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#i’m running out of tags so let me just talk real quick about nick touching jess’ face because it is my weakness
watchmegetobsessed · 4 years
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Celebrity crush - Tom Holland
just a little something i thought about today!
word count: 3.1k
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“So this is how it’s gonna go. We’ll give you two options to choose from, you’ll say who you would rather choose to be your man, we’ll keep him and you’ll get a new face on the other side. Clear?” Ellen explains the game of ‘Who’d you rather’ to you as you nervously sit in the comfortable armchair. You shoot the audience a nervous look nodding your head.
“Sounds cool,” you clear your throat bracing yourself to whatever is about to come.
“Great, let’s see our first candidates!” she announces and you turn to the huge screen behind you when two faces appear next to each other. “We have Liam Hemsworth and Ansel Elgort. Who do you choose?”
“Um, tough start, I’ll go with Liam,” you say nodding to yourself. You’re satisfied with your choice.
“Alright next up we have Liam and…” Ansel’s face disappears and it’s replaced by a photo of Dylan Minnette.” Liam and Dylan!”
“Dylan is a cute guy, but I think I’ll stick with Liam.”
“Okay, Liam stays. Let’s see the next one,” Ellen nods and Dylan’s face is now replaced by Harry Styles. “Oh my! Harry or Liam?”
“Oh definitely Harry,” you say before you could even stop yourself from talking and the audience laughs, but totally agrees with your choice. “Just look at him! And I think you purposely used a picture where he has long hair. That was iconic.”
“He really did have all the looks,” Ellen agrees. “Okay, so we have lost Liam, now we are rolling with Harry. Let’s see the next contestant.”
As the picture changes on the screen your answer comes faster than you could even think about who you want to choose.
“Tom!” you snap immediately as Tom Holland’s photo appears on the big screen and the audience starts clapping at your fast response.
It’s been an open secret in your team that your absolute number one celebrity crush is none other than Spider-Man himself. You’ve seen all of his movies numerous times and on your latest birthday your friends even put a shirtless photo of him to your cake. You obviously didn’t post that one, but it did take a better place in your heart than the other, plain one.
“That was… pretty fast,” Ellen smirks at you and you can feel your cheeks growing warm at how unfiltered you were.
“I’m just a big fan of his,” you tell her, but your face gives you away.
“Who isn’t? Okay, let’s see the next one. Tom or Nick Jonas?”
“Tom,” you say without even giving Nick a second thought.
“Seems like we are picking up the pace of the game. Alright, Tom or… Zac Efron?”
“Tom.”
Ellen laughs at your eagerness to keep Tom, but she keeps going for two more rounds where you keep choosing Tom over Cole Sprouse and Taron Egerton, until his photo finally moves over to the middle as the winner.
“So I guess we have a winner over here. You didn’t seem to be willing to even look at anyone after Tom.”
“I told you, I’m a big fan of his,” you tell her with a shy, but flirty smile as you fix your designer dress and cross your legs.
“Have you—Have you ever met him?”
“Unfortunately not yet, but I’m hoping our paths will eventually cross. I’m a Spidey fan, seen all the movies and he is definitely my favorite so far.”
“What would you tell him if he was here now?”
You are quick to turn around and check he is not creeping his way up to you right now. You can never know what Ellen has in store for you, she is the queen of surprises when it comes to her show.
“He is not here, don’t worry,” she laughs as you sit back with a relieved sigh.
“I had to make sure,” you chuckle. “Anyway, my message to him is that if he ever wants to come and see my show, I can get him a free backstage pass,” you say and then flirtatiously wink at the nearest camera as the audience starts cheering.
“Tom, I hope you’re watching this and you are gonna take the next step. Y/N is waiting for you!” Ellen smirks before moving on with the second part of your interview.
Few days after the taping the interview finally airs and the internet goes crazy over your crush on Tom Holland. Your fans even make memes and montages of the two of you, some of them make you laugh hard when you are scrolling through your feed on your rehearsal.
To be honest, you thought it would be the end of the story, you quickly moved on since you had a sold out show next Saturday and you were in and out of rehearsals in the upcoming days, not even paying a second thought to what went down at the interview.
Saturday afternoon you are sitting at makeup when Rita, your manager walks in with the widest grin on her face you’ve ever seen.
“What’s gotten you so happy?”
“Guess who I just gave three passes to?”
You think to yourself, but don’t really have a valid guess. Unfortunately, Rita doesn’t want to give out the information that easily.
“Okay, if you can’t guess you’ll have to see it yourself. Pay extra attention to the VIP sector on the right tonight,” she hints before walking out.
“Rita! You can’t just not tell me!” you shout after her, but she is gone.
She successfully made you go crazy over who is going to be in the audience tonight, but also made sure no one gives you the info before the start, so you have to see it during the show.
“I fucking hate you,” you growl at her as you stand behind the stage, getting ready to start. The intro is already playing and the hairstylist is finishing up your hair one last time.
“Make sure to put extra effort into the Harder choreo today,” Rita winks at you and you scoff at her. Harder is one of your steamiest songs, and the dance you perform on stage is definitely a hot one where you truly feel like a badass woman in your tight, revealing costume.
The show starts off great, the crowd is going crazy and you are grateful to be with your fans tonight, but your eyes keep wandering over to the side where you are supposed to see the mysterious guest, but the lights are too bright for you to see anything other than pitch black. All lights are dimmed when Harder comes on and the red lights give just the perfect heated atmosphere the song needs. You’re wearing your skintight bodysuit and knee high boots, hair let down as you do your sexy dance with your female dancers in the back. In the middle of the song you go over to the right side where you are supposed to do a short routine on a chair, one of your favorite parts in the whole show. Singing the lines you sit down to the chair that was already waiting for you and just as you open your knees wide your eyes meet a familiar gaze and you almost forget to sing.
Tom Holland is standing in the VIP section with his pass hanging from his neck, he has his two brothers with him, but you pay little attention to them as you keep performing with your eyes glued to his handsome face.
Taking Rita’s advice you make sure the rest of the choreography is as sexy and heated as possible and you occasionally keep glancing in Tom’s direction who seems to be enjoying the show. It gives you the boost to bring the best out of yourself, he is smirking with amusement in his eyes and you catch him say something to his brothers from time to time who just nod in agreement. You’d die to know what his words were, but you can only hope he’ll come backstage after the show and you can ask him yourself.
By the end of the concert you are bursting from energy and this show will definitely be in your top ten for the rest of your life. You’re panting but grinning widely as you run off the stage and do a quick group hug with your dancers, something you never miss after every show as an appreciation and celebration of the good work you just did.
As you head to your dressing room you spot your manager who has a devilish smile on her face and you almost start lashing out on her, but then none other than Tom Holland shows up coming from the arena. You stop in your way as your eyes meet, eyebrows running up on your forehead when you see the big bouquet of flowers in his hands. He gifts you with a soft, shy smile, the one you’ve seen so many times on the big screen, but it’s a thousand times sweeter in real life.
“Hey!” he greets you waving in your way, as if you haven’t seen him. You don’t see anyone else in the room, to be quite honest.
“Hi! I… didn’t know you were coming tonight,” you admit tugging your hair behind your ear and you wish you felt less sweaty and smelly. You can only hope it’s not as bad as you think.
“I took your invitation serious,” he chuckles making you smile.
“I honestly didn’t think you’d ever see that, sorry if it was… too silly or something,” you tell him with a nervous laugh. It wasn’t in your plans to face him so fast after you admitted to the whole world that you have a fat crush on him.
“Well, it was hard not to see it when literally everyone was tagging me in posts about it.” He then realizes the flowers are still in his hands and steps closer. “Oh, I brought these for you. I hope it’s not too big of a cliché, but I wanted to give you something after the show.”
“That’s so sweet, thank you!” you tell him completely touched by the gesture as he hands you the beautiful bouquet. “Did you like the show?” you innocently ask, his look imprinted in your mind as he watched you in awe from the audience.
“It was fantastic! Really, mind-blowing. All the dancing and everything, I didn’t even know where to look.”
“Well, I saw you looking at me pretty often,” you flirt and hope you’re not being too bold. But there’s no way you are wasting this chance with Tom Fucking Holland, your all-time favorite Spider-Man and #ManCrushMonday. Though you haven’t posted about the latter, but you definitely thought about it before.
His cheeks turn red as he laughs nervously, scratching the back of his neck.
“Well, it was hard not to look when you were so breathtaking, to be honest.”
You can’t stop yourself from smiling like a teenage girl at the compliment. Even an idiot could feel that there is in fact something between the two of you and you truly hope he is feeling the same and it’s not just your crush talking from you.
“Hey, you guys should take a picture together,” Harry suggests and you suddenly feel ashamed you haven’t even acknowledged the twins’ presence.
“Oh, yeah, sure! But you guys should come too!” you tell him, but Tom is quick to differ.
“No!” he protests and you give him a surprised look before he corrects himself. “I mean—Let’s take one alone and then with the boys.”
“Okay,” you smile, and judging from the laugh his brothers try to hide you know his reasoning behind it. “I’m sorry if I’m sweaty and all,” you apologize as he stands next to you, curling an arm around your waist while you do the same and hold the flowers with your other arm.
“I think I’m just as sweaty after that show you just put out,” he admits and you can’t hold you laughter back.
Harry takes a few shots of the two of you before he and Sam joins you and a crew member takes a few group photos.
“Well, thank you for coming, I’m glad we got to finally meet,” you tell them, thinking about how you don’t want to part your ways so soon, but you have to start getting ready to leave.
“Me too, it was something to remember forever,” he admits with that same shy smile. “Hey, so I heard the big news that you’ll be performing at the Oscars!”
“Yes, it’s unbelievable! I’m so nervous just thinking about it!” you admit. It’s kind of an understatement, you’ve been practically shitting yourself ever since Rita broke the news for you that you’d be one of the performers at literally one of the biggest events all year.
“Congrats and… I guess we’ll meet in a week then.” The smile on his lips lets you know he is counting on seeing you on another occasion and you are happy he is on the same page as you.
“I guess,” you nod chuckling.
“Would it be too straight forward if I asked for your number maybe? Just to make sure we will meet that night.”
“Strictly for that reason,” you nod with a playful smirk as he hands you his phone and you type your number in quickly.
“I can’t wait to see you again,” he tells you as you hug goodbye to all three of the boys.
“Same here,” you nod before turning around and heading back to your dressing room.
 ***
 The Oscars is just as nerve-wrecking as exciting it is for you. It’s you first time doing such a huge performance and you definitely don’t want to be remembered for giving the worst show of all times. You smile your way through the red carpet even though you could break down in tears any minute. You’ve never felt this nervous before and you don’t like the effect it has on your mindset.
Sitting in your dressing room you are getting ready since your performance is just twenty minutes away. Your glam and outfit is completely done, but you just don’t feel the same in your thoughts.
From a sudden idea you send a text to Tom. It’s been an entire week since the show he attended and he texted you before you could even get back to your dressing room and you’ve been going back and forth ever since. He even FaceTimed you one night and you had a two hours long conversation about the most random things. Tom is easy to talk to and this is exactly how you imagined him. Your crush on him has just grown since you met him in real life. In this moment you feel like he is the person you want to talk to, but you doubt he even has his phone on him.
For your biggest surprise a reply arrives just seconds later.
“I’m on my way to you.”
It takes you a few moments to process that he indeed just left his seat at the Oscars to come and calm your nerves. Just about two minutes later there’s a soft knock on the door and after you call out, Tom appears in his perfectly fitted suit, looking better than ever and for a split second you forget everything and just think about how damn good he looks in a suit. When you return to reality panic sets back in and Tom can see it all in your eyes.
“Hey! Why are you so upset?” he gently asks as he steps closer to you taking your hands in his.
“I’m just so fucking nervous, what if I mess it up?”
“You won’t.”
“How do you know?” you whine, already seeing the worst things happen to you out there.
“I just know. I know, because you are literally the best. No one else deserves more to be here than you, alright? They asked you for a reason.”
“I’m just so scared something goes wrong,” you sigh, head hanging low, but he is quick to lift your chin up and make you look in his eyes.
“Everything will be alright. And if something do happen… I’ll just jump up to the table and pull my pants down so everyone will look at me and forget about what you messed up,” he tells you in an attempt to make you laugh and it works.
“That would be pretty funny.”
“Yeah? Do you want me to do it anyway?” he asks chuckling.
“No, keep your pants up,” you tell him shaking your head.
The door opens and an assistant pops his head inside.
“Y/N, we need to go, you are starting in five.” You nod your head and turn back to Tom.
“Can you come with me?” you ask him.
“Of course! Do you want me to stay at the side and wait for you?” You nod again, still feeling a little lost, but way better than before Tom arrived. “Alright. Let’s go then,” he smiles at you and the two of you walk out hand in hand.
He walks you all the way to the stage where you get your mic and earpiece, telling you encouraging words all along, calming your nerves as if it was his magical power.
“You got this,” he tells you, squeezing your hand one last time before you head out to the stage.
He was right, you got this. The song you performed was an excellent choice and the audience seemed to love the visuals and the dance. You get a standing ovation at the end and you almost start crying right there. You rush off the stage and immediately spot Tom still standing at the same spot you left him, his eyes and smile filled with pride and glory and your legs are just pushing your forward until you are in his arms, holding him tight, squeezing him happily as you squeal joyfully.
You lean back and your eyes move down to his lips the same time his gaze travels down to yours. In just a heartbeat you lean forward and your lips meet in a sweet, victorious kiss you’ve been waiting for so long. You melt into his lips, fingers tangled in his perfectly made hair as his palms lay flat on your bare back where the dress is not covering your shivering skin.
It takes quite some time for the two of you to let go of each other, one of you always goes in for just one more kiss as the backstage is rushing around you, people are running wildly to get everything in place when the show returns after the commercial break. Yet you just stand there with Tom, completely lost in each other.
“I think…” he starts quietly, a smirk hiding in his lips, “I think we owe Ellen a thank you,” he says making you laugh.
“Definitely,” you nod before pressing your lips back to his.
-
general/forever taglist for Tom Holland
i do separate taglists for different people, but not for different works of mine! if you ask to be on my Tom taglist, you’ll be tagged in all of my Tom fics!
@zaahidahhh​ @shawn-youth​  @wildflower-cth​ @imaginashawnns​ @haute-shawn  @learning-howto-be-myselfx3​ @cutepenguin1​ @madatmendes @harrysleftchelseaboot​ @sunflower6why​
if you’d like to be taken off or added to the list, please let me know!
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starbuck09256 · 3 years
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Paperwork and coffee
Fictober day 13
After detour before chinga
tagging @today-in-fic
I look over the mountain of paperwork in front of me. For months I thought about how that was the one thing I wouldn’t miss when I was gone. Needless forms poor trees whose sacrifice was wasted on blue and black ink littering pages of information already on pages 6 and again on page 10 and one more time on page 15. I wonder how Mulder does it, somehow some way that man always has all the paperwork done and on time. Mulder is a lot of things but he isn’t careless about the x-files. He makes sure every single thing is properly filed in his mess of an office. Organized chaos, I sigh heavily wishing I had just let Mulder fill these out too. I bit my lip looking at the clock, it’s still early only 9 the fact that he isn’t here yet makes me wavier about going to get a coffee. Will this be any less painful with a soul full of foam and creamy espresso. My appetite has returned in more ways than one. I chide myself again for making a pass at Mulder. I need a vacation, a real one. I’ve always wanted to go to Maine in the fall, see the leaves scattering in the wind swirling around the colors of sunset. I could use a giant Lobster with melted butter in every crevasse. A convertible so I can breathe the sea into my body. I push the paperwork aside, boot up Mulders computer and start to look for a small bed and breakfast where you can see the shore through those craftsman style windows. I turn the radio on low as I click through each page. Check the obscene large vacation time I have. I think of Mulder having to be forced to take 5 days off, I remember the giant Elvis sunglasses he bought me and think of taking a picture with them on the trip. Maybe I even buy him one of those giant Lobster claws. I chuckle to myself and the door clicks. Mulder is smiling at me. 
“What’s funny?” he asks as he is balancing a coffee and donut bag in his hands.
 I get up to help him. It's the good coffee from the coffee shop 3 blocks over. I take a sip and Mulder places his cup on the desk with the bag he’s standing close and chewing his lip. We didn’t talk about the wine or the cheese, or singing a song in the middle of the night, or what it really means for us that I’m still here, waiting. I gesture with my hand, sigh and smile up at him. 
“I was thinking about those Elvis glasses you bought, and umm maybe going on vacation. After everything that I..well we went through I could use some sea air. I was thinking maybe Maine.” 
I look up at him and he stares at me and touches my hand on the desk. 
“I love Maine,” he whispers. He traces my fingers and then his hand is up brushing against my cheek. 
“You do?” my voice is breathy like it’s lost in the fog. 
He nods and his face is leaning down to mine. I’m transfixed in my spot with one hand on the desk as he closes the gap between us, and then his lips are on mine and his fingers slide back into my hair and his tongue sweeps into my mouth. I can’t help but whimper against him as my own hand goes up to pull him closer. He pushes against me his body is warm and while normally I would be relatively alarmed at being trapped between a man and the desk right now I’m desperate to be closer. My body aches for more and oxygen as he explores my mouth. He pulls away caresses my hair with his other hand. I bite my lip in confusion. What just happened? What does that mean? Why after all this time of all the chances was it here in the office with a coffee. 
“I’m sorry.” he says and I am trying to think of a thing he did wrong. 
“What? Why? Do you..” the lump in my throat is so large and I want to run. 
“I should have done that earlier, so much earlier. You came into my room with wine and cheese and this morning when I was brushing my teeth, I just haven’t been able to stop thinking about how much I wanted that...this. Uh…..us.” his voice waivers at the end. 
“I’m an idiot, Scully. I have no idea why you are still here with me or how you don’t know how much more you deserve but I’ll try to make it worth your while for as long as I can.. And I can start with taking you on vacation to Maine or wherever you want to go.” 
I can’t help grinning at him. I loop my arms around his neck, try to tilt up to his impossible height and kiss him deeply. His hands press into my back and I try to remember if kissing was always this good, and why I’ve gone so damn long without it. I realize of course that it’s because I waited so long for the one man I swore I wouldn’t kiss, swore I would not let him be a repeat of past transgressions. But now as my tongue lovingly strokes his and his hands roam up and down my back spreading warmth all over my body. I realize I was the bigger idiot for thinking that I could ever not fall for the one person who is my equal. When we pull apart this time both grinning and a little shy. I let my fingers travel up his shirt to the soft blue tie that I got him 2 christmases ago.
 “So umm..” he’s nervous and chuckles as I slide my hand up and down his chest. 
“When are you thinking we could go?” I look past him to the pile of paperwork that is figuratively looming over my ability to leave with Mulder in tow right now. 
I could leave now to pull Mulder into my apartment and not leave for a week. I tap my hand lightly on his chest and sigh. I want to leave now, I want to explore every single inch of him with my fingertips and I want his lips everywhere and the last thing I want is to smell his cologne and feel his eyes as I sit awkwardly in that chair dodging papercuts like the plague. I look at him with a still sadness that I can’t just tell him to lock the door. 
“I have so much paperwork…” 
I want to cry because he is stroking my wrist and chewing on his lip that has a slight smudge of my lipstick on it.  He looks over the pile, the pile that waits on my normal clean in box that surely would never have more than 20 papers at one time. He laughs and I want to hit him. That he would wait until the one time I would absolutely have to stay in the office before turning me into a reckless employee who would leave at 9:45 just because she desperately needs a tryst with her otherwise platonic partner. I want to slap him in the arm for laughing. But he has pulled my fingers to his mouth and is kissing them and sucking on them a bit and watching his tongue has me slightly transfixed. 
“Scully…” my name spilling off his lips as he leans down once more and offers me a quick peck which is the last thing I need before the daunting task in front of me. 
“Honey, I just have to file those, I already finished all the paperwork.” He laughs again and picks me up spinning me around in our much too small office. We wouldn’t be able to do this if we had another desk down here. But he starts to kiss me again and his lips travel down my neck finding all my sensitive spots far too quickly. 
“What?” I can barely mutter as my body hums in deep pleasure. His hands find the top of my shoulder and he gives them a squeeze. 
“I did all of that already, even your parts. You’ve been sick for months, working when you could barely stand, I figured the least I could do was your half of the paperwork, you  are so very stubborn so I took over almost all of your stuff months ago. You already finished your version of the reports right?” I nod I had at least kept up on our case reports and my 3-4 page megar reports that certainly didn’t contain the dramatic prowess they once endured. Mulder picks up the phone and is already talking to Skinner. 
“Hi  I think Scully and I should take some vacation time after everything with Blevins and that seminar.  We have no new cases worth following up on so I would like to put in an immediate request for myself.” he looks at me holding up a 1 or a two. 
My lips fall apart, oh my god. Two full weeks with just him and I and his mouth and I can’t even control my own fingers as they hold up two. The grin I get from him could light up space. He passes me the phone. 
“Hi sir, yea just with my recent recovery I think it might be a good idea for me to take advantage of some time as well as things to settle here.” 
I can’t believe I’m doing this, that we are doing this. Mulder is already locking filing cabinets and eagerly shuffling the paperwork that I thought would be my nemesis. He is leaning over and clicking on some website I had up and pulling out his wallet. I forget sometimes how he can be when he has a mission, uncompromising, unyielding oh god. I will most likely be his mission later. I feel the flush in my chest as he takes another sip of coffee and hands me mine. I sip and it’s perfect, subtly sweet but clearly he has heard me say that I’m still cutting back on the sugar, but it’s creamy with a nick of cinnamon at the end. The sip calms me down and allows me to focus on finishing the rest of the conversation which is just that Skinner has no problem approving what we need since Belvins is dead and he has better shit to do than babysitting Mulder over the next two weeks anyway. I nod and find Mulder tapping his foot at our printer looking anxiously. He grabs the papers off the printer and drapes his jacket over his arm grabbing the bag of pastries and putting in his mouth.  
“Thanks sir,” he mutters into the phone and grabs my hand eagerly with the one free one he has left. I grab my coffee as he throws my coat at me pulling our office door and ushering me out. 
“We can slow down you know.” 
But god we have been going at glacier speed for years and truthfully if I had more coffee in me I probably would have bound up the stairs faster and already be tapping my foot while he fumbles for the keys. 
“Do you want me to go slow at first Scully?” He says he is already halfway up the stairway leaning down towards me. 
“How slow?” and his voice has dropped an octave I’m now on the step above him. 
He cups my cheek and kisses me so painfully slow I realize now I should have just locked the door downstairs so that the anticipation wouldn’t kill me. I shallow hard as his lips leave mine. “I’m driving.” I mutter taking the last three steps quickly and grinning at him from the parking garage door.
 “We gonna get a convertible Scully?” I already am halfway to my car with the keys ready to bring us and the car to life. 
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mewtonian-physics · 3 years
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An Honest Review of Nancy Drew: The Final Scene
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Spoilers under the cut!
Hi! Penny (not that one) here with the next installment of my Nancy Drew game reviews!
In case you haven’t seen the previous reviews, a quick overview of how I’ll be doing this:
I’m going to include several different factors in my review of each game. First, the plot; obvious enough. The plot is, after all, the driving force behind the game. I’ll also be talking about what I think of the characters, as well as how fun it is to play/replay, and the general atmosphere/setting of the game too. And, of course, I’ll talk about my opinions of the music. I’m not going to be doing any ratings or anything like that, no numbers will be coming into these reviews; I’m just going to say my honest thoughts. (Even when they are not nice thoughts.)
Please remember that these reviews will be my entirely subjective opinions! If you disagree with me on any points, that’s absolutely your prerogative, and in fact, I’d love to discuss it with you and hear some perspectives aside from my own. These reviews are not meant to hurt or invalidate anyone’s feelings, but only to put forth my own.
So without further ado, my review of The Final Scene!
Plot
I really like the plot of this game. This is one of those games where it kind of has two plots going on, but it ties them together so seamlessly that most of the time you can barely even tell. See, Nancy is tagging along with her friend Maya Nguyen, who is going to interview a famous TV 'hunk'--and no, this does not mark the reappearance of Rick Arlen, thank god--but when she goes in to interview him, Maya disappears! Nancy is told that her friend is hidden somewhere in the Royal Palladium theater, but here's the problem--the theater is going to be demolished in just three days, which doesn't leave her much time to find Maya and get out of there. With the police being incredibly unhelpful and the clock ticking down, Nancy has to either find Maya or stop the demolition before the theater is destroyed with her friend inside it! Her search for Maya is interspersed with the discovery of the history behind the old theater, weaving the kidnapping plot together with the hunt for the theater's true owner in such a way that they fit perfectly. After all, the owner might be able to stop the demolition in time to save Maya--but only if Nancy can figure out who it is before time runs out! It's a really stellar and well-crafted plot, and it deserves all the praise I'm giving it.
I also really enjoy the backstory they give this game. I am a fan of Harry Houdini (look up his relationship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle some time, it's hilarious) and stage magicians in general, so it's really fun for me.
Characters
This is another game with a quite colorful cast of characters. We have Brady Armstrong, a popular actor; Simone Mueller, his agent; Nicholas Falcone, an activist; and Joseph Hughes, the theater's caretaker.
I would be remiss to not mention just how fantastic Nancy's interactions with the characters are in this game. She's so sassy and sharp with everyone, her impatience and fear for Maya coming out in fire. Thank you, Nancy.
As for the characters themselves... they are a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality, as far as I'm concerned. I really couldn't care less about Brady. I find him annoying and whiny (I'm so sorry your life is so hard, Mr. Famous Actor) and he seems to share all of Rick Arlen's worst personality traits, so really, it's just a hard thumbs-down on this one.
Simone, though. Wow! Pardon the language, but she is such a bitch, and I love it. The absolute nerve she has! Using Maya's disappearance as nothing more than a publicity stunt is a truly coldhearted move, and it really just establishes her as exactly who she is: a ruthless, ambitious, calculating woman who is willing to do anything to get what she wants.
Nicholas is popular for obvious reasons. He's passionate about his work, is fun to talk to, and has a long history with the theater that further drives his resolve. Also, I love the way he is just so unimpressed with Brady. Me too, Nick. Me too.
Joseph, on the other hand, is just a sweet, harmless old man who doesn't want to lose the theater he loves so much... except it turns out that he's not so sweet and harmless after all. In fact, he's so desperate to save the theater that he is willing to go to any length to do so, including kidnapping. I remember how absolutely horrified I was when he was revealed as the culprit, but in the end, his character was so well-developed that I could almost understand how he got there. The theater was essentially the only home he had--of course he wouldn't want to lose it! Unfortunately, he went way too far trying to keep it.
Gameplay
...Yeah, I have some complaints about the gameplay here, and by 'some complaints' I mean the 3-day mechanic. While it makes sense in the context of the plot, I hate it. It'll come back in a later game, and I hate it there, too. Having to try and figure out exactly what I have to do each day to get the plot to move forward is something that really frustrates me, especially since I also have to figure out what I can't do until the next day, when hey, maybe I just want to do that thing now. Also I have a special hatred for the key machine just because of how much time it took from me. Yes, I know that's a me problem. I know. I don't replay this game often because even years after I first played it, it still frustrates me to no end. Fuck the 3-day mechanic. Let me do what I want.
Atmosphere
The setting is so lovely! I love exploring the theater, I love looking at all the posters. It's so real and beautiful-looking, but clearly has been falling into some disrepair, which also adds a bit of a spooky vibe to it. Details like the gum and the popcorn really help immerse the player--what's a theater without a little mess, after all? And I positively adore the old touches like the game in the lobby--and I hate the key machine, but it really does add a lot to the setting. But you're on thin fucking ice, key machine. Thin. Fucking. Ice.
The more hidden areas are also incredible, especially the magician's room--I wish I could go there in real life! But, um... I never want to see that card machine. Ever. God, that thing creeps me out.
Music
The music in this game is sooooooo good! In fact, I'd say it's perfect. It has this lovely old-timey sound to it that, when combined with the incredible way the theater is rendered, really makes me feel like I'm there. It also has several tracks which are downright creepy! This isn't at all a game I would consider one of the scary ones, but it has a more subtle fear to it, and some of the music really brings that out. Maya's theme is also superb. I love how dramatic and intense it sounds, and the mixed-in shouts at the beginning of it. It's perfect. I have so much love for this game's soundtrack, I think it was really well-made.
Conclusion
This is another of those games that I would definitely recommend. The characters are good, the plot is great, and the atmosphere and music are just stunning. It definitely has less enjoyable elements (*cough* 3-day mechanic *cough*) but any fan of the series should definitely play it at least once.
See you next time, when I review game #6: Secret of the Scarlet Hand!
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sweetsubharry · 3 years
Note
hiiii, do u have any fic recommendation for highschool aus?
Hiya! 💕 yes I do! It’s one of my favourite classic aus :) Just as a warning! There’s 36 fics under the read more tag so it’s a longer style post! I hope you like these! and just in case no one reads it at the end I’ll say it up here too! Make sure you read the tags and stay safe!
I was also unsure if any set in hogwarts counted? or any with a/b/o elements so I left them out but if anyone wants those too just send in an ask :)
You Can be My Cliche by DreamWeaver14
Basically Lou and Hazza are best friends and Louis is jealous and overly protective... But it all works out in the end once Lou and Harry have movie night. SMUT
Free with You Tonight by sunniskies
Harry's 16 and sophomore, Louis is a senior and his best friend, but somehow Harry's not sure that's enough anymore.
Essentially, high school au fluff involving first kisses and Niall mixing bad drinks.
A Real Work of Art by lululawrence
“I don’t understand,” Liam said for probably the fiftieth time in ten minutes. “You have to explain again how this is a bad thing.”
“Leeeeyummm,” Harry whined into the phone as he leaned his head onto his desk. “I felt like this year was my year for getting his attention, you know? That senior year I would finally get Logan Thompson to realize I exist! But he’s in almost every single one of my classes, Li. How am I supposed to survive that?”
“Easily,” Liam answered, with the same matter of fact tone his voice always took when Harry was in one of his fits. “He doesn’t know you exist, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Right?”
Or the one where Harry calls on an old friend, the super popular Louis Tomlinson, to help him change his look to capture the heart of Logan. Things only mostly go as planned.
into another (another) serotonin overflow by mercutionotromeo
Harry wants this year to be different - wants it to be the year that he finally gets over this stupid crush. He’s going to uni, he needs to decide what he wants to do with his life.
Instead, he’s deciding what he wants to do to Louis Tomlinson.
Or: Sweet first time sex wherein Harry's adorably awkward, Louis is achingly cool, and Harry rides Louis wearing his jersey.
My love, he makes me feel like nobody else, nobody else by SilverShadow1
Harry was invited to a high school end-of-term party where he's ready to let loose, get drunk and perhaps regret his choices, or not.
OR
The one where Harry screams, 'Daddy!' at a party and what follows is the best night of his life.
Kiss me by carebearlarrie
Where Harry does a TikTok challenge and kisses his crush (Louis) ft. sweater paw Harry.
Because We Can by KrisStylinson
Harry's the bizzare new kid who likes flowers too much, Louis' the epitome of punk who's not as smooth as he seems. Those two things shouldn't mix as beautifully as they do.
A nice, long journey through Harry and Louis' intersecting lives, starting with the day they meet in high school—including meddling friends, a Styles-Tomlinson family Christmas, a first time, and a couple's holiday in Paris.
You're Still The One I Run To. by brooklynbis
Harry's favourite weather by a mile was snow. There was something about the cold flakes of snow that was just so peaceful. The few times he had experienced snow, everything just stopped for a few days.
There was one thing Harry hated about the snow, however. Having to try and get home in it.
________________________
AKA it snows and Harry and Louis get stranded at college. Fluff and lots of cuddling ensues.
Way to Your Heart by fallenflowercrowns
High school AU, where Louis is in a band and Harry likes to come to the rehearshals for no particular reason. Punk Louis with a lot of tattoos and everything. Shy Harry with an angel face and not many friends. Strangers to lovers. Quick sex in the rehearshals' room (just handjob or blowjob) Happy end.
Harry pines but is oblivious, Louis is a punk with a big heart, Ziam shag behind everyone's backs and Nick is actually not in love with Harry.
All I want for christmas is you by Tita
The one where Louis is a pining punk, Harry is the school’s sweetheart, and a miss sent text at a Christmas party turns out to be the best possible present.
Can I Walk Your Cute Face To Class by orphan_account
It's Harry's first day of High School and he's nervous. He meets Louis.
Or
They meet and they have lunch together but they don't actually eat anything. (and it's not because I forgot that's what people generally do during lunch.. not at all)
Touch by kotabear24
Harry's shy and virginal with a past, new on the football team; Louis' the (experienced) popular star of the team and Harry's new mentor.
All I Need is Oxygen (and You) by lululawrence
There are only two ways to navigate Bloomfield High School: become popular or make yourself invisible.
With the help of his best mate Niall, Harry’s introduction to high school hadn’t been half bad. Despite being a “bandie” – the lowest of the low in the ancient hierarchy of high school –Harry had somehow managed to survive freshman year relatively unscathed. So naturally, Harry would have been perfectly happy to resume his position of invisible trombone player number four for the remainder of high school. But one day something drastic happened, something that would change the course of Harry’s entire existence (probably).
It was the last football game of his freshman year, and the band was back in the stands after performing a rousing rendition of Bloomfield’s alma mater during half time. Harry was gracelessly wiping the slobber from the mouthpiece of his trombone when he saw him.
Louis Tomlinson.
Or...a High School AU where Harry is a bandie and Louis is the epitome of cool, so naturally, Harry must find a way to get his attention and win his affections.
I don't care where we go, just keep me close by Eversincefiveboys
Louis has to go on summer camp and he absolutely doesn't want to because he is 16 and too old for this. Then he meets the boy with the curls and the dimples and suddenly he doesn't want this camp to be over 
Maybe it's All Part of a Plan by promisingstyles
Christmas High School AU. Harry is sick, Louis talks way too much and much too fast. They meet in the toilets. 
I made a map of your stars by brightbluelou   
Harry does not have a crush on Louis Tomlinson. Yes, Louis is very pretty and funny, and Harry may have had more than a few inappropriate thoughts about him, but he certainly doesn’t like him. (Except for the fact that he totally does.) or, Harry is the shy boy in the back of the class that no one really notices. Louis is the loud, outgoing football player that everybody likes. 
All Part of the Plan by alwaysinmyheartlarry   
Harry Styles is a member of the marching band who has an insane crush on Louis Tomlinson--the amazing senior who plays on the varsity football team at school. 
We’re on Fire Now (And I Could Burn in it All Day) by orphan_account   
“Thanks, Harry.” His voice is as soft as silk when he replies and Harry is so tempted to kiss him there and then, but would feel too much like he is taking advantage of Louis’ vulnerability in that moment. “Now let’s bake some fucking cookies.” He removes his hand and Louis lets go of his wrist, laughing. “Hearing you swear is so wrong. It’s like an angel punching someone in the face. It just doesn’t fit.” Harry gasps in mock offense. “I’ll have you know I swear all the time. I’m a right rebel.” Louis laughs again, bright and beautiful, and Harry smiles down at him.
or
A shameless high school AU where Louis is a footballer, Harry is a photographer, Liam is blissfully unaware and Niall is his usual self.
first position, the mood is set by hiswittlehands
Louis bites down on his lip. "You...god, they look so good on you. Shows off your arse and your...your thighs, Haz." He runs his hand along the skin there then, relishing how soft and pliant it is even with all the muscle. "They shouldn't have even let you play. Should, should have sent you straight home for...fuck, indecency or breaking the dress code or summat."
Or, I literally have no idea what the fuck I just wrote but it involves dodgeball, short shorts, and thigh fucking.
(i didn't mean to) fall in love tonight by zouisclimax
Harry texts him back a thumbs up emoji before leaning forward and throwing up again. He groans, but stands after he’s done, wiping his mouth with toilet paper, and flushing the toilet.
He washes his mouth out as best as he can before steeling himself and heading back to class, trying his best not to cry. He tells himself that there is no point in worrying when he doesn’t even know if there is anything to worry about yet.
He still feels sick.
[or, the American boarding school AU where Harry's infatuated with Louis and one night flips his whole world upside-down]
falling for you, i can't keep away by hegotthedagger
Harry wants Louis really bad and Louis might want him just as much.
I see the love light in your eyes by larrycaring
For as long as Harry can remember, Louis has always been his best friend.
There are a few constant things in Harry’s life: his family, this town he’s grown up in, and Louis.
He had his other friends, of course, but Louis had always been and still was the person that Harry was closest to. Maybe it was due to the fact that they live next to each other, and that, since the first night they’d talked, when he and Louis shared a conversation on their conjoining roofs, they instantly hit off, and a friendship developed. Or maybe it was that Louis was always so cheeky, almost the opposite of Harry, but it complimented Harry’s slow and thoughtful way of life perfectly. Either way, it just kind of happened.
or an AU where Louis and Harry are very much in love. Featuring football & late night rendezvous.
Translation of the fic in spanish by @lachrimose_: click here (wattpad) In russian by Hewassixteen: click here (ficbook)
You Have Bewitched Me, Body and Soul, and I Love, I Love, I Love You by Storyofmythigh
Harry is quiet. Louis isn’t.
Louis hates reading. Harry loves words.
They find a way.
Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow by 1Diamondinthesun
Harry spends most of his time in an empty house or a lonely darkroom, dreaming of leaving his small town for art school. He's invisible to most people. And then Louis Tomlinson sees him. Life will never be the same.
Or, the American high school AU loosely inspired by She's All That.
Kiss me (this feels like falling in love) by Ambros
- Five times Louis wanted to kiss Harry (and one time he did).
In This Light by kiwikero
Harry gets a position on the school yearbook staff, which is fine until he falls in love with Louis Tomlinson through the lens of his camera.
❤ For Effort by FallingLikeThis 
When Harry Styles lets his team down during gym class, resulting everyone having to run laps, he expects the worst. But the backlash never comes.
Harry's crush, Louis Tomlinson, may or may not have something to do with that.
Last First Kiss by Kikacat
High School AU in which Harry is outed and can't work out why no one seems to care, whilst also dealing with his crush. Super supportive family and friends. Trigger warning for some of the social media comments Harry receives. If I've missed any tags, let me know
let me get your heart racing by orphan_account
Even asleep, Harry finds himself so hooked to this boy. It’s crazy. Months ago, Louis wouldn’t have noticed him. He’s just an ordinary guy, so that’s no surprise. And Louis... Louis is everything.
Harry leaves immediately.
or a highschool au where Harry's sure that Louis will never fall for him, and where he's also wrong.
i’d burn this city down to show you the light by you_explode
Harry's a sheltered rich kid and Louis's a punk with a heart of gold. They meet when Louis breaks into Harry's house, Harry obtains an instant and all-encompassing crush, and they spend the summer falling into a whirlwind romance.
put your head on my shoulder by wayfared
Niall gives Harry until the end of marching season to either a) make a move on Louis Tomlinson or b) get the fuck over him. Either is easier said than done. Basically, your High School AU with a drum beat.
My Only Sunshine by DontLetHimGo
Harry and Louis have known each other since the start of everything.
When Harry is only a few weeks old, and Louis is two, the older boy is immediately intrigued by the little person in the carry cot. Jay knows that it will be difficult to keep her son away from her best friend's little boy.
Completely unaware (you make me smile) by deblond
Five times everyone thinks that Harry and Louis are dating (and the one time they are).
it's kinda hot in here by ballsdeepinjesus 
“Is that a moth on your stomach?”
or nerdy harry is hiding some stuff under his dorky clothes and louis fucks him in a locker room
we should get jerseys, 'cause we make a good team by ellisaco
Harry's not very good at football, but he's aces at cheering Louis on.
Youth Meant to Be Beautiful by Turtles
Highschool AU, Louis is the footy captain and Harry is a cheerleader. Cliche ahoy!
every december (your star lights the sky) by larrystomlinsons
Louis needs a date for the Christmas dance and Harry is the wingman that has feelings for him.
The Birds Still Sing by orphan_account
The thing is, Louis thinks he already knows Harry's secret. He just doesn't know how to tell him he knows.
every december (your star lights the sky) by larrystomlinsons
Louis needs a date for the Christmas dance and Harry is the wingman that has feelings for him.
Stay safe and read the tags guys!! ❤
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bastillewolf · 4 years
Text
The Grand Tranquility Hotel (XV)
Pairing: Alex Turner/Reader
Summary: An eccentric hotel owner and an inquisitive writer find solace in each other when they both seemed to be at the edge of rock bottom.
Notes: Sorry this chapter took so long. I must have rewritten it about 5 times before I felt completely satisfied with it. Furthermore, thank you for all of your wonderful birthday wishes, it gave me a lot of joy reading them during times like these. I hope you’re all doing well and I hope to keep you entertained with more Alex Turner content in the (very) near future.
I’d advise you to listen to ‘The Linden Tree’ from the Grand Budapest Hotel soundtrack for the final ‘scene’. It somehow felt very fitting to me, as I’ve used most of this soundtrack while writing this story. The movie had lightly inspired me to make it.
Let me know if you’d like to be added to the tag list.
@edgythought​ @iwannabemorethanme​ @he4rtbre4khotel​ @juga-42​ @alexbandguy86​​ @imagine-that-505​
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Chapter XV - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (Pt. III)
“You’re both idiots,” she huffed under her breath, as she rinsed the bloodied washcloth in the previously stark white sink. She didn’t bother to wipe away the splatters, since she’d had to rinse it ten times before that because Matt’s nose wouldn’t stop bleeding.
They had taken their mess to the kitchens, away from prying eyes, when a picture had almost been taken by one of the paparazzi that had been sneakily investigating them. Word must have gotten around that the writer of The Grand Tranquility Hotel was visiting the new estate and seen with the owner himself.
As she cleaned the remaining grime off of Matt’s cheeks and chin, she wasn’t being as careful as she usually would be. She was pissed off, and all the men did was cast their eyes downwards and shoot her regretful looks from time to time. Even if they did still feel resentment towards each other, they were very careful not to show it in her presence.
“You know, it’s not just your reputation you’re damaging,” she added, walking over towards the hotel owner’s messy features, “I’m an accomplished writer now. If you can’t behave properly, I’ll have to write another book and lie myself out of this. I’d rather not write a fake autobiography.”
“You mean an addition to the already existing one?” Alex muttered.
She raised a brow, the washcloth momentarily wavering over the bruised cheek she’d been tending to. The injuries to his face were less severe, and she was very much considering making them worse.
“You better watch your mouth, mate,” Matt growled.
“Or what? Are you going to hit me again?” Alex challenged.
Jamie was quick to hold Matt back when he tried to get out of his chair, while Nick took a hesitant step towards Alex, in case he was about to try something. But the hotel owner remained seated on the kitchen countertop, rubbing his temples tiredly.
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” she sighed, “And I advise you to double check the personnel you’ve hired, as they clearly can’t keep their mouths shut.”
“It’s the paparazzi; they’re always here, even when we do keep an eye out for them. And my clerk is very trustworthy, he just needs some more training,” Alex told her defiantly.
“Just some training?! He was drawing squiggles in your guest book when we arrived, Al!”
“Matt, I do need you to shut up,” she snapped, “You’re letting your anger make you as spiteful as a ten-year-old. Go cool off.”
The man in question huffed, shaking Jamie’s hand off of his shoulder before making his way towards the door.
“Yes, go cool off, Matt, lest you try to beat someone up again.”
Her eyes met his in a desperate attempt to ask him to let it go, which wouldn’t have worked had it been the Matt from when they left the hotel together. The Matt now, however, was more calculated and reserved; though his tendency to use his fists as the main solution still lingers there. She had thought it gone by now, yet the circumstances had indefinitely proven her wrong.
The door slammed behind him with a finality, and she returned her annoyed gaze to Alex, clearly disappointed with the way he’s treating her best friend. Nick left shortly after, mumbling about what idiots they were being, to go search for Matt. Jamie didn’t stick around for too long either, evidently feeling awkward staying in the brooding tension that hung around them.
She silently continued to care for his split lip, peering up at his eyes ever so often, which seemed darker and more distant than usual.
“What did you mean by that?” she murmured.
“Mean by what?” he asked.
“You know what.”
He gave her a look, “You mean your fake tales about my perfect hotel?”
“I never wrote anything but the truth, Alex. I simply left out the lesser parts.”
He hummed, clearly not persuaded by her words. He was being stubborn, and he was very aware of it, yet she decided it would be better to continue the conversation rather than let unspoken words hang in the air for the remainder of her stay.
She fumbled with the stained cloth in her hands. “Did you read it?”
He met her eyes with a lifted brow, as if trying to decide whether or not to respond. “Of course, I read it,” he eventually admitted.
“Then you should know I didn’t fabricate anything. It wasn’t some publicity stunt I was trying to pull off, Alex. Naturally, I wanted to give your hotel the credit it deserved, but I wasn’t going to lie while doing so. That’s not who I wish to be.”
“Yet you left out all that I did to you. You could have ruined me. Why didn’t you?” He sounded almost desperate, now.
“I think you know why.”
She felt his hot breath waft over her lips. His face was suddenly so much closer to hers, making her inhale sharply. He smelled just as she remembered, like expensive cologne and cigarettes. He’d been smoking more.
“It’s not right, Alex.”
“Why not?” he whispered. His orbs had dilated significantly, and only wavered from hers to look at her licking her lips.
“Because you still despise me for what I’ve done.”
She ran her hand over his cheek, before stepping out of his embrace. She left the room without sparing him another glance, leaving him to his never-ending train of thoughts.
 Nick hadn’t been able to get much out of Matt, and saying it disappointed him was the understatement of the century. He had chased him around the hotel for a bit until they reached the doors to the gardens, where Matt was now taking photographs with his aged camera. Nick knew he needed to give Matt more time, yet his patience was running low. He had played the waiting game for long enough.
So, when Miles had arrived at the front desk asking for Alex, he had given him a relentless glare that made the mayor’s eyebrows shoot up so far they were almost closing in on his hairline. Only he could make this look as comical, and Nick felt his steadfastness waver around his friend. “Alex is a bit busy at the moment, I’m sure he’ll seek you out once he has the time.”
It was a lazy lie, which Miles obviously saw through, because all he replied with was an “ah” while his curious eyes trailed towards the guest book and skimmed over a familiar set of names. “I see,” he continued, “Very busy indeed…”
Before the clerk could say any more, the mayor was already trailing off towards the elevator, appearing deep in thought.
“I’ve always found the mayor such an odd man,” said the young man next to him.
Nick sighed. “Shut up, Mark.”
 She was surprised to hear a knock on her door. Not because she was deathly scared of knocks on doors, but because she wasn’t really sure who was still on speaking terms with her right now. If anything, she had expected to have been left alone for quite a while, with Matt needing time to brood and sulk and the others to decide whether to finally kick her out or not.
She hadn’t been sure what to expect when she opened the door, but it most certainly hadn’t been Miles Kane’s warm smile.
 He really didn’t want to have this conversation. And he’d really rather be anywhere else. Yet, here he was, in the gardens of his own hotel – if he could even call it a garden compared to his other property; the city didn’t allow much room for greenery – seeking out the man who had beat him up not hours before.
“Come to take another blow at me, then?” Matt asked. He had his camera raised; his right eye squinted shut to take a good look inside the lens. He stood facing the small pond that was outside; one of the very few hidden gems of the hotel.
“Wouldn’t want to ruin your pretty face any more than I already did,” Alex tried.
Matt huffed in response. They were both testing the waters here. “As if. You barely touched me last time.”
“Oh, really? You want to swap jumpers and make another move? I recall your timing being off. Those drumming classes haven’t done much for you, have they?”
They both snickered, a sense of familiarity washing over them like they were back in old Sheffield, when they had nothing more to worry about than homework and bickering over how to snog a girl.
“Not much to see around here, eh?” Matt asked, lowering his camera to run his eyes over the rest of the reasonably-sized plot.
“We were more concerned about the interior of the hotel.” Alex had his brow raised.
“Real shame. Not much space to keep horses and such.”
The inquiry was there, and Alex quickly picked up on it. “Mardy is being properly looked after, Matt. She’s doing fine.”
The man grumbled a bit under his breath about how ‘fine’ wasn’t good enough which the hotel owner decidedly ignored.
“I’m not here to bestow any more grief upon you, Matt. I’m here because we have a shared interest that I wanted to talk to you about.”
“A shared interest?” Matt repeated blankly.
“I…” Alex exhaled sharply. “I hope you’re happy together. I really do. And that’s all I’ve ever wanted for both of you in the end; happiness. I’m glad you’ve found it together.”
Matt’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Alex, we’re not together.”
“... You’re not?”
“Is that what that whole ordeal was about?”
Alex had a difficult time processing this new information being thrown at him, and could barely hide the glee that was bubbling up in his chest. He was interrupted, however, by Nick running towards them. He couldn’t recall him ever running so fast for anything in his life.
“I think we have a problem,” Nick gasped, “Miles is here.”
 “I’m happy to hear you didn’t lose your job,” she gave him a genuine smile as he poured her a fresh cup of tea and added in some milk.
“Me too, if I’m honest. Spending so much time on the hotel made me realize how much I actually liked doing it and how much I was missing it. I can only be glad people were still willing to vote for me. Guess my good looks pay off after all.” He winked at her, making her roll her eyes.
“I’m sure they voted for you because they were reminded of the goodness in you when you made that apology on the tele.”
“You watched that?” He asked.
“Of course, I did. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
The twinkle in his eyes seemed to diminish as he cast them downwards. He fumbled with the cup, his fingers making circular motions over the ceramic. “I’m not really sure I’m all that deserving of their praise. Not to mention, yours.”
“Miles-“
“I’m really sorry for what I did. I never meant to cause any of this. I really wanted to do right by Alex, because he’d been hurt by so many people before and I didn’t want to see it happen again and yet… When I showed him that notebook I think I only really did more harm than good. I know those words were never meant to be read by anyone else and that Alex would have been doing so much better had I just…” He let go of a shuddering breath.
She moved her hand to rest on his forearm in comfort, unable to bring about any form of resentment for the man. She met his eyes. “I know. You were only ever trying to protect him. I can only thank you for that. What happened between me and Alex would have happened either way, whether or not you showed him what I wrote. Neither of us were in the right state of mind back then.”
He gave her a watery yet relieved look, and nodded in understanding. He wrapped his arms around her. “I just hope he’ll get it into that stubborn noggin of his soon that he’s never going to find anyone better than you.”
She laughed against his shoulder quietly, “Me too.”
 When Miles finally left the room, it was nearing dinner time, so he was planning on heading straight down to the hall. He didn’t get much further than the lobby, though.
“Relax, Al,” he told the frantic hotel owner, “All we did was talk it out. Seems like you took the more violent approach.” Miles eyed his injuries carefully, as Alex avoided his gaze.
“Where is she?” Matt asked.
“In her room, last I checked. Why?”
“Alex has another stupid idea.”
 She was about ready to head downstairs for dinner when Matt burst through the door. He gave her a quick look up and down, shaking his head in disapproval as he did so. “Oh no, you’re not wearing that. Put on something fancy.”
“Excuse me?” she asked incredulously, placing her hands on her hips.
“You heard me,” he said, “I’m taking you to dinner. Now come on, hurry up.”
She wasn’t able to protest as he’d already disappeared back out the door. “This day just won’t end, will it?” she muttered.
 Now her mother should have seen her. Though perhaps all she would’ve done is complain about how she wasn’t married yet instead of taking a look at her state of dress. She was honestly quite proud of the work she’d put up, even going as far as to wear heels with it.
She took a gamble that she was supposed to meet Matt in the lobby when he didn’t appear to be waiting in the hallway outside, and a part of her expected him to already be sitting in the hall eating his fill of chicken wings. But he was nowhere to be found, not even at their usual table.
“Miss,” a voice stopped her as she was about to sit. It was Nick. “I’ve reserved a different table for you tonight. If you’ll follow me, please.”
“No.”
Nick gave her an annoyed look.
“Stop being difficult.”
“You like it when I’m difficult.”
 The first thing that filled her senses were the bright rays of lights hanging around the garden, and only when she’d taken in the starry night’s sky was when she noticed a record playing softly in the distance. Nick led her to a clearing near a pond hid behind a few bulky bushes, where she found a table and two seats waiting for her.
“Please, don’t be too difficult on him,” Nick whispered, before taking off again.
His footsteps on the soft grass made her turn back around.
God, he was wearing that same suit from all those years ago. And he still looked damn good in it.
“Would you care to join me for dinner?”
She blinked at him.
“You actually want me to?”
“Yes,” he said, and she could tell he meant it.
 He was busy pulling out her chair for her when someone rounded the corner.
“You’re still not ready?” Matt asked, his arms carrying what appeared to be a set of menus slumping against his chest in annoyance. “I’m never doing this again.”
“I recall you volunteering to be our waiter this time, Matthew. This was of your own volition.”
“Wait a minute,” she turned to glance back at the man in question, “You volunteered to be our waiter? What happened? I wasn’t absent for too long, last I checked.”
Matt rolled his eyes, before gesturing towards Alex. “You think I was just going to leave you alone with him? We compromised.”
“You suggested it,” Alex said.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. Are you ready to order now, or should I take my outstanding services elsewhere?”
 “Why did you set all of this up?” she couldn’t help but ask. After Matt had run off to escape their incessant teasing about him maybe actually enjoying waitering, they had only managed to make some small talk. But of course, ‘how are you’s and ‘fine’s aren’t enough to form an entire conversation during dinner.
He gazed up at her, and he looked tired. No longer did she feel captivated by the boyish charm in his gaze; this time, she was completely entranced by the mature and graceful man that sat before her.
“I don’t despise you for what you did, love,” he murmured. “I did when it happened, but the moment you left, I knew I’d made the biggest mistake in the entire world.”
Of course, he’d made the biggest mistake. She felt her heart drop to her stomach.
He had realized that he should have rid of her long before that. That she was nothing but a bother in his perfect grandeur life.
“I never should have let you go.”
She was awaiting his rage, thinking this was the calm before the storm. That he would snap at her or insult her again. But, he didn’t.
For once in his life, Alexander Turner didn’t get defensive. He didn’t storm off, nor make a scene. He simply started talking, like it was the most regular thing for him to do. As if he had always done it, as unnatural as it may have seemed.
Her bottom lip started trembling, her exhaustion fuelling her already tensed emotions. “Then why did you never call? Why did you never pick up the phone? You said you always would if I called you.”
“I didn’t think you’d ever want to see me again after all the things I said to you, after how I lashed out on you.”
“But you could’ve at least tried,” she reasoned.
He nodded, running a tired hand through his hair before it landed on hers and squeezed it lightly. “I didn’t try because I knew you’d be better off without any of this.”
He gestured vaguely towards the looming hotel behind them. “This hotel… It was out of the money from the back of my pocket. The risk was far higher than I thought it would be, and as we were signing the official papers, all I could hear were your warnings being whispered in my ear over and over again.
The opening didn’t go without loss. We barely got any visitors in the first few months, and I was certain that that was going to be it. That it was all over. All I’d worked for, down the drain, because I’d taken one last pathetic gamble to get to the place I’d always wanted to be.
And then you came, a bright light shining over all that was bad, publishing a book about the grandeur Tranquility Hotel, with nothing but praise and comforting words.”
He narrowed his eyes at her for a fraction. “Of course, I read your book. And I only felt the guilt and shame that had been haunting me during all that time you were gone.
You deserve so much more than what I can give you, writer. You have talent, a big heart and the stubbornness of a swine and I love that. You’ve proven more than enough times that you can take care of yourself. It made me realize how much I was holding you back from your full potential after you left.”
“Alex-“
“I was not in the right set of mind, and I can’t say I am now. I’m not very patient, I have a bad temper and I can be cruel when I want to be. You saw the way I reacted when I came to the conclusion you and Matt were a thing. I haven’t changed. Not one bit. Me wanting you to be my girl again is the most selfish thing I could ask for, which is why I won’t.”
Her vision was blurry, and a lump had formed in her throat that felt so heavy it could drop back down to crush her heart in a beat. “You’re not selfish, Alex. I wrote that book for you. It was my last attempt to find some solace after all that had happened. I’m only glad to hear it worked out so well for you and the business, I would’ve hated to see your legacy go to waste.”
But if that’s how you feel, I’m asking you- I’m begging you, be selfish. Be selfish for and with me, because I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
A tear solemnly ran down the length of her cheek, which was swept away by Alex’ gentle caress. He captured her lips with his, and took her chin in between her fingers. It was soft and sweet; though felt as dramatic as the finale of an Italian opera, for his decision was made.
He loved her, and she loved him, and all was right in the world.
 She ran her thumb over his straining knuckles. “And please don’t worry about any of the boys, Al. They love you and care for you, even Matt. Even when you don’t make the best decisions, they’re there for you, because that’s what family does.”
“Family that needs to sock you in the jaw from time to time,” Matt himself added, as he set their plates of food in front of them.
Alex clasped his shoulder, a brotherly look exchanged between them once more.
 And so, the rest of the night was spent exchanging long awaited kisses and glances, until the plates were licked clean, wine glasses empty, and clothes strewn across the grassy yard behind conveniently placed bushes under the night’s sky.
The end.
 ?
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smolbeandrabbles · 4 years
Text
Veritas - Elias x Reader (Trespass)
The ‘x’ is very suspect. 😉
@mandy23b  @wltz-bby @happyskywhale​ #MendoTagSquad
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Author’s Note: The fact I even wanted to watch this is all on you two. Yes you two! I hope you’re happy-! Thank you for making gifs, thank you for reblogging gifs, thank you for watching with me! Actually to be real with you, this was a plot thread for Kyle Sullivan from Guns For Hire (hence why he is name dropped constantly) but at least Elias gets a little more character development! 😁
I realise that Nick Cage’s character was also called Kyle, but oh well-! Too late to back out now, maybe Elias just shouldn’t mess with people called Kyle...?? 🤷‍♀️
Don’t Play - Halsey
Disclaimer: Trespass and everything associated not mine / lyrics not mine (but hey! No song title!)
Premise: On the trail of your own payment, a group of robbers pick the wrong house to mess with... One in particular catches your interest.
Words: 3975
Warnings: Swearing / comically written action scenes! 
_______
All alone out in Saint-Tropez Lookin' as fine as this damn Monet Everybody thirsty, drinks on me Tryna take back what you say to me I don't give a damn what you say to me There ain't no time for games with me I'm moving on, I'm getting paid I'm on my own, I had some space to deal with it I'm moving on, it's getting late Go and grab someone and find a place to deal with it I’m not the type to be out past dawn Tomorrow got a flight headed to Taiwan Now you know where the bottle gone Drippin' so wet with the Pérignon I am not the type to admit I'm on How could I lie when we sip so strong? Yeah, don't even try Can't fuck up my vibe Double cuppin' in the ride Motherfucker, don't play with me
---
Sometimes you wondered why you even did this job anymore. There was something about your professionalism that felt your skills would be better used elsewhere. But here you were. It wasn’t exactly something you could escape now – even if you somehow managed that, you’d be tracked down and killed eventually. And hiding was no way to live. It wasn’t that you didn’t – enjoy was the wrong word, but – enjoy what you did, it was that it seemed to get easier… Unless you were just getting better? Perhaps. You’d been at this alone for quite some time and before that, with your mentor by your side… Years almost blurred, and you’d been bounced around the world more times than you could count, so even your time zones were out of sync. However, now you were back ‘home’ in the US of A you could adjust a little better; despite the presence of four time zones of its own. You were currently working jobs down the East coast, so were only stuck in one. You stretched, before dismantling your firearm, satisfied that the clean-up exercise was also done. Re-opening the office door you walked out into the corridor as if nothing was wrong; flipping all the security switches back to normal you watched all the CCTV screens re-illuminate. You wouldn’t be in any footage; almost as if you never had been around… Walking back onto the street in the warm night air you were approached by a second man; “It’s done?” “Of course.” “…It’s no wonder they nickname you as they do is it?” He was referring to the odd, and yet appropriate moniker you’d been given within the circles of your profession. “Joel. It’s my job to get in and out without getting noticed…” You rummaged in your pocket for a moment, producing a packet from your coat, “See this gets sent to the correct people.” “Of course… There’s a call, waiting for you.” “I would have figured…” You walked together towards a black car parked up on the curb, nothing too flashy, nothing to draw too much attention. “…Thank you, Joel.” “See you back at HQ.” “That you will.” He opened the door, allowing you to step in. The car pulled smoothly away from the curb - you took one breath, and picked up the call. “Good evening Sir.” “I trust it is done.” “Yes. All accounted for. Documents sent.” “Good. Your payment will be wired to you as soon as we receive it.” “Thank you, Sir.” “You haven’t let us down.” “Do I ever?” You could almost hear the small smile, “No. I have another for you. We’ll talk about it as soon as you arrive.” “Of course, Thank you Sir.”
 *** The sound of smashing glass downstairs only made you curious. You could guess straight away why someone would look at this house and think it was worth robbing – that or they had a grudge against the owner. If you were honest with yourself, you’d also understand that one. Only their presence here was about to make your errand run a little harder. Whoever they were clearly hadn’t done any research on the man himself, but you’d leave them to ransack the place and find nothing of value. Mostly because you already had the majority of it on you. Kyle Sullivan had hired you for plenty of jobs before – though you thought, considering your hefty price tag, that his real intention was just to get to see your face – and usually he paid. Well this time Kyle didn’t have the money (or so he said) and you were about to move on; not exactly being the trusting kind or one to wait, you decided to take matters into your own hands and turn up at his house. Mr.Sullivan wasn’t around, so you’d simply take the next best thing, and call yourselves even. You slid the dresser draw closed and listened for a moment – there was a lot of commotion, clearly they weren’t aiming to be inconspicuous, and you picked out four distinct voices. Three male, one female. Immediately your brain set to work and you straightened, walking across the bedroom floor to listen a little clearer. Kyle had a timer system in his house to make it look like people were around when they really weren’t, he used to bluff that it helped with the security, clearly not. It was how you’d managed to get around – though to be honest you’d be just as effective in the dark with a torch. Not-so-hushed voices floated to you from the lower level, “There’s gotta be a safe somewhere-!” “Alright, we’ll split, office, bedroom, look for anything that seems like an obvious place to hide a safe!” You rolled your eyes; “Idiots.” You didn’t exactly want to leave Kyle’s house full of dead bodies if you could help it – it’d be a waste of ammunition apart from anything else. Wondering if they knew the building layout, you moved from the bedroom to the top of the stairs – having dispersed from below, you descended carefully pulling your gun from it’s hiding place. You might assume they were armed; you wondered why they hadn’t questioned that the alarm wasn’t. If these guys are amateurs, I swear to god… Glass was sprinkled all over the floor from their makeshift entrance – there was a chill in the night air, but you didn’t shiver as the breeze swept in. All you could really think was it’d cost Kyle money he ‘didn’t have’ to fix it all again. You glided silently across the lobby floor, trying to decide which set of footsteps to follow; it was oddly quiet for there being five bodies in the house, but you supposed soon enough there would be shouting of ‘anyone found anything’  and you’d prefer they didn’t have time to mobilize as a group again. Having said that, you’d taken out rooms full of people who were real threats before now. This group was nothing. Even in heels you could make yourself silent as you followed the heaviest set of footsteps; you’d trained to walk, run, fight and even land on heels like this for a very long time, so being quiet was a cake walk… There weren’t many shadows left in a house when every light was being thrown on, but you made use of those there were, and your silence. And it was pretty easy to take a good look at four people who weren’t doing their best to hide. You could hide in plain sight if you wanted; you certainly weren’t about to stand around doing so though – you didn’t need yelling and screaming, you needed four quick strikes, so no one would know what had hit them. The order was determined for you – there was only one of them, perhaps two, that really knew what they were doing. The biggest was the obvious first target, because he was the one that looked like he could take you in a fair fight. He was very meticulous in the things he touched and inspected, proceeding from room to room – the expert. The leader was also obvious just by the way that he moved, less meticulous but nonchalant, cool headed – in control, or so he might think. The third man needed to be taken out as quickly as the first; you’d observed people long enough to know what someone dulled down on medication looked like – well, he was the opposite, a jittery livewire who looked like he’d ignored doctors’ orders for longer than safe to do so. Yet if you thought he was tearing up rooms in a state (and you kinda pitied Kyle at this point, but at least he probably wouldn’t know it was you who stole anything.) it was nothing compared to the woman. Your head tipped as you watched the way she would open one draw, be half way through it and get distracted by something else – pulling clothes out of wardrobes, trying them on before discarding them and trying on something else. What was telling was that you could walk half way into the room and your presence wasn’t noticed. Hard drugs were your first and only thought – there were enough tells on her. You rolled your eyes and traced your way back to the lobby before taking a deep breath, neatening your clothing to make sure it wasn’t about to hinder you, you pulled your hair back off your face and checked your gun was loaded – just in case - tucking it into the front of your pants for easy access. That would have been dangerous, but you were a trained assassin, if you couldn’t handle that what could you handle?
You stretched and, turning on your heels, started towards your first victim of the evening. Usually you’d shoot to kill even if the person in question wasn’t your intended target, if they were getting in the way of what you needed to do. You didn’t see the point here – get them down, finish up your own work, and get out of here as soon as possible. You were right about the first man, he was the heaviest armed – and heaviest set, meaning stealth and speed were going to be the only things getting you through this. Your run up from the room opposite was good, and if he was turning because he heard you or just to move didn’t matter. Your flurry of strikes caught a pressure point, then a nerve, then his head, as you flipped him over your shoulder where he slammed pretty hard onto the floor. You paused for a second, but there wasn’t even a ‘everyone okay-!?’ or curious scuffle from anyone else. You straightened, brushing yourself off, possible overkill – but he was out cold. You smirked; this was child’s play. The second man was a little easier, although you figured slamming his head into anything probably wouldn’t help the fact he needed medication. You frisked both for anything useful before heading back to the woman; now leaving a trail of clothes up the corridor she wasn’t particularly hard to find again – and you even got cocky enough to have your heels occasionally strike the floor. It was still one of your favourite noises – perhaps the reason you wore them.   You found yourself watching her again and almost pitied her – almost. Your movement across this room was a little slower; and you weren’t sure you wanted to hurt her by knocking her into anything. You got as close as possible before throwing your arm around her neck – she let out a gasp of surprise but not much else before she struggled. “Hush… Sweetie, it’ll be easier on you…” You tightened your hold, dragging her slowly down to the floor as her grip on you loosened. “That’s it… that’s it… good girl…” You let her go as she lost consciousness, puling yourself upright. That gave you a little bit of time to deal with the ring leader. You collected your bag of things and threw it around yourself; pulling your pistol, this time you kept it in hand as you walked through the house. This time he made himself a little harder to find right at the back of the house, and you pulled a chair out to wait for him in a side corridor; legs spread you leant over a knee, gun pointed to the floor, head supported by your palm as you ran your fingers over your lips. You’d give him a minute to realise there was nothing worth it this way and walk back. He did. And you were glad to see his peripheral vision wasn’t as shocking as nearly everyone else’s apparently was by the way he walked by your corridor and paused. By the time he’d taken a step back to turn to you it was already too late. *** Elias wasn’t exactly sure if he’d missed it entirely or you’d just popped up out of nowhere, but as soon as he stepped back, he was confronted by a woman running at speed for him. And that was the last thing in hell that was supposed to be happening. He sidestepped, but you expected it; grabbing his leather jacket you slammed him into the opposite wall. He was a fighter though, and immediately his arm went for yours and he pushed back from the wall, you weren’t having that. SMACK – one elbow to his chest knocked the air from him and made him stagger backwards but there was no way you was letting him get away that easy; his firearm was out of reach of his hands if he still wanted to fend you off, and it was easy for you to take and send skittering across the floor. This apparently made him very angry, and you dodged his swipes, long coat blurring and disguising your movements. Discovering that he was a quick learner, he had your next few hits pretty well countered, but of course he wasn’t paying attention to your legs – and you had his feet swept from under him; now he was grounded. “GUYS!” “Oh honey, they aren’t gonna hear you… You and I are the only conscious people in this house…” Elias’s eyes flicked to the gun in your hand, still pointed to the floor. If he could get that from you, he might just have a chance. You continued to walk forward; “I don’t know if you know, but you picked the wrong house to try and rob…” as you did so Elias backed up, and eventually managed to scramble to his feet. You rolled your eyes again; some people never learn. He came for you once more; having you move to your right was a better move than you’d anticipated, as his hand reached out to snap around your wrist; his grip was tight and he had your gun hand immobilised. Bringing you closer he crossed your arm around your front, this time pushing you against the wall. “How’d you like it, huh?” “Dunno, it’s been a while since a man had me pushed up against a wall. Maybe you should do it again and I’ll tell you.” You gave him a little smirk – situation hardly worrying you. You’d been in much worse. Elias’ eyes narrowed, but the pause in action allowed him a minute to catch his breath and survey you. Even in heels you were a little shorter than him, hair pulled neatly off your face to make sure it didn’t get in your way you were dressed in all black and all business. The kind of work he did. Your eyes regarded him with a mix of distain and interest, your skin held just a hint of a tan, as if your holidays in exotic places were just wearing off… And for all he knew they could have been, but then why were you stealing from this house? Unless you were security, but you didn’t dress like security.
His blue eyes traced back to your hand; the ring on your finger. It was a tarnished silver… the Latin cut from the ring, hollow/ Veritas. “Truth?” You gave a nod, impressed if only for a second. Elias removed his hand from your wrist to notice the ink under his fingers; “verum nocet?” “Truth hurts.” - though now he’d loosened his hold on you - “A little like this.” You pushed him back and delivered a swift kick to his chest – this time when he hit the floor it sounded painful, and the thud echoed around the living room. “Now…” You clicked the safety back on your gun and holstered it again, “Personally, I don’t like leaving a mess. But I certainly could if I needed to…” You stepped over him, and watched the way he breathed heavily, but his eyes still traced your body. God, men are so predictable.   A beep sounded from another room and you raised your eyebrow, “Is that… a 20-minute burglary alarm? Oh my god, you guys are amateurs. This is kinda embarrassing…” For them, obviously. You titled your head, “What’s your problem with Kyle Sullivan?” “We don’t have one.” He managed, still winded, “Have you seen this fucking house? Why are you here?” “Kyle hired me to assassinate someone and didn’t pay up, I’m just taking what’s due to me. I heard you talking about safes, but you’ve picked the wrong man, …?” He realised you were waiting for his name, but you didn’t miss his eyes widen at the word assassinate; “…Elias.” “…Elias. Because Mr.Sullivan keeps the real important things at the bank or in his downtown office… The only things worth taking are in my bag, because I know where to look. You guys are a little late.” “What did you do to everyone-!? What the hell did you do!? My brother, my girlfriend-!?” “She’s your girlfriend?” You raised an eyebrow, “Oh. Oops…” You pushed your heel into his chest; “…Oh, honey, I think you could do better…” You gave a smirk at the wince on his face and crouched slowly. He was still giving you that same look and the only thought that crossed your mind was ‘some girlfriend…’ You bit your lip, eyes flicking from his eyes to his lips and back; “Like me…” “I don’t even know your name.” You moved your foot so you were now straddling him, hands either side of his head; “OH. Elias, don’t let that stop you! Though, you seem pretty immobilised at the moment, honey…” You leant down, face close to his, “Besides – when else are you gonna get the opportunity to say you got to kiss an assassin and live, hmm?” “Maybe you should get out the Champagne and we can celebrate.” You liked his attitude, even pinned under you. “Perignon do you? He’ll have some somewhere.” Elias scoffed, “Sounds like your interest in this guy isn’t purely professional.” “Please. I don’t sleep with clients.” You watched his eyes trace your body again and this time he bit his lip. “You sure about that girlfriend of yours?” “Shut up.” His eyes met yours again, “What do you want?” “To get out of here without a hitch with my shit, darlin’…” You ran your nails over his face, and he shuddered, lips parted, “…You’re not going to make that too hard, are you? Cuz I can be out of your hair in five minutes if you want…” Elias’ eyes fluttered closed as they scraped down his neck and over his chest. “Fuck…” “Tell me you’re not still thinking about her…” You gave a smirk, “Do you want me to give you a name to scream?” His eyes snapped open at that and he swallowed hard, but you chuckled, “Don’t worry, I hardly have the time. But baby, understand I can’t just let you go… Still, I’d like not to leave Kyle’s house a complete mess. So, I don’t want to have to kill you.” You leant over him again, this time running your hand through his hair. “So why don’t you be good, hmm? And we can all get out of this mess alive.” “…Why…Why Veritas?” You raised an eyebrow, “You get five minutes with me and you chose to discuss Latin?” You smiled, face close to his “…That’s poetic… Do you ask every girl you meet why she had the tattoos she does?” “That’s not just a tattoo.” Elias got this cocky look on his face suddenly, and his eyes flashed, like he’d just figured you out; Your voice got a little lower; “The truth is a powerful thing…” He very nearly scoffed, but that turned to a gasp as soon as your hips ground against his – it was nothing more than a tease, as much as a warning. Just to let him know who was in control here. “Which makes it a problem, no matter what you say. Which is why people lie. Half of my life is based on pretending I’m something I’m not. By the time they find out what I really am… It’s too late. Truth hurts… My mentor used to say it all the time. Before he shot.” “Must have been quite the man.” “Mmmm.” You nodded, “Twice the man you think you are.” That was enough for him to growl; sick of you mocking him, Elias grabbed your shirt and pulled you in, lips on yours roughly, his kiss was harsh – you pinned his wrists back – determined to keep it for as long as you could. It wasn’t like you got to do something like this often, you didn’t keep relationships like this – they usually ended in disaster. You pulled back, both breathless and he could tell by the look on your face that you were about to say something else smart – which only led to him yanking you back for another; he freed one hand – running it through your hair; this time your grind against his hips was pretty near involuntary, and he arched his body up into yours. Elias very nearly hated himself for moaning, but this was comparable to hate sex (unfortunately void of real sex) and he wanted nothing more than for you to tear his clothes off and have him right here. It was delightfully sinful to even think about. But you pulled back, and before he could think his next thought, you’d dragged him across the floor and cable tied him to the coffee table. “What the Fuck!?” “Oh, baby…” you stole another kiss, “I told you, I can’t stay for that. And…” You threw your bag back across your body from where you had left it, “You know what they say, leave ‘em wanting more…” You crouched again, but were unable to resist giving him another hot kiss, nails back to digging into his face and throat, “Now your friends will be awake soon, just hope it’s before Mr.Sullivan gets home…” You straightened up, “I should thank you, Elias… I can blame all this on you…” You winked and blew him another kiss, “That was enjoyable. I’d like to get a little hotter and heavier if our paths ever cross again… I won’t tell her if you don’t.” With that you swept through their make shift entrance, hardly paying attention to whatever he was yelling after you, and hopped back into your car. Maybe you’d give Kyle a tip off tomorrow… Maybe you’d just let him wallow in misery, you wouldn’t have to do this if he had just paid you properly. You pulled away from the house with a smirk on your face – you couldn’t help but admit, that was the most fun you’d had on a job for a long time. *** Elias was not impressed that they were all laughing at him, “Will you just get me the fuck out of here-!?” “Alright, hold still…” “I have been reliably informed that we’re out of luck on this one.” “Well. There’s always another rich bastard somewhere else…” “There’s that…” Elias rubbed his wrists and stood; but as he did so something fell from his jacket – landing on the floor it looked like nothing more than a white piece of card. Ty picked it up with a raised eyebrow, and then looked back to Elias; “Elias, who’s Y/N?” “Huh?” “Dude it fell from your jac-” “I know!” He took it, flipping it over. The second side was black; your name in little white letters and a number underneath. That wasn’t coincidence – that was you. It had to be you. Did assassins have calling cards? He couldn’t help but smirk to himself before he flipped it back. The light caught it just right, and the iridescent white suddenly shone out against the dull card. Veritas.  
 Truth. Truth was you wanted to see him again. Truth was, it might have only been a kiss, but he wanted that just as bad.
---
Thank you for reading! 😁
18 notes · View notes
heychangbin · 4 years
Text
No Better Way
Wordcount:  2,487
Warnings: None really, unless you count a bitchy hostess
A/N: A big, giant, massive thank you to @the-blind-assassin-12 for writing 10.8 & MSFU (bitch this series REALLY needs a title) and letting me play in her sandbox.
this was supposed to be a rant in the tags but then this happened. 
You had been looking forward to tonight, it felt like has been too long since you and Nick had been able to go out on a date, a real one, not just walking over hand in hand to the Chinese place a block away, getting takeout and walking back to your place to share the meal on your couch while watching a movie. It seemed like work, or something else, always came up, making you postpone. 
That wasn't the case tonight.
You gave yourself a quick once over on the mirror, checking your mascara, and lipstick, running the pad of your thumb on the corner of your mouth to catch any stray color. Then looked at the dress you had slipped in, a dark blue, almost black frock dress that fell just an inch short of your knees, smoothing the material down and double checking for any stray lint you might've caught while getting ready, your mind drifting to a few days ago when he had asked you out.
0o0o0o0o0
You were standing in front of the kitchen sink, phone hooked up to the portable speaker and your favorite playlist on shuffle, scrubbing at a stubborn piece of burnt sauce that would not come off the ceramic dish when you felt Nick’s arms circling your waist, pulling you against his chest, hooking his chin on your shoulder. 
“You don't gotta go in Friday, right? How ‘bout I take you out? Some place nice.” he punctuated every word with a kiss, starting on your shoulder and going up your neck, to the spot behind your ear. 
“What’s the special occasion Tortano? Am I forgettin’ an anniversary or somethin’?” you asked, rolling your hed to the side to give him beter access to your neck
“No, there ain’t no occasion” he said as his hands started to roam, his left hand slipping under the loose shirt that you had thrown on when you had gotten home, his touching just a tease, “Can’t I just take my girl out cuz I wanna? Cuz she deserves it? Cuz you do, you deserve the world.”
His hand move and gripped with purpose, coming up to cup at your breast as the other teased the skin above the elastic of your shorts, 
"Nick we can't ...you still shouldn't" a moan broke free as he sunk his teeth on the crook of your neck, "shouldn't be doing any strenuous ...you'll irritate the stiches."
“Not gonna do anythin’ to irritate the stitches,” he murmured into the shell of your ear as his hand slipped past the elastic of your shorts, “promise.” 
0o0o0o0o0
"You look real nice tonight," his voice pulling you out of the memory, you looked at him through the mirror, his eyes giving you a slow once over, the glint in them adding fuel to the warmth that was spreading through your body at the memory, his tongue coming out to swipe at his lips, "then again you always look nice."
You're one to talk, you thought as you saw him struggle with the ends of the dark tie that completed the charcoal gray ensemble that he took out every once in a while.
"You clean up real nice too Tortano." You said, smiling as you walked over to stand in front of him, gently pushing his hands away and taking over the knotting of his tie. After a few quick loops and pulls you were nestling and adjusting the knot to the base of his throat. He pulled you into his arms, resting his hand on your hips, leaning down to press his lips against yours and pulling away before the kiss could get too heated. 
“C’mon, we better get going if we wanna make our reservation.”
He took your hand and walked you out of the house, taking a minute to make sure that everything was locked, testing the door knob and deadbolt a few times. Then turned and rested a hand on the small of your back and guided you to his car, opening the door for you to climb in, closing it then walking around the back and climbing in himself. 
You made small talk as he drove, talking about some of the people you had to deal with at the department store, groaning when you told him about one particular customer that had wasted a good portion of your time asking for the exact thing that you were handing him, it wasn’t until you turned the box around that he accepted that it had been in fact what he was looking for.
“Soon, they ain’t gonna be any of that. Ain’t gonna be dealin’ with jerks, or restockin’ shelves, soon, you’re gonna be savin’ lives and helpin’ people.”
He said as he took your hand in his and brought it to his lips, placing a quick kiss to the back of it, a smile pulling at the corners or your lips. The scenery outside your window changed gradually, until you were in the nicer part of the city, 
“Nick? I thought you said we were going to--”
“All I said was I was takin’ you out, never sad where to.”
Your eyes felt like saucers as he pulled up to the restaurant, stopping at the entrance and climbing out, walking past a kid in dark slacks, white shirt and burgundy vest. You thought you saw the kid give Nick a look, the kind you give the gum at the bottom of your shoe but it was gone in a flash as he climbed in to take Nick’s place behind the wheel. If Nick saw it he didn’t say anything, it bothered you though. Who was he to look at Nicky that way, he didn't know him from eve, didn't know--couldn't even begin to guess the things Nick had gone through and overcome. 
When you saw Nick rest his hand on the arm of the second valet, nudging him to the side saying a quick "I got 'er." You smiled and decided you weren’t gonna let some snotty nosed kid ruin your evening with Nick.
He placed your hand on the crook of his elbow and walked you up the handful of steps, through the large glass doors and towards the hostess, who was directing another couple. 
When she turned back and her eyes fell on you her smile faltered, looking between the two of you, the way her eyes scrutinized you made you feel like she knew you had bought your dress and heels on sale after homecoming season, that the makeup you wore was all bought at a drugstore, that the stone in your earrings were cubic zirconia. Her judgemental stare making you feel out of place even before you stepped in. 
“Nick. Tortano.” He said when she didn’t ask for his name. 
She turned her attention at Nick, the corners of their mouths lifting is a faux smile,
"I'm sorry …sir," she said give him a once over, her eyes resting on the ink that peeked out from the buttoned collar of his shirt for a second too long, "we don't have a reservation under that name."
You noticed the way Nick's eyes narrowed slightly. 
"Check again." His voice hard and commanding, in your neck of the woods the look he was giving her would've been enough to make crowds part like the red sea. Here, the hostess didn't even bat an eye.
The hostess gave the book in front of her a cursory glance, then met Nick's eyes, saying again in that same false polite tone,
"No reservations with that name….sir."
You could see the nerve in Nick's cheek jump and it never meant anything good. You squeezed his arm, leaning over and whispering so that only he could hear,
"C'mon Nicky, we can go somewhere else."
"We shouldn't have'ta" he said, never looking away from the hostess and her holier than thou stare.
"There probably aren't any tables available," you tried, pulling a little more insistently on his arm.
"That's why I called and made a reservation, weeks ago."
"C'mon Nicky, let's just go, this place isn't for us."
That made him look at you, you could see the rebuttal on the tip of his tongue but the hostess was quicker,
"You should listen to your date, this place isn't for ...people like you."
Nick's head turned back to the hostess so fast you swore he gave himself whiplash, saw and felt the tensing in his shoulders, 
"Nick...please" you whispered, pressing your forehead to his shoulder and felt the second the fight drained out of him, his arm coming up to wrap around your shoulder, as his lips press against your temple and guided you out of the restaurant. 
You didn't know what to make of the fact that the valet already had Nick's car ready and waiting, holding out the keys for Nick to take. You took it for the small blessing that it was as you climbed into the passenger seat , grateful that you didn't need to stand around waiting in this place anymore than you had to, as Nick took the keys from the valet a little more forcefully than was strictly necessary, you wanted to tell him that it wasn’t the kids fault, he was just doing his job taking and bringing the cars around, but you thought you saw the kid turned up his nose at Nick as he climbed in, put the car in gear and sped away. 
The ride back was a quiet one, you wanted to tell him that it was okay, that you could just go somewhere else but the white knuckle grip he had on the steering wheel made you pause. You knew Nick would never take out his frustrations on you, but you didn’t want to add to whatever it was he was feeling right now. 
You ended up at the diner a few blocks from your place, walking hand in hand through the heavy glass door, the familiar sound of the bell tinkling overhead felt like a soothing balm. Carl, or as everyone around these part called him Uncle Carl, looked up from his incessant wiping of the counter and whistled,
"Ey Nicky, where you kids coming from all dolled up like that?"
Nick didn't answer, just kept walking to your usual booth, hand slipping out of yours without resistance as you walked over to the counter, your heels sounding too loud on the linoleum floor as Carl looked after him. 
"Bad night?" He asked when you leaned on the polished formica, letting out a sigh and a small nod, not wanting to revisit in any way shape or form the events from earlier in the evening. 
"Usual?" Carl asked when you didn't say anything. 
"Yeah, thanks Carl." You pushed off the counter and walked over to the booth, slipping into the seat across from him. You sat in silence for a few minutes, Nick not looking anywhere other than his folded hands.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, a beat later. 
"Nick?"
"I'm sorry… the way that bit--"
"Nick, that wasn't your fault." You interrupted him, trying to catch his eye..
"We shoulda stayed, shoulda--" he argued and you could hear him winding himself up again
"No, Nick we shouldn't've," you reached over and took his hands in yours, making him look up and meet your gaze for the first time since you left the restaurant, "any place that...treats anyone like that lady did, isn't a place for us."
Nick squeezed your hand, bringing it up and kissing the inside of your wrist. 
“‘Sides, I read that the portions are small, over priced, and that they serve their meat raw!’ that got a chuckle out of him and it warmed your heart to see the cloudy expression lift from his face. 
"How'd I get so lucky gettin' a girl like you?"
"I dunno Tortano, but you ain't gettin rid'a me"
Nick smiled to himself, and low, so low you couldn't be sure you heard him right, said, 
"That's the plan."
You were gonna ask what he had said when Carl came by the booth, setting down a couple plates of pie and coffee, and silverware, tucking the round plastic tray under his arm. 
"Cheer up Nicky, girl like this," he said, nodding to you, "she's worth the trouble."
Nick's smile widen, finally reaching his eyes, wrinkling the corners and turning it into his megawatt smile that never failed to leave you slightly breathless.
"Don't I know it." He said, holding your gaze as Carl patted him on the back. 
"You kids need anything else, let me know."
"Thanks Carl" you said, picking up a fork as he turned and walked away, across from you Nick did the same.
You eat in companionable silence, soundtracked by the intermittent sound of metal gently clicking against porcelain, Its nice and truth be told you preferred it a million times over being in a stuffy room with countless other strangers. 
You were halfway through your coffee when Nick set his cup of coffee harder than was strictly necessary making you look up from where you were chasing a stray piece of crust.
"Nick?" You asked as he wiped his mouth and balling the soiled paper napkin in his hand and dropping next to his plate with his own half eaten slice, pulling out his phone from the inside pocket of his jacket, flicking and touching the screen as he slid out of the vinyl seat, holding out his free hand to you.
"C'mon."
"Nicky, what's wrong?" You asked, setting your fork down and taking his hand, he gently pulled you to your feet with one final press to the screen of his phone, he set it face down on the table, pulling you close and wrapping his free arm around your waist, yours coming to rest on his chest, and he began to sway as the sound of a trumpet started to pour from the tiny speaker, a soft piano and bass joining a few notes later. 
"Nuthin's wrong," he whispered against your ear, his voice husky, making you feel warm all over, "as’a matter’a fact everythin's right."
His arm tightened around your waist as he swayed you to the soft melody, his forehead pressed against yours as he shifted his weight from foot to foot as he spun the both of you in a small circle, pulling back so that he could spin you, then pulling you back, placing the hand he was holding around his neck, your other hand coming up to join it, as both of his arms wrapped around your waist, keeping you close as you continued to sway. 
You had been looking forward to tonight's date, and even though it probably wasn't what Nick had originally planned, you couldn't think of no better way to end the evening, slow dancing with Nick in some hole in the wall diner.
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lostinletoland · 5 years
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Bright Lights - Part Sixteen
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Part Fifteen
Masterlist
Jared’s POV:
“Woah, Jared!” Sophia exclaimed joyfully when saw the restaurant’s views. During the days we were apart I’ve been thinking about something to surprise Sophia. And I had found a restaurant outside the town center of Paris, from where we could see the Eiffel Tower in the horizon; it would be dark soon, and it would be similar to the day we met.
“I wanted to take my girl to a real date.” I was behind her and placed my arms around her waist, and my voice was a whisper in her ear. Involuntarily Sophia pressed her body against my chest and turned her lovely face to give me a little peck on my cheek.
“Thank you.” She said before the waitress came to escort us to our reservation. I followed the hostess and grabbed Sophia’s hand. As soon as we were in front of the table, with a gentlemanly gesture, I separated the chair from it to let her sit down. I gently rested my hands on her shoulders giving her a little squeeze while I placed a kiss on her head before sitting across Sophia.
The orange hues of the sunset were already tinging the sky when we sat at our table on the terrace of the eatery. Her brunette hair looked brighter now that the last sunbeams were dancing above us, and her eyes seemed greener. I gnawed my lip as I observed Sophia, she was focused on the menu, oblivious to what her natural prettiness caused in me. Who would have told me a couple of months ago that I would be having these feelings for a girl again?
I shook my head, trying not to think about what Shannon kept repeating these past few days. My brother thought I was obsessed with Sophia and that she was not good for me, because I was distracted most of the time. But that was because I didn’t have her by my side and couldn't stop thinking about Sophia, now it would be different. Besides, Shannon still didn’t know her; he couldn’t appreciate if she is good or not for me. This matter has led us to have some small discussions; but at least he has promised me that he will try to get to know her before judge the situation again.
“Jared?” Sophia’s gentle voice pulled me out of my negative thoughts. She was looking at me expectantly, then I saw a maître next to us. And before I could answer, Sophia started speaking in French with the young lady that was serving our table. I had never heard her speak it and thought it was extremely seductive. The idea of her being without panties crossed my mind and I instantly felt a rush of excitement over my body. I was gawking at her when we were alone again. “What?”
“Did you just order my food?” I asked astonished. I didn’t know how to feel about it. I didn’t remember the last time a girl had done something like that for me, usually it was me who decided the food of both.
“Yes, the poor girl was waiting, and you seemed lost in your world.” Sophia shrugged off.
“But do you know I’m…”
“Vegan.” She cut me off. “I know it, angel.” Sophia said kindly resting her chin against her left fist and supporting her elbow on the table. That mixture of sweetness with a touch of smugness made me want her even more. “Okay, so… what’s the plan for tonight?”
I leaned my elbows on the table to get a little closer to her to verbalize my thoughts quietly. At the same time – under the table hidden by the tablecloth – my left leg infiltrated between her legs, slightly opening them.
“The plan is having dinner and a…” I bit my lip and looked into her eyes before using my vague knowledge of French. “… juteux dessert français.” I added raising an eyebrow and making Sophia understand I was referring to her. She instantly covered her rosy face with both hands while trying to close her legs to suppress the desire that ran through her body but couldn’t do it.
“Stop it, Jared!” She said through her teeth when she moved her hands away from her face. Now she was the one that leaned herself on the table to shorten the space between us and revealing involuntarily a bit more of cleavage, driving me insane. “You can’t tell me these things when I’m like this.” She murmured brushing her sensual lips against mine.
“When you’re like what?”
“Don’t play the innocent with me, you devil.” Sophia said before reaching my lips to kiss me softly.
“I'll try, but no promises, beauty…” I replied with a smirk when she ended that gently touch.
Before I knew it, we had finished having dinner, and apart from eating and talking I had fun teasing her a bit. The terrace of the diner was practically empty when we finished the last dish and decided to take it to another level.
“Come here, sit on my lap.” I stated when the waitress withdrew the plates. Sophia stood up gracefully and sat on my lap running her right arm over my shoulders and holding onto my arm. As she did that, I wrapped my left arm around her back and grabbed her gently from the waist, and I set the other hand on her bare thigh. “You look absolutely stunning, I love your work clothes, and even more what I keep in my pocket…” She chuckled burying herself on the crook of my neck.
“You got me completely juicy” She translated the word I said in her mother tongue before. “I need you to eat your French dessert already…” She seductively insinuated in my ear while in a leisurely move my hand began caressing her leg.
“Sophie? Is that you?” A voice interrupted our moment, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes; but I was not the only one who was annoyed, because I heard Sophia snort before turning her face away from my neck.
I perceived her eyes opened with shock when she recognized the man with a suit in front of our table. The guy looked about my age, and he was blond, taller and muscled. I noticed how her mood changed radically as she got up and quickly adjusted her skirt, now she was tense and uncomfortable.
“Hey, Nicolas.” I didn’t know how she wanted me to act, so for the moment I sat there feeling a strange tension in the atmosphere. “It’s been a while.” She added. I had Sophia with her back to me and couldn't see her face, but I could see the man's face and did not like the way he was examining at my girlfriend.
“Yeah, but you’re just as beautiful… or even more.” Definitely this man was an ex and still seemed interested in her. I gritted my teeth feeling a wave of jealousy. Discreetly Sophia put her arms behind her back and made a signal with her hand for me to get up; I could say she was uneasy.
“What are you doing here?” Sophia replied, omitting to respond to his compliment, which reassured my jealousy as I got up but still felt something wasn’t right. When I was on my feet, I stood beside her and interlaced my hand with hers. I give her a squeeze letting her know she wasn’t alone, she gave me another one back.
“I had dinner with a client, I was going out and I thought I saw you. But you seemed busy…” Nicolas said with contempt in his tone.
“Yes, Nick... he is Jared, my boyfriend. Jared, this is Nicolas, a former co-worker.” While she introduced us, he made a gesture to shake my hand. I didn’t want to be impolite, consequently I took his palm.
“And ex-lover.” He added when was shaking my hand. What was he trying? He was acting like a snotty saying these comments in front of me when it was clear she wasn’t into him.
“Whatever.” Sophia mumbled. “We were about to leave, good night, Nicolas.” She added faking a smile.
“It has been a pleasure to see you again.” He told her taking her free hand and placing a quick peck there, but I felt Sophia trembling with angst. Whatever happened between the two of them, it was unpleasant for her. I was quite intrigued with all the situation. She never mentioned his name in our conversations about previous relationships.
“Bye.” She sharply responded when he let go her hand and immediately turned around.
“Good night, dude.” Nicolas told me before leaving. What had just happened? It was a strange and uncomfortable conversation. When we were alone again, I turned to look at Sophia who was sitting in my chair, nervously fiddling with the hem of her skirt. I knelt in front of her to ask her about it, but she spoke first.
“Can you give me back my panties, please? I’m not in the mood for games anymore.” For a second, I hesitated to give her what she wanted, but her voice was shaky and I couldn’t say no.
“Sure, let’s find you a bathroom.” I was dying to ask her many questions, but right now wasn’t the moment. And I got the feeling after knowing what happened between them, I’d hate Nicolas. Although I hated him already because he had ruined the special night I had prepared.
~ To be continued ~
Author’s note: Thank you for reading! By the way, I've realized that lately there are fewer readers, if you do not like the story anymore you can also say it. Tag list is always open 💕💕
Tagging: @nikkitasevoli @msroxyblog @burritoverload
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watchmegetobsessed · 5 years
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Shawn Mendes // Boundaries Part 3
just look how great i am, bringing another part for you so soon hehe thanks for the likes and reblogs, keep it up, you are making me sooo happy!
Part 1 - Part 2
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Tuesday. Shopping.
Today I’m expected to go shopping with Shawn and it’s a 2 in 1 event. Because Andrew sent me a text on Monday evening letting me know that during this meetup I get to shop anything that I might need during the month, of course, everything paid for by Mr. Mendes. And in the meanwhile, we can be seen out again, swirling the gossips even higher about Shawn and his Mystery Girl. That’s right, my name officially became Mystery Girl as no one has any information about my identity and hopefully, this will stay the same.
Elisa returns home just when I’m about to leave. She is smiling, but I can see the bags under her eyes and she has a sticker on her forehead. The triplets must have been on full mode. I wonder how big they are now! The last time I’ve seen them they couldn’t put a decent sentence together and they were running around the house all day. But it has been months, they must be so big by now.
“Good luck for today, I’ll get some sleep before my class,” she scoffs as we basically change places and I leave the place.
This time Shawn is waiting for me in a black Range Rover and he is the one driving, so I get in next to him to the passenger seat.
“What’s with the change?” I ask as he looks around and enrolls to the traffic.
“I don’t always run around with a driver and we are going to a mall, not the White House. No need for Nick.”
So the driver’s name is Nick. I nod and stay quiet. A few minutes later Shawn reaches for the radio and he puts on some light country music. This is another first time, I was getting used to sitting in complete silence in the car.
I keep my comment to myself and just enjoy that finally I’m not stuck in my thoughts and there is something I can listen to.
When we roll into the parking garage of the mall a security team is already waiting for us, three muscular, suited men will follow us around as we stroll through the shops. Just a usual Tuesday, I guess.
“Everything is set and clear,” one of the guards informs us as we head to the elevator side by side.
“Thank you,” he nods and opens the glass door for me that leads us to the area where the elevators are.
I don’t set a timer on my phone, but I’m pretty sure less than ten minutes pass by until a group of teenage girls start following us around from the distance, because the three guards look terrifying for sure. But I see them with their phones in their hands and though we do nothing, just walk next to each other, I can almost hear them talk about us as a couple.
When we go into a store the guards stand at the entrance and don’t let anyone in until we are done. I use the opportunity to expand my wardrobe and buy the things I think I’ll be needing during the month (or even later on). We usually split at first, both of us collects what we need and then meet for a show and tell kind of part. We basically just discuss whether we should buy certain things or not. Shawn has a great sense of style, he is not the type of man who just nods when you ask him something about a dress, he really tells you his opinion and I find it very honorable.
I don’t offer to pay when we are at the cash register. Not even once. One, I’m aware that he can afford pretty much buying the whole mall and two, it’s in the agreement and I don’t question anything that is included in it.
Soon the small group of girls grow into a smaller crowd and they start coming closer and closer to us. I’m not an anxious person when it comes to crowds, but it’s starting to get crazier with each passing moment. Some girls are braver and they run up to us and I jump every time I see someone approaching me from the side.
Shawn keeps stopping and it just causes even bigger hysteria because the girls see the chance of getting a photo or touching him, and they get more and more aggressive. But I don’t say anything for a while, right until we are in a shoe store and one of the guards tells us that we need to wait there while the mall security tames the crowd that is waiting in front of the store or we have to leave at the back.
“Is it that bad?” Shawn asks looking in the direction of the entrance where there are people everywhere, totally blocking the view from us.
“I suggest to wait a little and if security can’t do anything we leave at the back. But either way, we need to leave as soon as possible.”
The guard walks back to his team as they stand at the door, making sure no one gets inside.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have stopped for pictures,” I let a comment slip and I already know it was a mistake to speak up when the last word rolled down my tongue. Because I immediately see his eyes darken hearing my comment.
“I always stop for pictures, it means a lot to these girls.”
“And I don’t doubt that, but it’s not the smartest thing to do in a closed area. You can easily get stuck somewhere,” I say and show around as I’m talking exactly about our situation.
“You know nothing about these situations, because you have no idea what it feels like to live in the spotlight.”
“I don’t, but I’m a rational person and I can count on consequences based on the information I have. And I saw it coming,” I reply and now both of us is getting more and more worked up, though this was in no way my intention. I’m just really scared something will go wrong and I’ll be suffocated by teenage girls at a mall. Not the kind of death I imagined for myself.
“Why don’t you stay with what you do well. Look nice and smile for the people, because this is all you have to do to get money, it’s easy. And I’ll take care of the stuff you have no idea of,” he snaps at me and with that, he leaves me standing there and he walks to the guards to discuss something with them.
It hits me in the chest, because we are back at square one, he is an ass again and talks to me like shit because I’m an escort. I stare at his back and for a moment I think about leaving without a word. I feel humiliated and pretty much in pieces after his words, though they shouldn’t even hurt this much, I thought my skin is thicker than this. I guess I was wrong.
Leaving is not an option, I would break our deal, so I do the only thing I can. Stay still, do what I’m told and not say a word.
About ten minutes pass by, I stay at the back so people can’t see me through the windows while Shawn keeps wandering around the store until we are told that we can’t use the entrance, we must use the backdoor and go straight to the car. I keep my mouth shut as we are being walked out through the back and down the hallways only workers should use. Shawn doesn’t try to say a word to me and it stays the same even when we are in the car and about to leave the mall.
This time no music is played, just the deafening silence is sitting in the middle, shadowing over the both of us, just like at the beginning.
Nothing is said when he pulls over at the café and I exit the car as fast as possible. I’m so upset I don’t even care that he sees me walk away in the direction of my real home, I just want to get as far away from him as possible, curl up on my bed and forget today happened.
It might sound crazy, but as an escort you get used to being worshipped. The men who hire us desires our company, they want to spend time with us and use every minute of our time together so their money doesn’t go to waste. And I’m used to being wanted.
Shawn’s rigid and cold behavior is so strange and unknown for me that it makes me feel extremely anxious and self-conscious, like never before. So now I’m facing a new problem.
How to deal with being unwanted and hated for a month.
 The moment I finally get home I don’t waste time with changing, I just jump into bed, pull the blanket over my head and let myself drift to sleep even though it’s only one in the afternoon. I need to get away from reality and hopefully in my dreams I don’t feel as shitty as in real life right now.
I doze out pretty fast and not setting an alarm I only get up when I hear Elisa arrive home. I hear him move around in the flat and I force myself to wake up. Checking the time I see that it’s four pm, I slept for three hours straight. Best three hours of the month.
I’m still in jeans and my oversized knitted sweater, so I quickly change into sweatpants and a jumper that I don’t wear it anymore just at home. I find Elisa in the kitchen as she is unpacking her grocery bags.
“Hey! Did I wake you up?” she asks holding a bottle of milk to her chest.
“It’s fine, it was time to wake up anyway,” I wave in dismiss as I let a yawn slip my lips.
“How was today?” she chimes finishing up the packing. I sit down to the couch and since our small kitchen is built together with the living room, the conversation can go on with no stopping.
“Um, horrible.”
“What?” Her eyes widen. Her last info was that we are starting to get along well, tagging my day as horrible is a surprise to her. It was for me as well, but whatever.
“Yeah, shopping got a bit problematic and I was basically told to shut my mouth and just be pretty, because this is what I get my money for.”
“That asshole! Is he bipolar or something?”
I laugh at her comment though it might be the truth. I don’t know.
“Fame is ruining people, I always knew it,” she adds pointing at me with a carrot before throwing it into the fridge and joins me on the couch. “But are you okay?” she asks in a more serious tone.
“Yeah,” I nod weakly. “I just… I hate when people label me as a stupid slut because of what we do.”
“But we know it’s not true. You are a smart girl and this is why you won’t stay an escort for long.”
“I still have to do it for at least two years so I can pay my debts,” I sigh doing quick math in my mind. If I quit, my past will catch up with me. If I do this until I cover everything up I can finally leave everything behind and the moment I pay for my last debt I’ll be out of that business and I hope to never see another client again.
“That two years will go by fast. I’m more worried who will I live with when you are done with our business?” She pouts her lips at me making me smile sadly.
“We have time to figure it out.”
Just as I say this, I hear my phone buzzing in my room. I get up and grab it from somewhere under my blanket and I see that Andrew is calling me. Oh God, is this a three hour notice? Do I have to see Shawn again?
“Hello?” I answer it holding my breath back.
“Hi Fleur, it’s Andrew.”
“Hi, what’s up?”
“Um, we have some extra work for you tonight. There is a party Shawn was invited and we decided last minute it would be great for the two of you to show up. The car would be there for you at nine, if it’s fine by you.”
I check the time and damn, they gave me even more than three hours, I don’t have an excuse to say no though I have no intention of leaving the apartment today.
“Yeah, sure. What’s the occasion? Just asking for the outfit,” I say with a sigh.
“Just casual, it’s a friendly gathering at a producer’s home.”
“Okay, got it.”
“Thank you. Have a nice evening.”
“You too Andrew,” I say with a forced smile and the call ends.
“Who was it?” Elisa asks standing at my door.
“I have an extra event tonight. A party at some producer’s house.”
“Oh wow, a real celebrity party! Nice!” She smiles happily, but then she realizes what it means. “Oh. I’m sorry your evening got ruined,” she apologizes and I just shrug my shoulder.
“It’s fine.”
“Text me if it’s that horrible, I’ll be out on dinner, but my client this weeks is not too strict, I can do whatever I want when I’m with him.”
“Okay, thank you,” I smile at her sadly before she leaves me alone.
   To say that I’m uninterested in this whole party is a huge understatement. I’m like a grumpy child and I basically drag myself over to the café when it’s nearing nine. I have a cape coat on with a hood so my face can’t be seen. My disappointment and embarrassment from today’s shopping tour has turned into plain hate and disgust towards the guy I’m now waiting to pick me up, take me out and spend the night with. I had time to get myself worked up and build a wall around me so he can’t get to me emotionally ever again.
When I see him pull over in his Range Rover I hold back a growl and walk over to get into the passenger side and we leave immediately, before anyone could recognize us.
No hi, no hello, no nothing. We sit in the dark and…
The country music is playing again. Does this mean he is a good mood? What changed during the day? I’m dying to ask, but instead I do what he thinks I’m only good for. Do what I’m told and look pretty.
“You don’t live there, do you?” he suddenly asks when we stop at a red light. I slowly turn to him and I only see half of his face from the lights on the dashboard.
“I don’t.” The words slowly roll down my tongue and I keep a straight face, not letting him read anything from my expressions.
I turn my head so I’m looking ahead of me, but I see him from the corner of my eyes. He stays turned to me for a moment, but then the light turns and he has to turn back to the road.
“You don’t have to walk, I can pick you up at your house.”
“No you can’t.” I immediately say.
“What?” he asks with a surprised and confused chuckle.
“You can’t pick me up at my house, because I won’t let you.”
“But why wouldn’t y-“
“Because I’m an escort, Shawn!” I snap at him and words just slip my mouth before I could stop myself. “I spend time with people, I look pretty and I entertain them. Therefore, sometimes they get obsessed with me and start stalking me. I can’t give my private address out for them so they can’t come to my home, harass me, wait for me when I step out or leave creepy gifts at my door or to my neighbor so they can give it to me. It’s not safe, so I rather just walk a few blocks to a neutral place where they can pick me up and never find out where I live.”
My sudden outburst surprises me and him as well, but I quickly recover so he can’t see it on me. I take a deep breath and accept that I can’t take back what is already said. I’m waiting for a smartass comeback or some mumbled comments, but I get nothing. We sit in total silence until we reach our destination.
Photographers are waiting on the sidewalk and the flash their lights at the car as Shawn slowly rolls into the underground garage of the building and disappear from their sight. Our silence continues as a guard welcomes in the garage and walks us to the elevator that takes us up to the very top. So I’ll be spending the evening in a penthouse, not bad.
Stepping into the place a whole different opens in front of my eyes. Everything is modern, luxurious and screams power. I don’t know who the owner is, but I’m sure their career worth more than my whole life.
I almost shake Shawn’s hand off of me when I feel it on my waist, but I remind myself that I’m working right now, and my task is to look like I’m in love with him. Or at least I’m dating him.
Walking through the place people keep stopping us and Shawn greets everyone happily, even introducing me as well, calling me his date for the night. I guess we are not at calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend yet.
I just smile, shake hands and do my job. I try to remember as many names as possible, but I get introduced to too many people at once. I meet many influential people and some of them I already heard of, this is how I get to shake hands with models, singers and actors even I know, which is a huge thing.
Shawn seems to be enjoying himself, chit-chatting with old and new friends while I stay by his side, like a trophy. After a while I don’t feel the need to stay there and listen to them talking about music, so I excuse myself and go to look for the bathroom.
I succeed and for my biggest luck it’s not occupied, so I quickly lock myself in and decide not to leave for at least ten minutes. I sit on the edge of the huge bathtub for a while and observe the room. Everything is white, it’s almost too sterile for me, but it’s still not too much. Just this bathroom seems bigger than our whole apartment and I think my bed is smaller than the bathtub. Incredible.
Does Shawn have a similar home? Full of luxurious furniture and rooms the size of a country? I bet he does, he has the money for it. Just for my work, he will pay me 20 thousand and the extra, of course. For me it seems like a fortune, for him it’s lunch money.
A knock brings me back from my thoughts about Shawn’s fortune and I wonder how long I was zoned out, maybe there is a line already, waiting to get in.
Who am I kidding? I’m sure this place has at least three bathrooms.
“Almost done!” I call out and wash my hands to pretend like I was really using the bathroom instead of just sitting here alone.
I dry my hands and quickly unlock the door, not expecting to see a familiar face, but I jump back a bit.
“Sorry, I didn’t- Oh hey there! It’s been a while!”
I stop myself from grimacing and manage to keep a straight face as I look at the man at the door. He is towering over me with a vicious smile that can make me vomit.
“Excuse me,” I say trying to walk past him, but he puts his arm out and stops me from escaping. I stand there, staring up at him. “Not now, Eric,” I growl at him hoping he will let me go seeing that I’m not interested in talking.
“What, are you not allowed to talk to old, honored clients anymore? I thought I deserve a decent welcome after the time we spent together.”
“You are not a client, Joshua made it clear for you not to ever contact any of the girls. So please, let me go now before I do something I might regret later.”
“Oh, hold back, little girl,” he chuckles, but it reminds me more of a snarl. My palm is itching for a slap. “I heard you got Knox banned from the Nook as well. Nice work.”
“He stepped over the boundaries, it was necessary. And now you are stepping them, do you want to even though you aren’t supposed to be in the same room as me.”
“You were just here, I didn’t plan this.” He lets go of the doorframe and I almost think he will let me go, but boy, was I wrong. He pushes me into the bathroom so we are not out in the hallway, but luckily he doesn’t close the door so I still have one last chance for the escape. My thoughts are racing as I’m trying to find a way to trick him and run away. “I think you are a bit too full of yourself. We paid quite a lot money to earn your respect and homage for us. I don’t think I deserve to be talked to like this. Is this the way you talked to Knox too?”
“Don’t.” I whisper and when I see him lifting his hand and it’s approaching my face my disgust turns into fear. Is this it? Am I going to get raped now?
“You all try to make yourself feel better, telling people you are an escort, not a prostitute, but I see through the façade. You all want this, just try to act tough. You are just a little slut.”
I shut my eyes closed and I feel his finger touch my cheek, but only for a split second. I immediately open my eyes and I see Shawn standing there, pushing Eric back to the wall.
“I think she made it clear she doesn’t want you anywhere near her,” he hissed at him as he held him against the wall, his muscles bulging through his shirt. I never noticed how strong he really is, I know Eric spends hours in the gym every week, but now he seems like a kid compared to Shawn who is not only taller than him, but can definitely win in a fight against him.
Eric tries to fight him off for a few seconds, but then he realizes he has no chance, so his lips turn into a vicious smile again.
“I see, you are working to him now, right? I thought young men have it easy these days, I guess I was wrong.”
“None of your business,” Shawn barks at him and he seems like he is ready to hurt him, but I don’t want to cause a scene.
“Shawn, let him go. Let’s just go, okay?” I try to pull him back, but he doesn’t move, just stares at Eric deadly in the eyes before finally letting him go.
Eric bounces back from the wall as I pull Shawn out of the room while he is still watching him.
“Don’t come near her again,” he fumes before we finally leave that damn bathroom.
He catches up with me and taking my hand now he is the one pulling me. I don’t really see where we are going, I’m just trying not to fall in my high heels, but then we finally reach the terrace, where he leads me to a corner that is quite out of sight. He then turns to me and examines me from head to toe.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
“I’m fine,” I sigh shaking my head.
“Are you sure? I can get security and have him removed.”
“Please, don’t make a scene. That wouldn’t do well to our plan,” I plead and I can tell the plan is the last thing on his mind. I haven’t seen him this ready for action before, but I can’t let him get into trouble for me.
“Who was that?” He asks after a while and he is now much more relaxed than earlier.
“Just… Just a previous client,” I shortly say not really feeling like getting into the details.
“Was he… like one of those you talked about in the car? Did he stalk you?”
“He didn’t stalk me, but he wanted… more than what was in the agreement and wasn’t happy when I denied it from him. But he is now banned from the club because apparently, he was violent with some other girls. They were just afraid to tell the boss.”
“Unbelievable.” He shakes his head in disbelief, this scene really did upset him and it’s confuses me. He didn’t seem to care about my wellbeing or feelings when he snapped at me earlier at the mall. Maybe the bathroom incident made him realize that my job isn’t as easy as he thought.
“Do you still think my job is easy?” I ask and my voice is barely more than just a whisper. My intent wasn’t necessary to make him feel guilty, but as I see his face change…
He opens his mouth to say something several times, but closes back every time.
“Let’s get you home, okay?” he nods towards the door and he doesn’t have to ask twice. I’m more than happy to leave this hellhole.
We say goodbye to the host and most of Shawn’s friends before getting into the elevator and leaving the party. The photographers are still there when we roll out of the garage in the car and I try to cover up my face as much as possible. I can’t smile, not after this night.
The ride is dead silent though I feel like it would be one of those country music filled rides, but he respects me and lets me alone with my thoughts. I’m mostly just trying to forget it and already thinking about the phone call I’m going to have with Joshua about Eric’s behavior. I’m sure he’ll have him observed for weeks after this.
I don’t even realize we arrive to the café, I just realize the car is not moving anymore, but I don’t know how long we’ve been here.
“Thanks for the ride,” I quietly say as I’m getting ready to leave the car.
“Fleur, wait,” he calls after me and my hand stops at the door handle as I turn back to him. He then takes his phone out and starts tapping on the screen, but I don’t understand what he wants. Then suddenly my phone starts buzzing in my bag and I reach for it, but it immediately stops. “It was me. Save my number and… call me if something is wrong. I don’t want tonight to happen again.”
My lips part as I stare at him. I definitely wasn’t expecting this. This is truly one of the nicest things someone has said to me in the past weeks.
“Thanks. I’ll see you soon,” I smile at him and he nods returning the smile as I finally get out of the car and put my hood on and start walking without looking back.
-
s h o o k
follow me for updates and posts about Shawn’s holiness and me ranting about how much I love him lol
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yeontantrash · 6 years
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Jungkook- The Player
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Everyone knew Jungkook as a player. To him, everything was a competition, wether that be a sport or love. So, one day you decided to play a new game with him. He agreed before you even told him what it was. He was over confident and cocky, so sure he could win. But once you started to state the rules he seemed to choke up a bit.
The game went like this.
Sweet talk
Play fights
24/7 communication
Calls good morning and goodnight every day
Taking walks
Giving nick names
Hanging out with each other’s friends
Going on dates
Talking on the phone all night long
Hold each other
Hug and kiss
And whoever falls in love loses.
The two of you were three months in, the two of you were practically inseparable and had way too many inside jokes, his arms became your home and your laugh became his music. The nights started to end with you two curled up fast asleep, and begun with him aggressively trying to cuddle you to stay. Sneaking unexpected kisses was Jungkook’s favorite because every time you’d blush a rosy color but smile brightly at him as he continued to run. You loved to climb into his lap, straddling his waist, your arms around his neck rested your head on top of your arms while he was playing video games. Yet neither of you admitted to be in love with each other.
Today was date seventeen and Jungkook told you to wear the Puma sports gear he got for you. Black leggings and an over sized sweatshirt that said ‘97 Jungkook on the back. The nerd. He happily pounced up to your front door and you greeted him just as happily. You pulled the door open and Jungkook picked you up and you wrapped your legs around him like a Kohala bear. He pulled the door shut before carrying you to the van hoping inside with you attached. You then were greeted with coos and awes from the other boys getting you to blush and hide your face in Jungkook’s neck. Once the teasing calmed down you removed your face from his neck. “What are we doing today boys?” You questioned, by now you were far too comfortable with the other boys because they were always around.
“LASER TAG, LASER TAG, LASER TAG!” Jimin and Tae started chanting loudly causing Jin, who was driving, to scold them, saying something along the lines of, I can’t see when you scream so loud! It’s almost like your own little reality show when your with them. You loved hanging out with all of them just as much as they love hangin out with you. That made Jungkook happy, he always worried that his hyungs would not like his girlfriend but he was happy they liked you. Time seemed to fly by as you pulled into the parking lot. Outsiders probably assumed the car was a clown car seeing as 8 people fell out of it and ran like five year olds into the building. Quickly you divided into teams of four, you ended up on the Hyung team and Hoseok on the Maknae team.
There was running, screaming, fighting, cheering and whining throughout the whole match. What they didn’t expect was you to be so good! No one on the other team could land a hit on you as you seemed really good at dodging yet shooting other people. You racked up points like there was no tomorrow and soon there was one minute left. You wanted to keep your zero deaths streak going so you were hiding. Then out of nowhere Jungkook appeared and pinned you against the wall kissing the hell out of you. You forgot about the game as you gun fell out of your hand as you placed them against his cheeks. Then suddenly the lights on your chest went out and you gasped to see that Jungkook had shot you in the gut.
“Kook-ah!” You looked at him wide eyed and offended “That is not fair!” You smacked him on the chest. The boys gathered round you two wonder how he managed to land a blow, “Jungkook CHEATED by kissing me!” You said dramatically. “It’s not cheating, it’s called strategy sweetheart.” He teased as you crossed your arms over your chest stubbornly. He chuckled at your adorable nature and offered the warmth of your favorite sweatshirt of his. “Fine, but only if you let me cuddle you while you play video games,” you said turning on your heels and leaving the game. The boys chuckled behind you before following you out of the place to pile into the car.
Once you got home Jungkook pulled you into his room shutting the door behind the two of you so you could have some privacy from the other boys. You imminently walked to his closet and shifted through all his white t-shirts until you found your favorite sweatshirt. You ripped off the sweatshirt you were wearing to pull that one on, the smell of Jungkook surrounding you. You finally turned around to look at him, he had a slight smirk on his face. His arms crossed over his chest, “What?” You asked rolling your eyes. “I think your going to lose, you’re already in love with me.” You shook your head no before flopping down on his couch “I enjoy your presence, true, but love? Eh.” You teased. He chuckled before joining you on the couch, pulling you into his lap, his arms loose around your waist.
“I have something to tell you,” he said getting all serious, you felt your heart beat faster thinking he was finally going to give up and admit to loss. “We’re finally going on tour,” he said breaking into a bunny smile, it took you a moment to register the unexpected information. “That’s so amazing Kookie,” you said sliding your fingers down his face, “I’m very proud of you,” you said trying to massage his shoulders. You pressed a chaste kiss to his lips smiling brightly at him. You then wrapped your arms around his neck and snuggled into him. Even thinking about Jungkook leaving brought tears to your eyes, but you would hold them back and support him the best you could. You rested you head on his shoulder and started relaxing under the soft tracing of your skin and fingers running through your hair.
You lived for these small moments with him, where it seemed so innocent yet so intimate at the same time. What started out as a game turned into something real, yet neither of you would admit to that since you two were stubborn. You’ve thought about confessing to Jungkook about your feelings, but you were too afraid to lose him. Just in case this was all an act, to get you to fall in love with him and then being able to gloat about winning your heart. You couldn’t bare losing Jungkook now, so you’d remain quiet even though your heart desperately wanted to say something.
By this point you had completely melted into Jungkook to the point he thought you were sleeping. As soon as Tae came bumbling in Jungkook was quick to quiet him down, still stroking your hair and back soothingly. “You love her don’t you?” You continued to remain as unbothered as possible, waiting for Jungkook’s answer. He mulled over Tae’s words for a while before offering faintly “Was it that obvious?” He questioned getting you to break out into a smile of your own. You suddenly sat up looking at Jungkook causing him to JungSHOOK staring at you. After the initial shock he’d realize you probably heard him. “I love you.” He whispered tucking a stray piece of hair behind your ear as you smiled ear to ear.
“Did you just-“
“Yep-“
“You just...”
“Yup.”
“Does that mean?”
“Yes.”
You giggled before leaning in to press a kiss to his lips. You pulled back just enough so the tips of your noses touched. “You won... good game,” he whispered with the bunny smile you learned to adore. You shook your head no wrapping your arms around him, as if your arms created your own little world where just the two of you existed. You couldn’t hold back the joy that rushed through your body. Your smile wider than your face “Say it again,” you demanded. He whined saying he already lost, and you could leave him now and brag about how you stole the international playboys heart. You could see he was trying to hold back the sadness, as if you’d actually leave him and this truly was, just a game.
“Kook-ah, I don’t care about the game,” you said stroking his face “I just want to hear you say you love me again because it makes me happy.” He shook his head no stubbornly before hiding in the crook of your neck, holding you tightly to his chest. You giggled at his childish ways running your fingers through his hair “Kookie I didn’t think you were so dense,” you teased “YAH!” He protested looking back at you slightly offended, “I love hearing you say you love me because I love you too.” You broke into a cheesy smile as he became shook once again. “Wait... so we both lost?” He smirked, you rolled your eyes at him getting a soft giggle out of him. “Or maybe we both won?” You replied quietly, “Now would you say it again,” you asked.
He flipped you guys over so you were now laying with your back on the couch, Jungkook between your legs holding himself up over you. “I love you.” He kissed your cheek “I love you” He kissed your forehead “I love you.” He kissed your nose “I love you” the other cheek. At this point you were giggling like mad at his soft feathery kisses he was giving, turning your head in attempt to get away but he held your face firmly yet gently in place. “I love you.” He places a slobbery kiss on your jaw, your hands on his shoulders trying to push him off, he let you catch your breath as he smirked down looking you in the eyes. “I love you,” He said softly before capturing your lips with his. It was slow, which caused your heartbeat to speed up. His lips pressed hard against yours as if he could imprint his lips on yours. The kiss was everything we didn’t have the guts to say out loud. He pulled back trying to catch his breath, his eyes never leaving yours “I swear when our lips touch, I can taste the next 60 years of my life.” You smiled pulling him back down for another kiss “together is my favorite place.” You replied.
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joshdevinne · 7 years
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Chapter One.
 Lilly has always been determined.
  Ever since she came out of her mother’s womb – she always had the mindset of not feeling content until she has completed everything she wishes. That probably explained why she became the co founder of one of the most popular fashion apps to date StyleStealer at the age of 20. That would also explain why she owned a house, not a flat, a house, in the middle of Kensington.
 Having already achieved your goals in life at such a young age may seem like a dream, but for her it wasn’t enough. She wanted more – she wanted friends and someone to sleep with at night for the rest of her life. With such a busy schedule running a business so established, Lilly hardly had anytime to build real relationships with people and definitely had no time to settle down.
 It was London Fashion Week A/W18– one of the most important weeks socially in her calendar, and Lilly was late for one of the most important shows (aside from Burberry) of the week itself – Topshop. The show started at 2pm and even though it’s usually delayed by at least 20 minutes, she didn’t want to lose her front row seat.
 Normally people like Lilly only get to sit in the third or fourth rows, however her recent outings with a certain miss Chung have seemed to place her in the public eye as well as the business.
 It was 5 minutes to 2 and Lilly’s taxi was pulling in towards the Tate, this years Topshop Showspace – when a swarm of photographers ran up to the door ready to capture a quick shot of her entering the building.
 She had never received so much attention; I mean sure, her business had made her a big name in the industry and she was often featured on Vogue’s webpage but Jesus this was new.
 Lilly had no agent or friend to cling onto, she was just by herself which made the whole paparazzi scenario even more daunting. She quickly stepped out of the taxi and made her way inside the gallery without too much hassle before being escorted to her seat.
 What Lilly didn’t expect to find when taking her seat, was Alexa herself in the space next to her. They had grown to become quite fast friends since they met at the LOVE party held at Albert’s last month and had been spotted at various events together – both in the papers and on each others social media – so to find Alexa sat next to her at the show without a word of notice was quite a surprise.
 “Babe! Oh my god I didn’t know you’d be here, what the bloody hell! Why didn’t you tell me?!” Alexa exclaimed.  
 Lilly scoffed at Alexa’s question, “I always attend the Topshop show babe, you know that. When did you get here? Are you going to anymore shows this week?”
 Alexa shook her head before asking “What about you miss busy bee? Have you got anymore to go to?” Lilly nodded as she began to take her place, the show was starting in couple of minutes. “Yeah, one more but it’s tomorrow. The Burberry show, it’s gonna be mayhem I’m dreading it.”
 Alexa smirked at Lilly’s negative outlook on the show, as it was known to be the anticipated of the London quarter. “Cheer up hun, it’s hardly the worst thing in the world. Chris’ collections are always phenomenal. I’m gutted I can’t go but I’ve got that shoot in New York the next day. You know the one I was telling you about when we went to Soho House?” Lilly nodded, guessing she should be more enthusiastic about the show, especially considering it would be her first time attending let alone sitting front row again.
  The Topshop show was over and done with before Lilly knew and somehow she ended up back at Alexa’s suite in the Edition Hotel. Lilly planned on staying in the suite for only an hour, however considering she was staying in the room a floor down she decided to stay for a little bit longer until she had to get ready for the dinner Vogue was hosting.
 “Prada or Erdem?” Lilly looked up from her phone to see Alexa’s stylist holding two outfits on either side of her body.
 “Erdem, I can see myself in it more – the Prada looks too complicated.” Alexa stated before turning her head to Lilly. “What are you wearing Lil?”
  Lilly told her about the dress she was gifted from Christopher Kane’s new collection before realizing that she hadn’t left much time to spare for herself to get ready for the event. “Oh bollocks! I’ve only got two hours to get ready myself, I better head down to my room.”
  Alexa rolled her eyes “Babe, you’ll be fine, you have ages.” Lilly shook her head at Alexa’s low maintenance attitude; “We don’t all have the pleasure of a stylist following us around wherever we go. We’re not all Alexa Chung.” Alexa sighed at Lilly’s weak insult before telling her that she was meet her down in the hotel lobby before they would have to leave.
 The car journey to the Royal Albert Hall, where the Vogue dinner was being held of course, was extremely long. 20 minutes into the ride, Alexa’s phone rang “Grim! Are you already there?!”
 Lilly could hear muffling coming from the other end of the line, assuming she was talking to Nick Grimshaw – Radio DJ and one of Alexa’s best friends – by the nickname she used when answering. “Shit, that’s crap! I really wanted you and Lils to meet, you’d have got along so well. Do you know if Dais is going tonight? She hasn’t replied to my text.” Another few minutes of back and fourth chat took part before Alexa hung up and turned her body towards Lilly.
 “That was Nick, he said he can’t make it tonight, no idea why though.” Lilly nodded before asking if Daisy was attending the dinner, she’d met her a couple of times with and without Alexa, liking her enough to wonder whether she’d be hanging out with them for the evening.
 “Yeah she’ll be there, Nick said her hair stylist cancelled on the job last minute so she’s been having a bit of trouble getting ready.” Lilly nodded before replying with a short but enthusiastic “good.”
 The grips in her hair were beginning to feel lose, even after a mount of hairspray and gel – her long blonde hair was beginning to unwind from the updo she spent ages getting right. Eventually after much hassle trying to fix the hairstyle whilst in a moving vehicle, she gave up and tore her masterpiece apart, letting her tresses fall down her back.
 Lilly had always took great care in her appearance, even as a little girl. People would always say she took the best genes from each of her parents, with her fathers thick blonde hair and bright green eyes, her mothers full lips. She still had plenty of insecurities of course, like her old chin – one which she had surgery on when she was 18 as she thought it was too long. Her outfits were always chosen with great care and precision to each event and occasion, always spending a lot of money with plenty of big names taking up the room in her wardrobe.
 Her family were definitely what people would call ‘well off’ – her father being the CEO of a hotel chain and her mother being one of the most sought after directors in the advertising business – she would easily admit that she would probably had never been able to achieve all of her success if it wasn’t for theirs.
 That’s why attending high profile events had become sort of a ‘normal’ for her, as her parents would have her tag along with them when she was a child. However, herself being pushed into the spotlight was an entirely new ordeal. In all honestly, without her becoming a sort-of socialite over the past couple of months, no one would care to invite her to events such as the dinner that she was on the way to, even her app had began to gain more coverage since her and Alexa had met.
 Before they reached their destination, Lilly had managed to fix her hair, touch up her makeup and check in with her personal assistant about her schedule for tomorrow.  
 The Royal Albert Hall had been transformed into the most exquisite dining room. A large oval shaped mahogany table took up the center of the room, with bouquets on bouquets of flowers outlining the perimeter of the hall. The stage inside the hall had a large screen placed on top, showing repetitive images and videos of the magazine’s stars throughout the years.
 She and Alexa took their places – Alexa with Daisy on her opposite side and Lilly with Edie Campbell on hers – before being given a glass of white wine. The night went ahead with a 7 course meal, speeches from new editor in chief Natalie Massenet and a hell of a lot more drink. Lilly knew a few faces around the table from previous events she attended, however there were a mix of others whom she had no idea of and who she saw across the headlines yet had never actually met. Lilly’s vision had grown weak from the alcohol very quickly, but didn’t stop for a glass of water to sober her up – she certainly earned the right to the title of ‘socialite’.
 The Vogue dinner seemed like almost a complete blur. Lilly didn’t know what happened, she swore she hadn’t had too much to drink – albeit a few glasses of chardonnay. She woke up wrapped under the satin sheets that her hotel bed had provided for her, her brain feeling hazy and not completely up to scratch. Checking the time, she slowly made her way out from beneath the covers and over to the ensuite bathroom to get in the shower. As she only had one show today, which didn’t start until 7 in the evening mind you, she had every reason to take her time and pamper herself.
 Alexa sent her a message in the early hours to inform her that she was leaving for the airport but not before sending her pictures taken of Lilly in a very uncharacteristic manner with Douglas Booth cradling her like a baby on his lap. If that wasn’t bad enough – pictures had already surfaced the internet of her and Alexa stumbling into their car around an area which looked like Shoreditch. Lilly let out a groan before checking her appearance in the mirror, at least the drinking hadn’t affected that too much.
   After breakfast, a quick trip to Selfridges, a pamper session at the spa and lunch, Lilly headed back to her hotel suite in preparation for her VIP stylists – hair, makeup and outfit all courtesy of Burberry of course – to come over.
 2 hours turned into 30 minutes and soon she was being ushered out of the hotel into the car which the girls over at the Burberry PR team had booked for her. She was nervous, this was her first time attending the show and the fact that she was sitting front row was unbelievably exciting yet also nerve wracking.
 Sarah, one of the girls at Burberry in the car with her, was running through the schedule with Lilly as they made their way through central London to the venue.
 “Ok, so we’re going to make our way out of the car and into the press tent where you’ll be photographed and then maybe do some interviews if you want? If not we can head straight into the show, whatever’s best for you!”
 Lilly gave Sarah a quick smile before requesting, “Interviews are fine, there wont be any hard hitting questions though right?”
 Sarah shook her head vigorously, “No, of course not – each member of press has been given a run through with our PR team on what questions are and aren’t allowed to be asked, nothing inappropriate will me asked.”
 Lilly let a grin break through her otherwise uptight demure and shared her gratitude before silence once again filled the car on the length of their journey.  
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