Sometimes I write stuff, and sometimes I post it. Here's where that happens.
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“Listen,” Steve says, looking up. “To be completely honest with you, I’ve been in a bit of a dry spell sexually, and you are the first person in a long time my body has responded to in such a way.”
“Jeez, Harrington, buy me dinner first.”
or
A modern AU in which Steve Harrinton and Eddie Munson meet at a photoshoot and can't fight their attraction.
This was inspired by a suggestion I saw on tumblr but cannot find the original post anymore! If you know who it was, please let me know! (The bit where Robin was scheming was included in a comment.) Rated E for Explicit!
As always, thanks to Trish for being my first reader and biggest supporter.
A modern AU in which Steve gets a Grinder notification, and Eddie knows exactly what to do about it.
Thank you all for reading! It’s been an enjoyable journey. Thanks to @treefingers for being my beta reader and dear friend.
Taron surveys the room, his hand tucked into this pocket next to his phone and a glass of champagne in the other.
"Mr. Egerton," Dr. Williams says, extending his hand. "We're thrilled you could be here."
"Of course," Taron says, shaking the man's hand. "Thrilled for our girl."
"I know," Dr. Williams says, "education awards don't come around often with fanfare so it's nice to be appreciated."
"You do all deserve far more fanfare than you get," Taron says, resting his elbow on the bar table.
"Oh, Taron!" Addie says, sidling up to him. She accepts Dr. Williams' kiss on her cheeks and slides her arm into Taron's elbow. "I was looking all over for you."
"I wanted to let you see your people," he says. "Rub elbows with the best and all that."
"Please," Addie laughs, "this is far less exciting than a night at the Oscars."
"But no less important," Taron says, pressing a kiss to her temple. "And you look simply radiant."
"Thank you," Addie says, "shall we go find our seats?"
"Sure," he says. "Are we near you?"
"At the same table," Dr. Williams says. "I'm sure Mark will be thrilled to have you there."
"He's winning an award, too," says Addie, "but he does hate the public eye."
They take their seats at a table close the center as the announcements begin, and Taron cheers as Mark and Addie are recognized for their work in late education.
"What a night!" Addie says as she crawls into the car next to Taron. "Do we still have some of that champagne at home?"
"I am," Addie laughs. "Thank you for being by my side."
"Of course, cariad," he says. "I wouldn't miss celebrating you for the world."
She kisses his nose before looking out the window. "It's wild they celebrate teachers, isn't it? To this degree?"
"We celebrate a bunch of arsehole actors who do far less for society than educators do," he says.
"Touché," Addie says. "You were fucking brilliant in Little Darlings and don't let anyone tell you differently."
"Thank you," Taron says. "I am proud of that one."
"You know what I'm proud of," Addie says, leaning her head on his shoulder, "is our little darlings."
"I like them, too," he says, resting his cheek on her crown. The remainder of the car ride is quiet as they sit comfortably together until the car pulls up to their house.
"How was it?" Jack asks, opening the door for them.
"Wonderful," Addie asks. She brandishes the glass her glass plaque at him. "I have an EEA!"
"You have an Educator of Excellence Award," Jack cheers, hugging his friend. "Congratulations!"
"How were they?"
"The little monsters were great," Jack says. "They've been down for about two hours, happy as clams."
"Thanks again for everything," Taron says, clapping Jack on the back. He reaches around the door jamb and grabs the bottle of cabernet sauvignon he stashed there earlier and presents to Jack. "As a thank you."
"You shouldn't have," Jack says, taking the bottle, "but thank you. We'll enjoy it."
"Of course you will," Taron says. “Tell Mick hello.”
“I will,” Jack says. He climbs into his own car and they watch from door as he pulls away.
Taron leads Addie into their living room, flicking on the single light above the fireplace. “A place of honor.”
Addie sets her EEA next between Taron's two Golden Globes, fondly petting her Oscar as she takes a step back.
"Looks good," she says. "We're accomplished."
"Fuck yeah, we are," Taron says, running his bottom lip between his teeth. "Some awards on the mantle, a big-ass house in London, fantastic careers, two beautiful, darling children."
"We've done all right, haven't we?" Addie says, leaning into her husband.
"We have," he says, booping her nose. He kisses her gently and grins. "All because I could stop staring at the girl reading on the train."
Addie brings his knuckles to her lips, loops her fingers through his and leads him upstairs.
Washington is much the same as she left it, Addie decides. Her students are fine, the other teachers are nice and the little house she’s renting is suitable. Leaving Taron was the hardest thing she’d ever done, and she struggles to think her current life is what she left him for.
They text constantly, just as they did when they were together, and Addie resolves to be friends.
Fall shifts into the air; leaves change and seasonal rain rolls across the state. It was always Addie’s favorite time of year, and she calls Taron to tell him so.
“Adelaide.”
“Hi Taron! How are you?”
“Fine, thanks. Listen, Addie. We need to talk.”
“Oh.”
“I can’t keep doing this,” he says. “I can’t move on if I’m stuck on you.”
Addie stops on the sidewalk, her heart clamping at his words. “I thought we were friends.”
“We’re more than friends, Addie,” he says, “and the decision was made to split and I have to honor that decision.”
“Okay, goodbye.” She disconnects the call and stumbles to the nearest bench, trying to catch her breath. He would cast her as the villain for leaving when he made no plans to see her or leave London. Addie’s heart races and her hands shake.
Dating. That’s the plan. She downloads a few apps, sets up her profile and starts conversations. There’s a date at a coffee shop, one at the little Italian restaurant and one with the choir teacher.
“I give up,” she says, switching the phone to speaker mode. “Now is not the time for me to date.”
“Now is just the time for you to date,” Jack says. “You’re young, hot, you’ve got a house, a car and a job. That alone sets you miles above some of the others.”
“I just can’t,” she says. “The last guy met me at a seedy bar and kept nodding his head towards the bathroom. I am a lady and I need to be wooed first.”
“Undoubtedly so,” Jack says. “Have you seen the news?”
“No,” Addie says, “I’ve tried to stay off the internet.”
“Taron has been seen out with a costar.”
“Really?”
“Ofelia Montague,” Jack says. “They’re in that new Branagh project together.”
“Of course they are,” Addie says, googling Taron’s name. The pictures look like something from a magazine ad: Taron’s leading her down the steps outside of a fancy restaurant. She’s wearing a sleek gown with a full-face of makeup and perfect hair. Taron has her hand in his and his suit jacket over his other shoulder. They’re smiling at each other and Addie rolls her eyes.
“Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. I knew this would happen.”
“I can’t tell you how to live your life,” Jack says, “but I would go get under that trainer at the gym you’ve been staring at.”
“He does have a remarkable ass.”
“How’s school?”
“It’s OK,” she says. “The kids are fine but I do miss my little British students. They always liked me.”
“So come home,” Jack says. “I miss you like crazy.”
“I miss you, too,” she says. “There’s so much about London that I miss.”
“It misses you! Come home.”
“Ugh, I thought I was coming home. I see my dad and Lucy once a week, but we would all be OK if I were across the pond.”
“Think about it, babe. I need my other half!”
“I’ll consider it. I miss those little meringue things.”
Addie is true to her word and gives up dating. Instead she gives herself into teaching and her hobbies, taking up baking and spin class. It’s mid-October when the call comes.
“Taron, what’s wrong?”
“Wrong? Why does something need to be wrong for me to call you?”
“We haven’t talked at all in two months! Are
you just calling me to shoot the breeze?”
“Addie, I’m sorry! I didn’t think how it would look. I actually have good news and a question.”
“Okay.”
“First of all, are you well?”
“I am living,” Addie says. “How are you?”
“Great,” he says. “I am headed to Los Angeles a couple of weeks before Christmas. How would you feel about me coming to visit you for a few days after?”
“Why?”
“I miss you,” he says. “I miss having you around, and I want to see where you’re living and working.”
“You miss me?”
“Of course I miss you,” he says. “You were a staple in my life for a year and I’m aching without you around. I just want a platonic visit with one of my dearest companions.”
“December?”
“December, yeah.”
“Okay,” Addie says. “We can do December.”
Addie sees the headlights reflect on her living room wall and she’s off the couch. She knows she should appear uninterested but this is Taron. He opens his arms to her as soon as she’s running towards him and he kisses her hair.
“Hi,” she says softly, her nose against his neck.
“Hello.”
“How are you?”
“Better now that I am here,” he says, putting her at an arm’s length. “You look great!”
“I’ve lost thirty pounds,” she says. “Apparently when I get depressed, I eat less.”
“Apparently I’ve gained everything you’ve lost.” He chuckles.
“You still look great,” she says. “Let’s get your stuff inside. Are you hungry?”
“I could eat, yeah.”
They’re perfectly amicable at dinner, and her gut continually turns to mush. Her Apple Watch beeps every few minutes to alert her of a spiking heart rate, and she knows it’s because Taron is here.
Taron can’t keep his eyes off of her. She’s still just as lovely and wonderful as she was when they were together, and he’s contemplating making a career change for her.
It takes everything in him to not reach for her hand as they leave the restaurant and she drives him back to her house.
Addie sighs and sags against the wall. She runs her hands over her face as she breathes, something like panic making her skin too tight across her bones.
"Addie, are you all right?" Taron asks, wrapping an arm around her elbows.
"You shouldn't be here," she mumbles behind her hands with tears welling in her eyes.
"What?" Taron asks, his face pinching at his brow. He heard her perfectly but thought perhaps he misunderstood her.
"You shouldn't be here."
"Why not?" God, his heart's racing and he's starting to feel rage boil from his gut to heat his face.
"We should never have broken up. We should have tried to make it work. We should have fought for us." Addie still has her knuckles pressed against her eyelids. It's easier to admit it if she doesn't have to see the dismay on his face. "I should have fought for you. For me. I love you. I still love you. Being with you like this is painful, to know what we had but will never have again. What could we have had? We'll never know."
"We'll never know?"
"You're with Ofelia now, aren't you? You're doing exactly what I knew you would. You've met a gorgeous, leggy thing with perky boobs and a non-existent waist. You deserve her, honestly, if she treats you right."
"Addie, I think you're drunk."
"I'm crying my eyes out to you, blubbering like an idiot with the things I've been feeling this entire time, and you have the audacity to tell me I'm drunk?"
"Well, not when you say it like that. I just want to be sure you know what you're saying."
"Of course I know what I'm saying," Addie says, finally dropping her hands. She runs her fingers beneath her eyes to stop the makeup from smearing further down her cheeks. "Go be with Ofelia."
"We're not together."
"What?"
"Fe and I," Taron says. "Not together. We're just friends."
"You look very comfortable together."
"We can be because there's nothing between us," Taron answers. "It's actually not my place to say but Fe is a lesbian."
"What?"
"A lesbian, Adelaide. She's got no interest in me and no use for my dick."
"I have interest in you and a use for your dick!”
They're like magnets, first their lips and then their bodies fusing together. Addie sobs at the feeling of his mouth on hers, hot and sweet and full of everything she had missed in his absence. His hand is on her back, pressing into her and Addie doesn't even know what her hands are doing aside from touching him wherever they can.
"Adelaide."
She whimpers at the word, having thought she would never hear him say her name that way again — the way that makes her heart race and her gut turn to mush. She's fighting against his sweater and shirt, wanting to feel the heat of his skin. Grunting, he pulls them off before taking her face between his hands and kissing her. Damn, he can't stop kissing her. He'd missed the taste of her lips and the warmth of her mouth, and he shivers as she runs her fingers through his hair.
He's tugging at the hem of her dress, lifting it just high enough to slide his fingers beneath her leggings and underwear. It's like a drug to him, the way her grip tightens in his hair as his fingers slip inside her while his thumb massages her clit.
Addie trembles against him as an orgasm rushes swiftly through her, and his moan echoes hers. She only thought he was hard until she feels the bulge pressing into her belly. She needs him inside her immediately.
It's a dance to her bedroom — pants here, a shoe there, her leggings a wadded heap on the floor.
Taron had imagined dragging things out for as long as possible when they were reunited this way, if they were reunited this way, but those notions are quickly forgotten as his body covers hers. Too long he's been without her sweetness, too long he's shrunk without her warmth, too long since her lips have sung the praises of their bodies together. She's warm and wet as he presses inside her, both of them exhaling at the feeling of having what was once lost. He can't kiss her enough, trying to touch her everywhere at once while keeping the rhythm of her heart with his hips. In turn, Addie can't get him close enough, knowing she could be without him again.
Taron needs to see her, to know she's really there, and the shock of her gaze meeting his sends him over the edge immediately. He's not even remotely soft afterwards so he continues to thrust into her, and Addie falls into that peaceful abyss.
She loses count after five orgasms and stretches her toes sometime later, Taron's head resting between her breasts. It's odd to her they should be in bed like this after being apart for so long, yet it makes complete sense. He is the love of her life, after all.
Taron snorts, nuzzling his nose against her ribs. "We're shite at just being friends, huh? What —with the distance and all that?"
"Actually there's something I've been meaning to tell you."
Taron's head pops up so he can look at her. "What?"
"You remember Dr. Williams, the man in charge of my degree program?"
"The good looking one with all the hair?"
"Precisely. His husband has just been named headmaster of a new school for gifted underprivileged children they're opening in north London, and he's offered me a position in the English department. I'll be able to teach how I want within loose guidelines and the students all actually want to be there. I could actually make a difference."
"You could make a difference anywhere," Taron says quickly. He gathers her fingers in his and very briefly kiss the tips. "Are you going to take it?"
"I report at the end of August for training."
"Adelaide!" Taron squeals, dropping his forehead to her chest. "You're moving back to England?"
"Yep." She runs her fingers through his short hair, his breath warm against her chest. She sighs when a tear falls against her skin, and she tilts his face up towards hers.
"I'm good, I'm good," he says. "I'm really good." Tears cling to his eyelashes but his lips curl upwards. "I just thought we were over, and here we are in your bed, naked, and you're moving back to England." He takes a deep breath, moving so his face is over hers. "I'm overwhelmed by the thought of you being with me again. You know, if you want it."
She feels the heat rise in his cheeks beneath her finger tips and she laughs. "Of course I want it. I was moving back to England because I love it there. It feels more to me like home than Washington does now, and having you there is just the cherry on top of the sundae. I'm moving in with Jack though, at least for a little while. I think that's best."
"I don't care where you live as long as we're on the same continent." He brushes her cheek with the back of his hand before kissing her deeply and long, but keeping it from becoming sexual. This is more than that — this is two souls becoming one rather than two bodies. "I love you, Adelaide, and I'm so happy you're mine."
"You think we can make the distance work until June?"
"There is no distance great enough to keep me from you."
"I love you," she says. "I love you, Taron David Egerton."
"Moving back to England!" He says. "That's so fucking brilliant, Adelaide!"
"God save the Queen," Addie cheers, wrapping her arms around him. "Are you happy?"
"I'm ecstatic!" Taron cries, kissing her. "I'm over the moon." His lips land against her jaw. "I can't believe you'll be back across the pond in a few short months."
"I know," she says. "It's been torture not telling you. I wanted to make sure it was what I wanted and that the job was mine."
"Adelaide," he hums again, nuzzling her neck. She purs, shifting her head so he can kiss her clavicle. "I feel like bursting out of my skin I'm so excited!" He shifts so his face is even with hers once more. "Are you sure you want to move back? It's not just for me? I don’t want to sound bold in even asking the question.”
“Rest assured I am moving to England for me. I miss it so much. I miss the food, I miss hearing about the Royals when I walk down the street, I miss the history. I miss Jack, and it’s obvious how I’ve missed you.”
“Bang on, Addie! This is so fucking perfect, I can’t stand it!” He kisses her with such conviction she giggles, and all words are quickly forgotten as they move together.
It's warmer than it should be as Addie runs her finger along the countertop. Most of her belongings have been sold, some have been donated, and the majority of her books is packaged in boxes waiting for the used bookstore to collect.
"You ready?" Taron asks as he picks up the bag off the floor. It's the last few things of hers to go as she's staying with him until he drives her to the airport in two days. She's graduated with honors, earned her certificates, hugged her students and packed up her flat. Her life in London is winding down and she’s doing her best to cherish her time with Taron.
“Yeah,” she says, slipping beneath his arm. He kisses the side of her head as she pulls the door behind her and locks it. “One last time.”
They attend a party at the pub hosted by Jack where Addie takes the time to reminisce with and say goodbye to all of her London acquaintances. Taron stays by her side, supportively squeezing her side when he feels her waning.
“Looks like it’s just us, kid,” Jack says, slipping his fingers into Addie’s. “I love you so much and I’ll see you in two days.”
Taron settles the bill while Jack and Addie hug, their warmth enveloping them.
“I love you,” Addie says before she kisses his cheek. She exhales deeply as she slides beneath Taron’s arm. “Let’s go home.”
Taron wasn’t sure if he should have planned more. He thought about getting a hotel room so they could live like royals, but the thought Addie leaving his space sooner than necessary didn’t settle. He wanted her smell to linger on the couch and in his bed, he wanted to see the imprints of her fingers on the doorway, he wanted to hear her laughter echoing up the staircase. He didn’t want to let her go.
He landed on a bottle of her favorite wine and plate of her favorite British sweets. Tears well in her eyes when she sees it, and she wraps her arms around his neck.
“Taron, this is too sweet!”
“It’s really nothing,” he says, pressing a kiss to her hair. “I am glad you like it though.”
“Taron, I think I’m making a mistake.”
“No, Addie,” he says gently. “You’re chasing your dreams and I’m chasing mine. If we’re meant to be together, we will be.”
Addie sighs and leans into him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Pulling the plug from the sink, Addie closes her eyes and exhales. She’s been doing it a lot over the past week, but it’s the only thing she can do to calm herself.
“You okay, cariad?” Taron asks, dropping the towel he’d been using to dry the dishes onto its rack. He rubs her back deftly and she leans toward him.
“I think there’s an Adele song for this,” she says softly, turning so her nose is against his chest.
“That’s possible. There’s an Adele song for everything. She’s a queen.”
“Undoubtedly.” She curls her arms around his neck, breathing in all that he is. Taron in turn let’s his arms fall around her hips. They’ve had a day of this, sleeping in far too late for young adults in their prime but neither able to let the other out of an arm’s reach. “Taron?”
“Yes, Adelaide?”
“Take me upstairs?”
“It would be my genuine pleasure.”
She nods against his chest, kisses his neck and smiles as he looks at her.
It’s a slow journey to the bedroom they’ve shared for months, each step a countdown to the demise of their relationship as it stands. When they reach the door, Addie puts her hand to his chest.
“Will you give me a minute?” He nods. “Get comfy.”
Taron follows her request as she closes the bedroom door behind her. He tosses his shirt and lounge pants to the chair, and he quickly climbs under the covers where it’s warm.
Addie knows after the day they’ve had, falling into each other time and time again, it’s silly to get dressed up, yet she does it anyway.
Taron chuckles as a foot in a fuzzy sock sneaks past the door into the bathroom and slides sexily up the frame. Addie follows her foot with her arm and swings around the corner in a sheer, lacy little thing. Her breasts are snug in satin and the panties are held on by ribbon.
“Fuck, Adelaide,” Taron says as she pauses by the foot of the bed. She crawls toward him and kisses him.
“Thank you,” she says.
“For what?”
“I needed that reaction,” she says, “I need to remember just the way you looked at me.”
“I’ll always remember you,” he says, kissing her again before pulling her to straddle his lap. “My gorgeous girl.”
She watches the gleam in his eye as he gently loosens the ribbon on her right shoulder and gingerly traces the line of skin it reveals. His lips press lightly to the underside of her jaw and move slowly down her chest. Moaning as he sucks her nipple into between his teeth, Addie threads her fingers in his hair and shifts her hips. Taron grips her hip and makes quick work of the other ribbon. Tossing the frilly garment aside, he bends to kiss her other breast, his body aching to be with hers.
Cradling her neck with one hand, he unties her underwear and slips the lace away from her skin. Addie pushes the sheet around his waist just enough to slide onto his hard cock. He sighs as she moves, his thumb brushing across her cheek. Her skin is wet and Taron’s sob is muffled against her lips. She stills, and instead they cling to each other.
Moments later, Addie nods, takes a deep breath and moves again. It doesn’t take long for them to come together, and Taron brushes her bangs from her face.
They settle into bed with Addie draped across his chest, and he twirls her hair around his finger.
“It’s funny,” Taron says. “The odds of me ever having sex with another woman who wears socks is slim to none.”
“I am a rare duck,” Addie laughs. “Are you already planning on sleeping with other women?”
“It’ll happen, won’t it? If you’re not here and I’m not there, I’ll see other people and so will you.”
“Well fuck. I didn’t know you would already be thinking about it when we literally just finished.”
“It’s your socks, Adelaide! I love that you wear sex socks.”
“Yeah, good luck finding someone willing to tweak your bum hole how you like it.”
“Addie!” Taron gasps before stifling a laugh. “You did that yourself and I just happened to enjoy it.”
“I know,” she says, “and that is why no one will ever be able to compete with me.”
“No one could ever compete with you anyway."
“I know,” she says before gently biting the skin over his rib, “but I am going to make sure you remember my skills.”
Taron groans as her lips wrap around his cock.
A quick doze later and Addie wakes to Taron between her thighs, both of them giggling as he takes her apart. It’s a marathon after that, revisiting all of their favorite positions and sometime in the early morning, they give into sleep and curl around each other.
Taron makes breakfast in the morning and Addie checks her belongings one last time. She never thought a man would be the reason leaving London was so hard, but Taron wasn’t any man. Soul mates weren’t something she believed in, but she knew He was the great love of her life, and it would be nearly impossible to fill the ache leaving would cause.
But, as he said, they would be together if they were meant to be together.
The ride to the airport is nearly silent; Jack can’t even bring himself to say much. The two men help her unload her suitcases and Jack kisses her cheek.
“So long,” Addie says, “to you both. You have my heart and I will miss you dearly.”
Taron kisses her again, trying to convey how much she means to him with the press of his lips. “I love you.”
Addie nods, feeling the bubble in her throat. She thought she was finished crying, but it gets harder to resist as she looks at his face.
“My boys.” She says, hugging them both again.
Taron squeezes her hand as she turns away and doesn’t look back.
“You want to go get pissed?” Jack asks as Addie fades into the crowd.
“God yes.”
And the days of Taron Egerton and Adelaide Lee are over.
Y’all, I haven’t posted in here since they updated it so everything might be terrible. Anyway, I’ll do my best. You can always catch me on AO3.
previous
It's April, and Addie feels like crying most days. In fact, she actually has cried for the past eleven days — once in the shower, twice over her cup of tea and the other times where when she was in bed alone. Taron's been filming in Ireland for three weeks, and it's a glimpse at how life would be if they were to stay together in all the madness.
"Sad again, huh?" Jack says, catching the gray look in her eyes. "I feel I should be offended you're not that upset about leaving me."
Addie throws a sugar packet at him, hitting her mark on his cheek. "I know things between us won't change when I leave. You'll just be a phone call away."
"Taron will too."
"That's different. I don't think I like this ache, this pain." Addie absently stirs her tea. "In the words of Elphaba, 'If that's love, it comes at much too high a cost.'"
"You know she ends up with the scarecrow at the end of that musical, right? I mean, we saw it together. I wrote a review which you edited."
Addie rolls her eyes, too done to deal with Jack today.
"I love him, you know. And to think we won't be together because of our location, I think I would rather not be with him at all."
"Your call," Jack says. "I know you're scared but I think the two of you could make it work, and that's coming from a guy who stays away from relationships. You don't have to split because you're half a world away."
"What if he meets the one but can't act on it because of me? Or what if he does act on it and I'm left devastated? It's a real poop chute."
"It'll work out, Addie," Jack says, covering her hand with his own. "It'll work out."
Addie slumps and rests her head on the table. "Why?"
Jack gently musses her hair. "You didn't not date for years while you were here and the first guy you do consider turns out to be fuckin' perfect. You really know how to pick them."
Addie laughs, feeling a little lighter at the thought.
It's her whole year on display, the premiere of the students' films adapted from classic novels. Four fully written, produced and edited films will be turned in with her thesis, but the gala tonight will only feature twenty minutes from each with the students having a few moments to present before their film. It's an affair she's invited the whole school to as well as their family and friends, and even though Jack is by her side, the one person she wants to be there most isn't. Taron's caught filming in Ireland; Addie understands but still doesn't enjoy it.
"Look at what you've done," Jack says, watching the rows of students talk excitedly amongst themselves, no doubtedly ready to display their hard work. "Not even a full teacher yet and you've got them inspired. That's a noble thing."
Addie squeezes his hand. She takes the microphone and heads to the center of the stage. Pausing a moment before delivering the introduction she's prepared, she smiles. The kids eagerly sitting before her are a tribute to her and her hard work and creativity, and this life is about her just as much as it is Taron.
She takes her seat next to Jack as the first group's film rolls across the screen, an updated retelling of Sense and Sensibility. It's funny, well thought and inclusive of the community, what with Edward Ferris having evolved into Edwina and Colonel Brandon an Indian man in the British navy. Everyone claps as the students presenting The Picture of Dorian Gray take the stage. Addie's phone buzzes in her pocket and she risks a quick chance to look at it.
Can we watch the full-length versions this weekend? - T
Sure, if you want. - A
I do! At least that one. I'm dying to see how they did the marriage proposals. - T
Addie whips her head around, looking to see him somewhere. There are faces illuminated by the screen but then she sees him, sitting on the edge of the row with his hood pulled up over his head; no doubt he didn't want to be recognized. He waves slightly when he sees her, and Addie smiles.
He came after all.
I'm so happy you're here! - A
I'm really glad I could make it. Will sneak to bar at end so as not to detract. - T
Sounds perfect. - A
Thank you for coming. - A
Addie is extremely proud of everything the students accomplished, and the cooking class made a giant cake for the ocassion. She sneaks a piece for Taron in her bag, poses for pictures with the kids, compliments the parents for raising some great hopes for the future, and then she's dashing out the door.
"Adelaide, you're incredible!" Taron says, standing up from the table. He wraps his arms around her and kisses her cheek.
"I can't believe you're here," she says, her face buried in his neck. "How'd you manage?"
"Flew in this afternoon," he says. "Wanted to surprise you."
"I'm very surprised," she says. "Very happy, too."
Taron kisses the side of her head before pulling away to point her to a secluded booth. "I want to hear all about the rest of the videos. When can we watch them?" He holds her hand across the table, leaning towards her.
Addie bites the inside of her lip, studying him. "What's wrong?"
"What?" Taron asks, shifting backwards. Addie knows she was right to expect something.
"Taron, I know you," she says quietly. "I know when something's up. What is it?"
"No, Adelaide. I came here to celebrate you and the work you've done and I don't want it spoiled."
"I feel like it's already spoiled if you don't tell me what's going on. Is everyone okay? Your mom and the girls? Your dad?"
"Everyone's fine." He exhales loudly, looking at the table. "It's two more weeks."
"Oh." Addie sags against the cushion. "Oh."
Taron rubs her knuckles with his thumb. "I know it's really shitty, but it is what it is."
"It's okay," Addie manages over the lump of emotion lodged in her throat. She feels like she's gagging but it's just the thought of his absence for another two weeks just a couple of months before she's supposed to move back to the United States. "You chase your dream and I'll chase mine."
"Thus, though we cannot make our sun stand still, yet we will make him run."
Addie snorts, swiping a tear off her cheek. "Marvell. Good choice."
"Anyway," Taron says. "We've got tonight."
"Bob Seger, a modern poet."
It's Taron's turn to laugh now and he shakes his head. "Seriously though, can I take you out to dinner and then stay up with you all night watching the work of your students?"
"Yes, I would like that."
"Good," Taron says, moving quickly from the table. He drops a note on its surface and helps Addie back into her coat.
"Can I make an amendment to the plan though?"
"What's that?"
"Can we just pick something up and take it home? I really don't need an audience to just want to be with you and I'm wearing Spanx so I'd really like to get out of them and into my pajamas."
"Deal," he says. "You look bloody gorgeous but comfortable is something I also enjoy. Your place or mine?"
"Mine is closer but you have a better TV so let's do that."
"Sounds perfect," he says. He could offer to run back by hers so she can gather things, but he knows everything she needs is available at his. Tucking her beneath his arm, he kisses the side of her head — she'd taken the news of his delay better than he would have expected.
They're curled up in his bed and halfway through the updated retelling of Frankenstein when Addie stretches her fingers across his chest.
"What is it, cariad?" Taron asks, shifting his eyes. He can see the crown of her head and the tip of her nose, and he can see her fingers flex against his shirt.
"I'm thinking about us."
"Oh?"
She pauses the video and sits up, and it's then he sees the tears in her eyes. "I think when I leave, that should be our end."
"Adelaide." He bolts upright and reaches for her, but his fingers don't actually land anywhere. He can't touch her now.
"Being apart from you these past few weeks has been hell. I never thought I would be someone to feel this way about anybody, but here we are. I'm exhausted. It feels like a piece of me is missing when you're gone, like smiles are less genuine and laughter does little for my soul. I can't imagine living my life for extended amounts of time without you, feeling this way. So if we just enjoy the time we have left and part as companions who once loved each other, I think that would be better."
"Do I not get a say in this decision?" He asks softly, his chest tight and his jaw returning to a painful clench.
"Of course you do," she sighs. "But what is the logical outcome of this?"
"Fuck this. You can sleep in the guest room tonight." Taron moves in a flash, storms into the bathroom and slams the door shut.
"Taron! Taron, no!" Addie frantically scrambles off the bed and futilely twists the doorknob. "Taron! Taron, please."
She can hear the shower running and she sinks to the floor. She knew she shouldn't have said anything.
Taron finds her half an hour later curled up on the floor with her cheeks red and eyes blotchy. He wants to be angry, he can feel the cold inside him wanting to push her away, but he can't.
"Addie, come on," he says, gently collecting her in his arms and setting her upright. "I'm hurting too, you know."
She nods blearily as he leads her back to bed. "I didn't mean to ruin what we have now. I feel like shit, and now I really feel like sh—"
"Addie, I know," Taron says. "What you're saying makes sense, but it really fucking sucks when it's said out loud. You would rather be without me than be far away and with me, and I suppose that makes sense. Your chances of moving on are better if you're not thinking about some loyalty to me."
"Me moving on?" She laughs. Taron thinks her crying must have left her too weary to think properly. "It's you. You'll move on long before I will and I don't want you to be stuck with me."
"That doesn't matter," he says, taking her hand. "I think you're right though. We have a few good weeks left together and we should spend them as happily as we can. Let's not fight or what-if ourselves anymore. You're here, I'm here, and we should let that be enough for now. I can't think on it anymore."
"Is it really okay?"
"For now." He wipes a tear from her cheek, knowing his own should be joining it had he not just cried in the shower. "Let's go to sleep and sleep very late into the morning beside each other."
Taron bites his nail, a habit he'd gotten into since ditching cigarettes; his teeth weren't thanking him but his lungs certainly were.
"There he is," Jack says, pulling out the chair across from Taron and sinking into it. "Mr. Egerton."
"Jack," Taron says, shaking his hand. "I wanted to talk to you about Addie."
"I figured," Jack says. "She told me about her plans of departure."
"Yeah, and it's not good. How do I get her to stay?"
“You don’t."
"Jack, please," Taron says, rubbing his forehead. "I can't have her leave."
"And you can't have her stay either." Jack says softly. "I know you love her, Taron, as do I, but I also know she won't stay. She'll come to regret the decision as well as you if she stays. Going back to Washington has been her goal for six years. It's all she's worked for and all she's wanted. You need to let her go."
"Can you?"
Jack snorts his laugh. "I don't have a choice."
"We could talk to her together."
"That's not going to work."
Taron drops his head to the table, his chest feeling unbelievably tight. "I don't know what to do."
"Taron, there's an obvious solution here."
"What's that?"
"Go with her."
Taron grunts. "You and I both know that's not logical."
"So what? You can't do for her what you want her to do for you just because you're a famous actor who happens to make more money?" Jack leans back in his chair. He's really liked Taron, like him for Addie, and he needs Taron to see the sense in this before his like gives into loathing. "You're not giving up her dream so don't let her give up hers."
"She's your best friend. How can you be so calm?" Taron crosses his arms in front of him, elbows still on the table, and he lets his chin fall to rest against them.
"Addie is more than a best friend to me," Jack says. "I truly believe she is my person, even if there's no romance. Addie wasn't even supposed to be born, yet here she is. Incredibly determined, driven and happy."
"I know that." Taron leans onto his cheek.
"I know you do," Jack says patiently. "That's part of the reason you love her." He reaches across the table and squeezes Taron's shoulder. "You have to let her go."
"Why is that the only option?" Taron moans, rhetorically putting the words into the universe.
Jack chuckles as he leans back in his chair. "That's the only way she'll come back."
"You think she'll come back?"
"I hope so," Jack says. "For both our sakes."
Taron laughs. He'll have to make time for Jack when Addie is gone.
He finds her asleep on the couch when he returns home, and he gently brushes a hand across her face.
She opens one eye to look and smiles when she sees him. “I must have dozed off.”
“Yeah,” he says softly. It spreads through him, a calm peace. She is leaving to pursue her dreams, and there is nothing he can do to stop her, nor would he want to. He kisses her tenderly, finally accepting it. “You want to go take a nap upstairs?”
“That sounds nice,” she says, sitting up next to him. “Hey, are you okay?”
Taron smiles and kisses her again. “I’m totally fine. I just really love you.”
Addie’s laugh warms him and she leans her head against his shoulder. “I love you, too.”
Taron takes her hand and quietly leads her upstairs.
“I can’t believe we’re flying with a cat and dog in tow,” Bea says, brushing her arm against Henry’s as they walk through the Atlanta airport. “Are we crazy?”
“People fly with babies all the time,” Henry says. “We’ll be fine.”
“Winnie’s flown to Chicago before,” Bea says, “and that was okay.”
“Kal flies often,” Henry says. “Are you a nervous flyer, Bea?”
“I’m fine when they hand out the little drinks,” Bea says.
“I’ll say,” she says, pressing her nose to the side of his rib cage. Somehow she’d managed to pull her entire pillow with her so she was nestled beneath his outstretched arm. “You smell incredible.”
“Thank you, I guess.”
“You’re welcome,” she says. “Is that you naturally or do you wear something?”
“I took a shower last night,” he says, “so it’s whatever’s in my wash.”
Kal barks, letting him know she’s arrived. Henry finishes off the last of his rosemary water, tosses the bottle into recycling, and grabs his bag just as she knocks.
“Good morning,” she says brightly, crouching quickly to greet Kal who leaps towards her as soon as the door is open. The dog yips and licks her cheek. “You’re such a good boy!”
“He is,” Henry says, pulling the door shut behind them. “You’re hair is amazing, Bea.”
“Thank you,” she said, pulling a coil and letting it spring back into place. “I decided I’m done straightening it and we’re going to get her back to her natural curly goodness. You can touch it if you want.”
Henry gently wraps a curl around his finger and smiles. “Amazing."
Henry rubs his forehead as the fifth invitation pops up on his screen. He thumbs to his messages and sighs.
H: I’ll pick which ones to attend tomorrow. Turning off phone now.
He flicks his phone to airplane mode and drops it onto the bar, his eyes shifting to the TV behind the bartender.
“Can I please get two shots of whatever’s strongest and a double short Jack & Coke?” The woman following the voice chucks a bag onto the counter, removes her heels and clambers onto a stool a couple spaces over. Pulling a pair of furry slippers from her bag, she slips them onto her feet and drops her head to the bar.
“Long day?” Henry asks, donning his American accent.
Read the rest on AO3 please: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24031867
I know I haven’t updated this page in many moons, but if you are still out there and like my writing, it may be found on AO3. I don’t know if only visual things are being flagged as adult content or if words will be too, but I wanted to give you the notice in case. Thank you for all of your support... goodbye fair tumblr as we’ve known it.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Will we ever see our dear Sebette again? I miss them and their brood! xo
I actually have more Sebette written, dear @ceebeetumbles! Just little snippets of their lives… I just haven’t posted them; I’ll revisit those stories and see what I can do!
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