Gosh I can never get tired of Anton’s vocals in the title song, and Leonie’s voice is just so sweet! Definitely one of my new favorites when it comes to the title song (can you guys tell I love Anton’s voice? I love Anton’s voice 😍).
- Bullied Snape because he hung out with future Death Eaters
- Had a rivalry with Snape
- Were just school bullies and pranksters while Snape was an adult who bullied kids
- Grew up and changed while Snape didn’t
- Did what all teenagers do
- Were good people because authority figures said that they were
- Were nice to Harry
There isn’t much in canon to defend the Marauders tbh because the reason that everyone is obsessed with them is because of people’s headcanons. Every pro-Marauders argument can be shattered by canon almost instantly.
1. James literally stated that he bullied Snape “because he exists.”
2. Four on one is bullying. A rivalry requires both sides to be equally matched.
3. Being a bully is wrong no matter what. What the Marauders did to Snape happened constantly and was for no reason besides Snape existing. It also got as bad as sexual assault and attempted murder. What Snape did to his students was awful but it wasn’t abuse; it wasn’t psychologically scarring and it never went past anything a mean teacher would do. Snape also only became a bully after suffering years of abuse that he was never given the opportunity to recover from. The Marauders were bullies for no reason besides thinking that they were better than everyone else.
4. You can’t equate stopping being abusive with recovering from abuse. It is infinitely easier for abusers to stop abusing their victims than it is for abuse victims to recover from being abused. Also, neither James nor Sirius ever really changed. James continued to bully Snape behind Lily’s back so that she would think he had changed and behaved so immaturely when he met Petunia and Vernon that Lily was reduced to tears. James and Sirius both nearly got a Muggle killed after graduating from Hogwarts and Sirius continued to call Snape “Snivellus” as an adult and delighted in hurting him.
5. You have a very low opinion of teenagers if you think that relentless bullying that gets as bad as sexual assault and attempted murder is normal for teenagers to do.
6. I suppose Brock Turner, a man who sexually assaulted an unconscious woman behind a dumpster, is a good person because his judge and family say so. People are defined by their actions, not by what others say about them.
6. Yes, James was a good father to Harry. Yes, Sirius was generally a good godfather to Harry, though he encouraged Harry’s reckless behavior and seemed to want Harry to be James. Yes, Remus was generally a good father figure to Harry. However, being kind to one person doesn’t excuse abuse of another. That shouldn’t be a difficult concept.
requested by anon: inspired by the plot of the movie Flipped, where the reader openly pines for Daemon, but he always brushes her off until one day, she stops bothering him.
word count: 11.2k ▪︎ part one ▪︎ masterlist
themes: pining, angst, language, Daemon being Daemon, slight Cregan Stark x f!reader, some smut (18+)
“Greetings, Prince Daemon.” Cregan Stark is the first to speak. His genial manner is something that draws everyone to him, warm and earnest. The Lord of the North is much beloved, and with good reason. As he assesses Prince Daemon, he easily notices the agitation in the prince’s stance. The confusion in his eyes. If Cregan also notices the subtle envy collecting in Daemon’s expression, he does not let it show.
“Lord Stark,” he saunters in your direction, slowly, like a predator who has finally cornered his prey. Taking in the competition like a practiced fighter.
“Lady Y/n.” He calls you by name, and you realize how much of a rarity it is. It’s always just You, a statement more than an endearment, or my little shadow. You still don’t know what to make of the latter. Shadow. Does that mean you are indispensable, a part of him he can never shake? Or does he see you as an unwanted presence?
“Daemon. How have you been, my prince?” An attempt at cordiality from you. You know Daemon doesn’t care much for such dialogue, but what else is there to say?
Why did you not show up at my nameday, like you promised?
Have you been finding comfort in Mysaria’s arms?
Have I even crossed your mind, even once, or is my absence something that you welcome?
But you don’t make any of these thoughts heard. You don’t believe there would be a point. Besides, there is no need to air out your grievances whilst in the company of Cregan.
“I don’t know, my lady. Perhaps you could enlighten me. I have roamed nearly every inch of the palace grounds, and I’ve only just found you. You have not come to see me as of late, either.”
“I was not aware that you were expecting me, my prince.”
He scoffs, hating how formal you were being. Was this a show you were putting on for the Stark boy? Where are your throwaway smiles and your playful quips? Your appreciative gaze, drinking him in as if it were always the first time?
Cregan comes to your rescue, “I’m afraid I may be to blame for taking up the lady’s time, Prince Daemon. She makes for excellent company, as I think you know. She’s kindly been showing me around King’s Landing.”
“You’ve been around King’s Landing before, Stark. We were not aware you have taken a particular interest in the ins and outs of the city, but we’d be more than happy to provide you with our best maester to tell you everything you need to know. I’m sure the lady has much better things to do with her time. Besides, after a while, you might like a change of scenery. One that she wouldn’t know how to provide.”
What in the seven hells is that supposed to mean? Of course, the first time you meet in a long while, Daemon has surely stored some kind words to tell you.
“Don’t worry, Daemon. I can assure you that we’ve been making good use of our time together,” you look at him directly, no longer bothering with the niceties. Daemon knows how you really are, after all. He’s seen you flustered, embarrassed, angry. Mostly, he’s seen you pining. Wanting. For him. You’ve always been open around him, not holding anything back. Daemon enjoyed your brazenness, so unlike the other frilly maidens who clamber for his attention. But what changed?
“If you don’t mind, Lord Stark, I’d like a moment alone with the lady.” Daemon readily meets your gaze, barely giving mind to Cregan, who is now halfway covering you from his vision, as if preparing to protect you from him should the need arise. The nerve of this fucking Northern Lord.
“Honour demands that I only leave if this is what the lady wishes, Prince Daemon.” Cregan declares, his voice steady.
Bloody Northerners and their honour. “I was not presenting you with a request, Stark. Try not to get on my nerve.”
“Alright,” you speak up, “it’s okay, Cregan. I’ll come find you later.”
Daemon notes the familiarity with which you addressed the Stark boy, and it doesn’t sit well with him. “Yes, run along, young wolf.” He doesn’t drop your gaze, doesn’t watch Cregan walk away.
So, he also does not notice Cregan throw you a comforting wink as he disappears from view, leaving you with Daemon on the rooftop. Daemon’s mood considered; this is probably for the best.
The air is thick with words unsaid, and while Daemon relaxes his stance, his face betrays a storm of emotion. Ones that he is not equipped to deal with. Jealousy? Unrequited yearning? Uncertainty? What can he possibly say that would be enough? So he settles for, “You look well, my shadow.”
“As do you, my prince. Enjoying the comforts of home, I’d hope?”
“Tell me this,” Daemon impatience flares, “why have I not seen you around? They used to be rare, the days in which you would not simply make your presence known to me.”
“That’s why I got to be called your shadow, was it not? That I was always following you around like a pest, driving you to irritation. There were moments wherein I could swear that I saw you grimace at my arrival - ”
“A pest?” He looks taken aback. He reaches for your arm, but you sidestep and fold your arms behind you, “Y/n, where is all this coming from?”
“I think you know quite well, Daemon.”
“Would it delight you to hear that I may have missed your company, no matter how unreasonably persistent it might have been?” Daemon’s smirk is dangerous, capable of breaking through your icy approach.
“Unreasonably persistent? Is this your way of making amends, my prince? You might need a lesson in tact from your markedly more diplomatic brother.”
“I was never one to bother with needless flattery. Unless directed at me, of course.” His smirk grows even wider, enjoying the resurgence of your familiar banter.
Your tone turns sour, almost angry even, one that Daemon has not heard before, “You promised that you would attend my nameday festivities, and yet you did not. I waited for you, like the stupid little shadow that you have deemed me to be, and for nothing. I don’t know why I even expected you to come, given what you clearly think of me.” Your voice breaks at the end, and it snags at Daemon’s heart.
“I did not think you cared much for such frivolities, and…well, I…”
“No, I did not. I don’t. I only cared whether you would be there, so that I might see you. So that you might greet me with the smug smirk of yours. So that you might even ask me for a dance,” you pace around Daemon, your mind lost in thought of what could have been, “But no matter. It’s all over and done with now. We can keep such nonsense in the past, Prince Daemon. You no longer need to waste your time with me.”
“Y/n,” he says your name with such clarity, such emotion, as he moves to narrow the space between the two of you, “I sincerely apologize if I was not there for your nameday. Had I thought that my presence would mean that much to you, then I surely would have come.”
That’s not enough, Daemon. That’s not what I need.
You notice the sincerity in his eyes as he continues, “I don’t want you to be cross with me. And… I don’t want you to think that I… think little of you. You are not. You are - ”
“You were like my sun, you know. My entire world revolved around you. You were in everything that I could see.” Your face morphs into a mixture of sadness, and longing, and acceptance. Daemon notes that you were speaking of things as if it were already in the past, and he does not like it at all.
He lets you continue, even though it pains him to see the turmoil in your expression, “Daemon, I… I thought about you when I woke, and when I went to bed. You were intoxicating… and fucking infuriating, because you clearly did not share the same sentiment when it came to me. I was simply there.”
“Listen, I don’t know what you fucking expect of me,” he counters, not willing to comprehend that your words can bring him to fold so quickly, “but you know exactly who I am. What I am, my shadow.”
“Did I not make it clear to you just how I felt?” You ask. Your gazes are locked and heated. The distance between you has narrowed, and he can feel your warm breath on his face. He notices the way your chest rises and falls, the slope of your breasts, the furrowing of your eyebrows which he finds endearing. You stand so close, an alluring distraction, nearly making him lose all train of thought.
“For fuck’s sake, of course. Everyone could see it!” He snaps, raising his voice at you.
“And yet, it did not matter.”
“No, it matters - ” he pauses, looking away, “I just… don’t know…”
You straighten, “You know what, it’s perfectly fine, Daemon. Why were you looking for me?”
“I thought I already mentioned. I was wondering where you’ve been all this time. Whatever wrongs you believe I have done to you, it was never my intention. I do not wish to be rid of your presence. It does not…” When his eyes capture yours once again, you see the inner turmoil reflected within, “It does not feel right without you around… my shadow.”
You want so badly to take his hand as you had done so many times before, and reassure him that everything is fine. But Rhaenyra’s advice had struck you, so well that it rings true in your mind as you look at Daemon. “Make him hunger for you,” she had said, eyes glinting mischievously, “so that he may realize what it is he may be at risk of losing, if he does not get his act together. And, well, if he still does not treat you as you deserve, then surely someone else will.”
You would have chased Daemon to the ends of the Seven Kingdoms, but you can only pursue someone so far before you might tip over the edge of the world yourself.
“I understand, Daemon. I am not angry at you. Truthfully, I don’t think I could ever be.” You offer a comforting smile, but it does not reach your eyes.
“Very well, then. On the morrow, I shall once again conduct my training in the courtyard. I expect you to be there.”
When you narrow your eyes at his implication, he adds, softly, “I mean, I want you to be there.”
You smile, and echo his exact words from weeks ago, when you gave word to him about your festivities, “I’d be loathe to miss a good training display of yours, my prince. I’ll be there.”
There may be a lot more than needs to be said, that Daemon wants to say. But he cannot find the words. He is not even certain what it is that compelled him to seek you out today. Or if he is, he is not ready to face it yet.
“I shall take my leave, my prince,” you curtsy, “I’ll be seeing you.”
He watches as you walk away. He is covered in sunlight from where he stands, the wind gently blowing mild and pleasant. And yet he feels cold, and his spirit is strained, as if this unspoken stalemate between the two of you casts a gloom over his days. As if you had taken all warmth along with you.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Daemon swings forcefully, toppling his opponent to the ground.
“Again!” He yells, “I thought you cunts are supposed to be decent fighters, at the very least. And yet even the whores in the Street of Silk might make for better competitors.”
Not one of his gold cloaks makes a move, and they all look at him warily. Their commander has been heated all morning, and they have taken the brunt of his rage.
The spectators have created a wider berth around him than usual, while they mostly whisper to each about the prince’s nasty temper.
One of the braver gold cloaks, Maron Tyrell, decides to approach him, “My prince, perhaps we should conclude our training exercise for today. The men are drained and wish to - ”
“We finish when I say so,” Daemon emphasizes every word in his displeasure, “not at your fucking heed.”
Maron persists, forgetting to mind the risk of talking back to Daemon when he is in this state, “We noticed that a certain Lady is not among the spectators, my prince. Your shadow, I think that is what you deem her to be, and rightfully so, I mean… don’t you think that actually made this morning’s activities more bearable, without her needlessly yapping at you at every-”
Maron does not get to finish his jibe about you, as Daemon pummels the young knight into the ground. His fist collides with Maron’s face, again and again, until he is pulled back by several of his struggling men.
“Prince Daemon!” A cacophony erupts around the courtyard – pleas for him to cease, gasps of shock and worry, even some callous laughter at the absurdity of the situation. The rogue prince has assailed one of his very own men. One of his loyal devotees. An undignified act, even for the volatile prince.
“Get your fucking hands off me,” Daemon squirms out of the grip of his men, and storms out of the courtyard, people parting like waves in his path. His knuckle is bruised and partially covered in Maron Tyrell’s blood. Yet, he cannot bring himself to care.
For what is a man without his shadow? He might as well just be gone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Lord Mathias Tyrell, the Lord of Highgarden, your Grace." A member of the Kingsguard announces the new arrival, his clear voice resounding in the throne room.
The imposing hall is nearly empty, apart from King Viserys who stands at the foot of the Iron Throne, several members of the Kingsguard, and his Hand, Lord Otto Hightower.
The elderly Tyrell walks in with a dignified air. There is a slight hunch in his posture, but his gaze is trained straight ahead. King Viserys meets him halfway, with a welcoming smile on his face, "My Lord Tyrell, what a pleasure this is, truly."
"My King," Mathias bows his head once, then looks at Viserys again, eager to finally make his appeal known, "I do hope my arrival is not untimely. It has been a while since we last convened, you and I."
"Not at all, Mathias," Viserys says, "I am always at your disposal for any important matter that you wish to bring to my attention, as I understand this is the case at present."
"Yes, well, let me begin by relaying my wife Lady Lenna's well wishes for you, my King. She feels honoured to have been a friend to your late wife Queen Aemma, and we only hope the best for your family."
Viserys nods amiably, accustomed to such flattering declarations from Lords and Ladies alike. He also knows by now that such, while potentially genuine, are usually followed by either a complaint or a petition. As if he was being softened up for what follows.
“Which is why it saddened me greatly to hear that a certain member of your family had attacked one of mine. The inducement of this remains beyond my understanding. My nephew, Maron, a member of your gold cloaks, is currently being attended to by our finest maesters, after suffering several injuries at the hands of Prince Daemon.”
“What?” Viserys’ friendly expression falls, “Daemon?” He looks toward Otto Hightower in hopes of some clarification.
“My King, we have just received word of this incident, and we were planning to discuss this in our council meeting on the morrow. The prince is required to attend, after all, which gives him a chance to elucidate his actions.” Otto explains placatingly.
“Daemon,” Viserys repeats his brother’s name, breathing it out like a curse. It was no longer any surprise to him to hear of such an act committed by his brother. He merely hoped that their occurrences would grow fewer and farther between.
“I knew you would understand the seriousness of this matter, my King. House Tyrell has, after all, always supported House Targaryen since the age of the Conqueror. All I want is for Prince Daemon to answer for what he had done to my nephew, in any way that you see fit.”
Viserys puts on his best placating smile, “Of course, Mathias. It shall be done. Now will that be all? I’m afraid I have some other matters to attend to.”
The Lord of Highgarden does not fail to notice the poorly hidden irritation in the King’s face, and he is quick to be done with the formalities of making himself scarce, exchanging a few choice words before bowing and promptly leaving the throne room.
“Well?” Viserys looks around the throne room, addressing whoever might have answers, “where the fuck is he?”
Otto squirms where he stands, “I can send for him right away, your Grace.”
They will soon realize that Prince Daemon’s whereabouts will elude them that day, as he had taken refuge in the clandestine quarters of the Lady Mysaria after the incident in the courtyard. However, the usual pleasures will not be exchanged between the two. Daemon no longer possesses the eagerness to lose himself in his apparently favoured woman. Mysaria does not press on, letting the prince get some much-needed rest. She does take note of one name uttered from his lips as he succumbs into slumber. Yours.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The members of the Small Council settle around the table, each one placing their round totem in front of them. The council meeting has begun.
Each Lord sits alert, ready to present their reports and findings for the week. Lord Corlys on the ongoing war in the Stepstones. Lord Beesbury on lowering the common tax for grain. Lord Lannister on arranging a play for the nobility. And so on. At the head of the table, however, their King does not appear to give off his usual air of graciousness. He leans to the side of his chair, routinely running his hand over his face in frustration.
Lord Beesbury speaks up, “Your Grace, shall we start with - ”
“Where is my brother?” Viserys’ voice is irate, his query directed at Lord Otto.
“We summoned him, your Grace, but he made it clear that he had other pressing matters to attend to.” Otto speaks slowly, clearly, in hopes that Viserys does not take his frustration out on him. “He mentioned having to meet with the Lady Y/n,” At this, Otto looks at your father across the table.
“My daughter?” Your father says, “I assure you, your Grace, I am not aware that she has any pressing matter with Prince Daemon. I would not even go so far to say that they are acquaintances.”
“Oh, Lord, you must know,” Tyland Lannister says, almost mockingly.
“Know what, my Lord?” your father asks, incredulous.
“Your daughter has been openly pining for the rogue prince. It’s common knowledge. She has not been shy about her affections, mind you,” Tyland smirks.
“I know nothing of this. My daughter has just begun a courtship with Lord Cregan Stark himself, and this I approve of. It would be unseemly for her to get involved with Prince Daemon in the way that you are insinuating.”
“What is the truth?” Viserys raises his voice, then turning to Otto, he adds, “Have you heard of this development?”
“I did not believe it to be consequential, your Grace. The prince has his share of admirers, after all.” Otto replies.
Viserys sighs heavily, thinking of how things will never just be simple when it comes to his brother. “Well, has he been receptive of the young lady’s affections?”
Lord Beesbury says, “The consensus has been that the prince has largely ignored them, your Grace.”
“Seven hells,” Viserys lets out a dry laugh in disbelief, “How come everyone knows of this matter except for me, the man in question’s own brother?”
“If I may respond to what Lord Beesbury just claimed, it does not seem that way. At least not anymore. Word has been circulating of yesterday’s incident, and apparently, the reason why Prince Daemon assaulted Maron Tyrell is because the latter brought up the subject of Lady y/n, and not in the nicest way.” Tyland says.
Lord Corlys intervenes, “Might we get on with more urgent business, lords?”
Viserys sits silently for a moment, letting all of the information sink in. He looks around the council table, baffled at the ridiculous scenario in front of him – the highest-ranking officials of the Seven Kingdoms prompted to engage in chitchat all because of this whole affair between yourself and Prince Daemon. “My lords,” he finally says, “Lord Corlys is right. We have better things to do with our time than to fucking gossip. I shall deal with my brother myself.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The same morning, in another corner of the sprawling castle, you stand in your chambers, arranging the books on the shelf. You have just gone on a stroll with Rhaenyra, and are just taking a short rest. You startle slightly when your lady-in-waiting Hestia walks in.
“Good morrow, my lady.”
“To you as well, Hestia.” You smile in return.
“I have a message to relay, my lady,” she timidly says, “Earlier, when you had departed, Prince Daemon visited your chambers.”
You freeze. “Daemon?”
“Y-yes, my lady. I had walked in to change the linens, and he was already sitting there at your desk. Waiting for you, it seemed.”
“And? Did he mention anything to you?” You ask gently.
“He wants to meet you in the godswood, my lady. He said that he will anticipate you there at around noon.”
You note to yourself that noon is fast approaching. “Hmm. I see.” Hestia smiles comfortingly at you, and you can deduce that there is more that she wants to say.
“How did he seem, the prince, whilst he was here?” You engage her further, genuinely curious yourself.
“If I may be blunt, my lady, he seemed quite distressed. He appeared as if he was lacking in rest, and well… he really did seem eager to find you.”
You walk over to your chair and slump down in a dramatic huff, “Ah, it appears that I have found myself in quite the conundrum.”
Hestia smiles, following you, “What a conundrum, though, my lady. Prince Daemon and Lord Cregan vying for your hand? Nearly every eligible lady in all the kingdoms would feel envious of you.”
Your smile is wistful when you say, “It’s not quite the fairy tale that it seems, Hestia. I mean, you know how Prince Daemon is.”
“So it is Prince Daemon whom you favour?”
“What made you think so?”
“Well, I can’t be certain, my lady. It’s just that… he’s the one you chose to mention. His is always the name that you bring up, as opposed to Lord Cregan’s.”
Huh. I really must have been fixated on Daemon, haven’t I, if everyone is still of the impression that I want him, even with Cregan in the picture.
Do I want him?
“My lady?” Hestia’s voice breaks you out of your thoughts, “are you alright?”
“Yes,” you clear your throat, and stand, “I think I have somewhere to be.”
“To meet with Prince Daemon?”
How could I ever not want him?
“Perhaps.” You look back at Hestia, eyes glinting in anticipation, before leaving your chambers.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
You walk through the hallways, still uncertain whether the godswood will be your destination. Whether Daemon will be your destination.
The weather is quite lovely anyway. Why not sit and enjoy some calm in the godswood? Deep down, you know that your reasoning, while sound, is a mere excuse for wanting to see Daemon.
Turning the corner, you see your father coming your way. He calls for you with a wave, and you rush toward him with a smile, “Good morrow, father.” You kiss him lightly on the cheek. “I was just heading to the godswood. Perhaps I shall take a book from the library and - ”
“To meet with Prince Daemon?” Your father's voice is stern, and you become nervous.
You tilt your head, unsure of how to respond. Your father continues, “This matter was brought to my attention, in the council meeting of all places! I felt like a bumbling fool. My own daughter, and I did not know.”
“You’re certainly not a fool, father. And - ”
“How long has this been going on?”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow.” Your brows furrow in frustration.
“This affair between yourself and Prince Daemon. Do you not have any mind for decency? How must this look? Cregan Stark is courting you, and here you are, running around with the rogue prince.” He speaks in hushed whispers, as if he is afraid of being overheard, but the anger in his tone can easily be detected.
“I am not sure what you heard, father, but I am not having an affair with Prince Daemon.” You lean back, also growing irate at his tone.
“Everyone knows, my child. I do know that you are intelligent, and that you mean well, but this - ”
“I was quite… smitten with him. Only that. But it is over now.”
“Is it? Then how come he apparently came to your defense yesterday, assailing Maron Tyrell when he spoke out of turn about you?”
“What?”
“Word has spread, and King Viserys has been saddled with the laborious task yet again of having to make amends on his brother’s behalf.”
“Oh, I didn’t know.” You remember that you meant to visit the courtyard for his training, but instead opted to read with Cregan Stark in the library. You did not think Daemon would particularly mind, and truth be told, you wanted to give a taste of his own medicine. You made your mistake in believing that Daemon might approach it just like anyone else – with a reasonable amount of impatience and irritation. But of course, it’s Daemon.
You want to appease your father’s worries, so you say, “The next time I see Daemon, I shall make things clear. There will no longer be anything between him and I. Not that there ever was anything before.” You can’t help but look away sadly, but then your father pulls you in for a hug.
“I trust that you will do the right thing. Lord Cregan is a man of true honour and kindness. You deserve someone like him.”
“I know.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Moments later, just before you make a turn into the open area of the godswood, someone catches you by the elbow.
“Hello, lass.” Cregan says. “I am happy to see you.”
“Cregan,” you attempt to hide your surprise with a smile, “ perhaps you were simply following me?”
“That idea did cross my mind, yes,” he jests in return, “but I’d much rather have you aware of my presence so you can indulge yourself in my undeniable charm.”
“Ever so humble, my Lord of the North.” You have grown accustomed to his witty quips, easily shared, making whoever he converses with comfortable. When you had mentioned it, he assured you however that the doting glint in his eyes is reserved for you only.
“Having a good day so far?” He draws you in close by the waist, his sincere gaze boring into yours.
“Very much so, thank you. I was just about to, uhm, spend some time in the godswood.”
“I shall accompany you then, my lady, if you would allow me.”
“Oh, I - ”
“There you are.” You turn towards the familiar voice. Daemon has found you. “I thought I heard you.”
“Ah, Prince Daemon, ever a pleasure.” Cregan loosens his hold on you, but he does not let go. You notice Daemon’s eyes draw downward to Cregan’s arm around your waist, and his jaw clenches.
“Oh, I wish I could say the same, young wolf. But I have been waiting in the godswood for the Lady Y/n, and I can see that you are taking up her precious time. Keeping her from me.” Daemon spits the final words, making his annoyance clear.
“Daemon, I was just about to come see you,” you say.
“I thought you were going to spend time in the godswood?” Cregan looks at you confused.
“Yes, she is,” Daemon chimes in, “with me.”
“Simply to talk.” You start to become anxious with how the two men are sizing each other up, cold expressions plastered on their faces.
“No matter,” Cregan shrugs, “might I accompany you too, my lady?”
“Yes.”
“No.”
You and Daemon speak at the same instant, your contrasting responses putting a pause on the whole exchange. The silence is filled with tension, with Daemon staring at you intently. A slight smirk rests on his lips, and you can tell, he is enjoying this. He takes pleasure in being able to get under your skin.
You might be right, but in that moment, Daemon’s mind also wanders to the smoothness of your skin. The fire in your eyes. His stare grazes your decolletage, exposed by your dress, the very same dress he had disparaged weeks prior. How foolish of me. Anything she wears is immediately more refined as a result. Although I’d much see rather that dress on the fucking floor.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that there is still something between the two of you.” Cregan’s voice cuts through the silence. When you turn to him questioningly, he explains, “I have heard whispers here and there about a possible mutual affection that you share.”
“Prince Daemon and I are merely friends,” you clarify, “and even this I have reason to doubt.” You glare at Daemon, imploring him to not cross the line.
“We are friends,” Daemon grits his teeth, “come with me, Y/n.”
You continue to challengingly stare at Daemon, and any passer-by would immediately feel the tension. They would also be quick to assume that the connection lies between yourself and Daemon, not Cregan. Not that you would be willing to admit it straightaway.
“Forget about the godswood,” you look between both men, “Rhaenyra tells me of a travelling theatre troupe that will be conducting their show in the Red Keep this afternoon. I think I fancy heading over and seeing it for myself.”
You start to walk away, not paying mind to either the dragon or the wolf.
I’m done with this bickering. Let them follow me if they wish.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
After a short period of deliberating and preparing, you find yourself walking the streets of the Red Keep, with Daemon walking close to one side and Cregan to the other.
Hestia follows suit, conversing with Cregan’s young squire, Pod. You had looked back to her to give a comforting smile, and you could tell that she was slightly intimidated by the member of the Kingsguard accompanying your little group. The knight is a looming figure of hunkering armour, walking close behind her and Pod.
Daemon and Cregan both offered an arm for you to hold onto at the start of your stroll, but you avoided the pain of choosing by clasping your hands in front of you, walking forward with your head held high.
You reach the city centre, and Cregan points to a fountain in the middle of the plaza. “I remember when you took me there, darling. We had the most pleasant afternoon.”
Daemon snorts upon hearing that, “The bloody fountain?”
Pod comes up to speak with Cregan about the tasks he has to fulfill for the day, demanding his attention, and they shuffle to the side in discussion.
“Yes, Daemon, the bloody fountain. We sat, had the best lemon cakes, and conversed with the common folk. Activities that are not to your taste, I’m sure,” you matched his sardonic inflection.
“I thought you would have preferred mulberry tarts,” Daemon responds, matter-of-factly.
Your lips part in mild surprise. “How could you have guessed that?”
“You might have mentioned it once, weeks ago.”
“Huh.” You continue to stare at him in disbelief. So he does listen to me.
You had the impression that all those times when you prattled in his ear, your words would simply dissolve into air. Like an incessant tune droning on in the background. Daemon always looked as if he was pondering some other more important thought.
“You continue to surprise me, Daemon.”
“And you never fail to pleasantly disrupt my life at every turn,” he remarks, the corners of his mouth turning upward.
“Since you used the word pleasantly then I shall assume that it’s a good thing. But disrupt? How so?”
He kicks a pebble across the cobblestones, lost in thought, “This is the last thing that I would have ever expected, my shadow.”
You continue to look at him in suspense, your heart thudding in your chest. Try as you might, Daemon still has that effect on you.
He continues, “I never expected to… feel this… about you.”
“Feel what?” He turns to you, and softens at the sight of your innocent expression, your eyes wide and glistening. You’ve always gazed at him in such an open and caring manner, unaffected by the reality of his reputation. Very much unlike other people, who are almost invariably wary or distrustful when dealing with him. He has accepted that he needs someone like you. But recently, it became clearer. He only needed you.
“Prince Daemon,” a familiar soft, accented voice calls out.
The spell is broken. You turn toward the new arrival. The lady Mysaria.
“Good day, my lady,” you greet her reluctantly. You badly wish to move close to Cregan and engage him in conversation, just so you would not be privy to the interaction between Daemon and Mysaria, but something keeps you rooted in place.
“Good day to you as well, lady Y/n.”
“Have you come to watch the performance?” you tilt your head toward the stage that is being set up on one side of the plaza.
“I’m afraid I don’t have the time for such frivolities at present, my lady,” she smiles thinly, before turning to Daemon, “I am glad I found you, my prince. I would have waited until you eventually came to see me again, but since you are here, I want to return this to you.”
She reaches out her hand, and in it lies an ornate ring, decorated with an exquisite blood-red ruby. An inscription in High Valyrian is carved on the band.
Daemon snatches it swiftly, “Right. Good eye.”
“I recognized this to be one of your Targaryen heirlooms. You must have dropped it when you spent the night with me.” She steps closer to him, caressing his arm.
Your heart sinks. What did you expect – that Daemon would ever commit to you? He has been making gestures that are unusual for him, giving you just the slightest hint of hope. And now, this.
He was right. You do know exactly who he is. What he is. The lady Mysaria can be taken as confirmation of this.
“Would you excuse me?” you clear your throat, and start to walk over to Cregan.
Daemon notices the drop in your spirits - in the frown that formed on your lips, and the way your shoulders scrunched forward. He knows that you are aware of him looking at you imploringly. You refuse to meet his gaze, and continue to ignore him as he stares daggers at your retreating figure.
Daemon shrugs Mysaria’s hold off his arm, taking a step back. He is not certain what to say, and Mysaria senses his agitation.
“You desire the lady Y/n,” she states, not a shred of doubt in her enticing voice.
“You know nothing of it,” Daemon spits defensively.
“You do. You want her. I can see it in your eyes,” Mysaria repeats, “It’s a novel thing, as you once told me that she is someone whom you merely tolerate.”
And I fucking wish I knew better. “I’ll be damned if I’m not capable of changing my mind.”
“Or perhaps you always wanted her, and you just were not aware of it? You did speak plenty of her even before,” she muses, as she knows that Daemon will not deny her keen eye for observation.
Daemon and Mysaria look over to you, as you stand with the rest of your group. You smile, and stroke Hestia’s back soothingly. Cregan leans over to you, and you laugh at whatever he has whispered.
Daemon sulks, hands firmly clasped in front of him. “Fucking Stark.”
“She wants you too, you know,” Mysaria smiles.
This piques Daemon’s attention, though his face remains sour, “Don’t toy with me. Perhaps she did, but now - ”
“She still does. In time, you will both see the truth of it all. Good fortune, Prince Daemon.” she walks away, her long tresses blowing softly in the breeze, but pauses and turns halfway, “Just don’t be stupid.”
Daemon nods once, feeling hopeful anew.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
One brisk morning, you sit peacefully in the gardens, a new book in your hands. You sit comfortably, your legs tucked underneath you on the seat. Daemon once remarked of how he liked the careless way with which you sit, to which you rolled your eyes, “Don’t mock me, Daemon. My father has scolded me plenty about how I don’t sit like a proper lady.”
Daemon just snickered at that, and playfully pulled at your ankle. That was one of your more amicable exchanges. Even now, your mind trains back to him, as if his absence is a thing that demands to be felt. Even after you believe yourself to have grown resolute at giving up any romantic notion when it comes to Daemon, after the encounter with Mysaria a few days prior.
Hestia sits beside you, crocheting, her needle deftly held between her slender fingers.
“My lady,” she says, looking to the side at the hedges, “I think you have a shadow.”
You follow her gaze and see him. The prince currently occupying your thoughts. As he always has. Daemon leans against the bark of a tree, evidently watching you. A smirk forms on his lips when he sees you finally notice him.
Your shadow.
You throw him a questioning look from afar. He merely shrugs his shoulders and starts to confidently walk toward you. He reaches you, and you just stare at each other in relative silence.
“You,” you say, as he had always done upon seeing you.
“Excuse me, lady Y/n, Prince Daemon,” Hestia curtsies to the both of you, then proceeds to take her leave. She smiles slyly at you over her shoulder, and you know she will want to be filled in about what happens later on. You consider yourself fortunate that your lady-in-waiting grew to become one of your closest confidantes.
“My shadow,” he says smoothly, then sits beside you.
“I might go so far as to say that the tables have turned. You are my shadow now, Prince Daemon.”
“Hmm,” he sneers, “No Stark boy today?”
“He’s visiting his sister, but he shall return soon. He promised me.”
“I’d much prefer it if he were to never set foot in King’s Landing ever again,” he comments casually.
“Jealous are we, my shadow?” you look at him teasingly through your lashes, realizing in that split moment, how easy it is. Being around him feels natural, despite the flares in his disposition and his offhand remarks.
You also realize that it is not completely the same with Cregan, as sweet and perfect as he might be. There is a sense of trying to fulfil your duty as a lady from a noble house, when it comes to your courtship with the young wolf.
But you have always chosen Daemon. If only he would choose you in return.
“I could ask the same of you. I saw the way you were glaring at Mysaria,” he smirks, raising his eyebrows tauntingly.
“I was not glaring at her.”
“Oh no, apologies, not glaring,” he raises his hands in faux surrender, “Not glaring. Seething.”
“Can you honestly blame me?” your face turns gloomy as you look off into the distance.
Daemon feels the drop in your demeanour, and his heart sinks. Must I always be the root of her heartache? Have I not done enough?
As if on instinct, he reaches across, and squeezes your hand, “My shadow, you must know, I have not bed any other, have not even looked at any other, ever since…”
You look down at your joined hands, his hand wider and calloused around yours. You’ve always known, when you would hold his hand to give him comfort, that it was always for your sake as well. His touch calmed you, but it was as if you had to steal moments of it for yourself.
This feels different. His thumb lazily strokes the back of your hand. You watch his eyes roam your face, from your eyes to your lips and back.
You wait for him to say the words. To say anything that would validate your longing.
“Now, I’m going to attempt something, my shadow, and you mustn’t be angry with me. Alright?”
“Daemon.”
“Alright?”
“Okay.”
Your breath catches in your throat when he leans closer, close enough that you feel his warm breath on your skin. Even closer, as you feel his lips graze yours, ever so gently. His eyes continue to search yours, gauging your reaction.
Then he presses his lips to yours. The countless times you had imagined that way it would feel, certainly does not do it any justice. Not even a little bit.
You let out a sound of appreciation, a soft little moan against his mouth, overwhelmed by the sensation. He pulls away for a second, hums affectionately, and runs his thumb over your lips. You let out a laugh, feeling light-hearted. He smiles at you, at his little shadow, before motioning towards your lips with a tilt of his jaw.
You kiss him again, and he feels his heart beating faster than ever before. The rogue prince, quite possibly one of the most notorious philanderers in the Seven Kingdoms, feeling flustered over you. You blossom into him, revealing yourself like you never had, his beloved shadow being engulfed and warmed by his sunlight.
His mouth becomes insistent in brushing against yours, his tongue tracing your lips. A shiver runs down your spine, your nerves set completely alight. His tongue mingles with yours, and you savour the taste of peppermint and sweet wine.
Reluctantly, grudgingly, you find whatever little impulse you have to pull away.
Your breath comes out in pants, and you raise your fingertips to feel where his lips were once on yours.
He studies your face, wondering what thoughts fill your mind.
You stand abruptly and begin to pace in front of him.
“Shadow?” he stops you, keeping you still with his hands on your shoulders.
“W-why?” you question.
He is still half-dazed from your taste, your scent all around him, “Don’t you see? I want you.”
“You want me?” your tone rises in disbelief.
“Must I repeat myself?” he nearly rolls his eyes, but keeps his manner sincere, “I’ve never been the sort of man to deny myself the desires of my heart. And my heart only wants you.”
Just give in. Kiss him again, throw reason away to the wind. Forget any doubt, any past grievances. He says he is yours now.
But you remember all those moments wherein you made yourself available to him. To be his friend, his source of comfort, his defender. Any way he wished to have you. You desired him. You wanted him. You loved him.
You love him. But for so long, he turned the other way. You had held your heart out for him to take, and he did not. He merely tolerated it.
“Daemon,” you shut your eyes, needing to clear your head, “what of Cregan?”
“What of him?” he hisses, eyes narrowing.
You become infuriated, “Seven hells, I am in the middle of a fucking courtship!”
“An empty formality.” Of course Daemon would believe so.
“We should not have kissed. It is not respectful to Cregan.”
His hand moves to grip your face, tilting your head, and you are caught up in the passion in his violet eyes, “Did you not enjoy it? Did you not like kissing me?”
“You know I bloody well did.”
“We can speak with your father and end this farce of a courtship. You need not continue - ”
You interrupt, “It wouldn’t be right. Cregan is a decent, and loving man. My father says so himself. He would make for a good husband.”
“And I wouldn’t?” his hands drop to his side, and he takes a step back.
“I don’t know. I have to learn how to trust you again. After everything.”
His eyes are tormented as he looks away.
“Daemon, I need time. I want to be completely certain if I will have to give up a life with Cregan.”
“Because he matters so much to you,” he sighs, appearing dejected.
“I’ve grown to value him for who he is. He’s my friend, and I had entered this courtship in hopes that it would help me forget about you. And I was thinking that perhaps, I could learn to love him… in time.”
“Don’t,” is all he can bring himself to say.
“I did not believe you cared for me, as I did you. It is only now that this,” you gesture between the two of you, “ever became anything. For you, at least. There was once a time wherein there was only you for me, but now, I just need some time.”
Daemon says nothing, letting your words sink in. His jaw clenches, deep in thought.
“Daemon,” you take his hand, “say something.”
He doesn’t. In a flash, he simply connects his lips to yours again, sucking the breath from your lungs. Your worries cease, as you give in to him. You reach upward to entangle your fingers in his silver hair; his hands hold your waist tightly.
In true Daemon fashion, his lusty resolve breaks, and he lets his hands slide downward to grip your backside. You moan, and bite his lip as a result.
He smirks, breaking the kiss, his forehead pressing against yours, “Okay, my shadow. I will wait.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The days are long and languid. Daemon thinks so. He does not have much to occupy his time apart from his duties as Commander of the City Watch. He used to gain just the barest enjoyment from it, from ensuring that the city’s vermin are put to justice. But everything feels gray, devoid of any appeal. Nothing made him incandescent. He merely watched, and waited. For you.
He remembers you as he sits in the courtyard. He remembers the way you cheered for him while he trained, the way you sneered at his opponents, cussed at them even. The intensity in your expression was almost too much at times; you were so invested in his insignificant, little displays of skill. You were always there for him.
He remembers you when he strolls into the gardens, where you first met. You had been reading in solitude that fateful afternoon, your brows furrowed over a passage that baffled you. Something about witches in the histories of Westeros, you told him afterward. He responded, “Why, do you fear you might be a witch yourself? You certainly possess the ferocity.” So crude, you thought, so intriguing. So this is Prince Daemon Targaryen.
“Careful now, my prince. I just might put a spell on you.” you smiled at him, the very first time. He thought you very comely, but then again, he thought the same of several dozen other ladies. You thought him inexplicable, his reputation preceding him. The Rogue Prince, the rebellious second son. The patron saint of delinquents and whores, Otto Hightower once told your father. But you thought him amazing. Different. Dangerous. That very night, he filled your dreams. Since then, Daemon Targaryen became your sun.
On one of these mindless strolls, he comes across you. He cannot help it, and so he trails you, like a shadow. Every step feels heavy, because you are not alone. Your arm is looped around the wolf boy’s, walking too close for Daemon’s liking.
When he sees you kissing Cregan Stark, he sees red. He feels ill, fueled with rage. He saw it unfolding, the Stark boy running his fingers over your cheekbone, and then slowly closing the distance between you two. You stand arrested by the moment, seemingly apprehensive, but you don’t move away. The way the Stark boy curls his fingers firmly on your waist, drawing you close, he wishes he had done that.
He wishes he had pulled you close when you wiped the sweat from his forehead on those days you watched him train. In those moments when he was overcome with emotion and you would hold his hand. He had walked away, or turned to someone completely insignificant, when he could have held you. When he could have kissed you, much better than the Stark boy kisses you now.
Every part of him wishes to end the Stark boy’s life. He wants to strike him down in front of you. He wants to get you back.
But seven hells, Viserys would cast him out for good. He has only just returned to his brother’s good graces, the incident with Maron Tyrell having just been resolved.
And you. You would never forgive him. You would never speak to him again. And he can’t have that. He can’t live with that. He won’t.
He needs you, he knows this now.
He loves you, he is certain.
You had become Daemon Targaryen’s sun. As he was once yours.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
There is a storm raging over King’s Landing. Heavy rain is pelting against your windows, and thunder echoes across the skies, a blanket of shadow covering the kingdom’s capital.
You sit in front of your mirror, absentmindedly running a comb through your hair. The week has felt long and languid. You certainly think so. You’ve had much to occupy your time – Cregan, duties with your father, lessons with the Septa, poring over books in the great library.
And yet, everything feels gray, as if devoid of warmth, not unlike the state of the city at present.
Daemon has been flooding your thoughts, despite your reluctance. You have been trying to not let your mind flash back to the kiss, without much success. A knot in your belly formed the moment Cregan’s lips touched yours, because you realized that you wish it had been Daemon instead.
It is as if your heart is sound in its resolve, its verdict clear. It is now left to you to either embrace the truth that it speaks, or stifle it, for the sake of an obvious consolation.
Daemon. You close your eyes, in remembrance of how he tastes. What if he loses heart? What if he no longer waits?
A sound catches your ear, one you think to be a faint knock, but it is overshadowed by a crackle of thunder booming outside at the same time.
The knocking repeats, a consistent rapping on the heavy wooden door.
You cautiously walk over, confused as to who would be visiting your chambers at this late hour.
“Who’s there?” you call out.
“Shadow.” You freeze, you would recognize this voice anywhere.
With tentative hands, you push the door open, and you are at once met with the sight of Daemon. His hair is unkempt and he is clad in only a loose white poet shirt, and dark trousers.
Words fail you, and you drink in the sight of him, as if it was the first time.
He rasps, holding your gaze, “I’m done waiting.”
“Daemon.”
He lunges forward, flooding all of your senses, gripping your face tightly in his hands and smashing his lips to yours. It’s different this time. More heated, passionate, greedy. He kicks the door shut with his foot, and he leads you deeper into the room.
“Daemon, what - ” you break away, in an attempt to catch your breath.
His forefinger flits across your lips, silencing you, “Hush, my shadow. I need this. I need you.”
You hum in agreement, and throw all caution to the wind. This is your Daemon. It has always been clear, he is the one you will always want.
Your hands roam, feeling his neck, his collarbone, and his chest exposed by the flowing shirt.
He stands captivated by you, and the gentle way in which you touch him. Your eyes filled with adoration. This is exactly what he needs. The storm might be raging outside, but right now, in this glowing candle lit room, he has his sunshine.
You had gone from being his shadow, to his light.
“I love you,” his voice is a mere whisper, and yet it electrifies your entire being, “I love you, my light.”
You look at him in a daze, and your vision becomes cloudy as a tear threatens to fall, and it does, when he kisses you again. He lifts you up on the table, and you wrap your legs around his waist. You lean backward, pulling him with you, making his pelvis press onto yours.
He groans, his frustration heightening even more when your hands roam under his shirt, gliding across the chiselled plains of his stomach, down to the line of his trousers.
He breaks the kiss, burying his face in your neck, “I want to… do this right.”
He straightens, kissing you once, before declaring, “I shall wed you first, my dearest love. Then, I shall have you.” His hand comes up to squeeze your breast, as if to make a promise, “All of you.”
Heat rushes to your face, and you can feel all this yearning prompting a knot to unravel low in your belly, “I must admit this is not what I expected of you, my prince. You were never one to exercise such restraint.”
“Be that as it may, my light, this is different. You are not like the others. Granted, I am not one to shy away from the pleasures of the flesh.” His fingers caress your ankles, before slithering gradually up your legs. He savours the softness of your flesh, squeezing your thighs, his eyes never leaving yours.
“You will soon find, my light, that fucking is a pleasure, and I especially want to show you how satisfying it can be,” his hands slide higher, and higher, “in every way possible.”
“Daemon,” you bite your lip, encouraging him, “my love.”
“Yes, my light?” he taunts.
“For fuck’s sake,” you curse impatiently, guiding your pelvis so that his fingers finally graze your undergarments.
“Impatient are we?” he shifts the cloth to one side, tracing one digit over your folds, “You are exquisite.”
“Mmm,” you tilt your head back, and brace yourself on the table, your hands struggling to keep yourself upright, “please, Daemon.”
Urged by your mewling, sensual music to his ears, he pushes one finger inside your warmth. He pumps it inside, outside, watching you all the while.
With his other hand, he undoes the delicate string on the front of your nightgown. The thin fabric haphazardly falls to your waist, revealing your torso to his hungry eyes.
“Fuck,” he hisses, pushing another finger inside you, picking up the pace. He then moves to plant a sloppy kiss on your lips, before trailing downward, licking and pecking his way until he reaches your breast. His tongue swirls freely on your nipple, and your hand comes up to brace itself onto his hair.
“This is fucking torturous,” he nearly growls, once again kissing you. Daemon wants to lose himself in the sight of your unravelling, as you unabashedly fuck his fingers. He prays to the gods that he might learn to control his lust, his desire to just forego tradition and bury his cock deep inside your pussy threatening to take over him.
“Gods, Daemon, this is so much better than I imagined,” you pant, your lips turning up in a smirk.
“Is that so, my light? Have you touched yourself to the thought of me?”
When you nod, he purrs in your ear, his lips grazing the skin, “Have you dreamed about fucking me? As I have you?”
His thumb circles rapidly around your clit, while his two soaked digits relentlessly plunge into your pussy. “Y-yes, Daemon.” His movement grows ever so careless and wild, fingers curling inside you, eager to bring you to climax. Your eyes flutter closed, as your pelvis begins to feel tense, that familiar spasm gathering below.
“Let go, my light,” he commands, “Release yourself onto me.”
Once more, you pull him by the neck, and taste him. When his tongue collides with yours, you let go, gushing down on his fingers. He feels your juices drip down to his palm, but he makes no move. He leans back, memorizing the sight of you. His shadow, his light, covered in a sheen of sweat, thin nightgown pooled by your waist. Your legs spread wide open for him, your cum still warm on his skin.
He cleans his hand, first sucking some of your orgasm off his fingers, and wiping the rest on the back of his shirt. He leans forward, palms on either side of your thighs on the table.
“Daemon?” you breathe, eyes half-lidded from the aftermath, “What is it?”
“I love you.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Daemon’s arm is wrapped around you, as your head rests on his chest, listening to his faint heartbeat.
You found yourselves lying down on your bed, atop the silken sheets, after that delightful table incident, deciding to call it thus as you now fondly think back to it.
You had been sharing stories of mixed significance, ranging from what you had for breakfast to the culmination of the war in the Stepstones.
“I may have to go into battle,” he confesses, “sometime in the days to come.”
Worry floods you, knowing how reckless he can be when faced with the thrill of war. Violence is not something that deterred Daemon, let alone the pain of death. If anything, he seemed to welcome it, and it frightens you.
You do not want to ever lose him. It was true then, but now, your very being depends on it. With him gone, you are afraid that you would never be whole again.
“Must you go?” you whisper.
“You need not worry, my light,” he kisses the top of your head lovingly, “I will always return to you.”
“But must you go? Is it necessary that you be there?” you prop yourself up on one elbow, so that he may see the sincerity in your expression.
“No,” he decides, “the war is all but won. There are just some loose ends to tie up, and the Velaryon army is more than capable of putting an end to it all. I had just half a mind to proffer aid from myself and a portion of the King’s army.”
“So let the King’s army go, and you can stay here with me.”
“My love?” he grins, “are you truly demanding that of me?”
“Just this once?” you plead, smiling at him, “I don’t wish to forbid you from ever stepping into battle. I just… I’ve only just had you. I prefer not to take any foolish risk, as little as it might be.”
A smile forms on his lips, as he relishes in knowing that you truly must care for him.
“As you wish,” he relents, “I shall stay.”
You kiss him, certain that you will never tire of the feeling of his lips flush against yours.
You look down at him with stars in your eyes, “I love you, Daemon.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The members of the Small Council try to hide their surprise at the presence of Prince Daemon, already sitting comfortably at his chair, as they enter the room and each shuffle to their place around the table.
“My lords,” Daemon casually greets, “I had thought you all had forgotten about the council meeting.”
“Prince Daemon, I assure you that we are exactly on time,” Lord Beesbury responds, failing to understand the jest.
Viserys is the last to walk in, accompanied by his Kingsguard. He pauses upon seeing his brother, but quickly carries on to his seat at the head of the table.
“Brother,” he says, amused, “do try not to look so amazed.”
“Daemon,” Viserys merely nods in acknowledgment, before turning to the rest of the council, “let us begin.”
The minutes seem to pass by at a snail’s pace, at least for Daemon. He unknowingly gazes out the window now and again, as if in a daydream, eliciting several scolding glares from his brother.
Taxes, festivities, tapestries, resources. All these concerns fly over his head, especially since it was only the night before last when he finally claimed you. Or more aptly put, when he surrendered himself over to you.
“Princess Rhaenyra is to embark on a tour to several neighbouring cities, as part of her duties as princess of the realm, and as my heir,” Viserys announces, before addressing your father, “She kindly wishes to have your daughter, the Lady Y/n, as her companion for this particular excursion.”
Daemon’s interest is restored at the sound of your name, and he straightens, eager to hear the rest. Little does he know, Viserys notices this slight movement, peering at him suspiciously out of the corner of his eye.
“Oh, what an honour that is, your Grace,” your father beams, “she will surely only be glad to accept the princess’ request. I shall relay the news to her when he returns from Storm’s End, in around a day or two.”
“Y/n is in Storm’s End?” Daemon speaks for the first time since the council discussions began, and all heads turn to him. There is an intimacy with which the prince mentions your name, a genuine curiosity with which he inquires about you, that drew everyone’s attention.
“Yes, my prince,” your father responds carefully, “she wanted to treat with Lord Cregan Stark, who has been visiting his sister Sara, the consort of Lord Baratheon’s eldest son.”
“How goes the courtship, my lord?” Tyland asks purposefully, knowing that it might turn Daemon irate, as he is already sulking in his seat, looking as if the wrong word might set him off.
“I’m afraid she plans to put an end to it,” your father finally says, regret perceptible in his voice, “as she has divulged to me that she might never see Lord Stark as more than a friend.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, my lord,” Viserys expresses genuinely, although he continues to closely watch Daemon’s reactions. His amusement grows at his younger brother’s inability to hide his emotions when it comes to you. First, intrigue at the mere mention of your name, then disappointment upon hearing that you are to see Cregan Stark, and finally the most obvious sense of relief regarding the end of your courtship.
A laugh threatens to escape Viserys. Being the elder brother that he is, he craves the pleasure of playfully taunting Daemon over his increasingly apparent affection for you.
“Nothing to be sorry about, dear brother,” Daemon speaks, breaking Viserys out of his thoughts.
“Oh?” Viserys turns to him in anticipation.
“My wish is to wed the Lady Y/n, as promptly as can be expected.” The entire council falls into silence, and Viserys finally lets out the dry laugh he has been holding back.
“M-my prince?” your father looks as if his heart would cease, and he certainly feels so, his chest significantly tightening at the prince’s declaration. Due to elation, or horror, he is yet to determine.
“Seven hells,” Otto exclaims, turning to Viserys, “won’t this be improper? The Lady Y/n has just ended a courtship with another lord, immediately to be wed to the prince?”
“I don’t suppose so,” Viserys easily counters, placing his hand atop his brother’s, “Daemon, I would hope that the lady is aware of your desire to be wed to her, and that you are not simply about to spring this upon the poor girl?”
“Of course she is,” Daemon confirms, his voice steady, “we are in love, if you cunts must know.” He could not help his less than tasteful remark, growing defensive about you.
“Gods be good,” Lord Beesbury balks at the prince’s crudeness.
“Alright,” Viserys raises a hand to appease the council, “Daemon, brother, I would be glad to see this come to fruition. Your marriage to the Lady Y/n would be exceedingly advantageous after all, for both our Houses.” He addresses your father, “I would assume that you believe so as well, my lord?”
Your father’s thoughts race, and with your best interests in mind, he speaks only to Daemon, “Do you truly love her, my prince?”
There is not a shred of doubt in Daemon’s voice when he answers, “More than anything.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
You sit in your usual spot in the gardens, accompanied by Hestia. A book rests on your lap, but you pay it no attention, your mind elsewhere.
Having just returned from Storm’s End, you feel at peace. You already knew that Cregan would accept your choice, but you did not wish to cause him any pain. It may have just been his natural charm, or a sense of ease with which he can hide his displeasure, but when you finally confided in him about Daemon, he was only quick to offer you a smile and pull you into his arms.
“Quite frankly, my lady, it only seemed a matter of time before Prince Daemon would break and accept that he needs you,” he said sincerely, his smile unwavering, “and I can recognize love when I see it, and it certainly exists between the two of you.”
Love. You shut your eyes, thinking of him, and savour the warmth of sunlight on your skin.
“My lady,” Hestia whispers, and your eyes slowly flutter open. You see her looking toward a figure in the distance.
“I think you have a shadow.”
🖤🖤🖤
The longest fuckin chapter I've ever written, gods be good. It did get a bit rushed towards the end. There was meant to be this whole scenario about Daemon heading into battle after hearing that the reader went to Winterfell instead to treat with Cregan Stark. Then I read how long it actually takes to travel from King's Landing to Winterfell and the timing just didn't fit with the events.
The parallels between Daemon and the reader were my favourite parts to write. They really are just two sides of the same coin.
Also, I did not expect myself to be writin' spicy content for this chapter, but I guess it just happened?? Oh well. 🤷♀️
I apologize this took aaaages to be put out. The amount of times I altered some parts I'm telling you, y'all would have just wrenched my laptop from me and I would not have blamed you 😂
My inbox was indeed flooded with demands for this chapter and I can only thank you all so much for wanting to read on!!! 🤍
Summary: What happens when a cynic and a hopeless romantic have a chance encounter?
A/N: A shorter chapter this time but it’s fine lol I had fun writing this chapter so I hope you guys like this!! Lemme know what you guys think!! Just trying out posting on Saturday to see how it goes!!
series masterlist | masterlist | tag list
Jess is standing behind you, doing your hair. Jess insisted on doing your hair on account of you going to the bar to meet with Tom. You, originally, weren’t going to tell Jess that’s why you were going. You did not want Jess to figure out it was a setup but Jess was bummed by her date and didn’t want to go anywhere. You fessed up you just wanted to see Tom again. And Jess, being Jess, jumped at the opportunity and now you’re stuck getting your hair done, knowing this night is not for you.
requested by anon: based on the plot of the movie Flipped, where the reader openly pines for Daemon, but he always brushes her off until one day, she stops bothering him.
word count: 2.5k ▪︎ masterlist
themes: one-sided pining (by f!Reader in the beginning, then Daemon eventually), angst, language, Daemon being Daemon
It’s no secret that you pined for the Rogue Prince. Ever since you moved with your father to King’s Landing after he was appointed Master of Laws in King Viserys’ Small Council, your admiration has steadily grown for Daemon. He was in and out of the city, due to his tumultuous relationship with his brother.
One week, Daemon returns. He trains with his gold cloaks in the front courtyard, surrounded by intrigued spectators. Workers of the Red Keep, knights, lords, and ladies. The last group bothers you slightly, the ogling ladies are all clearly there for Prince Daemon. You are, too. But you believe yourself to be different.
You consider Daemon to be a friend, at least. The two of you spoke from time to time. For seventeen different instances now, but it’s not like you were keeping count.
Your mouth fall open in awe as he spins, dodging an attack from his opponent. He might just be the most impressive fighter you’ve ever seen, all bias aside. He dodges quickly to one side, and digs his elbow in the other knight’s ribs, making him stumble to the ground. One down. His other opponent, though, manages to take advantage of this pause and slams the hilt of his sword heavily on Daemon’s back, bringing him to his knees facing you.
“Fucking cheat!” you sneer openly, “Get up, Daemon!” Several ladies moan in worry. Simpering sycophants.
He raise his head at your voice, and your eyes meet, “You,” he only says. His opponent moves closer to him, making you more alarmed, but Daemon does not seem to care.
“Get up,” you hiss, “turn around!
Daemon digs his sword into the ground, and leans into it, merely smirking at you. Just when it seems like his opponent has him beat, about to ceremoniously demonstrate the final blow, Daemon rolls completely, slantwise, ending up behind the knight. He pulls the knight's legs back with such force that the man screams in shock, before his body slams forcefully on the ground.
The crowd begins to cheer, nodding to each other, admiring the Prince’s prowess. Daemon walks over to a bench, wiping the sweat off his brow.
“Quite a good fight, as always, my prince.” He hears your voice pipe up. His little shadow, he calls you. He’s gotten used to your affections at this point, and it isn’t like you were shy about them, either. His gold cloaks have even created a sort of running joke about you. Then again, you care not about what anyone else thinks. Only Daemon.
“Enjoyed the show, my little shadow?” he takes a large swig of ale, “It seems as if you have nowhere else to run to this morning. Not that it’s any surprise to me.”
His crassness affects you no longer. You even liked how blatantly honest he is, even when it’s at your expense. “Watching you train is just as good of an activity as any other, my prince. I might say that I prefer it, even.”
“Oh, of course it is.” He seems to drift off, his attention not focused solely at you anymore.
You sit next to him, sighing loudly, trying to get him to look at you again. “So,” you think of something interesting to say, “my father says that the war in the-”
He quickly interrupts you, “I hardly care what your father has to say.”
The smile falls from your face, “I must admit he has no fondness for you, too.”
The silence falls over the both of you. You stare down at your hands, furling and unfurling on your lap. You hear Daemon tiredly sigh beside you, “Is that a new dress?”
Your head snaps back up. You didn’t think he would notice. He never notices details like this. “Oh, yes, it is actually. I rather like it.” You turn to him hopefully, “Do you?”
His hand drifts atop your skirts, feeling the material. You struggle to ignore your pounding heartbeat, driven wild by his proximity, by his touch. “It’s nice enough, I suppose.”
“My prince,” one of his knights beckon to him.
“The colour isn’t the most flattering on you, though.” He says, before standing up to leave you. “My lady,” he nods once, and walks away, not seeing how your face falls in dismay.
Great. As you make your way back to your chambers, determined to change into your old dress, you think of how you never wish to put on anything with this colour ever again.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
The next time you see him, he actually is the one to find you. He storms into the godswood, evidently distressed, kicking up stones in his path. You sit underneath the old tree, reading a heavy volume on Aegon’s conquest, when you notice him. You’re not certain whether to approach, but he seems so worried and angry, that you don’t think twice about comforting him. You slam your book shut, and approach him.
“You, again,” he sneers, “I thought I came here to find some peace.”
“You can find it here,” you say gently, “I do not wish to bother you.”
“And yet you always do.” He paces away from you.
The arouses your annoyance. Why can’t he, at the very least, be civil towards you? Granted, he may just be taking his anger out on you, so you voice out, “Something’s bothering you? You can tell me what it is, but you don’t have to be so heedlessly rude.”
He seems surprised at your tone, “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Of course I won’t,” you can’t help but scoff. How lowly must he think of you? Your affections are clearly wasted on the prince, but something still draws you to him. There is something there. There has to be.
“I shall take my leave if you can’t stand my presence, Prince Daemon.” You start to walk away from him, but he grabs your elbow, pulling you back.
You look at him questioningly, “Well?”
“Stay.”
His eyes hold so much depth, a silent plea directed to you. Your anger dissipates, and you ask softly, “Are you certain that you wish me to?”
He softens at your welcoming expression, and hums in affirmative. So you take his hand, and guide him to your previous spot under the tree. You sit side by side in relative tranquility, in the crisp autumn air and faint sunlight.
Daemon leans back against the wood, and for the first time, he gets to observe you. He sees that you are once again wearing your old dress, so you must have taken his thoughtless opinion to heart. Your beauty is heightened under the sunshine, making you almost glow, like an ethereal being. Daemon's expression brightens unconsciously. My little shadow. More so my light, in this moment.
You peer at him, “What are you smirking about?”
“Nothing of any concern, my lady.”
“I am glad that your spirits have lifted, somewhat.” Bravery takes a hold of you, and you reach out for his hand, squeezing gently.
He looks down at your hand, slight and soft compared to his. He won’t admit it to himself, perhaps not just yet, but he feels an immediate comfort from your presence. He had stormed out here after another heated confrontation with his brother, not expecting to find you. But find you he did, and he’s only glad for it.
“You don’t have to tell me about it, if you don’t wish to. Your secrets are your own. I do hope that I can bring you calm somewhat, with my company.” Your voice is ever so gentle with him. He’s aware that in comparison, he has been mercurial in his disposition. Sometimes tolerating your flirting, your playful remarks. Most of the time, turning his cheek in apparent displeasure.
He can’t quite point it out, but he appreciates how unabashed you can be around him. Whether he's cordial or downright impertinent, whether he’s being showered with praise after a victory in battle or treated as the kingdom’s outcast as being dismissed yet again by his brother. You only see him for who he is, one and the same.
“I appreciate that, my shadow.” He smiles faintly back at you, genuinely, a rare sight to behold. “But I suppose I shall let you know part of what’s bothering me. My dear brother wishes to wed me off to some dolt of a lady, from some southern house. I’ve refused, of course, as she looks just as goatlike as my late wife, the Lady Royce.”
“I heard that the late Lady Royce was a beautiful and strong-”
He cuts you off sharply, “She was just about as riveting as watching paint dry, and our lifeless marriage was no more than a mummer’s farce.”
Oh, gods. Daemon wouldn’t be Daemon if there is no fire in his words. In an attempt to lighten the mood, you nudge his shoulder, “You could just marry me, you know. I’m sure I would be a whole lot more interesting than some southern lady.”
He looks at you strangely, as if he can’t believe that you had the gall to even offer such a thing. “Hmm,” he raises an eyebrow, “but you can’t be my wife. You’re already my shadow.”
“Funny,” you smirk back at him.
You think again about how you care not what people say about Daemon, what they might think about your desires of him. They matter very little, if not at all.
Only Daemon.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
This year, your father arranged for a grand celebration for your nameday. No expense was spared, despite your reluctance. You cared little for these festivities, but the whole arrangement made your father happy, so to hell with it. This was another opportunity to see Daemon, after all.
You had seen him yesterday, in the Red Keep. There was a woman walking with him. She was beautiful indeed, with dark and silky hair, sensual lips, and a knowing gaze. You later learned her name to be Mysaria. One of Daemon’s… night time companions. The thought of it made your stomach churn, but you did your best to ignore it.
“Prince Daemon, I’ve been looking for you,” you greeted him, and only him.
“Aren’t you always?” Daemon replied playfully.
“Yes, well,” you stammered, and looked away briefly, before relaying your message, “It is my pleasure to invite you to the festivities occurring tomorrow, for my nameday.”
“Ah, my warmest wishes, shadow.” He tilts his head in response.
“Why do you call the lady shadow?” Mysaria questions, reminding you of her presence.
“Just a little something between myself and the lady, my dear.” Daemon says to her. My dear. You hated the jealousy springing from you. My dear. Not as endearing and meaningful as 'my shadow', I would say. Any lady can be called my dear, as a polite gesture.
“Can I count on your presence, my prince?” You ask excitedly, eyes twinkling up at him.
“I’d be loathe to miss a good revelry, my dear shadow. I’ll be there.”
“Very well then!” you steal a glance at Mysaria, who was eyeing you surreptitiously, “My father had his messenger send proper invitations to you and your family, but I thought I would ask you myself.”
As you sit at the main table, guests constantly come up to you to give their greetings, most of them you’re not familiar with at all. Anyway, the one you were most interested in seeing was Daemon, but he hasn’t arrived yet.
All at once, the crowd stands at the arrival of the Kingsguard. The Targaryens are sure to follow, so you stand eagerly to greet them, keeping an eye out for the Rogue Prince. But you fail to spot him, and only the King Viserys and Princess Rhaenyra come into view.
They reach you, with genuine smiles on their faces. “Our warmest greetings, dear lady Y/n.” King Viserys happily exclaims.
“My King,” you bow to each one in turn, “My Princess. You both honour me with your presence, truly.”
King Viserys moves on to speak with your father, while Rhaenyra takes your hands in hers, “You are having a great nameday, I hope?” She’s always been amicable with you, and you’ve grown fond of her friendship in turn.
“I am,” you weakly smile back, but he crosses your mind again, “I do wish Daemon was here, though. Is he not coming?”
Rhaenyra’s heart breaks for you, as she knows of your feelings for Daemon, “Well, I believe him to be occupied at the moment. Him and his gold cloaks left for the brothels earlier tonight, as is their usual routine.”
Your entire demeanour falls. You were aware of Daemon’s preferred activities, but you choose to ignore them. It isn’t as if you have any say in his doings, as much as you wish it.
“He’s an absolute idiot.” Rhaenyra is determined to cheer you up, “Why don’t we have some wine and plenty of cake, and go dancing with some of these dashing lords? Oh, and don’t look, but Cregan Stark looks as if he’s been eyeing you for a while now.”
You can’t help but glance at the Lord of Winterfell, meeting his heated gaze. Okay, then.
“Come, let’s get some cake.” Rhaenyra beams at you, and all thought of her absent uncle is pushed from your mind.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Daemon has been roaming the castle. He’s just been to the courtyard, and to the godswood, and to the gardens. He’s been practically everywhere, but he’s yet to see you. Strangely enough, he hasn’t seen you for a long time, it’s been nearly a fortnight since he last encountered you, when he was walking with Mysaria.
Where in the seven hells is my shadow? She can’t very well be my shadow, now can she, if she’s not even around.
Everyone has noticed that Daemon has grown even more unpleasant and impatient, as of late. More so than he already is. Snapping at servants, his gold cloaks, and basically anyone else who might unfortunately come across his path.
He’s had half a mind to ask your father himself for your whereabouts, but he has not come around to that just yet. He knows that you would turn up, somehow. You have to.
He turns a corner, when he hears it, faintly. Coming from the end of the corridor which leads to the open rooftop. His ears perk up at the sound of it again. Your laugh.
His legs propel him forward, quickly, yearning for the sight of you.
Then he sees you. But you are not alone. You lean against the balcony, a man standing close next to you. Judging by the man’s garb, he recognizes him to be Cregan Stark of Winterfell.
An unfamiliar sensation arises within him, accompanied by a sense of dread. He immediately wants to pull you to his side, and chuck the young Stark over the balcony for even being so near you. For making you laugh like that.
What the fuck? Daemon ponders to himself. What in the seven hells is this?
He steps forward to finally make his presence known, “Hello, my shadow.”
It's been quite a task to manage the taglists, but those here have asked to be tagged for Daemon fics or HotD in general (I think!) Apologies if I've missed anyone, just comment if you want to be added.
The next thing I'll post will be for Aemond ;) I've missed my little one-eyed mommy's boy/war criminal 🖤
Part 1 • Part 2 • Masterlist
Summary: You visit Tom's place after work to fill him in on the work drama and notice the tension between you is still quite thick.
TW/CW: Smut, 18+ ONLY Minors DNI, fluff, angst if you squint
Word count: 2.4k
You could hear the sound of waves crashing in the distance as you tiptoed up the steps of Tom's trailer. His door was dimly illuminated by the orange glow of the porch light. He said he'd be awake, but you weren't sure how late he meant, and the park was pretty quiet. So you tapped lightly on the door, afraid to disturb him on the chance he'd gone to bed already.
A few moments passed, and just as you turned to leave, he eased open the door and met you with an amused grin.
"You knock like I imagine a mouse would. How do you expect anyone to hear you like that?" He laughed, opening the door all the way to invite you in.
You stepped inside, noticing he'd cleaned up a little.
"Well, I didn't wanna bother you if you turned in. I went home after work to shower, so I didn't expect you to wait up," you said as you took a seat on his sofa.
He plopped down next to you, in the same way you'd sat next to each other earlier in the day, except now your hand wasn't bleeding profusely and things were a bit calmer overall.
"First things first. Let me see that hand. Did you keep it wrapped when you took a shower?" He asked as you offered it to him.
"Yeah. Was kinda nervous to take it off," you admitted with a shy laugh.
He carefully unwrapped it as you looked away, grabbing his first aid supplies to doctor it up again.
"It looks better already," he said with a smile as you glanced over at him. He was so gentle, softly cleaning the area and rewrapping it with tender passes of his own, slightly larger hands.
"Now tell me what happened with the witch, I'm dyin' to hear about it," he teased as he attentively wrapped clean gauze around your finger.
You rolled your eyes as you remembered the conversation with your grumpy old manager and how it was hard to bite your tongue.
"Before or after she beheaded me?" You asked, earning a deep chuckle from Tom as he continued nursing your hand. "Nah, it wasn't too bad. Just gave me some overtime for the rest of the week and told me not to be late again."
"So you nearly chop off your finger and she's making you do more work? That's lovely," he said sarcastically, shaking his head. "But very much like her. I missed 3 days last year when I caught the flu and she still brings it up at least once a week," he scoffed.
"There," he said, pleased with his work as he turned your hand over to inspect the tucked bandage.
"Thanks for doing this, by the way" you said softly as you began to worry that he'd give your hand back to you since he was through wrapping it. But he seemed to be in no rush to return the limb. Not that you were in any rush to take it.
"I mean it was kind of my fault that you wounded yourself anyway," he smiled. "Sorry."
He gave you puppy dog eyes as if to ask for forgiveness, the act itself sending a warm wave through your entire being. You couldn't ignore the flutters you felt as you took a leap of faith, turning your hand over and lacing your fingers into his. He looked down as you did it, his brows furrowing slightly.
"I'd like to say I would've been startled by anyone that walked in... but that just wouldn't be true," you admitted shyly, realizing you really couldn't go back from this moment. But you were too tired to care, too smitten with him and the way he carefully stroked his thumb over the side of your hand.
"Startled?" He asked, glancing up at you with a smirk, the apples of his cheeks holding a faint pinkness to them now.
"Okay, maybe flustered is a better word," you smiled, feeling your own cheeks heat up as you watched him let out a soft laugh.
Suddenly, the thought of what Kai said popped into your mind. You ran through your talk with Tom on the beach, and how he'd been with someone he worked with and how it didn't turn out well. This probably wasn't a good idea. And from the way Tom was looking down at your fingers interlaced, you wondered if he was thinking the same thing.
You cleared your throat and started to pull your hand away, feeling a bit of shame in your stomach. "Sorry, that was too much-"
"No," he breathed as he let your hand go, only to place his on the side of your face with vehemence. You inhaled a sharp breath at his touch as he leaned forward, his lips crashing against yours at a speed that made your head spin.
You kissed him back like you'd been waiting for it your whole life, your hands clinging to his polo shirt in an attempt to hold onto anything to keep yourself steady. His tongue begged for entrance against your bottom lip as you found yourself pushing him back into the couch cushions, his arms snaking around your back to hold you as close as he possibly could.
Your skin was practically on fire as his frantic, needy ministrations had you reeling. He sat up suddenly, pushing you back as the kiss broke for the first time and the reality of what was happening hit you. Your hand rose to your swollen lips as you tried to catch your breath.
"Should we not be doing this?" You whispered as his heavy lidded eyes searched your face.
"Probably not," he smiled. "But I really don't care."
You giggled as he stood, pulling you by the hand to his bedroom. You were like teenagers, clumsily tearing off each other's clothes and giggling like you were going to be caught at any moment.
He was on you in seconds, pushing you down into the mattress with the weight of his body anchoring you there, his mouth hungrily exploring yours while his hands roam the length of your torso.
He pulled away momentarily, pressing soft kisses to your chest as his breath ghosted over the wet skin, raising goosebumps all over.
"You sure you wanna do this?" He asked as he looked up at you with those gorgeous eyes. His chain dangled against your stomach, tickling you as you bit your bottom lip in anticipation.
You nodded quickly, not being able to think of anything coherent to say in response, your core already twisting from the way he was looking at you.
"It's- it's been a long time," he reminded you as his insecurity flashed in his eyes for just a moment.
You took the opportunity to grab his face, forcing his shifting eyes to look right at you.
"Then we'll just get to go again, yeah?" You reassured him with a raised brow, watching as he let out a low groan, letting his forehead fall against your torso.
"Fuck, you're perfect," he laughed as he crawled back over you to kiss you again, pressing his hips against yours as his erection made itself very apparent. You mewled into his kiss as you rolled your hips, chasing the friction you so badly needed.
You couldn't wait anymore, reaching down to help him slip out of his boxers before discarding your panties as well. You rolled him onto his back, bracing yourself on his chest as you lined your entrance up over his throbbing cock.
He threw his head back into the pillows with a gasp as you sank down on just the tip, already feeling the way he was stretching you from the sheer size of it.
"Ohhh, fuck-" he groaned as his eyes rolled back, his hands gripping your hips so hard you were sure he'd leave marks. It only encouraged you as you lowered down even more, your thighs already shaking as he filled you so perfectly you thought you could feel tears prickling in the corners of your eyes. You raised up slightly as he forced his eyes open to look down at where your bodies were connected, clenching his jaw as he watched you sink back down.
You took him to the hilt this time as he let out a pathetic moan that made you throb around him, squeezing him tighter so that his hands flew to cover his face for a moment.
"Jesus Christ," the muffled words made your cheeks glow red as you began to bounce slowly, grinding your hips against him as he hit your sweet spot over and over again. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you down so he could kiss you as he helped pull your hips down against him. He tested the waters and the harder he pushed, the more responsive you became as it sent waves of pleasure through your body.
Your legs started to tremble as he slammed you down against him repeatedly, gripping your ass as you buried your face in his neck to ride out the overwhelm.
He carefully rolled you over, staying inside of you as he slipped his arm under your thigh to get even deeper. You whimpered as he sank all the way in, his mouth falling open at how you took him so well, pausing just a second to keep himself from cumming already.
"You're so tight," he muttered as he thrusted his hips slowly, his hands worshipping your body as they trailed over your skin. "And so fucking pretty."
You gasped as he slammed into you harder, the mix of his filthy words taking you by surprise mixed with how rough he was getting. You had zero complaints as you arched your back, gripping his thighs to let him know you liked it, and you wanted more.
His dark eyes found yours as they pleaded with him to do it again. Harder. Deeper. More. And then he fucking smiled.
He leaned down over you, caging you in with his arms as one hand smoothed up your chest to wrap around your throat. He squeezed gently as he kissed your cheekbone, trailing down to capture your lips. He slammed into you once more as you moaned into his kiss, granting him all the permission he needed to absolutely rail you.
His hand flew up to grip the headboard as his muscles flexed, his chain dangling just inches from your face as he fucked you the way no one else ever had. You were lost in the pleasure as you watched his jaw clench, his eyes squeezed shut as he let out the most erotic moans you'd ever heard, and couldn't get enough of.
You felt the pressure building as his groin hit your sensitive bundle of nerves at just the right angle, sending you over the edge as you cried out, gripping his hips and making him bury himself as deep as he could.
"Oh god, that's it," he moaned as he wrapped his arms around you, holding you close as you tightened around his cock, softly rocking your hips to extend your release. His body tensed above you as he let out a soft grunt, his hips stuttering against yours as he flooding you with warmth.
You could feel his muscles relaxing as his heavy breathing slowed, his lips placing sloppy kisses up the side of your neck as he rose his head to look down at you through heavy, glazed over eyes. He grinned, fully satisfied as he touched the side of your sleepy face. "You okay?"
You smiled, nuzzling your nose against his. "I'm great."
He giggled as he fell next to you, letting out a loud, dramatic groan as he ran his hands down his face. He reached for your leg, needing to touch you somehow as you both laid in the calm and quiet afterglow.
"That was... wow," you said, still in a bit of shock as your body buzzed with post-orgasmic bliss.
"Good wow?" He asked, rolling onto his side and propping his head up on his elbow.
You laughed, nodding as you rolled to face him, pulling his soft sheets up to cuddle into. "Yes."
"It was 'good wow', wasn't it?" He asked as he scrunched his nose, making you giggle even more. You shared a few quiet moments as he brushed your hair from your face, studying how his bedside lamp light outlined your features. You looked at the time, realizing it was getting really late. You sighed, looking over at him to catch him staring.
"I guess I better get going, huh? It's nearly midnight," You asked with disappointment. "Can you imagine the talk if I stumbled out of here in the morning for work?"
"Fuck 'em. I don't give a shit what they think."
You smiled as he leaned down and kissed you softly. You looked up at the ceiling as you heard the sound of heavy rain falling against the tin roof. Tom grinned.
"Guess you're stuck here now. What a pity," he said teasingly.
"I hope you don't snore," you joked.
"Oh, I do. Pretty loud, actually. You're gonna hate it."
"I'll take the couch then," you shrugged, challenging him.
"I'll just come get you and bring you back to bed. Try me," he said with raised brows, before leaning down and nibbling on your exposed shoulder. You tried to roll away laughing but he just wrapped his strong arm around your waist, locking you in place so he could attack your neck even more.
After a few minutes of squealing and wrestling, you found yourself laying on his chest as his eyes were heavy with exhaustion. A soft smile seemed permanent on his face as he ran his fingers through your hair.
"What're you thinking 'bout? You've gone quiet," he whispered.
"That we work together and this could be a very bad idea," you sighed, tracing your fingers down his chest in little circles.
He lifted your chin with his finger, forcing you to look up at him.
"That gonna stop you?" He asked with one corner of his mouth turned up into a smile. "'Cause it's not gonna stop me."
You smiled, leaning into his touch as he stroked your cheek. "As long as you're sure. I know you last relationship was hard is all," you said softly.
"It's sweet that you're worried. But you're nothing like her, alright?" He said reassuringly, giving you a gentle kiss on your lips.
"Okay," you said as you laid back down on his chest, feeling yourself on the brink of sleep.
"Okay," he whispered as he kissed the top of your head, rubbing your back as you both fell asleep.
-------
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Ok so tell me why this chapter took me so long to write??? Lol here it is, the long awaited wedding night smut chapter!!! This chapter does indeed conclude the main At Last storyline. I say main storyline because I may end up writing one shots about these two down the road, just little things about daily life. But that may be a ways down the road as I have to focus on making inventory for a vendor market as well as a con I'm hoping to be a vendor at (tis the woes of a small shop owner). But I just wanted to give a big thank you to everyone who has enjoyed my story, reblogging it, commented such sweet words, or even just hearted it. This was the first story I wrote after a whole year of not writing and honestly I wasn't sure how it was gonna go. This story and everyone's reactions made me remember why I love writing so much though, and I can't thank you enough ❤️❤️...ok I'll stop rambling now lol TO THE SMUT!!
Summary: It's yours and Ralph's wedding night, and though a bit shy, Ralph is more than ready for the two of you to consummate your marriage.
"This place is beautiful!" You smiled, looking at the beautiful…well…mansion.
"I'm shocked that you and your sister don't live here!"
"Victoria didn't like the commute to London" he told you while he held the car door open for you, taking your hand as you stepped out.
"Commute or not, this place is breathtaking"
"I quite prefer my view" he smiled, his words making you look over at him, finding his eyes on you. You felt your face flush as you looked away.
"I still can't believe that I get to call you my wife" he sighed happily, bringing his hand to rest on your cheek.
"I still can't believe I get to call you my husband" you smiled back, your hand resting on his. The two of you stood there for a moment, simply gazing at one another, still unbelieving that you were truly married.
"Shall we go in?" You broke the silence first, your voice no more than a whisper, but Ralph heard you perfectly.
"O-Oh um yes, let's" he nodded, stepping forward to unlock the door and turning towards you, you gave him a confused look before he suddenly scooped you up with a strength you honestly didn't think he had, but a strength that had thoughts running through your head of him just taking you against a wall.
"Ralphie" you gasped while he stepped inside
"It's tradition for a man to carry his wife across the threshold is it not?" He smiled while looking down at you.
"Y-yes I suppose it is" you replied, already feeling the heat spread to your cheeks and lower. He gently put you down, his hand still resting on your side while you looked around.
"This place is amazing, I feel like I'm in a prince's castle" you giggle, causing him to smile while looking around as well.
"I'm glad…That I found the one who fit the shoe" he spoke, causing you to look at him, your heart melting at his words.
"I'm glad you found me too my prince" you told him, cupping his cheek and bringing his lips to yours, the kiss was gentle and sweet…at least it began gentle and sweet, you knew that Ralph wouldn't make the first move so you decided to, swiping your tongue over his lip you felt him gasp, creating an opportunity for you to gently glide your tongue along his, earning a moan from him that had your body heating up. His hands hesitantly rested on your hips as he followed your lead, his tongue gliding over yours before exploring your mouth, your moan at his action had him whimpering and pulling you closer, his excitement already becoming obvious. You knew he would be shy tonight, heck this was a big night for the both of you but you knew that Ralph was a bit worried.
"What if…What if I ruin our first time?" He had asked you one night while you two talked, the held back tears told you that this was a very big fear of his.
"Oh Ralphie" you cooed, cupping his cheek and turning his head towards you.
"You won't ruin it sweet boy, there may be some clumsiness from both of us, and we will both have to learn the other's body, what the other likes and doesn't like, but we'll be learning together" you told him, leaning in to capture his lips.
His tightened grip and whine brought you out of your thoughts as he gently bit your bottom lip, causing you to smile in the kiss. Slowly you pulled away, feeling Ralph chase after your lips, not wanting the kiss to end just yet. You indulged him for a moment longer before pulling away to look at him, amber eyes now darkened while soft pants fell from his lips as he looked at you. His hands still gripped tightly to your waist as his front pushed against yours, his excitement clearly evident. You could still taste the champagne on your lips from the kiss, and with one more look you dove back in. Earning a whimper from him while he backed up, pulling you along with him until his back hit the wall. Your lips left his to kiss his chin, hands slowly undoing his bowtie before unbuttoning the first few buttons of his shirt, enough to allow access to the silky skin of his neck.
"D-Darling" he moaned as soon as your lips came in contact with the junction between his shoulder and neck, the sound making your heart race and body heat up even more. His hands gripped your hips tighter, hips stuttering to find a rhythm as he ground your body against his. You paid special attention to that area, kissing and sucking on the soft skin, listening as his breathing pick up even more, moans falling from his lips before he covered his mouth to quiet them. Pulling back you looked up at him, his face flushed deeply while his eyes were closed, brows upturned as he trembled lightly. If this was how worked up he got from just a bit of light teasing you couldn't wait to see him once you both started.
"Ralphie" you spoke softly, watching his eyes open, those soft brown eyes gazing down at you.
"You don't have to hide your noises from me" you told him, hand coming up to rest on the hand that covered his lips, he let you slowly bring it down, lacing your fingers together as he whimpered.
"I-It's quite embarrassing" he told you, making you kiss his cheek to try and sooth him.
"Oh Ralphie, it's not embarrassing, I love your sounds, I find them rather…Arousing" you told him, watching his eyes widen.
"You do?"
"I do, infact, I would show you but-" you trailed off, looking towards the stairs.
"B-but?" He asked quickly, causing you to turn towards him with a smirk that had his breath catching and his throat going dry.
"But you'd have to take my dress off first"
And if there was ever an expression of someone who could cum right then and there, it was the one he wore. Mouth hanging open slightly, dark eyes blown wide as he stared at you.
"Would you like that Ralphie?" You asked, backing away from him and running your hands from your collarbones, across your breasts, down your sides and hips. Surprising even yourself with your sudden confidence.
"Would you like to take my dress off?"
"W-without q-question" he groaned, hands fisting the fabric of his pant legs.
"Then I guess we should move to the bedroom" you told him, backing towards the stairs.
"Unless you want to take me right here?" You questioned, watching as Ralph followed like you had a leash on him.
"Y-Yes"
"Yes you want to take me right here?" You giggled.
"N-No, I m-mean-" he walked forward, grabbing your hand and beginning his ascent up the stairs.
"In the bed first" he muttered, the dark blush never leaving his face, but his words made your own face flush, so there was some spice under all that sweet. The two of you walked down a hallway on the second floor before stopping in front of a door, when he pushed it open it revealed a beautiful bedroom. Against the far wall was a four post bed, with what already looked like beautiful silk sheets. There was a door on either side and you wondered where they led to, the curtains covered the large windows to the right and there sat a wardrobe, desk, and chair to the left.
"Oh wow" you gasped, stepping into the room.
"This is beautiful"
"N-Not as beautiful as you my love" he told you, causing you to turn and smile at him.
"Awe Ralphie" you cooed, walking further in and hearing him close the door behind the two of you. You made your way over to the bed, running a hand along one of those posts before turning to look at him, who hadn't moved from his spot in front of the door.
"Are you nervous?" You asked, very well knowing he was, but you wanted Ralph to talk to you, now was not the time to clam up.
"Y-Yes" he told you, looking at the ground.
"We don't have to do this if you don't want to-"
"I want to!" He started suddenly, meeting your gaze, before looking away again.
"I'm just…You know what I'm afraid of" he told you.
"Ralphie" you spoke softly, holding your arms out for him, he made his way over to you, happily letting you wrap your arms around him and kiss his cheek.
"I'm afraid of messing up our first time too, but like I said before, this is going to be a learning experience for both of us. We can do this as slow as you want to sweet boy, and we can stop at any moment" you told him, running your hand through his perfectly styled hair, happily messing it up.
"S-Shouldn't I be saying this to you?" He asked, but you could feel the smile against your neck.
"I feel like you are a bit more nervous than I am cutie" you told him with a giggle, feeling him hold you tighter as he pressed his face into your neck more, before beginning to leave gentle kisses on your skin, the action causing you to let out a breath, your hand still tangled in his hair while the other rubbed his side. You felt his lips beginning to leave a trail down your neck and across your collarbone, stopping once he reached the end of the low V, before coming back up on the other side. By the time he finally reached your lips again you were completely red and breathing faster, earning a shy smile from him.
"Good?" He asked, still unsure of himself.
"Very good" you breathed, staring into his eyes while you felt his hands slowly glide up your sides and around your back, gently grabbing the zipper of your dress. He looked at you for permission, unsure if you were ready, with a smile you nodded and felt him slowly lower the zipper, your dress becoming looser around your form. He quickly dove in to capture your lips in a heated kiss as the dress fell, pooling around your feet. His hands came back to rest on your sides, though when his hands met your heated skin a strangled moan fell from his lips that parted from yours with a small gasp. He stared into your eyes, too shy to look down at your almost completely naked form, after all, all you had on now were your white lacy panties, and your shoes that you quickly kicked off and slid your dress under the bed so you wouldn't trip on it. You watched him close his eyes, and take a deep breath before he looked down at you, the whimper instantly leaving him at the sight. There you were, standing almost completely bare before him, a sight that in his mind he swore he wasn't worthy to see.
"You're so beautiful" he breathed, eyes raking over your form, his hands itched to move, to take your breasts in them and worship your entire being.
"Touch me Ralph" you whispered, afraid to speak louder than that, the thought of disturbing the quiet that had taken over the room too much for you. You sighed as his hands slowly made their way up your sides, cupping the underside of your breasts before looking up at you. You couldn't help but giggle at his slightly lost look, and with surprisingly steady hands, you brought his up higher to completely cup your breasts, listening to his breath hitch upon feeling your already pebbled nipples graze his palms, a moan left his lips before they were on yours again, swallowing your surprised moan as he began to gently squeeze, palms running over your already sensitive skin before his lips parted from yours, leaning down quickly to capture one of your nipples. The sensation had another hushed moan leaving you while your hands tangled in his hair. The feeling of his tongue running along your skin before his teeth lightly grazed you had your head becoming fuzzier by the second, and here he was worried he would ruin your first time together.
"Ralphie" you moaned, knees almost giving out when he gave a rather hard suck, his other hand coming up to play with your neglected breast. You heard a moan in response to yours, the vibrations not helping your already weakened legs, and you swore you would have started to slide down to the floor if Ralph's hand hadn't grabbed you and brought you closer to him. His mouth now on your other breast, giving it just as much attention before letting go with a pop, a thin string of saliva connecting his mouth to your skin.
"Was that good?" He whispered, and oh, looking up into his blown eyes filled with so much love and lust combined, you knew this boy would be the death of you.
"That was perfect" you breathed.
"Really?" He asked, a smile making it's way to his lips.
"Why don't you feel for yourself?" You smiled, watching as he gave you a very confused look, even tilting his head slightly..Oh your little puppy dog. Grabbing his hand that was now resting on your hip you slowly brought it down to the top of your panties. Waiting to see if he would take the next step on his own.
"You can reach inside'' you breathed against his lips, waiting, and soon feeling his hand slowly make its way under your waistband, inching lower until his fingers could lightly graze.
"Oh my-" he moaned, other hand pulling you closer, slamming his lips onto yours, the moaned that came from him as he continued to run his finger along your soaked entrance, was only matched by the one of pure pleasure as he began to rock his hips against you, the prominent bulge in his slacks telling you that you made him feel just as good.
"Right there" you breathed when his finger grazed across your clit, the feeling setting your nerves alight. Ralph focused on that spot, fingers making tight circular motions that had your knees going weak as you clung to him.
"F-Fuck" you panted, being shocked that your body was already at the edge, though you had been so pent up and frustrated for a month that it shouldn't have been a surprise when you quickly tumbled over the peak. Your hands clung to his sleeves, face buried in his shirt while your legs shook, the band in your stomach finally snapping as you moaned out Ralph's name. You were thankful that Ralph was holding onto you, otherwise you would have probably fallen to the floor with how much your legs felt like jello at that moment, but Ralph held you gently, his other hand coming out of your panties to hold you with his other arm as well. You could hear his heart racing, feel his shallow breaths before you finally looked up to meet his lust blown eyes.
"D-Did you? B-Because of–D-Did I?"
"Yeah you did" you giggled, watching as he took in a sharp breath, you adjusted yourself, rubbing against the straining in his pants as you did so. Looking down you could see the very obvious tent in his dress slacks, a small patch of wetness already forming and honestly you couldn't wait to have him on the bed moaning. Bringing your eyes back to his you watched him swallow loudly, eyes not breaking your gaze as you leaned in and captured his lips for a moment, only parting to ask if you could undress him, to which he happily nodded. Your hands came up and began unbuttoning his vest, before reaching in to unbutton his dress shirt, pulling it from his pants before pushing the shirt, vest, and jacket off of his shoulder, hearing the fabric fall to the floor while your hands roamed the newly exposed skin. You had never gotten the chance to feel more of Ralph than his hands really, so you greedily felt the soft skin of his neck, running down and across his chest, smiling in the kiss when he let out a gasp as your hands brushed over his nipples before descending lower.
"Can I?" You asked, earning a quick nod and a breathy
"Please" while you played with his waistband. You slowly unfastened his belt, pulling the leather from the loops before letting it fall to the floor, your hands moving to unbutton and unzip the pants for kissing him again, letting the pants fall down his legs where he quickly kicked them and his shoes off. You broke the kiss to look at a heavily panting Ralph while your fingers ran along the top of his underwear.
"Ralphie" you spoke softly, causing his dazed eyes to focus a bit more.
"Why don't you lay down on the bed ok? And take these off only when you're comfortable" you told him, watching as he swallowed again, nodding before slowly detaching himself from you. You watched him walk over to the bed, quickly taking his socks off before standing up again, his back to you while he seemed to take a deep breath before you watched him hook his fingers in his waistband and pull them down. You would be completely lying if you said you didn't admire the view, the porcelain skin stretched over the muscles of his back that flexed while he leaned forward, the arms and legs that looked far stronger than you imagined them too, the idea of his strength flooding back to you. And lastly, the very cute butt that had you smiling and giggling like a schoolgirl. You watched him climb into the bed, before turning to face you upon hearing your giggles.
"W-What?" He asked, a new blush spreading across his face.
"Nothing Ralphie dear, was just admiring how cute you are, it made me a little giddy to think that you're all mine" you reassured him while making your way to the end of the bed. You slowly climbed up and over his body, never breaking eye contact and watching as your advance made him slowly lay down so he was completely at your mercy.
"Those thoughts make me very giddy as well" he smiled, hands coming up to hold your waist.
"Ralphie?" You whispered, descending to capture his lips in a quick kiss before moving your kisses to his jaw and neck, quickly finding the spot you had found earlier.
"Y-Yes! l-love?" He moaned loudly, head falling to the side to allow you more access, access you happily took as you marked his skin, making sure to leave a mark high enough so even his shirt collars wouldn't cover it.
"Ralphie, can I please you?" You asked, lips slowly moving their way down to his chest.
"You already a-are" he whined, breath hitching when your lips grazed his nipple, a moan soon following as you wrapped your lips around it, your hands ran down his sides, stopping at his hips before coming back up.
"I want to please you more though" you told him once you felt like your lips had kissed and sucked on every inch of his chest.
"What do you-?" He breathed, breath coming out in quick pants, before he felt your hands dip a little lower on his hips, almost touching him.
"O-Oh"
"Only if you want Ra-"
"Please!" He begged, his tone causing heat to form between your legs once more, you had a feeling Ralph would be the begging type, you just didn't expect it to be this soon.
"Anything for you my love" you told him, lips coming to capture his once more before descending down his body again, only this time you didn't stop at his chest, your lips left wet kisses along his hip bones, down and back up one thigh before repeating against the other. By the time you looked back up at him there were tears brimming in those doe eyes.
"Do you want my hand or my mouth?" You asked him, earning a whine and a buck of his hips from the man under you.
"Words Ralphie" you responded, leaning down to kiss his thigh again, so close yet so far from where he wanted.
"I-I don't know" he breathed
"E-Either–both–just t-touch me please m-my love" he begged, head falling against the pillow, Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed.
"Ok baby boy" you breathed, finally turning your eyes to your prize, Ralph wasn't too above average, a good size and girth, and very well groomed where it mattered, though that didn't surprise you with how well groomed Ralph was everywhere else. But the head was already a dark red and leaking steady droplets of precum, and you couldn't leave the poor guy like that any longer. Bringing your hand to your lips you made sure you had a generous amount of saliva before wrapping your hand around him. The initial reaction is one you expected, a sudden gasp followed by a whimper while his hips raised to drive his pelvis against your hand. You brought your free hand up to push his hips back down, calming him before slowly running your hand up and over the head, giving it a gentle squeeze before bringing your hand back down, drawing a breathy moan from him.
"Faster" he panted "Please"
Not wanting to deny him the pleasure, you sped up your movements, you thumb running along the slit to collect his spill, making your movements easier, you gave him a tighter squeeze once you reached the base again, and watched him throw his head back into the pillows, a moan falling from his lips. You did that a couple more times before he finally found words.
"M-Mouth please, darling I– I need more" he whined, looking down at you with small streaks of wetness falling down his cheeks as he pleaded with you. You decided against teasing him, knowing that could wait til another night, you adjusted yourself, licking a stripe from the base to the tip and watching as Ralph started falling apart. Peppering kisses along his shaft before slowly taking him in your mouth, you listened to his almost shout as you took him.
"Oh my G–!" He could feel your mouth hollow around him, creating a delicious friction as you began to bob your head, each downward motion causing more of him to slip into your wet heat until finally your nose was brushing the patch of hair at his base, but it was when you swallowed around him that he lost it.
"Yes! P-Please!" He moaned, hips surging forward, causing you to gag as he suddenly slipped down your throat. The sound making him suddenly lean up on his elbows, a worried look on his tear streaked face.
"Darling I'm s-so sorry! I didn't mean t-to I–OH!"He moaned, feeling you swallow around him again, he watched as you began bobbing your head again, this time moving quicker while feeling your tongue run along his vein.
"Love" he breathed, chest rising and falling rapidly as he watched you through blurry eyes, mouth open to let out heavy breaths. You looked up at him, a moan leaving you and running through him at the sight you saw, the sensation causing him to toss his head back, still propped up on his elbows.
"Please don't stop" he begged, hips giving small thrusts as he chased the pleasure you had coursing through his blood, this was better than anything he had ever felt. He knew tonight would be a whole new experience, having never felt a woman or had one pleasure him, but this was far better than even the pleasure he gave himself. He felt your tongue dip into his slit, drinking up the salty liquid and causing him to shudder, the knot in his stomach tightening further. He moaned loudly at feeling your tongue work his skin while your head bobbed, one hand coming up to wrap around his base as your mouth worked the top, allowing you to breathe better and move faster. Your other hand came down to cup his heavy balls, rolling them in your hand and causing him to whimper at the overwhelming feeling, the coil tightening even more, and it was all becoming far too much.
"D-Darling" he whined, balancing himself on one arm to reach down and grab your shoulder. His only answer was a hum, a vibration that went straight through him.
"Love!" He moaned, hand gripping your shoulder harder as his hips lifted once again.
"I-I can't" he whispered, trying to warn you about his impending completion. But your head simply moved with vigor, hands fondling him in a way that had him seeing stars.
"I-I'm! If y-you don't mo–Darling!" He rambled, eyes shut tightly, tears sliding down his cheeks as he felt himself reaching his peak, tipping right at the edge. He felt your hand leave the base of him, before you completely swallowed him once more. The action too much for him as he came with a shout of your name, hand digging into your shoulder while his body leaned forward, stomach muscles clenching and unclenching as he filled your mouth with ropes of his hot seed. His vision going white while his mouth works overtime, he's unsure of what he's saying, only able to focus on the pleasure coursing through him, setting his nerves alight as you milk him. Only when you pull your mouth away does he open his eyes, vision dancing with black and white dots as he tries to focus on you, on the way you swallow his fill, wipe the spill from the corners of your mouth and lick your finger, before leaning down to lick him clean. The soft touches and gentle kisses relax his over-stimulated body, his mind slowly coming to as you rest your head against his thigh, looking up at him. He truly was a sight to see, flushed cheeks, a flush that spread to his ears and down to his chest, which rose and fell quickly. His completely blissed out stare while you waited for his mind to come out of his post-orgasm fog. You turned your head to the side, kissing his skin softly, earning a breathy giggle from the man under you, before you felt him reach down and take one of your hands in his, gently pulling you towards him. You complied, slowly crawling back over him and smiling when he pulled you down to capture your lips once you were close enough.
"Good?" You asked with a giggle
"Absolutely Wizard" he giggled back, both of you sharing smiles and basking in the closeness, you watched his breathing slow to a normal pace, his hand slowly and gently running along your back while you were cuddled against his side.
"I want to make you feel like that" he told you, and when you looked up at him his face was bright red.
"W-with my mouth a-and hands" he added, not daring to look at you afraid you wouldn't want him to, afraid you might not like the idea. You on the other hand felt a whole new wave of heat rush down your body at just the thought.
"If you want to" you told him, his eyes finally meeting yours.
"Yes?"
"Yes" you smiled, rolling off of him and laying in your back, watching as he crawled over you, his eyes darting everywhere before he decided to start with a kiss, a quick yet passionate one to steady himself before lowering his lips to your neck, seeking out the spot like his, and finding it soon enough. Your whimpers were music to his ears as he sucked marks along your skin, at first being afraid you would be angry at him for doing so, but the way you gripped his hair and held him against your neck as he sucked told him otherwise. He slowly moved down to your chest only when he was completely done with your neck, smiling at his handy work, even with a ring on your hand, this was sure to show men that you were his and he was yours. His mouth descended further, lips capturing your bud again, gliding his tongue over and around it before giving it a harsh suck, moaning at the way your body rose from the mattress, chest pushing further into his face while you mewled at the sensation. He spent longer on your breasts this time, learning what actions drew what noise from your lips, and it was only when you were squeezing his sides with your legs begging him for more did he release them.
"I-I love pleasing you" he whispered, rutting into the mattress to relieve some of the pressure that had already returned for him, hearing you moan, whimper, and whine for him, because of him, had caused him to recover quickly.
"I love it when you please me" you giggled.
"Then a-allow me t-to please you more" he smiled, hips finally stilling against the sheets as he continued his voyage downward, kissing along your hip bones and thighs the same way you did him, only when he came to a halt between your thighs, he was a bit less confident than you were. Looking up at you, you simply nodded, watching as he slowly pulled the white lace panties from your body.
"Y-You're so wet" he groaned, slowly bringing his hand from your thigh to your wetness, slowly running his finger along your slit before spreading your lips.
"Can I–Can I use my tongue?" He asked shyly, looking up at you, puppy eyes pleading.
"O-of course baby boy" you stuttered out through a moan, how could he be so cute and sexy at the same time?! You watched at Ralph ducked his head down, his tongue running from your opening to your clit in one flat line, causing you to let out what was probably your loudest moan yet, your hand immediately reaching for him, landing on those beautiful curls that had long since come out of their pristine styling. You volume encouraged him to repeat his action again and again, until he decided he wanted to know what would happen if his tongue simply found its way inside you. He reached as far as he could, moving it this way and that, trying to learn which patterns made your legs tighten around him and which made you moan louder.
"Ralphie" you pleaded.
"Y–Yes my love" he panted, breaking away from you, his mouth and chin soaked and shining with your wetness, a sight that had you moaning once more.
"R-Remember that s-spot that you f-focused on before?" You asked breathlessly, he simply nodded.
"This one" he spoke while reaching up and rubbing your nub, the feeling throwing you closer to your peak.
"Y-Yes! T-That one" Ralph watched you start to move around more while he rubbed, but he wondered what you would do if he… taking a steading breath, he moved his fingers, quickly replacing it with his mouth and giving it a slightly harsh suck. If you thought the moan you let out before was the loudest, it pales in comparison to the moan you let out of his name. The sound causing him to moan, his eyes rolling back and shutting as you grabbed at his curls harder, his tongue dipping out to flick across it, just as he had done to your nipples, only this time he could tell that the feeling had you rushing towards your end. But it still wasn't enough for you.
"Please Ralphie! I need more" You begged, eyes shut and head thrown back.
"Tell me what to do" Ralph whimpered.
"Your fingers" you moaned, feeling him start to replace his mouth with his fingers but you quickly stopped him, leaning up to reach down and grab his hand.
"Not there Ralphie" you smile, watching as he nodded, seeming a bit confused at first before it seemed like the lightbulb went off as he brought his finger down to your entrance, slowly pushing it in, you fell back on the bed, the moan leaving you instantly as you finally felt at least slightly full.
"Y-Yes" you breathed
"J-Just like that"
He nodded and began moving his finger around while inside of you, in awe at just how tight and wet you were, the feeling had him rutting against the sheets again. You on the other hand couldn't hold in the giggle, that only caused you to clench around his finger and earning a moan from him.
"Ralphie baby, you gotta move your finger" you told him.
"I am" he replied, curling his finger and hitting a spot inside you that had you seeing stars.
"Yes" you panted.
"But it also feels good if you do that as well as move them in and out" you explained.
"Oh" he nodded, beginning to move his finger in and out of your gummy walls, curling them each time they were deep enough to hit that spot. He watched as your breath picked up, breasts rising and falling quicker while your eyes closed, enjoying the pleasure he was bringing you. He listened to you whimper and moan, the sounds going to his cock that dripped onto the sheets, he groaned when you begged him for more and he remember when you said it felt good when he moved them in and out, so he slowly entered another finger into your heart, whimpering when he felt no resistance at all. When he felt your fingers start tangling in his curls again he latched onto your nub once more, tongue flicking against it while his fingers pumped in and out of you faster. He looked up, wide eyes watching as you gripped the pillow with your free hand, face turned into it, crying out his name and pleas for him to not stop, not that he was planning on it. He moaned against you, the vibrations causing you to nearly scream as he doubled his efforts to get you to your peak,a peak that was fast approaching.
"I-I'm so close" you told him, hand tightening in his hair when he gave a harder suck, his fingers hitting that spot everytime.
"S-shit! B-baby! Baby I'm-!" You managed to get out before your vision went white. You could hear him moan, feel him quicken his pace, tongue flicking over your nub quickly while you rode out your orgasm. He only stopped when you tried to push him away because of the overstimulation. He looked up at you, worried he had done something wrong, but seeing your completely blissed out appearance.
"Was just becoming sensitive" you told him, reaching down to cup his cheek, smiling as he happily accepted your affections.
"Was that good? Was I good?" He asked, brown eyes meeting yours as he waited for your answer.
"Absolutely Wizard" you smiled, using his own words.
"You were amazing beautiful boy" you added, watching as he became bashful at the compliment, hiding his face in your thigh.
"Come here" you told him, watching as he took a breath before crawling up towards you, hovering over your body, and when you glanced down you could see just how much he was enjoying pleasing you.
"Oh baby" you spoke, brows furrowed while you reached down, taking him in your hand gently and watching his eyes close, a moan leaving him.
"This looks like it hurts Ralphie" you spoke, while he could only nod in return, body begging to thrust himself into your hand. His moans slowly beginning to become louder, so you quickly took your hand away earning a whine from him as he looked at you with pleading eyes.
"Would you rather finish in my hand, or would you like to finally consummate our marriage?" You smiled, watching the blush spread on his cheeks and down his neck.
"Consummate our marriage" he answered quickly.
"I would like that too" you smile, hand resting behind his neck to pull him down into a quick kiss.
"How do you want to do this?" You asked, watching as he looked at you quite confused.
"With…our bodies?" He answered in a question, his words causing a full on laugh to leave you.
"Oh Ralphie, you are so precious" you smiled, leaning up to kiss him again.
"I meant what position?"
"O-Oh! Um-–I-If you are o-ok with it—p-perhap we m-might try you—on top" he managed to get out, and just as you suspected, Ralph was living up to that blushing virgin idea, even after all the two of you had done.
"We can do that" you told him with a gentle smile before prompting him to lay down, watching as he quickly did as he was told, once he was comfortable you straddled him, his hands coming up to rest on your hips as you guided yourself to just above his cock. You reached down and grasped him, listening to his breath hitch while he watched every move you made. You brought his cock up, running the tip through your folds, the both of you moaning at the feeling before you brought it to your entrance.
"Are you ready, my beautiful husband?" You asked, watching his blush darken as he nodded quickly.
"O-only if you are, my beautiful wife" he smiled, watching with bated breath as you slowly began to lower yourself, and when he felt his tip finally enter you his mouth hung open, no sound leaving him as he watched you raise up before sliding down further into him. Each time you took more of him into your tight wet heat he swore he died, because surely this is what heaven feels like. By the time you finally bottomed out, the hair at his base tickling your skin, his head was thrown back against the pillow, shaky moans leaving his lips. You on the other hand were feeling absolutely dizzy from pleasure, you had been told that your first time may hurt, but whether it be the foreplay or how wet you were, the only feeling you had was just the odd yet not unappealing feeling of being completely filled. You moaned along with him, eyes closing while your head lulled back, simply basking in the feeling, but it was Ralph trying to pull your hips forward that had you looking at him. Keeping eye contact you raised your body, slowly, before lowering it just as slowly, trying to get used to the feeling of him. His eyes didn't know where to look, you were like a goddess above him, your face showing the pleasure that was buzzing through you, your body slick with sweat from your previous actions, the way your breasts bounced ever so slightly, or the area where you two connected, his cock disappearing into your tight heat and reappearing wetter than before. You were quickly sending him into overdrive.
"I-I can't b-believe this" he panted, hands grabbing your hips tighter, not to guide but to simple ground himself.
"Believe what?" You asked with a breathless laugh.
"T-that you're–Oh–you're m-my wiiife Ah! And I-I'm making l-love–God!-- Love to you r-right now" he moaned, his brain starting to become fuzzy as his end was fast approaching, especially when he felt you begin to bounce faster, circling your hips when your skin met.
"I can't believe it either" you breathed, hands coming to rest on his chest to help you get leverage for a different angle, causing him to reach deeper.
"Oh! Ooooh Ralph" you moaned, earning a whimper from the man under you.
"Fuck!" You panted, head dropping against your chest as you picked up your pace again.
"Ralphie" you whined, looking up at him, only to find him already staring, eyebrows drawn together while his mouth hung open at the sight of you, moans and fast pants falling from him.
"I can feel you so deep" you moaned, a sentence which was simply the truth, but a truth that seemed to snap something inside him, because suddenly you were kissing, his arm pushing your body against his while you felt him plant his feet and he was pistoning into you.
"Oh Fuck!" You moaned loudly, breaking the kiss as you held onto him. By now Ralph was a muttering mess, incomplete sentence falling from his lips as he buried his face in your neck, hips never slowing.
You could feel your end fast approaching, your own moans growing in volume as you held onto him as well as the sheets, the spring in your body being wound tighter and tighter with each slam of his hips. But you knew that it would be his sounds that did you in, and you were right.
"I love you! I-I love you! I-I love yooou! (Y/n)! So g-good! I- I can't! I love you! I-Im! I'm g-gonna cum! OH! I'm cuming!!!" He shouted at the end, feeling his hips slam upwards into you before stilling, keeping himself deep inside you while he filled you, the sensation of his heat filling your body caused your own orgasm to rush forward, your own loud moans being thrown into the air of the night while you rode out your high, but you couldn't take your eyes off of him, his eyes shut tightly, lips squeezed together, tongue peeking out ever so slightly as he finished. Ralph slowly leaving and entering you again, successfully fucking his cum into you deeper. When his thrusts became gentle and your vision cleared fully you both looked at each other while he let you slowly lift off of him, a hiss of pain leaving you with how sensitive you were at the moment. You slowly snuggled against him, his head on your chest while you ran your hands through his hair.
"I didn't mean to get that rough, or finish…That quickly" he apologized, though he didn't need to, and you quickly told him as much.
"I quite enjoyed the pace you set, and it's not like I didn't finish as well love" you smiled down at him, his eyes dancing with both happiness and sleepiness.
"So I did good?"
"You were perfect beautiful boy"
"So were you beautiful girl"
"Really?" You asked, earning a nod from him, his eyes already drooping.
"I'm glad you were my first Ralph and I'm glad we waited until our wedding night"
"I told you it would be better" he smiled.
"You did, let's get some sleep baby" you told him, leaning down to kiss his head.
"Mm'k" he mumbled.
"Can we do this again…sometime?" He asked, earning a giggle from you.
"Anytime you want Ralphie" you smiled.
"So…tomorrow morning?" He asked, causing you to laugh and lean down to kiss him again.
"Of course, let's get some sleep first though" you told him, watching through lidded eyes as he nodded.
"Sleep sounds good" he spoke, leaning up to nuzzle into your neck where you soon felt his soft breath as he slept.
Taglist (y'all are the real MVPs!!)
And there it is! Again, I can't thank everyone enough so all the love and support for this story, it truly means a lot! And I hope I can make more stories down the road for you all to enjoy again ☺️❤️
Part 1 • Masterlist
Summary: Tensions are high at work after the drama at The Dive. You confront Tom about his coldness.
TW/CW: Angst, slowburn/mutual pining, mentions of blood and nursing a small wound
Word Count: 3.7k
Work had been quiet all week. You came in, did your thing, and found yourself looking around the site between cleanings to try and spot Tom. Much to your disappointment, you never did. You started to wonder if he'd even been coming to work.
Jade asked you to hang out a couple times after your shift, but you really hadn't felt up to it, especially after the trouble you found yourself in last time. The Dive was the only bar within miles of the beach, so it was the designated "hang out" spot. And you wanted to stay far away from it for a while.
You were switching over laundry in the utility room when you noticed some water leaking out from beneath the washer. Your stomach dropped when you realized you were the only housekeeper working today, and knew that meant that you would have to call repairs.
You knew you'd have to deal with Kai in Tom's absence. The thought alone made your blood boil but you didn't want a repeat of the last time you tried to play handy-man.
You radioed for help and got onto the rest of your task, folding a huge load of towels and sheets. You glanced up when you heard the door knob rattle, your heart sinking when it wasn't Kai who walked in.
It was Tom.
You looked back down at your towels quickly, struggling to hide the way your hands began to shake from adrenaline. So he had been at work. He'd just been avoiding you.
You shook it off, trying to act as if you didn't care, since it was apparent that he didn't.
"Yeah, what's up then?" Tom asked plainly, his jaw clenched in that familiar way as he looked around the utility room, his toolbox tucked under his arm.
"Washer's leaking," you quipped, nodding toward the machine in the corner of the room. He looked at you for a long moment as your eyes locked, before you forced your gaze away from him and back down at your linen.
He got to work straight away, an uncomfortable tension wafting through the room as you shook out the towels in an attempt to fill the silence.
With each passing minute, you grew more irritated. Watching him turn his wrench from your peripheral vision, the weird vibe that sat stagnant in the air like a thick smoke. You couldn't stand it anymore as the words climbed up your throat before you had a chance to swallow them back down.
"Have you been avoiding me?" You finally asked, cursing yourself inwardly as you watched him turn from where he knelt on the dirty floor.
"What?.. No," he scoffed as he stood up, brushing his hands together to knock some of the dust off of them.
"Then why haven't I seen you, like, at all this week?" You asked timidly, almost regretting bringing it up as he acted as if he couldn't care less.
"I dunno," he shrugged. He looked annoyed, which burnt you up even more.
His short answers did nothing for your patience as you finished folding your last towel, huffing as you placed the stacks down into the rolling laundry cart.
"Fine. Enjoy your day," you said coldly as you went to roll the cart out of the room, Tom quickly standing and getting in your way.
"What's with the attitude?" He asked with furrowed brows, placing his hands on his hips. You rolled your eyes at his audacity. He couldn't answer your questions, but now he was questioning you?
You shrugged and stared him right in the face. If he wanted to be cold, then you would be ice.
"I dunno," you said sarcastically.
He narrowed his eyes, giving you an unamused look as he crossed his arms over his chest, his bulging muscles doing nothing for your already-faltering composure.
"Cute. What's the problem?" He asked again.
"Forget it. I shouldn't have brought it up, since you obviously don't give a shit," you said as you went to push the cart around him. His hand flew out to grab the side of it, bringing the cart to a halt as he challenged you further.
"And what do I not give a shit about, exactly?" He asked with a displeased tone brimming in his voice.
You snatched the cart backwards, pulling it from his grip and pushing it off to the side so there was nothing standing between you anymore. You mirrored his stance, crossing your arms as you stared up at him with anger bubbling in your stomach.
"See if you can follow me," you say with venom lacing your words, feeling angrier by the second.
"So you pull that hero stunt at the bar, right? You storm off like a tough guy and then proceed to avoid me all week. Fine, whatever. But then you come in here, cold as ever, and give me one word answers when I ask what's going on. I don't know what you'd call that, Tom, but I wouldn't exactly call it caring behavior."
He scoffed, shaking his head as he watched you incredulously. He was too stunned to respond, which gave you ample opportunity to retrieve your laundry cart once again and try to be on your way.
"You know what?" He snapped lowly, his chin almost quivering as his voice held a tone you hadn't heard before. He took a step toward you as you heard the door to the utility shop slide open. Kai walked in, interrupting Tom's rant.
"Having a bit of a lover's quarrel, are we? It's funny, I thought you'd learned your lesson about shitting where you eat," He spat with disgust, cocking his head to the side. You rolled your eyes as you felt heat rise to your cheeks, dropping your head down.
"Oh, piss off. What do you need?" Tom snapped.
"I need for you to get back to work," he scowled, pointing to the washer that was still pulled out of place, tools scattered where Tom had left them due to your impromptu argument.
"What the fuck's it look like I'm doing, mate?!" Tom shouted back, his voice thick with irritation at Kai's intrusion.
"Yeah, well it looks like the both of you are in here doing fuck all. Ain't you got linen to deliver?" He asked you with a condescending smirk meant to belittle you even more. "Just hurry up, there's more shit to fix and I'm not doin' it all by myself."
You kept your head down as he walked out of the shop, leaving you and Tom alone once again.
He turned to you as he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead. "Look, I-"
"Kai's right. I need to get back to work," you said with defeat as you pushed your cart out of the utility room.
Tom sighed as he watched you leave, running his hands over his face.
He finished his final repair for the day and went to his trailer to shower, picked at his dinner, and ended up pacing the livingroom with a beer in his hand. It just ended up going warm from his negligence.
He decided to head down to the beach for a walk to try and clear his head, as the stuffy confined spaces of his tiny trailer just weren't giving him the comfort he needed to think.
As he passed the dunes, his trainers padding against the sandy boardwalk that led down toward the ocean, he caught sight of someone sat down by the water. They were just feet from where the tide would wash up before retreating back into the sea. He recognized your hair instantly, taking a deep breath to summon enough courage to go and join you.
You were burrowed down inside your oversized hoodie when you realized you were no longer alone in the sand. You wiped the wetness from your cheeks on your giant hoodie sleeve so Tom wouldn't notice you'd been crying tears of frustration for the past half hour. You rested your chin on your knees as you focused your eyes on the distant waves.
"Is this why you haven't been coming to The Dive after work?" Tom asked softly, breaking the silence as he propped his legs up in front of him, bracing his arms on top of his knees.
"Among other things... Can't see the sunset like this from there," you said quietly.
Tom exhaled a laugh through his nose, "fair enough."
Tom could tell you were quite upset, but he tried his best not to look at you, afraid to make you feel any worse.
"For the record... If I didn't care, I wouldn't have wanted to put Kai in hospital the other night. It was quite difficult to keep myself from knocking his teeth out, to be honest."
You turned to look at him, peeking up over your arm to see his dark eyes shining as the waves reflected off of them. His gaze was fixed to the ocean, his face as serious as could be.
"Yeah, well..." you started, looking back down at your lap, "I should've just left the damn coat in the car. Saved us all some trouble."
"Kai is just a dick. He would've found something else to have a problem with," he reassured you, picking up a seashell from the sand beneath his feet to fidget with.
You shared a few minutes of comfortable silence as you couldn't find the words to say. You weren't sure if the conversation even needed to continue, or if you were chipping away at nothing, wishful thinking that you didn't have the energy for at this particular moment.
Tom had the same internal struggle as he broke the silence again, running his fingers through his unruly curls.
"Look, I know I've been an asshole. I haven't been around because I don't know how to act around people I care about anymore. It's just... complicated," he said as he shook his head, his face twisted up with confusion as he stared off at the horizon.
"Complicated how?" You asked, grateful that he was at least acknowledging how weird things had been between you.
He hesitated, nervously turning the seashell over in his palm.
"My last relationship didn't end on the best terms, and I've not been around anyone since, other than work friends. So... It's just different," he said as he looked down at his hands, before clearing his throat and shifting uncomfortably where he sat. "Look at me, rambling on about nothing. Just forget it-" he said as he started to get up.
You reached out and placed your hand on his forearm without much thought, swallowing back your nerves as he froze beneath your touch. You retracted your hand to your lap as he stilled, turning to look at you with those impossibly soft eyes that made you melt.
"Storming off doesn't have to be our thing, you know," you said gently, earning a small smile from him as he settled back down next to you.
"Did she work here?" You asked after a few moments, crossing your legs so you could lean forward and pick at the broken seashells scattered around you. "Your ex, I assume that's what Kai was referring to in the shop earlier..."
"Yeah. Used to, but she moved away after things went to shit," he said as he leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows.
"What happened?" You asked softly as you looked over your shoulder at him with apologetic eyes.
He considered your words, chewing on his bottom lip.
"She cheated on me."
"Shit," you said as you closed your eyes, almost regretting asking the question. "Oh, god, was it with Kai? Is that why you two have beef?" You asked with wide eyes, not being able to stop the intrusive thoughts from bursting out.
"Hah!" Tom laughed, throwing his head back as his smile shined brightly, igniting a swarm of butterflies in your tummy.
"Nope. Jade, actually."
You almost choked on your own saliva as you gasped, throwing your hand over your mouth.
"Shut. Up. You're joking!" you insisted as he shook his head. "Oh, god. I'm so sorry," you said as you tried not to act so shocked. But you couldn't help it, this news had floored you.
"S'alright, really. Jade and I have sorted it all out. It was a long time ago," Tom said thoughtfully, his eyes flickering back up to yours.
"So what about you? Got a boyfriend? An ex that drove you all the way out here to the coast?" He asked, drawing a line in the sand with a small twig he'd found.
You laughed, looking down at your shoes as he let out a tsk between his teeth. "Come on now, I just gave you some hard-hitting stuff. Out with it," he said with a grin.
"I'm single as they come, I'm afraid," you joked, looking out at the orange sun that was dipping below the water, almost completely set now. "My ex cheated on me too. Not with my coworker though, so I guess I got that going for me," you smiled, glancing over to make sure he found it funny. He did, even though he flicked a bit of sand at you for your witty remark.
You snuggled deeper into your hoodie as the sun finally disappeared behind the ocean, the evening breeze picking up and sending a shiver down your spine.
"I should probably head home," you said as you stood up, brushing the sand from your legs. Tom looked up at you for a moment, admiring the way your hair fell around your face and framed it beautifully.
"I'll walk you," he said as he stood, nodding toward the dunes.
You smiled to yourself as you followed him up the beach, chatting about nothing as he walked alongside you toward your little place a few blocks from the holiday park.
"Well, this is me. Thanks for the company," you said as you turned at the bottom of your steps and crossed your arms.
"No problem. Didn't want you walking alone in the dark," he said as he looked down at his shoes, an awkward tension in the air.
His sentiment hung in your head as you reached in your pocket for your keys, your fingers missing the keyring as they slipped and fell to the gravel beneath your feet.
You and Tom knelt down simultaneously to try and retrieve them, your knuckles brushing against his as your hands lingered over the keys. Your eyes met as you struggled to pull away, taken back by how warm his hands were against yours.
"Sorry," you muttered, grabbing the keys and getting to your feet again.
"I, uh-" Tom started to say, before a nervous expression overtook him, and he looked off in the distance. You waited for him to finish his thought, but he seemed to have talked himself out of it. "I'll see you at work, yeah?"
"Yeah," you smiled. "Goodnight, Tom."
You eased the front door open and turned to see him still standing in your yard, watching to make sure you got inside okay.
"Night," he said kindly, turning and walking back down your drive. You waited until he was out of sight to shut the door and lock it, cursing yourself for not inviting him in for a drink.
You had a shower and got in bed, settling under the covers to try and get some rest. Sleep evaded you yet again with thoughts of your co-worker, replaying the conversations you'd had over and over in search of a deeper meaning. You could still feel the ghost touch of his fingers on yours as you finally drifted off, well after 3am.
-----
Your phone buzzed loudly from your nightstand, stirring you from your sleep as it vibrated right off the table, clattering to the floor. You jumped up, realizing it was way too bright outside. You quickly grabbed your phone, seeing multiple missed calls from Jade and realizing it was an hour past the time you were supposed to clock in.
Shit.
You leapt from the mattress, running around your house to find your uniform, hopping on one leg to get dressed while your toothbrush dangled from the side of your mouth. You flew from the front door, throwing your bag over your shoulder as you took off to work.
You smiled politely as your manager scowled at you from the other side of her desk.
"Morning," she said with a salty tone, handing you your list of assigned trailers for the day.
"I'm sorry, I overslept," you apologized as you clocked in, thanking her for her patience as you promised not to let it happen again.
You made your way over to your first clean of the day, rushing inside to get started as you yawned and wiped the rest of the sleep from your eyes. You were exhausted. You began spraying everything down to let it soak as you gathered all the dirty laundry, when you caught sight of someone walking by through the kitchen window. You leaned forward, realizing it was Tom. He had his radio up to his ear, determination on his face as he sifted through his keyring, disappearing behind another trailer.
You got back to cleaning, shaking your head as if it would cause the thoughts of him to dissolve and let you get on with your work day.
Around lunch time, the lack of sleep began to really get to you. You were in the middle of stitching up an old sheet when the door to the utility shop opened. You were focusing so hard on not cutting yourself with the seam ripper that you didn't bother looking up to greet whoever it was.
"Heard you were late today, slacker."
Tom's voice startled you, squashing your effort to keep your clumsy nature in check when the seam ripper slid across the side of your middle finger.
"Shit," you hissed as you dropped the tool and grasped your finger with your other hand in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
Tom hurried over to the table you were sat at, sliding the sheet stained with fresh blood out of the way to inspect the damage.
"I didn't mean to scare you. Here, let me see," he instructed, not waiting for you to cooperate as he walked around the table, pulling your hand into his own. The blood was running down your arm at this point as he thought fast, grabbing a towel from the shelves behind you to wrap your finger with. "So you're just always this clumsy?" He laughed, glancing down at you as you sat in shocked silence.
"I mean, pretty much," you said softly as you blushed, feeling like your breath was caught in your throat. He was so close to you, shoulder to shoulder as he applied pressure to the wound and kept it there. He wiped away the blood droplets on the table, cleaning up your wrist like the sight of it was nothing. You, on the other hand, were a little queasy from it as you looked away.
"Hold it just like this, let me find some bandages," Tom instructed, placing your hand around the towel and showing you just how he wanted to hold it. He moved across the room to the first aid kit, muttering a few curses as he sifted through the box.
"This is all rubbish. I have some supplies in my trailer, come on," he said as he helped you stand, supporting your arm as he led you to his place.
You couldn't bare to watch as he disinfected the gash, gritting your teeth as it stung. You kept your eyes on Tom's face to avoid looking at the cut, noticing the way he worked quickly but diligently, being careful not to hurt you any more than he had to.
"How does that feel?" He asked as he studied his work, the fresh bandage he'd applied feeling snug and safe around your finger as the pain began to subside. He kept your hand in his as his eyes flickered up to meet yours.
You wanted to tell him it felt nice, the way his hands held yours. The way his voice comforted you. The way just being in his presence was the only thing better than the coastal sunset. But you couldn't.
"Feels good," you squeaked, clearing your throat as you tried not to let him see how affected you were by him rushing to your aid. His eyes lingered on yours for a moment before they dropped to your lips, and your heart leapt as you could swear he looked like he wanted to kiss you.
"Tom."
You both looked over to where his radio sat on the table, your manager's shrill voice coming through at the worst possible time. He scoffed as he reached for it.
"Yeah?" He said with annoyance.
"Have you seen Y/N? She was late this morning and now she's gone missing, apparently. Jade hasn't seen her," she snapped.
You sighed, squeezing your eyes shut.
"Yeah, she's here with me now. She cut her finger pretty badly, we've just got it all sorted."
There were a few silent moments while you waited for her response, and Tom rubbed his thumb over the back of your hand to comfort the nervousness he could see written all over your face.
"Tell her to come to my office."
Tom sat the radio down as you stood, clearing your throat and helping him clean up the mess of bloody cloths and bandage wrappers.
"I guess I'd better go. Thank you, Dr. Grant," you said with an amused smirk, earning an adorable chuckle from him as he walked you to the door.
"Come round later?" He asked, catching you completely off guard as you turned and gave him a puzzled look. He wanted you to come back?
"You know, so you can fill me in on the wrath," he said as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Oh," you said as you laughed, motioning toward the office. "Yeah, you bet. I'm sure she's gonna give me a load of extra work to make up for all the time I missed today though, so..."
"No worries. I'll be up," Tom grinned, leaning against the door frame as you forced yourself to walk away. You couldn't let him see you smiling like an idiot.
---------
Part 3 coming soon ♡
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You sighed happily as you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer to you as you felt his hands leave your cheeks, sliding down to your waist where he held you. Your tongues gently wrestled, neither of you wanting to dominate the kiss, simply bask in the other's presence. You felt his grip tighten as you softly sucked his bottom lip, a quiet moan leaving him before he began the kiss again, this time more eagerly while pulling you closer. You'd be lying if you said that Ralph and yourself hadn't been in this exact position many times in the past week, after that night he would ask to kiss you at any chance he could, even though you told him he didn't have to ask, the sweet boy still always waited for permission. The kissing had been clumsy at first, passionate but clumsy, to which he profusely apologized before explaining, while completely flushed, that he had never REALLY kissed anyone before either. You were each other's first on everything it seemed, including…
"Ah!" He whimpered when he felt you grind down on him, your position in his lap making the movement easier, it also made it easier to feel what you could do to him with just a simple kiss.
"Ralphie" you whined, repeating the motion.
"Darling…we-we can't" he panted, yet his hands did nothing to stop your hips…In fact he helped move them.
"But Ralphie, surely there are other things we could do?" You pouted, Ralph had told you that he wanted to wait until your wedding night for the two of you to give yourselves to each other, he said it was romantic, becoming truly one on the day you promise yourselves to one another.
"We-we should wait" he moaned, hips pushing up to meet yours, dragging a moan from your lips that had a whimper falling from his, you knew this was hard for him, waiting, just like it was hard for you. You had to give him an A for Patience though, because yours was running thin.
"Ralphie" you sighed, leaning in to kiss him again just as you heard the door open.
"Ugh really?on the couch?" Lauren asked in a voice full of disgust as she came into the room, followed by the other's. You quickly scrambled off of Ralph while he grabbed a nearby pillow and pressed it over his lap. Both of you were flushed and breathing quickly as you righted yourself, Jason snickering at the two of you.
"Oh it's young love Lauren" Victoria stated before looking at the two of you.
"But really please not the furniture, at least not in here" you both nodded, slightly jumping as she let the large folder fall to the table with a loud 'thud'.
"Now, we already have the venue, and the food, we also have the band" Victoria started, looking over at your friends who had happily agreed to play at your wedding…well…Horace and Jason had happily agreed, Lauren thought this was crazy but was happy you were happy, and Nick tried to talk you out of it but after you explained the whole "perhaps your past life was actually where you were now" he went on a rant about how that could possibly me true and then he was ok with the idea.
"But we still have much to do. We still need an overall theme, I'm thinking glitz and glamour" she smiled excitedly, of course that's what she was thinking. You looked over at Ralph, your hand coming to hold his and bringing his attention away from the large folder.
"What about you Ralphie, what would you like our wedding to be?" You asked, watching as he smiled at the simple sentence, you had noticed it a few other times, the way he would get both giddy and completely melt at the words "our wedding".
"Oh no my love, anything you want, this is your big day" he told you, and you leaned over to kiss him, him happily returning it.
"No sweetheart, this is our big day, both of us get a say" you explained, you knew he wasn't used to it, you knew Victoria usually planned everything and ran everything, but she wasn't about to do that for your wedding. You appreciated her helping, but her brother would have a say in this.
"I think glamourous would be a wizard idea" he started, making Victoria clap, though his eyes never left yours.
"But instead of diamonds covering everything…we have the colors be black and gold? With a few crystals and pearls maybe" he finished, you could easily see his vision, and honestly it was beautiful.
"That sounds breathtaking," you smiled.
"Why black and gold?" Victoria asked, kind of upset he didn't share her vision.
"Because it's elegant," he started
"And because…the first night we danced together…the first night I fell in love with (y/n), she was wearing a black and gold dress" he smiled…Oh how this boy could make your heart flutter.
"Oh Ralphie" you smiled, cupping his cheek and kissing him gently, a kiss that he happily returned.
"Very well, black and gold it is" Victoria stated, slightly disappointed, but also slightly happy her brother had found someone to marry.
"Well now that we have the colors we can work on the venue decor, the flowers, the cake, the invitations. (Y/n) dear we need to shop for your dress and the bridesmaids dresses, Ralph sweetie you need your tux and the groomsmen tuxes" Victoria rambled. Victoria took her job as future sister-in-law, and maid of honor very seriously. You remember asking Victoria to be your maid of honor, she was pressing you to know who you'd choose, and though originally you were going to pick Lauren, the look on her face said "pick me and I'll kill you" so you quickly chose Victoria, earning an excited cheer and rib crushing hug.
"What shall we check off today?" Ralph asked, slipping his hand into yours, gently running his finger against your engagement ring.
"As much as possible" Victoria started.
"Why don't we go see about the cake, flowers, and invitations, and then we can all meet at the Ritz for lunch, afterwards Victoria and I will shop for dresses while Ralphie, you and the group can shop for suits" you suggested.
"That's a marvelous idea!" Victoria exclaimed, already standing with her folder.
"Wizard idea my love" Ralph smiled, leaning in but pausing for a moment to look at you, after your small nod he gave you a quick peck before standing, pulling you with him.
"Alright, what time should we meet up?" Jason asked Victoria, who then looked at the clock, it was already seven a.m…their sleep schedule was another thing you had to get used to.
"How about one? Should give us ample time to get done" Victoria told him, earning nods from everyone before quick goodbyes were exchanged and you were whisked out of the building. The first stop was the florist, who, after telling your vision to, suggested white Peonies, white Anemones and a beautiful flower he called a black velvet Petunia. A combination which paired with some branches and ribbon he said he could get in black and gold sounded amazing. Pleased with your ideas for the centerpieces and bouquet you all moved onto the invitations. Which surprisingly didn't take long, after telling the colors the woman happily showed you a few options, saying she could get them in your colors and Ralph absolutely fell in love with the script and beautiful envelope, so of course you happily chose those. Next…The cake. You knew this part would take a bit, and it was at this, as you all sat down you realized you didn't even know what Ralph's favorite flavor of cake was.
"What is your favorite flavor Ralphie?"
"What flavor do you prefer, my love?" You both asked, pausing for a moment before laughing.
"I suppose we had the same thought," you smiled.
"I suppose we did," he smiled, leaning over as you gave him a quick kiss, his hand taking a hold of yours.
"I quite like (f/f)" you told him, watching as his face lit up.
"And here I thought you couldn't be even more divine, that's my favorite as well" he told you, watching as your face lit up as well. Ralph enjoyed every time your face did that, light up with happiness due to him, he was quickly finding himself becoming addicted to it. He was pulled from his thoughts though when the baker who they must have went to for their lavish parties walked over.
"My two favorite clients" she smiled, before looking over at you.
"And who is this?"
"This is (y/n)" Victoria introduced before Ralph added excitedly.
"My fiance"
"Oh my God" she gasped, quickly sitting down.
"You're getting married?! Oh Ralph I'm so happy for you!" She exclaimed.
"Your mother would be so happy" she told him in a calmer tone, taking his hand in hers and earning quick nods from him, he didn't speak though, and when you looked at him you could see withheld tears. You gently ran your thumb along the hand that still held yours, earning his attention as you gave him a gentle smile, he smiled back, a small tear slipping down his cheek that you quickly wiped away.
"Mother would have loved you" he whispered.
"I would have loved her too, after all, I have her to thank for bringing you into this world" you told him, hand still cupping his cheek.
"Ok now you are going to make me cry" the woman sniffled, letting go of Ralph's hand and gently wiping her eyes.
"Lucile was a friend of our mother's," Victoria explained.
"She was practically my sister, we grew up together, and I can tell you right now that the love I just saw displayed…she would be overjoyed by" she told you, making your heart clench while you looked over at Ralph. You smiled and leaned in, him quickly following your lead and sharing a quick kiss.
"Ok, before anymore tears are shed, what are we thinking for the big day?"
"Our colors are black and gold" Ralph explained, and you were shocked Victoria hadn't answered, looking over you saw her smiling at her brother as he happily talked to Lucile and you wondered how often they saw this woman as children, she sounded like she would have been a sort of aunt figure to them, maybe that is why she sat back and let him talk…maybe this whole time Victoria cut him off with strangers as a weird way of protecting him?
"Oh, so elegant, do we have flowers?" She asked, looking over at you to bring you into the conversation.
"Oh yes, White Peonies, White Anemones, and Black Velvet Petunias" you told her.
"That combination and color palette are already giving me ideas" she smiled, looking down to sketch out a design. When she finally showed you all the picture, all you could think was how perfect it was. A six layer cake, the first white with a gold filigree at the bottom, the second a black layer with gold interwoven cross hatching, the third a layer covered in gold sparkle, the fourth another white layer with gold at the top and piped white petals, the fifth a black layer with draped gold pearls, and the very bottom layer would be black with gold lacing at the top and bottom. It would also be decorated with your flowers.
"Oh my" you gasped, Ralph looked over at you just as struck by the image and with a shared glance you both knew, that was your wedding cake.
"We love it!" Ralph exclaimed.
"Wonderful!" She said just as excitedly
"Now do we have a flavor in mind?"
"Well (y/n) and I both enjoy (f/f)" he told her.
"But we were thinking about perhaps making each layer different- for our guests" he added
"I do believe Victoria enjoys chocolate, don't you?" You asked, a slight teasing smile on your lips as you looked to your soon to be sister, who for the first time since you've met him, blushed.
"I do enjoy a good chocolate" she smiled back at you, earning a giggle from the both of you.
"We can definitely do that, we can have the top layer as well as the bottom layer be (f/f) and then the rest be different" she told you, before excusing herself to go grab some samples of their other flavors. After trying them and choosing the flavors you wanted she told you she would have it in time for your chosen date, a few shared hugs later you were just about to head out when she stopped you, asking if she could talk to you alone. You nodded to Ralph and watched as he walked out with Victoria.
"I just wanted to have a word. I've known those two since I was young and they were babies, Ralph is like a nephew to me"
"I can definitely see that" you smiled.
"It makes me so happy to know that he's found someone who loves him, I saw it in the way you looked at him today, and the way you interact with him…I know Ralph can be a handful, he's always been a very eccentric boy, but you are patient with him, you let him talk and get his thoughts out and I just wanted to tell you that I truly appreciate that dear. I know that he is in good and loving hands, and I hope you know that you are as well" she smiled, her words making you blink back tears, this woman who had seen your Ralphie as a baby, watched him grow up, was thanking you for something that came so naturally…Loving him.
"You don't have to thank me, I'm just happy I found him. He's unlike any man I've ever met, he makes me feel so seen and…Honestly he makes me feel like a princess, he really is my prince charming" you smiled.
"Then dear, I'm so happy to provide the cake for your fairytale" she smiled, leaning in to hug you, a hug you happily returned before she ushered you out.
"Don't make him wait" she smiled, and with that you left, and sure enough, as soon as you left Ralph's hand was in yours.
"What was that all about?" Victoria asked as you all began to head to the jewelry store since some things had gone faster than expected so you had time, and both you and Ralph needed wedding bands.
"She just wanted to tell me how happy she was, and how she was thankful Ralphie and I are together" you smiled, earning a smile from the both of them.
"She has always been like an aunt or even a second mother to us" Ralph told you.
"Do you remember when you got into the garden at her house, you tore up all her carrots and she disciplined you. Ralph wouldn't stop being upset about it for a week, he thought she truly hated him" Victoria told the story and you looked over to see Ralph blushing as she revealed his secrets.
"Awe Ralphie"
"What about when she caught you kissing the boy down the road behind her garden shed?" Ralph replied quickly, making Victoria gasp, not only at the fact that he brought up the memory, but the fact he stood up to her.
"What about when you put on that play in her living room? The one you wrote yourself and you insisted on playing every part, even the girls, you kept changing between a suit and a dress"
"Are there pictures of this?" You chimed in, causing Victoria to smile and Ralph to look over at you, a small whimper coming from him at you being happy about the embarrassing story.
"Oh you were probably so adorable though, being so happy to play out your story" you told him, looking into those puppy dog eyes, that was what you had come to realize Ralph slightly reminded you of in the time you had been with him, a very happy and loveable puppy.
"It's embarrassing" he whined, looking away from you.
"But it was something you were passionate about, and therefore that makes it adorable" you told him, leaning up to kiss his cheek and watching as he beamed at you, quickly leaning down to capture your lips. The two of you shared a brief kiss before walking into the jewelry store.
"Hello again" the man smiled, after all it had only been a little over a week since you were in here buying jewelry on your shopping trip.
"What can I help you with?"
"We're looking for wedding bands, well, they are looking for wedding bands" Victoria explained, the man looked over at the two of you and smiled.
"Ah yes, the Ruby engagement ring, I'm glad to see it was accepted"
"Happily so" Ralph beamed as you both walked towards the counter.
"Well you are in luck my friends, the engagement ring actually came with a matching wedding band" he told you, pulling out the tray and showing that there was in fact a matching band. A beautiful band with oval shapes that had two Rubies and four smaller diamonds in each. In between five larger diamonds.
"Well we most certainly have to get that" Ralph smiled at you.
"Now we just need to find one for you," you replied.
"I'd be honored if you picked it out" he told you, his eyes gazing into yours with complete seriousness.
"Oh Ralphie, are you sure?"
"Completely, knowing you chose it for me makes it all the more special" he smiled, watching as your gaze softened even more, a look of pure love in your eyes before you leaned in and captured his lips.
"It's me who would be honored" you whispered, your breath fanning against his face and making him dizzy, truly the wedding couldn't get here fast enough for him. He watched you slowly look through all of the wedding bands, giving each one a thorough inspection to find one you felt really fit him. He watched you with such love, getting lost in every detail of you that he slightly jumped when you finally spoke.
"Ah ha! That one" you smiled up at the man from your crouched position, having gotten down to get a better look. He watched you point to a tray and the man pull it out for you, you happily standing before looking over at him.
"This one" you smiled. He looked over at the ring and gasped, it had oval shapes as well, though these ovals were pure diamonds, with triangles pointing up and down in between each oval, and each of the triangles has a smaller diamond. Truly it was a beautiful ring.
"It's beautiful" he spoke still in awe, this was what made you think of him? It was so beautiful and elegant and surely this was too much right? Surely you didn't see him as a diamond?
"A beautiful ring for a beautiful boy" you smiled, his face flushed completely as his eyes snapped to you, beautiful doe eyes wide at your words.
"I think it's perfect," you smiled. Watching as he swallowed, trying to collect himself after your compliment.
"If you think it's perfect than so do I my love" he smiled.
"I'll wrap them up" the man smiled at your little scene. After that you all were off to the Ritz for lunch and to meet up with your friends. The lunch was great, you all chatted happily while you ate, though the one thing you didn't care for was how one of the waitresses kept staring at Ralph. You leaned over and kissed his cheek just as he took a bite, causing the boy to quickly look over at you, to which you simply smiled at him.
"Just cause" you told him, watching as he leaned forward after swallowing, you happily gave him a quick kiss on the lips before hearing your friends pipe up.
"Alright not while I'm eating" Lauren told the two of you, causing you both to laugh. But Ralph slid his hand across the table, taking yours in his before bringing it up to his lips.
"I can't wait to marry you," he smiled.
"Neither can I Ralphie"
"Is there anything else I can get you?" The waitress asked, well, asked Ralph who didn't even bother to look at her, figuring she was addressing Victoria as most people did.
"No thank you, unless you all are ready to go?" You told her, looking around at everyone.
"Yes I think we better go if we want to find you a good wedding dress" Victoria smiled, having seen the woman eyeing her brother as well.
"Oh! You're getting married?" The girl asked, eyes now on you.
"Yes" you smiled, holding up the hand that was still grasping Ralph's but still able to show the ring.
"My, that is a lovely ring" she gasped.
"Thank you, my Ralphie does love to spoil me" you smiled at Ralph, leaning in to give him another quick kiss that had the boy beaming.
"Anything for you my love" he mused. And you watched the girl slightly huff.
"Right, I'll be back with the check" she stated before quickly leaving.
"I think you just broke that poor girl's heart," Lauren laughed.
"Her heart and eyes were in the wrong place" you shrugged.
"What do you mean?" Ralph asked, looking between you and Lauren before looking over at the waitress, completely unaware of what just silently happened between you two.
"She…it's nothing" you laughed.
"The girl was eyeing you, and (y/n) was not so subtly telling her that you were off the market" Lauren explained. Making you look at her, and Ralph to look at you, wide-eyed. Ralph had his own worries in the back of his mind that you would one day wake up and change your mind, saying you didn't want him. But to hear that you were telling other women that he was yours, it made his heart flutter…and his pants tight. Coughing he subtly slipped his napkin onto his lap and leaned forward to try to hide himself from your view.
"Love, you don't have to worry, I'm all yours" he smiled, leaning in to kiss you, lips just inches away when he heard the voice of the waitress again.
"Your check" his eyes opened, noticing yours staring behind him, he quickly closed the gap, hand coming to rest of your cheek as he kissed you, an unspoken "I'm yours". When he pulled away the waitress was gone, and all of your friends were smirking.
"We better go then" Victoria laughed while standing.
"Yes let's" Ralph nodded, standing as well and taking your hand to help you up. You all walked outside and into the busy street.
"Well, this is where we part ways" you told him, watching as he looked at you, the sadness showing clear in those amber eyes.
"You can't see the bride's dress before the wedding, it's bad luck" you told him, cupping his cheek.
"The wedding can't come soon enough" he told you.
"It really can't" you smiled, before quickly kissing him as you let go of his hand. You back away to stand next to Victoria, Ralph still looking at you.
"I won't keep her long"Victoria told him, placing her hands on your shoulders.
"She'll be back in your arms by the end of the day Ralph, she needs to get her dress, and you all need to find your suits" she explained, hooking her arm through yours.
"Now off you go" she shooed him and began pulling you away. You look back at Ralph just as he looked back at you. You smiled and blew him a kiss, watching as he caught it and held it to his chest, smiling as well.
"I hope you don't mind, I invited some friends to help, I figured we could make an event out of this special moment" she said once you both reached the dress shop. You didn't know any of Victoria's friends, but it did make you nervous, Victoria came from money, and most likely so did her friends, you on the other hand did not, you were from very different social classes.
"Oh no I don't mind" you lied, walking with her to where three other girls sat.
"(Y/n) this is Florence, Josephine, and Lillian, my three best friends" Victoria beamed, gesturing to a redheaded woman with a bright red dress on, a blond woman wearing a gray dress with a fur shawl, and lastly a black haired woman with a gold dress.
"Ladies this is my soon to sister-in-law (y/n)" Victoria introduced.
"Hello" you smiled, shyly waving at the women.
"Hello dear" the one named Josephine smiled.
"Hello" Lillian nodded.
"So Ralph actually convinced someone to marry him?" Josephine asked, looking at you then Victoria…oh…this one was going to be trouble.
"It didn't take much convincing, her and my brother are madly in love" Victoria explained.
"Really?" She asked.
"Yes" you piped up, earning her attention.
"Ralph is everything I've ever looked for in a man" you told her.
"Except for the man part" she mumbled, earning a slap to her leg from Josephine. Ok this one was already pissing you off.
"Let's start looking shall we dear" Josephine smiled, standing up and taking your other arm as she and Victoria led you around the shop. It didn't take Victoria long to find a dress she loved for her maid of honor dress, but by the time you went into the dressing room both Victoria and Josephine were holding five dresses each for you to try on.
The first one you tried on was not your style at all, but it was very much Victoria's the slim white dress was completely covered in silver beads and jewels with a matching headband and gloves, you knew this wasn't the one but you came out to show everyone anyways.
"Oh that is absolutely beautiful! Completely not your style dear but beautiful on you" Victoria smiled.
"I think this would be much better suited as your wedding dress Victoria" you laughed but admired yourself in the mirror.
"Victoria getting married? Now that would be a sight to see" Florence laughed.
"I could see her in it though" Lillian added, causing Florence to roll her eyes.
"Let's try on another one" Josephine clapped, you simply nodded and tried on the next, which was a much longer gown, no jewels this time but it did have a lace overlay. Overall it was a very simple but elegant dress, and your crowd thought as much.
"It's a little…Plain" Josephine stated.
"Yeah I thought that too" you said.
"Not sure if it would go with the theme" you added.
"Oh what is your theme?" Josephine smiled
"Victoria probably picked it out since Ralph usually just sits in the back and lets Victoria run the show" Florence laughed..ok why was she here again? She didn't even sound like a friend to Victoria at this point.
"Actually Ralph did choose the theme" Victoria defended her brother.
"Oh no" Florence started before turning to you.
"I would say I feel sorry for you but you did sign up for this"
"The theme is Black and Gold" you stated, turning away from Florence to face Josephine.
"Ralphie picked it because of the dress I wore on the first night we danced together, he said that was when he started falling in love with me" you smiled, hearing a snort from Florence,but Josephine was beaming.
"That is so romantic!' she sighed.
"We definitely need to find you the right dress," she quickly added.
"Definitely!"
The next few dresses were ok but still not the one, though one you did like that was kind of fun was one that was more of what you think of when you think of a "flapper" style dress. Different layers of beads that moved when you danced, there were also crystals on the bodice down to the hips.
"I think that would be more for the reception, more fun to dance in" Victoria smiled excitedly.
"Oh Ralph would love that, and paired with my tap shoes" you smiled back, twisting back and forth to watch the beads swing.
"Oh he'd fall in love all over again" she laughed.
"I say we get it as a party dress then" Josephine clapped excitedly.
"I agree, we are getting that one too" Victoria nodded before shooing you back into the changing room. A few more dresses and a few more nos, until the very last dress that you slipped into your body. A long fitted dress that flared at the bottom, the neckline was a deep V, showing off your collarbones and the top of your breasts. The sleeves were short but long enough to deal over the tops of your arms, and the best part, it was bejeweled. Not in an obviously overly jeweled sort of way, but in jewels that didn't even look like they were there until you moved and they caught the light. Walking out you knew you had a smile on your face that simply screamed "this is the one". All the women looked shocked,even Florence and Lillian. But it was Victoria who spoke up first as you admired yourself in the mirror.
"You look beautiful" she breathed, you looked at her through the mirror, her hand placed on her chest and held back tears in her eyes.
"Awe, Victoria" you turned, walking over to hug her.
"I'm fine dear but you…This is the one" she whispered.
"It really is" you smiled at her, turning back to the mirror, and suddenly, suddenly it all began to sink in…you were in the 1920's…Getting married to a man you had only really known for a little over a week but were already completely in love with…This was crazy, the few friends you had back home would say you were completely insane, and yet…You couldn't be happier.
"Oh wait!" Josephine jumped from her seat, running off excitedly before quickly returning, she helped you put on the full length while silk gloves, putting large crystal earrings in your ears and placing a jeweled headband on your head, a headband that had a long veil attached to it.
"I'm getting married" you breathed, honestly you didn't think this day would ever come, not for you,not the second choice.
"You're getting married" Victoria spoke behind you, fixing the veil before placing her hands on your shoulders, looking at you through the mirror.
"Ralph will be so in love" she smiled.
"Do you think she's found a dress yet?" Ralph asked as he straightened his suit in the mirror.
"Not sure, you know how women are with dresses," Lauren replied, fixing her tie.
"Lauren, you are a woman" Jason laughed.
"Fuck off" she huffed.
"No she has a point, she's with my sister, she's probably had a mountain of dresses to try on, especially if my sister brought any of her friends"Ralph told Jason.
"Your sister has friends?" Jason asked, instantly intrigued.
"Down perv" Lauren scolded.
"Yes…Well…I suppose you could call them friends. They are more of the, how do you put it"
"Talk shit about you behind your back?" Lauren fished.
"Yes, except they don't wait til you can't hear" Ralph explained.
"Oof, who needs friends like that?" Horace asked?
"Victoria I suppose" Ralph shrugged
"They've never quite cared for me, so I do hope they aren't taking their displeasure for me out on (y/n)"
"I'm just shocked is all" Florence stated, all of them were whispering but we're still loud enough for you to hear.
"We love you Victoria you know that, but your brother is a bit…" she started.
"Honestly…we thought he was…You know" Florence added. You knew what they were referring to. Simply because Ralph took care of himself and presented himself well they took it as him being a "dandy", it couldn't simply be because that's just who he was.
"My brother can be a bit…Much. But yes they are getting married" Victoria defended.
"Does the poor girl know what she's getting into?" Lillian asked
"He'll follow her around like a puppy dog, she'll have no peace"
"If she didn't know him do you think they would be getting married?" Josephine questioned, at least her and Victoria were on your side.
"I'm just questioning her sanity is all…unless" Florence stopped.
"Unless what?" Victoria asked, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Unless…she's only after his money"
What?! How dare she think that was what you were after, sure both he and Victoria both spoiled you, and every time you felt bad about it, but you would never be with someone simply for money.
"Florence!" Josephine started, but you cut her off, having come out from behind the curtain.
"You know nothing about me and yet you sit here and call me a gold digger? I wouldn't care if Ralph didn't have a penny to his name, I would still marry him. Why? Because I love him! Yes he can be intense, but that's just how he shows his love, and yes he can be hyper but only when he's passionate. Yes he is like a puppy dog at times but I'm fully ok with that because I adore him, he makes me feel loved and seen for the first time in my life. I'm not like you all are, obviously, I'm not wealthy, or overly beautiful, I've never had men falling at my feet from a simple look. I know this, and yet even if I had all of that, I would trade it all for him. Because honestly…He's everything I ever wanted, but never thought I deserved" you finished, before quickly adding.
"And having good hygiene, and taking care of yourself and your looks doesn't make you gay! I'm sorry that none of the men you have met have cared whether or not they look like shit" and with that you turned and walked towards the counter, leaving a stunned Florence and Lillian, a laughing Josephine, and a smiling Victoria.
"Well ladies, it's been a pleasure as always, I do hope you show up to the wedding" she smiled.
"I wouldn't miss it" Josephine smiled, but Florence and Lillian stayed silent. Victoria nodded and met you at the counter. She quickly paid and grabbed your arm, leading you outside.
"Can I just say," she started as you walked down the street towards home.
"That that little speech was the bravest and nicest thing anyone has ever done for my brother" she smiled.
"I'm sorry I was probably out of line"
"Oh heavens no, no they needed that…and getting to see Florence and Lillian be completely stunned was absolutely perfect" she laughed.
"Was all of it true?" She asked, looking over at you.
"Of course, every word" you answered, causing her to pull you closer.
"Then I am so happy my brother found you"
"There is the love of my life" Ralph said as soon as you stepped through the door, his arms around you as he pulled you to him.
"Ralph we were only gone for a couple of hours" Victoria sighed, taking the dresses upstairs.
"A couple hours is far too long" he told her, you couldn't help but giggle and lean in to kiss him, a kiss he happily accepted before tucking his face into your neck.
"I missed you so much"
"I missed you too Ralphie, my sweet little puppy"
"Puppy?"
"Yeah, it came up today, the comparison…I can see it" he gave such an adorable confused look before simply smiling, leaning back into your neck.
"As long as I'm your puppy" he sighed.
"You are, my sweet puppy"
The following weeks were a flurry of finalizing everything and getting things prepared. You all knew that weddings should have taken months to properly get put together, but you all also knew that you and Ralph didn't necessarily want to wait that long…So a month it was. Everything felt crazy, a whirlwind of events leading up to the big day, but here you are, sitting inside a lavish room trying not to cry and ruin your makeup as Victoria finishes your hair.
"This doesn't feel real," you breathed.
"None of this does" Lauren stated from her seat on the couch, you caught her eyes in the mirror and knew exactly what she meant, and your mind flashed back to the day you had told Ralph everything.
"So it's all real" he breathed, looking at your passport that held your birth date.
"Yes, I know it sounds completely bonkers," you laughed.
"But everything I told you was the truth" you stated, waiting on bated breath for him to speak, it was unusual for Ralph to be this quiet.
"Ralphie?" You asked hesitantly
"It doesn't matter where or even when you came from" he stated while looking over at you.
"I'm just simply glad you came into my life" he smiled.
"I think you're ready dear" Victoria smiled at you through the mirror, you stood, going behind the screen to change into your gown and earning a small gasp from them both when you stepped back out.
"Now the gloves and jewelry" Victoria nodded, blinking back her own tears as she hurried to grab your things. Your eyes met Lauren's and you smiled.
"You look beautiful," she nodded.
"Thank you, and thank you for messaging me that day, all those years ago…if you hadn't, we wouldn't have become friends, I wouldn't have come to visit and….I wouldn't be here right now" you told her, truly grateful for your friendship.
"Yeah you do really owe it all to me huh?" She smirked, causing you to laugh.
"Yes I do"
"Well, my payment is you and Ralph going anywhere else for your honeymoon yeah? I don't need to hear…that" she told you, her face scrunching up in disgust.
"Oh don't worry, they will in fact have a honeymoon spot far, far away from us all" Victoria noted, handing you your gloves to put on before helping you with your veil. You slipped off your engagement ring to put it on over the glove.
"I love you and my brother dearly but I don't exactly want to hear you taking my brother's virginity" she told you, causing Lauren to laugh.
"Ok that's fair" you giggled.
"Though it would be a mutual taking"
"Either way dear…there…now you're ready" she told you, and you turned to look at yourself in the mirror, willing yourself not to cry because this was it…You were getting married.
You met Horace at the main doors, you had asked him to walk you down the aisle as he had been your comfort many times in the past when you became overwhelmed or sad, a request he happily agreed to.
"You look beautiful (y/n)" he smiled
"You look quite dashing yourself" you smiled back and straightened his tie.
"Are you ready?"
"Shockingly…I've never been more ready for something, this is where I'm suppose to be, I know it" you told him, taking his arm and waiting for your que. You heard the music begin, signaling it was time, and with a deep breath, you both entered the room. All eyes landed on you with a gasp, but those eyes weren't the ones you were searching for, the ones you sought out were at the end of the aisle. That beautiful amber gaze, glossed over with tears as he watched you walk towards him, you saw him gasp, and try to calm himself as you neared him, his hand quickly coming up to wipe away the tears. By now you were already shedding a few yourself, and you hope you hadn't messed up your makeup.
"You look so beautiful" he breathed, voice shaking as he took your hand from Horace, smiling at the man.
"You look so handsome" you smiled, taking him in, his black and gold suit nothing less than you expected from him.
"I can't believe I get to marry you" he smiled, another tear falling, one which you quickly wiped away.
"I can't believe it either Ralphie"
"Shall we begin?" The officiant asked, without looking away from each other you both nodded.
"Welcome, loved ones. We are gathered here today to join (y/n) and Ralph in holy matrimony." They said to the crowd while you and Ralph held each other's hands.
"Ralph, we'll start with you, please repeat after me" they spoke, speaking and waiting for Ralph to repeat.
"(Y/n), I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us." He told you, eyes gazing into yours with the most seriousness you had ever seen from him, you knew he meant every word he said.
"(Y/n)" they spoke, and you repeated the words.
"Ralph, I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us" you told him, with just as much seriousness, hoping that he knew your words were true.
"The couple has also prepared poems to read to one another, who would like to start?"
"I would…If that's alright?" Ralph asked, looking at you, you smiled and nodded, already trying to hold back tears again.
"I'm so sure that you're the one, with you I feel life's just begun. I feel it when I touch your skin, I feel it in my heart beating within. I look in your eyes and I know your story, I melt for your voice and it's glory. So many smiles, but I live for yours, you're my magic, my heart soars. I can't lose you, you are she, she who makes my life lovely. She who mends my broken pieces, she who smooths out my creases. I just know it, understand, I feel it when you hold my hand. Your laughter truly saves my life, and I wished one day you'd be my wife. I want to wake up in your hair, tangled up with you in there. When you're sick, I'll hug you tightly, and I'll remind you when we're fighting. That you're my princess, and I love you, that I'll do whatever it takes to keep you. That life goes on, that we are strong. That no matter what it seems, that you and I, we are a team. Just kiss me, make me feel young forever, let's laugh, and dance, and live together. Spend your life with me, it'll be fun, let me show you you're the one.So I swear to you, this is real, I promise you it's what I feel. You make me believe that love is true, I have a soulmate, and she is you." He finished, having to take a moment every now and then while reading to clear his throat and hold back tears, you on the other hand, were openly crying.
"Oh Ralphie" you whispered, and he wished he could lift your veil and wipe away your tears. But he watched you wipe them away yourself, trying to compose yourself so you could read your poem, he also took this moment to wipe his own eyes.
"It's funny, we both wrote soulmate poems" you laughed lightly, earning a giggle from him.
"You came into my life unexpectedly, and everything took a turn for the better. Your warm eyes, your laugh, the sincere way you speak. And the kindness you showed me all became a part of my life. As you unfolded yourself to me, I discovered more and more beauty. I have never seen so much gentleness in one person. Without even knowing it you were slowly making a place for yourself in my heart. It used to seem so hard at times, to feel so close in a relationship. But it's so easy to feel close to you, I can't tell you how nice that feels. I realize now that I had never known what it meant to be loved…until I was loved by you." You told him, your voice shaky and breaking at the end.
"My love" he breathed, reaching under the veil to cup your cheek, wiping away the tears.
"Mine wasn't as long, and it didn't rhyme but" you laughed, causing him to laugh as well, both of you trying to blink away tears.
"Shall we move onto the ring exchange?" The officiant asked, wiping their eyes as well. You could see Jason, Horace and Nick all trying to wipe their eyes and faces, and you knew the two women behind you were probably no better.
"Let's" Ralph nodded, Horace handed him your ring and he repeated the words told to him.
"With this ring I, Ralph, take you, (y/n), to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us." With that he slid the ring onto your finger, resting it against your engagement ring. He lifted your hand to his lips, kissing the rings before looking at you again.
Victoria handed you the ring for him before you repeated as well.
"With this ring I, (y/n), take you, Ralph, to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us." And with that you put the ring on him, deciding to mimic him and kiss his ring as well.
"I love you" you smiled.
"I love you more" he smiled back.
"By the power vested in me by the city of London, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride" and with that, Ralph happily and hurriedly lifted your veil and leaned in to capture your lips, sealing your union, a union that you were more than happy about. You held his face as you two continued to kiss, the sounds of the claps and cheers dying out in your ears as you could only focus on him.
"My beautiful wife" he smiled once he pulled away, eyes staring deep into yours.
"My handsome husband" you smiled back, earning a heart stopping smile from him..husband…he would never get tired of hearing that.
The two of you walked back down the aisle hand and hand, officially married, but you knew the night was far from over.
You quickly excused yourself to change, telling Ralph that you'd only be gone for a moment as his arms wrapped around your waist, his lips capturing yours again.
"Don't wanna part" he whined against your lips.
"Finally have you"
"And you'll continue to have me, I just need to change so I don't trip over my dress while dancing" you giggle against his constant kisses.
"I'll hold your dress" he giggled.
"Two seconds, that's all I need" you told him, your back pressed to the door of the room you were in earlier.
"Two seconds" he nodded, lips catching yours again.
"Two seconds" you confirmed, breaking the kiss and quickly running into the room. You got out of your wedding dress as quickly as you could, hanging it back up before quickly getting into your party dress and tap shoes. You came out just in time to see him emerging from a room down the hall, his suit the same but now there was a distinct tapping when he walked.
"Seemed we had the same idea" you smiled, catching his attention and watching as his eyes widened and mouth opened.
"You like?" You asked.
"You are absolutely stunning my love"
"Wanna see the best part?" You asked. Watching as he excitedly nodded. You stepped further into the hallways, watching as his eyes darted to your shoes upon hearing the tapping, his smile growing even bigger.
He watched you twist and show the layers of beads that swung along.
"Absolutely wizard!" He beamed, coming forward to catch your waist in his hands, a blush spreading to his cheeks at his own actions.
"Shall we go show everyone?" You asked, he nodded, though really Ralph wants to keep you all to himself at that moment. You two walk to the reception area, being greeted with more claps and cheers when you walk through the doors. Everyone is already seated and food is being served. You walk up to the main table, taking your seat between Victoria and Ralph, while Horace sits on the other side of Ralph. All of you eat, playful banter being thrown back and forth as you all laugh. You and Ralph go to cut your cake, absolutely marveling at the beautiful masterpiece that Lucile made.
"I don't want to cut it, it's so beautiful" you gasped, but alas you knew you had to, so you did, each of you feeding a piece to the other.
You tossed the bouquet and watched as Victoria caught it and Jason caught the garter, making you and Lauren both bust out laughing. Finally, after everything it was time for the first dance. The two of you came together just as your friends began to play.
"At last, my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song"
You held onto Ralph, just as you had the first time you danced, still not believing this was all happening.
"I can't believe you're mine" he whispered, forehead resting against yours.
"I can't believe you're mine either" you whispered back.
"Ooh yeah, yeah
At last, the skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you"
"I never thought I would find anyone, I never thought someone could actually…deal with me" he stated, face coming to rest in your neck as he wrapped both arms around you, your own coming up to wrap around his neck.
"I found a dream, that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to rest my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known"
"Oh Ralphie"
"I would never say that I am dealing with you my love. I love you, and I'll show you that everyday" you told him, causing him to untuck himself and look at you.
"I never thought I would find someone either, but I am so thankful to have found you" you smiled, earning a smile from him in return.
"And I'll show you everyday how much I love you in return" he told you, leaning in to capture your lips.
"Ohh yeah yeah
You smile
You smile
Oh and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last"
After that the party got a bit crazier, everyone was on the dance floor, and with drinks flowing you all partied until the late night hours. You couldn't stop smiling and laughing as you danced with Ralph or Victoria or both. Even you and Josephine danced a few times. But the night slowly died down, everyone thanked you for an amazing time and you thanked them for coming. Giving an extra long hug to Lucile who confessed she bawled while you two got married. She told Ralph that she knew his mother was smiling at the union and that made both you and Ralph begin crying again. Once everyone was gone you and Ralph looked at one another.
"S-Should we head to our h-honeymoon?" he asked, suddenly very shy,and you knew exactly why.
"We do have to consummate the marriage" you smiled shyly, earning a darker blush from him while your own cheeks were tinted lightly.
"Yes we do…after you my beautiful wife" he nodded, holding the door for you.
"Thank you, my beautiful husband" you smiled, leaning in to capture his lips for a moment before walking towards the waiting car.
There it is everyone!! The beautiful wedding, next up is the wedding night 😏
Your cake, invitations, and venue.
Your dresses, his tux, and the rings
Florence, Josephine, and Lillian
The poems you two read
If you would like to be added to the taglist please let me know.
summary: when a misterious girl comes to Cornwall Tom’s life turns upside down and her, frankly, too. maybe, just maybe, Tom hopes he could be happy this time…
warning: this part is minors safe but be aware that won’t be! technically this part could be read as a separate piece.
re blog if you like the story, that’d make me happy :)
Tom closed his eyes, lips curling into a Cheshire cat-like smile. He leans back, the coolness of the pub stone wall feels pleasant on his heated skin. He hears the crackles of ice in his Gin & Tonic. Something he’d never normally choose over a pint but today he felt rebellious. Taking a sip, he feels his mouth explode into millions of stars as the drink slides over his tongue. The lime bites his tastebuds. Tom cautiously opens one eye to peer around the crowded room. The pub is warm and dimly lit, buzzing like a beehive with the sound of conversation, laughter, glasses clinking and slow indie songs rolling off the speakers. Outside, it’s still boiling hot, the passersby hold onto their cold drinks, surfboards and towels as the heatwave refuses to leave Cornwall.
Inside, it smells of cigarettes and well-worn aged wood. The air is heavy. It makes the soft curls at his nape stick to the skin. It’s a rare occasion for Tom to have a day off. The hot summer temperatures are in full swing and it's hard to get out of bed in the morning. Tom Grant never thought of himself as a lucky guy. Just a regular Cornish lad with a tedious summer job at the beach inn. But he grew to love the place over time even with the lingering memories of Ruth that he could still taste at the tip of his tongue.
Tonight he doesn’t dwell on it too long as he sees you coming back from the bathroom. It is still a mystery to him how just the sight of this girl makes his edges soften and a tight knot appear in his belly. Tom takes another sip of his G & T, feeling the bubbles roll between his lips causing a prickle in his mouth. He is lost in thought, considering how he doesn't like mysteries. But you are a mystery and he chuckles at how cheesy his thoughts are.
The first time he notices you the sun is set high up on the horizon. The waves crashing against the rocks like a thunderstorm. The salty ocean air is warm and humid to Tom’s nose as he folds his arms on top of his head to shield himself from the sun to get a better look at this stranger girl.
Ripped denim hangs low on your hips exposing a sliver of skin just under your striped tank top. He reckons no one actually wears such jeans anymore. Is it still 2003? Or maybe Earth made a full circle back and he didn’t care enough to notice. Your feet in dirty Vans stumbled over a trailer step, a suitcase falling over. Somehow Tom can’t help himself but chuckle softly when your glossy lips mutter ‘shite’.
He stares at his own well-worn Vans, hands in pockets when he gathers enough courage to crack a joke (which is not funny at all, but hey, he at least tries).
‘Happens to me all the time’ he squints his eyes from a bright sun.
You give him a side-eye and laugh. Suddenly he finds himself helpless. He feels lost in the face of feeling that somebody finds him funny. He watches as your lips, delicate pink and inviting, curl into a smile.
‘Yeah, right?’ your voice is bright and sickling sweet like honey on his morning toast.
Fuck him.
Later he curses himself for not actually helping you with that bloody suitcase.
Next days his mind wonders to you more than he’d like. Tom thinks that he probably is going crazy, he’s overreacting. For sure. Love and touch starved that’s what it is. But Christ he can’t help himself but hope to see you again. And again.
On a Tuesday evening, he readies himself to go back, surfboard tucked under his arm, towel hanging over his neck. Tom freezes when you walk out of the water, body slick with salty droplets. Your skin glistens under the rays of the setting sun and fuck, there is so much skin for him to see. It might be lulling rush of the waves sounding like an angel's wings. Or the glimmering sun that kisses the skin in the most secret places where your bikini hugs your body but he’s dumbstruck and doesn’t realise you had spoken to him, waving a hand at him.
That’s when he learns your name. He rolls it on his tongue as if to taste how it sounds when he says it.
It sounds good. Heavenly.
His voice quivers just a tiny bit when you offer him your hand, eyes big and bright, smiling like that at him.
‘I’m Tom’
He squeezes your fingers between his and shivers. You’re hot to touch.
The next time he notices you, the night with its soft paws slowly comes down onto the resort covering the space around with a feather-like inky coloured veil. The air was filled with the laughter of people, smoke from the cigarettes floating around, intertwining with the salty ocean breeze. It felt as if clouds fell in love with the moon, roaming around the night sky that offered the best view of this starry canvas above sleepless tourists. You sat outside your trailer on a lounge chair, bare feet propped up on the little table. There’s an open bottle of beer and a book in your hand. A cigarette between those pretty lips. He almost dies when you smile at him. His feet carry himself to you on their own accord when you summon him.
He looks boyish and slightly flustered. You try to hide a smile feeling the tips of your ears burn. You hope he feels the same but your heart skips several beats and you can’t really think straight.
‘It’s a crime to be working on such a lovely evening’ you salute him with your beer bottle.
Tom mumbles something extremely dumb under his breath, trying to hide a blush that creeps up his face. Still, your giggles explode into laughter. Your smile could burn him from inside out and Christ, he would not mind being reduced to ash.
You laugh. You’re laughing at his stupid jokes and it makes his belly burn with earning heat. Tom thinks he’s a fucking creep eyeing you like a lemon lollipop on a sunny day but he can’t help himself staring at you.
Your voice is gentle, it is full of light and it reminds him of carefree childhood days. His chest swells and he’s afraid it’ll explode because fuck, he could just eat you up.
Oh, get a grip.
‘You want one?’ you point to a beer bottle and he only manages to nod.
You smile in response and it warms his cheek with a grin. You disappear inside your trailer.
He’s sitting opposite your lounge chair when you hand him his bottle.
‘Here you go, good sir’ fingers brushing against his.
He stumbles over his words, blushing profusely. ‘Thank you, my lady’
My lady.
When beer bottles are half empty your conversation drifts into discussing one another day, the unpredictable weather, and how good this beer is. You mention the documentary you saw recently on BBC and Tom shares his love for Paolo Nutini’s music. You both agree that the guy is a bloody genius.
Tom wonders if could this be any more perfect and can’t stop himself from remembering that day on the beach and your bikini.
He rambles about his favourite Nutini songs, you looking at him with those big, shiny wet eyes that make his heart flutter. That night he dreams of you.
So now when he sees your figure walk over to the bar he watches you intently.
You gather your hair, thick and dry from salty water, and secure it in a loose bun. You feel the droplet of sweat rolling down your nape, tickling the softest skin on your back. It disappears behind your summer dress, following the route of your spine. Daisies on your dress flutter as you walk, hugging your thighs with its silky touch.
He calls out for you.
And god, your name never sounded more perfect than now.
summary: you aren't sure why you agreed to a suicide mission by going to a party where everyone hates you. jessica jones gives the fakest smiles and it seems like you're out of practice.
warnings: swearing. a lot. innuendos.
author's note. also this super cute new moodboard based on @3louisee aesthetic for the story!
listen to: super rich kids -frank ocean(playlist here)
word count: 2.5 k
series masterlist + read the next chapter early on my ko-fi!!
You weren’t exactly sure why you’d agreed to this.
And yet, it didn’t stop you as you walked through the main lobby with Peter Parker next to you. The doorman already too familiar with your face simply nodded at you as you entered the elevator, muttering a small thank you before quickly typing the code so you could go up to Harry’s place. Maybe you’d gone mad, you thought as you glanced at Peter, who was frowning at you already. Could he tell how nervous you were?
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Yeah, he could tell.
“I’m fine,” you lied with a small smile as you fiddled with the skirt of the little black turtle neck dress that you’d chosen to wear that night with some random boots you’d chosen.
Harry had assured you it was an intimate affair, nothing too fancy and nothing too big. In Harry’s terms, you knew he meant that it wouldn’t be really intimate because approximately everyone from that circle of New York would be there, along with the inner one. And it would be fancy and big, fucking big.
“So, these are your friends?” Peter asked softly.
“No,” you blurted out before realizing that you’d fucked up.
“Oh,”
“Well some of them are,” you lied.
If they don’t all fucking hate me.
There was a thing about you with the inner circle. First, you were used to being alone and you enjoyed it, and if you weren’t alone you would be usually spending time along with earth’s mightiest heroes, which often made school seem like something so insignificant that you never really cared about the politics of it all.
And unknowingly, it was all it took for you to become the unofficial queen of it. As you and Harry became closer though and you grew up, you started to be more aware of that kind of stuff and Harry made you aware of it too. Soon, there was something called the inner circle, which a few people made in. If you were being honest, you liked most of them when you started to hang out with them at lunch or the times that you weren’t stuck in the lab, training, or on a mission.
And it was fine. You’d make friends and realize that growing up the daughter of a genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist was already attractive, but then inheriting some of Tony’s attitude and intelligence, and how you looked, you were a catch.
Even more, being an Avenger.
Which caused some people to want to bring you down a peg, or two.
Especially, once you’d woken up from your coma and they told you that you were gone as Queen.
What they didn’t exactly saw coming, was how much of a bitch you became once you weren’t an Avenger no more and with Harry by your side, you became a fucking menace, even to people you’d consider to be close friends.
Which, only meant you had more enemies (as insignificant as they were to you, in your personal opinion) in your life. At first, you couldn’t give a shit, if you were honest since you started to hang out with far more famous people than them, older than them and way cooler than them; plus, you started to do your side activities which didn’t leave you much time to worry about them.
If you decided to go out with them though, they barely ever talk to you, either if it was because of a deep resentment since you maybe had crossed them or someone close to them or just because of the sheer fear that they would be the next ones on your list. And you figured it was mostly because you never showed weakness, never.
But now, entering this night with Peter Parker? It was as if you were wearing a target for your back and as the doors opened on the elevator and some of their glances fell on you and then on Peter, you were aware that you were fucked.
Within minutes of arriving, you’d walked into a crazy mess of young adults on the colossal and luxurious penthouse that was Harry’s. Not having parents is a great advantage, you recalled him saying once when you’d just finished having a party at 9:00 am a couple of months ago.
You looked back at Peter for a second and smiled before nudging him to walk with you. He looked good you realized, a bit too good for your liking. His curls were styled so perfectly but also so carelessly as they fell on his forehead in a way that made your heart flutter, he was wearing a black t-shirt that made him look like a fucking action figure, it fitted him nicely in his arms, defining each and every one of his muscles. His freckles were especially pretty that day along with his chocolate eyes that sparkled with some beams of golden.
And only until then do you realize how much you were thinking of Peter as he glanced at you.
“You okay?” he asked softly and you nodded with a smile.
“You’ve asked that a lot Parker,”
Peter smiled. “Just trying to be a gentleman,” he insisted.
“Then come and dance with me,” you teased, looking at him through your lashes as you took off your long jacket and left the purse at the entrance before lacing your hand in his and pulling him into the dance floor.
You glanced around the room as people stared up at you, some were doing coke some were drinking and some were practically grinding on each other against a wall. It was a usual party but definitely different from what Peter had invited you. This was excess at its core and you didn’t know if Peter would feel comfortable with it. But he truly didn’t seem to mind, he had a smile plastered on his face as you guided him through the hallways.
The dance floor was dark-not that dark- but dark enough. You could still see people staring at you wide-eyed as you pulled Peter Parker into the dance floor. You’d almost forgotten how good of a dancer Peter Parker was, you swayed your hips to the beat with Peter following your every move. His hands felt like they were burning through your skin as you pressed up against each other, his palm flat against the small of your lower back -like he’d done it before-and you felt like you were missing a bit of air just by the way the was holding you. Your dress was rather thin to beat the summer New York City heat but it only helped you to feel Peter’s blazing warm chest through his t-shirt.
The music felt good. You felt good. He felt good.
Incredibly good.
“You look really beautiful tonight,” Peter suddenly whispered.
And only then did you look up to him and you felt like you were drowning as soon as your gaze linked with his. You could see the tiny flecks of gold in his eyes, he was looking at you with such a softness that you didn’t know what to do and for a moment you thought that you might be losing your balance. You hadn’t drunk anything but you were already feeling drunk on his gaze, he pressed further into you and you couldn’t help but smile a bit as you melted further into his arms. You felt his lips quirking up against your forehead and you felt your cheeks bushing but instead of cursing yourself, you couldn’t help yourself, you simply sighed in contentment.
This. Whatever this was, it didn’t feel quite real.
You never got close to anyone. You’d never told anyone other than Harry what you thought about what happened with Tony. You never let anyone get so close to the point that you felt safe with them after what happened. And yet, there you were, you feel as safe in Peter Parker’s arms. There was a small voice in the back of your head that kept trying to break through the surreal haze that was settling around you. Reminding you that this was just a bet, that it was supposed to be a quick fuck, that it was another takedown.
But as you looked again at Peter, you realized how he was watching you closely, his eyes darting around your features as if trying to read every little thought that passed through your face, you felt naked and you wanted to run and hide from his gaze. Suddenly, they turned on some of the lights, they were too bright and you felt all hot and stuffy all of the sudden.
“y/n?” Peter asked as you stepped away from him, looking at him with a concerned frown.
“I,” you whispered, not looking at him.
Nonetheless, your thoughts were snapped away when you heard a shriek, you turned towards where it was coming from and she was right there.
Jessica Jones.
“Hi, girl!” Jessica screamed, loudly, and you winced but you also let out a breath.
You weren’t happy per se to see Jessica Jones, but you were almost hyperventilating and you appreciated the small distraction, even if it came from her.
“Hi, Jess,” you replied as she kissed you on each cheek.
Jessica Jones wasn’t per se the nicest person. In fact, she was one of those people that you were aware wanted to throw you down a peg or two. Jessica was an heiress as well after an awful accident left her an orphan, and a billionaire too. She was then adopted by Dorothy Walker, who Jessica often referred to as the wild bitch of the west.
Maybe it was the abandonment issues she suffered but Jessica often fell in love with everyone she dated, even if it was just for a week.
“I hadn’t seen you in a while,” she stated with a polite smile, a really polite and fake one.
And you caught up to it immediately.
“I know!” you replied with just the same smile. “That’s on purpose,” you replied evenly as you watch her eye twitching in annoyance.
Suddenly, Peter’s chuckles interrupted the stare down and you curse mentally as you recalled that he was right there, at Jessica Jones's mercy. You watch her eyes gleam as she gazed at Peter, you were aware that she wanted to sabotage you right there and then.
“So, who’s your plus one?” she asked, watching Peter through her lashes as she extended her hand to him. “Jessica Jones,” she said softly while Peter took her hand and smiled at her.
You rolled your eyes at how she was looking at him.
“Peter Parker,” he replied politely.
“Oh, you study in Columbia too?” she asked as she got closer to Peter, while you had to fight yourself to not punch Jessica right there and then.
“Yeah,” he stated.
“I hadn’t seen you before, you must’ve met this girl at a party, right?” Jessica suddenly said as she grabbed your shoulder, nails piercing your arm as you bit your lower lip while faking a smile. “When isn’t she getting drunk and ruining people’s lives,”
“You’re so funny Jess!” you replied as fast as you could before taking her hand just as hard as she was holding yours and quickly spinning on your heels. “Peter can you give us a sec?” you asked but you didn’t wait for an answer.
You dragged Jessica out of the dance floor and pulled her into one of the studios at Harry’s place, quickly screaming at the people who were about to have sex there to scram. Then, you finally closed the door furiously, while your eyes narrowed at Jessica who was watching you nonchalantly.
“What are you doing?” you snapped at her, glaring at her.
She chuckled. “What? You can ruin my relationship and I can’t ruin yours?”
Right, you're in a relationship, you thought.
You pinched the bridge of your nose before actually answering. “I’m not in a relationship and I didn’t ruin yours,” you explained.
That wasn’t exactly a lie. See, it wasn’t like the whole inner circle didn’t already know that Elijah, Jessica’s boyfriend for two months (which for her was as if they were already married), was fooling around with Harry behind her back.
You’d just let her know.
Maybe it was because you’d knocked back three Moscow mules and an expresso martini. Yeah, you wanted to think that it was that but you also recalled that Harry had been sweet talking you to bring it up but you’d refused because you knew how Jessica could get if you did.
Oh, and she got even worse after you spilled it up.
“Oh, please, you couldn’t help yourself when you brought it up,” she said as she crossed her arms in front of her.
“I was drunk and anyway I did you a favor,” you scoffed.
It had been about nine months since it happened and you hadn’t seen Jessica since then.
“I’m back with Elijah anyway,” she said indignantly and you had to physically bite your tongue to stop from revealing that Harry had been fooling around with Elijah again at the party he’d gone to while you were out with Peter and his friends. “And I won’t let you do anything to us again,”
You rolled your eyes.
“Jessica, I truly couldn’t care less now. It’s game over,” you stated.
“It’s not over until I say it is,” she shouted back.
“Then have fun playing with yourself,” you whispered with a smirk as you left the room, but as your eyes scanned the lighted-up dancefloor with people there, you didn’t find Peter.
And it dawned on you, you realized what they were doing.
Motherfuckers.
“You were distracting me, weren’t you?” you scoffed as you bit your inner cheek.
“You’d been out of the game for a while now, sweetie,” Jessica stated with a smirk before she walked away.
You narrowed your eyes as you stormed out of the room while people glanced at you. Situations like this were the ones that made you remember why you hated to be in these places so much, why you hated the politics of it all, and why you’d decided to ruin them at one point in your life. You felt a constant fire burning in your chest that would spread through your veins and cause your skin to boil with unspoken emotions that you could never quite place. You were sure it was because of Tony and what happened but as you ran through the party looking for Harry, you knew that it was a loathing that you had against yourself too.
That loathing was what brought you to this place, to a place where people had resentment festering in their chests because of your actions. You knew that it was self-destructive, to pull people away by hurting them, to isolate, to even fall into a trap that you could’ve seen from miles away.
And if it had been any other situation, you might’ve let it go.
But this wasn’t any other situation, this was Peter Parker and a bet that could bring you back to life and you knew you couldn’t fuck it up.
If there was some scheme going on you knew that Harry knew about it and you had to find him.
***
author's note: i had to, unfortunately, cut the chapter short, I had to write so so much but that means that if I focus a lot tomorrow we will have a very exciting chapter 15 on Wednesday. I'm excited to see your reactions. As always thank you so much for everyone being so nice and reading this!! and in KO-FI TOO I LOVE YOU ALL. as always lmk what you think, I love to read your theories and thoughts!!
eddie is practically hanging off of you, his arms wrapped around you from behind, dangling over your shoulders. one of your hands is being held by both of his near the centre of your chest.
it wasn’t a big get-together: just you and eddie, most of the hellfire guys, steve, nancy, and robin. though you’re sure a larger crowd of people wouldn’t have deterred eddie from any PDA when he had alcohol in his system.
though you’re in the middle of a conversation with robin, eddie begins to smack loud, ardent kisses against your cheek until robin feels she has no choice but to cut herself off to acknowledge it.
“-totally disregard the closed sign on the door and bang on it until steve gives in and let’s them in! sometimes they’re just so-okay, i can’t pretend that’s not happening right now, what the hell is he doing?”
eddie didn’t drink like this often; he liked a beer or two, but weed was more his speed. it seemed to slow him down, whereas alcohol tended to speed him up. which, considering eddie’s typical excitable pace, he really didn’t need the alcohol to become more sociable or friendly.
but tonight he’d probably had one too many; having far too much fun challenging steve and gareth to shotgunning contests. you weren’t sure how he kept it down if you’re honest.
you smush your hand over eddie’s face to push him away gently, his nose squishing against your palm. he whines lightly against your hand, disgruntled that you’d interrupted his kisses.
Chapter Eight will be out soon, enjoy Sunflowers x 🌻
This series will be updated several times a week, I hope you enjoyed the seventh chapter! If you would like to be added to my Eddie tag list, let me know! :) Enjoy Sunflowers - P. x
Pairing | Eddie x Female reader 18+. Steve x Robin x Female reader platonic friendship
Series summary | Dustins older sister got brought into the group during the events of Starcourt mall, 3 months on she's in her senior year and the kids are starting high school. After everything that went down she feels that she has to keep them safe at all costs, that includes keeping them way from the charismatic 'freak' Eddie Munson that runs a club based on their favourite game. They've both hated each other since freshman year -with good reason-, but when keeping distance between the kids and Eddie means putting herself in the firing line, boundaries get blurred, intentions get lost & the heart speaks louder than the brain.
The story is told from both Y/N & Eddies point of view.
What to expect | Slow burn enemies to lovers, Angst - with a happy ending, fluff & smut (in the later chapters). 18+ to read this story.
Series Warnings | Mentions of abuse, drug use, 18+ smut content
Chapter word count | 11.5 K Word Count. - This is double what I normally post but it is easy to break it into pieces.
As always, any & all comments/reblogs are most appreciated - Love, P. x 🌿
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Chapter Seven
Eddie | November 1985
Dirt clouds wafted in the air towards me as y/n’s tires over spun on the gravel, I stood shaking in the cold and wet outside my trailer as I watched the red taillights of her car disappear into the night. The rain had soaked through my clothes, freezing me to my core before I had the sense to take shelter inside. My thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion, replaying the scene over in my head. Y/n’s perfectly curved lips moving towards mine with intention had sent my mind blank and fixed me to the spot.
Seeing her so worked up and apologetic, fuming over the way I was treated by the basketball team at school had stirred feelings up I didn’t know I had, her sparkling face was flushed with intensity, her small frame shaking with anger, all for me. Before I realised what I was doing I was standing in front of her, unable to tolerate the distance between us anymore, needing to be close enough to read the secrets behind her beckoning eyes. I had used the excuse of sliding the bag of weed into her pocket just to be able to feel her, a budding excitement building in my chest. My fingertips had electrified at the warm feeling of her through the jean material, not caring that she was probably seconds away from shoving me from her and chastising me over my inappropriate behaviour. I wanted to pause that moment and live in it forever, our breathing becoming one as her heat enveloped me. I had considered pushing my luck and planting a soft kiss against her pink lips before the opportunity would be ripped away from me indefinitely. If y/n was going to leave my trailer with the intention of never speaking to me again, I was going to make the most of it.
Until she flipped the script. My fantasy coming to life, I watched in shock as she tilted her head up towards mine, angling her jaw to line up against my mouth. Disbelief had rooted me in place, scared that a single move on my behalf would shatter the heavenly fragile image in front of me. Her eyes had flickered up to meet my penetrating gaze as her sweet lips brushed against mine, I bit back a moan as I breathed in the scent of her. With a gasp she’d ripped herself away from me, reality crashing down around us both. Y/n had wasted no time in running from my trailer. From me.
The heavy rain had washed her intoxicating perfume away, clearing my clouded head as my hard-on softened. I slammed my hand against the windowpane outside as y/n ignored my calls after her as she rushed to her car, setting the window glass off in a dangerous rattle. Rain rolled down my brow and dripped onto my panting lips, their cold touch wiping away the warmth from y/n’s soft kiss. Almost ripping the door off its hinges, I rushed back inside as my thoughts drowned me, searching for the joint I had rolled earlier that was lost in my mess of a room. I raked my hands through my hair, pulling it back from my face as nervous beads of sweat rolled down my neck. I tried to explain her actions, she must have just been caught up in the passion of the moment, same as I was. She must have been high, or just really upset and wanted some human comfort. Maybe she’d been angling for free drugs. No, I stared back at myself in the dirty mirror above my draws at my blood shot eyes, y/n wouldn’t do something like that, I scolded myself for even having the thought.
There had to be a reason that I wasn’t seeing, because there was no way that y/n/l/n was interested in me, harbouring the same feelings I had ignored and pretended to not have for weeks towards her. Ever since she had turned up at the first Hellfire meeting, something primal and strong had been brewing in my chest, like a monster. With every accidental touch and private smile shared between us, the monster reared in its cage, begging to be realised. Tonight, it had been so close to bursting through, purring with pleasure as y/n moved closer to me, the feeling of her trembling frame beneath me sending shock waves of desire through me.
I couldn’t do this, for a multitude of reasons. Y/n was a cheerleader, on the opposite spectrum of Hawkins Highs hierarchy to where I sat on the bottom, mixed between the nerds and freaks. She was Dustin’s sister; it had been a hard enough fight getting her to allow him to join my Hellfire club in the first place. I crossed my arms against my chest and flopped onto my bed, staring up at my ceiling littered with my favourite band posters, kicking myself over the fact that I had nearly ruined everything. Y/n and I were too different, we came from opposite worlds. There wasn’t a universe where a version of ‘us’ played out well in my head.
I brought the joint back to my lips as a shudder ran through my quivering body, realising that I was listing all of the reasons I shouldn’t, and not a damn one for why I didn’t want to.
I had planned to take full responsibility and apologise to y/n when I saw her at school the next day, hoping to dispel the tension between us so life could go on as it had. I would learn to appreciate her from a distance, as much as the thought pulled at my heart strings and placed a lump in my throat. I wouldn’t bother her with my company and risk confusing things between us anymore than they already were.
After I tossed and turned all night in my bed, sleep evading me for the entirety of it, I’d decided to be honest with myself. My feelings towards y/n had developed past wet dreams and frustration, but also – that they were completely unreciprocated. The consequences of that could be disastrousness if I wasn’t careful. I didn’t want her to feel pressured to accommodate my feelings for the sake of Dustin, we had reached a neutral middle ground, allowing for him to be a part of Hellfire without getting caught up in the middle of our arguing and issues towards each other. To rip that away from him now, would be cruel.
So, I had allowed myself to steal five more minutes of precious alone time with y/n to explain myself, before confronting the gruelling and painful path of distancing myself from her.
Climbing a thousand-foot-high slippery mountain with my bare hands would have been easier.
But when I searched for her in the carpark before first class the next morning, I couldn’t see a glimpse of her familiar cream Ford pulling in past the ‘Hawkins High’ entrance sign. An uncomfortable feeling churned in my stomach as she didn’t turn up for calculus that day either. I pulled Dustin aside at lunch when the other Hellfire members were too engrossed in their conversation to notice us, my eyes flickering to the empty chair across the cafeteria that y/n usually occupied next to Robin and Max. Max looked up across the hall to glare at me, moving closer to Robin as she waved her hand in front of her face to regain her attention, intensely mouthing words to Robin that I couldn’t make out.
“Hey hey Little Henderson, com’ere.” I waved Dustin over to lean down towards my end of the table so I could whisper my words out of earshot of passer-by’s.
“Where’s your sister?” I crossed my arms across my chest to appear more nonchalant and not like waiting for his reply had me sitting on the edge of my seat, my rings snagged on the patches of my vest as I balled my fists.
“I don’t know.” He glanced over to her usual table as well, smiling as Max death stared him and Lucas raised a shaky hand beside Dustin to wave a greeting, Max snapped her headphones over her ears and pointedly turned away from us.
“Y/n’s probably just studying in the library or something – and she calls us nerds.” He laughed gruffly, picking up his lunch milk carton to take a swig.
“Oh, so she is here. I didn’t see you guys this morning.” I twisted my watch around my wrist as I brought my knee up to my chest and rested my foot on the edge of my chair, picking at the loose threads in my jeans. Dustin shot me a puzzled look, a milk beard growing on his pre-pubescent whiskers.
“Yeah… we were late this morning.” I nodded and pressed my lips into a thin line, turning my attention back to the conversation between Gareth and Jeff about band practise, trying not to let my spinning thoughts show on my face. I wondered how long I’d have to wait before it wouldn’t be suspicious for me to leave. Turned out the answer was exactly two minutes because that’s how long I could stand gripping the underside of the table to virtually keep me in place before I uprooted myself from my chair hastily, muttering a rushed goodbye and jogged of in the general direction of the library, leaving the confused faces of my club staring after me.
“Hey! What about Hellfire today?” Jeff shouted out after me, I had promised them an extra meeting this week to make up for the one I missed when I was off sick.
“I’ll meet you guys there.” I threw over my shoulder, not bothering to look back. The image of y/n in my mind stealing the spotlight of focus as it propelled me forward.
I shoved colourfully dressed students out of my way as my pace picked up, marching across the dining hall to the exit, ignoring their shouts of protests. I was hoping to catch y/n before the next bell rang, the sinking feeling that she was avoiding me growing stronger with every minuet she was out of my sight.
Tears fell onto the open page of the book I had spread on the dusty wooden tabletop, I quickly looked up around the library to ensure no one had seen and wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. I slammed the book closed in frustration, realising I had been reading the same paragraph for the past five minutes. Except where the words of ‘Gilbert Strang - Calculus‘ should have been flashing through my mind, a pair of piercing dark eyes sat in its place.
The elderly librarian Christi, gasped and stared over at my place in the corner of the room, her reading glasses chains dangled as she shook her head at me, bringing a finger to her lips in a ‘shushing’ gesture. I gave up entirely and slouched against the hard backing of the desk chair, watching a bug fly around the curved green reading lamp in front of me. Dread filled me as I accepted that I couldn’t live out the rest of my senior year skulking in the shadows of the library, the towering shelves of old books surrounding me, closing me in as I hyperventilated at the thought of being crushed under the weight of them.
Mr Mundy had given me a pass for today, I had cornered him in the teachers’ lounge before classes kicked off and told him I wasn’t feeling super well and that I’d really benefit from just having a quiet day of studying. He had glowered at me from the doorway, eating cereal from a bowel in his hands and had been on the verge of telling me ‘no’ before I blurted out that I had my period as an excuse. He had dropped his spoon, spilling milk all down his front as he waved me away, telling me to take all the time I needed.
But avoiding Eddie in Calculus only solved one part of a very big problem for me, Hawkins High wasn’t huge, I was bound to run into him at some point or another. I also hadn’t even considered what I was going tell Dustin about Hellfire, if I told him he couldn’t go, he would just question why. I wasn’t prepared to tell him that, I wasn’t ready to even admit it to myself.
After I fled from his trailer last night, barely paying attention as I drove home, the image of his face after I kissed him had monopolised my focus. As soon as I walked through our front door I raced straight past my mom and brother to lock myself in the bathroom.
But the long, boiling hot shower and huge bowl I smoked in my room afterwards, did absolutely nothing to drown the burning taste of him out of my mind. I swore I could smell his cologne through the haze of smoke wafting around my room, my brain played tricks on me as I lounged across my bed, it made me think that I could see Eddie standing in front of my dresser out of the corner of my eye.
I was losing my mind. I buried myself under the mounds of fleecy blankets, each layer adding a welcoming suffocating pressure. I slept a grand total of about thirty minutes the entire evening, each ticking second of it filled with my chilling nightmare. Mixed fleeting images of slimy blackened lines crawling along Billy’s skin, the sharp limbs of the fleshy mind flayer monster stabbing into his body, Max’s brutal scream as she twisted in my grasp, our cries harmonizing together as Billy died in our arms – all morphed into one disturbing movie that replayed on repeat behind my sleepy eyelids. Once the memory of Billy’s death tortured me past oblivion, it took on a new cruel twist, plunging the knife deeper into me.
Billy’s dead blue eyes transformed into soft brown ones as they stared down at the Mind flayer’s sharp claws piercing through his body, hanging him up high up in the air. Blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth as he lifted his head up to look at me, his pretty curls swinging with the movement. Savagery curled hungrily within me as I took on the position of the monster, my own limbs coated in the warmth of Eddie as I tore him apart from the inside. An evil smile twisted itself on my face as I watched the pure spark of life drain from Eddie’s eyes.
“I’m still here y/n.” echoed around me violently.
The scream that ripped from my throat brought Dustin running to my room, I flinched as he flicked on the light, holding a can of “Faberge Organics” up as a deadly weapon.
“What what what.” Dustin swore as he swung his arm wildly around the room, I stared at his terrified face as my chest heaved, my breaths coming in gulps as I hung my head in my hands.
“It’s… Nothing… Just a… a nightmare, Dusty. Go back to bed.” I spoke into my hands, sweat dripping from my skin as it rolled off to stick to the tangled sheets. He dropped his arm and looked at me as I curled into a ball, wrapping my hands around my knees, doubling over as the remainder of nightmare faded away slowly.
“You sure you’re okay y/n?” Dustin took a step forward and reached out a hesitant hand to rest on my shoulder, but I shook my head and sniffed.
“I’m fine, I promise.” I lied, he looked at me sadly, partially knowing what plagued me. As he walked to my door to head to his room, he raised his hand to the light switch to flick it back off.
“Actually – can you leave that on?” The yellow light seeped into all corners of my room, flushing out the monsters that danced in the shadows, my own face reflecting amongst the evil silhouettes.
Suddenly it didn’t matter that Eddie didn’t kiss me back, I was still unsure what unconscious thought spurred me forward towards him, but I was grateful for his rejection. Even if he had returned the kiss, my life was too dangerous to allow him to get close. Despite El sealing the gate shut, saving us and all of Hawkins, I was never going to be able escape the unrelenting clutches of the upside down. None of us were.
I was tainted, I was too dangerous, and if I didn’t keep my distance, Eddie would end up hurt or worse.
Dustin and the others weren’t the only ones I had to protect anymore.
Everywhere I turned, Eddie was going to be there. It wasn’t going to be easy to keep him at bay, safe from me. But it would be the last thing I did on this godforsaken earth, so help me. I had even made us late on purpose so that I wouldn’t risk running into him when I picked Max up this morning. Even though the thought of him being near my home again sent a risky thrill up my spine, I would have to relent and let Dustin and the boys ride with Eddie to the Hellfire meetings. Just the thought of being in the darkened warm room with him again made it harder for me to breathe, I couldn’t risk being around him for long.
The chair next to me scraped back loudly, snapping me out of my thoughts with a jolt. I looked up at my new neighbour – one of the juniors that worked on the Weekly Streaks Newspaper with Nancy, he turned his head to smile at me through his glasses and I recognised him as my stomach plummeted sickeningly, as my eyes landed on the angry red scar disfiguring the left side of his face. Fred had been branded with the wound from a fatal car accident a few months ago. I dropped my eyes rapidly and reached up to my necklace instinctively, searching for the pendant that had always dangled from it. Panic shot through me as my fingers clamped around the cold thin chain, I rose up from my seat to search the grey thick carpet of the library floor, bending down to run my hands over the gritty fabric around the legs of my chair.
“Are you okay?” Fred peered at me over the frames of his glasses, looking at me like I’d lost my mind. I reached up to the desk I was sitting at and ripped my school bag from the tabletop, shoving my calculus book into it, stumbling to my feet.
“No, I have to go.” The memory of me fiddling with my necklace at the Hellfire meetings shot across my vision as I ran from the library. Christi exclaimed angrily as I brushed past her desk, sending a pile of letters to flutter to floor as light breeze followed in my wake as I sped towards the way out. I slammed into a tall shoulder as I flew through the door, sending my bag flying from my grasp. I didn’t look back at whoever I bumped into as I swiped my backpack up from the ground, practically sprinting down the hallway, dodging the groups of two’s and three’s of students as they made their way from lunch to their next class. I was glad that I noticed my missing jewellery now before a particular person could find it and have an excuse to give it back to me, Hellfire usually met on Fridays, so I figured I was safe from running into a certain metal head at this time in the day.
I knew that due to budget cuts, the drama club only met once a week, but as I came to a halting stop in front of the classroom door, I crossed my fingers that their meeting wasn’t held on Tuesday afternoons. The bell rang to signal the end of lunch, the corridor slowly emptying behind me as the throng of warm bodies found their destination. I held my breath and nudged the door open a crack, peeking into the room to find it thankfully empty. I sighed and slipped into the room, leaving the door open behind me, hoping to be in and out. I avoided looking over at the hulking wooden table in the middle of the room, the chair at the head of the table was pushed out like the scene had remained untouched since the last time I was here. I bolted over to my usual corner of the room, shoving and lifting up spare cafeteria chairs as I tried to spy the missing piece of my necklace. I huffed as I leant far across the stacks of chairs, my short skirt riding up my thighs dangerously as I bent down further, I darted my hands back and forth under the dusty piles of equipment as I searched for the cold, curved metal of my pendant.
I wasn’t sure if it was the palpable shift in the atmosphere, or maybe he just made a small noise that I subconsciously registered, but I suddenly realised I wasn’t alone anymore. I gulped heavily and stood up straight, refusing to turn around, I smoothed out the lines of my skirt, tugging it further down my legs slyly. I heard him inhale a sharp beath, causing my heart to skip a beat.
“Y/n.” I closed my eyes and turned to face him, refusing to open them until I heard him walking over to me. I flashed them open to stare at his sweet face, holding a hand out in front of me as a warning. He halted in the middle of the room mid-step, his lips parting slightly as he looked me up and down.
“What are you doing in here?” He asked as silence filled the space between us.
“I’m looking for something I lost.” I dropped my hand back to my side and fiddled with the hem of my sweater nervously as his gaze bore into my face, searching for something. He opened his mouth to say something but then seemed to change his mind at the last second.
“Do you want help looking for it?” He offered, shoving his hands in his back pockets. I dropped my head as a deep blush filled my cheeks as the memories of last night came flooding back.
I shook my head and sent a small smile his way. “What I’m looking for isn’t here.” He leant forward towards me.
“Are you sure about that?” His double-edged cunning words sent my mind blank as my eyes widened and my lips parted with a slight pop. I trembled as he stared at me unwaveringly, standing by his question. I spurred forward as he went to take another step towards me, brushing past him as I tried to flee. His hand shot out to snake around my arm, stopping me from leaving. His long fingers overlapped each other as his grip tightened, pulling me closer to him slightly. I turned to face him, his long eyelashes brushing his cheeks as he gazed down at me pressed against his chest. He pulled my hand up to rest against his beating heart, I could feel it thundering away rapidly, even beneath the layers of clothes he was wearing.
“So this is how it’s going to be? You’re just going to ignore me like I’m dead?”
“There are worst things than death, Eddie.” I replied cryptically, pain shooting through me at the longing in his eyes, he was silently begging me for an answer, but I didn’t think I could give him one without words exploding from me like a burst dam.
“Yeah y/n, you walking out that door right now is one of them.” His hand tensed around me.
My breathing faltered and my head swam, the sweet scent of him surrounding me. I tossed my head and took an automatic step back to focus on what I needed to say, everything about him from his soft curls to his powerful forearms all the way to his pretty brown eyes was intoxicating, he had no idea how his presence was essentially making me drunk. And drunk words couldn’t be trusted.
“Look Eddie, I’m not going to stand in the way of Dustin and the others playing Hellfire. I trust you.” His eyes blazed at my words. “So you don’t have to worry about that, and I’ll get Steve or someone to pick up for me and I’ll mind my own business in Calculus. It’ll be like before, before Hellfire, we can go back to not existing to each other. I don’t know what came over me last night, I was way out of line. I was just… I don’t know, upset and high and…” I took a deep breath to calm myself as I stuttered, my eyes falling to a crack in the white wall behind him. I’ve come this far I thought. I ran my tongue over my lips and steeled myself.
“I don’t know what it is Edward Munson, but I can’t get you out of my head. I can’t be around you, having to literally hold myself back every time you look at me with that damn smile.” I ripped my arm out of his grasp, my voice raising as the frustrations of the past few weeks reached a boiling point within me. A heavy weight that I had been ignoring lifted from my heart as the words erupted themselves from me of their own free will, finally setting me free.
“Knowing that you don’t feel that same way, kills me Eddie. I can’t be around you I’m sorr-“ My ramblings were silenced as Eddie crushed his warm, soft lips against mine, reaching up to trap my face between his forceful hands, his cold bulky rings pressing painfully into my skin. My knees buckled as the of taste of him invaded my mind, the sweetness of his breath washing over me and setting my skin alight. My hands dangled limply at my side as the shape of him moulded against me. He stroked a finger down my cheek and along my neck, I froze under his touch as the memory of Jason’s similar touch plagued my mind, but Eddie just moved his hand to brush my hair away from my face. He misread my response, pulling away from me unbearably to look at me apologetically.
“Sorry, I just had to do that at least once.” Tenderness blossomed in my chest at his sweetness, and even through every single sane warning was screaming at me and sending off red alarms in my brain, I reached up to wrap my arms around his neck, pulling his face back down to mine to kiss him back passionately.
I moaned into his mouth as my fingers knotted in his hair, holding him against me tightly as his hands made their way to the sides of my waist, grabbing me firmly as he sighed my name. I traced my tongue across his bottom lip, allowing him access into my mouth, he didn’t hesitate as his tongue danced with mine, sending shocks of pleasure through me. I gasped breathlessly as he walked me backwards, the backs of my thighs hitting the jagged edge of his Hellfire table, never breaking our lips apart as we both fought for control. His hands constricted around my sides as he lifted me into the air, setting me on the tabletop. I whimpered softly as he grabbed my knees and pushed my legs apart, settling in between them comfortably, like our bodies were made to go together. He leaned over me, forcing me to arch my back as he wrapped an arm around my ass to pull me closer into him, his free hand lightly twisting his fingers in my hair to pull my head back, allowing him to deepen this kiss.
My hands fell from the back of his neck to fall over his chest, my fingertips trailing lightly across his clothed stomach as they came to rest on his belt. I had just tightened my hands around the loops in his pants to pull him in further to me, Eddie moaning sensually as I wrapped my legs around his waist, when the classroom door opened with a smack, banging against the wall.
I didn’t know when, I didn’t know how, but I was going to get Jeff and Gareth.
After stopping to ask a group of giggling freshman girls where the library was, because I had never been there in my six years of high school, I only knew its rough whereabouts. I had gotten there with barely any time left before the bell rung, but as I reached out for the door handle it was ripped from my grasp, to emit none other than y/n herself barrelling through it. She had run straight into me, slamming against as my shoulder and not even looking to see what obstacle hindered her, to either yell or apologise. Curious to know what consumed her focus so much – and feeling a little jealous of it – I followed her.
I found her rifling under the chairs along the backwall in my Hellfire room, bent over one far enough that I could see her pink panties peeking out from beneath her skirt, I had looked away after a moment, swallowing nervously as the sight of her set my nerves on fire. But even my wildest fantasies couldn’t have prepared me for what followed.
As soon as the words had left her pretty mouth, I decided I wasn’t going to fumble my second chance. The feeling and taste of her was more than I could have imagined, almost heavenly. I tried to take it slow, to savour the moment, but the caged monster deep within me was screaming in ecstatic joy, urging me forward. When y/n responded back to my touch, her moans sending an electrified thrill through me, the rest of my willpower crumbled instantly. The way she wrapped herself around me had caused me to nearly become undone on the spot.
And then Gareth and Jeff sauntered through the door, slamming it open with a bang that jolted y/n and I apart. Reality was a cruel and cold wave as it crashed over us both. Y/n pushed herself away from me, stumbling to the side and tugging her skirt down, - it had risen when I lifted her against the table -wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. I walked away around the side of the table facing away from everyone, quickly readjusting myself so my hard-on was tucked into my waist band. I raised my hands above my head, my vest and jacket jostling with the movement and turned to face the pair of them frozen in the doorway.
“Oh.” They both muttered in union, their stunned eyes flicking between us.
Y/n lightly ran over to grab her bag and swung it up her arm. “This isn’t what it looks like.” She stared the guys down, shouldering between them, pointedly avoiding my stare as she escaped from the room.
“What does it look like?” Jeff questioned as I watched y/n’s hair flow out behind her as she whipped around the corner and out of sight. I looked back at my club remembers, cupping the back of my neck guiltily as they turned back to me, interrogations burning in their faces.
The universe had a cruel sense of humour, giving me exactly what I asked for the night y/n came to my trailer, but now I didn’t want a damn part of it.
Y/n stayed true to her word, she no longer accompanied Dustin and the others to Hellfire. Little Henderson had come to me the day after what happened between y/n and I, wearing a geometrical patterned shirt open over his Hellfire tee. He caught me in the hallway at my locker between classes, asking if I’d be able to pick him and the other sheepies up for the campaign. Apparently, his sister had to work late on Fridays now. I had tried to not let my disappointment show on my face, nodding and ruffling Dustin’s hair, earning myself a classic wide Henderson grin.
“No skin off my back kid, I’ll pick you guys up at 6.30.” My fake smile dropped from my face instantly as I slammed my locker closed a little too hard and stormed off, deciding to skip class and smoke up instead. A group of scared freshmen scattered as I barrelled through them, snapping at them to get out of my way, one of the girls dropped her books to the floor and she let out a frightened yelp as I passed by.
I had pulled Gareth and Jeff aside later that week at the start of our next Hellfire meeting, dragging them across the room by the backs of their necks so the other wouldn’t hear as they set up for the meeting. I promised them that if they breathed a word to anyone about what they thought they saw, I would kill of their characters at the start of each campaign for the next 6 months. They might have been the only two in the club to know the real reason behind my mood, but the others still picked up on the black cloud that surrounded me, sucking the joy out of anything to came too close. Mike had brazenly asked me if something was wrong, but his high-pitched voice trailed off as my eyes flashed to his face, staring back at him unblinkingly. After that, no one else had tried to coax me out of my brooding shell. As the weeks passed, there was still a gaping hole in the Hellfire club, my mood darkened further each time my eyes flittered over to the empty, cold corner of the room that used to shine bright with y/n’s presence.
Calculus, once my favourite subject because of the time I got to spend with her, was now the bane of my existence for the same reason. My stomach had dropped and writhed like there was a knife twisting through me, when she didn’t look up as I loudly pulled my chair back, watching her face for the slightest change in her expression. Apart from the smallest tightening of her mouth, there wasn’t any. For all intents and purposes, I could have been one of the cracks in the painting of the wall behind us, I resorted back to my old ways, trying something – anything – to get a reaction out of her. But even when I would tap my rings on my knuckles against my desk loudly enough to be reprimanded by Mr Mundy, she still wouldn’t budge, her eyes glued to her notebook like I wasn’t there. She arrived to class at the exact second it started and tore herself from her seat the exact moment it ended, never allowing the chance for me to get a word in edge wise.
I felt starved with each day she pretended I wasn’t there, refusing to meet my stare so I could read the thoughts behind her pretty eyes. Each time I caught her spinning and walking the opposite way when she would run into me in the school corridors, my temper would enrage further, making me dangerous to anyone that crossed paths with me.
It took for Jason Carver to shoulder barge me into my locker yelling ‘freak’ for everything I had been burying beneath the surface to boil over. I reached out to grab his basketball jersey, slamming him into the lockers and pinning my leather clad arm under his chin. The zip on my jacket sliced into the soft skin under his jawline, drawing blood that fell between our feet in droplets. Jason’s terrified eyes swivelled up to mine as I pushed my arm in deeper.
Like kids on a busted pinata, the half empty hallway was now packed, buzzing bodies forming a half circle around where I had Jason pinned against the wall, half of the crowd chanting ‘Freak Freak Freak” in an almost commending way, the other half pushing their way through to me as they shouted at me to let him go, Jason’s eye’s bulged as he spotted his friends, gasping for their help.
Mine got to us first. Gareth and Jeff shouldered their way through the packed crowd, Gareth stood by my side and tugged at my arm, demanding I let go. I was semi aware of Jeff holding his hands out behind me to keep the rest of the basketball team away.
“Come on Eddie, he’s not worth it.” Gareth’s calm but intent voice broke through my stupor, I let Jason fall back to his feet and shoved him into the crowd away from me, taking a few menacing steps towards him as he tried to size back up. The look on my face must have been truly murderous – or in their words – satanic, because he shot a trembling hand out stop his teammate Andy, from advancing towards me, shaking his head slightly and muttering to them to leave it. He wiped the blood from his chin and threw me a surprised last look before walking away, taking his team and half the crowd with him.
Loud questions of ‘Are you really going to let the freak get away with the Jason?” followed him down the hallway. I leaned against my locker and closed my eyes as I tried to even my breathing, by the time I opened them, the rest of the spectators had dispersed, and my friends were looking at me like they didn’t recognise who I was. A shared look of concern and agreement flashed between them.
“What?” I snapped, balling my hands into fists so hard that the nails digging in made me gasp.
Gareth spoke up as Jeff nodded along beside him, backing up his every word.
“Eddie, we don’t know what happened between you and y/n, but it’s making you miserable, and it’s affecting all of us. It’s affecting Hellfire, the freshmen are scared as hell to say anything and you’re terrifying everybody.” My eyes flicked up past them both to the end of the hallway.
Y/n was frozen there with a bundle of books pressed to her chest, she was standing in a patch of sunlight that filtered through the glass doors, her plump pink glossed lips were hanging opening slightly and her burning eyes bore into mine. Finally being able to see into the depths of them after weeks of being denied the pleasure, I felt like I had been choking and she had just breathed the lifesaving breath deep into me.
“I’m sorry, we’re sorry for whatever happened and why it’s making you so upset, but if you pull another stunt like that with Carver, you’re gonna get your self killed.” Jeff placed a hand on my shoulder. They were right, I couldn’t keep going on like this and hurting everyone else around me, they weren’t responsible for my feelings.
With actual physical pain shooting through me, I agonizingly tore my eyes away from y/n’s, swearing that it would be the last time I’d look at her. I was sure that astronauts in space could hear my heart shattering into a million pieces.
As I mirrored her own behaviour towards me, my ego took a brutal hit. Pretending like she didn’t mean anything - like it wasn’t literally killing me to not reach out and touch her - was agonising and virtually impossible. I caught myself leaning towards her in class more than I cared to admit, internally groaning and turning away from her. Gareth would kick me under the table at lunch when he saw me staring over at y/n’s table. I couldn’t help it, her act – if it even was one – was so convincing she deserved an oscar. Day in day out she appeared effectively unscathed by our falling out, whereas I collapsed to pieces damn near every time I smelt her sweet perfume her in the hallway or I caught a glimpse of her when I wasn’t prepared.
The only thing that appeased my broken heart, was Dustin’s occasional comment about how his sister had turned into ‘such a bitch’ since she started working so much, practically ignoring him and everyone else and snapping at them when they questioned the reason for her recent mood change, Lucas and Mike nodding along with him. That, mixed with when I did catch glimpses of her in the cafeteria, her face crestfallen and despairing when she thought Max and Robin weren’t looking, led me to believe that she was trapped in a similar hole of misery the same as I was.
The thought warmed my cold heart a little. Defrosted it a tad.
By the time winter break had rolled around, I had mastered my mask of indifference towards her perfectly, that when I randomly ran into her in a deserted hallway one late winter afternoon just before the last bell rang for the day, I strolled straight past her, not even glancing in her direction. She took a part of my soul with her as she accidently brushed past me, the backs of our hands caressing against each other, sending a scorching heat zapping up my arm. I thought I saw her turn her head slightly towards me as we passed each other but at the brief touch of her, my footsteps sped up, tearing towards the exit. The chilling winter air froze my tears on my cheeks just as they started to fall.
The last glimmer of hope I was vainly holding on to was crushed when Steve Harrington himself approached me a few weeks after y/n began ignoring me, his stupid hair whipping in the cold wind as he crossed the darkened carp park in front of the bar ‘The Hideout’ as I packed band equipment into my van, we had just finished playing a set, the rest of the band had already bailed, complaining of the frost bite they were guaranteed to get if they hung around any longer.
“Munson.” He called, nodding his head as a greeting, doing a ridiculous half shuffle half jog the last few feet to me. When he reached me light spilled across us as the bar door swung open, letting a golden glow seep into the night. Glasses tinkled as drunken voices shouted at each other happily, toasting something outlandish. I looked him up and down, remembering his unfriendliness at our last meeting.
“What d’ya want Harrington.” I grunted as I lifted an amplifier into the back seat, huffing as I pushed it across the metal floor. Steve grimaced at the screeching noise it echoed into the night. He leant an arm against the side panel of my van, crossing his ankles and placing his free hand on his hip.
“I was wondering if you could hook me up.” I paused as I stood up, the piece of equipment I was holding slipping through my fingers until I brought my knee up to catch it. “Woah, you right there man?” He reached out to help but I turned away from him, slamming whatever I was holding down as I turned to look back at him.
“So that’s it.” I spat, anger coursing through me at the thought that y/n had sent a lacky, I had seriously doubted that if she was acting like I didn’t exist at school, that she would reach out to me for weed again. But a man could dream.
“Huh?” Steve raised his brows innocently, pressing his lips into a thin line. “Oh, um, I’m throwing a Christmas party so I should just need uh – let’s say a quarter?” He crossed his hands across his chest and glanced behind me nervously as a couple of regulars stumbled out of the bar with their arms slung over each other’s shoulders, one of them launched forward and decorated the sidewalk with beer and bar nuts, while his friend retched from the smell.
"Don’t come down here often Harrington?” I teased as I watched him crinkle his nose in disgust, slamming the back doors of the van shut and strolling around to the passenger side.
“Uh no, not really.” He laughed, following me. I popped open the glove box and fumbled around for a second, finding my metal lunch box, I snapped the lid closed as he peeked over my shoulder. Grabbing what he asked for and turning back to tell him ‘cash first’ but he was already pulling bills from his pocket.
“Thanks man.” He muttered, glancing around before taking it from me and shoving it deep in his side pocket, flashing me an awkward smile.
“Yeah, you can tell y/n I said she’s welcome.” I laughed at the expression my words put on King Harringtons face, thinking that I’d never seen him so uncomfortable as I jumped up into the driver’s seat, turning over the engine until it spluttered to life.
“Here.” Steve grumbled, slamming the bag of weed down on the bench in front of me. I stood up from where I had been leaning, snatching the bag and hiding it out of sight.
“Dude! I’m grateful for your help but can you not – my mom is in the other room.” I jerked my chin to where my mom sat, mere feet from us . He rolled his eyes at me and leant back against the brown panelled kitchen counters lining the wall across from our island bench. Robin sat crossed legged on top of it next to him, munching on a bag of chips she had nicked from our pantry.
“You’re lucky I even got it for you, guy gives me the heebee jeebies.” Steve shuddered dramatically, making me roll my eyes.
“So y/n.” She mumbled through a full mouth a food, bringing a chip to her lips. “Steve got your weed for you, now you owe us that explanation you promised.” I shushed her as the laughing voices from the tv-set barely drowned out our own.
“Okay, okay.” I mumbled, walking around the counter and snatching the bag from her grasp, popping a chip into my own mouth. “But not here alright.” I nodded towards the living room where a soft glow was flickering from the tv across the chairs surrounding it, my mother who was seated comfortably on one of them, conspicuously ignoring us. No doubt pretending to watch her show while she was trying to eavesdrop on my me and my friends.
At that moment Dustin walked into the kitchen yelling through his walkie talkie as I tossed the bag back to Robin. “No Mike, we’re going to go for it this week. I’m telling you; we can take Vecna.” Mikes voice crackled through the machine; Dustin smacked the side of it as the signal dropped out. “Oh, hey guys.”
“What’s he talking about.” Steve asked me, jabbing his thumb at Dustin as he walked over and dug his hands into the chip packet, taking far too long to grab a handful and causing Robin to drop them on the floor.
“No idea.” I muttered, turning away from them all to hide my face, I heard the sound of flesh smacking together as Robin groaned.
“Ow.” She stumbled to her feet, crushing the chips to smithereens beneath her shoes.
“I’m talking about DnD Steve, Eddie’s created the most mental campaign ever.” Dustin exclaimed excitedly, rubbing a spot on his head where he must have clashed with Robin when they both bent down to retrieve the food packet.
“Oh Eddie, your friend that’s so much cooler than me because he plays your nerdy game?” Steve snapped childishly. I busied myself with fetching a broom.
“Don’t be jealous Steve, it’s not a good colour on you.” Robin laughed. I shoved the broom into Dustin’s hands.
“Here, clean this up.” I pointed my finger and swirled it around at the mess on the floor. “We have to go.” I swiped my keys off the hook so Dustin couldn’t steal my car and headed to the front door, not waiting for the others to follow me.
“Wait where are you guys going? It’s like 9 pm on a school night.” Dustin’s shouts followed us down the hallway.
“Yeah, okay dad.” Steve grumbled.
“You’ll have to bike to school tomorrow, Dusty.” I blew a sarcastic kiss over my shoulder at him. I was still mad at him for snitching on me to Robin and Steve, but grateful for the distraction of their company.
“You be safe kids.” My mom called from the couch as we sauntered past, Robin stopped to say goodbye and got caught up telling her how much she loved her new hair style. Steve reached back to grab her shoulder and pulled her through the door with us.
Once I was safely belted into the back seat of Steve’s BMW, my overnight bag pressed into my side on the seat next to me, the interrogation began. Steve’s eyes met mine in his rear-view mirror as Robin turned in the passenger seat to look back at me.
“Time to explain yourself y/n.” He barked, spinning the wheel as he reversed out of my driveway. I rolled my eyes at his tone, anxiety turning in my stomach as I watched the gently swaying trees flit past my window as we picked up speed.
Not unusually, Steve’s parents were out of town. So we sat in his luxurious backyard besides the heated pool, swirling our feet in the water as we sat on the edge of it, the cool night air biting at our exposed skin. His ridiculously oversized house loomed behind us, blocking the moonlight from shining on us.
I took a deep breath and started from the beginning. Skipping over the events of our Starcourt trauma, they had already lived it first-hand alongside me, none of us needed to relieve it. I filled them in on almost everything I had been keeping barely buried the surface, not going into graphic details about the nightmares that plagued me but telling them enough that they got the picture. I explained about the visions I was having, seeing the flayed version of myself no matter which way I turned. I choked up as I tried to explain the guilt I felt over Billy’s death, but I couldn’t get through it.
“I can’t do this sober.” I grumbled, standing up from the poolside and splattering water drops onto Steve’s jeans as I pulled my feet from the water, walking to my bag on the table and grabbing the weed along with my rolling kit, from it. As I re-joined them, a cloud of smoke trailing behind me, I offered the joint to Steve as I sat back down, laying against the concrete to look up at the clear starry sky. After passing it back and forth between the three of us for a while, I picked back up with my story.
“I know it’s selfish, we all went through so much. But if Billy hadn’t of come out to meet me that night, he never would have gotten possessed by the mind flayer. It’s my fault he’s dead.” I sobbed, sitting up and wrapping my arms around my legs, bringing them to my chest as I tried to patch the hole that had been punched through me, festering at the edges for months as I kept my feelings and thoughts trapped in it, the poison of them infecting the rest of my body. Steve rubbed my back as they both murmured soft reasons as to why I was wrong, that what I was feeling was just ‘survivors’ guilt’.
I finished by telling them that smoking every night was the only thing that helped me get a little bit of sleep. They both fell silent at that; I could feel their judgement cutting through the air.
I filled the silence before they could. “I know I’m weak okay but –“
“No y/n it’s not about that, it’s okay to do this shit at parties.” He held up the dwindling joint between his fingers “But not every Goddamn day like a druggie.”
“No Steve.” I snapped swivelling around to stare at him, splashing a large wave over both of them. Robin yelped and sat up, pulling her pants further up her thighs. “I’m not like you okay, I haven’t known about the upside down since the start, and it’s not like I can walk into Ms Kelley’s office and tell her about a Goddamn alternate dimension filled with fleshy monsters! This shit has been eating me up since it happened and I don’t know what to do, I don’t know how you guys can just go about your life like nothing happened, going on dates with girls” I pointed at Steve’s chest, my eyes falling past him to look at Robins face as she cocked an eyebrow. “… and girls! ” I yelled. Robin sat up to address me.
“No… you can’t tell her about the upside down.” She paused, considering her words carefully as a strong breezed ruffled the trees in the woods across from us, I looked out into the dark void, my eyes barely able to make out the silhouettes of the trees closest to the boundary of Steve’s yard, jumping slightly as an owl hooted in the distance. “But you could talk to her about Billy’s death,” She finished softly, leaning her head forward past Steve to get my attention.
I sniffed and shook my head. “I’m okay, really, it’s just the nightmares. And no sleep, not being able to sleep is really getting to me.”
“So why have you become such a bitch all of a sudden?” Robin punched his arm hard as the insensitive words fell from Steve’s mouth. “Ow, that hurt.”
“You can’t just say that dingus. We agreed to take it slow, it’s like buying a new fish, you don’t just drop it in, you let it sit in the water a while.” She stretched out her last words, whining as she stared angrily at him. I laughed, breaking the tension as Steve rubbed his arm like a baby.
“That’s why Dustin called you?” I guessed; two pairs of guilty eyes looked back at me. I sighed, remorse washing over me at the fact that I had been a shitty big sister once again, even after swearing to myself that I wouldn’t.
“So what’s changed y/n?” Steve probed. “Starcourt happened months ago.”
Robin spoke up when I didn’t. “Is it Eddie y/n?” My eyes flashed to her shocked, surprised that for someone who was by general nature, extremely unperceptive and one track minded, she had been extremely observant. She smiled at my reaction. “I’ve seen the way you look at him y/n, and the way you’ve been since you stopped going to the Hellfire meetings.”
She had been more observant than I gave her credit for, given that I hadn’t told anyone outside of the actual club it’s self that I was attending them. My breathing hitched in my throat as Steve threw his head back and forth between us as he watched the exchange.
“You’re quick.” I complimented her, smiling to hide my awkwardness.
She shrugged. “Actually, I can’t take all the credit, Max pointed it out to me first. She saw you leaving his place.” My face heated at what Max must have thought happened between us, and the at the fact that she hadn’t said anything to me about it.
“Wait wait wait wait.” Steve interrupted, waving his hands in front of him. “Are we talking about Eddie Munson, you y/n, y/n/l/n have a crush on Eddie the freak Munson?”
“Shut up Steve, let the girl live, you used to like Tammy Thompson.” Robin laughed loudly as she laid back down, stealing the joint from his hand.
“If I remember correctly,” He replied scathingly, snatching it back. “That was you.”
“He’s not a freak Steve.” I replied quietly. They both stilled and watched my face carefully as I angled my chin up to the night sky, soaking in the pretty colours of the midnight blues mixing in with the wispy greys of passing clouds.
“Anyway y/n, after everything you’ve been though, after everything we’ve been through, you deserve to be happy. One of us does at least.” Steve brought the joint to his lips before passing it back to me.
Robin lifted her head once more and turned towards the direction of Steve’s kitchen, her eyes bloodshot red from the weed. “Do you have any chips, Steve?”
I joined in on their laughter as the bright stars twinkled above our heads, considering their words, did I deserve to be happy? At what cost? Denying myself what I truly desired seemed to be doing nothing but causing everyone around me pain. If it was truly the right thing, then why was it so damaging?
An hour later I was speeding along the empty road in Steve’s BMW, already hearing his lecture berating into the back of my head. Robin and Steve had both passed out on beach chairs in the cool midnight air, their soft snores echoing around me as two sides of myself battled against each other. Both of the voices were irrational – depending on which side you looked at it from. When I considered the odds of surviving another year in our cursed town, the outlook of it extremely bleak and concerning, it seemed irrational to condemn myself to a life where I was so damn miserable. I hadn’t given myself a second to question it before I jumped up and swiped Steve’s keys from his pocket, holding them tightly so they didn’t jangle as I snuck through his glass back doors to his garage, leaving a quickly scribbled note in case they woke up before I returned and panicked. Steve would absolutely file a police report the moment he noticed his beloved car missing.
Anticipation curled in my stomach as the distant glow of the trailer park grew closer, like my beating heart knew it was close to either being filled with unrelenting joy or smashed apart beyond repair. I pulled in behind Eddie’s van again, déjà vu filling me as my mind flashed back to the last time I was here, not much had changed in the past weeks except for some Christmas tinsel that was draped over the railings of the deck. A mistle toe in the shape of a weed leaf hung above the door, the sight of it made me smile because it had Eddie written all over it. I ran up the steps, taking two at a time. I was too hyper as my sharp knock resounded throughout the trailer, to consider the fact that Eddie might not be alone. An older man, with similar eyes to Eddie’s pulled the door open curiously, his features clouding with perplexity as he saw me standing on his deck.
“Oh, Hi. Um, is Eddie home?” I clenched my hands in front of me, nerves zapping through me as I waited to hear Eddie’s voice. But it never came. A streak of light flashed across me as the blinds in the window snapped back. The man looked to his right, his mouth hanging open as he hesitated.
“Uh, look. Um, Eddie’s not home right now, you’ll have to come back another time.” His eyes flashed back to mine, a genuine small smile on his face. “I’m Wayne by the way, his uncle.” Dread filled me at his response, my shoulders sagged in defeat. I bit my lip as I fiddled with my skirt, deciding to try one more time.
“Please Mr Munson, I just want to talk to him.” His eyes glanced to the right of him again for a brief second before his lips pressed into a thin line.
“Sorry.” He muttered, slowly closing the door on me, dousing me in complete darkness. I hesitated for a moment before hushed voices broke out behind the door, and I tore backdown the steps running to Steve’s car. Once again, I fled from the trailer park, except as I drove, I didn’t have a destination in mind. It wasn’t very long before I had to pull over on a patch of gravel as despairing sobs racked my body. Darkness pouring in from the cruel night to caress the invisible wounds on my body.
The realisation of my situation had me doubling over the steering wheel, holding it tightly as my heart broke into a million pieces. I was too late, too late and not decent enough. My behaviour the past few weeks towards him had pushed Eddie away from me for good, and now I was never going to get the chance to explain myself. To fix this. I glanced up through my wet eye lashes, the distant glow of lights reflecting off my ring on the hand that gripped the wheel, I sniffed as I squinted at the establishment, recognising it as a no-good bar, figuring I couldn’t sink any lower tonight, I clicked the key over in the ignition, speeding off to the promise of serenity.
The third shot of fiery liquid had just passed my lips as a rough hand tore the glass away from me, slamming it back down against the sticky bar. I was sitting on one of four empty bar stools, ignoring the advances from some fat sleezy drunk that was my father’s age as he leant beside me, using a pool stick to keep him standing, he backed off alarmed as he spotted something above my head. The blonde bartender who was a wearing a shirt that covered less than her bra and wore far too much makeup, scowled at me as a rough hand wrapped around my arm.
“Do you know how old she is? Why the hell would you serve her.” I stumbled as he pulled me from my seat, dragging me towards the exit.
“Hey. I’m old enough to make my own decisions.” I would have sounded more convincing if my words hadn’t slightly slurred together.
“You don’t get to talk right now.” The cool air washed over me, clearing my head a little.
“Eddie?” I gulped, his back portfolio coming into focus. His dark jacket and vest looked inviting as the snippy temperature sent goosebumps up my exposed arms. He pulled me along behind him to the far corner of the footpath where his white van was sloppily parked. He roughly shoved me against the side of it, blocking us from view of the patrons littering the pavement in front of the main entrance, he pinned his body against mine - for which I was grateful as the icy night wind swirled around us menacingly, sending his hair to whip around both of us.
“What the hell are you doing here.” He glared down at me, spreading his arms on either side of the van beside my head.
“I could ask you the same thing.” I shot back, staring at the empty space around his waist as his jacket whipped in the wind, picturing myself wrapping my arms around him.
“I drink here.”
“So do I.”
“No y/n, you don’t” He shook his head, laughing at me. “So why don’t you tell me what you’re really doing here.” He cocked an eyebrow sultrily. The tight constriction of pain that held a firm grip on me since the moment I shut him out, slowly released me the longer I was in his presence, each second I could hear his warm laugh and stare into his deep eyes kept unwinding me further. I didn’t think I’d survive losing him a second time.
I jabbed a sharp nailed finger into his chest. “Fine Eddie, you wanna know why I’m here? I’m here for same reason as every other drunk – to drown my sorrows.”
His eyes burned. “Why?” he demanded.
Tears welled in my eyes as I met his gaze, I didn’t need to take a breath to steady myself because the words had already been playing in my mind all night. “Because of you Edward Munson, because trying to stay away from you was the stupidest – and hardest – thing I’ve ever done. Because I was wrong to try and keep you safe, I still hurt you anyway. Because I know you’re never going to forgive me.” I hiccupped as my fists reached up to grasp at the fabric around his collar.
“I’m here to drown my sorrows because I don’t know how to live without you Eddie.” A beat of silence hung heavy in the air between us.
He ripped me to the side of him, tearing open his passenger side door before pushing me back against it, lifting me up like he had in the drama room and sitting me on the seat, still facing out the door as he slid between my legs, trapping my head with his hand as he brought his mouth to mine. This wasn’t like the first time, I could feel him radiating with raw desire, he needed me as much as I needed him. He pulled me up against his body slightly to untuck my skirt from beneath me, gathering it around my hips. His lips moved to my neck as he pushed me back, lightly trailing his mouth down my chest over my shirt, getting me to lay back across the front seats on his van. I reached down to grip his shoulders, but my hands slipped slightly as they struggled to find purchase against the leather of his jacket.
He lifted both my legs over his shoulders before reaching his hands up under my shirt to caress the skin beneath my boobs, his cold hands made me gasp as they reached my nipples. I shook as he pulled one hand back down beneath my thighs.
Wintry air hit my pussy as he pulled my panties to the side, I barely had time to marvel at the temperature change before he pressed his tongue inside of me, running it along the length of me. He spread my lips with his free hand to open me up better, bringing his mouth higher and sucking at my sweet spot. I gasped and writhed madly as the new sensation took over me.
“You like that y/n?” Eddie muttered from between my thighs, my voice was ripped away from me as he slowly slid his index finger inside of me. I clutched his shoulders, digging my nails in. He let me adjust to the intrusive feeling before slowly pulling his hand back and pumping it into me, as far as it would go until I could feel his cold ring at my entrance. He tongue lapped at my clit and his finger curled inside of me. His pace picked up faster and faster in response to the gasps and moans tumbling from my lips. His large hand that was squeezing both of my breast together, snaked up to cover my mouth, as the voices of the men on the other side of the van near the bar, dropped out. If I wasn’t so caught up in the growing warm feeling, and massive waves of pleasure wracking my body, I would have been embarrassed of the noises Eddie’s long fingers were coaxing out of me. My head shot back in shock, my back arching instantly as Eddie buried his tongue inside of me, flicking it up and down my slit as I screamed his name against his palm, his lips trapped my clit between them as he sucked on it, I wrapped my legs around his head as I shook violently.
“Eddie, please I’m begging you. Oh fuck.” I mumbled, hoping he could understand me. He gently suckled at my sweet spot, pulling on it between his teeth softly. I moved my hands from his shoulders to tangle them in his hair, guiding his face up and down against me as his tongue continued to lap at my pussy, increasing the wetness that drenched the seat beneath me. He moved his hand down back between my thighs to circle my clit as I moaned his name, the burning heat growing closer to the edge with each lick.
“Fuck you taste so good y/n” He moaned between my legs “Even better than I imagined.” He brought his face up close to mine, biting my lip as he rubbed purposeful circles on my sensitive spot between my legs. I couldn’t speak, I could barely breath as my orgasm threatened to spill over. Sensing I was close he kept up the same pace, moaning my name as I tensed and wrapped myself around him, burying my face in his chest as heavenly bliss exploded through me.
My freshly beating heart hammered away in my chest as he pulled back to look at me tenderly, placing a soft kiss to my lips. Stars even brighter than the ones above us, glowed behind my eyelids as they fluttered closed, a serene sense of comfort and safety that I hadn’t felt since before the events of Starcourt, surrounded me as Eddie tightened his arms around me.
Authors Note | I pulled an all nighter & a half to get this completed + write out a few more chapters, my days off from my job are ending soon but I do intend to keep up with the pace that I have been realising them at! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it, thank you all for your continued support - let me know what you thought about it. Love you Sunflower 🌻 P. x
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