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seasidemum1 · 5 years

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Finding out I was expecting!

Was it planned? Was it an accident?

Well it was planned but it wasn’t but that probably doesn’t make sense. Let me explain...

Me and Brad have been together for 6 years, engaged and have lived together for a few years. We have always spoke about having a family together. We then seriously started to think about it and decided to start trying after about 3 months we both spoke again and said shall we wait until after the wedding as we had already started booking things and it was getting closer and we both agreed! There was also other things that we wanted to do like go back to Australia to visit family. It then came round to the 4th month and my period was delayed ! I knew instantly because my periods have always been like clockwork and I knew exactly when I would come on. So .... no period! At this moment I was a little scared, I remember telling Brad I haven’t come on and that I needed to get a test. Silly me, I was even nervous to go and get a test because the town I live in, everyone knows everyone and I thought knowing me I would be served by someone who knows me or Brad and soon the whole town is talking about it 🙈😂. Anyway, I plucked up the courage and went down to the pharmacy and bought a test it was one of the clear blue digital ones because I wanted to know for definite and how many weeks! When I got home I went straight upstairs and took the test! I remember reading the instructions in the box thinking I need to do this properly it said wee and then leave it laying flat on the side, 😂! So I patiently waited which felt like a good 5 minutes..... and there it was PREGNANT 2-3 weeks 😲😲😲. I shouted Brad and said I am he said what? I nervously said pregnant it honestly felt so strange saying I was pregnant! We were both really shocked and neither of us could believe it was really happening! The thoughts and emotions were running high, mainly what were people going to say? I knew I needed to tell my mum and I wasn’t sure what she was going to say. I had just started my own business how was I going to run that? How would everyone react? I’ll be honest I was really scared and couldn’t help but think have we done the right thing? Was we really ready for this? I will say I always thought when I found out I was pregnant I was going to be so happy and it be the best thing in the world. Obviously deep down I was happy but the initial shock took over and I was scared. I look back now and realise that no one is ever fully ready and my feelings were completely normal, but I did feel guilty for the way I was feeling because I was comparing myself to others and the way they reacted. We must remember that everyone is different and that’s ok! 😊

I’m really rubbish at keeping things in and 12 weeks to keep a secret was way too long for me! The first person I needed to tell was my mum.. for those of you that know my mum will understand the reaction we got is completely normal. For those of you that don’t .... my mum doesn’t show her emotions and is very much a traditionalist. I knew I would get ‘Kelly I thought you were going to get married first?’ So here goes, I pick my phone up, dial her number and as I wait for her to answer I was tearing up! She answered and I told her I had something to tell her. Deep down she knew the news I was about to share, so I said ‘I’m pregnant’ her reaction was just as it played out in my head and I remember mum saying ‘oh gosh really? Are you happy about it?’ Mums reaction was so predictable but I wouldn’t have changed it that is just mum! I told her I was scared but we are happy! Mum asked the question ‘what about the wedding?’ I explained we would still get married but it would be smaller than I originally thought we would have. I’m really close to my dad he’s like my best friend and I share everything with him so I knew that he was the next person that I needed to tell. Ideally I wanted to wait but with my parents living in Norfolk and my dad usually working away it wasn’t ideal. A phone call would have to do. So I called him again I felt nervous, dad answered like he always does, ‘hello lovely you ok?’ I said yeah fine thank you, I have something to tell you. He asked what’s that? So I told him I’m pregnant, there was a few moments of silence, then he was like no way, bloody hell, are you really? I honestly think he was speechless and didn’t know how to react - his first grandchild was on its way!! 🥰

Once I told my parents we then went on to telling Brads they only live round the corner from us. As expected they were also very shocked and speechless but really happy for us both! At this point everyone was just speechless and super shocked!! We went back to Norfolk the following weekend and saw my brothers and their girlfriends, one of which had her suspicions that I could be so when she asked I couldn’t lie, I think she was probably one of the only people that wasn’t speechless but she was over the moon for us! So then I told my other brothers girlfriend and I honestly wish now I had videoed her reaction! To say she was speechless would be an understatement she couldn’t stop crying - happy tears of course!! I knew I had to tell my brothers. They are a bit like mum so don’t show their emotions, and the oldest one made the same comment ‘I thought you were getting married next year? (Sensible Simon he is) 😂’ They were all really happy for us. We then decided that we couldn’t wait till 12 weeks to tell our close friends they were next, again there was more tears and a lot of excitement! I will say that I did feel a lot of pressure on who to tell first because we both hate upsetting people and obviously didn’t want to do that - I will say though don’t do what others want you to do, it’s your special moment and your news to share so unfortunately you won’t be able to please everyone.. don’t feel guilty 💕

Once the news was out in the open with our family and close friends we booked our first appointment which I didn’t realise at the time but you don’t need to see a doctor you can just book straight in with a midwife.

It did take ages for everything to sink in and I didn’t actually feel like I was pregnant until our 12 week scan. I did feel like I had a fairly straight forward pregnancy, I had a bit of morning sickness which at the time I thought was awful but believe me it’s easy compared to what you have to come!! People told me to eat ginger biscuits but this personally didn’t work for me. I found that just snacking throughout the day was the best thing! It was worse in the evenings for me which resulted in me going to bed early just to block it all out!

By the time our first midwife appointment came through I was really excited! Brad on the other hand looked like he may need some nurse assistance in the waiting room - I thought he was going to faint! 😂Brad kept asking what’s this appointment about then? I had no idea it was all new to us both. They called my name and we went through to a little room with our midwife who we were lucky to have throughout our pregnancy - she was amazing we couldn’t have wished for anyone better! She was even keen for Ralph to be born on Christmas Day as she was on shift. The first appointment was all a blur to be honest, they did a lot of tests, asked a lot of questions. We got the choice of hospital which were Norwich, Ipswich or Gorleston. We didn’t need to think about it - our baby would be born at Gorleston. Brad is a Ipswich supporter so there’s no way he would have picked Norwich and I personally don’t like Ipswich. We had also been given positive feedback from friends who had their babies at Gorleston. Our midwife sent off for our first scan - things really were starting to feel real! We received our letter within about a week so didn’t have long to be impatient.

The build up to the scan was really difficult to keep a secret, I kept thinking about how we would reveal it to the world. We knew that we wanted to involve Darcie our bulldog! So after searching ‘baby reveal with dog’ on pintrest a thousand times I then started searching for baby shower ideas, nursery ideas, baby clothes, when does the baby move, what should a women at 12 weeks look like - I know everyone looks different I was just intrigued. I become a little obsessed with Pinterest and searching the internet but I was just so excited!

We had our letter for our 12 week scan come through! Secretly we were hoping it would be sooner as we had a family wedding so I couldn’t drink. Not that this was a problem I’ve never been a massive drinker so I didn’t mind. The morning of the wedding was probably the start of my stress, my outfit was being delivered at 1pm, the wedding was at 2pm but for those of you that know me this is pretty standard - I do love a last minute outfit change! I had 3 outfits all on and off because I didn’t want to look pregnant or fat or people asking questions. The winning outfit was a loose fitted jumpsuit and you couldn’t tell which made me think people wouldn’t notice that I’m not drinking but there was a few questions like ‘why isn’t Kelly drinking?’ Luckily I had a good cover up with the typical ‘I’m driving’ which isn’t out of the ordinary so no one else really mentioned anything, also the limelight was on my cousin and his new wife the whole day was beautiful so looking back now I’m not sure why I worried but that’s just me!

To be Continued....

I didn’t expect this to be so long but I have a lot to share! ..... Next part of my journey “12 week scan, private scan and 20 week scan”

Love

Kelly & Ralph 🐢 xxx

#mum #mumblogger #mumbloggeruk #family #baby #mumlife

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queen-mabs-revenge · 6 years

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Please tell us your headcanons. ☺

LOL I’m sure I’ve either posted them before or have gone on tag rants, but I headcanon that Liam was actually close to Brennan growing up as the oldest and as a son.

Like, speaking as the eldest sibling, and the eldest grandchild on my ma’s side, I was def brought along for things and taken along on things earlier than my sisters and cousins bc I was a novelty and also I was hella cute so, in fairness.

So like, I’m picturing Liam along with Brennan on trips into town, carried on shoulders the whole way — doted on by the local merchants at the market as Brennan kind of showed off His Son (which, I’m not saying that Brennan kind of used him as a bargaining chip while bartering, much in the way one might use a cute puppy as a pick up line of sorts, but I’m not not saying that).

So while Brennan abandoning the two boys and selling them into servitude would have been traumatising for the both of them, I hc that it would have been a lot more personal for Liam (and that, in turn, Ailís’s death would have been a lot more personal for Killian, as i hc that he was probably allowed to stay home with his mum a lot longer than Liam was)

So yeah, Liam’s consistent use of the term bastard for Brennan (and use of that term for Silver), and Killian’s kind of rather quick softening towards Brennan (you know, before that whole murder thing) def makes me think that Liam would have hated Brennan a lot more deeply and personally than Killian ever did even during the worst moments of their “childhood”.

#idk what this was in response to #like i went in and added mama jones's name but the rest i have no idea what this was about?#killian jones #liam jones #but HEY LILL HOW U DOIN #that bastard #headcanons #draft purge

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sometimes-issy-writes-blog · 7 years

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Chapter 4:

Morning came sooner than I would have liked. Reluctantly I throw my legs out of bed sitting up. The knotting tension in my back reminds me of its presence. I ache all over I allow myself a moment of self-pity before forcing on with my day.

I’m up and out of yesterday’s clothes striding towards the bathroom at the inviting idea of a warm shower. However, before I can get there I see my work phone light up on the coffee table. Still clutching the soft towels in my arm, I walk into the open plan kitchen and living room to get it. A message from Arthur letting me know that they’ve extracted the information from the microchip and notified the relevant authorities.

I breathe a sigh of relief glad my slip up wouldn’t be of much consequence. Getting ready for the day ahead was easier now as I shower. The chill of the October air reminds me to dress warm as I open my room window it bites at my cheeks as I prime my skin for makeup. I’m out of my apartment in record time and on the road to my Mother’s house to pick my favourite four-legged friend.

I see Milo in the bay window of the house as I pull up. Not bothering to knock I push my way through the front door. “Hi Mum I’m back” I call as Milo descends on me barking and milling around legs excited. I kneel to greet him properly petting his golden fur “Oh I’ve missed you too Milo”.

My Mum appears then in the door way to the kitchen “hi sweetheart how was your trip did you close the deal?” she asked smiling.

“Of course, I did” I lie easily still absentmindedly stroking Milo. I stand and step into my Mums open arms for a hug when we break away she hold me at arm’s length giving me a once over.

“You look nice darling got anything big planned today? A date maybe” Mum questions picking up on my well put together outfit: Black fitted trousers and a cool grey knitted jumper with a yellow plaid shirt layered underneath rounded off with grey oxford shoes and tan fur lined winter jacket.

“No just heading into the office again got something to sort out” I reply noting how easy it’s getting to lie to my Mother.

“Well don’t let me keep you then” Mum says saying goodbye to Milo.

After a rushed goodbye and quick stop at my apartment to drop off Milo I’m on my way back to H.Q. Not bothering to say hello to the shop attendant as I enter the shop and bolt into the secret elevator. I shift my weight between my two legs as I wait for the doors to open. When they do I walk at a brisk pace to Merlin’s cave where the door stands wide open.

In the room Harry stands with his hand on the back of Merlin’s chair not saying a word. Agent Tequila our resident Statesmen stands on the far side of the chair both hands on Merlin’s desk leaning in to look at the centre screen. Merlin himself sits with both elbows on either side of his keyboard.

“I hope I’m not interrupting? I also hope you’re not all watching footage of Tequila’s last mission” I say making my presence known and referring to the Statesman’s latest mission where he was tasked with seducing a target to get information.

Tequila’s booming laughter filled the room. “Nothing quite as enthralling as that little lady I assure you” he replied motioning for me to come look at the screen. A bad quality video is playing of several men in cuffs being led away by police men in what appeared to be a ship yard.

I recognise the men immediately as the inner circle of the human trafficking gang I’ve been working to shut down for the last month. With a satisfied smirk I squeeze Merlin’s shoulder and say, “you got them?”

Merlin nods as Harry says, “due in no small part to you Lancelot excellent work. I’ll need a written mission report from you of course ”

Tequila pats me on the back as he leaves the room. Cast my face down trying to hide my delight at this fortunate turn of events today is already a better day than yesterday. I take a seat at a desk behind Merlin’s massive set up and work on my report. As a comfortable silence settles between the two of us I suddenly remember what day it is.

“Ugh its Friday, isn’t it?” I ask Merlin who stops typing to look back at me straining his neck.

“Yeah all day long why what’s happening today?” Merlin probed now fully turned around to look at me.

“My oldest friend turns twenty-five today and we’re supposed to go clubbing to celebrate” a familiar feeling of dread settled over me. I hate clubs all those sweaty drunk people with no concept of personal space. Nights like this always ended the same way, my friend Polly would always get either too drunk and cry or just the right amount of drunk to go home with just about anyone. Whatever way this night panned out I would be babysitting once again.

“Oh well that sound fun!” He offered trying to get me hyped for tonight. “I love clubs and despite how exceptionally dressed you usually are it’d be nice to see out of the Kingsman attire” he added raising his eyebrows suggestively.

Laughing I reply, “come on Merlin we both know no matter how tight my dress is I just don’t do it for you!” Referring to the fact that women everywhere are devastated when they learn that this beautiful, intelligent man is about as straight as a roundabout.

“Oh, you wound me Lancelot, but I mean it since the day we met you’ve been working tirelessly its time you let loose” Merlin implores. Then adds smirking “maybe even take someone home or be taken home by someone. Ya know make some young man’s night!”

I hummed in response not dignifying that statement with an answer. Deciding that I won’t be making any more progress on this today with tonight pressing on my mind. Saying a quick goodbye to Merlin I guess I might as well knock off early.

Skipping down the steps of the shop I decide to phone Polly she answers on the second ring.

“Hey Felicity! It’s been ages how’ve you been? How’s the new job? Any cute co-workers? Ah are you excited for tonight?” Polly wastes no time bombarding me with questions.

“Hey yourself, I’m great thanks the new job is going good just got back from a business trip it was mental! As for the tragedy of my love life all the men here are either taken or gay it’s a travesty truly and yes I can’t wait for tonight.” Being used to my best friend I rapidly answer her questions; the last part was lie of course but I couldn’t tell her that. “How’s everything with you? Happy Birthday by the way god you so old”

“Oi your only two months younger than me you Christmas baby you! Oh, and yeah everything’s great with me apart from being old and decrepit blah why do we have to age?” Polly whined. “Seriously I’m half way to fifty! How does that even happen”

“Relax Pol I’m sure you’ll feel differently when we’re celebrating tonight. We can get ready in mine because I’m closer to the city centre than you are.” I’m in my car now my feet had automatically carried me to where I needed to go without me even being fully aware of it. “I’ve got to go now I’m about to start driving, try not shrivel up and turn to dust before tonight Grandma”

“You think you’re so funny, don’t you?” Pol said in mock exasperation then started laughing. “I’ll be over before eight I’ll bring wine I’ll see you then love you.”

“Love you too Birthday girl bye” the line goes dead.

I start my car and drive home avoiding the crazy lunchtime traffic. I had a list of things to do before tonight. Deciding that walking Milo was a priority I quickly change into my running gear. Milo who was dozing in his dog bed was quick to catch on to what was happening and ran into the kitchen to retrieve his lead for me.

“Good boy Milo” I say affectionately taking the lead and attaching it to his collar. He sits obediently waiting for me to be ready. I tie up my hair and then I’m ready to go.

It’s a short walk to the park where me and Milo do our run. Once we get there we’re all business the earphones are in music as loud as it can go. After some warm up and stretches were off at a fast pace Milo effortlessly keeping up with me. Trying to beat our personal best of forty-five minutes to get around the circuit.

The run is as unremarkable as always, we finish thirty seconds faster than last time. Slowing to a walk then stopping altogether for some well-deserved water. On the way home, an elderly woman and her grandchild stop me to ask if they can pet Milo. “Of course,” I say telling Milo to sit. He obeys quickly.

“Golden Retrievers are such a lovely breed, aren’t they?” I smile and nod at the older women who smiles down at Milo panting happily with all the attention he’s receiving. “So mild mannered great for young families don’t you think”

“I’m sure he would be, but I wouldn’t really know I don’t have any kids” I admit to the women standing beside me.

“Ah that’s a shame dear but there’s still plenty of time yet don’t fret.” She says. Yeah right that’s the last thing on my mind I think to myself. After a few more minutes of overly intrusive small talk I’m glad when she finally says, “We’d best be off now lovely meeting you dear”

I wave them off crossing the street to my apartment complex Milo plodding along beside me jauntily. We get inside and ignoring my burning calf muscles I opt for the stairs Milo has never been fond of elevators. I’m on the third floor so the climb isn’t unbearable.

Once inside Milo goes for a lie down and I get to tidying and laundry. Its half seven before I know it and Polly is outside my door with a suitcase full of possible getups and makeup.

“So, I don’t know about you, but I feel like going home with someone tonight” Polly blurts out after her second glass of wine. She’s sitting on my bed doing her makeup in my vanity.

I’m in the doorway glass in hand looking at my clothing options from afar to help me decide. I sigh and reply “really Pol I don’t mind, you do you. I don’t really do the whole casual sex thing.” Before she can call me a prude I continue “but as your friend and seeing as it is your Birthday I’ll make sure you only go home with someone on your level of hotness”

Polly snots into her wine “and that’s why you’re my best girl” we make eye contact in the mirror and raise our glasses in a silent toast. After too long a drink of wine to be considered sophisticated Polly adds “Felicity I love you, but you really need to live a little I mean come on your young and pretty. Who wouldn’t want to wake up next to you tomorrow? Take some risks.”

Oh, if only you knew Polly I think slyly. Casting my eyes back to the clothes cluttering my double bed, I decide on the tightest dress I own its red and clings to all the right places. I decided to just to freshen my makeup from work instead of starting all over again. A quick smoky eye and a little eye liner later I’m putting on my heels.

“Polly the taxi’s here come on” I yell into my room from the kitchen throwing my favourite leather jacket over my shoulders, bag in the other hand. Time to clock on for my part time babysitting gig I think as Polly stumbles from my room ready to go.

The club is already packed by the time we get there. Polly disappears to dance and pick her target for the night not nearly drunk enough for this I fight my way to the bar to try get on everyone else’s level.

The bar is swarmed by people way taller than me which is most people, but I digress. They’ve created an impenetrable wall of stilettoes and suit jackets. In my annoyance I give up huffing and stepping back without looking. My lower back bumps against the table behind me and I turn around to apologise.

The sole occupant of the table was dressed well except for the snapback on his head. He didn’t seem to notice my transgression, but feeling my eyes on him he look up to meet my gaze. “What?” he yells to be heard over the pounding bass.

I blinked realising I was gawking at his “Oh I bumped your table I was just saying sorry.” I allowed myself a good look at his face he was cute I guess handsome even.

“Apology accepted” he said scrutinizing my face too. I wondered if now was the time to bow out of this awkward conversation gracefully. Until he says, “are y’ here alone?” I step around the table, so I can speak to him easier all the while throwing my eyes around the room spotting Polly in the thick of it as usual.

“I might as well be” I admit laughing “are you?”

“Yeah completely I just really needed a drink” he said sounding a little sad.

“Bad day? I can relate you should have seen the stare of me yesterday” I probe.

“More like bad month but y’ won’t catch me complaining” he said putting an end to my line of inquiry.

“Listen I’ve spilled your drink can I buy you a new one?” I offer, for some reason I feel compelled to keep the conversation going. What can I say he intrigues me?

“Sure, I’ll have a martini” the man in the snapback replies. I raise an eyebrow at him wondering if he’s taking the piss. Deciding he’s not I move towards the bar only to remember why I’d given up on getting a drink.

I try muscling my way in but to no avail. I try to squeeze into a gap in the corner only to be knocked off balance by a tall man far too drunk to notice me all the way down here. As I go to stumble a pair of firm hands steady me at the waste. The man from before is looking down at me as I look over my shoulder.

“Ah, my hideous hat wearing hero” I quip noticing his hands haven’t left my waist yet.

He leans forward and speaks into my ear “hey say wot you want about me but don’t go after my hat oright?” He laughs, and I smile. “Now let’s get those drinks yeah?” He moves though the bar crowd without much difficulty keeping an arm around my waist to guide me along with him. As we settle at the counter and wait our turn to order I stand as tall as I can to try see Pol over the throngs of people.

“Your friend’s over on the dancefloor with some blond rugby player type,” the man’s voice says close to my ear. I follow his line of sight and see her.

Then it occurred to me “how’d you know I was lo.” The arrival of the barman cuts me off.

“Hi what can I get ya?” he asked shortly clearly run off his feet.

The man begins before I can “Hey can I get a martini and a…”

“Oh” I say realising he’s waiting for me to tell the bartender what I want. “Rum and coke please”

“Coming right up” he makes our drinks and when I go to pay him I’m interrupted once again.

“Nah I’ve got this don’t worry” he says paying for our drinks promptly. Then taking the lead through the crowd glancing back at me to make sure I’m following. I do, and we make it back to his table.

“I thought I was supposed to be paying for theses” I motion at the drinks not set down on the table.

“You can get the next round granted you can make it to the bar!” He says teasingly. I do my best to look indignant, but I know it’s true just as much as he does.

Picking up my rum and coke to take a sip before I reply, “that sounds acceptable but, next round we’re having shots.”

~Two hours later~

Why did I have to suggest shots? I can drink rum all night but add sambuca into the mix and things get messy. Shots are what have in my current predicament. Can you call being backed up against the wall of an ally outside a club with a stranger’s tongue in your mouth a predicament? I’m going to. Not that the situation is unpleasant more so that it is completely out of character for me. Usually I don’t hook up, I date. Most importantly however I don’t typically let a man who’s name I still don’t put their hands up my dress but here we are never the less.

The worst part is I’m enjoying being out of character so much. Genuinely that may be the alcohol talking, but once again I digress.

The ringing of my personal phone causes us to break apart. I duck under his arm which, is still resting beside where my head was moments ago to retrieve it.

I see Polly’s name flash across the screen and quickly answer it. “Pol what’s wrong?” I snap and instantly regret it. Part of me knows she didn’t intentionally sabotage my very out of character moment. Another part of me is still annoyed at her for doing so.

“You’re mad at me” Polly replies drunkenly but still full of emotion.

Clearly Polly had transitioned from drunk and easy to drunk and sad. I adjust my dress and look over my shoulder at the now snapback-less man, who smirks at me awkwardly. I hold one finger up indicating for him to wait a minute.

“I’m not mad Polly, tell me where you are I’ll come get you” I smile apologetically back at him.

“I’m outside the club, come find me” she whines. I don’t say goodbye before I hang up on her.

Turning fully to face the man behind me I say, “I’ve got to go rescue my friend.” When he looks somewhat disappointed I add “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be its oright, another time yeah?” he held out his hand but as I go so shake it he moves it away. “No, I mean give me your phone.”

“Oh, here” I hand it to him feeling stupid and he puts his number in.

He hands it back without another word and we walk together to the top of the ally. I spot Polly immediately and unfortunately for me she sees me too.

“I guess this is where we say goodnight.” I say to him smiling slightly “thanks for an interesting night.”

“Thank you for spilling my drink” he says ever the charmer even in his drunken state. I smile at him again before we finally say goodnight.

He’s gone before Polly makes it to me grabbing my forearm through the crowd. “You could have told me you were busy, you know getting busy?” I cringe as she laughs loudly at her own joke.

We throw ourselves into the first taxi we can find. We’re half way to Polly’s before she speaks again “he was fit, what’s his name?”

I didn’t know but not wanting to give Polly anymore reason to tease me I remember he put his number in my phone. I search down through the names until I find one that’s unfamiliar. “Eh Eggsy” I say finally.

“That’s a weird name” she says giggling.

We arrive at her house not long after that and twenty minutes later I’m outside my apartment paying the cabby. Opting for the elevator this time, shoes in hand I unlock my door stepping inside. Milo looks up from his bed before going back to sleep. I head straight for bed not bothering getting undressed or pulling the blinds. Without another thought about the past few hours I fall easily to sleep.

A/N: Longest chapter yet. I also still don’t own Kingsman.

#kingsman #fanfic #fanfiction #kingsman fanfiction #kingsman fandom #eggsy unwin #eggsy unwin x oc #harry hart #my writing

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frostywindmademoan · 7 years

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The Girl Behind the Counter

ntro: This is an on going Michael fic I’ve been working on. The whole plot will include swearing, sex, and violence.

Chapter 3 (ch1. ch.2 )

That Friday Michael ducked his head into the little shop and was met with (Y/N)’s surprised face. “Michael, I must say you’re a few days earlier than expected.” Michael nervously ran a hand through his hair, making sure it was in place. “I was wondering if you might like to go on a picnic with me?” His heart was beating as wildly as it was when Tommy asked him to cover his warehouse meeting with Alfie Solomons. “A picnic?” She repeated. “Yes.” Michael’s heart was slowly breaking piece by piece with every moment she didn’t accept his invitation.

“A picnic would be lovely!” She finally responded. Michael let out a relieved chuckle. “Wonderful! Can I pick you up at 10 tomorrow morning?” He asked. “Yes you may.” She smiled in response. “Good, well, I’ll see you then!” Michael’s mind had gone blank and he couldn’t think of much else to say. “See you then!” (Y/N) repeated his words. Michael left the shop grinning from ear to ear. She had said yes! Now all he had to do was fix the picnic. This brought a wave of anxiety over him. What did she like to eat? What did she like to drink? What did she like to talk about? He mentally kicked himself for being so nervous. The last time a girl had given his stomach butterflies like (Y/N) did was when he was 14 years old. Seven years later and he was acting like a little school boy again. Less than 24 hours later Michael was driving north to where there was park with a lake that he knew. In the passenger seat was (Y/N) smiling ear to ear at the prospect of being on an adventure. Michael smiled at her smiling. It was going to be a perfect day, even if it was a bit cloudy and colder than Michael had hoped. It would be perfect with her by his side. An hour later they arrived at the picnic spot and started to unload the car. “As lovely as this backdrop is, it does seem a bit out of the way.” (Y/N) commented while unloading the wicker basket of its fruits, sandwiches, and wine. “Well I just… I thought that maybe…” Michael hadn’t planned on her pointing out the unusual location of the date. Most of the girls he knew would think the distance was simply romantic, not suspicious. “You thought that maybe no one would recognize you?” (Y/N) offered up as an answer while Michael stumbled for words. “You know who I am?” It was a question Michael said as a phrase of defeat. “Everyone in Small Heath above the age of 18 months know who you are.” She giggled. “Your accent doesn’t sound like you’ve been in Small Heath your whole life.” Michael observed. “No, and neither have you. From what I can piece together you moved to the neighborhood not long after I did.” (Y/N) said while pouring two glasses of wine. “Piece together?” Michael egged on while sipping from his glass. “People talk, and people say you grew up out in the country. They say you came back to Birmingham when you were just shy of being a man.” (Y/N) explained. “So what about you then?” Michael asked her. “My mum was from Small Heath, my dad was from good stalk. He married her because he loved her and because it pissed my Grandmother off. My other Grandma didn’t much like my mum marrying out of her stalk, but she could recognize love when she saw it and my parents were in love. I lived with the well to do of my father’s side, but my mum’s family in Small Heath was who I always felt at home with.” She smiled faintly at memories of days gone by with people Michael assumed to be gone too. “What kind of well to do?” Michael asked. “In the last part of the 90’s my Grandmother, a German Duchess, expatriated to England where she happened to meet an expatriated Swedish duke. They married and had three sons, the oldest of which was my dad.” (Y/N) explained. “Was?” Michael questioned. “He died in France, like his two brothers. He died at the Somme.” She solemnly answered. Michael wasn’t sure what to say. So many men died in France, but after hearing who her family was he had assumed she wouldn’t have known anyone there. “That’s the problem with telling people you’re part German. They assume you eat kraut and kiss the Kaiser’s ass.” She said in the silence that Michael’s lack of response caused. “No! No I didn’t assume that you-“ Michael began to say. “No, but you assumed my dad, right? You assumed he wouldn’t have fought for England?” She stared at him. Her eyes were as piercing as Tommy’s. The chill in the wind had made her nose red and cheeks flush. She was so easy to look at. “I did assume, yeah, and I’m sorry.” Michael could no more lie under her gaze than he could Tommy’s. The conversation turned lighter as they drank and ate more. They talked about childhood memories. They talked about their favorite animals. Turns out she was quite the football fan, which amused Michael. Once the whole bottle of wine had disappeared the conversation lulled a bit. Michael took the chance to once again look at the pink in her wind beaten face. Despite still wearing her lined coat over her emerald dress, (Y/N) shivered. Michael immediately popped up and ran to get the spare blanket from the car which he offered to her. “How are you not fucking freezing? Here, let’s share!” She draped the blanket over both of their bodies, forcing them to huddle close. “So do you live with your mum now then?” Michael, trying to distract his mind from how very pleased he was to have her body so close. “No. Mum died of the influenza when I was 16. I’ve lived with her sister, my Aunt ever since. My Aunt is the only living family I have left, and it’s her shop I run.” (Y/N) explained. “Why do you run it?” Michael kept his steady stream of questions up. “My Aunt is sickly, she can hardly get out of bed. I run the shop in her name.” She explained. “You must have quite a bit of inheritance, being the sole grandchild of two aristocrats, why not hire someone to run it?” Michael tended to look at everything from an accounting viewpoint. “Cause it’s my Aunt’s shop and I’m my Aunt’s niece. Besides, that’s money better kept for rainier days. If there is one constant in life, it’s that there will be more days with more rain.” Michael found this to be a very sensible point of view. “Why are we really here Michael?” (Y/N) asked, catching him off guard. “What?” His jaw hung a bit slack. “You must meet the most fashionable flappers in all sorts of clubs. Why would you take a shop girl on a picnic? Why not just take me to one of those clubs, get me drunk, and have your way with me. Isn’t that what gangsters do?” She asked, very candidly. “Will you think less off me if I told you I’ve had torrid affairs with girls full of whiskey and drugs?” Michael asked with a surprising amount of shame. Usually he wouldn’t give a shit what someone thought of his affairs. “No, I’ve expected that much of you.” She replied. Her answer stung him. “Well I didn’t want to take you to some club and I didn’t want to take some club girl here. I wanted to get to know you cause you’re different from what I’m used to. And it’s hard to get to know people when there is jazz blaring all around.” Michael answered. “You don’t want to fuck me then?” She asked, very simply. “Not here and now. I’d be too worried the whole time about you being cold.” Michael earnestly answered. (Y/N)’s laugh echoed through the silence of the trees. “Well aren’t you just the greatest gentleman!” She chuckled. Michael’s cheeks flushed. Why she was able to bring on such a fiery blush in him he’d never know. “Either way it’s good that you didn’t take me to one of your clubs hoping to fuck. I’m afraid you would have been left quite disappointed. I have a nasty habit of not immediately falling into bed.” She laughed. As she laughed her eyes fixed on Michael’s. They stared at each other for a good long time. Long enough for their breath to sync up under their shared blanket. Michael found his eyes wonder down to her lips where he fixated on them. Like gravitational pull, he was just about to lean in to her when she said, “It’s getting a bit late. Perhaps we should head back.”

#michael gray #Michael Shelby #Michael gray Shelby #Peaky Blinders #peaky blinders imagine #michael gray shelby imagine

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