babymelancholie1

[babymelancholie1]

Dad Behaviors, I don’t know these are true but I knooooow they’re true…..

-unafraid of diapers

- puts the whipped cream container directly in their fucking mouths

-“They had lunch, we got McDonald’s”

-buys the cotton candy yogurt with the fun pictures on it

-has been carded by the Little League ref because it is most definitely not “just” a game and they are not “just kids having fun” until after his kids won then it was fun times had by all

-has been hit on at every PTA meeting and parent teacher conference and damn well knows it, makes sure he is always in attendance to gloat

-has been giving them Rated R movies since the womb (“What? It’s fine.”)

-“Did you ask your mother? What did she say?”

-That’s not a toy….

-“Wanna help?”

-is the Trick or Treat bouncer who has tripped a bigger kid who is being a dick. He wouldn’t HURT the kid but if the kid happened to get hurt after tripping over his large foot directly on the pavement SO BE IT

-waits in the parking lot of the school during the first day, just in case

-is unsurprised by calls from the Nurse or Principal and deep talks with the kid because “I’m not mad, but I am disappointed”

-“We don’t hit…. unless they hit first.”

-when you come home after he’s been alone with the kid chaos has erupted and he’s calmly in the middle of it pretending it’s not happening

-has a favorite pair of comfy pants and once those get on we are all in for the night, sorry, he can’t drive you to the mall right now it’s late (“Dad, it’s 5pm.” “Precisely, what are you going to do at this hour anyway?”)

-demands Family Game Night

-“The whole day is practically over get up…” he says at 7am on fucking Saturday

-he edges the lawn, like meticulously

-buys Lucky Charms because he’s cool

-buys organic milk in case its healthier and he DID already buy the Lucky Charms…

-will watch them until they clean up that mess

-has purchased matching Christmas pajamas

-can recite the Gruffalo

-has confronted the parents of a bully

-while packing up the small clothes for Goodwill gets weepy eyed and suggests another baby and is only half kidding

And to be funny…

-said nothing during the entire argument in the car after the first very terse warning to cut it out, then calmly pulls into McDonald’s, waits in line…..orders one black coffee and fucking keeps driving

-“You curse, whatever, you curse at me or your mother we will have a fucking problem”

-“….Yeah but what did the other kid do?”

-“When do they go to college?”

[babymelancholie1]

love in a time of p.t.a. meetings {marcus moreno} - series masterlist

summary: despite what pinterest shows, being in a parent in the twenty first century is hard; especially a single parent. your kid takes up your entire life and the idea of finding a fairy tale is laughable - that is until you finally attend a p.t.a meeting and cross paths with a certain marcus moreno.

p.s ones without links are the ones yet to be posted 

MAIN PARTS

part one 

part two 

part three 

part four 

part five

ONE SHOTS/small stories set in between the main parts

make them stare 

f is family oh, fuck

4am

if you wanna be added to the taglist, let me know! 

[babymelancholie1]

Turkey, Dressing & Fake Boyfriends {Dieter Bravo x F!Reader}

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 28.2k

Warnings: Fake dating, mentions of drugs, mentions of sex, masturbation, physical violence (one punch), oral sex (female receiving), unprotected sex, angst

Comments: Plans to visit your parents for Thanksgiving go awry when your boss, Dieter Bravo insists on joining you. The problem is...you kind of told your parents that you were dating the actor. Now he going to play the role of a lifetime and the lines between acting and real life are blurring quickly.

Co-written with @storiesofthefandomlovers

|| MasterList ||

Click Keep Reading only if you have read the Rating and Warnings and understand the warnings may not be complete to avoid listing spoilers. As AO3 says 'creator chooses not to use warnings'. You also agree that you're the right age to be consuming anything here.

“So I’ve made sure that there’s plenty of snack foods in the kitchen and all your favorite restaurants are already organized on UberEats and DoorDash in case nothing is appealing.” You check through your list of things to go over with Dieter before you leave. Even though you know that despite your next warning, he will be contacting you for every little thing. “Remember, I’m going to be unavailable for the next seven days. So don’t call me to ask where the toilet paper is, I made sure to stock every bathroom. It’s under the sink where it always is.”

Dieter follows you, finally realizing that you are telling him you’re leaving. “Where the hell are you going?” He growls, the fog of his latest high lifting and he doesn’t want you to go. 

“To my parent's house for Thanksgiving.” You remind him of what you said earlier. 

Dieter frowns, “that’s not till next month.” 

You snort, “it’s this Thursday.” 

He frowns even more, unable to remember the last time he attended a Thanksgiving. He hasn’t celebrated the holiday since before his parents died. With no family, he’s always just been alone and high, desperate to avoid the holidays. “You can’t go!” He whines, not wanting you to leave him alone. “I demand you don’t go.”

“I’ve had these plans for the last six months.” You huff, shaking your head and frowning back at him. You had halfway expected him to pitch a fit but you had been hoping that you could avoid it this time. “I haven’t seen my family in over a year and I’m flying out tomorrow.” You hate the pout on his face but you aren’t staying in L.A. “You will be fine. I’ve made sure you have everything you could want, even your cocaine.”

Dieter stomps his foot in protest, acting like the petulant child he can be. "No! You can't go! I don't - I won't let you. If you go....you're fired." He declares, even though he would never do that. You're the only person who will put up with his shit.

Your brow arches up as you stare at him. “Fire me?” That pisses you off when you are at his beck and call nearly 24/7 and deal with his 2AM calls when he’s lonely and can’t sleep. “Because I want to spend Thanksgiving with my family?” 

Dieter nods, his face twisted up in frustration. “Yes!” He insists, making you decide to call his bluff. 

“Fine, fire me.” You lock your phone and turn around to start gathering up your stuff.

Dieter stares at you in shock, unable to believe that hasn’t made you stay. “Fine.” He spits back, “then you’re taking me with you. I refuse to spend another Thanksgiving alone. You are taking me to your parents’ house for the week. You can take me with you so I can experience a proper holiday. I can’t be alone. You won’t leave me alone. I won’t allow it.”

Now it’s your turn to be shocked. Immediately feeling your stomach clench and your cheeks heat up. You can’t take Dieter home. You would be absolutely mortified. Not because of how he behaves, but because of the white lie you had told your family three years ago. “N-no!” You practically shout it. “You can’t meet my parents, you can never meet my parents!”

Dieter scoffs, "why? Are you embarrassed of me?" He gestures to his purposely tatty clothing. "I can be put together. I have more goddamn money than all of the fuckers in your small ass town put together and I -" He cuts himself off, knowing he's acting like a prick. "Why?" He asks after clearing his throat.

You can tell his feelings are hurt, the wounded look in his eyes giving him away. Dieter always lashes out when someone hurts him. You blow out an embarrassed sigh and squirm slightly. “Because I toldmyfamilyweweredating.” You mumble under your breath. 

“What?” Dieter demands, making you roll your eyes. 

“Because I lied to them and told them that we were dating!” You hiss, mortified you just had to tell your boss the truth.

Dieter frowns, “what? Why the hell did you tell them that?” He is processing, unsure of why you told them that, especially since he’s your boss. “Aren’t you asexual?” He asks and it’s your turn to look at him incredulously. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that, nothing at all, but I’ve never heard you mention a boyfriend or a girlfriend. I just - I figured that dating or sex wasn’t your thing. Is that why?”

“I don’t have time to date.” You huff, pointing your finger at him. “I have a forty year old man child who calls me at 2AM when he wants someone to hold his hair when he’s puking.” You remind him. “The last boyfriend I had told me that it was too much and dumped me, three weeks after I started working for you.” The traveling didn’t help. You were constantly on location and that wasn’t in your dating life’s favor.

Dieter bites his lip, feeling guilty for taking over your life for the past four years, and he hates feeling guilty. He never does and it eats away at him. He is quiet for several moments and you start to fidget. “I can pretend to be your boyfriend.” He offers, wanting to make this up to you.

“No.” You immediately shake your head. “You can’t.” 

Dieter scoffs. “Why not? I’m an award winning actor. I can play being your boyfriend.” 

You hesitate, knowing that he would treat it like a role if he were serious about it and your parents have been annoying you about when you are going to bring Dieter to meet them. “You can’t be ….you, you know. They don’t do drugs or anything like that.”

Dieter snorts in amusement, “no shit. I doubt your parents are having orgies and snorting coke from someone’s asshole like my weekends. I can be a good boy.” He promises, fluttering his eyelashes, “I want to do this for you. I owe you for all the years of service. I promise you, I will take this seriously.” He vows, crossing the space above his heart, “I won’t fuck this up if you want them to actually think we are dating but I have one question…” You look at him expectedly, “why me?”

You can’t tell him that it’s because you talk about him all the time. He will think that you have some secret thing for him and then he will never leave you alone. “Because you’re the only man I spend time with.” You tell him, shrugging slightly. “Who else am I supposed to be seeing when I’m always with you?” You ask. “I got tired of them asking when I was going to settle down and find a man - and it just… came out of my mouth. Plus I told them that we were keeping it quiet for your reputation so they couldn’t spread it around my hometown.”

Dieter smirks, ��fair enough. Your hometown folks are gonna shit themselves when they see me.” His ego comes out and he winks at you, “let’s do it. I gotta get some new clothes. Can you go get them for me?” He pouts, “you can dress me like a Ken doll for your parents. Make a good first impression…baby.” He winks, thoroughly enjoying this new role and he needs a wardrobe.

You roll your eyes at him, fully aware that he’s going to be completely full of himself. You smirk, deciding that you are going to make sure that you pay him back slightly for the bullshit over the years. “Fine.” You agree. “But just so you know, my parents are going to make you sleep on a pull out bed in the office.” You tease before you chuckle. “Remember…you wanted this.”

Dieter rolls his eyes, “surely your parents don’t think that we don’t fuck after we’ve been together for 3 years. I doubt they would be surprised to find out that we bump uglies as a fucking couple. Nah, we are sharing a bed. Besides…you might get a craving for some cock since it’s been so long.” He waggles his eyebrows.

You snort and shake your head. “Doubtful.” You hum, imagining how he’s going to be disappointed when they insist you sleep separately. “Why would I need cock when my toys work so well to make me cum?” You tilt your head and grin at him. “You better go to bed early Dieter. The flight leaves at 6AM.”

Dieter’s cock can’t help but twitch as he imagines you using toys. “Naughty. I like it.” He smirks until your next sentence registers. “Six in the morning? Jesus fucking Christ. I am gonna need some speed.” He tuts, “and coffee. Lots of Goddamn coffee. Six…I haven’t gotten up that early except for that call time on Hunger strike. Fuck. I - Okay.” He concedes, knowing he can’t argue when he’s trying to be nice.

You smirk, happy that you’ve managed to inconvenience him in some small way. You open your phone to make sure you can actually get him a ticket on the same flight since it’s so last minute. You know you will have to put him in first class even though you will be back in coach. Dieter won’t sit back in coach, and you don’t want to hear him whine.

Dieter watches you book his seat using his card, smiling when you book first class. “Upgrade yourself. Use my points, can’t have people saying I don’t treat my girlfriend properly.” He tells you and spins on his heel, “I gotta figure out how to smuggle my tea on the flight.” He says, making his way into his bedroom to get high and hopefully pass out.

You watch him go with a shake of your head. “God help us.” You muse to yourself. Now you have to go shopping for him to get him a wardrobe that is suitable for playing the role of your boyfriend.

****

Dieter sits there with his sunglasses on. The early morning flight has fucked with his equilibrium and he struggled to wake up without taking one last hit to tide him over until he comes home. “Bloody Mary.” He orders, not even looking at the flight attendant while he rubs his temples. 

“Dieter. It’s six thirty.” You gasp and he rolls his eyes, lowering his sunglasses to look at you, “exactly. It’s the middle of the fucking night.”

Huffing and turning away from him,  you put in your earbuds so you can watch some Netflix movie you downloaded. He acts like you dragged him here, but he had insisted he come. You hope that he doesn’t cause a scene at Thanksgiving. Lord knows he could make a scene. 

****

When you drive past the welcome sign of your small town, Dieter is instantly fascinated. He’s grown up in L.A, it’s all he’s ever known, so your small town has him asking you several questions like “is that where you went to school?” and “did you go to that store?”

You chuckle quietly as you drive him around the town on the way to your parents house. “Yes, this is my small town that I escaped to go to L.A.” You joke.

Dieter looks out the window with fascination and he smiles when you pull up outside of your childhood home. It’s beautiful and he loves how quaint it is. The autumn leaves covering the ground and they crunch under his new boots you bought him yesterday. “Ready?” He asks once you’re standing at the front door.

You are so nervous about this, worried about your little lie spilling out or Dieter somehow insulting your parents and family. You reach up and adjust the collar of the casual button down you had paired with a pair of delicious dark pants that made him look very sophisticated with the pea coat you had also bought. He looks every inch a successful actor and how you secretly think he should always dress. “If you are…baby.” You try it on, the words feeling slightly foreign in your mouth.

Dieter winks at you just as the door is opened, his stomach twisting a little with nerves but mainly at the way you call him baby. The door opens and an older man grins, looking at you with absolute love. "Hey squirrel!" Your dad greets you and Dieter mouths ‘squirrel’ with a frown as your dad steps out to wrap his arms around you, not even letting you step over the threshold.

“Dad!” You shriek happily, throwing yourself into his arms and grinning as your breath is practically squeezed out of you in the giant bear hug. “I’ve missed you so much!” Your words are muffled against his shoulder and he hums. 

“Not as much as we’ve missed you, sweetheart. Hate that it’s been so long.”

Dieter bites his lip, knowing it's his fault. When your dad pulls back to look at Dieter, he holds his hand out. "I'm afraid that would be my fault. Keeping her busy with my work it's great to meet you, sir." Dieter offers your dad what he hopes is a friendly and polite smile.

“Dieter Bravo.” Your dad has an appraising look on his face as he slowly reaches out to take Dieter’s hand. You’ve not said anything, but he’s kept up with the antics of your boss and apparent boyfriend in the news. Some of it troubled him but he also trusts you to make the right decision. “Nice to finally meet you.”

Dieter offers your dad an oscar-winning  smile. "It's great to finally meet my baby's parents." Dieter winks at you, reaching out to wrap his arm around your waist to squeeze. "Let me grab the bags, baby. You go inside." He orders, wanting to make this his best performance yet.

You try not to look shocked, knowing that normally Dieter leaves you to deal with the luggage - and everything really - while he does whatever he wants. “Of course.” You turn to your dad. “I’m assuming I’m in my old bedroom and Dieter is in the study?”

Your mother comes down the hallway, “don’t be silly, dear. You can share your old room with your boyfriend. You’re not fifteen. We know you have sex.” She snorts, and your dad covers his ears, acting like he doesn’t want to know. Your mom pulls you into her arms, sighing in delight. “Oh it’s so good to see you, sweet pea.” She coos, kissing your cheeks just as Dieter comes in the house with your cases.

“Hey mom.” You relax slightly, happy to see your parents even though they just put you in a very awkward position. 

“Where do these go, baby?” Dieter asks and you pull away from your mom, knowing he was going to be a little shit about this. 

“We are going to stay in my old bedroom, babe. Together.”

Dieter bites his lip to smother his smirk at the horrified look on your face when you turn away from your parents. "Oh that's great. I can't sleep without her." Dieter lies, "she's like my baby bear." He winks and your mother awes while your father wrinkles his nose slightly. "I'll take these upstairs then." Dieter says, winking at your mom before he makes his way upstairs with the cases.

“Sweet pea, he’s so handsome!” Your mother coos, turning to watch Dieter make his way upstairs. “So much better in person. I was so thrilled when you called last night and told us that he had changed his plans.” 

You had managed to smother their curiosity for why you never brought Dieter, claiming he had long standing plans with friends over the holidays and he used it to decompress from work. “He’s happy he could come, mom.” You bite your lip, wondering how long it was before Dieter shows his true colors.

“What about all the, uh, the scandals he had surrounding that last movie? Was any of that true?” Your dad asks, concerned for your well-being when you are in L.A and even more so with you dating an actor. 

“Hush, it doesn’t matter. She loves him and that’s all that matters. He looks after her, right?” Your mom looks at you, both of your parents waiting for your answer.

You want to laugh and tell them that you look after Dieter, but that would not be in your best interest right now. Instead, you nod, hearing Dieter walk through the upstairs and there’s a slight banging sound as he drops the bags that makes you groan. “He takes care of me.” You lie. “And most of the negative press was exaggerated. You know, create buzz about the project they had in the can.”

Your dad isn’t convinced but he lets it go, just excited to have you home, and your mom smiles at you. “I’m glad you’re happy, sweet pea. And you’re home! I made your favorite. You must be starving.” She guides you into the kitchen without a moment and Dieter comes downstairs, rubbing his hands on his pants after he discarded his coat on your bed. He spent a while looking around your room, laughing at the boy band posters but one in particular made him pause…the poster from his first movie. He files that away for later and nearly bumps into your dad.

“Did you find everything okay?” Your dad asks, watching Dieter carefully. He had noticed the other man had been upstairs for longer than just dropping off the bags, but he was a guest in his home, so he was going to be polite until it was necessary to not be. “Her mom made lunch if you’re hungry.”

“Starving.” Dieter groans, “I’ve only had a blood- tomato juice on the plane.” Your dad eyes him and he shifts, making his way into the kitchen and he sits down beside you. “Is there anything I can do to help?” He asks your mom.

You snort quietly, wondering if Dieter knows where anything is in his own kitchen. You’ve never seen him use more than the fridge. “Sure.” You grin at him playfully. 

“Honey, don’t tease him. I think it’s wonderful that he’s offering to help.” Your mother beams at him, obviously slightly starstruck to have a Hollywood actor in her house. You roll your eyes, wondering if she would be so happy if she knew how childish he could be, but you remind yourself that you’ve only told your parents great things about Dieter. 

Dieter offers your mom an award winning smile and she flusters, waving him off. “Stay seated. I’m nearly done.” She promises and your dad sits down. “So…how long have you two been together again?” He asks. 

“Three-” 

“Two years.” Dieter answers confidently and you want to hang your head. 

“No baby, it’s been three.” You say pointedly and Dieter’s eyes widen. 

“Yes. Three. I’m sorry. Three. I am terrible at keeping track. Oh shit, I guess I owe you something pretty for that mistake, huh babe?”

“Don’t worry about that.” You huff and your mom laughs. 

“I wish your father would have bought me something every time he forgot how many years we’ve been married!” She jokes, grinning at her husband as he walks into the kitchen. “I would have a lot of pretty things.” 

Your dad rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “I remember the day I asked you out.” He reminds her. “That’s the day we should celebrate.” 

Your mom clicks her tongue, playfully tutting at her husband, and you smile with affection. You’ve missed your parents. A lot. Dieter reaches for your hand, bringing it to his lips to place a soft kiss there. Your mom sighs in delight and your dad is indifferent. “Guess it’s okay when he has so much money.” Your dad says, a little flippant, and Dieter can tell he doesn’t like him. 

“Only thanks to this one. If I didn’t have her working as my assistant, I doubt I’d be able to function every day to do my job.”

You squirm slightly, never used to Dieter acknowledging that you do anything for him. Half the time when you argue for time off or that you’re busy, you get met with ‘this is what I pay you for’. Even if the pay is generous, sometimes it’s not enough. “You know what they say, a good assistant makes the world go round.” You joke with a small laugh.

Dieter winks at you and your mom serves lunch. Dieter is starving and he doesn’t even ask if the food is certified local and organic. He groans at the sight of the comfort food. It’s been so long since he had a home cooked meal. Usually he has you buy ready cooked meals from the organic grocery store down the street. “This looks delicious.”

You are surprised that Dieter isn’t asking questions, but then again, you’ve found him to be ridiculous. When he’s slightly sober, he will question the pesticides used on the vegetables and if the meat was free-range, but when he’s high - he wants McDonald’s mystery meat. “Thanks mom, I’ve been craving your food.” You admit as you all start to eat. You groan at the first bite and close your eyes, enjoying the feeling of being home.

Dieter watches you eat, your groan affecting him a little but he pushes that aside to enjoy the lunch. It’s delicious and he understands now why you want to come home. With a sigh, he finishes his meal and rubs his belly. “That was incredible.” He compliments your mom, meaning every word.

“We’ll clean up.” You assure your mom, smirking over at Dieter. “He loves helping out so we can make this quick and then go over who all is coming this year for Thanksgiving.” You know your mom would love to put her feet up, she’s probably been up since the crack of dawn to make sure the entire house was ready for your arrival.

Dieter stands up, a little unsure but your mom looks so happy that you offer to clean up. He knows he has to help but he hasn’t loaded a dishwasher in years. He doesn’t remember how to even turn it on. “Um, hand washing?” He suggests.

It’s surprising he even thought about that, but you shake your head. “If you want to clear the table, I’ll start loading the dishwasher.” You can see the relief in his eyes. “We will have it done in no time.” He won’t have a clue about storing leftovers, but hopefully your mom and dad will go sit out in the living room and you can just take care of it yourself. 

Dieter nods, working on cleaning the plates off of the table. “Come on honey, let’s go get those decorations from the attic for next month. I can start untangling those lights.” Your dad offers with a chuckle and Dieter sighs in relief when your parents leave the room. 

“Gross.” He wrinkles his nose at the food left on the plate. “How do you do this shit all the time?”

There’s the Dieter Bravo you know and tolerate. “Someone hasn’t worked in food service in a long time.” You joke, remembering how he had talked about hating waiting tables while working on his big break when he was younger. “Or are you too big of a star now that you’ve forgotten?” It’s more likely he’s done too many drugs, but that’s another subject. “Just leave them on the counter and I’ll clean them off, you big baby.” 

Dieter pouts, knowing you are making fun of him but you aren’t wrong. Maybe he has forgotten his humble beginnings back when he was nineteen and figuring shit out. “I’m sorry. I just - I’m not used to this. Doing…normal things.”

“It’s fine.” You shrug and start scraping the dishes clean and stacking them next to the sink to rinse before you load them into the dishwasher. “It’s what I get paid for, right? Letting you do Dieter things and concentrate on your performances.” It’s enough for you that he offered, playing into your mom and getting her to think that he might help in the fictitious relationship you’re in. “Just - thank you for offering.” You offer quietly. 

He smiles, blushing a little from your gratitude. He never really gets to experience simple things like that and he realizes he should be more appreciative of you. “So what are the plans for this trip?” He asks, leaning against the counter and watching you work.

“Honestly? Not much.” You admit, a little embarrassed that there isn’t much to do where you grew up. “I planned on spending time with family mainly, maybe meeting up with some friends from school for drinks one night.” You give a small shrug. “Mainly just planned on relaxing, drinking a little too much and decompressing.” L.A. is a fast paced town and while you can handle it, sometimes you just need time to sit and absorb the silence. 

“Sounds boring.” Dieter snorts, continuing to watch you. It’s not that he doesn’t like slowing down and relaxing but it allows him to think and when he thinks, he gets sad about how his life has gone. Yes, he is an award winning actor, wanted by most directors in Hollywood, but it’s lonely. His parents didn’t really care about him, just the money, and his ‘friends’ probably wouldn’t be his friends if he didn’t have the fame and money. This is real. What you have is real and he is jealous of that. True family and friends who love you for you.

“Thanks.” You huff sarcastically and look over at him with slight annoyance. Of course he would think your life is boring, you aren’t snorting God knows what up your nose and begging random strangers to fuck you. “I can always book you a ticket back home tomorrow. Tell them that you had some production meeting come up.” 

Dieter shakes his head, “no. I promised I’d do this. I want to do this. Just…cut me some slack. It’s been for fucking ever since I’ve had to deal with this.” He reveals and you frown, “what? Family?” He nods and you sigh, looking at him. 

“I’m sorry. I know…I know it’s not easy but I can make up an excuse.” 

Dieter shakes his head and hears footsteps coming down the hall. “Play along.” He orders, shifting to stand behind you, leaning down to bury his face in your neck while his hands grip your waist.

Your breath catches in your throat, perfect for the scene when your dad walks into the kitchen to find the two of you like that. Looking like Dieter is kissing your neck or whispering intimately in your ear and you hate how your entire body fires to life under the innocent touch. “I-” Your father clears his throat. “I came to get your mom something to drink.” He explains, looking anywhere but at you when you turn your head. 

“Oh, uh, sorry.” You peel yourself away from Dieter, cheeks burning. 

Dieter bites his lip to smother his smirk, victorious in flustering you and showing your dad that you are a couple. “Sorry sir. She’s just too beautiful.” He coos, leaning in to kiss your cheek and your dad opens the fridge to get your mom her drink.

You fluster slightly and turn back to the sink, hurriedly rinsing off the rest of the dishes so you can load them into the dishwasher. It’s still to be affected by him being so close, it was just a scene to him. It didn’t mean anything and yet your stomach feels like it is filled with butterflies. “We’ll be done in just a minute,’ you tell your father. “Then we can help get the Christmas decorations out. Maybe Dieter can help untangle the lights.” 

Dieter wants to say no but he can’t so he nods, turning towards your dad. “Yeah. I can help. Just need a moment if you know what I mean.” He gestures to his crotch despite not being hard. 

Your dad looks at him in horror before he slowly backs out of the kitchen with a “I’ll let you kids to it.”

“Jesus Dieter.” You blow out an exasperated laugh, embarrassed that he had just said that to your father. “Don’t say things like that to my dad. You’re going to give him a heart attack.” 

Dieter snorts. “He knows you aren’t a virgin.” He argues but you huff. 

“Yeah, but it’s not like I talk about my sex life with my parents.” 

Dieter rolls his eyes, “who do you talk to about your sex life? Because it ain’t me.” He points to himself, “you know all about mine.” Albeit, unwillingly, but you know about his escapades, especially when you make a midnight condom run for him.

“When I did have a sex life, I would talk about it with my friends.” You feel a bit defensive, but it’s not like you can help that your schedule is so damn demanding that all you could possibly get was one night stands. You just aren’t that type of girl. No hating on anyone who was, but you liked having at least a little bit of an emotional connection. “But it’s been years, so that isn’t an issue.” 

“Years?” Dieter yells and you shush him, “years? You’re fucking joking. There’s - there’s no way it’s been years. You’re - well, look at you. Someone must’ve wanted to fuck the shit out of you. You’re hot. There’s - fuck, you must be a virgin again.”

“Shut up.” You hiss, looking around and praying that no one overheard his big mouth. “The last time I came close to getting laid was that audio tech on Time Again.” You roll your eyes, thinking about what a shitshow that had been. The studio had finally just canned the movie due to the pandemic and the fact that the production just kept dragging out. “But everytime he went to ask me out, you were calling and needing something.” You ignore the pleasure that is running through you because Dieter said you were hot. He would fuck anyone, so it wasn’t like that meant much.

Dieter shakes his head, “that asshole wouldn’t have made you cum. He could barely hold the mic, he would’ve disappointed you.” Dieter won’t admit it openly but perhaps he had sabotaged your dates on purpose for his own selfish needs. He feels a little guilty. A little. Yet it’s not enough to make him regret his actions.

You snort. “What were you fucking him?” You ask, feeling out of sorts that he’s so horrified that you haven’t gotten laid when it was honestly his fault. “Never mind, I don’t want to know.” You shake your head and look down at his crotch. “Looks like your little problem is gone.” You tell him. “I’ll finish up here, you go help dad.”

Dieter huffs, “fine. I’ll go untangle the fucking lights but this isn’t finished.” He gestures between you and adjusts himself as he makes his way upstairs to help your parents with the lights. Your mom asks him question after question about L.A. His home, his family. “Oh my family are dead.” He reveals bluntly and your mom’s eyes widen, “oh my God. I’m so - I didn’t know.” Dieter shrugs, “didn’t really like my parents anyway.”

“Oh you poor thing.” Your mom tuts, her heart aching for him. “No wonder she makes sure to take good care of you.” She shakes her head. “You are welcome to come back whenever you need someone to pry into your life and worry over you.” She tells him with a motherly smile.

Dieter wants to be sarcastic but your mother’s kind look sends him into a tailspin. Affection. Shit, how long has it been since he experienced that? Genuine affection. It pulls at his heart and he offers her a soft smile, “thank you. I’d like that.” Your mom beams at him and your dad hands Dieter the lights, ordering for him to untangle them.

You finish the dishes and start the dishwasher before you wander out to where your father and Dieter are starting to untangle the lights. Dieter is already huffing, frustrated with the tangled mess. “Maybe we should put lights on your house this year, baby.” You coo, knowing that Dieter would never get on a ladder and put up lights on his Sherman Oaks house.

Dieter plays along, “oh yes. That would be good. We can get some blow up decorations too.” He waits until your parents aren’t looking and smirks, hoping you catch his drift.

You roll your eyes at his immaturity and then decide to give him back his own. “Oh yes! They have this twenty-five foot Santa Claus that would be perfect!” You squeal, rushing over and kissing him on the cheek. “I will go order it now. It will go perfect when I dress up like Mrs. Claus and make cookies.” 

Dieter’s jaw drops but he recovers when your mom looks at him with such joy. “Just put it on my card babe.” He says through gritted teeth despite smiling. Fuck, you are going to frustrate the shit out of him but he won’t let you win. He owes you a good time with your parents and he will make sure it goes off without a hitch.

You smirk, deciding that you actually are going to order the Santa, just to be a shit. You beam at your mom. “Isn’t he just the best? He spoils me.” You brag, reaching over and helping him untangle one section of Christmas lights that he had been staring at in frustration. 

“He does seem to dote on you.” Your mother hums happily, shaking her head. “I can’t believe we are just now meeting him.” 

Dieter smiles at your mom, “that’s my fault. I’ve been so busy and I just didn’t want to take away from her family time. My muffin deserves all the time she wants for her family.” He coos, leaning in to kiss your cheek, making your mom coo in delight.

“Muffin.” You huff softly and turn to give him a loving look. “I will knee you in the balls if you use that again, “ you hiss through your teeth as you cup his cheek. “I’ll hold you to that baby.” You promise, patting his cheek. 

You pat his cheek a little too hard and he hisses, narrowing his eyes for a second. He can’t believe how out of control this is getting. “Don’t worry snookums, daddy will look after you.” He coos the second half into your ear, wanting you to squirm in front of your parents. Your dad is cursing the lights, too busy to listen, and your mom is distracted by a broken ornament she found.

You shudder, early gagging at the term ‘daddy’. “Gross.” You murmur softly, never been a fan of some man calling himself daddy towards you. Instead of giving him the pleasure of winning, you widen your eyes innocently and bat your lashes at him. “Thank you, Daddy.” you coo sweetly. 

Dieter chuckles, knowing he got to you. He hates being called daddy. He isn’t your father, but he wants to get under your skin. He winks and you huff, making him chuckle as he continues working on the lights. “Oh, Dave called earlier, sweetheart. Asked about you being in town and said you should head over to the tavern for a drink.”

“Oh.” You brighten at the new, smiling at your mom. “Thanks. I need to catch up with him, it’s been a long time.” Dieter frowns, not knowing who you are talking about but he doesn’t like the way you light up. 

“Who’s Dave?” He asks and your dad snorts. 

“You don’t recognize the name of her childhood best friend?” He asks Dieter. “We thought they were going to grow up and get married one day.” 

Dieter looks at you, noting the dreamy look in your eyes, and even though this is pretend, he can’t help but get jealous. “You’ve never mentioned Dave, baby?” He frowns, tilting his head and looking at you with curiosity.

You shrug slightly, not wanting to remind him that he didn’t particularly care about your life in front of your parents. Dieter is normally very self centered. “We grew up together, dated a while in high school and then broke up before college.” You didn’t want to tell Dieter that Dave was the one who you had experienced most of your ‘firsts’ with, including losing your virginity. 

Dieter clenches his jaw, unsure of why he feels so fucking jealous, but he does. He nods, “I see. Well, I can’t wait to meet him.” He acts excited for your parents’ sake, knowing that the jealousy act won’t wash well with them. He continues untangling the lights, not looking forward to meeting Dave.

You frown slightly but you don’t say anything. “Yeah, I’ll give him a call and see about setting something up.” You hum. 

“Sweet pea, why don’t you and Dieter meet him tonight?” Your mom suggests. “Before the holiday prep starts. Go out and have some fun.” 

You bite your lip and nod. “Okay, I’ll go set it up now.” You agree. 

“What a wonderful idea.” Dieter praises your mom but his tone is full of sarcasm, not that she realizes it. Or your dad. He does not want to meet this fucking Dave but then he realizes something. “Does Dave have a partner? Maybe invite them too.”

You shrug slightly, unaware of what Dave might have going on in his life. Despite what your parents believe, you and Dave had grown apart. Long before college. You were still friendly, but it wasn’t like you were still best friends anymore. 

Dieter hates how you don’t immediately tell him Dave is married or has a partner. Or is gay. He hates it and he feels threatened by someone he hasn’t even met. When you tell him an hour later that you are meeting Dave for dinner, he wants to ask if it will be four of you but he bites his lip and decides to play it safe, dress nice, and see what this dude is about.

The rest of the afternoon passes quickly. Finally getting the lights untangled and tested, the burned out bulbs replaced so your dad can hang them up. When it’s getting close to time to meet Dave, you pull Dieter away so that the two of you can go freshen up. “We’re meeting in an hour. At least we can get a drink or three while we are there.”

“Or ten.” Dieter mumbles under his breath while he allows you to get ready first. He just needs to brush his hair and put on some new clothes. Usually he wouldn’t put in the effort but this Dave asshole is going and could potentially have the ability to take you away from Dieter if he decides he wants to get back together. He can’t allow that.

You freshen up your makeup and change into an outfit that is stylish and comfortable. You wouldn’t normally go to such hassle, but you are supposedly dating a Hollywood actor after all. You need to look worthy of him.

Dieter frowns when you come out of the bathroom, dressed up and refreshed for this dinner, and he doesn’t say a word as he stomps into the bathroom to get ready, brushing his teeth and his hair. He washes his face and can’t resist grabbing some of your lip balm, just to make him look kissable compared to fucking Dave. He comes back out in clean clothes and puts his shoes on, “you ready?”

You eye his change of clothes, approving of yet another outfit you picked out for him. “Of course baby.” You coo playfully. “Remember not to flirt with all the fans wanting your autograph.” You remind him, knowing that would get around the town quickly and then everyone would be feeling sorry for you.

Dieter rolls his eyes, “of course not. I’m nothing if not professional.” You snort at that and he pouts at you before he puts his boots back on, ready to drive to the restaurant where Dave is. After you bid goodbye to your parents, your dad telling you to tell Dave hello which made Dieter scoff under his breath, you drive to the restaurant.

“You don’t have to come.” You remind him, wondering why he is acting like a petulant child again. It’s almost like he’s jealous but you know that’s not the case. “I can drop you off somewhere so we don’t bore you to death.”

“No. No. That would look bad. I’ll be a good boy.” He promises, crossing his heart. “I won’t be bad. I just - it’s weird to be going out to dinner with your ex.” He settles on that as his excuse. He doesn’t even know who this Dave guy looks like.

“Please.” You scoff and roll your eyes. “You’ve fucked plenty of your exes.” You remind Dieter. “I’m sure food is involved in that process somewhere. Don’t you have a standing date with an ex wife to fuck on your divorce anniversary?”

Dieter shrugs one shoulder, “it’s good sex. She just hates me.” He justifies and looks out of the window. “That’s just sex. Not a dinner. We don’t talk. As for food…maybe some whipped cream but that’s all. Oh wait…there was one time with chocolate syrup.” He smirks as he remembers his ex from five years ago.

“Ugh, never mind.” You huff. “Anyway, Dave and I grew up together. We have history but we still managed to stay friends. Besides, it’s not like my parents know I gave him my virginity prom night.”

Dieter’s neck hurts when his head twists to look at you. “What? You - you naughty girl.” He teases, “tell me all the details.” He rarely hears you discuss anything regarding sex and he wants to know if Dave came in 30 seconds to make him feel better about meeting your ex.

You snort, amused that Dieter’s gone from scowling to now begging for details. “I’m sure that it’s the standard ‘losing your virginity on prom night story’.” You huff. “We booked a hotel room and stayed together, actually we left prom early.” You smile at the memory slightly. “It was sweet and awkward but I was with my best friend, so it didn’t matter.”

Dieter hums, staring at you as you smile. He lost his virginity to a big movie producer. She was double his age and thought he was cute. There were no feelings involved, just sex, and his desire to make it big in Hollywood. He hasn’t really had sex that involved emotions, unless you count the hate sex with his ex wife. Even during his marriage he never “made love.” He clicks his tongue, “how cute. Bet he came in 30 seconds and it was all over.”

You huff, annoyed that he’s being critical over something that happened a long time ago. It’s like he’s trying to belittle your experience. Yet another reason you don’t share with Dieter because it’s never quite good enough. “I’m sure you lasted an hour and made them cum four times when you lost your virginity.” You manage tightly. “Since you’re so perfect.”

Dieter frowns, trying to remember that fateful day, and he winces when he reminds himself of how quickly he came. However, the woman made him eat his cum from inside of her to get her off. He didn’t mind the taste of himself combined with her so he stayed there for an hour just making her cum over and over. It was a good oral experience. “I’m not perfect.” He whispers, feeling that insecurity looming over him.

You look over at him and see the uneasy look. “No, you’re not.” Your tone is softer, and you reach over to pat his leg affectionately. “I’m sure it took a couple of times before Dieter Bravo, Sex God was born.” You tease playfully. “I think it’s a requirement that everyone’s first sexual experience be fast. But he had also made sure I was ready, fingering me and so I wasn’t disappointed.”

Dieter nods, "that's good. Oral is my favorite for getting a woman fucking soaking wet." He says like he's declaring his favorite color and it makes your stomach twist when he offers you a wicked grin. When you pull into the restaurant parking lot, Dieter fidgets, adjusting his shirt that suddenly seems too tight. "We should probably hold hands." He says when you are both out of the car.

“Yeah.” You are more nervous than you want to admit, because of your history with Dave. You drift closer to Dieter and offer him your hand. “Just- please don’t, uh, you know. Make me look crazy.” You ask, feeling a little overwhelmed by your fake boyfriend meeting your first boyfriend.

Dieter squeezes your hand, "I'll be the crazy one." He promises, winking at you as you make your way inside of the restaurant. He is nervous, wanting to make sure this is a good impression. Your town is small so word would spread fast if they thought you weren't a couple. Dieter doesn't want to mess this up for you despite his usually blase attitude to life.

His hand around yours is comfortable and you guess you had never realized how large his hands are. You’re actually disappointed when he pulls his hand out of yours. Dieter opens the door for you and you give him a small smile, feeling his hand on your back as you walk up to the hostess stand but Dave stands up from a table and waves towards you. “Oh, there’s my party.” You tell her before the two of you make your way over. “Dave!” Your former boyfriend grins and immediately reaches for you, pulling you into a hug. “I’ve missed you!” He groans, hugging you tight.

Dieter stands awkwardly to the side, unsure of what to say or do until Dave stops the ridiculously long hug he’s giving you and turns to Dieter. “Hey man, I’m Dave.” He says, reaching out to shake Dieter’s hand and Dieter can’t help but squeeze a little harder while saying “it’s great to meet you.” He says it almost through gritted teeth but manages to spit it out before you all sit down. “It’s so good to see you. God, you look amazing.” Dave smiles at you and Dieter wraps his arm around your shoulder, “she does, doesn’t she? L.A agrees with her.”

You arch your brow slightly at the possessiveness in Dieter’s tone but you just lean into his side. “So how is everything going for you?” You ask Dave, wanting to keep the conversation flowing. “It’s been, what? Four years since we’ve seen each other?” As soon as the waitress comes over, you are going to need a drink. Despite your cheerful tone, this is awkward. 

“Has it really been four years? Wow. I, uh, I have been working mainly. Few dates here and there but nothing really worked out. Not since…” Dave trails off, his eyes fixed on the hand on your shoulder. “Anyway, how are you? Dating a movie star? Wow. Hollywood glamor every day I imagined?”

“Oh you know it.” You don’t roll your eyes but you turn and give Dieter an adoring look and reach up to smooth a few scraggly hairs before you look back at Dave. “But Dieter and I like to keep things private. Because the paparazzi can be brutal.” You do roll your eyes at that.

Dieter snorts, “yeah. Remember that time they nearly caught us when we were…ya know? They are difficult to avoid.” Dieter says with sympathy for himself. It wasn’t you he was nearly caught with but as an actor, he knows that the closer the story is to the truth, the more realistic it will seem.

“That was a close call.” You giggle and shake your head. “We learned that it’s not like being a teenager in the back of a car.” 

Dave squirms slightly, uncomfortable but he grunts. “Well, you spent a lot of time in the back of my car.” He reminds you with a smirk on his face.

Dieter struggles to keep the smile on his face but it’s hard. He knows he’s being childish, especially when you’ve had to deal with all of his escapades but he feels jealous about you being with Dave, experiencing your firsts with Dave.

“That was a very long time ago.” You laugh, relieved when the waitress comes over and you can order a drink. “I’ll have double vodka soda on the rocks with a twist of lime.” You tell her desperately, needing the alcohol. “Baby, what are you going to get?” You turn to coo at Dieter.

“I’ll have water.” Dieter says, surprising you. “You enjoy yourself. I can drive us back to your parents house.” Dieter offers, kissing your cheek before he settles back into his seat, his arm still around you.

Dave orders a Jack and Coke before he leans back and looks at you. “I have to admit, I was surprised when your parents told me you were dating your boss.” He confesses, making you frown slightly. 

“Why is that?” You ask, shaking your head. “I spend most of my time with Dieter.”

Dieter rubs your arm, “it’s hard to not fall in love with the woman bringing you food every day.” He jokes and Dave clicks his tongue. 

“What I mean is…I hope you didn’t feel pressured to be with him because he’s your boss. I’ve heard stories from Hollywood. You know, Harvey Weinstein and the Me Too movement. I just…I hope that’s not the case.” Dave says, offering Dieter a weird look.

“No.” That you can very adamantly shake your head over. “Dieter would never dream of forcing someone to be with him. He’s a very pro consent type of man and if he was turned down - before we got together - there was no hard feelings or attitude about.” You chuckle and look over at him. “It was more a question. ‘Do you want to have sex with me? No? Okay, cool.’ I’ve seen him strike out, but he doesn’t have to worry about that now.” You lean in and kiss his jaw.

Dieter is offended that Dave would imply that he basically forced you to be with him, but he lets it slide, not wanting to make a scene. He does, however, cup your cheek and bring your lips to his. He kisses you, deep and for a moment longer than appropriate as he shows Dave that he is with you because he wants you. “I would never force anyone to fuck me. If they want to, I will make sure they are shaking with pleasure by the end of it. She fully consented and now, I make her moan my name so loud we had the police called for noise complaints in a hotel last month.”

“Dieter.” You are embarrassed, both from the implication of the idea of noise complaints because of sex but also because of the way that you leaned into the kiss. You remind yourself that he’s an actor. He’s playing a role, it’s his job to convince people that you are really together. “Baby, don’t…” you whine softly, cheeks burning.

Dieter chuckles, “she gets embarrassed. She’s a screamer. Well, you know. Right?” He winks at you and leans back when the waitress comes over to set the drinks down. 

“Oh my God. You’re Dieter Bravo!” She squeals and Dieter smiles politely. 

“Yes, hi. How are you?” She practically faints and asks him to sign her order book. He obliges, asking her name, and hands her back the pen before she thanks him profusely and rushes off.

“Wow.” Dave frowns slightly, his eyes flicking over to you and he arches a brow. “How do you deal with your jealousy with women coming up to him all the time?” He asks you before he looks over at Dieter. “She was always so jealous anytime I talked to someone else.” 

You huff and roll your eyes, annoyed that this seems to be some kind of test. “I’ve grown up, Dave. I’m secure in myself and my relationship.”

Dieter picks up the vibe and smiles at you, “oh she has her fun too.” He implies with a wink, wanting Dave to feel like he’s missing out. 

Dave wrinkles his nose, “you get involved in those Hollywood orgies?” He asks in shock and Dieter responds before you can, “oh that’s the best part of being in Hollywood. Orgasms for everyone.”

“Dieter!” You hiss, smacking his thigh under the table. You can’t believe that he just said that to Dave. 

“And you don’t get jealous?” Dave asks him seriously, ignoring your embarrassment. “I wouldn’t want to share her if it was me.”

Dieter smirks, enjoying how uncomfortable Dave is. “I know she’s mine. She sleeps beside me, wakes up beside me. If someone else happens to make her cum, I enjoy watching her get pleasure. That’s true love. Having boundaries within your relationship, trust, and knowing that at the end of the day, you’ll only be in bed with one another. I am not a jealous man.” He lies there, knowing he’s already jealous of Dave.

Dave stares at him for a moment before he looks back over at you, trying to determine if you believed all that crap. You school your expression into one of complete bliss and curl into Dieter’s side. “So yeah, not much going on with us.” You joke, thankful to see the waitress coming with your drinks.

Dieter thanks the waitress and you all order your food, making Dieter grateful that this bullshit will be over once you’ve eaten. He isn’t interested in a pissing match with Dave. He highly doubts that you’d get back with a small town ex but Dieter can’t deny he’s worried that you’ll leave him. He knows he’d never find an assistant like you. He wouldn’t be able to replace you if you decided to get back with Dave and move back here.

“You know…..” Dave taps the table and looks over at you with a soft expression. “Everyone misses you.” He tells you. “Every time I run into our old friends they ask about you. You know Steve and Rachel? They got engaged last week, going to be planning a wedding soon. You always used to say you wanted to plan weddings.”

Dieter knows how good you are at planning, you fucking plan his entire life, and he wonders if that’s your true dream. “Is that what you wanted to do?” Dieter asks softly, wanting to know more about you, to understand you more. To help his role…of course.

“At one time.” You admit, shrugging your shoulders carelessly. “I like the details and I’m pretty good under pressure.” You shoot him a small smirk, thinking about all the times that Dieter is demanding the impossible and you come through for him. “Most people want their wedding day to be one of the happiest of their lives. I thought it would be pretty awesome to help foster that. But then I learned that wedding planning is a cut throat business.”

“So is Hollywood.” Dave retorts, “you’d be good at wedding planning. You always had such a good eye. You should reconsider it instead of running around after actors.” Dave glances at Dieter who shifts in his seat. “Do you enjoy being a runaround for him?” Dave asks you.

“Dave.” You huff, frowning at him. “That’s rude.” 

Dave shakes his head. “Seriously, answer the question. Do you enjoy it?” 

You blow out a breath and look over at Dieter. “Every job has good and bad moments, but you tell me that I could travel to Croatia or Japan to visit locations while Dieter is shooting a movie as a wedding planner here. Tell me I would have to replace my passport because my pages are full.”

Dave stares at you, trying to process that but he knows he could never give you that. “Don’t you want a family? To settle down? Get married?” Dave asks, feeling himself get a little desperate. It’s always been you for him. He hasn’t moved on. He’s tried dating but always failed when they couldn’t compare to you. He’s been praying you’d come home so he could see you but he never imagined you’d be with Dieter.

“One day.” You shrug because you would love to have a future with someone. Unlikely because of that same lifestyle that you had just defended. No one wanted to put up with being on call for Dieter 24/7, so you didn’t try to find love. “It doesn’t have to be right away. Or ever really.”

Dieter bites his lip, feeling guilty that you’ve seemingly put your life on hold for him. “Ever?” Dieter asks before Dave can. 

“Surely you want to have your own family? It’s all you talked about when we were kids.” Dave frowns, crossing his arms.

“I was also a child.” You remind him. “If I decide to have kids, I’ll have them. They are a lot of work and I don’t know if I want them anymore.” Taking care of Dieter is like having a large kid and you don’t know if you would want to do it for real. Probably would change your mind when you find someone you want to be with, but it’s not even on the table right now. “Ideas for how your life should go change.”

Dave shakes his head, "you've changed. Hollywood has changed you. You are - you're different." He observes and Dieter gets protective, reaching out to take your hand in his. 

"She's grown up." Dieter defends you, "she isn't a teenager anymore. She's all woman and she knows what she wants. I support her, no matter what she decides to do."

“Thank you, baby.” You squeeze Dieter’s hand, thankful that he had said the perfect words. Ones that you didn’t know you needed to hear from someone, although it’s surprising it came from him. Too many people constantly ask about their perfect vision for your life. You turn and press a small kiss to his lips. “I love that you support me.”

Dieter blushes a little at the small kiss you give him, unnecessary to sell the act, and he finds his heart thumping at the soft smile you offer him when you pull back. He squeezes your hand back, "always. I'll always support you." He means that, even if you decide to quit working for him, he'd still make sure you are okay.

The food finally comes and the conversation turns towards Dave. Listening to him talk about himself, and his plans for the future with veiled hints that he wants you to be a part of that, you can’t help but be glad Dieter is here beside you. You had broken up in college for a reason, you didn’t want someone planning out your entire life and you have to appreciate how much things change daily with your boss.

“So I think it would be nice if we could have lunch or dinner with just the two of us sometime. You know, to catch up properly.” Dave says brazenly after you’ve finished eating your meal that was filled with banal small talk about holiday plans and the new year. Dieter clenches his jaw, trying to not react because he knows that’s what Dave wants. For him to appear insecure in your relationship, even if it is fake, he doesn’t need to know that.

“I don’t think that’s appropriate.” You shake your head and frown slightly. “It would be rude to leave Dieter with my parents and to go out with you alone.” You are disappointed in the idea, knowing that he is fully aware of how rude he is being.

Dieter frowns at the cockiness that Dave exudes when it comes to you. It’s very controlling and possessive and he hates it. No wonder you broke up with this douche. “Besides, if she has any free time during this trip, it will be dedicated to us sneaking around her parents house while I make her cum as many times as possible.” Dieter says smugly and unashamed.

Your cheeks burn and you bite your lip, wishing for a moment that he actually meant that. It’s been a long time since you’ve cum from anything other than your own fingers or a toy. Dave shakes his head, leaning back slightly. “I still don’t believe this. You and Dieter Bravo.” 

You chuckle. “Yep. Who woulda guessed?”

Dave narrows his eyes, looking between you. "Something isn't right here and I am gonna find out what it is. You - you are a movie star. Oscar winner. What the hell would you see in her when you work with beautiful models and actresses?" Dave gestures to you and Dieter clenches his jaw. 

"What do I see in her? She's beautiful. Inside and out. The people I work with, they don't have souls. They only care about their looks, their status. This one...she sees the real me. She knows my good and my bad. She's seen me at my worst and she's still here. Most of those Hollywood actors would ditch me in a second if they had a sniff of a mental breakdown. She's been here through thick and thin and I never want to lose her. She is incredible. She is smart and she deserves the world. You, however, do not deserve her. I don't deserve her, but as long as she is happy, I will thank my stars every day that I am the lucky son of a bitch she chooses to be beside every day." Dieter finishes by looking at you, hoping you realize he means every word. He would be lost without you.

You swallow, moved at the way he made you believe what he just said. If this wasn’t a farce, you would be jumping into his arms to kiss him passionately. Instead, you turn back to Dave. “Wow, I can’t believe you just said that.” You huff, motioning to Dieter. “I’m apparently not pretty enough or good enough to be with someone like Dieter. Thanks.” You poke Dieter again. “Let’s go. I think this is enough ‘catching up’ for this visit.”

"Wait. No - I - I didn't mean it like that." Dave stammers as you and Dieter stand up. He stands up quickly, reaching for you, and Dieter wastes no time grabbing his hand to stop him. 

"If you touch her, I will have no choice but to put you on your ass in this restaurant. I had martial arts training for a movie, I know my shit." He threatens and Dave jerks his wrist from Dieter's grip. 

"Fuck you, Bravo. She's gonna see you for what you are...a user. You just use her from what her parents have said and I know she will leave you and when she does, she will come back here and be with me." Dave sounds so sure of himself, Dieter can't help but lash out. 

Growling, he jerks his arm back and smashes his fist into Dave's jaw, making him stumble and everyone in the restaurant gasps, some already have their phones out recording but Dieter doesn't give a shit. "She will never be with you." Dieter vows, shaking his wrist out and he grabs your hand with his free hand. "Dinner's on you, Dave." Dieter spits sarcastically and guides you out of the restaurant. "Ow. Ow. Ow. Shit." He whines, shaking his bruised knuckles as the facade drops.

“Oh my god!” You whirl around and grab Dieter’s hand. It was unbelievably hot to have him defend you like that, even if it was a little unwarranted. Still, you can help the way you had clenched and you want to just get down on your knees and suck his cock to make him forget about his hand hurting. “I can’t believe you did that!” You gasp out, shaking your head and brushing your thumb over the back of his red knuckles.

“Me neither.” Dieter winces. “I don’t know what came over me. I just - I couldn’t stand for him to talk about you like that. You deserve better than him. You deserve everything you’ve ever wanted and I know I’m an asshole who clearly makes your life a living hell but I do care about you. You deserve better than that asshole.” He tells you, looking into your eyes and the moon is high in the sky, making you appear ethereal.

“Thank you.” You whisper, wanting to lean in and kiss him but that’s not possible. He’s your boss and he’s only doing this because he didn’t want to be alone on Thanksgiving. Not because he loves you. “Let’s go back to the house and we’ll put a bag of frozen peas on your hand.” You offer, giving him a smile.

Dieter smiles, letting you guide him back to the car and you are quiet on the drive back to your parents’ house. It’s been an eventful day and Dieter is ready for bed. The fact that he’s sharing a bed with you is irrelevant. Totally irrelevant. He walks into your childhood home and your parents’ are still awake, watching tv. The tree is up but no decorations on it yet. “Oh hi honey. How was dinner? How was Dave?” Your mom asks eagerly.

You scoff slightly, shaking your head. “Dave was….insulting.” You tell your parents shortly. “Dieter ended up punching him and then we walked out.”

“What?” Your dad is shocked alongside your mom. “He what -? He punched Dave? Why the hell - why would you do that?” Your dad demands of Dieter who stands tall. 

“He was rude towards your daughter. He basically wanted her to move back here to marry him and have his kids. She said she wanted more than that and Dave decided to get nasty so I defended the woman I love.” Dieter states it so simply, it cannot be refuted.

You dad obviously doesn’t believe a word Dieter says and looks over to you to confirm it. “He’s right. Dave said that he couldn’t believe that we were together because he could have supermodels, why would he choose me. Insinuating that I’m not good enough.”

Dieter wraps his arm around your waist, “she is good enough. I work with lots of beautiful people but your daughter is beautiful inside and out.” 

Dieter squeezes your hip and your mom coos, “oh sweet pea. You’ve found a good one there. I’ll have to talk to Dave’s mother about what he said. It’s not acceptable.”

“Don’t worry about it mom.” Dave’s parents and your own have been friends for years. You don’t want to strain their relationship because of this. “I’m going to take Dieter to ice down his hand.”

Your parents don't say anything as you guide Dieter into the kitchen to find a bag of peas for his knuckles. He sits down at the kitchen table, watching you move around the kitchen and he admires your figure, noticing your ass. and his cock twitches in the pants you bought him. "I'm fine." He promises, hissing when you place the bag on his sore knuckles.

“I know, but I don’t want your hand to hurt anymore.” You murmur softly, reaching up and brushing his hair back. “Thank you for that again. I don’t know why he would say things like that.” You shake your head, disappointed in your former friend and lover.

Dieter leans into your touch, wishing you would run your fingers through his hair again. He sighs, "I am sorry if I - if I overstepped. I shouldn't have hit him but I just get annoyed by small minded assholes who refuse to accept others. Your life is yours, even if I kinda control it right now. It is your life and you should be able to choose what you want and who you want. He doesn't get to dictate that. Neither do I."

“If there’s one thing I can count on, it’s that you aren’t going to do things by half.” You smirk down at him and pat his cheek affectionately and step back to move towards the fridge. “Do you want something to drink?”

Dieter nods, “please baby.” It slips out without him even realizing it but he likes the way it sounds when he talks about you. He knows you don’t want him like that but you are starting to grow on him. He’s certain that he likes you as more than just his assistant. Seeing this side of you in your hometown is making his stomach twist.

You tell yourself that Dieter is just staying in character, you’ve seen him do it before. It would be easier to just act like a couple all the time so there aren’t any slip ups. “Of course.” You hum as you pull out some lemonade your mom has on hand. “Do you want some vodka in it?” You ask after you pour the glass.

Dieter offers you a wicked smirk, "is that sensible? Will your parents be mad if we drink?" He doesn't really know what protocol is for this situation and he guesses drinking booze isn't looked upon kindly when you are meeting your 'girlfriend''s parents.

“As long as we don’t get blitzed, my parents are okay. We normally have wine at dinner and there will be a couple of cases of beer at Thanksgiving.” You wink at him before you move over to your parents liquor cabinet. “Ta daaaah!”

He stands up, setting the cold peas down on the table, and he stands behind you to eye up the bottles. “Damn. Your parents have a supply. Do you have tequila in there?” He asks, his hand resting on your waist. He

“My dad loves tequila.” You reach into the cabinet and pull out a bottle of Don Julio. “Do you want this instead of vodka?” You shiver slightly, feeling his finger on your bare skin where your shirt had ridden up. You have to remind yourself to breath, feeling him so close behind you,

You lean back against him a little and he fucking loves it. He rests his chin on your shoulder as your dad enters the kitchen to grab his own drink. “Instead of vodka please baby.” He tells you, kissing your neck while your dad is in the room.

Closing your eyes, you pretend for a moment that he is kissing you because he wants to. Tilting your head to allow him better access as you uncork the Don. “Of course.” You hum, pouring a generous amount into the lemonade. “You’ll sleep good tonight.”

Dieter kisses your neck one last time, breathing you in, and your dad clears his throat before he makes his way out of the kitchen. “He’s gonna be like that every time I touch you, isn’t he?” Dieter chuckles, taking the drink from your hand.

“He is my dad.” You grin at him, “imagine having a little girl yourself and having some man kissing all over her when she’s grown up but she’s still your baby in your eyes.” The idea of Dieter with a baby is laughable, although you think he would be a fun parent. He would love them unconditionally and let them be themselves and teach them not to apologize for it. Once the diaper phase passed. You can’t see Dieter Bravo changing a diaper.

Dieter hums, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “True. I kinda get it. Jesus, can you imagine me with a kid?” He snorts, not realizing that you are thinking about just that. He imagines a baby with you, for one brief second, and he knows you’d be an amazing mother. “I know it’s your choice and you get to decide but you’d be an amazing mom. Hell, you put up with my shit.”

You chuckle and raise your brow at him playfully. “Why do you think I don’t have to have kids?” You tease. “I have my own giant man-child I take care of every day.” You wrinkle your nose at him and do the very mature thing - sticking your tongue out at him. “Although you’d be great as a father when they are potty trained.”

Dieter is taken back by your confidence in him being a good dad. He has never really imagined himself being capable. He’s too…Hollywood. He’s flighty at best. Irresponsible. “You think so?” He offers you a shocked look, unsure of why you’d think that.

“Of course.” You shrug. “You aren’t one that would try to fit your kid into a box. You’d let them figure out who they are.” You giggle slightly. “You would just need someone to be the disciplinarian while you’re the cool dad.”

Dieter grins, “someone like you.” He doesn’t realize what he said until he turns around to grab the bag of peas for his hand, flexing his sore knuckles but when it settles on him, he just smiles, turning to see your reaction. “Not that we would ever have a kid. You would never actually be with me.” He snorts, trying to hide the fact that that hurts him a little.

You sigh softly, seeing the flash of hurt that he can’t hide ride over his face before he takes on that ‘careless’ grin of his. “You wouldn’t want to be with me.” You counter. “I’d want you to be sober and not fuck anything that walks.” You remind him. “Despite what you told Dave, I’m not into orgies.”

Dieter bites his lip, “that doesn’t sound too bad. Just one person? Someone to share life with. Someone who wants to be with you even when the shimmer of fame and money has worn off. When the looks are gone and you’re old and wrinkly but they still look at you the same? Someone who knows you intimately and not just from your magazine covers. It’s - it doesn’t sound like a bad thing. The drugs keep me sane in a world that drains me for what I can give it. I’ve - no one has ever asked me what I wanted, only what I can give.”

You bite your lip, feeling the overwhelming urge to hug him. So you do. You take the two paces between you and close them, pulling him into a hug. “It’s because you take what you want.” You joke, wanting him to feel better and not be sad. “You’re Dieter Bravo, and you do what you want, when you want.”

Dieter’s hands hover for a second until he returns the hug, leaning in to bury his face in your neck. He just allows himself this moment to be vulnerable. He trusts you implicitly and he knows you will never tell a soul what he tells you…the NDA you signed backs that up, but he knows you won’t say anything. “Not all the time. Like right now…I want to kiss you, but I know that’s wrong. It would - I don’t want to lose you as my assistant, or from my life.”

Your stomach flips with butterflies and you can’t help but lean into his embrace more. “Of course you want to kiss your ‘girlfriend’.” You murmur. “That’s okay. I’m not going to hold this week against you.”

Dieter leans back to look at you, his dark eyes meeting yours to see any hesitancy in your gaze, and when he finds none, he slowly leans forward. The kiss is soft, unlike anything he’s experienced in recent times, and he kisses you just to kiss you. For nothing more than to feel your lips against his. His kiss is gentle, unhurried, and he tilts your head so he can deepen it just enough to make you breathless.

It’s a fucking sin this man doesn’t just kiss everyone. You don’t hesitate to slip your arms around his neck and let him slowly deepen it. It’s everything you’ve always dreamed about a kiss and it’s almost like the ending love scene in a romance. Except it’s your boss and this isn’t real life. You pull back gently and smile at him, slightly breathless. “Better now?” You ask, wanting to know what he thought.

Dieter still has his eyes closed when you pull back, his heart pounding in his chest and this stupid feeling warms him but he doesn’t know what it is. When his eyes open and he finds you watching him, he can’t stop the silly smile on his face. “Much better.” He offers softly, staring at you. After a moment, he clears his throat and picks up his drink. He’s not sure how he’s gonna survive a week without wanting to constantly kiss you. “I, uh, wouldn’t mind having a shower. Can I - I'm gonna head upstairs.”

“Okay.” You feel a bit off kilter and some space from Dieter would be a good thing. “It’s the door right next to my-uh, our room.” You don’t know how you are going to sleep next to him for a week. “Towels are right there in the closet.” You need to make yourself a drink and calm down.

He nods and doesn’t look back as he heads upstairs, knowing that it’s gonna be difficult to act like you don’t affect him. He’s hard, painfully so, and he rushes to get into the shower so he can get some relief. Until he remembers his bruised knuckles and groans, working his cock with his left hand but it just isn’t the same. He thinks about you, thinks about him fucking you on your parents’ kitchen table, making you cum and moan his name. He’s soon spilling his cum and he washes it off of the wall. After wrapping a towel around his waist, he realizes he didn’t grab his boxers, so he sneaks into your room, hoping your parents aren’t around.

It’s been a long day, you hadn’t wanted to play twenty questions with your parents over why Dave had acted like an asshole, so you had decided to wait for the shower in your bedroom. Wanting to clean up after a flight and the disastrous dinner with Dave before you went to bed. So when Dieter walks into the bedroom, you look over. You’ve seen Dieter naked, many times. You don’t work for a man like him and not see him naked. But there is something about him still wet from his shower and in nothing but a towel that has you oddly flustered. “Oh- I was, uh, waiting for you to take a shower so I could.” You rush out, looking over at the posters so you don’t drool over his chest.

Dieter notices the flustered look on your face and he bites his lip to smother his chuckle. Deciding to tease, he grabs his boxers from his suitcase and drops the towel, displaying his ass to your face and he pulls his boxers on. “Shower is all yours.” He tells you, turning around to see you staring, making him smirk.

He’s your boss. You have to remind yourself of that several times as you gather your own clothes and your travel toiletry bag so you can wash the makeup off and brush your teeth. His ass is cute, in a tiny way but you’ve never minded that. You remind yourself that you’ve seen him in plenty of situations, even walking in on him fucking before. Just because he had punched your ex and talked about being a one partner kind of man didn’t mean Dieter wouldn’t get bored, or want that person to be you.

When you walk back into the bedroom, dressed in your pajamas, Dieter has to bring his knees up under the covers of your bed. They aren’t even silk but your legs on display have him hardening and he knows it’s because it’s you. He’s convinced you could be wearing a potato sack right now and he’d be hard for you. Seeing you in this environment has brought about a different perspective for Dieter. He wants you, he knows that, but he can’t have you when you are instrumental to his daily life.

You never wear sexy things to bed but you are glad of that now. The shorts and t-shirt are nothing fancy but they cover you since you are expected to share a bed with Dieter. “Nice to see you making yourself comfortable.” You tease, seeing him on the side of the bed you normally sleep on. “I take it you’re ready for bed? Have you taken your sleeping pill already?”

Dieter nods, taking off his glasses, and he shifts to lay down in the bed. He took his sleeping pill but he doesn’t really want to go to sleep just yet. He wants to keep talking to you. “You liked Backstreet Boys, huh?” He teases, looking at the posters on your wall before you turn the bedside lamp off on your side.

“Yes. I used to think that I was going to go to their concert and meet AJ and we were going to fall in love and get married.” You laugh at yourself, the painful crush of youth now something that is just a fond memory. “Be serenaded at shows. I actually bought tickets last year for one of their concerts.”

Did you go?" Dieter asks, shifting onto his side to face you. 

You bite your lip, hesitant to answer at first. "No. I didn't because, uh, you needed me to get your meds and food because you were in bed sick." You reveal, remembering the exact day because Dieter had a meltdown when you told him you had the evening off. 

Dieter frowns, trying to remember that night but then it hits him. He threatened to fire you if you didn't bring him what he wanted. Lost in the haze of drugs and the flu. "Shit. I, uh, I'm sorry baby." That name slips out again, the guilt already eating at him.

“It’s fine.” You shrug like it is no big deal, but it had been the last time you had tried to plan anything on your day off. It wasn’t fair for you to get your hopes up and then stand up the few friends you have. “I let my friends have the tickets so someone could enjoy them.”

Dieter is quiet for several moments. He has already decided he’s gonna make it up to you. He has contacts, perks of his career, so he can surprise you. Maybe he will see if he can pull off a small concert or a meeting. Something for you. “I really am sorry.” He reaches for you, pulling you into his arms so he can hug you. “I realize now that I’ve taken advantage of you and I am going to make it up to you. I couldn’t survive without you.”

The fact that Dieter would say that is surprising and you return his hug easily. Slightly more intimate because you are laying next to one another in a bed, but that is something he has to be used to. “I know.” You joke, grinning against his neck and rubbing his back gently. “You would lose your crocs and cry if I didn’t know your habits.”

Dieter just breathes you in, enjoying the closeness that doesn’t involve sex. It’s been so long since someone just cuddled him without anything else. He sighs your name, nuzzling his nose into your hair, and he closes his eyes. The sleeping pills kick in within about five minutes and he snores, his arms still around you.

You snort softly to yourself. Taking the opportunity to press a kiss to his jaw. Dieter hums and pulls you closer in his sleep and you grin. Closing your eyes, you tuck your head under his chin and get comfortable. Dieter Bravo often sleeps with a hugging pillow and it seems like that pillow is you tonight.

Dieter grunts as he dreams, imagining himself buried deep inside of you, making you moan his name. It’s a dream he’s never had before but right now, he’s hard in his sleep. Grinding against your hip, his cock digs into your flesh as he imagines being buried deep inside of your cunt. “Fuck” escapes his lips and he pants, seeking his high in his dream after watching you cum and moan his name.

You wake up very quickly, feeling his cock against you and it’s tempting to lay there for a moment and let him rut against you in your sleep. But it wouldn’t be right. Not when he is not even awake. Instead of trying to wake him up, you try to ease out of his arms, save him the embarrassment of knowing he was grinding against you in his sleep.

Dieter whines when you pull away from him, his hips thrusting against thin air where you once were and he whines your name. He was so close to cumming, literally one or two more thrusts, but you've disappeared in his dream and his cock aches but he doesn't wake up. Instead, he settles down again, another snore escaping his lips.

Your eyes widen when you hear your name, wondering if he was imagining you. Cunt clenching at the idea, because you had felt how large he was against your hip. Imagining how he would feel inside you. Shuffling off to the side, you press your thighs together and decide you need to shower so you can touch yourself.

When you get out of bed, Dieter wakes up, feeling the loss of your body warmth. When he hears the shower turn on, he slumps against his pillow, his cock aching. Figuring he has some time, he reaches into his boxers, pushing the sheets back so he can wrap his fingers around his cock. Groaning in relief, he starts to pump himself while thinking of you.

As soon as the water was warm enough to step into, you lean against the shower wall and slide your fingers through your folds. You moan softly and bite your lip so no one will hear you, even though the shower is running. Closing your eyes, you imagine Dieter touching you. Actually touching you like it was something both of you wanted, we’re desperate for.

Dieter grunts, biting his lip as he works his cock with his palm. Letting go for a second, he spits into his hand, groaning at the added wetness and he imagines you sinking down onto his cock, those beautiful eyes on him. Shit, he is so close. He glances around, trying to find a tissue or something, but he hisses, jerking himself a little harder until he groans softly.

In your own little fantasy, Dieter is on his knees for you, his tongue buried in your pussy while he begs you to cum so he can fuck you. Whining when your foot presses down on his cock, he grabs your hips and eats you like a man starved. “Oh fuck.” You whimper, feeling the coil in your belly tighten until your orgasm explodes in your veins, making you gasp out as your thighs shake.

Dieter hisses as his cock twitches, his cum painting his stomach and he pants out your name, eyes clenched shut as he imagines burying his cock deep inside of you, filling you up. It’s intoxicating to imagine but impossible and he hates that. He can’t ruin your working relationship. He grabs his t-shirt from the floor, wiping his cum from his skin, sleep threatening to overwhelm him again.

It’s probably wasteful to only shower so you can masturbate, but you clean up and get out. Hoping that you can go back to sleep for a little longer. Dieter is here and won’t be calling you at all hours so you want to take advantage of it.

When you come back into the room, Dieter has his shirt bunched up on the floor, and he is asleep again. His snores echo in the room and he wanted to fall asleep with you in his arms again but orgasms always knock him out. It’s part of why he loves sex so much. Amazing sleep.

You snicker to yourself, sniffing slightly and eyeing him for a moment before you crawl back into the bed. You thought you caught a whiff of something but dismissed it as your guilt conscious. Laying back down beside him and closing your eyes, smiling to yourself as Dieter drools slightly.

**** 

The noises from downstairs make Dieter groan, his head pounding a little, but fuck, that was the best sleep he has had for a long time. He realizes he is pressed against you, his hard cock pressed against your ass and he feels like a fucking teenager. He hasn't been this constantly hard around a woman since he was seventeen and horny for his housekeeper.

You groan quietly, stretching and pushing back against Dieter behind you. He’s warm, making you hum and snuggle back in that sleepy state where you are half awake. “Morning.” You mumble. “Sleep good?” You had surprisingly gone back to sleep and had the best rest in that extra two hours after your shower. You can feel that he’s hard again against your ass, but it doesn’t make you move away.

Dieter grunts, his hand on your waist squeezes a little tighter and he forgets for a moment that this isn’t real so he leans in to press a kiss on the back of your neck. “Slept really fucking good. You?” His voice is raspy from sleep, his mind still hazy and his cock still hard.

“Me too.” You hum, enjoying the tenderness even though there is no one to witness it. It makes you feel special and you can see why people are so upset when Dieter drops them.

Dieter kisses your neck again, still lost in the haze and he shifts to settle between your legs, resting his weight on his elbows as he kisses along the exposed skin of your chest up to your neck. You tilt your head when he kisses along your jaw and he presses his lips to yours. When you gasp, allowing his tongue to dip into your mouth. After a moment, his senses return and he realizes he is going too far, and he is going to ruin everything. He pulls back, scrambling to get off of you and he rushes out of your room with a “I’m so sorry” and he hides in the bathroom.

You frown, sitting up and staring at the door for a moment. Dieter never flees from intimacy, he seeks it out. It’s just another point to prove to you that he doesn’t want you. Dave’s words echo in your head and you wonder if he might not be right. If you aren’t good enough for him. Sighing softly, you climb out of the bed and open your bag to start getting dressed. It doesn’t matter, this is all just a show for your parents. 

Dieter locks the door, his heart pounding, and he stares at himself in the mirror. “What the fuck are you doing? You’re gonna lose her if you fuck up again.” He mutters, shaking his head. His hair is sticking up everywhere and his cock is still hard. You felt so good beneath him, you felt like everything he ever wanted and it’s killing him because he can’t have you. This isn’t real. You just want to fool your parents.

You dress and wonder how long Dieter will be in the bathroom. You don’t want him to be upset. You know this is a role for him. Instead of knocking, you set the clothes out for him and go downstairs to get some coffee.

When Dieter comes downstairs after getting dressed, he sees you at the kitchen table with your mom, and he feels awkward. He wanted to kiss you this morning without your parents around. He swallows harshly and leans down to kiss your forehead. “Morning baby.” He smiles at your mom, “morning mama.” He winks playfully at her, deciding to revert to his tried and true acting skills.

You grin when your mother flusters and flaps her hand at Dieter. He’s already won her over, and you know that will go a long way to winning your dad over. “Morning baby.” You get up to make Dieter a cup of coffee the way he normally takes it.

Dieter sits down, watching you as you get him a cup of coffee and he decides he's gonna take you out for lunch. Let you show him your hometown. He wants to see everything. "Thank you." Dieter kisses your cheek when you set the cup down and sit beside him. 

"Oh you two are adorable. I am sure there will be wedding bells soon." Your mom winks at Dieter who chuckles, "you never know."

“Mom.” You roll your eyes and shake your head. “Dieter doesn’t want to get married.” You had heard him rant about that ad nauseam when he was high. “He’s got to make sure to protect himself and marriage is actually a bad idea for someone who has as much as he does.”

Dieter frowns, “I, uh, well, that’s not strictly true. I could get a prenup and I was married once before.” He reminds you, shuddering a little at how much that shit cost him. “The next time I get married, I want it to be for love. No prenup. No big ceremony. Just focusing on the emotions.” He reveals one of his deepest desires.

“Dieter….” You frown at him, shaking your head. “No matter who you marry, you need to get a prenup.” You insist. “You have worked extremely hard for what you have, I want you to promise me that.”

Dieter reaches for your hand, “I promise.” He knows better than to argue with you and he leans closer to kiss your forehead. “Baby, I promise you we will sign a prenup.” He smiles, albeit a little sadly since it won’t be you at the end of the aisle. Shit, that was a thought he hasn’t had before. For a brief moment, he imagines marrying you. It would be easy to marry you. You know all of his bad habits, you know him inside and out and yet you haven’t abandoned him like anyone else. 

“Oh. You two are adorable.” Your mom coos, reaching out to rub your back. 

“I, uh, I want you to show me around your town. Then I want to get lunch.” Dieter says after you clear your throat.

You bite your lip, knowing Dieter probably wants to get away from your parents so he can get high. It’s been a day and for him that’s normally as long as he lasts before he has to take something to take the edge off. “That sounds good. Mom?” You turn towards your mother. “Do you need us to pick up anything while we are out? Last minute things before the store gets crazy?”

“Maybe you could get butter? I’m running low and I might need some for the turkey.” Your mom says and you nod. Dieter sips his coffee, ready to be alone with you again. He feels pressure around your parents and he wants to just be with you without the pressure.

“Of course.” You turn to Dieter. “I’ll go brush my teeth and everything and then I’ll be ready.” One thing you love about coming home is not wearing makeup for a few days. Not feeling like you have to look a certain way. It’s nice.

Dieter smiles at your mom, finishing off his coffee, and your mom leans closer to him. "So...are you planning to propose soon? You look like you are both so in love and I love seeing my baby girl happy." Dieter bites his lip, hating to lie for once in his life. Your mother is a kind woman and he knows he has to act his ass off. "Soon. I, uh, I've been seriously thinking about it." He reveals to her, making her beam.

“I think that’s wonderful.” Your mother hums happily. “You know, she’s loved being with you. Since she’s started working for you. She had a huge crush on you for years, so this is like a dream for her.” She reveals, recalling how you had gushed over his work when you were younger and moving out to L.A. When you had gotten your job working for Dieter, you had been ecstatic.

Dieter is surprised to hear that you had a crush on him. He always thought that you bitched about him any chance you could get so to hear you talking positively about your work, his heart is pounding in his chest. Dieter opens his mouth but before he can respond, you enter the kitchen with your purse and coat. "Ready baby?" You ask and he stands up. Your mom winks at him and Dieter offers her a grin as he grabs his own coat from your arms, gathering his boots from the mudroom.

“So where do you want to go first?” You ask after the two of you are out of the house and in your rental car. There wasn’t much to really do but you are willing to show him whatever he wants. “I can take you to my favorite hangout spot when I was a teenager.” You offer.

“I’m up for anything baby. You show me where you used to go. I just - I want to see what your life was like growing up here. I’ve never experienced a small town so I want to know everything, see everything. Even if it’s the library.” Dieter tells you, watching as you drive the rental car. He admires your profile, thinking you look so beautiful without makeup. Natural and gorgeous.

You grin, looking over at him before you turn on your blinker to take him over to your favorite little spot out in the park. It’s shaded, a perfect reading spot and it’s where you used to just get away. “This was always my happy place.” You tell him as you park the car.

Dieter looks around, already grabbing the door handle, and he is out before you can stop him. He stands on your favorite spot, closing his eyes, and he just enjoys the breeze, the silence. He fucking loves it. No wonder you loved being here. "It's beautiful." He says, opening his eyes to look at you when you appear beside him.

He looks relaxed. Even more so than he does when he’s blitzed out of his mind. It makes you smile, reaching for his hand and tugging him over to the spot you normally spread a blanket out. You had picked up one out of the mud room and grinned when you pulled it out of the oversized bag you always carry. “I always imagined dates out here.” You tell him. “Picnics and reading. Simple and intimate.”

"One day...when you actually find a man who deserves you." Dieter says, looking at you, and he offers you a soft smile. "This place...gives me a sense of calm. I don't even want to get high." He confesses, biting his lip as he watches you enjoy your spot. "I hope your parents like me."

“You’ve won over my mom.” You lean back and close your eyes with a smile on your face. “She always wanted to meet you, not because you are famous, but because I was ‘with’ you.”

“Your dad is another subject.” He guesses with a sigh, making you nod. “I’m trying. I don’t - I haven’t really had a lot of experience dealing with ‘in laws’ so I guess I gotta pull out the big shots to impress him later. Maybe I can get someone on the phone. Any actors he is a fan of?” Dieter asks, wanting to impress your dad.

“To be honest, I don’t know if he has any.” You joke, shrugging your shoulders. “He’s dad. He just wants to make sure that I’m okay.” You promise him. “He’s a little more difficult because I’m his little girl.”

Dieter nods, although he doesn’t quite understand that mentality. “Christ, look at us. I think we’ve acted so well during this that we almost think we are a real couple.” Dieter chuckles softly, even though his mind goes back to last night when he woke up and jerked off thinking of you.

You snort. “Because you are a damn good actor.” You praise him. “I think hitting Dave really sold it.” You smirk to yourself, mad at the other man more now than you had been at the time. “Just don’t let mom’s comments bother you. She thinks everyone should be married.”

“Dave’s a dick.” Dieter scoffs, looking down at his bruised knuckles that don’t hurt anymore unless he flexes his hand. “As for your mom, she just wants you to be happy. I wish my parents loved me like that.” He sighs, “they just wanted what I could give them.” He looks at you, noticing the leaf that’s fallen onto your jacket and he reaches out to remove it.

Humming, you crack an eye open and then close it again, completely trusting him. “Dieter, you are so much more than what you can give someone or your performances.” You promise him softly. “One day you’re going to find someone you want to be with and they are going to love you, not because you’re Dieter Bravo, but because under the drugs and bullshit, you are wonderful.”

Dieter chuckles, cupping your cheek. “You are just saying that. I know I’m the biggest pain in your ass and I don’t pay you enough to deal with me. I know - I was a dick to even demand that you didn’t come home for Thanksgiving. I know now that it was wrong and you can have any time off for holidays with your family. After we tell them we are broken up.” He adds, biting his lip as his thumb rubs your cheek.

You snort and shake your head. “I’m not doing that anytime soon.” You promise him. “When I tell my parents I’m single again, it will be nothing but trying to tell me all about the nice boy she met at the grocery store or asking when I’m going to settle down.” You huff, hating how your parents think you need to be with someone to be happy.

“Is that what you want? To settle down? Find a husband and have kids?” Dieter asks seriously, wondering if that’s what you are looking for. Or if it’s something only your parents want for you. He lowers his hand to rest on the blanket, shifting a little closer to you.

“Maybe.” You sigh softly and shrug slightly. “I can’t see anyone being cool with my work schedule.” You admit quietly. “And I don’t want to stop working for you. You drive me crazy sometimes.” You open your eyes just to roll them at Dieter playfully. “But I’ve also done things I would have never done because of you and I’m not giving that up.”

Dieter smiles at you, happy he’s given you opportunities. “One day…if you ever do find someone and you want to be free of me, I’ll let you go. I never want to hold you back…even from me.” He tells you, “I want you to have everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”

You frown slightly and shake your head. “My dreams have changed.” You remind him. “I only want kids with someone who wants to have an adventure with me. Not having the wife and kids and house as a status symbol.” You huff. “It seems like that’s all most men want if they want kids. They don’t want to actually raise them.”

Dieter nods in understanding, “I get that. I wouldn’t want kids with someone who just wants to be with me for my money or what I can provide. I want to be a good father if I ever get the chance. Be better than my parents but I know I have my own issues. I’m working on it.” He sighs and brushes his fingers through his hair.

“Yeah, you’ve cut back on the drugs since rehab.” You offer with an encouraging smile. Dieter would probably never not have some small chemical dependency, or if he does, it would be a lifetime commitment. “You just need to remember that everyone makes mistakes and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.”

God, your words make his heart flutter and he knows you believe in him which is more than he can say for most people in his life. You truly care about him, want to help him, and he can’t stop himself from surging forward to press his lips to yours.

Gasping in surprise, you don’t push him away. Maybe there’s someone nearby for him to convince that you are a couple. Instead, you just lean into the fantasy for a moment. Sliding your arm around the back of his neck and pulling him closer like it’s a scene from a romance. Moaning softly into the kiss, you can’t deny that Dieter is a fantastic kisser.

Dieter groans into the kiss, sliding his tongue into your mouth and his cock hardens in his pants. You intoxicate him more than any drug ever could. He grabs your waist, shifting to lay you down on the blanket and he presses his body on top of yours, kissing along your jaw. “Fuck baby.” He groans into your neck.

Fuck. Dieter is slowly grinding against you and you feel the way he’s hard. For a moment, you want to believe that this is real. “Ahem.” The clearing of a throat makes you jump, eyes springing open again and you see one of the local deputies looking down at you. Another person you know from high school. “Hate to interrupt, but…..”

Dieter shifts to sit up, his hair muddled from your fingers and he reaches down to adjust himself. “We were just making out.” Dieter defends himself. 

The officer sighs, “sir this is a public park and we simply cannot allow - wait…aren’t you Dieter Bravo?” The cop asks and Dieter nods, shifting to stand up and he reaches to help you stand up too. “I freaking loved you in Cliff Beasts 6.” The officer exclaims and Dieter wants to laugh because he didn’t enjoy that movie at all. The script, the making of it, the aftermath. All sucked. Plus you weren’t with him because production didn’t allow assistants on set due to Covid regulations. 

“Thanks.” Dieter offers the officer.

“What are you doing here?” His eyes finally shift over to you and he says your name. “What are you doing making out with Dieter Bravo?” He demands, almost eager for gossip. 

You glance at Dieter and look back at Pete. You think his name is Pete. “We are home for Thanksgiving.” You explain. “Just showing Dieter around town, he’s here to meet my parents.”

“My beautiful girlfriend and I are just taking a moment to ourselves.” Dieter winks at you and wraps his arm around your waist. 

Pete’s eyes widen, “you - you are dating Dieter Bravo? Wow. L.A really was the best choice for you, huh? I know Dave was depressed when you left.” 

Dieter scoffs at the name ‘Dave’.

You reach out and pat Dieter’s arm. “It’s okay.” You soothe him before you look back at Pete. “They met yesterday. Dave was….less than kind so he’s not Dieter’s favorite person.” You explain with an almost proud smirk. “Sorry, we got caught up in the moment.”

“It’s okay. Hey, uh, do you think I could get an autograph?” Pete asks Dieter who nods, “sure man.” Pete grabs his booklet and hands it to Dieter along with the pen. Dieter quickly signs it for Pete, so used to doing this it’s second nature and when he hands it back to the officer, he beams. “Thanks so much man. You kids be careful.” He jokes, winking at you before he strides off.

“Well that’s going to be talked about all over town.” You huff, slightly embarrassed at being caught making out with Dieter. “Sorry.” You know that no one in your town has the connections to make this appear in gossip rags, but you’re sure Dieter doesn’t want to be connected with you beyond your parents.

Dieter chuckles, “you and I both know I’ve had worse stories in the papers thanks to the paps. They even got me naked once so being caught making out with the most beautiful woman in town was not the worst story to be spread about me. In fact, I kinda like this one.” Dieter winks at you, reaching for your hand.

You snort, not believing his comment but you are flattered nonetheless. “Maybe we should get out of here before we are overrun with curious gawkers.” You squeeze his hand reluctantly. “I know Pete will tell everyone he sees and you’re the biggest celebrity they’ve ever had here. The last one was some college football coach.”

Dieter chuckles, “fine. Come on hot stuff. Let’s go.” He grabs the blanket, folding it up, “besides, your mom will be waiting on the butter and I can’t disappoint your mama.” He grins, wanting to please your mom.

“Very true.” You wonder how long it’s been since Dieter has run errands like picking up butter. Normally he whines when he’s out of something he likes but he just has it delivered. “We can pick up something to cook for dinner. I normally make something for my parents when I come home.”

“Okay baby. That’s okay. Let’s go.” He’s kinda excited to just go to the grocery store. He hasn’t been for years and he is intrigued to see how things have possibly changed. You’re soon in the car and driving to the store. Dieter looks out the window at your town, the Christmas lights are up and Dieter wouldn’t mind seeing them on. “Can we come back later or another time to see the lights?” He asks you.

“Actually….” You grin as you look over at him peering out the window at the lights. “Every Thanksgiving night there is a huge Christmas light ceremony.” You explain. “It will be the first night the lights are turned on, they have vendors out here with hot chocolate and Santa’s ‘sleigh’ hay rides.” You have been looking forward to it. “It’s always fun.”

“Really?” Dieter’s eyes widen. “We gotta go to that. Please, can we go?” He asks like an over eager kid, desperate to see the lights turn on. He doesn’t do that shit back in L.A. Too many people rush him and he can’t handle the fucking influencers who have taken over everything in his home town.

“I was going to ask if you wanted to.” You promise, giggling slightly at his enthusiasm. “So yes, we’ll go and I’ll even get you tickets to sit on Santa’s lap.” You tease playfully.

Dieter offers you an indulgent look, “don’t tempt me baby.” He winks and you giggle, turning into the supermarket parking lot. He is excited and his stomach twists with something he isn’t familiar with when he looks at you. It’s too easy to believe you’re together, that this is all real. “I know what I’m gonna wish for.” He tells you with a wink.

You snort, putting the car in park and turning it off. “Well, you’ve already won an Oscar. So are we talking about a drug that doesn’t pop on a test? Or a year of no paternity claims?” Since he was famous, he had plenty of women come out and try to claim that he’s the father of their children. It always stressed him out and you hated it.

Dieter chuckles, albeit a little sadly, for those situations he puts himself in. When he thinks about it, he’s not entirely sure if it’s worth it. He has everything and nothing at the same time. Seeing you with your family…he yearns for that and he supposes he shoved down those feelings for years. “No. I, uh, I would wish for a family like yours.”

“Oh my family isn’t perfect.” You promise, pulling into the small grocery store parking lot and searching for a spot. The pre-Thanksgiving bustle has started and there’s plenty of cars already crowding the lot. “They are nosy and can drive me insane.” You laugh.

“Doesn’t matter. That’s what families are supposed to do and I - I miss that. I miss just having people there who love you unconditionally. I wish I had that. You’re lucky, even if your parents annoy the shit out of you, they love you so much.”

You hate that Dieter feels like he doesn’t have anyone like that for him. You both climb out of the car and it’s almost natural to walk around the front and hold out your hand for him to take. “I promise you that you will have that when you want it.” You murmur softly. “I know it will happen, you’re too good of a man for it not to.”

Dieter squeezes your hand, “thank you baby. One day.” He watches you for a moment as you grab a shopping basket and he imagines doing this with you every Sunday, just enjoying time together. Fuck, either he’s method acting or he’s getting too deep.

“What’s something you haven’t eaten in a long time?” You ask Dieter suddenly, wanting to make a meal he looks forward to eating. Obviously he would have to pretend he eats it all the time, but something special for him. “Anything you want.”

Dieter bites his lip, “it’s, uh, something kinda simple but I haven’t had it in a long time. Not since my grandma died.” He admits, hoping you can cook it but he’s not expecting it. “She always made the most amazing fried chicken and mashed potatoes.”

“Fried chicken and mashed potatoes?” You grin happily, knowing you can easily make that for him. “Done. Do you want green beans, Brussels sprouts, creamed spinach or collard greens with it?” You ask, knowing he needs some vegetable to go with it and Dieter hates salads. You guess it’s from all the people who live off salads in Hollywood.

Dieter thinks for a moment, “green beans.” He tells you, groaning at just the idea. Despite his usually healthy diet, he hates the fucking Hollywood rule that everyone has to be thin and fit. He used to be when he first started out but weight is getting harder to lose and after winning an Oscar, he finds himself giving less of a shit. His agent can get him jobs that allow for his form because he’s not going on one of those ridiculous diets.

Nodding, you steer the cart towards the fruits and vegetables. “Don’t worry, it will be good, I promise.” You grin at his skeptic look and pick up a produce bag so you can get some fresh green beans. “I sauté the green beans with onions and some bacon. Not healthy at all.” You tease playfully.

Dieter grins, “I love the way you think, baby.” He leans in to kiss your cheek just as a blonde woman appears with her cart beside you, saying your name. Dieter immediately doesn’t like the look of her.

You want to groan, but you don’t. Instead, you force a smile on your face as you turn towards the girl who had tried her hardest to make high school miserable for you. One of the reasons you left home and broke up with Dave. “Hi.” You offer simply, knowing it will piss her off to not be introduced to Dieter or any man really.

“Are you Dieter Bravo?” She gasps, noticing who you are with and Dieter wraps his arm around your waist, making her eyes widen. “Oh wow. I did hear a rumor that you were back in town but I never imagined you’d be - you would be hosting an Oscar Winning actor.” Janine says with a seductive smile towards Dieter.

Hosting. Your smile widens slightly and you turn to run your hand up Dieter’s stomach and across his chest. “Not exactly hosting.” You purr, leaning in and kissing his jaw, right where no hair grows. You’ve always loved that little spot. “Introducing Dieter to my parents.” You turn your head and roll your eyes slightly. “You know ‘meet the parents’ and all that.”

Janine’s eyes widen but she manages to school her features into a smile that most actors would be jealous of. Dieter offers her a smile and she looks between you. “That’s…unexpected. When I heard you were heading to L.A after breaking up with Dave, I figured you’d fail and come back.” She barks out a fake laugh, and Dieter keeps his grip on you tight. “Let alone find yourself an actor boyfriend.”

“Well I didn’t go to become an actress.” Your voice is sugar sweet and your smile sharp. “I just get the perks of traveling around the world while making sure Dieter has everything he needs.”

Dieter smirks, “oh she gives me everything I need.” He winks at you, his hand sliding down to squeeze your ass and Janine chuckles softly. 

“Oh. I see. It’s just sex. Makes sense. Sex on tap since she travels with you.” 

Dieter clenches his jaw, “that is not accurate. She blows my mind in bed but she also blows my mind with how kind she is, she’s fucking smart as hell and I wouldn’t survive without her. So don’t make assumptions when you are still stuck in this small town with your…let me guess, star footballer husband who knocked you up right after high school and he’s balding and fat and you are a resentful housewife trying to get your kicks insulting others who have been successful in their life without popping out a baby at 20 and depending on a man for their livelihood.”

Your eyes widen slightly with how on point Dieter is. Reading Janice like a book and it's a personal treat to watch her face turn a mottled red as the insult strikes home. Her face twists in anger and she huffs. "At least I didn't OD for the entire world to see while begging everyone for sex on set." She sneers, smirking over towards you. "You couldn't satisfy Dave so of course you couldn't satisfy a movie star." She gives a cruel little chuckle.

“Oh sweetheart. She satisfies me enough to make me an honest man. I guess you can’t say the same for your husband. Who was it? Next door neighbor? The nanny?” Dieter snorts, “Jesus. You’re the epitome of a suburban doormat wife and yet this beautiful woman here will be returning to L.A with me where we will enjoy the finest food in this country before I eat her out on my twenty thousand dollar sofa. Make her cream before she cums again on my cock. I’m sorry your husband hasn’t fucked you in months. You must have cobwebs down there by now. Anywho. We have stuff to do. My girlfriend is cooking us dinner tonight and then later, I’m gonna have dessert.” Dieter waggles his eyebrows.

You snort and slap your hand over your mouth while Janice turns and storms off. Shaking with laughter as you turn towards a smug looking Dieter. "Just make friends wherever you go, don't you?" You ask playfully, making him roll his eyes and huff. 

"She's a bitch." He snarks, making you nod in agreement. 

"Thank you." You murmur, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "I hate her and you just made sure she won't talk to me ever again."

“You wouldn’t have to deal with these people again if it were up to me. Rude assholes. They are just jealous baby because they let this small town own them and ruin their dream. They didn’t take risks because they were shit scared but you, my brave beautiful girl, took risks and they paid off. Fuck them. Let’s go find the ice cream aisle. I wonder if they have a Christmas flavor.” He quickly moves on, grabbing your hand again to guide you down the aisle even though he’s never been here before.

You grin as you watch him walk with such confidence. He’s Dieter fucking Bravo and no one could hurt him. His armor in place and his cockiness even sexier now that you’ve had him stick up for you, protect you. “I’m sure they do.” You promise him with a wink.

**** 

Back at home, Dieter helps you with the groceries and is now watching you prepare the dinner while he sits at the kitchen table. “Are you sure you don’t want me to help?” He asks, your mom sipping on her glass of wine while she reads.

You lift a brow at him and smirk, knowing he doesn’t have a clue what to do in the kitchen. “Sure baby.” You purr and wink at him. “Why don’t you peel and chop the potatoes?” You offer as you turn to the spice cabinet to pull out the seasonings you need for the chicken.

Dieter comes to stand by you, grabbing the potato peeler, and he bites his lip as he tries to figure out how to use it. “Um…can you show me how to- uh, how to use it.” He asks, feeling a little embarrassed.

“Sure baby.” You keep your voice low so your mom doesn’t hear and take the peeler and the potato from him. “I know I spoil you and do it, but maybe we can cook together from now on.” You hum as you show him how to use it.

“I’d like that. I want to learn how to do some things for myself. Give you more of a break.” He murmurs back, stroking your back with his hand and he watches you show him how to peel the potato. Biting his lip, he takes over, nearly slicing off his finger but you tell him to be careful and he nods, working on peeling the potatoes for you.

You keep an eye on him as you wash the chicken and set it to soak in buttermilk and hot sauce. Mixing up the flour and seasonings in another bowl. Moving to crack the eggs to make the egg wash for it. “You’re doing great.” You promise him. “Soon you’ll be making me dinner and I’ll get to watch. It’s really sexy to see a man cooking for you. Reaches that cavewoman hindbrain.” You tease, making your mom snort and nod. 

“Yes it does. Your father is very happy when he cooks for me.” 

You sputter, nearly choking on your own spit. “Mom!”

Dieter chuckles, winking at your mom. “He’s a lucky man. I hope me and this one can be as happy as you guys are after being together for so long.” Dieter kisses the side of your head as he finishes peeling the potatoes.

You are still slightly horrified about your parents but you still manage to smirk. You would have to be together for that to happen but it’s still a sweet idea. “I’m the only one who can handle you.” You joke, bumping your hip against his.

“True.” Dieter grins at you, wishing this was real. It would be so easy if it was real. He would be with you and he could be himself. You know everything about him, even his worst moments. He stops moving and just looks at you, admiring your profile.

“What? Do I have something on my face?” You ask and Dieter shakes his head. Your mom watches with a grin on her face, pleased to see that lovesick look on Dieter.

Cooking with Dieter, or around him really, is fun. Your mom shares her bottle of wine and laughs as Dieter jokes and tells her stories, some you’ve never even heard. Often ones that involve you and you are surprised that he’s paid attention at all.

When the dinner is served, Dieter kisses your cheek to thank you and when he digs in, his groans reverberate and he can’t believe how fucking good this is. “Good?” You chuckle and he nods, swallowing the mouthful he had. 

“Fucking incredible. Shit, sorry.” He apologizes to your parents.

You mom scoffs and just waves at Dieter as if it’s not a problem. “Everyone curses.” She tuts and your dad snorts to himself, remembering when she had scolded him when he was working on the lawn mower. Apparently she was really enamored with your boyfriend and your dad smiles at you. 

“I bet you cook for him a lot, don’t you?” He asks. “She loved experimenting and cooking for us as a teen and her skills have improved a lot.”

Dieter sighs, “I wish but I have so many work dinners and we are away traveling so home cooked meals are hard to come by, especially when she doesn’t live with me.” Dieter says without even thinking about it.

“I have to admit I find that odd.” Your mother admits. “I thought all young people lived together now?” 

You blow out a raspberry and roll your eyes. “Mom. Not everyone does and I already work with Dieter. It’s so we have some space. Besides, he would get sick of me waking him up early.”

Dieter realizes his fuck and tries to rescue it, “we, uh, we find it works best for us. Fondness makes the heart grow fonder but I’ve been thinking of asking her to move in with me. We have just been used to living alone but I gotta admit, I hate sleeping alone. I want her next to me.”

You want to throw him a glare but your parents would see that. Great. Now they’re going to be wondering when you are moving in with Dieter. “Babe….you completely panicked when you asked your last partner to spend a weekend.” You remind him sweetly. “I understand and it’s completely okay. I know you love me.”

Dieter frowns at that but doesn’t argue, knowing your parents would find an argument strange. “We will talk about it.” He settles on that as you continue eating the meal. He’s disappointed that you don’t want to move in with him, even though this is a fake relationship, it’s starting to feel more and more real.

You sigh slightly, seeing the unhappy look on Dieter’s face. You know that he is putting on a performance but it’s so convincing that you want to rush to assure him that you will move in with him. Crazy because you have never thought that before but it is feeling like you are actually with him. Your stomach twists and you’re getting butterflies like you would if you were. This was a bad idea because you can feel yourself falling for him and after Thanksgiving is over, things are going to go back to normal and you’re going to be in love with your boss.

**** 

Dieter looks up from his phone as you walk into the bedroom. Dinner was awkward but manageable and Dieter relented to checking his phone even though he hates the damn thing. He had a few emails from his PR agent about him being in this town for Thanksgiving. Apparently people have posted photos of him with you. Dieter tosses the phone aside, watching you get ready for bed. “Dinner was delicious.”

“Good.” You grin, happy that he had enjoyed it, he had eaten two large plates and you’ve alway loved when people like what you make. “I can always make it for you at home sometime.” You offer easily. Moving over to your suitcase, you pull out your sleep clothes and start to change. He’s seen plenty of women and men naked so it’s not like it will affect him. It’s better than running to the bathroom to change and having your parents questioning why you won’t change in front of the man you supposedly sleep with.

Dieter swallows harshly, throat suddenly dry as he watches you change into your pajamas and his cock twitches as his eyes focus on your ass. He shouldn’t be looking but fuck he can’t help it. You’re gorgeous and he wants you but he can’t have you. “That - that would be nice.” He chokes out, watching you bend to pull the bottoms up, covering your ass.

“God I’ve forgotten how restrictive it feels to sleep with clothes on.” You grumble to yourself, making Dieter choke. “Sorry.” You look over your shoulder. “I would keep pajamas out so when you called me from your hotel room I could throw them on, but I usually sleep in panties or nothing.”

That makes Dieter hard and he places his hands in his lap to hide his problem. It’s not fair, you didn’t ask for this reaction and he won’t ask you if you want to help him. That would be crossing a line he promised himself he wouldn’t with you to protect your professional relationship. “Me, uh, me too usually.”

“I know.” You can’t help but give a little giggle. “You’ve given me plenty of free shows when you’re asleep, but it’s very different when that monster is pressed up against you.” You tease, grinning when he flushes slightly. It’s cute that he’s embarrassed even though he wouldn’t normally be.

Dieter clears his throat, “sorry about that. I’m sure you didn’t want that. I, um, have been dreaming so it’s hard to control it during my sleep. If that happens, just slap me. Wait, no, don’t do that. I might cum.” He chuckles awkwardly, “just shake me.”

You giggle again and you can’t help tease him a little. “So now I know you like when I threaten to hit you.” You joke. “‘Ohhh I’ll have you put on a cock ring so you don’t cum.”

“Don’t tease me baby.” He begs, his tone whiny as he imagines you don’t just that. “I’m serious. I can’t - I dreamed about you, okay?” He admits Like you tortured it out of him.

“I know.” You’re a little smug about that when he frowns at you. “You were moaning my name while you were grinding against me.” 

Dieter groans and closes his eyes. “I’m so sorry- I-“ 

You interrupt him, shaking your head. “Don’t be. I had to get up and get in the shower.” You confess quietly. “Otherwise I was going to jump my boss while he was sleeping.”

Dieter opens his eyes in surprise, staring at you with his jaw open, and when he asks you if that is something you'd want, you nod. Processing for just a moment, Dieter can't hold back. He surges forward to press his lips to yours, cupping the back of your neck as his lips slide against yours.

You whine, surprised that he is so eager, but you quickly close your eyes. Giving into the moment even though you know this is a bad idea. Your boss shouldn’t be touching you like this but you don’t care. You’ve felt him against you and you want to feel him inside you. “Dieter.” You gasp as he kisses down your jaw and bites your chin. “I want- fuck, will you have sex with me?” You beg quietly.

Dieter groans at your words, the words he dreamed of last night. “Yes, but first I want to taste you. Get naked. Now.” He demands, reaching for the hem of your tank top and when he flings it across the room, he ducks his head down to take one of your nipples into his mouth.

You shudder against his mouth, gasping out his name loudly before you remember you’re in your parents house. You don’t want them to hear you although it makes you even wetter to think about Dieter fucking you in your childhood bed. You reach down to try and shove the shorts and your panties down, shuffling under him to kick them off as you shamelessly writhe against his hardening cock. “Dieter….” You whine when he bites down on your nipple and your hand slides down to plunge under his boxers and wrap around his cock.

Dieter moans and tries to bite his lip to smother it as you grip his cock. “Fuck baby.” He grunts, taking your other nipple into his mouth, and he hisses your name when he releases it with a pop. Pushing your hand from his boxers, he shifts to lay between your legs, shoving your thighs apart and he groans at the sight of your pussy. “Beautiful cunt.” He comments before diving in, his tongue flattening between your folds.

Your eyes roll back and you whimper at the feeling of his mouth on you. That fucking annoyingly talented mouth. Sassy and bitchy at times but his tongue slides around your clit like a fucking pro, surprising you because you had always assumed Dieter wouldn’t want to take the time to eat someone out. “Oh fuck, oh fuck baby, it’s so good.”

He’s pleased at your praise, encouraging him to suck your clit into his mouth, sucking hard, and he groans when you tangle your fingers in his hair. He hisses against your wet flesh and he grinds his cock against your mattress while his tongue pushes deep inside of you.

“Fuck.” Your fingers tangle into his hair and you tug on it, needing him to make you cum. It’s better than your own finger and a toy. “Dieter, baby, please.” You beg, rolling your hips down frantically.

Dieter shifts so he can push two fingers into your cunt, his lips focusing again on your clit and he flicks his tongue over the bundle of nerves while his dark eyes focus on you. "Cum for me." He mutters, curling his fingers as he sucks on your clit.

You bite your lip, falling over the edge as his mouth drags you higher. Pulling you under the waves of pleasure and you have to let go of his hair to shove your fist in your mouth so you don’t scream out his name. Thighs clapping around his ears as you cum for him.

Dieter nearly cums from the way you have to bite down on your hand to smother your cries and he groans, working you through the orgasm until you are pushing him away and he shoves his fingers into his mouth so he can taste your orgasm that he caused. “Baby. I, uh, I don’t have a condom.” He grunts, kissing your thigh for a moment.

“Don’t care.” You gasp out. You know Dieter, when the last time he’s had sex was. And you took him to get tested for the insurance for the movie he’s going to be in after the holidays. You know he’s clean. “I- I have an IUD. I promise I don’t have anything.” You will completely understand if he doesn’t want to have sex without protection. Dieter is very conscious about that, given the number of women who try to claim their children are his. “But I can suck you off if you don’t want to-“

Dieter doesn’t even think about that, he just needs to be inside of you. “I trust you.” He promises, shifting to kneel between your thighs, gripping his cock and he starts to jerk himself while he looks down at you. “You sure?” He asks and you nod, “yes.” With that, he shuffles closer and brushes your clit with the head of his cock, making you moan. With a chuckle, he notches the head at your entrance and starts to slowly push into you. Shifting onto his elbows so he can press his lips to yours.

You moan into his mouth, hands gripping his shoulders and your nails dig half crescent moons into his skin. It’s perfect. Your legs wrap around Dieter’s waist, opening yourself up more so he can push deeper. “Fuck baby.”

He can’t speak. He just closes his eyes and pants against your jaw as he sinks into the tightest, warmest cunt he’s ever experienced. Maybe it’s because it’s you but he groans your name, stilling for a moment when he is fully inside of you.

All you can hear is his panted breathes in your ear. Shuddering at the way he fills you, you ache in the perfect way that will linger far after you’re done. “Fuck baby, you’re so good. God, your so big inside me. Filling me up.” You babble, needing to tell him how good it is, to make up for his total silence.

“Cos you’re so fucking tight.” Dieter practically wheezes as he starts to move. His hand grips your thigh, tilting your leg so he can get impossibly deeper and he’s in no rush, slowly rocking into you. You are soaking wet and it squelches with each thrust, making his cock twitch. “You’re so beautiful.” He murmurs, looking down at you before he kisses your jaw.

You hadn’t expected this. You had expected fast, frantic. Rushing to find pleasure since being told that he can fuck you. You whimper, rocking your hips up to match his rhythm. “I- fuck.” You are nearly overwhelmed by the slow drag of his cock against your walls, consumed by it. Pushing everything out of your head except the pulsing of his cock inside you and warmth in his eyes as he looks down at you.

Dieter hisses when you clench around him when he hits a spot inside of you that makes your eyes roll back. He clenches his jaw, focusing on that spot. His thrusts become deeper but no faster as he focuses on making you cum. He is usually a selfish lover but right now, his goal is for you to have a good time. He kisses your lips, sliding his tongue into your mouth for a languid kiss.

Over and over again Dieter steals your breath. Every deep thrust pushing into you and striking nirvana inside you. Your hands start to pull at him, sliding up and down his back as you silently demand more. Needing more from him now that you are allowed to have it.

Dieter gets the message, picking up the pace and he keeps his hips focused on that spot. His lips kiss along your neck, nipping and biting between kisses that he wants to sear into your skin so you never forget this. “Fuck baby. Want you to cum.”

“Going to.” You gasp out, clenching down around him again when he hits that perfect spot again. “Gonna- gonna cum all over that big dick.” You turn your head to kiss his lips, suddenly biting down on the bottom one to make him hiss. “Soak you.”

“Do it.” His response is slightly muffled by your mouth but you hear it. Two thrusts later and you do just that, soaking his cock as you clamp down on him. Making it almost impossible for him to work you through it but he tries, thrusting deep as you cry out his name.

You know your parents hear you, you know it. You’re being too loud but right now you don’t care. All you can care about is how perfect it feels. Making you choke back a sob when you realize this might only be a one time thing.

Dieter groans when you cling to him, pushing deep over and over until he stills above you, burying his cock deep inside of you as he paints your walls with his cum, your name is a grunt that escapes his lips.

You whine, loving the hot rush if his cum coating your insides. “Oh god.” You pull him down for a kiss and lock your legs around him to help him ride it out. Loving when he collapses on top of you and groans into your neck.

Dieter pants, struggling to catch his breath from the way his orgasm just knocked him sideways. Fuck, you feel so good. You are so good. He slides his tongue into your mouth, slowly kissing you as you both ride out your highs together.

You finally feel your body start to calm down. Both of you relax completely and there is a split second where you wonder what happens now. This is still your boss and you realize you’ve gotten caught up in his acting. “I should pee.” You whisper awkwardly.

“Go on baby.” Dieter says as he pulls out of you with a groan. Unable to stop himself from watching his cum well up at your entrance and he pushes it back inside of you. “Quick. Before it gets on your sheets.” He orders, shifting to lay down on the bed and he closes his eyes with a smile on his face.

You wrap your robe around you and dart out into the hallway to scamper into the bathroom. “Shit. What have you done?” You ask yourself frantically after you close the door. You’ve done the worst thing you could possibly do. You’ve slept with your boss and you loved it, setting yourself up for heartbreak when he wants to fuck someone else or just brings someone home. This didn’t mean anything to him, it was just sex or worse, his role as your ‘boyfriend’.

Dieter is asleep by the time you return, always knocked out after an orgasm, and he snores loudly when you quietly open the door and sneak back into your room. 

**** 

The next morning, Dieter wakes up to an empty bed, making him frown, and he groans as he gets out of bed, ready to shower and go downstairs to see where you are.

You are helping your mom make breakfast when Dieter comes downstairs. Today is going to be busy with Thanksgiving prep so you don’t have time to entertain him today. “Morning.” You tell him as you mix up the waffle batter.

Dieter leans in to kiss your cheek but you are stiff, making Dieter frown as he shifts to sit down at the table, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He watches you work with your mom, your dad reading the newspaper and Dieter just stares at you, wondering why you aren’t being your usual self.

You feel so damn guilty you can barely look at him. It’s not his fault you were dumb and fell for his performance. You just need to remind yourself that Dieter is a fantastic actor and he’s managed to make this seem real. You just aren’t a good enough actress to pretend you aren’t affected.

Dieter thanks you when you place a hot waffle down on a plate in front of him and he reaches out to caress your hip, smiling up at you while your dad digs into his breakfast. “You’re welcome” comes your cool reply and Dieter frowns, wondering what he did wrong.

You see the frown on his face and it’s hard to keep from leaning in and kissing him but it’s for the best. You can’t separate things like he can. You know that, it’s going to be hard to go back to being just his assistant. You need to put that wall back up, so he doesn’t break your heart, but you’re pretty sure that’s already happening.

When you sit down to eat, Dieter reaches for your hand but you pull it back, making him frown even more and your mom seems to notice the tension between you. “Everything okay?” Your mom asks you, her eyes full of concern as they flick between you and Dieter.

“Everything’s fine, mom.” You cut into your waffle and look up to give her a small smile. “Just didn’t sleep well and it’s hard to eat one handed.” You explain, looking around the table. “So what’s the plan for today?” You ask, wanting to take the attention off of your disaster

"Well, your aunt and uncle are arriving later. She's gonna help us with the food." They aren't actually your aunt and uncle, they are your parents' best friends who you regard as such. Dieter is wondering what they are like so he can make a good impression.

“Oh good.” Your smile brightens up and you look forward to seeing your honorary aunt and uncle. “I haven’t seen them in awhile and I know it will be good to catch up.“

Dieter smiles, "I'm excited to meet them." Your dad hums and continues reading the paper. Once breakfast is over, Dieter helps your mom clean up, telling her about his next project he's filming in Croatia. 

"You live such an exciting life. No wonder my little girl doesn't want to come home." She nudges him. Dieter smiles at her, "I will make sure she comes home more often."

You had run back upstairs to get dressed, snorting to yourself as you walk back into the kitchen. “You mean you’re going to get your own coffee or arrange your own schedule?” You pose it as a playful question but you pick up Dieter’s script changes every day and arrange for his entire life to happen smoothly, he doesn’t like you to take a Sunday off. So you can’t see him letting you come home more.

Dieter shakes his head, "I can manage. You deserve to see your family." 

Your mom tuts, "and you'll be with her of course. Maybe one day you'll be here with your kids...married." She winks at you and Dieter chuckles, "maybe. If she'd put up with me."

“Okay.” You give a small laugh and roll your eyes before you point back and forth between the two of them. “How about you two not plan out the rest of our lives, okay?” You huff playfully. “Mom will have you picking out names if you aren’t careful.”

"Alex and River. Gender neutral names because I don't want that gender reveal shit. I'm not starting a fire for that." Dieter says like he has actually thought this out and he kinda, maybe, already did this morning.

The speed in which Dieter produces those names makes you freeze. Wondering if he’s always had those in mind for real or if he’s come up with them off the top of his head. “Those are lovely names.” You can see your mom melting as she thinks about babies with those names. “You would want to be surprised? Or just not tell anyone what the baby is?” You ask Dieter, curious about things you had never thought of with him.

Dieter bites his lip, “I want to be surprised.” He admits, “plus I want to keep any family I have as private as possible. I don’t want them to grow up like I did. Surrounded by Hollywood and feeling that pressure. I’d want them to just be a kid for as long as possible and know me as daddy, not Dieter Bravo, Oscar winning actor.” He admits.

You bite your lip, understanding why he would feel that way. He was a child actor, a legacy and it had to be difficult growing up like that. “The fact that you are an actor should just be daddy’s job.” You agree, nodding. “I hate the idea of parading kids around for extra publicity and every time I see the paps hounding your pregnant co-stars and friends I want to smack them.”

“Jesus. If you were pregnant and they came for you like that? I’d probably be in jail.” He admits, knowing he’s had a temper in the past but he could really lose his mind if you or a baby were put in danger. He can see it though, having a family with you. Coming to see your parents. It’s all too real and that terrifies him but he also finally feels like he has a home and he wants to hold onto that.

Your father looks up from his paper for the first time that morning. “Good.” He grunts in approval, nodding in agreement. “I expect you to protect her when that time comes.” He says simply, making your eyes widen at the stamp of approval that he’s just given Dieter. It wasn’t if, it was when that happened. You swallow, hating that it’s not real because your father only really liked Dave but you hadn’t really brought anyone else to meet them.

Dieter is so pleased at your father’s approval, beaming at you, and he sips his coffee to smother his grin. Fuck, this feels too real. He isn’t sure how he is going to walk away after this is done when you’re back in L.A. “Baby, can I talk to-” Dieter asks about an hour later but the doorbell rings and you just look at him before you rush off to get the door.

Your father leans in, looking over at Dieter again. “She is going to be frazzled today. Why don’t you come help me get out the extra tables and get them cleaned up. Her uncle and I do that and drink some beer while the women cook and gossip.”

“Sure.” Dieter nods, standing up to wash out his coffee cup and your aunt and uncle come into the kitchen to greet your dad. 

“Guys…this is Dieter.” You introduce him and he flusters a little but puts on the charm as he greets your honorary aunt and uncle.

Your aunt appraises him suspiciously. “You have a very wild past.” She hums, narrowing her eyes as she watches him. “How did you manage to convince my sweet girl to date you? Completely not her type.”

“I have a wild past but that’s all behind me.” He promises, “she was in front of my eyes the entire time and one day, I finally realized that I’d fallen for her and for some miraculous reason, she wanted me too. The rest is history as she’s stuck with me now. She’s everything I never knew I wanted and needed.”

You feel your stomach sink, even as it twists happily. He’s such a fucking fantastic actor that you believe him. Right down to the soft expression on his face. You would swear that there is love in his eyes and it almost breaks your heart. “You can grill him later.” You promise her, shaking your head. “Right now we need to get into the kitchen.”

Dieter watches you go, his heart clenching at your hasty exit but he knows he doesn’t have control over you. With a sigh, he goes outside to help the guys set up the table from the shed and pretend like he knows something about football. Your dad seems to be okay with him and not against him so that works in his favor.

In the kitchen, you feel like you are being interrogated. "He doesn't look like Dave, doesn't look like your type." Your aunt is a wonderful person but you know that she had imagined you marrying Dave and having babies years ago. She hadn't been subtle in her questions about seeing him while you were home in years past and honestly, she was one of the reasons you had told your family you were dating Dieter. 

"That's the point." You huff, rolling your eyes. "I didn't want a man like Dave. In looks or in attitude."

"And Dieter is your type? My darling, he's just gonna get bored of you and cheat on you with some floozie. What if you are married? Pregnant? And you find out he's been cheating on you?" She asks, concerned about your future. "Men like that...they always put themselves first.”

You bite your lip, your aunt vocalizing all of your fears but you hate to hear it. “I- Dieter isn’t like his public persona.” You insist. “He’s loving, he’s vulnerable. He just wants someone to love him for who he is and not what he can do for them.” You swallow and look down at the pie filling you are mixing up. “It’s not like he’s asked me to marry him, so don’t worry about that.”

“Yet.” Your mom smiles, “I see the way he looks at you. It’s only a matter of time. He loves you. He clearly wants you to be his so I think…maybe by New Year you’ll be engaged.” She guesses and your aunt wrinkles her nose, “I’d turn him down. He isn’t ready.”

You huff and roll your eyes at your aunt. “That would be cruel. You can be engaged for a long time. And it’s not like Dieter hasn’t been married before.”

“Yeah and look how that turned out. Clearly he isn’t capable of being faithful or in a marriage. He isn’t the one for you, sweetheart. Best dump him when you get home and move on. Maybe you could move back…see Dave more often.”

“I’m not seeing Dave ever again.” You promise, annoyed that it’s always Dave. That there will never be anyone as good as Dave. “Especially after he belittled and insulted me.”

Your mom shakes her head, “he was an asshole. I don’t want her to be with someone like that. Dieter defended her. He looks after her. I like him.” Your mom smiles as she works on the gravy. “Go clean up and tell the boys that dinner will be ready soon.” She orders.

“Okay.” You move over to the sink to wash your hands and then you walk out the kitchen. When you get outside, you find Dieter and your dad wrestling with a table and your uncle wiping another one down. “Dinner’s almost ready.” You call out, smiling when Dieter’s head pops up eagerly. He’s loved the homemade food since you’ve been home.

"Yes!" Dieter exclaims, excited at the prospect of homemade food and he helps your dad and uncle carry the table into the dining room that has been cleared out for the other guests that are soon to arrive soon. Your extended family and friends. Dieter is nervous to meet the rest of your nearest and dearest but he will do what he has been doing.

You grin, shaking your head as he rushes upstairs to change into a nicer outfit for the meal. “You go get ready too.” Your mom coos, waving you out of the kitchen when you try to go back in. The pies are in the oven now, baking while the meal will be eaten. “Okay.” You climb the stairs and knock on the bedroom door, not wanting to walk in if he’s still changing.

Dieter calls out for you to enter as he buttons the shirt, standing there in his boxers. “Food nearly done? I’m starving.” He groans, watching you as you shut the door behind you. “Baby. Everything okay?” He asks when you stare at him.

You want to drool, to rub your hands over his body and touch him like you had meant to last night. Instead you shake your head. “I can’t do this anymore.” You tell him quietly. “I- it was a mistake. Telling them that you’re my- that we’re- I’m sorry.” You look away, not wanting to see the relief on his face. “I need to tell them the truth before they insist you propose and set a wedding date.”

Dieter frowns, “what? Why would you do that? It’s going so well baby.” 

You groan, “that. That’s why. That right there. You call me baby and it - it makes me feel…things.” 

Dieter chuckles, “yeah. We are - wait, good things or bad things?” He frowns, confused and his stomach twists.

​​You shake your head. “It doesn’t matter, Dieter. This is all an act for you!” You hiss quietly. “None of it is real and I just- I can’t do this!” You grab your makeup bag and the sweater you are changing into and turn around to flee, confused as to why he isn’t immediately agreeing with you. He should be relieved at being told he could go back to doing whatever he wants

Dieter moves fast, blocking you from leaving the room, and he boxes you in with his arms, his shirt hanging down. "Are you fucking serious?" He hisses, "you do realize that I came into this to do you a favor to convince your parents that I am in love with you and oh, excuse me for fucking actually doing it and wanting to be with you even though this morning you acted like last night meant nothing to you."

“You came here because you didn’t want to be alone.” You remind him, tears building up in your eyes and you shudder out a breath. “Last night was amazing but I can’t turn it on and off like you can Dieter. I’m not an actor.”

Dieter shakes his head, "it's not - I am not acting anymore. I might be a good actor but even I'm not that good." He shakes his head, "please baby. You gotta believe me because I - shit. I think I've fallen in love with you." He confesses, his eyes soft as the realization hits him, "it's real. What I feel for you is real."

Swallowing harshly, you blink back the tears, unsure of if he’s just so deep into this that he’s convinced himself it’s real or if he does love you. “Dieter, I-“ you start, your mom calling up the stairs for you to hurry up and you close your mouth, scared to say something that you can’t talk through right now. “It’s real?”

“It’s real. It’s real.” He cups your cheeks, leaning in to kiss your forehead. “It’s real. I love you.” He kisses your cheek. “I love you.” He kisses your other cheek, “I don’t want to be without you.” He kisses your nose. “I love you.” He brushes his lips against yours, “it’s real.”

“It’s real.” You whisper quietly, almost to yourself. Reaching up, you cup his cheek. “I- we have a lot to talk about.” You murmur softly, “but I love you.”

Dieter grins, pressing his lips to yours. He presses you up against the door, his hands gripping your waist as he crowds you and he’s so fucking happy. He is in awe of you loving him. You’ve seen the worst of him. You’ve seen every part of him yet you still love him.

You take another moment to kiss him, even though your mother calls your name again. Pushing against his shoulders slightly. “Okay baby.” You murmur, kissing his lips once more. “We need to go back downstairs for Thanksgiving.”

Dieter pulls back, knowing you need to get downstairs. He kisses your cheek, “let’s go. I am staaaaaarvinggggg.” He draws out the word as a whine and he quickly dresses in the pants you bought for today to make a good impression on the rest of your family.

You chuckle and shake your head, deciding that you will just change your shirt here before you freshen up your hair and makeup. “We can’t have you staaaaarvingggg.” You tease with a grin.

Dieter pouts at you for making fun of him before he winks, watching you take your shirt off. He stills for a moment, just observing how beautiful you and when you fluster, he waggles his eyebrows. "Later I want dessert." He smirks, buttoning up his shirt.

​​“You had dessert last night.” It’s your turn to pout and you can’t help yourself, not when you know that he’s yours. You step over to him and cup his cock. “I want to see how you react to your assistant sucking your cock.” You purr, winking at him as you squeeze him playfully.

“Jesus.” Dieter hisses, cock twitching under your touch and he closes his eyes while he pushes your hand away so he can calm down before he makes his way downstairs to see your family.

It’s probably a little evil, giggling to yourself as you finish getting ready. Making sure you look good before you walk over to him again where he is muttering under his breath. “Ready to go eat, baby?”

Dieter nods, buckling his belt, and he takes your hand to kiss the back of it. "Let's go." He murmurs, keeping hold of your hand as he guides you downstairs to find your family gathered in the living room, crowded in and chattering away as they all catch up.

Walking downstairs with Dieter is something thrilling right now. Your fingers woven with his and your heart pounding in your chest. It’s real. Instead of this being some scene where he’s acting like your boyfriend, Dieter is actually your boyfriend. Your cunt clenches when you imagine taking him back to bed tonight and being able to fulfill some fantasies of your own.

Dieter is beaming when he is introduced to your family members. His arm wrapped around your waist as he greets your family members, smiling and he kisses your cheek every now and then. When everyone is settled down at the table, Dieter is sitting next to you and opposite your younger cousin who is eyeing him suspiciously. “So how long have you two been together?” She asks.

You squeeze Dieter’s hand and before you let go and pick up your wine glass. “Let’s see, you asked me out when you were working on ‘Blown Away’ right? So that was two and a half years ago now. No- three years. I’m thinking about the reshoots.”

Your cousin frowns, “wait. Three years ago? That - Dieter was seen with a model. Kissing her outside of the Ivy in L.A. So he cheated on you?” She narrows her eyes and everyone looks at you and Dieter with curiosity.

Shit. You had forgotten about that. You shift in your seat and plaster an uncaring look on your face, as if it’s no big deal. “We weren’t….exclusive then.” You tell her with a shrug. “We were free to do whatever. It’s okay, he didn’t- there was no- he’s not-“

Dieter wraps his arm around you. “I made mistakes at the beginning of our relationship but she forgave me and we became exclusive. She is a saint to put up with my shit.” He responds coolly, knowing this was a possibility.

“Really?” Your cousin smirks and she pulls out her phone, obviously waiting for this moment to expose something. Your stomach clenches when you see a picture of Dieter kissing someone else. It was a pap photo that looks like it was probably six months ago. They hadn’t been posted in any gossip rags so you hadn’t even thought about them. “So…..you became exclusive six months ago? Or you just cheat and pray she doesn’t find out?”

Dieter curses in his mind since he forgot about that. Usually he doesn’t give a shit if the paps get him. He swallows harshly, “I’m- that, uh- it’s not.” He stammers, making you shake your head.

“Because we aren’t really dating.” You announce quietly, humiliated and wondering why you agreed to this in the first place. “When I told you I was dating Dieter it was to get everyone off my back. I’m not moving back home and I’m not going to get back together with Dave. He broke up with me in college because he wanted to sleep with other people. Told me he could see me satisfying him for the rest of our lives.” You hadn’t told anyone the real reason for the breakup, until now. “So I just said I was dating Dieter and he’s been wonderful, pretending to be my boyfriend. Until…” you shrug slightly, unsure if it’s worth saying that you’ve fallen in love for real.

“Baby…” Dieter is shocked at your confession and he shakes his head. “No. I don’t - it’s not true.” He stands up. “She’s lying. She doesn’t - she’s trying to cover up for me because honestly? I fucked up. I didn’t realize what an amazing woman I had right in front of me for the longest time and I realize that mistake now. She’s…she’s incredible and I love her. I’m in love with her and I want -” He shifts, pulling his chair out so he can kneel down beside yours. “Baby…” He says your name, “I love you. I’m sorry it’s taken me so damn long to get my shit together but I know you and you know me…all of me. Even the ugly parts and I was so scared of getting hurt again after my ex wife and I don’t want that to happen to us. I do, however, know that you are worth the risk. It’s real. We are real. Will you marry me?” He asks, being serious as he takes your hand.

Your chin trembles as you look into his eyes. It’s real. Those words you had affirmed to each other just a little while before in your bedroom. Your other hand, the one not clinging to Dieter’s reaches out and you caress his face. “You believe this?” Your cousin snorts, but you ignore her. 

“You’ve been hurt a lot.” You tell him softly. “Used and yes, you’ve fucked up. But you are so much better than you realize. Than you want to believe. You deserve so much more.” You look down at your hands and then back up into his hopeful, pleading eyes. “Yes.” You whisper. “It’s real and I will marry you.”

Dieter grins, shifting to stand up and he leans in to kiss you, his tongue immediately sliding into your mouth as he grips your hips. He is so happy, ridiculously happy, and he smiles against your mouth after your family starts to clap, all of them congratulating you except for your cousin. “I love you.” Dieter murmurs, pulling back to look at you.

“I love you too.” You promise, shooting him the happiest smile. You know that there will be plenty of questions and confusion. You will have to talk to Dieter and decide what you want your official story to be. But right now, you just want to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and your boyfriend or fiancé - for real this time.

Dieter grins as he sits down beside you, your parents are smiling because you look happy despite your dad wanting to ask Dieter about those photos but right now, everyone celebrates your engagement as they dig into the dinner. After dinner and when everyone is in a turkey coma, Dieter takes your hand to guide you to your room, wanting to talk about everything but when he gets you alone, all he wants to do is press his lips to yours.

You grin into his kiss and push him back slightly after teasing him with a slight brush of your tongue over his lips. “Are you sure this is what you want?” You ask him quietly. “I don’t want you to regret this.”

Shaking his head, Dieter looks at you. “No. No. I won’t regret it. I promise you. I’ve done a lot of things I regret. I’ve done things that I never should’ve done. Things that will haunt me but being married to you? I couldn’t regret that. You know every part of me. The good and the bad. You are still standing here. I love you. I want you. I want you to be my wife.”

“Okay.” You know he can be impulsive but he seems to be serious right now. “Maybe we sit down with your people when we get back to L.A. to figure out how best to do this and have your lawyers draft a prenup.”

Dieter nods, knowing there’s things that need to be addressed but right now, he’s so happy. “We can do that.” His hands slide down to your ass, squeezing as he smirks. “I wouldn’t mind starting our honeymoon early.” He teases, leaning in to kiss your neck.

Dieter has always been horny, you know that, but there is something different about this. You don’t feel like it’s just the sex that he wants. “Yeah?” You wrap your arms around the back of his neck. “You want to maybe go somewhere for Christmas? Just me and you? Maybe a little cabin somewhere? I’ll pay for it.”

​​Dieter tuts, “you aren’t paying for shit. I have more money than sense.” You raise your eyebrows and he chuckles, “drugs killed a lot of brain cells baby.” He jokes and squeezes your ass again.“I want to just spend time together. Me and you. No bullshit. Just figuring out our future.” Dieter says and you smile, unable to believe that having Dieter pretend to be your boyfriend has turned into him actually becoming your fiancé. 

“Our future. I like that.” You hum and Dieter pecks your lips. 

“Me too. Mrs. Bravo.” He winks and you giggle, making his heart thump. “Now…where is the whipped cream? I want my dessert.” He waggles his eyebrows and you gasp playfully. It’s a Thanksgiving to remember. A fake relationship turned real and unbeknownst to you, it’s the beginning of many years with Dieter by your side. One of many Thanksgivings to come.

[babymelancholie1]

so I go to animation school now

[babymelancholie1]

Reblog if you write fanfic and would be totally down with your followers coming into you askbox and talking to you about your fic

[babymelancholie1]

What an amazing grown up fic! Actual communication happened between the characters and as a mid thirty woman that made my heart sing 💚

Locked Down: Masterlist

Summary: 

After contracting COVID at the end of a work assignment overseas and doing your required quarantine, you’re finally ready to fly home. There’s only one problem:

The estate you were staying in has been locked down due to a major film production, and no one is supposed to leave - or, in the case of you needing a ride to the airport - come onto the property.

With a little help from your boss and a favor from the head of the studio making the movie, an unfortunate mistake turns into the work opportunity of a lifetime … and may even have a few bonus perks, too.

Series Warnings: 

- Mentions of COVID and its symptoms, quarantining, drug use, alcohol, illness, Dieter being kind of a dick sometimes, talk of casual sex, actual sex, mutual pining, strangers to friends to lovers, next door neighbors, hidden relationships

- Each individual chapter lists warnings. Smut chapters are marked with *

- Started writing before the movie was released, so there are non-canon elements to this, but I was already 35k in before we learned anything new. Consider this a partial AU. 

Part 1: The Room

Part 2: The Neighbor

Part 3: The Cast 

Part 4: The Smoke 

Part 5: The Truth

Part 6: The Bedroom*  

Part 7: The Secret 

Part 8: The Understanding*

Part 9: The Recovery

Part 10: The Holiday 

Part 11: The Incident 

Part 12: The Aftermath

Part 13: The Breakdown*(ish)

Part 14: The Gift

Part 15: The Goodbye* 

Part 16: The Escape

Part 17: The Bubble

Part 18: The Return

Part 19: The Carpet* 

Part 20: The Admission*

Part 21: The Reveal

Dieter Bravo NSFW Alphabet*

Dieter POV (Parts 11 - 13)* 

(more tbd)

#dieter bravo #dieter bravo x reader #dieter bravo x female reader #pedro pascal character #fic rec

[babymelancholie1]

My first Bucky story I read this year and oh it’s so beautiful. I love that Ed Sheeran song so much, I lived in the area he grew up in for a while. The way you put the song, the imaginary and your words together is just amazing!

Oh, How We’ve Grown (4/4)

Title: Oh, How We’ve Grown Pairing: Bucky x Reader Rating: General Audiences Word count: 2.6k (oops?) Warnings: nostalgia galore Spoilers: None

Here we are, end of the line. Again. I can’t even begin to thank you all for indulging me in this plot bunny, for all the kind words and encouragements. Just like with the final part of Chasing Promises, this one kinda got away from me. It’s twice as long as any of the previous chapters, so I hope it makes up for this being the end. You are the best.

| chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 |

IV

And I’m on my way, I still remember these old country lanes When we did not know the answers And I miss the way You make me feel, it’s real

Life never works out the way you plan. For all your years spent studying, you end up in a career almost opposite of what you have a degree in. It’s not necessarily bad. It affords you a roof over your head, food in your fridge, material comforts in moderation. It’s not exactly something that lights your heart on fire with passion in the morning, but it’s safe. Convenient.

Keep reading

#bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barns x ofc #bucky barnes fic #fic recs #fic reblog

[babymelancholie1]

you know what I’m thinking, the CF writers saw people slandering Sylvie after she told Violet to talk to Hawkins about doing favours for them and their ambo (which was good advice since he is her boss and they are in a relationship) and calling her a hypocrite (which she was not) and decided that they were going to show those people what a REAL bad partner looks like and hence, Emma Jacobs was born.

[babymelancholie1]

Hey so if any of y’all are or have been volunteers for Ao3, PLEASE be careful when checking your emails

And if you know somebody who’s a volunteer I’d check in with them and see if they’re aware of this

[babymelancholie1]

Honest board game titles

[babymelancholie1]

[babymelancholie1]

This sentence gave me Steve & Romy vibes 😍😭

Go watch Bridgerton Season 2! It’s great - different to the books, but oh it’s still amazing. The actors are chef’s kiss, the tension has you on the edge of your seat.

My favourite enemies to lovers trope story!

#pain

#bridgerton #bridgerton spoilers #Kathony #the romy files #the Romy files inspiration #steve mcgarett x original character

[babymelancholie1]

The Romy Files - Masterlist

‘I love you, because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.’ Paulo Coehlo, The Alchemist.

Steve did just not expect to find her at a shrimp truck.

Disclaimer: All familiar dialogue is from the TV Show Hawaii Five 0 - belonging to CBS - no copyright infringement intended. I just play in their sandbox.

——xx——xx——

Season 5:

Chapter 1: Dammit, this was supposed to be a fling Chapter 2: He’s way too happy Chapter 3: You’ll tell me tomorrow Chapter 4: Here comes the sun Chapter 5: A girl’s gotta eat Chapter 6: A half baked cookie Chapter 7: Borrowed Time Chapter 8: …and Haribos Chapter 9: His heart stopped Chapter 10: Lehua Flower - continuation of ‘His heart stopped’ Chapter 11: My very own cheerleader - Smut Chapter 12: Fuck, I really liked that bag - Smut Chapter 13: Tender Loving Care  - Smut Chapter 14: Endings / Beginnings Chapter 15: One More Goodbye - Smut

Season 6:

Chapter 16: Life’s not a RomCom Chapter 17: Sitting, Waiting, Wishing Chapter 18: Easier to be me Chapter 19: Navigate the Waters Chapter 20: Happy Birthday to me - Smut Chapter 21: Three makes family Chapter 22: Christmas Time is Ohana Time - Smut Chapter 23: Love is a pretty powerful thing Chapter 24: Glow me up Chapter 25: Ride the highs and mute the lows -  Smut Chapter 26: You fill up my senses Chapter 27: You are my son Chapter 28: He closed his eyes - he was home - Smut

Season 7:

Chapter 29: Health & Strength Chapter 30: Holiday is over Chapter 31: For her. For myself Chapter 32: Til the landslide brought me down Chapter 33: Your shit is my shit Chapter 34: Nothing in this world will ever break my heart again - Smut Chapter 35: Family knows no distance Chapter 36: I’ve been waiting for you - Smut Chapter 37: What do ya say, kiddo? Chapter 38: You are my hero! Chapter 39: I touch the Sky Chapter 40: You two are killing me Chapter 41: The good China Chapter 42: The Best Life Chapter 43: The Call of the Wild

Season 8:

Chapter 44: Of course we keep him - Smut Chapter 45: Buckets of Mercy Chapter 46: Whatever comes next Chapter 47: Saving Grace Chapter 48: Wild dreams Chapter 49: L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N

#new chapter is up! #fic update #Hawaii Five 0 #hawaii 5 0 fanfic #steve mcgarrett imagine #steve mcgarrett x ofc #hawaii 5 0 #H50 AU #masterlist #The Romy Files #Hawaii 5 O #hawaii five o imagine #steve mcgarett x original character #hawaii five 0 imagine #Romy Erhardt #fanfiction #hawaii five 0

[babymelancholie1]

Taglist: @gingergirl06 @glitterquadricorn @reichelhache @marvelcriminalhoe

The Romy Files - Chapter 49

Chapter 49 - L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N

Summary: Life moves on, but never without some troubles Warnings: none Episode: Season 8, Episode 11 - 15 Masterlist: Catch up here

Hello lovelies,  How are you all? I’m happy to present you a new slice of Romy & Steve, we’re going to cover a lot of ground here to move the story along. Thank you so much for continue to read my story, and all your support, comments and messages. You have no idea how much they mean to me. Enjoy xx 

 ——xx——xx—— 

“Hey!” Danny cheered as Steve, Romy and Nahele walked into his hospital room. “Look at you! All dressed up, all hail the newly minted McGarrett family.”

Romy cleared her throat at him. “Sorry, sorry!” Danny smiled “Erhardt - McGarrett family, I meant.”

“That’s right.” She grinned, bumping her hip into Steve’s.

“Now come here you!” Danny patted his bed for Nahele. “Show me the goods.” With a flourish, Nahele pulled out the framed copy of the adoption certificate. “Ah, a nice one, with a stamp and signature and everything.” Danny nodded approvingly, “But really? You took McGarrett as a name?”

“Danny!” Romy warned him, he and Steve could tease and goad each other as much as they wanted, but not in front of the kids.

He lifted his hands in surrender “I was just wondering why he didn’t double-barrel like you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Romy rolled her eyes at him.

“So, when are they going to spring you out of here?” Nahele hopped onto Danny’s bed.

“Better be this side of Christmas,” Danny complained. “I’ve been here way too long.”

“You” Romy pointed at him “got shot and needed to be kept alive by him.”, she patted Steve’s hands that were folded over her stomach. “You’re staying as long as the doctor wants to and then you’re staying with us for a while.”

“Geez…Romy” Danny held up his hands “calm down.”

“You almost died” she beseeched Danny, a lump forming in her throat. “And despite your best efforts, I am incredibly fond of you and I’d hate it if you weren’t here to annoy me anymore.”

Danny looked up at Steve, hoping for some assistance. But Steve just shrugged. “I’m right there with her, man.” He squeezed Romy to his front. “Our life would be way too quiet without you.”

“Ugh” Danny pulled a face “I know when I’m beaten.” He let himself fall back onto his thin hospital pillow. “Now get out of here. You got something awesome to celebrate.” And that they did! Romy and Steve couldn’t describe the feeling when the judge announced that Nahele was officially their son, and it only amplified tenfold when he read out the family name Nahele had chosen.

Nahele McGarrett

It proudly proclaimed on their adoption certificate and his newly issued passport. Steve squeezed Romy’s hand, her eyes saying the same words his mouth couldn’t speak out loud.

“Where to Mr McGarrett?” Romy asked as she turned back in the car. Her feet were no longer in the torture devices she had chosen to wear to court but in flip flops. Steve and Nahele had shucked their jackets and ties as well, and Romy couldn’t help but lick her lips as Steve folded up his sleeves and his arm muscles flexed. She played with the gold pendant of her necklace, which nestled nicely in the asymmetric neckline of her burgundy shift dress. “The choice is yours, Nahele.”

“Where ever I want?” The teenager leaned between the two front seats of the car. He wanted to be sure he had complete free reign.

“Where you want,” Steve confirmed as he eased out of the parking space.

“The pub” he mumbled.

Romy turned around in her seat again “Kiddo?”

“The pub. I want to go to our pub.”

“You sure?” She wanted to make sure. “I can make a call and book us in any restaurant you want. And I promise dad is not gonna wince when he sees the bill.”

“I’m sure.” Nahele smiled.

“Ok,” Romy shrugged. It’s not what she would have chosen to celebrate the occasion, but if that was where Nahele wanted to go. “It’s just we go there all the time.” She tried once more.

“You took me there the first time we ever went out to dinner.”

Steve caught Romy’s fingers in his, squeezing softly, as he threw her a smile. “The pub it is, ‘Hele.” He grinned into the rearview mirror.

——xx——xx——

Steve groaned as he unlocked his front door, shrieks could be heard from the beach to the front garden. Where they ever going to have the house for themselves again? They had moved Danny back into his house only 3 days ago. Still on light duty, but his friend was aching to sleep in his bed again. Not that Steve could fault him for that - he’d miss his bed too, with the extra advantage of Romy being in it. He had wanted to ask where Melissa had been. Romy had stomped on his foot so hard when he had dared to ask the first half of the question, that Steve was sure she had broken his little toe and had not dared to ask again. Excuse him for wanting to know, why the woman who was so adamant that she loved Danny had not turned up in the hospital during quarantine or when Danny got shot nor had she visited him at their place. On the other hand, he was glad that she hadn’t come over, their house was bursting at the seams as it was with Junior and Danny taking up the guest rooms.

He had hoped for one night of quiet but those shrieks belonged to his niece. Mary and Joanie must have arrived for their Christmas holiday. With a sigh Steve pushed the door open, pasting a smile on his face. He stepped into the house and the mayhem his sister always managed to drag along. His time however his fears were unfounded. Mary had almost been scarily organised and even approved of Eddie as a new addition to the family, despite her aversion to pets. Eddie however had fallen in love with Joanie from the get-go, and the little girl responded in kind. Wherever the dog went, Joanie wasn’t far away. Even at night Eddie gave up his usual spot, the bottom of Romy and Steve’s bed, and settled down in front of Joanie’s travel cot.

“I miss my dog.” Romy bemoaned the third night of their visit. “I cannot believe he abandoned me like this.”

Steve pressed his lips together to stop the chuckle that was threatening to become full-blown laughter.

“What do you want me to do, gorgeous? Carrying him back here?”

Romy scrunched up her nose, contemplating his idea for a moment.

“Romy!” Steve exclaimed, she couldn’t be serious. Was she really jealous that Eddie had taken a shine to their niece? Instead of an answer, Romy buried her face into his chest, he could feel her shrugging slightly. He carded his fingers through Romy’s locks and used his leverage to draw her face up. She was pouting. “If you want to, I’ll do it.” Why was he such a goner whenever she looked at him?

She perched her chin on Steve’s chest, her nose scrunching slightly as she contemplated her husbands offer. “No…no…I’ll be a grown-up tonight.”

Steve could not hold in the chuckle now. “Don’t pout at me, gorgeous.” He groaned, when her expression shifted, his fingers massaging Romy’s scalp. “I’ll even reward you for behaving like an adult.”

“Oh?” Romy’s eyebrows raised. “And how do you plan to do that?”

“I’m sure I can think of something.”

Romy could practically feel his smirk on her skin, as his mouth moved from her ear to her collarbone, making her shiver in anticipation.

“I think, I like where you’re heading Commander.” She said breathlessly, as Steve sucked a sensitive spot right below her collarbone.

“I knew you’d come around to my way of thinking.” Was the last thing any of them said for a very long while that night.

——xx——xx——

Romy pulled the third sheet of sugar cookies out of the oven, adding another one straight away. Her eyes flitted over her ever-growing to-do list pinned to the fridge. Cookies are almost done, the living room is currently being decorated by Mary, Nahele on pick up duty of the hot food they need, while Joanie was smothering the cooled cookies in red or green icing.

“Pebbles!”

“Scheisse!” Romy shouted back, letting the hot tray fall onto the table. She did a little dance, sucking in her thumb, hoping she wouldn’t get a blister.

Joanie laughed so hard her whole body shook “Pebbles!”, she exclaimed again.

“What are you saying, lovey?” Romy crouched down to Joanie’s eye level.

“Pebbles. Just like Pebbles.”

“She’s been watching the Flintstone’s a lot recently.” Mary’s amused voice sounded from the doorway. “You had the Flinstone’s in Germany didn’t you?”

Romy looked at her sister in law confused, but then it clicked. “You are thinking I look like Pebbles Flintstone? The little kid?” She turned back to her niece.

“Hair. Pretty like Pebbles.” Joanie jabbed her finger into the messy and tiny topknot that Romy sported today, and which bopped precariously every time she moved.

“Pebbles is her favourite.” Mary supplied again.

“Really” Romy looked up to her, before turning back to Joanie. “Is that true, Joanie? Am I your favourite?” She tickled the little girl, making her giggle and wiggle away from her and then move back in closer. Romy buried her face in Joanie’s neck, as the girl wrapped her arms around her in a big hug.

“Auntie Pebbles.” She proclaimed, her sticky fingers on Romy’s cheeks, she stared intently at Romy. “My Auntie Pebbles.”

“That’s right, lovey!” Romy stood up, lifting Joanie out of the chair in the process.

“What’s going on here?” Steve appeared in the doorway next to Mary.

“Nothing much, just that Joanie has a new nickname for Romy.”

“Oh yeah?” Steve moved past his sister and into the kitchen, taking Joanie from his wife and using the move to kiss Romy hello.

“Hi Romy”

“Not Romy! Nuhu!” Joanie shook her head violently at her uncle.

“What? Of course, this is Romy. Your Auntie Romy.” Steve cuddled with Joanie.

“Nope. Not Auntie Romy.” Joanie pointed to Romy’s hair. “Auntie Pebbles!” She declared proudly and wriggled out of Steve’s arms to scramble off and find Eddie.

“Pebbles?” Steve wheezed out in between chuckles. “This is too good! I need to tell everyone. This is so going to be your new name.”

“You call me Pebbles one time and Eddie will take your spot in our bed indefinitely.” Romy pointed her finger at him, meaning business.

“Oh, don’t be like that, gorgeous.” Steve hugged Romy from behind, his cheek right next to hers. “It’s too perfect not to use.”

“I mean it, Steve.” Romy leaned her head on his shoulder, “I don’t need the team to hear this and suddenly think they could call me this.”

“Ok, ok. Oh speaking of the team, we had some support from some of Junior’s friends today solving our case. I invited them to the party, hope that’s ok?”

“Veteran friends?”

“Yeah…”

“Of course, it's ok. The more, the merrier.” Romy turned and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You got a handle down here? I’m gonna shower and change.”

——xx——xx——

Not even an hour later their house was full of friends and family, Christmas Carols could be heard playing through the hidden speakers and everyone seemed to be in a good mood for once. The only people missing were Kono, Chin and Abbey - maybe next year, Romy hoped.

The eggnog and the mulled wine was flowing, and even the kids were not itching for once to leave to have a separate party. Romy hadn’t spent a minute in Steve’s arms since they opened the doors to their first guests, pulled apart by hosting duties and their fifty or so nearest and dearest.

“You can’t jump him here with so many people in the room,” Renee whispered in Romy’s ear making her cough on the mulled wine she was sipping.

“Thank you!” Mary appeared on her other side “That’s what I’ve been thinking the whole night. Shouldn’t you two be in the old married category by now? Where you drive each other crazy because of dirty socks and how to fold a dish towel or something.”

“Oh don’t you worry, we drive each other crazy.” Romy winked at Mary, making her sister in law to mime to throw up.

“Hey, excuse me, everybody.” Steve cleared his throat. “Uh... Um, hey, come on in here a little... Romy, Nahele? Where are you?” He beckoned his family to him in front of the fireplace. Romy grabbed Eddie at his collar and commanded him to sit, while she slung an arm around Nahele. “Yeah, come on in, guys. Grab your drinks.” Steve handed them both a drink, before his hand settled securely on her back, right underneath her shoulder blades, which her top had left bare. “Hey, listen, I just want to thank all you guys for coming out tonight. Okay? It means a lot to me.” He looked over at his family and added. “To us. And, uh, look, if we look around the room right now, there's a lot of familiar faces in here. But also gonna see a bunch of new faces, okay? And to the first-timers at the, uh, famous Steve, Romy, Nahele and Eddie Erhardt - McGarrett's Christmas Bash, on behalf of all of us, our deepest gratitude to you guys. Not just for what happened today, but for all of your personal sacrifices-- all right, defending this country that we all love. So thank you very much.” He lifted his cup for the toast. “It's our honor to call you guys 'ohana now. So welcome, and Merry Christmas.” Steve pressed a kiss to the top of Romy’s head, and another to her lips when she lifted her head. Her hand grabbing a fist of his shirt, not letting him go for a moment, their kiss lingering.

“Love you.” She murmured when they separated.

“Love you too.” His eyes were soft and full of love for the woman in front of him.

They were interrupted by Junior “Commander.”

“Hmm?” Steve wasn’t quite ready to let Romy go.

Junior cleared his throat, he needed Steve to know “Hey, thank you for that.”

Steve sighed, turning to him fully. Romy was still in his arms. “No, Junior. Thank you, buddy. If you hadn't had showed that initiative today, we probably wouldn't have caught those bad guys.”

“I'm always happy to lend a hand,” Junior said bashfully. Romy needed to bite her lip, the kid had no idea what was going to come next.

“Yeah, I know you are. That's why I got a little something for you.” Steve reached into his back pocket

“ I-I'm sorry.” Junior stammered “I didn't realize we were exchanging gifts.”

“No, we're not. It's not a gift. A gift is, uh... a gift's charity. This is something you earn.” With a flourish, Steve presented a brand new Five - 0 badge to Junior. “Oh, for real?”

Romy giggled quietly, Steve just fried Junior’s brain.

“No, I'm kidding.” Her husband deadpanned. “What do you think? Yeah, for real. Come on.” He still had the badge in hand, Junior seemed too scared to take it. “But, um... HPD training-- I-I haven't finished the course yet.”

“You didn't finish...?” Steve decided to play along. “Thought you guys told me he” he looked up directing his questions at the rest of the team “he finished the course.”

“This is...” Junior was still shaking his head.

With a sigh, Steve let Romy out of his arms and grasped Junior’s shoulder “Come on. Listen, you will finish the course, all right? But over the last couple of months, you've proven to me, you've proven to all of us that you're more than ready for that. So merry Christmas and welcome aboard.”

“Thank you, sir.” Junior took the badge carefully and tackled steve in a hug. The rest of the team swarmed around him offering him congratulations and in the case of Jerry a little wisdom. “Badge is heavier than you thought it was gonna be, isn't it?”

“You did good.” Romy kissed Steve’s cheek. She knew this was hard for him, first Tani and now Junior. This was the final nail in the coffin of the original team. “They‘ll always have a place.” He said almost more to himself than Romy. “I know” her thumb rubbing soothing circles on his hand, “and more importantly Kono and Chin know that too.”

“Thank you.” Steve squeezed Romy’s hand.

“Anytime.”

——xx——xx——

Their wonderful Christmas, with German Christmas Eve, American Christmas Day and the McGarrett Surfing Boxing Day were a distant memory to Steve as he returned dead on his feet in the first week of January.

“Today was bad” Steve sat next to Romy, his body sinking until his head nestled on her lap. “The rendition facility, Agent Fisher and his family murdered…Junior and then the whole thing with Adam.”

“I’m sorry, Schnuffi.” Romy’s finger played with his hair, before they started a soft massage on his face, her motion almost forcing him to relax. “You want to talk about it?”

Steve shook his head, opening his eyes for a second. Romy scratching his scruff made him close them again. “Wanna hear about your day.” He yawned.

So Romy did, told him little stories about her day, how fucking proud she was of Ani for landing the job she recommended her for. How Nahele and Eddie were learning little tricks to post on Instagram. Weaving their everyday life around him with her words, like she was swathing him in a blanket. So, he could forget for one moment that the person who killed agent fisher and his family, he squeezed his eyes shut, thinking about that little girl, wasn’t arrested or laying in a hole somewhere. Could forget about the Japanese mercenaries that hit the rendition facility and killed Shioma.

“Adam joined Five - 0 tonight.” His voice was gravelly in the quiet of their living room. “He is going to track down the new player.”

“Great one more person I need to worry about getting shot regularly,” Romy said drily.

Steve turned his head and burrowed into her belly, effectively hiding his grin. “You wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Hey!” Romy poked his sides tickling him, making Steve giggle and trying to evade her fingers.

With a sigh, Steve heaved off her lap and held his hand out “Com on gorgeous, time for bed.”

——xx——xx——

McDanno’s was going to hell in a handbasket. First, the tools were stolen, then the money running out and the delays and now Danny had called in his uncle Vito for help. If that wasn’t a sign that this restaurant wasn’t going to happen she didn’t know what was.

Steve had been in a bad mood ever since the tools had disappeared. He and Danny had been arguing nonstop and even Pua coming clean on where the tools actually were -A family who lost everything through the wildfire last year - had not helped.

Romy had thought with Uncle Vito turning up, the tension would ease and his forehead would stop being in a permanent frown. But boy oh boy was she wrong!

First, she received a ranting phone call about people having no clue how dangerous sun exposure could be and then a slew of texts, how no one was supporting them, couldn’t see their vision and told them to fake a rat problem to get money from the insurance. Romy wanted to laugh, Vito seemed to be hitting every sore spot either Steve and Danny had. Oh, how she longed for the easy days when the only bone of contention was Steve’s driving skills and Danny’s pigheadedness. With these she could deal, she was a master at dealing with it, but the whole restaurant thing had her scratching her head and rolling her eyes. One day they were up in the sky with ideas and progress and the next it was all money troubles, opening dates and arguments. Romy hoped that Vito was being able to help them, to stop them from floundering, to finally get a move on.

A sharp pain in her abdomen stopped her musings abruptly. Romy shifted in her chair, trying to relieve the pain and bloating in her body. She checked her phone, nope her period wasn’t due for another 5 days.

“You ok?” Nahele leaned it against her desk.

“Yeah, sure. Why?” Romy tried to smile, it looked more like a grimace.

“You look kinda weird.” He bit off a piece of the chocolate bar he snatched off the desk.

“Thanks?” Romy commented drily, biting the inside of her cheek to stop another wince.

“Mama!” Nahele stepped around the desk when Romy pushed her hand onto her stomach to relieve the pain.

“I’m good, ‘Hele. Just some cramps.”

Nahele rolled his eyes at her excuse, they were certain things a son did not know. “When is Dad going to be home?” He changed the subject quickly.

“He’s still at the restaurant. Should be home for dinner though.” Romy checked her phone, looking at the latest Steve had sent her. “What are you cooking for us?” She tried to move his attention away from her pain.

“I thought Risotto?”

“That sounds wonderful.”

——xx——xx——

“Hello, McGarrett family! It’s your favourite crime scene cleaner!”

“Hirsch?” Steve groaned, this was so not what he needed tonight. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, I need some help from your lovely wife!” Hirsch brandished a folder from behind his back. “And..” he sniffed the air a bit “what smells so good.”

“Spring green risotto with asparagus.” Nahele stepped out on the lanai, holding a big serving bowl in his hand.

“Count me in!” Hirsch plopped down on the chair opposite Steve’s.

Steve glared at their new dinner guest, who just invited themselves for dinner? “Of course you are” he grumbled underneath his breath.

“Gerard!” Romy exclaimed as she stepped out herself. “When your text said urgently five minutes ago, I kinda expected you to wait for me to respond.” She kissed the top of Steve’s head and placed a bottle of beer in front of him, then she sat down herself.

“I was in the neighbourhood and there’s always good food here.” Gerard shrugged, smiling in thanks at Nahele who handed him a plate and cutlery.

Romy closed her eyes exasperated and chuckled in defeat. “Sure. Sure.”

During dinner, Gerald entertained Nahele with stories of his recent crime scenes and attempts to flirt with Romy to get a rise out of Steve. This had Romy in stitches as it got more outlandish by the minute, she leaned into Steve’s side trying to smother her giggles in his shorts, while Steve looked incredible unamused.

“Didn’t you like it?” Nahele pointed to Romy’s almost untouched plate.

“It was delicious, ‘Hele. Not much of an appetite all of a sudden though.” Romy pressed her hand into her tummy, trying to relieve the bloated feeling.

“You ok?” Steve brushed some hair out of her face, worried Steve had replaced the Neanderthal in a split second. Both not realising, that Gerard and Nahele disappeared inside taking the dirty dishes with them and giving the couple some privacy at the same time.

“Yeah, just coming onto my period I think,” Romy mumbled.

“Isn’t that a bit early?”

“I think my cycle is calibrating after being off the pill, my Gyn told me that could happen.”

“Ok,” he squeezed her neck comforting, pressing his lips to hers. “You go to your doctor if it gets worse?”

“I will.” Romy chased his lips for another kiss. “Now let me check what Gerard wants.”

——xx——xx——

“Where are you taking me?” Romy laughed as Steve pushed her carefully forward, his hands hovering over glasses. The last couple of weeks had been nonstop, going on college tours with Nahele, the restaurant and Uncle Vito, Lou’s heartbreaking story, and Romy’s still appearing cramps. They needed to relax, but a weekend away wasn’t going to be in the cards with both of their current workloads so it needed to be the next best thing.

“Can I open my eyes now?” Romy asked as situated her in the car.

“Hold on.” He rushed around the car and sat down in the driver's seat. He took a moment to look at her, really look at her. He could see that she was just as exhausted as he was. The dark eyes and her dulled skin speaking volumes of restless sleep and fast food. She had chosen to wear jeans and an off-shoulder top, that she made out of an old dress shirt of his. Her collarbones were calling out to him, and he pressed a kiss to the one closest to him, making Romy jump a little.

“Now you can.” He whispered against her skin.

“This is not one of our cars.” She turned around in her seat.

“You should have become a detective” Steve teased her for stating the obvious, earning himself a smack on the arm.

“Smartass.”

“This, gorgeous, is a classic Ford Mustang convertible. And we will take this car on a little joy ride, to a beautiful spot on the island for a picnic and discretionary activities.” His breath blowing over her skin, making Romy shiver out for a completely different reason than before.

“Lead the way Commander.” Romy lifted his face, so she could catch his lips in a deep kiss.

Steve eased the car out of the driveway and directed them away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and ‘Āina Haina. It only took Romy a couple of minutes away from the busy roads to relax, her feet dangled out of the open window and her head rested on his shoulder. Steve pressed a kiss to the crown of her head, his arm finding its way around her shoulder and playing with her hair.

“This is the best idea you ever had.” Romy sat down on the blanket, they had spread out in a little hidden spot in between palm trees with an unobstructed view of the sea.

“I’m glad to serve.” Steve finished unloading the massive picnic basket he’d brought. They gorged on delicious sandwiches, fruit and dessert, as well as a bottle of bubbly. Once they had finished dinner, Steve pulled her in the space between his legs, pressing her back to his front. Romy let her hand glide down Steve’s arm until their fingers interlaced “it’s kinda creepy at the moment.”

Steve turned to her, how could she find this moment creepy? “What?”

“Not this moment here.” She placated his outrage with a soft kiss. “I mean everything bad that happened recently, didn’t happen to us. It’s creepy like we’re just waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Romy gnawed at her bottom lip. Steve brushed his thumb over it, making her release her lip. He brushed his lips over hers, soft kisses. A teasing flick of a tongue. The kiss trailed off as softly as it began, Steve kissed away from the corner of Romy’s mouth to the shell of her ear. “There won’t be another shoe that drops, we survived our dues. Now it’s time to be happy.” He nuzzled the spot right underneath Romy’s ear, making her sigh in contentment.

“I like the sound of that sound. It’s like one of these moments, that we take out again and again when things get hard again.”

“Well let’s hope it won’t be anytime soon.”

“I do agree with you.” Romy turned in his lap, their nose brushing. “How about we move onto the discretionary activities you mentioned.” She muttered and dragged her mouth over his. What started as a slow and sensual kiss, quickly moved into devouring each other’s mouth. Steve’s arms band around her, the scent of her perfume and skin mixed drove him wild, he swore he could taste it, as he ran hot kisses down her throat, making Romy mewl. She rocked in his lap, while he got to rid of her shirt and his hands on her breasts. “Touch me, Steve. I need you to touch me.” His voice was raspy with want, and her fingers were shaking as she pulled his T-shirt over his head.

“Gorgeous.” Steve breathed unsure if he meant Romy or how she looked lit on fire by the sunset behind her. He popped the first button of her jeans, trying to make good on her request. His hand splayed on her belly and was about to sneak inside of her panties when Romy let out a moan.

Startled Steve looked up, this was not a pleasure moan, this was a ‘fuck I’m in pain’ moan. “Romy?” Steve grasped her face, stopping her from almost toppling over.

“I’m ok” her words laboured, as she tried to get control of her breathing.

“The hell you are!” He pushed through gritted teeth “You’re in pain!”

“I just need a moment” Romy squeezed her eyes shut, another moan escaping her lips.

“No!” Steve pushed her off his lap and then scooped her up in his arms. “You’ve been telling me for weeks you’re fine, Romy.” He settled her back into the car. “You’re not fine, and I won’t be taking no for an answer anymore.”

He leaned over the console, his hands on her face, thumbs brushing away the stray tear “We’re going to the hospital.”

He put the car into gear and sped back towards civilisation. His eyes darting between Romy and the road constantly. She was curled into her seat, clutching on his right hand. Why couldn’t life give them one night, one damn night where they didn’t need to worry, where they didn’t need to fight.

His knuckles turning white on the steering wheel, as Romy squeezed his other hand in pain. “I love you.” She whimpered.

Steve lifted their joined hands to his lips, pressing a quick kiss to knuckles. What had she said not 20 minutes ago, a moment to take out when things get hard again? He thought of the way she fit against his chest, how her lips felt against his, how the way she made his heart skip a beat.

“I love you too,” He quickly looked down at her “We are still going to the hospital though, gorgeous.”

#taglist reblog #taglist #fic reblog #hawaii 5 0 #steve mcgarrett #steve mcgarrett x ofc #hawaii five 0 #romy erhardt #danny williams #hawaii five 0 fanfiction #hawaii five 0 imagine #ohanaovereverything

[babymelancholie1]

The Romy Files - Chapter 49

Chapter 49 - L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N

Summary: Life moves on, but never without some troubles Warnings: none Episode: Season 8, Episode 11 - 15 Masterlist: Catch up here

Hello lovelies,  How are you all? I’m happy to present you a new slice of Romy & Steve, we’re going to cover a lot of ground here to move the story along. Thank you so much for continue to read my story, and all your support, comments and messages. You have no idea how much they mean to me. Enjoy xx 

 ——xx——xx—— 

“Hey!” Danny cheered as Steve, Romy and Nahele walked into his hospital room. “Look at you! All dressed up, all hail the newly minted McGarrett family.”

Romy cleared her throat at him. “Sorry, sorry!” Danny smiled “Erhardt - McGarrett family, I meant.”

“That’s right.” She grinned, bumping her hip into Steve’s.

“Now come here you!” Danny patted his bed for Nahele. “Show me the goods.” With a flourish, Nahele pulled out the framed copy of the adoption certificate. “Ah, a nice one, with a stamp and signature and everything.” Danny nodded approvingly, “But really? You took McGarrett as a name?”

“Danny!” Romy warned him, he and Steve could tease and goad each other as much as they wanted, but not in front of the kids.

He lifted his hands in surrender “I was just wondering why he didn’t double-barrel like you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Romy rolled her eyes at him.

“So, when are they going to spring you out of here?” Nahele hopped onto Danny’s bed.

“Better be this side of Christmas,” Danny complained. “I’ve been here way too long.”

“You” Romy pointed at him “got shot and needed to be kept alive by him.”, she patted Steve’s hands that were folded over her stomach. “You’re staying as long as the doctor wants to and then you’re staying with us for a while.”

“Geez…Romy” Danny held up his hands “calm down.”

“You almost died” she beseeched Danny, a lump forming in her throat. “And despite your best efforts, I am incredibly fond of you and I’d hate it if you weren’t here to annoy me anymore.”

Danny looked up at Steve, hoping for some assistance. But Steve just shrugged. “I’m right there with her, man.” He squeezed Romy to his front. “Our life would be way too quiet without you.”

“Ugh” Danny pulled a face “I know when I’m beaten.” He let himself fall back onto his thin hospital pillow. “Now get out of here. You got something awesome to celebrate.” And that they did! Romy and Steve couldn’t describe the feeling when the judge announced that Nahele was officially their son, and it only amplified tenfold when he read out the family name Nahele had chosen.

Nahele McGarrett

It proudly proclaimed on their adoption certificate and his newly issued passport. Steve squeezed Romy’s hand, her eyes saying the same words his mouth couldn’t speak out loud.

“Where to Mr McGarrett?” Romy asked as she turned back in the car. Her feet were no longer in the torture devices she had chosen to wear to court but in flip flops. Steve and Nahele had shucked their jackets and ties as well, and Romy couldn’t help but lick her lips as Steve folded up his sleeves and his arm muscles flexed. She played with the gold pendant of her necklace, which nestled nicely in the asymmetric neckline of her burgundy shift dress. “The choice is yours, Nahele.”

“Where ever I want?” The teenager leaned between the two front seats of the car. He wanted to be sure he had complete free reign.

“Where you want,” Steve confirmed as he eased out of the parking space.

“The pub” he mumbled.

Romy turned around in her seat again “Kiddo?”

“The pub. I want to go to our pub.”

“You sure?” She wanted to make sure. “I can make a call and book us in any restaurant you want. And I promise dad is not gonna wince when he sees the bill.”

“I’m sure.” Nahele smiled.

“Ok,” Romy shrugged. It’s not what she would have chosen to celebrate the occasion, but if that was where Nahele wanted to go. “It’s just we go there all the time.” She tried once more.

“You took me there the first time we ever went out to dinner.”

Steve caught Romy’s fingers in his, squeezing softly, as he threw her a smile. “The pub it is, ‘Hele.” He grinned into the rearview mirror.

——xx——xx——

Steve groaned as he unlocked his front door, shrieks could be heard from the beach to the front garden. Where they ever going to have the house for themselves again? They had moved Danny back into his house only 3 days ago. Still on light duty, but his friend was aching to sleep in his bed again. Not that Steve could fault him for that - he’d miss his bed too, with the extra advantage of Romy being in it. He had wanted to ask where Melissa had been. Romy had stomped on his foot so hard when he had dared to ask the first half of the question, that Steve was sure she had broken his little toe and had not dared to ask again. Excuse him for wanting to know, why the woman who was so adamant that she loved Danny had not turned up in the hospital during quarantine or when Danny got shot nor had she visited him at their place. On the other hand, he was glad that she hadn’t come over, their house was bursting at the seams as it was with Junior and Danny taking up the guest rooms.

He had hoped for one night of quiet but those shrieks belonged to his niece. Mary and Joanie must have arrived for their Christmas holiday. With a sigh Steve pushed the door open, pasting a smile on his face. He stepped into the house and the mayhem his sister always managed to drag along. His time however his fears were unfounded. Mary had almost been scarily organised and even approved of Eddie as a new addition to the family, despite her aversion to pets. Eddie however had fallen in love with Joanie from the get-go, and the little girl responded in kind. Wherever the dog went, Joanie wasn’t far away. Even at night Eddie gave up his usual spot, the bottom of Romy and Steve’s bed, and settled down in front of Joanie’s travel cot.

“I miss my dog.” Romy bemoaned the third night of their visit. “I cannot believe he abandoned me like this.”

Steve pressed his lips together to stop the chuckle that was threatening to become full-blown laughter.

“What do you want me to do, gorgeous? Carrying him back here?”

Romy scrunched up her nose, contemplating his idea for a moment.

“Romy!” Steve exclaimed, she couldn’t be serious. Was she really jealous that Eddie had taken a shine to their niece? Instead of an answer, Romy buried her face into his chest, he could feel her shrugging slightly. He carded his fingers through Romy’s locks and used his leverage to draw her face up. She was pouting. “If you want to, I’ll do it.” Why was he such a goner whenever she looked at him?

She perched her chin on Steve’s chest, her nose scrunching slightly as she contemplated her husbands offer. “No…no…I’ll be a grown-up tonight.”

Steve could not hold in the chuckle now. “Don’t pout at me, gorgeous.” He groaned, when her expression shifted, his fingers massaging Romy’s scalp. “I’ll even reward you for behaving like an adult.”

“Oh?” Romy’s eyebrows raised. “And how do you plan to do that?”

“I’m sure I can think of something.”

Romy could practically feel his smirk on her skin, as his mouth moved from her ear to her collarbone, making her shiver in anticipation.

“I think, I like where you’re heading Commander.” She said breathlessly, as Steve sucked a sensitive spot right below her collarbone.

“I knew you’d come around to my way of thinking.” Was the last thing any of them said for a very long while that night.

——xx——xx——

Romy pulled the third sheet of sugar cookies out of the oven, adding another one straight away. Her eyes flitted over her ever-growing to-do list pinned to the fridge. Cookies are almost done, the living room is currently being decorated by Mary, Nahele on pick up duty of the hot food they need, while Joanie was smothering the cooled cookies in red or green icing.

“Pebbles!”

“Scheisse!” Romy shouted back, letting the hot tray fall onto the table. She did a little dance, sucking in her thumb, hoping she wouldn’t get a blister.

Joanie laughed so hard her whole body shook “Pebbles!”, she exclaimed again.

“What are you saying, lovey?” Romy crouched down to Joanie’s eye level.

“Pebbles. Just like Pebbles.”

“She’s been watching the Flintstone’s a lot recently.” Mary’s amused voice sounded from the doorway. “You had the Flinstone’s in Germany didn’t you?”

Romy looked at her sister in law confused, but then it clicked. “You are thinking I look like Pebbles Flintstone? The little kid?” She turned back to her niece.

“Hair. Pretty like Pebbles.” Joanie jabbed her finger into the messy and tiny topknot that Romy sported today, and which bopped precariously every time she moved.

“Pebbles is her favourite.” Mary supplied again.

“Really” Romy looked up to her, before turning back to Joanie. “Is that true, Joanie? Am I your favourite?” She tickled the little girl, making her giggle and wiggle away from her and then move back in closer. Romy buried her face in Joanie’s neck, as the girl wrapped her arms around her in a big hug.

“Auntie Pebbles.” She proclaimed, her sticky fingers on Romy’s cheeks, she stared intently at Romy. “My Auntie Pebbles.”

“That’s right, lovey!” Romy stood up, lifting Joanie out of the chair in the process.

“What’s going on here?” Steve appeared in the doorway next to Mary.

“Nothing much, just that Joanie has a new nickname for Romy.”

“Oh yeah?” Steve moved past his sister and into the kitchen, taking Joanie from his wife and using the move to kiss Romy hello.

“Hi Romy”

“Not Romy! Nuhu!” Joanie shook her head violently at her uncle.

“What? Of course, this is Romy. Your Auntie Romy.” Steve cuddled with Joanie.

“Nope. Not Auntie Romy.” Joanie pointed to Romy’s hair. “Auntie Pebbles!” She declared proudly and wriggled out of Steve’s arms to scramble off and find Eddie.

“Pebbles?” Steve wheezed out in between chuckles. “This is too good! I need to tell everyone. This is so going to be your new name.”

“You call me Pebbles one time and Eddie will take your spot in our bed indefinitely.” Romy pointed her finger at him, meaning business.

“Oh, don’t be like that, gorgeous.” Steve hugged Romy from behind, his cheek right next to hers. “It’s too perfect not to use.”

“I mean it, Steve.” Romy leaned her head on his shoulder, “I don’t need the team to hear this and suddenly think they could call me this.”

“Ok, ok. Oh speaking of the team, we had some support from some of Junior’s friends today solving our case. I invited them to the party, hope that’s ok?”

“Veteran friends?”

“Yeah…”

“Of course, it's ok. The more, the merrier.” Romy turned and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You got a handle down here? I’m gonna shower and change.”

——xx——xx——

Not even an hour later their house was full of friends and family, Christmas Carols could be heard playing through the hidden speakers and everyone seemed to be in a good mood for once. The only people missing were Kono, Chin and Abbey - maybe next year, Romy hoped.

The eggnog and the mulled wine was flowing, and even the kids were not itching for once to leave to have a separate party. Romy hadn’t spent a minute in Steve’s arms since they opened the doors to their first guests, pulled apart by hosting duties and their fifty or so nearest and dearest.

“You can’t jump him here with so many people in the room,” Renee whispered in Romy’s ear making her cough on the mulled wine she was sipping.

“Thank you!” Mary appeared on her other side “That’s what I’ve been thinking the whole night. Shouldn’t you two be in the old married category by now? Where you drive each other crazy because of dirty socks and how to fold a dish towel or something.”

“Oh don’t you worry, we drive each other crazy.” Romy winked at Mary, making her sister in law to mime to throw up.

“Hey, excuse me, everybody.” Steve cleared his throat. “Uh... Um, hey, come on in here a little... Romy, Nahele? Where are you?” He beckoned his family to him in front of the fireplace. Romy grabbed Eddie at his collar and commanded him to sit, while she slung an arm around Nahele. “Yeah, come on in, guys. Grab your drinks.” Steve handed them both a drink, before his hand settled securely on her back, right underneath her shoulder blades, which her top had left bare. “Hey, listen, I just want to thank all you guys for coming out tonight. Okay? It means a lot to me.” He looked over at his family and added. “To us. And, uh, look, if we look around the room right now, there's a lot of familiar faces in here. But also gonna see a bunch of new faces, okay? And to the first-timers at the, uh, famous Steve, Romy, Nahele and Eddie Erhardt - McGarrett's Christmas Bash, on behalf of all of us, our deepest gratitude to you guys. Not just for what happened today, but for all of your personal sacrifices-- all right, defending this country that we all love. So thank you very much.” He lifted his cup for the toast. “It's our honor to call you guys 'ohana now. So welcome, and Merry Christmas.” Steve pressed a kiss to the top of Romy’s head, and another to her lips when she lifted her head. Her hand grabbing a fist of his shirt, not letting him go for a moment, their kiss lingering.

“Love you.” She murmured when they separated.

“Love you too.” His eyes were soft and full of love for the woman in front of him.

They were interrupted by Junior “Commander.”

“Hmm?” Steve wasn’t quite ready to let Romy go.

Junior cleared his throat, he needed Steve to know “Hey, thank you for that.”

Steve sighed, turning to him fully. Romy was still in his arms. “No, Junior. Thank you, buddy. If you hadn't had showed that initiative today, we probably wouldn't have caught those bad guys.”

“I'm always happy to lend a hand,” Junior said bashfully. Romy needed to bite her lip, the kid had no idea what was going to come next.

“Yeah, I know you are. That's why I got a little something for you.” Steve reached into his back pocket

“ I-I'm sorry.” Junior stammered “I didn't realize we were exchanging gifts.”

“No, we're not. It's not a gift. A gift is, uh... a gift's charity. This is something you earn.” With a flourish, Steve presented a brand new Five - 0 badge to Junior. “Oh, for real?”

Romy giggled quietly, Steve just fried Junior’s brain.

“No, I'm kidding.” Her husband deadpanned. “What do you think? Yeah, for real. Come on.” He still had the badge in hand, Junior seemed too scared to take it. “But, um... HPD training-- I-I haven't finished the course yet.”

“You didn't finish...?” Steve decided to play along. “Thought you guys told me he” he looked up directing his questions at the rest of the team “he finished the course.”

“This is...” Junior was still shaking his head.

With a sigh, Steve let Romy out of his arms and grasped Junior’s shoulder “Come on. Listen, you will finish the course, all right? But over the last couple of months, you've proven to me, you've proven to all of us that you're more than ready for that. So merry Christmas and welcome aboard.”

“Thank you, sir.” Junior took the badge carefully and tackled steve in a hug. The rest of the team swarmed around him offering him congratulations and in the case of Jerry a little wisdom. “Badge is heavier than you thought it was gonna be, isn't it?”

“You did good.” Romy kissed Steve’s cheek. She knew this was hard for him, first Tani and now Junior. This was the final nail in the coffin of the original team. “They‘ll always have a place.” He said almost more to himself than Romy. “I know” her thumb rubbing soothing circles on his hand, “and more importantly Kono and Chin know that too.”

“Thank you.” Steve squeezed Romy’s hand.

“Anytime.”

——xx——xx——

Their wonderful Christmas, with German Christmas Eve, American Christmas Day and the McGarrett Surfing Boxing Day were a distant memory to Steve as he returned dead on his feet in the first week of January.

“Today was bad” Steve sat next to Romy, his body sinking until his head nestled on her lap. “The rendition facility, Agent Fisher and his family murdered…Junior and then the whole thing with Adam.”

“I’m sorry, Schnuffi.” Romy’s finger played with his hair, before they started a soft massage on his face, her motion almost forcing him to relax. “You want to talk about it?”

Steve shook his head, opening his eyes for a second. Romy scratching his scruff made him close them again. “Wanna hear about your day.” He yawned.

So Romy did, told him little stories about her day, how fucking proud she was of Ani for landing the job she recommended her for. How Nahele and Eddie were learning little tricks to post on Instagram. Weaving their everyday life around him with her words, like she was swathing him in a blanket. So, he could forget for one moment that the person who killed agent fisher and his family, he squeezed his eyes shut, thinking about that little girl, wasn’t arrested or laying in a hole somewhere. Could forget about the Japanese mercenaries that hit the rendition facility and killed Shioma.

“Adam joined Five - 0 tonight.” His voice was gravelly in the quiet of their living room. “He is going to track down the new player.”

“Great one more person I need to worry about getting shot regularly,” Romy said drily.

Steve turned his head and burrowed into her belly, effectively hiding his grin. “You wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Hey!” Romy poked his sides tickling him, making Steve giggle and trying to evade her fingers.

With a sigh, Steve heaved off her lap and held his hand out “Com on gorgeous, time for bed.”

——xx——xx——

McDanno’s was going to hell in a handbasket. First, the tools were stolen, then the money running out and the delays and now Danny had called in his uncle Vito for help. If that wasn’t a sign that this restaurant wasn’t going to happen she didn’t know what was.

Steve had been in a bad mood ever since the tools had disappeared. He and Danny had been arguing nonstop and even Pua coming clean on where the tools actually were -A family who lost everything through the wildfire last year - had not helped.

Romy had thought with Uncle Vito turning up, the tension would ease and his forehead would stop being in a permanent frown. But boy oh boy was she wrong!

First, she received a ranting phone call about people having no clue how dangerous sun exposure could be and then a slew of texts, how no one was supporting them, couldn’t see their vision and told them to fake a rat problem to get money from the insurance. Romy wanted to laugh, Vito seemed to be hitting every sore spot either Steve and Danny had. Oh, how she longed for the easy days when the only bone of contention was Steve’s driving skills and Danny’s pigheadedness. With these she could deal, she was a master at dealing with it, but the whole restaurant thing had her scratching her head and rolling her eyes. One day they were up in the sky with ideas and progress and the next it was all money troubles, opening dates and arguments. Romy hoped that Vito was being able to help them, to stop them from floundering, to finally get a move on.

A sharp pain in her abdomen stopped her musings abruptly. Romy shifted in her chair, trying to relieve the pain and bloating in her body. She checked her phone, nope her period wasn’t due for another 5 days.

“You ok?” Nahele leaned it against her desk.

“Yeah, sure. Why?” Romy tried to smile, it looked more like a grimace.

“You look kinda weird.” He bit off a piece of the chocolate bar he snatched off the desk.

“Thanks?” Romy commented drily, biting the inside of her cheek to stop another wince.

“Mama!” Nahele stepped around the desk when Romy pushed her hand onto her stomach to relieve the pain.

“I’m good, ‘Hele. Just some cramps.”

Nahele rolled his eyes at her excuse, they were certain things a son did not know. “When is Dad going to be home?” He changed the subject quickly.

“He’s still at the restaurant. Should be home for dinner though.” Romy checked her phone, looking at the latest Steve had sent her. “What are you cooking for us?” She tried to move his attention away from her pain.

“I thought Risotto?”

“That sounds wonderful.”

——xx——xx——

“Hello, McGarrett family! It’s your favourite crime scene cleaner!”

“Hirsch?” Steve groaned, this was so not what he needed tonight. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, I need some help from your lovely wife!” Hirsch brandished a folder from behind his back. “And..” he sniffed the air a bit “what smells so good.”

“Spring green risotto with asparagus.” Nahele stepped out on the lanai, holding a big serving bowl in his hand.

“Count me in!” Hirsch plopped down on the chair opposite Steve’s.

Steve glared at their new dinner guest, who just invited themselves for dinner? “Of course you are” he grumbled underneath his breath.

“Gerard!” Romy exclaimed as she stepped out herself. “When your text said urgently five minutes ago, I kinda expected you to wait for me to respond.” She kissed the top of Steve’s head and placed a bottle of beer in front of him, then she sat down herself.

“I was in the neighbourhood and there’s always good food here.” Gerard shrugged, smiling in thanks at Nahele who handed him a plate and cutlery.

Romy closed her eyes exasperated and chuckled in defeat. “Sure. Sure.”

During dinner, Gerald entertained Nahele with stories of his recent crime scenes and attempts to flirt with Romy to get a rise out of Steve. This had Romy in stitches as it got more outlandish by the minute, she leaned into Steve’s side trying to smother her giggles in his shorts, while Steve looked incredible unamused.

“Didn’t you like it?” Nahele pointed to Romy’s almost untouched plate.

“It was delicious, ‘Hele. Not much of an appetite all of a sudden though.” Romy pressed her hand into her tummy, trying to relieve the bloated feeling.

“You ok?” Steve brushed some hair out of her face, worried Steve had replaced the Neanderthal in a split second. Both not realising, that Gerard and Nahele disappeared inside taking the dirty dishes with them and giving the couple some privacy at the same time.

“Yeah, just coming onto my period I think,” Romy mumbled.

“Isn’t that a bit early?”

“I think my cycle is calibrating after being off the pill, my Gyn told me that could happen.”

“Ok,” he squeezed her neck comforting, pressing his lips to hers. “You go to your doctor if it gets worse?”

“I will.” Romy chased his lips for another kiss. “Now let me check what Gerard wants.”

——xx——xx——

“Where are you taking me?” Romy laughed as Steve pushed her carefully forward, his hands hovering over glasses. The last couple of weeks had been nonstop, going on college tours with Nahele, the restaurant and Uncle Vito, Lou’s heartbreaking story, and Romy’s still appearing cramps. They needed to relax, but a weekend away wasn’t going to be in the cards with both of their current workloads so it needed to be the next best thing.

“Can I open my eyes now?” Romy asked as situated her in the car.

“Hold on.” He rushed around the car and sat down in the driver's seat. He took a moment to look at her, really look at her. He could see that she was just as exhausted as he was. The dark eyes and her dulled skin speaking volumes of restless sleep and fast food. She had chosen to wear jeans and an off-shoulder top, that she made out of an old dress shirt of his. Her collarbones were calling out to him, and he pressed a kiss to the one closest to him, making Romy jump a little.

“Now you can.” He whispered against her skin.

“This is not one of our cars.” She turned around in her seat.

“You should have become a detective” Steve teased her for stating the obvious, earning himself a smack on the arm.

“Smartass.”

“This, gorgeous, is a classic Ford Mustang convertible. And we will take this car on a little joy ride, to a beautiful spot on the island for a picnic and discretionary activities.” His breath blowing over her skin, making Romy shiver out for a completely different reason than before.

“Lead the way Commander.” Romy lifted his face, so she could catch his lips in a deep kiss.

Steve eased the car out of the driveway and directed them away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and ‘Āina Haina. It only took Romy a couple of minutes away from the busy roads to relax, her feet dangled out of the open window and her head rested on his shoulder. Steve pressed a kiss to the crown of her head, his arm finding its way around her shoulder and playing with her hair.

“This is the best idea you ever had.” Romy sat down on the blanket, they had spread out in a little hidden spot in between palm trees with an unobstructed view of the sea.

“I’m glad to serve.” Steve finished unloading the massive picnic basket he’d brought. They gorged on delicious sandwiches, fruit and dessert, as well as a bottle of bubbly. Once they had finished dinner, Steve pulled her in the space between his legs, pressing her back to his front. Romy let her hand glide down Steve’s arm until their fingers interlaced “it’s kinda creepy at the moment.”

Steve turned to her, how could she find this moment creepy? “What?”

“Not this moment here.” She placated his outrage with a soft kiss. “I mean everything bad that happened recently, didn’t happen to us. It’s creepy like we’re just waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Romy gnawed at her bottom lip. Steve brushed his thumb over it, making her release her lip. He brushed his lips over hers, soft kisses. A teasing flick of a tongue. The kiss trailed off as softly as it began, Steve kissed away from the corner of Romy’s mouth to the shell of her ear. “There won’t be another shoe that drops, we survived our dues. Now it’s time to be happy.” He nuzzled the spot right underneath Romy’s ear, making her sigh in contentment.

“I like the sound of that sound. It’s like one of these moments, that we take out again and again when things get hard again.”

“Well let’s hope it won’t be anytime soon.”

“I do agree with you.” Romy turned in his lap, their nose brushing. “How about we move onto the discretionary activities you mentioned.” She muttered and dragged her mouth over his. What started as a slow and sensual kiss, quickly moved into devouring each other’s mouth. Steve’s arms band around her, the scent of her perfume and skin mixed drove him wild, he swore he could taste it, as he ran hot kisses down her throat, making Romy mewl. She rocked in his lap, while he got to rid of her shirt and his hands on her breasts. “Touch me, Steve. I need you to touch me.” His voice was raspy with want, and her fingers were shaking as she pulled his T-shirt over his head.

“Gorgeous.” Steve breathed unsure if he meant Romy or how she looked lit on fire by the sunset behind her. He popped the first button of her jeans, trying to make good on her request. His hand splayed on her belly and was about to sneak inside of her panties when Romy let out a moan.

Startled Steve looked up, this was not a pleasure moan, this was a ‘fuck I’m in pain’ moan. “Romy?” Steve grasped her face, stopping her from almost toppling over.

“I’m ok” her words laboured, as she tried to get control of her breathing.

“The hell you are!” He pushed through gritted teeth “You’re in pain!”

“I just need a moment” Romy squeezed her eyes shut, another moan escaping her lips.

“No!” Steve pushed her off his lap and then scooped her up in his arms. “You’ve been telling me for weeks you’re fine, Romy.” He settled her back into the car. “You’re not fine, and I won’t be taking no for an answer anymore.”

He leaned over the console, his hands on her face, thumbs brushing away the stray tear “We’re going to the hospital.”

He put the car into gear and sped back towards civilisation. His eyes darting between Romy and the road constantly. She was curled into her seat, clutching on his right hand. Why couldn’t life give them one night, one damn night where they didn’t need to worry, where they didn’t need to fight.

His knuckles turning white on the steering wheel, as Romy squeezed his other hand in pain. “I love you.” She whimpered.

Steve lifted their joined hands to his lips, pressing a quick kiss to knuckles. What had she said not 20 minutes ago, a moment to take out when things get hard again? He thought of the way she fit against his chest, how her lips felt against his, how the way she made his heart skip a beat.

“I love you too,” He quickly looked down at her “We are still going to the hospital though, gorgeous.”

#hawaii 5 0 #hawaii five 0 #steve mcgarrett #steve mcgarrett x ofc #the romy files #hawaii five 0 imagine #hawaii five 0 fanfiction #romy erhardt #steve mcgarrett imagine #danny williams #hawaii #he needs a hug #ohanaovereverything #ohana #h50 fandom #h50 fanfiction #h50 fic #nahele huikala

[babymelancholie1]

@gingergirl06 of course! I wasn’t able to tag you for whatever reason…your tag didn’t come up. But you’re back on 🥰

The Romy Files - Chapter 48

Wild Dreams

Summary: A yacht, a virus, colleges and someone getting shot - life never slows down for Steve and Romy and this time they can’t deal with it together. Warnings: In light of the last two years - quarantine and viruses are being discussed. Episode: Season 8 - 9, 10 Masterlist: Catch Up here

Hello, lovelies, I’m back! I just want to say thank you so much for all your messages, checking in with me, while my family adjusts to new situations. It’s been a rollercoaster and my muse has definitely suffered. But here it is - I present you a new slice of Steve & Romy. Enjoy xx

——xx——xx——

“Romy!”

“Mama!”

Her head shot up from double-checking her work calendar when her two men burst into her office.

“Is everything ok?” Romy stood up and came around the desk.

“A courier delivered a letter today.” Steve held it out to her, his eyes meeting hers. Thinking, she was sure of it, of the last time a courier had delivered them a letter. The last time - her hand shook, as she took the envelope out of Steve’s hand. The last one had threatened her deportation and got them married. What would this one bring?

She turned it over before she opened it. The sender made her breath stop:

Family Court of Honolulu, State of Hawaii.

Romy looked up at Steve and Nahele, both of them filled with trepidation and elation. With a big breath, she tore the envelope open.

Her eyes flitting over the paper rapidly, trying to read and comprehend at the same time.

It was true, it was really true.

Her hand reached out, trying to find something to steady her. Romy felt Steve grabbing it, his other hand holding onto her elbow, squeezing softly. Her gaze lifted to meet theirs. Her eyes were glassy.

“Mama?” Nahele’s voice was full of worry, he only allowed himself a small breath of relief, when he saw the big smile that was spreading over his mom’s face.

“Two weeks - then you’re officially ours.”

“I…I….”

“‘Hele, you ok?” Steve let go of Romy and put his arm around the teenager. “This is still what you want right?”

Nahele looked from Romy to Steve and back, he couldn’t put it in words what was going through his head right now. These two people that took him in, who gave him everything he’d never thought possible. Who loved him, a gift and a given at the same time. He nodded quickly, hating to see the doubt form on his parents' faces. “I just can’t believe it…” he shook his head.

“It’s real” Romy handed over the letter to him. She watched Nahele holding the piece of paper carefully, his hands almost caressing it.

“It’s real.” He confirmed Romy’s words, giving her only a second before he launched at her. The paper crumbling against her back, as he hugged her tight. After a moment of desperately clinging to each other, happiness won out. The two of them started to hop in place, making Steve smile with their silly antics. Romy looked up at Steve, watching him watch them, his grin wide, as the whole situation clicked into place with him. She extended her arm, inviting him into their hug. Steve didn’t need to think twice, as he saw Romy’s arm reaching for him. He stepped into their hug, holding onto them tight. And if Romy’s hair soaked up a couple of happy tears from him, so be it.

For the first time, something in his life went smoothly. Steve looked over at Romy, her face mirroring his emotions, gobsmacked, delirious happiness, perfectly.

With a relieved laugh, he threw his car keys at Nahele, “Let’s Go celebrate! Shaved ice for everyone!”

Romy and Nahele cheered, the last of their nervous energy dissolving with his statement, his acknowledgement making it tangible, real, ready to be celebrated - ready to be shared.

Nahele and Steve had already opened the door of Romy’s office, a massive shout of “congratulations!” from Romy’s colleagues greeting them, when Steve realised that his wife was not standing next to him, not watching Nahele get swept up in celebratory hugs. He turned around, she was still in the middle of the room, her expression dazed like it was all crashing down on her. In a few strides, he stood in front of her. His hands frame her face and Steve kissed her deeply. That seemed to do the trick, her fingers finding the way around his wrists. The kiss was passionate and calming at the same time. If it could talk it would say ‘Finally’

“Thank you.” Romy grinned.

“For what?” Steve’s lips moving against her forehead.

“Making my wildest dreams come true.”

“Right back at ya, gorgeous!”

Romy leaned up, her eyes shining bright with giddiness, “Let’s celebrate.”

——xx——xx——

“I’m taking the rest of the day.” Romy grinned at Ani, as Steve guided her past her assistant's desk.

“You better.” The younger woman retorted cheekily.

“And you better get out of here soon as well, or else!” Romy threatened with a pointed finger, while Steve dragged her to the elevator.

“Aye aye, boss” Ani mock saluted, as the elevator doors closed behind them.

Walking along the beach, her two men next to her, Eddie dancing a little bit in front of them, and a shaved ice in her hand, Romy burrowed into Steve’s side. Her husband, her son, her dog, her home…the wildest dreams, indeed.

——xx——xx——

Steve had tucked the blanket around Danny like he would do to Nahele when he checked on him during the night. His partner was fading rapidly, the virus taking a toll on him harder than him, Tani or Junior. Steve didn’t know what to do. Should he call Grace and Charlie? Giving Danny a chance to speak to his children? Would it help, or would it make the inevitable more real, than it already was?

Steve wasn’t used to sitting on the sidelines, waiting to be rescued. It wasn’t in his nature, just to sit back and wait.

The satellite phone in his hands was taunting him, itching to call Romy. To have her there with him. They were running out of time for Lou to find an antidote, their final hours upon them. But what would he say to her? Would he speak only to Romy or would he talk to Nahele too? What were his last words to the two most important people in his life going to be?

How much he loved them? How they turned his life around? Each in their way, but both showing him his capacity to love was endless when it came to them. Would his name sound like a full-blown essay, like always when it came from Romy’s lips? Or would it sound differently knowing it was the last time he would hear it? He unzipped the small pocket in his vest, pulling out the picture he had in there for the last three years. It had been joined by a second one last year. Her smile was so bright on the first one, the creaks in the paper so deep the colour was fading already. Her face was half-hidden by her hair, the photographer had pressed the shutter in the right moment as he twirled her at Aunt Deb’s wedding. It was the first time he admitted to himself how happy she made him. His sun. His guiding light. He folded the picture on the seams again, carefully so it wouldn’t crease any further. The other was a more recent addition, a selfie taken from Nahele on their first Christmas together. His family.

If this was the time he was allowed to spend with them, he would be grateful. He wouldn’t be mad. He’d never thought he would get what he had, with Romy and Nahele. Couldn’t even tell, if he deserved it, to have them both. To love them, to be loved by them. He was a greedy bastard, he wanted more…more time…more love…more kids…to feel Romy’s lips against his one more time. Steve’s had thudded softly against the bench, he’d never thought he would have a long life. His career was never not dangerous. Funny, he scoffed to himself, from all the ways he thought he’d die, being killed by a virus had not been one of them.

——xx——xx——

Suddenly his comm’s link crackled to life “Commander McGarrett, this is Air One, do you copy?”

Steve scrambled up for the floor, his hand pressed to his ear “Air One? Yes, Air One, go ahead. I read you, go ahead.”

“Commander McGarrett, be advised, we are approaching your location.”

He could feel his whole body shaking, this could only mean good news, please let it mean good news. “Copy that.”

Suddenly Lou’s deep voice cut through his thoughts. “Steve, we have the antidote.”

They were saved. They would live. He would be going home!

——xx——xx——

Romy had her suitcase open on their bed, she had moved her trip to London up a couple of days, no way was she moving the court appointment to make Nahele forever and legally her son. Not for anything - especially not a stupid budget meeting. She cursed Steve for being called out on a case in the middle of the ocean right now. She really needed him here, her fucking winter clothes had moved to the highest shelf in their closet. With a frustrated sigh she gave up her little jumping exercise, the only thing she managed to achieve was to push that box further to the back. Grumbling to herself she got the stepladder, Steve bought it after seeing her doing her little jumping dance once too often. Romy finally had the fabric box down on their bed and sifted through her woolly jumpers when her fingers brushed over another. It was dark blue, soft to the touch with all the washing, she trailed her finger over the collar of the hood. Oh god, how is it almost 3 years ago that she packed that sweater the last time? She still couldn’t believe that Steve hadn’t reported it missing yet. The ringing of the doorbell startled her out of the little trip down memory lane. Romy abandoned her not packed a suitcase and walked downstairs.

“Adam!” She opened the door wide, she hadn’t seen him in a while. Her smile froze, as she saw his face. “What happened?”

Romy needed to sit down, everything was swirling in her head. Did she hear right?

A virus let loose on a yacht.

The team getting infected.

No one had an antidote, except for the guy who let the virus loose in the first place?

Lou finding it in the 11th hour…

She sat down heavily on the stairs. Two voices suddenly filled the living room again. Romy looked up - when did Nahele join them? Was that Eddie nosing her leg?

“And what…what now?” She stuttered.

Adam squatted down in front of her, pushing the blonde Labrador to the side a little bit more “They are at King’s Medical. They need to be quarantined for a week or so to make sure the antidote worked.”

Letting out a strangled breath, Romy massaged her head as she asked “But they are ok, right?” Her voice was small, not wanting to jinx the answer. “I mean that is just a precaution, right? He..they…they’re fine.”

Adam shrugged, “That’s what I’ve been told. But the CDC doesn’t know the virus nor the antidote…”

“Ok. Ok.” Romy pushed her hands through her hair, then she stood up. “When will they be at the hospital?”

Adam checked his phone “In half an hour. The CDC is currently evacuating them from the boat.”

She nodded at him and turned to Nahele, who had gone white as a sheet. She gathered him in her arms for a soft hug “It’s going to be fine, kiddo. You heard Adam.” She could feel him nod against her shoulder. “Your Dad is way too stubborn to die, you know that.” That made Nahele chortle. Romy squeezed him once more to her, pinching his cheek to lighten the mood. “Moooom!” He tried to escape her hand, a smile fighting onto his face.

Mission accomplished.

“Love you, kiddo.”

That got her another smile, this time masked by an impressive eye roll.

“I guess I’m gonna get going.” Adam shuffled towards the door, no longer wanting to interrupt the family moment.

“Adam!” He turned around at Romy’s call. She still had her arms around Nahele. “Thank you!” He nodded courtly and closed the front door behind him.

It took Romy 15 minutes to pack Steve a bag, how convenient that she had an open suitcase laying right on their bed. Nahele had been tasked with getting things together for Junior.

“We’ll see you later, bud.” Romy pressed her face into Eddie’s fur, holding onto the dog tightly. Eddie whined at her words, putting his paw onto her leg. “He’s going to be fine. And I promise he’ll bring you a new toy the next time you see him.” Only that promise seemed to placate Eddie enough to let her go.

The procedures they needed to go through to get to the isolation Wing were immense, scrubbing their hands in antiseptic, masking up even though they would be separated by at least one or two windows. But finally, after the bags have been taken away from them for washing and scanning, they got to see them.

How they all stood lined up behind two walls of glass, waiting for them. Romy let Nahele go first at the intercom. She watched them both leaning against the glass from a couple of feet away. A knock next to her ear made her jump. A grinning Danny holding up a piece of paper. ‘You still got it bad.’

She shook her head at him fondly, pulling out her phone she typed in the note app. ‘Oh yeah.’

Then ‘I’m glad you’re alive.’

Danny smiled at that and mouthed “me too.” While scribbling ‘Grace & Charlie?’

‘Renee is bringing them any moment. She also got some clothes for you.’

Danny nodded and then looked away, unsure how to phrase the next question. Sometimes it just sucked to be a divorced Dad. This time a knock against the glass startled him. Romy pressed her phone against the screen. ‘They are staying with me for the next two days.’

He closed his eyes, his hand touching his chest, unable to convey his gratitude in any other way. Steve was a lucky bastard indeed.

“Hey, you.” Romy stepped over to the intercom.

“How are you?”

Steve question made her laugh. Did he just ask her that? “The Kiddo said things were a bit rough when Adam came over.”

“Well, it’s not every day you get told your husband got infected by an unknown virus and that the antidote was made by the same criminals. And no one knows if it will be working.” Romy shrugged, trying to play down the situation.

“I’m fine. We’re all ok.” Steve tried to reassure her, but Romy’s raised eyebrow told him that he wasn’t that successful.

“This one hit differently.” She let her head fall against the glass.

“Fuck.” Steve let out a tortured groan. “I want to hold you so bad right now.”

Romy let nodded against the glass, it was exactly what she needed as well. His arms were always her safe place. They both weren’t great with words, their communication with their touch was miles better. A ‘you got this’ squeeze of the hand, an ‘I love you’ kiss or a ‘you drive me wild’ tug of hair. Not being able to touch him, to feel him…

Steve itched to touch her, to waive his hands through her hair. Romy loved to have her hair played with, it calmed her. He pushed his hand against the glass, his fingers would sink right into her locks if that damned window wasn’t in the way. How would he survive a week without being able to feel her lips on his, without being able to hold her?

Their moment was broken as Charlie and Grace tumbled onto the hallway. With a sad smile, the two made space for the Williams’ using the intercom. Romy winked at Steve and kissed two of her fingers goodbye.

She sped up her walk when she saw Lou leaning against the wall a bit further down from the rooms. With a little hop, she put her arms around him. “Thank you! I can never thank you enough.”

Lou taken a bit surprised by Romy’s outburst, patted her back awkwardly “Ohana, Romy. Ohana.” He mumbled as an explanation, making her smile.

In the end, it always came down to this. Their Ohana was everything.

It was late getting the kids back home, they didn’t want to leave their respective dads. While Romy could relate, she didn’t look forward to a cold and empty bed either, it was a school night. Gosh, when did she turn into a responsible adult?

Now the kids were in bed, she had one more difficult conversation to have.

“I still don’t know why you wanted to see me, boss.” Ani played with the wineglass Romy handed her. “Telling me that Steve is in the hospital, and me moving some meetings for you, isn’t exactly shocking news. Nothing I haven’t done before.”

Romy laughed out loud, her assistant had her family life figured pretty quickly, now she was in for a shock. “You are not here to move my meetings but to move yours. I’m really glad I forced you to get a passport, 'cause you’re flying to London tomorrow evening.” She said with a bright and wide grin.

“To do what?”

“Present the budget for the hotels to the board.” Romy took a big sip of her wine, watching Ani’s face as the words sunk in.

“You’re crazy…did you get infected by accident too?” Ani stood up, pacing the length of the living room. “I can’t go! I’m your assistant Romy! They’re expecting you! I don’t even know…”

She couldn’t hold her laughter anymore.

“Nice that you find my perfectly justifiable breakdown funny.” With a huff, Ani sat back down.

“I find this incredibly funny because all of these aren’t reasons not to go.” She leaned forward a little. “You know the budget better than anyone and believe me those old, suited men…not many of them are smarter than you. They just hide it better.” That got her a snort. “Also, I want you to have a chat with James and Dinesh when you’re there. They’re still looking for someone to take my old job.”

“You…you want me to take your old job?”

“No” Romy patted her assistant’s hand, “I want you to do my job in a few years. If that’s something that you want to do, of course.” She added nonchalantly, stunning Ani into complete silence.

“You must have known that this was the plan?” Romy asked after a couple of moments of silence.

“I...I thought you wanted to recruit Camila?”

“Yes, for operations manager -“

“And what about you? You’re not leaving are you?” Ani interrupted her panicked.

“No, I’m not leaving. But I might go on maternity leave in a year or two and by then I want you to be able to take over. You ok with that?”

“Am I…am I ok with that?” Ani jumped out of her chair and hugged Romy tight. “Yes! To everything! I just never thought I could.”

“You’re going to be great.” Romy accompanied her to the door. “Pack your bag and have fun! I told James to show you around London.”

“Thank you for believing in me.” Ani hugged Romy again.

“Thanks for making it so easy.” She winked at her. Romy leaned against the front door, letting out a big breath. One thing down, two more to go, but those could wait until morning.

Tired she drudged up the stairs. She chuckled softly as she saw her bed already occupied by three children and a dog. She vaguely remembered tucking them all into their respective bedrooms. She took a picture and send it to Steve and Danny. Quietly she did her nighttime routine and slid into the small space left to her. Her bed was neither cold nor empty that night.

——xx——xx——

Over the next couple of days, they got into a decent rhythm. She and Nahele would meet up at the hospital each afternoon, before going home. Romy was prepping dinner on night 5 of isolation when Nahele hopped onto the kitchen counter next to her.

“What’s up, kiddo?”

“I decided which colleges I want to visit when we go after Christmas.”

Romy nodded, unsure what to say. Colleges had been a difficult subject. Nahele was unsure if he even wanted to go to one, giving Steve almost a heart attack. Not that either of them ever gone to one, but things were different now…as much as it pained her to say that. She hated when her parents would use that sentence.

“Ok.” She decided to say, a safe word.

“Michigan and Washington and of course Hawaii.”

“Ok.” Romy rolled her eyes at herself, did she have any other words available? “Can I ask what brought this on?” Congratulations, Romy - a full sentence this time.

“I…l…what happened with Dad and kinda what you said to Ani a couple of days ago.” Nahele shrugged, sneaking a piece of tomato off the cutting board.

The kitchen knife hovered in Romy’s hand, what had happened to her son, who thought working at the shrimp truck and surfing would be a great life plan?

“They offer some cool courses…biology and chemistry” he mumbled the last words.

“‘Hele?”

“I heard some of the doctors talking about the virus and how lucky Dad and the others were that there was an antidote…and the next attack would not be someone launching a rocket but a little vial of virus let go in a busy place…” he looked over at his Mom and shrugged nervously. Romy held his gaze, a soft smile grazing her face.

“I…I just want to help…do my bit. Like you and Dad. I want you to be proud…”

Romy heaved a big sigh, she disregarded dinner prep and hopped up on the kitchen counter next to Nahele. She let her foot bounce against his, making him look up at her, as he retaliated.

“You’re the only one that needs to live your life, ‘Hele. You need to be happy living it, not me or your Dad. We are always going to be proud of you. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do it with passion.” She kicked his ankle again. “If this is what you want to do, we’ll support you.”

“The courses sound so cool…and it’s something with the future.” He made speech marks when he said future, it had been the word that Steve had used the most when they discussed colleges and possible fields of study.

Romy let out a laugh “well then, virology it is!” She pulled him into her side for a hug. “Love you kiddo.”

Her heart feeling suddenly lighter, so glad that Nahele finally found something to be passionate about.

——xx——xx——

Today was the day, Steve would finally be able to come home! With a big smile, Romy drove onto the hospital parking space only for it to slip right off. Police had cordoned off the whole hospital and was that…fuck that was the bomb squad!

She almost fell out of the car in her haste to get to the building, and it took her another 10 minutes to finally find an officer who knew her enough to let her through.

“No. No. No. No!” Lou rushed towards her. “You cannot be here, Romy!” He grabbed her at her shoulders trying to turn her around.

“Lou, you need to talk to me. What happened? Is Steve…”

“He’s fine.” Lou’s grip on her shoulders turned comforting. “Well, as fine as he can be being trapped in a room and a bomb.”

“What happened?” This didn’t make any rhyme nor reason.

He closed his eyes “someone breached the wing, locked the door with an explosive and then shot Danny.”

Romy didn’t have time to name all the emotions that flew through are at that. Horror. Shock. Anger. And for a very brief moment, relief. Relief that for once it wasn’t Steve that bore the brunt of the craziness that was 5-0’s lives.

“Junior and Steve are working on Danny right now until we get the bomb disarmed and a doctor in there. They are keeping him alive, but hun” he squeezed her shoulders again. “You can’t be here.”

”Lou. No! I need to…”

“You know, Steve wouldn’t want you within a 5-mile radius of this thing, neither do I.” He used his height to turn Romy around. “I will call you as soon as the bomb is disabled.”

“You promise?”

“Girl,” Lou cocked one of his eyebrows, “I pinky promise.”

Sitting in her car, she had no idea where to go or what to do. She couldn’t go home or work or to the palace. Her hand was shaking as she turned the key and the ignition on. On autopilot, she drove to the first place that came to mind. She sat cross-legged on the bench, her eyes stared at the stretch of beach in front of her. What hasn’t happened on that beach?

Steve kissed her here for the first time, on this very bench to be exact. She realised that Nahele was their son here too, that under no circumstances would they let him be with his dad if he didn’t want to. They had decided to get married only a couple of feet away. And now, she sat here. Worrying her phone between her fingers, waiting desperately to hear if after surviving a deadly virus, her husband would get blown up and if her brother in law would survive a gunshot wound.

What had her life become?

Romy had lost all track of time, as she watched life go on around her. She almost jumped out of her skin, as her phone vibrated in her hand.

“They’re free. Danny is in surgery.” Read Lou’s text.

——xx——xx——

When she saw him for the first time not behind glass, Romy swore there was a stupid Instagram filter applied to her vision. Steve is in the middle of the waiting room and around him floating hearts. In two seconds he had crossed the distance and scooped her up into his arms. She could hear the catcalls and wolf whistles from the room, but she didn’t care. Not when Steve clung to her the same way she did to him. He brought her face up to meet his gaze, his hands moved from her hair to her jaw.

“I lo” she got out before Steve slanted his lips over hers. At that moment they forgot the whole situation around them, the guys, Danny, that they still needed to find out who the fuck shot him. The only important thing was his lips on hers and that she finally could touch him again. They only separated when the air became a necessity. Romy took a step back, cataloguing his face. Steve’s beautiful face. It took her some precious seconds before she had her fill, but then she moved over to Junior and Tani, hugging them, making sure they were alright. Steve’s pinky finger always curled around her own, like he couldn’t stand not to touch her.

Romy leaned into him, while they waited for news, revelling in his presence. She couldn’t bear it either to be more than an arm's length away from him.

When the good news came that Danny was out of the woods, that they could go see him, a collective sigh of relief could be heard through the waiting room.

Steve and Romy trailed behind the others on their way to Danny’s room. Fingers interlinked, arms rubbing together.

“I know we’ve been apart for longer, but this was…” Steve shook his head, unable to find the right words.

“Horror?” Romy asked.

“Yeah, absolutely horrible and I not only mean Danny getting shot but” he looked over at her beseechingly, hoping she’d understand. How hard it was not to be there, in their house, in their life’s. Cut off behind walls of glass. Saying Goodbye through an intercom, and goodnight through a phone screen. No kisses, no sex, no hand in her hair. Just nothing.

“I know” her voice soothing his frayed nerves, her eyes mirroring his longing. She had missed him too, his steady presence, making goosebumps appear on his skin, the way he stood next to her when they got ready in the morning.

He stopped her before entering Danny’s room, dragging her down the hallway a few paces. Steve drew her in his arms “I missed you.”

“Schnuffi, you ok?” Romy leaned back a bit, his arms holding her, her hands on his cheeks.

Steve nodded and shrugged at the same time “I just need to hold you a bit longer.” He murmured into her hair.

“Hey, I ain’t letting you go anytime soon, and believe me we are locking our bedroom door tonight.” She winked at him saucily. “I’ve got plans for you, Commander.”

He let his head fall against the wall “Thank god!”

Their moment was interrupted by Adam “You two coming or what?”

“Ah, there they are!” Danny greeted them with a dopey smile. He was flying high as a kite with all the drugs they gave him. Romy leaned down to kiss him on the head and squeezed his hand. “Glad to see you alive.”

“Right back at you, but where’s the baby?”

Romy pulled back slightly, how high was he? “I won’t tell Nahele you called him a baby.”

“No. No. No.” Danny struggled to sit up. “You were pregnant, just a moment ago. You were huge!”

Romy raised her eyebrows unimpressed at the huge comment and Danny’s accompanying hand gestures. “Babes” she patted his arm, “I promise you, I’m not and haven’t been pregnant.” Romy could feel Steve’s hand on her neck, trying to comfort her a bit. It was a touchy subject for both of them. She looked at him over her shoulder gratefully, as she perched on the bed. “Why would you think that?” She asked Danny.

He furrowed his brow “We were at the restaurant, it was heaving with people. I was in the kitchen with Steve tasting a new dish, and you came in…” he rubbed his forehead to remember “No you waddled in like you were about to give birth. And he” Danny pointed at Steve “turned all Neanderthal - ‘What are you actually doing on your feet? I parked you at the bar on a stool with strict orders to rest.’ That obviously didn’t go down very well.” He said drily, making the room snort at Steve’s expense. “And then…then something came up on TV…oh…oh…a cop got shot…me….” his eyes moved from Steve to Romy and back “I really dreamed this?”

“I guess so.” Romy smiled “but it was a decent dream or?”

“Yeah, pretty decent,” Danny said quietly, his eyes focused on Lou, his second dream coming back to him. Grace and Will getting married - god he hoped that was a very distant future.

Romy looked over at Tani and rolled her eyes “And what’s with you?” She pinched her shoulder “Shoe’s off or feet off!”

“Ow!” The other woman exclaimed, holding her arm “That’s gonna bruise you know?”

“And it should! What happened to all of you in those days of quarantine, you lost how to function around other people?” Romy asked, catching a smug smile from Steve out of the corner of her eye. “And don’t worry we’ll discuss this fuck up of a haircut soon.”

Everyone burst out in laughter, efficiently dispelling the tension that still run high within all of them. Suddenly Steve’s phone rang, making the room jump in anticipation. It was Jerry - he had a lead on the mad man that shot Danny. The team filed out quickly, leaving Romy alone with Danny.

“So you and Steve planning to make my dream a reality soon?” Danny asked teasingly.

“Your nephew is becoming officially ours tomorrow” Romy teased right back.

“You know what I mean, Romy.” He poked her in the side, making Romy squirm.

“Well, Steve needs to win back his side of the bed from Eddie, but then I’ll see what I can do.” She grinned widely.

“That’s all I ask.” Danny held her hand in both of his. “I’m glad he found you.”

Romy pressed her lip into a tight smile, trying to keep the tears at bay. “Right back at ya.”

[babymelancholie1]

The Romy Files - Masterlist

‘I love you, because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.’ Paulo Coehlo, The Alchemist.

Steve did just not expect to find her at a shrimp truck.

Disclaimer: All familiar dialogue is from the TV Show Hawaii Five 0 - belonging to CBS - no copyright infringement intended. I just play in their sandbox.

——xx——xx——

Season 5:

Chapter 1: Dammit, this was supposed to be a fling Chapter 2: He’s way too happy Chapter 3: You’ll tell me tomorrow Chapter 4: Here comes the sun Chapter 5: A girl’s gotta eat Chapter 6: A half baked cookie Chapter 7: Borrowed Time Chapter 8: …and Haribos Chapter 9: His heart stopped Chapter 10: Lehua Flower - continuation of ‘His heart stopped’ Chapter 11: My very own cheerleader - Smut Chapter 12: Fuck, I really liked that bag - Smut Chapter 13: Tender Loving Care  - Smut Chapter 14: Endings / Beginnings Chapter 15: One More Goodbye - Smut

Season 6:

Chapter 16: Life’s not a RomCom Chapter 17: Sitting, Waiting, Wishing Chapter 18: Easier to be me Chapter 19: Navigate the Waters Chapter 20: Happy Birthday to me - Smut Chapter 21: Three makes family Chapter 22: Christmas Time is Ohana Time - Smut Chapter 23: Love is a pretty powerful thing Chapter 24: Glow me up Chapter 25: Ride the highs and mute the lows -  Smut Chapter 26: You fill up my senses Chapter 27: You are my son Chapter 28: He closed his eyes - he was home - Smut

Season 7:

Chapter 29: Health & Strength Chapter 30: Holiday is over Chapter 31: For her. For myself Chapter 32: Til the landslide brought me down Chapter 33: Your shit is my shit Chapter 34: Nothing in this world will ever break my heart again - Smut Chapter 35: Family knows no distance Chapter 36: I’ve been waiting for you - Smut Chapter 37: What do ya say, kiddo? Chapter 38: You are my hero! Chapter 39: I touch the Sky Chapter 40: You two are killing me Chapter 41: The good China Chapter 42: The Best Life Chapter 43: The Call of the Wild

Season 8:

Chapter 44: Of course we keep him - Smut Chapter 45: Buckets of Mercy Chapter 46: Whatever comes next Chapter 47: Saving Grace Chapter 48: Wild dreams

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