#salon cosy

[blackliberationcollective]

Marseille Living Room Library Example of a large, modern, enclosed living room with a medium-tone wood floor and white walls but no fireplace or television.

[forevercaughtintherain]

Loft-Style in Bordeaux Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage loft living room renovation with white walls, no fireplace, and no television.

[chlcavalier]

[dolce-tenebra-toscana]

Me: goes to the hair salon for my usual treatment

Also me: comes out 2 hours later as a redhead

E porca miseria però 🤣🤣

I gotta admit i look super hot tho 👉👈

[fowlershow]

Library Family Room in Paris Family room library - huge contemporary enclosed bamboo floor and brown floor family room library idea with blue walls, no fireplace and no tv

[deco-maison-coussins]

Le plaid dans la déco : faites ressortir l’aspect cosy de votre salon

Associant esthétique et confort, le plaid est un accessoire pour lequel vous pourrez opter si vous voulez apporter une touche cosy au décor de votre salon.

Crédit photo: DagnyWalter via Pixabay

[clarkeyhill]

☁️Smitten | Arthur Hill

[ You and Arthur met at an influencer party back in the summer, you hit it off really well, met up outside of work and got to know eachother. A spark erupted and you both felt comfortable enough to make a move on it, you've now been seeing eachother for 5 months and it's safe to say, Arthur is smitten with you]

Every chance Arthur gets to shower you in love, he never hesitates to do it. Being his first serious relationship his love for you is unmatched, going at any length to make you feel appreciated. You've both planned to go out for the night for a break away from work. You're scheduled to go and get your nails done so you head off to your appointment, you kiss Arthur goodbye as you leave the flat. Every time you leave him, you feel an inch of sadness even just for a minute. Being able to experience true love is all you've ever destined for and you've finally found it.

You arrive at your appointment and have a simple nail infill, you decide on a simple French tip but with emerald green tips for Arthur's favourite colour. Whilst you're out Arthur heads to the shop to grab you some flowers and your favourite drink, a peach iced tea. He picks out some tulips and sunflowers, his idea is to merge them together to make a big bouquet, two of your favourite flowers. You walk out the salon and call Arthur on your way home "hey baby, I'm just in my way back, do you need anything grabbing whilst I'm out?" You ask him, hearing beeping in the background of the call "no honey, I'm fine, just you will suffice" he replies back, you shrug off the noise "okay, see you soon!" You say, ending the phone.

You get to your flat and put your key in the door to open it, you push the door slightly and reveal a cosy looking Arthur with a bouquet of flowers and an iced tea in clutch, you put your keys in the bowl as you walk over to him. "What's this for Artie?" You ask him smiling "just because, you know. You've been supportive of my career and motivate me where possible, whilst also handling your own career and goals too and I appreciate it" he says, his cheeks a touch of pink from blushing, as if he was a school kid asking out his first crush. "Aw you know I'll always have your back baby, but Thankyou!" You give him a peck on the lips and hug him, his arms wrap around you like a warm blanket. You smell the flowers as you place them into a vase on the countertop. Looking at Arthur sitting on the sofa whilst doing so, you let out a small smile at him, blessed with such a kind and caring soul. Maybe he was smitten, but you were head over heels in love with him.

-

🫶🏻

[amandapalmer]

Sexy new author photo time! I never wear my hair down but I’m getting brave so you better believe I’m serious about getting back into being an author this year. And…while I have you here, a great excuse to talk about my upcoming book-y events. ✍️

Fate dealt me a great hand when I was working away in the Porter Square Books café a few months ago and I ran into the photographer Mark Ostow, who asked if he could take my portrait.

And boom, beautiful new author photo for me!

I am working on deals for several new books and it’s VERY EXCITING!!

And at the same time, I’ve been steeped in so many incredible and inspiring new books and made friends with so many POWERHOUSE GODDAMN WRITERS from the NY area…and hell, I have my own venue….

…so I decided to connect all the dots and I’m hosting three salon-style “in conversation” events this month at Graveside Variety, my little crowdfunded hidey-hole in Woodstock, NY.

Co-presented by our local indie The Golden Notebook Bookstore, only 50 tickets for every conversation (all tickets are $25 and help keep the venue afloat) and will include a Q&A with me and each author.

We are also curating a special book sale table for each event! There’ll be coffee and tea and tears and truth and I hope you all make the trip. This is the way I really wanna say goodbye to this iteration of this venue: with stories that don’t usually get told. With stories that matter. Come share in the moment.

I’ll be throwing down with authors:

Elizabeth Lesser (bestsellers “Broken Open” and “Cassandra Speaks: WHEN WOMEN ARE THE STORYTELLERS, THE HUMAN STORY CHANGES”)

May 12th - 12:30pm

Katherine Yeske Taylor (author of brand-new “SHE’S A BAD ASS: Women in Rock Shaping Feminism”)

May 18th - 1pm

Leslie Jamison (author of best-selling “The Recovering” and the new - incredible - “Splinters”)

June 1st @ 1pm

Get tickets FAST. Leslie’s day is nearing sold out. These are gonna be so so cosy and good. Read the books and come armed with questions !!!

All tickets here:

Gravesidevariety.com

We are at 33 Rock City Road, in Woodstock, NY

📚♥️🙏

[cool-fancier]

A Day Of Rest

Platonic BEBE x Reader

Synopsis: You planned a pampering, shopping, and karaoke day for you and the girls. Laughter and smiles strengthened your friendship, leaving everyone refreshed and grateful.

Minah, Bada, Lusher, Kyma, Tatter, Cheche, and Soweon have been struggling as an outcome of the Street Woman Fighter competition.  The lengthy hours of rehearsals and intense dancing duties had exhausted them all physically and mentally. You couldn't stand seeing them so tired as their best friend, so you thought it was time for a girls' day out to help them rest and unwind.

You called each of the girls one sunny morning and invited them to join you for a day of pampering and fun. They all agreed excitedly, and you could sense the joy in their voices as they enjoyed the break from the tough competition.

You were the first to arrive at Minah's house, greeted by her tired but bright smile. She'd been practising a difficult choreography , and her body was feeling the strain. "I can't believe you're doing this for us," she said as you hugged her.

"You deserve it," you said back. "We're going to have a great time, and I promise you'll feel refreshed by the end of it."

The entire group soon gathered at Minah's house, and laughing and talking filled the air. Bada, Lusher, Kyma, Tatter, Cheche, and Soweon were all thrilled about the upcoming day. They were aware that they needed a break, and you were determined to give them the best girls' day out they'd ever had.

Your first destination was the nail salon, where you had all made appointments to have your nails done. Each of your friends chose a distinct style, and the salon was buzzing with enthusiasm and relaxation. The nail professionals gave you all with attention, and the girls were speechless about how much they needed it.

Bada, in particular, had picked a design that consisted of her passion for dance, and she couldn't take her eyes away from her nails. "This is exactly what I needed," she murmured, gratefully looking up at you.

You went to a spa for pedicures after leaving the manicure salon. You couldn't help but notice the transformation in the group as you all relaxed in luxurious chairs. Their worn faces had been replaced by smiles and a sense of calmness.  The competition's stress had temporarily vanished replaced by utter peace.

Kyma, who had been experiencing the strain from the competition, sighed blissfully.  "I didn't realise how much I needed this," she confessed. "Thank you for doing all of this Y/N unnie, you're the best."

The rest of the day was spent shopping. You led them around boutiques and stores, encouraging them to choose something they liked. Each of them found  a unique object that made them grin. Sowoen even found a unique set of sunglasses that she couldn't help but try on, causing the entire group to burst out laughing.

The relationship between you and your girls became stronger over the day. The shared pampering and shopping experiences, along with the opportunity to enjoy one other's company without the pressure of competitiveness, provided a genuinely reassuring sense of friendship.

Tatter, who had been struggling with injuries from her dance missions, seemed to have forgotten her pain for the day. "This is exactly what I needed," she exclaimed, her face beaming with delight. "I can't thank you enough for this unnie, it means the world to me."

You all decided to go to a near park after a delicious meal at a cosy restaurant. The weather was shining brightly, and you had brought a picnic basket with of your friends' favourite snacks. The park became a haven of calm, with everyone sitting on a giant blanket, telling stories and eating snacks.

Lusher, who had been pushing herself to the edge during the competition, rested back on her elbows and took in the scenery. "I can't remember the last time I felt this relaxed," she admitted, tears welling up in her eyes.

The day was coming to an end, but you had one more surprise in store for them. You had booked a private room at a karaoke bar, knowing that it was a popular activity among your friends. Their cheeks lit up with enthusiasm the instant they walked into the room and noticed the microphones.

Bada, who was known for her loud voice, was the first to reach for a microphone. The girls joined in as she sang out a song, and the room filled with laughter and music. They sang their hearts out, forgetting all the competition's stress and worries.

Kyma, who is recognised for her dynamic stage presence, had everyone in stitches with her hilarious performance. The karaoke session was the ideal way to cap off the day, allowing the others to let loose and have a good time.

As the night drew to a the end, you took each of the girls to their houses. They all appeared to be more comfortable and revitalised, with a fresh lightness in their steps.

Sowoen gave you a warm hug. "I have no words for how thankful I am for today. It was exactly what we needed unnie."

Lusher agreed, saying, "You're an amazing friend, and we're lucky to have you in our lives."

You said your goodbyes with hugs and smiles, happy and grateful that you could bring some joy and relaxation into the lives of your dear friends. It had been a day of fun, a connection, and relaxation —a day that everyone will remember fondly.

You couldn't help but smile as you drove back home. Your friends had earned a break and it was enjoyable to see them happy and comfortable. The friendship between you had become even deeper, and everyone will cherish the memories of this girls' day out. It was a good day, and you knew you'd always be there for your pals, no matter what difficulties they encountered.

[brickeater712]

neighbours on sloane street (intro)

spreading the garodela gospel. i love the idea of two old women taking care of each other

cw: none. only fluff,,,,,,,,,,

a/n: they make me cry

snip, snip, snip. 

the sound of the scissors resound in the quiet salon. the owner is focused, clipping up and cutting down her client’s hair. 

an everyday practice for adela. 

her clients, usually, are talking about their troubles. but perhaps today is not as usual as the rest. 

“miss adela, have you heard?” adela’s client shifts their topic, all of a sudden.

adela hums. “hm?” she waits for a response. 

“the shophouse next to you. someone’s moving in today.” the girl in the chair talks excitedly. “what do you think they look like? where did they come from? oh, i wanna meet them when they arrive!” 

adela nods along, motions visible in the mirror. she wonders too, of course, but reserves her questions for the time being. but her client doesn’t catch the way her eyes flit to look outside the window of her cosy shop- she wants to meet the new person too. 

and there she sees it. out of the corner of her eye- a woman with purple hair, outside her shop. she’s looking around, presumably trying to find her new home. 

and then, her eyes settle on adela’s shop. they drift from the sign, to the glass, and finally, adela herself. but before they can lock eyes, adela quickly looks back at her client- she doesn’t want to be caught staring. 

“-you think they came here for? gosh, hopefully they arrive before i have to start on dinner!” her customer finishes rambling.

adela takes a few seconds to respond. “...i hope i see them, too.”

________________

“thank you miss adela! i’ll see you in a couple of months!” the girl waves goodbye to her, bell clinking as she leaves the shop. adela smiles and waves back. just as the door closes, the belltower rings. 

6pm, she thinks. time to clean up. 

she first moves to clean up the tea off her counter. 

…mm. there’s still some left over.

perhaps a cup of tea is enough to greet her neighbour.

cup steady in her hands, adela leaves the salon. she walks over to the shophouse next to hers, and peers in the same, glass windows that her own shophouse has. there she sees her- the beautiful woman, inside, pulling clothing out of a suitcase. 

a new neighbour, adela smiles. the shophouse has been empty for ages. she pushes the door open. without even missing a beat, the woman turns sharply to face her, with incredible reflex. her eyes are wary at first, but she recognizes her- the hairdresser next door- and loosens up just a bit.

“hello there.” adela starts, with a smile. “i heard someone was moving in today. that’s you, i assume.” 

the smile is returned. “that’s me. moved from somewhere near 5th avenue. here to set up my tailoring business” she puts down the fabric she held in her hands. “i saw you. you’re the hairdresser next door, yes?” 

adela nods. she moves forward to hand the cup of tea to the woman’s now free hands. “for you. figured you’d want something to drink after travelling here.” 

“i appreciate it.” the woman accepts it gratefully. “my name is garofano.” 

“i’m adela.”

pretty name, both of them thinks, but neither of them let it show on their faces. 

“thank you for the tea, adela.” garofano giggles.

“you can return that back to me tomorrow- i’m sure you’d like to rest now.” 

garofano hums in agreement. “indeed. perhaps you’d like to come over tomorrow instead? i’d love to get to know more about the neighbourhood.”

the invitation is warm- like a bright light in the fog. 

adela agrees. 

perhaps this is a new mundanity she could get used to.

________________

adela finds herself standing in front of garofano’s shophouse. just for the teacup, she thinks. that is, until she sees the warm smile through the window. she goes in.

garofano is humming something, a tune unfamiliar, while moving fabrics around. the creaking of the door makes her turn her head.

“adela! you’re here.” garofano beams. “is your work day over? how would you like to spend more time here?” she’s bustling around the shophouse, moving supplies here and there. “as you can see, i still have a lot of work before my shop is set up- i’d love a little company.”

adela agrees, without hesitation (much to her surprise), and soon finds herself rearranging needles in a container. she glances back, every so once in a while, to observe the older woman arranging furniture. a certain feeling blooms in her heart- she’s not quite sure what it is- but she figures that it’s all part of the new mundanity. 

they exchange little conversation, accompanying each other in a comfortable silence, occasionally broken by garofano’s humming. both of them move about, but there’s only so much work that can be completed in a day. 

the sky outside is dotted with stars when they decide to rest for the day, laying on garofano’s couch conveniently in front of the windows. adela’s brought over tea once again, steam rising in front of their faces as they sit next to each other under the calming moonlight. 

they’re close to each other- so close, their shoulders are almost touching, but adela doesn’t dare move closer, though her heart tells her to do so. 

“i wonder, what will life here be like?” garofano giggles, staring up at the sky. “it’s been such a long time since i’ve had the time to relax like this."

adela nods, following the conversation. “well, i do quite hope you enjoy your time here… perhaps, the belltower will be the only thing disturbing your relaxation.” she teases lightly, earning a laugh from the older woman. 

“it wouldn’t, for the most part. after all, when it rings six times, that’s when i know that you’re free to come over.”

it’s a subtle comment, sure, but lights a certain spark in the fog nonetheless. adela lets out the palest blush, thankful that garofano doesn’t turn her head to witness it.

by the end of the night, adela bids garofano a goodbye, and a goodnight. she stays outside the shop until she sees her disappear into the back. 

she goes to bed that night, with her worries set aside. she’ll get used to the change in her schedule- she’ll look forward to the booming of the belltower at 6 PM. and the fog lifts, just a little more. 

[allwaswell16]

A fic rec of One Direction fan fics that have Clifford Tomlinson, the dog, featured in them as requested in this ask. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments for the writers! You can find my other fic recs here. Happy reading!

— Louis/Harry —

🐶 Tired Tired Sea by MediaWhore / @mediawhorefics

(M, 113k, Scotland) As a B&B owner on the most remote of all the British Isles, Louis Tomlinson is used to spending the coldest half of the year in complete isolation, with his dog and the sea as sole companions. Until, one day, a mysterious stranger on a quest to rebuild himself rents a room for the winter.

🐶 Take a Chance on Me by velvetnoodle

(E, 96k, kid fic) the Strangers to Enemies to Friends to Lovers Roommate AU you didn’t know you needed, feat. Single Dad!Harry, Footie Coach!Louis, a precocious 9 year old, a band of meddling family members, an overly excited labradoodle, an extremely Done cat, and a Shiall wedding you’ll never forget

🐶 Just for Tonight (I can be yours) by @sadaveniren

(E, 42k, a/b/o) Harry, prince of Cestrescir, has been betrothed to Ludvic, prince of Yorvik, since birth. He'd accepted a loveless marriage as his duty to his country, until an accident threw him in the path of a gentle alpha

🐶 Marcel (series) by crimsontheory / @ireallysawanangel

(E, 36k, strangers to lovers) the one where Niall gave Marcel’s number to someone he worked with and Marcel wasn’t too pleased about it.

🐶 You Wouldn't Believe the Dream I Just Had About You & Me by @larryatendoftheday

(E, 21k, friends to lovers) After a back-to-school bash and a few too many drinks, Harry finds himself pregnant from a one-night stand he doesn’t remember. 

🐶 Absolutely Smitten by MyEnglishRose / @lwtisloved

(E, 20k, strangers to lovers) Louis is walking his dog. Harry is walking his cat. Leashes get tangled, and feelings too.

🐶 Like How I Pictured It by @parmahamlarrie

(E, 17k, friends to lovers) Louis Tomlinson hasn’t always been blind. As a child, his vision was impaired, but he had hopes that there would be years before he lost his sight completely. 

🐶 Between the forest and the field by bluegreenish / @greenblueish

(E, 16k, small town) the one where Harry recently moved to a village and his shy dog picks Louis' dogs to play with at the dog park. A fluffy cottage core AU.

🐶 Clumsy by lovelarry10 / @chloehl10

(E, 12k, strangers to lovers) when Cliff manages to trip over a handsome stranger, on Valentine’s Day of all days, it might just be the start of something new and exciting...

🐶 Somebody Get Me Through This Nightmare by @lululawrence

(NR, 11k, neighbors) “I am not subjecting you to my poor dog in his moment of vulnerability!” Louis cried. “That would be cruel to you, but also to Clifford.”

🐶 good, good graces by @muldxr

(E, 10k, dom/sub) the one where Harry's boyfriend Louis gets a new puppy and frequently tells the dog how he's a good boy. Harry gets jealous and decides to show Louis how much of a good boy he can be.

🐶 Just the Start by @littleroverlouis

(M, 9k, older characters) Louis is a fifty-two year old divorcé who has fallen into rut. He never anticipated a forced day of self care, and a chance meeting with a charming salon owner would shake him out of his comfort zone.

🐶 I Roll 'til I Change My Luck by larry_hiatus / @larry-hiatus

(T, 8k, friends to lovers) When Louis reveals to his Tinder matches that he uses a wheelchair and has a service dog, things tend to get even more complicated. 

🐶 Warm Chilling by Larry_you_know / @larryyouknow

(G, 7k, neighbors) Louis moves into a cosy cottage in the English countryside with his dog Clifford to look after his great-aunt's animals. 

🐶 Wanted: Dog Walker by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf

(G, 6k, neighbors) Louis needs a dog walker. Harry answers the ad.

🐶 Love on the b(rain) by TeamLouis / @teamlouis2023

(G, 4k, misunderstandings) During a stormy night, when Louis realizes that his precious dog has escaped the house, he has no other choice than calling his ex-husband.

🐶 To the late night double feature show by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(NR, 2k, Halloween) “Sorry!” says someone. "I just wanted to know if I could pet your dog?”

🐶 Safe Like Springtime by cherrylarry / @beelou

(G, 1k, meet cute) the one where Harry takes his nephew to the park and runs into Louis and his Labradoodle Clifford.

— Rare Pairs —

🐶 Longer Night by @turnyourankle

(E, 2k, Louis/Luke Malak) What happened after the 'Long day' photo was taken? Probably this.

🐶 acrobatic blood by Anonymous 

(G, 2k, Louis/Nick Grimshaw) “Thought you’d gone home,” Nick croaks miserably. Louis rolls his eyes. “This is my home, dickhead.” A coming out fic.

🐶 Next Door by @allwaswell16

(NR, 2k, Louis/Rob Pattinson) When a stray cat starts coming round Louis' garden and bothering his dog, Louis and his best friend set out to capture it.

[chlcavalier]

[evelynlikesfrogs]

Signs everything I thought I knew was wrong

I needed to dump my thoughts and feelings somewhere because I feel like im annoying my support group. I think my egg finally cracked Wednesday and immediately I had to start researching and buying gender affirming things. Anyways, here's my list of signs that I wish I had seen like a decade ago, please be kind I'm very new to opening up like this

Another Girl in elementary threatened me with makeup and cross dressing and I wanted it bad.

I think this one is such a major factor in why I feel like this has to be real. Its well before puberty and well before I knew transitioning was a thing. Just a natural thought for someone who’s the wrong gender

Multiple times pleading with god to just make me a girl

Still cis tho obv

Thinking if I held still for long enough in bed, some sort of magic would make me a girl and fix this wrong body of mine

I still remember the dreams where im a girl, i legit became proficient at lucid dreaming just for it.

Ah fuck the egg_irl memes are hitting too hard

My favorite game character is Bridget, listening back to the song is hitting really hard actually

Legit had an anxiety attack and took a day off work because my transfem friend said “careful, i said the same thing before i came out”

Wishing i had magic to turn myself into a girl

Playing female characters just to feel cute

Putting on leggings in highschool, then sleeping in them

Some female mannerisms

Kinda hating my poor skin but couldnt do anything about it since thats only for women am i right fellas

Mild euphoria when someone says good girl

Envisioning myself as the girl during fantasies

Jealousy over a womans body

Ive never seen any man sit cross legged at a table the way i do, idk why that one pops up but i’ve seen plenty of other girls do it

Desire to steal womans clothing to cross dress

At current moment I have no desire to bite my nails because I want them to grow out, even though I was a nail biter for 27 years

In pre school, tried to convince another girl to swap clothes with me

In pre school, loved pretending i was at a hair salon and the other girls in the school would give me a haircut. It gave me ASMR

Speaking of ASMR, I like exclusively listen to makeup, nail and hair roleplays

Feeling like i dont want to transition because I could be ugly

After realization, I dont have nearly as much of an appetite, maybe subconscious bodily sabotage in the form of overeating

Not seeing any future when I tried to plan my life better, before I ever considered the option of becoming trans

Feeling hurt when my dad made somewhat transphobic comments about my trans cousin

Wondering what my parents would do if i woke up one day as a woman and had to explain that to them

Genuine euphoria at the idea of trying on womens clothing, but thinking that i was weird and kinky

Playing with stuffed animals with my best childhood friend, a fellow girl

Hating my balls

I bet it feels good to cry, its probably cathartic

Hating body hair god i hate this so much, I’m just bad at shaving it and dont want to be covered in razor burns and have to explain to coworkers why I shaved my legs and arms

Hating my nose

Adopting a super masculine persona

Forcing myself to have a much deeper voice to not feel any of my true feelings

Actually seeing a future after considering becoming trans

Being hurt by transphobic comments at work before I realized my egg status

Was I sending what they said to my friend because i was hurt by it and wanted reassurance?

When i started drawing again, i had no desire to draw “cool badass epic shit” i just wanted to draw super cosy watercolor paintings.

God damn it i’ll say it, I fucking love pastels. Both the art medium and the color spectrum

Repression of my desire to dance and sing, or I guess express myself in any format due to internalized transphobia

“Mens fashion is so lame, girls have it so good. Im cis tho”

Pure depression my entire adult life

Wanting genuine friend connections with women in a more feminine way

Never caring about going out and buying clothes because none of them worked for me

Trying to force myself to not look at girls clothes because “thats only what weirdos do”

On this topic, how the fuck did i think this shit was normal… i wasnt watching women or anything, its not like i was being creepy in reality. I just wanted to see the womens clothes. Why is that such a bad thing for someone to want

Being jealous of my friend since he was openly wearing his girlfriend’s sweatshirt

Dude i stared longingly at a pink gamer girl chair, still cis tho

Speaking of gamers, being super jealous of C9 Sneaky that he could pass so well and was totally fine with showing that whole side of himself online. Same with Finnster.

I think i hate my voice, ever since realizing this about myself i cant help but hear my voice and think its not me

Being afraid to see a therapist because im not sure honestly

Fearing crying, but that might not be internalized transphobia and actually just be a side product of the vice grip on masculinity in society

Daydreaming about becoming a girl

General body dysmorphia

I want to cry but i cant, why cant I cry why

[vilandel]

Winter Evening 💜

Summary The thirteen children of Nozel and Vanessa prepared a little cosy evening for their parents...

A/N For @chaptersonetoinfinity A little something for Christmas, about our 1313 AU we fooled around on Discord 💜 Evanna and Felix are @chaptersonetoinfinity's OCs, Nymphea, Valentina, Lavinia and Cassandra are mine, the rest we created together

Ao3 link

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

“Are they coming, Valentina?”

“Hush, Lunabug, we are all excited, but keep quiet.”

“Aquila, have you seen Gwen?”

“She is still in her basket, don’t worry about her, Nymphea. But have seen Fefe? Wait, Felix, don’t crawl to the fireplace!”

“Don’t worry, big brother, I got him!”

“Thank you, Nat. Where is Aimée.”

“Still in her crib in the chamber, Giselle went to get her.”

“I’m back already, Lavinia. With the baby sister.”

Vanessa couldn’t help but giggle, her ear against the door of the little lavender salon, listening to all of her thirteen children doing whatever they were doing.

Still wondering why all of her babies had in mind, they’ve been in the lavender salon for… three hours or maybe just two? She couldn’t tell. But she couldn’t wait to see it. What Vanessa gathered from what she heard was that it might be some kind of surprise for Nozel and her.

Weren’t her babies the cutest?

Vanessa tried very hard to hold back her giggle, which would lead to her babies catching her. Okay, she still called all of them her babies, but only Felix, Gwendolyn and of course little Aimée were technically still the babies. The rest of them were all older, from toddler or little child to teenager. Nymphea, Valentina and Aquila even already old enough to have their grimoires so very soon already.

Time flew by so fast somehow and yet…

“Vanessa?”

“Oh, hey there, honey. How were the nobles?”

Nozel made a face, a clear indicator how awful it still was to deal with nobles, despite the current changes over the years. With first Fuegoleon and lately Asta as Wizard King, the legacy Julius Novachrono started was now clearly getting more in place, step by step. Even though some other things might never change despite the best efforts. Like snob and arrogant nobles badmouthing everyone to look better, even royalty, but still trying to get some favour from said royalty.

Something Vanessa had to learn to deal with ever since she married Nozel and became a royal. Despite being a witch and nobles trying to remember her that – as she had to be ashamed to be a witch – nobles also tried to flatter her in order to gain something from the Silvas.

Good thing that Vanessa was a master about dealing with flattery from arrogant nobles. Quite the skill needed as a royal.

“You know, I could have helped you facing the nobles, honey.”

“Normally I would have let you accompany me. But it was for born Silvas only apparently, that’s why Nebra, Solid and Noelle were with me. But… we all need time with our own families after this.”

Vanessa nodded, this sounded about right. Although she would argue that Nebra and Zora would have peace in their wild family or Noelle knowing some rest with her loud family were only her daughter was calm.

Well, luckily for him, it seemed that their children were currently preparing something…

“Where are our children?”

“Behind this door. I think they have something in mind for us. Aren’t our babies true angels?”

Nozel smiled, clearly agreeing with her. Vanessa moved a bit, so that he could hearing at the door as well.

While their children were still preparing something in the little Lavender Salon, Vanessa took a moment to admire her husband. Nozel was in his forties, but nothing in his appearance was showing it. It was like he didn’t age at all during all those years they’ve been married. As handsome as ever.

Vanessa look down at her body. As strange as it was, barely anything was showing that she got pregnant twelve times and gave birth to thirteen children. Even more that for most of those pregnancies, it went well.

Except for the twins, but that had been her fault for going the war in Spade while pregnant. She almost died, her unborn babies almost died and all of three were only healed mostly because Nozel dared to face the Witch Queen in order to save them. Thankfully, Nymphea and Valentina were born on term and healthy.

The period when Vanessa was expecting Evanna wasn’t peaceful as well. But that was because of her so-called father-in-law who stressed the family so much that Vanessa gave birth two months too early, resulting that Evanna had a very frail health during her first years. Thankfully, her sweet girl was better healthwise today and jerky father-in-law was now rotting in prison in a faraway country.

The pregnancy with Aimée had also been quite hard, but Vanessa suspected that it was because her own body was getting at its limits after twelve pregnancies. Nozel and her had agreed to definitely stop after their thirteenth little one was born. Besides, Aimée was born right on their wedding anniversary, earlier this year in September, how wonderful was that?

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing, handsome.”

“Vanessa…”

“Just kidding, honey. I was just thinking that we are so very blessed to have all of our thirteen sweethearts, don’t you think?”

Nozels eyes started to shine, the lavender shade somehow sparkling with thousands stars, despite his mimic not changing.

“Vanessa… there is no single day passing without me being grateful to have you and our children in my life.”

“Aren’t you the poet today.”

“I… I mean…*

“Oh, honey, no need to be flustered. I will never grow tired of your poetic words and we’ve been married for way over a decade.”

The blush was still on his cheeks, but he smiled at her. Just so handsome…

Vanessa slowly moved towards him, with a clear intention to kiss him, as the door of the salon opened, revealing Nathanael.

“Oh, you are here already? Good, so we don’t need to fetch you. But you can still kiss first.”

Nozel blushed and Vanessa couldn’t help but feel a bit hot as well. Nathanael just grinned before inviting them in.

The already cosy room was now filled with as much fluffy blankets their family had – which was a lot – mugs and pots with hot chocolate, cookies in bowls and the famous Silva pastries. A nice fire was burning in the fireplace, with cushions all around it.

Like everything in this salon, most things were in different shades of purple, with some white and silver grey, plus a few blue and pink shades, with some hues of burgundy. Kinda fitting colours for their family.

Vanessa took Nozels as they entered the room, smiling fondly as she saw all of her thirteen children stop their movements to look at their parents, a bit flustered but certainly happy to see them.

Nymphea had baby Aimée in her arms, who was so adorable in her lavender purple onesie with silver turtle on the front. The silver hair of their oldest and youngest daughters looked like melted into each other. They were already so similar, even sharing their fathers blank stare sometimes, just with different shades of purple in their eyes.

Valentina hold two year old Felix in her shoulders, rocking a softly back and forth, making her baby brother laugh.

Gwendolyn was now in Aquilas arms waggling her arms to her parents and Aquila looked like hesitating to still carry his baby sister or to let her crawl to them.

Giselle had already drank some cocoa, a fine brown moustache above her lips. Vanessa felt her heart going warm as she saw that her fourth child was hugging Gargantua, the big grey chunky cat plushie she had made while she was pregnant with Giselle. Years were passing, yet Giselle still adored that cat so much.

Lavinia was sitting at piano, smiling shyly at Nozel and Vanessa. Their music loving daughter had always been the most timid out of their children.

Nathanael closed the door behind them, before joining Cassandra and Evanna, who were sitting in front of the fireplace. Those two had always been so closed, often it seemed that they were glued to each other.

Luna smiled at them – Vanessa was still impressed how much this girl looked like Mimosa, just with silver hair and lavender eyes – one of her favourite dolls on her lap.

And finally, their tenth child, Aisling, who run towards them and practically hugged Nozels legs. Vanessa smiled at her. This little one looked so alike as Noelle or even Acier but with Vanessas hair and eye colours, which would probably always make Nozel emotional. Not to mention that he was the one who helped Vanessa deliver Aisling, in his own office at the Silver Eagles base even.

Her babies… the ten girls and the three boys…

“Mama, are you crying?”

“I’m just getting emotional, Nat. All of my babies… Oh come here, you puffy haired cutie pie!”

No time to escape, as Vanessa took Nathanael into her arms, along with Cassandra and Evanna. Not even a protest, of course not. All of her sweethearts loved hugs just as much as she did, if not even more.

“Is there any reason for this assembly?” Nozel asked as he took Aisling into his arms, letting her play happily with the fur of his Silver Eagle robe.

“Not really, papa,” Valentina smiled fondly, Felix still on her shoulders. “Just having a cosy winter evening, all fifteen of us. We know that nobles were a real pain lately and our parents deserve some relaxing time. Besides-, OUCH, Fefe, don’t pull my hair, you silly bunny.”

“Sorry, Val.”

Vanessa giggled as she sat next to Nathanael, Cassandra and Evanna. Weren’t her children just the sweetest ever? Okay, she was their mother and she loved them to infinity, she was clearly biased. But feeling that her own children loved her and their father so much that they would make sure they got relaxing moments to rest. Plus, they did this together… again, she was most certainly biased, but Vanessa couldn’t know any siblings that were such a strong team for anything than her babies.

“That is sweet of you, babies. Mama and papa won’t say no to have some cosy evening with you, right honey?”

“Certainly not.”

“But only Fefe, Gwen and Aimée are babies, the rest of us aren’t. Nymphea, Valentina and Aquila are even going to have their grimoires pretty soon.”

“Hush, Cat, you will always be my babies,” Vanessa giggled as she booped Cassandras nose.

It was true, though. Her three oldest babies will soon get their grimoires and either become Magic Knights or choose something else for their lives. Oh, her twin girls and her eldest son seemed rather inclined to join the Silver Eagles so far, but still…

Time was flying by and now the three oldest would soon reach the age were they could start to fly on their own.

Vanessa shared a glance with Nozel. Her beloved husband had the same thought as her. Yet, it still feel like yesterday as she gave birth to the twins on Valentine’s Day and to Aquila later that same year in December.

Were fifteen years soon over already?

“Don’t worry, Cat,” Valentina just said, putting Felix on the floor who toddled over to Giselle. “It’s still a while before the three of us will have our grimoires and it’s not like we’ll see each other never again afterwards. We twins and the oldest baby brother won’t miss our baby siblings.”

“Val, don’t call me baby brother, I was born in the same year as you and Nymphea.”

“Still younger by ten months, but okay.”

“We’ll always have each other…”

The smile was heard in Nozels whisper and he probably talked as much to them all as to himself. Having their happy family meant so much more to him anyone could imagine, especially after the tragedy he lived when he was barely older than the twins and Aquila. Vanessa knew that there had been a time during which Nozel never would have thought and even accept that he deserve happiness.

And yet, here he was, married to her and the father for thirteen wonderful children.

She smiled at him. And he smiled back.

“Lavinia, sweetheart, wouldn’t you mind playing some of your new music for us?”

“No, mama.”

The voice was shy, of course, but Lavinias eyes shined like a sky full of stars at the suggestion. Nothing made this girl happier than music and her family, as if it was all she asked for in her life.

As the sweet piano melodies filled the room, it felt as if a blanket of happy rest fell upon all.

Nymphea handled Aimée to Vanessa, since the baby was now starting to whine a bit, a clear indicator she wanted to be fed.

While Vanessa breastfed Aimée, Nozel now put Aisling on her feet and took Gwendolyn into his arms, who crawled over to him. Aquila gave them a mug of hot chocolate and all four joined Lavinia at the piano.

Nathanael, Cassandra and Evanna cuddled around Vanessa, Nat even booped Aimée a bit.

Felix was now cuddled by Giselle who gave him a slice of chocolate cream cake, putting a moustache around his cute little mouth.

Nymphea joined Luna, put her little sister on her lap and read with her, while Valentina went around, making sure everyone had hot chocolate and something sweet to eat.

Outside, it actually started to snow as it went darker, yet it made the atmosphere in the room even more relaxing.

It was cosy, comfortable, warm.

It was their family.

[darklydeliciousdesires]

Light on the Darkside - Chapter Fourteen.

Huge love to my little audience for your continued reads, reviews and reblogs. You're so lovely <3

Previous chapters - One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen

Tag list - In the comments. Please DM to be added/removed.

Words - 3,794

Warnings - 18+ throughout. Topics cover depression, suicide and eating disorders. Minors DNI!

After a thirty-five-minute train journey from Nuneaton to Leamington Spa, followed by a half-hour bus ride, Ella found herself walking through the picturesque village of Moreton Morrell in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside.  

It was the first time in weeks that she’d spent any time away from James, apart from a few job interviews she’d attended, plus their respective therapy sessions, all but moving in with him completely. He hadn’t officially asked her, but welcomed it greatly, more of her belongings arriving at the flat over the eight weeks they’d been reunited, both blissful in the fledgling stages of their relationship, now able to flourish in the real world.   

That particular morning, she was on her way to visit another person she had met while at the same place she’d found her love, turning off Duffus Hill onto a small cul-de-sac, arriving at the second cottage along and rapping the heavy iron door knocker a couple of times.  

“You’re here!” 

Stepping in, she was pulled into a huge hug by Andrea, the young women thrilled to see one another again. “Aww, look at you! You look amazing, Ella!” 

“Thanks! As do you. Wow, your hair!”  

Andrea had added colour to her natural mane of fiery auburn, making the hue even more intense. “I was so glad to sit in a salon chair again and get it fixed!” Ella could identify. Walking into the abode, she was struck by how sumptuously cosy it was, the fire lit to keep the October chill at bay, a large, grandfather clock with its heavy pendulum swinging back and forth in the corner, and an album by Portishead playing softly.  

“Tea?” 

“Please, that’d be mint. I could murder a cup!” Ella confirmed, hanging up her coat on the rack and sliding her boots off. “It’s getting so cold out there. I think we’re in for a shitting horrible winter, innit.” 

Her friend raised an eyebrow. “Now, who’s dulcet tones do what you’ve just said remind me of?” she pondered, Ella shielding her face with her hand momentarily, laughing. “How is he?” 

“He’s really, really good,” she confirmed, Andrea moving into the beautiful little kitchen and clicking the kettle on. “He’s at therapy today over in Birmingham, still sees the same guy who was the head clinician at the unit he transferred to as a private patient.” 

Andrea placed some teabags into the pot before pulling two large mugs from the cupboard. “That surprises me, I have to say. I always had James down as the type to walk away from it all and give the ole’ line of ‘suck my fucking dick’ to any further therapy once he was released. I’m glad he’s benefitting from it.” 

How well she knew him. “I did too for a while, but being at the place in Edgbaston really changed his mind about it all. His therapist sounds lovely, really listens to him and guides him over what he needs to do. He didn’t respond well to Dr. Beaumont’s methods of like, pointing you in the general direction and letting you figure it out for yourself.” 

Her eyes widened a fraction. “Hmm. She was very allusive like that, wasn’t she?” Noticing Ella pull her cigarettes out, she pointed at the back door, taking one from her with thanks. “She definitely wasn’t for everyone.” 

For Andrea, though, she’d been wonderful in connecting the dots between a traumatic event and her subsequent sex addiction issues, the girls discussing it after smoking their cigarettes, moving to the big, comfortable leather Chesterfield in the lounge.  

“I think the further I understand that it was less about sex and desire itself and more thriving on the attention from men and the excitement of sleeping around, the more it’s helped me reconcile the trauma that sparked it,” she explained, sipping her tea as she took a biscuit from the tin between them. It was lovely to witness Ella taking one without prompting, she noted. “I didn’t deal with it all, when it happened. Shoved it away. It was too painful.” 

“Sweetie,” Ella cooed, reached to stroke her cheek affectionately. “Of course, it was. It was no age, losing your parents at twenty-one. That’s like, one of the worst things I can imagine.” 

Indeed, the death of her mum and dad three years before had turned Andrea’s entire life upside down. Being an only child, it had been made even more difficult. Of course, she’d had family rallying around to help her, her uncles and aunties making sure she was okay regularly. Being alone in the cottage, though, she had soon come to realise that she truly wasn’t, sparking her promiscuous and often dangerous behaviour, leading to a breakdown and subsequent sectioning.  

It was too much for any twenty-four-year-old woman to deal with, losing her parents to a fatal car crash, being catapulted into a life of sole financial comfort, since they were both very well off, but having nobody around all the time to either enjoy it with – or more pertinently – keep a watchful eye on her.  

Life after treatment, she was now very glad to say, was much, much improved. 

“So, how’s that sexy mate of James’s, then? Steve, isn’t it?” she asked, smiling with a little embarrassment. “I can’t believe I straddled the man and stuck my tongue down his throat. The shame!” 

Ella snorted softly with a smirk. “Steve wouldn’t have cared at all, trust me. Quite the opposite!” 

“Oh, I know. I could tell that by how he kissed me back,” she revealed, her cringe fading a little. “He was a very good kisser, so that makes the embarrassment that I couldn’t dial my compulsions back a little less mortifying!” 

“As for how he is, he’s fine. Keeps asking for your number,” Ella revealed, watching Andrea rub a hand down her face. “Sorry, shouldn’t I have mentioned that?” 

“No, you’re fine, sweet. It’s tricky because I fancy him, but yeah, that time I briefly met him he was nothing more than a compulsion trigger, so I don’t know. He’s a young, sexy as fuck guy. He likely won’t want to get wrapped up in my mess that I can’t really casually date somebody and enjoy carefree sex, lest triggering my issues. I sort of get the impression that’s what he’s about.” 

Oh, how right she was. “Yeah, he’s a man whore, Ands. Big time. I mean like, he’s fucking lovely, such a laugh and totally cool, but he shags around a lot.” Hester, a girl called Jennie, another she didn’t know the name of, someone called Leonie, the man had his rotation in place.  

“Bollocks,” she huffed, Ella spraying a mouthful of biscuit crumbs. “I guess I’ll settle for just looking at him and how bloody pretty he is when I finally come to see you up your way.” 

All talk of the male species was left there, the friends instead catching up with one another’s lives on the outside. Andrea revealed she’d gotten herself a part-time job at the local pub, The Black Horse, although truly she didn’t need to work with a fully paid off mortgage and all she had in savings gathering a very liveable amount in interest. 

 Still, what she wouldn’t give for her parents returned to her instead. She still cursed that the drunk driver who’d collided head on with their car had survived, albeit in a vegetative state. Perhaps that was the more fitting punishment, though. While they talked, Ella also shared a few of her plans, too, like returning to college.  

“I like, kind of think it makes me a fraud, though, wanting to strive for a career in helping others when I know I’m not one hundred percent recovered yet,” she began, sipping on a fresh cup of tea. She’d been tentatively considering it, perhaps studying for a psychology degree, wanting to specialise and help patients with eating disorders.  

Sighing, she continued. “We went out for a curry not long after James and I reconnected, and it sent me into a spiral. It was pants, mate, sitting there crying outside because I couldn’t cope with eating in an unfamiliar place. Or choosing a food I wouldn’t normally have had.” 

Andrea was thoughtful for a few moments before replying. “Did you ever think that the studies could actually help you more in your recovery? It might give you a greater insight, learning from the other side of the coin, as it were.” 

She hadn’t, it had to be said. After arriving home that evening, she discussed it more with James while she cooked chicken, him supervising the rice as she was – by her own admission – bleedin' useless with it. 

“Andrea is right,” he spoke, jumping up to sit on the counter. “You probably would get a new perspective over it. As for thinking that makes you a fraud and all of that, nah babe. Look at it this way, before your degree, you need to take your A levels first, so that’s two years. All being well, you’ll have finished that degree by twenty-eight, so that’s just over five years into your recovery, innit. You’ll be way more secure in yourself by then, won’t you?” 

“Mm,” she hummed, sighing. “I hate that my illness took such a chunk of my life, time when I should have been making these decisions and studying. I would have been a year away from completion of a degree, if I hadn’t. I messed up big time.” 

“Oi, less of that. That’s my girlfriend you’re badmouthing, dickhead,” he frowned, stretching his legs out to ensnare her, pulling her back into a full body hug. “If you hadn’t gotten ill, then you wouldn’t have decided that this was what you wanted to do, would you? Or met me. Obviously, I’m the more important of the two there.”  

His joke had her laughing, squeezing him tight and kissing his chest. “Of course, baby.” Reaching for her cider, she took a swig, lifting her head to give him a little nibble beneath his jaw before moving back to the cooker. “How was therapy, then?” 

“Yeah, pretty good, you know. We discussed my ongoing anger issues today. Michael made a good suggestion over what I could do to stop it, my desire to batter people who piss me off at the drop of a hat.”  

He’d been doing very well there, up until a week ago while at a club with Ella and a few others. Now much more confident in her body, she had been up on a podium dancing, wearing only a small outfit of hotpants and a cropped top, attracting a lot of male attention. Looking was fine, but when some random bloke had taken it upon himself to climb the side of the podium and make a grab for her, well. He’d met a very irate James, dragging him down by his jeans, his fist meeting his face at speed.  

“What did he suggest?” she asked, cracking fresh pepper over the chicken and turning each butterflied breast, moving to the chopping board to prep the vegetables to go into the wok.  

“Kickboxing. He said it would give me both an outlet for rage, and discipline over when to exert that rage and all that. Think I’m gonna give it a go, innit.” 

She widened her eyes. “War does not need to be any more deadly than he already is!” Her laughter filled the room, even more so at her boyfriend’s entertained smirk. “I think it’s a good idea, really. He seems to have a lot of those, Michael.” 

“Yeah, he’s a top grade bloke. Really fucking sound. Always has an answer for all my stuff, too. So what else is new with Andrea, then?” 

“Oh, the redheaded goddess!” Steve called from the armchair, beginning to grin. “Is she ready for me to give her one hell of a good seeing to yet?” 

“Calm your dick down,” Ella warned, pointing at him with a spatula, “you’ll do her recovery no bleedin’ good.”  

“We’re gonna have to put him in restraints when she comes up for your birthday,  innit?” James spoke, pulling a fresh beer from the fridge.  

Steve turned, his grin wide. “Nah, don’t you threaten me with a good time, Jim!”  

Once dinner had been eaten, a film watched and Steve declaring he was ‘off to play with Leonie for the night’ before leaving the flat, it wasn’t long before they decided to have a good time of their own.  

“Mmm, shit. I don’t even know how the hell you can move your tongue so quickly, but I... ahhh! I’m not complaining!” she moaned, feeling him smile against her as she straddled his head, James happily lying there with her riding his mouth.  

It burned incandescent through her, like a hail of glimmers creeping slow, his hands clutching the rounds of her bum, moving every so often to lay a hard smack. She’d never had a man spank her before, but god, how she enjoyed it when James did. He wasn’t gentle with it. At all.  

While his hands showed no mercy, his tongue slowed, dragging flat and slow through her folds, circling over her clit and repeating the action again. Her thighs shook from the potency of each lick, shuddered breaths leaving her mouth as she panted hard, her gaze falling to see him open his eyes and wink at her.  

Wrapping her clit in a firm suck, the sensation rooted itself in her, sharp-toothed and edging on a little too much, her hips swaying against his mouth. The pleasure dug deep into her marrow as she cried out, the release snapping through her, Ella immediately moving to gratify him by sheathing his cock within her still fluttering walls.  

He weighed heavy in the depths of her, the feeling of her soaking him only gratified further by the prickle of teeth crushing his nipple, her nails grazing like sensual daggers down his sides. She pulled heaven from the very depths of his hell every time he was inside her, not afraid to be as rough with him as he liked her to be, her hand grasping his neck, nails digging in as she kissed him with stormy lust.  

She sucked his tongue, his mouth then gliding to rain soft bites over her neck, grasping her bum and fucking up into her powerfully, the tempo remaining slow burning like napalm. Sitting back up again, his cock pressed firmly as she rotated her hips, hitting her front wall, lightning rolling over her spine, clawing at the black and grey brandings of his upper arms as he reached to squeeze her breasts.  

God, how she loved him, thrived on the thrill of having sex with him, James the sole reignition to her desires as soon as she’d started to feel better. The way he looked at her too, it made her feel incredible about herself, her body confidence restored. She couldn’t thank him enough for having such a part in returning that to her. There were wobbles on occasion, but they were becoming fewer and further between. 

Watching as she fucked him, she’d never seen a sight as sexy, her tall, muscular, tattooed man with his storm grey eyes. He was so darkly alluring, so stunningly sexy, James’s thoughts over her extremely similar. He loved that she finally saw what he did in her, and enjoyed her body as much as he did for the most part. 

The way she moved on top of him had him lost to the sublimity of it, no girl before her doing quite such a thorough job where he’d be content to remain on his back for the duration. It was hypnotic, a rhythmic spell of sexual energy unlike anything he’d ever experienced, her body rolling and undulating like she was made of liquid. Quite simply, he’d never been ridden like that in his whole life. She absolutely blew his mind, this beautiful young woman who he fallen so deeply in love with.  

The pace became more urgent and frenzied, voracity replacing the slower, sumptuous enjoyment that had prevailed thus far, Ella grinding down on him eagerly as he moved beneath her with more purpose, both of them driving deeper moans from one another.   

Each keen undulation caused him to feel sparks flickering his spine, while she had her own bliss pulsing softly, increasing more the faster she moved, fervidly chasing her release as she began to rub her clit, her other hand flexing at his chest, nails digging in.  

A string of panted expletives left her mouth as she felt herself reach boiling point, bubbling over and taking him with her to a gloriously sweet finish, intensity throbbing hard and leaving them both a breathless, shuddering wreck.   

With Ella now taking the contraceptive pill, there was no longer a need to move immediately to dispose of a condom, James pulling her down against his chest, stroking her back as he kissed her deeply. Floaty light little aftershocks skipped over her nerves as her release ebbed away slowly, feeling his cock twitching within the hug of her walls.  

Sleepiness began to settle over her, Ella finally moving to her side of the bed and pulling the duvet and thick, faux fur blanket over them, blocking out the November chill from their bare flesh as he curled around her.  

“Night, babe.” Dropping a kiss upon her shoulder, his arm tightened around her as his head sank into the pillows beneath it. “Love you.” 

“Love you too, my sexy church burner.”  

Yes, it still made him laugh.  

The following morning, Ella rose first, pulling on one of James’s long-sleeved t shirts (this one depicting the logo for the band Venom, who she was becoming a little partial to) her big, slouchy socks as well as her pyjama bottoms, shivering a little as she waited for the heating to come on while making herself a tea.  

Looking over into the lounge area, she noticed a familiar sight, a blanket swathed Snedders lying asleep on the sofa. He had his own key, so it wasn’t a surprise to sometimes find him there of a morning unexpectedly. She guessed there’d be a story to accompany his presence, probably involving his on/off girlfriend, the infamous Kerry. Ella didn’t like her at all, finding her to be very difficult to get along with.  

Making her tea, she moved to the armchair, placing her mug down on the much neater coffee table. In lieu of being able to offer anything towards the rent (which James had dismissively snorted at the suggestion of anyway) she’d taken it upon herself to keep the dwelling tidier and cleaner, padding to the corner where the answering machine light flashed.  

Turning the volume down low so as not to wake Snedders, she pressed play, being informed of three new messages.  

“Hi sis! I need to meet you at half four this afternoon so don’t get there too early. My shifts, the way they’re moving them around, fucks sake! I know it’s only half an hour, but yeah. See you later!”  

Jane, a welcome message.  

“James, it’s only me. Dad and I would love to see you. Are you free to come to lunch at ours next Saturday? Let me know, love.” 

Carole, perhaps not so welcome, depending on her mood. She’d sounded jovial enough, though.  

“Hello, message for Ella Greenhall. This is Sharon calling from Bloomin’ Lovely about your interview. I’m pleased to say we’ve chosen you for the position, if you could call me back at the shop as soon as possible, that would be lovely. Tentatively, I’d like you to start next Monday. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!” 

“Oh my god!” she squeaked, jumping up and down as quietly as she could, clasping her hands over her mouth. “I bleedin’ got it!!”  

Out of all the jobs she’d recently been applying for, the position at the florist just off the high street there in Nuneaton was the one she’d coveted most, Sharon, the owner making her feel so welcome when she’d arrived, the atmosphere so warm and lovely. It was only a part-time position, but with her wanting to start at college again it was perfect for her, Ella able to work in the college hours around her new job.  

When James got up around an hour later, her news brought him booming delight, much less concerned with waking up the sleeping heap of ginger dreadlocks on the sofa than she was. 

“Babe, that’s top grade! I’m so fucking proud of you!” he exclaimed, swinging her around in his arms, a grunt coming from the sofa. 

“Aw, ya got a job, Ells?” Snedders grumbled, emerging from within the swathe of the large blanket. “Nice one, little mate.”  

“Cheers, Sneds,” she chimed, turning then to her boyfriend after he put her down once more. “Also, your mum left a message. Asked if you were free for lunch next Saturday.” 

“Hmm,” he hummed, his jaw setting slightly. “Since that’s your birthday, I’m saying no. Even if it wasn’t, I’d still be saying no.” 

“Well, we’re not doing anything until the evening, are we?” 

He smirked, side eyeing her with raised eyebrows. “I had planned to bounce you on my dick for most of the afternoon.” Pausing, he began to laugh at the lascivious look she returned. “Hold on, did she say anything about you going, too?” 

“Not specifically,” she shrugged, reaching for her cigarettes.  

That was about right for Carole. She knew all about Ella, too, James already having introduced her to his dad, Alan thinking she was ‘absolutely bloody lovely, kidda’ as the man himself had worded it. “Then I definitely ain’t going.”  

“Maybe she meant me too, but just didn’t say it?” she suggested, watching his lips tightening. Perhaps it was best to leave it there, she thought, knowing well now the clear signs of him becoming agitated. “Then again like, maybe she didn’t. You’re not obliged to call her back if you don’t want to, baby.” 

He relaxed then, slipping an arm around her. “Good, because I’m not.”  

As it turned out, though, the lack of return phone call led to Carole reaching out to her son again, James answering the phone to her a few hours later.  

“Does that invite extend to Ella?” he asked, frowning.  

“Of course, it does!” she exclaimed, busying herself with cleaning the kitchen while she jammed the cordless phone between her ear and shoulder. “I’d like to meet this girl your father has told me all about.”  

Even though she was being polite and casual, agreeing to visiting still went against his better judgement. Come the following Saturday, he’d see in hindsight how correct his intuition had been, too. 

[uramilf]

A/N: Hi everybody! Here’s the prologue of my first series fic called The Record Shop. I’m extremely excited to share this, enjoy the first part! Don’t worry, it’s gonna get more exciting in the first proper chapter. I hope you guys like the sound of our main character Penny (she is named this because every OC i come up with is given a name that I would defo name a baby in the future and penny is my top name rn) Ps. the gif below is exactly how I imagine Matty looking for the duration of this fic lol. I’m sorry but I love mullet Matty xox

The Record Shop —Prologue

Matty Healy au x OC

Warnings: No smut in this part but this fic will contain smut and angst!

*Penny’s POV*

I moved to Manchester from London in June, ready to move on from my shit relationships, my shit job, and my shit family. I had managed to find a new job in a hairdressing salon, hopefully with staff nicer than the last one I worked at. It certainly seemed that way, and the higher pay was a thrilling bonus. My new flat was small but cosy, and I planned on making it beautiful. It was already packed with all the things I loved; scented candles and fairy lights and pretty cushions. I had stuck a few of my favourite bands’ posters on the walls and propped up my guitars in the corners. There were little potted plants on the windowsills and a couple of soft blankets draped over the sofa. My clothes were hanging on a rail in my new bedroom and my record player had been plugged into the wall beside my bed.

I looked around my new flat, thrilled with how much it felt like home already. That is, until my eyes fell on a pile of photos of me and my friends from back home. The pictures spanned over 5 years, from we were 16 and still in school, til now when we were 21. I had left school after my GCSEs (which were abysmal, so it’s a good thing I decided not to go to uni), did a short hairdressing course and got my first job as a proper hairdresser at 20. I worked in London for a year until my relationship broke down and I decided it was time for a fresh start, away from him and away from my family who were still upset that I didn’t complete my A-Levels and “make something of myself.” I felt a pang of loneliness while looking at the photos, realising I didn’t know anyone down here at all. I wasn’t yet friends with my new co-workers, I didn’t know my postman or the staff in the local shops, I didn’t know which nightclubs were good, not that I had anyone to go out with. I didn’t know my new doctor, or my new dentist, or where to get a nice cup of coffee. Everything that I knew about London was gone. But if starting over meant knowing nothing, I would just have to live with it.

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My first day at work was great - my co-workers were friendly and seemed like the type of girls you could really have a laugh with, the customers were chatty enough to keep me entertained throughout the day, and I felt for once like I was in control of my own life. As I walked out of the salon at 5pm clutching my handbag, all feeling of loneliness had dispersed; and I was elated.

A couple of streets away from my flat I walked past a little record shop with a neon pink “open” sign on the door. I could hear Fleetwood Mac playing from inside, which instantly got my attention. I decided to have a browse, maybe treat myself to a new record. Stepping inside, I had a quick look around. The walls were painted a calming cream colour and were lined with band posters and shelves of CDs and records, and I instantly spotted some of my favourites. There was no one at the cash register, but I assumed the staff had nipped out to the back as I could hear a couple of men laughing and chatting. I stepped into the 90s section the shop, flipping through the records in the middle. Just then I heard footsteps in the back corner of the store and looked up.

A boy about my age was standing there, wearing a black t-shirt with the store logo, a pair of black skinny jeans ripped at the knees and black boots. He was gorgeous; deep brown eyes and soft-looking brown hair that was shaved at the sides into a kind of mullet style (which usually I hated, but he made it work). One of his ears was pierced with a small hoop earring and his bare arms were covered in tattoos. He looked to be a good bit taller than me, and he was thin but the tattooed arms seemed quite muscular. The name tag on his top read “Matty”. He smiled a gorgeous smile at me and I felt my breath catch in my throat.

“Can I help you with anything darling?”

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A/N: thank you for reading! Soz for the very long note at the start but I wanted to get some things out there lol x