#take ONE LOOK at ANY INTERVIEW with Ethan Peck and try and tell me that we shouldnt be OBSESSED

[goofyjelly]

so youre tellin me that the internet goes wild for actor men ALL THE TIME, but when I go on wattpad I can't find ONE Ethan Peck fanfiction-

[fangirlovestuff]

Okay! I had this idea brewing in my mind (but that’s the most my mind is capable of I’ll leave the writing to the professionals). So Carly or Shana (you can decide) are planning on going away for a vacation with their partner but they’re sceptical of leaving the children alone. So they ask Chris if him and reader (who is Chris’ girlfriend and super close to his family) to babysit the kids over the weekend and they accept. Since Chris is busy with ASP reader mostly entertains the kids, helps them with homework and stuff and Chris sees the way she is with them and imagines their future! Please make it fluffy 🥺❤️❤️

A Tale Of Nephews And Princesses - Chris Evans x reader

a/n - @tonystankschild surprise! i got my ask back somehow so i can properly post this!! thank you so much for this lovely ask, I had so much fun writing it! I chose Carly pretty randomly. her children’s names are online, so that was mostly why lol. in my head i imagined it so Miles is the firstborn, then Stella then Ethan but it doesn’t really matter. they’re all pretty small in the fic so like, the oldest is 10 years old? idk, i didn’t really wana do research because i wanted to respect their privacy lol, so i took creative liberty over most of it. also you calling me a professional?🥺 pls omg i am so far from it but tysm!! I hope you enjoy it!!<3

Word Count: 3k (!!! y’all are getting fed hehe)

Warnings: none! just fluffy fluff :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey babe?" Chris asked, coming into the living room. His hand was on the telephone, so whoever's on the other side was still on the call.

"Yeah?" you replied from your place on the couch.

"Is it okay if Carly's kids come sleep at ours next weekend? It's Carly's anniversary so they wanna go on a weekend away."

"Yeah, sure," you smiled, "watching them is gonna be no problem. Tell her I said congrats!"

"I will," he smiled. "And well, I have some stuff for A Starting Point I gotta do that weekend. I told you about the interview and –"

"It's okay, I don't mind watching them," you smiled and cut him off. "I'll have someone to keep ne company while you're busy."

"You're the best," he blew you a kiss and you smiled as he got back on the phone with his sister.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You're sure it's okay?" Carly asked, ushering her kids through the door of your and Chris' house.

"Yes, we're sure," you smiled at her. "It's no problem at all."

"Besides, even if we weren't, I don't think you'd have any other options right now," Chris smiled at his sister as well. "Go, have fun, we'll all be here when you come back. If anything, you should worry about them not wanting to leave," he smirked.

"Sure," she drawled out with a smile. "Well, if you need anything at all just call me," she told the both of you.

"It's gonna be fine," you laid a hand on her shoulder, smiling. "I could understand why you'd be worried if you left them with this five-year-old," you nudged Chris with your elbow and he rolled his eyes, "but I'm here and I assure you we're gonna have a lot of fun, isn't that right kids?" you smiled at Chris' nephews and niece, who were still standing there with their bags, waiting to say goodbye to their mom.

"Alright," she laughed. "Well, have fun kids! Bye!" she hugged each one of them and went back to her car, where her husband was waiting to go on a weekend away. It was their anniversary, so you and Chris volunteered to watch Miles, Stella and Ethan while they were away for a couple of days.

Before you managed to say anything, you and Chris were bombarded with questions – "Uncle Chris, can we play Mario Kart?" "No! Can we have a princess tea party?" "Can you read me a story?" "Can we eat cookies?" "Where's Dodger?" "Can we play with the cap shield?"

Chris looked at you and you return his amused look with one of your own. "Okay," you said, effectively silencing them as they looked up at you with wide eyes. "We can do all of these things later, but for now we should put your bags up. Dodger's hiding, so maybe after we find him, we can play with him, alright? But bags first," you smiled at them as they immediately sprinted upstairs with their bags, as best as they could carry them.

"Be careful!" you yelled after them and laughed.

"Is Dodger hiding?" Chris frowned at you.

"Of course not. I got him out in the yard before they arrived so he wouldn't tackle them to the ground," you grinned.

"What would I do without you?" he smiled, wrapping his arms around you.

"My guess? Have more sweaters," you chuckled. "But hey, that's why I'm here!" you showed off the sweater you were currently wearing, which was indeed his, making him laugh.

"C'mon, let's go make sure they're not breaking anything," you pecked his lips.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris was the first one to go outside and play with them and Dodger, while you hung back for a while, cutting up some fruit and getting some juice boxes before stepping outside as well.

"You guys hungry?" you smiled at them when you got out, Dodger immediately running to you and the kids right behind him.

"Yes!" they yelled in unison as you put the plate down on the table before sitting down next to them and Chris.

"Oh, by the way it's 4:15, so you should probably go get ready," you told him. He had an interview for ASP in about 20 minutes, and as much as you'd love for him to stay outside with you, you knew he had to go back inside to his home office.

"Thanks honey," he smiled softly before patting Miles' head and scratching Dodger's ear. "Alright kids, be good while I'm working," he winked at them before disappearing inside.

"Princess auntie?" Stella asked once she finished eating. Your heart melted in your chest at the sound of it, not the princess part of course, since Stella was currently obsessed with Disney and had the habit of calling everyone princes and princesses. No, it was the auntie that tugged at your heartstrings.

You weren't officially a part of the Evans family, well, not yet, you hoped. But their tendency to embrace you as one of their own never failed to make you smile, because there's nothing you'd want to be more.

"Yes, princess Stella?" you smiled at her.

"Can we have a tea party now?"

You chuckled at her request. "Well, I think there's nothing better for a tea party than…" you paused for suspense, "cookies!" at the sound of that all three of them cheered and you laughed. "But you all have to come and help me make them!"

The happy bunch followed you to the kitchen and you let Dodger into the living room on your way so he could rest a little.

"Okay, first of all we all need to wash our hands," you instructed. After a few minutes and some stray drops of water later, you were ready to go.

"Okay, Miles, you can help me measure everything, and Stella can pour it in, and Ethan's gonna stir, sounds good?"

Surprisingly, the kids went with your suggestion without any argument, and you started making the batter.

"Ethan, mix slower, will you?" you contained your laughter once a bit of batter flew out of the bowl and onto Miles' face. "Are you okay Miles?"

You turned to the kid in question to wipe the batter from his face, but you found he already took it on his finger and tasted it. "It's really good," he nodded, and you and you couldn't contain your giggle now.

"I'm glad, but let's try not to eat the cookies until they're ready," you raised your eyebrows at him and he nodded in understanding, although a grin was still on his face so you weren't sure how much he was going to stick to that.

The rest went pretty smoothly, and just as you were dividing your batter and putting the cookies in the baking pan Chris walked in, having just finished his interview.

"Ooooo, what are you guys making?" he smiled.

"Cookies!" Ethan yelled.

"For the tea party!" Stella added.

"But I don't wike tea parties," Miles sulked.

"You don’t have to be in the tea party to eat the cookies," you calmed him down before they'd start fighting.

"Now come on, let's finish up these cookies and then we can go play."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You spent the rest of the afternoon playing board games, the smell of the cookies filling the air as the kids got more and more impatient to have them. Eventually, it was time to take them out, and you tried to slip away unnoticed but unfortunately they noticed and followed you to the kitchen.

"I'm taking out the cookies, but just remember they're very hot and we can't eat them yet, okay?"

You heard a chorus of okays before you opened the oven, the pleasant smell and warmth coming at you in a wave. You grinned and took the cookies out of the oven, warning the kids to stay away from it while you put them on the counter and went to shut off the oven.

After a few minutes you touched the cookies tentatively, and found they were cool enough to give to the kids to taste. They all took a bite and immediately smiled.

"Well? Did we succeed?" you asked with a smile, taking a cookie yourself.

"Yeah!" they all nodded, and ran to the living room, where Chris was still sitting. "Uncle Chris, you have to taste our cookies!" you heard Stella say and smiled, knowing they'd all walk in here in a couple of seconds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You all ate dinner together, cookies for dessert obviously, and before long it was bedtime. Chris needed to get some more work done, so you were the one to put them to bed. The boys were sleeping in the same room and Stella in another one, but all four of you were currently snuggled together in the boys' room, as you read them all a story.

Stella was on one side of you, her eyelids slightly drooping already. Miles and Ethan were on the other side, and you were half sure Ethan was already asleep. Dodger was at the foot of the bed, seemingly listening as well. You were just reading the last page when Chris walked in, a grin stretching on his face at the sight in front of him.

You smiled back and softly finished the rest of the story, closing the book and putting it down on the bedside table. Carefully getting up, you kissed Miles and Ethan's foreheads goodnight before taking a sleepy Stella into your arms, smiling at Chris on your way out of the room as you carried her to her bed, laying her down and tucking her blanket around her.

"Goodnight princess auntie," she mumbled.

"Goodnight princess Stella," you whispered back and smiled, gently tucking her hair away from her face before getting up. Seeing Chris waiting for you at the doorway, you put your finger to your mouth signaling him to be quiet until you softly shut the door nearly all the way behind you, leaving a small crack so it wouldn't be completely dark and so you could hear her if she needed anything.

"Did you get your work done?" you whispered as you wrapped your arms around Chris' neck.

"Yeah," he whispered back. "You're really good with them, you know that?" he smiled, affection dancing in his eyes.

"They're great kids," you smiled back, pecking his lips softly before drawing away. "C'mon, let's go to bed."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning you awoke to the sound of whispers and padding of feet coming from the hallway. You smiled to yourself before getting away from Chris, whose arms were wrapped tightly around your torso. He stirred when you sat up, mumbling a low "Where are you going?"

"They're awake, but try and get some more sleep, you have a long day today," you whispered back, kissing his cheek before getting out of bed and out of the room, shutting the door behind you.

When they noticed you got up they stopped talking and you smiled at them. "C'mon, let's go downstairs so we won't wake uncle Chris," you whispered.

When you were down you asked them in a low voice, "did you brush your teeth? What do you want for breakfast?"

After they all brushed their teeth, and so did you, you all gathered in the kitchen to make breakfast. You made them some chocolate milk and they drank it while you made something to eat, laying it out of the table and sitting down to eat with them, but not before you put some food aside for Chris.

"What do you wanna do today, huh?" you asked, taking a sip from your mug.

"I have homework," Miles admitted shyly. "Mommy said I was supposed to do them yesterday, but I forgot."

"That's alright, you can do them right now," you ruffled his hair affectionately.

After you were done with breakfast, Miles sat down to do his homework and Stella and Ethan helped you with the dishes. Well, they just handed you the dishes, which you then washed and put in their place, but it kept them occupied long enough.

You were nearly done with the dishes when you felt a tug on the hem of your shirt. "Can you help me?" Miles looked up at you.

"Of course," you smiled. "Stella and Ethan, wait a sec alright? And be careful!"

You walked back to the kitchen table with him, where he showed you the exercise he was struggling with. Just as you were helping him solve it, Chris walked into the kitchen. Thankfully, fully dressed in his everyday clothes, you eye rolled inwardly at your boyfriend's sleeping garments, or lack thereof.

"Hey guys! Did you have breakfast already?" he asked, going to hug Stella and Ethan.

"I left you some," you gestured at the plate on the counter with a smile.

"Thank you," he picked it up and started eating. "What'cha doing there bud?" he asked Miles.

"My homework," he said with a shy grin. "But I'm almost done!"

"Yeah," you smiled. You explained it for him, all the while ignoring Chris' eyes on you. You felt his gaze and smiled, not giving it any attention and helping Miles solve the problem.

"All done!" you high fived him and he cheered.

"Good job!" Chris smiled at the both of you. "I have to do some work, but after I'm done we can go play some more with Dodge, how about that?"

"Yay!" they cheered. He hugged them all and retreated into his office once more. You knew how much he hated not being able to be with them all day while they're here, but he cared about this project a lot, so you were going to make sure everyone had a great time regardless.

"Okay, how about…" you paused to think, "we build a blanket fort! As a surprise for uncle Chris," you smiled at their excited reaction. "But shhh! We have to be very quiet so he won't hear us, because it's a surprise!" knowing Chris needed his focus, you were glad when they nodded their heads. Ethan out a finger to his lips and shushed his siblings, which you giggled at.

"After you," you gestured for them to start walking towards the living room. "The blanket fort isn't going to build itself!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They were quiet, whispering to each other as you draped the blankets you had brought from their bedrooms. The only loud sounds were their laughs, which you really couldn't bring yourself to get mad about.

After nearly an hour, the blanket fort was complete. You all cuddled inside, the kids bringing their dolls as well.

"Can we watch a princess movie?" Stella asked once you had suggested they watch a movie.

"No! I don't wike it!" Miles immediately objected.

"Yeah, no princess!" Ethan joined his brother.

"Okay, how about… Peter Pan?" you asked them. Then, you leaned closer to Stella and whispered in her ear, "Tinkerbell's a fairy! That's almost as good as a princess, right?"

She contemplated it for a moment before nodding her head. You kissed the top of her head and put on the movie. You all settle down, and you cuddled Stella close to you, smiling as Ethan and Miles soon joined.

That was how Chris found you, about an hour later, and his heart swelled in his chest at the sight. His niece and nephews all cuddled up with you, watching a Disney movie. He thought about the ring, safely stowed away deep in his bedside drawer, and smiled softly.

With any luck, soon these might be your own kids you'll cuddle with. The thought filled him with giddiness, but also nerves. He didn't really think you'd say no, but hell – you can never know with these things. All he knew was that he wants to spend the rest of his life with you, and he was going to ask you if you wanted the same. Soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The end of the day finally arrived, and Carly and her husband were coming to pick up the kids.

"You got everything?" you asked them. They all nodded their heads. "Great! Well, your mom's gonna be here in a few, so how about –"

"But I don't wanna go!" Miles complained.

"Yeah, I wanna stay here!" Ethan exclaimed.

"Princess auntie, pretty please can we stay?" Stella looked up at you.

"I'm sorry guys," you smiled, "But you have school tomorrow. Besides, your mom missed you very much, and I'm sure you missed her too. Don't you miss mommy and daddy?"

"Yes," they admitted.

"C'mon, don't be sad," you grinned at them, "you can always come visit us."

At that moment Dodger decided it was a good time to greet them goodbye, jumping up and trying to lick them. They giggled, and you and Chris exchanged a fond glance over their heads. You heard the car pulling up outside, so you caught onto Dodger and made him stop before Chris opened your door, knowing Carly would be coming to get them.

"Mommy!" they all yelled.

"Hey babies!" she greeted them and pulled them all into a big hug.

Dodger tried to escape your hold and join them, but you caught him before he could tackle them. "Don't be jealous," you playfully chastised him and scratched him behind his ear.

"Hello Dodger," Carly smiled and came to pet him as well. "Okay kids, say goodbye, daddy's waiting for us in the car."

"Bye bye!" said and hugged both you and Chris tightly.

"Bye!" you waved at them once they got out, closing the door gently behind them.

Chris came to wrap his arms around you. "You're amazing."

"So are you," you smiled into his neck.

"No, I'm serious. You were amazing with them," he smiled timidly. "And well, in the future, I…" he trailed off.

"Awwww, you were totally thinking about what if they were our kids, weren't you?" you grinned. "That's so cute!" you teased him.

"Whatever," his cheeks tinted slightly. "I guess you don't wanna hear what I think."

"No, I do!" you objected with a smile.

"I think," he started, "that you're gonna be the best mom ever someday. And I am so lucky to have you."

"And you're gonna be the best dad," you smiled before leaning it to kiss him.

When you broke apart, you smiled. You knew how true your words were, and you couldn't wait until that turned into a reality.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

what’d you think??🥰

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[mangled-dreams]

Sweets

Baking is a hobby of yours. It’s not well known how good you are, but from time to time you help your friend out at her bakery in the early morning hours of the week before heading off to your day job as a personal assistant to your many bosses. In part it’s like living a double life.

On occasion you bring in some of your personally baked goodies before the rest show up and watch happily as they enjoy the flavors of the week. Elizabeth and Richard have always encouraged your baking skills, telling you to quite your job and work for them. They couldn’t afford to maintain your current salary, but it’s not the pay that makes you decline.

It’s your boss, well one of them at least. You’d been broke and desperate for a job just four years ago when your uncle had called, telling you abut a job that just opened up with a production company. At first you though it would be a labor intensive job, however, after some researched you realized it was a media production studio. A really up and coming facility backed by many famous Youtubers, and celebrities. 

It’s doors have been open for nearly ten years, four of those you’d been apart of and have yet to have any really set backs. The company itself is owned and operated by four people that got their start as Youtubers. Mark Fischbatch, Sean McGlouhlin, Ethan Nestor, and Wade Barns, started the very ambitious endeavor after Mark and Sean had a successful clothing line that allowed them to branch out. 

Dusting your hands off on your apron you cover the bread you’d just finished kneading with a heavy cheese cloth and set it on the rack. Looking around you notice the clock and sigh. Today you’re bringing in chocolate filled croissants and raspberry scones with homemade jelly and fresh honey. Looking at the oven you flick on the oven light and smile. Your croissants are nearly perfect. 

“Hey, Y/n, are you sure you have to leave soon?” Beth asks walking in with fresh berries in her eco-friendly totes. 

Rolling your eyes playfully you shake your head dismissing her question. “Marvin and Jameson are back from their tour today, so of course I have to be there.” You remind her slipping on heavy lined oven mitts and carefully pull out the tray of croissants.  

“Have you even hinted to Jameson that you have a crush?”

“Of course not. He’s one of my bosses. That stupid troupe of boss and underling having a heated romance is just in movies and stories and for the super attractive. I’m none.” You respond letting the croissants cool a little longer before packaging them up like you had the scones. 

“Fine, will you at least let him know you made these for him?” Beth asks trying to coax you a little more into the spot light. You are an amazing baker, with tons of natural talent for the art, but you decline all serious job offers.

“No, but I will let them know they came from the Dessert Pearl.” You respond blowing a kiss to Beth before gathering up your things. 

“You’re covered in flour.” Beth remarks wondering how you manged to get flour all over yourself when you bake, and yet there is hardly in your work station.

You shrug, “I’ll get washed up at work.” Removing your apron you hang it up, give Beth a quick peck on the cheek, grab your things, and leave with a quick wave. Beth sighs, watching you hurry off in your pencil skirt, two inch heels, and bundled up hair with flour stuck to your sleeves, hair, face, and shoes. 

“She really is an interesting girl.” Richard chuckles carrying a large tray of steaming hot bread for the day. Beth nods, chuckling with her husband. 

“Covered in flour again, hm?” David, the receptionist chuckles holding the door open for you when he spotted you trying to maneuver the door with your full arms. 

“You know me.” You respond hurrying over to the elevator. Raising your hip, you manage to hit your badge against the small scanner to call the special elevator down meant for upper management. Within a minute the doors slide open, you bid David a good morning, and ascend the many dozens of floors to your destination. Stepping off the elevator you move to the conference room at the beginning of the floor just past the receptionist’s desk and set up the fresh baked goods in a very accessable and pleasing presentation before heading to your private office to wash up and redress yourself. Normally, when you have to work early, you don’t wear your work clothes to the bakery and change after, but you’d woke in a panic when you realized Jameson and Marvin were due back. It’d been a last minute scramble to get to the bakery and get the treats done. Thankfully Beth blessed you with mercy and began your intended task until you arrived and while you waited for your goods to bake, you took over some of her duties. 

Shaking your hair out and brushing through it, you hear Jenna at the front of the floor talking with you assume Dark by her tone. Low and sultry and very engaging. She has a crush on the man and you can understand why. All your bosses are attractive in their own way, but there is just something about Jameson that puts him apart. Perhaps its because he’s a man of few words and is more expressive with his actions.

Finishing the last few buttons on your blouse you hear a soft knock at your door. Turning head first you meet Dark’s almond shaped eyes. “Good morning, Sir.” You greet smoothing out your skirt on your way to the navy blue heels you’d brought as back up. 

“Good morning, Y/n. Did you bring in the scones?” Dark asks earning a quick nod from you.

“Jameson and Marvin will be back today from their tour, I thought it’d been a nice welcome back.” You add looking yourself over in your mirror once before giving your full attention back to Dark. “May I assist you?”

Dark looks you over, his eyes pausing on a small over looked detail. “Here, you have flour on the side of your neck.” He tells you handing you a handkerchief.

Embarrassed, you take the cloth and hurry to the mirror sweeping away all the flour you’d missed. “Thank you, sir. I’ll have this laundered before returning it.” You promise going into your desk to grab another handkerchief to replace the one you’d just used. Dark accepts the new one without question, already knowing you’d take care of it.

“Y/n, I would like you to gather a few times for me today. I require them before the end of the day, so there is no rush.” He tells you handing you a list of items he requires. 

Looking the list over you nod. “Of course. I don’t foresee any issues with this. I do have to go with Wilford to the salon for a trim and manicure, but that is around noon today. Any specific shops you’d like me to go to?” After a few more specifics you bid your boss a good work day and begin with your morning duties. Calling clients, scheduling appointments, and when they come by run errands.

It’s a tedious job with mostly mindless tasks, but you enjoy it and the benefits and pay are amazing. One day you’ll call it quits, but for now you enjoy your life. You get to meet so many amazing and wonderful people, along with some less than desirable people. 

“Y/n, are you busy?” Jameson asks poking his head into your office. 

At the moment you’ve got a scone half in your mouth as you look over Wilford’s schedule for the next week. There was a sudden scheduling conflict that had to be dealt with and trying to find another time to work the interview back in has been difficult. Taking the bite you’ve been meaning to for the past three minutes you quickly swallow. “Not exactly. I’m having a scheduling conflict that I’ve been trying to work out for the past ten minutes. I think, if I can call Stephan and get him to come in on Tuesday and see if Thursday at four would work better for Jaylynn...” You mutter turning back to the schedule, forgetting Jameson stands in your office. 

Smiling fondly at your distracted form Jameson takes a seat on the couch placed in your office for when you take naps, or even when you sleep at the office over night. He won’t bother you until you’re ready to be bothered; he knows this may take a little while.

Finally satisfied, after four phone calls, two reschedules for the following week, and a bit of bribery, you finally have Wilford’s schedule figured out and all tidy again. Sighing contently you look up from your desk asking, “Jameson, you said you needed... something...” Laying asleep on your couch you see Jameson. “Oh, damn, I did it again.”

Shuffling your papers around you stand up. It’s not like this hasn’t happened before. You have a tendency of getting caught up with your work leaving whomever is trying to ask your attention to sit on the back burner and wait or come back later. Opening a cupboard hidden in the wall you retrieve a blanket and lay it over Jameson’s body.

“You must have been really tired, Jay.” You mutter brushing his longer hair from his face. “Rest well.” You add before walking back to your desk for your purse and phone. Wilford’s noon appointment at the salon is just around the corner and you have to coax the eccentric man to the car.

“Hey, Marv, have you seen Y/n?” Jameson asks a little panicked he missed his change to catch you for the day. 

Glancing up from his computer screen Marvin smirks knowingly. “She left a little while ago with Wilford for his hair appointment.” His ice blue eyes look to the clock on his screen adding, “She should be back soon. I believe I heard her say his appointment was at noon.”

Nodding Jameson takes a seat in Marvin’s office and sighs. 

“Let me guess, you fell asleep waiting for her to finish something?” His tone is soft and teasing. He knows that’s exactly what happened because you had told him on your way out. It’s like you to try and care for everyone.

Not amused at the tone Jameson shoots a dirty look at his twin. “I know she told you, she always tells  you when i fall asleep in her office.” Marvin laughs at this. Rolling his eyes Jameson slouches in the chair, his legs stretched out. 

“I take it you didn’t get the chance to ask her out?” At his question Jameson glares at him again. “I’ll take that as a no. Well, why don’t you just go by Dessert Pear tomorrow morning?”

“Dessert Pearl?” Jameson echos, unsure why the bakery has anything to do with you. 

Sighing Marvin removes his readers, letting them dangle in his hand as he looks over his monitor at Jameson with a dull expression. “Seriously? She freelances there as a baker. How do you not know that?”

More than a little confused Jameson wonders the very same question. He’s asked before what you always bring in stuff from Dessert Pear and you’d told him because it belongs to a close friend. He simply left it at that. “How do you know? Did she tell you?” He asks looking back at Marvin.

“No,” He admits blankly. Jameson simply stares at Marvin.

“Then why are you giving me a hard time?” He asks a little peeved at Marvin’s jokes.

Marvin smirks, leaning back into his chair without a care saying, “I happened by one day and saw her in the back throwing some dough around with flour covering her. The owner, Beth is a close friend of Y/n and when i ask she simply said Y/n helped out when she could but wasn’t employed by the bakery.”

Nodding Jameson thinks about that. He has gone to the bakery a few times in the afternoon wanting a particular treat you’d brought it earlier in the day only to be told they didn’t sell, or haven’t made said item for the day. “It would make sense.” He mutters starting to feel like he’s connecting the dots.

“She’s like a completely different person when she’s baking.” Marvin offers quietly. It’s always enjoyable to him to watch the emotions flicker across his brother’s face. “It’s like night and day with her. She looks so much happier when she’s baking. It leaves me to wonder if she’ll leave one day to work at her friend’s bakery.”

Marvin knows exactly what he’s doing with his anxious younger brother. It’s a wonder the two get a long so well with how easily Marvin manipulates Jameson. Anti and Henrik generally keep the magician reigned in with his teasing and tormenting, but in this case Marvin is simply trying to give his brother a gentle push to pursue the woman he loves. He knows the instant that it works. Without a word Jameson leaves Marvin’s office. Chuckling Marvin turns back to his work. 

“Thank you very much for your time.” You say escorting Wilford from the salon back to the waiting car. it hadn’t been as time consuming at you’d thought. Someone must be looking out for you from above because Wilford, aside from an outburst or two, has been a complete delight. “Alright, we’re about a half hour a head of schedule, are you hungry?” You ask looking at the calendar on your phone. 

“When is the next appointment?” Wilford asks admiring his clean and pampered hands.

“At two fifteen.” You answer, adding as a reminder, “You’ll be meeting with GQ for an piece in next month’s issue.” Wilford nods, his eyes squinting in thought. “Food first.” You remind him feeling your stomach grumble unhappily. 

Wilford nods, making a decision about lunch nearly ten minutes later. Mercifully he chooses a place you enjoy and together you order your meals and eat in peace. Part of you really does wonder why Wilford is being so calm.

“Will, may I ask you a question?” You ask setting your fork down.

Warm brown eyes look back at you in question of their own. “What is it my dear?”

“Is everything okay?” You ask softly. “You seem more...” Searching for the right word you pause a moment before saying, “Docile than usual.” You offer finally.

Wilford sighs, “Is it that noticeable?”

Giving him a sad smile you nod. “You’re not very energetic or as passionate as usual. Is there anything I can help with?” You ask. Working with someone for early five years endears them to you, especially Wilford. You love his passion for life and knowing what should be important.

“No, my dear woman. This isn’t something I can be helped with.” Wilford tells you quietly. carefully you lay your hand over his.

“If you need a sound board, I’m always available. I know you said there isn’t anything I can do, but is there anything I can get for you?”

“Welcome!” Beth calls over her shoulder. 

Feeling a little awkward Jameson hesitantly makes his way to the counter. Waiting patiently he goes over in his head just what he’s going to say. Despite waiting for a few minutes just thinking things over he’s not prepared when Beth greets him again. 

“Hello, how can we help you?” Beth asks getting a good look at Jameson. Her smile widens at the realization of whom stands in front of her. “You’re Jameson, aren’t you?”

Pausing before responding, Jameson feel taken aback then remembers he’s a performer along side his brother, random people knowing his name shouldn’t be so surprising. 

“Ah, yes, yes I am. How do you know me?”

“Y/n! She talks about you all the time. She said you’d just come back from tour with your brother, right? Did you enjoy the scones she made?” Beth asks talking freely with Jameson. 

Smiling Jameson forms a plan. “Can you help me with something?” Beth eagerly agrees. 

Riding the elevator back to the top floor Wilford smiling contently at your side holding a majority of your shopping bags. It’d been a shock when Wilford had asked to stay in your company for the remainder of your tasks away from the building. He wouldn’t tell you why he wanted to say with you, just that he didn’t want to go back to the office. You yielded, arranged his meeting to be done over the phone at the appropriate times.

It’d been an experience, not one you didn’t enjoy, but it was different. Through out the rest of the day Wilford was very calm and gave little resistance when you forced him to move along. 

“This was enjoyable, Will. I had a good time with you, and thank you for carrying my bags.” You add looking over to Wilford. If he were like this more often you could see developing a crush on him. Most forget that Wilford is very intelligent and very keen. In another life he was a very successful game hunter and author.

His eyes find yous conveying his silent gratitude, “Thank you. Today was very pleasing for me as well. I do have to thank you, sincerely for not pressing today.” You nod smiling gently. 

“I enjoy your company, Will. As much as I would love to know what is wrong, I’m not just going to bully my way into your personal turmoil. I trust one day I will be considered someone you find trust worthy.” You tell him, meaning every word. You do love your bosses like older brothers, family you cherish. 

Wilford smile. “How did we get so lucky to have you?” He asks sounding the most lucid you’ve heard in your whole career with the company. 

“You can thank my uncle for telling me about the position.” You tell him winking playfully. Wilford smiles, allows you off first, then deposits your purchases in your office before leaving you for the night. You bid him a good night’s rest as he exits your office. 

Looking through the bags you organize your purchases then take Dark’s items to his office. Knocking gently Dark grants you access to his room. Carrying the bags on one arm you inform him you’ve got his list taken care of and where would he like them placed. He indicates his couch and you silently place them down, ensuring they won’t fall over before heading back to the door.

“Anything further this evening, Sir?” You ask stopping at the door.

“No, but I do ask; how was Will today?”

You can tell this is a very important question. Dark has set his pen down and closed his computer to give you his full attention. “Will was acting odd today as well,” You muse softly. “To answer your question; he did brilliantly. He was truly the most lucid I’ve ever seen him, and he was very helpful. He actually went shopping with me today and was very to the point and attentive of his meetings.” You report.

Dark nods his head looking away from you to a photo you know fairly well. It’s of his sister Celine. Now it clicks in you. It must be close to an anniversary of some kind that Dark and Wilford keep to themselves. 

“Is there anything more for today?” You ask when Dark doesn’t respond. He shakes his head in response. “Thank you. Good evening, Dark.” Closing the door behind you, you head back to your office. 

You’ll be staying late to finish up the work you missed out of while entertaining and distracting Wilford from whatever meaning the day has for him. Quietly you toil away at you computer returning emails, drawing up documents, and finishing reports.

Hearing the elevator doors ding you look at the time on your clock. It’s nearly two hours past closing and even the last of the egos have gone home for the night. You know that because each paused at your desk asking if you were leaving for the night. Each time you answer no, they simply nod and head out wishing you a good night.

Standing up, you stretch you back out hearing and feeling a loud pop in your lumbar, then head into the hallway. The conference room light is one and it guides you to see who could be with you this late at night. Pausing at the door you notice no one is in the room, but there is a box from your friend’s bakery sitting on the table.

Confused you walk closer, gently opening the box to see just want is in it. You hadn’t brought this large of a box this morning and generally you throw away the empty boxes. Peering in you freeze. 

Will you go out with me? Love J.

Staring at the over-sized sugar cookie with soft rose pink frosting and vibrant yellow buttercream lettering, you read the question over and over again. J?

“J? Like... Is...” For on long moment your brain freezes. No way in hell would Jameson be asking you out your rationalize. It must be a janitor that arrived early to surprise someone... Yeah, that’s it.

“Y/n?” Jameson calls from the door before you can get over the denial running through your head. 

“Jay, what... what are you doing here? Did you leave this cookie?” You ask trying to ensure this isn’t a dream. 

“Yeah.” He responds nodding his head. Walking forward Jameson silently asks for your hand, you oblige. “I... I was trying to find you to ask you out to dinner face to face, But Marvin told me you like to bake, so I thought this would be a more meaningful way to ask you out.” 

Your face instantly begins to burn. “This is really for me?” You ask looking back at the box. 

“Yeah, do you think I did a good job?” He asks shyly. It’s adorable and melts your heart. 

Looking up into his eyes you ask, “Did you make the cookie?” He nods. “Did you talk with Beth?” You ask a little more sobered at the idea Beth knows he likes you back. 

Jamesone chuckles. “Yeah, she’s... she’s something else. Very talkative.” He admits a little uncomfortable with how chatty Beth was.

You nod. “Yeah, she really likes to hear herself talk, but she means well. I’m sure she told you all the embarrassing details about my life.” Jameson chuckles along with you. 

“I don’t mean to pry, but your answer?”

The way his face looks so hopeful nearly crushes your soul right in your chest. Averting your eyes for a moment you ask, “Are you free tonight?”

The way his eyes light up leaves you completely breathless and happy. Never has anyone looked so happy, almost as if you’d given him the moon.

“My treat.” He promises happily. Telling him you want to shut down your computer he escorts you back to your office with the cookie in hand. Part of you had feared for a brief moment that it’d be awkward but all fears fade away as you talk. Smiling you gather your things and follow Jameson to the elevator. 

“You will not believe how nervous I was.” He offers softly, chuckling lightly.

“About?” You probe.

“Asking you out, but, I’m glad I did.” 

“I’m glad you did too.”

[heartbreakdolan]

Current Location (E.D.)

Requested by @tidsoptlmist

Summary: based on LANY’s ‘Current Location’ in which you get an offer of a lifetime to do an internship in England, and Ethan’s worried about what will happen to your relationship

“So,” you said, smirking at Ethan as you leaned across the kitchen counter, resting your chin in the palm of your hand. “I’ve got some good news and some bad news.” You wiggled your eyebrows at him as he stood at his fridge, and looked over his shoulder at you. 

“Okay,” he slowly said, turning around and closing the fridge door. He walked over to stand in front of you on the other side of the counter, unscrewing the lid of his bottle of water. “Lay it on me.”

You stood, placing your palms down on the table. “Okay, you know how I had that interview for the internship last week?”

Ethan nodded, taking a mouthful of water then putting the bottle down. 

“Well...” You raised your eyebrows with a smug smile.

“You got it?” he asked, wide eyed. 

You nodded, a grin slowly appearing on your face. 

“Y/n!” Ethan bounded around the counter, arms outstretched. “I’m so proud of you.” He slid his hands across your waist, pulling you into his body. He dipped his head down to kiss you. His arms tightened around your waist moments before he lifted you off the ground, and you laughed, wrapping your arms around his neck. 

He set your feet back on the ground and pulled away, grinning at you. You stroked his cheek with your thumb as you bit your lip. “Thanks, Ethan.”

“I’m so happy for you. That’s amazing,” he said squeezing your waist with his arms. You smiled, reaching up to kiss his lips again. His eyes were shining, crinkling at the sides from him smiling so big. 

“So what’s the bad news?” he asked, his tone light, smile still over taking his face. 

You sighed, adjusting your hands around the back of his neck. “Well... the job isn’t in California.”

Ethan frowned, tilting his head. “What? Where is it?”

You licked your lips, breathing in and sighing again. “It’s in London.”

Ethan’s eyebrows shot up. “Wait, what? London?”

You nodded, wincing slightly. “Yeah.”

“Wh- how-,” Ethan slowly closed his eyes as he spoke. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“There was such a slim chance of me even getting this, and I didn’t want you to worry. I’m sorry.” 

Ethan licked his lips, still frowning. “So, you’re moving to England?” he asked, and you felt his arms loosen up around your waist. 

You slid your arms further around his neck, making up for him slackening his hold on you. “Well, yeah. If I accept it. But not forever. Only for a couple of months. It’s only a summer job.”

Ethan nodded slowly, looking around you at the walls. He blinked and frowned, eyes returning back to yours. “Sorry, this is... a lot.”

You moved one hand to rest on his cheek. “I know, baby, I know. I’m sorry, I would’ve told you earlier, but I honestly didn’t think I’d get it,” you said with a little laugh at the end. He was frowning, and you could see him processing everything. “I’ve wanted something like this for a really long time.”

“I know.” He nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Thanks.” 

Ethan pecked your lips again and readjusted his hands so his palms were pressing on your hip bones. “So, how long will you be gone for?”

“A couple months? Five at the absolute most.”

“Five months?” He sounded like the air had been knocked out of him. 

You pouted up at him. “I’ll be back before you know it. Promise.” You scratched the back of his head lightly, running your fingers through his hair. “And you can come visit me, if you have time.”

Ethan smiled, exhaling hard through his nose as he looked down. “Of course I’ll have time to visit you.” 

You smiled at each other, then Ethan sighed again. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this.” 

You looked down. “I’m really sorry.” You offered him an apologetic smile. “But I’m not leaving tomorrow. It doesn’t start for another four months.”

Ethan nodded again, swallowing. “Then we won’t waste any time.”

*

Ethan was sitting on the edge of his bed, one leg hanging off the side as he watched you sitting on the floor, folding clothes and laying them down in your suitcase. 

“I can’t believe you’re leaving in two days,” Ethan said.

You looked up at him, running your hand over the pile of jeans to flatten them out. “Neither can I.”

“Are you nervous?” he asked, sitting back on his arms.

“Obviously.” You reached forward, picking up the folded shirts from the end of the bed, and placed them into the corner of your suitcase. “But I’m excited too.”

You smiled up at him, and he gave you a small, absent minded smile in return. 

“What are you thinking about?” you asked softly. 

He shrugged. “I don’t know. That you’ll find an English guy over there and not want to come back.” He laughed, and you rolled your eyes. 

You sighed. “Ethan, I won’t find someone else.”

“You promise?”

You stood up, hands on your hips and walked over to him. You placed yourself in between his legs, hands on his shoulders. “Yes, I promise.” 

Ethan could just picture himself lying in bed every night, texting you every day, looking like an absolute dick for pining over you when you came home and broke it off with him. Or looking like an even bigger dick if you fell in love with the UK and decided to stay there. He knew you were going to learn so much and grow as a person while you were away; he hoped you still wanted him when you got back.

He started running his hands up and down the sides of your legs, and you noticed his distant gaze. 

“What else are you worried about?”

Ethan eyes reconnected with yours. “I’m just gonna miss you, that’s all. And we’re gonna be so far away. I won’t be able to help you right away if something happens.”

You sighed. You hadn’t seen him in three days, due to wanting to spend some time with your family and friends before you left, and just that left you feeling lonely and wishing he was with you. “I’m gonna miss you too.” 

Ethan was looking up at you like a sad puppy, with big brown eyes, a crease in between his eyebrows and pouty lips. You had to turn your head away from him. “Don’t make this harder than it needs to be, Ethan.”

Ethan squeezed your thighs, one hand travelling up the side of your body to rest on your shoulder. He gave you a tender squeeze and you looked back at him. He started rambling as his hand travelled down your arm, eventually grabbing your hand and playing with your fingers. “I know how much you want this. You’ve been talking about wanting something like this since I met you, and I want this for you as much as you do. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so happy for you.” His eyes dropped down to his lap. “But I’m sad too.”

“I’m sad to be leaving too, but you’re stressing out, and that’s gonna make me stress out. You need to chill, babe.”

“I just don’t want to look stupid waiting around for you.”

You ran a hand through his hair, and he closed his eyes as you did. “Stop. Do you really think that’s gonna happen? Because it’s not.” You ran your thumb over his mouth, pulling his bottom lip down. “I’m yours. Nothing’s gonna change that.” 

“You’ll come back for me?”

“Yes, Ethan.” 

Ethan tilted his head back, and opened his eyes slowly. “Promise?”

You leaned down, kissing him softly. “Yes, I promise,” you mumbled against his lips. 

You pressed your lips back on his, placing your knee up on the bed beside him to bring yourself closer to him. He shuffled back towards the headboard as you crawled over him, planting your legs either side of his waist. 

As you kissed him, you realised this was one of the last times you’d get to do this for a while. You sighed, pressing yourself down on him a little harder, just so you were a little closer to each other. 

His hand tangled in your hair, lips hovering over the skin of your cheek. Your eyes fluttered open and closed, hot breath hitting the side of his face. 

“Prove it.”

“What?” you asked breathlessly. 

“Prove it to me,” Ethan said quietly, his voice low. “Show me you love me.”

You turned your head, nudging his nose with your own, bringing your lips closer again, but not close enough to touch. “Show you?” you whispered. 

“M hm.” Ethan nodded, lazy eyes only just open, his deep voice sending goosebumps all down your arms. His lips lingered in front of yours, and you could only hear his and your breathing. 

You pressed your forehead to his, your fingers lightly running against his collar bones over his shirt. You traced the neckline of his shirt, gripping it in your fingers to pull it slightly to the side. “How?” 

You looked up at him with a demure smile, your eyes locking on his. His cocked his head back, leaning against the bed head. After a few moments, he let out a huff of air out of his nose, and sadly smiled. “I’m gonna miss you, you tease.”

You were going to miss him too. So, so much. You tilted your head to the side with a small smile. You had to be brave. Ethan was rarely this open with you, and although it amplified your own anxious feelings, and made you want to leave him even less, you couldn’t both be miserable about you leaving. You slowly pushed back his hair off his forehead as you spoke. “You’re not gonna have time to miss me. You’ll see me again soon and it’ll be like I was never even gone.”

Ethan sighed deeply, brown eyes watching you, memorising how you looked in this very moment, and every inch of your face. You softly smiled at him, the type of smile you always subconsciously did when you were trying to look pretty. He lifted a hand to hold the back of your neck and gently guide you back to his lips. You sighed into his mouth as his lips pressed against yours. He ended your kiss far too prematurely, moving his lips to your forehead, where he gave you a long, gentle kiss. Pretending your chest wasn’t aching, you gripped the hem of his loose shirt in your small fists. You parted from him and shook your head gently. “Thought you wanted me to show you how much I love you,” you said quietly. You looked up at him through your lashes. 

Ethan’s arm slid all the way around your waist, and he carefully pulled you down onto him, rolling you over onto your back. He laid on his side beside you. 

“I know you love me,” he simply said, catching you off guard. He smiled, and you nodded. You closed your eyes as Ethan began to sponge chaste kisses to your neck. “But,” he mumbled against the soft, warm skin of your neck, “if you still want to show me, I won’t stop you.”

You rolled your eyes, giggling as he looked at you with a cheeky smirk. You raised an eyebrow, an amused smile playing on your lips. You grabbed his shirt in your hands again. 

“I can’t show you with this on.”

And with that, Ethan’s shirt was flying across the room and his mouth was on yours again. 

[frangipanidownunder]

Walking the Tightrope

Scully and Ethan are together. But for how long? Post Deep Throat.

Tagging @today-in-fic. Need to catch up? Read Part One 

Part Two 

 He looked a whole lot better than he had when he got into the car. She’d been scared. Her heart thumping and bleeding a little for this little-boy-lost. He had no idea what had happened to him at Ellens Airbase and it had frightened him. For a man who’d spent so many years trying to remember leading up to the disappearance of his sister, losing more memories would have to be a cut too deep. The worst part was that he knew he had been close. She knew he’d been close. Not that her report would reflect that. It couldn’t. For her sake and for his.

                She found him running circuits of the track. The sun was high and he was sweaty in his ratty gear, but the bewildered expression and fearful voice had gone.

                “Joining me for a work out, Scully? I’ve always wondered how you learned to run in high heels.”

                She followed his gaze down her legs to her feet and felt her skin flush slightly.

“You men don’t know you’re born,” she replied. “You try fitting a weapon and flashlight in the suits they cut for the female form. Most of them don’t even have pockets. Then you add a handbag and high heels to the equation and it’s no wonder most female agents are fitter and more resourceful than their male counterparts.”

               He smirked. “On what do you base that finding, Dr Scully?”

                “Science.”

                His eyebrows raised. “Is that all you got?”

                She folded her arms. “You mean I need more? You don’t seem to require any evidence to hang your theories off.”

                His jaw flexed and he straightened up. She held her ground. He looked around, eyeing off the stand in the distance. He turned back to her. She’d overstepped the mark. She clenched her fists.

Then he grinned and put his hands on her shoulders. “Two cases in, Scully, and you’ve already got me cracked.”

              She rocked back on her heels and smiled. She missed the weight of his hands on her shoulders as soon as he removed them. She loved this softer side of him. He was so intense, so committed to the job most of the time, that seeing him as a human being with a sense of humour, was easy to overlook.  He pulled his foot up behind him, stretching his quads and she watched the beads of sweat drip down his face. She really should do more running but the case load had been full on and Ethan had been demanding all of her downtime. Still, her body tingled with the need to let off the nervous energy those cases had filled her with and she resolved to give Ethan a call and cancel their plans for the weekend. She would indulge in two days of jogging and gym work.

“Who was that you were talking to?” she asked as Mulder walked to where he’d slung his bag. He pulled a water bottle from the depths and swigged it. Fascinated by the bobbing of his Adam’s apple, she realised she was staring, only when he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and gave her a look.

“The older man, grey curly hair. Suit.” She was scurrying behind him and that nervous energy was now building into a bubble of anger. Why was he denying the meeting?

“I was running, Scully.”

“I saw you, Mulder,” she said, finally getting level with him.

He looked down at her, eyes narrow. “Is that all you got?”

 She rang Ethan and agreed to a dinner on Saturday night. He got drunk on the house red and she drove him home. He insisted she come in for coffee but she wasn’t in the mood to listen to his whining about how the female producers got all the best jobs because the industry was looking to equality.

              “It’s hardly equality when there’s a quota to fill,” he said, slurring and lunging towards her. “I mean, you don’t see this sort of thing in the FBI, do you?”

              “You mean giving women a chance to prove that they’re just as capable as men despite never even getting to the interview in this boy’s club world we still live in?”

              “Dana…”

              “What?” she said, pouring him another coffee. “It’s true, Ethan. Women have to fight every inch of the way just stay even while men call up their buddies and walk into a job they have no business being doing. There are men at the Bureau who should have been put out to pasture decades ago. There were plenty of capable women at the Academy. At least with quotas there’s a strong chance that future generations of women will simply be able to take up the opportunities presented to them, they’ll be inspired by those of us already paving the way.”

              He laughed. Not like Mulder, whose gentle chuckles were often a signal that he agreed with her sentiments. Ethan actually laughed as though what she was saying was funny. “Dana, you sound like some radical feminist.”

              She poured the rest of her coffee down the sink.  “I’m tired, “ she said. “I’m going home.”

              He lunged at her, grabbing her arm and pulling him to her. “Stay, Dana. It’s been weeks since you’ve…”

              She shifted in his grasp. “I’ve been busy, Ethan. And I said I’m tired. I’ll call you.”

              He pulled her closer and kissed her, and all she could taste was bitter coffee and stale alcohol. She pushed him away and wiped her mouth.

              “What is wrong with you, Dana?”

              She picked up her jacket and went to leave. “Maybe I’m just tired of being taken for granted.”

              He rushed after her, putting himself between her and the door. “I don’t take you for granted, Dana. I love you. I thought you loved me too.”

His voice cracked and she thought for one helpless moment that he was going to cry. She thought of Mulder’s bewilderment, his utter confusion outside that base and felt a pang of guilt that her own boyfriend’s emotional outpouring left her cold, while her new partner’s wilfully inflicted situation had her welling with sympathy.

“I’ve got to go, Ethan,” she said and gave him a peck on the cheek.

              “I do love you, Dana.” He held onto her hand, gripping it until her fingers turned white.

              “I know,” she said.

 She tossed and turned and fell asleep as a grey dawn cracked open the sky. Sunday morning lie-ins surrounded by the papers and toast crumbs seemed a world away as the irritating buzz of her cell phone woke her.

              “Mulder? What’s the matter?”

              He arrived less than forty minutes later, a bag of bagels in his hand. “I owe you an apology, Scully.”

              She pulled the tie of her robe tighter and flicked on the jug. “Why? What have you done this time?”

              He chuckled. “I haven’t been entirely honest with you. And that’s not fair. You’re my partner and you are entitled to be treated as an equal.”

              Turning round to face him, she saw that familiar expression he had, the one where he bared himself, opened himself up. She’d seen it in Bellefleur, at the motel. And again on the way back from Ellens Airbase. Fox Mulder might be capable of hiding things away, but when he wanted to let them out, you couldn’t resist listening.

              “So I did see you with a man the other day.”

              He nodded. “I’m sorry. I thought I was protecting him. My source. But if I protect him, where does that leave you?”

              She took two teabags from the box and dropped them into two mugs. “On the outside,” she said. That seemed to be her life at the moment. Watching it all unfold from a safe distance.

              “And I don’t want that for you,” he said. “I want us to be equals, in every way.”

              She laughed but shook her head. “I think you need to have a word with my boyfriend.”

              Mulder sank back against the bench top. “Trouble in the Garden of Eden?”

              “Ethan. His name is Ethan.”

              “I’m sorry, Scully. The job can really mess around with relationships.”

              She poured the tea. “Oh, I know that, Mulder. But something tells me it’s not just the job that’s getting in the way.”

              His face relaxed again, offering her the chance to talk.

              “But it’s nothing to do with you, so I won’t bore you with the details.”

              “Hey, partner. I’m here for the details. I love the details. I’m a details man,” he took a sip of tea and she couldn’t help but notice his mouth, his full lips. The way he smiled so easily when he wanted to.

              “Well, details man, why don’t you let me know what the next case is and I’ll figure out what I’m going to do with my Garden of Eden.”

              “I have some advice, if you’re willing to take it?”

              She folded her arms. “Go on.”

              “Don’t give in to temptation.” He grinned at his own joke and she couldn’t help but giggle.

              “Is that all you got?”

              “You want more?”

              “I thought you were a details man, Mulder.” She was laughing now, blowing steam off her mug as she did. She felt her body soften. She loved this bantering.

              “Really, Scully, if you need to sort things out with Ethan, you need to do it. A clean break. Rip off the band-aid.”

              She put the mug down and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You seem to know a lot about the state of my relationship, Mulder.”

              He sighed. “I’ve learned a bit about you, Scully, in the time we’ve known each other. And you seem out of sorts. I know you are very single-minded and focussed but if you let something like this fester it can wedge itself in your mind and take away your focus.”

              “Voice of experience?”

              He chuckled again. “Something like that.”

              “But you’re wedded to your work, Mulder. No time for anything else. Me? I want a life.”

              His voice dropped and he stepped closer to her, looming over her until she could smell his cologne. He bent forward and put the mug in the sink, his arm brushing hers. He stayed there as he spoke, almost a whisper. “And I want a partner who’s clear about what she wants.”

              Her throat was so dry the noise of her swallowing filled the space between them. Her arms and legs felt heavy and useless. He was fucking right. And she knew what she had to do.

              “You know what you have to do, Scully. You just need to do it.”

              He finally moved back and there was a brightness invading her space now. She sighed and felt the prickle of tears at her eyes. She wouldn’t give in. Shouldn’t. She turned to the sink and ran the water as she sniffed. She didn’t hear him return. His hands massaged the gristles in her shoulders and she let him for a while.

              “You need to relieve this tension, Scully. You’re holding it all in here.” His knuckles  kneaded a hard knot and she gasped, turning to face him. His face was inches from hers and he was half-smiling. His stubble gave him a harder edge and she pressed herself harder against the bench, the damp soaking into her robe.

              “I just feel like a shit, dumping him so soon after starting a new job. And for no real reason.”

              Mulder shrugged. “You need a reason?”

              She nodded. “It makes things easier.”

              He bent forward, took her face in his large, warm hands and kissed her. Gentle at first, then with more urgency. She couldn’t breathe. His fingers brushed her cheeks and he was so tender, so genuine that she couldn’t think. When he let her go, stepped back and rolled his lips together, like he was enjoying he aftertaste of her, she blushed hot. He waited a beat, seeming to enjoy her discomfort.

              “Is that enough of a reason?” he asked, his voice threaded.

              She flexed her shaking fingers and looked up at him. “Is that all you got?”

[beyondforks]

Spotlight! My Sister’s Intended by Rachael Anderson

My Sister’s Intended by Rachael Anderson Genre: Adult Fiction (Historical Fiction/Romance) Date Published: March 2018 Publisher: HEA Publishing

For as long as Prudence can remember, it has been understood that her sister will one day wed the eldest son of their nearest neighbor. Such an alliance will benefit both families and bring a great deal of joy to all parents involved.

Unfortunately, Prudence has never been able to feel as joyful. She believes her sister is mad to consider marrying a man she hardly knows, even if he will one day make her a countess. Titles and wealth shouldn't factor into matters of the heart, and as an aspiring romance novelist, Prudence cannot fathom how anyone could even think of settling for less than love. She certainly wouldn’t, and she doesn't want her sister to either.

Unable to stand by and do nothing, Prudence sets out to help the awkward couple discover the best in each other with the hope that they will eventually find love. What she neglected to foresee, however, was the possibility that she might fall in love with her sister's intended. 

When Prudence lifted her eyes to his again, they sparkled with a challenge. “I was going to save this question until later so as not to shock you from the get-go, but I really do need to know . . . What does it feel like to kiss a woman?” A large lump formed in Brand’s throat, and his mouth went dry. What the deuce? She had promised not to ask questions that would make him uncomfortable, but already he wanted to flee like a frightened kitten. How could he possibly explain how it felt to kiss a woman? Brand searched his mind for a way to avoid answering until he heard a snicker escape her lips. She was laughing at him. Him! Hildebrand Ethan Cannon, Viscount Knave—a man at least eight years her senior and a great deal higher in social standing. Unbelievable.  “You are teasing me,” he said, hoping it was true. If she’d posed the question to make him squirm—and perhaps make him more inclined to answer her other questions—then she wouldn’t be expecting an answer. She shook her head, still smiling. “I’m afraid not, my lord, although I did find the look of terror on your face vastly amusing.” “I’m glad I could entertain you.” “I hope you will be equally glad to instruct me on a few things as well. The first scene in my book will include a kiss, and I have no idea how to describe the experience. Do a woman’s lips feel warm or soft or even moist? Would your pulse quicken? Aside from touch, what other senses are engaged? How would it make you feel and what would you notice when you held a woman in your arms?” If she thought he’d appeared terror-stricken before, there would be no word for how he looked now. Did she earnestly expect him to answer such questions? Surely even she knew how inappropriate it would be to discuss such things, her being an innocent. “I cannot say,” he finally muttered. Her brow puckered in confusion. “Have you never kissed a woman, my lord?” Brand was sorely tempted to lie and say he had not, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. Any man of six-and-twenty who had never experienced a kiss would be laughed out of his manhood. Women were expected to remain innocent until married. Men were not. “Yes, I have kissed a woman,” he finally admitted, “but I have no intention of discussing any of the details with you.” “Why not?” she asked, her large brown eyes blinking at him curiously. “Would you rather I invent the information?” “Yes.” She obviously didn’t appreciate his retort because she scowled. “Can you not tell me at least a little?” “No.” “Why?” “Because a kiss could never be described with any sort of accuracy, at least not by me. It involves too many feelings and sensations and complexities of thought. If you wish to know what a kiss feels like, you’ll have to experience it for yourself.” Too late, Brand realized his mistake. Her expression became contemplative, as though she was actually considering doing just that. Good gads, had he really just encouraged an innocent young woman to go hunting for a kiss? Who would she ask? A groom? Stablehand? The next peddler that came to town? “I think you are right,” she said at last. “I really must experience a kiss for myself if I am to describe it with any sort of accuracy.” She blinked up at him with that innocent expression again. “Will you kiss me Lord Knave? No, how silly of me. You are to marry my sister, so that would never do.” She pursed her lips for a moment before musing, “Perhaps one of the footmen would be kind enough to show me how it’s done.” Kind enough? Brand could think of a great many reasons a footman would comply with such a request, and kindness did not factor into any of them. Brand would kiss her himself before he allowed a footman near her. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. “Perhaps I can try to explain what it feels like after all.” Better that than having her chase after a footman. “But you only just said you couldn’t do it justice,” she pointed out. “I realize I sound dreadfully forward, but I really must know, and experience is the best teacher, is it not?” “No, it isn’t,” he lied. “And you are not going to kiss a footman.” “Then who? Felix or Lionel, perhaps? I’m fairly certain I can convince one of them to do it, if given the opportunity. The question is how to go about it?” It was plain to see by the firm set of her jaw that she would not rest until she had experienced a kiss of her own. She didn’t seem to care who did the deed, only that the man did a thorough job of it. A quick peck on the lips wouldn’t satisfy her curiosities. “Perhaps I could send a note to Felix and ask him to call on me,” she continued to muse. “We could take a stroll through the maze in the gardens. There is a hidden alcove on the south side, which could be quite perfect. We would have to evade Ruth, obviously, but—” “Devil take it,” Brand growled as he pulled her to him. Her quick intake of breath was the only sound she made before his mouth covered hers. 

Check out my reviews of  more books by Rachael Anderson!! 

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

To learn more about Rachael Anderson and her books, visit her blog.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

Check out my Interview With Rachael Anderson!

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