure, the sensation of the plug stretching you out in your most sensitive of places bringing you closer and closer to the edge in little time at all. Attentive as always, Ransom senses your growing arousal with ease. "Good girl, that's my sweet little y/n. That feel nice, baby? You like it when Daddy plays with your clit and plugs up your pretty little bottom? Poor little girl— so tight, aren't you?" he mocks pity, the heat in your tummy growing as he slides the plug in and out of your burning hole, letting it stretch you out as far as it can without quite giving you the satisfaction of inserting it fully to sit nicely in its intended place.

"P-please Daddy," you pout, bottom lip trembling as he toys with your ass, letting out a gasp as he sucks your needy button up fully again before plunging two thick fingers into your neglected cunt. "O-oh Daddy... thank you Daddy, I— please, please Daddy..." Ransom grins at the sound of your increasing desperation. The first orgasm is always his favorite; he loves dragging it out, watching as it creeps up slowly, then before either of you know it, all at once.

"There you go, babygirl. Just needed this pretty little pussy filled up, huh?" he sings, the pads of his fingers curling up against your tender ceiling as you grit your teeth, tears building in your eyes as you pass the point of no return.

"Please Daddy, I-I'm gonna— please," you heave.

"Go ahead, baby," Ransom murmurs, giving you a knowing nod as he works his hands faster, bringing you right to orgasm at his simple command, "cum for me. Theere," he hums, a satisfied look washing over his face as he witnesses you coming completely undone before him.

Clenching down against the plug and your daddy's fingers, you completely let go, gushing steadily against his ministrations. Your climax is long, steady, and intense, pathetic whimpers sputtering out of you once you finally begin to drift back down to earth. Ransom carries you through it with care, working your most sensitive places as long as he can to give you as pleasurable of an orgasm as possible. Only when you're finally winding down does he slow, bringing his drenched fingers up to his lips to taste your sweet juices.

"So good for me, angel," his voice is low, tender as he finally pushes the plug in fully, watching as it nestles itself perfectly into place against your trembling rosebud. Free hand coming up to rub your tummy gently, he coos as it still spasms lightly from your euphoric high. "So proud of you, sweetheart. Did so well for Daddy, that feel good?"

"Mhmm," you hum, gazing at him through half-closed lids as you soak in the dreamy waves of pleasure still coursing through your veins. "So good, thank you Daddy," you mewl sweetly.

"You're so welcome, little one. Now let's see here," he muses, bringing his attention back up to your clit as it sits swollen in its clear cage. "Oh my," he breathes as he lets it out of the pump with a pop, the magic workings of the device and the cream visible as the little bundle of nerves now sits completely exposed and hardened, just begging to be loved on. "So puffy, baby. Look at you," he enthuses, placing a hand behind your head to bring it forward, forcing you to look at your poor, abused sex.

"S-so puffy," you agree, eyes widening as he reaches for the bottle of lube, gently dripping some down against the knot of flesh. The sensation of the cool liquid hitting your most sensitive spot brings tears to your eyes once more.

"Think I've bullied your poor little button enough, huh?" he frowns as he grabs a small, cordless wand from beside you— another favorite. "Think it deserves some relief. What do you say, princess?"

"Y-yes Daddy, please Daddy," you drool as you rest your head back against the pillows once more, the sound of the wand switching on already overwhelming you with anticipation.

Pressing three fingers into your messy heat this time, Ransom gives no warning before bringing the head of the wand down to begin working over your clit. You jolt at the intensity, earning a light chuckle from the dark-haired man as he begins pumping his digits in and out of you once more, singing, "There, that's what you needed, isn't it? Just needed Daddy to tie you down and let you cum? How long d'you think you'll last this time, sweetheart?" he wonders aloud.

But you're already teetering towards the edge again, the wand being swirled over your throbbing clit in slick, steady circles enough to make your mind go completely numb. And that's all Ransom wants; that's all he's wanted from the beginning: to reduce you down to nothing but whimpers and moans, a drippy, darling mess at the mercy of his skilled hands. "Please... please..." Your vocabulary is shrinking by the second as his fingers speed up against your burning walls.

"You don't have to beg, baby. You can cum, can cum as many times as you need. Daddy's gonna take care of you, sunshine," he promises as you reach your second high, tears and spit dribbling down your chin as you squirt out against your daddy's hands once more. He praises you softly and sweetly, letting you ride out your orgasm for as long as you can. Your juices crackle against the hum of the vibrator as you squeeze your eyes shut, heart pounding in your throat as you wait seconds, minutes, what feels like forever for the ripples of pleasure to finally subside.

"Hmmph... Daddy..." your own voice sounds miles away from you as you stay in your daze, head entirely somewhere else as you feel the wand being run up and down your soaked slit.

"Daddy's here, angel. Doin' so good for me— let's see if you can give me another one, hm?"

quietly tagging @onsunnyside in dis bc. dis is puff puff behavior fr.

[intrepidacious]

occupy my brain [3]

series summary: Being Harlan Thrombey’s research assistant would be the perfect summer job if it weren’t for his grandson.

pairing: ransom drysdale x f!reader

word count: 1.1k

chapter warnings: implied smut. ransom being very ransom (cranky asshole) and yet very not-ransom (smitten). side characters talking shit about reader. please note that my blog is rated 18+. minors dni. ageless/empty blogs will be blocked without warning.

a/n: we've made it to the end of 2024, folks!! and what better way to celebrate than by finally continuing this fic that i haven't stopped thinking about since i got that first prompt request almost two years ago. since the first two chapters were mostly standalones, i'm thinking that most of the continuing ones will be as well. updates for this story are not going to be regular and probably won't follow the timeline chronologically either, but we'll see what next year will bring. either way, this is already way too long for an author's note, happy to have you along for the ride 🫶🏼

series masterlist | main masterlist | read on ao3

damage ensued

One thing was for certain: Hugh Ransom Drysdale had always taken great pride in not giving a damn about anyone but himself. So far, it had served him well.

That wasn't really a surprise. His family had been throwing money at every obstacle they came across for decades now; it'd be idiotic not to take advantage of that.

And Ransom was definitely not an idiot.

That’s why he'd soon stopped begging for everyone’s attention and instead made them listen. If that got him into trouble, why would he care?

A Thrombey was untouchable, even if he had a different surname.

Whenever life got too boring, he'd find a new way to keep his mind from wandering, from wondering; his brain was kept occupied at all times. That's how he liked it—sweet diversions filling the silent gaps in his life.

This was just what life was supposed to be, wasn't it? Absolutely no fucking problem in the world that couldn't be disappeared with a healthy serving of dough before he was left to his usual ways once again, mindless and sinfully enjoyable.

Except …

Except sometimes a thought did make it through the walls he'd built around the most vulnerable parts of himself, the parts of him he'd love nothing more than to forget about. An unbidden, uninvited thought that stabbed right through like a well-timed vicious whisper, slamming him out of whatever stupor he’d put himself other:

Is that really all?

Usually, that thought was easy to keep down. It was quiet, after all, and the world he liked to live in was loud and vibrant and perfectly distracting.

There was only one problem: You wouldn’t leave his mind.

Ever since that night that’d ended with you in his bed, traces of you lingered all over his house. An echo of the sounds you made when he was rutting into you. The memory of your eyes rolling back while you were sprawled out on his sheets. Images that, no matter how many times he jerked off to them, would not leave him the fuck alone.

It was ridiculous.

You were nothing more than an intern, for god’s sake. Easy on the eyes, sure; real damn easy. But just a girl. A random nobody with the most beautiful curves and the loveliest eyes he’d ever—

Jesus, there was something wrong with him.

That was how he found himself at the party of one of the friends he'd made by being rich and handsome, drowning out any reminder of you with too-loud music and another drink. He'd not gotten high in a while but maybe he should text his guy again; that was usually a surefire way to turn off any coherent, unwanted thought in his head.

For now, though, he couldn't be bothered to make the drive. Besides, he'd come here with one specific goal in mind: He had to get you out of his system once and for all, and do it fast. Judging by the past couple of days, that was the only way to get his life back to the way it used to be.

Replace the delicious memories by making new ones. Better ones.

Better. Faster. More.

Ransom took another swig from his beer. It really was such a drag that all the women at this party seemed terribly dull. Not that any of them had approached him; all his annoyingly persistent musings had put a scowl on his face, and that had been enough for most people to give him a wide berth. This was just great.

It was true what they said: If you wanted something done right, you had to do it yourself. And what he wanted, no, what he needed right now was to be sucked into oblivion.

Just so that he wouldn't see your goddamn face every time he closed his eyes.

Later, he’d tell police that he’d been provoked and that none of this was his fucking fault, and as far as he was concerned, that was the truth. After all, he’d barely slept in days. He definitely wasn’t to blame for any of this.

In any event: Despite his earlier public session of self-pity seemingly giving him quite the disadvantage when it came to getting laid tonight, Ransom knew exactly how to turn on his charms in the right moment, and so it didn't take him too long to find a girl who was just pretty and willing enough to turn his night around. Even better, she didn’t look like you in the slightest; her voice was rough and she smelled like cigarette smoke and too-sweet apple cider, and her name disappeared from his mind as soon as it left her lips.

This was what it was supposed to be like, he thought as he grabbed her by the throat and pressed her against a nearby wall. Just a way to get his rocks off. He was just about to suggest moving things upstairs when his spine went rigid.

Someone behind him had just mentioned your name; your full name, so it couldn't be a coincidence, either.

Of course, that had nothing to do with him. He was busy right now.

But something about those guys talking about you rubbed him the wrong way and he couldn't help but continue to listen, even as he was still trying to stay blissfully distracted.

"—about me, the bitch, I mean, what the fuck," one of the voices said, followed by an echo of snickers and a petulant, "I know, right?"

That whiny little thought perked up again, and any attempt to smother it only resulted in him listening in on more of that conversation, despite his expressed indifference.

"—definitely sleeping with the professor—"

"—that stuck up nerd? Nah, she’s—"

"—honestly pathetic—"

Something hot and ugly was twisting in Ransom’s guts, and even know there was no rational reason for it, it had to do with the grating voices of those frat boys. Finally, though, he'd heard enough.

"Excuse me," he told the girl and not too gently removed her hands from his collar, not even sparing her a second glance as he turned and fixed his hair. Then, before he could think about it twice, he strode over to the group. "Who're you guys talking about?"

"This bitch in my microbiology class," one of them said, rolling his eyes. "You know her?"

"Do I look like I know her?" Ransom replied, and they all laughed as if that was a hilarious answer to a rhetorical question. God, he was surrounded by morons. With a tightlipped smile, he waited until Microbiology made eye contact with him again, mouth still parted in the same malicious grin, too drunk or too dumb to recognize the inexplicable ire he was staring at.

"Anyway."

And then he punched the guy in the face.

thank you to @thereoncewasagirlnamedjane for fixing my first sentence for me and thank YOU for reading 🧡 i don't have a tag list but if you want to see more of my writing, check out my masterlist or follow @intrepidacious-fics for update notifications!!

wishing you all a good 2025 and good riddance to last year. i'll see you on the other side 🫶🏼

[georgiapeach30513]

Closer to Heaven and Closer to You, Part 10

Summary:  Frank confronts Ransom about you.

Pairings:  Ransom Drysdale X Reader

Rating:  explicit

Warnings:   Explicit language, explicit sexual content, smut, sex with a bit of an audience, unprotected sex, PIV sex, creampie, sex in a pool, breeding kink, Frank Adler, 18+ ONLY

Word Count:  7K

Previous

Series Masterlist

*dividers created by @firefly-graphics​

“Ran,” you giggle, pushing Ransom away from you, but he pulls you back to his chest, nipping at your neck.  His hands drifting down your side, before cupping your ass.  “Ransom, your family is going to be here in just a minute.”

“I don’t even care,” he pants, but pulls back to look at you, “Buns, you look beautiful.”

“You’re just saying that because we’re going to pretend that we’re not in each other’s beds almost every night,” cupping your face, he brings you to him for the sweetest of kisses.  Peppering his lips all over your face.

“Mmm, they’re vultures,” he was so joyful as he brings your hips into him.  His hand runs down your side, and your skin begins to tingle with every inch he moves down your skin.  Ransom knew too well what he was doing to you, and knew even better how the two of you had decided to take things so slow.

Your eyes flit around his face before you slot your lips against his.  Hands going up underneath his sweater, and you scratch lightly on his back.  The two of you lost in the kisses of each other.  You couldn’t think of anything sweeter than just how pure Ransom could be.  The way you saw his confidence grow each passing day.  He deserved more than his parents and extended family had given him, and that’s precisely what you were going to do.

Leaning back onto the wall, Ransom lifts up one of your legs, placing it at his hip, while you whimper on his lips.  You didn’t know how long you could hold out anymore, or why either of you had continued to stop yourselves.  It wasn’t even a want as much of a need.  You needed him.  Needed to feel him pressing into your wet heat.  Needed to feel his cock throbbing in your core.  You needed all of him.

“Well, well, well,” Richard’s snake-y voice booms through the sitting room, and like children, you and Ransom pull apart from each other quickly.  This is not how you wanted any of his family to find out.

“Told you he was screwing the help.”

“Jacob, we don’t talk like that.”

“She’s not even the help, she’s Grandpa’s nurse.”

“I see what this is.  Weaseling your way into our family money using my son!”

Ransom pushes your body behind him, standing up proud and tall, he wouldn’t let them insult you, “That’s enough.  She’s not…we’re dating.  This is my girlfriend.”

“Kind of convenient, don’t cha think?  Good looking man, lots of money, a wealthy family.”

“I’m not after Ransom’s money.  I…Ransom, I…” your voice gets lost, and you hide your face in his back.  His family came with him, and he was worth it.  He was worth this.

“I told you.  I told you she was here just to swindle our money.”

“I don’t want your goddamn money.  I came from money, too!” Your voice screeches, as you stomp away from them.  Even though you hear Ransome protest, and call out your name, you need to get away from those disgusting people, and go into the only other room that makes you feel comfortable; Ransom’s office.

“What is your problem?” Ransom glares at each and every single one of his family members.  “You don’t get to come here treating people like that.  And definitely not her.”

“Well, maybe if you didn’t fall for some slut that is here only to…”

“She’s not some slut!”

“Then why are you fucking her?”

“I’m not!  We are dating, and we are taking things slow.  I didn’t tell any of you because look how you act.  This is my life, and it’s mine and her relationship.  None of you are included.  Not even the alt right asshole who likes spying on us.  Yeah.  We’ve been together awhile.  I didn’t need you lot to poison our relationship.  I love her!  And there’s nothing you can say or do to make me change my mind.  Now, if you would excuse me, I’m going to find my girlfriend.”

Ransom stomps through the estate and straight to his office.  If you weren’t with Harlan, it’s where you always were.  Like this unspoken way to find you.  Slinging open the door, he sees you look up at him through your lashes with a strained smile.  “Buns, I’m…” turning around, you push all his papers and things into the floor.  Smiling when they make a loud raucous, and you hope his family enjoys the show.  “Bunny, no.”

“Ransom, I love spending time with you, and I want this.”

“Why?  Tell me why because we don’t owe them anything.”

Turning back to look at him, you go underneath your dress to take off your panties, letting them fall to the floor before you step out of them.  Lifting up your dress you lean back on his desk and spread your legs slowly.  Making sure he sees your weeping cunt, and just how ready you were, “I don’t care what they or anyone else says, Hugh Ransom Drysdale, I love you.  I know what being in love is now because I’m so in love with you that it hurts not having this part of you.”

Ransom had never heard anything so beautiful in his life.  No one, to his knowledge, had ever said that to him.  No one had ever made him feel the way that he did.  “I’m in love with you.”

“I didn’t say that to force you into telling me.  I…”

“Bunny, I love you,” walking closer to you, he starts to undo his pants; there is too many clothes separating the two of you.  Your hands go under his sweater, and you pull it off.  Spinning you around, Ransom slowly undoes the zipper on your dress, letting it cascade to the floor, and he kicks it to the side before he places you back on the desk.  Removing your bra with one hand, “Wow.”

Holding his cock firmly in his hand, he smears his tip, leaking of precum, through your folds, and you yip at the feeling.  Staring deeply into each other’s eyes when he slowly pushes through your tight channel.  Inching through your folds, and both of your forget to breathe.  

Legs spreading wider to accommodate his thick frame.  And just when you think you couldn’t take anymore, he pushes more into your warmth.  Not stopping until he bottoms out, and you gasp, clinging to his arms, needing his body to fully encapsulate yours.

Holding himself still while you get adjusted to his girth.  Smiling through your sweet sounds, and you start to lean back, feeling more comfortable when Ransom’s thumb starts to make tight circles on your bundle of nerves.  “You feel good, Ran,” you choke out.  “You feel amazing inside of me.”

“There’s not a day that will go by that I don’t want to be settled right here,” he taps along your stomach.  Showing you exactly where he was seated at.  

“I love you,” you repeat again.  You wanted him to feel all the love that you had for him.  “I love you, Ransom.”

“I love you,” is the last thing that Ransom is able to get out before he sets at a desperate pace.  The two of you had been aching for one another, and you finally had it.  Frustrated and pissed off at his family, but he was making sure you felt exactly how much he loved you.  How much that he had been craving you, but more than for sex.  The sex was the bonus.  

Your hand slams on the desk as you move to get more comfortable.  Ransom’s thrusts making the desk legs screech and move on the floor, “Yes!” You scream a bit too loud, but Ransom smiles anyway.  Your voice is horse already, and you just know you have to be making the most lewd moans.  Your pussy was definitely squelching throughout this office space.  Filling the small room with Ransom’s new favorite sound.

Ransom grunts as he rails into you, and you can not imagine a time that you had felt this good.  Your hands explore his body, grasping at his ass, and becoming addicted to his noises.  He was fully yours, and you were fully his.

“Well,” Linda clicks, hearing something else fall off the desk.  “I saw this coming the day that she walked through that door.”

“Right there, baby!” Your voice bounds down the hallway directly to his family.  “Yes!  Yes!  Ransom, right there!”

“At least they’re having fun,” Meg shrugs, and her entire family, sans Harlan, turns to glare at her.  “What?  You’ve been accusing the two of them of fucking for months.  Now you know that they are,” she snorts when you clearly was coming.  Otherworldly mewls muffled only by the sound of something slapping onto wood.  “At least he loves her,” Meg adds in when Ransom shouts that he loves you.

“And she’s using him.”

“You say that only because you’re not around them,” Harlan walks into the study.  “Sounds like it’s about on time.  Fran?  Will you have their dinner taken into Ransom’s office when the uh…noise dies down.  At least he has a couch and blankets in there.  Just leave it outside of the…door,” nobody could concentrate with how the two of you were carrying on.  

“That sounded like the bookshelf,” Walt groans, when random items bang onto the floor.

“So it does.  Let’s eat.  You wanted them to have sexual relations so bad Linda, looks like you finally got your wish.  And I would completely drop the subject all together.  Ransom is making preparations.  That woman will be your daughter in law, or you will have a very heartbroken son.  Take your pick.  Dinner.  I’m famished.”

“You’re going to allow this to happen in your house?” Richard points down the hallway, hearing the loud bang of Ransom throwing you up against the wall.  “This is too explicit for dinner.”

“Yeah, well, we can just ignore it, or you can leave.  You insulted her, you insulted your son, and their relationship.  I believe that this is a…”

“Oh fuck me!”

“Ahh,” Harlan’s mouth turns up into a wicked grin at Ransom’s outburst, “I was going to go with this is a fuck you, but I think your son answered for you.  Shall we eat, or is everyone’s stomach turned?”

“Jacob shouldn’t be hearing this,” Donna awkwardly laughs, touching her eyebrow, trying to fake embarrassment when in reality she was jealous of the pleasure you were clearly feeling..  “Wow…she’s vocal.”

“I heard them taking turns going down on each other last week.  He’s just as…vocal.  It’s nothing I haven’t heard.”

Meg cackles when your voice reaches a high pitch, and Ransom is moaning just as loud, “I think that was the grand finale.  Can we eat now?  I’m starving.”

“You can eat with that…noise?” Joanie whines, but Meg just shrugs.

“Judging by their labored breaths, and the noise stopping, they're finished.  I’m eating, Grandpa?  Oh, I don’t dislike her by the way.  Notice how Ransom isn’t such a prick?  I’m going to go with her being the reason,” she walks behind Harlan into the dining room, while the rest of the family wait for a moment.  Contemplating on what they were going to do before following suit.

Ransom carries you over to the couch, and drapes a blanket over both of your bodies, while the two of you gaze at one another.  The most beautiful post sex glow on both of your skin.  This wasn’t how you had imagined the first time with Ransom to be, but it was perfect.  Your relationship was now out in the open, and there was nothing that anyone could do about it.  

Your hand brushes his stray hairs out of your face, and you smile constantly at him.  “Ransom, I love you.  I wasn’t saying that in the heat of the moment.  I love you.  I now can honestly say that this is different.  This is something I have never felt before.”

Grabbing your hand off his face, he brings it to his mouth, kissing your knuckles, “I love you, too.  I guess…they all know.”

“Let them know.  I didn’t want to hide this anymore anyways.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair,” Ransom calls out, walking into the living after your parents.  “Please, don’t leave.  I stayed behind because…well, I um — I needed to talk to you.  There’s a reason, well, several reasons why your daughter and myself decided to visit.”

“You better not be telling me she’s pregnant,” pregnancy tests were brought, but none had been taken, so Ransom shakes his head no quickly.  “Shit, Faye, I think Ransom needs us to sit down, huh, son?”

“Yes, please,” he gulps, your father grabs your mother’s hand, leading everyone into the living room.  Upon sitting, Ransom just rubs his thighs up and down.  Eyes misting up because there were no words he could think that would ever compare to how he truly felt about you.  “I love your daughter.”

“So we’ve heard,” your mom smiles at Ransom, it was finally happening for you, and the right way.  “She loves you, too.  Doesn’t she, Ronnie?”

“Yeah, yeah.  My daughter has loved before.  Or so she thought.  What makes you different?”

“I don’t want to keep her from her family.  Harlan is my family, and he’s agreed as well.  I want her.  And if I want her I can’t stay in Boston.  I bought us some land on Sowers Road, and had a house built for us, and our future children, and my grandpa, his mom recently passed, and he will be moving here as well, and…”

“It’s a bit premature isn’t it?  Buying a house, and ready to move your grandfather out here.”

“Yes, but I want to marry her, and that’s why I need to ask you both for your blessing.  Bunny is traditional.  She loves the ceremony of things, and she would want me to ask you before I asked her.  I’ve got the ring, here,” Ransom opens the ring box, and slides it across the coffee table, and your mother grips at your dad’s hand.  “I love her more than anything else in this world.  I want a family with her, and I want her to have a perfect little farm, and — I just want her, and whatever comes with her.  Whatever that means.”

“You want kids?”

“Yes.  We both really want kids.”

“You got enough land for a ranch?”

“Yes, sir.  Her friend Bucky has been putting it together.  I don’t know anything about that life, but he does.  And he’s set everything up.  And he’s going to run everything, and I’m going to try and learn that life.”

“But you’re bringing my baby home to me?” Ransom nods at your father.  Your mother was ready to give her approval to Ransom the moment the three of them had walked into the living room.  “I’ll be honest with you, I really hated you.  She was ready to head back to Boston after two days here.  This is only the second time she’s come home, and according to her sister, you are the reason why because she couldn’t leave you.  You’ve got nothing in Boston?”

“Just her and Harlan.  And they’d both be living here.  Mr. Sinclair, I’ve never loved anyone.  Never respected anyone.  Never saw myself planning for the future until your daughter.  So if you could please give me your blessing.”

“You have it,” Faye pipes up, patting on her husband’s leg.  “He’s a hard ass.  We only had girls, and he raised them to take care of themselves.  But at the end of the day my baby wants to be a wife and mother, and take care of her ranch, and the ones she loves.  And you’re that person.”

Ransom leans around you, giving you the sweetest and most tender kisses on your shoulder.  Up in the highest part of the estate had become yours and his sanctuary.  Leaning forward with nothing but a blanket around your waist, you add a bit more blue paint to the canvas.  The sunlight beams into the small room that had become your favorite place to make love, and paint.  

“It’s beautiful, but not quite as much as you,” giggling, you turn your neck, and look at the most handsome man that you had ever met.  “Where is this at?”

“There’s this little area in Montana.  It’s off of Sowers Road, and they have this great tiny little mountain.  Up by itself.”

“Mmm, tell me about this place,” he says, spinning you around.  Even though you were both completely naked, glistening in sweat, and had nothing but a blanket, there was no urge to have sex again, you just were together.  “What did you do there?”

“Me and my sisters would sneak out of the house, and go there.  Lay on this mountain, and look at the land below.  Each of us dreaming up what we would do if the land was ours.  But mostly, we’d lay on our backs and look at the stars.  Waiting for a shooting star to make wish.”

“What was your wish?”

Looking down at his lips, you serenely smile, and lean forward to give him a chaste kiss, “You.”

Ransom rolls his eyes, chuckling, and pushing you back a bit, “Uh-uh, you didn’t even know I existed.  So what did you wish for?”

“I didn’t lie, Ran.  I wished that I would meet someone and fall so deeply in love, and that I would know that I couldn’t live my life without them.  I mean living there would be a dream.  I always felt like being there you were closer to the heavens.  And then I met you, and I realized it didn’t matter where heaven is, because I feel the closer I am to you the closer I am to heaven.  You know, we’ve never talked about our future.  Where do you see us?”

“Hopefully you with a baby in your belly, and a child in my arms,” shaking your head no, you lean forward to lay on his shoulder.  “You don’t want kids?”

“You don’t want them.”

“That’s utter horse shit.  Why would I not want a Bunny or Ransom junior?  Up until I met you, I thought I was destined to be a bachelor.  Boy, did that change.  So do you want kids?”

“Yeah.  I want a house full of kids.  Got their little boots on, not afraid to pet a horse or feed a cow.”

“Ahh, a farm?”

“A ranch, and a mini farm.  Have cute little corgis herding the kids more than the animals.”

“Corgis, huh?” He asks, pulling you in closer when you nod your head.  You wrap your arms around his, sighing when he pulls you into his lap.  “So we’re going to have these corgis that are chasing our kids around?”

“Yes,” Ransom could feel you smiling on his skin.  Feeling you smile was almost as invigorating as seeing it.  “Gucci.”

“Hmm?”

“I want our first corgi named Gucci.”

Ransom finally takes the blindfold off your face, and you look up at the house in shock.  It was beautiful, but it was in your spot.  “This…this is Sowers Road, isn’t?”

“It is.  What do you think of the house?”

“It’s perfect,” tears spring at your eyes because it really was perfect.  Even a pond in front of the house.  “There’s a lookout in the house,” it was like someone had gone on your Pinterest and built the house according to your dreams.  “There’s…Ran, there’s a little dock.  That’s almost exactly where me and my sister’s would lay looking at the stars.”

“Come on, let’s go look at it,” you shake your head no, wrapping your arms around yourself.  You hate to be this way, but someone was getting your dream spot.  “Buns, come on, lets go for a swim.”

“No.”

“Why?” He chuckles, and you pout at him.  It shouldn’t hurt so much to see your dreams obliterated, but it hurts so bad.  Someone was going to be living your dream, “Buns, why?”

“They probably have cameras everywhere.  We can’t just — Ransom, where are you going?”

“Swimming.  Care to join me,” he goes ahead, pulling his shirt off, turning around to look at you slowly getting out of the truck.  His hand goes to his belt as he yanks it out.  Teasing at his button, “Buns, come on!  You get in this pond with me, I’ll buy you Gucci.”

“This is someone’s house,” Ransom points up at the house, and you shrug.

“Babe, there’s no furniture.  Nobody is going to see us.  And if they do, they’re getting a view of my white ass,” standing still, he drops his underwear and pants in one swoop, giving you a wink when you see his dick.  “Bunny, hop on into the pond with me,” taking a deep breath, Ransom jumps into the pond, and you gather his clothes, walking over to it.

“What are you doing?  You’re not getting naked.”

“I’m not having sex with you in this pond.”

“You know it’s not actually a pond?  This is a natural looking pool,” he gives you a shit eating grin, and snaps his fingers, “Get in the pool with me.”

“I’m not having sex with you in this pool.  This is somebody’s house.”

“They’re not here.  They won’t care.”

“No, I’m not doing it.  Someone’s kids could be swimming in this, and your…your cum would be floating in it,” he throws his head back laughing, wading closer to you, “But I will get naked, and swim with you if the water isn’t too cold.”

“It’s heated, sweetheart.  Get in.  I’m not hard, I’m not going to have sex with you, I just want to make out with my girlfriend, and look out at the place that she used to make wishes from,” as quick as possible you start removing your clothes.  It was invigorating to be showing this place to Ransom.  Letting him see just how beautiful it was at night.  “Quit folding our clothes, and get your ass in this pool with me, and let me hold you as the sun sets.”

“You hush, Drysdale!” You take his word for it, and jump into the pool, and thankfully he wasn’t lying.  It feels amazing.  Just what you need.  Coming up, you are quickly jerked to his side.  “This is nice.  Now, you have to get me Gucci.”

“You name what kind of corgi you want and what color, and I will get you Gucci.  Now, C’mere.  The sun will be setting soon.”

“If you get hard, Ran, you’re on your own.”

“Not even if we go back in the truck?”

“That is my dad’s truck!  No!” While you giggle, Ransom blows raspberries on your neck.  His hands wrap around you, and he rubs along your belly.  “I think I should take a test when we get back to my parents’.”

“How about you decide that later.”

“You’re up to something,” peeking back at him, he just shrugs.  Swimming the two of you over to the edge of the pool, “You’re up to something big.  I don’t know if I trust you.”

“Whatever.  Trust me or don’t.  I don’t care,” that sneaky little smile proves just how right you are.  Ransom struggled to keep secrets from you, and for whatever reason, he was currently keeping something.  And a big something.

“Just look at the view,” you sigh, staring out at the setting sun.

Ransom lifts you up and out of the water, tilting his head down at your exposed breasts, “Oh, I’m looking at the view.”

“Ransom!  Are you always horny?”

“Yeah.  That’s what happens when I see you naked.  Now, why don’t we forget what you said earlier…”

“Nu-uh.”

“But you need your medicine.”

Your arm bends, and you cup his cheek.  You were just as guilty as Ransom when it came to being naked around each other.  Your pupils start to dilate as you look at him, “And what’s my medicine?”

“Mmm, something that is going to make you feel so good.  And besides, I want to see this belly so swollen with me,” he gives you a kiss, pulling away, but you hold him closer.  A chaste kiss turning into sin.  Twisting your body around so you can fully look at him.  Can feel his cock hard and hitting at your belly.  “Wait, is sex in the water a smart idea?”

“What?” You whimper, already grabbing the base of his cock.  Lifting a leg up around his body.  “Don’t you stop this now.  You started it.”

“Is it safe?”

“If the people who own this house have cameras it won’t be.  Ran, please, fuck me.  Fuck your seed in me, and let’s make a baby.”

“There’s my girl,” he whispers before crashing into your warmth.  You chirp, pulling him as close to you as possible.  He uses your body to fuck himself just as the sun starts to move behind the mountains creating the most perfect glow over you and Ransom.  This was another dream.  To have sex with the love of your life and see under the most beautiful sky you can think of.  

Stars and the moon start drifting into view, and your fingers grip onto his back.  His tip hits at just the right spot to send you spiraling.  Making the most beautiful sounds that Ransom needs to taste.  Slotting his lips against yours he swallows every strangled mewl.  Growling into your mouth as the two of you race for release.

When you were a child you had never dreamed of this moment.  Didn’t know that sex and making love were two very different things.  Didn’t know that the connection between two people could bind each other’s soul together.  

Ransom’s arms squeeze around your body.  The two of you let out a moan that echoes through the mountains right as Ransom’s voice breaks, eyes squishing close, and his jaw goes slack.  Your walls clenching down around him, and milking every bit of his cum.  The thick seed painting deep in your womb, while you deeply breathe, smiling at the man you know will be your husband.  You didn’t care what order things happened, Ransom would be your husband, the father of your child, and the two of you would have a home somewhere.

“What happened to not having sex in the pool?”

“I said that when I thought this was a pond,” with his hands wrapped tight around your bum, he starts walking the two of you out of the pool, “Where are you going?”

“I am going to see if the door is unlocked.”

“This house?  Ran, you know they have this locked,” he is goofy.  Ransom was going to get the two of you arrested if he didn’t stop playing with fire.

“Would you humor me?  This is the place that you have dreamed at and dreamed of your whole life.  Let’s just check it out,” sitting you on the ground, he throws your clothes at you.  Laughing as the two of you struggle to put clothes on wet skin.  

Sneaking up to the front door, Ransom gives you the biggest smile when it opens.  It was immaculate.  Even with very little to no future, it was amazing.  A larger house than you dreamed, but it worked.  “I want to see the kitchen,” you run towards the direction you just knew had to be the kitchen, and spin around.  Opening up the empty cabinets and forgetting Ransom altogether.  

You feel like a kid.  Like someone had given you a magical paintbrush, and your imagination had cooked this up.  Leaning around the corner you check something out, before you see Ransom move quickly out of the corner of your eye, and you spin to  look at him, gasping.  Your boyfriend is down on the floor on one knee, holding up a box of the most beautiful ring.

“You know you are the best thing that has ever happened in my life, and I don’t want to wait anymore.  I asked your parents earlier today, they gave me their blessing, and…will you marry me?”

“You’re asking me in somebody else’s house though.”

“No, I’m not,” a hand goes to your mouth, and there was no stopping the tears, “This is ours.  Your sisters helped a lot by showing me how to use your Pinterest.  Bucky helped, too.  He’s got a house at the edge of the property.  Closer to the barn.  Harlan is waiting on your answer, because he has a buyer for the estate, and he said that you and him are not allowed to be separated.  Bunny, this is our home for our kids, and…I couldn’t keep you and stay in Boston, and I don’t care about that place, I care about you, and if you would please put me out of my misery, and let me hold you because I can’t stand to see you cry.”

“But they’re happy tears,” you wipe away the steady flow of tears that you just couldn’t stop.

“Answer my question, you crazy thing.”

“Yes!  Yes!  Ransom Drysdale, I will marry you tomorrow if that’s what you really want.  I just, oh,” your words are cut short as he crashes his lips against yours.  Struggling to grab your left hand, until you push him off, “Make it official, Ran,” Ransom slides the ring over your finger, and you give it a quick look before looking back at your fiancé.  Today was a perfect day.  “Wait, you included Bucky?”

“Do you think I know I can run a farm and ranch alone?  I didn’t even know what a ferrier is or that the cows need to have hoof trims, or the pigs, or even what a chicken run was.  Bucky is our ranch hand.  He’s going to be the boss, and the lead man.”

“Good, because I want you to work on your book more.”

“Ehh, I need to learn some things.”

Frank spotted that stupid pretty boy that you had brought here first.  Saw his ridiculously perfect hair as the two of you, and your oldest and youngest sister walk through the downtown area.  You were acting like a lovesick puppy dog.  Clinging to him, smiling up at him, and every chance you could, you would kiss him.  Like anyone wanted to see that.  It was sickening how you were completely consumed by him.  

How even your sisters would laugh at something that he said.  Frank hated Ransom.  What kind of name was Ransom?  And why did you bring him here?  Frank keeps his eyes on the man because he just knew Ransom was going to look at some other woman as she walks by, but currently nothing.  The only other women he looks at are your sisters.  But after a few seconds he was back to looking at you.

The two of you were stupid.  You had come to where Frank was, and he couldn’t get away from you two.  Wherever you were, Ransom was.  Until you and your sister’s walk into a store, and Ransom is left sitting on a bench outside of it, but his eyes stay on the store, and Frank sees why.  Lingerie.

This is Frank’s only chance to actually speak to the man without you being present.  Of course you would lie to make Ransom feel better.  You would do anything to keep yourself out of trouble.  Strutting over to the bench, Frank sits quickly, and Ransom doesn’t even look his way.  He is too happy to let Frank ruin it.  

“Women like Bunny aren’t easy to keep entertained,” Ransom slowly turns to look at Frank with a look of pure disdain.  “Trust me as someone who knows.  We had this great relationship, me and her.  I was even the one that gave her that nickname.  And then, just when I thought we were moving forward, she runs off and leaves me.  We had us a home, too.  Left me with all those bills.  Left the dog, and Clyde still hasn’t been the same.  I was left heartbroken, but I knew she was always going to come back.  But, I got nothing for her.”

“Ahh, so this is why you’re talking to me?  Because you’re completely over her, right?” Ransom asks with a cheeky grin that just irritates Frank even further.  If only Frank knew that you and your sisters were in there trying to find you the perfect bridal lingerie, and Ransom was not allowed to look.  Frank had no idea what he was talking about.

“It’s more of a warning.  Bunny takes.  Bleeds you dry, and just when you think she’s done, she comes back to scrape the remains off you.”

“Frank, you can say whatever you want, but I’m not running away from her.  And she’s not running away from me.  I can promise you that.  I’ve run away from everything in my life, but it won’t be her.  She’s…”

“Hmm, how long have the two of you even been together?”  Frank was digging, and Ransom could clearly see that.  Ransom did not trust this man.  He was obsessed with the fact that you left him.  Had he left you, Ransom knew Frank wouldn’t have even cared.

“Two years this Thanksgiving,” Ransom informs him proudly.  It was two glorious years, and it didn’t feel even close to a year.  The most unfortunate thing about being with you is that time moves too quickly.

“That’s all?  You’re still in the honeymoon phase.  Wait…two years ago, huh?  So right before she came home for a week?  Just how serious were the two of you?  Maybe you should ask her what she was doing on her week home.  Because while you were at home, she wasn’t alone,” Frank shrugs his shoulders, and leans forward, starting to get up, “Look, man, I’m sorry.  I didn’t know she was dating anyone.  Failed to mention you.  But, just thought I would let you know who you are dating.  Have a good day, Ransom.”

“You son of a bitch, Frank Adler!” Picking up a bean bag off the corn hole board, you hurl it at Frank, hitting him directly in the face.  Ignoring Steve’s chuckles, and chants to egg you on.

“Buns, you’re right on time, darling.  We were just about to start another round,” Frank gives the bag in his hand a little toss, missing the hold in front of him.

“What are you fucking playing at by talking to Ransom?” Picking up another beanbag, you throw it, but Frank catches it this time.

“Just telling your loser boyfriend what you were up to when you came home two years ago,” just like Frank to bend the truth.  Wanted to leave the most salacious parts in there, and miss the entire story all together.

“And what exactly was I up to?  Because I think I remember that night a bit differently than you do.  I recall you, Frank, cornering me in my parents barn, and fuckign begging me to take you back.  You started to kiss me, and…”

“First off,” Frank drops his bags, starting to walk closer to you, spotting a little glimmer from your hand, but he keeps his eyes only on your face, he was not ready to face that, “I didn’t beg.  And you kissed me back.”

“Wait, what was it that you said?  ‘Buns, I’m so sorry darling.  I was an idiot.  I didn’t mean to, but you know I can’t quit the rodeo completely.  I will do whatever it is you want, just give me one more chance.’  Your drunk ass started to kiss me, and I pushed you away.”

“Only because…” he stops himself, but if he wants to make an ass of himself, you are going to show everyone here just how much of an ass he really is.

“Oh, yeah, I left that part out.  You had your hand moving up under my dress.  And I pushed you away, and you fell on your ass.  I was just a piece of ass to you.  We tried, and we failed miserably, and now since I was the one that left you after you made that decision for us, you’re trying to ruin something good in my life.  Ransom is the best thing that ever happened to me.  So good in fact, he wasn’t even mad about what you told him.  He told me that we weren’t even serious or exclusive, and he wasn’t going to hold whatever happened between us over my head.  And I told him exactly what happened.  You better be glad that I came here instead of him.  He was ready to…”

“What?  Kick my ass?  Hehe, Bunny like that pretty boy could ever even touch me.  Why the hell is he even here, Bunny?  He doesn’t fit in here.”

“Get used to it.  We’re moving here, you jackass.  We…he built us a home, and I’m marrying that man,” you raise up your ring finger, showing Frank just how committed you are to Ransom.  “And…I hate you.  I hate you so much.  I have had the best time here, and you tried to ruin it.  It didn’t work.  He’s going to marry me and he…he’s going to be the best father to our baby, and you can kiss my ass.  You wanted to ruin something, and he is so pure and good.  And he will be the best husband to me, and you don’t even care.  You don’t care about my happiness or our baby’s you…you only care about you, and you left me!”

“You left me!” Frank seethes, clenching his fists on either side of his body.  Frank always remembered things differently.  Remembered the parts that made him look like the victim.

“I never even had you!  The rodeo had all of you, I got the scraps, and I told you.  I told you if you left I was done, and I was leaving.  You left.”

“You left without saying anything.  I thought we were happy.  You didn’t even give me signs that you were unhappy.”

“I gave you all the signs, you just didn’t listen!  You were trying to force a pregnancy on me,” it was the worst part about your relationship.  A time when you literally felt like a broodmare.  That you were nothing but the flesh between your legs, and the ability to provide him with a son.

“And you were lying to me about that.  About the morning after pills, and the birth control, you lied!”

“I was exhausted!  You never listened to what I wanted.  I wanted you!  And you wanted that damn rodeo.  You only wanted me pregnant so I would follow you around like a puppy.  And we weren’t ready for a baby.  I did both of us a favor.”

“What are you doing with him?  You can’t walk five steps without looking at him and kissing him.”

“You fucking psycho!  Why are you watching us?  He had a house built.  He’s moving here with me.  And he didn’t ask me to do anything.  We’re…we’re on the same page about this baby, and we both want this.”

Finally your words sink in with Frank.  This baby.  Your hands rub over your belly protectively, and a piece of Frank dies.  He always thought you would eventually come back.  And you did, but you didn’t come back for him.  “Wait…you’re pregnant right now?”

“You still don’t fucking listen, Frank.  Yes, I’m pregnant.  I just found out this morning with my fiance.  He stood behind me, holding my belly as we waited for the results, and we celebrated together, because unlike us, me and Ransom are a team.  We are partners.  And we both wanted this baby.”

“That’s not the order,” you had always told him; house, marriage, baby.  It now looked like you got a house, an engagement, baby.

“I made that order for you because I didn’t trust you.  I was never going to have you, and I have always had Ransom.  Please, leave us alone.  Let me be happy.”

“And what about me?”

“I tried, Frank.  I tried to make you happy, and then I moved on.  Ransom is…I’ve never loved anyone like I do him.  Be happy for me, or stay out of my fucking life.  Because whether you want to be happy for me or not, I’m going dress shopping this weekend.  We’re rushing the wedding, so…so our little peanut won’t be visible.  Please, Frank, let me go, and move on.  For both of us.  Because I’m never coming back.  Ransom is my future.  Goodbye, Frank.”

Spinning on your heels, you turn to walk away from the bar.  Followed by Bucky who leaves the game of corn hole, and even Steve glares at Frank, rubbing the back of his neck, “Man, that was shitty.”

“Yeah, coming to our bar and cussing me like that.”

“No, I was talking about you.  Bucky and I both told you that she was unhappy.  Bucky even told you what you needed to do.  You guys broke up, it happens.  But you telling Ransom something that didn’t exactly happen the way you said it did — what if he left Bunny, and she’s pregnant alone?  You don’t think about anyone but yourself.”

“And what about you Mr. I need three girls to fuck me at once.”

“They know what they’re getting into.  I’m not trying to ruin someone’s relationship based on lies.  Frank, man, admit you were wrong with this.  Bunny is happy.  Let her be happy.  Let her enjoy her life in that stupid big house with her stupid pretty boy fiancé.  Bunny has always deserved the world, and even you said that.  That man is giving her the world.  Why do you think he had that house built on Sowers Road?” Frank shrugs his shoulders, staring blankly at the ground.

“Did you ever listen to her?  I wasn’t sleeping with her, and I know what significance that location is to her.  Frank, just apologize and move on.  There’s other women.  Bunny’s gone.  She’s pregnant with another man, she’s getting married, and they got a home.  It’s done, man.  You’re going to make it worse for you, not her, if you keep doing this.  I’m out.  I’m going home,” he drops his bags, and struts to his truck.  Thinking to himself it might be time for him to leave the rodeo.  But then again, it might just be time for him to continue sowing those wild oats.

One thing Steve knew for sure, Frank is a bitter man, and that bitterness was changing him.  He never thought Frank would be so low as to try and make Ransom break up with you.  Thankfully Ransom is a better man than Frank.

Next

Masterlist

Taglist: @tis-thedamn-season​ @marveloustaylortot​ @pono-pura-vida​ @sstan-hoe​ @missusbarnes-rogers​ @peaches1958​ @seitmai​ @smile1318​ @andydrysdalerogers​ @cjand10​ @patzammit​ @lavender-annd-lilac​ @midnightramyeoncravings​ @midnightramyeoncravings​ @slowdownbeforeyouregretit​ @elrw24​

[wiypt-writes]

Brothers In Arms

Part 9: I Believe In You

Summary: You and Ransom take time to heal, both yourselves and each other, and look forward to a future without having to glance back over your shoulders…

Warnings: Bad language, violence, smut (NSFW) 18+ guns and stuff…

Pairing: MOB Ransom Drysdale x Reader.

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any of the characters contained within this series bar the Reader and any other OCs that may or may not be mentioned. I do not give permission for this to be translated and/or reposted on any other platforms. Reblogs are fine: Sharing is caring.

By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

So this is it, the tenth and final part. There will be an epilogue eventually but for now it’s goodbye to Ran and his Princess. Thank you to all who have read and reblogged along the way. And to my darling beta @spectre-posts 💙❤️

Brothers in Arms Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Part 9

W/C: 6.5k ish…

With Ari’s blessing, you stayed in Boston for a few days.

Okay, maybe blessing would be pushing it a little too far. It was more like a begrudging acceptance, punctuated with sarcasm about how you favoured that asshole to your own brother.

You knew he was mostly joking, however. That said, when you got news that Ari was being discharged, you flew back to New York, to be there for your brother.

Three days after that, Ransom was given the okay to return to Queens, under strict instructions to take it easy.

When the two of you had talked, you’d made it clear that your reconciliation was taking place at your speed. You hadn’t been quite ready to jump all the way back in just straight away. Instead, you wanted to take it slow, build what you had back up from the very foundations which had been shook.

So far you had spent most of your days with Ransom at the mansion whilst he was still recovering. Be it watching TV or taking short walks around the grounds. You cooked or ordered in, snuggled up together but each night you’d drawn the line in the sand and headed back to Ari’s, your intimacy not passing the kissing stage.

Ransom hadn’t argued, he hadn’t pushed. He’d simply agreed to give you the time you needed, his only request being that if you still weren’t ready to move back in by the time the baby arrived, you at least agreed to stay in the house and he would go back to his penthouse, to allow you and your future son or daughter somewhere comfortable to begin your life together.

You’d agreed, although you knew deep-down it wouldn’t come to that. You wanted to move on. You forgave Ransom, you had to if you wanted to make things work. You just needed the time to navigate this new start, but you were confident you could.

You smiled at Ransom, as he stood in the open doorway as you pulled up the drive.

“You should be resting.” You looked at him. He was dressed casually, in a pair of dark blue denims and a cream cable knit cashmere sweater.

“I’m fine.” He rolled his eyes as you stopped in front of him. You stood on your toes to peck him on the lips. He then moved back to let you walk into the hallway.

You smiled a little at the Christmas decorations that had been installed over the weekend. Usually you liked to decorate yourself, but with everything that had been going on, and the fact you were now two weeks into December, you’d agreed to let Ransom pay for someone to come and do it.

“Have you drunk enough water?” He asked and you couldn’t help the chuckle. Today was your first ultrasound, the first time you’d get to see your baby and hear its heartbeat. And of course, Ransom had been reading up all about the process.

“I…yeah, I guess. I mean I’m peeing every fifteen minutes or so. In fact, I need to go now.”

Ransom snorted as you headed off and made his way to the kitchen to wait for you. Soon you joined him, and he slid a small water bottle to you from the fridge, along with some carrot sticks which seemed to be a snack you couldn’t get enough of at the moment.

“Carter or Blanc can drive us today.” He offered, “I would myself but…”

“You’re not allowed yet.” You chuckled, swallowing your snack. “I can drive, it’s no issue. I drove here.”

Ransom popped a shoulder. “I’d prefer it if you let them, please.”

You looked at him and then smiled softly, deciding to let him have his way. “Okay.”

“And I thought if you wanted after, we could go for lunch.”

“Sounds great.” You nodded.

After a quick cup of coffee, decaf for you, you headed out to the car and we’re soon pulling up outside the private clinic.

Ransom stepped out first, and you didn’t miss the little wince he gave. You sighed and then leaned between the seats to speak quickly to Carter.

“Thank you, I know you know what’s going on.”

“Don’t know what you mean, Miss.” he shot back, flashing you a wink.

With a smile, you moved to step out of the car and took Ransom’s hand.

“Do we find out what it is today?” Ransom asked as you walked into reception, and you laughed.

“No, I’m only…well, about 8 weeks or so. We won’t see that for a good few months. That is if we decide to.”

“Oh.” He then blinked. “You don’t wanna find out?”

“I dunno.” You shrugged, “maybe, maybe not. I like the idea of it being a total surprise.”

Ransom smiled and pulled your hand up to kiss your wrist, “whatever you want, baby.”

Soon enough, you were called in after waiting in a small, comfortable room and you led on the bed, the cold jelly spreading over your stomach as the doctor moved the wand. Your ears then filled with the rhythmic thumping and your eyes caught the first glance of your baby on the little screen.

You smiled and glanced at Ransom, his eyes were fixed on the image, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed.

The Doctor smiled, then showed you where your baby’s head was, their heartbeat.

“And from the size then, yes, I’d estimate you’re between seven and eight weeks. So that gives us a due date of…the 29th of July.”

You swallowed and dropped your head. You’d secretly been hoping for s miracle, that you wouldn’t actually be that far along. But you knew deep down that had been stupid. Because no matter how much you did the maths, no matter what apps you keyed the dates of your cycle into, it still came back to the same thing. That your baby was likely conceived at any point really from 28th October to 12th November. It could belong to either of the twins.

“Can…can I get a copy, can we get a copy?” Ransom asked, his eyes still on the screen as he raised your hand to his lips.

“Absolutely.” The Doctor smiled. “I’ll grab you one now and we’ll get you booked in for your next ultrasound and I’ll get you some information leaflets on our Lamaze classes.” She smiled as Ransom leaned over to kiss your head. You spluttered as you wiped your eyes. “Is there anything you wanna ask me?”

Ransom launched into a myriad of questions about what you could and couldn’t do, what you had to stop eating, drinking and you couldn’t help but some out, instead focusing on his face.

You took a deep breath, and as you watched Ransom intently listening to the doctor, your heart swelled. Your momentary wobble flew from your mind as you were reminded that it didn’t matter. He was all in, you could see that. As far as Ransom was concerned, this baby was his. And when you logically thought about the odds, it probably was.

You’d agreed when you’d decided to make things work, not to dwell on any of this. And now it was time for you to live up to the bargain. Your baby was a Drysdale, not a Rogers.

You heard the Doctor tell you she’d be back soon, and you smiled as she wiped the gel from your stomach and left.

Ransom turned to you, your hand still held in his. “You okay, Princess?”

“I’m fine.” You nodded, “that was just…”

“Yeah…did you see him?”

“Oh, it’s a him?”

“Yup.” Ransom nodded, smirking. “My son and heir.”

“You know, it might be a girl. Girls are just as capable of being bad asses.” He playfully wrinkled his nose, and you slapped his arm. “Oh, wait till I tell Natasha your opinions on-”

“Err, there’s no need for that.” He cut you off, chuckling. The room fell silent, and he took a deep breath, his hand round yours as he looked at the floor. “Listen, Y/N. I know…I know we said we’d take things at your pace, and I’m, well, maybe happy to do that is the wrong phrase, but I understand. I know it’s what you want, and it’s the least I can do after…after everything I did, because I don’t deserve you.”

“Ran, please…we agreed not to dwell-“

“No, I know…lemme finish, please baby.” His blue eyes bore into yours, imploring you to let him have his day and you closed your mouth. You watched him, as the hand that wasn’t wrapped around yours moved into his pocket. When he brought it back out, you blinked as you recognised the small ring box he held in his palm. “I’d like you to have this back. It’s yours. And…maybe when you’re ready, you can put it back on. Whenever that may be…if you…if you ever are.”

You licked your lips and swallowed the lump in your throat, but it stuck in your chest. You inhaled through your nose and sighed out of your mouth. You bit the inside of your cheek. The look in his eyes appeared defeated. It didn't sway the way your heart felt. Your eyes flicked back to the box. Then you nodded and gently took it.

Ransom exhaled loudly as you smiled and nodded towards your bag.

“Imma need to put it in there…”

"Okay," he nodded. He figured that was what you wanted.

He passed it over and you stored the box carefully, zipping it into the compartment for safe keeping.

Soon enough, the two of you were on your way, copied of the ultrasound pictures with you. He took you to lunch in the Harbor. The changing of the seasons didn't make for a great view, but the gesture was there. The pair of you chatted, in a way you’d always been able to. About anything and everything.

Certain subjects were off limits, elephants in the room. But it was smooth. The ride back to the mansion was quiet but not unbearable. Your mind whirred. So much had gone on in the last few hours it seemed, and it had you thinking. Your eyes would flick to your bag at your feet, and you'd chew on your cheek.

“Princess?”

"Hmm?" You hummed softly.

“Are you coming in or do you want to head back to…to Ari’s?”

"I'd like to stay a little longer," you admitted.

“You can stay as long as you want.” Ransom took a deep breath. “If it was up to me you’d never leave.”

You softly smiled at the sentiment as he opened his door. He strode round to yours and offered you his hand.

You took it and allowed him to help you out of the car. His hand settled on the small of your back as he led you to the front doors. Once inside, he took the time to follow you into the foyer and then toward the kitchen where you left your bag on the island. You took the ultrasound images out of your purse and set the on the marble.

"Can I keep one?" Ransom asked as he stood behind you, his arms snaking around your middle to rest his hands on your stomach.

"You can have more than one." You turned your chin, so you looked up at him.

“Yeah?” His lips curled up at the side.

"Yeah, you can have half if you'd like, they gave us six," you chuckled.

Ransom snorted as he kissed your neck, “I think I’ll stick one to the fridge.”

"Oh my, that's a big step," you sniggered. "Big Mob Boss Ransom Drysdale puts a picture on the stainless steel."

“Hey, that’s my future son and heir.”

"Or daughter."

“Whatever.”

"I'm only kidding," you leaned back into him a little.

“Me too, sorta. I don’t mind what they turn out to be. As long as they’re healthy.”

"Me either. But it'd be interesting to see you with a daughter. It'd be entirely comical to see you with a son."

“Why comical?”

"Because I can see it." You turned in his arms and wrapped your own around his neck after they slid up his chest. "A little boy with your eyes that reins terror over this house and your kingdom. God help you when they're sixteen."

Ransoms brows flicked up before he gave a lowly chuckle, “well, maybe having a girl wouldn’t be so bad. There’s one obvious upside to that too.”

"Which is?" You cocked your head to the side a little as you looked up.

“They’re more likely to be like you, less like me. Not quite as fucked up.”

Your face softened, "Ransom." Your eyes welled up, "don't you ever say that again."

He licked his lips and hung his head, “I’m sorry…”

Your hands moved from around his neck to his jawline, your fingers spreading over his cheeks. "You're not a perfect man, but you're not fucked up either. You fell from grace, but that doesn't mean you can't change, or you haven't already made changes. I see you for what you're worth, Ransom. Our children will too."

At that he swallowed, his eyes misted over before he frowned a little, a soft smirk spreading across his face. “Children?”

You gave a soft smirk and a little pop to your shoulder, "I won't rule it out."

Ransom opened his mouth, but closed it again, and instead his hands cupped your face. “I don’t deserve you.”

You could see the turmoil in his eyes, he felt guilty. Guilty over what he’d put you through, ashamed of what he’d done to you, how he’d hurt you the way he did.

"We're gonna get through this," you encouraged. "It doesn't feel like it, but we will. I still love you."

“I love you too, so fucking much princess.” He sniffed.

You swallowed and sniffed, "I know."

He leaned down to you, his nose bumping yours gently before he kissed you.

There was something different to this kiss than the others you’d shared since you agreed to work things through. It was laden with emotion. Your eyes fluttered shut, the tenderness behind his lips made your stomach somersault. Your fingers pressed into the nape of his neck as a small whimper slipped through your throat.

“Fahk…” Ransom wrenched his lips away and pressed his head to yours.

You were a little breathless and lightheaded. "Ransom...."

“I know…too soon.”

"Just kiss me again."

With a surprised blink that merged into a soft smile, Ransom did exactly as you asked.

Again, the kiss was heady and needy. You needed him, no, you for the first time in a long time, you wanted him.

“Take me to bed.” You whispered, your eyes closed as he pulled away, lips mere centimetres from each other.

"Yeah?" It was barely a whisper, in fact you weren't sure he spoke at all, but you felt the word on your lips.

"Yes."

His lips were back on yours, those hands that cupped your face slid down your arms to your hips before they curled around your thighs.

In an easy movement he lifted you off your feet, your legs wrapping around his waist. He grimaced slightly, but made no moves to set you down.

"Be careful," you spoke gently. "You're still healing.”

“I’m fine, princess.”

"Okay," you kissed him again.

Somehow you ended up in the bedroom you once shared, him having carried you up the stairs.

Ransom set you down gently on the bed, bending at his waist to continue kissing you. When he pulled away for just a moment, you saw a hunger in his eyes you hadn't seen in a long time. A hunger that made you tingle and a spark that set your inside on fire. But there was a softness behind the hunger that made you want him more. You easily took the lead and grabbed the side of your sweater, pulling it up and over your head, tossing it to the floor.

Ransom wanted to touch you, put his hands on you. Felt desperate to have your skin at his fingertips. You waited on bated breath for him to do something.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he swallowed.

A step forward closed the space between you, and he settled between your legs. His hand cupped your face and settled into a cradle against your jaw. He rubbed his thumb across your cheek bone then slowly dragged along the column of your neck until he reached your sternum. With a flat palm, he gently pushed until your back hit the mattress.

You couldn’t help the little giggle that flew from your lips as your head hit the soft surface of the comforter.

You watched as Ransom pulled his own sweater off, tossing it somewhere over his head.

Your eyes glazed over with desire as you watched him kneel against the mattress and began to cover your body with his. But you didn’t miss the scar that ran along his side, where his brother had done his best to take his life.

It was still red and raised. A mark that wouldn't fade for a long while. Your fingers reached out and lightly grazed it.

Ransom swallowed as he watched your eyes follow your fingers before your gaze flicked to his.

“It’s the only thing left of him.” He shook his head, as he reached for your hand. “And soon, it’ll fade to nothing. Like he has.” His lips kissed the pads of your fingers.

You nodded, your lip tucked between your teeth. It was the only truth you needed. The baby in your belly was his and only his. Nothing else mattered.

He let go of your hand and leaned over, his lips brushing yours before they moved to the hinge of your jaw.

Your mouth parted in a sigh as you bent upward to kiss him. You traced the seam of his lips with your tongue and Ransom eagerly responded but kept allowing you to lead the pace.

There was a fear in the back of his mind that you'd change your mind, tell him to stop. That all this was a mistake. But the minute your hand slid up over his shoulder, nails caressing the short hair at the nape of his neck, that fear left him.

He kissed your lips, your jaw, your neck. He nipped gently at your collarbone, fluttered kisses between your bra covered breasts and you hissed as he palmed your left one with his right hand.

"Are you okay?" Ransome wondered against your skin.

"Just sensitive," you smirked.

“I don’t wanna hurt you.”

"You won't."

“Tell me if I do.”

“Ransom...."

Yeah?”

"I want you. I want...I want this. Stop stalling."

“I’m sorry.” He sighed.

You cupped his face, "no more sorry."

Okay…” he nodded, as he took a deep breath. “I love you.”

"I...we love you."

With a soft expression on his face, his lips were back on yours.

With tenderness you knew he was capable of, he stripped you, kissing every inch of skin he could find.

You sighed and gasped, hummed and whimpered. You were already wet between your legs and by the time you were naked, you were squeezing your thighs together for relief.

As his knee nudged your thighs apart, his hands reached up and his fingers slipped between yours.

You felt his tip kiss at your slit, and you titled your hips upward. Ransom slid in with a slow and shallow thrust.

"Oh my god...”

“Shit, princess. Fahk…”

"You feel so good, baby...."

“You too…” he groaned as he pulled back, and then pushed deeper into you with a roll of his hips.

Your back arched off the mattress as your body curled around him completely. You crossed your ankles at the small of his back and squeezed his fingers between yours.

His lips crashed back to yours in a desperate kiss.

Your tongue forced upon his and he growled against your kiss. You whimpered at the thrust he reciprocated with. It only made you speak against his lips.

"Faster," you begged.

With a low moan, he gripped your hands tighter as his hips began to thrust.

"Oh fuck, thassit, Ransom..."

“Oh, baby…” he choked, his lips latching onto your pulse point, “I missed this. I missed you.”

“Oh shit," you whined. "Me...too..."

“My Queen…” he whispered, his nose brushing the shell of your ear.

"My King," you rasped.

You felt him shudder, a soft whimper escaping his mouth and it made your insides burn. The power you held over him, the way you could reduce him to a quivering wreck. Such a ruthless man in his business, ruling his kingdom with an iron fist and yet you could undo him simply with words.

"S'close, Ran," you moaned.

“Me too, baby.”

"Just...right...."

He knew how to read your body like a cartographer knew how to read a map. He knew where to touch, where to kiss, where to brush gently and where to grab a little more firmly…

The beginning flutters of your orgasm coiled around his cock and your fingers began to squeeze his a little harder. "Ransom, I'm....I'm gonna..." You sighed with a high pitch to your breath as you came. Your body tenderly tensed around him as your heels pressed against him, your toes curled.

“Oh, thassit…” his eyes watched your face. He loved seeing you fall apart, the way your jaw laxed, how your eyelashes kissed your cheeks like the fluttering wings of a butterfly.

He wasn't far behind you. His body flexed above you, his fingers tight and palms pressing the back of your hands into the mattress.

When you opened your eyes, you saw the look on his face before he whimpered and let himself press into you a little more, his face buried into your neck.

"Oh, baby," you cooed.

He didn’t reply, simply nuzzled into you more. And it was only when you felt the wetness against your skin that you realise he was crying.

Your eyes stung, too. There were a lot of emotions that came through the course of the day, and it seemed to have settled between the two of you at the end of your physical reconnecting. You kissed his shoulder and whispered that things were okay. That you were okay, and the two of you were okay.

Eventually he pulled back, and you wriggled your fingers free from his. With a soft smile you reached up and brushed back the longer strands of hair that had flipped forward over his forehead.

"I wanna come home," you whispered wetly.

“You are…” Ransom’s voice cracked, “you don’t ever have to leave.”

******

You stayed that night. And you stayed the next night. And the night after that. On the fourth day your engagement ring was back on your finger, and by the seventh most of your stuff was back from Ari’s. The items you left, which Carter had put into storage instead of being destroyed as Ransom had instructed, were returned to their rightful place and it was as if you’d never been gone.

Christmas came and went, you spent it at home, just you, Ransom and Ari. The New Year passed, the snow melted, the spring flowers emerged. And, as the seasons changed, so did your body. Your bump blossomed like the trees, your eyes shone like the diamond on your hand, and to Ransom you were simply more beautiful with each day that passed.

Before you knew it, six months had passed. Things on Ransom's 'business' end were still a tight ship.

He hadn’t attempted to seize Brooklyn, instead he’d left the power vacuum to sort it sort itself out. His personal involvement with the ‘dodgy dealings’ had become less and less, his outside focus mainly on the Publishing Company. His attempt was to at least appear more straight on the outside, the unborn baby in your belly his number one priority.

He didn’t want your son, or daughter, being born into any kind of turf war, despite him joking about them being heir to his empire. He wanted safety, security for them, and if that meant appearing to go straight, so be it. He kept peace with the other factions and mobs in the area.

But he still ruled his own with an iron fist.

One particular day in April, you’d met your friend for a spa day, a bit of pampering whilst he held a meeting in his office.

“So, whaddya want me to do boss?” Langley asked, “send a message? I mean, do we want the Maximoffs muscling in on this?”

Ransom pondered for a moment, then looked across the table to Stark. “What do you think?”

Tony wrinkled his nose, “it depends, do you wanna rock the boat?”

Ransom tapped his fingers on the desk, “leave it be, it ain’t important. Let them take their shipment. It won’t have a big effect.”

“You’re the boss.” Langley shrugged.

An hour or so later, the rest of his men had left, leaving him and Langley alone.

“I gotta hand it to you, Dysdale, you really have calmed down a lot. Impending Fatherhood suits you.”

Ransom merely flicked his brows.

“I know what happened with Rogers was shitty, but… well, looks like it all turned out for the best, huh?” Langley stood from his chair, “whoever it was that sent that photo to you did you a favour in the long run.”

Random cocked his head to one side, studying the man in front of him through narrowed eyes. “Hmmm.”

“Anyway, I have stuff to do so I will see you tomorrow, Boss.”

“Sure.” Ransom nodded, reaching into his desk drawer.

With a final nod, Bryce turned to go, but stopped dead when he heard the loud click of a gun mechanism being cocked.

“You know, I knew Walt had to have someone pushing his buttons. The Iago to his Othello, so to speak, but I never expected it to be you.” Ransom’s voice was cool and collected as Langley turned to him, his eyes narrowing.

“Boss, I’m not-“

“I told no one I’d been sent those photos,” Ransom chewed the inside of his cheek as he rose gracefully from his seat.

“What?” Langley’s voice was a whisper as he swallowed, realising his mistake. His eyes were fearful as he watched Ransom round the desk and advance on him, like a tiger stalking its prey.

“So, the only possible explanation for you knowing is if you were the one who did. And, if you knew Rumlow was going to be there, with Walt, then you had to have known about it from the start.”

Bryce floundered like a fish outta water, looking for a viable story on a dime. His eyes flicked from Ransom, then to the gun which was trained at his head.

“Why?” Ransom exhaled, “come on, humour me. And don’t try and tell me it was all Walt, because we both know if brains were dynamite he wouldn’t have enough to blow off his eyebrow. He might have wanted the head seat at the table but there’s no way he’d have come up with something so elaborate. So, here’s your moment. The big confession before I blow your brains out.”

Langley blinked, before his jaw set, and an angry look crossed his face. Ransom recognised it as resignation, and he openly smirked. He knew his childhood friend too well, Bryce understood his time was up and he wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to explain, gaud Ransom one last time.

“The plan was to get rid of you and Steve, frame it as a rivalry gone wrong with the Maximoffs. Then Walt would take the lot, the business, inheritance. I’d get twenty percent, plus Brooklyn.” He clicked his tongue, “only Rumlow fucked the hit up, hit Peggy instead. It could have screwed it all up-“

“Then Steve killed Rumlow…and you saw your next opportunity, right?” Ransom arched a brow, “I played right into your hands, I listened to you, and I didn’t give Steve an alibi for Rumlow’s murder.”

“You always listened to me,” Bryce scoffed, “Walt was right, you were too soft. You’d have done it for him, despite everything that had happened between you. But I convinced you and then we had a new plan. We’d wait, bide our time, feed Steve a little metaphorical ammo and then he’d come after you.”

“So, you’re the reason he thought I organised the hit?”

Langley nodded, “I expected him to kill you, take out a hit of his own…but as time went on, it never came. Then it all went to shit. We didn’t expect Steve to get out as quickly as he did, not before we had come up with another plan. I mean, I wasn’t bothered at first, I expected him to kill you, not to…well…anyway, he totally fucked the whole thing up. And I knew it would only be a matter of time before you both started digging and the truth came out.”

“So, you panicked.” Ransom felt the nerve in his jaw tick. “You sent the photos to get yourself off the hook.”

Langley licked his lips, “when I heard that Levinson was looking into it, yeah. I cut my losses and sent him the photo with the intent of leading him to Walt. Then that asshole Barnes stabbed him so…”

“You sent it to me.” Ransom finished.

Langley nodded.

“Ransom took a deep breath. “You seriously did all this for money? You caused all this for…”

“No, it wasn’t just for money!” Langley’s face grew red, and Ransom notices with some amusement the man was shaking, a combination of fear and anger no doubt. “I wanted my share, what I was owed, what is my birthright!”

“What are you talking about?” Ransom narrowed his eyes.

“Your shit head father?”

“What about him? He’s been dead for fuckin’ decades….”

“He was my shit head father too!”

For the first time since the confrontation began, Ransom wavered. His gun lowered slightly, “he…you’re my…”

“Half-brother? Yeah, that’s right, he was fucking my mother, and he left her pregnant and penniless! You two got the big house, the private education, the family business…I got fuck all!”

“I…I had no idea.” Ransom shook his head.

“Neither did I until a few years back. But would it have made a difference?” Bryce scoffed.

Ransom hesitated for a moment, before he licked his lips, “you know, had you told me before all this…honestly? Yeah…yeah it would. I’d have done something…I mean…I was always closer to you than I was to my own twin!”

Ransom swallowed. This betrayal was hard to take. He’d always loved Bryce as a brother and had often wished he were his twin, not Steve. They’d been inseparable from the day they met, and Ransom had done everything he could to help Bryce. It had started with sharing sweets and toys, and in the end becoming his right hand man, paying him a wage he knew would set him up for life.

But all that…all that was crashing down around him.

He ran his hand over his face, groaning a little. “What a fuckin’ mess…”

“Ransom…” Bryce spotted the chink in the mob boss’ armour and jumped on it, “look, we can…I know I fucked up, but we can get through this.”

Ransom lowered his gun even more, and Langley let out a breath of relief, as Ransom looked at him.

“See…the thing is, Y/N.”

“What about her?” Bryce frowned.

“She’s my world. I killed my own twin because of what he did to her. And then I…I hurt her even more because of my anger and stupidity and I was so goddamned easily manipulated and twisted by what he did. I’ll never forgive myself for being so cruel and fucking weak.”

“But she’s forgiven-“

“And now I find out… all that was down to you and Walt.” Ransom finished, cutting Bryce off and the man stuttered.

“What, no, I-“

“Steve did what he did because he thought I killed his wife. Which, I suppose is understandable. I’d have done the same, well maybe not the exact same but I’d want revenge.” Ransom pondered for a moment and Langley waited, his entire body tense as he watched Ransom slowly raise the gun again. “Y/N has suffered the way she has because of Walt and your actions. You arranged the hit, you then let him think it was me. And for that…”

Ransom pulled the trigger, blowing a hole right through Langley’s eyes, exactly the same way he had done with Steve. He grimaced as, once more, bits of blood, bone and brain matter splattered across his face. This time they belonged to his half-brother.

The door to the room flew open and Carter bustled in, gun raises. He stopped dead as he looked from the smoking pistol in Ransom’s hand, to Langley, then back again, “boss…what-“

“He was in on it,” Ransom jerked out of his trance and turned to Carter. “With Walt.”

There was a moments pause and Carter let out a soft sigh, and Ransom saw the man’s eyes full with tears.

“I’m…I’m sorry none of this will bring Peggy back,” Ransom licked his lips, shaking his head a little, “I only hope you find comfort from knowing the men truly responsible are dead.”

Carter nodded and opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by Ransom’s phone. He reached into his pocket and a smile spread across his face.

“Sweetheart?”

“Yeah, erm, I’m just on my way home.“ your voice was soothing, as it always was, and he took a deep breath.

“How was the spa?”

“Amazing…erm, do you mind if we just get pizza and a film tonight instead of going out? I…I just wanna curl up and relax now. Plus, our little bean seems to be doing the tango on my bladder…”

“Whatever you want.”

���Okay, have you finished your meetings?”

“Yeah,” Ransom glanced down at Langley’s body, and the mess in his office, “I just need to tidy up a couple of things then I’m done.

“Okay, well I’ll see you soon. We love you.”

“Love you both, too.”

He slipped the phone in his pocket and looked at Carter. He drew his shoulders back and wiped the forearm of the hand that still clutched the gun across his face, smearing the blood and gore over the sleeve of his shirt.

“Get someone to clean this up.” He instructed, his tone still softer than normal and Carter nodded.

“Boss.”

With that, Ransom stepped over the body of his dead half-brother and swept from the room, without so much as a glance back.

He was done looking over his shoulder. The only thing he cared about was you, and his baby.

And no one was ever going to threaten what the pair of you had ever again.

[lambtotheslaughterr]

Summit : Chapter Six

A Ransom Drysdale Series

[THIS STORY WILL CONTAIN THEMES OF NON-CON/DUB-CON, MENTAL-EMOTIONAL-PHYSICAL ABUSE, ETC. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. 18+. MINORS DO NOT INTERACT]

WC: 4k

Dividers provided by @firefly-graphics

CHAPTER FIVE | MASTERLIST | CHAPTER SEVEN

            An hour & another glass of wine later, you found yourself being spun around the mansion. Ransom guided your body as he moved the two of you from room to room. Can’t Take My Eyes off You by Frankie Vallie played loudly as the two of you smiled & twirled about like you were in an end of the world romance film.

            To both your surprise & welcome, the wine had loosened you up. You were having fun. You were smiling boldly & adding your own moves as the two of you danced freely. At one point even, you ran forward & hopped onto the loveseat in the living room, your arms raised above you, fingers spread out as you danced to the rhythm of the song. It reminded you of the days when you lived on your humble farm with your mother & father.

            Your mother & you would be dancing wildly as Dancing Queen or Girls Just Wanna Have Fun would blare throughout the house & your dad would come in from a long day’s work & find the two of you. It was long before your mother got sick for the final time & she would drag your reluctant father into the mix. She’d make him dance with her while you continued jamming out across the room & always, at some point, you would stop to admire your parents. Your father always looked at her with love, & though he loathed dancing, he’d dance with her.

            You jumped down from the loveseat & began spinning as you headed towards the foyer. Ransom followed behind you & even in your dizzying movements, you didn’t miss how his eyes never left you, how there was a constant smirk on his face as he took in the sight of you having fun for the first time in forever. It encouraged you to keep it up.

            At that point, you had already slipped out of your shoes & was barefoot. The wood beneath your feet was cool to the bottoms of your feet as you felt your body heat up as you kept moving. You were at the center of the foyer & suddenly stopped though, your stomach lurching. You frowned, holding both your forehead & stomach as the nauseating feeling escalated.

            Oh no.

            The front door was closer than the bathroom & you raced towards it, throwing it open as you burst outside. You made it to the front steps before you lurched forward, bent at the waist & began throwing up.

            Your eyes widened at the sight of red liquids mixed with your dinner as they spilled from your mouth. Ransom was behind you suddenly, gathering your hair in his hands to keep it from being caught in the spray & you thanked him internally as your body continued rejecting the food & wine. When you finally stopped puking, you willed yourself to sit down on the steps, your body shaking.

            “Yeah.” Ransom sighed knowingly beside you as he joined you, he pulled a cloth napkin from his pants pocket & reached to wipe your mouth before wiping the beads of sweat that had formed on your forehead, “Probably should’ve warned you what having that kind of fun would do to you after drinking.”

            You wanted to sign a quip back but your body was still feeling ill so you signed nothing.

            “C’mon, let’s get you cleaned up.”

            But when you struggled to stand up, your vision & world still off-balance, Ransom swiftly lifted you up, carrying you bridal style back inside the mansion, effortlessly kicking the front door closed behind him as he brought you to the loveseat you had been dancing on only moments prior. Music still played faintly, having switched to a softer song, but your head was too busy trying to catch itself for you to recognize the song.

            Ransom disappeared but quickly returned with a glass of water & two pills. You gratefully took the water but eyed the pills warily.

            Ransom produced the bottle they came from, shaking it, “Anti-nausea.”

            The word ‘nausea’ made your stomach flip & you feared puking once more, forcing you to accept the pills before downing them with a gulp of water.

            Ransom sat beside you on the loveseat, though at a respectable distance to which you were thankful. You hadn’t forgotten about the kiss you two shared only a couple hours before in the dining room. But drinking & dancing had made it easier to pretend it hadn’t happened. You still were battling with your conflicted thoughts on the exchange, but you knew you’d have a clearer mind in the morning.

            You sat there a while in silence as you held your head in your hands, willing your mind & body to sober up. When you finally felt an inkling better, you lifted your head to face Ransom.

            ‘Thank you’, you signed.

            Ransom simply nodded, his eyes soft & a gentle smile on his face.

            You wanted to say more but your pad & pen were nowhere in sight & Ransom wasn’t advanced enough in his lessons to understand you. So, you stood up, prepared to go find it but as you did, your world tipped again. Ransom was quick to place a hand on your shoulder, gently pushing you back down to sit.

            “What do you need?” He asked, his voice thick with concern.

            You moved your hands together to mimic writing.

            He nodded in understanding before disappearing.

            A moment later, he returned with your source of communication & handed it to you. You wasted no time in flipping to the first blank page & scribbling ineligibly.

            I don’t drink.

            Ransom’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he chuckled, “You don’t say.”

            “You ever drink before?”

            You shook your head, writing, “My first time.”

            Ransom waved his arm outwards, “Glad to be your first, madam.”

            You rolled your eyes at the dramatic gesture but smiled, nonetheless.

            I should go to sleep.

            “I agree.” Ransom stood & offered his hand, to which you took, worried you wouldn’t be able to walk properly without his help.

            As expected, Ransom led you up the stairs to your bathroom. You thanked him once more, intending to enter the bathroom to brush your teeth & rinse the aftertaste of folly from your mouth but he held you close still.

            “Thank you, _____.” Your name on his tongue always felt strange but you couldn’t deny liking the sound of it, “Tonight has been the best night I’ve had since the world went to shit.”

            The way he looked at you… it made your stomach flip in other ways, but ways that still left you feeling unsure. You watched as his eyes fell to your lips. He wanted to kiss you again. The fact the two of you had even kissed to begin with was something that shouldn’t have happened. You knew he was getting to attached to you, & perhaps you to him, but unlike him, you had plans to leave one day, plans he didn’t know of. You didn’t want to lead him anymore.

            When he leaned forward, you quickly stepped out of his grip & covered your mouth, your eyes wide. Ransom paused, staring at you questionably. You waved your hand before your nose, using your bad breath as an excuse to avoid a second kiss. Ransom seemed to understand. And while he respected your wish, he continued to close the distance, leaving a chaste kiss on your forehead, “I’ll see you in the morning.”

            You couldn’t deny how the forehead kiss made you feel. Safe, seen, taken care of. It had been such a painfully long time since you felt any of those sensations. But everything your father taught still clung to your instincts.

            Ransom stepped back, watching as you slowly closed the door. Once the door latched shut, you locked it before leaning against it. You listened as Ransom left, his footfalls on the stairs until they disappeared. You breathed out a sigh of relief as you flickered your eyes closed. Part of you wanted him to kiss you, but you knew better. This isn’t what your father taught you, to be dependent on another, or to let another person get close enough as you already had. Yet you enjoyed Ransom’s company. You were no longer alone. Perhaps you could stay & live out the rest of the days with him. Would that be so terrible?

            But you shook your head.

            This is the wine. You argued with yourself.

            Approaching the sink, you caught yourself in the mirror. You stared at yourself all dolled up in the pink dress, your hair unkept & your eyes red. This wasn’t you. You were built to survive, to depend only on yourself, to live a life of solitude. But then you found yourself subconsciously bringing your fingers to your lips in memory of Ransom kissing you.

            But things change… Ransom happened.

            Fuck.

            It was a couple days later when you were in the library, eyeing the titles of books in search of a new novel to read when Ransom entered the room carrying a tray of freshly brewed tea. Your eyes met & the two of you shared a smile.

            “Elderberry.” Ransom announced, “Like you wanted.”

            The two of you sat on chairs opposite one another on end of the library as he poured each of you a cup. You brought the tea to your nose, enjoying the scent before taking a tender sip.

            “Find anything?” Ransom asked as he peered at the plethora of bookshelves with more books you could ever hope to own yourself.

            You shook your head.

            “Then let me recommend one.” Ransom stood & approached a bookshelf at the far end of the library. You followed behind him.

            He turned the book over to you & you peered at the cover.

            “It’s about a small-town doctor caught up in ritualistic sacrifices.”

            You flew your eyes to him, brows furrowing.

            He smiled at that, “I’ve seen the book you keep. It’s right up your alley.”

            Rolling your eyes, you couldn’t argue with that. You flipped through the book briefly before glancing up. Your eyes landed on something else on the bookshelf over Ransom’s shoulder.

            Slipping by him, you eyed the easel-back picture frame, the picture inside of a gathering of people just in front the very mansion you stood in.

            Picking it, you eyed it, recognizing one face amongst the group.

            “My family.” Ransom replied, his voice turning cold.

            You stared at Ransom in the picture. He wasn’t smiling & standing at the edge of the group. His hands tucked into his pants as he practically glared at the camera.

            Ransom stood behind you as your eyes bounced around all the faces. Your eyes landed on one teenaged girl with long brown hair, she too wasn’t smiling. In fact, no one was, which you found odd. You pointed at her, looking to Ransom.

            “Meg, yeah.”

            As you continued staring at the image, you realized every single person in that picture, every single person Ransom called ‘family’ was dead. Much like yours.

            ‘What happened?’ You signed.

            Ransom frowned. You slowed down your signing, willing him to remember his lessons.

            “Ah.” Ransom reluctantly plucked the frame from your hands before replacing it back where it once stood, though this time he turned the picture away from you, faced with the kickstand, “That’s a long story.”

            You smiled softly at that, tapping your wrist.

            “Yeah, yeah, I know. We have all the time in the world, don’t we?”

            Ransom turned away, returning to the chairs but before he could sit, you caught his wrist. His eyes met yours.

            Tell me.

            He sighed, contemplating.

            Please.

            He narrowed his eyes at you, “I’ll make you a deal.”

            You waited.

            “Your voice for a story.”

            Oh. You bit your lip. That was unfair. You dropped his wrist.

            He was quick to catch your own, “Talk to me. I know you can do it.”

            You attempted to step out of his reach, the moment soured, but he held tight.

            “Okay, okay.” Ransom apologized with his eyes, “A kiss then.”

            Before you could either deny or agree with the circumstances, Ransom closed the distance, his hand finding a place on your lower back as he brought his lips to yours. You resisted at first, but quickly found yourself returning the kiss. Ransom deepened it, cupping your cheek as he pressed your bodies together. You felt tears prick at your eyes, your heart & mind battling once again on what was right & what was wrong.

            He ended the kiss, resting his forehead against your own, “I swear, you’re gonna kill me.”

            You couldn’t help the nervous smile that dressed your lips.

            “Okay, I’ll tell you.”

            Ransom continued speaking as you flipped through a family album that traced back nearly 50 decades up until only a few years ago. You learned Ransom was 32. Much older than you, & if the world was spinning like normal, you would’ve never met him, let alone allowed yourself to kiss someone his age. But the end of the world made your age difference insignificant. You had matured well beyond your years & Ransom was trapped in his own within the walls of the mansion.

            “My father was adamant that Worcester would have the answer to the virus. Word had spread in the first year after losing my mother, grandfather, & aunt to the virus. He was determined to travel to Worcester to bring the cure back. He was desperate to save the rest of the Thrombey legacy.”

            You listened intently as Ransom spoke about a man who put his family’s safety first, & who, in the process, would ultimately die because of it. But as you listened, flipping through the family album, you never got that sense from pictures. The only pictures when someone was smiling was when they were a toddler. As they grew, like Ransom, the smiles became fewer & farther between. You had an inkling there was more he was leaving out.

            You wrote on your pad.

            Your family didn’t get along. There was no question mark.

            Ransom read your words before sighing dejectedly, “No. We didn’t. Never did. It got worse when we started dropping like flies.”

            You closed the album to sit back & stare at him, willing him to continue.

            His hand was on your thigh as he spoke, rubbing the fabric of your jeans as he continued with his story.

            “I was against him going. There was no proof. He risked himself & all of us. We fought about it for days.”

            Ransom shook his head, staring aimlessly at the now cooled tea before the two of you.

            “But he went anyways, & my cousin Jacob & Uncle Walt went with him. I stayed with the women, never expecting them to return.”

            You placed your hand around his own against your thigh.

            “Only my father returned. Jacob & Walt got sick somewhere along the way back. And when my father returned… he wasn’t himself.”

            An unsettling feeling formed in your gut before Ransom confirmed your suspicions.

            “He had contracted the virus but it wasn’t the typical symptoms at the time. He assured us he was just malnourished. So, Meg nursed him but there was never really any progress. He became moody, touchy, & more of an asshole than ever. Meg was the next to go, & the first person I blamed was him.”

            Ransom took a deep breath before finishing.

            “My family got along like oil & water. But watching them die one by one right in front of me was not something I ever imagined. It made me angrier than anything I had ever felt before. My dad went to Worcester to find a cure but what he brought back was a new strain of the virus. We were forced to lock him in the basement until he… until…”

            You didn’t need him to complete the sentence.

            “At night we could sometimes hear him breaking whatever he could get his hands on. The new strain added another level of aggression. He was trying to get out, & one night he finally did.”

            Ransom stood up & walked to the windows overlooking the garden. You remained seated but your eyes followed him, briefly landing on the back facing picture frame on the bookshelf.

            “I was forced to put him down. There was nothing left of Joni & Donna after he got his hands on them. They looked like fish food. That was a year ago.”

            Jesus. The gory images of what he might’ve seen flashed through your mind. You had no idea the virus had advanced. In fact, you had never seen anyone suffer from it. You just knew what symptoms to look out for if you ever came across anyone, but Ransom had been the first since the young woman.

            “That’s why I said Worcester is the disease. Whatever my dad brought back from there… it’s just not safe.”

            You nodded solemnly. Ransom returned to you then, sitting on the small coffee table that had the tray of tea on it. He reached for your hands & you let him as he peered into your eyes.

            “Just promise me you’ll never go there. I can’t… lose anyone else. Even you.”

            Your heart lurched. It was a bittersweet feeling.

            You signed your promise. You had no desire to go to Worcester after hearing his story. But how would he react when you would one day leave? That day you feared.

            A couple more weeks passed & the summer heat broke a record as August came. It was too hot to do any gardening during the day, so you & Ransom would often lounge in the shade reading books, your legs draped over his lap. Estate chores were saved for the early morning hours before the sun basked the property in its dewy glow. Once the chores were finished, you & Ransom lived a rather domesticated life day-by-day.

            You took turns cooking & on days when it was your turn, Ransom would often kiss you on the back of your head or hug you gently from behind. Much to your worry, you found yourself leaning into his touches, welcoming them, & only sometimes returning them. He had yet to kiss you again but you knew he wanted to. You saw it in his eyes, felt it in his touches, & heard it in his voice. But you didn’t know how to cross that line for a third time without leading him to believe this would be your life together.

            Only a few days ago did you decide that you would leave for St. Johns when the summer neared it’s end. It would be best to travel when the heat wasn’t so suffocating. But you had yet to tell Ransom, let alone give any hints to it. But you knew the longer you kept from telling him your plans, the harder it would be for him to let you. If he let you go…

            Ransom had grown awfully attached to you, & you couldn’t deny that you had felt the same, but you still stuck to your plans. He would have to live with your decision. But other thoughts kept you up at night when you thought about the near future. Perhaps you could convince him to come with you. You wouldn’t be against traveling with him, in fact, you welcomed the idea. But this was his home. Not just a place he set up shop at. This is where he grew up, lived with his family, then watched them suffer.

            That night you contemplated bringing the topic up as you finished the final touches on dinner. Ransom had caught some fish at the pond less than a quarter mile away. He had brought back two bass to which you immediately got to work while Ransom went & washed up.

            By the time dinner was finished, you placed both your plates at the dining table at one end of the table. It had become routine for you two to sit together while eating. Returning to the kitchen, you gathered two wine glasses & a dusted wine bottle on the counter that Ransom had brought up from the cellar in the basement. He insisted on you never going down there, claiming that because his father had been down there for so long he worried the virus could still have an effect. You knew virus’s didn’t work that way but didn’t argue, you had no desire to go down there anyways.

            Just as you finishing pouring your glasses of wine, Ransom appeared wearing a loose black t & a pair of comfortable jeans. He grinned when he spotted you.

            “Smells amazing.” He approached you & kissed you on your temple.

            You smiled up at him, your nerves growing since you knew you’d have to address your plans for the end of the month. You even had your pad & pen ready beside your plate.

            Ransom put on another record to set the mood before pulling out your chair for you to sit. Once you did, he quickly followed.

            He took the first bite & moaned in delight, “Fuck, I never liked fish but you make it taste divine.”

            The comment made you chuckle softly.

            As you slowly ate your dinner, your eyes kept straying to your pad. When do I tell him?

            But, as if sensing your inner turmoil, you felt fingers on your wrist. Your eyes flew to his. He furrowed his brows, nodding to your pad, “Everything okay?”

            Your lips parted as you mirrored his frown. Slipping your arm out from under his touch, you reached for your source of communication.

            Now or never.

            Just as your pen touched the paper though, a loud pop sounded followed by the record scratching & fading before the lights in the dining room suddenly turned off.

            “Shit.” Ransom gritted out, “The generator.”

            There was no way for you to ask him what was going on in the darkness.

            Ransom’s shadow disappeared into the kitchen before reappearing with a few candles that he lit & placed on the table. He noticed your look of concern & shook his head, “I was down there tinkering with it this morning. It was on it’s last leg & it seems it finally kicked it.”

            ‘What do we do?’, you wrote.

            He sighed, sitting back down to stare blankly at his food.

            “We do nothing. I will go tomorrow.”

            Where? You signed.

            Ransom cocked his head, “My uncle had a vacation home a few towns over. I’ll head over there & see what his generator looks like.”

            A few towns over, you thought. But that would take days.

            ‘I’ll come with you’, you flipped the pad over for him to see.

            “No.” He replied with finality, “I don’t want you out there. Besides, someone needs to stay here to make sure we still have food to eat.”

            You pressed your lips together.

            “I shouldn’t be long. I have a truck a groundskeeper left here when the virus broke out. Still has gas in it since I hardly ever use it. It’ll be quick. Just a day or two.”

            You were grateful that he had a form of transportation, but still. You felt a sense of protection come over you.

            Ransom sensed your disagreement & reached for you, stealing your attention, “I’ll leave in the morning, be back the following night. Unless of course it turns out to be a piece of shit then I might have to venture to other houses. Either way, I won’t be gone long.”

            Your appetite waning, you pushed your plate of food out of the way to scribble frantically.

            ‘I’d feel better going with you.’

            “And I’d feel better if you stayed.” He returned, “Finish your food.”

            There was still so much you wanted to discuss but your hand didn’t move as fast as your thoughts so you conceded.

            “I’ll be alright, _____.” His eyes gazed into your own, “We will be alright. I’m going to take care of you.”

            Thoughts of telling him of your plans would have to wait until he returned. You would be much too stressed over the next couple days worrying about him. When he came back safe & sound, then would you tell him. Then would he have to deal with you leaving. For now, you wanted to enjoy this night with him.

a very long long long awaited chapter seven to Summit!

shit is about to hit the fan for reader & no doomsday prepper can prepare themselves for it.

thank you so much to my readers for their patience & understanding these last couple months. it has meant everything.

as always, thank you for reading!

oona<3

Read this post on why doing more than liking a tumblr writers work is essential to our content creation.

[my love language is words of affirmation, it would make my day if you could comment your thoughts, reblog with tags, or drop an ask that shows your support. thank you for reading tumblr writers, we appreciate you]

taglist:

to be added to a taglist read rule 11 here. requests will be dismissed otherwise.

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Eeeeeee! I’m excited for this short stories series!!!

Could you please do: Ransom Drysdale (you know I love how you write him! 😉), mob universe, with this prompt “It’s like you never really see me. I’m standing right in front of you and you don’t see me!”

Please and thank you!!!

I love me some mob ransom 😍

Word count: 1.4K

TW: None

As always, written on my phone and reading my own stuff makes me cringe so I apologize for any and all mistakes as this is unedited!

When you were younger, it always made you laugh when adults used the term “honeymoon phase” to describe a certain time in their relationship. Especially when those people weren’t married or even in a relationship. To you a honeymoon has always been the vacation you take after getting married, and that was it. As you grew older of course people explained to you what the term really meant in the way that they were using it.

“Sometimes it’s a few weeks, a few months or a few years and if you’re really lucky it could last for the entire relationship. A period of time where everything is great, both people are happy and in love, and life is just good.” You remember your aunt telling you this after your first heartbreak. “Why does it have to end?” You had asked her, not understanding why couples wouldn’t want to stay in the honeymoon phase. “Life gets in the way, reality sets in and things change.” She had simply answered.

This conversation plays back in your head every time you start a new relationship. Which wasn’t often, you were quite picky and what you wanted was to be with someone with whom the honeymoon phase never really ends. That’s what true love meant to you.

As your aunt taught you it wasn’t rare for life to get in the way, for reality to set in and for things to change, but you were always ok. If it ended, then it wasn’t meant to be. You didn’t have a lot of relationships, but you loved going out on dates. You loved meeting new people and getting to know all the little fun facts about them. No matter how the dates went you always ended up learning something new about yourself, and about other people, and you never regretted any of them.

That is until you accepted to go on your first blind date. Usually you want to get to know the person a little by exchanging messages before meeting them face-to-face, but this one time one of your coworkers at work said she knew a sweet guy who was also dating for the long run. Her boyfriend’s coworker. Normally you wouldn’t have said yes, but you liked your coworker and you’ve met her boyfriend a few times, and he was sweet too.

It added to the confusion as to how you ended up in a nice restaurant with the sleaziest man you’ve ever met. All of his comments were innuendos and the way he looked at you made your skin crawl. You just didn’t know if he acted this way because he was nervous or that’s just how he was. Whatever the reason, you were beyond uncomfortable and you wanted to leave.

You eyed nervously around, just hoping that an opportunity was going to present itself soon so that you could leave without hurting his feelings too much. It finally came in the way of a tall, broad blonde who stepped up to your table. He was very clearly a sharp dresser, all of his accessories were chosen with purpose and you could see some ink peeking from under his sleeves and collar. You had no idea who he was, but he was already your best friend.

You’re guessing your date knew who the blonde was because as soon as they made eye contact, your date became paler than a ghost. Everything happened so fast after that: your date was gone with the threat of security throwing him out on his ass if he didn’t get out on his own, the blonde invited you to his table for a complimentary dessert, that’s how you found out he owned the restaurant, and before you knew it it was way past midnight and you had been talking for hours with the man. His name was Hugh Drysdale, but he insisted you call him Ransom.

As the true gentleman and savior that he was, Ransom drove you back to your apartment complex. Well, his chauffeur did but Ransom came along.

His chauffeur would pick you up at exactly the same spot a few nights later, Ransom opening the backseat’s door for you so that you could go on your first official date together. It took about a month of you dating him to find out, from one of your coworkers, that Ransom wasn’t only a restaurant owner but also a part of one of the biggest mob families on the east side.

Not that you cared. You didn’t judge him for the way he was brought up, as far as you were concerned he was a good man. He never showed you once that he couldn’t be trusted, that’s all that mattered to you.

It really didn’t take long before the two of you became inseparable, you were spending more time at his mansion than you did at your apartment. You only went from time to time to get more clothes and pick up your mail, otherwise you only left the mansion to go to work.

It was all going perfectly, until Ransom’s grandfather died and that his father got arrested for murdering him. Suddenly Ransom found himself at the head of the table, and everything started going downhill from there.

Ransom was beyond stressed, and you could easily understand why. There wasn’t much you could do for him, aside from offering him your help and your support if he needed it. As an ER nurse, you had seen your fair share of family drama and tragedy but never to this extent. You couldn’t blame him for closing himself off to you, although you really wished he would let you in so that you could take some of that pain on yourself and make it easier for him to get through the day.

At first you were really understanding, that was until his attitude changed towards you. He wasn’t the man who you met at the restaurant months ago, and you’re not sure you like the version of Ransom you’re beginning to discover. You’d love to talk to him about it, but he’s always in his office in the basement with his men until he leaves the mansion all together or he finally joins you in bed late at night.

You wanted to talk to him about it, so you asked for a special date night. Nothing fancy, just dinner together at the table so you could take a moment and actually talk to each other. Though he had promised to you that he was going to be there, you weren’t surprised that he didn’t show up until hours after you were supposed to meet. You finally had enough, and you went back to Ransom’s room to pack a bag.

“What’s going on?” Ransom asked as he walked into his room, looking exhausted and disheveled.

“You’re late.” You simply said as you finally ended packing, not even looking up at him.

“What do you mean I’m late?” He frowned, not understanding. It hit him after a few seconds. “Fuck, kitten. I’m sorry, I forgot and I had things to do. You know how busy I am.” He loosened up his tie and toed off his shoes.

“Oh, believe me I know.” You said in a cold tone.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He crossed his arms on his chest.

“You’re so busy, I don’t even matter anymore.” You grabbed your bag and stared him down.

“Oh fuck, don’t start.” He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, this conversation was already giving him a migraine. “I have enough shit to deal with during the day, I don’t need your drama at night.”

“I’ve been telling you for weeks to lean on me, to talk to me so that I can help you but no. It’s like you never really see me. I’m standing right in front of you and you don’t see me! Until you need to blow off steam; then you suddenly remember I exist and you spend the little time I have with you telling me off on all the things I’ve been doing wrong.” You walked past him and grabbed your jacket that was by the bedroom door.

“Where are you going?” Ransom felt like he was on an emotional rollercoaster: he was tired, then annoyed, then he felt guilty and finally he was panicking.

“I’m going home.” You simply answered as you stepped outside his bedroom.

“You are home.” He quickly answered, following you.

“This isn’t my home anymore. I’m done.” You told him without looking back, you felt you might give in to him if you saw the look in his eyes. You hurried out of the mansion and to your car, ignoring Ransom as he called after you.

The honeymoon phase was over, and so was the relationship you thought was going to be forever.