#notice how maris picnic basket is in the empty seat

[techno-foxx-comixx]

🍕🥤🥗🥪

[spookysweet-heart]

Picnic Date

Requests: ”could u maybe write something about confessing a crush to Claire?”

Pairings: Claire Redfield x Reader

Fandom: Resident Evil

Warnings: None!

A/n: I’m so sorry it took so long to get to these requests. I’ve had a ton of technical difficulties over the past two months but for now, everything seems to be getting back on track! Thank you for waiting so patiently and I hope you enjoy the story! (collage was made by me)

        Rushing into the Police Station making sure not to drop the paper bags and two cup holders full of coffee cups, you make your way to the front desk placing all the items in front of the receptionist. “Hey Mary, I uh got your order. Coffee, three creamers and two sugar packets with a turkey sandwich.” Smiling proudly you hand her the items as she smiles back gladly taking it.

“Thank you (Y/n), everyone should be in the west office, including Claire. But I’m sure you knew that already.” She gives you a knowing smile and giggles when she sees you lightly blush.

“Wh-why would I know that exactly?...” You laughed a bit nervously.

“The tea gave it away sweetheart. Good luck.”

You nodded, picking up the rest of the items and turned away walking to the west office. Letting out a short breath you prepared yourself. Smiling and opening the door you were greeted with “Hello’s” and “How are you’s” from the officers in the room handing each of them their orders.

Heading to the back of the room, you spot Jill and Chris. You smile handing them their coffee and food. Jill Happily took the item and immediately started to unwrap her sandwich. “Thanks (Y/n)! I was starving, oh hey I didn’t know you drink tea?”

“Hm? Oh! I uh I don’t. I heard that Claire was here and I decided to get her a tea.”

“You and my sister seem to be getting along lately.” 

“Oh? Really.”

“Yeah from what I’ve seen. Look I’m her older brother so of course, I’m going to be protective of her but you’re both adults and can make your own choices. Just don’t let one of those choices hurt her in any way.”

“Y-yes, sir!” Nervously nodding you tried your best to smile.

“Chris, leave the poor kid alone. They’re fine. Claire’s in the smaller office if you wanna go give that tea.”

“Sure, uh thank you…” Picking up the last bag and drink you walked over to the small office and smiled when you spotted Claire hunched over a bunch of papers. “hey, I brought you some lunch.”

Claire quickly looked up, a bit startled at the sudden noise. "Geez (Y/n). You scared me!"

Laughing you took a seat across from her. Setting down the food you glanced at the drawings in front of her. "I didn't know you draw. These look amazing."

Claire smiled and took a sip of her tea. "They're just models I'm using for a new motorcycle I'm working on. Nothing special."

“Come on it’s something you love! Of course, it’s special.” You smiled at her feeling a little nervous.

Claire smiled back and leaned a bit forward. “So how has it been being an intern here at the police station?”

You shrugged and laughed a little. “It hasn’t been too bad of a month. Running errands, processing paperwork, working on schoolwork whenever I can.”

Claire nods and takes a bite of her sandwich. “What are you majoring in again?”

“Journalism, and Criminal Justice. Not the easiest of things but it’s a start right?”

“Yeah, definitely is! I admire that you know? I never really had any motivation to continue school after I graduated. There wasn’t really anything that caught my attention.”

“Everyone’s different. I have a friend who didn’t go to college either for the same reasons. They’re doing and working on what they love now. Sure It’s a bit hard but they just knew school wasn’t for them.”

“That actually makes me feel a bit better about my choice then, thanks.” Taking another sip of her drink she notices you bouncing your leg. “Hey, you okay?”

“Y-yeah I’m okay. I was wondering if I could ask you something?”

“Sure, go-ahead. What is it?”

Sitting up straight you cleared your throat and let out a shaky breath. “Well uh, I was wondering if you wanted to go out for a picnic in the park with me tomorrow since it’s my day off?”

Claire raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms in front of her. “Are you asking me out?”

“Yes?.... I-I mean it doesn’t have to be a date, we can just hang out as friends… if that’s what you want.”

“(Y/n) calm down okay?” Claire giggled and shook her head. “Of course I’ll go on a picnic with you. It’s a date.”

“Really?” 

“Yup! See you tomorrow then?”

“A-absolutely!” Smiling you scrambled to get up from your seat almost falling over making Claire laugh on your way out of the office.

The next day you spent the morning preparing the food and figuring out what you were going to wear. You decided to wear something very comfortable and pretty loose since you’d be out in the sun all day. Packing up the food you got a call from Claire saying she was heading to the park and that she’d wait by the entrance for you. Smiling and telling her you’d see her soon you hung up the phone heading to your car with the basket and blanket in hand. After double-checking, you had everything you needed, and getting into the driver's seat you put all the items in the back seat and started your car heading to the park.

 After finding an empty spot to park, you got the stuff out of your car and headed to meet up with Claire after locking the car.

Claire smiled and waved at you when she spotted you a short distance away from her. “Hey! Over here!”

You smiled back and once you made it to where she was she took the blanket from you seeing that you were having a bit of trouble carrying everything. “Thanks, did you have a spot in mind that we set up everything?”

Claire nodded and started to lead the way. “Yeah, I was looking for a bit and I think found a good spot by the pond.” 

Following by her side, you nodded and smiled. “That sounds really nice. Maybe some ducks might walk by us.”

Claire giggled and looked over at the pond. “That’d be pretty cute wouldn’t it?”

“Yeah, it would.”

After walking around the pond you and Claire set up the blanket under the shade of a large tree that was overlooking the duck pond. 

Claire sat down on the blanket and patted the spot next to her for you sit.

Setting down the basket, you smiled and sat down next to her. Felling a little relieved that you weren’t getting too nervous you let out a sigh and looked over at the pond seeing a few ducks swimming around.

“Thank you, for asking me out today….it’s silly but I was honestly really excited to get here and see you.” Claire smiled over at you. A light blush appeared on her cheeks.

You smiled, a blush faintly forming on your cheeks aswell. “It’s not silly at al actually, I was excited to see you too. I was honestly surprised that you said yes. I just wasn’t expecting it is all.”

“Why? Did you think I’d say no?”

“Kinda, yeah.” You looked at your hands, tapping your fingers on your knees. “It’s just, god this is embarrassing…..I’ve had a crush for a while and I don’t know, I didn’t think you’d say yes.”

“Does my brother have anything to do with that?”

“Only a little but mostly I think was just my nerves getting the better of me.”

Claire moved a bit closer and took your hand in hers, smiling at you. “If it helps… I actually had a crush on you too.”

“No way!”

Claire laughed and shook her head. “Yes, way! Of course, I did. You’re really cute (Y/n).”

Your blush grew a bit darker as you stuttered a response. “W-Well th-thanks but I’m not as cute as you.” You giggled when you saw her blush deepen after that. “Ah um, do you wanna eat? I made us some sandwiches, there's fruit, some water bottles and I thought that maybe when we’re done here we could go to the ice cream shop nearby and get some before heading home?”

Claire smirked and nudged your arm with her elbow. “Wow, you really thought this through didn’t you?”

“Sh-shut up….so what if I did…”

Smiling and leaning up a bit she kisses your cheek and giggles. “Relax (Y/n), I think it’s adorable. Now c’mon let’s eat.”

Tag List:

@fluffy-marshmallow-nerd

@princessbunny99

@bee-wrecker

@mmikazukin

@amiandivh

@fox-face2014

[noaoats]

Adrien Learns How to Ride a Bike

cross-posted on ao3 here

“Marinette learns that her boyfriend can’t ride a bike. She decides to fix that.”

Chapters:1/?; Words: 3,452; pure Adrienette fluff

---

Ladybug knew that her powers and identity were based on the concept of good luck, but sometimes she just felt really lucky.

She was currently on a beam near the top of the Eiffel Tower with her head in her boyfriend’s lap. The two had ended patrol early and were content to spend time together before each had to return to their homes. Ladybug’s eyes were closed as she rested. Chat was humming a song and dragging his fingers through her hair while looking down over the city.

His claws scratched gently on her scalp and her toes wiggled in bliss. “What are you humming?” she asked.

“A song my mother used to sing when I was younger. I was afraid of storms, so she’d sing to keep me calm if it began to thunder. I don’t remember the words, but the tune gets stuck in my head from time to time.”

“It’s beautiful. Maybe we can try to look the song up sometime.”

Chat separated a portion of hair and began to braid it. “I would love that.”

She willed herself to stay awake. She had despised going to bed as a kid and her mother had always played with her hair to help her fall asleep. During sleepovers she loved to play with Alya’s hair, but occasionally the other girl would braid hers and it would knock her out. The comfort of being with Chat coupled with the warm afternoon sun was making it difficult not to drift to sleep hundreds of feet above Paris.

Chat’s voice roused her as he continued talking. “We still haven’t planned our date for Saturday. My father confirmed again that I could take a few hours off so I’m free until evening. And the weather is supposed to be nice. What do you want to do? Hang out up here?”

“Hmm. I’m not sure,” she said. “We haven’t gone on many dates as ourselves, you know? We’re always transformed. We could… watch a movie. Or go swimming, since cats love the water so much.”

“Ha. Ha.”

“What about a bike ride along the Seine? We could go until we find a nice spot for a picnic. I’ll bring a blanket for us to sit on and some food. Or we could try to cook something together beforehand if you have time! My bike has a basket.”

He paused while braiding her hair. “Um… what about a picnic at the park near your house?”

“I mean, we could, I just figured it would be nice to try something new. That’s where we always eat lunch during school, plus bike rides are fun! I haven’t ridden mine much since I was a kid, and even then I really only ever used it to bike over to Nino’s house for playdates.”

“Oh. Yeah, it’s just that…” His voice sounded strained, and she opened her eyes to see if he was okay. His forehead was creased in thought and his cheeks were pink. “Um. We could just walk, instead. And not go as far since I can’t stay for too long.”

She giggled. “What, don’t tell me you can’t ride a bike.”

When he grimaced again the smile dropped from her face. She had made a major mistake. “Oh. Oh, Chat, I didn’t mean to-”

“No!” he interrupted. His face turned red as he realized that he had cut her off, and he patted her forehead awkwardly as if to apologize. “No, don’t feel bad, it’s okay. It’s just kind of embarrassing, is all. What kind of kid our age doesn’t know how to ride a bike?”

She pushed his hand aside and sat up next to him. “Lots of people! It’s nothing to be embarrassed about!”

“Yeah, I bet. Name one other person.”

“I… Alright.” Ladybug looked around dramatically as if to ensure no one could hear them way up on the tower, making Chat laugh. She leaned closer to whisper. “You can’t tell anyone, okay? I was sworn to secrecy, and I know for a fact that this person will hunt me down if they find out I told you. We made this blood pact back in CE 2. You mean a lot for me to break a promise like that.”

“Blood pact?”

She shrugged. “We were wrestling and gave each other bloody noses. We wiped the blood on our hands and then made a pinky promise. It was very serious when we were eight.”

His nose crinkled. “That’s disgusting.”

“Eh, we were kids. More importantly, do you swear to take this secret to the grave?”

“Yes,” he said. “Yes. Please. Tell me this life and death secret. What other poor soul can’t ride a bike?”

Her voice dropped even lower. “Kim. Kim can’t ride a bike.”

Chat looked stunned. He stared at her for a few moments. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope. And not even Alix knows that.”

“Huh.”

“So you see!” She bumped shoulders with him. “If even the great Kim can’t ride a bike, it’s obviously not that big of a deal. Did it scare you as a kid? Or did you forget how to do it?”

“Well, firstly, it is a big deal if you literally exchanged blood over it. Seriously, that’s just wrong.” He looked down at his hands in his lap. “And secondly, no. I just never learned. My parents were going to teach me, but then my mom disappeared, and my father… The Gorilla tried once but he obviously didn’t know how to teach. He just told me to put on a helmet and go, and I didn’t know what to do with that. Then I was banned from ‘dangerous activities’ that could ruin my modeling career.”

Ladybug fell silent, processing her partner’s words. Knowing how to ride a bike wasn’t the most important skill a person could have, but it was one that had brought her a lot of joy. She also knew how much Adrien loved being able to transform and race around, and biking could bring a similar sense of freedom in his civilian form. He was also rich enough to buy a bike without any hassle if he ended up loving it.

Her mind was made up.

“Alright, that’s it. This Saturday, I’m teaching you how to ride a bike.”

-

“Marinette, I don’t know about this.”

Adrien was sitting uncomfortably on her bike, tilted to one side as he shifted around on the seat. She had switched the bike’s gears and elevated the seat to accommodate him but the whole thing felt awkward. He did like the bike’s design, though- it was a pretty light blue with small gold bells on the handles. Clinking them had been fun at first, but now that he was actually about to ride they felt like they were in the way of his hands.

“Don’t be a scaredy-cat.” Marinette handed him a matching blue helmet. “I promise to help you, and I’ll run alongside you when you go, okay? If you begin to panic just… fall on me and I’ll catch you.”

“I’m not going to crush you with a bike!”

She flipped a hand. “Whatever, I’ve been through worse. You’re the model that can’t get banged up. Alright, so put this on your head. It clicks under your chin; you want it to be tight but not uncomfortable.”

Adrien followed her directions. He had assumed that the helmet would feel strange on his head, but he was used to so many weird head pieces from modeling that he barely noticed it. His girlfriend rapped on the side of it once it was in place and he rolled his eyes. “It’s on, Mari.”

“Just checking. Okay, so getting started… I’m actually not sure what the best way to explain this is.” Her eyes darted back to the bakery across the street. “Wait! I have an idea!”

He knew that look. “Don’t leave me here on the bike!” he hissed. It was too late, though. She had already sped off in the direction of her home and left him stranded in the middle of the park. He still didn’t know what he was doing, but having her there had made him feel less awkward. He avoided the looks of other groups strolling past and shifted his weight from foot to foot. Was it weird for people to just stand around on a bike? He had never noticed, but he also had never paid attention to it. He was sure that he looked stupid.

Just as he was about to climb off and walk the bike back here was a thump to his right and he turned to see Marinette sprawled on the ground. She just jumped back up and kept going. In her hands was a giant, empty box. “We have so many of these from all the ingredients we order. I thought this might be easier.” She plopped it down next to him and sat down on it, lifting her hands to grab onto imaginary handlebars. “See?”

He snorted. “Love your bike.”

“Thanks, cardboard is in this season.” She winked. “Okay, so you move forward by pushing the pedals like this.” Her feet rotated next to the box in a circle, and he looked down at the real pedals near his feet. That seemed simple enough. “You have to do some balancing at the start, but once you get going the bike just takes off.”

“What if I start to tilt?”

“Well, you either fall or you don’t. But seriously, once you get some momentum you’ll be fine. And you steer with the handles, like this.” She demonstrated and he copied her with the real handles, twisting the front wheel against the pavement. “To stop…” She leaned back and bit her lip. “Hmm. Normally there are brakes on the handles you can squeeze to stop. It’s those small silver things there. But mine don’t really work that well ‘cause they’re so old. You’ll need to start pedalling slower and squeeze the brakes, and then I usually slide my feet on the ground to help myself slow to a stop.”

He blinked. “What do you mean, your brakes don’t work? I thought this was supposed to be safe!”

“It is! A lot of people have broken or missing parts. Riding a fully functional bike doesn’t count as a true biking experience, don’t worry.” The box was thrown in a nearby recycling bin before she stepped next to him to put her hands on his shoulders. “Alright, so at first you’re going to pedal slowly and I’m going to help you stay upright. I won’t let go, okay? We’re just going to go around the park.”

“Wait, what? Now?”

“Uh, yeah? When else, silly?”

This was happening too quickly for Adrien, but he reluctantly nodded. “You promise you won’t let go?”

“I promise, chaton.”

“Alright.” His foot hesitantly pressed down on a pedal and the bike squeaked, rolling forward a few inches. Marinette helped him balance himself so that he could lift his other foot off the ground and push the other pedal. The bike jerked forward but he stayed upright, gripping tightly. “Whoah!”

“You’ve got it! Keep going!”

He smiled at the encouragement and pressed again with his first foot, and then again with his second. Marinette was still mostly responsible for keeping him from falling, but he slowly began to circle the perimeter of the park. A part of him was anxious that others would be watching, but the thrill of the bushes and trees passing by him was too exciting to let himself get distracted. He was riding a bike! “I’m doing it!”

“You’re doing great, Adrien!”

The smooth walking path made pedalling easy, and he started to pedal faster. Marinette shuffled, then began to jog to keep up. “If you go faster I can’t hold on,” she yelped, stumbling over her feet as he went around a bend.

“I’ve got it, I’ve got it! Let go!”

She laughed and finally released his shoulders. Without the resistance the bike flew forward. Adrien was filled with glee as he spun around the last curve in the park and began making his way back toward the entrance. Marinette had been right, it was easy enough once he had built up some momentum. He could hear her running behind him now, still cheering.

“Look at you! You’re riding a bike!”

“I’m riding a bike!”

He took one more lap around the park and then decided to stop before he pressed his luck too far. He shifted his hands to reach the brakes and pressed them. Like Marinette had promised, his bike began to slow but didn’t jerk him to a stop. The handles tilted wildly under his hands for a moment from the grab, but he quickly righted himself. Marinette had caught up at this point and was gesturing toward his feet. “No brakes!”

“Right.” His feet hit the ground harder than he meant for them to, but the friction of his sneakers against the pavement helped him slide to a quick stop. The bike came to rest right before a bench where a couple was sitting. They smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up. He returned it.

“Adrien!” There was a tight squeeze against his abdomen and he looked down to see Marinette giving him a strong hug. He smiled and awkwardly patted her arms while extracting himself from the bike. It loudly collapsed to the ground, but neither of them cared. “That was so awesome! How did it feel?”

“It was… really nice! I definitely need to practice more before going out on the roads or anything, but I’m glad you convinced me to try this. You were an excellent teacher. Can we try again some other time?”

“Absolutely! Now are you ready for our picnic?” She flashed him a mischievous look. “I want to introduce you to one more thing.”

-

Marinette whooped as they flew down the path lining the Seine. Adrien’s grip was almost painful on her shoulders, but she could hear him laughing behind her as well. They had dug up her mother’s old helmet to double-up on the bike. Marinette was steering and Adrien was holding on behind her with his feet on the back wheel hub. He had been anxious at first, but now they were both dizzy and elated as the river sped past them.

“Up there! Up there!” Adrien yelled in her ear. His fingers were still tight on her shirt, and she assumed that he didn’t feel sturdy enough to lift a hand and point. She scanned the area ahead and found a small bench and grassy area right next to the river bank on their right.

“I see it!”

The bike zoomed over and she began to squeeze on the brakes as they rolled down a slight hill. Adrien held her closer as the momentum shifted but was silent as she slammed her shoes down to break their slide. The bike tilted dangerous to the right as they turned, but it gradually rolled to a stop in the grass. Adrien slumped over her shoulder. “Marinette, oh my god. That was so much fun. Why don’t we do that all the time?”

She booped his nose. “Because of a certain mothman we hate. But we can do it more often! I didn’t know if you would like it or not, and honestly I had forgotten I had a bike. I should really start riding it to school again.” Their food had somehow remained in the basket, and she passed the bag to Adrien as he hopped off the back of the bike. “It would keep me from having to sprint after sleeping in.”

“You know, you could just not sleep in.”

“Yeah, but what’s the fun in that?”

They spread the blanket out on the grass and set up their lunches- plain baguettes, small salads, and an orange to split. Plagg and Tikki were content to stay in the bike basket and hang out, and Marinette didn’t disturb them. She enjoyed being alone with Adrien. Well, as alone as they could be with two tiny gods always keeping them company.

Adrien had already scarfed down half of his lunch, moaning in delight. “I don’t understand,” he grumbled, mouth full of food. “Why would you ever leave your place to get food? You could eat this great all the time. I’d never stop eating.”

Crumbs trickled down his shirt and she reached over to shake the fabric and knock them off. “You have a chef. And you’re going to choke if you keep eating like that.”

“At least I’d die doing what I love. Eating food made by the Dupain-Cheng’s.”

She swatted playfully at him before digging into her own lunch. They mostly ate in silence, taking in the moment. The sky was beautiful and the park they had found was surprisingly clear of tourists. They were sitting near a bush of flowers she found absolutely lovely, and they had sat as close to the river as possible. It would have been nicer without the gates blocking them from falling in, but she still appreciated being near it. Adrien seemed to catch her gaze. “Wonder if it’ll ever be clean enough to swim in?”

That made her laugh. “I’d say when pigs fly, but that might actually happen with some of the weird akumas Papillon has made. Still, it’s pretty. If it wouldn’t definitely give me E. coli, I’d jump in.”

“I’ve never gone swimming anywhere that wasn’t a pool,” Adrien admitted. “Not saying that I’d swim in the Seine- that’s nasty. But it would be cool to find a lake or something and get in. Nino’s family goes rafting a lot at Cergy-Pontoise. It sounds fun.”

Marinette felt a pang of sympathy in her chest. “You didn’t get to do much fun stuff as a kid, huh? Or now.”

“I mean, I hung out with Chloe some. We would go shopping together or goof off during big social events. That was fun.”

“Yeah, but that’s not…” She sat up straight, grabbing his hands. “Have you ever used roller blades? Tried using a pogo-stick? Jump roped? Climbed something you weren’t supposed to?” He frowned and wiggled his ring finger. “Obviously not as Chat Noir. Like I used to try and climb this giant tree in the park across from my house. I wasn’t supposed to but I did it anyway, and I ended up falling and breaking my arm. Anything like that?”

He paused to think. “Hmm. I was allowed to go ice skating some, but not much. And I did fencing. That’s about it.”

“That’s it, then.”

“What is?”

She stood up and brushed fake dust off her pants for the dramatic flair. Her hands slammed on her hips and she puffed out her chest. “I have decided what our next few dates will be. You and I will be giving Adrien Agreste a childhood. And we’ll start with rollerblading.”

“Really?” Adrien didn’t get up, but he looked overjoyed. She really did get lucky. He was so cute. “Can we really?”

“Really really. Hold on, I have some paper in my purse.” The notepad was resting next to the two kwamis in the bike basket, and she waved at them before reaching in to grab it. “Let’s come up with a list of things you’ve always wanted to do but never got the chance to. We can go ahead and write down riding a bike, and put a check next to it.” She sat down next to him and started scribbling in her lap. “What else would you like to do?”

“I love you.”

“Okay, I love y-” She stopped writing, realizing what he had said. Her cheeks were probably burning. It didn’t matter how long they dated, he always took her breath away when he said that. And he was giving her such a soft look, how could she not turn into a romantic puddle in front of him? She smiled. “I love you, too. What was that for?”

Adrien scooted closer. “Nothing. I just love you, and I like to say it.” The peck on her cheek was unexpected and she felt her face grow hotter. “Plus you’ve been showing off all day; it’s fun to make you blush.”

“I’m not-!” He was already laughing at her. “Okay, hot-shot. For real, we need to make this list.” She pushed forward onto her stomach so that she could write on the ground, and she used her legs to shove him over. “What do you want to add?”

He wriggled over next to her and leaned closer to see what she was writing. “Alright, alright. I was thinking we could add…”

[collecting-stories]

Nanny - Tommy Shelby

Request: Hey can u do one where the reader is Charlie’s nanny and after a long time after grace dies you and you guys fall for each other

Nanny - Tommy Shelby

It was only for a short time but when you started on at the Shelby household you had known Grace. More than Tommy even, who you rarely saw looking after his son. You were always called to take the child from Grace. Nannying for the family felt odd before Grace died; she was a very involved mother. She always wanted to be there for Charlie and insisted that you needn’t take him unless there was an emergency that she couldn’t come look after him. So you rarely stepped in. Until she was killed and the emergency she suggested became regular everyday life.  

“Charlie, a couple more minutes then we’re going inside. You’re dad gets home today.” You called, watching the seven year old on the swing in the back garden.  

Sometime after Grace died and Charlie was returned to him, Tommy had a garden built in memory of his late wife. You had never seen her garden or knew her to like flowers at all but you supposed the garden was more for him, a quiet place away from business that he could go and think. There was small bench under and archway and a large tree that had a swing newly attached. Charlie had begged for the swing and you had agreed, while Tommy was away, to put the swing up for him. Your father had come out and strung it up to a low, thick branch a few days ago and Charlie had practically camped out in the garden since then.  

In recent years Charlie had begun to rely on you more. Without a mother to care for him, and a father who had business that took him away from the house for days at a time, you became a surrogate for Charlie. You talked to him often about his mother, ensuring that he never forgot her or her importance in his life, but for him you were the closest living person he had to a mother.  

“Charlie!” You called him again. You were sitting on the small bench with an empty basket and a book beside you. Charlie and you had come out to the garden for a picnic lunch and to read together. Tommy was due home today and you were trying to keep Charlie occupied so he didn’t stand at the door and wait.  

Neither you nor Charlie, who was swinging happily, noticed Tommy coming through the gate into the walled garden. He had gotten home just minutes earlier and Mary had informed him that you’d taken Charlie outside for lunch. He came up beside the bench and moved the basket, taking a seat beside you.  

“Tommy,” you smiled, holding a hand to your chest, “you startled me.”

Just as you had become a constant in Charlie’s life you had become one in Tommy’s as well. For a long time after Grace died you and Tommy had a very formal relationship. You were Charlie’s nanny and you were employed by the Shelby’s and that was it. The change wasn’t immediate, it was a gradual, almost unnoticeable change. The first time you had thought that something was different was after Charlie’s fifth Christmas. Tommy had come home with presents for his son from London and you had been up late decorating the house with Mary.  

He had come in, quietly watching you decorate the tree, and stood in the doorway with a gift in hand. It was the first time you would receive a gift for Christmas since you had started working for Thomas Shelby. He called your name, not wanting to startle you when you were on a ladder.  

“Mr. Shelby,” you climbed down off the ladder, “good evening.”

“I know it’s not Christmas morning for a few more hours but I wanted to give you this.” Tommy offered the present in his hand.

He knew that once morning came his family would be round to celebrate and you would be gone back to your own small family gathering. This was the only opportunity that he would have alone with you.  

“Oh! I have a present for you as well.” You knelt down below the tree and grasped a small, neatly wrapped box with a card attached. When you turned around Tommy had come further into the room and was standing beside the ladder. “Here it is.”

Tommy took his present from you and handed you the present he had bought for you in London. You and he said nothing as the presents were opened. You would glance at him every so often, trying to gauge his reaction as he carefully pulled off the paper and opened the box. Inside was a pocket-watch, brilliantly polished, that you’d bought months earlier when you’d accompanied the Shelby’s to London for a family holiday. Your gift from him was a simple book, which he’d had Mary wrap.  

“Alfred, Lord Tennyson? Oh, thank you.” You held the book to your chest, “could I hug you Mr. Shelby?”

“Tommy please,” he said.  

“Tommy of course, sorry.” You reached out and hugged him, surprising him. Gradually he placed one arm on your back, still holding the gold pocket-watch in his free hand. “Thank you so much, this is a wonderful gift.”

He closed his eyes briefly, pressing his hand into your back more, before stepping away from you. There was a moment of silence as you waited for him to say something about his own gift. Instead he switched the conversation to one of your return after the holiday.

“I’ll be back with the new year.” You replied.  

“Well I’ll… Charlie and I’ll miss you. Certainly.” Tommy stated.  

“I’m sure you’ll be fine. You won’t even notice I’m gone.” You joked.  

Tommy let you leave for bed, though he wanted to keep you a moment longer. He thought of telling you that he would most definitely notice your absence for the days you were gone. He would miss the laughter that seemed to echo in the empty house when you and Charlie played together. The house would seem silent without you, and lonelier than usual.  

Over the two years since then your relationship with Tommy had continued to grow. At first it was glances in each others direction that grew into small touches. He would rest a hand on your back or you’d lay a hand on his arm. Those touches became more and more until it became clear that the line between companionship and love had been crossed. Neither of you were open about the growing relationship, Tommy didn’t want Charlie to feel as if you cared more for him than his son.  

“How’s work going?” You had gone into Tommy’s office one night, determined to talk to him about the change in your relationship.  

Tommy sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He leaned back against the chair and you walked around his desk to lean on the edge of it. “How are you?” He asked, reaching his hand out and resting it on the side of your thigh.

“Alright, Charlie’s finally fallen asleep.” You replied.

“Did you come into my office late in the evening to discuss Charlie’s sleeping schedule?” He joked, tugging your dress to bring you closer to him.  

You obliged him, moving forward until you were standing by his leg. He tugged again and you sat down on his lap, hooking an arm around his neck. “Tommy, you said we would talk?”

“We will, does it have to be right this moment.” He asked, eyes still closed and head tilted back to the ceiling.  

“Not necessarily but I would like to know that this isn’t just something to occupy your time Tommy. I care a lot about Charlie and I’d hate to see him get hurt.”

“If you’re suggesting that my intention is a one off I’m disappointed. I told you last night that I love you and I meant it.” He replied.  

“And I love you.” You answered, smiling, “but I still think we ought to tell Charlie.” 

Tommy sat forward enough that he could kiss you and you were happy to indulge him. “We’ll tell him soon.”

Soon was not immediately. It was five months later and Tommy had failed to mention to his son that you were no longer on the payroll and were in fact slowly becoming part of the family. He knew Charlie would be happy but there was more than just you that would be integrated into Charlie’s daily life and Tommy was worried the change would be hard on his son. He had decided that he would speak to him tonight, after dinner and before he put Charlie to bed for the evening.  

“When did you get home?” You asked Tommy, looking away from Charlie on the swing for a moment.  

“Just a few moments ago.” He replied. He took his pocket watch out to check the time and you glanced over, noticing it was the same one that you had given him two Christmases ago.   

“How long have you and Charlie been out here?”

“Since lunch.”

“I thought I said no swing?”  

“I was thinking I could persuade you otherwise?” You leaned closer him and, while Charlie was turned away, kissed his cheek. “Because you love me?” 

“Very clever of you, and while I do love you, it won’t work.”  

You turned away from Tommy and called Charlie’s name, drawing his attention. The seven year old hopped off the swing and hurried over to where Tommy was sitting beside you. He threw himself into Tommy’s arms excitedly.  

“Dad! Daddy did you see the swing?” He asked, looking back at the swing and then to his father.

“I saw. I was sure I said no to the swing before I left.”  

“Dad’s come home in a rather sour mood.” You teased, scooting over so that Charlie could climb onto the bench between you.  

“Please daddy, can’t we keep the swing up? When everyone comes for the weekend they’ll love it.” He argued.  

“Charlie, why don’t you head in and change for supper. We’ll be right behind you.” Tommy instructed standing up. Charlie complied and took off for the house. You gathered the basket and book from the ground, placing them on the bench as you stood.  

Once Charlie was gone Tommy took the opportunity to hug you properly and kiss you. He held your face as he kissed you, happy to finally be home with you and Charlie.  

“I hate when you’re away.” You said.  

“That makes two of us.” Tommy replied. “How was Charlie while I was away?”

“He’s always wonderful Tommy.”

“How were you?” He asked, one hand placed not-so-subtly on your stomach.  

“I’m fine, I’m just wondering when we’ll talk to Charlie?” You mentioned. You took up the basket and book, beginning to head back inside.  

“I’ll talk to him tonight after dinner.” Tommy replied. “He’ll be happy.”

I don’t even know…

tagged: @weirdnewbie @crowleyismybabycakes @ducks-are-kwl @photograiphy-00 @clairyfaiiry @ifoundmyhappythought @thinemineours @smashablepieces @baygabb @diborbi