Not This Time

My name is Ann Harrod-Duncan; I go by Nancy. Massachusetts born and raised, currently residing in Boston. I went to Philadelphia University for architecture and focused on historic preservation. Irony. You could say I've been around the block before but this time I'm not letting anyone drag me down.

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

The redhead nodded, grinning from ear to ear. Price’s father was a gift to mankind in her eyes, especially after this evening. “Thank you, it really does mean so much. This wasn’t expected but I know we can handle it. Honestly, compared to my circumstances last time, this is all a dream. Price is….so good to me. I mean..we’re how we are,” they bickered and pressed each other’s buttons like no one else, but when it came down to it, they’d do anything for each other, “but I really wouldn’t want to be doing this with anyone else. I love them a lot.”

She chuckled, resting a hand on her stomach, “And our third of course!”

[priceyness]

Price rested their palms on the kitchen counter, listening to - well, eavesdropping, really - Nancy’s voice. Her words made their chest swell with pride, and joy, and - all kinds of indistinguishable warm feelings that pulled their mouth into a wide smile. As Price’s eyes began to feel damp, they wiped them quickly and pushed the chopping board away, talking to no one in particular: “Damn onions…”

They turned around and walked back to the doorway. “Hey. I think the dinner’s ready.”

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

“Coming, dearest!” Nancy chuckled, slowly getting to her feet and going to help get everything laid out. s nice enough, the food good and the conversation as pleasant as ever. It was hard not to be happy in their father’s presence. 

When dinner was finished, Nancy jumped to take care of clearing the table, “I’ll take care of the dishes, it’s the least I can do.” 

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

YOU'RE BACK

((Ehehe that I am. Although I never really went away? Lol, I’ll try to keep up a little more. TBH I’ve been rping in a few different circles and it’s come to take up more of my time than I anticipated, but I’ll still try to keep up with my history accounts! Thanks for this message, it’s nice to see someone noticed me popping in XD ))

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

It was a bit of a relief, actually, that they were so okay with the baby getting her name. It was already hyphenated, so figuring out what to do would have been a little tiresome.

She grinned at Price, returning the ink before looking to his father. She did her best to answer all his questions, assuring him that her parents were thrilled and only lived about twenty minutes away, and that they were as excited to be grandparents as they could be. She smiled gratefully, but gave a slight shake of her head, “We haven’t talked about it, to be honest. I know I want to stay at my job because it offers great medical coverage, so my insurance will cover all my pregnancy expenses. After that..I don’t know. We’d have to talk about it. New York is so expensive..”

[priceyness]

Price washed their hands under the tap before checking the pasta. They listened with one ear the conversation continuing in the living room.

“Ah. I see. Of course.” Price’s father smiled at Nancy understandingly, if downhearted. He tried to mask his disappointment by spreading his arms and replying: “Well, it seems you have a very sensible approach to this, eh? That’s good, that’s good. That’s how it needs to be done.” The older man nodded. “But if you need to find a new place - a bigger place, when the baby is born and growing up - all you need to do is ask, and I’ll help you out, monetarily or otherwise. Consider it a not-wedding gift from me to you two. Or you three!” He chuckled. 

Price rolled their eyes good-naturedly in the kitchen, but didn’t turn around.

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

The redhead nodded, grinning from ear to ear. Price’s father was a gift to mankind in her eyes, especially after this evening. “Thank you, it really does mean so much. This wasn’t expected but I know we can handle it. Honestly, compared to my circumstances last time, this is all a dream. Price is....so good to me. I mean..we’re how we are,” they bickered and pressed each other’s buttons like no one else, but when it came down to it, they’d do anything for each other, “but I really wouldn’t want to be doing this with anyone else. I love them a lot.”

She chuckled, resting a hand on her stomach, “And our third of course!”

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

Nancy giggled at Price’s imitation of their coworkers, knowing her own team was doing the exact same thing.

“It’s fine, Mr. Price,” she waves it off with a small smile. She was happy Price stepped in, though, and that his dad was accepting enough of their decision. The idea of being married again…. Even to someone she loved so much, she couldn’t shake her distaste for the institution. “Yeah, I figured the baby would get my name, or we’d hyphenate it somehow. Maybe we’ll just label the kid “Ours” and call it a day.“

[priceyness]

“I’d be fine if the baby got just your name, no need for hyphens,” Price said quickly, patting Nancy on the shoulder. There was a sound of something boiling over in the kitchen. “Oh, sh— That must be the pasta, let me get that–” Price’s father got up, but the younger New Yorker jumped up to their feet and pushed gently their father down. 

“I can get that. You sit down and continue gloating over your future grandchild - and Nancy.” They gave her one last joking wink before disappearing into the kitchen. Price’s father didn’t seem to mind, and he soon started to eagerly question Nancy about her parents, where they lived, and how much they had promised to help with the baby. “If you need any help, you could always move back to New York, you know. Have you two thought about that?” It was not only an offer, but also a request.

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

It was a bit of a relief, actually, that they were so okay with the baby getting her name. It was already hyphenated, so figuring out what to do would have been a little tiresome.

She grinned at Price, returning the ink before looking to his father. She did her best to answer all his questions, assuring him that her parents were thrilled and only lived about twenty minutes away, and that they were as excited to be grandparents as they could be. She smiled gratefully, but gave a slight shake of her head, “We haven’t talked about it, to be honest. I know I want to stay at my job because it offers great medical coverage, so my insurance will cover all my pregnancy expenses. After that..I don’t know. We’d have to talk about it. New York is so expensive..”

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

((I have to see my family today -.- sorry for the delay, replies will come either late tonight or tomorrow depending on how things go and how much energy I have left after tolerating people))

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

She couldn’t help laughing at their reaction, amused by how disturbed they looked. Still giggling, she grinned at Price’s father, “I’ll be a monster soon, don’t you worry. We haven’t thought about name’s too much  yet, actually.”

They planned on waiting to find out the baby’s sex, and she was still early on enough that it seemed years away. “I kind of like the name Bailey….or maybe Dakota… back in the day all the kids were named the same, after so-and-so. It’ll be nice to give them something a little different, but I’m not too creative.”

[priceyness]

Price had finally snapped out of their confusion. They nodded. “Yeah, I like Bailey too. And… well, Alexis is nice, but then Hamilton would probably think we named the baby after his father, and I’m not giving him that satisfaction.” Price grinned a little, and continued: “The people at the theater have been suggesting all kinds of names - every day someone comes up to me and says something like–” They put on a mock-enthusiastic voice - “Laurie! Morgan! London!”

Price’s father laughed. “Too much choice, eh? Hmm, I always liked those old traditions.” He nodded towards Nancy. “Remember when they sometimes used to name the kid after the mother’s last name? To keep the name alive, so to speak.” Price hurried to reply: “Dad, remember, we’re not getting married. I’m pretty sure the kid’s going to get Nancy’s surname anyway.” “Oh, right! Sorry.”

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

Nancy giggled at Price's imitation of their coworkers, knowing her own team was doing the exact same thing.

"It's fine, Mr. Price," she waves it off with a small smile. She was happy Price stepped in, though, and that his dad was accepting enough of their decision. The idea of being married again.... Even to someone she loved so much, she couldn't shake her distaste for the institution. "Yeah, I figured the baby would get my name, or we'd hyphenate it somehow. Maybe we'll just label the kid "Ours" and call it a day."

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

“Just fine..” she grit her teeth, taking a deep breath before relaxing back, “It’s not bad right now. Last time, I had a few ribs knocked out of place in the later stages, I’m hoping that doesn’t happen again.”

Nancy was far from a FAN of the feeling of pregnancy, but she’d gotten used to it after ten times at the hands of Thomas B. Adams. As miserable as she could get later in term, it was always worth it.

[priceyness]

“You had what?” Price’s expression was somewhere between horrified and concerned. Their father drew a breath and slapped his knees. “Oh, my ex-wife was like a grizzly shot in the ass during the pregnancies, because of the pain, I mean. You’re allowed to show it, dear.“ He paused for a short moment before smiling warmly. “Now, tell me - what names have you two come up with for the baby?”

Price was still dazed because of the idea of ribs getting knocked out of place, and simply replied: “Huh?”

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

She couldn’t help laughing at their reaction, amused by how disturbed they looked. Still giggling, she grinned at Price’s father, “I’ll be a monster soon, don’t you worry. We haven’t thought about name’s too much  yet, actually.”

They planned on waiting to find out the baby’s sex, and she was still early on enough that it seemed years away. “I kind of like the name Bailey....or maybe Dakota... back in the day all the kids were named the same, after so-and-so. It’ll be nice to give them something a little different, but I’m not too creative.”

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

Nancy stayed quiet as they chatted, playing with their fingers absentmindedly. That was their business, and she was content to listen for a bit before turning to Bill and talking quietly to the younger Price sibling.

Eventually, she let out a little groan, curling over as the familiar sensation of the baby moving hit, “The baby is going to be a restless one it guess..”

[priceyness]

Price’s father seemed mostly delighted at the idea of the baby moving, but Price frowned and leaned closer to Nancy, looking worried. “You okay?” 

Even though Price had embraced the idea of becoming a parent, there were still weird aspects to the whole thing - like the fact that there was a living creature inside Nancy. Not that it had ever been possible, but Price couldn’t help but be glad that they weren’t the one being pregnant - the young New Yorker wasn’t sure they could’ve handled it without feeling like there was a… parasite growing inside them. …Was it rude to think about their future child like that?

Well, luckily Nancy seemed to be taking it all in her stride, like usual.

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

"Just fine.." she grit her teeth, taking a deep breath before relaxing back, "It's not bad right now. Last time, I had a few ribs knocked out of place in the later stages, I'm hoping that doesn't happen again."

Nancy was far from a FAN of the feeling of pregnancy, but she'd gotten used to it after ten times at the hands of Thomas B. Adams. As miserable as she could get later in term, it was always worth it.

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

“You’re a force of nature Mr.Price,” the redhead laughed, following and sitting as he directed. “I think the baby inherited a lot from Price, I’ve been craving Greek food and my temper is shorter than ever.” She shot a teasing grin at Price, earning a booming laugh from their father. “Are you holding any shows right now? Anything new and exciting at the theatre?”

[priceyness]

“Ah! You see?” Price’s father grinned now so widely his smile practically reached from one ear to the other. “It’s all in the genes.” Price dropped down onto the couch next to Nancy and gave her a mock-offended look, while taking her hand unassumingly. Price added to Nancy’s question: “Yeah, we were planning to see a show while we’re here.”

“Oh yes! We do have something,” Price’s father answered. “A couple of new things just opened this month - there’s our new musical, a real smart piece, it’s a parody of show business and child stars - and then there’s this play…” He continued explaining enthusiastically, while Price made critical comments and questions about how the productions had succeeded.

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

Nancy stayed quiet as they chatted, playing with their fingers absentmindedly. That was their business, and she was content to listen for a bit before turning to Bill and talking quietly to the younger Price sibling.

Eventually, she let out a little groan, curling over as the familiar sensation of the baby moving hit, “The baby is going to be a restless one it guess..”

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

Nancy couldn’t help smiling, hugging her partner’s father and listening to his excited greetings. She adored Price’s dad, both professionally and personally he’d been a treat to work with and his happiness about the baby and their relationship was contagious. He had charisma to spare.

“I’m holding up! The little one might be a born traveler because the trip was fine. Thank you, though! How have you been?” she asked as he ushered the pair inside, calling for Price’s brother to come out of his room. 

[priceyness]

One of Price’s two brothers, 19-year-old Bill appeared from his room, shuffling awkwardly. He had a nonchalant expression on his face, clearly not very keen to be there. “Hi.” Price reached out to ruffle his hair, which made the younger sibling groan in annoyance. 

Price’s dad hurried Nancy to the small, warm-colored living-room. “The baby must have gotten that from Price! Heh. Always zigzagging across the Atlantic the last time around, y’know. We’ve been fine, fine. Bored, sometimes, now that I’ve had to slow down at work - well, I still show up every day. Can’t keep me away!” The older man gave her a wink. He made sure she would sit down. Price followed behind them, talking quietly with Bill.

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

“You’re a force of nature Mr.Price,” the redhead laughed, following and sitting as he directed. “I think the baby inherited a lot from Price, I’ve been craving Greek food and my temper is shorter than ever.” She shot a teasing grin at Price, earning a booming laugh from their father. “Are you holding any shows right now? Anything new and exciting at the theatre?”

[priceyness]

[priceyness]

( nancyharrodduncan )

Price let out a squeak as their father crushed them in a hug. The middle-aged man exclaimed happily: “Well, look who’s here! The prodigal son! –Oh! Right! The prodigal… child!” 

Price hugged their father back with a laugh. “It’s okay, dad.” They stepped aside in the small entryway as their father switched their attention to Nancy, who was standing behind them. “And my favorite girlfriend of my child! Come here, darling. You’re not too tired? Don’t worry, you can get off your feet now.” Price’s father was a perfect likeness of his offspring, if thirty years older with graying hair and more weight. Price followed amusedly their father’s cheerful, easy-going prattle.

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

Nancy couldn’t help smiling, hugging her partner’s father and listening to his excited greetings. She adored Price’s dad, both professionally and personally he’d been a treat to work with and his happiness about the baby and their relationship was contagious. He had charisma to spare.

“I’m holding up! The little one might be a born traveler because the trip was fine. Thank you, though! How have you been?” she asked as he ushered the pair inside, calling for Price’s brother to come out of his room. 

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

2. for the drabble meme ;)

shrinking your muse’s favorite shirt in the wash

Well….that wasn’t how it looked when she put it in…

Nancy paled a little, letting out a nervous laugh as she looked at Price’s favorite shirt. She’d never fucked up with laundry before! How was she supposed to know they wore shit made of “air dry only, delicate as a newborn lamb” material!

When the door thumped open, their voice calling to her through the apartment, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Play it cool Nancy…think of something..play it off,” she thought as she crept out, the shirt behind her back in her closed fist.

“Soooo…..I, uh,…Got you a crop top?” she offered, holding up the shirt with a desperate smile.

[priceyness]

16

Send me a number and I’ll write a drabble about my muse: 

16. the a/c or heater breaking

ooc: takes place in price’s old apartment.

Keep reading

[rpprompts]

The Not-So-Domestic Meme

Send me a number and I’ll write a drabble about my muse:

burning your muse’s dinner

shrinking your muse’s favorite shirt in the wash

finding a cockroach

unclogging the toilet

our muses running out of milk

fighting over whose turn to do dishes

forgetting to water the plants

finding a “surprise” from the dog/cat/pet

forgetting to do the laundry

refusing to take out the trash

our muses’ roof is leaking

our muses bickering over the air conditioning settings

switching your muse’s coffee to decaf

forgetting to pay our muses’ electric bill

our muses’ wifi going out

the a/c or heater breaking

the water heater breaking

forgetting to buy groceries

causing a fire while cooking

grumbling about having to clean the bathroom

[thorodinson]

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

[She thanks the waitress, paying and grabbing the takeout bag] That sounds pretty likely…and don’t worry. It’ll work out. It will. [squeezes their hand] Especially now that I have my onion rings!

[priceyness]

[They slouch after her, smiling a bit.] Thank god you got your onion rings. What happens if you don’t get… whatever you’re craving?

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

[Kisses their cheek] I think about it until I do, and get very irritable. C'mon, let's go home. We'll go food shopping in the morning. Hit up the frozen appetizer aisle!

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

Which we are not [nods, agreeing before ordering her food to go from the waitress]. Honestly it offended me a lot. Like… we are NOTHING like him and his…his child bride! They were /teenagers/ and made all kinds of stupid mistakes but… We’re working adults, and I’ve done the baby thing before under /much worse/ circumstances. And that he made it sound like we should…like we should give the baby up… No. I’ve lost children before and I’m not doing it again if I can help it.

[Shakes her head, taking a deep breath] But then I try to remember that he really wasn’t thinking about me, or even you really. He was just thinking of himself and the past repeating itself.

[priceyness]

Child bride. Oh god, Nancy! [They cover their mouth, trying to stifle laughter.] But yes, that’s what I meant. I bet it’s like he’s– punishing himself retroactively by lecturing me. [A frown.] Which would be kinda sad, if it wasn’t so damn annoying at the same time. I swear, he used to be a lot more fun.

[Price pauses for a moment when they hear the part about losing children, and after an awkward second or two they reach out to take her hand.] Of course not. This is going to work out. We– [They’re interrupted by the waitress.]

[nancyharrodduncan-blog]

[She thanks the waitress, paying and grabbing the takeout bag] That sounds pretty likely...and don't worry. It'll work out. It will. [squeezes their hand] Especially now that I have my onion rings!