she is so hurt, im a mess :( also lets keep in mind that she practically just opened up about her feelings towards mc and decided to stop hurting them both so they could see each other in secret without ina putting her walls up and literally ever since that happened, mc has been avoiding ina like the plaque and only speaking to her when it relates to something sexual basically and clearly lying to ina about what’s going on; i cannot begin to imagine how ina must be feeling and what must be going through her head because it causes me so much pain, mc is the worst human and ina deserves SO much better, i could rant forever about this topic but yeah ina in this chapter and last chapter makes me sob
Summary: Clara for once tries leading with her head instead of her heart, and the result of this is an outcome she couldn't avoid.
Warnings: None
*Another note. I struggled so much with this one. I hadn't thought past part one. But I hope you guys like it anyway. Are we gonna shoot for a part 3? Let me know!*
*Also, if you wanted to read part one, you'd have to go to my main page. I'm not sure how the masterlist thingy works. Don't worry though, I only have two posts right now so it should be very easy to find lol.*
Tags: @barnibumblr @swimmingshoebakerydreamer
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I'm not sure what I expected to hear from Ina after all this time. Then again, every life is different. Everyone grows at their own pace. Nothing is really equal over a span of 365 days. Or in my case, 1,460 days total. I wouldn't lie to myself and say I'm fine or that I'm happy about my situation. It isn't healthy for me in the long run. Any lie isn't healthy I suppose. But they are necessary. So I did what I thought was the most sensible thing to do. "Ina! That's wonderful news!" I plaster a smile I'm hoping she won't be able to see through. Thankfully, she doesn't. I think back to how nervous she was when she saw me. Not that I was bothered, because I was too. She seemed... I don't know how to describe it. She acted like her feelings for me were still there. I mean, the woman was caressing my face for pete's sake!!
I could have handled anything else she could have said but I'm an idiot to think I that I could hack this. Huh. I guess I read everything wrong. Very, very wrong. Aside from my feelings of sadness and regret though, I try keeping the conversation going. This is about Ina afterall. Not you. "So you're planning the wedding here?" I ask. She has an unreadable expression on her face. Her eyes are focused on her hands which are in tight fists resting on her thighs. "I-I'm sorry. I meant, we're wedding shopping here. Lillian did excruciating research for decorations similar to what I had in mind." That sounds like Lillian. Or every Kingsley woman for that matter. All of them go overboard when it comes to facts and learning. I remember asking Charlotte to help me pick out some food for Pip one time. My mind is still boggled on how she got her hands on a laptop in Target, but she immediately started looking up articles for the best rated dog foods. Needless to say, I'm not surprised. "So you traveled to Maine for?" Her phone rings again and this time she groans with irritation. I take it that she's running late somewhere? She quickly puts it on vibrate and tucks it into one of her back pockets. " I'm sor- Could you repeat that? What did you say?"
"I said-"
"Oh. I'm looking for some streamers that have shells on them. The ones Lil found were sewn with straw grass and twine. Little baby shells were scattered all over it. The website said it was here, so Ellie and I came over." Ellie? Ina's fiancee Ellie? Am I jumping to conclusions? Could that be who's calling Ina? Okay. Breathe. Settle your ass down and think for two seconds. Some acknowledgment flashes across her face when she says this random person's name. I'm not stupid though. I know this 'random person' is that of Ina's future wife. It has to be. "Hmmm. Sounds pretty. Also a hassle to get. New York isn't that far from Maine but who wants to go to a different state for streamers?" She gives me a suspicious look that I silently take in. "I just couldn’t resist it. It was too good an offer to pass up!" I laugh out loud, but that laugh soon turns to obnoxious laughter that has me clutching my stomach. Ina starts laughing too at the ridiculousness of it. "W-what are you laughing at?"
My words barely come out in pauses "You- You- came to Maine for- for STREAMERS!" My laughter picks up again and I could feel my abdomen starting to hurt. Looking playfully offended, she smacks the back of my hand "Shut up! They are adorable streamers. What do you expect?" I force my giggles to subside as I catch my breath. "Alright. Alright. I'll take this serious."
"Thank you" She says through a huff
"So you're just here shopping for beachy decor?" She shrugs lazily. "That and then some other things too." Her voice comes off as though the rest is unimportant.
"Oh? Like what?"
"You know, some table cloths, different foods... my d-dress." She looks at me when she says 'dress' but I'm not really sure why. The sad feeling that suddenly came back is probably the reason, now that I think of it. Yet again, I ignore that. Do I need to constantly remind myself that this is all solely about Ina? Yes I do, because the last thing I need is to create confliction between her and... and Ellie, I suppose. "That definitely sounds like something you'd enjoy picking out!" Against my better judgment, I add something I really don't think I should. At least for the sake of myself. "And e-erm.. Ellie's dress? Has she picked it out yet?" Ina just fiddles with the buttons of her coat. "Well, actually they're both picked out already. We just have to buy them!" She says suddenly over excited. Before I could say anything further, I see her phone turn on through the pocket she put it in. I quickly motion for her to check it out. She was so distracted by something that she probably didn't feel the vibrations. Even then, she sighs defeatedly and pulls the phone out, I could visibly see her wince before answering a call? Giving me an apologetic look, she puts the speaker to her ear. "H-hey babe." My ears perk up with lightning speed. "Yeah. I couldn't find it afterall. I got a bit.." She faces my direction. Our eyes make brief eye contact once again but I look away before anything progresses and just give her a tight smile. "Sidetracked. But I promise you I'm on my way back right now." Just when I'm about to relax knowing that the call is ending, her phone slips out of her hand and falls to the floor. Somehow, someway the call gets put on speaker mode and I could hear Ellie's petite voice on the other line "I'm holding you to that then Kingsley. Either way just be safe. I'll let you go now. Bye, love you!" My breathe hitches. Instinctively, I glance at Ina who looks like she's just seen a ghost.
That was another reason that Ina and I had broken up. Besides the fact that I had a ton of pride and Ina couldn’t be honest, we had a hard time speaking to each other. I mean truly speaking to each other.
There was a time in our relationship where I almost said I loved her. The moment was perfect. It should have been perfect. But Ina, being as smart as she is, sensed that those three little words were coming. And she just wasn't ready to hear them. So she got up from her desk and left without warning. It took a few days and finally catching her vulnerable in the bathroom before asking her what had happened. She told me that she didn't believe in those words anymore and she didn't want to hear or say them ever again. I was hurt and shocked but I respected it. Not only that but I understood. We had finally figured out who was blackmailing the both of us on 'The T' and decided to go through with the Lexi ordeal until our scandal blew over. Things were still raw. But it still didn't change that missing feeling in my heart. A feeling I taught myself to conceal for her.
And now here she was, saying 'I love you' to someone that- to someone that deserves it. That has earned it. I don't know where I was going, getting slightly upset. Again, and hopefully for the last time Clara. This. Is. Not. About. You.
Ina clears her throat "I won't let you down Elle. See you in a bit." She bends over to end the call and turns to face me. She looks... broken. That's the word I'll go with right now. With a sorry expression on her face, she stands up and grabs the phone from the ground. While she dusts it off, I swallow the lump in my throat and get up too. We meet face to face with so many things left unsaid. Words and feelings I'm prepared to take to the grave with me. If it meant keeping her from this. Being torn and confused.
I could feel that metaphorical cut in my chest like the day she had said 'We're through.' Only this time... only this time it isn't bullshit. Because this time I'm saying it. And I'm accepting it. Ina and I...we're through. Indefinitely. She pulls out something from one of her jean pockets and holds it out to me. In the palm of her hand is her mother's wedding ring. I gape at it in all it's beauty. You'd think after holding on to it for sometime that someone else would be wearing it. In this case, there's a valid reason why someone should have this on their finger. Yet, it's in her hands, untouched. "Take it." Is all she says. Not in an angry tone. Or in a forced one either. She just sounded tired... tired of this. And probably of me holding her back from so much.
An endless amount of thoughts ran through my mind. If she had this then she obviously didn't give it to... why didn't she give this to Ellie? More importantly, why is she offering this to me? "Take it, Clara." Now she is starting to sound impatient. I gently push her hand away and meet her dark brown eyes. "Why?" Is the only thing I can muster. I feel a goodbye coming and I can’t help but stall. One goodbye was enough to kill me. What would a second one do? "Because..." She avoids my gaze like the plague. In shorter terms, she sounded caught off guard with my three letter question. Like she had something to hide. "Because what? Ina-"
"It should have belonged to you. And I think a part of me always knew that. Which is why I held on to it for so long, but I can't keep the past with me anymore. I have a future to look foward to. I have so much I've yet to experience." She grabs one of my hands and opens it. God, why didn't the universe just spare me the heartache and leave things as they were. I knew that pretty soon I wasn't going to be able to stop what I felt inside from pouring out of me. I would rather die before I let her see that again. She needed to have a worry free wedding and my sensitive self wouldn't allow her to do that if my truth came out.
Against my morals, I looked at her for a long while. I didn't mean to, I was just really struggling to process this. Maybe I didn't want to. Alas, that isn't up to me and if I wanted Ina to be happy in her life at all I would have to bite the bullet, and let her go.
Ina was working up to ending things and I am not handling it as well as I should be. Goosebumps rose at her touch. She watched me the whole time as she placed the ring in the middle of my hand and closed it. I made it a point to keep a neutral expression on my face. This time when I see her, her eyes are glassy. Silently, she wipes her face and steps closer. "I don't know what brought you to me in this time and place Clara. Because I just got a reminder of what I'm leaving behind." What exactly does that even mean? Does she still care about me? She probably does, just not in the way I'm hoping she does. "I know that everything is done for. It has been for years now. Lexi, 'The T', the blackmailing, sneaking around, and even your rivalry with Poppy. It's all done. But..." She breathes in deeply. "But too much has happened for us to go back to how we used to be. We're too different. And that spark is gone now." I finish her sentence for her. She sighs at the weight of my words. "Exactly..." I nod in understanding and place my hand back at my sides. My index finger slowly turning the ring around over and over again seems to be the only thing keeping me calm. We stayed staring at each other before I finally decided to take a step back and walk away. The silence was enough for her to know my response to that. My silence said 'Okay' and my body language said 'See you around' when in reality it means 'I'm leaving before we both do something stupid'. Maybe I should have listened to the voice in my head telling me that I should run back to her. But someone has to be the strong one. Might as well be the one with the least to lose. Though why does it feel like I have less than what I had originally started with?
Bit of a mash up of inspiration from @astrangeandunusualgirl ‘s fic, @cfwcadm winter list and of course Dean Martin’s Let it Snow
*
The window’s threatened to bend the knee to the wrathful wind, wailing outside. The sound of the whistling gale engulfed Ina’s office and eradicated all other sound, even the pattering of Ina’s keyboard was lost ...as the storm raged on.
Bea shivered; the small amount of heat expelled from the radiator couldn’t eliminate the chill ripping though her body.
“It’s getting nasty out there” Bea said wryly, peering through the window, the campus was lost in the blizzard. Bea could see nothing but a white fog swirling defiantly, rattling against the glass. She wasn’t used to snow, and she had never before seen it in this capacity! It was almost frightening but Ina seamed unphased.
“There was a weather warning on the news this morning” she said as she pulled a piece of fruit from her bag.
Bea remained stood at the window. “You’re more than welcome to head home before it gets too bad if you would like” she added taking in Bea’s disconcerted stare. (This wasn’t already too bad?)
“I’m fine” Bea said quickly, returning to her armchair to continue ticking off test grades. “I don’t want to leave you with all this to do” she added. Ina gave a grateful smile as she turned back to the computer, taking a bite out of her pear as they continued to work; drowned out by the bellowing blizzard outside. Bea startled at each disconcerting rattle. Suddenly the lights flickered off, “Damit!” Ina breathed... her computer had also lost power. She sat back in her chair for a moment in the newfound darkness.
Bea felt her stomach coil, her breath catching, she had never been a fan of the dark. After several moments it became apparent the power was not going to return and Ina’s voice came out across the darkness “Well I don’t suppose there is much point to us carrying on” Ina said. Bea could make out the shadow of Ina collecting her belongings together, now her eyes had adjusted somewhat. “Can we reconvene tomorrow?” she asked in a fond tone.
“Sure” Bea agreed collecting up her bag, as the heat started to evaporate from the room now that the electric heater had also given up the ghost.
Together they made their way down the single corridor towards the exit, Bea’s hand brushed Ina’s in the narrow walkway and she felt Ina stiffen next to her. As they reached the door Bea braced for the wind, but the door didn’t budge. Ina pushed against it harder... nothing. Bea took her place throwing her weight against the door. “Ok I think we are snowed in? That’s a thing right?.” Bea said giving the door another push.
Ina sighed pulling her phone from her bag, dialling a number. Bea pushed at the door a final time in vain, whilst Ina spoke to someone on the other line about getting them out. She hung up frustrated. “Someone’s coming but they may take an hour or two” Ina rubbed her hands together her breath dancing, icy in front of her. Without heating the temperature had started to drop rapidly. “Let’s head back to my office” she added with a smile turning on her heels and they headed back the way they came.
Bea shivered; her toes were starting to go numb. Ina spoke feeling Bea’s chill in her own body. There’s some wood, and a flint by the fireplace, I’ll grab us a blanket” Ina said commanding the situation. Bea moved across to the fireplace grabbing some kindling and started to work at the flint, sparks darting off in every direction - other than where she intended, she struck the flint again with the same result.
“Why haven’t we used the fireplace before?” she said her words echoing in the cold air.
“I don’t like to use it for ecological reasons” Ina replied as she joined Bea on the floor with a blanket
“I don’t think that rusty radiator is very eco-friendly” Bea laughed, Ina wrapped the blanket over them both, keeping some distance between herself and Bea, as Bea stroke the flint again to no avail.
“Here let me!” Ina reached out to take the flint from Bea’s hands. There was a moment of electricity as their hands touched. Bea knew Ina could feel it too, she brought her eyes up to meet Bea’s gaze before retracting her hand taking the flint with her.
“Do you have an aptitude for lighting fires?” Bea chuckled, trying to keep the mood light and distract herself from the ever growing cold.
“Well, I am a mean camper! Although I’m woefully out of practice” Ina said sending sparks flying towards Bea who flinched. Ina smiled apologetically.
“You go camping?” Bea said astounded
Ina smirked “It might disappoint you to know I don’t spend my down time in 4inch heels” she flicked the flint again, Bea was ready to dodge this time.
“What do you wear in your down time?” Bea asked; a devious smirk toyed at her lips
Ina spared Bea a knowing look, her lips twisted into a lustful smile, however she didn’t rise to Bea’s blandishment “You may find it deplorable to know I actually own a pair of sweatpants.” She said cocking an eyebrow.
Bea gasped mockingly, “Oh the horror!” Ina let out a laugh that caused her breath to dance out in front of them, just as a spark caught, igniting the flame between them, Ina blew on it tenderly, nurturing it so it could blossom as she transported the kindling to the wood bringing the fireplace to life. An orange glow encapsulated the pair, Ina sat back triumphantly but Bea lingered, watching the orange glow tickle Ina’s cheeks, the flame reflected in her eyes. Ina turned to catch Bea’s gaze and Bea averted her eyes quickly back to the flame.
“Now all we need are some marshmallows” Ina teased filling the void
“I make a good S’more” Bea pronounced
“Do you enjoy camping?” Ina asked, shivering despite the budding flame in the grate.
“I do on the most part” Bea smiled hugging her knees to her chest trying to stop the small amount of warmth she had from escaping “but I am not a fan of the dark” she admitted bashfully.
“Really?” Ina asked in earnest “it’s quite dark now.” She added her eyes wandering over the rest of the office as the flicker of the fire caused shadows to dance around the room.
“Yeah, but I’m with you, so it’s ok” Bea said more affectionately than she intended.
A small fragment of a smile formed on Ina’s lips, a warmth cradling her eyes. “Would you like to come closer?” She said, making room for Bea next to her “for the purpose of conserving thermal energy” Ina added swiftly.
“You want to huddle for warmth?” Bea smiled, a small smirk toying at her lips
Ina shifted slightly “It’s a common survival stratagem” Ina defended averting her eyes from Beas
Bea hummed “I rather like this survival stratagem”
“Bea…” Ina tried to warn, but the smile playing on her lips gave her away. Bea shuffled in closer to Ina. Leaving the smallest of space between them.
Bea could feel the warmth of Ina’s body against her own, but the touch of her alone caused shivers to run through her fibres.
“If you wanted to get me alone, there were warmer ways of doing it” Bea let out a small laugh.
Ina smirked “Are you referring to our song?” She said cocking an eyebrow playfully.
“Yes” Bea laughed fondly remembering the afternoon in Ina’s office “You remembered!?”
Ina let out a self-deprecating laugh “Of course I remember, I don’t normally make a habit of shouting -How Do I Get You Alone - at women on a regular bases.” They both let out a patter of laughter that bounced like the shadows around the room.
The blanket slipped from Ina’s shoulder and both Ina and Bea went to grab it simultaneously, their hands brushing.
“Bea! Your hands are like ice!” Ina gasped “Come here” she said kindly. Ina wrapped her arm around Bea’s waist pulling her up against her side. Bea stiffened startled by the attention of Ina’s hand on her waist. She bit her lip, swallowing. With her other hand Ina took Bea’s frozen fingers and held them tightly, bringing them in towards her body. The warmth slowly started to come back to Bea’s hands along with some feeling.
“Is this still for the purpose of conserving thermal energy?” she toyed coyly
“Stop talking” Ina teased but there was some meaning behind her words, and a small smile danced on her lips.
Bea did stop talking, she let herself melt into Ina’s embrace, drinking in her perfume. It was a long time since she had been in such proximity with Ina. Her stomach flipped and a warmth ran though her whole body that she could say for certain wasn’t thermal energy. She wasn’t sure what lines they were currently crossing but they were balancing along several and gravity threatened to tip them either way.
“Thanks” Bea breathed; it was the only appropriate thing she could think to say. One of the fingers on Ina’s hand twitched as it accidentally found some bare skin at Bea’s waist, sending goosebumps cascading over Bea’s body. Ina moved it away hesitantly, and Bea felt her swallow.
They sat for a moment watching the flames in the grate dancing hypnotically; Bea rested her head against Ina’s shoulder hesitatingly. she thought Ina might stiffen or move away, but she didn’t, she rested her head gently against Bea’s
“Are you warming up?” She breathed before adding “They can’t be much longer now. I’m so sorry to have gotten you into this mess” Ina was so close Bea could feel the vibrations of Ina words.
Bea was about to confirm she was warming up when an ember cracked away from the log into the floor in front of them. Bea broke away from Ina to put it out swiftly. When Bea shuffled back and turned, she found Ina’s gaze caught on her.
Their faces just inches from each other. Their breath tangled together in the cold air. Ina’s face glowed in the light of the flames as her eyes flickered down to Bea’s lips and back up. “Bea...” her voice came out as a breath, a question? a revelation? Her eyes wavered back down to Bea’s lips as she started to close the distance between them, Bea’s breath caught and she closed her eyes in anticipation of Ina’s lips, she longed so much to touch -
“Hello” came a booming voice from the corridor and Ina sprung away from Bea, her face flushing. Bea exhaled a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding.
“We’re in here!” Ina called back, breaking her gaze away from Bea’s as a burly man entered the office. Ina’s eyes dropped disapprovingly to his wet boots as he walked muddy, mushy snow into her office. He let out a bellowing laugh “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” he sang, without care for the tune. “Am I right?” He chuckled.
Oh my heart. This was perfect. The music references, the fluff, the tension and i loved the symbolism of the sparks/fire like this was just perfect, you did it again. This was amazing, i absolutely am your biggest fan. 🥰
Summery: It’s early November, Bea isn’t used to NYC’s winter, she is grading with Ina and trying to distract herself from the cold. Ina is doing her best to keep things professional but when Bea lets slip a fantasy... Ina can’t help get a little bit jealous.
Warning: none really, some fantisisation and mild mature themes.
Note: this is my first ever Fanfic!! Please be kind haha. I’m still working on my writing of them. (I’m English sorry if I use any British terminology!)
Word count: 1326
It was early November. New York was cold! Outside the first signs of frost coated the leaves that had survived the fall, and the winter wind nipped at your cheeks like a sharp kiss. There was a chill in the air, the kind of chill that searched for any exposed skin and once it found its target creeped though your body eradicating any feeling of warmth.
Ina’s office was only a fraction warmer! Bea’s breath danced visibly in front of her, almost obscuring the test she was trying to grade; her ever reddening hand struggled to make sturdy contact with the paper.
She let out a sigh... more breath danced out in front of her, Ina gave no reaction. Bea leant back into the leather of the chair, letting her eyes wander around the room, searching for anything that would distract her from the cold.
Ina was humming peacefully. She often hummed when she worked, Bea wondered if Ina realised she was doing it.
Bea watched her for a moment, one hand was tracing the line of the page she was reading, whilst she lent propping her head up on the other. Her hair fell gracefully across her face, and Bea wanted nothing more than to reach across the table and gently tuck it behind her ear, to slowly caress her cheek like she had done sometimes before. Ina really was beautiful. And warm (how was she warm right now?!)
Pulling her gaze away from Ina -before she was caught – Bea focused on bookshelves lining the walls. (Did Ina really read all those books or were they just for show) slowly that mischievous part of her brain took over, she couldn’t help herself. She imagined Ina holding her up against the bookshelf, Ina’s warm body pressed up against hers, the smell of Ina’s perfume as she kissed her neck, brushing Bea’s hair away whilst her own tickled Bea’s shoulder as she deepened the kiss. She imagined letting her hands slide down Ina’s sides, sneaking round behind her to cup her arse, pulling Ina’s hips closer into hers. Bea longed for her touch, she let out an almost moan-like-sigh.
“Ahem” Ina cleared her throat and was eyeing her suspiciously, eyebrow raised.
(God she was sexy)
“Sorry I was just…” Bea breathed
“Thinking?” Ina finished her sentence.
“Yes” Bea affirmed
“And?” A warm smile tickled Ina’s lips that gave Bea butterflies.
“And what?” Bea asked with touch of confusion, the cold fogging her brain.
“And what were you thinking” Ina continued quizzically.
“Oh nothing” (nothing appropriate at least) Ina had made it clear that from now on their relationship was to remain purely professional and Bea was already too cold to add any cold shoulder treatment into this equation - thank you very much.
“Well, that ‘nothing’ has you very distracted” Ina spoke as she returned to trace the line she was reading, “I’m more than happy to listen, if you did you want to talk about it?”
“Do you actually read all those books or are they just for show?” Bea blurted out.
“Oh umm” Ina inhaled looking over at the bookshelf wistfully- surprised at the question, “I use them for my research mostly. I don’t get to read for pleasure as much as I would like” Ina spoke with a light-hearted enthusiasm. Bea knew Ina was a book worm, and under warmer circumstances she would love to sit and listen to Ina talk passionately about anything and everything she was interested in. It was overwhelming cute and nerdy! But instead...
“Oh right” Bea breathed out, not knowing where else she was going with that line of conversation. A moment passed as Bea wrung her hands together trying to return any sensation to her fingers and then ...She sighed again.
“What is it now? If you are going to ask about any other relics in my office can we do it after we have finished? We have an awful lot to get though” Ina chuckled.
“It’s so cold!” Bea almost yelled unintentionally.
“Really?!” Ina responded taken aback.
“Yes, freezing! How are you not frozen” Bea sighed.
“It gets a lot colder in New York, I don’t suppose you are used to it?” Ina replied kindly, “You wait for the snow to set in - it is a beautiful nuisance” she laughed. “But you’ll love it, New York is just so romantic in the snow” Ina’s eyes met Bea’s for a second before a blush suddenly crept across her cheeks as she realised, she had forgotten herself. She cleared her throat and finally tucked that piece of hair behind her ear.
Bea’s heart fluttered at the thought of walking in the snow with Ina, hands entwined. “I think my fingers will have dropped off by the time we get snow!” Bea breathed exasperated! “Can’t you turn the heating on or something?!”
“I make a habit of not putting the heating on until the end of the month.” Ina replied trying to return her voice to something more neutral, her cheeks still dusted pink.
“Ok, I suppose I’ll just freeze until then.
Unless that’s your intention, to freeze my body for the next year?” Bea winked (she could get away with a little flirting right?)
Ina raised an eyebrow with an attempt at a stern look, but it faltered at the lips, which crept into a sly smile – as if she wished she could indeed freeze time for the next year. Her eyes carried a welcome ice melting warmth, but she said nothing, letting her gaze fall back down to her papers. So, Bea continued...
“Or is this a Han Solo kinda thing?”, ... Bea’s mind wandered “oh Princess Leia in a gold bikini” she smiled cheekily “now that would warm me up!”
Ina froze. Her eyes shot up from her paper to find Bea’s in an instant. Scrutinising. a harshness to them, their previous warmth turning into a prickling heat. Jealousy flushed her cheeks. (Really? was Ina jealous of her liking Carrie Fisher in a gold bikini?!)
And just as quickly as her eyes found Bea’s they dropped back down to her paperwork. But Bea was sure her ears were still a little pink.
“You’re rambling” Ina said with an effort to keep her voice steady.
“I’m cold, is what I am!” Bea retorted.
“Fine!” Ina placed down her pen with a little more vigour than Bea thought she had intended to - Bea had definitely touched a nerve- Ina stood up from her chair moving towards the radiator conveniently placed so Ina had to walk away with her back to Bea. Bea sucked in a breath as her eyes uncontrollably wandered down Ina’s curvaceous body, Ina has such a sultry walk, (did anyone else notice that? Nope? Did she do it on purpose? Did she know she did it? God if she did it worked like a charm.)
Slowly, Ina bent over in a purposeful way to reach the radiator control - showing off one of her finer assets- (JEASUS!) Bea’s eyes widened, her stomach coiled into a tight knot, she crossed her legs tightly as she inhaled audibly. She swallowed hard as a sensation ran straight down her core, Bea couldn’t tare her eyes away, it took every inch of her self-control, not to leave her chair and move towards Ina’s magnetic pull, transfixed… until Ina suddenly rose and turned meeting Bea’s gaze. Bea averted her eyes as fast as she possibly could, feeling a heat flush her face. (Too slow?)
Ina cocked an eyebrow
(Definitely too slow)
But to Bea’s surprise Ina smirked “Still imagining Princess Leia in the gold bikini?”
(Damn) Bea was struck down by Ina’s soft flirtatious tone, heat cascaded through her body, an electricity buzzed in the room. Bea did everything in her power to stop her voice from coming out as a shaky breath. (Say something smooth)
“...not Princess Leia ” Bea replied returning the smirk.
Summary: On a Mid-November afternoon, in a bustling store filled with Christmas shoppers, Bea bumps into Ina struggling to put together an outfit for an event.
- This fiction follows on chronology from COLD WEATHER AND A GOLD BIKINI but it works as a stand alone fiction too :)
Featuring: MC (Bea) + Ina Kingsley (also briefly Ft Zoey Wade
Warnings: Mild mature themes
Notes: Hey guys! I’m working on a Christmas two parter for December but just putting some gap filling fun out there, to give you your healthy does of Professor Kingsley! Feel free to ask if you have any requests :)
It was a wet (and cliché) windy mid-November when Zoey had insisted on going shopping on fifth. Zoey thought it was heaven, Bea thought it was a mistake! The streets were jam packed with Christmas shoppers! Each pushing and shoving to get the best bargains… or most expensive, ridiculous, showy item just to say they have it. (Was that a gold encrusted toilet seat... for a dog?)
They had been in the same shop for the best part of two hours whilst Zoey threw dazzling outfits together for a variety of hypothetical events they were supposedly going to be attending… Zoey was in her element!
“Omg babe you would look lush in this” Zoey pulled out yet another garment off the rack. It was actually really cute. A maroon checked flannel, with golden embroidered birds taking flight across the back.
“I thought we were trying to de-farm me? That would look great with a Stetson” Bea laughed- tipping her invisible hat.
Zoey laughed heartedly “Scrap the Stetson, but cowgirl boots would be a cute look on you”
Bea chuckled, Zoey’s usual clothing suggestions involved tight fitting dresses or at least a plunging neckline this was a little off brand “who are you and what have you done with Zoey”
“And look” Zoey flipped the blouse around -
(Ah. there it was)
“A plunging neckline professor dreamy would die for” Zoey grinned teasingly. And that’s when Bea spotted her! Her heart fluttered.
“Ina” Bea gasped.
“Alright Ina, but I definitely prefer Professor Dreamy” Zoey rolled her eyes, busy shuffling through a rack.
“No, Ina” Bea pointed just past Zoey, and there through the crowds of busy shoppers was Ina Kingsley looking jaw droppingly gorgeous ... and slightly out of her comfort zone.
“Well damn, who knew she owned jeans” Zoey commented tilting her head sideways to get a better look.
Ina looked hesitantly around the store, fondling the fabric of a purple knitted jumper between her fingers.
(And yes, yes she was in tight fitting jeans that hugged every perfection. Thank you to the powers that be!) Bea’s eyes roamed down Ina’s legs distractedly as suddenly Zoey whispered – not so quietly - in her ear-
“Someone looks like they need help”
“Jesus Zo!” Bea Jumped out of her skin.
Zoey laughed “I’ll catch you later” and with a wink she wandered off - a selection of bags in tow.
(Zoey...what a gal!)
Bea swallowed trying to get her racing pulse under control as she headed towards the professor, she undid her top button with a mischievous grin and fluffed her hair pushing through the onslaught of shoppers... almost getting taken out by a guy carrying a ‘Top of The Range’ ironing board with a gift bow? (Really?) She finally reached Ina, Ina hadn’t noticed when Bea stepped up next to her, Bea smirked and took her opportunity…
“that would look lovely on you, it’s your colour” Bea tried to keep her tone casual, as Ina looked between a purple jumper and a more vibrant one.
Ina Jumped “Bea? You startled me! What are you doing here?”, her face of panic, quickly edged into one of complete and utter relief, her lips twisting into a warm smile at Bea’s company.
Bea lifted the maroon shirt with the plunging neckline “shopping” she laughed, Ina really was caught of guard.
“of course, how mindless of me” Ina shock her head with a smile, Bea enjoyed Ina’s casual demeanour. It had been a while since she had seen any part of Ina’s walls come down. Ina’s eyes widened when she caught sight of the front of Bea’s flannel and she bit her lip, slowly raising her eyes from the plunging neckline back to Bea. (mission accomplished, she’s totally imagining this on) “that looks like it would suit you” Ina, nodded back at the garment coyly.
“thanks” Bea smirked (and thank you Zoey!)
“and that looks like it would suit you?” Bea replied, almost questioningly at the funkiest of the two knits.
Ina sighed “thanks, I’m trying to get an outfit together” she admitted, exhaling a breath of defeat.
“What’s the occasion” Bea smiled encouragingly. (What occasion could call for vibrant knitwear - other than a family Christmas)
“I have a school reunion this weekend!” Ina ran her hand through her hair “They have made it a smart casual thing, but who really ever knows what that means” (not ‘that’ funky knitwear for sure.)
Ina returned to fondling the purple jumper between her fingers. She searched Bea’s face with conflict, could she risk confiding in Bea, would she cross a line that she would struggle to come back from? Then she signed at a loss looking back again at the crazier jumper... “I don’t want to come across as boring” (god how cute was she?)
“You’re not boring” Bea exclaimed! Sensing Ina’s genuine concern! And desperately wanting to reassure her.
-“or as a stuffy professor?” Ina continued with a self-deprecating laugh that scarcely escaped her.
Ina gasped – laying a hand over her heart wounded, she swotted Bea playfully on the shoulder. “Ow” Bea grabbed her arm dramatically at the blow and they both laughed together. The last layer of Ina’s walls peeled away. The laughter slowly gave way to smiles on both parts, their eyes held each other’s gaze for a long minute. Bea felt a warmth trickle through her body, she relished in this moment, with Ina off campus, away from expectations. it was almost impossible to feel anything but happy when looking at Ina’s smile.
“So… the questionable Jumper” Bea glanced down at the crazy flashy jumper and the nicer purple one that Ina had finally stopped twiddling.
Ina sighed “I was trying to avoid the normal Skirt, Blouse, Blazer she sighed defeated.
Bea chuckled “I hate to break it to you Ina but Skirt, Blouse, Jumper is like it’s non-identical twin”
Ina exhaled out a small laugh at her situation, and Bea smiled with her!
“I really am hopeless at this arn’t I?” Ina said putting the jumper back onto the shelving.
“Not Hopeless, Helpless” Bea teased “ but not anymore... I’m here to help” Bea pronounced with a twinkle in her eye.
Ina raised an eyebrow “I don’t think I ordered a knight in shining armour”
“Good job I’m not a knight” Bea winked, taking a step towards Ina, tilting her head slightly to take in her beautiful face. (her eyes really were intoxicating)
Ina inhaled sharply, looking down at Bea carefully. “no, no you’re not” Ina spoke slowly, also shifting a small step closer, her voice steady, almost beckoning, a trickle of desire fading into her eyes. (There goes that line - crossed)
Bea’s breath caught. She leaned forward propping herself up with a hand on the shelving bringing her body as close to Ina’s without touching. Bea’s face was just inches away from Ina’s, transfixed, threatening the promise of a kiss- Ina almost willed her to do it...but instead Bea spoke - in almost a whisper “do you trust me.”
Ina leaned back quizzically...“trust you?” anticipation replaced the heat that had been building in Ina’s eyes. She worried what whirlwind her answer would bring. Her face was searching but finally she said “yes” and added “perhaps against my better Judgment.”
Bea grinned that was all the consent she needed “good.” and with that she took Ina’s hand and made to move, Ina froze at the contact, but she didn’t pull away. “We are just two people lost in the crowds” Bea reassured. Ina looked around, it was true, everyone was too preoccupied with getting their Christmas shopping to notice them. She relaxed and entwined her fingers with Beas. Bea glowed at the simple affectionate gesture. (Was this really happening?)
***************************************
After twenty minutes of discarding dress after dress, Bea pressed a floral dress up against Ina’s body with a silver wintery hem, perfect to compliment the time of year (Zoey would be proud). Ina’s breath caught as Bea’s hands innocently (not so innocently) pressed the fabric against her body. She tried to subtly lean into Bea’s touch... it would help Bea see the dress better no? That’s the excuse she gave herself.
Bea met her eyes. They were teeming with desire and picking up the subtle hint Bea casually worked her way down Ina’s front, inspecting the potential fit of the dress. She finally, purposefully pressed the fabric against Ina’s hips triggering a breathy moan… Their eyes flickered to each other’s and Ina stepped back reluctantly, a blush making itself at home on her cheeks.
“This is the one!” Bea smiled up at her. “You need to try it on!”
“You think so?” Ina asked holding up the dress up to inspect it.
“Positive...But first” Bea took the dress in one hand and Ina’s hand in the other, Ina laughed as she was pulled through the store once again, until Bea finally came to a stop at the jackets. Lifting the dress into the air, she picked out a black leather jacket and handed both to Ina.
“Leather?” Ina cocked an eyebrow
“I know, Wild!” Bea teased . “Just try it on?”
“fine” Ina took the jacket.
************************
Bea sat in the dressing room with unrelenting anticipation, excited to see Ina in her new outfit, sniggering as she played the Grease transformation scene over in her head - it was the leather jacket (tell me about it stud) Just then the cubical door creaked open a little, Ina’s spoke tentatively though the door. “umm, can you come and do me up?”
(Yes! YES! A thousand times YES!) Bea rose from her chair to enter the cubical. Ina stood with her back to Bea, holding her blonde hair to the side. Bea’s breath caught at the sight of her bare back; she swore she saw Ina smirk in the mirror as she watched Bea’s reaction. (Gasp - she was SO doing this on purpose! Two people can play at that game professor)
Bea stepped closer. Her pulse raising as she reached out to help zip Ina up, she lifted the zip slowly, her finger caressing the soft exposed skin of Ina’s back, Bea felt Ina stiffen then relax under her touch, as she pulled the zip up excruciatingly slowly. With a nail she grazed Ina’s skin, Ina shuddered. The zip came to a halt all too soon, leaving Bea with a pang of disappointment longing to run her fingers further up the back of Ina’s neck. Her perfume was intoxicating, Bea stepped closer her lips just inches from Ina’s skin.
She knew Ina could feel her breath tickling the back of her neck. Ina locked eyes with Bea in the mirror’s reflection, her expression was one of both warning and undeniable want. Bea could hear her own shaky breaths - she swallowed trying to compose herself as she took a step back to pass Ina the jacket.
Ina turned to face Bea, putting on the jacket, Bea was suddenly very aware of how small the cubical was, and how close Ina face was to hers, she could just reach out…
but then Bea suddenly took in the outfit, her stomach coiled in a knot, her heart beat out of her chest, she struggled to breath, it was like having the wind knocked out of her. “you, you look…” she struggled to get her words out coherently.
Ina withdrew alarmed “What is it?” she turned back to the mirror troubled. “is it the jacket? It’s too much, isn’t it? The dress? I can always go back and get the jumper!”
“No, no!” Bea breathed “you look Breath-taking” …Ina’s eyes dropped as she was suddenly very aware of Bea’s gaze, her cheeks filled with a pink blush and she shyly brought her hands together to twiddle her fingers.
Summary: when a goose is loose on campus with a vendetta against Ina?
Just a silly fanfic that we can have a laugh at!
Notes: follows on chronologically from my previous fics:
COLD WEATHER AND A GOLD BIKINI
SKIRT, BLOUSE, BLAZER?
A WILD GOOES CHASE
@kulaykape @thedaft1
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It was the Monday after the shopping trip. Bea made her way through the bustling campus; festive cheer had really begun to take a hold as people buzzed with the anticipation of Thanksgiving just a few weeks away. Bea had just finished some work in the library and was on her way to meet Zoey for lunch when she heard something that made her stop dead in her tracks “…and then Professor Kingsley screamed” (umm. What the hell?!)
Bea, veered off the path to the group of gossiping nobodies. “what’s, the talk” Bea asked - trying her best to come across as if she was there to laugh with them at Ina’s expense. “Omg, have you not checked The T yet?”, Bea’s Heart stopped (What?) she grabbed out her phone as the gossiping girl continued.
“Professor Kingsley got chased by a goose, literally threw her arms up and screamed, it. was. hilarious!” and there it was, in video form, Bea would have laughed herself had it not been such a public affair.(Poor Ina!!) “She threw all her paperwork up and everything” said one guy, joining in the fray, “look” he had a crumpled bit of paperwork in hand, “It’s just drivel, nothing interesting” He said with disappointment. Bea snatched the paper, “Give me that” she spat, as she looked down realising it was some part of Ina’s publication. Bea came across a little more defensive than she intended; but it filled her with pure rage to hear someone making a mockery of Ina’s work.
With the paper in hand she stormed off, leaving whispers behind her and making sure to drop a stern message to Thomas Stiles asking him to remove the post! Then she quickly text Zoey – “I’m going to have to skip lunch, soz, will toats make it up to you! cronuts on me?!” she, made her way across campus as quickly as she could – her phone pinged “They best be. Z” (Remember to get cronuts).
When she finally got to Ina’s office, she found Ina, sat in her chair head on her desk. “Ummm Ina?” Bea cleared her voice, declaring her presence. Ina looked up, her face depleted of colour.
“Bea, I’m mortified!” she breathed, placing her head in her hands. “Yes I heard” Bea, tried not to snigger. “I’ve asked Thomas Stiles to remove the post on The T” Ina’s head shot up! “It’s on the school blog?” her voice faltered incredulity.
“I’m afraid so, video and all” Bea came further into the room, shutting the door behind her. “urgh how am I ever going to live this down” Ina leant back in her chair, head against the back rest looking up to the ceiling, as if almost willing it to crumble down on her and end her humiliating existence.
“I got this back for you” Bea smiled stepping up to Ina’s desk and sitting opposite the horrified woman, “I didn’t know if it was important” Bea continued handing Ina the piece of paper. “Thank you” Ina breathed, her hand lightly brushed Bea’s as she took the paper, her eyes flicking up to meet Bea’s. “what would I do without you” she sighed a faint laugh “I duno, buy crazy knitwear and get attacked by geese apparently” They both laughed heartedly, and Ina shook her head. “It was terrifying! It came out of nowhere, ran straight for me” Bea laughed, “I doubt it had such an agenda”
“you weren’t there! You didn’t see!” Ina snapped defensively. “sounds like you cheated death” Bea laughed again, this time fully, unable to contain it any longer, all the laughter she had been holding in trickled out. Ina pouted at Bea’s lack of sympathy regarding the situation.
“I don’t know what the beast is still doing here, they are migratory birds, it should be long gone by now!” Ina continued dismissively of Bea’s mocking.
“You’re right!” Bea said rather abruptly, with a change of tone. “It must be hurt, or something! Maybe we should go check it over” Bea suddenly found a new sense of fondness for the bird, perhaps it was her own aversion to the cold that gave her empathy with a bird that should definitely be somewhere with the sun on it’s back right now.
Ina, glared at her seriously “You have another thing coming if you think I am going back out there!” Bea laughed “So you plan on living out the rest of your days in your office then?” Ina crossed her arms firmly, “I’m not going anywhere whilst that thing is on the loose!” Bea rolled her eyes playfully “well we best go solve that problem then” Ina inhaled, “There is no ‘We’ in any of this! If you want to risk your life, on some wild goose chase, then by all means go ahead” Bea pouted, putting on her best puppy dog eyes “You mean you wouldn’t mind if I came to some untimely end, at the hands of some mean mafia goose” Ina snorted “You are intolerable” Ina said, flattening out the piece of paper that Bea had returned to her. “No I’m not, I’m charming and you know it” Bea winked. “come on, 4th period has started, most people will be in class, I’m on a study period and there is an injured animal out there that needs help. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you, if that’s what you need” Bea knew that would push at Ina’s button “fine, I’ll come help you find the beast, but I don’t need to be protected” (tell your face that) “and don’t expect me to go anywhere near it” she added hesitantly.
Minuets later, after checking the coast was clear Ina and Bea made their way to the pond area, it was deserted of students who by now were either in class, the library or somewhere totally unproductive.
“How did the school reunion go?” Bea asked as they made their way through the campus. Ina laughed “well I thought it was all rather embarrassing until this morning happened and I reached a whole new level of humiliation” she sighed. “Come on! it can’t have been that bad? I mean you looked hot” Ina, spared Bea a mischievous look before her eyes went back to frantically keeping watch for the rouge goose. “Did I now?” she hummed, “I have to admit, my outfit did catch the attention of an old school friend, she even asked me to dance” Bea’s stomach flipped, in fact she felt her whole body drop and -an ache in her heart? “What did you say?” Bea asked, looking straight ahead, trying to mould her voice into representing a vague, polite interest. Ina sacrificed a sideways glance at Bea, a toying smirk playing on her lips “how would you feel if I said yes?” Bea felt herself almost crack in two! (JEALOUS! MURDEROUS? Devastated...) Bea’s moments silence was enough to give Ina the answers she was looking for. “I declined the invitation, by the way” she said with a smile, a sparkle forming in her eyes. Bea unintentionally let out an audible sigh of relief. “You almost sound pleased?” Ina, cocked an eyebrow...
but as they started to near the pond -or scene of the crime as Ina felt was a more appropriate description, Ina’s confidence flushed away as she shuffled and fidgeted uneasily, remaining so close to Bea’s side.
Bea could almost feel her trembling. “Tell you’re timbers to stop shivering” Bea laughed, as Ina breathed out a puff of air that danced in the cold breeze. “It could be anywhere” she muttered, Bea wasn’t sure whether that was exasperation or panic. “There!” she suddenly pointed; the goose had sat itself by some hedging its eyes wide.
“It’s seen me!” Ina breathed gripping Bea’s arm. Bea froze and so did Ina, her eyes meeting Bea’s for a moment “sorry” she breathed letting go just as suddenly, instead crossing her arms protectively across her chest as she scanned the campus to check no one had witnessed her moments weakness. “It’s ok” Bea smiled reassuringly, starting to move towards the goose.
Ina hung back as far back as she could, deliberating whether she was safest alone, far away as possible from the goose or by Bea’s side.
Bea very slowly edged towards the goose. It trained it’s eyes on her. “careful” Ina pleaded. “It could turn at any minute!” Bea, hung her head “It’s a goose Ina, not a werewolf” she laughed. As she edged closer to the bird putting distance between herself and Ina - who was now bouncing on her feet as if preparing herself to run, Bea noticed blood on the bird’s wing.
“She’s hurt” she called out to Ina, creeping closer still, she could hear Ina, breathing out “ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod” repeatedly, behind her. “We need to get her some place warm and call a vet”.
Bea slowly took her jacket off so not to startle the bird. “If you think you are bringing that monster into my office, I swear” Ina’s voice quaked. Bea slowly wrapped her jacket over the bird’s body and head, gripping it with just the right amount of force to keep it from escaping without doing further injury, and she scooped it up.
“Good girl, good birdie” she whispered reassuringly and then with haste began marching, with readiness back towards Ina’s office. “Go to the cafeteria Ina, I’ll call a vet, they shouldn’t be more than an hour!” Bea called over her shoulder.
Ina was torn, but found herself jogging to catch up with Bea, refusing to take her eyes off the struggling bird. “…and leave you alone with that thing?” she said, finding some courage from deep down somewhere (AWW) “So you do care if I get killed by a goose” Bea teased, with a smile.
Ina tried to laugh but failed, letting out another foggy breath, still training her eyes on the squirming mound covered by Bea’s Jacket. “I can’t make the same promise to protect you, as you did me” Ina sighed with a glint of jest. “You don’t have to” Bea smiled reassuringly. “Just come for a coffee with me after this? If we make it out alive that is.” She teased “I ow Zoey some Cronuts”
It had been quite a pleasant day as Ina’s TA today. Ina had asked Bea to look over part of her publication, not that Bea’s opinion counted for anything, but it was sweet she was excited to share it. Spirits were high.
Bea had almost finished a stack of test papers she was meant to be grading. (How many tests did Ina give her students?!) However, Bea was distracted. Like always Ina was humming as she worked. Bea didn’t mind it, in fact she found it quite endearing; but Bea had spent the last 5 minuets trying to work out what song Ina was now humming! It was driving her senseless.
We had already had a little bit of ‘Time After Time’ by Cyndi Lauper, Celine Dion’s ‘All by Myself’... little bit tragic, ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglia? Really? Bea now couldn’t get the Image of Ina lying naked on the floor... ‘The power of Love’ Celine Dion again?? and something Bea was pretty certain was ‘Take you Dancing’ by Jason Derulo?!
And now Ina was humming something else, Bea knew it, but couldn’t put her finger on it and she was loosing her mind!
Finally sitting back in her chair her last paper graded she gave up. “What IS that song?!” she let out an maddened sigh.
“What song?” Ina asked looking up from her computer.
“The song you have been humming!?”
Ina looked a little flustered at Bea’s outburst “Sorry I didn’t realise I was, was I disturbing you? (so she did do it unknowingly – kinda cute, but what is that god damn song!)
“No, not at all, I kinda like it, you do it all the time.” Bea smiled and Ina looked slightly taken aback. “Sorry I really had no idea”
“but I need to know what that song is, it’s bugging me.”
Bea tried to hum the tune back to Ina
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” Ina suggested.
“No that’s not it” Bea said humming it again.
“Your sex is on fire?” was Ina’s next impute.
(Yes it is!) “No that’s not it, but I know thanks.” Bea teased Ina rolled her eyes. “Sorry I have no idea” She said as Bea put the graded papers on the desk humming the tune to herself.
“So, you like 80s music and have a guilty pleasure for Celine Dion?” Bea laughed.
“Well I was born in the late 80s and how would you know I like Celine Dion?” Ina asked, saving her work and pulling the graded papers towards herself to start imputing.
“Because you’ve hummed two of her songs in the last hour.” Bea jibed, pulling her phone out, that had just vibrated in her pocket.
Ina laughed “you’ve caught me, but who doesn’t love Titanic”
“Me” Bea stated.
“You don’t like Titanic? It’s such a classic romantic film!” Bea shrugged.
“I won’t watch anything that makes me cry” She said earnestly, typing out a reply to Zoey.
“...and Titanic makes you cry?” Ina smiled a hint of jest in her eyes, that trickled into an endearing smile.
“I’ll never tell” Bea winked playfully, gathering her belongings, and putting her phone back in her pocket. “I better go, I’m meeting Zoey, we are going out tonight. And I need to get ready, this hair takes forever and I -“
“How Do I Get You Alone!” Ina suddenly -almost - shouted.
“Sorry?!” Bea questioned. Feeling a heat race to her cheeks
Ina blushed
“The song! That’s what it was... How do I get you alone by Heart.”
Bea burst into laughter as she opened the office door. “I’m totally claiming that as our song now” she teased.
Ina had been a lot less guarded with Bea since the ‘Godfeather incident’ as Bea liked to call it. The goose – Al Capone - Bea had named her, had been checked over and was on her way to recovery. Ina on the other hand, Bea felt would never recover from the incident.
It was getting late, the sun had set on a wintery day many hours ago, as Bea sat still marking tests, Ina had put the heating on (thank goodness). They sat in almost silence. Bea marking whilst Ina tapped away at the computer desperately trying to finish a submission for her publisher.
Finally, Ina sat back in her chair with a heavy sign. Taking off her glasses and rubbing her eyes. Bea could still hear the phantom tapping of keys in her head - that had been the soundtrack of her life for the last two hours.
“You ok?” she smiled at Ina, sympathetically (She worked so hard!)
“Yes” Ina rose from her chair stretching her legs “I think I’m going a little bleary eyed! Would you like a break?”
Bea, put down her pen, feeling the cramp intensify in her hand, she stretched it out. “Only if you would like one, I don’t mind carrying on if you need me too.” Bea was desperate for a break but likewise didn’t want Ina to feel more stressed than the constant state she already lived in. “You definitely deserve a break” Ina stated looking at the huge pile of papers Bea had marked.
She moved over to her discreet drinks cabinet and poured out two glasses of amber liquid, before joining Bea at the table and settling herself into the armchair opposite. Bea took the drink from Ina’s outstretched hand, her fingers lightly grazed Ina’s, she felt a spark of electricity at the contact. She knew Ina had felt it too, she retracted her hand all be it hesitantly.
Bea smiled up at her and lent back into the chair taking a sip. “Perfect” she sighed. Ina cleared her voice “I appreciate how hard you work yourself for my benefit, don’t think I don’t notice” Bea smiled “It’s my job” she replied knowing full well, she definitely wouldn’t put in this much effort for anyone else. “I see...Well in that case, you definitely are the best TA in the institution, I think I would be the envy of all of the other professors if they saw you work” she stated proudly.
“Best not let them know then, they might expect the same kind of treatment” Bea joked flirtatiously.
Ina pinched the bridge of her nose but her lips curl into a knowing smile at Bea’s subtext “No, I wouldn’t want them to whisk you away. Who would I get to do my grading?” She continued.
“Don’t worry, there isn’t anyone who could ever steal me away from that position” Bea smiled, unsure if they were still talking about her occupation as Ina’s TA.
Ina smiled a smile that reached her eyes, sending a warm sparkle into them that practically shot an arrow through Bea’s chest. Bea Inhaled. (They weren’t talking about her TA position then)
For a moment they sat in exhausted silence. Bea swirled her amber liquid around the glass before she looked at Ina, who had been gazing fondly at her, but upon meeting Bea’s gaze she dropped her eyes back down to her drink. Bea smirked (caught you) Then an alluring idea came to Bea’s mind. “Let’s play a game.”
“A game?” Ina repeated quizzically. “Yes! A drinking game” Ina thought for a moment scrutinising Bea’s face. “Okay what are we playing?” (YES!)
“Lets play Psychic, do you know how to play?” Ina laughed in dismay “I’m a Professor Bea, not an antique! You start with - ‘I think’ then complete the sentence, if you are right, the other person is required to drink. So, after you…” she gestured to Bea as she got herself comfortable, crossing her legs and leaning into the back of her chair.
Bea thought for a moment “I think you say your favourite colour is purple but actually you rather like blue” Ina chuckled and took a swig of her drink. “How would you even know that?!” she asked astonished. Bea smiled... “I just pay attention, your turn”
Ina returned Bea’s smile fondly before she took a moment to think ... hard... too hard for a simple game. “I think you had a sweet family dog growing up” Bea rolled her eyes… “that’s not psychic Ina, I grew up on a farm” Ina chuckled, “Fine. I think his name was Chester” she tilted her head quizzically. (Chester?!) “Classic, but No, now drink” Ina conceded. “Her name was Boone” Bea said “A Springer Spaniel” she added taking a sip of the warm liquid herself. “They are beautiful dogs” Ina agreed, “we had a Collie, Sampson, growing up” – “your turn” she added.
“I think you speak another language” Bea asked. Ina considered the question “I speak French, but I am far from fluent, does that count?”
“oui” Bea smiled (damn the woman spoke French) Ina drank.
“I think…” Ina paused thinking. “I think you can sing” she continued. Bea let out a loud bellowing laugh “I can sing, it doesn’t mean I should!”. Ina smiled “I bet you sing in the shower! I imagine you secretly have a lovely voice” she said endearingly.
Bea cocked and eyebrow “Imagine me in the shower a lot do you?”
Ina’s soft smiled twisted “Wouldn’t you like to know” she retorted. (YES! 100% would like to know!)
Bea smiled wickedly for a moment, biting her lip, trying to work out if she dared...Ina raised her eyebrow knowingly; she knew exactly how to read Bea’s face by now. “I think…You’ve had a threesome” Bea smiled with mischief. Ina hummed noncommittedly for a moment.
“I didn’t expect you to go there quite so quickly in the game” an impish smile formed on Ina’s lips as she took a sip of her drink.
“No way?!!” (NO FREAKIN’ WAY!) Bea shuffled so far forward on her seat she almost came off the end.
Ina let out a coy, solitary laugh “Why? because I’m a prude?!” Ina raised an eyebrow, amused by the impact of her revelation as Bea scramble desperately to string some words together.
“No because you’re so ... so you?” She spluttered.
Ina laughed, really laughed, a laughter than filled the whole room! “There’s a lot you don’t know about me!” she teased. (OMIGOD)
“Then I make it my life mission to find out everything!” Bea sat back in her chair trying to compose herself.
Ina’s smile softened. Then -
“Details!” Bea exclaimed.
“No, never.” Ina said firmly.
“Ina!?” Bea pleaded.
“Not going to happen. My turn, I think you fell in love with the straight girl in high school.”
(Ouch!)
“Not love” Bea droned defensively, rolling her eyes “Major crush perhaps.” She took a swig of her drink.
Ina smiled, “Ah the sting every hopeless romantic inevitably faces.” Ina words danced musically as she teased.
“I’ve changed my mind, this game sucks!” Bea announced.
“Actually, I was rather enjoying it!” Ina chuckled.
“I think you’re a hopeless romantic too” Bea retorted, Ina drank “I’d think that was something quite obvious about myself” Ina smiled, she looked at Bea for a moment “I think you use your humour, wit and sarcasm to mask your emotions” Ina’s eye bore into Bea’s. “Are you calling me Chandler Bing?!” Bea jested. “Yes” Ina laughed, “well?” she continued. Bea drank, slightly uncomfortably at having her front made completely transparent.
She thought for a moment “I think you have been burnt by someone you’ve loved before.” Ina’s eyes - that had been focused on a bit of fluff that she was removing from her skirt suddenly met Bea’s, with an unreadable emotion. The a pain shot across her face, she uncrossed her legs only to recross them the other way and cleared her throat. There was a moment silence that felt never ending “I think we are both digging a little deep now, should we get back to work?” Ina drained the rest of her glass, getting up from her chair and moving back towards her desk. A coldness hung in the air “I’m sorry I didn’t mean” Bea tried to find some words. “I didn’t mean to, upset you?” she longed for a better word.
“You haven’t” Ina sighed, putting her glasses back on, she began absently reading her screen, but Bea could tell she wasn’t paying the words any attention.
Bea deflated in her chair, drowned by a pool of sadness at the thought of Ina’s pain, what had happened? She wished more than anything she could take back her question.
But suddenly she heard Ina’s voice “I think you, cry at that scene in Love actually, where Emma Thompson gets her heart broken” her tone was teasing; but Bea could see through the façade to Ina’s attempt to bring the room back to an easier atmosphere.
“Well I’d judge anyone who got me a CD for Christmas!” Bea joked.
“Noted! Chandler Bing” Ina retorted with a small smile.
“I’m running behind schedule, Sorry Bea. You wouldn’t believe the morning I’m having! I’ll be about 30 minutes. Ina”
The text from Ina read (Who still signs their texts with their name?) Bea had been sat in Ina’s office for the past fifteen minutes, “No problem, hope everything is ok” she replied adding a few ‘shrug’ emoji’s for good will.
Bea continued to finish off the last test she was marking but her mind kept drifting back to Ina’s bad day, a plan formulating itself in her head. Thanking herself for her productivity late into last night she put the completed pile of tests on Ina’s desk and rushed out.
*
Twenty-six minutes later Bea returned to the office with a bag full of goodies and a slight sheen of sweat on her brow from her mad dash to the store. Just five minutes later, Ina bustled into the office looking rather dishevelled and very unlike the Ina Bea was used to. “I’m so sorry Bea, honestly you wouldn’t believe the morning I have had!” Bea took the bags out of Ina’s hands sympathetically whilst Ina caught her breath and thanked her gratefully.
“My electric went off, workmen hit a cable a few blocks away, my car wouldn’t start, I almost got excreted on by a damn bird and I stood in a puddle on my way across campus” Bea’s eyes dropped to Ina’s soaking wet shoe, She would have laughed if she didn’t feel so sorry for Ina’s plight.
“Is that, Bird poop on your front?” Bea asked taking in the white mark on the front of Ina’s blouse. “No it’s toothpaste god damit” Bea had never seen Ina quite so irate, she couldn’t hold in her chuckle any longer “How much toothpaste do you use?!” she sniggered at the sheer volume of the stuff on Ina’s blouse. “I take my dental hygiene very seriously” Ina reprimanded, taking off her dripping wet heels and putting them by the heater in an attempt to dry them somewhat. “I think good dental hygiene requires you to get the toothpaste in your mouth” Bea jested.
“I have to teach a class this afternoon” Ina said defeated, trying to rub the toothpaste from her front and failing. “Sit down” Bea directed as Ina faffed. “I got you some breakfast” she added, placing the assortment of items on the table. Ina sat with a deep exhale. “You did this for me?” she breathed, a smile edging its way across her face. “I did, you said you were having a bad day, so I wanted to give you something to turn that around” Ina’s eyes gazed over Bea in astonishment, the tension easing from her body. “You really are one of a kind aren’t you?” she sighed warmly.
Ina picked up one of the two croissants and a few strawberries, as Bea turned her back. Bea started to unbutton her new blouse, she wasn’t going to let Ina stand in front of a class with toothpaste down her front. She would have loved nothing more to give Ina a show of her shedding her top half, to turn arounds and see that expression of conflicting desire...but Ina had been on such good terms with Bea she didn’t dare risk Ina putting her walls back up. The rampart flirting was one thing, but undressing in her office would defiantly cross the line.
“What are you doing?” she heard Ina breath. “I’m loaning you my blouse” Bea stated, trying to keep her voice natural , “You can’t teach with toothpaste on your front, people will give you a hard time” She said. Bea pulled her blouse off and did up the buttons on her jacket to keep some decency.
She turned back around. Ina’s eyes were wide with anticipation and she let out the breath she had been holding in; bringing Bea to the conclusion that her discretion may have actually had more of an impact than if she had given Ina a strip tease!
“It might be a little tight in a certain area, your… umm assets? are bigger than mine” Bea commented (Assets?! Internal facepalm!) “but under your jacket I doubt anyone will notice more than they already do” Bea continued...Ina raised an eyebrow, “More than they already do?” she repeated firmly “Well you’re not called Professor Dreamy for your pair of feet” Bea laughed, but she couldn’t help dropping her eyes to Ina’s chest. Ina tried to conceal a sly smile, at Bea’s attention to her certain possessions.
“What size shoe are you?” Bea continued.
“5” Ina answered with a smile, it was a different feeling to have someone taking charge for her, or was it care of her?
“Ok, mine will be far too big for you. You have tiny feet!” Bea teased.
“Are they a dreamy pair of feet after all” Ina laughed. Bea joined the parter of laughter “I can’t say I have a foot fetish but if I did, sure?” the laughter continued. (Ah god just stop talking!)
Bea dropped herself into one of the armchairs, settling in and grabbing a handful of strawberries as Ina shimmied out of her Jacket. She turned her back to Bea offering the same courtesy, as she undid her buttons. Bea shifted in her chair, her breath catching as Ina lowerd her blouse over her sholders revealing the skin there. Bea clenched her fists diging her thumb nail into her hand doing anything to stop her natural urge to reach for Ina. Bea’s eyes watched as inch by inch of Ina’s skin was revealed, goosbumps rose as the cold air touched her skin. Bea longed to step up behind her and hold her close to warm her body up, her lips burnt for Ina’s touch. But then Ina covered herself back up with Bea’s blouse.
She flicked her hair to oneside before turning back around. “How do I look?”
Bea swallowed. (Unbelievable, sexy, Incredible) the image of Ina standing there in her blouse was overwhelmingly hot. “It would by unprofessional for me to give an honest answer” Bea said softly.
Ina sucked in a breath at the subtext to Bea’s words “It fits perfectly, maybe my assets are not as cumbersome as you imagined” her smile was almost wicked.
Bea’s eyes trailed down to Ina’s breast brazenly “Or perhaps I misjudged mine?” Ina, came to sit infront of Bea, she crossed her legs in the other armchair and picked up another strawberry as she spoke “definitely don’t underestimate your own” She winked. (SHE WINKED!)
Bea felt a heat in her cheeks “it’s a new blouse, so no one will recognise it as mine”. Ina’s heated gaze swiftly turned gentle and there was a moment pause as a silence filled the once charged room. “I should head off, I have Theatre Studies in half an hour, and I should probably get another top to wear” Bea laughed as she stood. Ina walked her to the door, but before Bea could open it she felt Ina’s hand on her arm and she turned. Ina was stood painfully close, “Thank you, Bea,” Ina said, desperately wishing she could say more. “For everything” her eyes seared into Bea.
“Anytime” Bea breathed, caught under the intensity of Ina’s gaze.
She opened the door and left.
***
Ina was just about to get her things together to head over to the lecture hall, reluctantly taking her still wet shoes from the heater with a disheartened sigh ...when there was a knock at her office door.
“Delivery for Professor Ina Kingsley?”
The young man questioned as he handed out the box to Ina.
“I haven’t ordered anything?” Ina said taken aback.
“It’s a special express delivery, straight from store, it comes with a note” he said with a exaggerated commercial smile, “I just need you to sign here” he added.
Ina signed the receipt taking the box and closing the door. She opened the box to reveal a beautiful pair of size 5, Louis Vuitton, black, four inch heels. The note reading...
“I know they are excessive... but it was the only place that would deliver on short notice. Your shoes will never dry in time. Bea”
Oh my god I loved this! I actually let out a dreamy sigh at the end. What am i 13? Ina deserves the world. This was amazing. You totally made my day. I can't wait for more next week. 🥺😭❤️
The excitement of Thanksgiving was trickling into campus. The holiday was just a week away and the anticipation of the food, the football and in some cases family gave the campus a buzz.
After a long afternoon of working and very little time for a break. Ina and Bea were ploughing through Ina’s workload.
“What’s your favourite Thanksgiving tradition” Bea asked fondly, as she finished proof reading. Ina looked up, saving her work. “I love games” she said playfully, “Although things with Lillian always get a little too competitive” Ina added fondly. “How about you?” She asked, taking her glasses off.
“Harvest” Bea replied, “I normally help papa get in all the produce and then me and my mom make a Harvest centrepeice” Ina’s eyes glowed with a sweet devotion. “That sounds lovely, and a perfect opportunity to spend one to one time with each of them” Bea nodded warmly at Ina’s natural comprehension. “Charlotte loves, creating Harvest centrepieces” Ina added enthusiastically. “I’ll have to take a picture and show you hers, it has a certain artistic? Flare” Ina laughed.
Delight exuded Bea’s body, Bea always loved to hear Ina speak of Charlotte, she brought a lightness to Ina’s heart no one else could. Slowly an idea devised itself in Bea’s mind. “I would totally love to see her centrepiece” Bea replied. She reached for her phone, pulling it out, to download an app “but I one hundred percent want to see this competitive side of you!” Ina pinched the bridge of her nose bashfully “You really don’t, it is far from my most attractive trait” she shook her head shamefully.
“I’ll be the judge if that. I challenge you to a round of Head Up!” Bea teased flirtatiously. As she made her way over to join Ina.
“Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!” Ina cautioned.
Bea sat in the opposing armchair to Ina phone out and ready to compete... “you’re describing first” Bea declared, picking a category and placing the phone to her head
“Okay I got this.” Ina said already competitively, wringing her hands together as if preparing for a boxing match?
Bea started the count down “okay, 3,2,1”
The first name lit up on the phone at Bea’s head.
“TALK SHOW HOST! LIKES TO DANCE! BE KIND” Ina was practically shouting
“Ellen?” Bea chuckled at Ina, but answered confidently.
“Yes” Bea flipped the phone for the next name... panic filled Ina eyes... “Big ears?” she mimed the big ears as she spoke ...as if ‘big ears’ wasn’t a clear enough description. “Likes cheese” she continued, Bea looked at her blankly as the time ticked away... “OH MY GOD! DATING MINI” Ina shouted desperatly.
“Oh Mickey Mouse?!” Bea laughed
“Yes! Next one” Ina snapped
“Likes cheese?!” Bea scoffed as she flipped the phone to correct
“He’s a mouse” Ina defended
“Very presumptuous of you” Bea laughed
Ina looked blankly at the name “No idea Skip” she said urgently. Bea flipped to pass, revealing the next name.
“How you doin’” Ina said with a head nod and a pout, rolling her body. Bea burst out laughing “Joey from friends!! Oh my god Ina, that was classic!”
The phone beeped for time out. Ina physically deflated. “That was so stressful!” She sighed. Bea laughed “only because you suddenly turned into a mad woman” Ina chuckled “I told you, it’s not an appealing trait”
Bea passed her phone across to Ina, she smiled internally seeing such an at ease, playful side of Ina. “What category would you like” Ina asked “oh, you have to do accents” she added with a chuckle, her eyes playful, “ok fine, but this will go horribly!” Bea conceded burying her face in her hands as Ina prepared the countdown. In 3, 2, 1...
Scotland was the accent that appeared above Ina’s head. “Aye ya wee Bonny lass” Bea said trying to mimic the only Scottish slang she knew, and failing miserably, but it was enough to get by “Scotland” Ina said urgently, already flipping the phone to correct before Bea could confirm, the next accent lit up ... “Alright guvna up the apples and pairs” Bea laughed at the ridiculousness of her own voice, Ina looked at her blankly “you know - Up the apple and pairs, I’m off to see the queen!” She added
“London?” Ina questioned
“Cockney but I’ll give you London” Bea agreed.
“that was truly awful!” Ina teased flipping the phone for the next word.
“Yo I’m walking here” Bea yelled
“New York” Ina said through her laughter “Is that really what I sound like to you?!” Ina shook her head in objection, as the game timed out.
“I panicked” Bea said joining Ina’s laughter. “But please say YO for me” Bea Pleaded
“No, never” Ina said firmly, but laughing still.
Ina passed Bea her phone back “One last go?” Bea asked “sure” Ina smiled “don’t burst a blood vessel this time” Bea teased. “Which category” she added. Ina thought for a moment...”Blockbusters” she sat herself on the edge of her seat ready to jump into action as Bea set of the round.
The first title flashed...
“Blue people, Sigourney Weaver” Ina listed.
“Avatar” Bea moved the phone to correct
“Boat that sinks, iceberg, singer I like” Ina got more panicked with each clue her voice increasing drastically in pitch.
“Titanic!”
Bea flicked again to correct
“Molly Rigwald, Judd Nelson, set at Shermer High School” Ina said urgently
“Grease?” Bea asked, Ina tried to think of another clue but came up short, Bea passed quickly, the next title showing for Ina.
“Umm...Sexy moves, set on a holiday, er, big lift at the end...” Ina tried to think of more clues “I carried a watermelon!” she added.
“Oh, um, Dirty Dancing” Bea shouted just before time ran out. Bea bellowed, her laughter filling the room “sexy moves????” She jeered.
Ina laughed. “Dirty Dancing - Sexy Moves, I thought that was rather astute!” The laughter continued between the two woman as they caught their breath replicating the recovery process expected of someone who might have just ran a marathon!
“I totally reckon I could hold you up in the Dirty Dancing lift” Bea grinned, filling the office again with her infectious laughter.
“I am not doing the Dirty Dancing lift with you! We’ll end up braking something!” Ina said sternly through her own inconsolable laughter.
Bea continued to chuckle “I love that your concern is not me hoisting you over my head - but that we might break something in the process?”
Ina wiped an amused tear that had escaped her eye, laughing more freely than she had in as long as she could remember.
The End
(Ina Kingsley, Jen Espinoza, Crossovers)
Featuring: Zoey Wade, Harper Emery
Ina Kingsley
In chronological order
Cold Weather and a Gold B
Summary: When Bea’s imagination gets the better of her!
Warning: adult content
Notes: this follows on from my other Ina fics. The fic before is Heads Up
A special little mention for @kulaykape who’s MC (Aliyah) I have briefly included! Thanks for being such an inspiration and idea buddy. Your work is amazing, always!
Bea sat across from Ina at her desk, as Ina poured over her essay...”I wanted to discuss this passage here”, Ina said, repositioning her glasses on the bridge of her nose, as Bea’s shifted in the chair opposite Ina.
Ina ran her fingers down her neck subtly, reaching her collar bone “Your response seams very vague, I feel you could expand your argument here, to fully link back to the original statement” Ina’s fingers stroked across her clavicle before coming to the central notch. Bea swallowed watching her fingers, caressing her soft exposed skin.
Bea was no longer listening to the words Ina was saying but apparently Ina had asked a question. “Bea? Don’t you think?” Ina was toying with the patch of skin at the base of her neck “Think what sorry?” Bea forced her eyes back up to Ina’s, Ina had cocked an eyebrow knowingly, taking her glasses off; she toyed with one of the tips of the arms provocatively between her teeth, before repeating her words. “That it would link into your argument that potentially some Sociocultural Anthropologist are especially conversant with and sympathetic to political-economic-historical perspectives and approaches”
All of Ina’s words were lost as her hand stoked down her chest to her cleavage, where she loosened a button of her blouse, revealing the top of a transparent red laced bra. Her eyes darkened as they found Bea’s and she put her glasses back on. Before stepping out from behind her desk with Bea’s essay in hand.
She came up behind Bea who was still sat rooted to her chair. Ina placed the easy on the desk in front of Bea and used the opportunity to lean over her, pressing her chest into Bea’s back. She continued speaking, her voice almost a whisper, her lips inches from Bea’s ear “and to analyses of social change and relations between cultural and political economy.”
Bea swallowed. She could only bring herself to form one sentence... “You wore that underwear in class today!?”
But Ina didn’t answer, her tone snapped back to its assertive parallel as Ina stepped out from behind Bea to perch her backside on the desk Infront of her. Ina crossed her legs and leant forward, giving Bea a very good view of her certain belongings. Ina spoke again, as Bea tried to pick her jaw up from the floor. “You, overuse the word ‘this’” Ina said as a matter of fact. “Let’s play a game” Ina’s raked her teeth mischievously across her lower lip... “I’m going to read your first paragraph, and every time you have written the word ‘this’, you’re going to unfasten a button.” Ina deliberately re-did her top button just to make her intentions clear.
Bea pleaded with her hands to stop shaking in anticipation. Ina began to read “This essay...” she eyed Bea expectantly Bea stood, slowly, she undid Ina’s top button. Ina continued “is going to address the argument amongst Sociocultural Anthropologist regarding political-economic-historical perspectives. This..” Bea unfastened the second button, revealing more of the bra Ina had given her a preview of, she was suddenly aware she had barely spoken though this entire exchange “Ina... I” but Ina continued purposefully skipping forward a few sentences reading
“With this in mind” Bea undid a third button revealing the bra (that had no supportive value whatsoever) Bea stood in awe of the sight of Ina, but before she could barely breath… Ina skipped forward again “This would indicate” Bea snatched away the essay from Ina’s hands “Ok fine I’ll work on it later!” She snapped, throwing herself into Ina’s arms, letting her hands wander over her body, running up her inner thigh finally reaching...
BEEP BEEP BEEP
Bea jolted awake in her bed, breathing heavily. “Oh my god” she gasped to herself. She led awake for a moment, letting the images run though her mind, desperately trying to commit them to memory, before reaching to her bedside table draw.
*
Bea shuffled and fidgeted though almost all of anthropology that morning. Desperately trying to push out the thought of what underwear Ina was wearing out of her mind, trying and failing miserably to focus on just Ina’s words in case a question came her way.
Was it the underwear from her dream last night? Obviously, it wasn’t? But could it be? It really didn’t matter what it was, Bea’s imagination ran away with her. Then suddenly.
“Ms Hughes?” Ina voice came (What? who now?!)
“She asked if you give us an example where we can see human characteristics and that of an animal in a close parallel.” Came Aliyah’s voice sharply from behind Bea. God Bea hated that girl! “Thank you Aliyah” Ina smiled, looking back to Bea for an answer (urgh, Thank you Aliyah. Major eye roll)
Bea searched for an answer but all she could think of was sexy underwear... and that is exactly the words that came out of her mouth. There was some whistling and hooting in the class. Ina cocked an eyebrow her darkening eyes penetrating Bea’s soul. “Care to elaborate?” Ina asked
(NOPE) “Sure” Bea said shifting in her seat trying to regain a confident demeanour. “Well a lot of us women, like to wear sexy underwear” Bea’s face twisted into a mischievous smile, daring Ina to imagine her in her underwear. She continued… “Underwear that really has absolutely no functionality in everyday life (suck on that Ina) and she did, Ina tilted her head inquisitively, her gaze subtlety dropping from Bea’s eyes... downwards ...before Craig in the back ruined the moment “it definitely has a function!” Craig bellowed.
(Urgh it wasn’t sexy when it came from Craig)
“Thank you, Craig” Ina said sternly (Now that was sexy – That’s how it’s done Craig. Take note!) “Bea, do continue” Ina gestured.
Bea continued “That kind of underwear won’t support us through our daily tasks, it was designed remotely to attract our desired sexual partner” Bea put the emphasis on the word sexual. “The same parallel could be drawn with Peacocks; their beautiful elaborate feathers are designed to attract their desired mate… but actually hinder a lot of their daily functionality; like flight control.” (And THAT is what you call winging it! Take a bow Bea Hughes!)
Ina smiled, “That a very interesting, all be it a meandering parallel thank you miss Hughes” Ina smiled as she turned back to the class to draw the lesson to a close.
“Now please don’t forget your essays are due Monday! If you could refrain from the overuse of the word ‘this’ that would be much appreciated! You almost downed me in that pronoun last term paper between you!” Ina chuckled.
Bea physically sunk into her seat, her face flushing…
The end
Ina Kingsley series
In chronological order
Cold Weather and a Gold Bikini
Skirt, Blouse, Blazer
A wild Goose Chase
Name that tune (mini f
This story was just fantastic and I can't wait for this writer to give me more ina content this coming monday for this is something i always look forward to every week and this is exactly the ina content i need this was just *chef kiss*. this just makes me wonder how you do it? How do you make this story so good?
*Waits to see if Ina appears in response to this comment* damn. guess not.
Ahem, anyway yes this wonderful and i loved it. 😆❤️
Ina flicked though her presentation bringing it back to the beginning, ready to start, as the students trickled into her lecture hall. She caught herself humming, ‘So this is Christmas’. She really did hum a lot, poor Bea she thought with a smile.
She looked up for Bea, reprimanding herself for doing so, but she couldn’t help herself. She always spent this part of the class waiting for Bea to walk in... only to look away the moment she did.
She tried to make small talk with one of the students sat at the front, to occupy her mind. She liked to talk with her students when she could. She felt it helped her comprehend their individual educational needs. However, this student was currently talking about horses. I’ve never ridden a horse she thought to herself, Bea must know how to ride… she had to force her mind not to go off on an entirely inappropriate tangent. Ride a horse she corrected herself... because she lived on a farm. Jesus, Ina pull yourself together, she continued to ostracise herself, declaring a civil war within her own mind.
Her thoughts drifted straight back to Bea sat upon a chestnut horse. God, there was something extremely sexy about that, I wonder if she wore a Stetson, Ina thought, then chastised herself yet again for letting her mind wander back to Bea so easily... she was better than this…but she made a secret mental note to ask Bea, if she could ride a horse.
Ina took a moment to run over the lecture structure in her head; she’d planned this class quite late in the evening and didn’t want to forget any key points. She went back to her desk to take a final look at her notes as the last of her students arrived.
She looked up just as Bea walked in. Swiftly she averted her eyes back to her notes, she didn’t want it to come across like she was waiting for her. She counted to ten in her mind - that was a long enough time, to appear to notice her just casually, Ina thought. 8, 9, 10 Ina looked to Bea. Bea was already looking at her and Ina got caught in her gaze for a moment too long. She looked away cursing herself in her mind. As she prepared to start her class.
She dived straight in, with what she thought was an exciting presentation on the emotional comparison between Homo sapiens and Orca whales. She’d even thrown in some fancy swooping entrances for selected Anthropological quotes regarding emotional range, for good measure.
The class was going well, students were engaging, and importantly learning. Ina looked to Bea to gauge her reaction to the topic, but Bea appeared somewhat distracted. She fidgeted in her chair, uneasily. Ina wracked her brain trying to work out what it was that had Bea’s mind occupied, was it the clip art? Bea always said clip art was criminal and she needed to “Use her heels as ice-picks to clamber out of the ice-age” Ina smiled fondly to herself at Bea’s relentless teasing.
No one else seemed to be bothered by her use of clip art. Ina personally thought is looked ‘retro?’ Perhaps that was the problem, she scanned the rest of the class.
Ryan, who was at the back… picked his nose… urgh please don’t flick that in my classroom… ok no, he has just eaten it. Ina inhaled a breath in disgust, then the anthropologist side of her brain took over as it often did, and she analysed Ryan’s behaviour. Some of us really haven’t evolved that far from our primate ancestors. The thought brought a small amused smile to her face.
She looked to Bea, knowing that would be the kind of humorous remark she would laugh at. But Bea’s mind was still elsewhere. Her expression was purely that of consecration but her mind absent from the class.
Ina smiled to herself, was it too cruel? She loved to see Bea squirm a little. She directed her next question in Bea’s direction “Ms Hughes could you give the class an example of where we can draw a parallel between human characteristics and that of another living organism?”
Bea didn’t even flinch at her name. She was looking at Ina, but certainly not at her face… Ina toyed with her bottom lip between her teeth, revelling in the attention Bea was paying to a certain area of her body. She criticised herself for enjoying it and broke off the trance “Ms Hughes?” Ina questioned.
Bea suddenly met her eyes, like a deer caught in the headlights. Got you - Ina thought, chuckling internally. It was Aliyah who spoke however, repeating her question to Bea. Aliya was a bright woman Ina thought; with sarcasm that could rival Bea’s.
Bea looked at her and she held her gaze confidently. How did she do that? Come across so composed, when she clearly hadn’t been paying an ounce of attention. Ina grinned privately with anticipation. How did Bea plan on managing this situation? ... and then Bea casually said... “Sexy underwear”
The class whistled and hooted. Ina swallowed, begging her mind not to go there. As Bea continued to press her point. Ina’s mind did in fact go there, she couldn’t help wonder what underwear Bea might be wearing, she recalled the garments she wore that night in the speakeasy, she had looked incredible- Ina swiftly scolded herself for letting her mind go to such an inappropriate, unprofessional place. That night should never have happened. It couldn’t happen again. Ever.
She searched her mind for anything that might distract her from this current exchange. She came up short. She tried to bring herself back into the classroom, focusing on something else...someone was chewing gum, really loudly in the left corner of the room. Don’t pop it, Ina thought, and then - they popped it! Ina understood why that woman murdered her husband in Chicago for popping his gum; it truly was an infuriating noise.
The thought of the musical Chicago only brought Ina’s mind straight back to underwear, except now she was imagining Bea in a corset. Ina Kingsley you are an awful human being; she told herself. This was highly inappropriate she sighed. Her plight was only made worse when Bea purposely accentuated the word ‘sexual’ in her sentence giving Ina a purposeful look.
Ina felt her stomach flip. She only hoped Bea couldn’t read her mind at this moment in time... Ina you are going to hell she scolded herself. Bea somehow concluded her argument with a comparison to peacocks? Ina could all but applaud Bea for her brilliant way of talking herself out of a tight spot. It really was quite an impressive skill she possessed.
The class was coming to an end, so Ina chose to round it off with a joke about pronouns at her students’ expense… she personally thought was humorous.
As the class started to pack away, Ina moved back to her desk. Battling between avoiding Bea’s gaze and looking at her. The result somewhat resembled spectators at a tennis match.
The class started to disperse and the dreaded gum popper, popped their gum again. They seriously had it coming!
Ina watched as Bea left the room and a longing feeling overwhelmed her. She berated herself for her inability to constrain her own emotions. She didn’t know how long she could keep this up and as Bea disappeared out of the door Ina gripped her desk steadying herself, pleading desperately for her self-control not to fail her.
The End
Ina Kingsley series
In chronological order
Cold Weather and a Gold Bikini
Skirt, Blouse, Blazer
A wild Goose Chase
Name that tune (mini f
Slept late and finally I get to wake up and read this! Amazing! I loved seeing this scene from Ina's point of view. I loved the chicago reference and its just too perfect that while bea was distracted with thinking about Ina in sexy underwear Ina is getting flustered thinking about riding......a horse. Hahaha i love it. The mutual pining and forbidden desire is just 😚👌 perfection!
Excited to see more soon! Gosh i love your writing! 🤩❤️
Including Zoey Wade and reference to AME MC (Brooklyn)
Summary: A Queen B and AME crossover! When Jen comes to Belvoire
Warning: mainly fluff potential Adult content
Notes: This follows on from my other Ina fics. It make specific reference to Skirt, Blouse, Balzer – A Wild Goose Chase - Cold Weather and a Gold Bikini and Let it Snow
Ina series in order of reading:
Cold Weather and a Gold Bikini
Skirt, Blouse, Blazer?
A Wild Goose Chase
Name That Tune
Psychic
Had a Bad Day
Heads Up
In Your Dreams
Let it Snow
When You Know, You Know
Thank you @samanthadalton for the interview idea. This one is for @jenxespinoza sorry it took so long, I wanted to embed it into the series.
News is, the one and only America’s Most Eligible show runner Jennifer Espinoza was spotted on campus this morning! Word has it she might be on the scout for some new talent - So get out your best pouts’ thoroughbreds!
Shifting gears, one certain goose is missing from campus just after Thanksgivings! We all died when we saw that video of Professor Kingsley, do we think our goosey friend has met the same sticky end?
#wildgoosechase #BelvoiresMostEligibal
Kisses, The T
Campus was on hiatus, every student who longed to be a somebody was dressed to the nines (or whatever their version of that was) The boob tubes were out (It’s December), push up bra’s at every turn; and every guy Bea walked past seemed to have additional product in his hair today. The news that a TV Show Runner was somewhere in Belvoire had given campus a new hive of activity.
Bea was sat with Zoey on The Quad sipping a hot chocolate, cupping the carboard cup with her hands trying to steal the drinks warmth. “Please can we go somewhere warm!” she begged Zoey. “No way! what if we miss her” Zoey breathed, and like a meercat she sat bolt upright on the lookout. “I love Jen Espinoza as much as the next person, but seriously, she isn’t going to want to be out in this cold” Bea cast her mind back to the last season of AME, Jen and Brooklyn in their complimentary wedding dresses and her heart swooned, they looked so elegant, so beautiful, so happy. Bea couldn’t help picturing what her own wedding might look like, the lace sleeves of her dress. (It certainly would be somewhere warm or at least in the summer).
“You have twenty minutes” she said firmly to Zoey “Then I have to go to Ina’s office and drop this lot off” She hauled a bag of marking onto the bench next to her. “Fine, Fine, but if I see her after you leave and she whisks me away to join the next season, and then suddenly all my music takes off because I’m a national treasure don’t go crying if I forget who you are in all my fame and glory.” Bea laughed “you’re already a national treasure Zo”
*
Meanwhile Ina sat in her office wiping dog excrement off her favourite pair of heels. today would be the day she stepped in dog poo on her way to work.
There was a knock on her office door. She rose form her chair knowingly, quickly spraying an apple and pear air freshening concoction to mask the scent of the undesirable substance, before going to answer. “Mrs Espinoza” Ina welcomed. The high-profile Show Runner… stood in the doorway.
“Please, call me Jen, Mrs Espinoza makes me look over my shoulder for my mom” Jen laughed. Ina laughed with her “Come in Jen, I’m Ina Kingsley, it’s a real pleasure to meet you” Ina invited Jen into her office and gestured her to the most comfortable of the two chairs.
“It’s lovely to meet you too Ina, I was charmed when your email reached me and considering I’m already in New York for the holidays, it looks like things fell into place perfectly” Jen smiled a warm welcoming smile. For someone who worked in such a high-profile role she really had a gift for making people feel comfortable. Perhaps that’s why she was so good at her job Ina thought.
“Thank you so much for agreeing to speak to me, I very much appreciate your time, are you enjoying New York?” Ina smiled politely as she fetched some paperwork and a pen from her desk. “Yes, I do love New York” Jen replied “Brooklyn, is my wife’s name sake” she added fondly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“Yes, congratulations! I saw the wedding televised. You both looked radiant.” Ina admitted bashfully.
“Thank you” Jen smiled, a blush dusting her cheeks, any mention of Brooklyn still made her heart flutter. “So how can I help you?” she added with a sweet smile, gesturing to the papers in Ina’s hand settling herself into her chair.
Ina shuffled in her seat, organising her thoughts. “Yes, so as I said in my email, I work in the anthropology field, I am currently working on a research file for a potential publication discussing the impact, love and it’s commercial role within human society. Naturally a show such as yours has an undeniable effect on the young people of today.” Ina took a breath “I was hoping to ask you about some of your thoughts on the subject matter, as someone who works with love on a marketable level”
Jen smiled, “Of course, I’m happy to answer any of your questions as far as my NDA will allow. I would love to hear some of your thoughts too!” she added warmly, “It must be fascinating to be academically researching something as unpredictable as human attraction”
“Do you think it is unpredictable?” Ina asked. “In terms of your show, you pick contestants you think must have some compatibly?” Ina continued.
“Love is nothing if not unpredictable. If we are going to be cynical about it - the casting agents do pick out contestants they think may have compatibility, or likewise -not.” Jen sighed almost disapprovingly. “However, I prefer to focus on the fact that, if anything, the show proves that love cannot be predicted or organised so neatly.” Ina tapped her pen thoughtfully as Jen continued...
“That’s my favourite part about working on AME, we are all human, no matter how we try to organise our feelings, it isn’t quite that easy.” Jen thought back to the many times, she had tried to convince herself she didn’t have feelings for Brooklyn, a warm smile crept across her lips a she went on “In the end we fall in love with whoever it is we fall in love with, neither science in your case or a production team in my case can change that.” Jen smiled brilliantly. Never did she expect herself to fall in love with a contestant “Sometimes no matter what we want to feel, or how we think we should feel...someone walks into our life and surprises us”
With that Bea came crashing though the office door. Startling both women “Sorry I’m late, Zoey had me out on The Quad and then my bag-“ Bea stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Jen sat in Ina’s office. She felt the colour drain from her face and a lump form in her throat threatening to squeak any word she tried to form. (OmgoditsJenEspinoza)
“Hello” said Jen sweetly “I’m Jen, sorry I was just helping Professor Kingsley here” Bea said nothing “We are just discussing the topic Love” Jen continued, side-stepping the silence. Bea’s eyes flickered to Ina’s quizzically. Ina blushed “It’s part of some research” she pointed out quickly.
Bea suddenly remembered she hadn’t spoken yet! (shit, words!) “Hi I’m Bea, it’s great to meet you! Sorry I didn’t realise anyone else would be here” she stuttered (thanks for the heads-up Ina)
“Bea’s my TA” Ina added, her breath caught as she took in Bea’s outfit, it was the checked flannel she had bought a few weeks ago... with the plunging neckline. Ina’s eyes widened and she swallowed, desperately trying to fight back the blush that was returning once again to her cheeks. She ruffled her papers. Bea smiled when she saw Ina’s blush reach her ears. (Cute)
“That’s no problem at all” Jen said looking between the two women, a sense of realisation started to tickle her lips into a smile. She recognised herself and Brooklyn in them.
“I umm... just came to drop these off, then I’ll be out of your hair.” Bea struggled with her bag of test papers; the bag had split en route to the office. Ina jumped from her chair to help pick up the papers, as they reached for the same paper at the same time their hands touched. Ina’s eyes slowly gazed up into Bea’s who’s were already fixed on her face waiting. Ina lost herself in Bea’s eyes and it was only when Jen spoke, did she remember they were not alone.
“Shall we continue” Jen smiled; her heart warmed at watching the two women together.
“Umm yes sorry” Ina, withdrew from Bea flustered as she returned to shuffled through her papers for her next question. “From your experience how do people within your demographic communicate their feelings towards a significant other.”
Jen smiled “Well, I could answer that - but why don’t you ask Bea that question?”
“Bea?” Ina questioned. Her stomach in knots at the thought of asking Bea something so… personal? She wasn’t sure she could handle the emotional consequences of Bea’s answer.
“Yes, well she fits into that Demographic?” Jen pushed, a warmth in her stomach watching the two women’s gazes dancing around each other.
Jen tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then brought her hands together, it was such a joy to watch these women find each other, to see something so beautiful that they were clearly evading. Jen thought back to her time as Brooklyn’s producer. She couldn’t wait to tell Brooklyn about her afternoon, it was like watching her own love story unfold. Jen sighed. She was so used to watching couples find each other on AME, but it never got tiresome. Only more beautiful.
“umm… of course” Ina tried to control her voice “Bea how do you think people in modern society communicate their feelings” Bea looked from Jen to Ina. (WTF) What the hell was happening?! She was in a room with Jen Espinoza with Ina asking her about feelings.
“Oh umm...” she started, desperately trying to come up with something to say. She caught Ina’s eye and realised that she already knew the answer. “I don’t think people do.” There was a moment’s pause “What do you mean?” Ina asked hanging on Beas words. Jen smiled to herself knowingly.
Bea continued. “Well not directly at least. It’s like when you watch films and spend the whole time shouting at the TV for them to just say they love each other; we wait for that moment ... But actually, if you really watch the film, they are saying it all along. I mean words are nice and all, they are reassurance… but I think actions are what truly say what’s in our heart”
(MOVE OVER HEMMINGWAY)
Bea shocked herself with her response but that’s was NOTHING compared to the look on Ina’s face. “...That was so beautifully observed” her voice came out barely a whisper, adoration and trepidation filling her eyes.
“Ah, you knew I was a hopeless romantic” Bea dismissed. Jen smiled, perfect she thought to herself but “I couldn’t have answered any better myself” she chose to say.
Ina collected herself, looking back to her questions “In your experience, Jen, what are the barriers to humans making a connection.” Jen chuckled to herself at the irony of that question. “Well, if the affection is requited then really the only answer to that is ourselves. I think people give themselves a vast amount of excuses. – wrong time, wrong situation. But deep down I think we are just all scared to either be hurt or rejected. That is natural…” Jen eyes fell on Ina’s and she continued softly but with meaning “but sometimes, the risk is worth it.” A silence hung in the air, suddenly broken by Jen’s phone ringing... “Gosh, I’m so sorry I’m going to have to get this” she said standing apologetically. “No problem” Ina breathed, still trapped in her own mind as Jen left the room.
“Why the hell didn’t you tell me Jennifer Espinoza was coming here!?” Bea rounded on Ina when the door was safely shut!
“What would you have done if I did?” Ina asked with a smile, making her way back to her desk with her notes. (touché́) “I don’t know, bought new underwear?!” Bea joked. Ina’s eyes flashed, the same heat that they had that time Bea mentioned fancying Princess Leia in the gold bikini, and within a moment it was replaced with a different emotion... vulnerability?
“She is very pretty” Ina sighed, her smile dropped, as she looked back at the closed door.
“Meh, you know what?” Bea said dismissively, Ina’s eye met hers…
“I’ve seen prettier” Bea smiled.
The End
Ina Kingsley series
In chronological order
Cold Weather and a Gold Bikini
Skirt, Blouse, Blazer
A wild Goose Chase
Name that tune (mini f
Summary: Ina finally tell Bea about her Heartbreak.
Warning: Adult content. Heartbreak 💔
Notes: This follows on from my other Ina fics. The fic before is When You Know You Know. It make specific reference to Psychic – Wild Goose Chase. I KNOW ITS NOT THURSDAY 😂 but posting it early for a friend 🧡
December was smothering, coldheartedly over campus. On the plus side beautiful Christmas lights decorated the buildings, and a large, rather creepy, two story, blow up Santa Clause holding the sign “Shop Macintosh this Christmas” loomed over the students as they made their way around campus. (Donated shamefully by an affluent business owner/parent)
The night outside was dark and the light that lit Ina’s office was dim. Ina’s face was lit up by the screen of her computer, the document she was typing reflected in her glasses.
It had been another long evening of grading and writing. Ina sat back in her chair with a heavy sigh, she pushed her glasses onto her head and rubbed her eyes. She stared at the door as she spoke...
“If you could pick a vacation destination where would you go?”
Bea looked up quizzically “You planning on running away?” Bea asked. Ina laughed. “No, I was just interested. To be honest I have been working on these answers Jen Espinoza sent over for the last two hours and I’d like to think about something else for a moment” Ina deflated into her chair with heavy sigh.
“Probably Paris” Bea replied. Ina smiled “Ah Paris est magnifique, you should go” Ina smiled. (God keep speaking French, please) “I will, just waiting for the right person to take” Bea put down her pen, sitting back in her chair. “You wouldn’t go alone? Ina asked earnestly. “I don’t mind travelling alone, but Paris is the romantic capital of the world! When I go it won’t be alone” Bea smiled, shifting back around in her seat.
Ina thought for a moment “What’s the most ridiculous thing you have done at a party whilst you have been here.” Bea looked up at Ina and added her latest graded paper to a rather large pile. “Are we playing twenty questions or something?” Bea jested. Ina laughed “So bad you have to deflect huh?” Ina teased.
“I jumped into a pool of Jelo… it was watermelon flavour.” Bea shook her head at the memory.
Ina chuckled “I’m struggling to apprehend wether you consider the action of jumping into the Jelo the most ludicrous part - or the fact that it was watermelon?”
“Well I would have gone with strawberry personally” Bea jested in a mock serious tone; Ina let another hearty laugh.
“My turn.” Bea stood up and carried the pile of graded papers over to Ina’s desk perching herself on the edge. Ina trained her eyes on Bea’s face as Bea crossed her legs. The struggle to not look lower apparent on Ina’s face as her smile buzzed with poorly cloaked mischief at Bea sat on her desk in front of her.
Bea spoke in a smooth voice. “What’s the most humiliating thing you have done?” Ina was quite for a moment, her smile slowly faded as she got lost in a memory that played behind her eyes. She looked down into her hands which she started fiddling with in her lap.
“Oh my god if it’s the goose thing, we need to get you doing some more crazy things!” Bea joked, playfully knocking Ina’s knee with her leg.
“No, it wasn’t the goose” Ina exhaled “Although that will always rank relatively highly!” She added trying to lighten her tone of voice.
“More embarrassing than the GodFeather incident! Ouch” Bea teased.
Ina shifted in her chair. Her eyes searched Bea’s looking for something, anything, Bea wasn’t sure what. “Well, you remember when you said a few weeks ago you thought I had been hurt by someone I loved.”
She paused, for Bea to interject, but Bea didn’t, she let Ina continue “You were right; and that was probably my most embarrassing moment.”
Bea felt a drop in her stomach, a pang of guilt overtake her body “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you that day.”
“No don’t apologise, it was all in the spirit of the game.” Ina reassured. She looked back into Bea’s eyes.
“You don’t have to talk about it, but if you did want to, I’m a good listener “ Bea smiled, trying desperately to make Ina feel at ease, watching her suddenly come across so vulnerable.
Ina let out a knowing sigh “I know you are. You are unusually easy for me to open up too. Not that I let you know that” she laughed in a self-deprecating fashion.
Bea shifted her body along the desk slightly closer to Ina’s, desperate to give her some sort of reassurance for whatever it was that was tormenting her.
Ina exhaled “Well, I dated this woman, Lizzie, it was a few years ago now. We had been together years. I thought that...maybe, she was the one” Ina swallowed painfully, looking up at Bea trying to gauge her reaction.
“Once we graduated” she continued “…We got a quaint little apartment in Brooklyn.”
She paused for a moment to regain her thoughts; Bea listened “Well things started to take off for her! She studied Biomedical Science and was getting invited to lots of elaborate networking events. I mean I was proud of her” Ina said honestly.
“Watching her career take off, it was wonderful, but I couldn’t help but envy her. I hope that doesn’t make you think less of me?” Ina sighed
“Nothing you can say, would make me think less of you!” Bea smiled reassuringly
Ina gave a small receptive smile before continuing “Well I finally got my opportunity, I was invited to a conference… That was a fantastic opportunity, just a few years after graduation! I couldn’t turn it down.” She said enthusiastically, a lighter tone edging in, before a sadness swept over her features once more.
“Unfortunately, it meant missing Lizzie’s birthday. She kept saying it was fine! She told me how incredible an opportunity it was, how proud she was of me and convinced me that needed to attend. She practically begged me to go.” Ina chocked. Her voice broke and she took a moment, Bea wanted desperately to pull Ina into her arms.
Ina pushed on “So I did, but I felt so awful missing her birthday, the conference was only in the early afternoon, but I couldn’t get a flight home in time. So, I made the decision that after the conference I would hire a car and drive all the way back to Brooklyn. It was an 8-hour drive. I didn’t get home till almost midnight. I was so excited to surprise her, I just thought I’d sneak into bed, wake her up, and...” Ina cleared her throat awkwardly, her gaze breaking away from Bea’s...
“But when I got back to the apartment, the lights were on, our bedroom door was ajar, and I found her in there with another woman.” Ina rushed the words out before the flood of pain drowned them.
“...Ina” Bea breathed; her heart shattered into pieces for her. The devastation in Ina’s voice caused Bea physical pain. Everything in her wanted to hold Ina close and.. she didn’t know what... She couldn’t make any of it better.
“What did you say?” Bea breathed agast.
“What could I say?” Ina let out a singular sad laugh, a shine coating her eyes. She tilted her head back, forcing an outpour of emotions back. She carried on “I kicked them out of the apartment and cried myself to sleep on the couch.” She spoke softly, lost in the memory. Ina looked up at the ceiling exasperated “I couldn’t bring myself to face our bedroom. My Ex was into some ...interesting proclivities to put it lightly... and I had kicked them out before they had the time to ... clean up.”
Ina swallowed and suddenly stood with an attempt to snap back into her more formal parallel. “I’m so sorry! I don’t know what’s come over me! It’s late, thank you for these” she plastered on a smile as she reached across Bea to grab the graded papers. But Bea put a hand out to stop her.
“Ina, I am so sorry.” There was nothing else Bea could say. Her whole being ached with Ina’s pain, every breath she took felt unbearable. She bottled down the fury she felt bubbling inside her. Her anger wouldn’t help Ina now.
“It’s not your place to apologise Bea, besides it’s in the past” Ina said collecting the papers together.
“You shouldn’t feel humiliated by what she did to you,” Bea breathed unable to refrain from touching Ina any longer, she reached out taking her hand. Ina didn’t pull away.“That is easier said than done Bea” Ina breathed softly, tuning to face Bea.
For a moment the two woman stood caught In each other’s gaze, as Bea ran her thumb over Ina’s knuckles comfortingly. Ina’s eyes dropped to Bea’s lips, she took a sharp inhale of breath as Bea closed the distance between them, just a fraction, but enough to charge the air that they breathed. Ina’s fingers entwined with Bea’s as she involuntary leant in, letting her lips ghost over Bea’s.
Ina swallowed, she closed her eyes as their lips met unthinkingly. The kiss was soft, tender and lingering. Bea melted against Ina, bringing her other hand up softly, to caress Ina’s cheek.
Ina’s lips were delicate, the kiss spoke a thousand unsaid words. As it deepened, Bea interweaved her arms around the back of Ina’s neck pulling her body close, eradicating the remaining distance between them.
Ina let herself get lost in the kiss, wrapping her arms around Bea’s waist, she ran her tongue over Bea’s lip. Bea moaned softly against her mouth - and then, it was like someone pulled the trigger…
Ina’s tongue forced Bea’s mouth open, consumed by passion, she kissed her senseless. Bea bit at Ina’s lip, her hands moving to cup Ina’s face determined never to let her lips break away. Ina’s hands ran through Bea’s hair coming to a halt at the back of her head, keeping Bea’s lips locked, just as desperately to hers.
Bea’s hands wandered downwards, over as much of Ina’s body as she could find, preciously trying to absorbs as much of her as she could. Ina’s moan was muffled by Bea’s mouth as she tugged at Bea’s lip with her teeth with an inflamed passion, that overrode any reasoning.
Bea pulled Ina’s hips flush against her own and the hand in Bea’s hair balled into a fist as Ina devoured her. - all of the kisses they should have shared over the last few months poured out into this one moment of passion.
Until Bea suddenly felt a dampness on her check and pulled back, to see Ina’s eyes tearful. “You’re crying?” Bea exclaimed, wiping a tear affectionately from Ina’s cheek. “That’s been a long time coming” Ina breathed. “It can’t have been easy for you to talk about.” Bea said holding Ina’s body to hers. Ina blushed “I was actually referring to the kiss” she chuckled, wiping her eyes. “Sorry I don’t normally cry in people’s faces when I kiss them” she laughed embarrassed.
“How do I make it stop?” Bea teased, wiping the tears tenderly from Ina’s cheeks. “Make a Joke at my expense? Isn’t that your usual approach?”
Bea pulled Ina into her arms protectively, seeing through her playfulness to the pain still lingering in her heart. “Yes, but not today” she whispered
The End
Ina Kingsley series
In chronological order
Cold Weather and a Gold Bikini
Skirt, Blouse, Blazer
A wild Goose Chase
Name that tune (mini f
Christmas Eve, when the world is both simultaneously still ...yet filled with an exciting buzz of anticipation. The turmoil of young children counting down every minute impatiently until Santa would arrive; on that one night of the year they rushed to bed eagerly.
And where grownups allowed themselves to indulge in whatever it was they fancied, guilt free. More chocolate? It’s Christmas, another glass of wine? Why not - it’s Christmas!
Ina? thought Bea as she walked across the deserted campus, letting her mind wander to places it probably shouldn’t (Well it is Christmas.)
The low warm light reflected off the fresh fallen snow on the quite campus, as Bea made her way towards Ina’s office; still battling off the frosty chill of the New York air. Bea was under no illusion that Ina would be in her office- it was Christmas Eve after all, she just intended to drop off the papers, and leave a little gift on Ina’s desk for her to come back too. (Winning at romance!) then she would head back to her dorm to get ready. She was flying home late that evening and if she was quite honest, she was excited to get somewhere warm. (Starting to understand why geese migrate!)
So it came as quite a surprise -pleasant all be it- that when Bea opened the door, Ina was sat at her desk. Her hair tied in a neat bun with a piece of ribbon as she poured over a heap of books.
“Professor?! I didn’t expect you to be here” Bea smiled.
Ina looked up at Bea’s voice and beamed a smile that reached every part of her face, crinkling her eyes.
“Bea! I didn’t think I would see you again before Christmas! I missed you in anthro last week!”
-Bea had been struck down with the flu
“How are you feeling?” Ina rose from her chair and pitched her butt on the desk as Bea came further into the room shutting the door behind her.
“Yes, loads better thanks, I rescheduled my flight home. I leave at 11 tonight”
Ina looked relieved “Oh I’m so glad you will make it home for Christmas, I was concerned for you”
(She was “concerned for you”, SWOON)
“What about you? I didn’t expect you to still be here” Bea asked, placing the paperwork she was carrying down on the table. Ina’s face fell.
“Lillian and Charlotte are in Nebraska, they left a few days ago. I would have gone with them but....” She looked at the mountain of books and print outs on her desk.
“You plan to work Christmas Day?” Bea said aghast
“No, tomorrow I plan to watch Miracle on 34th Street, with a microwave meal, alcohol and get emotional at the sign language scene.” She gave a laugh, but it was empty.
“I couldn’t go away with Lillian; it wouldn’t have been fair to Charlotte; for me to be there but not present. I have a huge deadline due at the end of the month”
Bea’s insides melted, all festive cheer drained her body at the thought of Ina being alone on Christmas Day! In fact, not just Christmas cheer, all cheer drained her body. Ina must have noticed her face drop because she quickly added “It’s fine, honestly, I am very used to my own company” she attempted a reassuring smile.
“Well, your company IS delightful” Bea jested “I do enjoy it myself on occasion” Ina’s empty smile filled with some warmth at Bea’s compliment.
“But only on occasion?” Ina raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, I’ll leave you to decide my favourite occasions” Bea replied with a wink.
A sparkle ignited in Ina’s eyes. “Let me guess...They are all inappropriate?”
“Not all of them. But those certainly rank in the top 10” Bea moved across the room to sit in Ina’s chair, leaving Ina standing.
“You are contemptible” Ina scoffed fondly
“But I am intrigued about your top ten” she moved around to perch on the desk in front of Bea, crossing her legs as she moved some of the books.
“I bet you are” Bea made a point to be obvious about looking Ina up and down.
“Care to elaborate?” Ina continued leaning back onto the desk invitingly.
“No” Bea paused, letting the electricity hang in the air, Ina’s eyes darkened.
“I like to have an air of mystery” Bea continued
Ina’s head fell back as she let out a emphatic laugh.
“Are you making fun of me!” Bea demanded
“Never” Ina teased but her eyes softened as she let out a happy sigh. “Just you always somehow know how to cheer me up”. She said fondly.
“Maybe that’s because I always want to” Bea smiled. Ina looked at her, searching her face for something, Bea didn’t know what, but she suddenly remembered the gift. And reached for her pocket. “I got you something” she pulled out a long, thin, Tiffany box.
Ina looked taken aback “Tiffany’s?”
“Is it too much!?” Bea suddenly worried “I wanted to get you something special.”
“This must have cost you a fortune” Ina exclaimed taking the box from Bea. But under her surprise she was moved.
“What’s the point in having money if I can’t get nice things for people... I... for people” Bea corrected herself, her confident tone wavered, as Ina searched Bea’s face for the words she had left out. Trying to regain her cool Bea continued “Are you going to open it, or just stroke the box?”
Ina chuckled and opened the box lifting out a beautiful white gold bracelet.
“Turn it over!” Bea added eagerly - it was engraved. “The last thing a fish would ever notice would be water” Ina read aloud, her face lit up “A Ralph Linton quote? You have been researching your domestic anthropologists!”
“Are you proud?” Bea teased
Ina’s gaze seared into Bea’s, she shifted on the desk purposely leaning forward, Bea’s eyes widened as they dropped from Ina’s eyes to her chest that was now partially exposed and just inches from her face, her tongue darted out to wet her lip as Ina’s eyes glinted mischievously watching the impact she had on Bea. She continued “As your professor, very... ” Ina smiled, but her tone changed as she leant closer still, her eyes dropping to Beas lips “But are you telling me to notice what’s right in front of me?”
Bea’s breath caught at the closeness “If that’s how you choose to interpret that quote, be my guest” she replied in a hushed breathy voice - Ina’s face was distractingly close to hers, she could barely think straight. Ina’s eyes lingered a moment more on Bea’s lips and back up to her eyes. Bea inhaled, overwhelmed. “What is it?” Ina’s voice was a whisper, but her question was sincere.
Bea swallowed. “It’s just... you are incredibly beautiful” Bea breathed, slightly taken aback by her own transparency.
Ina’s eyes warmed, a smile creeping across her lips. Bea tried to drop her gaze bashfully, but Ina reached out and cupped her check softly, leaning forward angling her lips in line with Bea’s. Ina’s warm breath tickling Bea’s face as her heart started to race. “Kiss me” Ina said. It wasn’t a question.
Urgently Bea closed the small distance between them, Ina crashed her lips against Bea’s and Bea kissed her back... Hard. Bea rose from the chair, standing to deepen the kiss, pressing her body flush against Ina’s, still perched on the desk. Ina’s fingers threaded through her hair as she bit Bea’s lip. Bea’s arms rested on Ina’s shoulders, stepping between Ina’s legs desperate for her closeness. Ina’s hands ran down Bea’s back grasping at her hips, pulling her closer, longing to feel the friction of her through her clothes. Bea parted her lips to let Ina in and Ina explored her mouth with her tongue hungrily. Bea moaned against her lips.
“You make my imagination run away with me when you make that sound” Ina groaned finally parting her lips from Bea’s breathless, but refusing to let any distance creep between them, she rested her forehead against Bea’s as she spoke. “I’ve missed you” she sighed contentedly, playing with a lock of Bea’s hair between her fingers.
“I’ve always been right here” Bea whispered, “right in front of me?” Ina continued. “Exactly.” Bea placed a quick kiss on the tip of Ina’s nose, that made it wrinkle and Ina laughed a puff of warm air affectionately into Beas cheek.
After a moment of contented silence Ina spoke “I got something for you too, actually” reluctantly she let go of Bea. Bea tilted her head (Ina had thought to get her a Christmas present?!)
Ina moved to the other side of the room. “Close your eyes” She instructed.
Bea closed her eyes. She could hear a ripping of paper? Movement on the desk? “What if I peek?” Bea teased. In seconds she felt Ina right behind her, Ina’s hands gripped her hips firmly, her chest pressed hard into Beas back. Bea jumped, a sensation shooting straight down her core. Then Ina voice came with a stern but playful whisper, so close to Bea’s ear she could feel Ina’s warm breath “Do it and you’ll find out” Bea’s breath caught, she kept her eyes tight shut her mouth twisted into a wicked smile. “I’m almost disappointed.” Ina whispered and Bea felt her presence leave her once more and a moment later...
“Open them” Ina announced. Bea opened her eyes and let them readjust to the light, Ina was holding out a beautiful long, cosy coat. Bea took it in her hands, running the fabric between her fingers! “Ina! It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed. “I hoped you’d like it. I thought it would keep you warm in the New York winter! I meant to give it to you after class last week but you were off sick.” Bea was overwhelmed with how thoughtful a gift it was, Ina knew Bea struggled with the cold ever since that bitter day in her office, that felt so long ago.
Bea threw it on and gave a twirl as Ina looked on and laughed at her fondly. “It looks good on you” she affirmed. Bea snuggled into the fabric, it somehow smelt like Ina, she wished it would stay that way. “Thank you so much Ina” Bea stepped towards Ina again, pressing a kiss to her soft lips. “Merry Christmas Bea” she smiled.
“I’m glad you were here today” Bea admitted. Ina tucked a stand of hair behind Bea’s ear. She kissed her once more, slowly as if trying to hold onto the moment, before stepping away, and returning to the seat behind her desk, Bea slowly made her way to the door, everything in her willing her not to leave. “Have a lovely day tomorrow” Ina smiled, but the warmth was slowly leaving it once again. Bea turned, taking a minute to appreciate Ina’s beautiful face and commit it to memory for the millionth time. “For the record, this has made my top 10” Bea smiled before leaving.
*
Bea stepped out into the cold, a whole new appreciation for her coat. As a chill swept through the afternoon air, Bea put her hands in the pockets of her coat... and pulled out a note?
‘I’ll be home at 6pm if you have time before your flight’ the note read, followed by an address and signed neatly ‘Ina’.
Bea had to read it several times to believe it. When she finally talked herself into trusting the words on the paper, she pulled out her phone writing out a text to Ina “I’ll be there”. Then looking at her phone she thought for a moment and then...her mind was made up, she went to contacts and dialled ‘mom.’
To be continued...
***
“I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you”
Ina Kingsley series
In chronological order
Cold Weather and a Gold Bikini
Skirt, Blouse, Blazer
A wild Goose Chase
Name that tune (mini f
Bea had hurried back to her dorm, plan partially formed before rushing back out, armed with her bank card, she ransacked the shops until she had everything she needed. It was 6 minutes past 6 when she knocked with anticipation on Ina’s apartment door. (Please be the right place!) a moment later the door opened, Ina beamed when she saw Bea’s face.
“You came!” she smiled; her eyes lit up.
“Ina it’s only 6 minutes past, you thought I wouldn’t?” Bea retorted.
“I was anxious, you might have changed your mind” she said bashfully “Come in” Bea stepped through the door as Ina closed it behind her. “Welcome to my home, I’m sorry, I know it’s not what you might be used to back at your dorm but-“ - Bea cut her off “Please don’t apologise, really, I never grew up with ridiculous extravagance, those dorms are completely over the top! Your home is beautiful” Ina smiled gratefully. “Thank you” ...and beautiful It was. It was a quaint open plan apartment that whispered ‘Ina’ from every corner; from the wooden bookshelves to the bare brick feature wall (and immaculate, hardly used kitchen).
“You’ve been shopping?” Ina asked looking at the selection of bags Bea was carrying, her eyes suddenly fixed on the bright pink paper bag from a well know lingerie chain, she raised an eyebrow, “What’s in that one?” Mischief dominating her features. “Perhaps you’ll find out” Bea smirked. Ina stepped toward her, charged, her lips searching for Beas, but instead they found Bea’s outstretched finger “Not yet” Bea winked, “You’ll ruin your main course”. Ina’s leant back quizzically, “What do you mean?” She eyed the other bags Bea had placed at her side.
“I mean... If I were to hypothetically ask you on a date, what would you say?” Ina tilted her head quizzically, mulling over the question before a smile formed on her lips. “Hypothetically? In an ideal world... I would say… yes”. Bea grinned; her stomach did a summersault... “Well in that case I’m asking you on a date...I know I can’t take you on a proper diner date, so I thought I would bring the date to you! Go unwind, get out of your work clothes, dinner will be served in 30 minutes.” Ina visibly swooned, she found herself wrapping her arms around Bea’s waste, lost in the moment, searching for words, any words that would show how much Bea really meant to her, how blown away she was by this proposition, but nothing came out, she didn’t have the words, she gazed adoringly into Bea’s eyes until, Bea leant forward and placed a soft tender kiss on her lips, that Ina returned eagerly “That was your appetiser” Bea jested “now go, and leave me to work my magic” Ina laughed, and reluctantly let go of Bea, showing her round the kitchen before disappearing into her bedroom.
*
20 minutes later the apartment smelt like a mix of Italian spices. Almost done, Bea set the table, pulling out an assortment of candles from one of her bags, dotting them around the room, lighting them. Filling the room with a soft atmospheric glow, complimenting the lights of Ina’s Christmas Tree. She scrolled though her phone to a playlist of gentle Christmas music (perfect). Just as Bea was serving up, Ina’s door opened, and both women stood for a moment stunned. Ina, taking in the transformation of her apartment, and Bea, taking in Ina.
She stood beautifully in a soft satin dress, floating just above the knee, her hair set in loose curls. “Ina, you look incredible!” Bea suddenly felt underdressed in her buttoned-up dress and jacket. Ina smiled “Well you said it was a date, and as I told you once before I’m anything but a bad date.”
Bea had to grip the kitchen counter to sturdy herself as Ina’s darkening eyes recalled the memory behind the football stands. “Dinner smells unbelievable” Ina continued, “spaghetti and meatballs, Lady and the Tramp style” Bea smiled, picking up both bowls and placing them at the table “You can call me sappy” Bea grinned “but just don’t tell anyone, I have a stone cold, sexy reputation to uphold”, Bea winked pulling out a chair for Ina. Ina let out a hearty laugh, “You could have fooled me” she teased. “Well now! give me a second to pick up the pieces of my shattered pride” Bea gasped.
Ina laughed “ok, fine you’re secrets safe with me. Only because this looks amazing” Ina said sitting and twiddling the spaghetti onto her fork; she almost let’s out a moan as she took a bite. Bea smiled at Ina’s reaction. “This is to die for! You need to teach me to cook like this!” Ina exclaimed! “We’ll see, I’m not that much of an adrenaline junky and that sounds dangerous!” Bea laughed. “I suppose I deserved that!” Ina joined Bea’s laughter.
*
Time ran away with them too quickly, conversation flew so easily (and so did the alcohol) they laughed, they joked, they teased, and they secretly fell for each other more than either of them would ever admit. Ina went to clear the table, but Bea stopped her. “No, please, let me” She took the bowls from the table, “I couldn’t possibly, you have done so much this evening, I can clear the table” Ina insisted! “Too late! I’ve already got the dishes” Bea jeered “besides when did you last let someone do something for you? You are always doing so much for others” Ina wracked her brain trying to think if in fact anyone had ever done anything like this for her- ever. Bea dumped the dishes into the soapy water, with more of a splash than she intended (Damit) she turned to face Ina, the top of her dress wet, and soap suds on her cheek, Ina chuckled, the alcohol making the situation all the more funny, but her laugh got caught short when Bea miserably failed to fling some suds across the room at her. “You wouldn’t!” Ina’s eyes were searing. “Wouldn’t I?” Bea grinned threatening another poorly aimed throw. Ina threw her head back and laughed at the immaturity of the situation.
The music on Bea’s phone changed to ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ Bea smiled, “Dance with me?” She said, Ina sighed contentedly at the evening in disbelief, from Bea, to the warm glow of the lighting “We both know, I can’t dance” she smiled. “Then just let me hold you, and we’ll call it dancing” Bea replied extending her hand. Ina smiled brightly, a pink blush dusted her cheek, she shook her head at the world forming around her.
Bea pulled Ina into her arms, swaying to the music, she breathed in the scent of her perfume, holding her close. Ina rested her chin on Beas shoulder and hummed along to the song contentedly in her ear, the vibrations sending goosebumps down Bea’s body as she melted into Ina’s arms.
Bea joined in with the lyrics:
“Through the years
We'll always be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now”
Ina pulled away for a moment, just far enough to look into Bea’s eyes. “I knew you could sing”, she teased cocking an eyebrow. “Shut up” Bea blushed. “Make me” Ina whispered, her lips ghosting over Bea’s with a soft smile. Bea closed the distance between them, melting against Ina; her lips soft and gentle. Bea ran her tongue over Ina’s bottom lip making Ina gasp against her lips. After a moment Ina pulled away, her gaze never leaving Bea’s
“Bea... I…“ Ina faltered
“You what?” Bea breathed
“I...I wish you didn’t have to leave” Ina sighed, it wasn’t what she was going to say, however it was also true. Bea shifted her weight anxiously. “What is it?” Ina questioned, “Would you want me to stay with you? For Christmas? If I could?” She asked hesitantly, Ina’s eyes searched Bea’s taking a moments pause before they dropped lower, to the point where Bea’s wet front was starting to become slightly translucent, giving a sneak peek of the new lingerie Bea had purchased… “Yes, I would” Ina breathed almost shakily, she went to step out of Bea’s arms “but please don’t worry about me I’ll”-
“Then I’ll stay” Bea cut in, pulling her back.
“What?” Ina said aghast,
“I’ll stay” Bea repeated
“You can’t! Your family? Your flight?” Ina breathed looking up into Bea’s eyes
“...Already cancelled” Bea replied timidly.
“What?” Ina dropped her arms from Bea’s waste, but Bea caught her hands entwining Ina’s fingers in hers. “The moment I left your office and found your note, I cancelled my flight, I couldn’t let you spend Christmas alone, if you didn’t want to” Ina stood dumbfounded “But, what about your parents?” Bea ran her thumb over Ina’s “I called my mom, told her and papa I was still ill and that I’d get a flight for Boxing Day,”
Ina, shook her head in disbelief but she couldn’t hide her smile “but what if I had said no?!” she let out a small amused breath.
Bea laughed “Then I would have spent Christmas alone in my dorm - It was a risk I was willing to take”
Ina flung her arms around Beas neck. Her lips crashing into Bea’s, Bea thread her fingers into Ina’s hair, as Ina pulled back to look at Bea her eyes beginning to shine, desperately trying to say something, but no words would come. “So... I’m all yours” Bea grinned. Ina’s eyes slowly darkened, at the realisation, she bit her lower lip “What’s for dessert?” she asked mischievously. “Well I had prepared a pear and cinnamon tart” Bea said teasingly and Ina let out an infectious laugh.
Bea pushed her back towards her chair. Ina’s knees buckled as she bumped into it forcing her to sit. Bea climbed on top of her, straddling her lap bringing her lips to Ina’s skin. Bea kissed her way up Ina’s neck to the sensitive spot behind her ear, she felt Ina shiver in anticipation ...then Bea wisphered “You are.”
*
The sun was starting to creep up on Christmas Day morning as Bea woke in Ina’s bed; their bare bodies still entwined from the night before. She slowly ran her hand affectionately down the length of Ina’s body her soft skin, warm to the touch. Bea’s breath hitched when Ina spoke, “hmmm, Keep going, and we’ll make it to round 6” her voice was full of morning but still silky smooth. “Sorry, did I wake you?” Bea spoke, her voice slightly groggy. Ina turned nuzzling herself into Bea’s arms, resting her hand on the skin at Bea’s waist “There are definitely worse ways to wake up”
Bea ran her fingers through Ina’s hair “You’re so beautiful in the morning” Ina let out a happy sigh. “Last night was incredible” she hummed with a smile; her eyes still closed. “Which part?!” Bea jested. Ina, eyes still closed, ran her hand gently up Beas stomach resting it on her chest circling the skin there with her finger. “All of it." She sighed. Bea, entwined her fingers with Ina’s resting on her chest. “Merry Christmas” Bea smiled, and Ina’s eyes shot open (Cute) “I can’t believe I forgot!” Ina exclaimed. Bea laughed, “Am I that good?” Ina scoffed “It’s Christmas Day!” she said youthfully “Want me to check if Santa’s been?!” Bea jested. Ina rolled her eyes at Bea’s mocking “He came early.” She said “I unwrapped my present last night” Bea took Ina’s earlobe between her teeth and bit down gently. “I’m pretty sure that puts you on the naughty list Ina”
“Hmmm, what are you going to do about that?” Ina sighed a moan at the attention Bea’s mouth was giving her neck. Bea’s hand slid under the sheets, and Ina breath caught, her head rolling back onto the pillow with a low moan. “Round Six” Bea whispered in her ear.
The end,
Thanks for reading my fics! Merry Christmas to you all! My next fic in this series will be on New Year’s Eve. Posting a stand-alone fic on Monday for you :)
This....this made my heart want to grow a few sizes. How dare you. I'm supposed to be the grinch and you're out here writing something like this on Christmas eve????
This was beautiful. I really loved this, thank you.
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