#like we’ve gotten so used to his long hair that seeing it gone would be so wild

[nathaslosthershit]

Trips to See the In-Laws (LS2)

Summary: In order to save his teammate from an interviewer with not so innocent thoughts, Alex has to reveal that his thought-to-be-single friend, Logan, is actually in a long term relationship.

“Alex, Logan, so wonderful to have you both here with me today. Now that we are rapidly approaching the first race of the season, how are you both feeling? How was both your breaks?”

“Well firstly, thank you for having us. It has honestly been crazy. Break has gone by fast and with all the training we’ve been doing, I honestly feel ready to just jump in the car and start back up.” Logan replies.

It was no secret that Logan Sargeant had been training much more during the off season, everyone had seen how much he had changed. The way the interviewer was staring at him though, as if he was their next meal, was making him shift uncomfortably in the seat. 

Alex, being as perceptive as ever, immediately saw the change in Logan’s demeanor. He was confused by it until he saw how the interviewer shifted closer to Logan, eyeing him up and down in a very flirtatious manner. He then chimed in to try and alleviate the tension. “Yeah, busy break but we have been putting in the work and I think we are both ready for this upcoming season.”

“You both look very different from the start of last year. Alex with your hair and Logan has gotten very, very fit.” Dammit, this interviewer really wasn’t going to let it go, Alex thought.

“Um yeah, we are both pretty different looks wise.” Alex weakly responded. What was he supposed to say, the interviewer didn’t exactly ask a question.

“I was in a pretty bad state at the end of last season, both mentally and physically. I worked really hard this off season to improve both of those things and gained 5 kilos. I feel much better now that I am at a more healthy weight and I think it just cements how much more learning and growing I needed last year.” God, how can the interviewer continue to try and eye fuck Logan while he gives such a sincere and vulnerable answer, Alex wonders. He knew he needed to help his teammate and friend in some way, but the idea that came to mind might have some consequences. But surely it was better than the alternative of letting Logan get harassed.

“Well Logan, you took some time to travel a bit since being here in New York” Alex teased.

“Ohhh, where did you go Logan?” the interviewer asked, intrigued at the blush on Logan’s face that had appeared as he picked up on where Alex was trying to go with this.

“Well actually, my girlfriend is originally from New york and still has family that live outside the city so they very kindly invited me to visit them and watch the Superbowl. She wasn’t too happy that I got to see her family while she is stuck in London but also was ecstatic that they clearly like me enough to invite me to visit even when she isn’t with me. It was sweet and such a kind gesture, definitely beats spending that night watching the game in a hotel room alone.”

“Hey, I would have watched with you. You wouldn't have been alone” Alex said, offended.

“Mate, you did not have any actual interest in watching the game.” Logan responded.

“But I still would have kept you company.” 

Before the two could continue their fight, the interviewer bursted out a very aggressively asked “Girlfriend?”

The two were quiet then, not knowing what to say. The interviewer wasn’t looking at Logan like a piece of meat anymore, but now he had to deal with this sudden hard launch of his relationship.

“Uh yeah, I have been in a relationship for a while now. Met my girlfriend when I moved to London. We lived in the same apartment and had moved in around the same time. Insane luck, I guess.” Logan answered, still blushing.

“Leave it to Logan to find the one other American in his apartment complex and immediately start dating her.” Alex teased.

“Hey! It was a coincidence and she is from New York while I’m from Florida, they are practically two different countries.”

“Yeah whatever.” Alex rolled his eyes playfully.

The interviewer, now upset at practically getting rejected, stopped asking questions and just watched as the two Willaims drivers took over the interview, rambling, and teasing each other, till it was time to end it.

The interview had immediately gained popularity once it had been posted. Not many drivers hard launch the way Logan did and while Logan hadn't anticipated that this was how his relationship was found out, he did have to thank Alex for getting him out of that situation.

logansargeant

liked by alex_albon, williamsracing, and 73,355 others

logansargeant My favorite New Yorker 💙

#f1 fanfic #formula 1 imagine #formula 1 x reader #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #logan sargeant x reader #ls2 x reader #ls2 imagine #alex albon x reader

[theoldsports]

Mirror

Coriolanus Snow x Reader. 6.1k words.

18+ some smut, but it’s dicey. dubcon, biting, fingering, nudity, nonconsensual touch, drugs/alcohol? rehab discussion briefly, threats of violence, the shower, struggle against media, one reference to a line from scripture, possessiveness, manipulation. it’s dark. prolonged exposure to it is bad for you.

longest one yet! chronologically follows Married 1+2 in the TRUCULENT series fairly rapidly. i really learned to love this one. upon editing, this story became way more about gaslighting and headfucking someone good and hard into relying on you. special thank you to @heavqn for beta-ing and ridiculous amounts of support and ideas. a lot of our pre-editing convos made this make much more sense to me. + votes are in: next installment/current WIP will be the wedding.

CLICK FOR MORE! CAN BE READ AS SERIES OR STANDALONE

The hand against her shoulder shook her for a moment, then much faster. The shaking lasted seconds or even minutes before [Y/N] pried her eyes open. Everything in the bedroom looked too real, too clear. Coriolanus stood above her. His hand had been doing the shaking. He looked like he had just returned from a run due to his clothes and sweat-stained hair. His hair had grown back more beautifully than before. [Y/N] remembered seeing him when she saw him in the stacks of Philosophy books at the library right after he had returned from Twelve. It was jarring. She had always fancied him a pretty boy even if she loathed him throughout their childhood. He was much different upon his return.

Coriolanus pulled himself up out of the comfort of their bed almost every morning, far too early, to go for a run. [Y/N] didn’t know how she would endure a lifetime of his too chipper morning behavior once they were married. Coming down after a night on morphling was hard and still, she did it over and over again. Coriolanus knew he couldn’t stand in the way of a little fun, but he wouldn’t allow it in their home, so [Y/N] had become involved in using it socially when it was available to her.

“Great. You look like a bum.” Coriolanus said, noting the dark and sunken crescents under her eyes.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning. You look like a bum.”

“I’m not a bum.” [Y/N] replied tiredly. She rubbed her eyes.

Last night, [Y/N] had gone out dancing with some of her friends. It was not a bachelorette party in so many words, but it filled the same purpose. It was also a stretch to call the people she went out with friends in so many words, but they filled the same purpose. [Y/N] hadn’t felt that she had people other than Coriolanus for sometime now. She had gotten very drunk and very high the night before, resulting in frustration from Coriolanus when she returned home. He always waited up by the front door when she was gone so long. Coriolanus did not like it when she wasn’t home with him. She would make it up to him somehow— she always did.

“Come on, up with you.” Coriolanus commanded. He sat on the edge of the bed and pushed her up to a sitting position. His voice was harsh, but his touch was soft. [Y/N] adored Coriolanus’ careful, yet guiding touches. Unless his dick was in her, he only touched her with care like she was a porcelain figurine.

“Why all the rush?” [Y/N] yawned.

“You don’t remember?” Coriolanus sighed. He was upset in that pompous way of his. He rubbed his creased forehead. “Seriously, [Y/N]. I ask so little of you and you can’t even behave well enough to remember that we have an interview in…” he checked his watch. “Three hours.” Coriolanus said. It was false that he asked so little of [Y/N]. Sometimes, he asked too much.

An hour exclusive on Lucky Flickerman’s daytime chatter joint. Shit. That woke [Y/N] up. “That’s today!” She exclaimed. That was the only caffeine she needed to wake her up. “Fuck, I’m sorry, Coryo. I didn’t think—“

“No. No Coryo. No, you didn’t think,” Coriolanus said. He needn’t elaborate. “Shower. We’ve got to beat downtown traffic.”

[Y/N] swore Coriolanus scheduled things like this at the worst possible times just to make her look worse than him.

She pushed her shaky legs off the bed. As soon as she stood, [Y/N] felt like she was going to fall. Perceptively, Coriolanus stood and placed his ever-vigilant hand on her lower back to steady her. “You’re a mess.” He said flatly. [Y/N] could tell that Coriolanus felt damp from his run. It crossed her mind that Coriolanus drank bitter coffee, did his work on time, smoked very little and went on a run daily. [Y/N] regularly got too high to see straight and cried when she didn’t get her way. Some pair they were.

“‘M not.” she protested messily. She didn’t want to admit that Coriolanus was right.

Coriolanus huffed indignantly, but did not reply otherwise. He walked her to the bathroom like marching a child to the naughty step. [Y/N] was set down on the low counter-top. “I’m concerned you’re going to slip and give yourself a black-eye,” Coriolanus said. “I don’t want people to think I hurt you.” He pulled his track jacket off and dropped it on the floor and reached over to take her short magenta teddy off. She felt desperately bare in front of Coriolanus as she was striped mechanically like a child’s doll. The teddy she wore was one of her favorites, with the delicate lace on the bust. She appreciated that Coriolanus was equally as delicate as the lace when handling it. He must have remembered how much [Y/N] liked it. Coriolanus remembered everything.

[Y/N] was simply impressed she had gotten herself into pajamas after last night at all.

“You’re going to ruin yourself if you keep doing this, you know.” Coriolanus said, starting the shower water.

“So you keep telling me,” [Y/N] shivered due to her bareness against the bathroom tile. “I’m sorry.”

Coriolanus deflected with a shake of his head. He turned to her. Coriolanus was obviously thinking about speaking as the water heated up. Hot water whenever desired was Coriolanus’ number one favorite thing about rebuilding the Snow fortune. That’s why he took his showers too hot; to prove that he could. The thought gave him the confidence to speak. “Do I make you feel so ill that you have to run around and treat yourself like this? Did I do something?” The insecurity of that question made [Y/N] raise an eyebrow. Sometimes when she looked at Coriolanus and realized he was still a boy in many regards. Twenty-three wasn’t very old at all. His frontal lobe wasn’t even finished developing. His primary desire was to be enough for himself, for her, and for everyone else too. [Y/N] feared that he worried he hadn’t figured that out yet. The girl was far from figuring that out herself as well. She rarely saw vulnerability slip through the cracks in the finished marble exterior that built Coriolanus Snow. But who knew if what he said was a true feeling of his or not.

“No,” [Y/N] said. She looked down at her manicured toes. “I did this before we were, y’know… You’ve seen me at house parties since the Academy. You know it’s not you.”

“It has to stop,” Coriolanus started, dashing that fear from his mind. [Y/N] permitting a discussion without blocking him out unpowered him to share his concerns. “It worries me when you’re out late with who knows who. With so many people seeing you. It’s not just part of an act, it’s bad for you.” He said, but what he meant to say was it’s bad for me.

“I knew you had jealousy problems, Coriolanus, but being worried you can’t personally compete with your girl’s partying habits is… hilarious.” [Y/N] attempted a joke. She saw the vein in Coriolanus’ neck throb. His eyes got cold when his vulnerability, no matter how shallow, was met with rejection.

“Get in the shower.”

[Y/N] cast her eyes down, took off her panties and did what she was told.

“It’s so hot!” She all but screamed.

[Y/N] let the water scald her skin. She didn’t want to complain at his trying to help her. “You’ll deal with it,” Coriolanus said, sliding the shower door shut behind the both of them. [Y/N] hadn’t even noticed him undressing, but here they were. They had never been in the shower together before. It wasn’t unpleasant, but the circumstances were. “For the record, I don’t have a ‘jealousy problem.’” He said after a moment of allowing [Y/N] hair to get damp enough to shampoo.

“Really?” [Y/N] bit back, reaching clumsily for her shampoo bottle with slippery fingers.

“Really. Jealousy isn’t a problem when you understand what’s rightfully yours,” Coriolanus said. Normally, she blocked Coriolanus out when he spoke like that. Maybe it was physical proximity or toxic prolonged exposure to Coriolanus, but that made her blush red in the face. Ignoring it, [Y/N]’s fingers closed around her pink and brown shampoo bottle, but Coriolanus snatched it out of her fingers effortlessly. “Let me. I want to be sure it gets done,” He muttered with a passive aggressive edge. That attitude seemed like a put-on to [Y/N]. She wondered if he wanted an excuse to be close to her. She made those up sometimes to be close to him. Maybe she was just flattering herself. Coriolanus squeezed some shampoo into his palm and set the bottle down on the shower ledge. “Who were you out with anyway?”

“Um… Some of the girls. Lysistrata. Oh, Clem. Some others.” [Y/N] braced a hand against the damp wall to steady her feet on the slippery ground.

“Clemensia?” Coriolanus asked, sliding his fingers into her hair, careful as ever. It felt newly intimate in a way that Coriolanus typically avoided with her.

“Who else?”

“I see. You know she’s—“

“I know you don’t like her.” [Y/N] said. Coriolanus was silent.

“I don’t like when you go out without me. I just worry.” He finally said.

“I’m sure you do.”

It was silent between them. Coriolanus worked the shampoo into her hair easily. A man known for his rough intensity being gentle with anything was a surprise to her.

“Did you see anyone else?” He asked nonchalantly.

[Y/N] sighed. Even casual conversation turned to interrogation. She wasn’t sure if he meant it, or if it was all he knew how to do. “Do you mean… Was I photographed behaving in some unsightly way? I dunno. I probably was. I wasn’t unfaithful, if that’s what you’re implying.”

“Stop.” Coriolanus said, leaving no room for further argument.

It was quiet again. “Thank you for washing my hair. That’s, uh, it’s very kind.”

“Don’t mention it.” He replied, coaxing [Y/N] back under the water to rinse out the suds. His long fingers combed back through her hair over and over again. [Y/N], soapy, turned around and stared at Coriolanus’ wet face and hair. Even when appearing like a drowned animal, his imposing figure was statuesque.

[Y/N] leaned up and kissed him quickly. “I’m sorry I forgot about the interview,” she whispered, barely louder than the shower water. She apologized more than he did, but he responded well to knowing someone other than him was in the wrong. “Do I really look like shit?”

Coriolanus sighed, more familiarly this time. He loved when she needed him. He would insult her all day long if it meant he got to give her more validation later on. “No,” he slipped a hand under her breast and gave it a squeeze, his thumb danced across her nipple. “No, you don’t,” His other hand wormed its way across her cheek to brush away that disgusting makeup residue from the night prior. “You just needed a little polish. Let’s finish up. Go get dressed. Coffee’s on in the kitchen.”

“You poison it?”

Coriolanus frowned exasperatedly. He reached the hand cupping her breast around to her ass and gave it a hard, wet smack. “You bitch.” He smirked.

Sins almost all forgiven.

—

Every time [Y/N] was in a car with Coriolanus, it felt like a coaching session. Hand on her thigh with, don’t say this, say that instead, let me speak first, don’t embarrass me.

No point in elaborating on the most familiar part of their normal day-to-day since it really was habit at this point. [Y/N] always ached to snap back at him after these times. One day, don’t embarrass me was going to hit so hard that she did.

When they got out of the car a few blocks from their destination, [Y/N] had dawned her bright purple sunglasses. Coriolanus hated them and had tried on multiple occasions to buy her new ones to no avail. The daylight was still too bright for her tired eyes, so they were going to be worn on the walk to Capitol News.

After half a block (and so close to a news building), they were swamped by people clicking away at them. It made the bright sun burn hotter. Coriolanus’ white blonde hair and intimidating stature was much too easy to pick out in a crowd for their sunglasses and long jackets to disguise much.

Right now, besides Games news, they were the hottest topic of discussion in the Capitol. Their engagement party had been wild, [Y/N] was typically wild, and Coriolanus was characteristically unwild. It made for good TV.

Coriolanus leaned in to whisper something. [Y/N] couldn’t hear it. All she could do was smile and tell any reporters with microphones ‘no thank you,’ or ‘you’ll have to watch Lucky’s to answer for that.’ Coriolanus merely smiled a smile that was not his smile and said ‘not now folks, we’ll be late,’ or ‘don’t worry about them, Darling.’

[Y/N] was leashed by Coriolanus’ hand on the back of her neck as he guided her through crowds. He had two dressbags of clothes for the show tossed effortlessly over his shoulder as they walked. They were a newsroom’s wetdream. She was exuberant and he was magnetic. And they were both trouble. Power, wealth, youth, stability and status. Everyone liked to watch them at their best and loved to watch them at their worst.

“How do you put up with it, Mr. Snow!” A bland-looking man with a microphone called.

“How was the party last night, [Y/N]!” Called another. They always called [Y/N] by her first name because, frankly, she was fairly certain they didn’t know her maiden name and technically she wasn’t Mrs. Snow yet either. Coriolanus’ grip on her tightened at the question.

She smirked at how the power of her own name took away power from her family and their name; the thing they desperately wanted a morsel of.

Considering a future where she inevitably became Mrs. Snow, she thought about how her lifetime of indiscretions would be tied to Coriolanus forever. She smirked wider at their folie a deux.

[Y/N] felt like a doll again, being pushed by Coriolanus like that. She didn’t hate it entirely, though. She liked it when he manhandled her a little. It helped with all the noise that surrounded them these days to be able to turn her brain off and let Coriolanus handle it for her. She would never admit it, but being a good doll for Coriolanus for the foreseeable future didn’t seem too bad. Her stomach churned wicked for thinking that. It made her antsy to not have an exciting retort in front of reporters. [Y/N] usually did, but her head ached too much this morning. Instead, she looked helplessly up at Coriolanus. He glanced down at her, an eyebrow raised. “Overwhelmed?” He asked quietly, but not too quietly. [Y/N] nodded. “Don’t worry, my dear. We’re almost there.” Coriolanus said like a good husband should. [Y/N] thought about how he was rarely such a good husband when other people weren’t looking. Then why had he seemed to care so much that morning? She must’ve been mistaken about one part or the other.

[Y/N] leaned up and kissed him for in part for his kindness. The crowd aww’d. Kisses were a good way to distract a man. Any man, receiving or watching. Coriolanus’ hand slipped down from her neck to the back of her waist. Her fingers went into the soft hair at the bottom of his neck. She felt him inhale sharply. She knew he hated that. “What was that for?” Coriolanus asked when he pulled away, referring to the kiss.

“Wanted to make sure you were real. None of this feels real.” [Y/N] laughed dizzily. It was true, but she felt stupid saying it. She had spent a lot of time feeling stupid recently and this morning was no exception. The hangover and the whirlwind of voices and flashes had emptied her brain completely. Coriolanus leaned in to whisper in her ear again. This time she caught what he said:

“Stop this. We’ve ten steps until we’re in the building. I’ve told you not to touch my hair.”

He pulled away from her and put on his brilliant, effortless smirk that rich boys his age always had. Coriolanus yanked [Y/N] the remaining distance into the news building.

As soon as they entered, they were whisked away to dress for that afternoon’s broadcast. [Y/N] was dropped into a beautician’s chair to make her face look like someone else’s. She groaned at the duty she held.

Makeup brushes and blowdryers and curling irons and spray bottles of who knows what clouded [Y/N] of vision.

She wished Coriolanus was in her immediate vicinity so she could glance over him and laugh cruelly about how stupid all this is. He was always good for a laugh at the expense of things like this.

“Honey, who does your hair on the regular? I suggest you switch to someone else.” The obscene-looking woman pulling her hair back asked.

[Y/N] laughed, but said nothing. [Y/N] wanted to strangle her.

Not long after that, [Y/N] was pulled up to her feet and forced into a dress that she at least knew she liked. Tight around the waist and thighs, capping off at the knees. It was higher necked, but was so tight that it left little to the imagination. She knew Coriolanus would get frustrated with a fluffy dress, so she picked one that would make his eyes bug out instead. It was off-white with a delicate floral pattern outlined in a brighter white.

[Y/N] looked great. She knew this as she admired the contrasting bulk of the shoulders and flowing sleeves with the clinging exposure of her curves everywhere else. She didn’t exactly look like herself, though. Especially with her hair and makeup done so precisely. She wasn’t precise, she was messy. Precise didn’t suit her.

[Y/N] wondered if the her that stared back in the full-body mirror was the real her now. Messy her was gone. A Capitol wife remained. A doll.

She slid her black ankle-breaking heels on and shook the thought away as she entered the sound stage.

[Y/N] always forgot how noble Coriolanus was capable of looking, considering he was distinctly the opposite. She stared at him. Mauve coat, black trousers, crisp white undershirt, white tie, white rose. Clearly, he had let someone touch his hair. Even if it was a stylist.

Coriolanus gestured for her to walk over to where he stood and Lucky sat. It was difficult to walk with the dress clinging around her knees and the height of her heels. Her short, intentional steps felt demeaning. Most things in her life felt vaguely demeaning, but she kept turning a purposeful blind eye. The stage lights were too bright. Coriolanus’ teeth were too white for the amount of throats he’d ripped out.

Capitol magic.

“Hello Darling. You look lovely.” Coriolanus said as she approached. He took his hand in her and kissed it. Coriolanus’ eyes never looked up at hers because they were too busy looking at how her body fit the dress.

“Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself,” she replied neutrally. “Hi Lucky. Green’s really your color.” [Y/N] lied. Lucky’s green, wintery tux was vile and everyone with eyes and a modicum of taste would see that.

Coriolanus coughed into his shoulder to cover a scoff. He wrapped a strong arm around [Y/N]’s waist.

“Thank you, [Y/N]! Good to see you, pleasantries, pleasantries, yada yada. Shall I call you [Y/N]…? Mrs. Snow… The network doesn’t really know what the hell to do with you.” Lucky beamed from his chair.

“Oh, uh… I’m not really Mrs. Snow yet. It’s not necessary. My first name will do. I’m not picky, though.”

She felt Coriolanus deflate a little beside her as he dropped her waist and folded himself into the gaudy patterned armchair the network provided. [Y/N] felt a sting of guilt. Maybe she should have let him carry on with the Mrs. Snow thing. Coriolanus would have to get over it. “Sure thing, hon. Anyway, go ahead. Take your seat. Some of these questions are tacky, tacky, tacky, but do your best and humor us. Panem wants to know the real you.” Lucky beamed.

“I’m sure they do.” They don’t. And they won’t.

“You kids really are… Wow, lovely to share the stage with. You make me look old and sad comparatively, damn,” Lucky joked. “It’s been a good while since I’ve had the pleasure of sitting alongside Coriolanus like this. You were a child then. Crazy, the passage of time.” He continued.

“Lucky, it’s always an honor.” Coriolanus said. Coriolanus hated Lucky. [Y/N] marveled at his ability to lie so gracefully.

A group of production folks stepped out of the shadows to give them bottled water and let them know the show was about to begin. The studio audience poured in through side doors.

[Y/N] quickly leaned over to Coriolanus. “I thought this was a pre-tape.” She whispered frantically.

“You didn’t remember this interview existed three hours ago. You’ll deal with it.” He replied, with a note of his own panic he was unable to squash.

Fifteen minutes of seating and then a live camera inches away from [Y/N]’s face. “Well, we really thank you for having us on your show, Lucky.” She smiled. The audience analyzed them like vultures. This was the most wicked game designed for them, but Coriolanus didn’t lose. [Y/N] would have to be perfect.

“Of course! Always a pleasure, [Y/N]. Let’s get to some of these questions on my handy little list of questions, huh?” A few shallow questions about what designers they were wearing, what their morning routine was like to look so gorgeous, Coriolanus leaning over to hold [Y/N]’s hand across their chairs (the audience sighed lovingly). Coriolanus curls, stubborn as he was, fell out of the hold of the hairspray like they always did. She smirked and reached up with her left hand to push them out of his eyes. Oh, he hated that. [Y/N] could tell. Lovely.

“Oh, look at that ring,” Lucky said. “The ring we’ve all been talking about. Let’s get a closeup on that rock,” the camera pushed in to [Y/N]’s hand obediently. A large ruby mounted on a white gold band. She had been assured it was real. [Y/N]’s other jewelry, silver, sat patina-ing in a wooden box because of it.“Beautiful. Must’ve cost you a pretty penny, Coriolanus.”

“Yes, Coryo, how much did it cost?” [Y/N] asked. Coriolanus shifted in his seat. Money was not a thing Coriolanus discussed.

“A bit.” He replied stiffly. [Y/N] grinned.

“Uh, you both are mighty famous for that ring. I suppose it’s time to discuss that crazy engagement party. I was there to witness the whole thing firsthand, of course.”

The Snows-to-be nodded.

“These questions can get uncomfortable, but I’m sure you’ll answer all the same. So, your relationship seems… Alarmingly happy today for two people debating splitting over infidelity at the celebration of their engagement.”

“Please, we only debate it when I’m drunk, Lucky.” [Y/N] said much to the audiences joy. They laughed heartily.

“Which is too often, if you want my opinion.” Another laugh from the audience for Coriolanus, never one for being outdone. She knew, in his mind, she deserved that.

“Rehabilitation is always an opinion.” Lucky joked darkly, not knowing what to say.

“Being wild is fun, though, isn’t it? I’m not from privilege and grace as much as my fiancé. He’s always been elegant. I’m learning; I have a good teacher. But you only get your youth once. You would know, I’m sure, Lucky. When someone loves you as much as Coriolanus loves me… He always forgives my mistakes. He’s too good me. He’s patient.” [Y/N] said. He was patient, but it came out in the way that he played the long game. His impulses along the way were markedly less patient. Coriolanus squeezed her hand tightly as a warning.

Lucky smiled bitterly. “Well, I’m sure he’ll learn to keep you on a shorter leash eventually. Actually, I hear you were out last night as well.”

Fuck.

“Yes, bachelorette party, you see.”

“The studio’s telling me,” Lucky clutched his earpiece. “They have some photos from your last wild night as an unwed woman.”

“Oh. Is that so…? Haha,” [Y/N] said. Coriolanus squeeze her hand until her own knuckles were white. Neither one of them had a clue what they were about to throw up on that screen. Coriolanus inhaled shakily, but maintained neutrality. “Can’t be worse than the sides you saw of us a few months back at the—“

It was worse.

The dress was short, but Coriolanus had known that when she stopped into his office to tell him she was going out. He had responded with a “That? Really? Okay…” with quiet anger that the dress wasn’t being worn for him.

Then there was the dreaded miniature morphling vile empty between her fingers. It was obvious she was trying to talk with her friends under the flashing lights. They were all wearing similar fare. Six or seven drunk, high young women pictured together wasn’t that bad, even for some of the old school Capitol prudes.

None was more damning than the strange man’s hand planted firmly on [Y/N]’s ass. His smile was too wide. The [Y/N]’s in the picture’s grimace at the stranger over her shoulder was uncomfortable. It screamed DON’T-TOUCH-ME. She looked like she was telling him to stop, but her eyes were wide and her lips were pulled into a frown. The subtext implied by the woman in the photo was Coriolanus is going to kill me. She sighed. The crowd gasped. Coriolanus inhaled sharply.

[Y/N] had said her behavior the night before was inherently not unfaithful. Coriolanus didn’t feel the need to not believe her since she was the one who brought it up. The apples of Coriolanus cheeks grew red with rage. The stranger’s smile was too big. He knew he was touching Coriolanus Snow’s fiancée. He knew was taking advantage of a helpless girl and her friends. He knew he was defacing someone else’s property.

Coriolanus Snow was going to find this man and ruin his life.

[Y/N], humiliated, looked over at Coriolanus. She had a hazy memory of telling some guy to “knock it off” the night before. Truly, she did remember this, but of course, she hadn’t thought this would be a big deal. This was a part of her life she had had to deal with since she was a young woman. This man’s action was undesired, but not unexpected. Taking in the photo and the look on his fiancée’s face as she shook her head slowly at him was enough for Coriolanus to determine that this touch was unwanted. [Y/N] looked guilty, but she had little reason to be. He hated seeing that look on her face in a situation he didn’t create.

[Y/N]’s only crime was going out without Coriolanus. She knew he hated when she did that. If he had been there, he would’ve handled the situation there and then. She was never going out alone again. She needed him. Right now, he was going to be the man she needed.

“Take that off the screen.” Coriolanus said firmly to Lucky.

“Well, first, let’s have—“ Lucky tried.

“I don’t think you heard me. I said take it down,” Coriolanus continued. He turned to the cameras and those behind them. “Now.”

Coriolanus watched a young woman at a screen immediately buckle at his demand and begin scrambling to pull the image. The show’s graphic was returned to the monitor. “Thank you,” Coriolanus said in the woman’s direction. [Y/N] stared at the floor, beet-red. She was trying not to cry, but what would it matter if she did? Coriolanus knew too well the meaning of her tell-tale sniffle and avoidant eye contact. He turned back to Lucky. “I think that was extremely rude of you and your production group to put up an image, without consent, of my fiancée getting touched without consent. It’s apparent to me from looking at that photo that my fiancée did not welcome that touch. Would you agree?”

“Possibly, but since the engagement party—“

“I think you forget I trust [Y/N]. Are you the one marrying her?”

“… No. But hey, this is my show, kid. Let’s get back on track with—“

Coriolanus knew better than most people that what was said and done on live television was as good as forever. He would use that to his advantage. Nobody came for Coriolanus’ belongings and left with the hand that tried to snatch them.

“I’m not finished,” Coriolanus snapped. [Y/N] reached for Coriolanus’ hand again to signal that that’s enough, dear. He took it and looked over at her. He was angry; normal person righteous angry. Not manic, not cold. That was a new face. Coriolanus had so many pretend faces that clipped on and off. [Y/N] had previously thought she had seen them all. “Were you wanting that touch, Princess? Did you know him?” He asked [Y/N]. She shook her head with her eyes damp and downcast. “As I implied, you don’t know us. Don’t ever embarrass my fiancée like that,” or me, [Y/N] assumed his subtext as he spoke. “Whoever this moron in the picture is has another thing coming. What kind of self-respecting news network aims to humiliate guests for something they couldn’t help?” Coriolanus said. [Y/N]’s heart raced. He cared. Maybe it was for selfish reasons, but his support mattered. No one else was going to do it.

Sometimes he was absent, yes, but Coriolanus always came through when [Y/N] needed him. She was grateful that he wasn’t angry with her, even if that part came later in private. She was grateful for now that his way of easing his own pain eased hers too. She could get used to that. [Y/N] let out tears of temporary relief and reached for the box of tissues on the round table between guests and host.

Coriolanus stared Lucky down and settled himself further back in his seat with a sigh. “Next question?” The blonde man said.

—

The ride home was nearly silent. [Y/N] had started crying the second she sat down in the car. Coriolanus hadn’t say anything, but he kept his hand in hers the whole time. He didn’t even fight to let go when his palm got sweaty. [Y/N] pulled his hand close to her chest. She had done nothing wrong, yet she felt that everything was her fault. She had failed Coriolanus. This media wreck wasn’t just a game for photographers and journalists, this one embarrassed her genuinely. This one embarrassed Coriolanus and she was constantly told she was not supposed to do that. Don’t embarrass me rang against every corner in her brain.

The car stopped in front of their building. Coriolanus, as he always seemed to, opened her car door before the driver could get out. Coriolanus thanked the driver and put an arm around [Y/N] and led her up the stairs to their townhouse. The door closed behind them. Coriolanus locked the deadbolt with a heavy clunk. Safe from eyes that watched every failure with glee. They could be people again.

“I’m sorry, Coriolanus,” [Y/N] said, mascara down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know him. Really, I didn’t. I told you this morning. I—I didn’t know him.” She backed herself protectively towards the couch and away from Coriolanus in learned preemptive panic.

“I know,” Coriolanus said. “Nobody but me gets to touch you like that. I know you’re smart enough to understand that. I cannot fathom how another man thinks he can do that to you and get away with it.”

“That’s… That’s been happening my whole adult life, you can’t magically make that—“

“I don’t think you understand, Darling. I can. I don’t want to know that anyone has ever touched you like that. I swear on my mother’s grave. I will fucking murder them.” His winter blue eyes could vaporize a perpetrator on the spot.

“Coriolanus, that’s extreme.”

“Not to me. Not when you’re involved.”

“You can’t hurt people that looked at me funny. It’s hardly a crime.”

“Isn’t their some old line about not coveting another man’s wife?”

“…Yes. You have a future. You can’t interrupt your opportunities because some shithead—“

“It won’t interrupt anything. Wouldn’t it make you feel better to know that a creep like that was off the streets?”

“…Yes.”

“Well, then we agree. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

[Y/N] blushed and looked down. “I’m sorry.” She didn’t know what else to say.

“Don’t be. I’m not angry with you about this. I know I can trust you. I do. You know I do. I don’t worry about that. I cannot trust other people around you, especially when you use that filthy drug,” Coriolanus said. He extend a hand to [Y/N] as he approached like he would approaching a scared animal. That hand went slowly to [Y/N]’s waist. Coriolanus pulled her in closer so they were chest to chest. “You are not going out without me to some party like that ever again. Disrespecting you like that means disrespecting me, too. I won’t stand for either.”

“I—“

Coriolanus was going to get what he wanted all along: [Y/N] alone with him always. How could she need anyone else? Everyone out there wanted to hurt her, touch her, make her feel bad about herself. Not Coriolanus. Perhaps, he should be thanking that man instead of cutting his fingers off one at a time. “No. Let me keep you safe. That’s all this is. I want you safe. I’m to be your husband. That’s my job. Won’t you let me do my job, [Y/N]?” He said too calmly. His blue eyes stared deep into hers. Coriolanus had a fantastic talent for telling someone something and letting them think it was a question; letting them think it was their idea— letting them they had a choice.

He was right. He did make her feel safe. Holding on to her like this made her melt. In Coriolanus’ arms, [Y/N] felt secure. He was moody, but Coriolanus was frustratingly reliable. He wanted to make himself the bedrock of [Y/N]’s life. She had no choice but to allow him that. [Y/N] breathed out and he felt her breath fan out across his face. “Let me take care of you. I won’t let that happen to you anymore. I promise.” Coriolanus muttered.

He tipped his mouth slowly into her neck and hungrily sucked at the place below her ear. A gasp caught in [Y/N]’s throat at the surprise sensation. Her knees wobbled and her dress and shoes didn’t make it any better. She put her arms around his neck for support. “Coriolanus…” she whispered. Coriolanus loved the vibration in her throat beneath his lips.

Helplessly, [Y/N] tipped her head back to give her fiancé what he wanted. Coriolanus had sucked a few hickeys on her neck and chest before, sure. Never before had he bitten her. This time, he bit her hard enough to bruise and scab. It was harder to cover an indent with makeup than a simple bruise. If she were to go out even to the grocery store, other men had to understand that [Y/N] was off the market. If an engagement ring wouldn’t do it, this would. Coriolanus bit her with such force that the tears started to well again.

The position they were in felt like a dance. His hands on her waist, hers on his neck, their bodies flush together. [Y/N] fell deeper into the black hole of Coriolanus Snow. This must have been on purpose. He knew she loved to dance with him and made it a weapon. Damn him. She would always say yes to a dance, wouldn’t she? Wasn’t this whole relationship just a fucked up dance?

The man reached one hand down and pulled up [Y/N]’s dress as much as he could get it up and tore it the rest of the way. [Y/N] could swear she had been torn out of a third of her clothing recently. Coriolanus pushed her panties to the side and pushed his fingers into her. It would have hurt if she hadn’t been so wet to begin with. She bobbled on her heels. Once Coriolanus has pumped himself fingertip to hand in and out of her a handful of times, [Y/N] was holding herself up entirely by his neck and shoulders and the fingers that impaled her tenderly. Coriolanus had complete control over the situation. The only thing left for her to do was moan and she didn’t hold back.

Coriolanus was unrelenting. He marked a disturbing black and blue column on her throat the way he liked. Slowly, the pair rocked back and forth from foot to foot, as Coriolanus nipped, fucked and sucked. A fucked-up slow dance to the song of the traffic on the other side of the window.

MORE FROM THE TRUCULENT SERIES

TAGLIST:

@badwicht @stelleduarte @cinnamongirl127 @prettyppetty @soulessien @bejeweledreverie @jjstyles @arminsarlerts @chmpgneprblem @co1dmountains @miscellaneousmoonchild @lille999 @pumkinnxsmut @taykorsyogurt @ndycrls @watermelonharry @nananarwhal @ohantonia @catlover420sstuff @justaproudslytherpuff @notarabellasstuff @scarytiger111 @zucchinimalfoy @secretsicanthideanymore @h-l-vlovesvintage @dannydevsbbg @clintsupremacy @lookclosernow @10ava01 @or-was-it-just-a-dream @lucielsstuff @fairyydvst @spencereidbasis @a-mellifluous-life @daenerysqueenofhearts @heavqn @dangelnleif @lapisthelovely @wotcherpeak @24kmar

apologies as always for the little tags that couldn’t.

#coriolanus snow #coriolanus snow x reader #the hunger games #hunger games #ballad of songbirds and snakes #coriolanus snow x you #coriolanus snow imagine #coriolanus x you #coriolanus snow smut #coriolanus x reader #coryo snow #coryo x reader #truculent series

[reysdriver]

Babysitting Date | S.B.

You and Sirius postpone date night so you can take care of Harry — sirius x gn!reader fluff

warnings: none :)

words: 0.9k

Lily and James had expressed a desire to go on a date at Hogsmeade like when you were all kids, so Sirius offered to take care of Harry for the night—much to your dismay. You two already had a dinner date planned for that night, and sure it was just going to be a new restaurant you’d heard some good things about, but it would have been nice if he asked you before changing your plans. 

“Babysitting Harry is still fun, right? Plus they don’t get to have date nights whenever they want like we can.” Your boyfriend pleaded later that afternoon, just an hour or two before he had offered to start taking care of the little boy. 

“I know, Siri, but we made that reservation a week ago.” You pouted. 

“And remember how easy it was? We can cancel and get it back for another day. You’ll still love me on the weekend, right?”

You laughed, and Sirius seemed relieved that you didn’t sound upset with him. “We’ll see. It depends on if you cancel any more of our plans without my approval.” 

“I promise I won’t do it again. I just got too excited at the idea of hanging with Mini-Prongs and letting Big-Prongs and Lily go out together.”

You knew he was telling the truth, so you cancelled your reservation and postponed the date. You could go out with Sirius anytime. 

And an hour later, Lily and James had shown up at your door just as promised. Lily held her four year-old son in her arms, refusing to admit he was growing too old to be carried everywhere. 

“Thanks so much for offering to take him for the night.” Lily told you. “We’ve wanted to go back to Hogsmeade for such a long time but it’s tough—”

“You don’t need to explain.” You cut off her unnecessary rambling. “We’re always happy to see our godson. We just always have so much fun together, don’t we?”

Harry smiled widely at the sensation of you lightly squeezing his blushing cheeks, and both his parents were happy to see it. 

“Alright, if you’re good, then we should get going.” James added. 

Lily passed Harry over to you, kissing him goodbye for the night. 

“By the time we come to pick you up, you’ll be asleep.” James said to his son. ”So, goodnight, Haz. Be good tonight.”

You kissed the boy’s unruly curls and he let out a giggle like he always does. “He’s always perfect. Say bye, bub.”

Harry mumbled goodbyes to both his parents, and they sent him air kisses in return until they closed the door behind them. Once his parents were gone, he wriggled in your arms to face you. 

“Where’s Uncle Padfoot?” The little boy asked you, his curious hands running across your necklace. 

“You want to see Sirius?” You asked cheerfully. “Let’s go see him, I know he’ll be so happy to see you.” 

You carried him across the flat to find your boyfriend who was clearly fresh out of the shower. He was dressed in sweats and his hair was soaked—he could use a spell but prefers to air dry as it keeps the volume, or so he insists—and he couldn’t have gotten out more than a few minutes ago. 

Sirius was sitting on the bed and toying with one of the tchotchkes from off his dresser, and his face lit up at the sight of you and Harry. 

“Mini-Prongs, I didn’t even hear you come in! What’s up? What do you want to do tonight?”

Sirius grabbed him from out of your arms and began lifting Harry up in the air as if he was flying. The little boy loved it, but it made it a lot harder for him to answer the questions. 

“I’m hungry, Uncle Pads.” He said in between sounds of joy. You then asked if he ate dinner at home, and he said no. 

“Alright, so how about you hang out with Siri while I make something to eat?” 

Harry nodded in approval and turned to Sirius. “Can we read something?” Both James and Sirius give all the characters special voices and crack jokes in between paragraphs, which Harry loves. 

“Of course we can, mate.” He pressed a kiss to the boy’s forehead before getting up and heading to the bookshelf of children’s books you kept for your godson. You wished you could stay and watch the adorable scene that was about to happen, but you left to go cook before the urge to stay was too strong. 

You whipped up something quick, and it didn’t take any longer than fifteen or twenty minutes. You opted against calling the boys and instead just walked across the flat to your bedroom, where you found Sirius fast asleep and Harry trapped in his arms. 

“He’s been asleep for hours.” Harry said as you let him out from Sirius’ hold. You laughed at the hyperbole, then allowed the boy to go to the kitchen and start if he wanted. 

After he rushed out, you woke Sirius up by rubbing your hand along his chest. He mumbled something about Harry that you couldn’t understand through his groggy voice. 

“Rise and shine, honey.” You said quietly while he sat up and stretched. “You’re missing all the fun of babysitting.”

#sirius black #sirius x reader #sirius black x reader #sirius black x you #sirius black x y/n #sirius black imagine #sirius black fluff #marauders era #marauders fluff

[bucketsofmonsters]

The Shapeshifting Detective - Part 8

cw: parental death, grief, referenced murder, police brutality, slow burn, more tags will be added as the story continues

male shapeshifter x fem character

word count: 3k

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

Kate had no idea how long she’d been in here or if the others had been taken into custody. She’d been waiting for hours, locked away in a room with no windows, no clock, no way of telling the time at all. 

Her wrists were sore. Her brain kept circling back to it over and over again. They were unbearably sore, both of them shackled to the table to prevent her from running off. They were irritating at first but after a while, she came to appreciate them, their unyielding weight helping to keep her present. 

She didn’t know what was happening or how long it had been or what would come of her but she knew her wrists were sore. 

Eventually, even they were not enough. She’d been able to stomach a lot in the last days, but sitting still and alone was not one of them. 

She had nothing to throw herself at, no justice to find. She was just here. Alone, in a room, waiting for the dust to settle. Waiting to see how she would come out of this. If she would come out of this. 

The creak of the door pulled her back to herself and her head jerked up to find whoever had come to break the infernal silence. 

When he entered the room she felt like she could breathe again. Her detective walked up to the table she was chained to and suddenly everything was going to be alright. 

“Harvey,” she said, a swell of relief filling her chest. 

When their eyes met she realized her mistake. “A bit familiar, don’t you think miss? Wonder where you picked up that habit?”

It wasn’t her detective at all. 

His dishevelment told a different story than the one she was used to. Gone was the man who just didn’t quite fit his clothes despite having shaped himself to belong in them, always sitting slightly askew with his wild hair and off-center tie. 

No, this man looked like he’d walked through hell, eyes bloodshot and his stubble growing unruly. 

She had no idea how much he knew about the situation, how much he’d been told about his mysterious doppelganger. The vitriol present on his face said he probably knew more than was good for her. 

He leaned over the table, looming over her, and Kate did her best to pull away with her hands chained, tethering her down. 

“I don’t know you,” she spat out, incapable of feigning demure answers despite knowing it was undeniably in her best interest. 

“Really? That’s odd, some people at the station say we’ve gotten quite close. Congratulated me on latching onto the killer so fast. Wasn’t that clever of me? How did I find you out so quickly, I wonder?”

“I didn’t kill anyone.”

“Then why did you confess to it.”

Of course he believed her mother. She certainly hadn’t done much to earn any trust with him. It stung anyway. “I didn’t. She’s lying.”

“Now now. Your mother is an upstanding woman, I don’t think she would lie to me. And you…” He grabbed her chin and tilted her head to the side, as if to inspect her. She reeled back, pulling herself from his grip, a movement he seemed to find amusing. “Well, I suppose what I think about you depends on how well we know each other. What do you say, Katherine, do we know each other or not?”

He spat her name at her like it was poison. It might as well have been. 

“You’ve questioned me a few times, that’s all.”

“Oh, just a few. I only remember us speaking once but perhaps I’m misremembering. Maybe I wrote it down somewhere. I did find some very interesting notes about you in my office. They were very complimentary, seemed like we’d spoken quite a lot. Can you remind me if that’s true?”

“It was a couple times. That’s all.”

“Consistent. Smart, you shouldn’t be changing your story.”

“You can’t do this,” she insisted. She knew he could, though. That was the problem, wasn’t it? He could do whatever he liked. Who would stop him?

“I promise you I can. You know what I find odd? The way you looked at me when I walked in here. You didn’t look at me like the prime suspect in a murder case who’d only spoken to me a few times. Who were those big, hopeful eyes for? Because I know one thing for damn sure, they weren’t meant for me.”

“You’re insane,” she hissed at him.

His hand snapped up faster than she could track and then her head was being slammed forward into the table in front of her, the world spinning as she pulled back. 

“I’m going to get the truth out of you one way or another,” he snarled. 

“I didn’t do anything,” she sobbed out.

“Maybe you didn’t. At this point, I don’t really give a shit. What was that thing? Are you one of them?”

“I don’t know anything,” she said through gritted teeth. There was no getting out of this, she could see that now. 

“Yes, you do. You’re on its side, the only thing I don’t know is if you’re a piece of shit turncoat human or one of those monsters.”

The door opened and a man you didn’t recognize walked in. Harvey snapped to look at him, snarling out an impatient, “What do you want?”

The newcomer was some other police officer, his hat not quite facing forwards properly and his jacket buttoned up just one button off. 

“Someone wants to see you,” the newcomer said.

“I’m a little fucking busy, actually.”

“I’m sure you are,” he said, and faster than either of them could react, he slammed Harvey forward, throwing everything he had into banging his head into the table. 

It knocked him out cold, his body sliding unceremoniously to the floor as Vincent rushed over to her side, a frantic look in his eyes. 

“Evelyn is in the other room,” he said, speaking as fast as he could get the words out. “They started poking around and we couldn’t make them leave. They were gonna find them either way.” He gestured down at the unconscious man below him. “I just untied them and told them no one would believe them, seemed like the best option at the time.”

She tried to move forward, into his space, the shackles stopping her unbecoming display of desperate affection before it could even really begin. 

He seemed unaffected by Kate coming to her senses about the action, wrapping an arm around her and holding her tight to his side. “Let’s get you out of here,” he muttered, and she could feel his chest moving as he spoke. “I don’t want to- Oh my god, are you bleeding?”

He reached for her instantly, his hand cradling her cheek as the other rose to wipe at a drop of blood she hadn’t even noticed, the viscous liquid spreading across her skin. 

He immediately reached for his pockets, muttering angrily under his breath. 

Upon finding nothing he began rooting around in Harvey’s pockets, pulling out both a handkerchief and a key ring victoriously. 

“I’m going to get you out of here,” he promised, pressing the handkerchief gently to her wound, cleaning it as best he could before beginning to try the first of many keys. “Just hold on a minute.”

“What are we going to tell them?” she asked as he tried key after key, looking warily out towards the rest of the station. 

“You’ll see. I just have to wait for…”

Before he could finish his sentence, all hell broke loose, the sounds of yelling and rushing about filtering through the door. 

“What is that?”

“Our cue.” He said, trying keys as quickly as he could, a slight shake to his hands as he did. Finally, one clicked into place and the cuffs snapped open. 

Kate stood, rubbing her wrists and Vincent gave her a nervous look. “You may want to turn around.”

The words echoed in her ears and before she could really register them, he was changing. The horrible snapping of his bones accompanied itself with the creation of new angles where they shouldn’t be. 

The cracking and shifting noises were drowned out by the noises of chaos that were slowly filling the building, but it did nothing to stop them from reaching her ears. 

She wondered why he had to shift like this. Surely there were more efficient ways to travel from one body to another. Human bodies weren’t that different, seemingly creating a new set of bones and tissues for every one seemed horribly inefficient. 

She thought, perhaps belatedly, that she should be scared. Or at the very least, horrified. And yet she couldn’t quite bring herself to be. 

It hadn’t even really occurred to her, to be honest. Perhaps some of it was due to her current, exhausted, sluggish state. She just hadn’t thought of it, hadn’t considered being afraid. 

Why would she be, asked a little voice in the back of her head. It was just Vincent. 

Instead, bubbling up, slower than they should have, were other feelings. Relief, gratitude, but nothing resembling the revulsion she was sure should be present. 

As he transformed, she was lost in thought completely, busier mulling over the situation than actually watching the seemingly possible transformation. 

He winced at her as soon as he had enough of a face to wince with. “Sorry, you shouldn’t have had to see that.”

Vincent looked more scared than she did, staring at her as if at any moment she might scream and run, never to be seen again. 

She gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. It didn’t feel like one, like anything close to being either reassuring or a smile, but he seemed to understand the meaning, giving her a quiet, sweet smile back. 

And then he held out his hand, as if to escort her out of the room. She took it and he led her into the chaos. 

Evelyn seemed to be at the epicenter of it all, shouting and throwing things around the station. No one really seemed to know what to do with themselves, trying to calm her while simultaneously acting like if they got too close they might spontaneously combust. 

As she watched the chaos unfold, the comfortable weight at her side disappeared and suddenly she felt very exposed. 

She glanced around nervously and saw Daniel sitting in the corner, a distant look in his eyes. He seemed like he’d be less of a problem than Harvey had been. 

Evelyn drifted over to her and pulled Kate towards her. She went with little protest, leaning into the woman as she was guided to her side. She was the only other person left who didn’t want her locked up, now that Vincent had made himself scarce. There were worse people’s arms to be clinging to. 

As Evelyn argued and Kate stood, unlistening, at her side, she saw Vincent dart back into the interrogation room and she did her best to avoid looking at the door again, keeping as much attention away from there as much as possible. 

She heard the door creak once more but kept her eyes adamantly forward, tensing up even more at the noise. She imagined no one could tell, it was hard to look more tense than she’d already been. 

She heard Evelyn slam her hand down on the table beside her, hard, and guessed someone’s attention had drifted a little too far. 

Kate should be paying more attention, should be helping more with this plan she wasn’t privy to. She just couldn’t draw herself back into the present. It had been too much, she was too tired. 

And then, storming through the doors of the police station with a bang, was her mother. 

Now she was aware of everything, pulling away from her and further back toward Evelyn. 

An arm snaked around her waist and she was grateful for it, grateful for the reminder that at least someone here was on her side, even if it was more for Vincent’s sake than for hers. 

“Why is she free?” her mother asked, looking around frantically, looking more confused than angry, despite the way she’d entered. 

The policemen around her seemed just as confused as to why Kate was standing amongst them, looking around for someone with an explanation and finding no one. You hoped Vincent would be back soon. You had a feeling you’d be thrown right back into the interrogation room if he wasn’t. 

“She killed him,” Kate insisted quietly, sounding unconvincing even to herself. 

Her mother took a step forward and she couldn’t help but flinch. At that, her mother paused, shifting back once more and keeping her distance. 

“You can’t fool them. They know the truth, they believe me.” Her voice sounded strained and distant and Kate couldn’t help but wonder how much of that was just her mind going. Nothing seemed to quite make sense anymore. 

“They do,” she said, slumping further into Evelyn’s side. The woman took her weight without protest, giving her side a little squeeze that she couldn't make sense of. 

“Of course they do! I am a well-respected woman. And who are you? Unmarried, unsociable, why would they believe you?” The words were careful, intentional, but not how they normally were. There was no tact behind them, not really. 

As she yelled at Kate, restrained and unnoticing of the people watching, it occurred to her that this was not, in fact, her mother. Her mother would never make a scene like this and if she did, if she really snapped like she was supposedly doing right now, she would not keep her distance and try her best to avoid frightening Kate. 

Because that’s what she was doing, stepping away, keeping from shouting too loud, keeping the blame from Kate's shoulders as best she could. It was a show, one calculated to harm her as little as possible while revealing the truth to some closed-minded police officers. 

But Vincent was struggling, struggling to make it natural and believable, so she threw him a bone. 

“You can’t fool me,” Kate said loudly, having no problem making it believable. Maybe she should give Vincent some lessons when this was all over. “They’ll see it soon too. I know you killed him.”

“And I would’ve killed you too if I knew how much trouble you’d cause me,” she said with a scoff. 

And then her eyes widened, looking around at where she was, her breath catching in her chest before she turned tail and ran. 

Everyone was too shocked to stop her, quick orders to chase her down being shouted amidst the chaos. 

Most of the officers left, starting the search efforts. Those who remained didn’t seem to know what else to do with Kate, milling around her awkwardly. 

“What are you doing?” Evelyn snapped. “You heard the woman, she’s innocent, don’t you have better things to be doing than terrorizing this poor girl any further.”

They didn’t seem fully convinced but they seemed more frightened of Evelyn than they were wary of Kate. 

She wondered what it would take for them to fully be done with her, be entirely convinced of her innocence. She imagined there was very little at this point. She’d already messed up too badly, broken too many rules. That crime she was guilty of and so they were convinced that something must be wrong. 

She couldn’t bring herself to care any longer. There was no anger left in her. 

Evelyn began to pull her towards the door and she followed like a well-drilled pup. 

Harvey passed them as they attempted to flee and she knew instantly that it was her detective. She was so much better at seeing it now, at recognizing it, even as distant as she felt. 

He smiled at her and then turned towards the rest of the precinct. 

“And that concludes this case. My apologies for keeping this from you, but I felt the ruse was necessary to find the truth. The lovely Miss Katherine here was willing to help, once she heard my plan. Her intention, of course, was to clear her mother of any suspicion. When we cornered her, she told a different tale. I just needed time to settle the case. Fortunately, she seemed set on doing it for me,” he finished with a put-on laugh.

She heard Evelyn sigh beside her and mutter under her breath, just barely loud enough for Kate to hear, “He really is too much.”

Confused murmurs filled the precinct but Vincent did not seem like he wanted to stick around to clear anything up. 

That felt like it was best. She had no idea where the real Harvey had ended up in the chaos or how long they had until he returned. 

She let Vincent lead her off, Evelyn shifting Kate over to him, shouldering most of her weight as they walked. 

She stayed tucked carefully into his side. It felt safe there, secure in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time. 

“Why didn’t you do that before freeing me?” she asked, much later than she should have, but at least she still had the sense to ask at all. 

He looked away, a sheepish air taking over him. “I didn’t want to keep you locked in there any longer than I had to. The plan was just to incapacitate Harvey but… it wasn’t right.”

“You’re an idiot.”

He shrugged. “Maybe. I got the job done though.”

“Hmm.” And then, perfectly patient, holding out just long enough to not inconvenience them too badly, she collapsed. 

#terato #monster bf #monster boyfriend #monster x human #shapeshifter #the shapeshifting detective #thank you so much for your patience #the next chapter is the last one and I promise it won't take so long #Vincent putting on his worst performance yet #hes trying his best #Evelyn gave him a script and he forgot it Instantly

[lanitalay]

One Day : Chapter 2

Azriel x reader

warnings: none

Word count: 1.5k

Masterlist

“I can’t believe we get to be on the boat this year!” Bec was giddy that you had been invited to the High Lord’s Summer Solstice party. Talking about it nonstop since you told her.

“It’s not that big of a deal Bec, relax.” She threw a pillow at you “it is a big deal! We would never be going if the Shadowsinger didn’t invite us.” You smile as she mentions Azriel. He had been gone for a month on a mission and you were dying to see him again. “I can’t believe you still haven’t hooked up with him.” 

“Like it's inevitable?” Bec laughs and continues to apply her cosmetics “I think it’s inevitable for you guys, I’ve seen how he looks at you.”

“And I’ve seen how he looks at Mor.” You recall all of the times in the last year you caught Azriel staring at her, a longing, faraway look in his eyes. “Mor?” 

“You’ll meet her today, she’s lovely and Az is totally in love with her.” Bec glanced at you from the corner of her eye, not believing a word. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

The boat was massive. It stood four stories high. The first floor had many seating options, the second was where all of the food was, the third was a fully stocked bar and the fourth was an open air dance floor, complete with a band that would accompany the party all day. “I’m going to find Azriel, '' you informed Bec, who nodded and told you she would get a drink for the two of you.

You climbed the stairs, not having a clue where the Spymaster might be, when a pair of giant hands landed on your shoulders. “Y/n! Az is gonna be so happy to see you!” Cassian then pulled you in for a hug, nearly collapsing your lungs from the force. “Hi Cas, where is he anyway?” He pulled away and motioned for you to follow him. “How is your shoulder doing?” Rotating his arm to show you the improved mobility he says “good as new.” 

You are never surprised by him, or his injuries, but the way he seems to not care what comes his way boggles your mind. Like he enjoys showing off a new injury. Maybe it’s an Ilyrian thing. You walk up the stairs and it takes longer than it should to reach the bar since every two steps someone stops Cassian to say hello. Then you finally see him. Inky black hair and huge wings allow you to spot him easily. “There she is!” Bec waves you over and Azriel turns around to see you walking up. He smiles when he sees you running up to him, not wanting to wait a second more to hug him. 

His laugh wraps around you as his arms do. You pull away and frown at a line going down his cheekbone. “What happened there?” He doesn’t have to look to know what you’re asking about. “Just a scratch.” You narrow your eyes at him, sensing the lie. Just as you are about to scold him for being careless and for not using the healing ointments you give him, Rhysand appears with two bottles of sparkling wine and the party officially begins.  

You are dancing with Bec when a blonde joins you. “Bec, this is Mor. Mor this is Bec,”  you introduce the two and Bec, having gotten two drinks ahead of you blurts out “holy shit you’re stunning.” Mor laughs and you widen your eyes at your friend, trying to tell her to chill out. “Thank you, how have you been y/n? It's been months since you’ve been to the house” she’s swaying her hips to the music. Her hair catches the sun like a golden grown. Of course Azriel would pine for her, it was impossible not to. 

“I’ve been good. There was an outbreak in one of the schools by the Rainbow so I’ve been handling that while Madja attends to our regular patients.” Mor nods, “we’ve missed you. Come by whenever you’re free” she glances at Bec “you can bring her too, she seems fun.” Pink heat rushes to her cheeks as she blushes, also falling for the allure that is Morrigan. 

You're standing by the railing and looking to the Sidra, people on the shore as the Sun begins to set. Sweat had dried and left a sticky coat on your skin. Hours passed by on the dance floor and you did not notice. You breathe deep and a familiar midnight mist alerts you to Azriel approaching. 

“Tired so soon?” You chuckle “I’m just taking a break, I think Bec is trying to kill me.” She’s still dancing. Hadn’t stopped for more than a few seconds to sip whatever drink she was handed. To your surprise Mor still danced with her. “They seem to be having fun together.”

“Bec knows how to have a good time.”

“Happy anniversary.”

“Hm?”

“We met exactly one year ago today, remember?” You shake your head. “We actually met the day after Summer Solstice. It was way past midnight when we got to Rita’s.”

“That’s a technicality.”

“I’m grateful we met.” Over the music you didn’t notice that once again, his heart skipped a beat. “Me too.” You sidestepped until your arm brushed against his and leaned your head on his shoulder.  “You never told me how the date with the scribe went.” You groaned, hiding your face in his shirt. “I never told you for good reason, it was awful.”

His chest shook with a laugh “what made it so bad?” 

“Well after lunch he took me to the archives and I thought it was to make out but no. He gave me a tour and showed me the research on volcanic rocks he was developing. After an hour of listening to him drone on and on I left. Haven’t heard from him since.”

“Sounds like last Summer Solstice was the best date you’ve been on.” He laughed when you smacked him. “That was not a date, Azriel. It was a failed one night stand.”

“It only failed because you stopped it.” 

“You were having a panic attack!”

“So?”

“You’re ridiculous. Even if I put a stop to it that night you never tried to make it happen again.” Azriel turns his head to face you. “You’re not serious.” 

“What?”

“Why do you think I kept inviting you out?” 

“You mean to have dinner with Cassian, Rhys, Amren and Mor?”

“Yes.”

“I thought it was your way of friendzoning me.” His jaw slackened. “Well you were wrong.” 

“Let me get this straight, when I thought you were trying to gently reject me you were actually trying to woo me, or something?” 

“I guess so.”

You burst out laughing. “Az, sweetheart, you need to step up your game if you want to have a love life.” 

His head lowered close to yours “do you want me to take you out on a proper date then?”

You stay laughing and in between breaths say “gods no, we are better as friends. I meant for future reference.” 

“Ah, understood.” 

“Let’s dance!” Grabbing his hand you pull him back to the dance floor where the rest of the group was. 

“You’re wrong,” Bec startles you by wrapping an arm around your shoulders while you wait for your drink at the bar. “About?” She looks around to confirm the coast is clear “Azriel does not have a thing for Mor, at least not anymore.” You roll your eyes. Of course she would come to an incorrect conclusion after a day. You spent the last year getting to know the Inner Circle and knew, for a fact, that Azriel had feelings for her.

“How would you know?” 

“I just do…” she stole your drink and disappeared into the crowd.

After the ship docked everyone aboard rushed out, eager to continue the party on the streets. But you were moving much slower, because clinging to your side like her life depended on it was Bec. 

“Let me help you.” A sigh of relief escaped your lips as Azriel carried your mostly black out friend for you. “Thanks, Az.”

After Bec was snuggled up to a bucket on your couch you walked Azriel to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” You forgot for a moment that Rhysand had scheduled a meeting with you in the House of Wind and Azriel offered to fly you. “Oh, right, yes. I can meet you at a cafe if you want to grab a bite before.” 

“That sounds great, I like the one just down the street. With the peach tarts?” 

“That’s a good one, I’ll see you then.” You pull him in for a quick hug. 

Before he lunges for the sky he winks at you “it's a date.”

#acomaf #acowar #acofas #acotar fanfiction #acotar #azriel shadowsinger #acosf #rhysand #azriel x reader #azriel #azris fanfiction #azriel acotar #acotar series #az x reader #a court of silver flames #a court of thorns and roses #a court of mist and fury #a court of wings and ruin

[ruthytwoshakes]

Bunch of two fort ladies hell yeah B)

headcannons of inconsistent length below the cut

Zhanna: reeeeeeoow!!! She’s so gorgoryse . gay as hell about all these women tbh. Yeah I just gave her body hair and thicker eyebrows because it’s cool as fuck. And a bear claw scar from when she tried to take home a baby bear when she was little. I think she really likes bears and wants one as a pet. Maybe the bear and soldier’s raccoons would get along aww <33

Admin: yipppeee evil old lady!!!!! . Gave her acne scars , think she would pick her face when she was younger and the scars never faded. shes so pretty heruhghhsg. She smokes these fucked up super long cigarettes idk. I like her wonky nose, maybe she got into a fight or something and broke it.

Scouts Ma: oh man I have so many ideas for her hehehhe. Okay so her name is Jenny, shes Puerto Rican, moved to Boston when she was a young adult, and she’s around the same height as sniper. She’s green because she’s both the scouts mother, and I didn’t want her to be purple like Pauling and Admin I wanted her to be her own person. Her heart locket contains a bunch of pictures of her boys that all cartoonishly fold out to the floor when she opens it up.

She’s bi and poly, and currently dating both the spies because I think it’s funny. I can’t decide if both the spies would also be dating each other or would hate each other, maybe it depends on the time of day. Oh also she used to be an assassin! Maybe that’s why she had to move because she got found out at her old hometown. Anybody who got too rough with her boys were never seen again, only reason the scouts made it out alive lol.

She’s only recently gotten back together with the spies, had a falling out with Red before she knew she was pregnant, but he wanted to reconnect with her after finding out Red scout was his kid. Blu and her were friends for a really long time, she was the surrogate mother to Blu scout, but they fell out of contact when Blu spy had to take scout and disappear due to some espionage work gone wrong. When both the Blus join the team, the red scout recognized them and Blu spy eventually reconnected with Jen through that.

All of her kids are out of the house and she’s retired, so she has a lot of free time. She hosts foreign exchange students and fosters baby animals. She does a lot of traveling and shopping, she also likes knife and axe throwing, while doing some abstract sculpting on the side.

Maggie:

I love Maggie she’s so interesting,, I really like the panels where she’s laughing with saxton on the plane. Oh yeah gave her a mustache cus she’s Australian!, don’t be shy give the pretty lady a mustache she deserves it. That line on her lip was from this one girl I had a crush on back in high school, she said that she was bullied for it. don’t think I’ve ever seen it on another person since. She was one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met. I hope she’s doing alright. She was a really good friend, real wonderful person.

Merasmus:

hi Merasmus how r u. oh yeah I’m trying out some other designs for her because I’m working on a little animated series about her and a magic spell she fucks up. I want her to be Sumerian because Sumer is so interesting!! I’ve been learning about the art from it in class, check out the Sumerian virtue status or the Epic of Gilgamesh they’re some of my favorite bits of history we’ve learned so far. Oh yeah also I think when she takes off that weird cap thing she has the longest most beautiful curly hair that goes down to her ankles because I love those kind of visual gags hehe. Also yeah she has piercings idk why I did that. I think she’s kinda blind and she uses her skull to see with her magic or whatever. I love her facial expressions in the comics,, have you guys seen the cunty Merasmus poster i love the cunty Merasmus poster

Miss Pauling:

MISS PAULFIJF LETS FUCMIGN GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! She’s got sideburns because im a dyke bleh blehhhh . hshe look at her big ass glasses I’m in love. Oh yeah I gave her lots of moles! And changed up her sleeve colors. Too tired to write much more lol

#tf2 fanart #zhanna #tf2 administrator #scouts ma #tf2 maggie #merasmus #miss pauling #tf2 headcanons #daffys drawings

[louloulemons-posts]

The Criminal And The Princess I

Grumpy!College!Eddie X Sunshine!Skater!Reader

Summary : The second year of college life is starting and Eden Bennett is already swamped, but when she meets her new partner in history class, will that all change?

Word Count : 1.6k

Warnings : introduction piece, not much eddie, edens dad is a prick, talk of dead parent, talk of food issues, swearing, billy hargrove

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

I felt like I’d settled into college pretty well, I’d successfully gotten through my first year and was starting my second today.

“I’m so glad we’ve gotten a bigger apartment,” Nancy laughed, coming out of her room with an empty box. “I know right,” Robin said, throwing herself on the green couch.

“We were lucky to find this place,” I spoke.

“You mean, we’re lucky your dad’s part of the education board.” I rolled my eyes, that was true. Mainly focused on sports but he played rolls in other places around campus.

“Yeah that too,” I began, “Listen I’ve gotta go to the rink, I’ll see you later.” Grabbing my duffle I headed out. Honestly the apartment was more of a home for Nancy and Robin, than myself, the rink was my home.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

“You’re late,” my dad spoke as I walked into the rink. “Sorry, we were unpacking.”

“Just get your skates on,” he waved you off, walking up to his office.

Throwing my bag down I pulled my trainers off, taking off my hoodie and laced up my skates. My hair was tired up into a bun and the guards came off my skates.

Being on ice was easier than being on solid ground. Sliding onto the ice, I put my earphones in, letting the music take over.

There was an upcoming championship, and training was had, dad told me that my axles had gotten sloppy, that’s where I began.

I don’t know how long I was skating for, but when the lights were being flicked at me, I looked up spotting my dad stood on the edge of the ice.

Putting my earphones away, I skated over to him with ease. “They’re getting better,” He said, “But the hockey boys are gonna be here soon.”

“Right, yeah I’ll get off then.”

“You coming for dinner on Friday?”

“Do you really want me too?” I asked.

“Of course I do Eden.”

Giving him a nod, I began to untie my skates, throwing my trainers back, along with my hoodie.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” dad spoke.

“Tomorrow? My classes start tomorrow.”

The man let out a sigh, “Eden, regionals are coming up, your training isn’t changing. 6am.”

With a huff I nodded, heading out of the rink. “Coach!” I heard a voice call, making me speed up. Billy Hargrove. Resident asshole, and dad’s star player on the hockey team, along with the one and only …

“E!” Steve Harrington.

“Hey,” I smiled at him, giving him a quick squeeze. “How’s the moving in going?”

“It’s gone, we’re all settled in. You got a match coming up?”

“Friday.”

“I’ll be there,” I smiled.

“Course you will, Robin won’t come alone.”

I laughed, nodding, “That’s true. Good luck on your practice. Billy seems more asshole-ish today.”

Steve cocked him brow as me, making me shake my head, “I know, when is he not?” Saying my goodbyes to Steve I headed out to my car, sighing as I sat down, my feet aching from the skates.

I did love to skate, I did. I always wanted to be on the ice, in the winter I’d skate by the lake near our with mom. Sometimes dad would join us.

Mom had wanted to go pro, well she had, until she met dad and had me. We skated together for fun, but when she passed, dad kept pushing, got me a proper trainer. I was with professional skaters more than my dad.

I loved to skate, but I didn’t want to go pro, that’s why I went to college. I was studying history, wanting to work in a museum and go and find hidden treasures.

Dad didn’t want that for me though, he wanted me to skate, wanted me to be what mom never was. An olympian. And if I ever said no … well then came the guilt trips and “Eden think of your mother.”

Shockingly, maybe even to my dad’s surprise, there wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think of her.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

Pushing through the front door, I called out, “It’s only me!” Sliding my shoes off I threw them by Robins beat up docs and a pair of trainers owned by Nancy.

“Just in time! Dinner!” The curly haired girl smiled, her head popping round the door into the hallway. “I’ll be right there, just gonna take my bag to my room.”

“Well don’t take too long! The lasagna will go cold.” Nancy Wheeler was one of the kindest souls, she was also a total badass.

Dropping back on my bed with a groan, I let my bag fall to the floor. It wasn’t really my room yet, I was still trying to find a home for everything, the walls were bare, and hospital like.

The only thing that said me, were the countless medals and trophies scattered here and there. Along with the picture of me sat on my mom’s lap on my desk.

With a sigh I rubbed my thumb across the photo, she was beautiful.

“Eden!” Robin shouted, making me jump slightly. “Yeah I’m coming!” Putting the photo down I flicked the light off and headed to the girls.

Heading to the kitchen I sat down at our dining table, the chairs mismatched. “Uh I don’t think I can have the lasagna,” I said. Nancy stopped plating up my dinner.

“You okay?” Robin asked.

“Is it one of those days?”

Both girls were very aware of my issues with food, you had to look a certain way to skate, had to be a certain weight for a partner to lift you - something my dad never failed in reminding me.

“My dad’s not letting up on the training, so I’ve just gotta watch what I eat,” I sighed, giving the pair a sad shrug. I saw the girls share a glance.

“Eden-“ Nancy began.

“I’m not gonna do what I did last time, I’ll eat with you, I just can’t have what you have.” Robin sighed shaking her head,

“I swear next time I see your dad I’m kicking him in the throat.”

I laughed. “E, I’m saying this cause I love you, eat the fucking lasagna, fuck your dad-“ me and Robin gasped, Nancy barely swore, “Shush, the pair of you. You need to get better, analysing everything you eat will make you sick again.”

Under Nancy stern glaze and Robins smirk, “Give me the fucking lasagna.”

“Language!” Nancy scolded, making Robin cackle.

They really were the best friends I could ever ask for.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

Sat in class, our professor spoke to us about our first assignment, that we’d have to a presentation about an influential history figure - someone who was important to us. Only catch, she had pre-assigned partners for us.

A lot of groans rang out through the room, I didn’t mind, I was in class with a girl Robin was head over heels for, Vickie, but I assumed I wouldn’t be lucky enough to be paired with her.

“Victoria Carmichael and James Morgans.” What did I tell you?

“We’ve got Edward Munson and Eden Bennett,” the woman spoke. I looked up meeting a pair of dark eyes, I hadn’t ever really spoke to Eddie. “Now if you could please move to sit next to your partners.”

I threw my bag over my shoulder, grabbing my laptop, notebook and pen heading a few rows up to the boy. “Hey,” I offered him a smile, sitting down next to him. “Hi,” he grunted.

“I know you’ve all come back from your break, so this class can be used for planning your assignment and presentation. Next class we’ll be back to our regular schedule.”

“So Edward-“ I began.

“Eddie,” he cut me off.

“Hm?” He looked up at me, his face looked tired. “Nobody calls me Edward.” I nodded my head, “Ah okay, well Eddie. Any ideas who you want to study?”

He sighed, rubbing his face, “Queen Victoria?” I snorted a laugh, making him scowl at me. “What?”

“Just wasn’t expecting you to say that.”

“Something against Queen Victoria?”

I smiled at him, shaking my head, “No not at all, you sure you wanna study her? How about you make a list of people, I’ll do the same, and the we can choose one randomly?”

“Sure,” he turned from me, picking up his pen and began writing in his notebook. I did the same, giving us both a few minutes. “You ready?” I asked him.

“Yeah.”

“Okay, close your eyes.”

“What?” he asked with scrunched brows. “Close your eyes and point at any name.”

He sighed, shaking his head, making curls fall out of the bun at the base of his neck. He closed his eyes, and slammed his finger down onto my list instead of his.

“Oh cool!” I said, clasping my hands.

“Wow is it, Florence Nightingale? Cause she wasn’t all shes cracked up to be-“

“James Hetfield, he’s in Metallica.”

He looked at me with wide eyes, “You know James Hetfield?” I laughed, shaking my head in a yes motion. “Shocking I know, but I don’t live under a rock, my mom loves Metallica.”

“Oh right.”

“So, is that good for you?” He hummed nodding, “Y-yeah that’s fine.”

“Great could we swap numbers just so we can plan when to work on stuff together?”

“Sure?”

“You don’t sound sure?” I smiled, “We can swap emails if you want?”

“No, phone number is fine.” Ripping the paper from the bottom of my list off, I wrote my number down, giving it to Eddie.

“Just text me when you’re free and we can figure stuff out.”

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

“Okay guys that’s all for today!” the professor said loudly. I packed up my stuff, throwing my back on my shoulder, “It was nice meeting you Eddie, make sure to let me know when you’re free,” I smiled, before heading over to Vickie.

“Yeah, bye,” he said quietly, packing up his own things.

~ / / / * \ \ \ ~

I hope you enjoyed the first part of The Criminal and The Princess! More will be coming soon 🫶🏻

taglist : @gnrquinn @flawiette @taylorswiftsloverfr @mygirlchaos @marvelcasey05 @ali-r3n

let me know if you want to be added 🤍

#stranger things #eddie munson #eddie munson imagine #joe quinn #stranger things imagine #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x yn #eddie munson fluff #eddie stranger things #joe quinn imagine #joesph quinn imagine #joesph quinn #joseph quinn imagine #jospeh quinn #joseph quinn #eddie x y/n #eddie x fem!reader #eddie x you #eddie x reader #grumpy!eddiemunson #sunshine!reader #skater!reader #louloulemons #the criminal and the princess

[itsbeeble]

Come Back...Be Here

Summary: Dating an idol is not an easy task, and sometimes all you want is for Jun to come back, to be here with you

Genre: angst, fluff

Pairing: idol!Wen Junhui x gn!reader (i tried to keep it as neutral as possible, let me know if I missed something

WC: ~2.5k

Series Masterlist

18+ MINORS AND AGELESS BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT

WARNINGS UNDER CUT

Warnings: hurt comfort (what's new), insecurities, no arguing really, a little bit of kissing, mentions of toxic fans n whatever, mentions of Pledis, uhhh i think that's it yall it's really not that bad today teehee

Listen to Come Back...Be Here by Taylor Swift

A/N: keeping it relatively light today <3. I lowkey wanna rapid fire these but I also want quality so let's hope I don't like...disappear for another six months

“You’re sure you’ll be okay?” Jun has one hand in your hair and the other securely wrapped around your waist. You’re lying against his chest on the couch in your shared apartment, staring at a painting on the wall. 

“It’s just a tour, Junnie.” You say, your voice muffled slightly. “It’s nothing I haven’t done before.”

You don’t tell him that no, it isn’t okay. You want him to stay here with you. You want him home, close to you. It would never leave your mind that you hate when he has to leave for so long. Months and months without him, thousands of other people seeing him but you can only see him behind a screen. It kills you inside, but you’d rather let yourself suffer than tell your boyfriend that you don’t want him to go. 

“I know but…” Jun sighs, leaning his head back. “I dunno, it feels different this time. I feel like I shouldn’t leave you.” Your smile, pressing a light kiss onto the fabric of his shirt, right above his heart. 

“I promise that it’ll be fine.” You tuck yourself closer to him. “I’ll try not to miss you too much.” The joke makes you both laugh, but there’s a heaviness in the air that can’t be shaken. Your smile dies, and you curl your body up. Jun tightens his arms around you.

“I love you, Y/N.” 

“I love you too, Jun.” 

~

It’s hard not to cry at the airport. You can’t go inside with him since your relationship isn’t public yet, the two of you tucked into the back of the van with Jun gripping your hand tightly. The other boys have already gotten out, and you can hear the screams and cameras clicking. 

“This is your last chance to stop me,” he jokes. You try to laugh but your voice breaks, and Jun immediately frowns. “What’s wrong, love? You promised you wouldn’t cry.” A tear breaks free, and you hurriedly wipe it away. 

“I just…” there’s a shakiness in your voice that you can’t shake no matter how hard you try. “I wish I could go with you.” 

A tap on the window, Seungcheol most likely. You have to hurry.

“I know,” Jun presses his forehead to yours. “I know. It’s just until January, though. We can make it until then, right? We’ve gone longer.”

“I know, it’s— I just don’t—” you stumble over your words, and Jun presses a feather-light kiss to your cheek. Another, firmer, tap on the window and Jun starts to get up with a heavy sigh. Please don’t go, you want to scream. Stay here with me.

“Promise me that you’ll call me if you need me.” He pleads. “Promise me you won’t bottle it up.” 

You bite the inside of your cheek. Deep inside, both of you know you couldn’t keep those promises. 

“I promise. Now go, I don’t need Cheol to be mad at either of us, especially me.” Jun laughs, and you press a sweet kiss to his lips. It takes a moment for either of you to find the will to pull away, but a fist against the window jerks the both of you into reality again. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you too. Remember to call if you need anything.” He’s halfway out of the van, grinning at you. 

“I love you too,” you don’t say anything about those promises. Not that he would hear you anyway, the sound of the fans is near deafening when he slips outside. It’s only when the door closes again that you can hear, that you can focus. You’re thankful that the driver stays quiet, glancing at you occasionally in the rearview but not saying a word. 

Five months. You just have to wait five months. 

~

It’s a month before you break your promise for the first time. The apartment had been quiet for too long, lonely without Jun’s laughter to fill it. You call whenever you can, but the time zones make it hard. You try to text him whenever you can, but often he can’t respond until hours later when you’re working or asleep. It’s hard. It’s always hard, and you try not to complain or worry him, but sometimes you just can’t take it.

There are times when you almost regret meeting Jun. There are times when you wish you could have a relationship that allows you to see the one you love regularly, in person and not through a phone screen. It takes a while for you to break out of that feeling. It takes a while to remember that you wouldn’t want to be with anyone else, wouldn’t trade this relationship for the world. 

Today is one of those days. It had been a rough week overall between the shitty weather, dreadful work days, and the lonely apartment. You’re lying face down on Jun’s side of the bed, not quite crying but the tears brimming in your eyes are about to overpower your will to stay strong for Jun. 

It hadn’t even been a rough day. Maybe it was the combination of missing him that did it. Maybe it was the video that came across your feed of Jun beaming at a fan’s phone and completing their hand-heart. Maybe it was all getting to be too much for you. 

Your phone vibrates, lighting up with a call from Jun. You gnaw on your lip, your eyebrows furrowing it. 

“Hello?” You let the phone rest against your ear, forcing your voice to remain steady. Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry.

“Baby!” His voice is cheery, and a warmth blooms in your chest. “I’m so glad you picked up! I didn’t know if you’d be at work or asleep right now.”

“I’m about to go to bed,” you lie smoothly. You weren’t gonna go to bed anytime soon, and Jun probably knows that. “But I can stay up a little bit longer for you.” 

You wipe at your eyes, sniffing quietly. Jun goes quiet for a moment, and you can hear rustling on his side of the call. 

“Are you okay?” His voice is quieter now. “You sound…off.” 

“I’m okay,” you assure him. “I’m just tired.” He’s quiet again.

“You’d tell me if you weren’t okay?”

“Of course, I would.” You smile, “You know I wouldn’t lie to you.” He sighs.

“I just…I worry about you. I know it can be hard with me being away for so long, so I just want to make sure you’re fine.” 

The warmth that had bloomed in your chest expands, covering you from head to toe. This is why you could never truly regret meeting Junhui. He loves you, he cares about you, and he wants you to be okay. It almost hurts you to lie to him like you have, but you’d rather you be hurt than him be worried.

“You don’t have to worry about me, my love.” You reassure him. “I promised you I’d call you if something was wrong, right?” 

“...You did…”

“Then don’t worry.” 

It’s when you get off the phone that you officially break your promise. The tears aren’t slow or controlled. Your body is wracked with heaving breaths and choked sobs. You try to muffle yourself with the back of your hand, but you can’t. 

Four months to go, and you’ve already lied to Jun twice. You wonder how long you can keep up the charade before he figures it out. 

~

“They lied to me,” Jun sits crosslegged on the bed of his hotel, a horrid combination of angry and distraught. “Why did they lie to me?” 

Vernon shrugs, glancing up from whatever game he was playing on his phone. 

“How do you know they were lying?” He asks. “They said they were tired, right?”

“I mean— I mean yeah, but I know them!” He flings his body back, bouncing slightly on the mattress. “They’re upset, and they won’t tell me which means I can’t help them, which means that they’re just gonna keep bottling it up!” Vernon purses his lips.

“Maybe just…I dunno…fly them out here?”

“No, I can’t do that.” Jun denies. “They would never want to travel this much. Especially because our relationship isn’t public which means we can’t even explore together which—”

“Alright,” Vernon cuts him off. “Damn, it was just a suggestion. If it’s that big of a deal then just confront them about it.”

Jun pauses, contemplating this. He could do that, or…

“No. I trust them. I want them to come to me about this.” 

~

Month three. The past month hadn’t been that bad, you must admit. Things got a little easier, you’d adjusted to the silence in your apartment, the weather eased up bringing just a little bit of warmth to your day. Jun was calling daily now, despite the awkward times. He made sure to call at a reasonable time for you, no matter what time it was on his end. 

Every conversation led with him asking if you missed him, if you’d been taking care of yourself. You always gave him the same answer. Yes, you missed him very much, and yes, you had been taking care of yourself. He would get quiet, you would sigh or clear your throat, and he would carry on the conversation. Telling you about fan interactions, something funny the members told him, a new food he tried that he would love to take you to someday. 

Every call ends with an I love you, a hesitation on both ends, and you fighting to tell him to come back, be here with me. You never say it. You always hang up first. 

Then an article comes out. 

SEVENTEEN Memember Moon Junhui Announces Unexpected Hiatus Amidst World Tour

You immediately call him, each going directly to voicemail. You call every member and they all say the same thing. 

“He’s fine,” Seungcheol assures you.

“He’s not injured or sick, don’t worry too much,” Minghao dismisses.

“I’m sure he’d tell you if it was something to worry about,” Joshua sighs through the phone when you call him. “I promise you he’s fine.”

“Then why isn’t he picking up the phone?” You snap. Tears are brimming in your eyes, your hands are shaking. 

“Y/N.” Joshua’s voice is suddenly sharp. “I promise you, Jun is fine. He’ll call you soon, just stop worrying.” He hangs up the phone right after that, not giving you a chance to argue again. 

You spend the whole day pacing, checking your phone for any messages from Jun but come up empty. You’re stuck in your head, a neverending stream of worry and fear in your head. What if they were all lying to you? Nothing that you hadn’t been doing to Jun for months.

The lock in the door clicks.

You whirl around, nearly tripping over your own feet as the door slowly creeps open. A suitcase slides through the door, and then the door opens even wider. 

“You would think it would be easier to hike two suitcases into an elevator,” Jun grunts as he pushes through the door, another suitcase dragging behind him. He’s slightly sweaty, his hair in disarray, and he’s sluggish, but he’s here.

“Jun?” it feels like all of the air has been sucked from your lungs, and your phone hits the carpeted ground. Your boyfriend beams at you. 

“Hi, love.” He lets go of his suitcases, bending to crack his back a bit. “How are you—” 

He yelps when your body collides with him, your arms wrapping around his neck while he stumbles to catch his footing again. Jun’s body collides with the door, but his arms come to wrap around you, his body curling into yours a bit. It’s quiet between the two of you, much like your phone calls, and then Jun pulls away from you with a pout on his lips.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were upset?” Ah, so he did know. “I could’ve helped you!”

“I didn’t want to worry you!” You protest. He clicks his tongue, swatting you gently upside the head. 

“I don’t care about being worried. I’d rather you have told me about all of this! Do you know how upset I was that you didn’t feel comfortable telling me this?” You duck your head, your cheeks heating up. His hand comes to your cheek, guiding your face to look at him again. “I’m not mad at you, you know.”

“I know…” You sigh, leaning your face further into his hand. “I usually can do pretty good without you here but I guess…I dunno. Some nights it took everything in me to not yell at you to come home, to be here with me.”

“It wasn’t easy for me either, you know.” He sighs. “Do you know how hard it is to not be able to share things with you? To not want to fly you out with me so we can experience these things together?” Your stomach churns, and you press your face into his chest.

“You never told me,” your eyebrows knit together. “I mean, obviously I never assumed you were fine, but you were always with the members or interacting with fans, so I thought you would be okay.”

“That doesn’t mean I didn’t want you there with me,” he argues. “Yes, it’s fun being on tour, but I can’t always enjoy myself if you aren’t there with me. That’s— I just—” he inhales and rests his chin on top of your head. “Come with me.”

Your body tenses and you pull away from him. “What?”

“Come on tour with me,” he pleads, bending to your level. “Be with me, see these cities, and eat good food, and just…let me show you to the world.”

“I’m— Jun are you— is the company okay with this?” He grins at you.

“Not like they can stop me anyway,” he reassures you. “S.Coups will take care of it. In fact, he’s already making sure they don’t stop us.” 

Your heart is racing, your eyes bugging out of your head.

“And you don’t have to worry about backlash from fans,” he continues, noticing your silence, “if they say anything then we know who does and does not support us. We have good lawyers, too. We just have to get your plane ticket and then—”

You press your lips to his, your hand slipping to the back of his neck to pull him closer to you. He’s quick to reciprocate, relaxing into your hold. It’s a slow, warm kiss. It’s filled with nothing but love for each other, and you can’t help but smile and feel giddy. 

“Does this mean you’ll let me take you on tour with me?” Jun breathes out, his nose nudging against yours. 

“Only if you promise to never leave me behind again.” He smiles.

“We have a bad history with not keeping promises.”

“I don’t care. Just promise me.”

“I promise.”

~

Taglist: @winterchimez @juyeonszn @leejihoonownsmyheart @nobraincellmode

#itsbeeble #kpop #kpop imagines #kpop fluff #kpop angst #kpop x reader #seventeen #seventeen imagines #seventeen angst #seventeen fluff #seventeen x reader #wen junhui #jun #jun x reader #jun imagines #jun fluff #jun angst #moon joonhui #reese’s pieces 🗞️ #reese's works 📩 #reese's moots 🩵 #ally~ ⛄️ #brie~ 🫧 #fawn~ 🧼

[workingforthewidow]

Woah look at me actually posting 2 things within the same month lol- this is a part 2 to the Otis fic i posted a few days ago. You don’t HAVE to read it to understand this but it does help! I have honestly fallen in love with Otis and his Princess so I might start doing small one-shots in this universe so if you have any ideas or request let me know!

Warnings: as stated reader is in deep for Otis like so much Stockholm syndrome going on. Slight smut. Reference to non-con. This is Otis we are talking about so he can be a warning himself. But also OOC Otis like he’s super sweet but still in an Otis way. Blood. Lots of blood. Killing people. Knives. If there’s any major i missed please let me know! But yeah- don’t like it don’t read it.

She/her pronouns for reader. I tried to keep descriptions to a minimum, did mention pulling readers hair a lot but I mean i pull my husbands hair a lot and he has short hair so yeah.

18+

Word count 3,698. Link to part 1

She woke up to hear steady soft snores in her ear and the feeling of shallow sleepy breaths under her. A long pale arm wrapped around her waist held her securely to him. He stayed. He really stayed this time like he promised. Usually he was gone by the time she woke up. Maybe it was still night and she had just woken too early. But she could see the rays of light streaming in from the window. It was morning for sure. She lifted her head as much as she could and luckily she could see the clock on the wall. One of his few gifts to her. He wouldn’t give her a calendar but he at least got her the clock so she could have some time awareness. The hands of the clock read 1:49. They had gotten home at 1:30am. And by the time all was said and done she imagine she fell asleep no later than 2:30am. They had slept for 11 hours. He never slept that much. She was about to try to wake him when his grip tightened on her waist pulling her against him. He brushed his nose against her hair and kissed her forehead.

“Stop fucking moving and go back to sleep Princess.” He mumbled against her skin.

She relaxed against him and hummed contently. “But it’s almost 2 in the afternoon. We’ve been sleeping all day.”

“And if I say go back to sleep you fucking go back to sleep. Sleep for the next week if I say so.” He grunted out at her.

She nodded her head against his chest and closed her eyes again. What game was this? For sure a new one, they had never played a game like this before. Maybe it was the calm before the storm and next time she woke up he’d have her hanging from meat hooks on the ceiling or thrown back in the basement.

She was never able to fall back asleep. She just stayed very still against him other than occasionally tracing her fingers up and down his chest lazily like she was in a dream. Finally once the sun was setting did he stir awake. She was mid way up his chest near his heart when his hand clutched hers. If she wasn’t so use to him it would have hurt but she knew his grip was stronger than an alligators bite.

“Mornin’ Princess.” His still half asleep voice was low and rough. She laughed a little and shook her head.

“Ain’t mornin’ anymore. Almost dinner time.”

As if on cue Baby’s voice could be heard from the bottom of the stairs, “Otis! I haven’t seen my little best friend in two whole days. It’s about time you let her down here to see me and Mama.”

Otis groaned and rubbed his face before flinging her off him onto the floor. He stood up and looked down at where she had stayed on the floor like his good little girl. “Put some clothes on.” He threw her a pile of fabric at her. She separated it to reveal her shorts and one of his ‘burn this flag’ tank tops. Another change to the game. He never let her wear his clothes outside of the flannel she got to wear during the winter. Even then it was just the one and she had to keep track of it or else it was taken and hidden from her in a wicked game of hide and seek. She slid the clothes on without questioning him. “Perfect.” He grabs her face and kisses her harshly. But not as harshly as during a game. It wasn’t a true romantic kiss like the one from the night before but it wasn’t a one sided “I own you and can put my mouth anywhere I please” kiss either. “Come on Sweetheart.” He took her hand and led her down the stairs to the table.

The family were already seated and she noticed four guest sitting on the far end of the table. Two men and two women. One of the men looked extremely excited to be there while the other man and the women looked like they’d rather be anywhere else.

Mama immediately got up at the sight of them and floated towards them. She was so elegant and graceful.

“Oh my sweet Otis and little Darling. You joined us. How special is this? Come sit, sit. We have guest and it’s Halloween. I am blessed today.” She cooed before returning to her seat. “Masks on everyone.” She announced placing her own masks on her face. The others followed suit with the expect of one of the women and Otis and his girl.

“Put the damn mask on or she won’t let us have dessert!” Grandpa huffed from across the table.

The women sneered towards Otis and her, “They don’t have masks. Why do I have to do it?” Oh she was an entitled thing. Otis hated that kind of girl, his princess was never like that not even when he first got her.

“Playin’ by different rules sugar.” Otis spat out at her with venom laced words. She looked at him shocked before placing the mask on her face. The group ate in silence for a few minutes before the man who was acting like he was at DisneyLand spoke up.

“So uh any of you heard of Doctor Satan?” Everyone’s eyes shot up and glared holes into his head. She looked around at Mama and then to Otis who cleared his throat. He went on to spin the tale of Doctor Satan as if it were just that, a story. But she knew better. She knew the truth. Before anything else could be said Baby rang the gong. Time for her show.

Everyone filed into the show room and watched as Baby did her performance. She was a natural talent. She could even be in the picture shows. Baby was dancing close to one of the men and the woman next to him seemed to be jealous. She thought that’s probably what she would like that when Baby was all over Otis if she didn’t know the truth about their relationship. Sure they had done things in the past but once Otis brought her home and finally into his room and Baby claimed her as her “little best friend” all sexual acts between them stopped.

“A girl doesn’t two-time on her little best friend, Otis. She’d get all upset and cry. Best friends don’t make each other cry.” She had told him once he tried to get handsy with her. He didn’t care if the stupid girl got upset. He just wanted a good fuck and the girl locked in his room had yet to truly prove herself to him. Sure she could spread her legs and open her mouth but she wasn’t as exciting as Baby. Until one day out of the blue she was. She was doing everything just how Baby did it. Turns out the poor girl had begged Baby to tell her what to do to keep his attention on her. And boy was she a quick learner.

Lost in her head she didn’t realize all the movement going on around until screams hit her ears and she was picked up, thrown over Otis’s shoulder. He threw her into one of the empty rooms that only held a bed and a dresser. He pushed her onto the bed and held his knife to her throat.

“You move out of this room. You die. You scream or make a noise. You die. You do anything that’s not staying in this room and shutting your fucking mouth. You. Die.” He pulled her by her hair to lock eyes with her. His eyes were even more blood thirsty than usual. “Understand me, Princess?”

Her lip quivered, what was happening? She had never seen guest end like this. Yes they killed and took their cars and money but this felt different. He pulled her hair harder and pushed the knife deeper into her throat waiting her response.

“Yes, I’ll be good. Stay here and be quiet.” Her wide eyes glistened with tears threatening to fall from the pressure on her head from her pulled hair. He nodded and let her hair go, running his fingers through it for a moment.

“Good girl. If I haven’t come to get you by morning you can come find me okay?” She nodded again quickly. He grabbed her chin and pulled her into a kiss. “I love you Princess.”

He said it again! Twice in one day! She happily kissed him back and smiled wide at him, “I love you, too.” He brushed her hair out once more before leaving the room making sure the door locked behind them.

She didn’t even realized she had fallen asleep until she woke with a jump. Had it really been that long? After Otis had left she paced the room before she decide to explore the dresser a bit. In the top drawer was an old worn copy of some book she’d never heard of but from the picture on the cover it looked to be some cliché romance. She sat on the bed resting her back against the wall and started reading, having nothing better to do. She must have fallen asleep mid-read. She looked out the window. Sunshine. It was morning and Otis hadn’t come back for her. What if something happened? Was he hurt? Did those guest hurt him or Baby or Mama? She was even worried for Hugo. She leapt to her feet and bounded towards the door. Just as she was about to fiddle with the lock she heard the click of a key and the turn of the doorknob. She jumped back so the door wouldn’t hit her when it swung open.

On the other side of the door stood her Otis. Her sweet, loving, blood covered, Otis.

“Sorry I’m late Princess had to clean up someone else’s mess. But I got a surprise for you.” He smirked and took her hand. He led her back to the room they shared and covered her eyes to keep her surprise from her. Was this a real surprise? Like a present? “It ain’t much but we gotta start ya off with something easy, okay?” He removed his hands from her eyes and she blinked at the sudden light from the darkness. Once her eyes adjusted she saw the surprise. Tied to chairs and knocked out sat two of the guest. The man in glasses that Baby had sang to and the women she assumed was his girlfriend or wife.

Otis pulled her against his chest and kissed the top of her head. “I have an idea for these two fuck ups and I need my pretty little Princess to help me. Gonna teach ya to be a real artist not just my muse.” He handed her one of his knives and took one in his own hand. “You get the girl shes more your size. Don’t fuck it up Princess.” He moved over to the man and bent down by his ankles, “All it takes is a clean up to the ankles.” He swiftly sliced the knife threw the mans skin causing him to pop his eyes open with a scream. His screaming then woke the woman. “Your turn Princess.”

She twisted the handle in her hands and looked at him nervously. “Come on Princess, it ain’t hard.” Somehow she only heard his voice. She knew the people were screaming and crying but she was focused on him. Tired of waiting he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the floor and held her smaller hand in his. “Like this.” With a flick their wrist the knife cut one of the woman’s ankles. “You do the next one.”

She took a breath and moved closer to the other unharmed ankle. Her eyes flickered to his for a moment before exhaling and cutting through the skin. She hit a vein just right and blood splattered on her face and chest. She stood up as Otis whistled at her.

“Damn didn’t think you could get any prettier but I was wrong. This is how you’re meant to look Princess.” He pulled her close and licked some of the blood off her face. “Let’s give the happy couple some alone time. Should be done by the time we come back.” He smirked and jammed his knife into the woman’s thigh. He looked at her than to the man and back to her. She got the message. She walked to the man and stood above him.

“Wait, wait, wait! I know you. You’re that girl who went missing last year. The millionaire’s stepdaughter. Just let us go and we can take you home to your family and away from these psychos.”

Otis growled and almost pounced on the man but she raised her hand to stop him. “This is my home. This is my family. This is all I need. You don’t fucking know me. You know my face and you know my name but you don’t know me. Only my family knows me. Only Otis knows me.” She screamed in his face so close it fogged his glasses before stabbing him the thigh twisting the blade a few times for extra hurt.

The man and the woman continued screaming and begging for their lives as Otis took her away. He took her to the bathroom and ran the shower. Peeling off her blood soaked clothes slowly before removing his own. He pulled her under the water and watched as it mixed with the blood on her face and ran down the drain. Wordlessly he titled her head back and let the water run through her hair.

All of this was so new. Never had they done this before. And if they had she was sure it would have just been about sex. But he was being gentle and soothing. She could his erection plan as day but decided if he wasn’t making this about sex she shouldn’t either. She hummed as he brushed through her wet hair getting all the blood out. Normally he would be smearing all over her. She always let him do it. She always let him do whatever made him happy. But as soon as he was done with her she would run to the shower as fast as she could to clean herself. But now he was cleaning it off her. Gentle rubbing his hands down her body in a non-sexual way. Once he was satisfied with how clean she was he moved their places and let the water trail over himself. All of this done in silence. Only the water running and their breathing could be heard. Finally he cut he water and stepped out leaving her standing in the shower.

“Feel better Princess?” He asked wrapping her in a towel that was honestly probably dirtier than them when they entered the shower.

“Yes, thank you.” She smiled at him wide eyed.

“Have another surprise for you while we wait for those fucks to finish up.” He walked her back to their room, “Get your clothes on. Whatever you want.” He said as he went to inspect the people in to the corner who’s yelling had turned to whimpers.

She dug through her clothes finally able to pick her own outfit. She quickly put on a soft lavender purple matching bra and panties then looked over to him.

“All your clothes. We’re going back down stairs.” Oh she really got to pick her own outfit. This never happened. She went back to drawers and dug again finding her blue jean shorts and a black shirt. She slipped them on and looked to him again. “That’s better Princess. Now down the stairs.” He gestured to the door and followed her down the staircase. “This way.” He pulled her outside and towards one of the sheds where they kept the extra clothes and other items from guest who never left.

He opened the door and pushed her inside. He lit a match and fired up a lamp hanging from the ceiling. She stood still as he rooted around looking for something. She thought about asking him if she could help him find whatever it was he was looking for but as soon as she opened her mouth to speak he turned to her box in hand. “Come here pretty girl.” He called her closer and held out the box to her. “A pretty princess needs a pretty jewel. Take whichever one you want.”

She looked inside the box and gasped. Inside were tens if not hundreds of shining rings. Some silver, some gold, some with diamonds, others with colored gems, and some that were just metal. She dug around looking for any she might like and took a few in hand. She went to try and size it to her right hand finger but he stopped her.

“Other hand Princess.”

She cocked her head to the side in confusion, “But that hands for a wedding band.”

“Just do it don’t fucking argue with me.” Hell for once in his damn life he was trying to be genuine and she had to run her mouth.

She nodded and moved to her other hand. She tried a few too small. A few too big. And a few she just didn’t like how they sat on her finger. Otis was starting to get impatient with her once again, always taking forever. He looked around in the box and found he liked and grabbed her hand sliding the band over her finger. She looked at her hand then to him and back at her hand again. The gem was a deep ruby red similar to his ever beloved blood and the band was the same silver as his knives. It was perfect. Just like her Otis was perfect.

“It’s perfect.” She whispered as if it would break if spoke too loud. “But why?”

“What can’t do a fucking nice thing for you?”

“No. No. Thank you. I just don’t understand what’s happening.”

“I’ve told you a hundred times. You are mine forever.” Why couldn’t she get that through her thick skull?

She fiddled with the ring on her finger, “I know. And I’m happy to be yours forever. But, but this feels like you wanna marry me or something. And I…”

“Well we ain’t having no big ole party and it ain’t gonna be legal. But married and forever are the same things,” he interrupted her.

She took a deep breath, she imagined he wouldn’t like what she was about to say and needed to muster up all her courage. “I know I get that. But married also means one and only forever. You are my one and only but am I yours? Married means no other girls.”

Otis put the box holding the rings down and grabbed her face in both hands making her look up at him.

“Princess, ain’t had anyone in my bed except you since I brought you in it. Knew you was something special. A man’s gotta settle down sometime. Get him a sexy little housewife. Hell maybe even knock you up have little brats running around. Mama and Baby would love that.” Sincere. He was being sincere and true and kind and all the things she didn’t even think Otis Driftwood knew what the definitions were.

Tears flowed down her cheeks flooding over his hands. “Really? You want a family? With me?”

“Fuck yeah I do Princess. Any woman that can slice an ankle that clean and not flinch when the blood hits her face is a woman I wanna keep.” He kissed her and rested his forehead against her, “Don’t mean I’m gonna be nicer. I will still cut your throat if you leave or do anything stupid. Still gonna pull you by your hair. And fuck you how I like whenever I like.” He grabbed her hair and yanked her to slide before sinking his teeth into her neck. There was the Otis she knew and, in a sick twisted way, loved. He pulled back and grinned at her with her blood running down his chin.

“Let’s go back and finish our art piece.” He led her back up the stairs and found their models ready to pose.

After working on the art piece for hours she was again covered in blood and guts and pieces of someone else’s flesh were stuck to her. Otis gave the piece a once over and turned to her, equally as messy as she was.

“I don’t think I’ve seen anything more perfect. Besides you Princess.” He smirked at her and winked.

She didn’t know what game this was but she hoped they played it forever. All the sweet words he had been whispering in her ear, as he guided her hands showing her how to work on the art piece and use his many tools, were sounding more and more like a dream come true. He wanted to marry her, well he had ‘married’ her, and wanted a family with her. That was something she always dreamed of- being a mother and having a family. Even if her family was messed up and sick in the head. She was excited about the future.

“Let’s get you clean up and off to bed, Princess.” He kissed her forehead and took her to the shower to clean again. She truly felt like she was in a dream. Once they were clean he took her to bed and let her curl up on him like he did the day before.

“We‘ll take them to Spaulding tomorrow. I’ll bring you with me.” He promised her.

“Thank you. For everything you have done for me. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my whole life.” She looked up and pressed a kiss to his jaw.

“Me either, Princess. Me either.” He held her face and kissed her forehead. “Now sleep and don’t fucking wake up until the sun is shining.”

#otis driftwood fanfic #otis driftwood #house of 1000 corpses #otis driftwood x reader #house of 1000 corpses fanfic #house of 1000 corpses x reader #slashers #slashers x reader #slasher fanfic

[daddyy333]

“I’m scared” | Steve Rogers x y/n

if you’d like you can reblog my original work, but please don’t post it without credit. if you take inspiration from my ideas please tag me, I’d like to see how someone else would write it

word count: 3.6k

warnings: reader is kidnapped, reader is tortured, ready is severely injured, hospitals, blood, bruising, panic attack

summary: Even the strongest people, including Avengers, feel human emotions and y/n still hasn’t gotten used to that

Steve paced the room, clutching your dog tags in one hand whilst he rested his hands on his hips. 6 days. 6 goddamn days they’d had you. They sent your dog tags back to them on day 2, and had been sending untraceable videos every 12 hours.

He should’ve stopped you. He got trapped under some debris and instead of getting out of there you focused on getting him out. When you finally did, more Hydra agents came running towards you and you shoved Steve out of the building and ran to fight them off.

That was the last time he saw you. No “goodbye”, no “I love you”, no hug, just pure fear and adrenaline running through each other's veins. You were in awful shape from what he’d seen in the videos, beaten nearly to death.

You were barely conscious now, your head throbbing and your vision blurred and slightly darkened in your left eye. You couldn’t hear normally and your entire body hurt like hell. You think you were stabbed in your thigh, or at least cut because it hurt so much and there was a puddle of blood underneath you.

“Steve…” you whimpered softly, shaking as you laid on the floor in the fetal position. Your hands and legs were tied, leaving with no way to move or even think about getting out between the restraints and the pain.

“P-Please…Steve,” you cried, begging for him to save you. You were so scared and in so much pain, you just wanted to hear his voice or feel his touch again. You wanted to be with him again, to be safe.

Another shock to your back, the police taser they must’ve stolen or bought illegally leaving you unconscious. At least you wouldn’t feel the pain for a while.

Steve sighed, running his hand through his messy hair. Bucky suddenly opened the door noisily, panting harshly. “Steve! Steve, come on let’s go” he said and Steve shook his head, brows furrowed but before he could ask Bucky was already gone.

He scoffed and ran after him, being led to the quinjet. “What’s going on?” He asked, his heart pounding. Tony flew in after him and said “we’ve got a location, suit up”

12 minutes later they were landing in front of what looked to be an abandoned building, but there was a small hydra symbol scratched into the door. Steve didn’t even bother to listen to the plan, he sprinted as fast as he could and kicking the door in.

He searched every room, fighting off whoever he had to. The team followed, their only focus to find you and bring you home. Bucky was the one that found you, and his heart broke. You’d become like a little sister to him, and he didn’t want to see you like this.

“Nat! Come here!” He said, panicking because he couldn’t tell if you were breathing. He let out a shaky breath and said “whatever you do, do not let Steve in here” “oh god,” she said, catching a glimpse of you. He snapped and said “hey! I’m serious”

Natasha nodded and Bucky closed the door, running to you. He gently moved you onto your back, feeling for a pulse. It was weak, but you were still alive. He shook you lightly, trying to wake you up, your skin ice cold.

“Y/n! Come on, come on, wake up!” He said and sighed. Tony came in and shook his head, using the suit to get your basic vitals like your heartbeat and stuff. “We need to get her to a hospital. She’ll be- god, she’ll be fine as long as she gets to a hospital” Tony said and picked you up bridal style.

You groaned weakly, a tear falling down your face. “Hey, hey it’s just me. It’s Tony. The big asshole you hate more than anyone in the world, remember?” He said and more tears slipped down your face. You moved your jaw just slightly, a weak attempt at a whisper as you basically mouthed “Tony?”

“Yea, yea I’m here. Don’t panic, alright? We’ve got you now, you’re safe. We’re gonna take you to the hospital” he said and you moved your head into his chest, a small and pained sob leaving your mouth.

Tony bit his lip, shaking his head. He sighed and said “Natasha! Open the door!” As he moved out of what felt like a jail cell. She gasped as she saw you, tears filling her eyes.

“Y/n?” Steve said, his voice shaky and his breathing harsh and unsteady. Tony cursed and you groaned. “Steve” you whispered hoarsely. You could barely hear well enough, but it was so quiet you hoped whoever was calling your name was Steve.

“Hey, hey it’s me. I’m right here, y/n, it’s me. It’s Steve” he said and you forced your eyes open as much as you could. You whimpered, squirming and whining as you whispered Steve’s name over and over.

Tony gently placed you in his arms and you settled after a few moments, his warm hands cradling your body and his voice settling your anxiety in ways you didn’t think were possible. “Don’t go…please…stay wi-…with me” you struggled to say and he shushed you, assuring you that he was with you.

He tried to put you down so that the nurses in the quinjet could do whatever they could to help you but you whined, your cries getting stronger and your fear and discomfort obvious. He sat on the stretcher and said “okay, okay I’m here. I won’t let you go, I’ll hold on to you as long as I can, alright?”

You whimpered in response and the nurses started wiping away the dirt and blood off of your body. You whined and groaned, crying out when they brushed over bruises and cuts. “I’m so sorry…I’m so goddamn sorry” Steve said, caressing your hand.

You winced, a pained sound leaving your mouth as they tried to move your ankle. Yea, you thought something happened to it but now you were sure it was sprained or something.

Steve almost felt nauseous watching this happen, tears stinging in his eyes. He just wanted to close his eyes and then wake up next to you and be told he was having a nightmare and you’re completely fine. But of course that wasn’t going to happen.

As soon as they got to the hospital Steve ran into the building, begging for help. The doctors brought over a stretcher and he ran after them as the moved you to a trauma room. “Sir you can’t be in here, you need to wait in the waiting room” one of the nurses said and he sighed.

“Steve” you said weakly, sniffling. The doctor was trying to calm you done but the heart monitor was proving that you were only panicking without him. “Okay, okay damn it, get him in here” the doctor said and Steve was at your side in the blink of an eye, holding your hand and making sure you could hear his voice and know that he was there.

You cried and cried through the pain, and even passed out twice which was scaring the shit out of Steve. “Okay, we don’t think you’ll need surgery but we are going to give you a sedative so you can calm down and won’t exactly feel everything while we work on you” the doctor said and you groaned weakly.

Steve worried when your eyes fluttered close yet again, and his heart dropped when they said you were completely fine but the mild sedative made you sleep because of how exhausted your body was. He still stayed with you, refusing to leave, even when the doctors told him he needed to be checked as well, as he did get a few minor injuries while fighting off hydra agents.

Eventually he dozed off at your bedside, exhausted from days staying up late worrying about you. They had to find their strongest doctors to lift the dead weight that was Steve Rogers onto a stretcher which is when he finally decided to wake up.

“Hey, hey! Where’s y/n!” He said, panicking. They moved so he could see you right next to him. “She’s alright, she’s all taken care of now, we need to have a look at you please” one of the nurses said and he sighed. He laid back down, letting them wheel him to the next room and changing into a hospital gown so they could access different parts of his body better.

He sighed, hands and feet shaky as he waited impatiently for them to finish. He knew he was fine, this was so unnecessary when what he needed right now was to be by your side.

As soon as they said he was fine he put his suit back on and ran to your room. You were still asleep, your lips in an adorable pout as your long lashes kissed your cheeks. You look so much better, of course you had some bruises and a few cuts here and there but it was nothing compared to how bad he thought it was.

He gently grabbed your hand, kissing it softly as a tear fell down his face. He just wanted you to wake up, he wanted to hear your voice and look into your eyes and know that you were okay and you were with him.

His gaze trailed to the heart monitor, watching it beep steadily. 83 beats per minute. His was 105 right before they let him go and it probably still was. He was really really anxious.

A few minutes later the team came in and all collectively sighed with relief, which almost made Steve chuckle. Wanda came in and said “I-I’m so sorry, I did not know what was happening until I saw it on the news. Why wasn’t I informed?”

She looked towards the team but was shocked to hear Steve speak. “Didn’t want to bother,” he said softly. She sighed and said “bother? Ugh, you upset me sometimes” He chuckled and she brushed your hair out of your face.

“What happened?” She asked and Steve sighed. He bit his lip and said “I uh…got trapped under some debris and couldn’t get out and she came back to help me and we were trying to get out of there and she got me out and basically offered herself to them to keep the rest of us safe. It’s my fault”

“Steve, it's not your fault. It’s no one’s fault. She did what had to be done. She knew the consequences and she’d probably do it again just for you, punk.” Bucky said and sighed. Steve looked away, a sad smile on his face. He didn’t deserve you.

The team brought him some clean clothes and he changed and finally ate something. He was so glad you were okay, he had to keep himself from giggling like a little kid.

He let you sleep for hours, and even dozed off himself until finally you woke up. It was night time now, and when your eyes focused you could see it was 8:28pm on the clock on the opposite wall to the one your bed was against.

You nearly panicked, your heart rate spiking for a moment before you looked around and realized you were in a hospital. You tried to lift your hand but there was some kind of weight holding it down.

You looked over and saw Steve sleeping, his head partially on your hand whilst he held it in his sleep. “Steve,” you said, relieved. Your voice was a bit more clear and louder than before and it woke him up out of his light sleep.

His head shot up frantically and you gasped, not expecting that. He groaned and rubbed his eyes, looking up at you. He gasped, a smile instantly forming on his cute face. You slowly placed your other hand on his cheek, caressing it softly.

“You found me,” you said, tears forming in your eyes. He nodded, cupping your hand with his free hand, kissing it softly. “Can I hold you? Please?” He said, his baby blues forming into adorable little puppy eyes.

You felt safe. Every feeling of fear and pain was gone. You trusted him more than anything. “Please?” You said quietly and he felt his heart flutter. He stood up and sat next to you, wrapping his arm around you and letting you lean into his warm chest.

“I’m so glad you’re okay. You have no idea how scared I was, y/n, I was worried sick. I couldn’t eat, I could barely sleep, all I wanted was to be in this moment right here” he said and you sighed shakily, tears forming in your eyes.

“I was so scared, Steve” you said, his heart breaking at the cracks in your shaky voice. He held you tight, but gently as you cried softly, trying to hold it back. “I know, babe. I can’t imagine the kind of things you experienced and I hope every one of those heartless assholes rots in hell. You’re safe now, my beautiful doll. I won’t let anything happen to you” he said and you sniffled.

“I love you” you cried into his chest, over and over again. You worried you’d never see him again, never hear his voice again or feel his strong arms around you. “I love you more,” he said, kissing your head.

He spent every moment you were awake holding you and reassuring you and making sure you were okay. He fed you and helped you shower, and spent ten minutes before the shower reassuring you that he wouldn’t judge you for your new scars and bruises, that he loved every part of you and those scars proved just how strong you are.

He talked to all the doctors for you and communicated everything to you so it wouldn’t overwhelm you, and you were out the next night. Steve drove you home, one hand holding yours and the other steering. He caressed your hand the entire time, sometimes tapping his thumb to the best of the low music or tracing shapes.

Once you parked you didn’t even have time to blink and he was at your side, helping you out of the car. You could walk okay now, your ankle was a little swollen but there was nothing wrong internally so it must’ve just gotten hit pretty bad at some point.

With the I.Vs they’d given you and the food Steve had shoved down your throat you actually felt pretty energized already, greeting the team with a shy smile. Everyone looked so relieved to see you alive and well, especially Nat and Bucky.

“Scared the hell out of me, kid. Quit being the hero, damn it” Nat said, sighing. Steve kissed your head and said “she’s right, babe” “yea, yea, yea” you said and chuckled.

“You alright?” He asked and you nodded. You held onto his arm as you said “I’m fine, Steve. Whatever happened, happened. It’s over now I’m fine” “are you sure?” He asked and you rolled your eyes. “I’m gonna hit you” you said and he chuckled, kissing your cheek.

Eventually you got back to your bedroom, throwing your hair up in a messy bun and changing into your comfiest clothes. “Steve?” You asked as you came out, noticing he wasn’t in the room anymore. You cleared your throat and sat on the bed, sighing.

You opened your phone and checked whatever notifications you had, scrolling for a bit. Something shiny on your desk caught your attention and you stood up, slowly making your way over. You picked up your dog tags, a shiver running down your body.

Tears filled your eyes and you felt shaky, your heartbeat thumping in your chest. Your hand began to shake and you blinked a few times, shaking your head. You whimpered slightly, trying to sit on the bed but you missed and fell right on your ass.

It brought right back to that stupid cell, being thrown down on the floor and kicked against the wall. You can still feel that pain in your body and combined with the pain you were experiencing from falling made it hard to even think about calming down.

“Steve” you called weakly, you were trying to be loud but you couldn’t breathe and your throat felt so tight. Tears rolled down your face as you frantically tried to catch your breath but no matter how hard you tried you couldn’t do it and it was scaring you more.

You tried to call for Steve again but you couldn’t even speak, and your vision was blurry and started to blacken. You whimpered and sobbed weakly, worried that somehow you were going to die and put Steve through the trauma of finding you.

“Here, I made you a grilled cheese- woah, woah woah woah babe…” he said and set the plate down on the nightstand, trying to get your attention without touching you. You continued to cry, squeezing your eyes shut as you tried to focus on breathing.

“Y/n! Y/n, come on look at me please sweetheart. I’m right here,” he said and gently placed a hand on your back. You jumped, trying to focus on whoever was touching you. You blinked rapidly, realizing it was Steve.

He pulled his hand off and you whined, grabbing onto his shirt and trying to hide yourself in his chest. “Steve, Steve! Steve!” You cried weakly, just barely whispering as loud as you could. He carefully wrapped his arms around you, kissing your head.

“I’m here, I’m here y/n. It’s me, Steve. Tell me what’s wrong. Are you in pain?” He asked and moved your head to his heartbeat, the sound you’d fall asleep to every chance you had. Your body was shaking so hard, you squeezed his shirt tight out of pure fear.

“You have to breathe, doll. Try to catch your breath, I’ll do it with you come on” he said and you groaned. You whimpered weakly, whispering something that Steve barely managed to understand.

“Please don’t h-hurt me, don’t hurt m-me, don’t- don’t hurt m-m- me,” you repeated over and over again. He closed his eyes for a moment, his heart clenching at how scared and frantic you seemed to be.

He held you tight, speaking softly and trying to encourage you to focus and calm down. It took so long, your food got cold, but eventually you were taking deep breaths all on your own, tears dried on your face. You were still shaking, hands still holding tight onto Steve.

You feel a lot better, but you know you’re not okay and you know it’s bad because you're admitting it. “I’m scared, Steve” you said quietly, he almost didn’t hear you. This was the first thing you’d said in at least 15 minutes.

“I-I know, I know you’re scared but that’s okay. No one can hurt you though, you’re safe here, in my arms. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. But it’s completely normal for you to feel scared. I’m gonna be right here to remind you that your safe everyday until you’re not scared anymore” he said and you took a deep, shaky breathing, moving so your forehead rested right against his chest.

“It feels…so stupid of me” you said, voice shaky, almost like you were gonna cry again. His heart broke and he said “don’t cry, precious. It’s not stupid. Anyone would feel this way, it’s not weird or wrong” “I’ve been through enough, this shouldn’t be such a big deal!” You said, fists clenching tighter.

He grabbed your hands, caressing your fingers. “You just escaped a very, very dangerous and harmful situation less than 48 hours ago. Don’t be upset at yourself for feeling, babe. It’s the most human experience that there is” he said and you sighed.

You looked up at him and said “it’s never been like this before” “because you’ve never let yourself be vulnerable. I told you I’d make you the happiest girl ever. Part of that means feeling all the bad stuff too, so you can be even happier” he said and you smiled sadly.

He pressed a kiss to your forehead, wiping your tears away. You looked down at his shirt, wrinkles left where your hands were. He cupped your face in his warm hands and he saw the tension leave your body, muscles relaxing and unclenching from all the stress you’ve experienced.

“I hope you get used to this, cause you’re gonna go through a lot of bad feelings for a while. I’m not letting you run away from it anymore, especially not now” he said and you rolled your eyes. He smiled and said “now, eat your cold grilled cheese,”

You giggled and took a bite, playing with the sleeves of his shirt as he stared at you lovingly. You leaned your back against the bed, taking a deep breath. “Do you feel better?” He asked and you nodded.

He smiled even more, if that was possible, and it made you chuckle. He caressed your calf softly, taking a bite out of the sandwich he made you and then handing it over to you again.

“Love you, pretty girl” he said, his mouth still full. You smiled and said “I love you too” You were quiet, almost as if you wanted to make sure only he would be able to hear it. He kissed your knee, smiling up at you with those beautiful baby blue eyes.

Taglist: @kandis-mom @mrsevans90

As of now l'm writing for

Eddie Munson

Lo’ak

Neteyam

Sebastian Stan

Bucky Barnes

CW!Bucky Barnes

Chris Evans

Steve Rogers

Ari Levinson

Geralt of Rivia

Henry Cavill

So just comment the taglist you want to be added to and l'll add you :)

#mcu #marvel #avengers #steve rogers #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x you #steve rogers x y/n #steve rogers fluff #captain america

[certifiedlovergirlsstuff]

scoops!robin x reader ask :)

i think it would be cute if the reader came to visit robin at scoops and steve (who doesn't know who the reader is) was manning the register and decides to flirt a little bit. cue robin in the back laughing to herself listening to this shit go down until she's had enough fun and basically goes "hey dingus that's my gf i always talk about" and steve's like :O

500 celebration yaaaayy!!

MY FIRST ROBIN WRITE!!! if this does well might write for her more and anyone could always send in asks for her.

pairing: robin buckley x fem!reader wc: 1K

masterlist

when your fifteen minute break started you headed over to scoops hoping to catch robin for just a few minutes. it’s great that you and your girlfriend work at Starcourt, but it sucks when your breaks can’t align.

you hurried away from the movie theater and down the escalator, squeezing past the gaps between people. it was a bit rude, but you were being as polite as possible just wanting to see robin’s smiling face and freckles cheeks.

when you walked into scoops and saw not a customer in sight it made you happy since robin wouldn’t need to end her break right away unless someone ringed the bell. there wasn’t a worker behind the counter so you pushed the saloon doors open without complaint and frozen at the sight before you.

instead of your gorgeous girlfriend sitting at the small table in the back room, steve harrington was leaning in a chair as he chomped on a banana, his cheeks puffing like a chipmunk. his brows scrunched in the middle and his mouth came to a pout as he spoke, muffled by his food, “wo re ou?”

“friend of robin.” playing it safe even if robin has told you how she teases him around and he isn’t a bully anymore. you weren’t sure what else he knows though since you haven’t gotten the time to really meet this ‘new steve’. “uh, where- where’s robin? was supposed to meet before she was off break.” wringing your hands together as a mindless tick.

steve chewed a few more times before swallowing harshly, “said she wanted to take a lap. getting too cooped up in the store.” he threw his empty peel onto the white table top. “don’t think we’ve met before.” his head tilted to the side, probably trying to recall your face or name.

you moved away from the door to lean your back into the counter, hands curling around the linoleum beside you. “well, i’m only friends with robin. haven’t gotten to really meet you, king steve.” using the high school nickname to poke a bit of understanding from you to him.

steve winched, “so we went to high school together, got it.” he rested all four chair legs on the floor to lean onto the table, “i don’t know what robin’s told you about myself while she’s been here, but i swear i’m not like that anymore. stopped hanging around tommy and carol since november of ‘83, basically babysit without pay, i work here and wear this stupid uniform. i’m no longer king steve.”

you were quiet, taking in all this information you kinda knew already but processing it in steve’s words. and then you couldn’t help giggling a little as you said, “the uniform definitely isn’t the most flattering for a guy like you.”

steve smiled and cocked a brow, “a guy like me?”

a shrug of your shoulders, “well it’s the hat. ruins your best feature obviously, steve the hair harrington.” being fully sarcastic, but steve straightened up and pointed a finger at you with enthusiasm, “thank you! i’ve been telling robin that for so long.”

and speaking of robin, she still wasn’t around and you did want to get something to eat. a quick look at your watch telling you seven minutes have gone by. you kissed your teeth, “uh, i gotta go get lunch. uh, if you see robin just tell her i stopped by and i’ll call her.”

moving back to the door before a squeak and steve’s voice stopped you, “wait, uh, i could give you an ice cream. on the house, if you’d like.” running a hand through his hair.

you couldn’t help the simple smile on your lips, “that’s nice, steve, but kinda want actual food in my stomach for the rest of my shift.” and robin gives you free ice cream anyway.

he waved you off, “well the offers on the house whenever. also, where do you work in the mall. think i’d notice if you were around.”

index finger landed on the name tag stuck on your bright blue shirt, “movie theater.”

steve nodded his head at the information as he sat a hand to his hip, “well, if you're ever free and want to hang out. you know where to find me.” a certain lilt to his voice that you picked up on, but thought nothing of. “i’ll keep that in mind, harrington.”

you pushed through the swinging doors and just a few steps into the lobby someone called your name, a female voice and it made your heart jump and cheeks ache with a tight smile. robin came rushing into the ice cream parlor, the wind pushing her blue vest back and her strawberry blonde highlights waved in the breeze.

you opened your arms wide and she came running in with her freckled limbs wrapping tight around your waist. her face nestling into your neck, “i’ve missed you,” came her muffled confession.

you giggled sweetly, arms snug over her shoulders, “and i’ve missed you. but i need food so i can't stay any longer. since somebody-“ leaning your head and body to peek at robin, “chose to go for a walk instead of waiting for their girlfriend.” whispering the last word in her ear.

robin groaned, “i’m sorry, but if you have to listen to soccer moms and crying kids all day you���d need a breather too.”

the two of you stayed wrapped together, swaying side to side with an invisible tune. then there was a squeaking of hinges so the two of you broke apart to see steve walking behind the counter. his sailor hat back on his head and his eyes looking between the two of you.

robin pulled you with her as she moved closer to the counter, “steve this is y/n, my special friend. y/n this is steve, the lady killer.”

and you had to suck in the laugh that wanted to burst at the sight of steve widening his eyes to golf balls at this news robin was presenting to him.

“oh….”

-

#erin’s 500 special #mutuals in the box #robin buckley fic #robin buckley #robin buckley blurb #robin buckley fluff #robin buckley imagine #robin buckley x female reader

[alovesreading]

Constant Repeat | Part 13

Summary: Having worked at Focus Creeps for a year, Ella knows that as a production assistant and part of the crew, there’s one important rule: don’t interact with the talent unless it’s needed. But once she meets Arctic Monkeys, and the recording of the music videos for their upcoming fourth studio album starts, the band seem to become her exception. Not only because they treat her more like a friend than just someone else they’re working with but when Alex continuously makes her blush with his flirting, so enthralled by her that he forgets he’s got a girlfriend, Ella finds herself growing closer to him. As videos are filmed, wrapped and edited, the friendship lines become blurry. Situations unfold, secrets are told and others are kept under lock and key, but how long can Alex and Ella endure being stuck in each other’s minds on constant repeat.

Word Count: 24.9k

Story Warnings: Throughout this series there will be suggestive talk, jealousy, cheating, alcohol and drug use, angst, smut.

A/N: Well hello... It's the one we've been waiting for and I'm actually fucking jumping in my spot as I write this. Cannot wait for you to read this, and yes the pictures in the moodboard are what you're thinking. Safe to say it’s gonna get a bit steamy, enjoy ;) xx

Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | 

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Ella woke up slightly terrified yet excited that Saturday morning.

She hadn't gone on a first date since the one she went with her ex at the start of the previous year and after everything that had happened with him, the prospect of going on a date, even if it wasn't more than a last minute plan, was wracking her nerves.

The feeling had made her almost miss breakfast, her appetite almost gone until she started feeling faint and she realized that if she wanted to actually not have a miserable day then she'd have to eat.

She had gone downstairs to the hotel's restaurant in a zombie-like state, ordering herself some scrambled eggs and pancakes so the homely feeling of the food made her feel better. And it did.

When she got upstairs, she took a shower and lounged in bed, still in her robe and letting her hair air dry, until it was at least half past twelve. The date wasn't until four but she figured she'd slowly get ready so she'd not freak out about the date and bail out of it at the last minute.

Ella had been absentmindedly straightening her hair and curling the ends of it when her phone rang, and it was none other than Mrs. Healy.

"Good afternoon Miss Hayes, are you ready for today?" Flo greeted her with a chipper tone in her voice, Ella could practically see the beaming smile on the artist's face just from her voice.

Biting on her bottom lip, she let the phone rest on her lap as she continued with the next section of hair and admitted, "I'm actually nervous..."

Flo cooed at her, "Good but also don't be. He's an absolute dream."

The tiny piece of information only made Ella more curious about the person's identity, who she now knew was a male but that being the only hint she'd gotten had her somewhat obnoxiously asking, "Are you finally gonna tell me who it is?"

But all she got was another vague answer, "All you have to know is that he's fit and I know you'll get on with him perfectly well."

At least the reassurance that they would get on well was easing Ella's nerves a little. Not as much as she wished though, but that was because she knew herself and when she first met anyone, she got shy and was a bit awkward, so she was praying that she'd be able to get a bit of courage not to make a fool out of herself.

Thankfully Florence had stayed on the phone with Ella as she finished doing her hair and she'd actually video called her when was doing her makeup, making her laugh throughout it all and somehow making her forget about how tense she had been for a bit.

Matty had just come back from a meeting when Ella was showing Flo the dress she had gotten in Manchester for the date and, to Flo's dismay, he had almost slipped and told Ella who it was that she was seeing in merely an hour from then.

"Matthew!" Flo had exclaimed loudly before the name fell from his lips and he had quickly thrown his hand over his mouth with wide eyes.

His honest, "I'm so sorry." sounded muffled behind his hand and it only got an eye roll from his wife.

Ella was gutted that her only chance to find out had gone that way, telling Flo, "Why are you so fast?" with a sorrowful voice which had the British woman laughing.

Flo took her husband's close mishap as a sign to let the girl go, "You're gonna have to get faster Miss, it's quarter past three and it's a twenty five minute walk over there."

"Shit, right." Ella cursed under her breath, realizing she needed to get dressed already and leave as soon as she could so she wasn't late.

"You're gonna look stunning, hun." Flo reassured her since she seemed to start growing panicky, "I'm gonna leave you now so you can change but you have the best time Ellie, alright?"

Ella pursed her lips at the camera and clutched her chest, "Thanks Flo, love you."

Flo grinned sweetly at her American friend and reciprocated, "Love you too. And let me know how it goes, alright?"

"Will do, but I don't promise anything too interesting." Ella made sure to make that point clear, she didn't have much expectations for the date just so she wouldn't end up feeling defeated for it not meeting whatever she could imagine it to be if she allowed herself to.

But Florence was in heavy doubt of it not being interesting considering she knew who Ella was meeting with. So she offered Ella a gallic shrug, "Yeah, well... We shall see about that."

The artist looked as if she was holding back laughter so Ella narrowed her eyes at her and sternly inquired, "What?"

Which wasn't answered because Flo played dumb and simply said, "Okay byeee! Love you!" loudly before hanging up the phone.

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

Ella walked the best she could in her high heeled chelsea boots which were not a great pick when mixed with how nervous she was and how far she'd had to walk. She had debated getting a taxi when she was walking through the hotel lobby but decided against it when she realized that if she did, she'd get there quicker and she wanted to stall as much as she could.

She wasn't even late yet, ten minutes left for the clocks to strike four in the afternoon and she was merely five minutes away. The whole walk, she had been practicing in her head whatever she could say to the guy she was meeting with, just to prevent embarrassing herself. If anything went wrong though, she had brought her camera with her and a few rolls were stuffed in her pocket so that she could at least take the opportunity to take pictures.

She had gone from any topics she could come up with about herself, deciding against being the one to mention her tragic love life and definitely not touch the subject of her lack of driving skills when it came to manual transmission—she had enough with the Monkeys teasing about it even after two years—, and picking a few questions that could be interesting to ask the guy.

But all the inquiries and words she had been rehearsing died in her throat when she rounded the corner on the end of the restaurant's street and she saw the tall guy smoking a cigarette, leaning on a lamppost right by the entrance of the establishment.

Ella thought of making a run back to the hotel, hesitating which way to go and how it would work with her long dress but his eyes fell on her before she could make up her mind and when he smiled sweetly at her, cigarette perched between his lips, she knew it was too late.

On Ella's face a shy smile broke and she gave him a little wave before approaching him, faking confidence as she got closer until he was only a few feet away so she said, "Oh hi, I wasn't expecting you."

Her face was burning and she knew he could see it because he smirked down at her, and cheekily asked, "Were you hoping for someone else?"

Looking up at him through her eyelashes, Ella smiled harder at his playfulness and in a rush of braveness she chose to play along, "Do you really want to know the answer?"

He took a drag of his cigarette and let the smoke out steadily as he shook his head, "I'm just hoping you remember my name."

And how could Ella forget, "Of course I remember you, George."

George hummed, taking one last drag as he took in her appearance and he grinned mischievously when seeing the dark satin and lace of her dress contrasting on her skin, her leather jacket making her look even more stunning and coincidentally matching the one he was wearing.

"Glad you haven't, Ella." The drummer replied with a wink, dropping the bud on the ground and stepping on it before taking something out of the pocket of his dark jeans, "Flo sent this for you."

An involuntary "Oh." fell from Ella's lips, entirely intrigued by what could be that friend had wanted to tell her that couldn't be said on the phone because George handed her a folded piece of paper that only said Ellie x on the front.

Ella carefully opened it, trying her best to avoid George seeing it—which was a bit of an issue since he was so tall he could've easily read if he looked down—and she instantly blushed harder when she read Get the nice kind of messy ;) x

A flashback of the moment at Glastonbury when she had been gawking at George and she had let slip how fit she found him came to the forefront of her mind and she couldn't help herself getting a little flustered at the mere thought of it.

In an attempt to try and play it cool, Ella folded the note and shoved it in one of the pocket's of her leather jacket, clearing her throat, adjusting the strap of her camera on her shoulder and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear like it was all fine.

But George could see her cheeks bright pink, the rush of color even going to the tips of her ears which she had just let show with her last action. "What did she say?" He had kept his promise that he wouldn't open the note when Florence gave it to him earlier that day, even though he had been really tempted too, especially when he realized Matty knew what it said for he was giggling when his wife handed it to him.

Ella didn't give him an answer though, only a little cough that acted as a coverup of her avoiding his gaze and a subtle shrug, "Just a little joke."

"Can you share?" He tried further, his hand coming to nudge her softly in the arm.

Not even that helped her answer change. She shook her head and said a shy, "Not really."

"I see how it is." George had narrowed his eyes at her and added, "S'alright, I'll remember that." which was a promise that had Ella biting her tongue.

"Shall we go inside?" The drummer said then, watching her struggling to come up with a response to his previous statement.

The new question was much easier to reply to, a soft "Yes." falling from her lips, breathlessly.

And he took her breath even more when he let her walk ahead, only to rest his hand on her lower back delicately and casually comment, "You look beautiful by the way. Really like that we're matching with the leather jackets."

The opportunity to not acknowledge the compliment was perfect because she felt like she was going to explode under George's attention. She giggled and nodded, "What a great coincidence huh?"

His answer being, "Hot coincidence." accompanied by a wink didn't make it easy for her though and she found that being on a date with George Daniel meant blushing every five minutes even if the chat was about mundane topics.

They had talked about their hometowns, to which George had found the opportunity to say how much he liked cowgirls and comment on how good she looked at Glastonbury with her boots. They had exchanged stories about their jobs, Ella asking all that came to her mind about producing music which she found fascinating that he was the one to produce all of his band's songs. They had told each other how they had ended up doing what they were doing currently, Ella cooing constantly when George told her how the guys became friends and how the band had come together, George being fascinated about her knowledge on films and everything to do with photography and cinematography.

Then he had asked her about her hand tattoo, smirking when he rubbed his thumb over it and asking if she had any more which ended up in them sharing the amount of ink they had on their bodies which George beat her to by an incredible amount. They both had ended up taking their jackets off and showing each other each piece they had on their skin.

Eventually, the chat had come back to the band and Ella had asked him whereabouts they had toured so far, her jaw dropping the more his list continued and she genuinely had a hard time wrapping her head around them being relatively new to the mainstream scene when they were already going to all those places.

She'd been so amazed at every place he'd mentioned that she'd ended up telling him it was her first time in England.

"Really? First time here?" He asked intrigued before taking a sip of his wine.

She nodded because she had a bit of food in her mouth and she waited until she swallowed to correct him, "Anywhere outside the States really."

George was quite surprised about that, "No way. Are you liking it here then?"

"Yeah, it's quite nice." Ella admitted with a soft smile, "Love how different it is from what I've grown up seeing."

He hummed, "Have you been anywhere else other than London and Glasto?"

And she nodded, her smile growing as she said, "Went to Sheffield and Manchester yesterday and the day before."

"Ohhh, big up Manc." He smirked, liking hearing that she'd visited the city he held dearest to his heart, but then he traced back to what Ella had said and with an eyebrow raised added, "Sheffield though... Did the lads take you?"

"Alex did, yeah." She mindlessly answered as she gathered some more food with her fork and took it in her mouth.

"Right, Turner." The drummer nodded, and before he could let the subject go he had to mention, "Thought you two were going out actually. Surprised me when Flo called me and asked if I wanted to go on a date with you."

"Oh no, we're not. But god, that's embarrassing." Ella winced at the information, both pieces of them.

George smirked playfully, "Dating Turner?"

Ella laughed in response to that, shaking her head before clearing up, "Flo asking you if you wanted to go out with me. You know you could've said no."

He frowned at her, like she had just said the most outrageous thing and he wholeheartedly asked, "But why would I?"

"Oh George, stop it." Ella warned him, pursing her lips and narrowing her eyes at him.

"What's wrong sweetheart?" George reached his hand out to touch hers, the one with her 'Pure Desire' tattoo again, and she almost shivered under it.

Ella let her fork down beside her plate and fanned herself with her hand as she said, "You're making me blush."

But that was nothing that would keep him quiet, because he honestly admitted, "Yeah and I quite enjoy doing it."

The rest of the date had been spent between good food, good wine, laughter, a picture she had taken of George, and chatter that had been really nice. Getting to know George had been like a breath of fresh air, that's why when they had left the restaurant, the drummer had offered to walk her back to her hotel and Ella hadn't even doubted to accept.

He had taken a few detours, taking her around to places that she hadn't seen from where he had hilarious and very wholesome stories of his childhood and teenage years when he would come around to London with the lads and other friends just mess about.

And Ella had been grateful for the anecdotes because she was making sure to capture each place in its unique beauty and she knew behind each shot she'd have the memory of what George had shared with her.

George watched her closely every time she took a picture, taking in all that she did every time she wanted to take a picture. She was so adorable to him, the way she lit up when she'd pressed the shutter and looked at him excitedly when she rolled the film.

The two had walked through a gorgeous park, one that was bustling with people. Some were running, others having picnics, some walking their dogs, some biking past everyone and some just leisurely taking a stroll like they were.

They had been approached by the cutest dog who had strayed away from beside their owner who was sitting on a bench and excitedly walked up to them.

Ella cooed as she crouched down, petting the husky's head and put on a funny baby voice to greet the dog. George had chuckled, crouching down right beside her and showered the dog with attention as well.

From the bench, they heard the owner apologize to which they replied that it was alright and complimenting him on how gorgeous his dog was.

They asked about it, which ended up being her and called Daisy, which had Ella and George cooing again.

She had asked the owner if she could take a picture of Daisy and he had nodded right away, telling her to please do so. Ella had the biggest smile on her face as she looked through the viewfinder and tried focusing the shot, George had helped her by waving his hand right on top of the camera so it looked like Daisy was staring into the lenses perfectly.

Before they could continue walking after managing to get a few pictures of Daisy, Ella asked the owner for an email address so she could send the pictures to him and she was so glad the man had one.

After saving it on her phone's notes app, Ella and George waved the man and Daisy goodbye. The dog wagging her tail around as she stayed sat beside her owner on the bench this time.

Ella blew the husky a kiss and said loudly, "Bye Daisy darling!"

That just made George's chest swell and in a lack of any more self control, he wrapped his arm around Ella's waist and pulled her into him, her chest hitting his chest and making them both stop.

"Oh hi." Ella giggled at the sudden action, her hands had subconsciously ended up on his chest after that.

But any other words died in her throat when he dipped his head and trapped her lips with his.

Ella hummed into the kiss, which was a dizzying combination between sweet and determined. His left arm stayed wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush into his chest but the other one came up so his hand cupped her jaw and kept her at the perfect angle for him to kiss her.

Her arms slowly moved up until they were wrapped around his shoulders and she let her fingers tangle in his hair. It was soft and slightly long which she really liked. His tongue brushed against her bottom lip, his fingers clutching her tighter and she let her mouth open so they could taste each other.

She had completely forgotten where they were until a cyclist rushed past them and rang their bell multiple times, startling them out of the kiss. Yes we are in the middle of the road but that was fucking rude, she thought. She had really enjoyed that kiss, and it showed in the way she looked up at George with rosy cheeks and something written on her face.

"I liked that." George cheekily stated, getting ahold of her hand and resuming their walk.

Ella hummed, trying not to giggle because of the feeling that was bubbling inside her. "Yeah, I liked that too."

She felt like a teenager. Blushing to herself while she walked hand in hand with the person she had a crush on, and it was so ridiculous but so relieving at the same time to feel that kind of pathetic elation instead of despair and heartache.

Their chatter resumed, only it was getting more and more flirty and she liked where it was going until they managed to get to the hotel she was staying at and she sighed sadly when they were a few feet away from the big glass doors.

"This is me." Ella mumbled, squeezing his hand in hers but he didn't let go.

He hummed as if hesitant of believing what she'd just said and instead he suggested, "Don't you wanna take another walk around the block?"

"George, my feet hurt." They had been hurting for a while but she hadn't said anything just to not ruin things.

The drummer came to a quick solution, "I'll carry you."

Which made her chuckle, "Sure you would." She genuinely didn't want the date to end so in a bit of a rushed decision, she bargained, "Don't you... Do you wanna come upstairs?"

He got a kick of excitement inside him but he wanted to play it cool, so he joked, "What, are you gonna take my picture?"

Ella held back a snort of laughter, and shrugged as if it was fine by her that he only wanted that. "If that's what you want." There was a little voice in her head that told her not to but there was another one that purely encouraged her to have fun.

"Yeah, that works." George casually said, like he wasn't praying that he got lucky to even get another kiss out of her.

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

"Where'd you want me?" George turned to look at her as she dropped her camera on one of the bedside tables and shed her jacket off to perch on the back of a loveseat close to the door.

Ella took one of the new rolls out of her pocket and changed it for the one she'd almost fully used earlier that day. "Wherever you're comfortable." She indicated the drummer, focused on perfectly lining the roll before she could turn to him.

"Bed's quite comfy." She heard George say from behind her and when she looked up to see him, she found him lying on his side, head perched on his hand and a smirk on his face. "Paint me like one of your french girls." He teased, resting his other hand dramatically on his forehead.

The American girl giggled at his antics, "You're such an idiot." She shook her head as she came up to the bed, and tried looking at the scene through her lenses but she wasn't quite convinced by the shot.

George watched her struggle, stepping backwards and forwards, to the sides before sighing. He reminded her, "I'm not used to being the one to pose for the camera. You're gonna have to guide me."

"Okay." She thought about it as she bit on her thumb and once a vision came to her, she started instructing him, "Lean into your forearms, sideways so you fit in the bed." But she found what was bothering her and it was that his legs were half hanging off the bed.

"Why are you so tall, oh my god." Ella went over to the drummer and prompted him to go further into the bed, perched one of his sock-clad feet up on the bed and the other leg stayed stretched on the bed. "There, now look at me."

George looked at her with a blank face first to which she complained about him not smiling but when he smiled he started giggling and if there had been something she had learned about George quite early into her date was that his laugh was incredibly contagious so she found herself shaking with laughter as she tried to take his pictures and she had to call him out for it.

"Don't laugh! You're making me laugh!" Ella scorned him, struggling to sound serious between her giggles.

"Sorry, sorry." He apologized halfheartedly, swallowing his laughter until he went back to a stoic face and he gave her the perfect soft smolder.

Ella hummed in satisfaction of that frame and then she moved onto instructing him to do the next pose, "Throw your head back a bit and close your eyes." He silently listened and did as she said which earned him a sweet, "Just like that." from her.

Her words made George give her a look though, one that had Ella lightly blushing which she hid behind her camera. "What?" She asked into the air, and warned him, "Don't look at me like that."

George chuckled to himself, wondering if she was that naive or if she was playing dumb but she took another picture of him and, purposely, he complained, "My leg's cramping." to then throw himself back on the bed, ending up completely splayed over the duvet and breaking the pose.

"George!" Ella scolded him, a bit of amusement sneaking through her words.

He groaned in response and without moving, told her to "Just take a picture like this."

Ella clicked her tongue and shook her head, "I can't even see your face."

"Come here so you can see it." He resolved easily for her, making her roll her eyes but in the end having to do just as he said because he really wasn't moving.

She tried getting a picture from above while standing beside the bed and she just couldn't. "That's an awkward angle, look at me." She tried to get him to turn to his side again but he closed his eyes and shook his head. "Need you on your side." She said explicitly this time but he didn't let up either.

Instead he suggested, "Why don't you just get up here?" He patted the bed, right next to his hip and she blushed just thinking about it. At her silence, he opened his eyes and turned his head to the side to encourage her with a "C'mon."

He offered his hand so she could use it as leverage to kneel on the bed on each side of his hips and hover above him. She struggled as she did so because she was growing nervous and therefore clumsy. "Fucking hell, George." She cursed under her breath, seeing him from above was an angle that she didn't know if she could handle.

"What?" George bit his bottom lip to not let a smirk break on his face.

Yet, not even that kept her from knowing that he knew just what he was doing but she wouldn't say anything, because she was enjoying this a lot more than she intended to. So she stuck to just replying, "Nothing." as she took yet another picture of him.

Remembering his tattoos, Ella bit her bottom lip for a few seconds before hesitatingly asking, "Why don't you take your jacket off?"

George let his hands rest right above her knees and squeezed her legs as he teased, "Is that code for something?"

She hoped her blush wasn't obvious so she could play off her nonchalant, "For 'I want to see your tattoos', yes."

It went right over his head though, because he kept smirking as he sarcastically replied, "Right, right."

She moved so he could take the piece of clothing off without her hovering over him but when he was done and laying on the bed again, he patted his right side so she could move her left leg there and have her hover over him properly again.

"How's that look?" He asked cheekily as his hands went to touch her legs again, the skin up to her mid thighs showing because her dress slit allowed it to open and rise up in the position she was in.

"Amazing." She breathlessly compliment, making him raise an eyebrow at her.

The shutter went off again and, as she rolled the film, he tested the waters, "Do you want to see them all?"

"Sure." The word came out so soft it could've gone with the wind, his hands leaving her thighs for a second to come grab the bottom of his shirt.

"Top's coming off next then, is that alright?" He asked for confirmation first and she nodded eagerly, her pupils dilating in anticipation.

He shed himself off his shirt in the constricted space he had, Ella was so spaced out that she hadn't moved but it wasn't a problem for George. If anything, his smirk grew at her inability to act and it got bigger when he threw it somewhere across the room and Ella was shamelessly gawking at his naked top half.

After a minute of Ella's eyes wandering everywhere, George brought her back to reality by letting his hands come over her thighs again. She trembled at the same time as the drummer said, "Ella?"

"Yeah?" She asked, slowly coming back to reality. Her brain had been completely taken over by the view of the taut muscles of his arms littered by colorful ink, a pair of symmetric 'broken' tattoos on both sides of his collarbones and his torso beautifully chiseled with a defined six pack.

"When are you taking the picture?" He reminded her trying not to smirk too hard not to put her off.

"Shit, sorry." She said under her breath and, quickly focusing, finally took a picture of him like that.

There was a heavy silence that hung over them, the trail of his fingers making her skin grow hot and her throat going dry at the growing need for anything at all. So Ella found herself surprised when he broke the silence to ask her, "Can I take your picture?"

"Mine?" She repeated like she'd heard wrong.

But George nodded entirely sure, and let her know, "You look really pretty from here."

In a feeble attempt not to have him do that, Ella reminded him, "You don't know how to."

"Matty had a film camera a few years ago, I know how to." George surprised her even further when he explained and just to try a bit harder, he pouted at her and said, almost begging, "Please?"

"Okay." She let herself accept, her mind too distraught by the view beneath her to even fight.

Once she handed him the camera, he lifted it up to his eyes and let out a chipper, "Smile." as an instruction, which she followed only just a bit shyly.

She was about to get the device back from him when he pulled it away from her grasp and pleaded, "Another one please?"

She sighed at the drummer's exaggerated pout, so it turned into a giggle and that was when the shutter went off. Her cheeks burned again when he complimented as he rolled the film, "Stunning."

Letting the camera rest beside them, George tried his luck and let his hands rub on the skin of her thighs a bit further up. She didn't refuse it, he could clearly see the growing hunger in her eyes as she looked down at him so he continued, letting his gaze trail down her body to drink in all of her but when he reached down to her legs was when he caught a slight glimpse of red ink on her left thigh that made him ask, "Do you have more tattoos?"

He didn't remember her mentioning any other tattoos than the ones she'd shown him at the restaurant. So when she nodded, he couldn't help but ask, "Where?"

"One, right here." Ella grabbed his right hand so he could touch over the fabric of her dress where the one on her rib was. Her eyes were looking right into his and his lips drew open further when she continued, "And this one here." lifting the fabric up to show her 'Divine Feminine' tattoo on her leg.

George let his right hand fall until it reached the one on her thigh, Ella still clutching the satin in her first so he could fully see it. He rubbed on the red ink on her skin as he stared at it, eliciting goosebumps to break on Ella's entire body.

He looked up and asked with a low voice about the only one he hadn't seen yet but she'd let him touch over her dress, "What's the other one?"

"A word." She vaguely said, as if he was encouraging him to continue asking about it.

"Which word?" His fingers were trailing further up, making her knees go completely weak. They had been hurting from hovering over him for so long but his touch had been the thing to finally have her sit on his lap.

And that was when she had felt him growing hard in his jeans.

His fingers had already been making her every thought go straight down to her core so Ella was driven by lust when she fully lifted the satin up and shed the dress off her body, leaving her only in her underwear and in full show for George.

It was involuntary, his hip jerking forward and pressing on Ella's center, his mouth agape at the sight and he grew even more breathless when Ella rolled her hips against his hardening cock.

"Fuck." He cursed under his breath, taking one quick look at the strange word on her rib before perching himself up on his left forearm to wrap his right hand around her neck and pull her in for a hungry kiss.

She leaned further into him, one arm wrapping around his shoulders and digging into his hair to pull on it as their lips moved with each other. Her fingers tugging on his hair made him groan into her mouth and, as payback, he tightened his fingers around her neck, eliciting a loud moan from her.

George pushed himself up with his left hand until he was sitting on the bed, his right arm wrapped around Ella's waist to keep her flush against him. Their tongues tasted each other and their breaths grew heavy when they started rolling their hips, meeting in the middle and creating a delicious friction that soon enough forced them to break the kiss only to gasp in pleasure into each other's mouths.

His fingers came to graze the ink on her left rib, her desperate side having her sink her hips down to roll against him and turned his, "What does it mean?" into a gorgeous moan. Their lips brushed as he asked and Ella responded to his sound with a mewl of her own and when that reached his ears, George forgot ever asking anything for he couldn't wait any longer to feel her lips on his again.

The kiss grew needy then. His hand went from her ribs down to knead the flesh of her ass, fingers harshly digging into her skin and encouraging her to move against him. Her clit was getting so stimulated from only being covered by the thin material of her lace thong against his jeans which meant she couldn't kiss him any longer.

A string of moans fell from her as she quickened her pace, getting louder as she went but her actions were interrupted when George clutched her tightly by her middle and swiftly turned them around so it was Ella resting on her back on the bed with him hovering right over her.

Her breath hitched in her throat at the sudden change of positions, her hand flying to cup his face and bring his lips back on hers and wrapping her legs around his waist to pull his hips into her core in a desperate attempt to have the friction back.

The feeling of his hard on coming down to rub harshly against her every time he bucked his hips forward was making her head spin. He started off by teasing her with the friction and leaving her hanging for a few seconds before going back in but when she started gasping into his mouth, he kept himself close to her and relentlessly rolled his hips on hers, hard cock pressing deliciously against her throbbing clit.

The pace grew faster, making it impossible for her to continue moving her lips with his so he took it as a sign to continue on with what he wanted to do first. Unfortunately, that meant his hips stopped moving and left her throbbing and clenching around nothing but he made it up to her with his lips all over her.

Wet kisses trailed down her neck, his lips taking their time to give every bit of her skin attention on the way down. Kissing, sucking, licking. His fingers ran down her sides until they clutch tightly on her hips, fingers pressing hard on the skin there and making her cry out in pleasure even louder.

Her breath was heavy by the time he stopped sucking bruises all over her chest and abdomen, her fingers tangled in his hair and tugged on it so he could come back up but instead his tongue ran flat from just above her belly button agonizingly slowly up until his nose bumped against the hem of her bra.

George looked up at her through his lashes, teeth coming to bite on the fabric and tugging them the slightest bit down so she knew what he wanted to do and Ella desperately nodded.

Without much of a proper attempt to take the piece of clothing off, he just tugged down the lace cups on it and let her tits spill out freely for him. He groaned from the pits of his chest, hips bucking forwards into the mattress harshly in search of some relief for himself.

But not letting any more seconds go by, George dove to suck one of her nipples into his mouth. Groaning around it, the vibrations of the noise causing white heat to run straight down to Ella's throbbing wet cunt.

He switched the sucking for flicking it with his tongue, blowing cold air and smirking as her nipple hardened at his actions, ending with a soft bite and tug that had Ella loudly saying his name in call for mercy.

She needed something, anything. She felt herself clenching around nothing and it was almost torturous. But her cries fell on deaf ears for he moved onto her other nipple and repeated his process. Ella was only ruining her underwear further, so wet she felt uncomfortably sticky with her thong still on.

"George, baby, please–" She pleaded in anguish when he started sucking bruises on her tits, biting them until she whimpered loudly under him.

"What do you need Ellie?" He asked sweetly, a stark contrast to his vicious attack on her chest.

"Anything. Just–" She tried to say, her words catching up in her throat as her desperation for release clouded her logic and made her sound stupid.

So she relied on grabbing one of his hands from her hips and guided it down to where she needed him most. The simple graze of one of his fingertips on her swollen clit eliciting a pathetic mewl out of her.

"Oh sweetheart," George tutted, "Made quite a mess, haven't you?" His pointer finger ran up and down her clothed core slowly and so faintly Ella didn't know if she was imagining it.

Applying a bit more pressure assured him to hear every one of Ella's needy sounds and feeling like she had waited enough, he left a light feather kiss over her center.

"Need help cleaning up this mess, yeah?" His words were sweet, like he was finally taking pity on her. The thought of him doing absolutely anything at that moment sounded so fucking good her hum in agreement sounded more like a whine, barely able to make eye contact with him in her hazy mind.

His long tongue ran flat over her underwear, wetting even more than it already was and he moaned at the taste of her soaking through it. His fingers tugged the fabric down her legs and threw it somewhere behind him in record time, and he found himself almost drooling at the sight of Ella completely exposed for him.

If Ella'd had any hint of inhibition left in her, she would've tried to close her legs under his attentive gaze but he was entranced and she'd had it with waiting any longer so she propped her legs wide open and squirmed in her place.

"George, please."

Her pleading was so sweet, so desperate, he couldn't deny her. So he dipped his head in between her legs and started lapping at her like a starved man. At the first proper taste he had moaned loudly, tongue running up and down her slit to gather as much of her as he could and enjoying every drop of her on his tongue.

"Are you not gonna continue taking my picture?" George interrupted his task to tauntingly ask, going back to using his tongue on her, this time flicking it up and down quickly on her clit and making her shiver.

Her words caught in her throat when he didn't relent his actions, "Right– F-fuck! Right now?"

Only allowing himself to stop for the amount of seconds it took him to say, "Yes baby, be a good girl and take my picture."

That 'good girl' had made Ella roll her eyes in utter pleasure. Her head turned quickly to see where he'd left the camera and brought it to her eyes to take a picture as fast as she could. Her thoughts were already becoming clouded by the growing heat in her lower belly.

His disheveled dirty blonde hair in between her legs, his arms underneath her legs and hands clutching her thighs in place was what she captured in that frame. The shutter went off letting George know she'd done as he'd said and he congratulated her by praising her with a proud, "Such a good girl." and a few kisses to her clit which made her jolt.

He went back down, trying to clean up the mess of slick and saliva that was dripping down her inner thighs and onto the duvet and a desperate Ella had started rocking her hips against his face, trying to steer him back to where she wanted him to be and, to her satisfaction, he followed the silent instruction by going back to her center and this time pointing his tongue and dipping it inside her.

Her legs instinctively closed around his head, eliciting a breathy laugh from him that hit her core as he continued tongue fucking her. His hands came to spread open her legs again, holding her limbs down on the bed strongly, not allowing her to move any longer.

The feeling of his wet tongue dipping in and out of her had her growing louder, begging and pleading with him not to stop, but he did.

In that moment, Ella swore she could cry as she'd felt herself nearing closer to the edge but just before she could pathetically let her frustrated tears roll down, his lips wrapped around her throbbing clit and he sucked on it applying the perfect amount of pleasure. Enough pressure for her to let out a string of moans of his name and then a bunch of "Yes! Fuck yes!", hands flying down to tangle her fingers in his hair and keep him in his place.

"I'm gonna cum!" She yelled out loud, eyes shut tightly since the pleasure impeded her from keeping them open, and when George started humming as he sucked her clit, she was done for.

Her legs trembled under his hold, toes curling and her fingers surely tugging his hair tighter than she was before. She blacked out as her orgasm hit her hard, the oxygen in her lungs leaving her entirely as her back arched off the bed and she came back when his incessant sucking became too much for her oversensitive self and she pulled him back off her.

He giggled, completely entranced by her fucked out state. Watching her cum had been an experience but god didn't she look beautiful with her chest heaving, bruises looming on her skin, a flush to her face and chest, a thin coat of sweat making her body and face shine.

But before he could give her any more attention, his gaze fell back to her cunt and it was glistening with arousal. She tasted so good to him, so he wasted no more time to lick her clean. Her legs trembled at the resumed contact of his tongue on her sensitive core, whimpers stubbornly leaving her as he went.

Her fingers had left his hair alone but her left hand cradled his head as he lapped up at everything she gave him and after a whole minute of him meticulously licking clean every inch of skin that had been wet with her arousal, he started a trail of kisses from her mound until he reached her belly button.

Flashing a smile up at her, George rested his chin on her lower stomach and she couldn't hold herself back from brushing his messy hair back almost adoringly, post orgasm haze making her extra appreciative of him and his skilled tongue work.

His fingers rubbed circles on the top of her thighs, "Feel good?" He asked before leaving more soft kisses on her lower stomach.

"Very." She answered with a smile, fingers brushing through his hair.

He hummed at the feeling of her touch, "Good to know, pretty."

Turning to see where she'd left it, Ella reached out to grab her discarded camera, melting into the duvet under George's gentle touch and his lips pressing on her skin leisurely. She went to lean on her forearms so that she could get a better look at him, and he looked up at her with a dizzying smirk that she managed to capture.

His lips tickled the skin of her lower stomach when he pointed out, "Didn't even have to tell you this time."

Putting the device back down on the bed, Ella shrugged, "You look good."

"Do I, now?" He teased, dropping his hands from her thighs and pressing them on the mattress so he could slowly push himself up and crawl his way up to hover over Ella again.

"You always do." Her words came laced with lust, his eyes darkening as he got closer and she just couldn't wait any longer to have him in more ways. "Come here." She instructed by wrapping a hand around his neck, fingers pressing on the sides of it until he groaned loudly in pleasure and when he let the sound leave his lips, she smirked and warned, "My turn."

Pulling him in by his neck meant that their tongues met instantly when they started the kiss, and when Ella tasted herself on his tongue, she moaned so loudly George groaned just as loud in response.

The kiss was all teeth clashing, spit dribbling down to their chins, noses bumping, deep exhales sounding loudly and trying to overpower the sounds of their swollen lips moving together.

It had been George the one to grow louder when Ella's hand dropped from his neck, down his naked torso to the button of his jeans, which she undid with quick fingers and pulled the zip down before she could palm him over the fabric of his boxers.

"F-fuck..." He let out when her nimble fingers squeezed him and stroked him up and down, he was so hard that her touch was making him shiver.

Ella could feel him so swollen under her hand, her mind already spinning about how big he was but she wanted to have him unravel under her so badly, she pushed any worries about his size to the back of her head.

His hips moved slowly, as if he was helping with her movements, clearly wanting to reach his high but she wanted to taste him and she wanted it now. So she left his cock alone to instruct him to, "Lay down, baby."

They switched positions, so George was laying on his back and Ella was kneeling between his legs. He panted as he watched Ella shamelessly gawk at him, her mouth going dry at the clear outline of his cock.

"Fucking hell, George." She cursed as she tugged on the top of his jeans so he could lift his hips up for her to take them off him.

He did as instructed and Ella just was too impatient to wait any more, she wanted to feel him heavy on her tongue already. His boxers came off quickly after his jeans, his hard cock springing up to touch right by his navel.

Ella gulped. He was thick, angry red tip already leaking from how aroused he was. Intimidating but so inviting. She dipped her head down to start kissing his hips, kisses that went from sweet to wet and messy the more he squirmed under her.

"Ella..." George pleaded, hand coming down to cradle her head. Not to push it towards where he wanted her but to have her look up at him and see just how fucking desperate he was for her.

Ella felt that look go down straight to her core, mewling at the feeling. "I know baby, I know." She said in a coo.

Her fingers wrapped around him, the pressure of them making George huff with his lips pressed together. He felt so heavy in her hand, veins popping for her to see how pained he was.

"You're so big." She trailed off, a bit of wander in her voice. She had no idea how he'd fit in her mouth, he was by far the biggest dick she had ever come across but she liked a challenge.

Her tongue licked a bold strip from base to tip, eyes rolling to the back of her head when she tasted the salty arousal that had already been leaking from him. He had cursed under his breath at the feeling, but the breathy words turned into a loud moan when she wrapped her lips around him and sank her mouth down onto him.

Barely able to fit half of him in her mouth until he hit the back of her throat, Ella pulled back to catch a breath, her hand taking over for a few seconds as she inhaled deeply and went back in. She gagged around him when she managed to get him deeper, George moaned loudly as she did so, trying his hardest not to buck his hips upwards.

His hand went back to hold her head but this time, his fingers tangled in her hair, only to pull her up so she could breathe. But she didn't want to have it easy, she wanted to see how much of him she could take and hear every one of his moans.

So she went against his hold, sinking her mouth further down and gagging around him again. Her hand stayed at the base of his cock, stroking the rest she couldn't get to, as she continued bobbing her head up and down on him.

George was a mess of groans and moans, gasping for air whenever she gagged and moaned around him, her throat tightening around him was driving him insane.

He lifted his head up slightly to look down at her, pulling her hair so she would come off him and meet his eyes. And George was met with a panting Ella, pink wet swollen lips, saliva dripping down her chin and neck, tears falling out of the corner of her eyes, hair disheveled but pupils dilated and a satisfied smirk at it all.

Her hand kept stroking him up and down, fingers applying the perfect amount of pressure and he moaned at the combination of her touch and his view of her, "Fuck, you're so perfect."

The praise only encouraged her more, for she leaned back down and licked a strip up his cock again, this time looking up at him through her lashes. An innocent look in her eyes as she lapped at the tip of his cock.

He exhaled in awe, "Look at you– Shit!" He cursed loudly when she sank slowly back down until again he reached her throat, his hips bucking upwards involuntarily and making her gag loudly.

She gasped out for air for a mere second before she did it again, until she managed to control her gagging a bit better and encouraged George to fuck her mouth with a simple squeeze to his hip.

"Oh fuck– Such a pretty filthy girl." He praised as he obeyed the silent instructions and rocked his hips forwards slowly and ever so slightly. "You like it when I fuck your throat?" His question was thrown out into the air in between groans.

She answered with a hum that vibrated around him and that was when he started feeling like he was losing control. His hips grew erratic and Ella noticed so she hummed and moaned around him even more, causing him to get closer to his high.

"Ellie m'gonna cum!" He warned her loudly, the wet squelching sounds of him going in and out of her mouth and their moans bounced off the walls.

And when her hand dropped from around the base of his cock to play with his balls, he was sent over the edge. He pushed his hips forwards and stilled as he came, dick twitching in her mouth and his cum coated the walls of her throat with a warmth she appreciated with another low moan.

His hips fell back on the bed but she didn't relent just yet, sucking him off for a little longer to take everything she could. But he pulled her off him by her hair when he couldn't take it anymore, cursing and calling out her name like he was scorning her.

"Fucking hell." He mumbled, still dizzy from his orgasm but completely entranced by the way she came off him with a whimper and a satisfied smirk.

She wiped the drool off her chin with the back of her hand and slowly crawled up until she was laying on her side right beside him, staring right into his eyes with hunger still flashing in hers.

"Feel good?" She asked just what he'd asked her but in a mocking manner.

It got her a chuckle in response before one of his big hands came to cup her jaw and crashed their lips together.

Kissing George had Ella dazed. His lips were soft but firm when moving along with hers, they were wet and swollen, warm exhales leaving his parted lips for her to swallow, tongue peeking through them to meet hers. He'd moaned so loud when he tasted himself on her tongue, fingers digging into her cheek and making her mewl in response.

Her skin grew hot the more they kissed. He didn't even let her get a proper breath whenever he pulled back for a brief second, because he was back on her mouth—lips smacking and tongues licking at each other.

Ella's hands had gone on a path from his face to his head, the back of his neck, his shoulders, and eventually to his back, fingers digging into it when he started nipping at her bottom lip, at the same time as his right hand dropped from her jaw down to pinch her nipples, eliciting gasps out of her.

"George..." She let out in a gasp when he had her nipple pinched and twisted between his thumb and index finger.

He was smirking right over her parted lips, amused at the way she shivered every time he went from one nipple to the other. Her nails clawed at his back when she felt the electric shocks that his touch gave her travel all the way down to her center, feeling herself growing wetter and that familiar knot in her lower stomach forming.

His lips slotted between hers again, distracting her from his missing touch from her tits and it going down to tease her cunt.

With his thumb, George started rubbing circles on her clit, making her pull back from the kiss with a loud gasp that turned into a cry of pleasure. She could feel herself throbbing already, and it got worse when he picked up his pace.

He wasn't going too fast but not slow either, the speed in which his thumb rubbed at her had her writhing her hips in response, subconsciously trying her best to get closer and closer to her high.

And Ella had felt herself start clenching around nothing when he slid a finger inside her. "George! Fuck!" His fingers were thick and long, curling inside her and making her see stars already, half lidded eyes catching him smirking at her and heavy breathing at her reaction.

"You like that?" He asked her teasingly, pecking her lips as her face scrunched up in pressure.

She hummed in response to him but he found that not good enough, so he added another finger, stretching her out easily and making her back arch as she moaned loudly. "Yes! Yes!" She encouraged, and when he curled his fingers again, knuckle deep inside her, she felt herself be completely overcome by pleasure and unable to grasp at her inhibitions, "Oh my– Fuck! Your fingers feel so good."

His fingers were slipping in and out of her easily, her hips erratically moving as he thrusted them inside her, "That's it, cum on them baby."

The praise had Ella completely fucked over, "George, I'm so– Fuckkkk!" She couldn't help but scream out when he pushed a third finger inside her, feeling completely stuffed with him.

It felt so good how much he was opening her up, and he was loving the way whenever he pulled his fingers back her walls pushing him off and having to slowly sink his fingers deep inside her again. "I know, I can feel you clenching hard around them." She was squeezing his fingers so tight, his throat went dry just thinking about her milking his cock, "Can't wait to fill you up and feel how tight you're around my cock baby."

She agreed, so drunk in pleasure she just wanted to feel even more of him, "I need you. George, I need–"

But he tutted, "You're cumming on my fingers first." She was about to cry out like a brat, about to beg for him to stuff her up but his words beat hers, "Come on baby, give it to me like the good girl you are."

His voice was low in her ear, so sultry and inviting she felt it deep in her core and she just couldn't say no. So she let go. Her toes curl as his fingers kept pumping in and out of her, hitting that spot perfectly for her to see stars as she came, white heat enveloping her and taking ahold of her body, "Fuck, fuck! Oh– George!"

"That's it, baby. So fucking stunning." He encouraged, watching his fingers continue to disappear inside her tightening cunt, her legs shaking and her hips moving clumsily to meet his hand.

She gushed all over him, slick drenching his hand and dripping down her cunt onto the duvet. He couldn't let it go to waste, so he pulled his fingers out and sucked them clean, moaning around them when he tasted her again. Soft and sweet. He wanted more.

Ella felt his fingers gathering her mess and she managed to peel her eyes open to watch him as he sucked it all off his fingers again.

Shamelessly, she just watched as he dipped down time and time again until he deemed his work of cleaning her up was done, the last one being offered out to her and Ella obeyed, wrapping her lips around his fingers and sinking her mouth on them to suck them clean. Her eyes stayed on his as she did so, moaning loudly around them while she batted her lashes at him.

The view made George's dick twitch. So he reached out behind her for the forgotten camera and when she was trying to catch her breath, eyes closed in bliss, he took a picture of her.

Her eyes snapped open at the sound of the shutter going off and she looked at him all startled like she needed an explanation. "You're so beautiful like this." He quickly justified, lifting the device back up to his eyes and adjusted the focus to take another one as he added, "All fucked out. Fucking gorgeous."

"Stop." She whined when the shutter went off again, hand coming up to grab at her lenses and force him to put it down, "I must look a mess."

His head shook, tongue swiping at his bottom lip with his eyes taking her in again, "You don't. You look hot." Skin glowing due to the thin layer of sweat their activities had caused, lips swollen and a hot pink color that matched the flush of her cheeks and chest, the gorgeous pattern of every bruise he'd sucked on her skin which were darkening more and more, hair disheveled and splayed over the pillows.

"I'm confiscating this." That was the brief ultimatum she gave him, grabbing the camera and turning the action on him instead.

She took just one picture of him and he allowed it, only to complain by saying, "You have enough of me." and taking the camera back.

She rolled her eyes, faking being annoyed and kissed him quickly before pushing herself up and off the bed, telling him, "Gonna go to the bathroom." making a beeline for her suitcase and getting herself a new pair of underwear first, adjusting the cups of her bra so they held her breasts again.

It wasn't longer than five minutes that she took, coming back to him wearing his boxers again and laying over the bedsheets—he'd discarded the duvet and left it a big crumpled knot on the floor by the foot of the bed—, a hand behind his head whilst the other was scrolling on his phone.

His position looked inviting, so she crawled on the bed and sat on his lap with a mischievous smile on her face. She reached out to get the camera he had placed on the bedside table at the same time as he dropped his phone there and his hands went up to hold her at her hips.

"Put your hands behind your head again." She instructed him softly, almost a mutter that sounded so shy, the corner of his lips tugged into a smirk.

She took a picture of him like that and another when he ran a hand through his hair but she stopped when his hands came back to grab at her skin, going from her waist until they softly came down to rest at her hips.

With a soft squeeze on her sides, he tilted his head to ask, "Am I allowed to smoke?" to which Ella nodded and got off him to open the balcony door and get him a cigarette and a lighter.

Getting back on top of him, she placed the cigarette between his lips but before she could give him the lighter, she grabbed the camera again just so she could capture the moment he lit it alive.

George looked so fucking hot lighting it up: cheeks hollowing ever so slightly, brows furrowing, long fingers that made the lighter look minuscule in his hand, lips pursed around the stick. She snapped away and captured the moment he blew out the smoke upwards, taking another drag and then blowing it in her direction.

The familiar scent of the tobacco and just how arousing she found it all, impulsed her to start moving her hips slowly on him. The sudden movement made his breath hitch in his throat, causing him to erupt in coughs when the smoke went up the wrong hole.

That's when she guided his hand to her mouth so he could place the cigarette in between her lips for her to take a drag. His mouth opened agape as she did so, the rolling of her hips only growing more intent and he started twitching and getting hard in his boxers.

He could feel her heat, the way she was wetting her underwear and starting to wet his own, the pulsing of her swollen clit. He could see how her nipples grew hard through the lace of her bra, and the way goosebumps rose in her skin as she went. Soft gasps that turned into hush whimpers that he wanted so badly to turn into those loud moans of hers that he was quite enjoying getting drunk on.

"Have you brought a condom?" She asked breathlessly, camera being once again forgotten somewhere on the bed for her to be able to rest her hands on his chest as leverage.

A flip switched inside George, the simple hint of him finally being able to sink himself deep in her making his blood rush down to his cock. "Yeah." He nodded eagerly and it was a relief when she quickly got off him so he could rush to get it, not without running out to the balcony so he could put out the cigarette on the ashtray outside and closing the balcony door behind him the second he stepped foot back into the room.

He had thought it was foolish of him to pocket a couple condoms before he left his flat earlier that day, fully scorning himself for being so ridiculous as to assume Ella would want to shag after their date but oh was he glad he had right then.

Condom in hand, George went back to the bed but not without shedding himself off his boxers first. Ella bit her bottom lip as she got her bra off to throw it on the floor behind her, seeing him wrap his hand around his length and pump it slowly as he watched her almost naked figure. Her hands went down to her hips so she could quickly tug down her underwear, eagerly taking it off and throwing it on the same spot on the floor she had dropped her bra.

Crawling up to the edge of the bed, she hummed as she watched him stroke himself up and down, her mouth watering for another taste of him. And when she got right in front of him, she dipped her head down until her mouth was right before his hardening cock and sticking her tongue out, she licked his head slowly.

He grew heavy on her tongue as she went, twitching in her mouth when she wrapped her lips around him again, his head thrown back at the feeling of her wet mouth enclosed around him and sucking him off patiently.

But he had to use an incredible amount of self restraint to pull her off him, a hand delicately coming around her neck to have her let go off his dick with a pop and pull her up to face him.

"I'm fucking you now."

George wasn't asking, he was simply informing her and that made her squirm under his gaze. Thighs pressing together and eyes drinking in the way lust made his behavior change. But Ella wanted a bit of control, even if it just was for him to ruin her.

"Can I ride you?" She asked innocently, puppy eyes that she prayed would get her a yes.

She took the way he pulled her in for a messy kiss as one.

In no time he was laying on his back with his head resting on the pillows, teeth ripping the condom wrapper open while Ella had her hand wrapped around him waiting for him to put the latex on. The anticipation grew and hung in the air like a heavy cloud as George rolled it down his length, sighing at the feeling of it around him.

She caught a glimpse of her camera through the corner of her eye and thought there wouldn't be a thing that was better than capturing his pure ecstasy in a picture so she grabbed it before she straddled him again.

Ella lifted the camera up to her eyes with one hand while the other got ahold of his cock to line him up, rubbing his head on her clit and making herself gasp at the feeling. She clenched around nothing as she did so, and she could feel herself drenched.

Even after he had stretched her out with his fingers, it was slightly challenging for her to take him when she started sinking into him. Her jaw dropped in a loud gasp when every inch of him started stretching her out, eyes watering at the feeling and trying to get her to shut them tightly but she did her best to not let her eyes close entirely so she could capture the way he groaned loudly with his head thrown back as she let her cunt swallow him.

Breath hitching in her throat, Ella sank down completely until she could feel him so deep it had a pathetic cry of pleasure slipping past her lips.

She drew her hips up and back down on him slowly, testing the waters on his size and what angle would be best for her to feel the best, and they both moaned loudly at the feeling. He was so big, he was filling her up in a way she'd never felt before so her walls were clenching hard around him which had his head spinning.

"Ella–" He breathed out, hands flying to her hips and clutching them tightly just to show how bad he was holding himself back from just thrusting up into her, or better yet just flipping them around and fucking her into the mattress.

"Fuck–, I know. I know." She said in a high pitch tone. One of her hands fell to rest flat on his chest and use as support, "I– oh, fuck..." She cursed as she rolled her hips forwards and then backwards this time, making her completely still at the insane sensory overdrive she was getting from it.

George knew she needed a second or two but she stayed frozen for longer than he could hold so he pleaded, "I need you to move baby, you're so tight."

"Just–" She tried to say, rolling her hips again and mewling loudly. George moaned back in response, his hands sliding down to her thighs as her head hung in pleasure.

Ella established a slow place, George's fingers digging into the flesh of her upper thighs grounded her into the moment and allowed her to take another picture. A picture that captured her legs on each sides of his toned chest, his fingers turning the skin under them white, his adam's apple bobbing as he gulped back a moan, the box tattoo on his thumb right next to the red ink of her 'Divine Feminine' tattoo on her thigh.

But after she pressed the shutter on that one, barely being able to clumsily roll the film, Ella just tossed the camera to the side mindlessly and used her new free hand to rest on his chest as well and the second hand of support helped her start moving her hips faster.

It was fucking delicious the way he kept hitting her g-spot from that angle, and when he started bucking his hips upwards, meeting her in the middle, she couldn't hold back the noises she let out. "George, fuck!" She cried out, clit feeling a bit of pressure every time she rolled down and he hit her pelvis.

His hands ran up from her thighs to mercilessly grab her ass, fingers harshly digging into her skin and stinging just in the best way. "Just like that baby. You feel so fucking good." He praised her with a groan, helping her sink down harder into him.

"You're so– Oh fuck–" She was cock drunk, her thoughts stupid and leaving her without even being able to finish a sentence.

"Tight little cunt, can barely fit inside you." George could feel himself meeting the hilt inside her every time, her cries growing in volume the faster the pace got. "You love it huh, being filled to the brim?"

"Yes, fuck! Yes, I love it, love your cock." She was dripping all over him, the noise of the wetness and their skin slapping every time they met bounced off the walls and, combined with their moans, made for a pornographic symphony.

"I know you can go faster. Can you do that for me baby?" He genuinely could feel himself not lasting any longer with how tight she was squeezing him.

"I can, I can." She promised almost desperately, wanting to be good for him. So she picked up her pace, her hands moving ever so slightly so she could straighten up a bit and when she did so she cursed out loud at the new angle, "Ah fuck!"

Her hips grew erratic, her knees helping now when she bounced up and down his cock ever so slightly, enough for her to incessantly gasp in a high pitch every time he hit that spot.

"Such a good girl for me." His hands stopped groping her ass to spank her, making her jolt forward with a loud gasp that turned into a mewl and a whine that tried to pass as a 'yes'. His dick twitched inside her at that reaction so he did it again and again, feeling her walls flutter around him with every hit, "You're squeezing me so tight baby, you gonna cum all over my cock?"

"Yeah, yes..." She gasped, and if she hadn't been so adamant on chasing her high, she would've noticed George quickly getting the camera and snapping a picture of her riding him. Hair a mess covering up her face but her mouth wide open in a moan, tits bouncing as she rode him, hands on his chest as support.

He'd just about managed to put the camera back down when he felt her squeezing him the tightest and that was when she came. "George! George! Ge–" She cried out, his name breaking down into a loud moan that tipped him over the edge along with her cunt milking him into the condom as she sloppily continued to ride him.

"Fuck! Ella!" He moaned loudly back, his hands going to her ass again to help her continue as he came, his dick twitching the more he spurt out into the condom, sweet relief making him see stars.

Unable to uphold herself any longer, she collapsed over him, chests heaving in sync as they came down from their highs. It was hard catching their breaths when their skin burned from the heat and stuck together from the sweat. And George knew she was rather uncomfortable from the way she groaned into him, her fingers lazily trying to brush the hair out of her face but huffing as it stuck to her sweaty forehead.

He brushed her hair back for her, fingers delicately grazing her face and earning a soft smile and a sigh from her. But then his hold went down to her hips so he could lift her up and off himself, to set her beside him, she whined at the loss of him.

Ella didn't even try to open her eyes, completely spent from their activities and snuggling into the pillows to find some comfort in the post orgasm haze.

George shed himself off the condom and tied it so he could throw it away, groaning as he pushed himself up and off the bed to make way to the bathroom.

He took about five minutes there and when he came back into the room, he smiled, finding a sleepy Ella struggling to keep her eyes open and smirking at him. He giggled as he walked up to bed and after taking her camera and placing it on one of the bedside tables, he carried her bridal style to take her to the bathroom.

Yes she was still on cloud nine but she had a bit of sense in her then so, after thanking him with a kiss, Ella told George she was alright from there and he could wait for her in bed.

She had realized what she'd said as she was washing her hands after peeing and she was cringing just thinking about him being gone once she went back into the room, but she found that he hadn't left and instead he had gone under the bedsheets and was waiting for her to cuddle up to him so they could get some rest.

Ella giggled when she got under the sheets and he hooked his arm around her waist to push her flush into him, her back pressed to his chest and he nuzzled into her neck from behind. Their legs tangled together and their breaths synced and slowed down as the minutes went by until they succumbed to their slumber.

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

They got startled awake around ten in the morning when someone knocked on her door horrendously loud.

For a few seconds they stared at the door as if they were waiting for that person to knock it down and come into the room but then they announced who they were with a "Hello! Housekeeping!" and Ella sighed in relief.

Ella had to spring up from bed, calling out "Coming!" so that the staff member wouldn't come into the room, and after hastily grabbing her robe from the hanger and putting it on, she opened the door just enough to poke her head out and apologized.

"Sorry, can't come in yet." She said with an embarrassed flush on her cheeks.

But the lady outside her door waved her off and offered, "I can come back in around an hour or so."

The American nodded with a smile, "Sure, that'd be great. Thank you!" To that, the woman nodded and started walking up to the next door, so Ella closed the door and locked it again, her soul coming back to her body.

George laughed at her mortified expression which she scowled at him for but then she confidently shed herself off her robe and walked back to get in bed and she was met with a smirking George just taking in every inch of her body.

"Come here gorgeous." He invited her back into his arms and she didn't have to be told twice for her to go back being the little spoon for him. She'd had such good sleep being completely enveloped in him, heavy limbs acting like a weighted blanket and it was utter bliss.

But after seeing her naked again, skin littered with love bites he had left all over her, hair messy and tits perky and bouncing as she walked, George felt the need to show her a bit more of the appreciation he had shown her the day before.

His hand brushed her hair to the side so he could have access to the skin on the back of her neck. Goosebumps breaking on the skin there when he started pressing open mouthed kisses on it, fingers ghostly running down her back and stopping right on her lower back that had her back arching into him. Her ass grazed his dick every time, making it twitch and start to harden.

In search of friction, he pushed his hips forward and she reciprocated by pressing her ass against him. She couldn't help the passing thought of this being how it could've gone the morning after the wedding with Alex, if they wouldn't have freaked out and just let it happen. But all thoughts of the singer went out the window when George pressed himself against her again and had her mewling out loud at the feeling, "Hmm, George."

"Yes, baby?" His lips brushed against her skin, a shiver running down her spine and making her shudder, "You're so fucking beautiful, please let me make you feel good."

"Yeah..." Ella nodded quickly, it was a no-brainer. Her breath caught in her throat when she pushed his hips forwards again at the same time as she did and the tip of his cock grazed her entrance.

"Yes?" He moaned in her ear, hand coming around her front to play with her tits, "Can I make you cum again, sweetheart?"

She nodded eagerly, swallowing a moan as he pinched her nipple and when he cupped her whole tit with one hand, kneading it harshly, her "Please." came out in the form of a whine.

"Good girl. M'gonna make you feel so good baby, I promise." His hand continued playing with her tits as they kept grinding on each other, and when his cock was hard enough it had come up to rest heavily on his lower stomach, he let his fingers trail down until they hovered over her mound and he breathlessly asked, "D'you trust me?"

"Yeah, George..." She was basically pleading him to continue, hand coming to clutch his and guide his fingers down to her soaked cunt and when he felt just how wet she was, he groaned and pulled away.

"Wait." George instructed her, leaving her alone on the bed to get a condom. Ella heard the wrapper rip and him moaning as he put the condom on, stroking himself up and down a few times before he tugged the sheets off her and turned her from her side to her front so she was facedown and he could hover over her from behind.

His knees were on either side of her hips, forearms pressed on the mattress next to her shoulders and he kissed and sucked all over her back as he praised her for how gorgeous she was over and over. He kept bruising her up until Ella pushed her ass up and begged him to do something, the ache in her cunt too unbearable.

So George let go of the patch of skin he was bruising and did as she asked for, spreading her legs open as he knelt in between them and rubbed his tip up and down her slit.

"Don't tease, please." She cried into the mattress, her cunt fluttering around nothing and it was painful knowing just how good he felt inside her but he wasn't allowing her to feel it yet.

But then he just let himself slowly slip inside her and his jaw fell at her tightness in that angle, "Oh Ellie... Fuck–" He felt like he could barely fit in, but she was dripping with slick so it made it a bit easier for him to bottom out.

"George–" Ella choked out, head turning to the side to catch a glimpse of him. Her hands clawed at the sheets beside her head for dear life.

"I know. You're so tight." He cried out in pleasure, barely able to move an inch out of her because she was so snug it felt like she was pushing him out.

"Move baby, please." She begged again and he started going then, a slow pace at first that grew in speed rather quickly and had her cursing out loud, "Fuckkkkk!"

He gasped into her ear with every thrust, and it was soon that the sound of their skin slapping drowned the room along with their moans. "Gonna miss this tight little cunt so much." He said into her neck, sucking a bruise on the back of it before asking, "Gonna miss me too?"

"Ye– Yes! Oh!" She gasped when he hooked his left arm under her leg, pulling it upwards slowly and allowing her to stretch a bit more so she felt him deeper, "Gonna miss you so much!"

He chuckled smugly, "I know you will."

"Oh fuck!" She cursed as he hit her g-spot perfectly from that angle, his hips hitting her ass and reminding her of how sore the skin there was from the spanking he gave her the night before. "Yes, yes! Don't stop, please!"

"If you could only see yourself right now!" He cursed under his breath when he looked down to see himself disappear into her, over and over. If he kept looking at how he kept sliding in and out of her so easily, he would burst right then so he looked back up to her face and praised her once more, "Taking me so well baby."

"Harder, please." She asked for and stilling for just a second to get a better standing on his knees, George did as she asked, making her instantly get even louder when he hit that spot with more intensity, "Oh my– Fuck! Right there, yes!"

"Just like that, yeah?" His smirk grew on his face, feeling how it kept getting easier to slide inside her which meant she was fucking drenched and dripping all over him, her walls fluttering around him already making him see stars.

"Yes! Yes!" She chanted like a broken record, the coil in her lower stomach tightening by the second and threatening to snap at any moment, "I'm so close!"

His left arm lifted her leg even higher and then left it there to be able to bring his fingers down to rub at her clit and send her over the edge, "C'mon baby, cum for me sweetheart!" He encouraged her as he rubbed fast circles on her throbbing clit, which earned him choked out moans that turned into a throat ripping moan of, "F-fuckkkk! George!"

George felt her squeeze him so tightly as she came, making it so much harder for him to continue thrusting in and out of her which ended up with him stilling his hips as he came a few seconds after her with a loud, "Ah shit! Ella!"

His thrusts became sloppy and messy as she spasmed around him, whimpering as the aftershocks of her orgasm had her legs trembling under him and her white knuckle grip on the sheets faltered.

Letting his weight fall over Ella slightly, George sighed in complete bliss and he kissed the back of her head and her cheek multiple times to say, "Did so good for me sweetheart." He dropped a kiss on her lips for the first time that morning and praised her once more, "Pretty girl."

The way he spoke to her made Ella's stomach flutter, and he felt it when she clenched around him, "You like that huh?" He teasingly asked, to which she only mewled in response.

He pulled out, hearing her whine this time when she felt upsettingly empty again but her rubbed circles on her hips soothingly and asked, "Shall we go take a shower? Do you want me to help you up?"

Ella had barely managed to reply with a quiet, "Mhm..." when a loud ringing snapped them out of their bubble.

She didn't recognize the ringing so she figured it was George's. The drummer didn't do a thing to go and get it though, as he came to lay down beside her and shed himself off the condom they'd used.

He got up to discard it in the bathroom and just as he crossed the threshold of the room, he heard his phone start ringing again. He didn't listen to it, taking his time in the bathroom until he heard Ella call out for him.

A grunt left his lips when he came back to the room and picked up the phone and read his sister's name on the screen so he answered with a meek, "Y'alright?" to let her know he wasn't in the mood for constant ringing.

Ella heard pure silence surrounding them for a good half minute before George sighed a, "Fucks sake." The American opened her eyes to see him and moved onto her side to watch him as he spoke. "Right now? Really?" He asked, entirely unamused. "Yeah, really busy actually." He said sternly, looking at a naked Ella in front of him with wide eyes. That made Ella purse her lips not to laugh but what broke the giggles out of her was when he sighed loudly and muttered, "I hate you." to whoever it was. It was barely another half minute that he ended the call with an impatient, "Yeah, yeah. Sure. See ya'."

"What's wrong?" Ella asked curiously, her fingers playing with the ends of her hair.

George rolled his eyes at the situation, "My sister needs me for something. She says it's urgent but I doubt it." He shrugged then, ignoring the importance of whatever it was she needed him for, he had only been half listening really. "I can stay though, it wouldn't be the first time I ignore her."

That had Ella snorting in laughter, "Go, you idiot."

"But–" He tried to argue as he came to hover over her, head dipping to steal a kiss out of her which Ella broke after a few seconds by pushing his shoulders slightly so she could reassure him it was fine.

"It's okay. I had the best time with you, and that's all I wanted." Her hands came to the back of his head, fingers digging into the hair at the nape of his neck and scratched his scalp softly.

George clicked his tongue and he pouted to joke, "Knew you only wanted me for my body."

Ella cackled at his antics and told him to "Shut up." only to do it herself by pulling him into her so they could share one last kiss. It was sweet but it wasn't soft, their lips moving together with intent as if to prove they'd need to do it again because it was just too good.

But she had to stop it before it could turn into something more. She pulled on his hair so their lips separated with a smack and with the sweetest smile and looking at him with those gorgeous hazel green eyes of hers, she said, "Thank you George."

"I had the best time Ellie." He replied wholeheartedly then, agreeing with her previous point.

"Me too." She nodded softly to reiterate her point, hands coming back down to cup his jaw, thumbs rubbing circles on his skin.

One last short kiss was all they got in that bed before they both stood up and got dressed. Well, George did, in the same getup as the day before, while Ella put her robe back on and tied it around herself slowly as he finished getting his shoes on.

"I'll see you soon, yeah?" He said when they got to the door, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "When are you leaving again?"

"Friday."

He nodded, it was very soon but there was still time. "We have a week then." He winked right as he opened the door, stealing one last peck from her and leaving her with a stupid smile on her face that only got bigger when she closed the door behind her and she looked at the mess they had left the bed looking like.

And it got even bigger when she finally reached for her phone, which she had put on silent, for the first time since before the date and she found her most recent notification being a message from Florence which made her cackle.

When she opened that message conversation, she giggled loudly for she had messages from the day before and Flo hadn't taken the time that passed between the texts she sent lightly.

(13/07/2013 18:38) How did the date go? Hope he behaved for you x

(13/07/2013 18:52) No, I actually hope he didn't ;) xx

(13/07/2013 20:51) Okay, it's almost nine now... You better be ignoring me for the right reasons Miss Hayes x

(13/07/2013 23:46) I'm about to go to bed but I've driven Matty crazy tonight because I'm so intrigued about this. Answer woman! I'm going mad!!!!

(14/07/2013 08:22) Good fucking morning you lucky bitch! Still no response? You better tell me all about this later!!!! xx

(14/07/2013 09:35) Should I start getting worried?! If you don't answer in an hour, I'm texting him just to ask if he didn't fuck this whole thing massively x

That text had been sent almost an hour before, and Ella knew Flo was faithful to her promises so she typed an answer the quickest her fingers allowed her to.

(14/07/2013 10:18) Hello... Why does this text feel like a walk of shame? Hahah x I'm sorry for just now replying, I had my hands a bit full...

Ella laughed loudly when a minute later, when she had been choosing what to wear after taking a shower, Flo replied.

(14/07/2013 10:19) Eleanor Hayes!!!!!!!! Tell me every dirty little detail right now!!!!!

(14/07/2013 10:19) I'm gonna take a shower right now but I'll call you as soon as I'm out x

(14/07/2013 10:20) You're just now showering?! Did you go again this morning?!

(14/07/2013 10:21) Why do you want to spoil this story for yourself?

(14/07/2013 10:21) I'm actually so fucking jealous right now, it's an issue x

(14/07/2013 10:22) HAHAHA Give me five minutes and I'll call you as soon as I have dried my hair. Get your popcorn ready x

(14/07/2013 10:23) Will do you, lucky bitch! CAN'T WAIT!!!! xxxx

Ella took the quickest shower she could, just because she was actually dying to talk about it all with someone and who better than Flo.

So the second her hair had gone from wet to just damp under the hot blow of air of the hair dryer, she ran back to the room and ringed her up.

The call had been hilarious and had elongated to almost an hour because Flo asked for every little dirty detail and Ella had used the call as an opportunity to process what had happened so the artist had gotten things Ella wouldn't normally tell anyone.

But the end of it had been entirely mortifying because Ella had found out that Matty had been listening too when she was talking about what had taken place that morning. And just when Flo had been trying to tell her it was fine because Matty was George's best mate and he was her friend now too, Ella's phone started ringing with another incoming call from someone she'd tried not to think about yet.

"Erm, sorry Flo, Alex is ringing me." She apologized like she had too, her insides being coated by nervousness.

"Oh it's alright hun," Flo waved her off, and with a mischievous tone assured her, "We'll continue this later."

Ella's hands had started to sweat and she let a little nervous giggle before reminding Florence, "Next time warn me when your husband is there so I can keep a bit of dignity to myself."

Flo cackled at that but Matty was the one to reply with confidence, "No dignity lost here Ella, you're a fucking legend."

That answer made Ella snort in short laughter, "Thanks Matty, I doubt it." As soon as she let those words out, she felt Alex's call go to voicemail and here phone stopped vibrating in her hand, so she cursed, "Fuck, call went through. I'll go now." She sourly let them know, and Ella smiled softly when they assured her it was alright so with a sigh, she added, "Love you guys, bye!"

"Bye Ella!" She heard coming from the other side of the line and with that, she ended the call.

Her fingers hovered over her screen with doubt, debating whether or not to make the call back but Alex rang her up again, answering that for her.

"Hi Al, sorry, I was on the phone." She apologized first and foremost as soon as she picked up.

"S'alright." Alex reassured her, and he was about to ask how the previous day had gone because he had texted her a few times and he still hadn't gotten a response, when Ella interrupted him.

Her nerves made her sound breathless when the words came pouring out of her lips, "How are you? Did something happen?"

"No, I, erm..." He frowned a bit at her behavior but didn't really know if he should pry on anything yet, so he stuck to bringing up the topic of one of his texts, "Doesn't Ben and the crew arrive later today?"

"Oh, yes." One of her clammy hands came up to her forehead and she closed her eyes just to think of when that would be but her mind was a knot of thoughts. "I think I have Ben's itinerary here." She remembered in a lucky spark of logic so she took her laptop out of her suitcase and opened it quickly to find the ticket reservations somewhere on her desktop.

She hummed to herself as she looked for it and snapped her fingers when she found it, "Yes, they're landing around three."

"Are you going to get them?" Alex asked shyly, not really knowing what was the plan for the Focus Creeps crew when they got to London.

"No, they're actually staying here too so I'll meet them downstairs when they arrive."

Ella noticed how recoiled he was being when he softly inquired, "Do you think Ben would mind me intruding?"

"Absolutely not." She reassured him, though she had no idea why he'd want to come over to meet Ben when they had the shoot planned for the following day. But she got an idea as to how to make the day productive if he was to come over, "We could have a little meeting considering we're shooting two days in a row starting tomorrow. You know, run over the last few things and make sure everything's alright and meets your expectations."

The clicking of his tongue and his little scoff made her giggle, "Darling, it's you and Ben directing, I will definitely love it."

"You better boss." She said as she closed her laptop, putting it back in her suitcase.

"Shush." He said with a giggle managing its way out through his words. That wasn't why he had called her though, so he pushed with what he actually had been meaning to ask, "Have you got any plans for earlier today?"

In all honesty, Alex had spent the previous day wondering and wondering if everything was okay then. He hoped it was, and thinking back to the previous two days when they'd been in Sheffield and Manchester, it seemed like it. But he couldn't help but wonder, what if it isn't? So he had anxiously waited for the day to pass until it was late for him to text her and not interrupt her plans—eight in the evening had been decent enough for him—but he'd gotten no response and he'd tossed and turned all night overthinking.

He'd only managed to get some sleep around three in the morning and that was why he had woken up rather late and only been able to wait just another half hour after his eyes peeled open and he saw there was still no response, before calling her up.

His heart had sank with the worst feeling, his brain just telling him she was completely ignoring him but he was stubborn, so he decided to call again and thankfully she had picked up. He hadn't been more relieved to hear her voice before.

"Right now?" She asked, biting on her thumb and blushing when she looked up and was met with the mess her bed had been left as after George went away.

"Yeah."

She hesitated, not really remembering what it was that she was doing, a long "Ermmmmm," coming from her until her eyes fell on her camera which was propped up on her bedside table and it clicked, "Oh, just going to pick up my pictures I sent to develop. Might take the ones I took in Manchester and Sheffield to develop as well before I leave."

Alex tried his luck, carefully asking, "Mind if I intrude in those plans too?"

To his relief, she chuckled and replied with a relaxed, "'Course I don't." One that really contrasted the way her insides were churning at the fact of having to face him after what had happened merely an hour before. She turned her back to the bed, trying to will her memories of the day before and the morning out of the forefront of her mind.

Clearing her throat, she suggested, "Wanna get some breakfast first? Haven't eaten anything yet and I might faint if I go walking around London on an empty stomach."

"Absolutely." He smiled at the thought of going out for breakfast with her but in the back of his mind he wondered why she had yet to eat. Shrugging it off, he turned back to his room to get his sunglasses and a jacket so he could leave, "I'll be there in fifteen."

She hummed, slightly panicking about getting ready that quickly but not sounding it at all as she forced a smile that she knew he couldn't see, "Amazing. See you soon then, sweets."

"See ya' darling."

When Ella shed herself of the towel and saw her reflection in the mirror, she blushed instantly at the trace George had left on her. Love bites everywhere on her chest, neck, inner thighs and when she turned around she caught a few lingering around her back, along with the faint print of his hands on her ass. She started getting hot at the memory of it all, and she had to force herself to focus on the task of getting ready before Alex could arrive.

She'd ended up choosing a black turtleneck with long sleeves and some black jeans just to make sure nothing would peek through and cause any type of conversation that would end wrongly.

Not that she owed Alex anything, but she would rather avoid any arguments like the one at the pub if it had been sparked by him finding out she was messing about instead of spending time with them.

When Alex had arrived and knocked on the door of her hotel room, she'd been making sure if she'd gotten all the rolls she'd used with her. She was debating whether or not to take the roll she had in her camera as well as she tucked it back inside its case and placed a new roll inside her Minolta, when Alex knocked again and she just panicked, shoving her latest used roll inside her bag along with the rest.

"Coming!" She yelled as she grabbed her phone, wallet, cigarettes and lighter, the room keys and her leather jacket.

He had barely heard her but before he could knock again, the same housekeeping lady who had knocked the door earlier walked right by him and warned him, "She was busy."

Alex frowned quite confused, she had a brow raised at him and almost like a smirk on her face, but he didn't have much time to ask what the lady meant when Ella came out of her room, opening the door just enough for her to walk out and she froze when she saw the housekeeping lady right behind him.

"Hi sweets." Ella greeted him tensely, her eyes going warily from the lady to Alex as if she was a prey about to be pounced on.

Alex was still confused, his smile crooked as he greeted her back with a soft, "Hi darling." and not even sure if he should hug her when they had prying eyes over them.

But before they even tried to, the lady cleared her throat and asked, "May I come in now?"

"Oh yes, I– erm," Ella stuttered under Alex's intent gaze. He noticed the way her cheeks warmed and turned pink as she lowered her voice to apologize, "Sorry about the duvet, it's on the floor."

Ella didn't miss the way the lady looked from her to Alex and chuckled like she knew a secret, and nodded, "That's alright."

"Thanks!" Ella let out breathlessly, before grabbing Alex by the hand and pulled him to where the lifts were.

Before she went into Ella's hotel room though, the lady turned to look at the hold Ella had on Alex and shook her head. She'd seen George walking out of Ella's room earlier, and if the duvet was on the floor then she could imagine what had went on, but hearing Alex call her darling made the lady start making assumptions that made Ella look bad. She just laughed about it, turning the key in the lock so she could walk into the room and do her job.

Ella couldn't stay still while waiting for the lift and Alex was just dead silent, entirely confused about what had just happened. In his head, he was just hoping he was being too creative and driven entirely by jealousy when going on about his theories, silently praying it was anything but what he was thinking.

Entirely distracted by her own nerves and the lift doors opening in front of them, Ella didn't see the way Alex eyes her up and down for signs of anything that could prove what he was thinking of but he found nothing that could confirm his suspicions.

It wasn't like it was much he could see anyway, he frowned at how her clothes covered her almost entirely. Not even her neck on show with the turtleneck she had on.

He sighed when the doors opened again when they got down at the lobby and decided to just ignore it all so he could enjoy being in her presence like he had wished for all day yesterday. So he just intertwined their fingers as they walked through the lobby, giving the receptionist a quick smile and wave goodbye before leaving the hotel.

They missed the way the receptionist frowned, having seen that the guy Ella had brought in the day before had just walked out an hour before in the same clothes. The receptionist had laughed to herself and shook her head at what she imagined Ella had done, "Americans."

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

Barely a few minutes had passed as they walked the busy London streets when Alex just couldn't bite his tongue any longer. The complete silence from her part the day before, her hesitation to answer when he asked about it, and what she'd said to the housekeeper. All of it was making his curiosity grow inside him until it became uncomfortable to keep it in any longer.

"How was yesterday? You had fun?" He started off easy, thinking that would be the best way to get anything out of her.

But all Alex got was a hurried and stuttery, "Oh, I'm– Yes, I did."

"What did you do?" The singer tried again, looking at her to try and see if she gave anything away with the look on her face.

But all he saw was her avoidant stare and her blushing cheeks, "Just, you know– Had lunch." She paused for a little bit until she eventually added the rest, "With a friend." almost with regret to have said it after a second of it slipping past her lips.

"Oh right." He nodded with a soft smile, confused as to why it was being so hard for her to say that. In another attempt to understand, or scratch that itch in his brain more like, he asked, "Where'd you go?"

She hummed as she thought about it, giving herself a bit more time to act put together, "This restaurant in Covent Garden. Think it was called Cora Pearl."

A surprised "Oh." came from him in response and just to give a chance to prove his theories wrong, he suggested, "Romantic, wasn't it?"

Ella stiffened and Alex noticed because he was still holding her hand. He frowned at her reaction and she giggled nervously, "What?"

"That place. It's a bit romantic innit?" From what he remembered, the last time he went to that restaurant, it had been a very cozy and romantic setting so it made him suspicious.

"No, not really. It was alright," She toned it down with a click of her tongue, only to shrug lazily as she added, "Food was good."

"Right, right." Alex let her have it that time, and switched topics to tell her, "I texted you yesterday."

Her hands had started getting sweaty and she hoped he wasn't noticing—he had—but she played it cool. "Did you?" She asked back, she'd barely glanced at her notifications that morning, the first one being from Flo and therefore the only one to grasp her eye so she'd fully put off checking the rest as she catched the artist up on what had happened.

"Yeah, but s'alright. Just wanted to know when Ben was coming." His fingers squeezed her hand softly as if to calm her clear nerves out and she sighed slightly before dropping his hand and reaching for her cigarettes and her lighter because she needed a smoke desperately.

"We have a bit of time until then, don't we?" Ella mumbled as she placed the cigarette between her lips and lit it up, taking a long drag and offering it to him. Alex took it from her and nodded, she watched as he took a drag and said, "Let's just go somewhere to eat, I'm starving."

Their shared cigarette had been stomped over on the asphalt when they stumbled into a cute little cafe five minutes later. It was small and cozy, the smell of coffee inviting and the look of the different flavored croissants and pastries made their mouths water.

Before Alex could continue asking about the previous day, like she knew he was dying to, Ella started asking him about the album release and tour. She'd kept him distracted by asking about the album rollout and which songs they had decided as singles along with 'R U Mine?', 'Do I Wanna Know?' and 'Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?'.

When he'd shown her the schedule they had so far for the tour, up until the end of the year, her heart sank at the sight of how after she left, she'd only have a couple chances to see him and it'd only be because they'd be having a gig in LA.

They'd left the cafe almost an hour later and made their way to the photolab. It was almost a half an hour walk but it had been spent smoking, talking and taking pictures.

Once they got to the photolab, Ella was greeted with two envelopes thick with pictures she'd printed out, a USB with all of her scans and the sleeves with her negatives inside.

"Oh thank you so much!" Ella said with a big grin on her face, she couldn't wait to see them all. "I have a few more I want to develop, if that's alright."

"Of course." The man behind the counter said, "Do you want them scanned as well? So I can keep the USB and put the new ones in there."

Ella nodded, "That'd be perfect, yeah." She let her bag slide down her shoulder to hang on the crook of her elbow and rummaged around to see the used rolls she'd brought. "Erm..." She let out as she tried remembering which one was the George one, not knowing if she really wanted to leave it or just develop it when they got back home.

"How many are there?" The man asked intrigued by the way she was frowning.

"Only four I think." She really was trying to remember which one was from the day before but she couldn't for the life of her remember, so she just sighed and took them out of her bag and left it on the counter, "Just these."

"We could have these ready for you Wednesday afternoon, maybe?"

Ella waved him off as if not to worry him about rushing, "I'll be here Thursday morning, no need to rush."

The man flashed her a smile, "Thanks doll." He went on to click a few things on his computer to get her order ready, printing a spreadsheet with what she wanted for her order and turned back to her, "Are you paying in advance again?"

"Yeah, much easier that way." She instinctively dove into her jacket pockets for her small card holder but she only fished out the note Flo had sent her with George the day before. Ella blushed, leaving it on the counter mindlessly under the gaze of the man in charge of the photolab, and went to look through her bag again.

Whilst she went around looking for her credit card, Alex's attention was completely caught by the folded piece of paper. His eyes magnetized to the Ellie x written on top of it, he had to fight the urge to grab it and read it.

Alex's trance was broken when she snatched the note off the counter, shoving it inside her bag quickly and then turning to the man to offer her credit card up to him.

The transaction was fast, and with a promise to send her an email once they had her pictures ready, Alex and Ella left the place. Her bag was heavy with the weight of the photos she'd printed but it lit up this feeling inside her that she loved. There was nothing like picking up your prints and scans and just admiring every frame up close.

Ella knew what she had in there though, Alice's pictures were definitely in there somewhere and she wouldn't take her chances pulling the pictures out in front of Alex. But the singer wanted to see the pictures, taking her to a park that was a bit over five minutes away from the photolab and sitting down with her to encourage her to show the prints.

She took one of the envelopes out, opening it slowly and peeking through to see if anything she didn't want Alex seeing was there but she was thankfully greeted with the first batch of film she'd take when she'd arrived.

"Awh, these are from Glastonbury!" She exclaimed and pouted, taking a handful out of the envelope for them to see.

The first one was of Bre and Matt dancing around in the backstage area, right next to the drinks tent that was up for the artists to grab. There was one of Flo and Matty with Adam, George and Ross around them, all of them cheering after the 1975's set had finished. One of all the girls together, drinks in hand and big smiles on their faces during the Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds set. A few of everyone lounging around the tour bus, sunglasses on to not show their tired hungover eyes.

"Look at Jamie's face." Ella pointed out before a loud cackle managed its way out of her lips. It was a picture of Miles in his Union Jack tracksuit, jumping in the air and Jamie just so happened to be behind him with a terrified look on his face.

Alex's giggles joined hers when he caught a glimpse of the picture, "What was Miles doing?"

She barely managed through a new wave of giggles, "Dunno but this one's hilarious."

They continued flipping through the handful of pictures, tucking them back inside the envelope once they had seen them all and taking another handful out to see.

It was when they were flipping through the pictures Ella had gotten at the London Eye that her phone pinged with a new message and had interrupted their appreciation for Ella's photography.

With quick fingers, she unlocked her phone and read what Ben had just sent her, telling Alex what it was with a simple, "They've landed."

"Ben?" Alex asked pointlessly, there was no one else coming other than the Focus Creeps crew.

She nodded, putting her phone back inside the pocket of her jacket and then placing the pictures they had been looking at back in the envelope, "He just texted me that they're at baggage claim. They're probably getting to the hotel in an hour, shall we head back?"

"Sure." Alex nodded, watching as she placed the envelope inside her bag.

He stood up from the bench and offered her a hand. She took it with a smile and, hand in hand, they walked back to the hotel.

It probably took them around thirty minutes to get back and since they calculated they still had enough time until the crew arrived, Ella thought it would be good to book a conference room for a small meeting.

She walked up to the reception desk and sweetly asked, "Hi, sorry could I get a conference room?" She'd seen they had them back when she had booked her room but, if she wasn't mistaken, there were only three in total.

The girl behind the desk smiled back, "Of course, can I have your name please?"

"Eleanor Hayes."

"For when would you like to book it?"

She fiddled with her fingers, looking up at the big clock perched in the lobby's wall. It was almost half past three and she reckoned her co-workers wouldn't arrive until four so she ended up settling for five. "Is there any available around five?"

"Yes, I have one available then." The girl clicked away on the desktop and wrote something down in a spreadsheet to her left.

Ella gave her a grateful grin, "Oh amazing."

The typing away filled in the few seconds of silence and then the receptionist looked back up at her to say, "Alright Miss Hayes, you can just come around by then and I'll walk you over to the room."

"Thank you so much, see you then." Ella left her with a double tap of the desk.

She heard a faint "You're welcome." behind her as she turned back to the lobby's lounge area, where Alex was occupying half of a two seater settee.

Once she settled beside him, Ella let her bag fall in between the both of them and looking down at the envelopes peeking through the top of it, she asked him, "D'you wanna keep looking at the pictures?"

Alex nodded, wanting to see how the pictures he had taken of Ella had turned out, so she pulled out the envelopes and was about to open one of them to inspect it when ruckus coming from the hotel doors made them look up and they were surprised by the crew carrying multiple suitcases into the place.

"Oh my god! Hi!" Ella sprung up from her seat, shoving the envelopes quickly inside the bag and leaving it forgotten there as she walked over to help the crew.

She'd gotten two of the cases that looked to be carrying their filming gear whilst Alex came around to help Tyler, their camera man, with a bag he was struggling with along with a suitcase he clumsily was managing to roll around.

When they properly came inside the hotel and into the lobby, the crew left the cases alone to greet their missing co-worker. "Ella! We missed you!" Ben said before hugging her tightly and swaying her side to side.

Ella cooed and chuckled, because she felt the same. Ben had gone from being her boss to her mentor and he had been so incredibly supportive when she had gotten promoted to a director, their relationship had turned into one that felt like they were siblings.

They had started working as a duo since Ella had officially been promoted and that was why they shared a PA now, but that meant their creative brains were in sync and they spent more time together, therefore their trust in each other grew so much they had become almost inseparable and it hit Ella how much she missed having him around when he walked through the door. "Awh missed you too Ben! How was the flight?"

Ben let go and huffed in exhaustion, "Too long."

"I know." She said sympathetically, looking around the rest of the crew with a pout before going over to each one of them to greet them.

"Alex, hi man!" Ben said to the singer enthusiastically.

"Ben, nice seeing you again." Alex said with a genuine smile and pulled him in for a brief strong embrace, waving at everyone behind him briefly.

"How are you? Glastonbury was brilliant!" The director hadn't missed the chance to compliment him because he had thoroughly enjoyed their set a lot, it had been stunning.

Alex waved him off like it wasn't needed but he still appreciated the comment, "Thanks mate. I'm alright, how are you?"

"Tired but we're here." Ben sighed, the heaviness of the long flight now weighing down on him. But when Ben looked up at Alex, he found the singer to have his eyes stuck on Ella who was hugging her PA last with a soft smile. Just to tease, Ben cleared his throat and said, "Hope Ella's been behaving."

Ella had heard that as she turned back to him and Alex, rolling her eyes to call him out, "Oh shut up Benjamin."

But Alex didn't find it hard to admit, "She has been, she's a gooden."

"She is." Ben agreed, a slight smirk on his face which earned him another roll of Ella's eyes. He chuckled before turning his attention back on his crew and suggested, "Right, let's check in everyone, yeah?"

"You sound like a teacher on a school trip Ben." Ella pointed out with a raised eyebrow, almost like she was scolding him for it.

Tyler made it worse for the director when he added fuel to the fire by pointing out, "He was worse at the airport."

To which Ella winced and shook her head, "Oh god." She sighed as if the information pained her but let them move onto the reception desk and check into their rooms. They all got their respective room keys and once everyone had them in hand, Ella stood in front of them all and informed them, "I got us a conference room at five so we can go over everything and have it all ready for tomorrow, just so we don't have to cut your well needed rest short and run around in case something goes wrong."

Ben smiled at her with narrowed eyes, "Always thinking ahead. That sounds great."

Ella looked smug at Ben's reaction, flipping her hair exaggeratedly to make a point of how she always was right. Ben shoved her playfully out of her smugness and it made her giggle. But she turned serious again when Lydia yawned loudly behind her hand, "I'll let y'all settle then? I'll text the chat when I'm back down here so we can go."

The crew nodded, completely satisfied with the idea of at least a short rest before the meeting took place and Ben was the one to eventually accept, "Sure, yeah." His gaze fell on Alex though, and he asked, "You leaving Alex?" just to know if he had to say bye before going up to their rooms.

But Alex shook his head no, brows slightly furrowed, "No, no. I'm gonna intrude on your meeting. Ella said it was alright."

The choice of words made Ben chuckle but he nodded in agreement, "More than alright, that way we can double check everything."

"Brilliant." Alex said, slightly relieved at yet another confirmation that it was alright that he stayed for the meeting.

Ben was a bit nosy, and eventually let his curiosity win when after a few beats of silence, he inquired, "Are you leaving and then coming back?"

Before the singer could answer, Ella let out that, "No, he's coming upstairs with me." and that answer was enough for her co-workers to grow curious.

"Right." Ben replied with a smirk growing on his face, and he repeated another "Right." as if the first one hadn't been given in the best tone. It wasn't needed, because it was written on his face how he was enjoying hearing that for it gave him something to taunt Ella about.

So the director nodded slowly and offered them a gallic shrug, "See you at five then." to then grab their stuff and start to walk up to the elevators.

"See ya'!" Alex said a bit loudly as they walked away, a giddiness bubbling up inside him when knowing this meant he could go upstairs with Ella sooner then.

Ella added to the short farewell with an enthusiastic, "Bye guys!"

Alex watched as the crew disappeared into the lifts and Ella went back to the lounge area. He turned to see her grabbing her bag and once she had it perched on her shoulder, she walked back to him.

With a "Let's go." and a pat on his back, she encouraged him to follow her upstairs. She'd slowly opened her door, peeking through the barely cracked open door to see if the room was no longer a mess of tangled sheets and thrown duvets and she was glad to see it all in place like that morning hadn't happened. Seeing the bed, even if it was tidy, made her cheeks heat up though.

She pursed her lips watching as Alex toed off his shoes by the door and went straight to lay down on the bed. Her mind played tricks on her that weren't doing more than quicken her heart beats and tinting the tips of her ears as red as her cheeks.

"You can turn on the TV if you want." She invited, giving him the remote after she'd gotten a cigarette out of the pocket of her now forgotten jacket she'd perched on the back of the settee in her room.

Opening the door to the balcony, she pointed out, "M'gonna go for a smoke." and once he nodded with a smile, she escaped to the small area.

Five minutes of mindlessly going through channels with shit programmes on was enough for Alex to get up from the bed and walk outside with her. He got a cigarette out from his pocket and lit it up, silently smoking beside her.

The newfound silence between them was giving them time to think. They'd had silence before, comfortable ones where they settled and somehow it felt like they could silently communicate through looks and lingering touches. But this one was strange, it was a silence that just emphasized the distance between them and how their eyes didn't meet to talk wordlessly anymore.

Alex looked at her as he took his first drag and she turned to him to give him a fleeting smile, turning back to watch the people walking the English streets and the cars driving past. Ella felt his gaze burning on the side of her head but she forced herself to pay it no mind, what could she do? She hated having to walk on eggshells around him but after realizing they had never been acting properly like just friends, she was trying to navigate what that meant for them from then on.

It was weird feeling how she just couldn't talk and talk to him like she usually did, scared she could say something that could give him the wrong impression or that could set him off like before. Yes, he had apologized and promised it wouldn't happen again but she didn't want something going wrong because of something she could've prevented.

"Are you alright?" Alex ended up asking her, noticing just how tense she was.

Ella was taken aback by the question, "Yeah, why?"

Alex shrugged, the corners of his lips tugged down in a soft pout that he ended up switching for pressed lips as he mustered the courage to say, "You're quiet."

"Oh, sorry." The smoke left her lips as she spoke, turning to look at him while leaning into the wall on her back, "Just thinking about the video and how I'm leaving on Friday."

"Don't remind me." He pouted before taking another drag of his cigarette. Having merely five days left with her was an actual cruel joke. "Is Breana leaving on the same flight?"

Ella nodded, "Yeah, eleven in the morning so we're gonna have to be early at Heathrow." At least she would have Bre with her on the way back to assure her of not going crazy on such a long flight. "Matt's taking us, by the way, so you don't have to drive us."

"But I'm coming with." Alex chatted back, eyebrows raised at her and offended at the fact she was even giving him an out.

"It's gonna be really early." She warned, not really wanting to bother him about waking up so early just to go to the airport.

But Alex would never not go, "Don't care." He stubbed out the remaining of his cigarette out on the ashtray that was placed over the coffee table and walked over to her.

Wrapping his fingers around her wrist, he pulled her off the wall for her to walk into his arms, which she did without a peep of complaint, melting in his hold like she was used to.

Alex's fingers clutched her tightly, keeping her close to his chest and Ella let her head rest in the crook of his neck, drowning in his scent and closing her eyes to relish in the feeling.

"Don't want you to leave." He admitted with nerves bubbling up inside of him. He just wanted to let his words run loose and slip past his lips easily but god was he scared of her not reciprocating.

Ella hummed, the noise making her chest vibrate against his, "Don't want to either." She admitted right back and those words were enough to spark something inside him.

Would it be selfish of him to just ask her to leave it all behind for him? Would that be what his confession end up meaning to her?

The fear of rejection turned into a fear of asking too much from her, enough to drive her away, and just because of how much he was overthinking that sudden train of thought, he bit his tongue and stayed silent.

Silence which ended up in Ella sighing at the lack of response and choosing to add, "But I have to." in the end.

Those words came like heavy bricks over his heart, a confirmation of his worries being valid and right. He couldn't do that to her. He couldn't just ask her to go with him because of his feelings, not when she had so much waiting back home for her.

How badly he wanted to be selfish, to have this go his way, but it would be cruel to even lay that down in front of her and put her in the difficult position of having to even make that decision—if it even was a possibility for that to be a debate within her because he was still struggling to wrap his head around the chances of her feeling the same way about him.

Why is everything so complicated? He hated how he just couldn't let the words slip without thinking of the consequences, but there was just too much to lose and he had to weigh down if it was even worth it to risk it.

Flo's words came back to him. The moment he had finally let out how he felt for Ella for the first time came back to him and how good it had felt to get that off his chest. He clutched her a bit tighter when that flashed in the forefront of his mind and he smiled to himself when he felt Ella wrap her arms around his waist.

He thought then, it wasn't that he felt like it was a weakness to let it out, no, it was just how who he was wouldn't allow him to give Ella what she deserved. Because in the best of outcomes, she reciprocated, but what could he give her if she was in California and he was traveling all over the globe with no rest until the end of the year. And he was sure the next year would be the same, a plane from one country to another, day in a tour bus touring all across continents and no stability to give her the time she deserved.

Alex wanted to pull his hair out. He had done distance before and it had only been so long until he moved all the way to New York for his then girlfriend. Would Ella drop everything to join him? Would Ella let go of her dream job to follow him around the world? Would Alex be able to ask that from her?

Ella felt him drop a kiss on top of her head and his lips stayed there for a minute, his breathing slowed and got heavy and eventually she had to look up at him because it felt like something in the air had shifted.

"Are you okay?" She was the one to ask this time, and he saw the soft furrow of her brows and her lips slightly pursed when she pulled back to see his face.

He nodded, but he looked full of sorrow so Ella had to make sure, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, why?"

She took a step back, going to stub out the burnt out cigarette she had been holding and when that was done she stood back in front of him. "You're quiet." She repeated his words to him with a hint of a smile, like she was trying to cheer him up.

He caught onto it, offering a tight lip smile as he shook his head. The knot in his throat started tightening and it was like she had noticed without him even giving a sign of getting upset, so she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly.

"I'm gonna miss you so much, sweets." She promised him with a whisper in his ear, goosebumps breaking on his skin as his arms wrapped around her waist. "But we have this week left so let's not get ahead of ourselves okay?"

"You're right." Alex nodded again, Ella squeezed him a bit tighter and after a few seconds she broke the embrace, pulling back and smirking at him.

"I told you I always am."

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It had been almost five when Alex woke her up. She had fallen asleep with her head resting on his shoulder as they watched some British show on BBC, not long after they'd come back inside from the balcony. Ella apologized profusely when she'd gotten back into her senses, apologies which he didn't accept.

They had made their way down to the lobby after Ella got her laptop and a little journal, texting the crew's group chat with one hand to let them know she'd be waiting for them there.

Fortunately, the small group had made an appearance at the lobby not long after she'd sent the text and they had gone into the conference room they'd been assigned at merely a quarter past five.

Ella settled with Alex to her right and Ben to her left, across the table sat Lydia, the new PA, Tyler, the cameraman, Margaret, the sound recorder, and Cameron, the lighting specialist. It was a small crew but it would do, plus they were the ones to come all the way to London because they were the best they had, the heads of each of their departments back home.

Whilst she opened her laptop to pull up the list of things she needed done for this shoot, Ella felt a gaze burning on her and when she let her eyes up to see who it was, she found Lydia staring at her and then at Alex.

She didn't give it attention until she looked up again and she found Lydia still gawking at Alex shamelessly. Ella thought it might've been because she hadn't been properly introduced to the singer so she took the matter in her own hands.

Interrupting her clicking and typing on her laptop to do so, Ella startled Lydia out of her trance when she turned to Alex and said, "Alex, this is Lydia, our new PA."

Alex looked up at the new face and smiled softly, "Nice to meet you."

Lydia's face seemed to light up at the attention and Ella had to hold herself back from scowling. The new PA waved shyly at him and said, "Such a pleasure to meet you Alex. Big fan."

"Thank you." Alex said kindly, before dropping his gaze back to Ella's laptop screen.

"I'm sure you remember everyone else." Ella said before continuing, knowing everyone had met Alex already at the same time as Ella had so there was no need for new introductions.

And Alex confirmed that when he nodded, "I do. Great seeing you again."

Everyone reciprocated the kindness and once that was over, Ella smiled at everyone and asked, "Right, so let's dive right in then?" to which she got nods that gave her the green light to start going over every bullet point.

Firstly, she had noticed the gap in her checklist where it said Stylist/Hair and makeup and just to make sure that was covered before moving onto what was confirmed already, she turned to Alex to ask, "Is your stylist coming tomorrow?"

Alex hummed, "Yeah she is." They had let her know she was needed for the shoot since it had been arranged, but it probably slipped past someone's mind to confirm that.

"Is she also taking care of hair and makeup?" Ella asked for the full confirmation.

And to her relief, Alex replied positively, "She is."

"Oh perfect." It was relieving checking that off and having the list look complete, "Okay so we have Lamie Stewart, she did the casting with an agency here and we had the video sent over, she's brilliant you'll love her." The model had been so brilliant and professional, an absolute laugh when she'd gotten to do the video call with Ella and Ben and it had been very refreshing to have such an easy going person as their main talent.

Alex smiled and nodded softly, completely trusting Ella's judgment about the main girl for the video. And with that approval, Ella moved onto the main point, "Let's go over the video concept again." She drummed her fingers on the table before they opened up the journal she'd brought with her and flipped through the pages until it was opened on the video.

Her eyes went over the words written in the preface for the project swiftly and she cleared her throat to start reciting it back, "We're gonna have you drunk out of your mind walking out of the pub, texting 'Stephanie' for a booty call. And you're gonna be hallucinating she's getting, erm, fucked as you walk up to her house. But you end up in the wrong house just across her street."

Alex chuckled when she'd weirdly said the word fucked, amused by her shyness coming back in front of her co-workers. With a smirk, he nodded, "Yep. Just like we talked about back in May."

"Nothing you wanna add or take out of it?" She layed out the chance for him to do anything to it, just in case it would be needed to arrange something else before it was too late.

But he shook his head, nothing really coming to mind, "No, I trust your vision on it."

"Good." Ella smirked at him, entirely satisfied with his words, "Lydia could you please phone the pub for me to make sure they know we have the place booked out for tomorrow to shoot?"

"Yeah, sure." Lydia nodded gracefully as she pulled out her phone and looked through her own journal for the number of the place. But before she could actually dial the number, Ella asked for another task to be done, "And please give the agency a call as well so they can notify Lamie and the extras when and where the shoot will take place."

A nod of Lydia's head was enough for Ella to deem that done, so she turned to Alex, "The lads know when I want them there tomorrow right?"

Alex's honest, "I wouldn't trust them." made Ella sigh and nod in defeat.

"You're right." She replied, thinking maybe Jamie would be the only one to remember that, "I'll send them a text right now, then."

But Alex let his hand come over hers to ease her worry about it and took the task off her by offering, "I'll do it for you, don't worry."

A tight lip smile was what he got in exchange and a soft, "Thank you." since Lydia's phone had started ringing as she called the pub. "Tell them to be there at 5pm sharp." Ella whispered to Alex while she watched him start to type away on his phone.

"Ben, anything you wanna add?" She turned to the director, a bit shy after realizing she hadn't let him do a thing.

It wasn't like it bothered him though, because he smiled big at her and shook his head briefly, "No, you covered it all Ella. Good work."

She gave him a toothy smile and a quick "Thanks." before she fell silent when Lydia had started speaking on the phone, everyone looked at the new PA expectantly as they heard only one side of the call.

They watched as the call lasted a few minutes and she thanked them before ending the call, but before Lydia could debrief anything, she got a call from the agency.

About five minutes later, when the agency had let her go, she finally let them all know that, "Pub says we can head there around five and we have four hours to shoot and the agency is sending emails out and contacting everyone to confirm they're coming tomorrow and Tuesday if needed."

Ella frowned and hummed, thinking about how much four hours would give them, "Four hours, alright. We need to wrap everything at the pub first thing, the rest of the band will only be needed tomorrow then."

Whilst Ella continued thinking about which scenes to record first, Ben pointed out another checked item off the list that most definitely needed a double or triple check before the recording, "Make sure to double check the bikes, please."

"We're having bikes in there?" Alex's curiosity sparked, knowing Ella had come up with it back when they recorded the Suck It And See videos and having loved those clips.

"A little scene, yeah." Ella nodded, biting her bottom lip to hide the excited smile at the thought of her vision for it, so she timidly asked, "Is that alright?"

Any worry about it not being what Alex wanted was out the window when he gave her a big grin and a wink as he decided it was "Perfect."

A wink that only made her chuckle and quickly turn to look at Ben to inquire, "Okay so do we have all the gear we need?"

Ben's slow nods were accompanied by, "All we need and a bit more just in case." which completely settled her, knowing that the director had all that covered before they'd gotten there was another big breath of relief.

"Amazing." Ella muttered, glancing over the checklist again and finding it all talked about, "Well, perfect then, team. We shall have a good shoot tomorrow and the day after will be even better."

"Damn right." Ben agreed proudly, eliciting smiles from the rest of the crew. Ella let her laptop close and closed her journal, putting it over her closed electronic device and then looked at everyone else's tired expressions and pouted.

"Are y'all having lunch anytime soon?" She asked them, it was getting quite late and she was hungry so she could imagine the just arrived would be too.

"Yeah, definitely." Cameron answered, he was starving and tired after the flight but he would rather use the last of his energy to eat. "Any recommendations?"

Ella tilted her head to the side slightly as she tried to think but eventually settled for an easy and good answer for them, "The hotel restaurant is quite good actually."

Ben nodded, too exhausted to even think of making a decision of where to go to have a bite of food. "Think it'll be that today, we're too tired to go somewhere else." The last statement was one that everyone agreed on, Alex and Ella smiled sympathetically when they hummed and mumbled in agreement.

"Bless you, I'll come with you." Ella settled, having missed her familiar crew after a while away from home. But she didn't want Alex to feel left out so she offered, "Alex, wanna join?"

He hesitantly looked around the group as if to silently ask for permission to intrude but they were all neutral as they looked back at him so he used his words to ask, "If that's alright?"

Tyler clicked his tongue and smiled at him, "'Course man, the more the merrier." which got the same enthusiastic response from the rest of them so he gave in.

"Cheers mate." He thanked, and followed as they all rose from their seats.

Quickly going upstairs to leave her stuff in her room, Ella came back downstairs and walked into the restaurant to find them all sitting down at a big table. It didn't take them long to make a decision on what to eat, entirely driven by hunger and the need to just get back to their rooms as soon as they could.

And just as quick as they ordered their food, they ate it. With conversation in between bites, but regardless of it, they had only taken forty minutes to ask for the bill and get out of there.

"That was lovely." Margaret said kindly, after Alex had offered to pay for their meal and they had reluctantly agreed he could.

Ben agreed with a soft groan, "It was, but I'm exhausted now."

"Did you manage to get any sleep on the way here?" Alex seriously asked, Ben's undereye bags looked heavy and dark.

Cameron beat the director to an answer when he snorted in laughter, "Only think Tyler did, we were all pretty restless."

Tyler chuckled, a smug look on his face since he was the one who looked least like a zombie, "Knocked out most of it."

"Lucky Tyler." Ella shook her head in an attempt to taunt him and it got her a middle finger which made her laugh.

Soon enough, the waitress came back with Alex's card and receipt and they were all good to go. They slowly walked out and into the lobby and just as they got to the lifts, Alex turned to Ella and then Ben and decided he would go.

"I'll leave you guys to rest." He said softly, watching as everyone but Ella and Tyler looked at him through half lidded eyes, "See you lot tomorrow." He took his time to briefly hug everyone goodbye.

"Goodnight Alex." Ben said as he patted his back, letting go of him a few seconds later.

Alex wrapped his arms tightly around Ella then, and she did the same, savoring the feeling by closing her eyes, "Bye Alex."

"Goodnight darling." He dropped a kiss on her cheek before wishing her "Sweet dreams."

His words had a toothy smile breaking on her face and she just couldn't not say it back, so she pulled back and wished him, "Sweet dreams, Al. See you tomorrow." with a soft nose scrunch and a little squeeze of his shoulders.

That was enough for him to melt inside so he left feeling all warm and fuzzy, a grin stayed on his face as he walked away and turned to wave at them one last time in the middle of the lobby before he disappeared from their view as he went.

But then Ella was met with a bunch of intent looks, a few smirks and raised eyebrows. It was like she'd been caught red handed and she didn't like it.

"What?" She asked, annoyed at the silence and the unwavering looks on their faces, pressing aggressively on the button to call down the elevator.

"Nothing." Ben replied innocently, but his smirk grew bigger in contrast so Ella sighed exasperatedly.

"You know what? I didn't miss you, I take it back."

Ben took that as an opportunity to taunt her further though, so he teased, "Yeah, bet you're having the best time here aren't you?"

The crew laughed at the words and Ella let her mouth open and close as her confusion grew, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing." Ben said again and it made her roll her eyes harder.

The elevator's door opened and she was the first to go in, calling them out and scolding them with a stern "Y'all should go to bed." that made Tyler and Margaret snort out in laughter. Ella paid them no mind and asked, "Which floor are you on?"

"Fourth."

She was selfishly glad their taunting would be cut short by the fact that they weren't floor neighbors and she faked a pout as she said, "Awh, okay. I'm on the third."

The lift didn't take long to take them up to the third floor and when the door opened, she walked out quickly and wished them, "Goodnight guys!" with a blown kiss to follow with "Love y'all!"

The crew said, "Goodnight Ella!" in unison right as the door started closing and with a sigh she made way back to her hotel room.

It had been a very long day but at least she was glad that the two following days would be filled by her doing what she loved and it would serve as a great distraction to the looming ache of her homecoming approaching faster than she wanted it to.

Five more days was all she had, and she wasn't sure if she was even prepared for what they would bring.

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

A/N: Ella's UK trip is coming to an end :'( How are we feeling about it? What do you think is gonna happen? Some of you actually guessed who the date was with and I fucking love that! Hope you enjoyed that, it was really fun writing it to be honest and I'm really excited to see your reactions. Thanks so so much from the bottom of my heart for reading and commenting and voting/liking, sending asks and messages about this story, it makes me so happy beyond words to see y'all enjoying it *cries* Love you lot and see you soon with the next one! x

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Rating Mature

Chapter Summary

General Leia Organa asks old ally Lando Calrissian to use his connections to help the Resistance...

Excerpt:

On the bridge of the Skywalker, Leia Organa looked out into the black expanse of space.

So much had gone wrong in so little time.

The message had dropped. They’d lost contact with Finn and Rose. Not to mention Poe, Chewie, and Rey. As she searched the Force for answers, she sensed overwhelming sadness and anger there.

Distantly, she heard Connix’s voice breaking through the fog. “General?”

“General?” came Connix’s voice again, Leia finally turning to face her. “We’ve been at the rendezvous for hours. I think this is all that’s coming.”

Leia’s shoulders slumped and she let out a heavy sigh.

A few freighters and a handful of glorified pirates, that’s all General Leia Organa could command from the galaxy these days.

In the dark days since Crait, they’d learned that the First Order had been pursuing their sympathizers, restricting and blockading communications, cutting off supply lines, capturing or even assassinating allies. In short, no one had answered the call from Crait because very few had even heard it.

Leia had spent the past almost two years reestablishing contact with old allies, calling in favors, recruiting everyone sympathetic to their cause. She sent two of her best on a suicide mission in the heart of enemy territory to put out a message through a peice of ancient hardware that they didn’t even know would still work on the off-chance that the galaxy would finally hear them.

And once again, her pleas fell on deaf ears. All these years, all this time. All for nothing.

Leia felt herself go back to that dark day on Crait. She’d thought the spark of hope had died. She remembered sitting down in the old rebel outpost, exhausted, out of options, while the First Order deployed a siege cannon that would make short work of the armored hangar doors. They were all going to die, and the Resistance with them.

And then her brother had appeared. Luke had distracted the First Order long enough for them all to escape, and their small remnant had survived to carry on the fight.

And carry on the fight she still would.

She turned to Connix, her mind made up. “Prepare an Imperial shuttle. I’ll need valid code clearance.”

“But we’re lightyears from—” Seeing the look on Leia’s face, Connix cut off abruptly. “Yes, General.”

Leia watched her scurry away, chuckling to herself. Well, at least she could still scare the young ones.

But her good humor was short-lived, Leia sighing a second later as she removed the General’s bars from her vest. Maybe Rose would want them. She collected them, after all. That is, if she was still alive.

Leia had a long cloak draped over the back of a chair for the excursion ahead.

She put it on and pulled the hood up over her hair, hiding her distinctive Alderaanean braids from view.

"Leia,” came a familiar voice, that was neither inside her head nor without. The voice belonging to the man who inspired the name of the ship she was standing in.

"I was just thinking about you." Leia responded, like it was just a part of an ongoing conversation. Which, she supposed, it was. It just so happened that one of the parties was dead.

"He's in pain," Luke Skywalker said, voice grave. He was always so damn grave these days. Sometimes she missed the optimistic farm boy he’d once been.

“I feel it, too," Leia replied. Her son was always in pain, and it tore her apart inside.

Suddenly, she felt her brother’s presence next to her, as real and vibrant as when he’d been alive. She turned to face his slightly glowing form.

“If he succeeds in bringing back the Sith, he’ll become more powerful than our father,” warned Luke.

“So will she,” countered Leia. "She's gotten so much stronger already."

Luke waved her off. “She feels too much. Love. Anger."

“Don’t we all?” Leia shot back, her temper flaring. "Even the high and mighty Luke Skywalker himself was not immune to the base emotions that afflict us mere mortals."

Luke gave her a pointed look. “This is why the Jedi live in isolation. The pain of loss only leads to the Dark Side."

“I’ve lost everything and everyone," Leia declared, stone-faced. "And I’d still choose to love.”

She looked at her brother, his familiar face. Let herself miss him for the first time in ages. It was dangerous territory. Her grief was deep and thick and tangled, honed over years and losses and all too easy to lose herself in if she let it.

But today wouldn’t be that day. There was a war to win and a galaxy to save, and she wouldn’t rest until she’d done every last thing in her power to bring about a victory.

Luke was watching her, a look of sadness on his face that mirrored her own. Twins.

“Trust her instincts,” implored Leia. “She may not follow the path of the Jedi, but this time, she’s our only hope.”

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MyGirl!Series Part Two: Helpless: Remy Scott x Reader

Tagging: @crazy4chickennuggets @kmc1989 @oureternalbond @whateversomethingbruh @@a-noni-love

Companion piece to Marks & Too Much, Too Soon

It’s bad, really bad. Remy realises that the moment he sees Jubal pacing up and down the length of the waiting room, twanging the hair elastic on his wrist like the damn things a lifeline. He knows your A.S.A.C has had issues with alcohol in the past, that he uses this technique as coping mechanism and right now it’s a glaring red flag that something has gone terribly wrong.

“Jubal.” He snaps, his voice rough as he steps over the threshold. “What are we doing here?”

“I’m sorry.” Jubal says, rubbing his palm over the back of his neck as he turns his attention to Remy. “I didn’t realise the two of you were together. If I had I would have called right away.”

“We’ve been seeing each other a couple of months.” Remy tells Jubal crossing his arms over his chest. “We were supposed to be having dinner tonight, but she didn’t show and now I know why.”

“Has she told you anything about the case she’s been working on?” Jubal asks quietly as he guides Remy towards a secluded set of seating in the corner of the room.

Remy shakes his head as he sits down.

“I’ve been in Arkansas for most of the week chasing down a fugitive.” He tells Jubal. “We haven’t really been able to connect.”

What he doesn’t say is that the two of you hooked up last night. That he’d called you when he’d gotten in from Arkansas and you had shown up dressed in that pretty little lace thing that he liked. He’d spent the night showing you exactly how much he missed you before you’d disappeared from his bed this morning. There had been no talking involved, at least not about cases.

“We’ve been looking into a religious group out in Long Island, we suspected them of trafficking women. Ani was able to go undercover and make contact with the founder. He took a liking to her; we just didn’t realise how much of a liking until things took a turn.” Jubal snaps the elastic band against his wrist.

Remy can tell he’s reliving the experience, that on some level Jubal feels responsible for what happened. Remy doesn’t begrudge him that, he knows how quickly things can turn in the field, how something you thought was one thing can quickly become another.

“She was assaulted.” Jubal tells him, his lips pursing together grimly. “He slipped a roofie into her tea. We managed to get there before it went too far but it was close…”

The air rushes out of Remy’s lungs and for a second it feels like the floor caves in because the thought of you in that position…

So fucking helpless, unable to move or comprehend what’s happening to you. Christ it makes him want to murder the man who did it.

“He didn’t…”

He can’t bring himself to say the words, but Jubal catches his drift.

“No.” Jubal says, his hands clasped in front of him. “There was some unwanted touching, but it didn’t get much further. We were on the scene within minutes.”

Unwanted touching, he knows what that means. He’s just grateful your team got there before it managed to progress otherwise they’d be clearing the fucker’s brains off the walls of his cell.

“They’re keeping her overnight because of the Rohypnol.” Jubal tells him, his finger toying with the elastic band on his wrist. “They said that she should be released sometime tomorrow.”

“Can I see her?” Remy asks the other man, his palms running over one another. “I just need to see for myself that she’s ok.”

“She’s in Room 208.” Jubal tells him, tilting his head to the corridor nearby. “The Doc said she may be in and out for a while.”

Remy nods his understanding before raising to his feet. His hand comes to clasp Jubal’s shoulder, squeezing it gently.

“She wouldn’t want you to blame yourself for this.” He tells the other man.

Jubal shakes his head.

“I should have seen it.” Jubal says bitterly.

“This isn’t on you; it isn’t on anyone except the bastard who hurt her.” Remy says fiercely. “She’s safe and you caught him, that’s the important thing.”

“Yea.” Jubal says, running his hand through his hair. “Yea, I know you’re right.”

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[kudzuoath]

Little Shards of Starlight

Temperance is the only member of the camp without a tent. A storm has Gale offering to share. Something that leads to the resident paladin sharing a part of her past.

--

Thunder screamed, and lightning cracked the sky above in two. It was all the warning any of them got before the rains came. Hard and fast enough the drops stung exposed skin.

So of course the party scattered like cats for their respective tents.

“Chk, It is only a little water. Are your people so weak that this is all it takes to stop them in their tracks?”

Well, except for Lae’zel.

“Oh do remain out there in all your armor, gith,” called Shadowheart from her tent. “I imagine your kind make excellent lighting rods –”

“Oi!” came a voice from within a faintly glowing newly formed cloud of steam. “No one is getting struck by lightning on my watch! Wait not my tent there’s no room –”

Something was said about ‘boiling the toad’ but that was none of Gale’s business. So long as none of them actually ended up electrocuted, well, that was about as good an end result as you could hope for.

And besides, even if he had wanted to listen in, another crash of thunder drowned everything else out.

First to run for his tent, Gale was nonetheless last to actually make it even with Lae’zel’s commentary.

Because he realized midstride that Temperance didn’t have one. (Should I offer – ?) So he turned around and took her by the hand before he could think himself in circles at the gesture. They both fled, soaked to the skin and sliding through what was rapidly becoming mud until they made it. Only for Temperance to trip over the haphazard pile of books he hadn’t gotten around to organizing yet, and take him and his telescope down with her.

The telescope in question smacked into Temperance’s skull mere seconds before the paladin’s elbow introduced itself to one of his lungs. “Gah!”

Going well, he thought. Perhaps next you can bludgeon her with your staff.

Temperance swore. Something else – the tower of books? – rained down on them. By the time the thuds ceased, they were both clutching something, and Temperance was half sprawled atop him. He heard a muffled something like ‘bloody tail’ and found himself grateful to be harassed by an errant elbow and not, say, her horns.

“Well,” he wheezed once he was able to draw breath. “That might have gone better.”

Temperance turned her head so she could see his face, and there was something devastatingly charming about the way her hair stuck to her skin in damp navy curls, almost mirroring the dark flames along her jawline. A subtle catlike smile curled at the corners of her mouth. His chest ached at the sight.

“Does this count as having a trapped tent?” she murmured, unaware of his thoughts. “It’s not how I thought you’d use all the books we’ve been picking up.”

He laughed, that terrible pressure around his heart easing somewhat. “You would be astounded to hear all the myriad ways a Wizard can use a book in a trap. As a tripwire is perhaps the most unconventional of them.”

Temperance rolled off of him, and squawked when a book apparently stabbed her in the spine. She pulled it free with an expression of suspicion – but even victimized by the thing still took a moment to set it carefully aside.

“Hm. Well, the other kind of trapped book must assume the victim is the sort to go around opening them at random.”

A snort. “Well, considering all I’ve seen of you on our mutual misadventures you would make a most excellent target. When I was at Blackstaff I had a particular tome come into my hands that turned out to lead directly to the water plane should you open to the correct sequence of pages – not what one expects from a medium best suited toward remaining dry! Though it does explain the foxing and water damage, come to think.”

Temperance leaned closer as he spoke, the curiosity he so loved sparking in her eyes. How often had he watched someone's eyes glaze over instead?

“Was it a trap? Or was that its function?” she asked.

His heart may as well have turned to goo with the way it went all warm and drippy in his chest. Like candle wax.

“Ah, you would think something so dratted inconvenient was meant to harm but in this case the second option was the truth! An elemental –”

Before he could really get started the thunder cut him off. So loud it must have been right above them. It cracked like a whole mountain was coming down. And if he hadn’t been looking, if their legs hadn’t still been touching, he might not have noticed the way Temperance reacted.

Her pupils narrowed to the thinnest of slits. And she’d flinched, then stiffened, her loose limbs going stone-like against him. He lifted his hands – but they hovered rather than reached.

“What’s wrong?”

Her throat bobbed and her eyes refocused on him. That hidden smile was long gone. Replaced by a face gone carefully blank. He hadn’t realized until this moment that it had been some time since he’d seen her this kind of expressionless.

“I… don’t like storms,” she admitted. As if it were something he’d mock her for.

Never. She could admit to a paralyzing fear of the color yellow and he would think no less of her for it. Thus far his only complaint was how she’d lied about her name when they met.

“I’m not particularly fond of spiders,” he replied. Though to be fair – who was? Other than perhaps the devout drow of the underdark. And that mad soul in the whispering depths of the well they’d descended.

Her shoulders relaxed – but only for a moment. The storm was only growing in fury, and his tent seemed very poor shelter indeed with how it screamed around them. Temperance flinched with every crash of thunder and flash of lightning. The electric purple of her eyes was nearly swallowed by the black of them.

“How can I help?”

She shook her head, mute.

He hated to see her like this. Even if what he saw was mostly the stark difference of the last few moments. From open and almost playful, to a carefully curated nothing. He watched as she sat up, back turned to him, the line of her shoulders too sharp. Save her breathing – too measured to be anything but intentional – she did not move. Just the same as she was before a fight.

Again he reached out. Her hand was right there on the rug. But his own curled away before they touched.

“I have an idea.”

Shedding books he sat up himself, lifted his hands and began to tug at the weave. Pulling on the vast, starlight threads to compose a change in the world around him. He could feel it humming in his chest, feel the orb open one eye in interest as it always seemed to when he cast a spell these days.

Go to sleep, he thought at it. Teetering on the edge of creation. Staring into the dark heart of himself and willing that cold and hollow place to stay buried, to keep its teeth sheathed. For now, it seemed the balance was still in his favor. That eye slipped closed again. The orb remained quiescent. Though no longer stable.

He should have left days ago. He should already be running for the most remote reaches of Faerun.

Gale shook his head. Ignored the awful seesaw lurch of his heart.

Not yet, he thought. Not yet.

The spell drifted from his fingertips, and settled into the fabric of his tent. And the moment it did, the world around them went silent. Oh – the tent still shook and rippled from the rain and the wind, the lighting still flared brilliantly beyond. But the thunder and the howling gusts were silent.

When he turned to look at her, Temperance was staring, tail twitching back and forth among his scattered books. Unfrozen. Good? He couldn’t read her expression. It was still blank. Had he overstepped? Perhaps he should have asked. Maybe not being able to hear the storm was worse, somehow. Like turning your back on a yawning darkness.

“It’s a modified version of the ‘silence’ spell. I discovered the particular ratios of that one ages ago when I was just a lad – my mother was always trying to get me to stop experimenting and go to sleep – possibly so she might have a moment’s peace – so naturally the perfect solution was to ensure no one could hear what I was getting up to. It went perfectly well until the time I found myself face to face with a rather peeved pixie – well. The point is, I needed the walls silent, but not my room, of course, due to the verbal components of a spell –”

Temperance was smiling again, one eyebrow raised. “A tressym, a magma mephit, and a pixie?”

He laughed, relieved. “Two out of three remaining friends is not such a terrible track record, all things considered.”

“I imagine your parents wished they’d simply given in and gotten you that kitten,” she teased. And then it was Temperance who reached out. Just as she had the first time, when he’d told her of his condition. Though this time it seemed more deliberate. Not instinct. She took his hands. “Thank you.”

“Pish,” he blurted. “It was the least I could do, truly.”

Her lips twitched, and her nostrils flared. “Nevertheless.”

Mirth faded. She scooted a little closer to him. He might have worried to see her face so somber, but he’d learned it was the expressionless mask that ought to bother him.

“You’ve… been quite vulnerable with me. Shared things… shared things that cannot have been easy. I want to return the favor. Though… I suppose it’s not much of one.”

Curiosity burned. Temperance so rarely offered pieces of her past to any of them.

He squeezed her hands. “Anything you’re willing to share. I do know how to listen, surprising as that might be to hear.”

“Can I show you instead? I don’t… I don’t know if I can really find the right words. Explain why it’s storms, of all things, that… unsettle me.”

The tadpole made itself known. Squirming behind his eye and making his ears ring and whine. The pain was both sharp like broken glass, and dull, like dolorous bells inside his skull. Both of them winced in unison.

“Show me,” he said. “The carnivorous wards we’re looking after until such time as they decide to fly the coop, so to speak, have already woken. It suits us to use what we can of them, before they use what they will of us.”

With a nod, Temperance reached out along the mental link they usually allowed to sleep undisturbed between them. And he followed the thread of it backwards. Into her mind.

Into another storm.

The cart with its display of caged birds that had so distracted him is being packed away. As if it never existed. Strangers scurry hither and yon like giants. None of them paying him any mind unless he’s unlucky enough to be underfoot. The rain is only a patter now. Ice cold and sliding down the back of his shirt. But there’s a howling sound coming from the harbor, and the black clouds above the market are filled with bright purple flickers.

“Get inside kid!” A stranger shouts, throwing a tarp over his vast collection of water clocks for sale. “Or at least get your skinny ass back to the hells!”

Frantic, he takes off at a half run in the direction he’d last seen his mother. She’d been holding his hand loosely. But at some point – when he’d crouched down to look at the caged swan? – her calloused fingers had slipped from his.

She should have been right behind him. Maybe a few feet away, at the stall where a gnome was selling jeweled brooches. But then there’d been a crack of thunder and the people had started to retreat and his mother was simply gone. As if the clouds had reached down and swallowed her.

He shouts himself hoarse, arms folded around himself as the rain starts coming down hard enough to hurt. The wind picks up, and the water seems to cut into him no matter which way he turns. Somehow he’s found himself in streets all the darker. Mostly mud. He’s hopelessly lost. Alone in Neverwinter. Alone in a city he’d only seen for the very first time today.

Surely, he’s going to be found.

Surely someone will help him.

But then the streets begin to flood, and he has to run. Chilled to the bone. Exhausted.

He runs, and runs, and runs. Until the buildings have dropped away and he’s at the harbor. Watching the water rise like a big, black mouth. Swallowing and spitting out the docks as it is whipped up into a frenzy.

And finally! Finally, a set of weathered old hands lifts him up.

He clings to the stranger, sobbing. They smell like stale beer and salt and fish.

But they take him away from the harbor and into a tavern so old the floorboards are soft and bowed. But there is a fire. And the storm is hushed. And he simply cannot keep his eyes open after spending all afternoon and nearly half the night in a terror of confusion –

Gale fell back into himself abruptly as the memory ended. His body feels too big. Too male. And there was a distinct disconnect at the base of his spine, where a tail has never been. Something similar with how much lighter his head feels, even though Temperance’s horns had barely grown in at the time of her remembrance.

“Hells,” he said. Shaking himself. It did not help that, thanks to the present storm – he was rather damp still. “No wonder you don’t like them. What did your mother say? When she found you?”

Temperance had her hand to her forehead, wincing slightly. But at his question she looked up, brows pulled together. She opened her mouth. Closed it. And he knew immediately that he’d asked the wrong question. Had the woman been angry at her daughter? Surely not. And yet Temperance’s reaction was… odd.

“She – I – well.” Temperance scrubbed at her face. Hid it. “She didn’t find me, Gale.”

His brain ground to a halt. “What?”

“I never saw her again after that,” Temperance said. She dropped her hands, and looked at him with feigned calm. “I imagine she continued on to Baldur’s Gate without me, to her wedding.”

That grinding only got worse. How could – who would – “She left you?”

“Or she was murdered,” she said. “Though I never heard anything about her body being found. For… a long time… I thought it was an accident. Or my fault. I let go of her hand, you see.”

“That is the most absurd, callous –”

“I was six,” she deadpanned. “Children are often absurd.”

He swallowed invectives. And forced the rising tide of outrage down. His chest began to burn regardless of his intentions. The orb flexed its claws. Testing the cage of his ribs. So Gale took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Counted to ten. There would be no magical item strong enough to temper him now if he let the beast around his heart out. And Temperance deserved better than an abrupt end for sharing something so personal with him.

“Forgive me. I simply cannot comprehend the sort of – of – pestilent person who would abandon their child like that. I know it must happen but – six?”

Her eyes slid away from his. But he’d caught the bright flare of anger in them all the same.

“I stayed with Kell in the tavern for a week,” she said. “Then his coin ran out and the owner of the tavern kicked him out. And me along with. He tried. But he was too in his cups to be much help after a while. I took care of myself. And some smaller kids, when they needed it. Before I went to live at the Temple.”

So many things made sense now. In particular, how she’d interacted with Mol. With that little tiefling boy and his ‘lucky’ ring.

This time when Gale reached out he did not hesitate. Their hands linked. He squeezed them lightly. Trying to convey encouragement. Care.

Something that had her turning her head to look at him. To his surprise, she hadn’t gone blank again. Rather, seemed to be chewing on the inside of her lip. As if she wasn’t sure what to say now either.

“He’s the one you were talking about when you asked if I was addicted to Magic,” he said at last.

A nod. “He got mean. Mean enough that he kept trying to quit. Never managed to lay a hand on me, before you ask. But others did. I wasn’t a very good thief in the beginning.”

For all the trouble he’d caused as a child – and even more recently, as an adult – he’d never worried that his mother might simply leave him behind at the market one day like an ill favored hat. Worried he might let her down, that his vast potential was merely that, potential? Of course. But he’d always known even in his worst moments that he would have his mother and his tressym. Even if he couldn’t bear to let the former get too close these days.

Her hands flexed in his. But not as if she wanted to let go. So he kept holding them. Felt his heart beating in his fingers.

“Thank you for sharing this with me. I find myself with little to say more than that. I am… grateful that you have trusted me enough to tell me your fears at all, let alone let me into your mind that I might understand them. You deserved a good deal better than what befell you, Temperance. You are simply put, one of the better people I have ever known.”

That made her draw back. Only a little. Her hands began to slip out of his. But then they tightened instead. She let out a harsh breath, and bowed her head. “I’m still getting used to you… meaning things. You speak so eloquently, I’m always looking for the lie. But there never is one.”

“Unlike some others I could name, I am a veritable fount of sincerity, dear Paladin.”

“You can say Astarion.”

“Perish the thought. I would never disparage one of your friends.”

An eyebrow raised. But she was smiling, and he counted that as a win. “Of course not. You know he tried to tell me he admired me the other night.” She snorted. “Maybe I might have accepted it. But he did it in that voice – you know the one –”

“Oh yes,” Gale agreed, a note of exhaustion entering his voice. “I know exactly the one.”

“He’s used it on all of us,” she said. “I think we’ve all caught on that he’s the cat amongst the mice.”

“Oh? Are we all mice then?”

When had she begun to lean in again? Or had that been him? Her hands felt so warm in his.

“Perhaps not mice,” she conceded. “In fact. I’d say several others are cats too. Such as Shadowheart. Karlach would be a dog, though.”

“What about myself?”

Her smile had gone almost sly. “Why, clearly a tressym. You’re far too magical to be merely feline. Besides, from all you’ve said about Tara the two of you ought to match.”

“Then you must be a swan,” he said. “As fierce as they are lovely. I can think of few things that would suit you better.”

“Than a goose with a good reputation? I’ve met swans. They’re terrible bastard birds.”

Gale shook his head, still smiling. Though his face was burning. Just a little. “When I call you a swan I cannot help but think of their grace and beauty. Their protective fury. I’ve seen you charge into the frey for a child at least twice now. Both times the sight filled me with awe. I imagine only the children in question were more struck by the sight of you.”

This time one of her hands did pull away. To cover her still smiling face. Which had gone bright red. “Thank you.”

“Shall I go on?” he teased.

“Please don’t.”

She dropped her hand and had to tilt her head back to look him in the eye now. They were close enough he could feel her breath on his face. And she seemed to have noticed at the same moment he did. But rather than stiffen and startle away from him as she had before… she stilled. Her eyes flicked to his lips, and back.

He wanted to. Good gods he wanted to. So fiercely it made his chest burn. And he knew she wanted to kiss him. Wanted to be kissed. The memory of the one she’d imagined during his magic lesson lingered in the forefront of his mind.

“As my lady commands,” he said. Voice a near whisper.

Temperance’s free hand settled on the side of his face. Light as a feather. As if she expected him to run from her.

This is a bad idea, said a voice in the back of his head that sounded very much like Tara.

He’d learned the hard way what ignoring that voice could do. He set his hand over hers. Laced their fingers together. And drew it away. Her eyes shuttered. A flash of hurt.

“I can’t,” he said. “Please understand. I wish to. More than you might think. But… the orb is no longer stable. And even before –”

She sighed. It seemed to come from very deep inside of her. “I understand.”

“Please do,” he all but begged. “If I could –”

A sad little smile. “I believe you.”

She pulled back. But slowly. And she left the one hand in his.

“Tell me about that book that led to the water plane? Did you manage to extract an elemental?”

His heart staggered in his throat. Choking him with a hundred regrets he could never voice. A thousand unsung screams about how bloody unfair it was that he was meeting this woman now, now that he was so far past saving it was laughable.

And then, he pulled himself together. He had only himself to blame.

“It’s funny you should mention water elementals,” he said. His voice cracked. But he cleared his throat and pressed onwards. “They happened to be the first thing through once the sequence was completed – the boy’s dormitory was flooded by the time I managed to convince the fellow to go home. I developed something of a reputation as you might expect…”

Afternoon passed into evening with more of the same. More than once he had her laughing. And more than once she made his mouth go dry and that damned thing under his skin stir and burn him. Made him regret that he could not kiss her.

In another life, he promised himself.

For now, he would hoard these moments like the proverbial dragon. Pull them out to look at when the days ahead grew too dark. Like little shards of starlight.

#bg3 #gale/tav #my writing #gale of waterdeep #gale dekarios #gale bg3 #Temperance Crier

[witchthewriter]

𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆  

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄.

Paid story for @yourwinchesterbros. Word Count: 2k Warnings: swears

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ

Two weeks had gone by, and you weren’t sure where you stood with Jax.

   He had offered Skeeter two weeks’ worth of pay so you could take some time off; something that you knew nothing about. Skeeter had portrayed it as “keeping his employees mentally stable.” But you could smell something was off about it. Especially since it was paid time off, something that had never happened with your boss before.

    It took practically an intervention with Tig, Happy and Chibs to get you to stay at home. To make sure the trauma didn’t dig itself deeper into your psyche.

 That first week had been awful. In order to move forward you had to process what had happened. Your mental fortitude was strong, your past made it so. But still, this was what Jax was talking about. The horrors that could happen at any moment. 

  You did have help though. Barely left alone, Happy was stationed outside your door during night, taking you to your shifts and escorting you come. During the day Tig would come by and see if everything was alright. And if the other’s had time, they would pop in as well.

 Jax had come by a few times. Not for long, and not with many words either. You had no idea what to say to each other. That passion you had for one another still felt hot between you.

 It was in that second week that you had made up your mind.

This was it; this was going to be your life. The Club. And you knew you had to tell Jax, let him know your decision in person. For some reason, it felt right. 

                                                          - ✦ -

The weather was warmer than usual this morning as you got out of your car and walked into Teller Morrow mechanics. You weren’t completely sure Jax would be there, but it wouldn’t be a wasted journey; your car could always use a looking to.

   You had just gotten out of your car when you saw them.

Wendy, with her long beautiful blonde hair, wearing heeled boots and tight jeans. She looked like every man’s dream. In each hand she held one of Jax’s sons. Blonde hair and tanned skin, they were taking after their father. There was a pang in your chest. And a thought popped up in your mind – motherhood. It was an outlandish notion, but your mind had found its way there anyhow.

  Could you be a stepmother? If … by any sort of chance, you and Jax got together. Would you be able to step into that role; as mother?

(Play Nancy From Now On by Father John Misty)

Your thoughts were ripped from your brain by a heartbreaking sight. Jax held Wendy close. It was an intimate embrace, and you knew about their history, but when he pulled back and kissed her cheek... It felt like a punch to the gut. Closeness to another woman shouldn’t affect you like this. He was... well, he was your boss! For god sake you weren’t supposed to be feeling like this.

 But escaping was too late now, Gemma had been watching you from the office window and as soon as you made a move to leave, she called you over.

    Shit. You thought, trying not to let your emotions show on your face.

“I don’t think we’ve been introduced,” she called from underneath the large Teller Morrow sign. You stood in the carpark; feeling like a deer in headlights.

  And yet, you never ran from a fight, a confrontation or in this case … the devil herself.

Slinging your bag over your shoulder, you slammed the door behind you and walked over to Gemma.

                                                       - ✦ -

All you heard were boots on gravel, even as Jax greeted you. Something in you wanted to curse him out, to growl hatred words at him; jealousy was an ugly thing. But you also felt like he didn’t really do anything wrong. But looking at them together, when you had all these confusing feelings … it hurt more than it should.

 You smiled down at each of Jax’s boys. Their innocent eyes looking up at you with curiosity and intimidation. 

   Wendy waved goodbye just as you reached them. You could have sworn she flicked her hair behind her shoulder and swayed her hips as she walked away. 

 Trying to focus on something else, you crouched down, and offered your hand to both boys. 

“Well hi!” You said cheerfully, letting them know you weren’t someone to fear.

Thomas just hid behind Jax’s leg, clinging to his father’s hand. Abel on the other hand, gladly accepted yours and proudly said his name.

  “Woah,” you let your features and words turn somewhat animated, “what a cool name!”

Abel laughed and his eyes lit up. He leaned from side to side and giggled whenever your eyes met. 

   “Great, now I think he’s falling for you,” Jax remarked as he looked down at his star-struck son. You didn’t even look up at Jax.

Thomas peaked from a pant leg but once he saw you looking back, he quickly moved out of sight once again.

  “You must be the infamous Zoe__ …” Gemma trailed off, waiting for you to fill in your last name.

Smiling you replied, “just Zoe, mostly go by Zo.” You extended your hand and Gemma shook it. You could feel the cold metal of her wedding ring, and the light indentation of her nails.

                                                         - ✦ -

Gemma led the boys over to the play equipment, within minutes there were shrieks of laughter and “higher! Higher grandma!” As Gemma pushed each boy on the swing set.

Jax’s hands were in his pockets, and when he looked at you, there was something like hope in his eyes.

Moving a hand to rub behind his neck, he said “You wanna stay a while? I got some free time.”

  You hesitated, completely forgetting why you were actually here, “Uh – I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

“Why is that?” His eyebrows furrowed together.

    “I don’t think Wendy would be too happy about it.”

“Wendy? The hell has she got to do with this?”

    You sighed and looked for any other place than him. Any other place than those eyes, because they felt like some place you hadn’t felt in a while. Those eyes felt like home.

 “Hey,” Jax reached for your hand, and you nearly let him take it. But a familiar voice rang out through the carpark.

Turning your attention to it, you found Tig, who came out of the mechanics with a dirty rag over his shoulder.

  “Well look what the cat dragged in,” the playfulness in his voice lightened the air that surrounded you and Jax.

When you replied, your voice changed; light-heartedness had found its way back in. Or maybe you were just a damn good actress.

  “Hey Tig, can you uh, look at my car for me?”

With an enthusiastic nod, he realised too late that he had interrupted something serious. If you were a mind reader, you would hear, ‘Fuck you Tig, and fuck your big mouth, dumbass!’ But all you got was a lopsided grin and a man eager to get away from Jax. It was as if  Hades himself was sat on a child’s plastic chair, staring at both of you from afar.

As you walked over to your car, Tig mumbled, “the fuck you say to him?”

 Without glancing at him, you pulled your keys from your pocket and handed them over, “not much.”

Jumping in the driver’s seat, you stood back and watched as Tig parked your car in the empty slot inside. You slowly walked over, basking in the Californian sun. The pavement seemed to radiant even more heat, because you found yourself walking over to the shade.

   “Ugh, Zo-“ Tig called out.

You walked over, not looking over at Jax, whose eyes bored into you. For a moment he swore you were Tara. Your long brown hair with that red undertone, the way you dressed, except for the all black clothing. It was just a glimpse of a memory, one that wasn’t hard to remember.  

 Reaching Tig, you asked what the damage was.  

     “All I can say is, it’s gonna take a few days.”  

“Perfect,” you replied, eyes nearly rolling into the back of your head.

                                                           - ✦ -

There had been many offers to drive you back home, but ultimately Jax won out. You didn’t think he would’ve wanted to be anywhere near you right now, but for some reason…that wasn’t the case. And you still needed to tell him your decision.

  Gemma took the boys back to Jax’s place, where they’d be waiting for him to get home. They waved by to their dad from the swing set, their happiness a godsend since Tara passed.

Getting on the back of Jax’s Harley felt completely natural. Flinging a leg over, clipping on the helmet and hugging his waist all felt so normal. Although, you couldn’t stop the blush that you grew on your cheeks. Especially when Chibs winked at you as Jax reversed.

The ride had felt too short. You wanted it to go on and on, and as cliché as it sounds; you wanted to ride off into the sunset. It happened, didn’t it? Two people were able to fall in love and leave all their worries behind? Well, that’s what the fairytales told you. And surely they weren’t all lies?

 But your house was nearing; behind slanted trees, there was a stone pathway that ascended towards your door. You thought Jax was just going to wait until you reached the front door and drive off, but the second he killed the engine, you knew he was coming in.

 You left the front door open and turned on the kettle, knowing this was going to be … more than an odd conversation. Plus, you needed something to do with your hands.

As if he lived there too, Jax walked straight in and closed the door behind him.

   “Coffee or tea?” You called from the kitchen, trying to find the teabags.

“Uh, neither,” he said from the loungeroom, not knowing if he should sit down.

      “Beer then?”

“That, I’ll take.”

 You opened your fridge and took out two bottles, popped them and handed one to Jax. You could hear one of your dogs scratching at the back door, and you knew exactly which it was.

   Before sitting down, you went over and slid open the back door. Jango burst in like a rocket, his tail wagging back and forth. Angus, your Doberman, was much more graceful. The pair followed you back into the loungeroom, where Jax had taken a seat on the far corner.

    “So…” you said, sitting down. Both dogs were at your feet, waiting to be invited onto the couch.

“So-“ Jax said and took a swig of his drink. You did the same, and knew you were going to have to speak first.

   “I’m in. I’m fully in.” You said almost as an outburst.

Well, an outburst it was, because Jax was taken back.

   “The Club, I mean. I’m fully aware of the risks and I want to be involved.”

He nodded slowly, eyes closing for split second before shaking his head. “I knew you would.”

You weren’t 100% sure what his reaction was going to be. Your stomach was churning as you watched him take another big gulp. Would he get angry? Just get up and walk out?

 Without warning, he got up from his seat and placed his bottle on the nearest counter. You knew words were forming, there was something he needed to say. But he couldn’t find the right way to say it. Putting one hand in his pocket, and flaring his nose, he finally got the words out. 

  “…Why, were you upset with me and Wendy?”

You blanched, not thinking this was going to be his response. 

 “I-,” your mind went through so many different options of what could be said, but you were already looking into those eyes. You were looking at home.

  “I was jealous.”

He took a moment to process it. To know that his feelings weren’t unrequited.

 And somehow you were both standing now; he was looking in your eyes just as intently.

The movement towards one another was easy, and when Jax extended his hand, you accepted it.

 You moved closer, and his lips were inches from touching your own. Inches away from feeling the physical contact of the Prince of Death.

 His other hand stroked the hair from your face, and he dropped his eyes to look at your lips. Heart racing, he shook his head and stepped back. 

  “I’ve lost too much; I don’t know if I can do that again.”

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