#wish we could have seen the marriage or the holiday trip! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

itsadamcole · 4 years ago

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fem!reader x drew mcintyre

reader was just a regular American girl who has some royal family members in Scotland. Drew is the heir to the Scottish throne, and he needed to marry to become king. Drew and reader were married only days after they met, making reader a Scottish princess. both were against the wedding. now, the two want nothing to do with each other unless they have to attend a public event, until one night ...

word count: 3.6k

warnings: prince!drew, arguments, arranged marriage (ig that's what you can call it?), angst, a tiny bit of fluff

— this was originally gonna be one part but now it’s two bc that’s just the way the writing brought me. this was also gonna go in a completely different direction than it did but now this is it. enjoy —

part 2 || masterlist || request an imagine here

***

You're getting ready in your chambers. The maids are helping you get ready for the annual New Years Ball that the royal family of Scotland puts on every January 1st. Your long Y/H/C colored hair is being curled by one of the maids while another does your makeup. A third maid is making sure your dress and shoes are ready for you for when your hair and makeup are done.

Balls are not your thing. Actually, going out in public with your husband is not your thing. It's only a few times a week but you're not all about the fake smiles and hand-holding when you were never supposed to marry him anyway.

Being a princess was not on your list of things to be in life. You were an up and rising professional wrestler. Your great Aunt Blair asked you to come to Scotland to meet someone while you were wrestling on Ring of Honor. You had no idea that she meant that she actually volunteered you to marry the heir to the Scottish throne.

The maid doing your hair throws some little white flowers with a sparkly silver lining on the end of the petals. The maid doing your makeup has done a silver smokey eye look with some highlight, blush, and nude lipstick color.

Your nails were done earlier in the day. You got an acrylic French manicure. The nails are kind of long and oval-shaped.

"Princess," one of the maids says. "Yer dress is ready for ya when ya're."

You look at the ballgown hanging up in your large closet and sigh softly.

Once your hair and makeup are done, you get up. One of the maids grabs the dress. You take off the long, silky robe and the dress is pulled over your head. You're zipped up and the maids puff out the skirt.

The silver ball gown is very poofy with a small trail. The dress is strapless and very sparkly. The neck dips down a little bit. The top is tight and gets poofy at the waist. You put on silver heels to match the dress.

You put on silver earrings and a necklace, as well as your diamond engagement ring and silver wedding band.

There's a knock on your door as one of the maids put on a silver tiara since you are the princess of Scotland. Another one answers the door.

"Oh, yer highness," she says, bowing. "The princess is almost ready."

A male voice says, "Thank ya, Miss Arabel." Your husband, Drew, is at the door.

After some finishing touches, you're finally ready. You walk up to the door and look at Drew, who's dressed nicely in a black and white suit with a silver tie to match you. His hair in a neat ponytail on the back of his head. He's also wearing his wedding band.

"Ready?" he asks. You can hear the annoyance in his voice.

You nod and mumble, "Sure."

Drew hooks his arm with yours and the two of you head down to the ballroom.

You wait at the door with Drew's father and brother. The royal family is announced together. Drew's father, the King of Scotland, says, "Y/N, ya look stunning. Doesn't she, Drew?" He looks at his eldest son.

Drew just nods and says, "Sure, it's a little too much though."

Anger rises within you as Drew's dad signals for the door to be opened. The guard at the door opens the door and another guard yells, "Introducing the Royal Family of Scotland. The king, Andrew, Prince Drew, Princess Y/N, and Prince John."

Music plays and a fake smile forms on your lips as you follow Drew's father into the large ballroom. Most of the room is made of gold and a large chandelier hangs on the ceiling.

"The princess looks stunning."

"Look at the princess."

The comments make you blush and the fake smile turns real. Drew looks down at you without you knowing.

You and Drew mingle, talking with guests together. Drew steals occasional glances at you but you don't notice as you laugh with the guests.

Being an American, you're still learning about all the Scottish traditions. You've only been over here for a few months so everyday is a learning experience. The guests ask what you did for the holidays with Drew and his family since it's your first time in the country.

"Oh, we celebrated Christmas the way we do in America," you explain to the guests who asked. "Christmas Eve dinner, presents on Christmas morning, and Christmas dinner on Christmas Day. Drew and I also watched some Christmas movies that night. I've heard that Scotland's Christmas traditions are similar to America's."

You added the part about Drew to make it seem like you and your husband actually spent time together on Christmas. After dinner, you went off to your separate chambers and you watched Christmas movies over FaceTime with your friend who now works in NXT, Candice LeRae.

The guests are all very interested. Then the music changes and Drew asks, "M'lady, may I have this dance?"

You look up at Drew and say, "Uh, yeah. Sure." He takes your hand and you excuse yourself from the small group and walk to the dance floor with Drew.

He takes one of your hands in his and the other goes to your waist. You hold up your very poofy skirt so you don't trip.

The dance is slow at first, to make sure you don't trip. Once you're both in sync with each other and you're sure you won't trip, Drew speeds up the movements.

"Wow," Drew says. "My toes aren't bruised yet. Looks like those dance lessons 're paying off."

You stare up at Drew, who is standing tall above you at six foot five. "You're so funny, Drew," you say, rolling your eyes. "I almost peed from laughing so hard."

Drew says, "And there's the sarcasm I absolutely just love about ya."

"As if you love anything about me," you mumble to yourself.

The air turns tense and he says, "Ya could only wish that I'd love ya, or anything about this relationship."

Rolling your eyes, you say, "Maybe if you spent time with me, maybe you'd actually start liking things about this relationship. You only married me to become king when your father relinquishes the crown in a few months."

He looks around and says in a hush tone, "Believe it or not, Y/N, but I married ya for several reasons. Yes, I needed t'marry t'become king but I was excited to start a family. Then ya got here and were nothing like I expected. Yeah, I have an attitude with ya but that's because ya have one with me all the time."

Annoyance rises within you and you say, "I gave up my career to come here. I gave up my dreams of wrestling for WWE and winning titles for the company. I'm not happy I'm in this marriage, Drew. I married a stranger and you're still a stranger to me."

Guests start to look at you and Drew so he takes your hand and whisks you off to a more private area in one of the hallways. You trip over your gown as you follow closely behind Drew.

The door closes and now you're alone with Drew. He looks at you and says, "I'm sorry that ya gave up wrestling to come here and marry me, Y/N. I'm not that happy about it either but if I wanted t'succeed my father then I had'ta marry someone, and that someone is ya."

"You could've picked someone in the country, Drew," you say. "Seriously, you had to pick me."

Drew says, "Yer aunt spoke very highly of ya when she would visit my father. When my father told me I needed t'marry, my mind went t'ya. I didn't think about the repercussions ya would face when I told my father I wanted ya t'be my wife."

Sighing, you say, "Wrestling was taken away from me and I moved away to a country to marry a prince. It's been overwhelming for me and you are nowhere to be seen. I've been taking princess lessons for months and I'm still struggling. It doesn't help I'm alone, Drew, in a foreign country. I don't even have wrestling anymore because I 'can't risk getting hurt'. It's not a fairytale ending like in the books."

There's a silence between the two of you before Drew says, "It still can be"

You look at Drew and ask, "What does that mean?"

He meets your eyes and suddenly you feel butterflies. You've never felt butterflies in your stomach since meeting Drew.

"I just thought that maybe before the coronation that maybe we can go t'America and see a few wrestling shows," he says slowly. "I'm a big fan myself."

Everyday in Scotland is a learning experience. You didn't know that he was a wrestling fan.

You say, "I'd, uh, like that."

Drew slowly takes your hand and he says, "I also thought that maybe we can share a room together like a married couple should."

Confused, you say, "It was your idea to have the separate chambers since we 'didn't have to be married within the four walls of the castle'. At least that's what you told me."

He says, "Contrary to popular belief, I actually do like ya, Y/N. Why do ya think my mind went t'ya when asked if there was someone I wanted t'marry? The girls in this country are beautiful, don't get me wrong, but ya. There's just something about ya that peeks my interests."

You stare up at Drew and for a second before you say, "We've been married for months and this is all coming out now."

"We've never had this conversation until now," Drew says, shrugging his shoulders a bit. "By the way, ya do look stunning in that dress. Shows yer personality really well."

You get flustered and say, "You said it was too much."

Drew chuckles and says, "I'm just that good of a liar, I guess."

A little bit of annoyance creeps up and you say, "Stop lying to me, Drew. I'm confused and now I have a headache because of what you're saying to me."

He says, "I know, I'm sorry. I can walk ya to yer room if ya wanna go lay down and get rid of that ache."

You soften up a bit and say, "Yeah." That's all you say. That's all you feel like you can say.

So, Drew walks you to your chambers. You notice that you're still holding his hand when you arrive at the door of your room. He turns toward you and says, "Whenever ya would like t'go see those wrestling shows in America then let me know and we'll go, okay?"

You nod and look up at your husband. "Thank you, Drew," you say. "Offering to go see some wrestling shows in my home country sounds really nice."

Drew says, "It's been a while since I've been to America and I'd like t'see where my wife is from."

My wife. He said you were his wife. That was the first time behind closed doors that he's referred to you as his wife.

There's another silence between the two of you before you say, "I'm, um, going to head inside. Take some medicine and lay down."

"Can I stop by later t'make sure yer okay?" he asks slowly and cautiously.

You consider it for a moment before you say, "Yeah, sure. Just come in if you do because knocking may make my headache worse."

Drew nods and says, "Alright."

You look up at Drew and the air between the two of you thickens a bit. Your heart races in your chest as you wait for Drew to do something.

He pushes a loose curl behind your ear before he kisses your cheek lightly. Your heart almost jumps out of your chest when his lips touch your cheek. You look at him as he pulls away from you slowly.

"Goodnight, in case yer asleep when I come check on ya after the party," Drew says quietly.

You nod and say in almost a whisper, "Goodnight."

He shoots you a smile before walking off to the party again. You stand in the hallway for a second, playing with your engagement ring as you watch him walk off.

For the first time in this marriage, Drew's actions and words made you have butterflies in your stomach and made your heart race.

If you didn't know any better then you might be falling for your husband.

***

The moment between you and Drew has melted away by morning. You walked down to breakfast early the next morning and he doesn't even acknowledge your presence at the table.

"Y/N, are ya feeling okay?" Drew's dad asks. "Ya left with Drew and only Drew came back."

Nodding, you say, "Yeah. I just wasn't feeling well so I went to bed a little early. That's all."

Drew finally glances at you and his dad says, "Feeling better this morning, I hope?"

"Depends," you say, looking at Drew. "Is your eldest son going to keep ignoring me like he is right now?"

His dad looks at him and asks, "Is there something wrong?"

You say, "No, nothing's wrong." You get angry and stand up. "Excuse me but I think I'm going to go back to my chambers. I'm not feeling well again."

After you're done talking, you leave and go back to your room. You've just closed the door when there's a knock.

Reluctantly, you go and answer it. Drew stands in the doorway and you say, "Oh, great. It's you. Come to promise me something else then ignore me again?"

Drew says, "Look, I'm sorry. This whole thing is new to me, Y/N. I'm 35 and I haven't been in a serious relationship like this."

"We're not even in a relationship, Drew," you spit at him. "We're legally bind to each other for you to become king."

He says, "I'm trying here, Y/N!" His voice is rising. "I'm fucking trying. We met, were engaged then married within weeks. I'm trying t'be a good husband in public while also trying t'form a relationship with you behind closed doors. It's not easy. Especially because I do want a relationship with ya, Y/N."

You glare at him and say, "Ignoring me isn't trying, Drew."

He says, "I know, Y/N." He rubs his face. "God, I'm terrible at communicating how I feel and this is whole new territory for me."

Deciding to lighten the air, you say, "If you want to be king then you have to work on communication skills there, Drew."

Drew looks at you and says, "I'm gonna pretend that I didn't just hear ya say that."

You smile and say, "Come on, Drew. Lighten up a bit. Here, tell me the truth. How do you feel when you're around me?"

Your husband blinks at you and thinks for a second. He says, "I, uh, I feel nervous. Ya make me a little nervous, Y/N. My heart races when ya're around me, especially when we touch. Um, when ya walk into a room, I feel a knot in my stomach. I don't know what it's called-"

"Butterflies," you say, helping him out. "They're called butterflies in the stomach. It's what happens when we're around someone who we may or may not like."

Drew looks down at you and says, "Sounds like yer talking from experience."

You nod slightly and say, "I am."

He blinks at you and starts to say something before someone walks into the hallway and say, "I apologize for the interruption, your highnesses. Prince Drew, your father has requested your presence in his chambers. Immediately."

Drew nods and says, "One second." He turns toward you. "When I'm done with my father, I'll come back and we can keep talking. Okay?"

You nod and he smiles before walking off quickly.

That's when you notice when there are butterflies in your stomach again.

***

It's hours later and you're still waiting for Drew. You've asked your maids if they've seen him and they've all said that he's still with his father.

You're watching Freaky Friday on Disney Plus when the doors to your chambers open. A red-faced Drew walks in and you ask, "Woah, Fire Face. What's wrong?"

"My father is what's wrong," Drew says. He's pacing around the room and you pause the movie, getting up and walking to him.

You say, "Talk to me, Drew." He doesn't look at you. "Hey, dumbass. I'm your wife, remember? You're supposed to talk to me about this stuff."

Finally, Drew looks down at you. You're so much shorter than him. You're barely five foot four. You're eye level with his chest and you have to tilt your head up to look at Drew.

He says, "My father just told me that we're going on a two week tour of the country. He wants me t'know the country before I ascend the throne."

"What's the matter with that?" you ask, gently stroking Drew's arm to calm him down.

His eyes are on your hand on his arm as he says, "I wanted t'surprise ya with tickets home t'America for the two weeks that we'll be on tour."

Your eyes widen and you say, "We can go when we get back."

Drew says, "When we got t'America, yer friend was gonna meet us in Florida. I got ya cleared t'wrestle in one match in WWE against your friend. It was more than just going t'see some wrestling shows in America. When we got t' ya're hometown, I was gonna take ya t'yer favorite spot that ya told me about before and I was gonna ask if ya wanted t'try and be a real couple."

Your heart sinks into stomach when you see how upset Drew is about this. You say, "You had all that planned out for me? For us?"

He nods and says, "I wanted ya to feel less alone and I wanted ya t'have at least one more match before ya actually have t'give up wrestling."

You console Drew by hugging him. You close your eyes and you say, "I already feel less alone, Drew."

"What about yer one more match?" he asks.

Looking up at Drew, you say, "I've already come to terms with the fact I'll probably never wrestle again. It would have been amazing to be in a WWE ring but I don't need one more match."

His hands rest on your cheeks before he says, "I'll get ya in a WWE ring at some point, Y/N. Ya gave up yer career t'be here. It's the least I can do."

The idea of talking to Drew's father pops into your mind and you say, "I need to do something really quick. Can you excuse me?"

Drew nods and you let go of each other before you walk off to the king's chambers.

At the door, you knock. A "come in" is said from the other side so you open the large doors.

King Andrew sits at his desk and he looks up at you. "Ah, Y/N," he says, getting up. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Postpone the tour of Scotland," you bluntly say. "Please, sir."

His face hardens a bit as he says, "Drew must've told ya what was happening."

You nod and say, "He did, and he pulled a lot of strings to surprise me back home. Mr. King Sir, he gave me an opportunity to do the thing I love one more time before I give it up to join him by his side as queen of this beautiful country. He wants to take this trip to help us get closer so maybe we could be together behind closed doors as well. Let us take this trip and the day we get back, we can tour this country that I can proudly say I call my second home."

Andrew looks at you as you talk. He leans against his desk and crosses his arms across his chest, looking down at the floor when you're done talking.

You wait for a response.

It's almost an eternity before he says, "I can remember what it was like t'be in love with Drew's mother when we were younger. All the trips we took were always business, never for pleasure. Then she got sick and she died, and I regret that we never got to go on a trip just for pleasure. So, I will postpone the tour so ya and Drew can visit the States, but the day ya get back is the day the tour of Scotland begins."

You smile and say, "Yes, Mr. King Sir. May I go tell Drew the news?"

He nods and dismisses you.

As soon as you're out of the room, you take off back toward your chambers. Drew sits on the small love seat in your room and looks at you when you walk in.

"When do we leave to go to America?"

—

tags: @drewmcintyrekoccsrocbwdgfan

#drew mcintyre imagine #drew mcintyre x reader #drew mcintyre angst #drew mcintyre fluff #drew x reader #wrestling imagine #wrestling fluff #wwe imagine #wwe fluff #wwe angst #imagines #imagine #fluff imagine #angst imagine

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janetbrown711 · 4 years ago

Note

Maybe one where William tells Yakko his favorite story? The one where he and Angelina meet? Maybe could have some parallels to the scene in wakkos wish where yakko is telling dot her story, things like the nose snuggles 😖💕

Prince Yakko Warner wasn’t an exceptionally energetic three-year-old, but he still liked to stretch out his “awake time” as long as possible, especially if the day was special (such as a holiday or birthday). So, it was a nightly tradition for King William and Queen Angelina to have to go back and forth in settling the young prince down for the night.

“Daaaaad tell me the storyyyy,” He pulled on his father’s sleeve as he set him into his bed.

“The story? Which story?” William teased as he tucked him in, but Yakko squirmed right out and got on top of the blankets. Yakko frowned.

“The story. About you and mommy,” He huffed. Angelina laughed as she folded his day clothes and set them aside.

“Ooh, that story,” William winked playfully and Yakko giggled and nodded. William looked at Angelina and smirked.

“You know, I don’t think I remember that one,” He said. Yakko gasped.

“You have to!” Yakko pleaded.

“Oh? And why is that?” William said, and Angelina shook her head.

“It’s my birthdayyyyyyy,” Yakko collapsed face down onto the bedding and William laughed.

“Alright, because it’s your birthday I’ll remember it,” William said, and Yakko rejoiced, shooting right up again.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to it,” Angelina said, giving Yakko a quick kiss on the cheek, but Yakko grabbed her arm.

“Stay with me,” He gave her puppy dog eyes.

“R-really?” Angelina asked, not used to the invitation. Yakko nodded and patted behind him. She glanced at William, who nodded, and she scooped up Yakko and sat down, before placing him back in her lap. Yakko then snuggled in close and motioned for William to begin.

“Alright now... let’s see...” He stroked his chin, before snapping his fingers. “There once was a man from Mantucket-”

“That’s not the story,” Yakko interrupted, and Angelina did her best to repress a chuckle.

“It isn’t?” William tilted his head innocently. Angelina gave him a “don’t make this last too long mister, Yakko still needs to go to bed at a reasonable hour” look.

“No,” He huffed. “You say ‘once upon a time there was a beauuuuutiful princess.”

“Right right right,” He agreed. “I remember now... let’s see...”

“Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess-”

“That’s you mommy,” Yakko looked up at her and Angelina smiled and nodded.

“-whose name was Angelina,” the king continued. “She was beautiful, intelligent, wise, graceful, and everything a princess ought to be,” he said, glancing at Angelina as he spoke.

“And there was a knight too!” Yakko said. Angelina rubbed his arms.

“Let him tell the story dear,” She whispered, more so because he was getting too energetic again. Yakko nodded and zipped his lips before returning his attention to William.

“Oh, but he was only a squire at the time,” William pointed out. Yakko nodded, memorizing the fact. “But yes- there was a squire too. He was bold and brave, but also optimistic and true, but he had a major problem and that was that he was terrible at talking to pretty girls.”

Yakko snickered at that.

“So when he found out he had to live on the grounds of the Warnerstock castle for his knighthood training, he nearly panicked at the thought of having the chance of meeting the beautiful princess he had heard so much about.”

“However, the squire kept his cool until-”

“Until his first day at the stables, where he met her,” Angelina winked at Yakko, who giggled more. William rolled his eyes.

“Yes. It had been a long journey to travel to the castle. The squire had to travel over hills and valleys, across mountains and rivers, to finally arrive, and when he did he was put right to work with training. So, by the time he had to attend to his horseback riding lessons, he was already quite tired, but upon seeing the face of the Princess, a newfound sense of energy and purpose had filled his entire being.”

“Or in other words, the squire was instantly in love,” Angelina said. Yakko cuddled closer to her and smiled.

“Oh yes, it was quite instant. In fact, it was so instant, that the squire instantly fell apart once she started speaking to him.”

“And all she had said was a simple ‘hello’,” Angelina snorted. Yakko then shushed her and she backed down.

“That’s true. The princess had greeted him while getting off her horse. Her beauty so entranced the squire, that he didn’t pay attention to where he was going and tripped right over a bucket of water, which then went everywhere,” He and Angelina both laughed at that.

“Of course, the squire apologized profusely for his error, but thankfully the princess was as patient as she was beautiful and she helped him up. She asked him about himself, and he told her willingly, but when he was called to his lesson, she stayed and watched. After the lesson, they talked more and more, quickly becoming very good friends.”

“But the evil queen didn’t approve,” Yakko said. William nodded, and Angelina gripped Yakko’s blanket.

“That’s right. She was mean, and didn’t like the young squire, or her own daughter for that matter,” he said, glancing at Angelina, who motioned for him to continue.

“But the squire and the princess carried on anyway, knowing deep down no matter what happened they were destined for each other, it was written in the stars,” He said with a comforting smile.

“And so every spring, they’d take walks in the gardens and plant new flowers together, and watch each other ride on horseback, and slowly but surely the princess fell in love with the squire too.”

“Knew it,” Yakko whispered to himself and Angelina kissed the top of his head.

“And so they waited and waited for their time to come, planting countless flowers and singing countless songs as they waited, and one day the Evil Queen died, and the princess and the squire could finally be together.”

“Yay,” Yakko cheered and clapped, though a bit tiredly.

“No less than a month later, the pair were married, and the Princess became Queen and the squire became knight then King,” William explained.

“And then what happened?” Yakko asked.

“Well... a month or so later, the new King and Queen planted another garden, to celebrate their marriage and the beginning of their new life together and well... later came the cutest baby boy the kingdom had ever seen,” William said

“Who?” Yakko questioned with a yawn.

“You, silly,” Angelina chuckled, scrunching her nose against his. Yakko giggled.

“You were the cutest baby the kingdom had ever seen, and the kingdom was excited to see they had a healthy heir to the throne, and everyone welcomed in a new era of peace and prosperity,” William said, moving to sit next to Angelina on the bed as opposed to across.

“Was I really that cute?” He asked.

“The cutest,” Angelina assured.

“Oh yes, the Queen couldn’t stop crying upon seeing how cute the new prince was.”

“Oh, but the King wasn’t any better,” Angelina gave him a look.

“No, no he wasn’t,” William laughed and admitted. Yakko smiled and scooted over to be in between the two.

“So then what happened?” Yakko asked with a yawn.

“Well... then they had to raise the new prince,” William stated.

“It wasn’t easy at first, but with teamwork and just the right amount of love, they’ve done a pretty good job so far, if I may say so myself,” She kissed Yakko’s forehead and slowly stood up, and William copied the motion, the two carefully tucking him into bed.

“Mhm,” Yakko agreed tiredly. “After that?”

“After that? Well...” Angelina glanced at William.

“They started making plans for a new garden too,” William said, kissing Yakko’s forehead.

“And then?” He asked again.

“I don’t know. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see,” Angelina said, embracing his face with her gloved hand and rubbing his face with her thumb softly.

“Awww,” Yakko frowned.

“Goodnight Yakko,” William said.

“What? I’m not tired,” he protested, right before yawning. Angelina rolled her eyes.

“Do you want a lullaby too?” She asked. Yakko smiled and nodded, adjusting himself to be more comfortable in bed. Angelina shook her head softly with a smile.

“Goodnight, goodnight, it’s time now to sleep,” She sang softly, pulling up the blanket to cover his shoulders. “the moon’s watching over, you and your dreams.”

“Goodnight, goodnight, my sweet little one,” She kissed his forehead once more. “Tomorrow your eyes, they will light up the sun.”

She then hummed the melody once more, and Yakko hummed along, a small smile on his face.

“But goodnight, goodnight, sweet dreams for now.” She sat, keeping her distance. “Drift off to sleep, on your pillow of clouds.”

“Goodnight, goodnight, my sweet little friend. Tomorrow’s adventure, they will soon begin,”

“They will soon begin,” She practically whispered, as the prince was now asleep. She smiled.

“Goodnight my dear,” She said softly, standing up and going to the doorway.

To her surprise, William was standing in the frame waiting for her. She closed the door softly, and the moment she turned around he pulled her into a much welcomed, but surprising kiss.

“What was that for?” She asked, forcing them to move away from Yakko’s bedroom.

“I love you, Lena. I really, really do,” William said with a soft smile.

“I love you too William,” She smiled and kissed him back, before pausing.

“Were you really serious about planting another garden?” She asked, her arms around his neck. William nodded.

“Only if you want to as well, of course. I just... don’t see the problem with having more than type of flower,” He said, blushing. Angelina smiled and kissed him again.

“We’ll see now won’t we?” She winked. William chuckled tiredly and together, arm in arm, they walked back to their bedroom, and tucked themselves in for the night.

#animaniacs #my fics #yakko warner #king william warner #queen angelina warner #fluff #lullaby #anon omg this ask literally broke me #i just- alscjjenfkejahejekfn #i can't-#its so soft #link to lullaby is in the first word

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lovelyirony · 4 years ago

Note

Oh, can I please ask for one of your folklore prompts? “And I can go anywhere I want, anywhere I want/just not home” my tears ricochet For a young Tony, maybe? It doesn't have to have a pairing if you don't want to. :)

A house and a home are different. Tony did not know this until he was in college, much to his surprise.

A house is somewhere you live. A central place that you come back to in between visits to other people or places or countries or anything else. It is not personal. It is something you use until you no longer see the need or the desire. You can move to a lot of them.

A home lingers. A home is where you smile late at night over drinks. It is where crumbs reside from last night’s takeout, and you spend lazy Sundays.

(Tony also didn’t know what that was either.)

He’s lived in a lot of houses. He has a lot of houses. There’s the one in New York that is looming and lonely and probably would be his least favorite except it’s in New York, which earns it its redemption.

There is sunny Malibu with its beaches and great views. There are a few others.

None of them are homes. It’s just a place to rest for a couple of months or a year or until Howard decides it’s not enough.

He gets to MIT and gets a dorm room, same as everyone else. It is pitifully sad, he gets sun only in the mornings, and that sucks. He kind of hates it. He guesses that’s the college experience.

He also has a roommate. Jarvis had told him it’d be good for him, and Tony had had to talk Howard out of about twenty-seven different legal documents that basically said “if you ever breathe a word of anything to anyone, you’re being legally sued.”

James Rhodes. Literally studying to become a rocket scientist, has questionable taste in posters, and waves at Tony when they meet each other.

“Call me Jim.”

“...Jim. Are you eighty or something?”

It’s probably the wrong thing to say. It definitely is the wrong thing to say by Jarvis’ raised eyebrows and down-turned frown.

But James Rhodes takes it in stride.

��You can call me something else if you want, but it has to be good and I have to approve it. Can’t be my last name, can’t be Jimmy. Anything else is fair game.”

Different reaction. That’s...that’s weird.

So Tony shrugs, smiles as Jarvis leaves, and realizes that he’s alone and Howard doesn’t really have an influence--except he does, god he does--and Tony asks James Rhodes if he’d like to get pizza.

“You know anywhere with good pizza?”

“Wanna find out if Hemingway’s is any good?”

“It’s either going to be artisan hipster or the worst. Hell yes.”

It’s artisan hipster. It is bad, and James laughs as he tells a story and burns his tongue when he’s reenacting his mother is chewing him out, using his full name, and:

“Rhodey,” Tony gasps out.

“I told you that you couldn’t use my last name!”

“It’s technically not your last name, sugar plum,” Tony mocks, using one of his mother’s nicknames against him. “You are forever now Rhodey. Forever.”

From there, friendship progresses. Tony’s never actually had a real friend before, not that he tells Rhodey that. Besides, Rhodey probably knows. Tony just automatically assumes he’s paying for everything, and he’s not sure what to do with genuine affection for a couple of months.

He looks at Rhodey with such love and affection. He does, really. Rhodey has created a whole new world for him.

And then, the holidays.

Thanksgiving is Tony’s least-favorite-holiday for a variety of reasons. It’s all a fake kind of gathering. “Coming together to celebrate gratefulness” is the biggest goddamn crock of bullshit he’s ever cooked in his life, and for once his family isn’t doing a PR stunt, so his mother has announced that he’s welcome to be back home, but they won’t be there.

Howard is taking Jarvis with him on a trip to England to visit Aunt Peggy and probably talk shop about Cap and ice and stupid fucking theories about the degree of alive he’ll be when he’s found.

(When. What pretentious bullshit.)

Tony doesn’t want to be alone in the house, because that’d suck shit and MIT would be better. At least he could make shitty ramen and cry and only get a noise complaint instead of one of the cleaning staff members saying that he probably needed therapy.

“You are not staying in the dorms, what the fuck man,” Rhodey says. “You’re coming home with me.”

“Now darling, I thought you said we weren’t going to be forward about this whole thing,” he purrs, putting on an old Hollywood accent. “Are you finally coming up and seeing me?”

Rhodey rolls his eyes.

“I’ll be as forward as I want,” he decides, and Tony wishes he wouldn’t say things like that, because that seriously get’s a man’s heart rising. “Besides, I told you that you need to have my Aunt Kendra’s rolls, and that’s a promise. So, Thanksgiving is now with the Rhodes’ family.”

Tony doesn’t know if they know that he’s coming. He also doesn’t know the dress code, and Rhodey is absolutely no help.

“What do you mean by casual?” Tony squawks. “Is it business casual? Dressy casual? Jeans casual?”

“What do any of those mean?”

“Oh my god, I’m going to look like a failure at this shindig. Your mother will die over her cooking because I’ll pull out of the wrong wardrobe and be a fool. I’ll die, and you’ll have to bury me, and you won’t even know which outfit I’ll want. God, this is going to--”

Rhodey shuts him up, putting a hand over his mouth.

“Just wear your red turtleneck and your dark jeans or whatever. That looks nice.”

“You noticed?”

“You don’t give me as much credit as I deserve,” Rhodey grunts. “Early wake-up on Monday. I’ll supply coffee as long as you give me gas money.”

“I’ll give you anything for coffee. I’ll give you my hand in marriage for coffee.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Rhodey teases. “I might actually do that.”

God, I wish you would.

Rhodey’s house is a nice place, a wire fence bordering with a porch swing covered in a light dusting of snow, and swinging slightly with the wind that blows through the neighborhood.

There are quite a lot of cars parked in the driveway and in the street, and Tony can see at least six people inside the house, which is more family than he actually knows on either side.

It’s all warm and yellow, and Rhodey moves with an ease that Tony didn’t know happened outside of those cheesy family shows.

He throws open the door and there are shouts of joy and happiness and “Jimmy-boy!”

“I didn’t know Jimmy-boy was on the table,” Tony remarks dryly. “And here it’s been for months, Jimmy-boy.”

Rhodey groans.

“This is worse than Rhodey,” he mutters.

A woman who could only be his mother steps forward, grinning.

“Call me Mama, darling. And what’s this I hear about ‘Rhodey’?”

“He burnt his tongue on pizza while telling me about a time he got a well-deserved talking-to by your own graceful words, Mrs. Rhodes,” Tony says. He’s charming. Oh, he’s very charming.

She giggles.

“I said mama, but I can’t say I’ll mind too much when you talk like that. Jim, you should’ve had us meet earlier.”

“You see I would’ve, but I happen to value myself,” Rhodey says.

“You do?” a man says. Mr. Rhodes, tall and a smile that could put any of the fake veneers in Hollywood to shame. “Could’ve fooled me.”

Rhodey gets pulled into a hug, and he laughs, and Tony has the Distinct Memory that He’s Never Been Hugged by his Father.

Well, isn’t this a time to realize family inadequacies!

“Rhodey, light of my life, where am I setting up my suitcase?” Tony asks.

“Come on up with me. We’re sleeping in my room, hope that’s alright.”

It’s more than alright, and Tony smiles when he sees Rhodey’s room.

He loves it. It’s decorated with model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, a peeling Star Wars poster that has most definitely been needed to be thrown away for more than five years (but won’t be), and a few trophies from soccer.

Tony’s never had his own room decorated with anything but the current trends, his mother hand-picking his comforter and the decorations in his room. And they all say he’s so “fashionable” and “keeps an eye out for trends.”

(Ha.)

It’s odd for him to see a house look so...lived in.

“Welcome home,” Rhodey says. “I haven’t grabbed it yet, but I’ll use a sleeping bag and you can take the bed.”

Tony snorts.

“No way, honeybee. I’m not kicking you out of your own bed. We’ve shared a bed before, this is no different.”

"Only if you’re sure,” Rhodey says, smiling at him. “This is a bit different than both twin beds being crashed together because we wanted more space for the fridge.”

“This time we don’t have the fridge,” Tony quips as Rhodey laughs.

“Come on, let’s head downstairs. Mama’s probably gonna have us wash dishes or something. Maybe set up some more chairs.”

What actually happens is that their laundry machine has gone rebel-mode, and is currently trying it’s best to fling the door open and spew laundry everywhere.

“Shit,” Mr. Rhodes says, looking at it. “Another call to the repairman this month...”

“He won’t get here until a week after Thanksgiving,” Mama says, sighing. “How much do you mind your jeans freezing up a bit?”

He smiles a bit at his wife.

Tony’s never seen that. But he likes it.

“I can fix it,” he says. Family turns to him. This is all quite embarrassing. “I, uh, I’ve taken apart some washing machines before. I think I can figure it out, if you don’t mind me poking around.”

“I wouldn’t mind a bit,” Mama says. “Jimmy, I like this one.”

Rhodey rolls his eyes.

“I’ll go get the toolkit for you. Need anything?”

“Towels and you, honey-pie.”

“You get one out of two of those options.”

“You treat me like a vagrant,” Tony declares. Rhodey laughs as he heads to go get supplies.

The night goes on. People occasionally check in, and Rhodey assures them that it’s going well.

“Instruction manuals are such bullshit,” Tony says. “Half the time they’re written by someone who doesn’t even know how to do it themselves. The other half, no one uses them.”

“Well when you take over your company, write better instruction manuals,” Rhodey says. “Pass me a towel, things are about to get sudsy.”

Forty-five minutes later, the washing machine is probably doing better than it was even at production, and Tony gets a kiss on the cheek and cheers all around him.

“This calls for cookies,” Rhodey declares. “Tony, let’s go get some.”

They sit at the kitchen table, and Tony learns so much about Rhodey’s family. He sees him laugh and relax and tell the funniest stories about when he was little and got stuck in a tree.

It’s home. That’s how he finally understands it. Home where you keep on going long after, with people you love.

He doesn’t have one of those.

He thinks, maybe, that he could make a home of his own. Maybe he could have AC/DC posters lining a wall, or have the pictures of friends and vacation in the kitchen.

And Rhodey would be there. For now, he’s going to enjoy his hot chocolate and try to get more embarrassing stories about his best friend from his family.

#lovelyirony writes #rhodeytony #ironhusbands #the difference between a house and a home #mit era #rhodey #tony stark #jarvis #anyways yeah i don't think tony would actually know what a home looks like #he's Deficient

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hollanderfangirl · 4 years ago

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Nothing lasts forever |Harry Holland|

A/N: K, I wrote this for you. @in-a-lot-of-fandoms-tbh congratulations on 1k!!! I wrote this through a writer's block so yeah not my best work

Warnings: angst, mentions of divorce, Harry being a dick

Word count: 3k

They say love conquers all. But it’s not that simple, is it? You meet, you fall in love, you think that love is enough and when things start to go downhill, you realise that it isn’t, after all. It’s the effort, time, circumstances, along with hundreds of other things. You make promises of being together forever but nothing lasts forever. Nothing. And when the promises break? You get your heart broken. But a heart that’s broken is a heart that’s been loved. How can something so perfect, something that brought you so much happiness, something you thought would be yours forever, go so wrong?

When you and Harry got married, everyone knew you were one of those couples who make you believe in ‘together forever’. You had met when you were teenagers and neither of you thought the relationship would last even six months. But there you were, seven years later, having the most extravagant wedding, vowing to never leave each other’s side and to support one another through it all.

The first two years of marriage was a honeymoon period, you both were having the best time of your lives, going on dates often, cooking together, falling asleep next to each other, you wondered how you even got so lucky. You joined him on most of his trips, you both travelled across the beautiful cities of Europe and America together and nothing else really mattered. You loved him more than anything in the world, and he loved you, what else did you need?

When your work was piling up, you knew that you had to go back, although neither of you wanted to leave each other. He was away from you more often, working on sets and filming his own movies, but you were quite used to it to say the least. Spending away nights of frustrations all alone, with no one there for you. But you didn’t complain, you could never do that. You could never stand in the way of Harry and his career.

Two years later, on Christmas Day, you held your daughter in your arms, a healthy and beautiful baby. You and Harry had never been more happy and overwhelmed.

“So what should we name her?” he asked you while gently rocking her to sleep.

“Noelle,” you smiled. “She really decided to make Christmas even more special”

Over the years, you were so proud of your little family, you would often look at Noelle and Harry, playing or reading together and the ‘father-daughter bonding time’ as Harry liked to call it. She was more fond of Harry than you, and that was why it was even harder for her than it was for you. You regretted it so many times, you didn’t want to give it all up, to give him up. But it was becoming so difficult, taking care of a small child all on your own, along with Harry acting like a child himself. It was far too much responsibility than you could handle. You loved him, you really did, but love is never enough.

Now you were cooking in the kitchen with Noelle sitting on the counter, reciting her lessons from school.

“But mommy! We have holidays coming up now!”

“Yes and you will have all the time to play and enjoy, ok?”

“And there’s something else too,” she giggled.

“Oh is it?” you pretend to think.

“Yes! It’s my birthday”

“That’s right, you’ll spend your birthday with grandma and grandpa and your uncles”

“Will daddy be there?”

“Hopefully yeah,” you sigh.

“Will you be there?”

“Of course, sweetie. Mommy would never miss your birthday party,” you pinch her cheeks.

“Why don’t you and daddy ever want to meet?” she speaks up after a minute.

“Baby… daddy and I…” you honestly didn’t know how to phrase it. “We just kind of don’t… talk anymore, you know?”

“Like Tina and me?”

“Yes, exactly like you and Tina”

“But you told me that I should not be angry at her and we should become friends again”

“That is for you, the thing between me and daddy is much more complicated”

“What does complicated mean?”

You chuckle, the questions never end.

You step out of the car into the bitter cold December wind in front of the Holland household. It had been a while since it had snowed this heavy, and you were worried if you would be able to drive in this weather.

“Here you go,” you say as you hand over Noelle to Sam.

“Gosh it’s so cold today, what are you even going to do?” he asks you.

“Go back to the office I don't really have anywhere to be”

“You're gonna work through Christmas? Take some time off, why don’t you stay with us?”

“Sam no-”

“Come on, y/n. How long will you keep avoiding him this way?”

“I- ”

“And what about Noelle’s birthday?”

“I’ll come and visit for a few hours on 25th”

“Y/n, this will always be your home too, with or without Harry. We would love to have you over for Christmas”

“Mommy please, I’m feeling cold out here,” Noelle says reaching out her tiny hands out to you from Sam’s arms.

“Okay fine,” you laugh.

As you get inside the house, Noelle jumps off from Sam and starts running into the house.

“Daddy!”

“Oh my little princess I’ve missed you!” you see Harry run from the living room, picking up Noelle and kissing her forehead. “How have you been? Have you been good? Otherwise who’s gonna get all the gifts?” he pretended to say in a childlike voice.

Your heart warmed up at the sight, your lips curling into a smile. It had been so long since you had seen the two of them reunited like this. Everytime you went to drop Noelle off at Harry’s house, you just waved from the car, not even caring about what happened afterwards.

He seemed a little surprised to see you there and you weren’t sure if it was a good surprise or not.

“Y/n… hi”

“Hey Harry”

“You um changed your hair”

“And you’re wearing the same old sweater”

“No this is a new sweater it’s uh-” he says trying not to continue with an awkward silence. “It’s the old sweater,” he shrugs, making you smile

"Y/n! What a surprise," Nikki calls you from the living room. "It's so nice to have you here over Christmas, everyone misses you so much"

You walk over to meet everyone as Noelle calls Sam to the side.

"Hmm what's up?" he asks the little girl.

"I know how mum and daddy can talk"

He lets out a laugh. "What? And why's that?"

"Mommy said that she and daddy don't talk anymore and that's the only problem. We just have to find a way for them to talk and become friends again"

"What's your plan, genius?"

And then she told him.

After dinner that night, you were sitting on the front porch with Sam. He was your friend, someone who you could always turn to. All of Harry's family was like that. When you both got divorced, you thought you would lose contact with the Hollands, you didn't want to lose them too because they were just like your own family but the bond didn't change, Sam helped you get through it, just like he helped Harry and he was the one who had tried to resolve things between you both.

"I still don't understand. You both were doing just fine, better than fine. All of you were so happy, what even happened?"

"Sam… Harry and I haven't even talked about what went wrong between us. Everytime we tried to talk, something came in between"

"Then talk now, you have plenty of time"

"How does it even matter now?"

"It does. I've seen how miserable you two are, you don't even want to see each other. I know you both still have something"

"We have Noelle," you say as a matter of factly.

"You know what I mean. You both love each other"

"See that's the thing with love. Love doesn't help me take care of a four year old all on my own, Sam. She misses him so much. She just keeps asking me when she'll get to see her father. He never made time for us"

"I know he's been a kind of a jerk"

You raise an eyebrow at him.

"Okay a big jerk, but he cares about you and Noelle. I'm not asking you to get back together but at least talk and resolve whatever beef you both have"

"We can't"

"Why?"

"It's just… I don't even know"

There was a long silence. If it was summer, you would have been hearing the crickets chirping but at this hour of a cold winter night, all you could hear was the faint distant noise of the faraway traffic.

"How about this, you both go out tomorrow, just for an hour or two, hang out, talk, just say whatever you had been holding in all this time"

"You're setting us up on a date?"

"Not a date. You both just need to talk, right? So you just need some alone time"

"Has Harry agreed to this?"

"He definitely would"

"No, it'll be too much. And what about Noelle?"

"What about her? We're all here to take care of her. You just go and talk this over"

You lay awake at night thinking about the happy times you had with Harry. How did things go so so wrong?

Two years earlier

"Harry, the opening ceremony is on Friday, it's huge for the company!"

"Yes I know, love. I really wish I could make it"

"What… do you mean?"

"I'll be leaving for Atlanta two days from now"

"But it's important to me and everyone will be asking for you"

"I'm so sorry, baby but I have to go"

"You've done a great job, y/n. Where's Harry? I'd love to meet him," your manager asks you at the after party of the opening ceremony.

"He couldn't make it tonight. He really wanted to be here"

"Where's your husband, miss y/l/n? This is such a big day for you!" another one of your colleagues asked you later that night.

"He's really disappointed he couldn't be here but duty calls," you tried to hide your loneliness and sadness through a smile.

"Y/n! I haven't seen Harry tonight…"

"How's the movie coming up?" you were talking to Harry at 2 in the morning, time zones were driving the both of you crazy.

"It's going great! The location is amazing, I think we could shoot the whole film here. I just wish you were here I miss you so much"

"I miss you too, just come back home," listening to his voice seemed to make you even lonelier.

"I will," you hear music playing in the background and the noise of people cheering and talking.

"What's happening there?"

"Ah they're throwing a party in my honour, it's been such a success-" you heard a woman laugh right beside him.

"So are you having a good time?"

"Yes I am I just-"

"Then you should go back to it. Bye"

"But y/n-"

You were still working when he came back from the airport and you immediately rushed home after you were free.

When you saw him, you felt as though you were seeing a stranger. He looked different and he felt different and he looked tired than ever. Nevertheless you jumped on him and hugged him tight, making sure he was real.

"Oh god I've missed you, more than you could ever know," he stroked your hair and kissed your forehead.

"Really? Then show me how much you've missed me," you say as you lead him into your shared bedroom.

"I'm so sorry I missed your opening, darling I really wanted to be there"

"It's alright, we have another celebration next month, you can meet everyone there"

"Oh I can't make it to that either, I have to get away again after three weeks"

"But you just came back! And Noelle is just two years old, how do you expect me to take care of her and go to work?"

"There's nothing I can do, y/n. The contracts have already been signed. This is my big break, it's important to me"

"And our marriage is not? Your daughter is not?"

"You both are the most important to me," he put his calloused hands on your cheeks. "But you knew this was what our life would be when you married me"

"Everything has changed since then, Harry. We have a child now and we're so happy here. Why do you have to go away halfway across the world for months"

"Nothing has changed. I still love you the same and our careers are still as important to us as before"

"You could have at least talked to me about this"

"Yes I'm sorry. Everything will be alright once I return, I just have to go now"

Harry couldn't focus on work that day. He just kept replaying the conversation he had with you before leaving.

'I can't lose her. I really can't," he thought. 'Oh my god I love her, I love her so much. We have to find a way to make this work'

And ten thousand miles away from him, you sat all alone on the bed, thinking, 'this will not work, we're so happy, why does he want to give all of this up?'

"We're not teenagers anymore, y/n. Now I want something and you want something else, our worlds are different"

"So we just let it go?"

"I'm not saying that we have to let anything go, but it's my career, y/n. For the first time in my life, things have finally started to move and I don't want to lose anything"

"Harry… I have always supported your career. I have always supported your dreams. But you can have everything you want right here with me and Noelle. You don't have to leave"

"You're not even trying to understand"

"I'm understanding everything. I can't do this anymore, I'm not another one of your fans, Harry. I can't just keep on chasing you like this"

"Ice skating? Really?" you say as you see the long sheet of ice that lay on the ground in front of you, there were only a few people as it was a cold day. Everyone was probably snuggled up in bed with some warm coffee rather than going out on a date with their ex husband.

"We can go somewhere else if you want, there's a restaurant-"

"No this is fine. After all Noelle chose it"

He helps you put on your skates and you both hold each other, trying not to lose balance until you reach the ice rink.

"Ah that's it," he lets go of your arm but still holds your hand in his.

"Wait what did you mean Noelle chose it?"

"You don't know your daughter, Mr Holland. She's grown up to be quite the matchmaker," you laugh.

"You remember how we used to come here?" you smile at the memories, you and Harry used to go ice skating almost every week in winters. Although neither of you were the best at it, you loved the times you spent falling and laughing and later on having hot chocolate in each other's arms.

"Yeah," he tries to hold your other hand as well. "You remember the Christmas Noelle was born? I miss taking her out ice skating"

"Of course I remember," you sigh. "Eighteen hours of labor, and I was alone. You couldn't even make it in time for the birth of your own daughter"

"She was supposed to be born in January, how could I have known she would come in so early?"

"Well you always have the excuses ready, don't you?"

"It's not an excuse, it's more of an explanation. The flights were all booked, I mean it was Christmas! And I did reach the hospital in time"

"You reached the hospital when she was all cleaned up and in my arms"

He stays silent for a few moments and then speaks, with a gentler tone. "Y/n I'm sorry, I really am"

"You always said that, yet you never did anything to understand what went wrong"

"I was just so caught up in my life, I mean… there was so much work. I know I didn't spend much time with you both and-"

"It wasn't even about spending time, Harry. The thing is, you were never there for us. When I needed you the most, you weren't there. Even your brother understood that I needed someone but you didn't. You're just so-" you choked on the words.

"I know, and all I can say is that I've messed up, big time. I know you can't forgive me"

"Oh I've forgiven you a long time ago, Harry"

His hair was all messed up from the wind, going wild in all directions like a crown on his head. His nose and cheeks were turning red from the cold and all you wanted in that moment, was just kiss him. You wanted to feel his cold lips on yours until they turned warm. You wanted to hold his hair in your fingers, you wanted to touch him, you wanted to feel him. You wanted everything you once had. You wanted him back.

"I remember everything about you, you know?" he spoke up. "How can I ever forget? I remember how much you loved reading and how you hated it when I left my clothes on the floor. And how you keep your socks on during sex"

"You just had to bring that up" you roll your eyes and laugh.

"The thing is, I love you. I always have, even now when we're.... over, I still love you. I never got over you"

"Harry-"

"Y/n, what we had, it was something else. You're… the only woman I've actually ever loved in my life"

"And you're the only one who I've loved in my life. But we can't go back now"

"Why? Why can't we give it another chance? Give us another chance?"

"It didn't work the first time, why do you think it'll work now?"

"I don't. But I'm miserable without you and we're different now. I've lost you once and I'll never make you feel like I'm busy for you, ever again"

"Are you sure? I'm tired, Harry. I'm so tired, I really cannot go through this if everything goes wrong again"

"It won't. I promise you, let's give us another chance, please?"

You looked into his eyes and you knew the answer.

*･ﾟﾟ･*:｡:*ﾟ:*:✼✿　　

🌻

Taglist

@mischiefmanaged011 @notsosmexy @drie-the-derp @justanothermarvelmaniac @amorhollands @thisetaernallove @calltothewild @fancyxparker @peterspideysstuff @musicalkeys @theliterarymess @hollands-weasley @tommysparker @god-knows-what-am-i-doing @parkerpeter24 @more-like-reyna @hollandbroz-n-haz @aqiise @sarcasticallywitty15 @spiderrrling @theonly1outof-a-billion

#k's 1k writing challenge #harry holland #harry holland angst #harry holland imagine #harry+holland+x+y/n #harry holland fluff #harry holland fic #harry holland x you

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cloveroctobers · 4 years ago

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•ALLEGRA BIANCHI•

IG info/bio: @/theeallegrabianchi | 303k followers| Entrepreneur | bad bitches go to therapy thxz 🦭👄

(24) 26 years old

From Swansea, Wales

Ofc she knows who Catherine Zeta-Jones is...her mother literally resembles her and remembers people coming up to her mom countless times asking for a pic growing up, and Allegra hated taking pics for these imbeciles...mainly because the attention wasn’t on her

has a dysfunctional family...

her mother is critical of almost everything she does but at least she paying attention?

and feels her father is neglectful and only seems to be heard when she’s in his face

all they know how to do is scream at each other instead of talking calmly to one another

her mother is of Venezuelan heritage

And Her father is of Italian heritage

her father’s side of the family resides in calabria italy

he named her after his high school gf that passed away due to his irresponsible drunk driving on their senior prom night

Her parents do not have the healthiest of relationships due to her father constantly cheating on her mother in the past...leading to verbal and physical fights

also has a kid or two outside of their marriage because of his unfaithfulness and allegra learned to hate them because of the hurt her mother showcased

In the beginning she was only around them because her father enforced it, that she needed to know her family “blood is all you got in the end.” He would always say but that was bs

Would take her, her half sibs, and her full sibs on day trips/weekend trips in his suburban

Has three full older brothers and one full younger sister

Because of this, Allegra did not have a clear view of what love was supposed to be and felt that anger in a relationship is supposed to be somewhat of the norm?

Many times she wished at night in her bed with a pillow over her head that her parents would just file for a divorce already when their fights would get bad to the point things would get broken and her mother would h*t her father (once with a metal bat) and throw him out of the house

Has had the cops called on their household before and cps definitely has/had a file on them

Has been in family therapy before and is currently in therapy mainly for herself because of the trauma & how it’s messed with her spirit as a person

Loves? Cares for her parents from afar but will never understand their relationship and why they’re still together to this day

Can go months without speaking to any of her family members and be completely fine with that

Had her younger sis, Nerina put her PRIVATE shit on blast via internet after love island aired and completely cut her off since she is “a clout chaser and money hungry bitch who can’t take care of own her child cause she opened her legs to a meth head who loves prison” OOP

she only has a decent relationship with one of her brothers who’s two years older than her, Vito. They seem to be the closest out of the sibs and he’s the only one she bothers to speak to from time to time

She’s a “cocktail entrepreneur” so I’m guessing she has her own business where she specializes in her own cocktail drinks? Working in some upscale rooftop/penthouse bar where she successfully makes profits from her signature drinks or has a brand that focuses mainly on cocktails

It took years for her business to take off and hasn’t been easy, not one bit. At times it felt like everyone wanted to see her fail and she has openly spoken about her struggles as not only a entrepreneur but as a woman in this business where no one wanted to take a chance on her

That just lit the fire that’s already inside of her

Aries sun + Leo moon + Scorpio rising? (Personality vs how you react to things emotionally vs you’re outside shell for those who don’t follow this too much. I’m not too in depth about it but I do find it interesting!)

Or should she be reversed as a Leo sun with a Aries moon? Aries are direct, fiery, one step ahead of others, impulsive, and know how to take charge. Leo’s are dramatic, loves attention, passionate, loyal, warm, and have a need to express their passions, and scorpios are intense, secretive, mysterious, and work strategically

anyways, I feel like she’s definitely improved as a person over the span of two years? Or at least I hope she has cause everyone goes thru changes

And she was frustrating in s1 so I just know she had some deeper issues going on so I really think therapy is helping her ass I wish it would help me lmao

Being cheated on honestly made her feel like her mother, weak in her mind she was with this dude for awhile—3 years and he just up and thought it was okay to cheat on her? With his personal trainer?! Yet he didn’t gain any muscle mass?! The ultimate disrespect!!! but one thing she knew? She wasn’t going to stick around like her mom did

But she was bitter about it foresure. She ultimately wanted to corner the girl for messing with HER man but part of her knew she wasn’t the only one to blame. However that didn’t stop her for cussing her out via voicemail a couple of times while intoxicated

Allegra always strived for love cause she’s never really seen it before or felt it

Sure she’s had many boyfriends before?And their names didn’t matter not only because she didn’t remember them? But she never felt the spark with them in the first place?

Maybe she wasn’t meant for love so she kinda put on this bitchy front and always been that way with some shitty friends she had around her until she recently cut them off a year ago

has gotten herself into trouble as a kid: trespassing, and destroying public property, smoking in the girls bathroom, physical altercations, cutting class, being assigned community service, etc... all with these friends she’s had for years!

Before she met her problematic friends in secondary, when she was in her pre-teen stage she was involved in the handbell team and in the Color guard but hates to admit it even tho her parents have pics all over the flat

went away to uni for a semester and wanted to join a sorority but the hazing was extreme to the point she was sent to the hospital then accepted? Which led to more trauma in her life so she dropped out

A few years later she decided on online courses and moved out of her parents flat as soon as she could with the $ she saved up and did not leave in the house since it was not safe to smh

Therapy was really helping sis, she felt a lot better and was working on her deep rooted issues mainly the anger and hurt and never really realized how it revolves around her life. She was super thankful for her therapist and reshaping herself

Many didn’t buy it but she knew she couldn’t give that much of a fuck? She couldn’t. In order to grow you got to learn that you have to involve for yourself and not others

She didn’t like the person she saw watching the show back but when she came back to the reunion a part of her hoped people saw some sort of change in her—even if it’s only been a few months since the show then

Sometimes she’ll slip back into old habits, wanting and doing so by snapping on people and blacking out by getting intoxicated and knowing that healing is a process and valuing yourself is the exact same

has a toy poodle that she loves deeply

doesn’t have many outside friends after cutting off the ones that were toxic

is pro-ab*rtion and had one herself which was aired out by her sister online

has a cozy flat that has a lot of brick exposure inside, a navy sofa which is her favorite piece in her house, and a view to die for!! which erases the fact that her apartment is “cozy” which she uses to replace the fact that it’s much smaller than what she originally wanted. She dreams big ya know!!!

currently has a crush on her art teacher who resembles Adam Rodriguez

but also feels like liking your teacher/instructor is a bit weird? Even tho they’re both grown

yes she is taking art classes now outside of work to find something that’ll bring her peace and these pass months they have until COVID hit where classes had to be cancelled yet she was contacted to continue online but she felt her art was truly shit but he says art is subjective

She feels like there’s a connection there? But at the same time isn’t looking for another relationship until she fully works on herself first! That took awhile for her to accept after she fell into some relations with a few ppl after the show

from there she realized that she might like girls too? And got a little annoyed that it took her this long to figure out especially with the way she felt around MC and cherry

doesn’t like to admit this but her fav holiday is Christmas? Even tho the theme is majorly corny to her but it actually makes her happy?

Feels like that was the only time her family showed love towards each other, and even tho they didn’t come from much, they always followed thru with their traditions

and she misses them a little bit around this time and might be the first one to call them even if the calls are short lived and kinda awkward at first

Loves making gingerbread houses and cookies

i feel like she now embraces her forearm hair but still gets everything else lasered

Miss Allegra has inches okay?! But I definitely feel like now in 2020 she’s chopping that shit off into a pixie cut and when she posts on the gram her hair is usually always damp when she shows it off

some comments — jake: lovely! Jen: babe, ur beautiful! Erikah: 😍 Tim: how hot! You’ve got the whole resident evil thing goin for yous

“Did he just call me a virus?”

And she might get a like from mason that’ll make her feel some type of way

We all have to go thru some growth you know so do you girl!

You can’t tell me she doesn’t play stabscotch!

Used to be obsessed with social media way before going on love island but lately doesn’t mind disappearing for months at a time? You have to cleanse yourself from that shit

idk i see her being mostly cool with jen or erikah and will hang out with them from time to time? Maybe they experienced some growth too, shit I sure hope so

still feels something for mason??? But at the same time maybe it was mainly superficial since mason wasn’t fucking with her like that, not 100% but at the same time gets frustrated that he still doesn’t see where she’s coming from and it’s been 2 years???

She loves hard if given the chance and then feels like shit when it doesn’t work out cause it feels like she wasted a fuck load of time

she no longer follows him because she feels like it’s better for her spirit or whatever and she doesn’t need to see him with someone else

the only guy that she really interacts with is Tim, yet tim is cool with everybody!

Otherwise there’s no real connection with her and anybody else? She wants to keep love island separate from herself now because she’s not exactly the same as she was two years ago? And hopes someday people will get that

Probably watches those auction shows on the telly late at night when she can’t sleep, hoping and can afford some of those things one days

I feel like she has chronic migraines too?

Once had a significant other buy her Allegra-D in all seriousness for her birthday because it reminded them of her & thought it would help her headaches 🤨

Loves the snow, but hates cleaning it off her car! S/O to those HOA fees, bless it cause leggy’s deff bussed her ass once before breaking her collarbone and sued like a mf!!!

Since her hours are hardly consistent since she’s mainly her own boss, she’ll have late nights/early mornings when she returns home and has to shift days where she cleans the flat but when she cleans??? It’s best everyone stays tf out of her way

And don’t try to help her cause you’re doing it wrong 10/10 of the time, she loves cleaning and has dropped mad money on those super expensive vacuums

Only knows how to make what’s relative to her culture: arepas, penne alla vodka, and cawl but otherwise than that? She’d rather clean then spend hours in a kitchen cooking unless she’s making cocktails ofc!

also loves shopping for clothes but shoes are her fav things to shop for

Deff has a steamer over a iron for her clothes

Keeps eucalyptus and lavender oil in her purse at all times

posts mainly on her stories and made a deal with her supporters that she’ll go live once a month since she feels like she owes them that? Since she’s not as active anymore but she really doesn’t owe anybody shit but out of the newfound kindness of her heart...she does

Believes she got Covid before they all decided to do a shut down/lockdown of restaurants, bars, etc.. and her suspicions were proven correct after she decided to get tested

her anthem? Kali Uchis — Dead to me (acoustic version)

#litg #litg allegra #litg headcanons #litg headcanon #litg moodboard #litg mason #litg Tim #litg jake #litg jen #litg erikah #litg mc #litg oc #had to make to drama filled since s1 did us right along with s2 #I do feel like Allegra bettered? herself after the show and stand by that #I still laugh when I see her character in my head and the fact that someone said she looks like the bride of chucky #anyways I like giving people the benefit of the doubt and I think ppl like her better than Lucy? lmao so this is for y’all allegra stans #decided to give s3 a break and play s1 again hope that’s cool lol #also no longer doing celeb crush/music choices anymore cause I’ve run out? lol alright bye!

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wiypt-writes · 4 years ago

Text

Leave No One Behind

Ch 7- Hungry Like The Wolf Co written with @icanfeelastormbrewing

Episode Summary: Ari heads back to TA and after meeting with his estranged wife he’s left in even more of a spin dealing with his feelings towards Hannah, until something finally snaps. And this time, there’s no going back.

Episode Warnings: Bad Language words. Smut (NSFW no under18s)

Episode Pairings: Ari Levinson x OFC Hannah Horowitz

A/N: Ok, so, we promised that this was going to be an explosive chapter and it is…in more ways than one.

Leave No One Behind Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 6

“Burning the ground, I break from the crowd, I'm on the hunt down, I'm after you. I smell like I sound, I'm lost and I'm found, and I'm hungry like the wolf.

Strut on a line, it's discord and rhyme, I'm on the hunt down, I'm after you. Mouth is alive with juices like wine, and I'm hungry like the wolf.”

Hungry Like The Wolf- Duran Duran

It had never crossed Ari's mind that he would be sitting in the living room in his old apartment as a visitor. But life moves in mysterious ways and there he was, sitting on the couch in the living room of the apartment he once shared with Sarah, hanging out with Maya who was cross legged on the rug by his feet, playing with her dolls.

Sarah had been kind enough to retreat to the kitchen to give them some time alone. Her greeting hadn't been awkward but it hadn't been warm either and Ari was a bit surprised to find it wasn't bothering him in the very least. His only concern was Maya's behaviour around him since last time they had been together he had left with a bittersweet feeling. That said, so far things were going smoothly. She hadn't hugged him back but, to his relief, she hadn't stiffened when he had hugged her and pressed a kiss on her head. Moreover, she had squealed in excitement when she had torn the wrapping paper off the present he had gotten her from Sudan and had seen the colourful beaded bag which she was now filling with her dolls' accessories.

They had engaged in a slow moving conversation about how she was doing at school and how well she was behaving at home. Nothing he couldn't have asked to any of the neighbour's kids. But at some point Maya had lifted her big brown eyes from the bag in her lap and had looked at him, taking him in for a few seconds before pointing out

"You're tanned."

Ari chuckled.

"Well, I get to spend a lot of time in the sun." he said with a smile that reached his eyes.

At least Maya was looking at him in the eyes this time. That was something.

"Have you swum in the sea like we used to do on holiday?" she asked, taking one of her dolls to start combing her hair.

"Yeah. I've also been diving."

He saw his daughter's eyes wide open with curiosity as she stopped what she was doing.

"Really? That's amazing."

"Sure is." Ari nodded, leaning forward and resting his arms on his thighs to catch her attention before explaining "There are lots of things to see down there. Sharks, fish, sunken pirate ships..."

"Really?" she asked, her eyes brimming with excitement "I wish I could go."

"I'd like that too, munchkin. But unfortunately I'm there working and that's not a place for a kid, as fun as it may sound."

Ari felt a pang in his chest as he noticed Maya's previously sparkling eyes and wide smile suddenly slip and she reverted into a sombre mood. He could read what was on her mind. How could he not? He had listened to those same words from Sarah over the last years of their marriage. Dad is always at work. Dad is far from home, living exciting adventures, helping other people rather than being at home with me.

She wasn't wrong, in a sense. So he decided to try and lighten her mood up a bit. It was worth the shot.

"Hey, did I tell you we have a dog now?"

"A dog?" she asked, visibly intrigued.

"Yup."

"What's he like?" She was smiling again.

"He's not very big. He's an Abyssinian sand terrier. They have no fur." Ari explained, smiling fondly at the memory of Simon.

"He's bald?”

"Yes, yes he is." Ari nodded, chuckling.

"Well, that's ok." Maya said tilting her head and grinning "You have enough hair for two, Daddy."

Ari laughed loudly which caught Sarah's attention from the kitchen.

"Hannah said the same thing."

"Who's Hannah?" Maya frowned.

"You remember Sammy?" Ari asked and Maya nodded "Well, she's his sister. They're both part of my team. Hannah is the one who found Simon... well actually he kinda found her."

"Simon?"

"Yeah, she named the dog after her favourite singer." Ari, who had been smiling since he had started talking about Hannah, explained.

"Like Simon Le Bon?" Maya asked, with a huge grin when she realised the connection.

"Yeah, exactly like him. In fact she named him Simon Le Bone."

Maya laughed and got up, picking her bag off the floor and bringing it back with her. She headed for the sofa and sat next to Ari. He had clearly piqued her curiosity.

"I want a picture of Simon."

"Yeah? Well I can send you one when I get back." Ari offered, nodding.

"Would you do that?" Maya asked, beaming at him.

"Of course I will. But only if you promise to write back." Ari said, as he reached to brush her hair off her face.

"Ok."

Ari could see Maya was clearly happy with the trade-off and the fact that she was opening up to him and had even agreed to write to him filled his heart with joy. He let out a contented sigh and noticed Maya was fiddling absent-mindedly with the beads on her new bag.

"I take it you like the bag, Munch?"

"It's beautiful, Dad." Maya nodded heavily.

"I’m glad…Hannah helped me pick it up."

Ari flinched at the slip of the tongue. What was wrong with him? It was like he couldn't help but talk about her. Though it was true, Hannah had got the bag for Maya and he was feeling a tad guilty about that. But as much as he had been looking forward to another trip with Hannah to Port Sudan to grab Maya something, Max had called dibs going just for the free food at the Souk and Ari was left with no other option to ask her if she would mind picking something up for Maya that she thought she might like.

"Did she? I like her." Maya said, snapping Ari from his thoughts.

Ari laughed at his daughter's quip "How’s that?"

"She adopted Simon and got me this, well you got it but she picked it." Maya offered with a shrug.

Ari fell silent. All his worries about Maya being upset he hadn't picked the gift himself vanished. Kids were amazing sometimes. Yet he didn't know what to say. It had been the longest conversation he had had with Maya for ages and he couldn't believe she was being so engaged and had warmed up to him so easily and, least of all, they were talking about Hannah. But it hadn't felt awkward, it just felt natural.

"Is she pretty?" Maya asked out of the blue.

Ari swallowed hard. Now that had taken him by surprise. He scratched his neck, fumbling for a suitable answer.

"Erm…I suppose so." he shrugged. It was the only thing he could come up with. Suitable enough for a seven year old though.

Who are you kidding, Levinson? I suppose so?

Maya, apparently, wasn't buying it either as she squinted her eyes.

"Ok, yes. Yes, she is pretty." Ari admitted after rolling his eyes, with a resigned smile.

"Cool." Maya quipped, smiling as well.

At that Sarah entered the living room as if she had spotted the perfect timing to step in their father-daughter moment.

“Maya, your lunch is ready. It’s in the kitchen, Honey, on the table." she said, looking at Maya

Maya stood up to do as she had been told but turned to look at Ari before asking "Are you coming dad?"

Ari felt like his heart would explode any minute but he looked at Sarah before answering and he could tell she wanted to talk to him so he had to hold back for the time being.

"Go ahead, I’ll be with you in a minute. Your mom and I have to talk about something." he said.

And as he watched her go he was truly jumping for joy, a big grin on his face. Maya had really asked him to go with her. But when he glanced at his estranged wife, he could see the nerve in her jaw and her shoulders tensing.

"I take it you were listening in?" he asked her.

"Of course I was. Gotta hand it to you Ari…” Sarah said and nodded towards the kitchen, “you won her back round with your stories."

Ari sighed as he brushed his hair off his head, readying himself for what was coming. The tell-tale endless list of flaws and reproaches.

"They’re not stories Sarah, just telling her about what I’m doing, well as much as I can that is." he took a deep breath.

"So I get you’re having a great time from what I heard." Sarah’s brown eyes locked onto his and Ari groaned. She wasn't beating about the bush.

"Can we not do this now? It’s not a vacation Sarah."

"And yet you’d still rather be there than here." she deadpanned.

Ari could not perceive any emotion in her eyes or her voice as she uttered those familiar words. She had thrown them back at him so many times over the last years, they felt mechanical now.

"I don’t have a choice." His response was just as automatic.

"There’s always a choice, Ari." Sarah said.

She wasn't letting go. Ari pinched the bridge of his nose and looked up at her.

"How many times do we have to go through this? I’m trying to do something good, because if my team doesn’t help those people no one will. And I’m trying to be a better father too, even if I’m not around…"

Sarah gave a scoff, interrupting his train of thought.

"Don’t shut me out Sarah, let me make it up to you, make it up to Maya." he said, with pleading eyes.

"Make it up to me? Ari, if you’re looking for a reconciliation it's too late."

Now that was a change. Ari could perceive some emotion in her voice. One of surprise.

"No, that’s not what I mean. I just, well I realised recently that I wasn’t a particular good husband to you, or a good father for that matter."

"The problem wasn’t you being a bad husband or dad Ari, it was with you never being there."

"I know and I’m sorry. I was wrong to just assume that you were ok with everything and to ignore how you felt. But, I wanna do better for Maya." he admitted.

"And you just came to this conclusion one evening when you were alone, soul searching did you?" Sarah snorted.

Ari stayed quiet. What else could he say? She knew perfectly well how his mind worked and was smart enough to spot there was something else to it. The question was whether she was gonna take that road and push him for more answers.

"You’ll always be the same." Sarah shrugged "You’ll never give up what you do and at one time that excited me, made me proud. But then I got tired of never being enough, never being the person you would quit for, and the fact I knew you’ll never leave that life behind. You could never understand that there were people at home who needed you just as much."

"I’m sorry." he whispered. And he meant it.

"Words mean nothing Ari. Make your future actions count. You wanna be a good father to Maya then you can’t keep running these missions. You may not have loved me but I know you love her." she said, her words dripping bitterness.

"Woah, Sarah, I loved you.” Ari shook his head, looking at her “In some ways I always will because we have Maya..."

"But we both know deep down if it wasn’t for her things wouldn’t have moved so fast." she cut him off.

Ari looked down. She was right. Maybe if it wasn't for Maya, they wouldn't have made it to the altar, certainly not as fast as they had. But, the fact was they did. And for the most part they’d been happy.

"But that…that isn’t important.” Sarah shook her head “What is, is that one day Maya’s gonna realise you were never there. She’s already asking questions about why you’re not there for school plays, open days, summer holidays and parties…"

Ari sighed "I know, I know…but at least now, if I can see her and write to her, I can be honest and she can understand."

Sarah looked at him for a minute, before she turned away. He could see she was debating whether to speak her mind or not, and he tensed up sensing the impending dig.

“Pulling Hannah into the mission is a pretty dramatic way to try and win her back Ari…"

And there it was. Ari shook his head and made an exasperated noise. He knew all too well she had brought Hannah up because of him talking to Maya about her.

"That’s not why I took her. It’s not what it seems, Sarah."

"It’s not what it seems, but it is what it is, huh?" she snorted.

Ari looked down at the carpet, avoiding her eyes. There was no point in lying to her, and to himself for that matter.

"I think we were always destined to fail...even on our wedding day you couldn’t take your eyes off her. You were with me because you couldn’t be with her." Sarah said, with a loaded sigh.

Ari shook his head “That’s not…” he looks at her before continuing "...don’t cheapen yourself into being a rebound Sarah, that’s not what we were.”

“Remember when you first told me you loved me? We had just come back from a date and we were in the car outside my apartment. You said those 3 words and told me you had never said them to another woman before.”

Ari could see where this was going.

“Of course I remember. I wasn’t lying Sarah, if that’s what you think…” Sarah smiled fondly now “I know Ari, you might be a lot of things but a liar isn’t one of them. What I was going to say is just because you never said it to another woman before, doesn’t mean you didn’t feel it.”

“Sarah…” Ari protested. “Maybe you just never got to tell her and I was in the right place at the right time…” she continued, ignoring him.

He stayed silent. Better get it over with. Let her speak her mind.

"You know I hope this mission, whenever it ends, teaches you something Ari. Preferably about how not to lie to yourself." she said, before nodding towards the kitchen.

He knew she meant the conversation was over. She had poured her heart out and she didn't need to hear anything more, she just wanted some head space. So he headed into the kitchen and joined Maya for what was left of her lunch.

Almost an hour later Maya had finished her lunch and Ari had helped her with her grammar homework for a while until it was time for him to leave. He didn't want to overstay his welcome but he arranged to pick Maya up the next day to take her out.

As it happened, he spent time with his daughter every day he was home, in between meetings at base and a visit to the cinema one evening which he thought would help him to unwind. He had snorted when he had seen one of the posters was announcing a film called Simon and after considering it for a while he finally decided on Mad Max, it was more his thing. But as he sat there alone in the darkness of the cinema waiting for the film to start, his mind inevitably flew to Simon and his pretty owner once again.

One of the afternoons he spent with Maya they headed into town where they had lunch, giving him the chance to buy Hannah's 30th gift. Well, the gift from the team that they had all agreed to contribute towards. He also grabbed the gift Sammy had asked him to pick up for his sister. As for what he wanted to get her as a personal gift that would have to wait until he got back and could get into Port Sudan. He was hoping it would still be there when he had the chance to return to the Souk. All in all, was a fairly expensive afternoon as Maya also stung him for a few new dolls and some art supplies. But he was more than happy to spoil her.

When it was his last day and time for him to say goodbye for another few months, Maya had given him a teary hug and kissed him goodbye when he had crouched to meet her height with arms wide open. Such a display of affection on his daughter’s part had choked him up as she was normally ambivalent about him leaving her. But this time it had felt different, an awful lot different. She had promised to write, and moreover Sarah had also promised to make her. He was satisfied as he had left things on a good note with Maya and a fairly even and amicable keel with Sarah after their conversation where they had come clean with one another. He had been dreading the meeting with his estranged wife, and had been petrified as to Maya’s reaction towards him too when he had left Sudan but he had to admit it had been as good as he could have hoped for.

So, a week after he had landed in Tel Aviv as a messy wreck, Ari found himself sat on a flight back into Port Sudan much more at peace. He couldn't help but think about everything that happened over the last week and as he stirred the tomato juice he had asked the flight attendant for, his mind drifted to the parallels between his marriage to Sarah and Hannah’s to Andy. The conversation with Sarah had got him thinking that like Sarah was to him, Andy would have been the first person Hannah said “I love you” to. It was crystal clear. But from her confession on the beach that night after their first mission, Andy wasn’t the first man she ever loved, that honour was Ari’s. Moreover, had the interference from Andy and Sammy never happened, it would have been each other they had said it to first, because he knew that Sarah was right. Although he had never said it to Hannah, he had felt it.

And moreover he was beginning to think he felt it still.

**** As Ari was in line waiting to go through passport control after having landed in Port Sudan airport twenty minutes before, he thought about the last time, the only one in fact, he had been waiting in that same line and how the mixed feelings of uncertainty and expectation for what lay ahead that had haunted his mind then had now turned into a heart-warming feeling of going back, not to where he belonged, it wasn't like that, but certainly to somewhere he wanted to be and that thought put a soft smile on his face.

After collecting his luggage he found Max waiting for him in the arrivals lounge. He greeted him with a heartfelt hug and a pat on the back. No words were needed.

"Good flight man?" Max asked, as he reached for one of Ari's bags and headed to the parking lot.

"Was ok. Had some brat behind me kicking my chair but other than that…" Ari replied, following him through the crowds of people.

Max just smiled and after sharing some more trivial information about the weather and the latest news in both Sudan and Tel Aviv as they reached the car and jumped in after placing Ari's luggage on the trunk, both men fell in a comfortable silence.+

That was until Ari spoke again, letting the words that were burning inside him come out searing his throat in the process.

"How’s everyone been?" he asked, clearing his throat.

Max didn't peel his eyes off the road and pondered Ari's question for a moment before smiling.

"If by everyone you mean Cracker, then fine."

"I meant everyone." Ari said, his voice as steady as he could as he looked out of the window.

"Sure you did." Max smiled again.

"Fuck you Max." Ari snapped, turning to look at him.

"You sure you wanna fuck me?" Max chuckled.

Ari merely rolled his eyes in response and sighed. Better just to let Max get away with it, he already had the information he wanted. Well, sort of. Ari realised he didn't know exactly what was that he was expecting Max to tell him. He certainly wasn't gonna tell him she had missed him so much that it hurt until someone or something reminded her of him and soothed a bit of that pain…

They were getting a few miles from the resort and he was getting more anxious by the minute. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Had that herd of camels always been on that valley by the road? As they approached the resort and Ari could distinguish the set of low white buildings in the distance he was getting the jitters. His stomach effectively flipping like he was a fucking teenager by the time Max parked the jeep under the shaded spot to the left of the resort.

They climbed out of the car and the salty sea breeze hit his nostrils but before he could register any more sensations of the hundreds he had missed from that God forsaken piece of paradise, he heard Simon barking and the dog emerged from the hotel, wagging his tail so fast it was a blur. Ari crouched down to say hi to him just as he jumped up at him, licking his face.

“Yeah missed you too bud.” he laughed, scratching his ears furiously.

Once Simon had calmed down a bit he turned to the car to get his bag and glanced up as he heard voices, his heart pounding violently in his chest. Sammy and Jake appeared to help him with his bags

"Come here…" Jake said with a wide grin, patting him on the back, just like in Belize although Ari was pleased he was dressed this time.

"Good to see you man." Sammy greeted him with a sincere smile.

"Hi Sammy." Ari smiled back.

He then glanced to the front of the hotel and saw Rachel and Hannah, smiling. His heart skipped a beat as he took Hannah in as she was stood in a pair of khaki shorts and a black crochet bikini top. He swallowed and grabbed a bag before heading towards them. He frowned faintly behind his aviators when he saw Hannah stiffen a little as he approached them.

Rachel moved to hug him, welcoming him back. And whilst he hugged her his eyes flicked to Hannah and she smiled at him shyly. Rachel released him and he turned towards her, his mind racing. Should he hug her? he wondered as he saw her tuck a piece of her dark hair behind her ears, a sign Ari could place as her being nervous.

"Hi Firefly." he said softly but with a blinding smile on his face.

Rachel turned to head inside as he opened his arms, leaving them alone.

"Hi Ari" she said as she stepped into his embrace.

"You ok?" he whispered into her ear.

She nodded as she relished the feeling of being in his arms. Ari knew the others would only be able to see his back as they were lifting the bags out but nevertheless he was aware he was holding her for slightly too long so he stepped back unwillingly.

"Good." he smiled at her.

Hannah swallowed a little and was then distracted by Simon who had jumped up and grabbed the bottom of the leg of Sammy’s shorts, looking for his attention.

"Hannah, get your dog off me." Sammy groaned.

Hannah laughed and gave a sharp whistle and Simon let go and trotted over her.

"He still hate you, Sammy?" Ari said, turning to look at his friend.

"The feeling is mutual." Sammy deadpanned before muttering " Ugly little gargoyle." to which Simon growled.

"I see how that's mutual." Ari quipped. "Stop calling him ugly Sammy, you’ll hurt his feelings." Hannah glared at his brother. And then she putting on a voice as if speaking to a baby she crouched down. "You're not ugly are you boy, no…"

Ari chuckled and moved to grab one of his bags as Sammy was chunnering under his breath about the ‘fucking mutt’ and they all went inside. Ari headed to his hut to unpack and to get changed. He felt grubby, surely needing a shower. But he was also tired.

As he sat on his bed his mind wandered to how he had felt seeing Hannah again. He had felt relief, this horrible gnawing feeling in his stomach that had been growing stronger by the hour as he travelled back had gone and he reflected on how calming the touch of her skin was, still fresh from the sea against his clothes…her black bikini top, her wet hair slicked back, the drops of water kissing her shoulders and collar bone… He shook his head to bring himself out of what was threatening to become a dirty day dream.

He needed to get a grip. Rachel had said that lunch would be ready in 15 and he had spent a great amount of that time dwelling in his feelings and needs. Well spent, if you asked him. Not wasted. So he changed into a pair of shorts and a clean t-shirt and shoved his flip flops on before heading back out for lunch.

When he got to the dining room, everyone was dressed respectably now having covered up to sit at the table. Hannah wearing a bright yellow paisley sundress that hung halfway between her thighs and her knees, the colour drawing out the tone of her sun-kissed skin even more.

They sat having lunch, everyone in character as they always did in the dining room around tourists. As they started eating, Ari began to talk to them in code, telling them how their ‘sponsors’ were happy with the way things were going, even if Isaacs was still having a fit about the “unexpected guests" and confirmed their next “scouting” mission to be the middle of next month. Sammy then asked Ari casually about Sarah and Maya and there were a couple of seconds of silence during which Rachel, Jake and Max exchanged a glance. If Sammy had been paying attention to something other than the salad in his plate, he would have noticed Rachel glaring at him.

Hannah looked down to her food, playing with the fork, a movement that didn’t pass Ari by as he took a sip directly from his beer bottle trying to win himself sometime before answering.

"They’re good." he finally said, glancing at Hannah. But he then quickly looked around at everyone else so as not to raise suspicions. "Maya’s doing well at school…spent time every day with her, it was nice.

He smiled at the memory of the time spent with his daughter and saw Hannah smile too though she was still looking at her food. Ari swallowed his piece of bread and then looked around before speaking again.

"So Max filled me in a little on the drive over but how’ve you all been guys?" he asked as he tossed a random piece of meat down to Simon. The dog caught it and swallowed without so much as chewing. Ari could swear the animal would never be full no matter what he ate. He could be the canine version of Max.

"Oh you know, busy. Doing all the fucking activities in your fucking brochure." Jake complained, and everyone sniggered.

"All been doing our thing as usual. No strange visitors." Max said, giving Ari a meaningful look.

"We’ve just been lucky." Sammy quipped.

"Ever the optimist Samuel." Hannah said, rolling her eyes at her brother in front of her.

"Or just a realist, Han." he shrugged, looking at her arching an eyebrow.

Ari just sat there, eating his food and watching the scene with a wide smile. He had missed the siblings bickering. It was one of the many little things that made their days at the resort special and you missed when you weren't there.

"We cleared the top floor of the hotel so the 5 rooms up there are usable now. Takes capacity up to 25 guests at any one time." Rachel informed, once the bickering had died down.

"I can’t cope with 25 tourists at once." Max protested.

"Shut up, you just do all that weird shit in the mornings, you know, breathing and kicking the air! I do the tough stuff." Jake snorted.

"Yeah sure, all day down there watching the fish." Max bit back.

"Err.. it's me and Angela that do the tough stuff…any of you want to massage those hairy men?" Hanna cut them both off.

Everyone sniggered again and Ari shifted a little, squirming on his seat and praying no one had noticed.

"You had to go there." Sammy glared at his sister and Hannah winked.

"Well I would offer to do the aerobics classes, Red but not sure I’d rock a leotard as well as you." Jake intervened, not letting the opportunity to flirt pass by.

Ari groaned internally. One of his worst nightmares while being back home in Tel Aviv had been Hannah finally giving in to Jake's advances. Sure she had promised to wait for him the same way he had promised to come back to her. And deep down he knew he was the one who could be called untrustworthy not her, but still. He would have shouted back off, bastard from the top of his lungs if that hadn't meant putting Hannah, and himself, in a compromised position.

"Which reminds me Ari, some guests say they’ve missed you in the aerobics classes. What does that even mean? You never attended one of mine." Rachel asked, squinting her eyes at Ari.

Max sniggered as Ari shrugged innocently.

"They did not miss me?" Jake asked, surprised.

"No coz you still go, hanging around like a giant pervert at the back. You need to get laid." Hannah quipped.

"I told you, I’m trying…not my fault everyone around here is impervious to the old Wolf charms." Jake whined.

"I’m glad to see nothing has changed." Ari drawled.

"You’ve only been gone a week bud." Sammy said, stating the obvious.

"Well it feels like longer." Ari told Sammy. He smiled as he uttered those words, catching Hannah’s eye for a second instead of looking at Sammy, trying to convey she was the reason why, and then glancing away quickly trying to keep it cool. Had his eyes lingered on hers a second more, he wouldn't have missed the smile that flickered across her face.

"Well, as much as I’d like to stay here listening to you roasting each other I got a diving tour in 15 minutes." Jake announced as he got up. "Red, you want in?”

Hannah pondered for a moment, avoiding Ari's gaze, before shrugging "Yeah sure, why not?"

Ari's eyes darted between Jake and Hannah as she got up and the two of them headed out, Simon trotting behind.

"You taking the dog diving?" Ari asked, hoping that little detail would prevent her from going.

Hannah stopped and turned around. For a few seconds Ari thought he had gotten what he wanted. That was until he registered the broad smile on Hannah's face.

"No, he likes to sit in the boat.” She chuckled “Hey, wonder if we could find a little doggy wetsuit for him…"

Everyone laughed loudly, attracting the attention of some of the tourists that were still finishing their lunch, and then Hannah turned and headed after Jake. Ari sat there frowning and wondering since when had the dog sat in a boat? She must have gone diving a lot whilst he was away, and that got him in a very bad mood all of a sudden. A very bad mood he tried to conceal behind the cigarette he had lit up to keep his hands from turning into fists and he held back a sigh as he exhaled the smoke while watching her go.

Rachel cleared her throat, clearly to bring Ari's attention back before Sammy could get offended at the way he was looking at his sister.

"I should be getting the activities for the afternoon ready."

"Oh, that reminds me…I got Hannah’s presents from TA." Ari said looking at Sammy. "The camera and film was just over 150. That ok?"

Sammy nodded "Cheers, man"

"And the one from the rest of us…like we agreed, I went to max of 100 each." Ari continued, now looking at Rachel and Max as well.

Rachel nodded in agreement before standing up "Bring it to the safe and I’ll stash it." and Ari nodded as she walked off.

Sammy then turned to Max "You and me need to finish off painting the top of the outside wall." he said as he put out his cigarette butt.

"With beer, right?" Max asked with his signature grin.

"Always." Sammy said, nodding back. When the two men left him, Ari decided to take a walk on the beach. He had missed it. He had missed walking on the white sand and the way the sun rays reflected on the water surface, but most of all he had missed the sound of the ocean that lulled him to sleep at night. He lit up another cigarette and saw Hannah and Jake, now clad in wet suits pushing the equipment laden boats down the ramp into the sea. As if on cue, Simon jumped into one, barking. Ari couldn't help but give a huff of laughter at the image, but the sight of Hannah and Jake had ruined his blissful moment on the beach so he decided then to head to his hut to get her present and a few minutes later he walked into the reception area.

Rachel took the box Ari was handing her and opened it, giving a low whistle.

"That’s nice…and you say 100 bucks each?"

"Give or take." Ari waved his hand, trying to play it down.

"You’re so full of shit Guy…I know for a fact these are over 800 a pop…so even if me, Max and Jake all chip in that means you’ve shelled out almost 500 of your own cash." Rachel huffed, hands on her hips.

"I don’t mind." he shrugged.

"I hope you say that when it's my turn." Rachel said, raising an eyebrow at him.

"You’re already 30." Ari quipped.

He had tried to make it sound casual, but had obviously failed at it as Rachel was now giving him a knowing look, which got him wondering exactly how much she did know, and then she turned to open the safe. As she did Ari looked around and spotted something on the wall that hadn’t been there before he left. It was a piece of driftwood that had been sanded down and bore the words “Satisfied Guests” painted in red and white letters over the top with a number of hooks screwed into it. The whole thing had been varnished and hanging from it were 3 painted white shells, each displaying a number, together showing a total of 174. Ari instantly realised that was the number of refugees they rescued on their first mission. "That’s new." Ari smiled.

Rachel looked round puzzled and saw he was looking at the board "Yeah, Hannah made it."

“Did she?" Ari asked, a rhetorical question of sorts that allowed him some time to take the whole board thing in. Of course, she did. It was shouting Hannah all over.

"Yeah, she found the wood washed up, painted the letters and shells then varnished it. Max screwed the hooks in but it was basically her idea." Hannah explained as he looked at a beaming Ari. "It took her a while but I think he was glad of the distraction."

"Distraction from what." he asked, rather too quickly.

Rachel looked at him, giving him a half smile but not saying a word.

Ari sighed after bringing his hands to his hips

"You know." it was a statement more than a question.

Rachel gave him a look, playing with him a bit, before asking "Know what?" and with that she flashed him a wink and turned around to fetch some papers from a side table.

"Can I ask you something?" he spoke again.

"Sure." she said turning around, noticing Ari was looking down the corridor out to the sea. "She’s only gone with him a couple of times, Ari."

Ari frowned, taken aback. How the fuck did she know he was gonna ask that? but then the merciless truth appeared before his eyes.

"Am I really that obvious?" he asked shyly.

"When it comes to her, yes." Rachel replied, giving him a sympathetic smile.

"Do you think Sammy…?"

"Look, you want my advice?" Rachel asked, shaking her head. "Forget about him Ari.."

"I wish I could…damned, this is so complicated."

"Like I said to Hannah, it’s only as complicated as you make it." Rachel tried to comfort him as she had done with Hannah the day he had left.

Ari was taking in Rachel's words but his thoughts were disturbed by Max who appeared all sweaty with an empty tin of paint.

"Where’s the rest of this?" he asked, lifting the empty can.

"In the office." Rachel said.

Max then nodded and headed towards the kitchen area.

"You’re going the wrong way" Ari called him.

"I need a snack."

"You just ate lunch!" Rachel exclaimed as if talking to a toddler.

Max turned to her and shrugged "And?"

Ari shook his head, chuckling and looked at Rachel before saying, more to himself than to the woman, "Think I’m going to go for a run, need to blow off some steam."

Rachel smiled at him and gave him a nod just before he headed out of the reception area.

*****************

Reflecting on Rachel's words Ari headed to his hut. She had a point. They should be coming to terms about what they were feeling and not worrying about what other people, not even Sammy, might say or how they'd react. They were grown-ups running a mission, for fucks sake, not teenagers moping around at the school's canteen.

He shoved his trainers on and headed out as he turned his walkman on. As the music started blaring in his ears he began pounding along the dusty road at the front of the resort, pushing everything from his mind as best he could. He followed his familiar 7 mile route, rounding the cliff and getting back onto the shore until he ran back down along the sand as Message in a Bottle by The Police started playing.

Ari slowed to a stop, catching his breath and saw Hannah and Jake returning. He watched them for a second as they unload the boat and then decided to head back to get a shower but paused as he took off his headphones and turned his walkman off. The sea looked so inviting, he thought. Thus, on a sudden whim of spontaneity, he stripped off his shirt, shed his trainers and ran towards it, flinging himself and diving into the cool water. When he emerged he shook his hair out a little and did a couple of strokes out before letting himself float a little. After 10 minutes or so of just floating aimlessly letting his mind focus on the sensations of the water beneath and the sun rays above him, he felt every muscle in his body relax. The strains of his trip completely washed away, he swam back to shore and waded out of the water.

Hannah chose that exact moment to walk past, back in her sundress after changing out of her wetsuit, and spotted Ari just as he was wading towards the sand. She stared as he ran his hand through his wet hair and was really struggling to keep her eyes from the veins and muscles in his arms and forearms as he did so. Of course, following the lines of water as they trickled down his chest to his defined abs didn’t help much either. Fortunately, if you could say that, she was snapped back from her drooling state by a group of young, female tourists who started catcalling him from where they were sat on the beach.

Hannah saw him grin as he passed the group acknowledging them “Ladies.” as he nodded and walked toward where she was stood by his clothes. The way he had spoken, in such a low, sultry voice had made her core clench slightly, and she was still trying to recover from it when Ari looked at her and smiled, and that made it even worse. She was getting more and more flustered by the minute but then she took a deep breath and suddenly thought to herself, Two can play that game, Levinson.

Ari saw her pulling her sundress over her head, leaving her in nothing but that black crochet bikini as she tossed her clothing down on top of his and sauntered past him.

“Shame you didn’t wait, Lobo…” she teased

He turned to watch her dive straight into the waves. He stood still for a moment like he had been nailed to the ground. Fuck! Cursing under his breath he headed to his hut, grabbed his shades and cigarettes and came back, flopping onto the sand by the pile of clothing. He watched as Hannah took a swim out a little further than he had gone whilst, Simon who had swum out a little way after her, clearly decided enough was enough and turned back around. He made his way out of the water, shook himself off and ran to Ari who scratched him, all the time watching Hannah behind his aviators.

A few minutes and half a cigarette later she made her way back to shore. As she got out, she pulled her hair out of it’s pony tail before shaking it out loosely. She was soaking, water dripping down her tanned body which was glistening in the now setting sun. And Ari wanted to die, more like he could have died then and there and he would have gone happily. That it was the second time he had seen her wet that day, and neither of them at his hands.

Get a grip, Levinson, with a silent groan he pulled his knees to his chest to hide his growing boner before Hannah reached the spot where he was sat. What was that about not being a fucking teenager again?

Hannah dropped next to him on the sand she reached for his cigarette. "I see you have some fans." she said, nodding to the young women who had been cat calling him as she took a drag and blew it out.

Ari forced himself to peel his eyes from the perfect line of her jaw to look over her shoulder at them realising they were looking at him and whispering. He waved and nodded at them playfully whilst he said "Not a chance, Firefly."

Hannah looked at him, trying to read the meaning of those words in his eyes, but he was hiding behind his glasses. She sighed and handed his cigarette back, his fingers brushing hers lightly and he looked at her.

"I really wanna kiss the life out of you right now, Han."

Oh, God. Not that voice again. She thought as she flushed. Taking a breath she recovered and then turned to him, flashing him a smile, that fucking smile that killed him every damned time and she looked around.

"Yeah, probably not a good idea." she bit her lower lip.

Ari looked around too.

"No one from the team here…I think it’s a very good idea." he countered, and Hannah could see his left eyebrow rise from behind his shades as he smiled. She looked around again to see he was right.

She hesitated for a few seconds, the beating of her heart pounding in her ears as she reached for his hand and laced her fingers through his, painfully slowly, not taking her eyes from their intertwined hand as she brushed his palm with her thumb.

Fuck! That simple but intimate gesture was sending electricity through his entire body and he swallowed hard. "You don’t wanna keep doing that, Firefly." he finally managed to speak, his voice low and hoarse.

She smiled "What if I do?"

Ari studied her eyes for a moment, taking her in before answering her question. "They’ll end up shutting the hotel down because of a scandal."

She laughed, the image of a shocked Ethan's face coming to her mind. But she didn't stop caressing his hand with her thumb.

"Can’t have that now, can we?" she shrugged, as she squeezed his hand faintly.

Ari turned around once more to check there was still no unwelcome audience before leaning his head on the crook of her neck. Nuzzling her skin, still fresh from the sea, with his nose before pressing a soft kiss on her neck under her ear.

He felt her stiffen, her breath caught as she closed her eyes and swallowed. Now that was sending shivers down his spine and he was having bad thoughts about her swallowing something else. His breath caught in his throat and Hannah must have sensed it too because she whispered. "Ari" as her body turned towards him, her free hand dropping on to his bare thigh, curling her gentle fingers around the curve of his muscle.

Ari immediately tensed up at her touch, hissing internally, and he turned around again, this time a little quicker than previously because he couldn’t take it anymore.

Coast is still clear.

"Firefly, look at me." he instructed, pulling his shades from his face.

She did as told, noticing the urgency in his voice and he immediately pressed his lips to hers in a soft peck. It was quick but he felt the longing that had been plaguing him over the last week finally wash away. He thought of all the nights he had laid down on his bed in Tel Aviv replaying that last night at the resort with her before he had left, as he rubbed his nose softly along hers before catching her mouth again, keeping it short and sweet, but loaded with feeling.

As he pressed his head to hers be became suddenly aware of a movement in his peripheral and jerked his head away, fearing someone from the team might have showed up in the few minutes he and Hannah had been lost in one another. But as he looked around he saw it was the group of female tourists who were gathering their things and shooting glances their way, none of them particularly nice it truth be told, and could see they were talking in low whispers as they stood.

Hannah followed his gaze and moved her hand off his leg.

"Probably not the smartest idea we’ve had, huh?" she said softly.

"I don’t care. You’ll always be my smartest move, Firefly." Ari stated, looking into her eyes with determination.

She was about to say something back Simon let out a little whine from where he had been led next to Hannah and stood up, shooting off behind them. They were both startled and turned to see Max approaching, already within earshot.

"We’re gonna fire the BBQ up now…just to…er..warn you." he informed them, the expression on his face unreadable.

Both looked at him innocently as he smirked. Well, that smirk could be read, couldn’t it?

"Thanks Max, I’ll just grab a clean shirt." Ari was the first to speak as he stood up and offered Hannah his hand to pull her to her feet and handed her dress to her. She pulled it on and they both walked off, not exchanging any words in the process. Ari shot her one last glance and almost as if she could sense it, she turned and looked over her shoulder at him, catching his eyes before she looked back the way she was walking, heading after Max.

A little while later Ari headed to the patio area of the resort and spotted Hannah already seated at one of the tables, a glass of what looked like lemonade in her hand which he suspected was laced with Vodka. Max was at one side of her and the seat on the other was free. Trying not to smile too much, he headed over to take it, hoping for the chance to at least sit next to her, maybe give him the opportunity to hold her hand under the table but to is utter horror Sammy appeared out of nowhere and flopped into the seat he had been eyeing up.

Bastard. So instead he took a seat opposite her, that is when he got chance to sit down as he was roped into doing the BBQ, Rachel appealing to his ego by telling the guests loudly that no one grilled a steak like Guy Thomas. After an hour or so, the meal was done and then everyone piled onto the beach after Max lit a camp fire. The beach was dark now, illuminated by the fairly lights and the camp fire, the latter of which was sending warm shadows across the sand. Ari sat down on one of the blankets, watching as Hannah got roped into some stupid dancing as Max strummed his guitar (which Ari wanted to smash over his head for effectively cock-blocking him earlier). He was fighting the urge now to get up and dance with her too, but he knew he had to keep a respectable distance, if nothing but to placate the girls from the beach who were shooting daggers at Hannah and mumbling no doubt about what they had seen the pair of them do on the beach. Eventually, however, their attention was diverted as Jake flopped into the middle of their little circle with a bottle of tequila, flirting his way around the 3 women. Hannah nudged Max and pointed to him, the pair of them snorting and shaking their heads. Hannah caught Ari’s eye and he flashed her a smile which she returned until she was dragged back into the hotel by Max, presumably for more beer.

All in all it should have been a nice first evening back with his team. This set of guests left tomorrow morning and the new ones weren’t around until the morning after so everyone was cutting loose, but he was simply dying. Seeing her so close and so carefree and not being able to simply reach out to her was killing him. When he couldn’t take it anymore he stood up and excused himself.

“I’m turning in.” he said, stretching his arms above his head. “It’s been a long day for me and I’m exhausted.”

Rachel looked at him, nodding sympathetically “Yeah, you do look whacked.” “Gee thanks.” he rolled his eyes as Max sniggered. He looked at Hannah again who simply looked him up and down before he turned away, bidding everyone goodnight and headed away to his hut further up the beach. Once inside he flopped down, his fingers linking together behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling for a moment before he closed his eyes, reliving that 5 minutes or so he’d had with Hannah alone on the beach. He was going to have to come up with something, some way to get her alone so they could talk or…well, whatever. As he lay there, for how long he had no idea, he felt his eyelids growing heavy and he was just dozing off when he heard Simon barking.

“Simon shhh.” Hannah chastised, her voice drifting through the window as she passed his hut “Quiet!”

Now he was wide awake again, and that aching feeling was back in his stomach. Fuck, he couldn’t take this anymore. He waited for a minute or so, arguing internally about how going after her was a bad idea, but that devil on his shoulder was telling him that laying where he was, stewing on everything was equally as bad an idea.

Fuck it.

Standing up he brushed his hair back out of his eyes and opened his door a fraction. He poked his head out and took a quick look around, there was no one in sight and he could hear the party faintly as it was still going on outside the main hotel area. He stepped outside, and keeping himself as close to the staff quarters as he could to try and stay in the shadows he made his way 3 down to Hannah’s.

Unsure if she would be there or at her rocks, he knocked gently and heard Simon give another bark. His breath caught in his chest as his stomach began to churn again as he stood, waiting, feeling like he was about to burst with anticipation. After what felt like an hour, but was less than 5 seconds in reality, the door finally clicked open and without so much as a word Hannah stepped back to let him in and he quickly shut the door behind him. There was a moment where he stood simply looking at her, and then that final thread of self-control snapped. To hell with everything and everyone, he was done waiting.

He wanted her, and fuck, he was going to have her.

He reached out, wrapping his hand around her upper arm and with a sharp tug which almost made her stumble he pulled her to him. He swallowed the small squeak of surprise she had made as his lips crashed onto hers and before Hannah could even think to kiss him back, he pulled away, pressing their foreheads together.

There was a slight pause between them, both trying to catch their breath from the searing kiss Ari had just delivered and he let out a soft sight. “Firefly…I missed you…

“Mi Lobo…” she whispered and her hands reached for his face, fingers threading into his beard and she pulled him back to her. Their lips found one another again, his hands moving to her waist to pull her closer and he began to tug at her clothes. He grabbed the bottom of her sun dress and he broke away from her for a second to pull it over her head before his lips crashed back to hers as they both stumbled around the room.

Ari took hold of her hips so to manoeuvre her wherever he wanted, his fingers flexing on her bare skin just above the waistband of her bikini bottoms. They continued to blindly fall around the small hut, lips furiously locked together, teeth clashing, tongues tangling in the utter ferocity of the moment until, after colliding with the small set of drawers set against one of the walls, Ari took control. Shoving her bikini bottoms down he allowed her to step out of them before he roughly picked her up. Her bare legs immediately wrapped around his waist and her arms went around his neck as he pushed her up against the wall at the far side of the hut and, using it as support he shifted his grip from under her ass and his hands moved around to the back of her neck. With surprisingly soft fingers which caused her to shiver as they grazed her skin, he pulled the strings on her bikini which allowed it to fall forwards, exposing her breasts, his hands sliding down between her shoulder blades to the, dancing along her spine before he reached the fastenings behind her back and undid the bow there too, pulling the garment away completely, tossing it somewhere to his right.

He broke the kiss to glance down at her, giving a small moan at the sight as her chest heaved with exertion and anticipation. She was every bit as fucking gorgeous as he remembered. Hannah’s hands fisted in his t-shirt and grabbed at the hem, tugging it upwards. Holding his arms above his head he allowed her to pull it off and she tossed it to the floor, her hands moving to his chest as his mouth trailed from hers along her jaw to her neck. Her head fell back against the wall as his hands pressed flat on the stone surface, either side of her face as he nipped at her skin. She gave a low moan, rolling her hips against his and he felt his cock twitch slightly drawing a hiss from his mouth.

“I missed you…” he repeated his earlier words, his mouth right by her ear, voice was low and carried a tone of desperation she couldn’t ever remember hearing from Ari before. It was enough to send a shiver down her spine.

“You were only gone a week…” She mumbled as his lip moved downwards, hot kisses branding her skin across her collar bone.

“I didn’t mean this week…” he said, his teeth grazing the hollow just beneath her throat. “I should have fought harder, stayed with you…I’m so sorry Firefly.”

Hannah’s hands fisted in his hair and she gave a sharp tug, the quick bite of pain made him growl in his throat as he looked at her, their eyes locking for a second.

“I know.” she said, her voice soft as she breathed out, swallowing slightly “And I believe you…I forgive you.”

He looked at her a second, her words echoing around lust hazed brain for a second as they hit home, the final atonement for his wrong doing all those years ago. He gave her a quick smile and then surged forward again, kissing her desperately and she openly moaned into his mouth as his hand slid between them and he trailed two of his fingers across her slit. She was wet and at the feel of her he gave a soft growl as she pulled away, her head falling back and a whimper escaping her mouth as he began to play with her, touch her, just how he remembered she liked. His head dropped to her chest as he moved his mouth to take her right nipple between his lips, softly at first before his teeth grazed her sensitive skin drawing a breathy cry from her mouth as he alternated between stinging bites and soothing licks, all the time his hand working at her clit. He moved to the other side, repeating his motion and she began to rock against his hand, seeking his touch even more. With a quick movement he pushed 2 fingers inside her and she gave a dirty purr of delight as he continued, his motions fast and aggressive. Sensing she was close by the shortening of her breath he moved his mouth from her chest so he could watch her as she came, her eyes fluttering shut, mouth slackening and her head fell forward before it tipped back and she let out a quiet squeal as he felt her tightening around her, her channel squeezing his fingers as her hands dug into his shoulders. He loved how graceful she was, even in the throes of an orgasm her noises were so dainty and soft and it drove him fucking wild.

He couldn’t help but smirk at the pout she gave as he moved his fingers out of her, readjusting her slightly before he shoved his swim shorts down, freeing his now painfully hard erection before he paused and suddenly realised...

Sensing his hesitation, Hannah finally managed to get enough about her to shake her head. Her hands cupped his cheeks and she looked at him.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ve no…” he swallowed and she shook her head, smiling.

“It’s ok. I’m covered…and there’s been no one since Andy,” she bit her lip “And there was no one before him bar you so...” Ari gulped a little at her revelation, “No one?” She shook her head, her eyes locking onto his as Ari let her words sink in and for some reason, the thought of him being the only other man bar her husband that had taken her this way was turning him on even more. He also understood that it meant it was 4 years since she’d been with a man. Hannah watched as his eyes flashed and his entire face darkened slightly as he gave her a look, one that she had seen before a few times, that glare of a predator, eyeing up its prey.

“Oh Firefly…” he voice was low and deep, almost a growl and it went straight to that spot in her belly as she looked at him, eyes wide “I hope you’re fuckin’ ready.”

“Show me what you got, Lobo.” She challenged back, and her sass made him groan before he shifted, his hands moving to the back of her thighs and he opened her up to him even more as he pushed into her, slowly, revelling in the feel of her as her tight heat gripped him. Hannah’s gasp caught in her throat as she felt him fill her, a feeling she’d been missing for so fucking long, being close to someone, feeling treasured, feeling needed, feeling wanted.

One of her hands gripped his bicep, the other flew to the wall to steady herself and Ari’s hips ground against hers as he bottomed out. “Fuck…” he breathed, his face pressing into her neck as he gave them both a second to savour the moment before he snapped his hips back and this time slammed back into her, a motion he repeated over and over with such force that Hannah was sure she was about to go straight through the stone wall he was fucking her against, onto the beach outside.

Desperate to be closer to him, Hannah leaned her body forwards and the motion made him go deeper inside of her, which caused them both to groan and her head fell back, smacking against the hard wall. At that point Ari decided he wanted her in the bed, if nothing more to prevent a fucking concussion, so he moved his hands from the wall and grabbed her hips. Turning the pair of them, he carried her across the room, stepping out of his shorts which had fallen to his ankles, kicking them away as he stumbled slightly, all the time still grinding up against her, pulling her down onto him as he speared upwards and dropped them both onto the native pattered covers. One hand gripping her knee, he hooked her leg over his shoulder and Hannah grabbed his forearms as he propped himself up, looking at her as he pounded into her, his pace relentless, both of them caught up in the utter carnal desire that filled the room, the filthy sounds of skin hitting skin surrounded them as he continued his avaricious pace.

Hannah’s head was a whirl. The roughness of his pubic hair was grinding against her clit along with the fact he was bottoming out inside her, hitting her spot again and again and she was powerless to do anything but surrender as she felt her orgasm beginning to build, the familiar numbness spreading across her pelvis.

“Shit, Lobo…” her voice cracked slightly and the sound of that pet name on her lips elicited a low growl from Ari as he slammed into her even harder, fuck he loved it when she said that. “Ari, I’m…gonna…” her voice caught and her entire body went rigid for a second before she gave a low wail as the lights exploded in front her eyes and she came again, her body trembling beneath him.

“Good girl….” Ari panted, the feel of her walls clamping down around him was utter fucking bliss and his own thrusts now became desperate as he chased his own end. He dropped her leg from his shoulder, his hips continuing to snap back and forth and with a “fuck…” he felt the white, fire in his belly and his toes curled slightly as he came with a surge that rose from the very depth of his being. As the world went quiet around him, his hips faltered, slowed and then he collapsed on top of her, panting deeply, his face buried into her neck.

Hannah’s hands moved to gently run through his hair, her nails dragging along his scalp, down his neck and back again and Ari let out a soft hum of delight, relishing her touch and her smell as he nuzzled into her further, not daring to move in case this all turned out to be some ridiculously, vivid dream. He felt her gently press a kiss to his forehead and as he gained control of his senses he turned his head to catch her lips in a soft kiss.

“You ok?” he asked her softly and she gave him a smile as he pressed his forehead to hers as their breathing began to even out. He gently pulled out of her and rolled onto his back, swallowing as he looked up at the ceiling taking in a deep breath before he moved his arm and slid it round her, as she rolled onto her side, her head resting on his chest.

“Glad to see you haven’t lost your touch.” she teased and he gave a chuckle, his hand gently carding through her hair.

“Glad to see you still appreciate it.” he quipped back and she snorted, before they both fell into silence. It was comfortable, the pair of them satiated, the tension that had been simmering for months had finally boiled over and come to ahead meaning the pair of them were stripped bare, both metaphorically and physically. The slate was wiped clean, well as clean as it was going to get. And Ari was pleased to find it didn’t feel awkward. In fact, it felt good. Normal. As if it had been merely 9 hour since he’d held her in his arms like this, not 9 years.

The fait sounds of Sammy’s guitar hit their ears again, drifting in from the party still going on the beach and Ari pressed a kiss to Hannah’s head, giving a little sigh.

“I wanted to shove that guitar up your brother’s ass earlier.” he mumbled, his eyes falling shut.

“His playing isn’t that bad.”

Ari laughed “No, I mean he sat next to you at dinner, the seat I wanted.” “We don’t always get what we want Lobo.” “Yeah, well, I was going crazy.” he said, his eyes still closed. “It wasn’t like we could have done anything at the table Ari.”

“I know but I just wanted to be near you, that too hard to believe?”

“Ok who are you and what have you done with Ari Levinson?” she snorted and Ari shook his head.

“What can I say, it’s the Hannah Navon effect.”

She didn’t reply, instead he felt her shift slightly and he was just about to ask her what was wrong when he realised with horror he’d dropped her maiden name.

“Shit, sorry Firefly,that just slipped out. I mean…”

When she still didn’t reply he looked down at her. Whilst he couldn’t see all of her face he could tell she was thinking, and suddenly he was shitting himself about the fact he’d upset her.

“Han?” he asked softly “I’m sorry, I really am.”

“It’s ok. Don’t worry…” she said gently, her hand trailing through the hair on his chest, nails lightly scratching his skin. “It’s just been a while since anyone called me that.”

“Well, it’s been a while since it’s been your name.” he replied gently, his fingers softly caressing the skin at the back of her neck.

“I was actually thinking of changing it back.” she said quietly and Ari paused for a moment, looking down at her.

“How come?”

She shifted slight so that both her arms crossed under her chin and she rest them on his chest, looking up. “Horowitz was Andy’s name. He’s dead Ari” she spoke bluntly “He has been for 4 years. I just…”

“You’re still angry at him.” Ari stated and she looked away slightly.

“That’s part of it, yeah, I won’t lie.” she turned those blue eyes back onto Ari’s and sighed “I don’t know. Not like I can do it when we are out here anyway is it?” “Maybe it’s a good time to think about it some more.” he said, picking his words carefully “You don’t want to rush anything.”

“You don’t think I should?” she held his gaze and Ari shook his head.

“I don’t think anything Firefly. Whatever you decide it makes no difference to me. Name or not, you’ll always be the Hannah Navon I loved.”

At that her eyes widened and he stilled. Shit. That had slipped out and now as he lay there looking down at her he realised he’d just brought the sum total of women he had admitted that to up to a grand total of 2…even if it had been done in the wrong order.

“What did you just say?” Hannah whispered, not sure if she had heard him correctly.

Ari swallowed, his eyes never moving from hers “I said I loved you. I should have told you back then but…”

At that Hannah cut him off by leaning up and pressing her lips to his. The hand that wasn’t round her shoulders reached up and cupped her face, his thumb gently stroking over her cheek. Thankfully, she didn’t press him to explain anymore nor did she ask him to confirm how he still felt. He wasn’t sure he was quite ready to admit that out loud, even if he was becoming more and more sure he still did.

She lay her head back down and in an attempt to divert the attention from what he had just said he moved the conversation round to his trip to TA.

“Maya loved her bag.” he said, his hand returning to her back, his fingers brushing her spine.

“’I never doubted she would.” Hannah smiled “I have good taste.”

“Well it earned you a badge of honour in her mind.” Ari smiled “She said you were cool and she liked you.”

Hannah turned her head towards his “You talked about me with her?”

“You came up in conversation when I was talking to her about Simon. She wants a photo of him by the way.”

“Kids love animals.”

“Well Munchkin is no exception.” he smiled “She asked me all about him and so I told her how you’d found him. That coupled with the fact you picked her new favourite bag, well now she likes you and doesn’t even know you. Even asked me if you were pretty.”

“What did you say, Mi Lobo?” Hannah grinned, her tone teasing.

“That I guess you were.”

“You guess?” she scoffed, slapping his chest. Ari chuckled, catching her hand and bring it to his mouth, kissing her wrist “Yeah, she didn’t buy it either.”

“Bet Sarah loved that.” Hannah snorted, as he laced his fingers with hers, bringing her arm down so it rest over his stomach.

“Yeah, she heard and wasn’t exactly pleased. We had a frank and tense conversation but I think we finally got the cards on the table.” “What cards?”

“We talked about me and her not working and being destined to fail from the very beginning- her words not mine. I told her not to dismiss what we had but it was a little liberating, us both being honest.”

Hannah stayed still, pondering what Ari had just said. Sarah, being so sure that her marriage to Ari had been destined to fail from the off. She got the feeling that Ari wasn’t telling her exactly everything that Sarah had said but from the snippets of what he had told her, she could pretty much piece together that she had been the reason Sarah had said what she had. And truth be told she felt a little guilty pang in her stomach as she couldn’t help but sympathise with the woman.

“Hey, you with me Firefly?”

Ari’s words cut across her thoughts and she took a deep breath. “Yeah, Sorry, was just thinking about what she said…” “Please don’t.” Ari said softly “We let people get in our heads last time Han.”

She shifted slightly and nodded “Yeah, I know.”

And that was it, she’d clammed up on him. Ari suddenly felt his mouth go dry. She needed space. He’d piled too much on her after an emotionally charged physical reunion and now he was cursing himself. He took a deep breath and sat up gently, jostling her from his chest as he scanned the room, searching for his shorts.

“Are you leaving?” Hannah asked him, her voice quiet and he paused looking at her.

“I thought that’s what you…” and he trailed off as to his horror her eyes were misting over. “Ari, I…” she shook her head and he let out another sigh, groaning inwardly at himself. How was he still managing to fuck this up.

“You want me to stay?” he asked.

“Yeah.” her voice was a whisper and he laid down on his side, wrapping his arms around her as she snuggled into him, her face pressed to his chest.

“I want you to stay in my life Ari, not just my bed.” she said, her voice muffled, her breath tickling his skin but there was no mistaking the tone of worry. He felt himself choke up, she was still petrified he was going to bail on her. And he supposed, given everything, if he put himself in her shoes he couldn’t blame her. “Hey…look at me.” he said gently, tipping her head up to face him. He tucked her hair behind her ear and cupped her face softly in his hand. “I’ve no intention of letting you go this time my firefly, I promise you.”

She flashed him a watery smile as his lips met hers again softly before me moved and pushed down the already rumpled covers, the pair of them shifting under them as Ari got comfortable, Hannah moving once more to him, snaking her leg between his as her hand rest over his stomach, his once more carding through her soft hair. There was no noise now other than the faint sounds of voices, one of which was Max bidding someone a goodnight as his footsteps padded past Hannah’s window. And then nothing, bar the sound of the ocean, the waves softly lapping against the shore. They stayed still, basking in one another’s warmth and softness and then just as his eyes had started to close, Ari felt a thud at the bottom of the bed. He cracked open and eye and saw Simon had hopped up and was padding around in a small circle, before he flopped down.

“Are you supposed to be there?” he asked the dog, his voice a whisper. Simon looked at him, yawning, before he lay his head down, on his paws, yawning.

Ari chuckled and glanced down at Hannah. Her eyes were shut, her eyelashes laying flush to her still pink cheeks, her breathing soft. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head he lay back down, surrendering to tendrils of sleep pulling at him. The last thing he thought before he drifted off was the only time he had felt so happy was the day Maya was born.

**** Chapter 8

#leave no one behind #Ari Levinson #ari levinson x ofc #ari levinson x original female character #red sea diving resort #chris evans #chris evans characters

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writerman · 4 years ago

Note

Prompt: Thranduil and Bard went to college together but yearned from afar. Some 20ish years later they see each other again bc their kids go to college together. They weren't even aware that they lived in the same town until Legolas and Sigrid come back for vacation. Kind of like the last prompt I sent you.

Hallo, friend!

Please find my response to your prompt below. Thank you for supporting my stories by sending in prompts for me to respond to.

Please enjoy!

---------------

It was 5am the airport was deserted and Bard really, really wished he’d filled his travel cup with coffee before he had left the house to collect Sigrid from her flight home.

It was freezing inside and outside with winter well and truly settled in for the holidays, the snow had finally stopped and Sigrid had assured her father their flight had not been cancelled but her friend she was travelling with had booked an earlier flight to be sure they’d get back the day they wanted.

The blast of colder air from behind him and the sound of the automatic doors meant he was now not the only one in the airport and when he turned around he was greeted with someone bundled up in a long black fur coat and deep green scarf that covered half of their face. Though they wore no hat and their long white-blond hair was dusted with snow that had started lightly falling again outside.

They stood a few feet away from him and gazed up at the arrivals screen which wasn’t even switched on before they huffed with irritation and turned to Bard tugging down their scarf so they could speak to him.

Though, Bard was not ready for 1) how maddeningly gorgeous the man was and 2) how it appeared to be his old crush and roommate Thranduil from university some 20 years ago. This did not go unnoticed by the blond who broke into a bright smile as his expression changed from cold indifference to joyful recognition.

“Bard!” He moved forward without prompting and slung his arms around Bard’s shoulders in a tight embrace. “Ah, how long has it been since we last saw one another?”

It had definitely been at least 20 years since they parted ways in University to chase their dreams with a youthful exuberance that no longer existed within them. That boundless energy at the prospect of seeing the world, true blue-sky thinking with their hopes tripping from their tongues regaling all who would listen regarding their futures.

What had Thranduil done with his life?

What had happened to have the man come back to Dale of all the places in the world to settle?

“I had no idea you were in town, what brings you here?” Bard asks as they broke the embrace, he tried to hide the fact his face had flushed pink the second Thranduil had thrown his arms around him.

“I’ve lived here for years, what about you?”

How strange it was, Bard had never seen him wandering the streets, not even once in the 10 years he had been settled there in Dale.

Flight 206 Arriving from Mirkwood Intl at 5:30 am has been delayed.

The booming yet cheery voice over the tannoy gave Bard heart failure but the dismay at hearing Sigs flight had been cancelled was enough to cover the thundering of his heart.

When he looked to Thranduil he looked equally upset and he turned on his heel and headed towards the door.

“Come on, let’s not hang about, while I loathe the place, MacDonalds is open and they serve semi-decent coffee. It’s better than hanging about here.” Thranduil looked over his shoulder with a small smile and Bard, O, he followed behind the blond like a puppy, the same as he had all those years ago.

He was still a puppy, and still absolutely harbouring a ridiculous crush and still terrified of confronting those feelings. Somethings just never changed, not even after 20 years, a marriage and children.

And so, that was how Bard found himself sat in the plastic chairs of a booth in the fast-food restaurant catching Thran up on his life, the loss of his wife and the kids. It seemed the blond had a similar story just with one less child and they sat in tense silence for a few moments before Thranduil leaned over the table and put his hand over Bard’s with a coy smile.

“As inappropriate as this may sound after our conversation,” He glanced around the empty restaurant lobby before continuing. “I had such an infatuation with you when we were at university. Gods it took over my life at one point, nothing obsessive, I promise but I was absolutely in love with you,” He sat back almost immediately after he’d finished speaking, clearly feeling better now he had admitted his secret.

The information did not help Bard in the slightest.

“What about now?” Bard ventured feeling brave for literally no reason other than perhaps he was over-caffeinated and it was now just after 6 in the morning. “Ahah, I don’t know why I asked that. Gods, it’s too early, who books a flight this early?” Bard tried to cover his embarrassment with an inane question but Thranduil waved that away looking so serious suddenly.

“What about now?” Thranduil mirrored the words, but the emphasis was solely on the last word and Bard couldn’t hold his gaze to the blond any longer and instead stared at the plastic lid of his coffee cup.

“Aren’t we too old to be working through ancient crushes?” Bard asks quietly, he lifts his drink to his lips and feels the still scalding liquid slide down his throat. It was the only distraction at his disposal and being unable to talk due to it sounded like the best thing for him and his mouth that seemed to run off without engaging his mind.

“You think now you’ve hit your 40s you cannot go in search of love?” Thranduil asked, arching an eyebrow and still managing to look elegant even when unimpressed. “Don’t age yourself in such a way. Personally, yes, I struggled with the loneliness and finding new relationships for the longest time but I always knew I deserved to love again and again.”

Surely it as easier for Thranduil to find someone to adore him. No that wasn’t fair, adoration wasn’t love.

“Did you find love again, you didn’t mention you married again.” Bard cast his gaze to Thranduil’s hands, long fingers still smooth and as pale as he remembered… musicians hand he had always said and Thranduil had always enjoyed playing the piano when they had any sort of downtime from studying.

There was no ring though.

“Ah, no. It is difficult to find love and raise children at the same time. But now that Legolas is in university and Tauriel is in high school, perhaps I can try again. What about yourself?”

There is no time for a reply as Bard’s phone begins to play the Coca Cola Christmas music signalling a call from one of his kids.

It is Sigrid, their flight had just landed and she was currently waiting for her luggage and was he at the airport?

Both men spring from their seats and exit hastily in a bid to get to the airport before their children realise they had been sat cosied up in a MacDonalds trying their hardest not to flirt with one another.

They had failed, of course.

Again, they went their separate ways, collecting their children and bidding one another happy holidays before heading to their separate cars likely not seeing another again.

That was until the next day and Bard is sat on the sofa struggling to wrap Tilda’s Christmas gifts while she was out, Sigrid wanders in and hands him a piece of paper with a contact number written out neatly in her own handwriting.

“Legolas said his dad wanted you to have his number in case of a flight delay like the last time.” A flimsy excuse and she saw right through it, Bard knew that when she grinned and plucked the half-wrapped gift from his hands to finish for him.

“I think you should probably go call him.” It wasn’t a hint, it was an order and Bard wasn’t sure he enjoyed his children knowing anything about his love life, not like this anyway… but, rather than argue with her about anything to do with Thranduil, he merely nodded and headed to the kitchen dialling the number into his phone’s keypad as he did so.

Thranduil answered on the second ring with a very smooth and professional greeting which melted away into a warm and friendly tone as soon as he realised it was Bard on the other end of the line.

That was nice.

It was nice that Thranduil seemed excited to hear from him.

“I want to get straight to the point, Thran.” Bard began realising it was far easier to talk about his feelings when the icy blue of Thranduil’s eyes weren’t rooting him to the spot speechless like they had all those years ago. “I had a crush on you in university and I hate saying crush because I’m 40 fucking years old but it never went away and I was hoping I could take you out for dinner sometime?”

There was a sigh of relief from Thranduil’s side of the line and when he spoke Bard could hear the smile in his voice.

“Look who is being so brave. You garnered the courage before I could- you win this time. I’d love to have dinner with you. I admit, being wined and dined by Bard Bowman sounds like a dream.” That was a rather big statement to make and Bard forced the oddly youthful giddiness forced down back inside himself before he said something to ruin it all.

“A dream? How am I a dream date?” He didn’t really want to know, he was afraid Thranduil would tell him he was the perfect kind of dull for a man his age, even if that sounded out of character for the blond it was still a fear.

“Oh come on, you just want me to stroke your ego. But, fine, I suppose you deserve it after all these years.” Thranduil sounded like he was shifting to get comfortable before he spoke again, “You’re incredibly handsome, and you seemed to have gotten even better with age. You’re kind and gentle and you’re funny. I like a man that can make me laugh.”

Funny?

He’d never been called funny before, perhaps he had been a comedian in university but he couldn’t recall, however, if Thranduil thought he was that was enough for him.

“Ok, ok, you’ve made your point, I’m your dream man. That works well for me, so if I stuff this up I still have a chance?”

There was laughter from Thranduil and the deep rumble of it made Bard lightheaded for a second before he brought himself firmly back to planet earth to ask the most important question.

“So, when would you like to meet?”

“Hmm, is tonight too soon?” No, no it was not, even if Thranduil had asked to meet him an hour from then he would agree.

After all, hadn’t they spent enough time apart already?

There was no need for him to play hard to get or even casual.

“Tonight is fine, I will pick you up at 8. Text me your address and I will see you then.”

“I am looking forward to it.”

When the call disconnected Bard wandered past the living room where Sigrid was sat talking quietly on the phone, she spotted her dad and grinned knowingly giving him a thumbs up.

He received a text later that day from Thranduil containing his address and then another right after simply saying:

I have the house to myself tonight ;)

The night would be an eventful one but who was Bard to complain?

This year was going to have a very different ending to all those he had spent in the past alone. Even if he was terrified of this whole new adventure, at least he was doing it with someone who wanted to be by his side for the entire ride.

#Barduil #Bard the bowman #Thranduil #The Hobbit #Writing prompt #morticia-butler

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wayward-mikaelson · 4 years ago

Text

Sixth Gear

Word Count: 4287

Pairing: Jensen x Reader

Characters: Jensen, Reader, Marie (OG Character), Nathan (OG Character) Dylan (OG Character), Donna Ackles, Alan Ackles, Mackenzie Ackles, Joshua Ackles, Jared (Mentioned), and Misha (Mentioned).

About: Reader goes home for the holidays only to be introduced to Jensen, the star of Supernatural. The Reader and Jensen hit it off that first night where one thing leads to another until the readers Brother walks in on them about to rip each others clothes off. For the next few months the Reader and Jensen get to know each more. Then the Reader decides to go home for the Summer just to see Jensen and he shows her his motorcycle and how it all works where one thing leads to another.

Warnings: Language, Angst, Fluff, Smut, Unprotected Sex (be responsible, wrap it up), Drinking, Oral Female Receiving, Mention of Drugs

DISCLAIMER: This one shot does contain a toxic parent and everything that comes with a toxic parent. That means there will be manipulation, gas lighting, emotional/psychological abuse, etc. If you live or have lived with a toxic parent and or person please read at your own discretion.

DISCLAIMER 2: Any of the shorts that are hot and steamy, I want to put out there that it's in no way disrespectful towards Danneel at all. I love her to death and respect the crap out the marriage between her and Jensen. So when reading those shorts, know that it all takes place in an alternate world where they aren't married at all.

A/N: If you have a small request, shoot me a message. Request close 7.11.2020 at 11.59pm US central time

A/N 2: Do you want to be tagged in future fanfics posts? Comment Below!

A/N 3: This took me 3 to 4 days to write so I really hope you enjoy this hot and steamy motorcycle ride.

Requested by: @magssteenkamp

Tag List: @hobby27 @elansaidaris @donnaintx @myinconnelly1 @squirrelnotsam

*18+ CONTENT. YOUNGER THAN 18 MOVE ALONG

**DO NOT COPY AND PASTE MY WORK ANYWHERE ELSE UNLESS YOU HAVE MY PERMISSION AND IF YOU GIVE CREDIT TO ME. I WORK TOO HARD ON THESE STORIES TO HAVE MY WORK STOLEN

***PLEASE READ WARNINGS AND DISCLAIMERS BEFORE READING.

I sit in the airport thinking and wondering how I am going to make it through the weekend with my parents. My Mom is toxic as hell while my Dad is just now waking up to her toxicity after nearly thirty years of marriage. He has told me many times over this last year that he was considering on leaving her but somehow she always found out and manipulated him to stay. "Maybe I can convince him to come home with me?" I whisper to myself. I have an extra room for him. I rub my face knowing it will be a long shot to get my father out of that house.

When my flight is called for Dallas, I stand up, picking up my bag and making my way to the gate. I hate holidays that require me to come home. Like Thanksgiving and Christmas. I make up excuses for all the other ones just to stay away from home. I was much more happier in Portland. As I arrive at the gate, I pull out my ticket and let the lady scan it. As I walk towards the plane, I think, I still have time to turn around and just say screw it and not get on. It will most certainly make my life so much easier.

I sit in my seat and send a quick text to my Dad letting him know that I was on my way. In return he say's he's excited and that my brother Dylan was coming too. I turn my off and sit back. My brother. The black sheep of the family is finally coming home for a holiday after five years. It'll be nice to hug him again and see how he's been holding up. I smile and close my eyes. This trip is going to be amazing and entertaining.

When my eyes open, I feel the plane preparing to land. I look out the window to my right and see the Dallas airport below. No time to turn back now, I think. Should have high tailed it when I had the chance. When the plane lands I wait until it's time to gather my bag and make my way back to baggage claim. As I do, I pull out my phone and text my Dad to see if he's here. I sooner I get out of this crowed airport, the sooner I can get home and lock myself away until dinner. He texts me back saying he and Mom are circling around and will pick me up when they see me.

"Great," I say stuffing my phone away. "Her highness is here to talk down to me and talk nothing but herself."

"I don't know your situation, but you can tell her highness to go screw herself," A voice next to me says. I turn to see a man about a few years older than me and highly gorgeous pulling up a few bags. He looks oddly familiar.

I laugh. "If only that will work," I see him give a small smile before I walk off.

I walk outside of the terminal waiting to see my Dad's small grey SUV. When I do, I get this sick feeling when I see my Mom. She is the soul reason why I stay away from home and avoid her. She belittles me and makes me feel so small. She judges the way I dress and do my makes. Even thinking about it makes me even more sick.

My Dads SUV pulls up next to me. He smiles at me and I return the smile. "Hey," I say as I buckle up.

"What? No hi for your mom?" My Moms tone said it all. "I see how it is. And is that what you wore on the plane?! That's just horrendous. I would never wear that!" Oh I wish this trip was already over. "At least your brother had the decency to show up in an actual outfit. You look like you're looking for drugs."

I smile sarcastically. "That's exactly what I'm doing Mom," My Dad glares at me from the rearview mirror but, I ignore it. "There's a guy I know off of 4th. He deals the best drugs! He's the whole reason I'm here."

"YN!" Dad says my name firmly and I stop. Guess I took it too far. "How was that flight?" He asks softly.

"I slept the whole time. I'm not big on flying." I say reaching into my bag to pull out the mini bottles I hid. I take one out and shot it back as fast I can before either of my parents see.

The rest of the drive home was in silence. Which, when riding with both my parents, isn't relaxing. When we pull into the driveway of my childhood home, I am out of the car before Dad puts it in park and bolt inside.

"YN," I hear Moms voice call after me. "You're not going to let your father carry your bags in all on his own."

"Marie!" I hear Dad say before I shut the door behind me. Then its all muffled voices.

I run upstairs and into my room. I can hear the music in my brothers room already. He only has music on when he and Mom get into it. That explains why she tagged along for the ride to pick me up. I close the door and drop what bag onto the floor and flop onto the bed. I didn't have time to close my eyes when I heard knocking.

"What?" I groaned. I did not want to get up off my bed.

"We will be having company over in a few hours so makes sure you presentable." Moms voice is overly heard. Dylan's music stops.

"Who?" I hear Dylan ask.

"The Ackles," She says. "They used to watch you guys when you were little. You guys got along with their kids."

"Who?" Dylans door opens but I can't shake that the name Ackles was familiar too. "You talk like we should remember them."

"Why do I even try?" Moms voice is irritated for whatever reason that is known to her. "Just be ready in two hours. Dylan don't wear look too goth. YN, don't wear pajamas. Make it look like you guys actually love your family."

I hear her footsteps retreating when a Dylan cracked the door. "Are you decent?" He asks.

"Yeah," I sit up on my bed and rub my face. I see my older brother walk into the room. He's wearing dark skinny jeans and a black button up shirt. I have no idea why Mom wouldn't think that's not goth like. "I think your outfit looks good." I toss another mini bottle of hard liquor towards him. He, of course, catches it flawlessly.

"Oh thank God," He cracks it open and tosses it back. "I do plan on wearing this and stuff like the whole time I'm here."

"Speaking of you being here," I pull out another mini bottle and toss that one back. Sadly its my last one. "Why are you here? I mean you've seen me a few times these last few years."

"Dad," Dylan says. "He says he's finally telling Mom he's high tailing it out of her life. Has the papers all drawn up and stuff. He wanted to see if he could live with me in Arizona. I automatically said yes because I want to see the look on Moms face when she sees her money source walk out on her."

Now I wish I packed more mini bottles. "Hopefully not in front of our dinner guest," I kind of hope he does secretly.

"No," Dylan stands up. "He won't do that. He will do it after they leave most likely. Now I will let you get ready and make sure you make yourself look like the fucking Queen that you are and slay that shit. Mom hates that."

I laugh. "As long as you do it too. Then we both can slay it together. And yes I will let you use my dark eye shadow palette."

"You're the best sister ever," Dylan walks out of the room. "What would I ever do without you?"

"Crash and burn, sweetheart, crash and burn."

Two hours came and went and both Dylan and I are ready. As we walk downstairs we hear the muffled voices of our parents and our dinner guests. This feels so much like my teenage years, I think to myself as I round the corner to the kitchen and stop dead in my tracks.

There stands the attractive man from the airport. In my kitchen. In my house. He's wearing a red button up shirt with jeans and nice semi-casual shoes. I zero in on his already darkening five o'clock shadow and begin to imagine what it would like in full. He notices me too and give me a smile.

"YN, Dylan," Moms voice sounds. She really never lets Dad talk at all. "I'm sure you remember the Ackles children. Well, they aren't children anymore but, you understand what I mean."

Everyone gives a light chuckle. "I'm afraid I don't remember. I don't remember much of my childhood to be honest." I say giving handshakes to everyone. I notice my brother Dylan hesitate to give the attractive man a handshake. Then I notice his small blush. Damn, I think, it would be my luck to see the same attractive man to learn he could be gay. I guess I'll see when my brother hard core flirts with him during dinner.

"I'm Jensen," he says shaking my hand.

"YN," I say smiling and he smiles back.

I get everyones names and Mom and Dad say dinner will be ready in about an hour or so. In that moment I excuse myself to the back deck to mix myself a drink. Mom glares at me while I walk away. I also notice Dylan trying to flirt with Joshua who was equally as attractive as his brother.

Once on the back deck I take a deep breath and head to Dads bar and start mixing a drink. Then I hear the door open and close. The sound of footsteps tell me its a male.

"So, the whole telling her highness to screw herself didn't happen, I assume," Jensens voice is super smooth.

I look up from my mixing. "If you're meaning my mother, then no it didn't. In fact she accused me of buying drugs."

"Really?!" Jensens voice sounds surpised. "Wow, isn't a plane ride supposed to be comfy?"

I throw my hands up in the air. "That's why I was thinking." I make the mistake of looking as he licks his lips. I turn away quickly and grab the other mixer. "Want a drink? I'm pretty good at mixing."

"Surprise me," Jensen says soft voice as he raises an eye brow and looks me other.

For the next half hour we talk. We talk about random things. We talk about his time on his hit shower Supernatural. A show for some reason I have never seen and now am very interested in. We talk about his life in between shooting his show and being home. I share that I am rarely ever home due to Mom. I don't go into details but I think he get's the gist of it.

"So, I have this huge vinyl collection. Passed down to me from my grandfather before he died." I say mixing another drink. I am slowly starting to feel the effects of this drink. Jensen is still working on his first glass. Such class that is getting horny. "Would you like to see it?"

Jensen smiles and sets his drink down to follow me inside. Dad looks up from listening to Jensen's dad. "What are you two up to?" He asks.

"I'm going to show Jensen grandpas vinyl collection he gave me." We waltz pass them and up the stairs. At the top I loose my balance and fall back into Jensen who grabs me with both his arms.

"One two many drinks?" He asks chucking.

"I promise I can handle my drinking," I begin to walk again. Once in my room I go to my closet and pull out a few boxes and open them. "My Dad was or is still going to be sending these to me but, have a look at them all you want. I don't have them organized."

Jensen looks at the records and with each one he finds that excites him, it excites me in places I never thought to be excited in again. I watch as his smile takes up his whole face and how his eyes crinkle when that happens. I guess I'm staring too long because Jensen looks up a few times with his eyes. I know I should I look away but I honestly can't. This man is just too handsome and sexy to just look away.

Jensen sets down a Sinatra record and comes over to sit next to me on the bed. I am very aware now of how close he is but I still can't stop staring. I rack him over with my eyes and take a deep breath and exhale. I look away and take a huge drink. Nope, no tonight, not in this house, I think to myself. Mom will find out and she will have my ass for having sex yet again in her house. l turn to apologize for staring when I feel his hand on my face pulling it in towards him.

His lips are soft. His lips are eager. His lips move around mine like they were made to be there. I sigh and part my lips and I feel his tongue shot right into my mouth and explore every part it. When he starts to pull back, I nip his bottom lip. Jensen sucks in a deep breath and within seconds he has me straddling his lap. The two of us trying to get our shirts off when my door opens.

"YN, Mom says dinner is,..." Dylan's voice snaps the both of us out of whatever trance we are in. "Well, I see that you skipped right on to dessert. Please continue." I look over to see Dylan checking Jensen out leaning on the door frame licking his lips.

"Don't you know how to knock?" I hiss at him fumbling to fix my shirt.

"Don't you know how to put a sock on the door?" Dylan asks smirking, still checking Jensen out.

Dinner was good. I couldn't keep my eyes from glancing at Jensen as he talked about his show and his co stars. Mom was just over the moon and always ask questions that were like "Oh Jared this" or "Oh Misha that." I will need to look those guys up too. I could also tell that Jensen was getting uncomfortable. So I brought the attention to myself which of course Mom hated. Her death glare let me know it too. Dinner ended on a high note though.

"Here, put your number in and I'll do the same," Jensen held out his phone. "That way we can talk while I'm shooting." I take his phone and give him mine. We put our numbers in and say goodnight and goodbye. Hopefully, I think, I get to see him again.

The rest of my time home actually went to hell. The next morning we wake up to Mom screaming at Dad. He had given her the papers and told her she either had to sign now or sign in front of lawyers. Mom tries everything in the book but Dad stood his ground. In the end, Mom storms out screaming and calling Dad all sorts of names and saying she has nothing to her name and that he can't just up and leave her. Says that he can't live life without her because he is nothing without her.

After Mom left, I changed my flight to leave before Thanksgiving. I wanted nothing to do with what was going to go down. According Dad, Dylan already has space for him set up in Arizona. I felt better about him having a place. Two days before leaving, I pack up what I else I wanted to take to Portland with me. Everything else would be put into storage for later or donated. Dylan helped me ship them off.

The day before I left, Mom tries to talk to me but I told her she did it to herself all these years. The manipulation. The gas lighting. The mental abuse. The emotional abuse. The whole deal. It was all her that lead to this. She huffed and called me a bitch and that I am no better than Dad. So by the time I make it home, I am a wreck.

Over the next few months, I bury myself in my work and ignoring Mom. Dad on the other hand was doing much better. Already got a job out in Arizona and is saving up to get a small apartment. Dylan tells me he's the happiest and most easy going person without Mom. Mom on the other hand still refuses to sign the papers and has gotten cocky lawyers involved. She wants him to alimony and when he dies she wants me to continue to pay it. I said hell no. Dad stood his ground until the very bitter end.

While that was all going on and when it was finally over, I spoke non stop to Jensen. I even caught up to the current season of his show and tell him what I think of it all. We talk about anything that will keep us texting or talking all into the hours of the night. Neither of us mention that night in my room. Dylan thinks I'm falling for him with how much I talk about him. I doubt it but then again I might be.

Jensen, has been the only person to make me feel like I am not crazy. He has called me or facetimed me to help me through the rough days or the out the blue panic attacks. His entire existence keeps me from doing anything stupid. So, yeah, you can say that I'm falling head over heels hard for him.

By the time summer started to come around I am sitting in my apartment trying to get my AC to work when my phone rings. I answer without looking at the caller ID.

"Whats up?" I even hear the irritation in my voice.

"Hey," Jensens voice instantly calms me. "Everything okay?"

"No," I groan and flop onto the cold tile in my small kitchen. "My AC broke and the landlord won't have anyone out until next week. I told him he won't see rent until it's fixed. Now he's threatening to evict me if I don't pay. But it's so damn hot that I'm practically naked right now."

"I'd love to see that," Jensen teases, making me laugh. "I'm sorry your AC is jacked up. Do you have plans on visiting Dallas?"

I sit up on my elbow. "Should I?"

Four days later Jensen is picking me up from the airport in a rental car. He paid for my entire flight and AirBnB taken care of. "I thought you would like to have control of what your AC temperature should be. Hotels normally run super cold to the point that Misha has tried spooning with me." I laugh. "I do hope it isn't weird that I am also staying that AirBnB."

"None at all," I say feeling my face warm up a bit. It didn't take Jensen long to convince me to come. I really wanted to see him and I really wanted AC.

When we get to the AirBnB, I can't help stare at it in awe. It's almost like a mansion. Then the garage door opens and there sits a motorcycle. I am much more interested in this Jensen guy. I get out to grab my things but Jensen shoos me aside saying he's got it all. I then walk on over to the motorcycle and trail my hand on it.

"Isn't she a beauty?" Jensen asks. I look and he's staring at me, well, more like slowly running his eyes over my body.

"Yeah," I answer looking back at the motorcycle. "My Dad used to have one when we were little. My Mom forced him sell it for whatever reason."

Jensen takes in a deep breath and walks by me. "I can take you around the block if you want." I am suddenly aware of his closeness. I feel my face burn hotter and I get all tingly down south. I look at Jensen and he's already holding two helmets. I smile and take a helmet and strap it on.

In minutes, I am sitting with my arms wrapped around Jensen. He's backing out of the garage and with a small rev of the motorcycle, we took off. It isn't too fast or too slow. But I still tightened my arms around him and closed my eyes. I have been on a motorcycle a few times but, I still get a knot in my stomach.

When we get back, I take my helmet off and take a deep breath. "That was fun," I say as Jensen manages to slide of the motorcycle. He takes his helmet off as well and I can't help but stare at his sweaty hair. That's when I notice he's been growing out his beard. I can't imagine what it would feel like on my skin. Again, I must be staring to hard or to long because Jensen smiles like he knows what I am thinking.

I swing my legs to the side as he walks towards me. As he reaches for my face I drop the helmet and grab hold of his shirt and pull him closer to me. The moment our lips met, my brain starts to set off firecrackers. It felt like a freaking life time since the last time we kissed.

Jensens hands run down my front to the hem of my shirt. I raise my arms up and he slowly slides off. I do the same to him. I've seen him shirtless a few times on his show and internet pictures but seeing it all in real life, damn! I bite my lips and Jensen licks his lips. I slide off the motorcycle and shimmy out of my shorts and underwear. Jensen watches with lust in his eyes and does the same thing. Jensen grabs my hips and sits me back on the motorcycle as he kisses me deeply. The longer he isn't inside me, I more wet and tingly I become.

As if reading my mind, and without breaking his lips off mine, I feel Jensens fingers slide between my folds and begins to rub it before slipping two fingers inside. I suck in a deep, sharp breath and let out a soft moan. He starts to pull in and out and twist his finger around softly but firmly. In seconds, I am starting to tighten up around his fingers when he pulls them out. I whimper at the lose of contact.

"Not yet," he says against my lips.

Jensen grabs my hips and picks me up. I wrap my legs around him as he slides himself onto the motorcycle. This is going to be interesting and fun. Jensen adjusts us so that we both were somewhat comfortable before lifting me up and positioning me just above his length. I place my hands on his shoulders as he lowers me on him. I close my eyes and drop my head. I hear a low groan come from him as he's fully inside of me. I look up and see him staring right at me.

"You're so fucking beautiful," he says and I smile. His hands grip tight on my hips. They will most likely leave a mark and I am fine with that. He lifts me up and slams me back down. A yelp escaping my mouth.

We repeat that for what I think is nearly a half hour. I am a whimpering mess and trying to hold back my louder moans. Jensen is grunting and the lifting up and down thing, well, thats starting to get irregular and sloppy. Our breathing is getting ragged and the the leather from the seat is start to rub on both our skins. One slam. Two slams. Three slams. I feel myself tighten harder around Jensen. My fingers dig into his shoulders, also going to leave marks. After one more slam into his lap, we both come undone. His arms wrap around me and I drag my nails down his back.

Once our orgasm fade away, I push back and look Jensen in the eyes. "That has got to be the best sex I have ever had," I plant a small and gentle kiss on his lips.

"Good," Jensen smirks. "I got some more ideas for the bedroom later." He must of seen the look on my face, because I am seriously intrigued now. "But first," He slides both of us off the motorcycle. "We should clean up. We have dinner with Jared and his wife."

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justthehiddleswrites · 4 years ago

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Bah Hiddleston | Tom Hiddleston x OFC (Tamra Harmon) | Chapter 4 | It’s Not A Date

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x OFC (Tamra Harmon)

Summary: Tamra Harmon has no mind to mess with Christmas. All that talk about Christmas magic and the joy of the holidays is just a bunch of mumbo jumbo. But will a chance encounter with perennial Christmas lover Tom Hiddleston change all that?

This chapter: Victoria and Albert Museum outing plus an impromptu Christmas party. Why does everyone keep calling it a date?

Warnings for story: smut, oral sex, implied smut, vaginal sex, light angst

Tamra woke once again to the sound of Tom rapping on her front door. She moved to open the door. She didn’t even bother to put on her robe this time.

“What?!” she yelled as she whipped open the door. Tom took a step back at the motion.

“Only ten minutes this time.” Tom commented as he moved his way into the flat. “Your jet lag is improving.” He moved to pick up her robe and hand it to her. “Now go get dressed.”

Tamra rolled her eyes as she snatched the robe from his grasp and headed to the bathroom. Tom took a seat on the couch again as his mobile rang.

“Hello?”

“Tom, it’s Ben. I pulled a few strings, called in a few favors, but I got everything ready for tonight.”

“Thanks, Benedict. I owe you one.”

“You owe me twelve. Now what is all the fuss for? Or should I say who?”

“No comment.”

“Fine, have your secrets. I will call you at the agreed upon time.”

“Thank Ben.” The bathroom door creaked. “Got to go, bye.” He ended the call and tucked the phone back into his pocket as Tamra rounded the corner.

“Important phone call?” she asked.

“An old friend. So what is on the agenda for today?” He looked up at her.

“Oh, so you’ll let me plan something?”

“For the time being. Now where’s that itinerary of yours?” Tom glanced around the flat for the piece of paper.

“Hidden well.” Tamra disappeared and then reappeared paper in hand. “We have already done the National Gallery and the British Museum. How about the Victoria and Albert Museum? It’s not far from here.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll wait in the car. Don’t forgot your coat!” Tom shut the door behind him.

Ten minutes later, Tamra got into the car and they took off for the museum. They spent the entire morning poring over the textiles, art, and other collections. Tom engrossed himself in the manuscripts on display.

“Look at the detail!” he crowed as he tugged on Tamra’s arm. She giggled at the giddiness.

“Look at the nerd go.” she hummed as walked to the next display.

“Have I mentioned I graduated with a Double Classics from Cambridge.”

“So a pretentious nerd. With a degree.” Tamra scrunched her nose up in mock disgust.

“I am nothing of the sort.”

“Where did you go to high school or whatever you call it here?”

Tom’s face dropped. “Eton.” his voice a touch above a whisper.

“Where Prince William went to school?”

“Yes.”

“Uh, huh.”

Tom jogged to catch up with her as she moved around the room. “And pray tell where did you matriculate?”

Tamra turned and muttered something indecipherable before staring at the next manuscript under glass.

“What did you say?” Tom crooked his ear towards her. “I couldn’t understand.”

“Harvard.”

“Did you say Harvard? Now who is the pretentious one, Miss Ivy League?”

“On scholarship.”

“Still Harvard.”

“Still Cambridge.” Tamra said.

“Anyways, how about lunch?” Tom asked, changing the subject.

“I could eat.”

Tom nodded and took her hand to lead her out of the museum and to the car. They found a nice restaurant and ordered some food.

“See,” Tom flourished over his plate. “Not a morsel of chocolate in sight.”

“I’m impressed.” she muttered as she took a big bite of her sandwich. “That’s like two meals total. You must be going for some kind of record.”

He dropped his head in defeat. “Are you ever going to let up on me?”

“Are you ever going to let this Christmas magic thing go?”

“Not a chance.”

“Goes double for me.”

Tom opened his mouth to jab back but his phone interrupted. He answered the call as he fished the phone out of his pocket.

“Hello? Oh hi Benedict!” Tamra’s eyebrows raised. Tom mouthed “Benedict Cumberbatch” “Tonight? I’m not sure. Hold on.” Tom muted the phone and glanced over at Tamra. “Want to go to a holiday party?”

Tamra frowned. “I have nothing to wear.”

“Easily fixed. I take that as a yes.” Tom put the phone back to his ear. “I’d be delighted. Can I bring a guest?”

Tamra shook her head in a desperate attempt to stave off Tom. “Please Tom, no!”

“Hold on a second, Benedict.” Tom placed the phone on his shoulder. “It will be fine. You can take that winning personality out for a spin.”

“We’ll be there at 6. Thanks Benedict. Bye.”

Tom hung up and replaced his phone back in his pocket. Tamra scowled from across the table. “What?” Tom asked.

“I’m not about to go some holiday party with Benedict Cumberbatch!”

“Yes you are. It’s our Christmas activity for the day. Besides, Ben is the sweetest thing ever. Marriage and fatherhood made him soft. Unlike yours truly.”

“I thought your winning personality made you soft.” Tamra sneered.

“Most people say so. You are the exception.”

“Whatever.” Tamra learned to not argue with fools. “I have nothing to wear. I did not bring any fancy party clothes.”

Tom rubbed his hand through his beard. “Now that is a problem. You can’t show up in jeans and t-shirt.”

“So it’s settled…” Tamra started.

“… we’ll cancel.”

“… we’ll buy you a dress.”

They both looked at each other. “You are not buying me a dress.” Tamra scoffed.

“We have a deal.”

“Deals can be renegotiated.”

“Not this one.”

“Fine.” Tamra capitulated. “Where are we going shopping?”

“Ever heard of Selfridges?”

The two of them spent the afternoon running around Selfridges finding a suitable outfit for Tamra. Plenty of suits hung in Tom’s closet. After about ten trips to the dressing room, Tamra settled on a dress.

“Can you show me?” Tom asked.

“Not until tonight.” Tamra giggled. Trying on dress sparked a bit of joy inside of her. She loved dressing up.

“Not even a hint.” Tom pleaded. “I would like to at least coordinate with my date.”

“Not a date.”

“Fine. My plus one.”

“Not great but better. It’s blue.”

Tom’s eyes sparkled. “My favorite color.”

“Good. Now take me home so I can get ready.”

“As you wish.”

Tom dropped Tamra off before heading off to get ready himself. The party in about two-and-a-half hours which gave plenty of time to get ready and still make it to Benedict and Sophie’s in time.

Tom knocked on the door exactly when he said he would. Tamra opened the door but walked away before Tom walked in.

“Take a seat!” she bellowed from the bathroom. “I’ll be ready in two minutes.”

Tom stood, rubbing his hands on his slacks. “We don’t want to be late.”

“You and your punctuality.”

“You and your tardiness.” Tom snipped back.

“Perfection,” Tamra said as she stepped out in the living area. “takes time.”

Tom’s cheek flushed and for a moment he forgot how to breathe. The navy dress nipped in at Tamra’s waist and the full skirt ended just above the knee. She tamed her long blonde hair, usually in a ponytail, into a neat bun at the nape of her neck.

“You’re staring.”

“Sorry. As you said I should see you in a dress.” he stuttered, covering his own embarrassment.

Tamra blushed as she grabbed her coat. “Thanks. Now we better get going. We don’t want to be late.”

Tom drove with care on the slick roads and they arrived in front of Benedict’s house only ten minutes late. Tamra wrung her hands as they climbed the stairs.

“Nervous?”

“A little. You’re the only person I know.”

Tom took one of her hands and gave it a squeeze.

“You’ll be fine. It is just a small gathering.” He smiled, and she gave a weak smile back.

A tall woman with dark hair answered the door. “Tom!” She threw her arms around Tom in a deep embrace before noticing Tamra fidgeting next to Tom. “And you are…”

“Tamra” she finished.

“Sophie, Benedict’s wife.” She shook Tamra’s hand. “Please come in, the two of you will catch a cold.” They hustled into the house and out of the cold. Sophie took their coats and Tamra stared at Tom’s outfit. A dark blue velvet suit jacket with black pants and tie.

“Aren’t you festive?” Tamra gestured at his outfit.

“This old thing?” Tom pulled at the lapels. “I found at the back of my closet.”

“Tom, Ben is in the study. Tamra why don’t I get you a drink?”

“Sounds great.”

Sophie led Tamra into the house while Tom headed towards the study. He turned to sneak a glance of Tamra and ran into Benedict’s chest.

“So sorry. I didn’t watch where I was going, Ben.” Tom apologized.

“Too busy checking out your date, I see.” Ben popped the last word.

“Not my date.” Tom said reflexively, glancing over his shoulder again to sneak another glance at her in that dress.

“That’s Tamra isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” Tom replied, distracted. “She is something else.”

Ben crooked his neck to spy around Tom. “I can tell. Now I see what all the fuss is about. And why we needed to have an impromptu Christmas party tonight.”

“She is just a friend.”

Ben scoffed as he pulled Tom into the study and pour him a whiskey. “I’ve seen you with friends. This is not how you act around friends. And isn’t that a new jacket?”

“Yes it is and you’re imagining things.” Tom took a big swig. “I am trying to show her what Christmas magic is. Nothing more. I am stuck in town for a few days.” he rambled on.

Ben stepped around Tom to walk out of the study, clapping him on the shoulder on the way. “Whatever you say, Tom. But you’re wrong. I’m warning you to stay away from mistletoe tonight.”

Tom chuckled as he followed Benedict out of the study and into the living area. A small group of people clustered in and around the room in conversation. Tom glanced around the room to catch Tamra sitting on an arm of a chair. Sophie sat in the chair and they both laughed at a joke the man standing off to the side told. Tom’s face blanched as he realized that man was Luke. He pushed his way through the room.

“Tamra.” he said as he reached them. “Sophie.” They smiled up at him. Luke cleared his throat. “and Luke.” Tom said through gritted teeth.

“Tom, Luke was telling us the funniest story.” Tamra started.

“Hopefully not about me.” Tom weaseled himself between Luke and the chair.

“Not everything is about you Tom.” Tamra snorted as she shifted to peek around Tom at Luke.

Luke snorted as he took a sip of wine. “I like this girl already. Tom a word.” Tom nodded as Luke pulled him aside. Tamra turned to talk to Sophie.

“What is it, Luke?” Tom questioned as they stepped into an empty hallway.

“Listen, I don’t know what exactly is going on with you and that girl in there…”

“Why does everyone guess there is something going on?” Tom groused. “We are JUST friends!”

“I am not here to argue. I was going to say Tamra is a special girl. Whatever your intentions are, don’t fuck it up.”

Tom swallowed. “I don’t intend to.”

Luke walked back towards the party. “Good because I would hate to have to kill you.”

Tom gave a forced smile. “I’ll keep it in mind.” He followed behind.

“And yes, we were talking about you.” Luke snapped as he ducked into the kitchen from some food. Tom paled.

The rest of evening flew by with drinking, laughter, food, and perhaps a bit of theatrics from Tom and Ben. As the party wound down, Tom wanted the evening continue. That feeling nagged him throughout the goodbyes and the drive back to Tamra’s.

“How about a nightcap at my place?” Tom blurted as he drove through the dark streets.

“What?” Tamra looked at him in shock.

“A nightcap at my place. Nothing sinister or tawdry. Just two friends hanging out.” Tom repeated. He turned and looked at her with those earnest blue eyes.

Tamra’s stomach did a flip when she looked at him and she turned to stare out the window to compose herself. “I.. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Right. Right.” Tom nodded as he continued to drive. “But we are still on for tomorrow?”

“Yes! Museum of Natural History.” Tamra perked up.

“I can’t wait.” Tom said as he attempted to swallow the lump in his throat.

“Me too.” Tamra reached across and placed her hand on top of his hand. “I had fun tonight. Thanks for taking me.”

Tom blushed. “You’re welcome. That wasn’t Christmas fun, by chance?” he chuckled to break the tension in the car.

“Party fun. Nice try.”

“Can’t blame me.”

“No, I can’t.”

The car came to a stop outside the building and Tamra lingered in the car. “Goodnight Tom.” She leaned over to peck his cheek. “See you in the morning.”

“Night.” Tom smiled as she left the car and walked up to the building.

She turned and gave him a little wave before going inside. Tom put the car into drive and headed home. As he pulled into his driveway, he replayed the day. He entered his home and walked upstairs, giving a little attention to Bobby. He climbed into bed after changing his clothes. As he stared up at the ceiling, a single word bubbled up.

“Damn.”

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