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katedrakeohd · 4 days ago

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Heartstopper (Part 1)

This is my entry for King Liam appreciation week 2024. @kingliamappreciationweek

@tessa-liam @sazanes @rafasgirl23415

@lizzybeth1986 @kingliam2019

Klaw Day 2

Character Appreciation/Vanilla

Summary:

It's Coronation night and the unthinkable has happened for the new King of Cordonia as the woman of his dreams gets dragged out of the ballroom.

Cast: the usual TRR gang, with Kate Darling as the MC from New York. In this story the King's name is Nicholas instead of Liam.

Author's note:

Prepare yourself for all the angst and heartbreak as the story is told mostly from the young King's perspective.

Rated: M for Mature - Angst, swearing, violence, bodily harm, car chase, fluff

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The crowded ballroom was filled with a cacophony of sound, but Nicholas tuned it all out. At the back of the room, the love of his life, Kate Darling, was being dragged away by his own security guards. Her face was twisted in a look of shock and betrayal as their eyes met. He mouthed a silent, Kate, as the crowd poured into the space where she had once stood. His eyes frantically searched for her, but she was gone.

Next to him on the stage Madeleine stood with a perfectly crafted fake smile on her face. He was still holding her hand, because he had just named her as his choice as Queen. Her name had left a sour taste in his mouth, and he felt queasy. A cold sweat bloomed on his upper lip, and he lifted his other hand to his mouth to wipe it.

"Nicholas?.. Nicholas?..."she said behind her clenched white teeth, "Say something."

She curled her fingernails into his palm to get his attention and he recoiled, dropping her hand.

He raised his hands up in an attempt to appease the uproar of the people as the wave of sound finally enveloped him like a tide. "Please! Please Everyone! If you could direct your attention this way." He raised his voice and the heads started to turn and the crowd began to still.

"Thank-you." He stepped closer to Madeleine and tucked his forearm stiffly behind her back to draw her to him. He looked at Madeleine and then turned back to the crowd and forced a happy smile onto his face.

"Please allow me to present her Royal Highness, Queen Madeleine Amaranth."

The crowd of strangers erupted into applause, their faces beaming with pride for their new King and Queen.

As he held his smile in place, his stepmother Regina walked over to stand at his other side. She grasped his hand, and he squeezed back tightly, making her wince. "Where are they taking her?"

Regina waved to the crowd and then leaned in to answer. "They're sending that insufferable slut back to New York, where she belongs."

"Over my dead body," he grounded back angrily and dropped her hand. He took a step back and with a quick salute to the crowd he slipped through the curtains and then out the door to the balcony.

The warm Mediterranean air smelled much sweeter than all the sweaty heavily perfumed party goers crowded into the ballroom. Not that he didn't wear cologne himself, but he missed the sweet scent of Kate's vanilla perfume most. He took a deep breath and then pulled out his mobile phone. Below the balcony there was a sea of paparazzi photographers and reporters with news cameras and microphones. When they saw him, their shouted appeals for his attention overlapped like squabbling water fowl. He turned away from the camera flashes and the video spotlights to stand in the sliver of shadow next to the building. He tore a small hanging flower pot off the wall and used it to smash out the bulbs of the light sconces by the doors. This gave him a little more darkness and he heaved a deep sigh to calm himself as he dialed Bastien, his head of security.

Bastien picked up on the second ring, "Yes, Sire? How may I be of service?"

The relative calm in the guards voice made Nicholas lose his own. "..be of service?! What the fuck, Bastien? We never agreed to have her dragged out like a criminal."

"I'm sorry, Sir."

"What happened to quietly escorting her out after the gala was over? And where are Drake and the Beaumont Brothers?"

Bastien broke away to talk to someone else briefly and then returned, "As per your Father's request the Beaumonts and Mr. Walker have also been removed and detained..."

Nicholas interrupted, "Detained? But why? They're hardly threats to anyone."

Bastien calmly replied,"I was just doing as I was told, Sir. But as for Mr. Walker, he is no longer in custody."

Nicholas chuckled, "Of course he isn't. Let me guess, he hit you."

"Not me, Sir. But one of the junior cadets now has a sprained wrist and a broken nose."

"Good, tell him he's fired."

Nicholas hung up and then went to the far corner of the balcony to catch a glimpse of the black line up of fleet vehicles by the gate. Only one had it's engine running. He used his phone to take a picture of it, zooming in on the serial number badge on the back window. 725

He dialed Drake, hoping he was nearby.

A few agonizing seconds of dial tone tone later, Drake answered. He sounded slightly winded as if he was running. "Nic?! ..what the fuck? This is not a good time. .. I'm being chased by one of Bastien's minions."

"Hold on.." Nicholas hung up and then sent an angry text to his head of security.

HRH : Tell your god damned attack dog to stand down and let Drake go.

Nicholas looked back toward the gate. He saw a pair of guards forcefully trying to escort a woman in blue toward the waiting SUV. Kate was putting up the fight of her life. Bless her heart.

His heart sank as he saw one of the guards slap her hard across the face. She went limp in the other guard's arms.

Nicholas's phone started ringing. It was Drake. He kept his eyes on the guards as they shoved her bodily into the back of the SUV. He answered the call.

"Talk to me."

Drake was clearly out of breath, he struggled to put his sentence together. "I ..*huff*..gue..guess ..*huff* I lost him."

"Good, where are you?"

Drake was a little more composed as he replied, "I .. I'm heading toward the service ...entrance by the East Courtyard. I can see a crowd of reporters waiting outside."

Nicholas nodded his approval, "Good, that's right below me. I'll distract them so you can get through."

Drake stopped at the door, "Where do you need me to go?"

Nicholas walked back to the right and closer to the balcony railing. "They're trying to send her back to America, Drake. I just saw some guards shove Kate into the back of an SUV."

"Those bastards! Where, what SUV?" Drake spat back angrily.

"Number 725, over by the gate, and hurry I think they're leaving."

"On it. Just get these paps outta my way. Are you giving me permission to use whatever methods I want."

"Affirmative, BFI is now in effect. Good luck."

Nicholas reached the railing, and as predicted, the reporters followed. A flood of flashing camera light and a chorus of demands met him as he casually leaned on the railing. He ignored their questions and struck up a casual conversation with them instead, determined to take their attention off Drake so he could get away.

"Good Evening everyone. Lovely weather we're having tonight for the Coronation..."

Drake pushed the door open and elbowed his way through the crowd. "Excuse me...pardon me...move! ..Hey, look over that way. The King is doing interviews.."

He stomped through the garden bushes on the edge of the courtyard, taking a short cut to the gate. There were four black SUVs parked by the curb, but none of them had drivers. 725 had already left.

Drake presumed that the airport was the destination, but with the extra traffic in the city tonight clogging the roads because of the gala they shouldn't be too far ahead. On the other side of the gateyard civilian and diplomat cars were parked and waiting. A silver sedan had it's engine running and a chauffeur behind the wheel. Bingo

He looked left and right to check for moving vehicles and then cut across the gravel to the sedan. He knocked on the window and the startled driver looked up from his phone. He buzzed the window down. "Uh, Hello? Is the gala over already?"

Drake shook his head, leaning heavily on the door so he could look the driver in the eye. "No, but I need a ride."

The driver looked over at Drake's large hands as they gripped the door frame. He visibly swallowed. "I'm s..sorry Sir, but I'm here for the ambassador." He glanced down at the phone in his lap and then back at Drake. He started tapping out a message.

"Nope, I wasn't asking."

Drake reached in the window and grabbed the guy's phone out of his hands and threw it like a frisbee off into the bushes. "Go fetch."

The driver protested, "Hey!" And then reached for the door handle to open the door. Drake stepped out of his way and then jumped into the driver's seat. He slammed the door shut and locked it, and then threw the shifter into drive.

Gravel sprayed up from the tires as the Audi dug in deep with its four wheel drive. He tugged the seatbelt across and clicked it into place as he shot through the open gate. He glanced to his left and right quickly to check for impending collisions and then cranked the wheel hard to the left and fishtailed into the line of traffic. He wiped the trickle of sweat off his brow and quickly assessed the road ahead. He eased off the gas and slowed down a little, searching for an opening to weave into. A car up ahead signaled and then changed lanes to turn left. He pulled into the left turning lane and then cut sharply to the right to squeeze into the gap. A chorus of honks protested this move and he shrugged, bite me. As the line of traffic rolled up to a red light, he shifted into Park and struggled his way out of his suit jacket. His phone slipped out of his pocket as his coat got turned inside out and tossed on the passenger seat. His phone rang from where it had landed on the floor as the line of traffic moved again. He shook his head nope and shifted back into Drive.

Nicholas held court with the reporters for about five minutes, just long enough to see the silver sedan exit the gate in a hurry. With a smile he waved goodbye to the reporters and then went back inside the Palace.

The gala was in full swing as if he hadn't left. Music was playing and people were dancing. Everyone else mingled and drank his champagne. He didn't feel like partying. He meandered through the throng of dancers and drinkers. Some of them stopped him long enough to shake his hand. He graciously accepted their congratulations and then moved on. He finally made it to the double doors at the back of the ballroom and the security guards held people back as he passed. He nodded his thanks and then headed for the wood paneled "door" beside the suit of armor in the hallway. It looked like any other carved alcove like all the others, but this one led to his own private elevator. He pressed his thumb print on the scanner hidden inside the shiny button. A vibration signaled that his thumb was read correctly and the panel opened. He stepped in and then pushed the arrow up button. The door slid closed and he sagged back against the wall. He hoped that Drake was successful and got to Kate in time.

Drake crept forward with the traffic, whipping out into the left turning lane to leap frog whenever he could. He wasn't sure how effective this method was, but at least it alleviated the tedium of stop and go traffic. He kept scanning the line of traffic up ahead for the telltale high roofline of the royal fleet SUV. So far no such luck. The exit for the airport was coming up soon, about a kilometre away. Hopefully that route wasn't as crowded as this one.

In the backseat of 725, Kate Darling was lying down with her eyes closed. She wasn't asleep, but listening instead to the two guards arguing in the front seat.

"I told you, we should have taken the turn onto Spencer Avenue. We'd be closer to the airport by now," the guard on the right complained.

"And I told you not to smack the girl around. If that hit gets leaked back at the Palace we're screwed."

The guy on the right shrugged, "Who's she gonna tell? She'll be on a flight back to America within the hour."

Kate touched her sore cheek. There was going to be a big bruise there soon, and it was going to speak for itself. The thought of going back home to America made her want to cry. She had left her old life behind four months ago, and didn't want to go back. She felt the SUV swing hard to the left, and held onto the seat to stop herself from tumbling onto the floor. The vehicle sped forward and Kate's stomach lurched with panic. If they had turned onto another road, it most likely meant that the airport wasn't far away. She had to do something.

Drake saw the turn off for the airport coming up on his left, he signaled and went into the left turning lane. After turning left he took the onramp that swung around to cross over the boulevard that he'd just been on. This road had a faster speed limit and the traffic had thinned out considerably. He leaned into the gas pedal and sped up to make it into the flow of traffic. Now he could definitely catch up. He just hoped he wasn't too far behind.

Kate sat up, and the pain in her head throbbed. He had evidently hit her harder than she thought. She caught the driver's gaze in the rearview mirror and he jumped in surprise. "Oh shit, Cinderella is awake." He smiled uneasily.

She narrowed her eyes at him, "Don't call me that. I have a proper name you know."

The guard on the right turned to look back at her, "It's the color of your dress. It reminds him of Cinderella."

Kate looked down at her dress, "Oh right. I'm Kate by the way. And when Nicholas gets a hold of you two, you'll wish you'd never been born."

The driver scoffed, "We're not afraid of him."

Kate quirked her eyebrow and smirked, she pointed to her swollen cheek. "And when Drake sees this and finds out who you are, you're gonna beg for mercy."

The guy on the right scoffed, "Drake who?"

Kate laughed, but then winced in pain, instantly regretting it, "Oh, He's just the King's best friend and my personal bodyguard. And when I say he takes any harm done to me personally I'm not exaggerating."

The guards up front went quiet, and Kate slid over in her seat and buckled up. This was going to hurt, but it was time to put her plan into action. The doors were all locked because they were traveling forward, but she knew that in the event of an accident that the locks would disengage. She crossed one leg over the other and removed her high heeled shoe. The guards up front weren't paying attention to her anymore. She looked out the darkly tinted window and noticed it was starting to rain. It was go time.

"Hey!" She shouted, and got the startled reaction from the driver that she was expecting. He looked over his shoulder at her and in the process jerked the wheel to the right, at the same time she launched her high heel at his face and it lodged into his eye. He screamed in pain and his hands flew up off the steering wheel, "You Bitch!"

Kate braced herself as the car swung wildly from left to right, and then she heard the tires crunch onto the right hand gravel. A split second later the SUV started to roll and she hugged herself and prayed that the airbags would catch her.

#drake walker #choices #king liam #theroyalromance #king nicholas #klaw

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anniesocsandgeneralstore · 1 year ago

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here to stay | rhett abbott x oc

Summary: Tessa's coworker, Linda, has a thing or two to say about the Abbotts. And on Sunday, Tessa has the day off to spend time with her family and go to her special place. (wc: 4697)

Warnings: a flashback, no actual rhett in this chapter, background ocs

✎……PREVIOUS CHAPTER || MASTERLIST || NEXT CHAPTER

Tessa clicked the door shut quietly and stared at the painted wood grain. Thankful that the boys were gone to school and the house was quiet.

Rhett Abbott. Gone was the boy she remembered from high school. All baby faced and hair kept short with a curl perpetually dangling over his forehead. Now, his cheekbones were more defined. His jaw and upper lip lined with stubble. The longer hair that curled out beneath his old brown stetson suited him. He had gained a bit of muscle since then too. Shoulders rounded and broad, but still lithe. The body of a rancher — of a cowboy.

He didn’t remember her. And in truth, she couldn’t blame him. They barely talked to each other during their school days. And while she had seen him plenty around town, running errands or out with his friends, she never said anything. Only took note of him from a distance then carried on with her own chores or focused on the people she was with.

But no matter how much she excused, no matter how much she rationalized, it didn’t stop the sharp sting of being forgotten from piercing her heart.

“Come on, Tess, you gotta tell us who’y’re crushin’ on!” Laney crooned loudly from her spot perched on the bed.

Tessa only hugged her knees tighter to herself, trying to make herself as small as possible, and hide her growing blush from her friends. She knew this topic would come up at some point during the sleepover. She just hoped Laney would start waxing poetic about Walker and everyone would want to move on from the subject to get her to shut up. Her hopes were dashed, however, when the conversation was immediately started by Laney asking her which boy she liked.

“Why?” Chessler asked, taking a sip straight from the bottle of whiskey they knicked from her parent's liquor cabinet.

“‘Cause then we can help her get the fella to notice ‘er!” Laney replied with a sweet smile that didn’t make Tessa feel any better. “Get’er a date! Everybody’s datin’ now.”

They were fourteen, and it certainly felt like all of a sudden everyone was seeing somebody. Or liked somebody. Or was caught kissing so-and-so in such-and-such a place. Just last week, Shania Lovegrove walked into school with a rounded stomach she could no longer hide. Tessa’s parents, when she told them about it, discussed Shania and the baby in a sad way. But all her classmates simply marveled at the fact that she had sex. Wondering if and when they could do that too.

Chessler scoffed. “Boys’re stupid.”

“Y’re stupid,” Laney defended.

Thus another one of their arguments began. Common amongst the two friends so different from one another. But always ended in that way that was easily forgotten, and always was. Tessa was just thankful that all of the attention was off of her for the time being.

Until Riley sat down on the floor beside her.

Riley Lopez. Tessa’s best friend since daycare days, when they were just learning to walk and playing with the toy horses together. Hair dark and curls unruly with eyes to match, Riley was a leader. Always had been. She was confident and caring, stood up for herself and for her friends. She was late to everything, a trait inherited from her mother, but you could always count on her to show up eventually. She listened well, and liked listening to Tessa best.

“You like someone,” Riley pointed out quietly as their other friends continued to bicker.

Not a question. A fact. Straightforward but kind.

Tessa’s cheeks heated up again, her heart pounding in her chest. “H-How do you know?”

“‘Cause’y’re all red in the face.” She leaned back against the wall. “Wanna tell me who?”

“Y’gonna tell ’im I like ‘im?”

Riley gave her a look. “Y’know I wouldn’t. Won’t even tell Laney.”

That made Tessa laugh quietly, releasing some of the tight grip she had on her knees. She leaned back against the wall with her friend and sighed. Her heart rate only slightly slowed.

“‘S’Rhett Abbott. I really like ‘im.”

Tessa shook her head and picked up the box at her feet. Just a stupid adolescence crush. She got over it eventually and he never found out about it. Mostly because if he ever did she was sure he would reject her. Or she would just keel over and die. Either or. It took a long time for her to be confident enough in herself to go after what she wanted. And by that time, her crush on Rhett Abbott was long forgotten.

Or at least that’s what she thought.

She could still feel the lingering heat in her face and neck over the way he said her name. At that small smile that showed more in his blue eyes than anything else. It was as if she was suddenly fourteen again — admiring from across a circle of friends and looking away anytime he caught her eye.

“Who was that?” Linda asked as Tessa walked into the living room.

“Just another donation,” she answered, lifting the box slightly before setting it down with the rest stacked in the corner.

They were working on sorting it all by size so they could then be washed. A few days from now, the five boys under their care would get to take their pick from the clothes for the new school year. Tessa sat down on the couch and began going through the trashbag she left to answer the knock at the door. Linda sat on the couch to her right doing the same.

“Talked for a long time,” Linda mumbled.

Linda Sarver was a caring woman, but particular and oftentimes came across harsh. Heavy-set with dark hair kept short and beady eyes hidden behind purple, wire-frame glasses. In her mid-fifties, she was unmarried and bitter about it. She would never blame the job for her circumstance, but really it was the root cause. Linda was wholly dedicated to the Home and had been for nearly twenty years. It was her life’s work, her everything. It and its inhabitants always came first to her. At the cost of her personal life and potential personal dreams.

Tessa liked to think if she at least got laid, she would be a little less uptight. But she loved her co-worker all the same.

“He’s a friend from high school,” she answered, fishing out a shirt, checking the size, and throwing it in the proper pile.

Linda clicked her tongue; threw a pair of jeans. “Just watch out for that Abbott boy.”

“Oh, so you were listening.”

“‘Course I was.” Linda glanced at her sharply. “Those Abbotts’re strange — you should steer clear is all m’sayin’.”

Tessa’s brow furrowed. From what she remembered of the other Abbotts, they seemed normal enough. Quiet, old-fashioned to some degree — classically Western and mild-mannered. Always went to church and never caused a fuss save for those boys of theirs. Her parents telling stories about Perry getting into fights before he went off to college and finally settled down. And Rhett of course drinking too much, too young. But she supposed, after all she had learned, there was always a root cause for children acting the way they do.

And nine times out of ten it was the parents.

“What makes ya say that?” she questioned.

Linda paused her sorting, set the sweater she held down in her lap and leaned in closer. Tessa raised her brows in interest, also pausing her work to listen.

“I remember when Royal first arrived in Wabang. I’s’just a kid. He just showed up on the Abbott land one day — outta the blue. And none of’em would say where he came from. What he’s doin’ on their land in the first place. Just that he was runnin’ from somethin’ and he was gonna be livin’ with ‘em from now on.” She spoke in a hush, as if the Abbotts were right around the corner and would hear her. “It was the seventies, y’could do that sorta thing back then — nobody kept any record’a kids like they do now. But, anyway, Royal grows up on the Abbott Ranch and when him n’that Cecelia were old enough…They got married.”

“Oh,” Tessa said, head cocked to one side.

She had never heard that story before. Had never even thought to ask. That meant Royal wasn’t even Abbott by blood. And the ranch wasn’t his at all. It was Cecelia’s. She was going to have to ask her parents about this the next time she saw them. While she believed Linda, she wondered if they even knew.

“Exactly.” She whipped the sweater out of her lap to check the size. “S’like marryin’ your brother.”

Tessa didn’t say anything more and it was quiet for a long time.

As much as she loved her, she didn’t want to end up like her co-worker.

Though Tessa loved her work and the Home and all the boys under their care, she didn’t want to suddenly be fifty and single and as bitter to love as Linda Sarver. But so far, after working there full time for two years, Tessa didn’t see a way to avoid it. Her hours were long. Her days off were few and far between and often interrupted by a call that she was needed. The few dates she did schedule moved around until they gave up or canceled altogether. She didn’t even have a place of her own. All she had was a small room in the upstairs portion of the Home — in case of an emergency — and that was it. No privacy. Just Linda across the hall like some ghost from her own future. Showing her exactly what she was going to end up being if fate didn’t intervene.

Angry at love, alone, and buried in rewarding work — but still nonetheless buried.

On Sunday, Tessa had the day off and had almost completely forgotten about Rhett Abbott. She packed a bag, and left the Boy’s Home with hugs and promises to be back on Monday morning.

She spent the day at her parent’s place. A horse ranch with acres of wide, open pasture and two dozen or so horses in their care. Some of the other ranchers of Wabang liked to call it a tourist ranch due to the cabins on their property they rented out for a bit of extra cash and the horse riding lessons they offered. Her parents had always paid them no mind. Liking to remind them that their children usually came to their ranch to learn how to curve barrels and weave polls. That usually shut them up nicely.

The house nestled just off the main road, dividing the line between their east and west pastures, was small. A rebuild in the sixties after the original farmhouse was knocked down in a storm. No one was alive who remembered the storm — but according to the stories it was the worst Wabang had ever seen. Made of yellow siding and stone, the house barely contained the Abernathy family of five while Tessa was growing up. But now all three daughters were older and moved out and the tiny house suddenly felt like too much room for just Nathaniel and June.

Tessa pulled into the short drive with a smile. Her older sister’s car already parked near the front porch.

Inside, the house was bustling with life. Her sister’s three children running around on the hardwood floors, being chased by their Poppy. A George Strait record was playing, filling all the corners and cracks with I Can Still Make Cheyenne. Distantly, she could hear pots and pans clattering together in the kitchen. No doubt her mother and sister trying to coordinate cooking breakfast together. The furniture was old but comfortable — well lived in. A quilt made by her mother draped over every couch and chair. The walls were covered in family photos and art bought at craft fairs.

It was nothing special. But Tessa felt her very bones settle into the space. A weight from weeks spent away lifted from her shoulders. This was coming back home. A release and an anchoring.

Her brother-in-law, a ranch hand who seemed perpetually tired, was the first to greet her from his spot on the living room sofa, looking at his phone. “Hey, Tess.”

“Hey, Slick,” she answered as she toed off her sneakers at the door.

The kids ran by giggling and screaming on their way to the dining room to then loop back through the kitchen and the living room to do it all over again. They were slowly pursued by Tessa’s father acting like a monster. His hands raised high over his head and loud roars added to the cacophony of sounds. The sight made her laugh as she dropped her overnight bag on the floor.

But he stopped the act once he spotted her. His wrinkled face as treated leather lighting up as he brought her into his arms.

“Tessa-Bug!” he laughed heartily as he squeezed her into his broad chest. “Oh, I’ve missed you!”

She wrapped her arms around him, feeling like that same little kid but all grown up all at once, and took in his familiar scent. Hay and Old Spice soap.

“Missed you too, Dad.”

“Tessa’s here? Oh, thank God!” her sister Shiloh called from the kitchen.

Her mother chimed in loudly. “Honey, we desperately need your assistance in here!”

“They’ve been tryin’ t’make y’r quiche for twenty minutes,” her father muttered to her like it was a secret.

“Oh, geez,” Tessa laughed, releasing him from their embrace. “Better go help then.”

After the quiche was correctly put together, Tessa explaining that the egg mix needed mayo which was why it didn’t look right, her mother and sister got started on the other breakfast items. Biscuits and gravy, sausages and bacon, and french toast for the kids. Shiloh broke out the things for mimosas and made each of them one with a mischievous smile. The kitchen soon filled with the smells of good food, laughter, and singing along to Do the Right Thing.

“Wish Rachel was here,” her mother commented on a sigh as she got down the plates.

Shiloh and Tessa shared a knowing look. Rachel was the oldest Abernathy sibling. She lived two hours away in Casper and didn’t come out to visit her family much. Her excuse was always that she was busy. Which was taken as truth for a few years after she moved back from New York. She did just open her own law firm, after all. But as the years went by, the excuse was taken with more and more grains of salt. Everyone knew why she didn’t come to visit very much. A little bit of shame can go a long way, it seemed.

Only June Abernathy still held out hope for her oldest daughter. And would do so until the day she died.

Tessa, on the other hand, couldn’t help but think poorly of her sister. She was raised in Wabang, on that same horse ranch, just like the rest of them. But then she went off to New York and met that accountant — and suddenly she was too good for this place. For her family. It made something sour rise in her stomach. Share a glance with Shiloh who harbored similar feelings.

Mostly, she just hated the looks that would overcome her parents at the mere mention of Rachel. The sadness. The hope. How could she treat them that way? How could she make them feel like there was anything to be ashamed of?

Neither Shiloh nor Tessa made any reply to their mother’s quiet comment — continuing to cook breakfast in silence.

With the table set and the kids wrangled into staying in their seats, breakfast began. Praises and thanksgiving were passed around along with all the different dishes and sides. Nate groaned loudly as he took the first bite of quiche, giving Tessa a thumbs up and a slow nod of appreciation. She just laughed and rolled her eyes affectionately.

Slick helped one of his sons cut up his french toast and poured an appropriate amount of syrup over top. Then he leaned over and kissed his wife’s cheek with brown eyes brimming with love. He may have always been tired, but Slick Vawter loved his wife more than anything in the world.

And Tessa wanted what they had. Those love-filled looks. That trust and respect and care. That hand on her thigh beneath the table, letting her know she was on a team. She wasn’t alone. They were in this together.

But instead, she was surrounded on either side by her parents. Who laughed and told stories from the weeks since she last saw them. Who insisted she get a second helping of quiche. Who looked at her with love in their eyes but it wasn’t the same.

It wasn’t what she couldn’t seem to find.

“Saw Rhett Abbott the other day,” Tessa commented off-handedly when the conversation seemed to lull, pushing around the last bits of sausage on her plate.

Her intent was to ask them all the story about Royal and Cecelia Abbott. If there was any truth behind Linda’s words. Who, after a few days to think about it, seemed oddly disgruntled about the whole thing. Part of her wondered if Linda was at all jealous of their relationship — even going so far as to imagine that once upon a time Linda had a schoolyard crush on Royal. But bringing up Rhett seemed like the best way to ease into it. After all, she knew her family, and knew that they liked a good lead-up story.

Shiloh perked up from the other side of the table. Her children long dismissed to keep playing. “Didn’t you have a crush on ‘im in high school?”

“Maybe.”

“He the bull rider? Royal’s kid?” Nate questioned with a furrowed brow, leaned back in his chair to continue sipping at his black coffee.

“Yeah. He’s pretty good,” Slick chimed in.

June’s face lit with recognition. “Oh! He’s the one y’wrote in y’r diary ‘bout!”

“Ma!” Tessa hissed, exasperated, already feeling a heat rushing to her cheeks.

Maybe she shouldn’t have brought up Rhett after all.

“Wait, what’d she put in’er diary?” Shiloh asked, grinning ear to ear.

“Ma, don’t you say a word!”

“Not much,” June answered, glancing over at her daughter with a grin over the lip of her coffee mug. “Just Tessa Abbott over and over with a bunch’a hearts n’all.”

“No, she didn’t!” Shiloh laughed.

“Ma!” Tessa crooned, slapping her hands over her face to hide her embarrassment and hunkering down in her chair.

There was no way her sister was letting that go anytime soon.

“What? S’not my fault ya left it open right there on y’r bed!”

“It’s embarrassing!” she argued.

Nate leaned in closer to his daughter. “Gotta admit, sis, it’s a lil’ funny.”

Thus began an Abernathy argument about privacy and high school crushes. Linda’s story concerning the Abbott’s history completely forgotten.

In early September, the morning was bright and clear and warm. A light, cooling breeze was carried off the mountains in the west. The blue sky dotted with white clouds like tufts of cotton. The rolling green fields swayed with the long grass as a sea. It was beautiful, and it made Tessa ache with the bitter tang of nostalgia.

So similar was it to the days of her youth, and yet so far removed.

Inside the stables, she found her horse waiting for her. A beautiful chestnut pinto mare with a long chestnut mane and tail. Her face had a white blaze down the center, her eyes big and brown, and held what to Tessa looked like a kindred soul.

“Hey, Peaches, my girl,” Tessa greeted as she approached with saddle in hand.

The horse whinnied sharply and tossed her head. Excited to see her rider after so long apart. Peaches was usually out in the pasture with all the other horses. Brought in occasionally for a visitor to ride when needed because she was one of the more well-behaved and patient horses. But it was clear that Peaches missed being ridden by Tessa. The girl who stayed up all night to watch her be born, named her, and was the first person to ever sit on her back. And who also wasn’t afraid to let her run at full speed.

Tessa slung the saddle over the edge of the stall and scratched at Peaches’ head. “Y’ready to ride?”

After Peaches was properly saddled and fed one of the three apples stowed away for later, Tessa climbed onto the horse's back and set off at a trot out of the stable. The sun was hot but cleansing — and beautiful. It shone in Peaches’ mane and upon the still dew-covered earth. Birds chirped from their nests high in the stable rafters and the sky overhead. Distantly, she could hear her father singing as he worked in the garden by their house, her nieces and nephews screaming with glee; and it made her smile.

She set off through the west pasture, towards the old creek and the mountains beyond. Once they were clear of the fence, Peaches took off at a gallop with Tessa’s gentle urging. The wind whipped through her hair as she crouched down closer to Peaches’ back, reigns only held loosely in her hand. Peaches knew where to go. Towards the hill that overlooked the valley below, a single oak tree standing resolute at the top.

Her spot. Tessa’s spot since she learned how to ride. The place she would go when she just needed to be alone, to take a minute to breathe, to let the world settle around her. She always felt her most happy on that hill. Where the sun shined and the wind cooled her skin. Where there were no worries about school or jobs or relationships or anything. Where it was just her and Peaches and the great Wyoming sky — stretching forever and infinite.

Recently, however, there has been a new addition to her hilltop sanctuary.

The man in the valley.

Beneath the hill, further west, was a parcel of land not owned by the Abernathys. The great oak tree, really, was the border of their property — the fence only a short way down the hill. For years, nearly all of her growing up and even some of her adult life, the land wasn’t owned by anyone but the state. Left wild and overgrown but beautiful. The valley below filled with wildflowers of all colors, a little stream, and surrounded on all sides by dense forest.

Until one day, coming on five years ago now, Tessa rode up to her spot on the hill and found there was a gravel drive leading into the valley — and a nice solid foundation had been poured. From her perspective, it was no bigger than the size of her thumb held up to one eye. She asked her parents who had finally bought the parcel, but they had no idea who it was, just that they must have gotten a mighty good deal on it since it had been sitting for so long.

In five years, not much progress had been made on the house.

As she got down from Peaches and fed her the second apple, she looked down into the valley to see what had been added since the last time she was able to get out there. The framework appeared almost finished. That alone took him almost two years.

Him. The man in the valley. The only person she had ever seen working on the house.

Tessa couldn’t tell much about him. Except that he liked to wear hats, drove a blue truck, and was slow with construction work. Those were really the only facts she could assume. Everything else, she made up some story.

She liked to think he was building the house for his future bride. Making it big enough for them and a few kids — the kitchen with a lot of windows just how she liked. Only working on it when he could find the time. Ring tucked in his pocket to keep it safe. Tessa liked to think he listed to Kenny Rogers and George Jones while he worked. That he cursed really loud when he hit his thumb. That he loved his girl so much he wanted to give her this. A beautiful home on beautiful land, just for them, made with his own two hands. But it wasn’t ready. Not yet.

It made a sigh, longing and heartache, well up inside her as she gazed down into the valley. Hands in her back pockets, brown hair picked up by the breeze. A beautiful fantasy, one that probably wasn’t even real. But it was fun to pretend. To think that stories like that still existed for some people.

Even if it would never be her.

Tessa perked up, however, when she noticed that the man’s truck was in the drive. She always felt a bit like a creep when they were there at the same time, but really, she couldn’t help but love watching him. Fantasizing about what he may be like and what he was building for.

He was wearing his regular hat today — not his stetson. Dark hair peaking out the back. The truck bed was open, tools and two-by-fours spilled out onto the hatch. He walked around from the other side of the house, flannel in hand. It was starting to get hot as the sun rose in the sky and noon approached. Chucking the shirt into the bed of the truck, he picked up a water bottle and titled his head back to drink.

Surely he was handsome. A ranch hand with lean, farmer’s muscles to match. A rugged sort of beauty. Someone who worked with his hands and smelled like Marlboro reds. Wore his boots until they were falling apart and liked his beers chilled. Her man in the valley.

Turning on her heel, Tessa walked under the shade of the oak tree where Peaches was already taking refuge from the sun. She could still see the man, leaning against his truck and staring at the house, from there. Her parents could probably tell her who bought the land now. But at this point, she didn’t want to know. The story she made up for him and his house too sweet to be soiled by reality. So, she sat down with her back leaned against the great big trunk, and she watched quietly.

Not even an hour passsed, the man moving back and forth between the area behind the house that still needed framing and his truck for wood, when her phone began to ring in her pocket. Another perk of her spot on the hill. It was high enough that she still got some cell service. She smiled, Riley was calling her.

“Hey, what’s up?” Tessa answered.

“Hey, babe,” Riley replied, clearly working on something in the background. “This’s a Sunday you have off, right?”

“Sure is. Y’wanna make plans?”

“Yeah. Rodeo’s tonight — that sound good?”

“Sounds great.” Tessa got up from the ground, wiping the grass and dirt from her jeans. “Meet you there?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll meet ya there. By the uh — by the funnel cake stand,” Riley said, sounding distracted — most likely from finishing last-minute paperwork for her father’s construction company.

“Funnel cake, gotcha.”

They spoke for a few more minutes, mostly about how they hadn’t seen each other in a while and they were excited to do something together for once. But eventually, they hung up, Tessa bringing Peaches out from under the tree branches so she could hop back into the saddle and start heading home.

But she couldn’t help but look down into the valley one last time. One last glimpse at the house and the man who was building it one day at a time. Only, it looked like he was staring up the hill at her, somehow. And she wondered if he knew there was a girl on the hill who liked to dream about him.

i no longer have a taglist, please follow @anniesocsandlibrary and turn on notifications for updates

#oc: tessa abernathy #fic: here to stay #fd: outer range #rhett abbott #rhett abbott x oc #rhett abbott fanfiction #rhett abbott fanfic #rhett abbott fic #rhett abbott imagine #outer range #outer range fic #outer range imagine #outer range oc #ocapp #chapter update #fic rewrite #rhett abbott x tessa abernathy #lewis pullman

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sunskate · 1 year ago

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youtube

this was good- the tent story is at 33:20 the campground they chose was 50 km west of the rink and traffic could be brutal. a budget decision for July and September. they like camping. 3 weeks was a bit long. camped in Lake Placid the week after the summer competition, hiked - they're outdoorsy. it wasn't a curveball for them. a good area to save a bit of money for when they need it the most. she feels more refreshed sleeping on a harder surface, he didn't have any problems

in New York, they train alone, no other teams around, so going to Montreal, with 20 other teams is a good balance - they learn a lot from watching the other teams, and it lights a fire to be around them, to have other teams watching them

at Junior Worlds, Oona got food poisoning. he heard her throwing up at 1 am but didn't know how bad it was until they went to the rink, and he said let's jog like they usually do, and she said ...i can't...😥and curled into a ball. she pushed through, had no energy to be nervous, and they won

for the OnIcePerspectives video of their Metallica program that went viral during the lockdown - they trained for that the same way they'd train for a competition

their RD: Oona listened to a lot, they had I'm Still Standing as a top choice, so they decided to do all Elton - a coincidence that it comes from an album called Ice on Fire. they took it to Montreal, Romain would suggest let's put this here, let's put this there, and Gage would cut the music every day. their other coaches had input about other songs, they have a group text with the IAM coaches and went back and forth to shape the program

FD: wanted to skate to All by Myself for a long time, especially Oona, but felt like they weren't ready for it last season. threw a lot of pieces as suggestions to IAM, and this was the one they also responded most strongly to. the first month working on that program, he would stay up really late cutting the music as they shaped it. Hugo Chouinard helped for the final product. they started the process of looking for program music 2 weeks after Nationals, were making the programs by March

costumes: reused previous costumes for the RD because the new ones weren't ready- they needed to be altered, and they didn't have time before Finlandia, then they went almost straight into their GPs. she says they're getting sick of these, they'll have the new ones for Nationals

training for back to back GPs after Finlandia: started off lighter in between, had faith in their endurance and training. didn't go down in intensity between the GPs. was worried about how at competitions you skate much less, and how that would affect their fatigue levels

next up is Nationals. goals- more focused on total scores and points. may shift to thinking more about placement. want top 5-6 at Nationals. there are so many - 4-5 teams- right there with them. anybody's game. a goal to show up and have solid skates and see what happens. details, more speed, more flow - going to Montreal after Thanksgiving for 3 weeks. a bunch of Xmas shows in the city that help performing in front of an audience

what sets them apart from everyone else- Oona: we're small 😂 Gage- have gotten the compliment before that they're fiery. sometimes it's not a compliment, like they're always go go go go, too much, need to take a deep breath. so, having the fire but also want to show they can take a deep breath too. but other teams are good at that as well. this season can be a time to set ourselves apart and find out what does

another skater's style they take inspiration from? not really - not trying to be like them. be unique, be themselves. take inspiration from Tessa and Scott, but our skating styles aren't similar. a lot of skaters at Monreal that we'll watch. not modeling our skating but our mentality. they motivate you in a way because they're there and skating so well, it makes you push harder

styles they like to skate: tango. he prefers that to Latin because they can look stern and look at each other stern😅 they like doing hip hop and blues and 80s. they like older music, 70s 80s.

how are they similar or different from each other-- he's more outspoken and social. their humor is similar at times (she says not all the time) their dedication and passion towards what they're doing are similar. both musical - they play in a bagpipe band. are doing the interview from South Carolina at a bagpipe competition. their older brother is a drummer in an Irish marching band. Gage wanted to play a loud instrument. found a competitive Irish pipe and drum band

like being busy- they sightsee at competitions, get requests to bring back magnets, shirts, mugs for their 5 siblings and parents

favorite program of the past 4 seasons from any discipline: VM Moulin Rouge. Gage: it made me feel some kind of way. Nathan's Nemesis. HD's last free dance. Kaitlin and Jean-Luc's programs. their last year's made him teary eyed- they move me. i want our programs to be that way- make tears happen. but Moulin Rouge is #1

#Youtube #oona and gage #the browns

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thecandywrites · 1 year ago

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The Switch Chapter 16 Finalle

I'm sad to see it finished, but relieved it's done too. Granted, I'll still add more to this universe later. But for now, I really need to get this off of my plate so I can go back and finish others before I focus on even more because I never seem to have a shortage of unfinished fics that just...need to be finished before someone uses an AI to finish it for me.

But nonethe less, enjoy. And as always, thank you for reading.

Chapter 16

Meanwhile, Samantha had opened bids for all the ships besides the Magnifica, and the Superiore and the Ethereal, which belonged to their Majesties, Ron and Millie and your parents respectively.

And was starting the bid out for The Minor first and was working her way up the rest of the fleet.

And no sooner had you both finished basking in the afterglow before you snuggled into the couch and brought up the bidding on the messengerari as you both couldn’t help but laugh in delight as the fortune that was suddenly flooding into your accounts from the sales of each ship.

“Such sums don’t feel real.” You whispered as you watched it practically live from your spot, happily snuggled into Kragan’s chest as you kept the light blanket over your nakedness as well as his, happy to have as much skin as you did, touching his.

“They do to me.” Kragan laughed as he was content to comb his fingers through your hair as his other arm wrapped around you securely.

“Well at least to you it’s real, it’s all still, surreal to me.” You admitted.

“Oh, it’ll feel real when Serena comes. It’ll probably feel too real for that.” Kragan teased.

“Oh, don’t remind me. It’s going to hurt like hell. She’s huge!” You admitted as you gestured to your belly.

“Nah, she’ll be perfect. Just like her mother.” Kragan reassured you as he stroked down your arm before you turned to your side to turn your head up to look at him.

“She’ll be perfect like her Daddy.” You whispered before you leaned up to kiss him as he curled down to kiss you in turn.

But then it seemed, that was what Serena had been waiting for all along, as suddenly your water broke and you both gasped.

“Oh shit! Oh shit, she’s coming right now!” You blanched before Kragan got you up and got you moved to the delivery bed and quickly got dressed and then called the midwives from the galley that your water had broken and that labor was starting as your first contractions started.

“Don’t tell anyone at the wedding!” You urged Kragan as he came back with the midwives who came and helped you get resituated in the special sling from the ceiling to keep you in a quasi sitting yet reclining position for what you feared would be days of labor.

“No one else knows except who is in this room My Love.” Kragan immediately reassured you as he sat in his spot next to you and held both of your hands in both of his own.

“Good, Millie would never forgive…oh gods! Serena!” You exclaimed as your eyes shut tightly as tears formed in the corners of your eyes as another contraction hit.

“Tessa, we’re getting the bath poured right now, the water has already been boiled and purified. Serena may take several hours yet. But it will ease your body through the birth.” Madeline reassured you from her spot on the other side of her as her assistants had the water beginning to pour into the bathtub from where it had already been purified, boiled and then was running through a water heater that would quickly heat it up again as the assistants put special oils and salts into the water. And once it was ready, Kragan carefully walked you over there and carefully let you sit down into the supremely comfortably warm waters as you breathed a sigh of relief to feel a deep sense of relief from the pain and discomfort of the birth as Kragan even got dressed into the special swim trunks to sit in the special stool behind yours so he could hold you through the entire thing. But Kragan giggled to feel a small sense of numbing on his own skin from the special additives in the water to help with pain.

“Sorry, this isn’t funny, it’s just that the water is making my skin kind of numb and my own leg hair is tickling my legs.” Kragan admitted.

“More.” You demanded of Medeline who put another dose into the water.

“Oh that’s much better.” You sighed when you felt the pain melt away with the stress as you practically slumped and only frowned and slightly grimaced at the contractions, but could settle into the process as it felt like you practically slipped into a transe where nothing and no one else existed outside of this small tub, your husband, your baby and you and your midwife.

And before you knew it, you had progressed in labor to begin pushing.

“You’re doing so good My Love.” Kragan murmured to you as he let you use his forearms to brace your hands on as you hunched forward on your honches on the stool to help speed Serena’s delivery as Madeline knelt between your hands to keep her hands at your opening.

“Serena’s crowning. I can see and feel her head! She had quite a bit of hair!” Madeline announced loudly before you heard cheering and applause break out in the next room over.

“Who is cheering?” You asked between pushes.

“Your parents and your family as well as his. They’re all in the next room over to give you and Kragan privacy.” Madeline informed you.

“Oh, but Millie’s wedding…” You began to hazily argue.

“It’s already over. You’ve labored straight through it. It’s fine. They’re all here for you, for Serena and Kragan.” Madeline answered.

“Oh, is…is she happy?” You asked.

“You’ll get to ask her yourself soon enough Love.” Kragan soothed behind you as he kissed your back, between your shoulder blades.

“I…I need to be more forward.” You insisted.

“Ok, turn around, face Kragan and get on your knees.” Madeline encouraged you as she had you get on your hands and knees in the water before you turned and crawled into Kragan and wrapped your arms around his neck and shoulders as you buried your face into the crux of his neck and shoulder as you cried and whimpered from pain as you could feel Serena crown and then drop down.

“Serena’s head is out, just a few more pushes to get the rest of her.” Madeline urged before you beared down as hard as you could before the rest of her slipped out.

“You did it! She’s out!” Madeline cheered before she let you pull her up through your legs to your chest.

“Serena! Serena!” You cried as you were crying so hard as you watched as she opened her eyes under water but held her “breath” so to speak until you pulled her up from the water before she seemed to instantly try to “swim” which got you and Kragan to start laughing while you were crying to see her move until you lifted her up. And the moment she was clear of the water and you wiped it away, she looked straight at you, in her perfect blue green eyes and cooed right at you as you were already sobbing as Kragan cradled you and her into his arms.

“Hi Baby. There you are. I’m so happy to finally meet you.” Kragan cried as he reached down to stroke her face as she coughed and sneezed her own airways open and just cooed at you both and actually smiled to hear his voice.

“She knows who you are!” You cried as you clutched her to your chest as you sat down once again in Kragan’s lap.

“Of course she knows who I am. She knows who you are too. Don’t you Honey?” Kragan cooed to Serena who was happy to be held and look at you both and coo some more.

“I thought all babies were born crying. She’s born laughing.” You cried as you held her closer to your face only to have her reach out to touch the apples of your cheeks.

“She’ll cry soon enough, trust me.” Madeline smiled. From the waters that had turned pink from the bleeding.

“Oh no, Baby, don’t cry. Mommy is right here. Mommy will always be right here.” You cooed to her as you kissed her all over her perfectly beautiful face that showed off that she was definitely her father’s daughter.

“Ok, the cord has stopped pulsing. It can be cut now.” Madeline urged before Kragan took his favorite knife and cut the cord before it was tied off.

“Here, let her eat.” Kragan noted when he could see the milk already drip from your breasts.

“Oh! Yes, you poor thing, you are probably starving huh?” You asked as you moved her in your arms to your breasts as Kragan helped cradle her until she could latch on.

“Oh my goodness, like a barracuda!” You laughed when she had no sooner latched on before she sucked her first milk down.

“I thought it would hurt more. Why does all of this feel so good?” You wondered aloud as you marveled at your perfect daughter in your arms.

“Because the pain killer in the water. Which leaves just the natural happiness every mother feels after giving birth.” Madeline answered.

“Ok, now you have to deliver the afterbirth. Give me one more push.” She urged you before you did just that and you felt like something just as big as Serena passed as Madeline practically grabbed it up and pulled it out of the water to be tied up and removed.

“And no more surprises? Like a twin right?” You asked.

“No. You’re done. It’s just her. Ok. You guys can get out whenever Serena gets done eating.” Madeline proudly informed you.

“Thank you so much Madeline.” You thanked her.

“Hey, I’m a Kiana, it’s in my blood.” Madeline winked at you since Madeline was from a very long line of midwives.

You let Serena drain that breast before she popped off and started to fuss but you used that moment to get yourself and her- oh so carefully out of the tub and get moved to your own bed and in a nursing night gown and once you were dressed and she got a quick bath and dressed into a diaper and dressed, Kragan got dressed in a set of pajamas but didn’t get in bed with you as your family was then shown in by Madeline’s assistant Ivy to see you, Kragan and Serena, with your parents and his being the first “wave” of visitors as Kragan was happy and eager to get hugs from his parents and then get a hug from your parents too before they came over to see you.

“She’s so beautiful!” Your mother cried as she picked Serena up and held her in her arms as she instinctively rocked back and forth.

“Yes you are! Little Serephina! You’re just darling!” Your father cried as he peeked in to see his first grandchild.

“Congratulations. I’m so proud of you. And I’m so happy she’s finally here.” Your father bid you as he hugged you and kissed the crown of your head.

“Me too. I was worried she was going to come before Millie walked down that aisle.” You offered as you hugged him back.

“Ugh. tell me about it. She milked that walk for all it was worth.” He groused.

“I still am, so proud that you decided to go small and discreet for your wedding, I feel I need to give you the difference in expense as a trust for Serena.” Your father offered as he got Serena from your mother and got to cradle Serena in his arms. He had never imagined that his grandchildren would ever be anything that purely human, or even part elven. But he felt little Serena was the perfect blend of you and Kragan as his chest was filled with pride that Serena was his first grandchild and he was so proud and found it fitting that she was a girl and could only hope she would turn out just like her mother.

“Well, you still can, there’s no time limit for that.” Kragan offered.

“Well I just might then.” Your father grinned as he swayed softly with Serena in his arms.

“She really is, just…perfect.” Your mother cried as you could tell your parents didn’t want to hand her over to Kragan’s parents to hold her, but caved when Astrin reached for her.

“I’m surprised you’re not calling her Peppermint.” Thaddius teased as Astrin got Serena from your mother’s arm to hold her and coo to her.

“But you do look like a ‘Serena’ and you are awfully serene.” Astrin cooed happily at Serena who cooed sweetly back and smiled happily as your parents and his all practically surrounded her as you were relieved to simply lay back into the soft pillows and smile as you felt the ache and pain from the birth start to settle in. But Kragan was right there and watching his daughter, practically like a hawk. But you could tell he too was quite proud.

“You just couldn’t wait to crash the party huh?” Thaddius teased her as he prodded her chubby cheeks and marveled at her perfect little ringlets that had already been oiled and defined.

“Her hair is so fine and soft. It’s really a marvel. She’s going to bring ringlet curls into fashion, everywhere she goes.” Astrin marveled as she reached up and twisted the various locks into perfect little curls around her fingertips.

“Probably.” Kragan smiled and nodded.

“Well, we best be off, let everyone else get their turn too.” Thaddius offered as he got her from his wife and kissed her cheeks before he handed her off to Kragan before they left to let your siblings in.

“She’s too perfect.” Saffiro cried.

“Just wait till you hold your own.” Kragan winked at him.

“I know, won’t be too long now will it?” Saffiro smiled at Samantha.

“No, not too long at all.” Samantha shook her head as tears came to her eyes.

“And you were worried, for nothing I take it.” You teased as you hugged Samantha from your spot.

“For nothing, it’s like they all already knew.” Samantha admitted.

“And?” You asked.

“And it’s not at all a problem. I thought it would have been.” Samantha confessed.

“I’m happy for it.” You smiled serenely at her.

“We broke a new sales record last night.” She informed you before she showed you the final totals of all the sales from the rest of the fleet on a small hand held messengerari that showed all the sales from everything the night before.

“No…” You began to say as your eyes popped open to see such a sum.

“You did it. You broke a billion in sales in a single night.” Samantha proudly informed you.

“Granted half of it came from just the single fleet, the rest came from orders. That damn Magnifica.” She laughed through the last of her tears.

“I couldn’t have done any of it without you.” You thanked her as you hugged her again.

“I couldn’t have done it either without an amazing product to sell. I never thought…” She got choked up.

“Thank you. Thank you for this.” She thanked you as she hugged you tight.

“Thank Kragan, he’s the one that invented the ships in the first place.” You murmured into her shoulder.

“I should.” She nodded before she pulled away and playfully punched Kragan in the arm.

“Ow, what did I do?” Kragan asked with a chuckle as he reached up to rub his arm.

“Love your wife to the point of invention and make the single most profitable product in the world.” She answered as she handed him a copy of the final sales.

“No way, this can’t be right.” He shook his head in disbelief.

“Oh you better believe it. It was smart to unveil the fleet at the wedding. Every. Single. Guest. Bought a ship. If not one that was unveiled, then they ordered their own. Those damn Magnifica ships. There’s going to be no sunlight, just hulls of those ships as far as the eye can see.” Samantha teased.

“Oh good grief, we’re going to need to build at least two more skyports in each place, just for the magnifica ships then.” Kragan realized when he saw the number of them that got ordered.

“Yeah, I know, sign here.” Samantha said as she had already gotten purchase orders up for such a thing that needed your signature and his as you readily signed it with Kragan before Saffiro passed Serena to Samantha to hold so he could get the messengerari.

“You better be grateful for the damn empire your parents built for you Squirt.” Samantha urged Serena with a small growl before Serena outright growled back, her little grunt delighting everyone, as you were stuck by how similar it was to a lion cub trying to growl.

“There we go, now that’s a good orc baby.” Samantha cooed as she kissed her cheeks before Milie and Ron came in, their flowing robes glinting a gorgeous pearl as they did.

“Goodmorning Lovebirds.” You cooed from your seat to see them.

“Well it was a good night.” Millie giddily and gleefully answered as she hugged you and kissed your cheeks.

“I’m sorry you missed it but, then again, you had the best reason to miss it. So? Where is little Serephina?” Millie asked as she came over to see Gwen holding her securely.

“Rawr!” Serena squeaked at Millie with a big smile as Ron and Millie started bust up laughing.

“Oh look at you! Aren’t you just so ferocious!” Ron wrinkled his nose and mimicked her as Millie carefully got her from Gwen.

“Oh come now, don’t listen to him. You’re practically a little princess Serephina, yes you are! You’re just a little jewel, like a beautiful emerald gemstone, perhaps a bit more aquamarine though. Yes you are.” Millie cooed to Serena as Serena simply cooed and played with her fingers before taking one and biting it.

“Ouch! Oh, you must be hungry, ok, let go. Let go, you do not want to eat my fingers. You need your mama’s milk, yes you do.” Millie quickly walked her back to you and pried her finger out of Serena’s mouth.

“We’ll get out of your hair and let you guys get some rest. Congratulations, she’s beautiful.” Ron offered as he gave you a gentle hug and a kiss to your cheek.

“Thanks.” You thanked him as you were getting ready to put yourself and Serena down just as the dawn was coloring the sky and Kragan saw everyone out of the room before he got into bed with you after taking off his pajama top.

“There’s my girls.” He cooed as he gathered you and Serena into his arms once more.

“Here we are.” You smiled as you felt her nursing start to pull you down to sleep.

#The Switch #The Switch Chapter 16 Finalle #The Duchess and The Sailor #orc love story #renaissance orc period drama

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parkers-gal · 4 years ago

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Tom x reader where reader wants to move out & live with Tom only (not with boys). Tom doesn’t want to move out, maybe Nikki has a talk with him

the one T.H.

➢ a / n | went a lil overboard, heh, but enjoy this ! sorry it took a lil while :,(

➢ wc | 2.5k <3

｡☆✼★━━ requests are closed ━━★✼☆｡

There’s too many dishes in the sink, you note. There’s so many, that they won’t all fit for one load in the dishwasher. It’s a pain, and you know nobody in this house has the patience to wait for two full loads to carry through, so you have to hand wash half of them and allow the whirring machine to do the other half.

If this were a romantic comedy, you’d have Tom standing next to you and you’d hold hands under the suds while you wash the dishes together and chat about your future. This isn’t a rom-com, though. In fact, you don’t even know where the boys are right now. You were certain they went into the den to play Call Of Duty — or whatever it is that they play — but then you thought they went into the backyard with Tessa, but now you’ve just given up on figuring their whereabouts.

Not that you’re angry at Tom for not helping, though. He did the laundry with you earlier, so you’re content with his keeping end of the deal. It’s the other four that you’re a bit fed up with. Sam had just recently joined the Holland-Osterfield-Barrett household of mates, and while you’re all the more happy to welcome him in, it also means more work. There’s a chore schedule, but sometimes someone has work in a town or a country away, and the gaps in the schedule are only ever left for you to fill.

It’s tough, considering you have your own job, but you’re content with the situation — for now. You have Tom, the love of your life, and you have the best people of your life - Harry, one of your closest confidants, and Harrison, one of your partners in crime.

There’s a lot of baggage that comes with being the only woman in a household of boys that practically grew up with each other. You love Tessa with all your heart, but it’s not like you can really gossip to her about your day.

You’re not too worried about everything, anyway. The second anniversary of your relationship with Tom is coming up; it’s only a few months away, and though you’ve been pondering the idea for awhile, you’re thinking of getting a place with Tom, on your own, without the nagging and intruding fellow in-laws (to-be, hopefully).

Six weeks, today marks, for how long you’ve been thinking about the idea, debating whether it’s valid enough to bring up to Tom, deciding when the best time to talk to him would be. He’s a hard man to navigate — getting a spot in his busy schedule is like fighting to the front of a One Direction mosh-pit. That makes it practically impossible.

But, you’re Y/N. You’re his sweetheart, his darling, his weakness. You’re the most important person in his life, and when you want to have a serious conversation with him, Tom’s all ears and eyes, attentive and caring, understanding and, hopefully, supportive.

You’re hoping it won’t take much convincing — he’s lived with these people all his life, and if it’s truly hard for him to decide, you’ll know what he really wants then.

Ringing out a few glass cups, you let them dry on a dish rack that sits on the countertop. The buzzing and whirring of the dishwasher alerts you that it’s still happily running, and you walk towards the glass sliding doors that lead to the patio and backyard. Peering out, you see all four housemates and Paddy, playing with a frisbee and wrestling with Tessa and messing around with a rugby ball on the trampoline. They look like kindergarteners on the playground, and you decide then to bring them some lemonade like a mother in summertime.

“Hope you’re all a bit thirsty,” you set the tray down with a warm smile. Sam shuts his book of poetry to smile up at you from his seat. He’s been reading for a good fifteen minutes, but you reckon he’ll hop on the trampoline when Harrison gets off. For now, he watches as the Irregulars star jumps happily with Tuwaine.

“Oh, sick,” Harry runs over with the frisbee still in his hands, reaching for a glass and taking a big gulp. Tessa’s at his feet, awaiting for the frisbee game to resume, and you pet her head for a moment before Tom runs over to you, hair matted to his forehead in sweat.

“You’re the best, love,” his hand finds the small of your back as he kisses your temple. You smile again, eyes shutting in bliss at the feeling of his lips, but his hand maneuvers you so he can reach for a glass without bumping into you.

One by one, they come over for refreshments, before picking up where they left off beforehand. Tom’s last to leave, wanting to talk to you before playing with his brothers again.

“Oh, I have to talk to you later,” you whisper, fingers tracing down his damp (sweaty) shirt with a giggle. Tom raises a brow, and you nod softly, “Just, when you have time. Now have fun,” you push him off, and though he’s still just as curious, he leaves you alone on the patio. Taking one last glance at the rowdy group of boys, you bring the tray of empty cups inside, sliding the door shut and sighing to yourself. More dishes to do.

——

Tom’s drying his hair with a purple bath towel when he comes out of the steamy bathroom. He sighs contentedly, before remembering your words from earlier. He brings it up, “What was it that you needed to talk to me about?”

He walks over to the dresser while you look up from your phone. You hum as Tom puts something away, and you shut the electronic device off, setting it on your nightstand and twisting to face his direction.

“I wanted to talk to you about… us, I guess.”

You see Tom’s movement slow, and he removes the towel from his damp curls, turning around hesitantly. You smile, waving him off, “Nothing bad, I promise.”

He lets out an inaudible “phew,” and nods. “Good.” You agree with a nod of your head, and he furthers on with the questions. “What is it, though? Is it something important?”

“I mean…” Tom places his towel on the rack before walking to the opposite side of the mattress “Sorta?” You offer, and you see the gears turn in his head. He sits down across from you, on the bed, and he smiles encouragingly, still a bit suspicious.

“Well, I’m all ears, darling.”

You smile at the familiar pet name, and with a final breath in, you admit what’s been in your head for the past few months. “I was thinking maybe we could… move out… without the boys.”

It’s dead quiet for a few beats while the words sink into his mind. You’re not sure how he’s going to react, but you watch to gauge his reaction.

His mouth opens, almost as if he’s about to say something, but then he closes it, as if he’d suddenly second guessed himself. For once, you truly can’t read him.

“I thought… I thought you liked living here?” he says softly, almost a bit saddened.

You sigh with your words, “I do! Really, I do, but…”

“But…?” He bites his lip.

“Well, I mean…” you exhale again, “We’ve been together for almost two years,” he’s still listening, “Don’t you think we should be a little more independent?”

“I mean, sure, if we were a normal couple.” He laughs at the joke, and while you do too, it’s not really genuine, but more forced for the awkward tension in the air. “I just thought you… y’know, enjoyed spending time with everyone.”

You nod understandingly. “I do, Tom. Really, I do. But… y’know, we’re not getting any younger. I just thought maybe it was time for us to get a place of our own.” It comes out as more of a suggestion, a question for him to respond to. You quietly bite your lip while Tom nods at the information he’s taking in.

He looks down at his fingers, before locking eyes with you. “Can I think about it?”

You shut your eyes softly while nodding. Tom blinks, before standing from the bed, giving you a kiss on the forehead and bidding farewell, heading downstairs for more quality time with his brothers.

——

It’s been a week since that conversation took place in your room. You didn’t think it’d go so… bad? You’re not sure if you should say that, because he didn’t exactly say “no,” he just didn’t seem enthusiastic about deciding at all.

It’s a quiet Saturday. You’re out bowling with a few of your friends, news of one of them getting engaged spreading like wildfire. She’s having a dinner party later, but for now, you’re keeping the meeting small, inviting your closest circle for the fun day at the bowling lanes.

Tom asked you if you wanted to reschedule the dinner with his family, but you insisted that arriving late would be fine. It’s only four o’clock — the Holland family likes to come for late lunch and spend the night playing games and drinking beer, until the clock strikes midnight and Paddy’s passing out in the backseat on the way back home.

At least now, only one Holland brother stays with the parents.

Somehow, someway, the conversation had shifted to you. Everyone’s gathered in the living room, scattered on sofas, couches, beanbags, armchairs, loveseats. Tom misses you at his side, but the conversation of how your work is going just reminds him of what you’d proposed a few days ago.

“How’re things with her in general, though?” Nikki, Tom’s mom, asks with a smile. The eyes shift towards Tom, and he can feel his face heating up.

“Yeah, how’re things with the lovebirds?” Harry teases.

Tom chuckles, anxiety bubbling in his stomach, twisting his. “Uh- they’re- they’re good, yeah,” he assures them, though shaky.

“You sure, there?” Harrison teases. “Did someone propose or something?”

“No, no,” Tom airily chuckles. “Nothing like that.” “Oh?” His dad picks up, “What, then?”

“She- uh…” he licks his lips out of habit. “She wants to move out. Find a place for us, she said.”

The tone in which Tom tells them lets them know that he’s a little less than enthusiastic about the whole ordeal. It’s something that raises a red flag for Nikki; it’s something that makes her brows furrow in confusion.

“Oh,” Sam breaks the silent. “I’m happy for you, bro,” he pats Tom’s shoulder.

Tom smiles, though it’s forced and a bit spaced out.

“What’re you gonna tell her?” Harry asks. “You want it too, right?”

Tom shrugs weakly. Nobody talks about his responses, his reactions. It’s all a bit unexpected, for Tom to not be on board with the next step of the relationship.

“I mean, I don’t know, really.” He confesses with a nervous laugh, running a hand through his curls. “I’d miss you all so much. I just… I don’t know, I guess I just thought she liked living here too, y’know.”

A collective number of “yeah’s” and “mhm’s” go around the room, and Tom nods nonchalantly before the conversation switches to something more exciting. For now, Nikki lets it go, just until she can get her eldest in a room by himself, and before you get home.

It’s when Tom’s getting snacks for the group that Nikki decides to offer her help in the kitchen. They’re just putting dinner in the oven and preparing appetizers, but still, any opportunity to talk to Tom.

“So,” Nikki smiles, and Tom giggles while she puts another slice of tomato on the dish they’re preparing. “Moving out, huh?”

Though her tone is teasing, Tom can’t help but get shivers. He nods, quieting down a bit. Nikki’s movements remain, but Tom stops working altogether. “I don’t want to move out.”

His mum turns to look at him, and she nods, almost as if anticipating the confession. “Why not?”

Tom clicks his tongue, looking down as if he’s ashamed of feeling this way. “I just like things the way they are right now. I know at some point, someone’s gonna move out and the clan’s gonna go our separate ways, but I don’t want to be the one to go first.”

At this, Nikki fully turns to talk to Tom, no longer making dinner. “Tom…” She wipes her hands on a kitchen towel, and Tom does the same. “You were the first to go, you know.”

His eyebrows pull together in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” she sighs, “Your career was first to take off. You ran out that door so fast, we couldn’t keep up.” Tom laughs, reminiscing to himself. “You’re going to keep growing,” she says softly. “You can’t stop that. You can’t stop everyone from growing apart. Sure, you might not grow apart, but you won’t always be this cute little boy band from your school days.”

“Not a boy band, mum,” Tom grumbles. The two of them share a knowing smile.

“You can’t blame yourself for growing, darling,” she steps closer, grabbing one of his hands just like he had grabbed hers the day he was first born. “You can’t expect to be the glue that holds this- this temporary situation together forever. You’re not a superhero,” the two of them laugh again, but then Tom nods knowingly, and Nikki can see a faint batch of tears spring in his eye sockets.

“No, I know, mum.” He sniffles. “I guess… I don’t know, i’ve just always been afraid of never being there when everything changes. I always come back and everyone’s a different person, just…” he searches for the words, “with the same faces.”

She nods, turning back to her dinner dish. Tom keeps his eyes trained on his hands, which are planted on the countertop.

“She loves you a lot, you know.” Nikki says after a few beats. “She just wants a bit of privacy, a bit of your relationship without your annoying brothers.”

“Annoying is right,” Tom teases. They laugh again. “Yeah, I guess I just never thought of that.” Nikki hums, and the kitchen grows silent for a few moments. “Thank you, mum.”

“For what?”

“Being there.” Tom replies. “You never gave up on me, and now… I don’t know. It means a lot to me that you’re helping me with something so important to me.”

Nikki’s eyes soften, and both of them tear up. She nods, this time breaking the silence again. “I know how much you love her,” She says quietly. “One day, she’ll be yours for forever. She’s the one — I can see it in both of your eyes.”

Tom sucks in a breath and wipes his eyes. “I know she’s the one, too.” He adds in another tomato to the dish. “She’s always been it for me.”

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wizkiddx · 3 years ago

Text

this deleted itself but the req was for an ill reader who likes to try and carry on even if they feeling shit and tom noticing I think?!?

Summary: you take start to feel a bit shit at toms family barbecue and get caught out and taken care of

///////////

It should've be lovely, an evening in the rare but much appreciated British summer sun in Dom and Nikki’s garden. Everyone was there; all the Holland boys; both sets of Tom’s grandparents; Haz and his long time girlfriend Lucie. It was a reunion of sorts, although no one had been away working, you’d somehow all timed your individual holidays simultaneously. You and Tom to Australia; Sam and Harry to south-east Asia; Paddy, Dom and Nikki to Sweden. Having all returned in the space of a week, everyone was catching up, involving great British barbecues (which are always a little disappointing) and a fair amount of booze.

You were sat on the garden furniture with Tessa (Tom’s grandma), Nikki and Lucie. Very much a ‘girl power’ meeting if ever there was - which in a family full of boys was often needed just to keep the peace. Everything about the evening was lovely… except perhaps your body. God knows why, because you rarely got ill - having not had a day off work in two years. As much as you’d been trying to push away the slow creeping feeling for a couple of hours - it was now getting impossible to ignore. The slightly unsettled feeling in your stomach had you fidgeting in the wooden chair constantly, trying to ease it by shifting positions... to no avail.

“Y/n… Y/n?” Looking up to see three pairs of beady eyes trained on you, you faked a smile, looking over to Nikki who had been calling your name. “Tess was asking how long the flight back was?” “Oh sorry, was miles away!” You tried to cover, shifting once again, this time pressing a hand to your lower abdomen in the hope that’d distract you as you turned slightly to make eye contact with Tessa. “And I think 11 hours ish.” The girls all pulled a grimacing face in sympathy, to which you chuckled at. “No no honestly cos Tom spoiled me completely so we were in the fancy seats, I honestly was spark out of it the whole time!”

It was enough of a response for the girls to all nod, carrying on the conversation as you, now not the main focus, rubbed your pulsing temple with your other hand - in the hope to relieve some of the building pressure. Clearly, though, you weren’t a subtle as you thought - since Lucie got your attention by bumping your shoulder and leaning in closely. “Come to the loo with me?” It sounded like a question, though it very much wasn’t - the stern look in her eye enough to scare you into agreeing. With a word to Nikki and Tess, you both stood up and made your way to the inside, not stopping until you were locked into the thankfully spacious downstairs loo - the brunette eyeing you intently. “You look like shit.” “Thanks Luc, that’s exactly what I needed to hear right now.” You sighed, sitting on top of the closed lidded loo heavily. “What’s up?” Her tone was harsh and to the point, but secretly there was a look of worry in her eyes. She was one of your best mates but sometimes could also scare you shitless. “I think I’m just tired, it’s my stomach and my head, I’ll be fine.”

Lucie didn't really seem to believe you, but respected your stubbornness and after providing you with two paracetamol capsules from her bag, she let you off - both going back into the garden, where, by now Sam was plating up the slightly charred burgers.

Naturally, you’d sat next to Tom, who had pulled your chairs right next to each other - so that his leg was pressed up against yours, his arm pulled around your shoulder. That was just Tom, away from the prying eyes of the public and media, he really was an affectionate person. He just liked to feel you there. God knows how long you all sat in those same positions, but it was long enough for the sun to set. In fact, you most definitely weren’t the person to ask, because at some point, unbeknownst to you, you’d zoned out. Nobody had noticed, under the cover of the low sunset light, until Tom felt your head briefly fall against his shoulder before it shot up once again - your eyes blinking heavily.

He frowned at the sight, seeing you huddle your arms across your body, which was bizarre due to the unbelievable hot weather in London. Yes, it might have shifted into nighttime, but it was still at least 24 degrees. So as his Dad had the entire table captivated recounting some long and complex tale of his touring days, Tom took the opportunity to squeeze your shoulder - grabbing your attention.

“You alright love?” In response you just hummed, eyes shifting up to him after a little delay - similar to how your reflexes became stunted with alcohol, though Tom suddenly realised you’d barely had more than half the glass of beer he’d poured you when you’d both arrived. “ I’said are you okay?” “Yeh… yeh I’m fine.” You forced a small tight lipped smile, whilst Tom took his arm that was round his shoulder to rest on the crown of your head before slowly stroking down your hair. “Sure? You seem a little out of it?” He pushed, still in a whisper so as not to draw attention to the two of you. “Maybe just tired.” Flat out lying, you shifted back into the backrest of the chair a little more making his hand accidentally land on your forehead rather than your hairline. He didn't move it though, instead sitting and swivelling in his chair, pressing the other side of his hand to the skin as well. “You’re burning up Y/n/n” he spoke a little louder - eyes full of concern as he looked you up and down. “No I’m a bit cold if anythin-“

That was when Nikki, from across the other side of the table got involved. She’d obviously been silently observing the two of you, now feeling the need to send you both home. “Oh, we forgot dessert! Tom, Y/n would you mind helping me bring it out?” Thank god for Nikki, for finding a cover story and stopping everyone's eyes on you. Because for someone dating, three years deep, an A-lister - you hated any sort of attention, even from those closest to you. Especially sympathy, you had absolutely no time at all for that.

Leading you into the kitchen with his arm wrapped tightly around your waist, Tom waited till the door was shut before turning to you.- claiming you were boiling and looked not so great. “I’m just a bit cold if I can borrow one of sam’s jumpers then-“ “Love, please go home.” Nikki interrupted as she wormed past Tom to put her own hand on your forehead too. “You’ve got the chills and you’ve not been normal all day. Am I right or am I right?” She was the worst to argue against. That was completely due to the fact she was always right. With a defeated nod from you, she clicked her tongue, pushing you to sit down on one of the barstools. “Tom go get a jumper from Sam’s room and order a taxi, I would drive but we’ve all been drinking.” “I can just go back by myself T, you don’t get to see your grandparents a lot and -“ “I love you but please please shut up.” Having rounded the back of your chair he pressed his lips to your temples as confirmation before scurrying off to the back of the house.

“You know he doesn’t mind at all? My son never was at my beckon call like he is with you.” There was a little smile teasing the corner of her lips as Nikki placed a glass of water in front of you, as though instructing you to take small sips. “I just feel bad, he’s always telling me how he regrets not spending more time with all of you and… well I’ve had him to myself for the fortnight in South Africa.” “Your just as much a part of the family as me or his grandparents are okay? Now when you get home..”

Nikki switched the tone to then list off all manners of ways that you needed to look after yourself once back, which she then repeated as soon as Tom returned with a black hoodie that you gratefully pulled over your head.

//////////////

By the time you got home, you were feeling so incredibly shit you weren’t even considering keeping up your brave face. Tom had wordlessly led you up the path to your shared home, unlocking the door and telling you to go straight to bed.

Perhaps he was so concerned because in the whole three years together he’d never ever seen you ill. Yes, the odd headache or whatever, as well as the occasional morning after the night before when you’d opted for a ‘tactical chunder’ to try and protect your modesty. But other than that, you were always the one being sympathetic to him. When he was tired, both emotionally and mentally from work; when he hurt his knee and was on forced bed rest for a couple of days ( which turns out to be the hardest time for you too, dealing with the whiny and fidgety boy man).

He came up a couple of minutes later, by which point you’d already pulled joggers on and wrapped yourself as tightly in the duvet as physically possible. If felt so bloody cold your teeth were actually chattering as you curled up into the smallest ball possible. In his hands was a small tray, carrying a steaming mug; a collection of all the different pill packets you kept in the medicine cabinet (as Tom himself had no idea which one was right so decided to use them all); a hot water bottle and what looked like a damp towel, all scrunched up.

No matter how shitty you felt you had a smile at how sweet and doting Tom was being... and as much as you hated the sympathy - if it was always given by a ripped and beautiful brunette with the sharpest jawline you’d ever seen… well just maybe you could get used to it. After snatching the hotwater bottle up immediately, then letting Tom fuss over you in every which way he wanted you gave in, losing the ability to entertain his puppy energy.

“Can we just go to sleep please?” You whined, which Tom nodded to - quickly getting changed and ready before joining you in bed.

As soon as he felt the way the bed was practically vibrating with the chills you were suffering from, he pulled you up into his chest. Now you had both your own personal heater and a hot water bottle to try and warm you up. “You wake me up if you need anything kay?”

Pressing a kiss into the crown of your head, which was nestled between his shoulder and neck. “Promise me ‘kay?” Him needing the reinforcement caused you to arch back up, looking deep into his brown eyes with the warm glow of his bedside table lamp. “You’re too good to me Tommy.” He tutted at that, bringing his hand up to cup your cheek.

“Oh no” He whispered exclaimed, making you immediately ask him what in response. “I think this fever is making you go all delusional love.” You quirked your head, causing him to continue with a cheeky grin. “Well for one, nothing would be too good for you darling and two…. When the hell have you ever called me ‘Tommy’” With him chuckling at his own joke, you rolled your eyes at his cheekiness, firmly planting your head back on his shoulder as if to shut him up. “Alright, I’ll let you off just this once cos your all feverish… get some sleep love.” “Thankyou Tommy.” “Shh love.”

And that’s how you fell asleep, finally finding a bit of warmth in Tom’s arms.

Safe to say he very much didn’t sleep so well. Yes, you felt cold - but Tom was bloody boiling. Still he didn't move because if you were comfortable, his discomfort didn’t matter. It was also a physical impossibility for him to relax until he felt (yes, technically not the most scientific way) your fever coming down. Every five minutes or so he’d gently press the back of his hand to your forehead. This boy was so whipped for you... but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

~~~feedback is really really appreciated~~~~

taglist for tom: @lovehollandy12 @hollandlover19 @thefernandasantana @hunnybunimdun @hallecarey1@cedricdiggorysimpp @msmimimerton @hollandfanficlove @pandaxnienke @crossyourpeter @thegirlwiththeimpala @tom-softie @sunwardsss @spiitfiiires @radcloudenthusiast @ladykxxx08 @prancerrparkerr @wildxwidow @Elishi03 @arctic-monkcys @Ownbauer13 @tomhollandlol @marvelsbitch8

#tom holland imagine #tom holland fanfiction #tom x reader #tom holland one shot #tom holland imagines #tomholland #tom holland #tom holland x reader #tom holland fluff #tom holland x y/n #tom holland angst

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themimsyborogove · 2 years ago

Note

prompt : au where Magnus was around when James and Lucie were growing up. I refuse to believe they didn't have an Uncle Magnus in their life 😔

So much of the drama in TLH just wouldn’t exist if anyone had realized that something had happened to their letters instead of thinking they were being ignored. Alas.

——

Magnus frowned at the postscript of the letter in his hand, Ragnor’s usually elegant scrawl becoming sharper with irritation.

Please deign to reply to at least one of the Herondales’ letters so they will stop harassing me about your well-being. My High Warlock duties do not include keeping tabs on my wayward friends for the Nephilim.

What letters? Magnus wondered. It had been a few years since he had heard from Tessa or Will Herondale, not since the birth announcement of their son. He assumed life with a baby had gotten hectic and correspondence with old acquaintances had just fallen by the wayside. But if what Ragnor said was true, it appeared there had been more than a few letters that Magnus had never received.

Well, there was one way to find out for sure. Magnus grabbed his hat and coat and headed for the door.

——

Magnus waited in the parlor that the red-haired maid had shown him to, looking around the room and trying to remember what had been here the last time he had visited and what was new. It was strange to think how, in a few short years, Will and Tessa had gone from tragic teenagers to the heads of an entire institute.

“Magnus!”

Magnus turned toward the door at the sound of his name, and saw a sight even stranger. Tessa, who looked nearly as he remembered her, with a yawning baby on one hip, and a slightly older child hiding behind her skirts.

Tessa beamed at him, radiating happiness in a way that warmed Magnus’s heart to see. “It’s been such a long time,” she said. “We were worried that we hadn’t heard any news from you.”

Magnus smiled back at her, unable to help himself. “A recent note from Ragnor Fell implied that you may have sent some letters that I never received. I thought it prudent to come myself and guarantee the next one was delivered properly.”

Tessa’s smile fell slightly. “We did send several letters with someone who was on their way to the New York Institute,” she said. “I suppose I should have guessed they might not have made it to you.”

“An unfortunate accident, I’m sure,” Magnus said, knowing that it hadn’t been. “We’ll figure out some way to keep it from happening again.”

“Mama,” the little boy behind Tessa whispered in the carrying voice of small children. “Mama, his eyes look kind of like mine.”

Tessa’s expression softened as she turned to look at the boy, shifting the baby on her hip so she could reach down and stroke the little boy’s wild curls. “Jamie, come out and say hello,” she said gently.

The boy shyly shuffled out from behind Tessa, and Magnus realized that his eyes were indeed a shocking shade of gold. Not quite the same as Magnus’s, but much closer to his than to Tessa’s gray or Will’s blue, or even the lighter blue of the smaller child blinking owlishly at him from Tessa’s arms.

“Gold is a very fine color,” Magnus said, winking at Jamie. “You should be very proud to always have some on hand.”

Jamie giggled, and hid himself in Tessa’s skirts again. Magnus met Tessa’s eyes and saw the question there, the does this mean anything? that must have been weighing on her since her son was born, that she didn’t have anyone to ask.

What else had Magnus missed in the letters he had never gotten? Were there other things that Tessa may not have been comfortable bringing up to Ragnor, or the other warlocks in London that she didn’t know as well?

Tessa herself had never developed a warlock mark, and her children had even less demon blood than she did. Magnus didn’t know if the color of her son’s eyes meant anything, but he could help Tessa find out. He could, at the very least, make sure she wasn’t alone, scrambling to find answers to warlock questions in the middle of Shadowhunters who not only had no answers for her, but might treat her badly for asking in the first place and reminding them that she wasn’t entirely Nephilim.

“I think I plan to stay in London for a little while,” Magnus said, deciding on the spot. He was sure Ragnor wouldn’t mind extending his hospitality for a little bit longer, at least until Magnus determined if he would be staying long enough to need his own flat again or not.

“I’m so glad to hear that,” Tessa beamed at him again, and even Jamie lifted his face out of hiding to grin shyly at Magnus. “Will is out on patrol, but he’ll be delighted to see you when he gets home.”

#magnus bane #tessa gray #james herondale #ragnor fell #tsc #the shadowhunter chronicles #fic prompt

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thechangeling · 3 years ago

Text

What's in your head?

5 times Kit didn't realize he had ADHD and one time they did. Also he/they Kit in this one because I said so. Also I just realized that I've never done one of these before!

Cw: Internalized ableism and accidental food deprivation.

Full disclosure this is based on how I experience my ADHD. This may not necessarily line up 100% with your experiences.

Title is from the song Zombie by The Cranberries.

1.) "Kit are you even listening?" Dru snapped. Kit was pulled out of his previous thoughts as Dru's annoyed face came back into focus.

They cleared their throat. "Yeah totally," Kit lied. In their defense they had fully intended to stay focused on whatever Dru was saying.

However the clock in the living room was especially loud and distracting. Everytime he tried to pay attention to what Dru was saying, she would be drowned out by the ticking of the clock and his focus would just latch onto that.

And then came the daydreaming. Or the "zoning out" as Tessa called it. Without even meaning to, Kit would just drift off to somewhere else in his head, like a fictional reality he was currently obsessed with, or a memory.

In a blink of an eye they would just be gone and then Kit would come back to annoyed or downright angry people.

Speaking of which...

"So what do you think?" They heard Dru ask. Kit cursed internally. They shrugged, feigning nonchalance.

"I don't know Dru. I'm kinda too tired for this ok?" They made sure to add a certain amount of laziness to the way they pronounced those words, trying to sound sloppy. "I didn't get any sleep past night."

Dru gave Kit a "I don't believe your bullshit for one second look" and raised her eyebrow. "Look I just wanna make sure that we don't accidently end up getting Ty the same thing! But if you don't care then fine," she muttered passive aggressively.

Kit felt like he had been punched in the chest. He had the inexplicable urge to curl up into a little ball and hide. Guilt pierced through his body.

They tried to compose themself and shook it off. "Hey I'm sorry Dru," Kit pleaded. "I do care. You know that." They pulled themself up onto the living room table so they were facing away from the clock. If she thought this was weird, she didn't comment on it.

"Alright fine," she declared. "Let's try this again. Once more with feeling!"

2.) Kit was bored out of his mind. They had been in heavy research mode for hours now and... yeah well for starters, he couldn't stop fidgeting in his seat. This was nothing new really but he was usually able to try and quash in down in front of other people. Apparently trying to focus on something super boring for the past forever was not helping.

Everytime they tried to read from the giant text in front of them, they just couldn't. It wasn't like Kit wasn't trying, that was the problem. They were really trying but everytime Kit attempted to read the single spaced, small font, it was like all the words just mashed together. It was impossible to focus on any one particular word.

He was sitting with his feet against the end of the table in the library and his chair balancing on the back legs, wobbling back and forth to amuse himself. Julian was glaring at him from across the table and Ty was smiling fondly, his own book forgotten.

Kit smiled at him, making partial eye contact (seeing as Ty was probably staring at their eyebrows.) The funny thing about Kit and Ty was that they didn't need to talk to connect or to spend time together. They could often just sit in silence next to one another and just...be.

Kit could still feel Ty even when he wasn't touching them. They could feel him on the inside, like a bright swirling essence wrapping it's way around Kit's heart and moving across, leaving warm spots in it's wake.

To Kit that was love. That was what it felt like to love Ty. Occassionally that warmth burned and seared his chest painfully. But it was worth it. It would always be worth it. Just to feel Ty.

They could sit on opposite corners of the room and be doing completely different things and Kit would feel closer to Ty then he had ever felt with anyone else. The internet had informed him that this was called parallel play. It was an autistic love language.

Kit contined to rock a little and Ty looked like he was suppressing a laugh. Julian then chose this exact moment to slam a textbook down on the table, startling Kit which caused them to slip.

The chair fell backwards for one terrifying millisecond before it stopped in mid air. Suddenly Ty's face was peering down over Kit, looking annoyed. Ty had caught his chair.

Kit let out a breathless chuckle as the panic faded from their body.

"Hey there beautiful," Kit murmered gazing up at Ty's adorably scrunched up face. All the tension seemed to leave him for a moment as Ty blushed and smiled slightly at his words.

Julian began to yell at Kit for being so careless, but they chose to tune it out and stare at Ty's perfect lips instead.

Later that evening, Kit and Ty were watching Netflix together on Kit's laptop when he noticed Ty looking at him. He had a sort of curious expression, like Kit was a puzzle he wanted to solve.

Kit loved that look.

Kit paused the show they were watching and smirked at Ty.

"What gives Sherlock?"

Ty looked a little guilty. "Oh sorry! I just-" He bit his lip. "I just noticed that you're tapping." He pointed to Kit's hand where Kit was actually shocked to realize that they had been tapping their fingers frantically against their thigh.

Oh.

"It looks like stimming a bit," Ty mentioned. "Does it help?"

"With what?" Kit asked.

Ty shrugged. "With whatever stress you're trying to elevate I suppose."

"I-," Kit froze.

Did it help?

Honestly Kit wasn't really sure. He had been doing things like tapping and flicking his fingers and running his fingers through his hair for as long as he could remember. It was as natural as breathing.

"Yeah," they finally admitted with a soft smile.

"I think it does help."

3.) Kit was completely obsessed. There was literally no other way to describe it. For the past approximately two days or so they had been spending every waking moment either playing the new video game they were obsessing over, talking about it, or daydreaming about it.

They were beginning to loose sleep from how often Kit would push the boundaries of their body and force themself to stay up way later then they should just so they could play a little longer. Kit found they could easily ignore hunger, ignore tiredness, ignore the need to go to the bathroom easily.

It was like the word fell away when he was playing and nothing else mattered.

Kit knew that logically he probably should have been kinda concerned but he just couldn't find it in himself to really care. Not when he was so happy being so absorbed in it. He couldn't stop talking about it either, to anyone who would listen. Kit knew he was starting to piss people off but it was like there was this bubbling tension inside of him that needed to burst out.

Kit was currently in the training room with Ty, Dru, Emma, and Julian. They were desperately trying to focus on sparring instead of daydreaming about Life is strange, the video game they were currently obsessed with.

It wasn't going very well.

Kit let out a surprised yell as they were once again swept off of their feet by a swift kick from Emma, landing on their back with a painful thump. Kit groaned as Emma cheered in victory again, doing a little dance and going to high five Julian who was beaming at her lovingly.

"Ow!" Kit whined, giving himself a moment to lie on the floor soaking in his defeat. His right ribs felt like they had a hammer taken to them.

A moment later, Ty appeared hovering above him just like the situation with the chair. His smirk wasn't mocking or judgmental in any way, but playful and loving. Although he did look a little concerned.

"You've been quite terrible at this lately," Ty said in a breezy conversational tone as if he were talking about the weather.

Kit rolled his eyes fondly. "Gee thanks Ty, I love you too," he drawled, trying not to sound too angry. Ty extended his hand to Kit and Kit grabbed onto it, allowing Ty to pull him to his feet.

When Kit was up they instantly clutched at their side and winced from the pressure. There was probably a giant bruise forming. They needed an iratze. Almost as if Ty had read Kit's mind, he produced his stelle and pulled up Kit's shirt to reveal the bruise.

They had been dating for two years now but Kit still shivered when Ty's fingertips met their skin. Julian gave Ty an annoyed look from across the room.

"Ty come on you can't just grab at people like that! You need to ask first," Julian scolded. Kit couldn't help but laugh a little. He and Ty didn't really have any reservations about being all over each other anymore. Ty was totally fine with Kit touching him and even seemed to really enjoy it.

And as for Kit. Well...he definitely didn't mind.

Ty rolled his eyes fondly at Julian and chose not to respond, drawing the iratze with careful motions. Emma and Julian packed up their stuff and left the training room, muttering to each other in low voices.

"What is going on with you though?" Ty asked. "You seem distracted." His hand was still resting in Kit's side.

Kit bit his lip. He was afraid to mention the game to Ty seeing as he had been shut down so often already. Logically Kit knew that Ty of all people probably wouldn't judge him or be annoyed, but he couldn't shake that feeling.

That inward cringe Kit felt everytime they were passionately raving about something and Tessa or Jem or someone else would immediately show signs of boredom or disinterest. Or worse, they would give each other a certain look that Kit had to assume they thought was subtle.

It wasn't.

And then Kit would just feel guilty and embarrassed for waiting peoples time.

They wanted to say it was nothing but Kit knew they could never lie to Ty.

They sighed and absentmindedly ran a hand through their curls. Ty dropped his hand and let Kit's shirt fall back down. He was staring at them with his head tilted slightly, wearing a mix of curiosity and concern.

Kit called it Ty's "Data head tilt" because it basically was.

God he was so fucking beautiful sometimes Kit just wanted to scream.

"I've just been really invested in this video game recently and I can't stop thinking about it," he admitted. Now that Kit was saying it out loud it sounded pretty stupid. Ty just stared back at him for a moment before smiling one of his soft inviting smiles. It was like being engulfed in a warm fluffy blanket.

"Tell me about it," he murmered. And Kit couldn't help but grin.

He understands. He always understands.

4.) Kit was late, again. He was supposed to be starting his morning training but instead his "five minutes checking social media" turned into half an hour and now he was watching a cockatoo dance to Another One Bites The Dust instead of actually doing the thing he was supposed to be doing.

But he just couldn't move. Everytime he tried.... Kit just couldn't. He hadn't even eaten breakfast yet or gotten dressed. It was like there was this immovable force keeping him in place, in his bed.

Suddenly there was a banging on his door. "Kit get up you're late!" Dru shouted from the other side. "By the angel! Are you still asleep? Didn't you set your alarm?"

The thing is, Kit did set their alarm. They set multiple alarms. Ones on their phone, a digital one half way across the room, it didn't matter. It didn't work. Kit would snooze the first one and tell themself, "just five more minutes."

It'll be ok. You still have time. Just a few more minutes. You have time.

Until they didn't. It was like twenty minutes went by in a blink of an eye and Kit didn't understand why.

"I'm coming!" He yelled, and pulled himself out of bed, forcing himself to start the day.

Arriving late to training earned him a scolding from Julian, especially when he reminded him that there was reading he was supposed to do in order to study a new kind of weapon Kit was meant to be trained in using. The Flail.

Kit thought it was kinda fitting, seeing as how he was currently flailing pathetically through life with nothing to grab onto.

"Why didn't you just do it as soon as I asked you?" Julian reprimanded him.

I tried, Kit wanted to say. I just couldn't.

They had been intending to read the material, they just....forgot? Kit knew it sounded pathetic but they just didn't know what other explanation there was. It was in Kit's brain as a thing they were supposed to do and then they got distracted by a phone call from Tessa and then.... and then it was just gone.

"Just write it down next time," was Julian's response after Kit explained.

Kit was always getting advice like that.

Just write it down. Keep a planner. Set your alarm. Leave sticky notes on the fridge. Set reminders on your phone.

None of it actually worked.

Kit distractedly fumbled his way through training, having to spend extra time learning the things that he didn't read. Next came the Clave meeting that he was intending to take notes during, but Kit forgot pen and paper and had to borrow some from Ty. But he found himself strangely lightheaded and dizzy.

It made it hard to focus.

Afterwords they were supposed to write Ty's birthday card but Kit found themself unable to start. I mean what did you say to your boyfriend on his birthday that he shared with his dead twin sister whose ghost you were contemplating sending back to the afterlife or wherever the hell.

That worry was paralyzing and the fear of screwing it up just lead Kit to procrastinating and the longer they waited the worse it got.

Kit whipped out their phone to listen to some music while they worked and got distracted by scrolling through tik tok.

That was three hours ago.

"Kit?" He heard a voice call from the other room. It was Ty. He frantically put away all of his card making supplies and tried to look inconspicuous as Ty entered the living room.

Kit smiled as soon as he caught sight of Ty, his worries and stresses momentarily put to rest at the sight of that face. Ty didn't smile back, but he made a beeline straight for Kit and climbed onto his lap, wrapping his arms around Kit's torso and burying his face in the nape of his neck.

Kit hugged Ty closer to their body. "Hey sweetheart," they cooed, carefully to keep any concern out of their voice. Ty usually sought Kit out when he was feeling crappy. He had a tendency to need physical comfort and intimacy when he was low, unless he was experiencing overload. Kit was a little proud of themself for being the one Ty trusted the most when he was vulnerable.

Kit ran his hands across Ty's back tentatively, waiting for Ty to speak.

"The others are going out for dinner and I don't want to," he finally explained. "I've been forced to interact with people all day, I can't-." Ty cut himself off with an exhausted sigh. "I just can't."

Kit could tell by the way Ty was slurring his words slightly and speaking slower then usual that he was pretty burnt out. Ty sighed again.

"I'm supposed to ask you if you're staying or not," Ty mumbled heavily. "Do you wanna go with them?" Kit shook their head and then remembered that Ty couldn't see see them.

"No I'm staying right here," Kit said confidently. They felt Ty smile against their neck. Ty didn't respond verbally, but instead he traced a heart against Kit's back with his finger.

"Are you hungry? Do you want to eat now?" Ty asked with slightly more energy and composure. Kit then suddenly became aware of how hungry he really was. He was starving.

When was the last time he had eaten? Did he eat this morning? Kit mentally retraced his steps back through the last few hours. Then the realization finally hit him.

"Ty I haven't eaten anything since last night," Kit said in a panicked whisper.

By the angel, how could they have been so stupid?

Kit willed themself not to cry as they continued with the mental berating. The worst part was it wasn't like this was the first time this has happened.

He waited for Ty to scoff at him or to tell him how childish and irresponsible he had been. But he just stared at Kit for a moment and then stood up.

"Ok then, I'll feed you!" What do you want?" Ty asked.

Kit felt their eyes well up with tears at his boyfriend's causal display of pure kindness. Of course they should have known better. Ty was as always, Ty. Kit cleared their throat.

"So you're not mad then?"

Ty furrowed his brow in confusion. "Why would I be mad?"

Kit sighed, looking down sheepishly. "For being an irresponsible child who can't take care of themself?"

Ty instantly bristled and for a moment he seemed angry. Then his gaze softened.

"If there are things that you struggle with, then I am more then willing to help you," Ty stated matter-of-factly. "Just like you do for me."

And despite the gnawing hunger. Despite the fact that Kit was mentally and emotionally wiped. Kit couldn't help but smile.

5.) It was supposed to be an easy routine mission. No fuss. The local werewolf pack reported that a few of their kids had gone missing in the past two weeks. Helen and Aline had put Kit, Ty and Dru onto it since everyone else was out of town and Ty's Centurion expertise were crucial in situations like these.

Ty had figured out that a group of mundanes with the sight were planning on making a ritual sacrifice to a particular greater demon using werewolf blood, and kids were easier to grab. Kit knew the whole thing was making Dru and Ty pretty uncomfortable since it brought up painful memories of Malcom Fade.

It was supposed to be simple. Go in, get the kids, subdue the mundanes them get out. No problem.

But of course now there was a problem. Because nothing could ever just go according to plan where they were concerned. A group of Shax demons decided to attack that particular spot right as they were entering the abandoned building. There were about ten of them. Not undoable for three shadowhunters, but now they had to kill the demons and protect the kids and the mundanes, while preventing said mundanes from killing the children or running away to avoid punishment.

Wonderful.

Kit could tell that Ty was starting to freak out a little. He hated being unprepared for things and disliked surprises. But that was the nature of battle. They could never fully predict the circumstances.

Ty's brain didn't do so well with a mental list with more then two items on it. Kit on the other hand, was great at multitasking. He took Ty's hand in his and squeezed.

"You get the kids out, ok?" They told Ty. "Dru and I can take care of everything else." Ty instantly bristled at this, as Kit suspected he would.

He glared at Kit. "Screw you," he muttered, grasping his quarter staff tighter and pulling out of Kit's grip.

Kit laughed. Ty hated being told what do to. The fastest way to get him to do anything was to suggest the opposite. Which Kit could totally relate to.

Kit winked at him. "Wish me luck Sherlock," he said, raising his left hand that wasn't carrying his sword and conjured a burst of light that he shot directly towards a shax demon, disintegrating it completely.

The two of them leap into the fight, dispatching demons left and right. Dru was already ahead of them using the Blackthorn sword. She spun around, moving swiftly as she swung her sword across, slicing the demon clean in half with one broad stroke. It exploded, spraying ichor everywhere, but thankfully Dru managed to avoid it.

Ty made his way over to the mundanes. One of them was moving rapidly towards the children with a knife. Ty twirled his staff around and wacked it into the mundane's stomach, spinning around to face the second mundane and knocking them of them off their feet with a giant sweeping motion with the quarter staff.

Kit shook off the urge to keep watching Ty fight and leapt into the fray, kicking a nearby shax demon in it's screwed up face and plunging their sword into it's side. They jumped back swiftly to avoid the explosion of ichor.

Kit was using the ancient Unseelie sword he had been gifted by Kieran. It was about medium size, with an intricate silver hilt covered in engravings and a oval shaped blue gem stone. The blade itself was a blueish silver with swirling patterns engraved at the top of the blade.

It had been love at first sight when Kit saw her. They hoped Ty wasn't too jealous. Kit decided to call her Gertrude because they thought it was funny.

Kit continued hacking, stabbing and slashing with Gertrude as he moved through the hoard of shax demons that were dropping like flies. He looked to his left to see that Ty was subduing the mundanes by essentially knocking them all unconcious which may not have been entirely legal but hey.

Ty roundhouse kicked the last one on the face, and Kit was distracted by staring at his legs for just long enough to almost get clawed in the chest before they quickly rolled out of the way.

"Kit focus!" Dru shouted at him as she stabbed another shax demon. He was about to yell back at her when he saw Ty getting cornered by the final two demons.

Kit panicked, something you were never supposed to do as a shadowhunter. But in that moment their overwhelming fear and love for Ty consumed them.

Kit quickly summoned another blast of burning light and shot it across the room at the demons without stopping to think.

Instantly he realized his mistake when the demons, which had been right next to Ty exploded in giant bursts of ichor, completely spraying him. The sizzling sound of demonic black goo burning angelic flesh instantly echoed through the room.

Kit expected Ty to cry out, but he just winced slightly and wiped a giant glob of it off his face.

"Ty!" Dru shouted, rushing towards him frantically. Kit ran after her.

"Are you ok?" She asked, clearly panicked.

"Shit Ty I'm so sorry," Kit cut in. They surveyed the damage. There were red patches starting to appear on his skin. Ty needed to wash it off.

"God sweetheart I'm sorry I wasn't thinking!" Kit lamented.

Before Ty could answer him, Dru whipped around to face Kit. "Yeah no shit you weren't thinking!" She yelled. "Because you never think Kit!"

"Dru stop it!" Ty snapped. Kit was shocked. He never yelled at Dru. She at least at the decency to look a little guilty.

Ty wiped his hand off on his jacket and stroked Kit's cheek. "It was an accident," Ty assured them. "You shouldn't feel badly."

Kit managed a small smile for Ty and kissed his hand. "Ok."

"We need to get back to the institute as soon as possible," Dru piped up. "And someone needs to get the kids home."

Oh shit right! The kids. Kit had completely forgotten. Said children were currently huddled in a clump over in a corner looking terrified.

"I'll do it," said Kit. "You just get him home." Dru nodded, looking significantly less pissed.

Kit made his way over to the frightened werewolf children, shaking off his previous worries and switching into his non threatening kid mode that he used with Mina.

But still, Dru's earlier words rung in their head.

You never think Kit.

Maybe she had a point.

Ok so funny story I actually exceeded the word limit for a tumblr post with this fic. So I will be posting the +1 part on a seperate post. Sorry for the inconvenience.

@lavender-scented-rat @foxglove-airmid @littlx-songbxrd @queenlilith43 @arangiajoan @thomas-thedavid-lightwood @tired-vin @phoenix-and-dragon @the-wckd-powers @sandersgrey @amchara @talia-lightwood @wagnerthedragon

#tsc #twp #tda #kit x ty #adhd!kit #kit herondale #ty blackthorn #drusilla blackthorn #fae's writing

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itsbeaconhillsbaby · 4 years ago

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a luminous love || tom holland x reader

a/n: I feel like I should apologise for the length of this. I was not intending for it to be as long as it’s ended up, but I hope that doesn't put anyone off! there is also a follow up of this planned: the subsequent road-trip. both are definitely stand alone’s but there will be a few casual nods to this fic throughout. i’m thinking of doing a couple shorter blurb style fics as these longer ones take up a bit more time to plan and write. also looking to delve into my angsty side after doing so many slice of life, fluff pieces. let me know what you think, thank you all for reading and being amazing as always! come chat! x

word count: 2556 warnings: alcohol use summary: its the annual summer BBQ extravaganza at the holland household

The patio doors were wide open, folded in on themselves as shimmering golden sunlight enveloped the kitchen. Sunbeams glinted off the mirrors and glass surfaces, rainbows dancing around the open space. Light music was playing from a portable speaker, the birds chirping along to the soothing tones. You could hear voices all talking over one another, loud laughter and a dog barking. From your position in the hallway you could see people sheltering in the shaded kitchen from the sweltering heat that was London on a glorious summer day. Bodies filtered in and out through the large open space, congregating both inside and out. You felt a gentle squeeze of your hand. Taking your eyes off the crowded room and glancing up, you saw tom had rested his bag in the hallway, and was waiting for you to do the same. “You okay?” he asked, as you stepped out of your trance and copied Tom’s actions, “It’s only the family, you’ve met them before - and a couple family friends...” he trailed off. “Oh.No, I’m excited I promise!” you reassured him. Tom grasped your shoulders, spinning you round slightly so you were standing directly in front of him, your bodies touching. His smile widened, pressing a feather light kiss to the top of your head, “I got you.” You leaned into the kiss, closing your eyes quickly as you soaked up the closeness. You picked up the discarded gift bag, lost in amongst the jumble of things you and Tom had brought in for your quick stay at the Holland household. He entwined your fingers together, rubbing the back of your hand slightly with his thumb before jerking his head questioningly, ready to face the onslaught? you nodded, grinning. Pulling him in close beside you, he stretched his entwined hand across the back of your neck and up over your shoulder casually. “You weren’t having a summer Holland BBQ without your favourite, right?!” he bellows, as you both appear in the kitchen entry way. A myriad of eyes darted over to the pair of you, everything stilling for a millisecond. Even Tessa dropped her ball. Then the place erupted. “Oh honey!” “Ayy, about time guys.” “Favourite? yeah right!” “Only in your dreams you div.” “Oh look who he brought!! Thank god, I needed someone to talk about...” “My favourite non-Holland!” The cacophony of voices echoed around the room, people whooping and hollering before finishing their previous conversations. With another light squeeze, you feel the weight of Tom’s arm disappear from around you. His fingers ghosted across your back before he was hugging his brothers, pulling out high fives and fist bumps. You found yourself immediately enveloped into a perfume filled, soft hug, Nikki running a hand through your hair complimenting the slightly lighter colouring, “- I’m so glad you could both make it! I was worried you’d miss out what with your trip but it looks like we were just in time.” You were heading on a road-trip up to Scotland to visit your family since Tom had some proper free time off work, him wanting to drive and explore some pretty hidden routes with you. You’d decided to stop off for a night at his family’s house before heading off the next again morning. “We wouldn’t miss it! Yearly tradition and all, also it’s just a wee thing but please just accept it no questions.” Nikki pulls a face at the gift bag, “You don’t have to do that, you’re family - no need for gifts!” You can feel yourself falling into a grin at the comment before thanking her for letting you stay the night and for the amazing spread. You hear the pitter patter of tiny feet on the tiled floor, before your four-legged friend jumped up on her hind legs, tail thumping the ground and front legs pawing at yours. “Oh hi baby, hi Tess!” you coo softly, kneeling on one knee to stretch behind her ear and rub her belly as she continued to hop on her back legs, her tongue sticking out to lick your face. Her ears suddenly pricked at a whistle, and both your heads turned as she noticed Tom - immediately forgetting about you and bounding over to him. He sticks his tongue out at you menacingly. You rolled your eyes, grinning as you stand back up again. Nikki leading you to a group of people gathered around the island, “Anyway! Let’s get you a drink and introduce you to some friends! Tell us how you’ve been, it’s been so long.” //// You were laughing with the twins, watching Paddy show some of his new football tricks. Tessa was trying to get in on the action, pink tongue hanging out as she ran around you all. You’d already been handed plenty of drink, a table set up in the corner of the kitchen with every kind of spirit laid out for guests to help themselves to. Massive beer crates were stacked next to the fridge, clearly on a rotation. You had met and talked with so many family friends already, before the groups dispersed and you were waved over by some familiar faces. The boys were taking up a whole section of the garden with their games. Far away from the BBQ and food, as directed by Dom. “What do you say to a game of beer pong?” Harry asked you, shaking out some of the curls that were beginning to stick to his forehead in the sweltering sunshine, “Bet a tenner I’ll sink you.” You laugh, smirking, “Alright kids, you’re on!” He groaned, “I hate that nickname, you’re older than us by literally two months!” Paddy acts as referee as you and Sam pair up against Harry and Harrison who were already squabbling about each other’s techniques. As you watched your last shot dive into the cup, bopping about slightly, you cheer loudly. The competition, beer drinking and sun already heating up your cheeks, staining them pink. You hug Sam in celebration and made a beeline to Harrison for a commiseration’s handshake-turned-hug, hearing Harry to have it out with his twin next to you. “Cough up, bro.” You held out your hand upright as Harry begrudgingly slapped the ten pounds into your hand. You all start laughing as Harry downs the last cup, not before sloshing it all down himself. //// You’re lounging in a deckchair, listening to some childhood stories of the boys until you feel a shadow block your sun. “Hey darling, you alright?” He hands you two platefuls of food before pulling up an empty deckchair beside you. “Hey! So good. Warning I’ve definitely had more than my fair share of your gross beer.” You thank him for the food, pressing a soft and quick kiss to his cheek as he chuckled at you. He had already taken to the sun, his face now painted with a sun kissed glow. You take a minute, swallowing slightly as you take him in. The food plates resting on your lap, he lounges back slightly, a bottle of beer in one hand. Tess immediately jumps into his shorts clad lap, his striped linen shirt was unbuttoned and his dog tags shifted as she lay down, panting and eyes softly blinking in the sun, mouth upturned as if she was smiling. “You look good.” You whisper as you pass across his food, trying to avoid Tess’s eager snout as you did so. He quirks an eyebrow, “Oh really?” he laughs, “How many beers have you had exactly?” “Well, I played beer pong with your brothers...” He nods his head in understanding, smirking at the slight wobble in your voice. “Did you win?” “You bet I did!” The hand that was resting on Tess’s back he instead used to high-five you, laughing as he turned his head in search of his brothers. That same hand now resting on your bare thigh comfortably as his leg leant against yours. “Well, if you’ve got another round in you later...we can beat them again?” You agree enthusiastically, knowing that you’d be at a slight disadvantage seeing as the sun and alcohol was already going to your head, but that Tom would carry your team easily. More people gather round the two of you with their plates of food, engaging in conversation about golf, work, filming etc kindly including you in their conversations as you munched on your food, hoping it would soak up a little bit of the alcohol. You soon found yourselves back indoors, stomachs nice and full, as you took a break from the sun. Tom was leaning back into the arm of the sofa, wrapping his arm around your back and resting it on the opposite side of you, pulling you super close. He was talking animatedly to the man on his left, one of Dominic’s friends that you’d been introduced to earlier. You were fiddling with Toms tags, lightly dragging them back and forth on their chain as he conversed about his latest job. “I found it!” Nikki announced as she made her way over to the sofa, everyone shifting up as she squeezed in-between you and Harrison’s girlfriend, who you’d been chatting with on the opposite side of the couch. Tom groaned. “Not another one mum! I’m surprised you still have any left to show at this point.” Nikki ignored his objections before pulling open the photo album, and immediately you were taken in by the cute small toddler in a variety of places around the house; in the bath, under the christmas tree, in his high chair with chocolate birthday cake all round his face, outside in the grass on a blanket - giant smile plastered across his little face. Tom had rested his chin on your head, peeking over you. His cold tags making your back flinch slightly at the change in temperature. you cooed and laughed along with her as she took you through the book, telling you stories about her eldest, mischievous son. You could feel the vibrations against you as he laughed at different pictures, his mum leaning across to ruffle his hair. “You two would have the cutest kids, I’m just saying-“ Nikki blurted out. Tom groaned and immediately pulls himself and you up off the couch, “-I’m just saying! Tom!” “Oh, here we go! Mum you’re cut off,” he says laughing, guiding you back out into the sunshine, and past the BBQ, “Dad, mums at it again.” Dom sighs, then laughs before heading inside, “What has got into her!” You stifle a giggle, Tom with a hand on either shoulder his body pressed flush against you as he propelled you through the throng of people gathered round a fire pit, and led you back to the beer pong table. “Please ignore everything my mother just said.” You spin around quickly so you’re chest to chest. Bringing a hand up to cup the back of his neck as you pull him down just slightly, whispering in his ear, “Whilst we’re definitely not ready for kids yet, I’m definitely not against some practice in techniques...are you?” He pulls his head back sharply, golden eyes coming to life in the glittering sun. His entire face breaks out into a smile, “You’re such a tease, move it!”

Spinning you back around, he presses you forward brushing your hair behind your shoulder as he sinks some light kisses into the side of your neck, as you both continue towards the beer pong. You pretend to shove him off, his breath tickling your cheek.

“PDA! PDA! Ew, get a room guys!” Paddy jokes, cupping his hand around his mouth and announcing to the garden. “What are you, twelve?! That’s it Pads!” Tom suddenly bounds away from you, leading to a chase as Paddy runs nimbly around the garden; dodging people, chairs, cups and plates - Tom hot on his heels. You burst out laughing, shaking your head as Tom lifted Paddy, chucking him over his shoulder. You sat yourself down on the dry grass, waiting for the boys to finish their play fighting. As you do, you feel a soft body lean itself against you, tail hitting off your legs. “Hey baby,” you murmur, clapping and stoking Tess as she lay belly up in the sun, “Whose a clever girl?” //// “Here.” You sit up, having been lying on the grass since the latest beer pong match which led to copious amounts of drinking games. You’d questioned if the world would stop spinning if you lay down, a chorus of laughter coming from the boys and their friends. Tom passes you a glass of ice-cold water which you gratefully take, before hunkering down next to you himself, sitting with his knees up and his arms clasped around them. You take a couple sips before balancing your cup in the tufts of grass, he opens up one of his arms and you cuddle into him. “Your brothers suck,” you joke, the water chasing away your light headache. He laughs. “Thank you for pushing our trip back to fit this in,” You rest your head on his shoulder and look out at all the people, still having a great time despite the fact the sun was slowly disappearing below the trees. “Tom. Of course, my folks completely understand. I love your family and you don’t always get the time off to see them. What’s one extra day, hm?” He turns his face to look at you and you lift your head off his shoulder. You had a spattering of pink across your cheekbones and nose, your freckles peeking out. Your hair was falling out of its messy half up-do. yes twinkling as you looked up at him through your lashes. His hand brushed against your hair and the side of your face before he tilted your chin upwards and took your mouth in his, brushing his lips against yours. You smiled into the kiss, letting him press soft clusters of kisses on your nose and cheekbones. You laugh and bring him back to the centre. “I love you,” he announced, taking a breath before kissing you again - you unconsciously reached for the back of his neck to pull yourself in closer. “I love you too.” you sigh, shifting yourself to now lie between Toms’ legs. letting him whisper soothing words into your ears, of all the places you were going to visit on your trip.

“Oi lovebirds,” Harry comes bouncing over to the two of you. Tom leaning back on his elbows as you sit comfortably between his legs, him tightening them around you.

“I took these. Thought you might like them. Who’d of thought? You guys actually look really cute.” You hit his arm, as he dramatically yelps and rubs at the attacked area.

He held out the polaroid’s as Tom balanced on one elbow, shifting his weight to the left as he reached out and took the pictures.

“These are actually sick Haz, thanks bro!” He shifts back, sitting up with your back pressed flush to his stomach as he brought his arms round for you both to look at the small collection of photographs Harry had taken throughout the day.

You smile wide at the joy and love plastered on your faces, a tiny miniature you beaming up at your goofy boyfriend squinting in the sunlight. You feel Tom’s arms wrap around you tighter. breathing each other in, you feel him relax behind you, you trace patterns along his sun kissed skin with your fingers as the sun begins to paint the sky in gorgeous oranges and pinks.

#tom holland #tom holland x reader #tom holland blurb #tom holland imagine #tom holland fanfiction #tom holland fanfic #tom holland x you #tom holland fluff #definitely inspired by the nice weather we've been having #lisa writes

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typical-simplelove · 4 years ago

Text

Bragger (M. Barzal)

A/n: This is based of Kelsea Ballerini’s Bragger and a very self-indulgent fic. Enjoy!!

Warnings: Brief mentions of sex

Word Count: 5.3k (including song lyrics)

Italics are flashbacks

“So, Yn, tell us all about Mathew. What’s he like?” Candace, your maid of honor, asks.

You look at her puzzled. “What do you mean ‘what’s he like’?”

You were sitting at your bachelorette party; you didn’t want anything too big, so you decided on brunch with some of your friends, bridal party, and the WAGs.

“I mean, tell us all about him. How happy he makes you, how he drives you crazy but in the good way. Just brag about your fiance. Today is about you so whatever you want to share.

You smile just thinking about Mathew. Yeah, you could talk about him for days. His smile. The way his hair curls over his forehead. His arms. Dear Lord, don’t get started on his arms. You were about to start but remembered Liana, Mathew’s sister, was sitting with you as well. You didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. You also didn’t really want to brag about your relationship.

“Liana, are you okay with this? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable,” you say. You and Liana have grown quite close during your relationship with Mathew and especially close after the proposal.

Liana just smiles. “Go ahead, bride-to-be. It is your bachelorette party. You go talk about the man you love.”

“Well, then. What do you want to know?” You say with a smirk on your face.

He's got the look, he's got the touch He's got the eyes that make me crush And he's not one to make a scene But he deserves the spotlight He ain't from 'round this side of town But he fits in to every crowd And he knows how to do my body and my heart right

Mathew Barzal. Where do you even begin? The start? The first time you kissed? The way he walks around your apartment without a shirt on because (a) he refuses to do so and (b) knows it gets you going? The beautiful eyes that make you want to melt the minute you look into them? Just the fact that he knows exactly what to do to make you weak in your knees? The fact that Mathew knows exactly what to do to make the heat rush to your face and make you flustered? The list goes on and on.

“Tell us about something he does that annoys you but you secretly love,” Tessa, your high school best friend, says. She knows exactly what you’re going to say. You have spilled this to her multiple times. However, the fact that she’s asking makes your heart grow warm, best friends forever, right?

You pretend to ruminate over what to say. You, once again, look at Liana for reassurance. You doubt she wants to hear about her brother walking around half-naked. She nods and signals you to continue. You take a deep breath; you never did like talking about yourself. “Um, well, he walks around our apartment without a shirt on all the time. Not even in the mornings after we wake up. He just refuses to ever wear a shirt.”

Some of the girls sigh. Grace, Anders’ wife, and Sydney, Matt’s wife, look at you with understanding. Hockey players really hate wearing shirts and love showing off their chests. Grace and Sydney know exactly what you’re talking about.

“He claims it’s because he knows he can get a rouse out of me, which he can, but it’s also because I don’t think he likes to wear a shirt.”

“Mathew is very proud of the way he looks,” Liana adds and you smile knowing that she knows what Mathew is like. “When he used to come home before dating you, mom had to remind him to put on a shirt.”

You laugh. “I try to tell him to put on a shirt but he always just,” you pause reminiscing the memory. “He’ll just,” you feel the rush of heat to your cheeks as you try to put the words together.

“Even without Mathew here, he’s got you flustered,” Grace says with a warm smile. She loves seeing two young people hopelessly in love.

You shake your head playfully but put on a large smile. “He’ll do this thing with his face and then kiss me in a way that knocks out my breath, and I just forget about him putting on a shirt.”

“He just gets away with not wearing a shirt? He just kisses you and that’s it?” one of your bridesmaids questions. She smirks. “My husband has to do more than just kiss me for me to forget he’s walking around without a shirt.”

“Well, no wonder you’re pregnant,” you playfully retort. She knows you’re joking, and she smiles back at you.

“You’ve got me there, ynn.” The group erupts into laughter.

“Well, then, if we’re on the topic of kissing. I’m not going to ask what happens behind the doors for your own privacy. But, what’s it like kissing Mathew?” Lila, another bridesmaid, asks.

You melt at the thought of kissing Mathew. A wide smile erupts across your face.

“Clearly he kisses tremendously well,” Liana says, and her response shocks you.

You look at her and glare at her playfully.

“I’m just making an observation. Just the thought of kissing my brother puts a giant smile on your face.”

“Yeah, you’re not wrong there. I’m not sure if this is going to make sense but just here me out. When he kisses me, I never doubt he loves me. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small peck, a passionate kiss, or we’re making out. Sorry, Liana. There’s always love, and it’s almost as if it’s overflowing.”

“Oh, to be young and in love,” someone comments and everyone laughs.

“We do this thing where, assuming he’s not on a road trip, we always kiss each other good night, even if we’re angry. Yeah, I know the marriage advice. Don’t go to bed angry. Blah blah. Okay. But still. We’ll be angry and have yet to resolve the fight and just go to bed. We kiss each other goodnight angrily but the love is still there. I don’t doubt it. The way his lips linger on mine, and the gentleness despite being angry is there. I always go to bed knowing that we can sort out whatever problem we are having at the moment.”

“You guys are literally what I strive to have in a relationship,” Candace says. She wiggles her eyebrows as she says the next thing. “Any more kissing stories? Maybe some not so clean?”

You were taking a sip of your mimosa, and you choked on it. The heat immediately rushes to your face, and you know exactly what she wants. Just thinking about Mathew’s lips on anywhere else other than your lips has you turning to putty. You have to put down your glass for fears of dropping it and spilling it. These were nice glasses. You had them made that says ‘I Do Crew’, and you didn’t want to break them. Your reaction has everyone snickering.

“I hate to interject but if you’re going to talk about your sex life, I’m going to have to walk away,” Liana says. She can stomach talking about her brother kissing you but anything more than that was not something she was comfortable with.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’m comfortable talking about that, especially this sober.”

“Well, then, we have to think of something else. Come on ladies, we can figure this out.” Candace says. You really didn’t like talking about yourself. You don’t want to brag because you know that not everyone can have what you have with Mathew.

I don't wanna be a bragger But my man's a heart attacker Like McConaughey and Jagger Hotter than a Saturday night I can't help it that I flaunt him (All the time) I understand why you would want him (I don't mind) And you can keep up all the chatter 'bout my happy ever after 'Cause all that really matters is he's mine

Candace is about to say something but is stopped when you get a phone call. You look at the caller ID and see that it’s Mathew.

“Speaking of the lover,” Candace says, and you glare at her. “Just answer the phone. We’ll use your reactions as a conversation point.”

You pick up the phone and instantly have a giant smile on your face as Mathew says “Hi, baby.” The girls around you hoot and holler at your grin.

“Hey,” you say back to him.

“Wow, it sounds like you’re in a hockey locker room. How’s it going? I just wanted to check on you. I’m about to head out for my event.” Tito is taking Mathew and his friends to go golfing and then a dinner tonight for Mathew’s Bachelor party.

“Yeah, it seems like that sometimes. We’re doing well. We ate already and might get some dessert in a bit.”

“What are you guys talking about?”

“Funny enough, you.”

You can’t see him but you know that there’s a giant smirk on his face. “Oh yeah? What about me are you talking about?”

“Nothing in particular. Just everything I love about you. The way you walk around the apartment without a shirt. The way you kiss.”

“Well, make sure you tell them about that thing I do with my lips that makes you moan my name in bed.” You instantly feel the heat rush to both your face and core remembering exactly what Mathew is talking about.

“We’ve established that I wasn’t going to talk about things like that and also your sister is here, so.”

“Well, I’ll let you go and also Tito is yelling at me to get going. I love you, future-Mrs.-Barzal.”

“I love you, too, future husband.” You hang up the phone with a giant smile on your face and the girls around you all smile. “What?”

Sydney smiles back at you. “The giant smile on your face. Mathew makes you really happy.”

Your smile, if possible, gets wider. “Yeah, he makes me really happy, and I love him more than anything.”

“It’s obvious,” Candace says. “Also, what did he say to tell us that we established we weren’t going to discuss?”

You feel your cheeks warm up again. You ignore Candace’s statement and turn to the chocolate-chip muffin on your plate.

“Oh come on, Ynn. Tell us.

“Um, Liana, I’m sorry you have to hear this,” you begin hesitantly. She just looks at you. “He told me to tell you guys about that thing he does in bed that um,” Liana nods for you to continue. “Makes me moan and yell his name.”

The girls just stare at you.

“I’m not going to, though. That’s, um, a rather private matter, and I feel the need to express that I am not going to elaborate.”

Liana smiles. “Hey, at least my brother knows how to make you feel good, right?”

You look at her and are surprised that she’s not completely disgusted with what you said.

“Don’t worry. I’m here as your friend not Mathew’s brother.”

“Yn, we want more, please tell us more!” another one of the girls at the table says to you. You really didn’t want to brag about your relationship with Mathew. It was strong, loving, healthy, and made you extremely happy. There was something about Mathew, however, that made you want to talk about him and put him on display.

You smile. “What do you want to know?”

I've got his nights, I've got his name There ain't no shame in this girl's game If he was yours, you'd do the same Without apologizing

The girls wanted a story from the first year in your relationship. What story to tell them? There were so many. You first thought instantly goes to the first time you ever wore his jersey and went to one of his games. You begin telling the story.

You and Mathew had been dating for almost seven months before he invited you to a game. He wanted to make sure that you weren’t with him for his money or fame, and you understood that. You never prompted him or forced him to insert yourself into his life. You let Mathew decide when he wanted to introduce to his friends and teammates. You were fully content on watching Mathew from your television on game nights.

However, one night, Mathew decided that he wanted to have you at the game. It was a home game against the Rangers, a rivalry that has a long history in New York. He bought you your tickets and told you that your seats weren’t with the other WAGs per your request. You didn’t want to sit with them quite yet until you were ready, and Mathew respected that. Also, he had yet to tell anyone on the team he was seeing anyone.

When you left for work the morning of the game, Mathew was still there. However, when you got home, he wasn’t but in his place was a jersey. Not just any jersey, however, it was Mathew’s jersey with his number and last name on it. You looked at it and smiled; you couldn’t wait to wear it for him.

About an hour later, you put on the jersey and head to the arena. When you’re seated, you finally realize how close up your seats are. You looked around and were so giddy. You were going to be watching your boyfriend, whom you were sure you were in love with, play the sport he absolutely loves.

You watched the boys come out for warm ups, and your heart swelled. He was in his element, and he looked so happy. You loved how effortlessly he made the sport look, and you loved how he interacted with his teammates. You were so caught up in watching him that you didn’t notice that Mathew was watching you. It took a few moments, but you did eventually realize, and you both laughed. You remember someone, who you now know was Anders, smacking Mathew over the shoulder.

The Islanders won that night in a overtime, and you were beyond elated. Mathew told you that he’d meet you at your car and that he did.

When you saw him, you jumped into his arms and held him tightly. “You played so well, baby.”

Mathew pulls away for a moment and looks down at you. “Yeah, well I had the woman I love in the stands and my new good luck charm.”

You pull back for a moment. Were you hearing this right? Did Mathew just tell you he loved you?

“Before you start overthinking everything and scrunch up your nose in that really adorable way, let me just confirm, yes, I do love you. Yn, I love you.”

“I wasn’t going to overthink anything, you’re wrong.”

Matthew laughs. “You know, you’re avoiding the obvious.”

You knew you were. “I thought I was pointing out the obvious.”

“Do you need me to say it again, yn?” Mathew asks.

You pretend to ponder it. “Yeah, I do, Mathew.”

“Yn, I love you.”

You smile. “I love you, too, Mathew.” You remember him leaning down and kissing you. You remember that you both had to eventually separate so that you could drive back to your place. You remember that night that you fell asleep in Mathew’s arms hopeful of what can happen one day.

“Oh yeah, I remember that,” Grace says. You look at her puzzled. “Anders, Tito, and I think Sydney and Matt were there, too. Anders said that Mathew was staring at a girl, so we all followed Mathew secretly, and we saw you guys.”

“That’s right! That did happen!” Sydney remarks.

“So, you weren’t really shocked when Mathew finally introduced me to all of you?”

“No, we really weren’t. We didn’t quite see your face, but we knew Mathew was seeing someone.” Sydney answers.

“We finally realized what was behind Mathew’s stellar playing. Anders once came home from a roadie saying that Mathew was playing extremely well and wasn’t sure what to correlate it to. Now we know, it was you.” Grace says.

Your smile reaches ear to ear.

“That’s so cute and romantic, you guys. The two of you were made for each other.” Candace dotes.

You smile. You didn’t want to brag but yes, you and Mathew were made for each other. Yes, sometimes it was hard, but you knew that at the end of the day, you and Mathew loved each other to pieces.

“Hmm. Tell us about meeting Mathew for the first time. That has to be a story.” Tessa. You smile at the memory.

You were running late. The uptown 4 train in Brooklyn was having a bunch of delays, and you didn’t have time to walk to the closest 5 train station. The 4 train heading uptown to Brooklyn Bridge finally came and you jumped on. You breathed a sigh of relief as the train rolled away from the station. However, you became aggravated when it stopped in the middle of the tunnel, and an announcement came that the train would be moving shortly. Yeah, you knew what that meant. You could either be moving again in two minutes or two hours.

Twenty minutes passed, and your feet were starting to ache. You really wished that you wore flats on your commute and then changed into your heels at work.

“Did you want to sit?” someone asked. You remember looking up. “Your feet look like they’re killing you, did you want to sit? I don’t mind standing.”

“Oh, um, no it’s okay, I’m good.” You remember saying.

“No, really, I insist,” he insisted.

You shake your head. “I’m fine, I promise.”

“So, then, if I stand up, you’re not going to sit down?” he asks with a raised eyebrow.

“No, someone else can sit,” you remember saying. You weren’t one to take up offers like this out of respect for the other person, and you were also very stubborn.

He chuckles and sighs. “Can you just sit? I don’t know why you won’t take up the offer of my generosity. I just don’t think you’re really all that comfortable.”

You hesitate.

“What if,” he proposes. “I got up and said I wanted to stretch my legs, and you just took up the opportunity to sit?”

You look at him and are about to say something, but he gets up and mumbles something about needing to stretch his legs. He gives you a knowing look (one that you’ve grown to love). and you know you are going to sit. So, you sit. You breathe a sigh of relief, and he laughs softly.

“See, was that so hard?”

You look at him and grumble. “No.”

He laughs and time passes quickly. It only took thirty more minutes after this for the train to start moving. You exited the Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall station ninety minutes after you would have liked. You were fast walking because you had to catch the Uptown 3 train.

“Hey, wait,” you don’t think this person is talking to you, so you keep walking. He taps your shoulder, and you finally turn around. “I know this is weird, but can I get your number?”

You remember looking at him shocked and he laughed at you.

“I’m Mathew, and there’s something about you that I want to get to know better.”

For some reason, that cheesy line made you smile, and you gave him your number. And, as they say, the rest is history.

“Wait, Mathew took the subway?” Liana asks puzzled.

“Yeah, he said that he was running late for meeting Tito, and he thought taking the subway would be faster. Clearly, it wasn’t.” You explain.

“Oh, Yn, give us more stories about you and Matthew,” one of the girls says.

You smile softly. You really weren’t sure what else more to say. You really didn’t want to brag about your relationship with Mathew. The constant theme in your relationship was that you kept private things private. Mathew was private in the sense of the media, and you were just a private person all around. But, something about today and the girls asking made you want to spill literally everything.

“I’d ask about the proposal, but Mathew has shared that a million times,” Candace jokes. “Just give us a random story that makes you laugh or smile.”

“I can give you that,” you say. You ruminate for a moment and begin.

Matthew was spending the weekend with you because he didn’t have any games, and they just came off of a two week road trip. You guys missed each other, and, at the stage your relationship was at, being without each other for even an hour was unbearable. This was not to say, though, that it was easy to be apart now. Only, now, you both have learned to find a way to make that pain ease a bit.

It was 12:34pm on a Saturday, and you were hungry for lunch. Mathew said he was taking you out for his favorite sushi place and told you to eat a light lunch. So, you were going to make some avocado toast. No, nothing fancy. The basic summary was that you had pumpernickel bread and a ripe avocado that might go bad soon.

You retreat from the warmth of Mathew, the pillows, and blankets to make some toast. You didn’t hear Mathew follow you; you actually didn’t think he was going to considering you told him you’d just bring it to him. You put the bread in the toaster and pulled out a knife to cut the avocado. You waited for a few minutes as the bread toasted. You looked out into the living room but didn’t see Mathew. You figured that he went to the washroom.

The toaster dings, and the toast pops out. You put the toast on the plate and begin cutting the avocado to spread onto the toast. Suddenly, you feel two very strong arms snake around your waist. It’s Matthew, who else?

“You cut your avocado weirdly,” he says, and you just look at him.

What? “What?”

“You cut the avocado weirdly.”

You snicker. “What is a not weird way to cut your avocado?”

“I don’t know, I just know you cut it weirdly.”

“Why can’t it be that I cut it normally, and you cut it weirdly?”

“Because, yn, you need a weird thing.”

You giggle. “Why do I need a weird thing?”

“Because all people in a relationship have a weird thing that only the other person in it knows.”

“So, you’re telling me that my weird thing is that I cut avocados weirdly?”

“Mhm, exactly.” Mathew takes a piece of toast with avocado already on it and bites into it.

“Despite that, though, you still make very tasty avocado toast, babe.”

“Well, if my weird thing is about cutting avocado, what’s you weird thing?”

“I don’t know, you have to figure it out on your own.”

You remember smiling and then kissing his cheek. Dinner that night did not disappoint, and Mathew brought you to the right restaurant.

“Did you ever figure out what his weird thing was?” Sydney asks.

“I mean, no? But, like, the way I cut the avocado is not weird, so I’m not sure what he was getting at. I told him that the way he ties his shoes was weird.”

“Not the skates?” Grace asks.

“No, not the skates. I told him that there was a difference between the skates and the shoes.”

The girls laugh. “How did you do that? Isn’t it the same?” Candace asks. “It is, but he wouldn’t tell me why the avocado cutting was weird, so I did this. He took me to the rink the day after I told him and forced me to watch him tie his skates like ten times. I guess it’s what I deserve.”

“That was a cute story. As my future sister-in-law, I want to say, I’m glad Mathew has you in his life.” Liana says.

You smile. “I can drink to that.” You all clink your glasses and take a sip.

You loved these girls and were so glad that you got to celebrate your Bachelorette with them. You wouldn’t have it any other way.

If he were a wine, he'd be the shelf at the top (Top) If he were a house, he'd be the end of the block (Block) Walked up to my heart and went, "Knock, knock, knock" So I've got to show him off

You got home that day at 4:00 pm and before Mathew. You were expecting that; Tito told you that Mathew and the boys would be out later only because their day started later. You went into your bedroom and changed out of your bride-to-be outfit and into your comfortable clothes. You took off your makeup and put your hair in a comfortable style. You were going to use the time to open some of the invitations you’ve received and mark down their attendance and meal choices.

Constantly, though, your mind went straight to Mathew. Every thought you had went back to Mathew but not in a sophomoric, conceited way. In a way that expressed your true love for him and how you felt. You didn’t like talking about your relationship with Mathew often; you enjoyed the privacy, and it allowed you to grow as a person both in the relationship and outside it.

However, this didn’t mean that you didn’t want to talk about Mathew all the time. You knew that if you didn’t control yourself, you’d be one of those girls that brought up her boyfriend at the most random times. You also knew that those types of girls were annoying, so you tried not to be like that.

That didn’t mean you didn’t let your mind wander to those places. Mathew was amazing. Sure, there were some flaws, but the great things about him enormously outweighed the flaws. Mathew had the most beautiful hazel eyes you have ever seen. Even if you had friends who hazel eyes, their eye color didn’t match Mathew’s, nothing could. He could be doing the most mundane task or thing and you’d immediately fall more in love. No question about it.

Physically? Mathew had the body of a Greek god and that drove your crazy. When he constantly walked around with a shirt on? You had to force yourself not to jump up and kiss him or run your hands down his broad, firm chest. When you both sat on the couch and he didn’t have a shirt on, you absolutely adored just running your hand up and down his abs as if it were a pillow. Yeah, you wanted to shout from your balcony that you had a hot boyfriend, no, fiance now, that you loved. You loved running your fingers through his hair. There was softness that was indescribable. His hair was rough but also soft at the same time. You constantly wanted to be touching him. All the time. You just needed to be close to Mathew at all times. You didn’t want to say you were clingy because you weren’t. You were just in love and wanted to be in the presence with him at all times. You loved to tell Mathew that you felt so lucky that you got to even be in the same universe as him. He laughed and said the fact that he got to even get your number was remarkable to him.

You were both crazy about each other and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

I don't wanna be a bragger But my man's a heart attacker (Oh, he is) Like McConaughey and Jagger Hotter than a Saturday night I can't help it that I flaunt him (All the time) I understand why you would want him (I don't mind) And you can keep up all the chatter 'bout my happy ever after 'Cause all that really matters is he's mine

Mathew got home that night at 9:32.

“Oh, you’re home early,” you said, and he came down and sat next to you.

Mathew smirked. “Hiding me from your boyfriend?”

Your face turns warm. “No, I just thought that you’d want to celebrate the last of your bachelor years with the boys instead of at home with me.”

“I celebrated my bachelor years already; now I’m coming home and celebrating what my future holds.”

You smile. “Look at you, Mathew Barzal; don’t you know the way into a girl’s heart.”

“I only want your heart, babe,” Mathew says and then kisses you. “How was your day with the girls?”

“It was nice. Oh! Did you know that Anders, Matt, Tito, Grace, and Sydney knew we were dating before you began officially hinting at it and introduced me?”

“What?”

“Yeah! I was telling them about the first time I went to one of your games, and Grace said they caught on to you staring at a girl. She was saying that they followed you secretly and saw us.”

“That’s, wow. I’m not sure how to respond.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter, now, does it? We are getting married.”

“That indeed we are, babe,” Mathew says as he reaches down and places a kiss on your temple. “So, what else did you talk about?”

“Wedding planning, you, other stuff, normal girl talk.”

“Did you just say ‘you’ as in me?”

You turn your head away bashfully. “Maybe.”

Mathew laughs his deep belly laugh. “What did you guys say? I mean, I know you were talking about me, but I didn’t think it was a lot.”

“They just wanted me to brag about you and everything. I told them about the story of when we first met, the avocado thing, how you don’t walk around with a shirt, the first time I went to one of your games.”

“Oh, speaking of,” Mathew takes off his shirt, and you laugh. Of course.

“They just wanted me to brag about my love and relationship with you.”

“You should, as bride-to-be.”

“How was your day?” you ask.

“Pretty good; it was fun, but I missed you.”

“Yeah, I missed you, too.”

“It’s funny, we can go a long time without seeing one another when I’m on the road. Don’t get me wrong, it’s quite unbearable but this honestly felt worse.”

“My take is that because we both know that we’re in the same city and can be with each other in probably under an hour. However, when you’re on the road, it’s less hard because you know that you have to be there.”

“Look at you, my intellectual fiance. Our children better get all your traits.”

“I think they should get your looks.”

“I don’t think so; no no.”

“I’m not arguing with you on this. How about a good mix?”

“Perfect, babe.” Mathew kisses you. “Do you want to go to bed? Maybe I can do that thing to you I was referencing earlier?”

The heat instantly rushes to your face, and Mathew instantly knows he’s got you in the palm of his hands. The way your eyes bulged out and swallowed deeply, Mathew just knew.

“I’m going to take that as a yes,” he picks you up and carries you to bed.

Yeah, you didn’t want to brag about your relationship with Mathew, but he was too amazing not to.

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t-lostinworlds · 4 years ago

Text

Dear Santa (Tom Holland)

a/n: this made me want a baby, preferably with tom but anyway. here’s my gift to you lot for the holidays! i hope you enjoy this one <3

pairing: dad!tom holland x female!reader trope/genre: Dad AU; slight angst; fluff summary: It’s a yearly thing for Tom and your daughter to write letters to Santa together on what they want for Christmas. Only this time around, it was over video call given that Tom was miles away from his two—three, including Tessa—beautiful girls. Santa did get the letters though... warnings: tom being such a dad (which is a warning in its own right), a dash of ‘missing you’ angst, it’s so fluffy that i died a couple times, bad pun/dad joke & a lil steamy in the end. word count: 7.2k+

masterlist in bio & pinned post

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"Dada!"

"Hello, angel," Tom gushed, heart warming up ten times over as he looked right at his four-year-old daughter's beautiful and chubby face. Her little hand waved enthusiastically while she sat on the tall chair in the dining area, her beam turning brighter at the sight of him. "How was your day?" He slid himself in the little nook he had in his trailer, placing his laptop on the table in front of him and getting himself comfy as he listened to her tiny voice babble. Some of her words were mispronounced, sentences cut short and randomly stringed together but Tom listened to every single one of it with much interest.

"What?! She didn't," he gasped exaggeratedly when she talked about Tessa sitting on her while they played in the living room, the pup barking soon after to make her presence known.

"She did! 'N Tessa so heavy dada."

The young lad heard your sweet giggle next and his whole body softened even more at the sound. He leaned back on the seat with the brightest smile he could ever wear. Although Tom could feel the sting in his chest gradually grow when you came into view.

The curve on your lips was tender and sweet, one that he could never get enough of even after years of seeing it, one that he's so dearly missed seeing in person. Tom felt his heart ache the more he stared at his two precious girls, both looking at him with smiles. But still, he can see it, the tiny specks of sadness in your eyes all because he was thousands of miles away, five days before Christmas.

He would absolutely do anything to be in the same room with you two right now. Hell, even to just be in the same country but alas, work and duties. Tom has been away for roughly five months and the last time he's seen you two in the flesh was two months ago when you came over and visited him on set. Now, it was the holidays and he's still not home. And Tom can attest that it's one of, if not the worst feeling in the world.

It wasn't in his plan to be so far away at this time but his schedule is ever changing which led him to still be at work nearing Christmas. He'd done the best he could to try and make it before or on the 25th but it wasn't set on stone. No real and solid plans until the actual day which was very gut wrenching.

It was the first Christmas he's away, after all.

But at this moment, Tom has been lucky enough to have a few hours off this afternoon given that night shoots were the agenda of the day. And even though he should be using this time to get a few hours of sleep in before a very long night, of course, Tom took this opportunity to video call over instead. He just got done eating lunch but it was already dinnertime back in London, and he so badly needs to see your beautiful faces before you went to bed.

"Thalia, sweetie, go wash your hands for a sec, yeah?" you hummed, running your fingers gently through her curly hair, one she got from him. Although her eyes, her smile and overall beauty? It was all you, Tom thinks so at least. Well, except for that cute nose that she got from him as well. The more she grows, the more it shows how she's the perfect mixture of her parents, and it honestly makes his heart soar. Thalia is the reminder of the love you and Tom have, one that's pure and strong that blossomed into this joyful, precious and beautiful little girl.

She looked up at you with a soft pout, pointing towards the screen as she shook her head. "Bu—"

"I'll be right here pumpkin, don't worry. Listen to mummy," Tom chuckled softly. Upon seeing the apologetic smile you flashed him, he knew that you saw the flicker of sadness that crossed his features. You always do see right through him. He shot you a small reassuring nod, a silent way to tell you it was okay.

"No go anywhere," Thalia warned, narrowing her eyes at him.

Tom felt his heart break even more but he flashed her a wide grin, crossing his finger over his heart and said, "I promise."

Thalia reached a hand out for you to take, a sweet smile on your face as you curled your fingers around her tiny ones. "There you go," you said, helping her off the seat.

"Thank you," she hummed, tugging your hand to urge you to lean down. A lovely giggle vibrated in your chest once Thalia placed a wholesome smack on your lips, the sight making Tom's heart skip a couple beats.

"You're welcome, angel," you said. Thalia disappeared from the screen, Tom assuming she had swiftly made her way over her little stairs that he had built for her a couple months back, just so she could reach the sink. "Careful," you called out, the soft grunts of the little girl echoing in the kitchen along with Tessa pitter-patters on the tiles. Tom knew she was in a rush up the stairs, eager to get her hands clean so she can go back to talking to him. He doesn't know if the thought made his heart soar or break a couple more pieces.

You turned back to look at him through the screen, a shy smile erupting on your features the moment you saw him already gawking at you with the proudest grin on his lips. He just can't help but admire the goddess before him. You just look so stunning and gorgeous in a simple knitted sweater, you, his wife.

That alone was honestly enough to make Tom combust with the love that fills him up ten times over. But then, by the heavens above, you're such an amazing mother. He genuinely doesn't know what to do with himself. You make him feel like he's on top of the world. Both you and Thalia make him feel so, so happy.

"Damn, how did I get so lucky," he gushed, gaze locked with yours with adoration coating his orbs. "I mean, look at you, the fact that I get to call you my wife? Whew." He shook his head in pure disbelief, blowing out his cheeks in the process. You let out a bashful laugh with a roll of your eyes, his smile only growing at your reaction. It makes Tom's heart melt whenever you get all timid when he showers you with compliments and affections, all the more reason for him to keep doing it as often as he can.

"All clean!" Thalia exclaimed as she climbed back onto her seat with your guidance, showing her palms to him with a bright smile.

"That's my girl," Tom said proudly, shooting her a wink with a grin to match.

You moved the laptop farther so Tom could see both of you clearly. Disappearing for a moment, Tom heard you speaking to Tessa, handing the doggo her dinner he presumed. You came back into view soon after with two plates on hand, placing one in front of Thalia—to which she adorably clapped with a soft 'thank you'—and setting yours right beside hers. Tom simply watched with a smug smile as you handed the young girl her utensils before you sat yourself down. Your little girl waited for you to get situated without touching her food. Then you and Thalia locked eyes, lifting your spoons and taking a bite at the same time with giggles coming out of you both.

The amount of times Tom could literally die and resurrect at the adorable scene before him was immeasurable. He was unable to wipe the love-struck grin painted on his lips, cheeks hurting but totally worth it.

"Oh, that was a very big bite," he commented when Thalia took another spoonful. Tom adjusted the sleeves of his flannel shirt, pulling it up his forearms for him to easily prop his elbow on the table, resting his chin on his palm as he admired his two precious girls.

"Hmm, so good!" Thalia nodded enthusiastically, eyes all squinted with her cheeks puffed out as she chewed her food as thoroughly and as carefully as she could. Although a little bit of it still managed to stick to her chin, Thalia quick to clean it up with the napkin you placed right beside her plate.

God she's growing up fast.

Tom felt his eyes sting at the thought of his little girl growing to be not-so-little anymore. Not long ago he was the one who'd wipe the little crumbs and mess off her face, but now she can do it all on her own. He could honestly cry.

"You know what, I'm so jealous of you young lady," he huffed, leaning back with his arms crossed and a deep crease on the middle of his brows. "It's unfair how you get to eat mummy's cooking every day."

"I sent Sam some of my recipes, didn't I?" you asked, amusement laced in your tone as you furrowed your brows at him.

"Yeah, but it still isn't the same when it's you cooking because then I can give you hugs and kisses during the process." Tom pouted. "That's one of my favourite parts aside from eating."

"Ew, dada, cheesy."

Tom's mouth fell agape as his gaze snapped towards Thalia and then at you—to which you only shrugged with a giggle—and back to his daughter. "Okay, who taught you that?" he asked with narrowed eyes.

"Uncle Haz!" Thalia exclaimed proudly, nodding her head as she continued eating.

Tom shook his head disappointedly as he locked eyes with you. "I've been telling you, love, Harrison is a bad influence on her," he grumbled, jokingly of course.

"Oh hush, it's not like what she said was a lie," you pointed out with a knowing smile.

"Hey!" He pouted.

Thalia giggled at his reaction. "Dada cheesy," she repeated.

Tom sighed, shaking his head but the smile never did leave his lips. It never could whenever his eyes are on you two. He was going to confront Harrison about that though; makes Tom wonder what other things that blonde lad has taught his daughter.

"How was your morning, bub?" you asked with a soft smile.

Tom relaxed in his seat as he proceeded to recount the events that happened earlier all while you both continued to eat your dinner.

"—and then we got to visit the children's hospital and gave out presents, which was nice."

"They met Spider-Man?" Thalia queried.

Tom gave her a nod with a wide smile on his face. "Yes, they did."

It's still surreal to him how he's managed to now have the fifth movie of the franchise. It was the last installment which was somewhat bittersweet on its own right. Nonetheless, Tom was very thankful with the run of his career as the famous web-slinger. Lucky and blessed would be huge understatements to describe his life. Even more so now that he's got a wonderful, beautiful daughter and an amazing, gorgeous wife.

"Dada a real life superhero."

Yup, he definitely couldn't get even luckier than this.

Tom let out a coo, bottom lip jutted out as he looked at you and then at Thalia with a little gloss in his eyes. "I could literally burst into tears right now. You own my heart, darling," he gushed. Eyes glancing back at you, he sighed, "You both do."

The warmth and love you held in your eyes glowed some more, his smile widening at the beautiful sight as he tilted his head at you sweetly. Turning back to his daughter, Thalia flashed him a wide smile, setting her spoon and fork down with a satisfied hum.

"Finish already?" Tom asked.

She nodded enthusiastically. "It's letter time!"

Tom can't help but chuckle. It's been a yearly thing for him and her to write their letters to Santa every 20th, always the same schedule which was after dinner. Thalia has grown accustomed to the tradition real quick despite only doing it for only a few years. Well, she is just four.

"Alright, alright, why don't you help mummy clean up while I'll go get my pen and special paper," he said with a wriggle of his brows. The young girl clapped cheerfully as she grabbed for your hand before hopping off her seat, gently taking her plate from the table and carrying it to the sink.

"She's getting so big, love," Tom breathed out, looking at you with his bottom lip jutted out.

"I know," you sighed, eyes on Thalia before you tilted your head at him with that gorgeous smile of yours, nothing but adoration coating your orbs.

Smile turning into a mischievous smirk, he wriggled his brows at you. "Should we make another one?" he purred, voice low and guttural but quiet.

"Thomas!" you hissed as softly as you could. You looked at your little girl briefly and Tom literally saw the relief that washed over your face before you turned back to him with a death glare. "She hasn't asked about that yet and I swear if you're the reason why she starts now—"

"Tessa, not the spoon!"

Your head whipped towards the direction of that little voice before you turned back to Tom with narrowed eyes. "You behave yourself, Mr. Holland," you warned, raising a brow at him and then walking off screen.

"Love you, Mrs. Holland!" he called out with a chuckle.

***

"Dada don't peek!" Thalia gasped once she saw Tom craning his neck teasingly. She glared at him as she covered her paper with her little hand, which was honestly the cutest thing ever.

"I'm not, I'm not," he chuckled, going back to writing his letter.

He wasn't really asking for presents. Well, realistically, he doesn't need to. Of course he could pretend and not write anything at all but he feels a little bad lying to his daughter. So, he resulted to jotting down the things he already has rather than asking for more. All of his yearly letters had consisted of nothing but gratefulness as he lists down what he's been blessed with and was so thankful for, you and Thalia always at the top of that list.

The party has been moved to Thalia's room now, the little girl fresh out her bath and was wrapped in her PJs. The laptop was right on the little desk she had in the corner where she practices her writing, reading and even drawings.

It was where they always write the letters. The previous years, Tom would sit right beside her in one of the tiny chairs as he helps her write. But now, instead of side by side, they were looking at each other through the screen, which honestly makes Tom's heart ache. To add to that, she was writing on her own too, a bittersweet feeling coursing through his bones. Because as much as how he feels so proud to see his little girl know—slowly but surely—how to write, there's always going to be a part of him that clings to the memory of her little hand encased in his much larger ones as he helps her navigate the pencil around the paper, letter by letter.

God, she needs to slow down on growing up. Tom can't honestly handle it.

"You peeked again!" she squealed when she saw Tom lift his brows with widened eyes as he tried to get a look at her paper. Thalia quickly glanced over her shoulder, pointing at the screen with a pout, so obviously telling on him which made him let out a hearty laugh. You came into view right behind the little girl, toys on hand which Tom knows you got off from the floor. There's always so many of them littered around her room. Well, he admits, he does spoil his little girl, sometimes.

"Dada, no peeking," you scolded playfully, raising a knowing brow at him, Tom's heart melting at the seams at your use of the nickname.

"I didn't see anything, I promise." He threw both his hands up in surrender, scrunching his nose at Thalia who only stuck her tongue out at him in response. You disappeared from shot again, continuing what you were doing, Tom assumed. He turned back to his daughter. "Now, write your name at the bottom so Santa knows who it's from. And then put it in the envelope and give it to mummy," he instructed.

Thalia scribbled a few more lines before taking the paper in hand, folding it up as best as she could—all wonky and uneven which is so darn cute—and then carefully sliding it in the envelope provided for her. She then lifted it up to you once you made your way back over to her desk. "Done!" she exclaimed proudly.

"Great job, angel," Tom commended. "Now, time to brush your teeth."

Thalia nodded before turning behind her to catch your eyes. "Mama, help please." She pointed towards the laptop as a way for her to say that she wants to bring it with her, never wasting any time to talk or just see him. Again, Tom doesn't know if his heart could melt or break at the thought.

You nodded with a hum just as she rushed towards the bathroom across the hall, you right on her tail as you carried the computer in your arms.

"Ugh, my heart literally soars every time I hear her call you mama," Tom groaned as he shook his head. "Never gets old."

"Stop being so adorable when I can't kiss you right now," you muttered.

Tom smirked, shooting you a teasing wink to which you only responded with a playful roll of your eyes before you placed the laptop by the sink. Thalia was back on screen again, already brushing her teeth like a pro. Tom knows he's being a broken record but she genuinely needs to stop growing up too fast.

It's not good for his dad heart.

"Smile, sweetheart," Tom hummed once she saw her finish, the little girl showing her rows of teeth at him proudly. "Very pretty," he cooed.

"Thank you," she said with a cute giggle. The little girl bounded back to her room and climbed on the bed, you following suit with the laptop in hand. You gently placed it at the foot and on an angle so Tom could see you both clearly as you tucked her in. "Tessa!" Thalia squealed, tiny fits of giggles escaping her lips soon after as the pup circled around to find a comfy spot before settling right next to her.

The lovely doggo has become Thalia's best friend, personal cuddle buddy, and bodyguard. Wherever she goes, Tessa is always in tow. They always, always sleep beside each other every night and it's honestly the most wholesome thing in the world.

The room became dim when you turned off the main light, leaving the lamp on as Thalia wiggled a few more times before finally settling down. "Story, dada?" she yawned.

Tom nodded with a smile, leaning over the table as he switched up his voice a little. "In a kingdom far, far away..." he started, Tessa resting her head on the little girl's tummy as if she wants to have a piece of the story as well. His smile widened when you sat beside your daughter, your fingers caressing through her hair lovingly as you listened.

Tom can't help but pout at you, missing the way those same fingers feel against his scalp as you run them through his hair. You shook your head with a soft laugh, raising your brow to urge him to keep going with the story.

Gasps and giggles escaped out of Thalia as she listened to him all throughout his impromptu fantasy world. She made sure to throw in her two cents, turning the story to how whatever way she sees fit.

"...and then the princess climbed on her dragon with her new found freedom as she flew into the sunset. The end," Tom finished, his little girl letting out another yawn with her eyes now barely open. He can't stop his heart from melting at the sight. "Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you," he cooed.

"G'night dada. Love you too," she hummed, eyes fluttering close as she threw her arm over Tessa.

"I'll see you soon my princesses," Tom whispered, eyes flickering over at his pup and daughter with a bittersweet smile.

Tom caught sight of the stars that circled around the room when you switched off the lamp and turned her night light on. You flashed him a smile as you took the laptop in your hand and ventured out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar behind you.

***

"How about you, my love, what's in your letter for Santa?" Tom asked as you settled yourself down on your shared bed, back against the headboard with the computer on your lap. The screen really doesn't do you much justice on how gorgeous you look, especially now when you got changed and opted on wearing his hoodie.

"I just want you home," you whispered, hand going over your mouth in realization that you said it out loud. Tom saw the guilt spread across your features once you locked eyes with him.

"I'm trying, darling," Tom sighed, hand running through his hair dejectedly, ache coursing through his chest at the sound of longing in your voice.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry," you rushed.

"No, nothing to apologise for, love," he said, flashing you a sad yet reassuring smile. "It kills me too, being so far away from you both. But I'll see what I can do okay?"

You shook your head, brows furrowed in worry. "You've already done all that you could, Tom."

"But I feel like I should be doing more," he admitted, frown settling on his lips as he held your gaze. Oh how he wished he could take the sadness away from your orbs, to feel your warmth as he pulls you into his embrace. He wants nothing more than to cover you with kisses, to whisper sweet nothings onto your skin to replace your frown with those giggles he adores. "I miss you so much," Tom sighed.

"I miss you too—"

"Tom—oh, hey, Y/N."

You smiled softly. "Hi, Harry."

"I hate to be the one to say this but they need you on set now," Harry said in dismay, shooting you and Tom a guilty smile.

Tom looked at the clock, shock befalling him on how fast time had passed. It didn't even feel like he's been sat in this little nook for five hours, didn't feel like he's talked to you enough at all. He thought he had a few hours more, not a couple minutes left.

His eyes landed back on you briefly and you only flashed him a small smile. Tom turned to his brother with a nod. "Yeah, okay, I'll be right behind you," he said.

"Tell Thalia her favourite uncle said hi," Harry said to you with a proud smile.

Tom shook his head at his brother's bold claim given that Thalia hasn't said that at all. She hasn't shown to have favourites, nor does she have anyone who she likes to spend time with, more. But being competitive lads, it was natural for his brothers—which includes Harrison, Tuwaine and Jacob—to compete for the title of her favourite uncle. She's just spoiled to bits really.

You let out a laugh, though it was a faint one, smile not as wide as you nodded at the twin. "Will do, Harry."

Harry flashed you one last smile before he turned to give Tom a curt nod, hand coming up to give his shoulder a comforting squeeze. Tom smiled at him gratefully, patting his hand before the younger lad made his way out of the trailer. Turning back to you, Tom felt his heart drop to his stomach.

"Darling, please don't cry," he whispered, hand instinctively reaching for you, a harsh foot stepping on his heart when his fingertips only got as far as touching the screen.

"I'm not," you muttered, blowing out your cheeks as you leaned to the side, so obviously trying to wipe your tears off screen. Tom still saw it though, and even if he didn't, he knows you like that back of his hand. The smallest change in your voice could tell him all.

Tom did his best to keep himself together, flashing you a small, comforting smile once you met his gaze again. "I'll see you soon alright?" he said. "I love you so much, darling."

You nodded, frown settling in your lips as you sighed, "I love you too, Tom, oh so much."

"Goodnight, my love." Tom tilted his head at you with a knowing grin. "Dream of me," he teased, earning a small giggle from you.

"Always."

***

"Is dada not coming home, mama?"

It was the 24th of December and your heart could do nothing but ache at your daughter's question. You tried your best to not let your frown be so prominent while you tucked her to bed.

"We don't know yet, lovie," you sighed, hand caressing her cheek tenderly. "But maybe dada will be here the moment you wake up tomorrow," you added, shooting her a knowing wink despite the sharp stab in your heart given that it was still uncertain.

Tom hasn't called at all the whole day. He only sent you a text earlier this morning explaining that he was going to be busy, hence why he won't be able to call. Strings of apologies buzzed through your phone even despite telling him over and over that it was okay. You know that guilt is eating him up whole right now, know for a fact that he's beating himself up black and blue by still not being home on Christmas Eve.

Thalia flashed you her sweet smile and a nod in response, not pressing anymore about her father's absence.

She's really smart for her age, so you wouldn't doubt it at all that she understands why Tom is away right now. You did tell her that her dad wasn't going to be joining dinner this time and she simply said, ''S okay. Dada is a superhero and superheroes are very busy.' And it honestly took everything in you to not start bawling at the dinner table.

"Story time, mama," Thalia hummed, taking your hand in hers as she tugged you closer.

"Okay, scoot a little you two," you said, both Tessa and Thalia making room for you to sit on the edge of the bed. "Once upon a time..."

***

With Thalia fast asleep, you treaded towards the door, leaving it slightly open—for Tessa in case she has businesses to attend to in the middle of the night—behind you and made your downstairs, turning on the little lights on the steps in the process. You went inside the living room, walking over to the wooden stool by the Christmas tree to take the plate of cookies and the glass of milk. You emptied the glass as you made your way to the kitchen, placing the cookies back in the jar and then putting the dirty dishes in the sink.

Venturing into the guest bedroom, you took out the bag filled with the few gifts you had wrapped up the day before. It wasn't a lot, just a couple of toys for both Tessa and Thalia. The little girl really hasn't asked much this year aside from a few toys she saw on TV or at the mall. And what she had on her letter...it was a bit difficult to get.

You slipped back inside the living room, placing the gifts under the tree along with the few sweets inside the stockings. Once you've turned off the electric fireplace, you went over to the tree lights next. But before you could even get to the plug, you suddenly heard the creaking sound of the front door opening and then closing, making you shoot straight up and freeze in your spot. Your heart pounded against your chest, hands trembling at the thought of a break in. Your mind ran a hundred miles per hour as you thought about what to do, ready to sprint upstairs to get to your daughter. You felt your breath hitch when you saw a figure emerged in the entryway.

But then you saw that it was him.

"Tom?" you gasped, eyes wide and glossed up, mouth opening in closing in pure shock as you stared right at your husband.

His face was now in full view as he pulled the hood of his hoodie down. A loving smile played on his lips, one you missed seeing in person. Your heart stuttered as you held each other's eyes, so many emotions swimming in those brown orbs but the love and satisfaction outshined everything else.

"Hi, darling," he sighed in pure content, that voice you love so dearly clear and real, not muffled by the poor quality of the laptop speakers. "Do I not get a welcome home hug?" he teased when you stayed in your spot, unmoving and simply gawking at him. Tom opened his arms wide for you to easily jump into.

Once you've got a hold of reality, you just ran to him full sprint, a sob escaping your lips as he caught you right in his embrace. Tom wrapped his arms around you with a shaky breath, squeezing you oh so tightly as he rocked you side to side. You breathed him in, nuzzling your face in the crook of his neck, hands fisting the material of his hoodie from behind as your body raked with soft sobs.

Tom pulled away briefly to cup your face in both hands, thumb wiping away the tears that sat on your skin. He smiled at you all adoringly, eyes turning glossy before he swiftly pressed his lips right on yours. You let out a whine as you melted into the kiss, fingers taking home in the mesh of his curls on the back of his head as you held onto him, to physically feel him, just to make sure that he was actually real.

"I fucking missed you so much," Tom groaned against your lips, arms back around your waist to pull you inhumanely closer. His warmth was quick to coat you both inside and out, the feeling of his lips on yours familiar but never fails makes your head spin. His embrace felt like home and oh how much you've missed it.

You pulled away to give into your lungs' needs, but only just a little, both of you in dire need to keep each other as close as possible. The tips of your noses brushed against each other as your chests heaved, though the smile on your lips never did waver.

You stared into his brown orbs, your brows furrowed lightly in question. "But how—"

"Once they gave me the go I took the first flight home," he said, pressing his forehead against yours as he stared right into your eyes with utmost love and the widest grin on his lips to match. You placed your hand on his cheek, Tom turning his head to press his lips against your palm briefly before he leaned into your touch.

"I can't believe you're actually here," you whispered.

"I couldn't miss spending Christmas with my two—" Tom stopped himself when he heard the pitter-patter of paws down the stairs. You turned to see Tessa bounding towards your direction, jumping right at Tom as he crouched down to greet her with a chuckle, "Right, three favourite girls."

Then a small voice spoke, "Dada?"

Tom's head shot up, his handsome face glowing even more, remaining crouched on the floor as he spread his arms. "There's my sweet pumpkin."

Thalia ran to him as fast as her little legs would let her. Laughs came out of the young girl, the sweet sound echoing around the room as Tom lifted her up and spun her around.

"Yay! Santa got my letter!" she cheered, both hands up in the air.

Tom settled her in his strong arms with a soft furrow of his brows. He looked at you confused.

Later, you mouthed.

Tom nodded as he turned back to his little girl. "I missed you so much, my princess," he said, littering her face with loud kisses to which Thalia squealed and giggled in response.

You wrapped your arms around yourself with a satisfied hum and a wide smile on your face. To see Tom be such an amazing and loving father never fails to make your heart grow twice its size, never fails to make you fall even deeper for your man, your husband.

The lovely sight of him and Thalia made your body tingle in more ways than one, a thought crossing your mind, a feeling in your bones telling you that it was the perfect time. It made you smile wider, heat dusting your cheeks as you tilted your head at your husband and daughter.

Tom caught you staring, a proud smirk erupting on those lips of his as he shot you wink. You can't help but roll your eyes at his smugness.

Of course he knows the effects he has on you, knows how him being such a dad makes your heart flutter. But also, how it makes your body fill up with heat and want that you'd have to resist the urge to pounce on him. It probably was obvious in the way you look at him, easily sees it in your eyes because he knows you, he is your husband after all.

But then again, maybe he knows because he's just the same, if not much more intense. The amount of times he's gushed over and over how he wants to put another baby in you whenever he sees you taking care of Thalia goes to prove that point.

It's an equal reaction really, both of you just as whipped for each other.

"Come here, darling." He beckoned you over with a sweet smile, resting Thalia on his hip as he held a hand out for you to which you gladly took. He pulled you closer, giving you a soft peck on the lips before snaking an arm around your waist. You wrapped your arm around the small of his back, chin on his shoulder as you looked at him with utmost love. He shifted his eyes from you and Thalia as he sighed, "It feels so good to be home."

It was such a picture perfect moment, a pure family in love. There was nothing but wide smiles on all your faces, happy to finally be in each other's embrace after so long. Plus, Tessa sat right in front looking at her humans lovingly with her tail wagging enthusiastically.

Thalia's head fell onto her father's shoulder as she let out a loud yawn, tiny fists rubbing over her eyes before she wrapped her arms around his neck. Your heart melted at the adorably sight, a soft coo escaping your lips as you reached over to brush the stray her that landed on her face.

Tom chuckled, turning slightly to give his daughter a kiss on the forehead. "Let's get you back to bed yeah?"

***

Tom came inside your shared bedroom just as you slipped the envelope inside your drawer. Closing it, you leaned back against the headboard with a smile, eyes landing back on your man who stood still in his place.

Tom had his back pressed against the closed door, staring right at you with his bottom lip caught between his teeth.

"You going to join me in bed or are you just going to ogle?" you teased, raising your brow at him with a tilt of your head.

Tom chuckled, pulling himself off the door and sauntering over to you all while slowly stripping off his clothing, starting with his hoodie to his shirt and leaving them across the floor.

He's lucky you miss him too much to call him out on that, willing to give him a pass since he did just got off from a flight. He'll probably pick them up tomorrow though. If not then, he'll definitely hear from you.

By the time he's reached your side, he was left in nothing but his boxer shorts.

"She asleep?" you asked, looking up at your husband lovingly as he towered over you, standing on your side of the bed.

"Mm-hmm." He bit his lip with a smirk as he leaned down, hands on either side of your thighs that were hidden under the covers. "I've got such a beautiful wife huh," he muttered, brushing the tip of his nose against yours all adoringly before he captured your lips in his with a satisfied hum.

You giggled between the kiss, fingers lost in his hair as you pulled him closer, lips moving in sync like they've never been apart for so long. Tom nibbled at your bottom lip, a low groan erupting in his chest when you let him in, your tongues meeting as his hand landed on your thigh with a hot squeeze. You basked in his taste for a few moments more, letting him explore your mouth just to feel him closer, especially after months of being deprived from each other. Your hands slid down to rest on his broad shoulders, giving them a squeeze before you pulled away.

"Before you get too excited, I suggest you read Thalia's letter first," you said with a soft giggle.

Tom let out a hearty laugh, nodding in agreement and giving you once last peck before he jumped over you as threw himself on his side of the bed. The whole mattress bounced due to his weight, earning a pointed eye roll from you. Always a dork no matter what.

He slipped himself inside the covers, settling back against the headboard just as you rummaged through your drawer. You handed him an already opened envelope before you laid your head on his shoulder, slinging an arm over his naked torso as you snuggled to his side. Tom took out the piece of paper, a smile erupting on his lips once he unfolded it, eyes catching sight of his daughter's messy handwriting.

His strong arm wrapping around your shoulder, Tom pulled you closer, giving you a tender squeeze before he read the letter out loud:

Dear Santa,

Please bring dada home.

Me, mama and Tessa miss him so much and I don't want mama to be sad anymore.

Thank you, Santa.

Thalia

Tom tore his eyes off the paper to look at you with a pout, brown orbs glossing up as he placed the paper back in its envelope and set it aside. Snaking both his arms around your form, he gave you a loving squeeze. "Such a sweetheart with a big heart, just like her mother," he hummed, leaning down to give your forehead a sweet kiss.

"I read that at the mall when I did last minute shopping. I had to rush to the bathroom to get myself together. I got so stressed because I don't know if you were coming home or not. Which would then go down to explaining to her that Santa didn't get her letter and I really didn't want to break her heart like that," you elaborated, Tom's fingers caressing your arm comfortingly. "And then I was walking past this comic book store and saw this life size cardboard cutout of you as Spider-Man with the mask off. I was really contemplating if I should just get that instead," you laughed.

"You should've," Tom chuckled.

"And creep her out? No." You shook your head with a giggle. You pulled away from him slightly, his hands sliding down to rest on the small of your back once you did so. With your palm flat against his toned chest, you gawked at his handsome face with nothing but love. "Yet here you are, always here to save the day," you hummed.

Tom smiled widely at you, hand coming up to cup your face, his thumb stroking your cheek fondly before he pulled you down for a passion-filled kiss.

"Now," he murmured against your lips, hand sneaking down and under the covers, fingers hot against your bare thigh. He gave it a pointed squeeze before he pulled away slightly. "What do you want, my gorgeous wife?" he purred, a certain glow in those brown orbs as his smirk grew.

With a quick peck on his lips, you release yourself from his grasp for a second so you can reach inside your drawer. You gave him another envelope, a sealed one this time, Tom taking it with a confused look on his face. Lying down on your side, you propped your head up with your hand as you waited for him to read it.

Brows furrowed, Tom opened it and pulled out the letter, pupils moving slowly as he scanned the words. You can't help but giggle once you saw the shift of emotions on his face, his eyebrows rising as he stared at your handwriting wide-eyed.

Dear my lovely Tom,

Thalia is due a younger sibling, don't you think?

Love, Y/N ;)

Never have you ever seen Tom move so fast in your life.

Your sweet laugh echoed around the room as he immediately pulled the covers off your body so he could get himself on top of you without any hindrance. He hovered above you with a wide smirk on his lips, strong hands gripping your thighs as he threw them around his waist, body slotted in between your legs with ease.

He didn't waste any more time as he swiftly dipped his head to capture your lips with utmost love but also, need. The kiss was hot, rushed, a little messy and filled with absolute fervour.

Arms taking home around his shoulder, you pulled him closer into you, your heels digging into the small of his back, both of you groaning at the familiar closeness, bodies fitting perfectly together like two puzzle pieces.

Tom slipped his tongue in your mouth with ease when rutted his hip once which earned a gasp from you. He did it again with a low growl, to make you feel just how badly he needs you. And oh you can feel it alright, feel it really hard. There was the obvious desperation coursing in you both; it's been months after all.

Pulling away for a moment, Tom wriggled his brows at you with lust-filled eyes and a love-struck smirk. Your chest was heaving as you stared right into those brown orbs, ones that turned even darker as his hands took hold of the hem of your—his—shirt. He was ready to pull it off of you but not before saying,

"I guess Santa isn't the only one emptying his sack this Christmas."

"Thomas!"

-:-:-:-:-

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sporticus1234 · 3 years ago

Text

Catch Me if You Can-Laws of Attraction (Part 1)

Summary: After weeks of flirting, teasing, and close calls, Tessa is ready to take the plunge, but can Gabe overcome his own worse fears and join her?

Pairing: Gabe Ricci x Main Character (Tessa Michaels)

Link to my Master-List and Other works will be added once they have been re-edited and re-uploaded.

Perma-Tags and LOA Tags: @choices-addict @choiceskatie @lady-calypso @chemist-ana @kat-tia801 @chrissythadon @nishas-paradise @blainehellyes @mm2305 @suitfer @thegreentwin @pixelnutrookie

I hope you all enjoy it and see you soon for some...adventures...in part 2.

__________________________________

Rather than clumsy words, it’s your action that I believe. Don’t stop. Go past the limit. Go faster. I’m going to find my heart. So catch me if you can.

-Girls Generation, Catch Me if You Can (Korean Ver.)

__________________________________

The once glittering ballroom filled with stimulating conversation, flowing bubbles of champagne, and decadent hor-dourves was now deserted and quiet, signaling the end of the extravagant weekend legal conference. As the last person Tessa was speaking to excused herself for the evening, she looked around the empty space littered with discarded champagne flutes and linen napkins, her spirits deflating at the sight. The conference ended as quickly as it began, and come Monday morning, she would be back in the office, the competition still at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

It may have been a short weekend, but Tessa was grateful for the time away from the office. The past few weeks were filled with nothing else but case after case coming one after another and nonstop talk about the competition, particularly from Martin. But for a tiny period of time, all of that vanished out of sight and out of mind. She laughed and joked with her colleagues and bosses like they were all good friends. She camped and ate smores in a beautiful forest, and she finally got her first full night of sleep since she started working at McGraw Byrne. She truly felt like she had been transported to a completely different world, one she found hesitant to leave behind for an entire year.

Stifling the yawn sneaking up on her, she left the ballroom behind, her spirits still thrumming with excitement from the evening, but her body yearning for a soak in a hot bath and some sleep in the oversized hotel bed. She was halfway across the empty lobby, gilded elevator doors in sight, when her feet came to a stop outside of the hotel’s bar. She didn’t even have to look to know exactly who was sitting in that dimly lit bar. He had a larger-than-life presence, no matter what room he was in, that was like a magnet, drawing everyone’s attention, even if he was just randomly passing by on the sidewalk.

Her tiredness completely forgotten, she hovers near the entryway and discretely watches him. He’s sitting by himself at the bar, nursing what Tessa knows is a glass of scotch on the rocks along with a basket of half-eaten chips and dip, his eyes occasionally flicking up to the large screen TV showing a basketball game taking place on the other side of the country. His jacket is discarded on the back of his chair, his tie loosened slightly and the buttons of his shirt rakishly undone at the top. Despite his disheveled, executive blowing off steam look, he is still just as handsome and attractive as he was just a short time ago when he was polished and buttoned up. Maybe even more.

A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she watches him. Gabe was such a surprise when she first came to New York, and she never expected to become so charmed by him. The man has such a lavish and lively personality on the outside, but on the inside is a man driven to be the best and passionate about using his vast knowledge to help everyone. His heart is as big as his office, a welcoming, refreshing contrast to the selfishness Tessa sees too often in this line of work. They have only known each other for a short time, but every time he came around, he put a smile on her face and made her stomach flip-flop. She couldn’t explain why he has such a pleasant effect on her. Perhaps it’s the way that when she flirts with him, he flirts right back with the same energy she gives him, maybe even more. Maybe it’s the way the two of them click when they’re together. Or maybe it’s the way he continues to keep her on her toes and excite her yet still make her feel a sense of comfort and familiarity at the same time. Regardless of the reasons, the one thing she was certain of was that she didn’t want this fluttering feeling to stop. Ever.

“Of course, you would be alone at a bar,” Tessa teases as she steps towards him.

Gabe swivels his head around at the sound of her voice, his eyes immediately catching hers as she approaches him. His lips twist into a grin, his spirits lifting like they always do whenever she is around. “Am I really that predictable?”

Tessa shrugs. “Maybe a little. But you wouldn’t be the Gabe Ricci we all know and love if you weren’t.”

Gabe chuckles. “Most people wouldn’t agree with you on that statement.”

“I’m not most people,” she fires back with a wink.

No, you are most definitely not Gabe thought. “What exactly are you doing still wandering around?” He glances down towards his watch, mildly surprised to find it still somewhat early. “The cocktail party ended almost an hour ago. I figured you would be in bed like everyone else.”

“I planned on it, but then I saw this guy sitting all by himself in this empty hotel bar and thought he could use some company.”

Gabe’s eyes twinkle with delightful mischief as he takes another sip of his scotch. He was hoping the two of them could spend some more time together before the madness hit them Monday morning. “I think I know who you’re talking about. And I, for one, know that he would love to have some company, especially if the company happens to be you.”

Tessa gives him a shy smile as she slips into the bar stool next to him. An electrical, buzzing warmth fills up the space around them as butterflies flutter in her stomach at the near closeness to him, the scent of his cologne invading her senses and tempting her to come even closer. As she peruses the small menu, the lone bartender comes over and places a napkin down in front of her.

“Anything to eat or drink?”

“A Manhattan please.”

The bartender nods before turning to Gabe. “Another refill for you, sir?”

“Please,” Gabe replies. “And put her Manhattan on my tab as well.”

The bartender grabs Gabe’s empty glass and heads down to the other end of the bar. Once he’s fully out of hearing range, Tessa turns to face Gabe. “You didn’t have to do that,” she says. “I am more than capable of paying for my own drinks.”

“I know you could pay for it,” Gabe responds before his lips curl into his trademark sly smirk, “or you could let Sadie pay for it.”

“Wait, what?”

Gabe nods, his smirk growing bigger. “Consider it another partner-only secret. This conference is one of the few events Sadie lets us have more…leeway…with the company credit card. Any food or drinks we buy at this conference gets covered by the firm.”

“And something tells me you’re taking full advantage of that offer,” Tessa says.

Gabe gives her a wink. “What can I say? A good attorney knows a good offer when they see it.”

“In that case,” Tessa flags down the bartender again. “I’ll do an order of the spicy fried pickle chips with that Manhattan.” The bartender nods and disappears into a back room. Tessa turns her head, seeing Gabe looking at her with an amused expression on his face. “What’s that look for?”

Gabe chuckles, shaking his head. “Just wondering if I’m going to regret sharing that secret with you.”

“Don’t worry,” Tessa grins at him. “Your secret is safe with me. But if Sadie cuts us off or starts questioning anything on the credit card bills, I’m placing the full blame on you.”

The two of them continue to make small talk until the bartender comes back a few minutes later. He places their drinks and her basket of food down before excusing himself and shuffling into the back room once again. Tessa grabs her glass and holds it up in a toast, prompting Gabe to do the same.

“To drinks on someone else’s dime,” she states.

The two of them share a laugh as they clink their glasses together. Tessa takes a sip of her drink, the whiskey a sharp contrast to the bubbly champagne of the reception. The liquid pools like fire in her stomach and flows throughout her body, warming her up and loosening her muscles. “Best Manhattan I’ve ever had.”

Gabe cocks his eyebrow. “Is it really the best?”

“Oh, not by a long shot. But since I didn’t have to pay for it, I consider it the best in my book.”

“You really are a woman after my own heart,” Gabe replies. Tessa tucks her gaze away from him, feeling her face grow hot at the combination of the whiskey and his spell-binding charm. She takes another sip of her drink before sliding the basket of pickle chips towards him. He throws her an appreciative “thanks”, taking a chip and popping it into his mouth before continuing their conversation. “How did you enjoy the conference?”

“I really liked it,” Tessa answers. “I never got the chance to do things like this with my old law firm.”

“What? Have free food and drinks on someone else’s dime with a devastatingly handsome senior partner?”

Tessa shoves him with a laugh. “No, you complete smart ass. I meant going out to events and connecting with other people.” She absentmindedly picks the coating off a pickle chip, her mind reminiscing. “Don’t get me wrong. I love my hometown, but there was no excitement in my life. It was the same boring routine every single day.”

“Sounds like you and McGraw Byrne are a perfect match.”

Tessa nods. “Honestly, I really have you to thank. If you didn’t recommend hiring me to Sadie, I still would be stuck in the same boring routine. It sounds really sappy, but you really did change my life for the better…in more ways than one.”

The raw honesty in her voice tugs at his heartstrings, his lips twitching into another smile. He’s used to hearing those words come from his clients, but hearing those words come from her just felt…different, and it made him feel something he couldn’t quite place his finger on.

“You’re very welcome,” Gabe earnestly tells her. “I wouldn’t have recommended you if I didn’t think you were a stellar attorney. You deserve to be here just as much as everyone else, and I truly mean that. McGraw Byrne needed someone like you. Hell, the legal world needs more attorneys like you.”

“What? Sappy and sentimental ones?”

“No,” Gabe says, stifling his chuckle. “I meant attorneys who are passionate about their job and passionate about connecting with people. So many attorneys don’t take the time to really understand or listen to their clients. Having someone like you, someone who actually connects with clients and goes above and beyond to help them, really does make a world of difference.” Gabe takes a pickle chip and pops it into his mouth. “But I really am happy you decided to take Sadie up on her offer to join us, even if the past few days have given you plenty of good reasons to quit.”

Tessa blows out a harsh breath, knowing exactly what Gabe was referring to. “Yeah, they have been quite…challenging.”

“I meant to ask you earlier, but how’re you holding up?”

Tessa sighs, dragging her fingertip over the rim of her glass. “Honestly, I’m still pissed that Beau stole the credit from me in front of everyone, but I should’ve expected someone to pull that stunt sooner or later.” She blinks back a tear trying to escape. “It just sucks to be the one it happens to.”

“I know, and I truly am sorry Beau pulled such a dick move on you.” He sympathetically lays a gentle hand on her bare shoulder, the touch sending comfort through her veins. “If I could’ve done something to make it better, I would’ve done it in a heartbeat.”

“I know you would’ve, but I do appreciate you not saying anything to Sadie.”

He shrugs. “Wasn’t my place to tell her. Besides,” he takes his hand off her shoulder, already missing the feel of her smooth, soft skin, “the only thing it would’ve done was make you and me look bad in front of Sadie.”

“Sounds like someone has personal experience.”

Gabe runs a hand through his hair. “Happened to me once back in my early legal days, but instead of getting the credit and respect that I rightfully deserved, I got told off for being a bad ‘team player’ and trying to take someone else’s credit.”

“That’s so unfair,” she practically spits.

Gabe lets out a bitter, humorless guffaw. “Preaching to the choir on that one. You’ll find that every group will have one person who will do none of the work or the one person that will take credit for anything and everything. Fortunately for us, Beau happens to be both of those assholes wrapped up in one, so we save a lot on payroll.”

Tessa laughs weakly at his joke, the sting of Beau’s betrayal still fresh in her mind. “Thanks for trying to make me feel better. It just sucks knowing that Sadie is always going to believe that Beau solved the case.”

“If it’s any consolation, I’m still incredibly proud of you, even if Sadie never knows the truth.”

“You…are?” she asks, surprise etched on her face as she turns her body towards him.

“Absolutely,” Gabe says, no hesitation in his voice. “Without you, we possibly would’ve never solved it to begin with, nor would Lydia have thought to make Joey sign a prenup. But what really impressed me was how you were the only one to step up and take initiative when needed. Not many of the senior partners would go to such lengths for a teenager like Lydia, but you did.”

“I guess,” Tessa mutters. “I just hope it will be enough come Monday.”

“It will be,” Gabe assures her as he steals another pickle chip.

“Really? I figured Sadie would shove Beau to the top of the rankings after he basically saved the firm.”

“Everyone in that room knows who really saved the firm, and it wasn’t Beau,” Gabe points out. “Even if Sadie believes he did, she’s also smart enough to know that one win, no matter how big it is, isn’t enough to judge how good an attorney is or will become. Beau may have stolen one win, but you’re still the one to beat.”

“I guess that’s true…”

“Plus, you showed her tonight how well you bounce back after taking a loss.”

“What do you mean?”

“Between moot court, the pro bono cases, the vaccine trial, and everything else we’ve observed, you had a major winning streak that Beau decided to snap. Most people would sulk in their losses, but you didn’t. You showed up tonight, looking incredible might I add, and managed to put everything behind you to impress the right group of people.”

“If you say so.”

“I know so,” Gabe confidently replies. He reaches out and covers her hand with his, trying to ignore the tingling buzzes on his skin. “You’re a wickedly smart attorney, Tessa. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.”

“Thanks Gabe,” she says, the goofy smile plastering on her face at his heartfelt compliment. “That…that really means a lot to me.”

“It should,” Gabe tells her, reluctantly pulling his hand away again. “I wouldn’t have said it if it wasn’t the absolute truth. Just forget about Vegas and the Rothswells and continue onto the next case.”

Tessa nods and takes another sip of her drink as the conversation between them dies down. She may have already forgotten the Rothswells and was slowly getting over from Beau’s stolen win, but Vegas was still on her mind. It wasn’t just the city that occupied her thoughts, but rather, it was the small wedding chapel and the night she played fiancée to the man sitting next to her. That night was an intense roller coaster of emotions, desires, and confusion; it was a night where lines became blurred and questions began to arise at the nature of her and Gabe’s relationship. It was one specific little interaction that made Tessa not only sense a shift in their relationship, but triggered her to start over analyzing and over thinking every little action from their first meeting up until now.

“Nothing but the best for the most stunning woman on the Strip.”

“Alvin’s gone, you know. You don’t have to—”

He raises a finger to her lips, laying it softly against them as he gives her a smoldering look that makes her throat dry up. “What if I want to, Tessa?”

Tessa truly felt at that moment they were no longer pretending. The things he said to her that night with such conviction in his eyes and voice. The way he softly caressed and touched her with such adoration and tenderness. The way his breath tickled her lips and sent shivers throughout her body at their near-kisses. They were not things done by someone just “pretending”; no one was that good of an actor. However, despite his actions in the wedding chapel, there was one moment that made her second guess herself completely. Just as she was about to admit her feelings for him, he brusquely cut her off and completely changed the direction of the conversation. What punctuated that gut-wrenching action was him dropping her hand quickly, as if he had been burned by her touch. The cocktail of mixed signals made her head pound in dizzying confusion, and it was becoming difficult to ignore for much longer.

She glances over at Gabe, worrying her lip between her teeth and mentally debating whether or not to step into that territory of complete openness. She has a nice, working relationship with him, and she doesn’t want to risk making it awkward to be around him if he truly doesn’t feel anything towards her. On the other hand, she wants to know for her own sake of mind; she has to know if Gabe’s confusing behavior and mixed signals mean anything. They’re off the clock, away from the office, with no interruptions coming between them. It’s the perfect opportunity to air everything out, and hopefully come Monday, there would be no more confusion or misunderstandings.

“Speaking of Vegas…” Tessa mumbles, carefully avoiding his eyes. “I think we should talk.”

Gabe’s spine stiffens in alert at the sudden shift in her demeanor. “About…what, exactly?”

She takes a deep breath, knowing it was too late to steer this conversation in another direction. “About what happened at the wedding chapel.”

“Ah,” Gabe interjects, “that was some brilliant thinking on your part, with the rat and all.”

“That wasn’t the part I wanted to talk about.” She turns her head to look at him. “I wanted to talk about the whole ‘pretend’ couple in love situation.”

“What was wrong with it?” he asks her, his nerves starting to creep up on him.

“Nothing,” she quickly replies. “I was just thinking…what you said…” She takes another deep breath, preparing herself to blurt it out before she lost her nerve. “Did you ever have a moment where…you didn’t think it was pretend?”

Depends on what your answer is going to be. “What do you mean?”

“I know the whole situation was supposed to be pretend in order to get a copy of Lydia’s marriage license, but…some of the things you said…and did…” her ears grow hot as a shiver races down her spine at the memory of Gabe’s gentle caress on her wrist, the pure intimacy behind it.

“Didn’t seem like pretend?” he finishes.

“Yeah.”

“And what do you think?”

Tessa sits there silently contemplating her answer. Up until this point, Tessa never had any reason to doubt Gabe. He is a man who never makes anyone second guess his true intentions or meanings. Every word he speaks is nothing short of the truth. But his reaction on the Strip was the first time she questioned his true intentions. If Gabe did mean what he said, then why did he quickly divert the conversation and act like he couldn’t stand to be around her? Her inner conscience was waving a massive red flag in front of her, but when Gabe gripped her chin and turned her head to focus on him, she caught herself slipping back into the warm pools of his chocolate-colored orbs.

“I really hope you weren’t pretending,” she softly says, voice barely above a whisper.

Gabe feels his stomach lurch at her confession, and the corners of his mouth tug up into a small smile at her answer. Gabe wasn’t going to lie. From the minute she stepped into the office, he became fascinated with her. She was beautiful, but what caught his attention was the way she introduced herself to the others. She was the only one who stood up and spoke with such confidence and conviction about winning the partnership that he would’ve given the spot to her immediately if his name was on the building.

“That’s because I wasn’t.”

Her eyes widen. “Wh…what?”

His thumb skates over her bottom lip, gently tugging it downwards, her breath hitching at the intense, smoldering look in his eyes. “I wasn’t pretending in the wedding chapel. I truly wanted to tell you that you were the most stunning woman on the Strip because you were, and I will always think you’re the most stunning woman I will ever come across.”

“And last night?”

“I still mean it,” he tells her, taking his hand away. “I really do enjoy spending time with you, and I want to spend whatever time I have with you and only you.”

“Good.” Tessa covers his hand with hers, the electric current running between them turning into tingling shivers chasing each other up and down her spine. “Because I really, really like spending time with you too.”

The smile on his face grows bigger, turning into the most genuine one he’s ever had with someone else. Their fingers tentatively move and twist together, the air buzzing with energy just waiting to be released. A sigh of relief floods through him once he sees their hands joined together. He feared he overstepped that night in Vegas, especially since he was sharply reminded of how Tessa flirted with the fireman a few weeks ago for her eviction case. But sitting here now, their confessions out in the open, their hands joined together, made all of it real.

“So where do we go from here?”

Gabe furrows his brow. “What do you mean?”

“We just admitted we like each other, Gabe,” Tessa states like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “The question is, what comes next? Are we together? Do we see where this goes?”

Gabe bit the inside of his cheek at her question, the bliss from earlier now getting replaced with dread and guilt. He knows exactly what he wants to do next. He wants to invite her to his hotel room tonight, spend hours tangled in the silk sheets together, then wake up and do it all again tomorrow morning. He wants to take her out to dinner tomorrow night and treat her to the most decadent food in the city while he teases and touches her until she can no longer bear it. He wants to be openly affectionate with her in the office…and maybe do a few more things behind the closed doors of his office. But he can’t, and he knew the exact reasons why.

The first reason was the more obvious one. She is currently in the competition for a junior partnership, and he is the one overseeing it and potentially making the final decision on who takes his former position. They are co-workers, and while Sadie has no real binding rule that co-workers cannot date or see each other outside of work, Gabe knows there will always be a cloud of doubt and speculation hovering over Tessa if the office discovers they are seeing each other and she wins the junior partnership. Gabe was already beating himself up for what happened between her and Beau; he would never be able to forgive himself if he was the cause of ruining her reputation and the potential she has at becoming the next great attorney. How could he look himself in the mirror every morning if this blows back up in their faces?

But the less obvious reason was a hidden secret, one that he hasn’t shared with anyone else. It was the one reason that stopped him from taking her up to his penthouse in Vegas and doing all the things he fantasizes about doing with her. It was the one reason for the walls Gabe built up over the years that no one else has been able to break down. It was the one reason that prevented Gabe from crossing the lines he wanted to cross. As easy as it would be to cross them tonight with nothing stopping them, he knows he has to make the tough decision, not only to protect her, but also to protect himself. He just hopes it doesn’t change anything between them.

“As much as I would love for us to be together,” he runs his thumb soothingly over her knuckles, already feeling guilty for what he was about to say to her, “I don’t think it would be wise to pursue it.”

“O…oh,” the smile on her face falters at his stinging rejection.

“It’s not that I don’t want you,” Gabe quickly assures her.

“Sure feels that way,” she blurts out with a bitter laugh.

Gabe sighs and scrubs a hand down his face. “You’re stunning Tessa, and whatever would happen between us would be so goddamn mind-blowing, because I know exactly what I’d do with a girl like you.”

As much as his rejection stings, the dark tendrils of desire twist and twirl together inside at the sound of that highly promising and exciting invitation, the rush of desire making her shift in her seat at the tingling sensation. However, his tone tells her he was about to say one little three-letter word that was going to take the invitation back and make the rejection even worse.

"But...?"

Gabe shakes his head and averts his eyes from the pain blooming in hers. “We can’t act on it. I can’t act on it.”

“You can’t or you won’t?”

“I…can’t,” he relents. He untangles their fingers and pulls his hand back to his side of the bar, no matter how painful it is for him to do so. “You already saw how low Sadie’s own blood would go to push himself ahead. Just imagine how low the others would go if they suspected—”

“You and I were seeing each other?”

Gabe nods, a small twinge of relief pricking his heart at her understanding. “Opportunities like this bring the worst out in people.”

“Considering I just had firsthand experience on how shitty people can be, I do understand it.” She takes another drink of her Manhattan, the sting now turning into simmering annoyance. “What I don’t understand is why us being together is now such a big deal for you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m just saying, you didn’t seem too concerned with people seeing us together or what they thought when we went to Hoi On and that business dinner you specifically invited me to,” Tessa shrugs. “I’m just curious about the change of heart all of a sudden.”

“I didn’t have a change of heart. Those situations were entirely different.”

“Different how?”

Gabe pauses for a second to gather his thoughts. He had to tread lightly going forward, or else any chance the two of them had with each other in the future was going to be destroyed. “When I invited you to Hoi On, the other associates weren’t in the office. I knew Aislinn wasn’t going to say anything to Sadie, so no one was going to question why I brought you there.”

“And the business dinner?”

“It truly was supposed to be a business dinner and an opportunity for you to network yourself,” Gabe admits. “I didn’t know beforehand that he was going to cancel on me, and as far as the office is concerned, no one knows that he canceled on me, so everyone still suspects the three of us had that business dinner.”

“But then…oh…” Tessa trails off, another wave of disappointment crashing into her chest. “I get it.”

“You do?”

She nods. “You’re embarrassed to be seen with me. I get it. The senior associate and the top senior partner being seen together would hurt your image with the other partners.”

A tinge of frustration punches his gut. “That’s not what I mean. I’m not embarrassed to be seen with you. If I was, I wouldn’t have invited you to join me at the lake.”

“Good point,” Tessa tells him. “You certainly didn’t mind taking me out to the lake last night with Sadie and the other associates sitting around.”

“That was different too,” Gabe bluntly responds. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Then help me to understand,” she sighs, exasperated.

“There’s no point in tell you,” Gabe shoots back. “You’re intelligent and observant, Tessa. You know exactly why we can’t pursue…whatever there is between us.”

“The only thing standing in the way of pursuing whatever is between us is you,” Tessa points out.

He runs his hands through his disheveled hair again. “It’s not that I want to stand in the way of us. There’s so many reasons on why we shouldn’t pursue this.”

“Well, so far, you haven’t given me one that we can’t find a way to work around. So please enlighten me, Mr. Ricci,” she crosses her arms over her chest and gives him a hard stare. “Is your reasoning really about the partnership and my reputation, or is it about something more?”

As Gabe sits there in silence, Tessa’s mind flashes back to their previous interactions. Last night was the most unguarded she has seen Gabe since she started working at McGraw Byrne. The business dinner was the first time the two of them ever got physically close to each other. Vegas was the first time the two of them were fixing to jump across those boundaries and become one. But each time, Gabe pulled back, and his action spoke volumes. And with the way Gabe was currently avoiding meeting her gaze head on and how his fingers are tightly gripping his empty scotch glass makes the light bulb go off in her head. There was another reason Gabe was hiding, one that has to do entirely with himself. She just has to hope that she is important enough for him to be honest with her.

“Well?”

Gabe sighs. “It really is about the partnership,” he lies, firmly keeping his gaze locked on the bar top. “The partnership is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you shouldn’t waste it or throw it away.”

The air turns icy and frigid at his words. Tessa grabs her clutch off the bar top, knowing there was no more reason for her to still be around. “You may be able to bullshit other people, Gabe, but you’re not going to bullshit me. You and I both know this is more than just the partnership, and out of respect for your privacy, I’m not going to pry. Only you can make the decision to share it with me, but until you do, I think it’s best to forget whatever we feel for each other.”

Tessa gives his hand a soft pat before downing the rest of her drink and sliding off the bar stool. Before she could go far, Gabe’s hand reaches out and wraps around her wrist.

“Tessa…”

“Don’t worry about it, Gabe,” she says, gently prying his fingers off her wrist. “I’m honestly a little hurt and disappointed that you can’t be honest with me, but I’m not mad at you.” She places a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I really do like you, Gabe, but I also like and respect myself too much to go after someone who isn’t as crazy about me as I am about them, nor will I go after someone who keeps pulling back when I want to get closer.”

“That’s not—"

She ignores his plea, digging into her clutch and pulling out a platinum-looking card. “You know where to find me when you make up your mind and have an answer for me, but don’t expect me to be waiting around forever for it.”

She places the card down on the bar top; with a sad smile, she brushes past him and heads out of the hotel bar, the tears stinging the corners of her eyes. Gabe watches her figure retreat until she disappears behind the gilded elevator doors.

“Dammit!” he slams a fist against the bar top. The empty glasses jump a little at the impact, but what catches his attention was the quick flash of light reflected on the platinum card as it jumped into the air. Gabe reaches out and slides it towards him, his spirits deflating even more when he sees what she left.

The spare key to her room.

To anyone else, it may be just a room key, but Gabe knows that it is so much more meaningful than that. It symbolizes the key to her heart and the key to their future together, a key that would only work for a short amount of time until Tessa closes both of those doors on him. The decision to walk through those open doors was entirely in his hands, but before he could do that, he has to make one other decision. The time had come for him to do the one thing he has avoided doing for years, the one decision he found easy to avoid until tonight.

It was time for him to confront himself and his fears.

__________________________________

This was going to go up a lot sooner, but because my job decided to go through some technology changes recently, it meant something that previously worked is now broken and no longer works. Unfortunately, that was me this time around, so my usual break times where I work on stories was used to help fix what someone else broke.

Sorry about the delay, but I really do anticipate part 2 being uploaded soon, much sooner than LOA coming back from its hiatus.

For all of you who have read this story and made it this far, thank you so much for your support! It means more to me than you could ever imagine!

I love you all so much!

Second Chance Tagging in case Tumblr becomes Tumbroke again: @choices-addict @choiceskatie @lady-calypso @chemist-ana @kat-tia801 @chrissythadon @nishas-paradise @blainehellyes @mm2305 @suitfer @thegreentwin @pixelnutrookie

#choices #laws of attraction #choices laws of attraction #gabe ricci x mc #gabe x mc #loa #choices loa

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vadergf · 4 years ago

Note

Hajdjsjdk you know me I'm a whore for Tom Holland 😪😪😪😪 soft sleepy cuddles with Tom and Tessa after he's had a long day from work skfjjsjdjsj PLS I'M TOUCH STARVED

Literally same😪

forgive me for the quality of this blurb: I cant write fluff for the life of me

I'm still taking requests so please do send them in!!!

You were curled up on the sofa, Tessa right next to you, as you both waited for Tom to get home. With the slew of recent films he had signed, his working hours grew longer and longer and you grew more....well, not lonely exactly but more touch starved.

You missed him, tremendously. Which was crazy become you still saw him every night but after so many months cooped up together during quarantine, you had gotten so attached that the daily period of absence was harder than usual.

But atleast you had the little angel next to you. You snuggled closer to Tessa as some cooking show played on the TV. Trying to get your mind off how much you missed Thomas Stanley Holland, you tried to immerse yourself in a rerun of Masterchef Australia. But the episode kept dragging on and you felt yourself drifting off to sleep.

You were awoken from your slumber by a series of sharp knocks on the door. You practically jumped off the couch, accidentally pushing Tessa off your lap. With a slight wince and a whispered 'Sorry' to the poor dog, you rushed to the door and pulled it open.

Tom was leaning against the doorframe, a tired smile on his lips.

“Hey, darling,” was all he got out before you flung yourself onto him, throwing your arms around his neck and burying your face in his neck. Tom wrapped his hands around you, chuckling softly.

He asked, “Did you miss me?” You nodded, still not moving from your position.

After a few more moments of just being held by Tom, you reluctantly moved away and let the poor boy enter the house.

Ears cocking up at the sound of Tom’s footsteps, Tessa bounded over to both of you and proceeded to lick Tom’s feet. Tom bent down to scratch her ears as you smiled at the sight.

This was all you wanted. To just come home on a late night to your wonderful boyfriend and your beautiful dog and just...live in the moment. A moment where the outside world and worries had no impact on us.

But the moment ended when Tessa realised that ultimately, you and Tom were too boring to capture her attention for long and she went back to her spot on the couch.

Tom said, disbelief evident in his tone, “Did she just walk away from me?"

You gave a small laugh. “Yup. We’re not interesting enough."

“The audacity!” Tom exclaimed under his breath, before walking up to the couch and picking Tessa up.

He murmured, in a baby voice, “You really thought you could get rid of me that easily, huh?"

Cuddling Tessa closer to his body, he leaned back on the couch. You made your way to the both of them and wrapped your arms around Tom's waist and laid your head on his shoulder, placing small kisses on his shoulder.

Tom turned his head slightly to face you, he whispered, a small smirk on his lips, "Hi again, darling."

"Hiii," you murmured weakly.

Tom wrapped one arm over your shoulders, pulling you closer to him. You snuggled closer to his chest, with Tessa lying on both of your laps.

“How was your day?” you asked.

He nodded noncommittally. “It was pretty good. Not a lot of intense scenes today so it was easier than most days,”

“How about you, love?” he asked, now lightly rubbing circles on your shoulder.

You shrugged. “Boring, really. I didn’t do anything except laze around all day with this one,” you nodded at Tessa, your heart filling with a burst of happiness at the sight of her. After a few seconds, you whispered, "I missed you so much, Tommy."

Tom placed a small kiss on the top of your head and said, "Missed you too,"

You looked up at him smiling softly at you and you couldn't help leaning in and placing a kiss on his lips.

You whispered, against his lips, " I love you, Tommy."

You felt him smile. "Love you too, angel."

This was so bad but I cant write fluff...again. And cuddling is just 🧍‍♀️🧍‍♀️ because I've never experienced it so.

Anyways, comments and reblogs are much appreciated. And if you read till here you're an MVP

#tom holland #tom holland fanfiction #tom holland x y/n #tom holland x reader fluff #tom holland x reader #tom holland fluff #tom holland blurb #fanfiction #y/n fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #marvel x reader #x reader fanfiction

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duskholland · 4 years ago

Text

The Fame Game (Part Ten) - Tom Holland

Summary ↠ Tom is straight-up not having a good time right now.

Word count ↠ 3.9k

Warnings ↠ The romantic cliché of your dreams, alcohol, references to past intimate times, swearing. Pretty tame overall though!

A/N ↠ I can’t believe we’re at the end of the series! V (mischiefandi) gave me some really good ideas for this part with Tessa - I hope you’ll like what I did there lmao. I’m going to leave my extended thank yous for the epilogue, but just know that I am so grateful for everyone who’s stuck with the series from the beginning until now... Thank you for reading and coming on this journey with me. I hope you’ll like the final official part! Epilogue next week :’))

TEN: Come Home (T)

As the front door to Tom’s house shuts behind you, Tom finds himself slumping against the wooden frame, grief overcoming his senses. He’s tired and his arms hurt, everything hurts, but he peers up through the windowpane at the top of the door and watches as you run out through the sheets of rain. Paparazzi flashes illuminate his garden, capturing you as you stride purposefully to your car, duck down and enter it. A moment later, the car pulls away from the pavement and disappears.

Tom kicks at the door.

“Fuck!”

His hands curl into fists as he turns around and leans with his back against the door, frustrated eyes falling onto his jacket and his keys. For a moment he contemplates picking them up and making a mad dash after you, reckoning he could probably beat you to Heathrow if he drove recklessly enough, but then he sags.

Tom has to give you space. You’ve asked for space. He has to respect it.

His hand twitches as he walks out of the porch, as if his very fingers can feel how badly he wants to reach out and grab the keys, but he leaves them. Instead, Tom climbs the stairs and walks straight into the spare room, throwing himself down onto the bed and burrowing his head in the pillows. He groans - loudly.

It was always a long shot - telling you how he felt. And in some ways, Tom’s admission of love had gone quite well. You reciprocate his feelings, which, really, is the most essential part of it all. But that reciprocation is only the tip of the iceberg, and it goes far deeper than that - because you still left. Tom is still alone, curled up on the bed that smells distantly of you, clenching his fingers feebly around the sheets that he’d refused to let Harrison change, even months after you’d left. Your perfume lingers on the cotton.

There’s the small pattering sound of paws moving over wooden floors, and Tom’s lips quirk up ever so slightly as he pulls his face from the pillows just to see Tessa trot into the bedroom. She plods towards the bed but hesitates, sniffing around the wardrobe. One of the doors hangs half-open, and Tom notices that you’ve left it barren.

Tessa whines.

“I know, I know, girl.” Tom looks at the dog, smiling sadly. Tessa looks miserable. “I miss her too, yeah? But it’s going to be okay.” His words hitch, and Tom reaches up to pinch the bridge of his nose as he feels his heart clench. “It… It’s a bit fucked up, but it’ll be okay. She… She loves me, at least.” He breaks off, laughing awkwardly. “And she knows now, too, that I love her. And yeah, she still left, but… Maybe one day I’ll see her again.” Tom sighs. “Probably not, though. Bloody hell, I’m so… I’m so stupid, Tess.”

Tessa looks up at Tom. Tom sighs.

“And now I’m talking to my dog like a lunatic,” he mutters. Tom sits back against the pillows, hands settling over his stomach. “This is actually pathetic.”

Tessa emits a loud whine before jumping up onto the bed, her wet nose jutting into Tom’s neck. He sighs, smiling as he reaches up to run his hands all over her sleek body.

“You wouldn’t leave me, eh, Tess?” He mutters. “You love me?” He’s sitting up properly, smiling as Tessa basks in the cuddles, releasing happy yips. “Thought so.”

Tom stays in the spare room - your room - for almost an hour, cuddling with Tessa, pondering his predicament. He’s wallowing in it, miserably staring at the ceiling and torturing himself with the ins and outs of the conversation he’d had with you. He loves you, but he understands why you wouldn’t believe him. Tom understands that he’s hurt you and that he needs to respect your choice to leave, but that doesn’t make it any less gutting.

With a sigh, Tom stands from the bed. Tessa whines, and he rubs her head fondly before walking down into the kitchen. He spots his phone on the counter and picks it up, his heart clenching as his lockscreen pops up.

It’s a photo of you both, from many months ago. It feels like a distant memory now, but when you’d first been in London, you’d gone out bowling with Tom’s family. Afterwards, you’d all retreated to the pub, and you’d shared pints all evening. At some point, Sam had taken a photo of Tom with his arm wrapped around you. You have your cheek on his shoulder, and though it’s a little blurry, it has to be his favourite photo of you together. The way you’re looking up at him is with warmth in your eyes, and it makes Tom’s heart skip a beat to remember how nice it was to be resting at your side.

Swallowing down the resentful lump in his throat, Tom opens up his texts and clicks on your contact. With cold fingers, he types out a message, altering and adding bits for a shameful amount of time before sending off the completed thing.

Tom: Have a safe flight. I’m sorry for being such a dick. I know you don’t want to hear it, but I love you. I love you and I’ll wait for you. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to figure it out. I love you. Xxxxxxxxxx

With that done, Tom takes himself off into the living room and throws himself onto the sofa. He grumbles as he grabs a pillow and wraps his arms around it, holding it close. He keeps checking his phone, wondering if you’ll reply. The message changes to read almost as soon as he’s sent it, but after that, nothing. It only makes his heart ache more.

So, with nothing else to do but wallow in his misery, Tom closes his eyes. He tries to sleep, and after a while, Tessa curls up beside him. Slowly but surely, the noise in his head and the pain in his chest ease off enough for him to rest, and Tom lets the world of heartbreak drift away.

Knock knock.

Tom stirs, slowly.

Knock knock knock.

“Eh?”

Knockknockknock.

Tom sits up, disorientated and dizzy. It’s dark outside, but through the blinds in the living room, he can make out that the front light is on. Someone is at the door.

With a grunt, Tom stands up. Tessa wriggles around, and he pats her head softly as he stumbles towards the porch, frowning as he tries to remember if he’s ordered anything recently. He doesn’t think he has, but maybe Harrison’s been making impulse purchases in Liverpool. Tom hopes it’s something he can eat. Fuck, he’s hungry. How long has he been asleep?

Tom pulls the door open without a second thought, still groggy and tired from his nap, and he gets the shock of his life when his eyes catch sight of the person standing nervously on his doorstep.

You.

Before he can get a word in, you’re surging forward, your arms wrapping around Tom’s figure before he can process it. A short huff leaves his chest as you hug him tightly, continuing to push him until Tom’s back is up against the wall. You kick the door shut behind you, coat dripping rain onto the floor, and then you grab his face and kiss him.

Tom kisses you back, his brain waking up the moment your lips touch his. He’s slow, but he matches your movements eagerly, his palms going to your shoulders as he kisses you messily. You’re practically vibrating, your mouth curving into a smile so prominent that Tom can feel it brushing up against his face.

You came back.

Tom pulls away, his eyes prickling with tears of surprise. “Wh-What?” He stammers, smiling when you laugh. “But your flight?”

You shake your head softly. “I couldn’t do it,” you say. “I couldn’t leave, Tom.” You brush a hand through his hair. “I love you too.”

Tom kisses you again, his hands going to your face. He cradles your cheeks as he presses his lips to your mouth, over and over again, dazzled by the lightness in his chest. His heart has never felt so warm before.

“You are spectacular,” he mumbles, gushing mindlessly against your lips. “You are- you are wonderful. You are brilliant.” He breaks off as you giggle, pausing in his dialogue to kiss you again. “You are my favourite person.” Tom pulls back, looking at you fondly. His eyes trail the familiar lines of your face and he swoons, overcome with positive emotion. “I love you.”

You kiss his cheek softly. “I’m also very wet,” you say, shaking off a dripping arm. A sheepish expression crosses your face. “I, um, might need to borrow some clothes,” you murmur. “I kind of just… Turned around and ran out of the airport.” You grin nervously. “I think my suitcase is halfway to America by now.”

Tom scoffs, nodding. “That’s okay, love. I’m just so happy that you’re here.” So happy that you came back, that you don’t hate him. So happy that you love him too.

Tom reaches out and takes your hand, kissing over your knuckles gently. A thousand stars seem to twinkle in your eyes as you look at him.

“I’m happy too.”

An hour later, you’re both sitting on Tom’s living room floor, boxes of empty takeaway stacked around haphazardly. Tom’s leaning up against the sofa, legs outstretched in front of him. His arm is wrapped around you, and you have your head resting on his shoulder, and he feels more content than he’s ever felt in his life.

“I can’t believe you left your suitcases on the plane,” he murmurs, voice gentle. You’ve been sitting together and talking all evening. He’s been spacing every few sentences with another kiss to your temple, enjoying the expressions of fondness that find your face each time his lips touch your skin. You look very cute in one of his oversized hoodies. “Did you tell anyone that you left?”

“Nah.” You sit up, stretching suddenly and yawning. You turn around to look at Tom, eyes flickering out over him until you smile mischievously. You move closer, swinging one leg over Tom’s thighs before settling in his lap, your hands falling to his shoulders. A wave of your perfume washes over him, and Tom sighs contentedly as you kiss him quickly. “I told the flight attendants, but they couldn’t get my stuff off the plane. I thought it was worth it, though.”

“Oh, definitely.” Tom can’t stop kissing you. The urge to press his lips to yours whenever he wants is too powerful to ignore. “I’ll replace it all for you, if you want,” he mutters, distracted by your mouth. “I’d buy you a whole bloody house if you wanted, darling.”

You laugh against his lips. “That’s unnecessary, Tom, but very sweet.” You pause, pulling away with a bewildered expression on your face. “My lease expired on my flat,” you say, processing the words, “So I actually don’t have anywhere to stay.”

Tom wiggles his eyebrows. “Well, luckily for you, I know someone who just so happens to have a house all to himself.” He walks his fingers over your shoulder, smiling at you. “You might be able to convince him to let you stay. I hear he’s a very generous landlord.”

“Oh yeah? Happen to know where I can find him?”

He nods, grinning. “He’s right here, love.”

Tom goes back to kissing you for a while, both of you growing giddy off chaste pecks. His lips are numb and puffy but he loves it, loves the ache and the way the back of his neck hurts from all the tugging of his hair.

There’s a phone ringing, out in the porch. Both of you ignore it, even as it rings a second and a third time. When it dies after the fourth, you pull away from Tom’s lips to roll your eyes.

“It’s mine,” you mutter, “Just ignore it. I don’t care about whatever it is.” There’s a hunger in your eyes, and Tom smiles.

“Whatever you say, boss,” he teases, earning himself a flick on the shoulder.

“Don’t call me your boss,” you scowl, scrunching up your nose. “I’m not your boss.”

“Oh, do you want me to be the boss, then?” Tom returns.

You glare at him. “No. You’re not my boss. You’re…” You trail off, and Tom tilts his head to the side, smiling softly.

“What am I, darling?”

A smile curves out across your lips. “You’re my boyfriend.”

The warmth that unfurls in Tom’s chest as he hears those words almost brings tears of relief to his eyes.

“Yeah.” He brings a hand to your face and you nuzzle your cheek into his palm. “I am.” He kisses you, softly. “And I love you.”

“Love you too, boyfriend.” You look at him for a moment before tilting your head and kissing the flat of his palm. “I am overjoyed to be your girlfriend. Your real girlfriend.”

Tom laughs, nodding his head in quick agreement. “Yeah, I-”

His phone starts ringing. It vibrates over the glass coffee table, clattering noisily, and a shadow of irritation passes over his face. You turn around, craning your neck and screwing your eyes together as you get a read on the screen.

“Shit,” you mutter, grabbing the phone and passing it to him. “It’s Rebecca.”

Tom feels his mood sink. “Fantastic.” He looks at his phone before glancing up at you. “Should I answer it?”

You sigh as you nod. “She’ll just keep phoning.”

Rather reluctantly, Tom swipes his finger over the screen, accepting the call and then putting the device on speakerphone.

“Hello?” He says.

The line crackles for a moment. “Oh, hi there, Tom,” Rebecca says. “Is Y/N with you?”

Tom glances at you. You clear your throat before replying.

“Yes, I’m here. You’re on speaker.”

Rebecca swallows so loudly that it’s audible. “What have you done?” She whispers. “Paps got you leaving the airport.”

“I changed my mind,” you say. Tom reaches down and takes your hands in his, squeezing your fingers when he hears the waver in your voice. “I didn’t want to go back to LA.”

“They also got you going back to Tom’s house. The tabloids are going crazy. Nobody knows what’s going on.” Rebecca pauses, and then sighs, deeply. “What is going on?”

“I’m staying in London,” you tell her, eyes on Tom’s face. Your lips curl into a nervous smile, and you continue to look at Tom as you speak. “We’re not… We’re not breaking up, Rebecca. I don’t care if it’s not part of the plan.”

“So… You’re actually dating?”

You hum. “Yes.”

There’s a tense few moments. The sound of rustling papers comes down the line, and Tom tries to ease you by rolling his thumb over the back of your hand. He can see the nerves in your shoulders, understands that for you, the prospect of being scolded, and possibly even dropped by your management is terrifying. He knows just as well as you how much power they have over you.

“Okay.” Rebecca sighs. “Tom?”

“Yes?”

“You’ll take care of Y/N in London?”

“Of course.”

“Good.” There’s a brief moment’s pause. “I’ll get someone from the office to call you tomorrow, Y/N. You’ll need to come back to LA to shoot your next film, but I don’t see why that needs to be immediately.”

A relieved smile splits across your face, and Tom exhales.

“Thank you, Rebecca,” you say. You lean down to rest your forehead on Tom’s shoulder, and he rubs a hand over your back. “Thanks for understanding.”

“Well, it’s the least I can do,” she responds. “Congratulations, you two. For what it’s worth, I think you make a lovely couple.”

The line disconnects and Tom grins, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you impossibly closer. You squeal as he nuzzles his face into your shoulder, kissing the base of your neck over and over again. He works his way up to your lips, pausing briefly only to suck a light hickey just below your ear, and by the time he reaches your mouth, you’re pushing back against him, eager.

“I can’t believe that this has worked out,” he says. Tom lets you pad your thumb through his ruffled eyebrow.

“Neither,” you admit. “Feels almost anti-climactic. Every other part of this relationship has been so dramatic.”

“Oh, don’t tempt fate,” Tom says, eyes wide. “We’ve had enough drama.”

You laugh, nodding in fast agreement. “You certainly have a point there.”

You crack open a few beers and end up chatting in the kitchen together, the hours slipping away. Tom sits across from you, holding your hand as you talk, and talk, and talk, covering every topic beneath the sun. There have been so many taboo subjects that neither of you have felt confident enough to bring up over the course of your fake relationship, and you take the time to work them through - together.

Tom finally admits that he’s had a crush on you since you first met. You tell him that you’d only suggested the one night stand because you’d wanted to be close to him. He counters that by opening up about how stressed he’d been before his failed revelation of love.

You laugh together, you cry together. Then you move on, together.

“C’mon, Tom.” You stand up, smiling, and walk around the table to pull him up. Tom gets to his feet, his body full of a nice, lulling buzz from the beers he’d drank. You lean in and peck his cheek before tugging him towards the patio doors. “It’s too hot in here, isn’t it?”

Tom hums. He can feel the red flush to his cheeks. “We could go shower.”

You turn around to grin at him. “Or…” Dropping his hand, you twirl the lock on the patio doors and pull them open. You look back at Tom, smiling. “Care to take a dance in the rain with me, lover?”

Tom blinks a few times, looking at you curiously. “Sure,” he agrees. As you pull off your hoodie, he pulls out his phone and then turns on one of the bluetooth speakers that sits by the door. “What do you want to listen to?”

“Something romantic,” you respond.

There’s a frown of concentration on Tom’s face as he scrolls through his Spotify, but it clears when he finds a playlist of some classic love songs. He shuffles it and Elvis drifts through the air as he puts down his phone and shakes off his hoodie.

“This is very random,” he tells you, accepting your hand. You tug him out onto the patio, into the night sky, and Tom feels his t-shirt begin to dampen. It’s no longer pouring with rain, but it’s still drizzling enough to be noticeable.

“Well, I had a reason,” you murmur. Together, you do a bit of a dance. Tom grins as you spin around, laughing brightly as droplets of water stick to your face. You have fun for a while, and you even spin Tom around too, but then you both get dizzy and settle back into a loose slow-dance position, your arms around his neck as Tom perches his hands on your waist. Your foreheads press together. “I used to think about this,” you admit.

“Dancing in the rain?”

“No, no.” You pause to kiss him. Your lips are warm against his skin. “We’d used to see one another at all the shows. Oscars, BAFTA, Golden Globes… And we’d argue, or brood, and just generally be miserable.”

“I’m following.”

“Well.” You shift your face into the crook of Tom’s shoulder, kissing his neck a few times. “I always wondered what it’d be like to sneak off with you, and just… Have fun. Do something crazy. Have a couple drinks and dance. I didn’t… I didn’t like you, but I always thought we’d be able to have fun together. If you weren’t always such a dick.”

Tom hums, resting a hand on the back of your head. Raindrops pour down his face, but it’s nice. He can feel the weight of his heart pouring onto the ground, swept away with the water.

“Well, I hope we can have many fun nights together, love.”

You pull back to look up at him, water droplets clinging to your eyelashes. Both of your hands shift to Tom’s face, and you smile. It really is very romantic, swaying together in the rain, soft romantic tones in the air. You feel so warm wrapped up in his arms.

“I hope so too.” You have mascara running down your cheeks. “Plenty more nights in London like this, please.”

Tom nods. “Plenty more nights together.” He brings you back in, hand soft on the back of your head as you bury your face in his chest. Tom lets his lips rest against your head. “I love you,” he says. He can’t seem to stop saying it, thinks you must be fed up with the number of times he’s sprinkled the three special words into conversation. He just can’t help it. Now he’s open with his heart, he wants you to know, completely and without any shred of doubt, that he loves you. He never wants you to question it again.

Your hands sink into his hair, and Tom sighs happily as you play with his wet curls.

“Love you too.”

The two of you last another ten minutes before getting too cold, and then you take a shower together. Tom lays you down in his bed and you kiss some more, before things get a little raunchier. He tells you that he loves you in every way he can, and it feels like the two of you have knitted your souls together as he holds you afterwards, the bedroom full of a tranquil glow.

Tom’s hand is on your cheek, fingers stroking gently over the soft skin of your face. You look so beautiful, hair a mess, eyes bright.

“Isn’t it funny,” you say, softly, “how we’ve ended up like this?”

Tom hums, his pinky nudging against your hair. “We’re lucky. Such a mad world we live in.”

You release a warm chuckle, nodding. “Our world is crazy. Fame is… Insane.” You pause for a moment. “It’s the whole reason this happened. Management wanted me to stay on top, didn’t want my image to get shattered because of that kiss. They wanted me to win the game.”

Tom tilts his head to the side. “What do you mean?”

“The fame game,” you reply, smiling. You inch nearer to kiss him quickly, and Tom finds himself chasing your lips. For a few moments, you’re both distracted, and you further intertwine, Tom’s arms hooking around your waist as he holds you close.

“The fame game,” Tom repeats, nose nudging yours. “That’s a funny way to put it.”

You shrug. “Just the way I like to think about it. Making it seem like a game made it easier when this started. It was all just a performance until it became real.”

“I like that.”

“Me too.” Your hands are on his shoulders, fingers trailing Tom’s warm skin. “The game always has its winners and its losers, Tom.”

“And what are we?”

You kiss him, softly. Your lips linger against his. Tom feels so much gratitude and love for you that his eyes prick with tears.

“The winners, of course.”

↠ EPILOGUE

#tom holland x reader #tom holland x y/n #tom holland #tom holland fic #tom holland fanfic #i feel so !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#yes i cried. and what about it.#tfg #y/n #y/n use #self insert #self-insert

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