Formula One’s most impressive young talent meets Britain’s favourite reality tv dancer in hotel bar under a flurry of endorphins and one too many glasses scotch. Lily’s weary of his international infamy and his jet-setting lifestyle. James just wants her to meet his parents. It was supposed to be a one night stand, but who were they kidding.
Before they went trackside with their relationship, there was the qualifying. The tests. The private moments. The jealousy. James and Lily feel in love with each other behind the scenes, in private, in the quiet, and they fell hard.
a new chapter up now. read on ao3.
**the following chapter is actually chapter three of qualifying but i have taken a long break and i wanted to come back with a bang. so... bang. can't wait to hear what you think of the trackside babies being back**
A/N Hello everyone, writing can have a life of its own and this story has grown to be a bit bigger than I originally thought it would be. so you have two more chapters after this to look forward to.
Big thank you to @the-castle-crew for being betas and friends and giving me some great ideas when I was stuck.
Also on AO3
CHAPTER FOUR
She turned away, pulling out her headphones and not wanting him to see her tear-streaked face.
“I’ve had dreams about girls falling into my arms,” he quipped. Then, more seriously, he said, “I’ve never seen you dance before. You are amazing.”
“I’m hardly that,” she replied, wiping at her face with a sleeve. “The younger girls are better.”
James turned her shoulders so he could look at her face, but she refused to look up at him. “You were - are amazing, alright?” She nodded but didn’t feel it. She kept her head looking down at his feet when he asked, “Hey, you okay?”
She bit back the sharp reply she wanted to say. “I’m fine,” she spoke through gritted teeth. She felt his hand on her chin sliding her face up so that he could look her in the eye.
“We have slept together now. You need to give me more than that. We both know you are not fine.”
“Don’t be cute. It doesn’t suit you,” she replied sharply, pushing his hand away. “I’m scared, okay? I don’t know what this...” she gestured between them, “is. I saw you with someone else, so what did you think would happen when you came over last night?”
He sighed deeply, sliding his hands into his pockets. “You saw me with my publisher. Her name is Toni. I have known her for the past four years, although that was the first time I’ve met her in person. She is married, has a teenage son, and is more like an older sister than a publisher sometimes,” he explained. “Do you need more evidence? Do you want me to call her so you can confirm?”
Lily shook her head, embarrassed.
“Lily, if I am being completely honest with myself, the last thing I should be doing right now is starting a new relationship. You’ve had me tied up in knots since the first time I met you. I thought that I could ignore this too, but I can’t. I don’t want to deny that I have feelings for you, but I can’t go down another rabbit hole without knowing you feel the same way. I know my heart, and it wants to be with you, but not as some midnight hookup guy. That’s the reason why I said no before.” Cautiously, he reached out to her and placed a hand on her hip as if to steady her. “I came over last night because I didn’t want you to spend another night alone and sad. I can’t bear to see or hear you being so down.” His other hand stroked her cheek, and she leaned into it without thinking.
“Why are you so nice to me?” she asked. “How can you be so confident what we could be like something out of your romance novels?”
“You’ve read my books?” He sounded genuinely pleased. She shrugged.
“I may have read a few from Remus’ collection while on tour. I didn’t know any of them were yours at the time. I saw the notebook you left on the table too.” She let herself look at him. “What you wrote was beautiful.”
His hair was even more mussed up than normal, and his eyes were puffy from lack of sleep. He looked absolutely perfect. She reached up and brushed a stray lock from his eye, her fingers lingered across his temple. “All the things you write about - romance, courtship, friends to lovers... I’ve never done any of that, not really. I gave up on relationships when I was still in college. They’ve never worked because I am a fucking disaster.”
He took the hand that was close to his face and clasped it firmly in his own. “I refuse to believe that any part of what happened before was your fault.” He looked down at her fingers, rubbing a thumb across her knuckles. “Lily, we are all fucking disasters. The truth is, I’m probably just as scared as you are. I just know I want to be around you and get to know you. You fascinate me.” He took a deep breath obviously trying to settle his thoughts before speaking more. “I thought I could deny this and work through my own mess of a life, but I can’t stop thinking about you.” He ruffled his hair and looked out over the tops of the buildings around them, letting her hand fall.
“What if all the crap we’ve been through and all the failed relationships were preparing us for this? What if we have always been travelling towards this moment - standing here, together? Because no matter what anyone else says or thinks, I want to take this chance. What happens if we don't try?” He put his hands back on her shoulders. She looked back up at him, saying nothing, not quite sure exactly what he wanted to hear from her. “I want to take a chance on us because you are fucking amazing, Lily Evans, and all I want is to tell you that every single day. I should be the cautious one. I’ve been burnt by what I thought was love before. Perhaps together, we can build each other up?”
Lily stared into the eyes of this beautiful man and wondered what she had to lose.
“I like you too. I really do, but I think we need to take it slow,” she started cautiously. “You’re just out of something serious, and I don’t really know how to be a girlfriend. Perhaps we should do the date thing?”
“The date thing?” He raised an amused eyebrow.
“Sure. What would you do on a first date?”
“Erm, I haven’t dated anyone since college,” he said hesitantly.
She tried to help out. “The actual date is not so important, but would you expect a kiss? Something more?”
He smiled and pulled her in close to him. She allowed him to wrap her in his arms but only because she was cold.
When he spoke he sounded nostalgic. “College me would try for a kiss and hope for more. I think we know each other a little better than a first date normally would.” His eyes were looking down at her, staring with such intensity. She couldn’t stop herself when she reached up to cradle the back of his neck, sliding her fingers up into his hair. He looked a lot more likely to accept a kiss now. His eyes were dark and intense as he looked at her like she was an all you can eat buffet.
“What would you say would be an acceptable number of dates before home run?” She hoped he would understand her point and would only say one or two. After being this close to him and a night of sleeping with her body pressed against his, she was just about ready to jump him right there. But she did want them to be more than just a fling. She wanted the romance, and James Potter didn't jump into anything anymore, although perhaps his eyes were telling her a different story.
“Five,” he stated simply.
“Five?” she repeated.
He nodded slowly. His hands were on the waistband at the back of her trousers, but they slipped down and cupped the checks of her bottom and gave it a cheeky squeeze. His smile was mischievous, as if he thought there was no way she could wait out five dates before locking him in her bedroom for a considerable amount of time.
“Okay then, Potter. Five dates it is.” She removed his hands from her body and walked back to the fire escape.
“Doesn’t this count as a date?” he asked after her.
She paused with her foot on the ladder. “What? You turning up at my door in the middle of the night, then falling asleep on the couch? Oh no, that’s not a good enough first date. That was more of an instigator, I suppose.” She started her descent, still speaking to him from his position at the edge of the roof. “If you want to do this properly, then let's do this properly. You said five dates, so five it is. I’m all for starting right now.”
“Lily, it’s Tuesday morning.”
“It's also New York. Either go home and get yourself dressed up, or you can borrow some of Sirius’s clothes.”
James moved slowly over to the fire escape, his feet staying away from the edge. “Eh, if it's all the same to you, I’ll just take the stairs and go home to change. I’ll text you what to dress for.”
She was now standing on the metal platform outside her window. She put her hands on her hips as she looked up at him, looking anxiously down at her. “Who says you get to pick what we do for the first date? I’ll text you the address, so you can meet me there.”
He looked unconvinced, but Lily wasn’t sure if that was just his fear of the fire escape.
Eventually, he nodded. “Okay, you get first pick, but I get to chose the two after that.”
“James, you can pick every date after that. Just let me get inside and get ready.”
ထ
Date One:
She couldn’t really contain her excitement as she led James by the hand. He was keeping his eyes closed like he had promised, which was an exercise in trust that impressed her. Keeping the final destination a surprise when she had sent him a Broadway address was probably a little too much to hope for, but he had played along well enough. His hand was so much bigger than hers. She tried to ignore the memory of how they had felt when they held her, and thoughts of how they would feel against bare skin.
Five dates before that could happen. She was determined to see that through. How quickly could they get through five dates?
He was wearing a suit but in a very casual way. The white shirt had no tie and the top two buttons were undone. He looked like he’d just come from a premiere or some high society party. He looked hot as hell.
“Wait here,” she instructed before taking a few steps from him, since she wanted to see his reaction. “Open your eyes,” she instructed, bouncing on her toes. She knew his enthusiasm probably wouldn’t match her own, but she was delighted to see the smile and look of awe on his face as he took in their surroundings.
“Of course, you brought me to a stage,” he said wryly, turning on the spot. The ambient lights were on, making it easy to see the ornate work of the boxes, the red curtains, and carpets. She breathed in the particular, indescribable smell and feel of being on a stage. She loved it here and wanted to share that with him. The stage itself was empty of any scenery, as the theatre was just about to start work on a new production.
“Not just any stage,” she began, taking his hands and beaming up at him, unable to contain her excitement. “My stage, my theatre.”
He looked at her confused, unable to comprehend.
“I got an email this morning. They want me to start next week. I’m a choreographer. People will dance what I want them to, right here!” She bounced on her toes.
“Lily, that’s awesome!” James caught her enthusiasm and gave her a hug of congratulations, spinning her around. They were both laughing and smiling. Lily automatically put her hand on his face as he spun her, looking him in the eyes. They stopped spinning as they continued to stare into each other’s eyes, her feet off the ground and eyes level with his. She was feeling a little dizzy from the spin, but she didn’t care.
It didn’t take much to just lean forward and press her lips to his. Her body was tight to his, held firmly by his arms. His lips parted easily for her wandering tongue as she explored his mouth, his hot breath mingling with hers, as he returned her kisses with as much passion as her. He relaxed his grip, letting her body slide slowly down until her feet touched the floor. She was in a summer dress, so she could feel the heat radiating off him through the thin fabric. She wanted to explore him more, but was also aware of their little agreement, so she pulled away from his mouth. He moved his attention to her neck, and she moaned softly, hands sliding up into his hair.
Reluctantly, she stepped away further.
“Not a bad first kiss,” she told him with a smirk as she took in the state of him. His eyes were devouring her again, all dark and demanding. His swollen lips looked so inviting. His hair was a disheveled masterpiece. But, she refused to give in, even if on a theatre stage was on her list of places. She was enjoying this slow torture far more than she thought she would. “Come on. I'll show you the rest of this place. There are workshop rooms right here, and offices and costume rooms.” She was getting carried away with the place again. She looked back at him, still standing in the same spot with his hands in his pockets.
“You look so comfortable here. You are meant to be on stage, Miss Evans,” he told her, but she shook her head.
“Not anymore. I am meant to put other, better dancers on stage and tell them what to do.”
“I have a feeling you are going to be great at that.” He sounded so genuine she had to beam back at him. He had such faith in her already.
They did not spend much more time exploring the theatre. It had been a favour to be allowed in anyway, and she didn’t want to push her luck until she was allowed proper access once she started her job. James was as curious to see the place as she was to show it and asked her questions as they moved their way back through. They exited the stage door, and she made sure it closed firmly behind them once more.
“So how was that, Mr. Potter, as first dates go?”
“It was pretty great, but also pretty quick, if you're sure it’s over.”
“I had no real plans beyond showing you this place. Where are we going on our second?”
“You want to go on the next one, right now?” he asked, walking in the direction of the road.
“I don’t know about you, but I’d quite like to get to our fifth date, sooner than later.”
“Okay then. Let’s go.”
Date two:
She looked at him skeptically as he hailed a cab straight outside the theatre.
“You know where we are going already?”
“I have a few ideas up my sleeve,” he replied with a wink. “You’ve shared a special place for you. I want to do the same.” He leaned in and told the driver where to go before opening the door to her. “After you, my lady.” He gestured grandly.
She slid herself along the pleather seat and wondered where they were going. James took her hand and kissed it softly the moment they were settled together, and the taxi started its journey.
Lily was happy to lean against James and look out the window, not feeling the need to talk right now. His arm was around her waist, while the other hand was scrolling through his phone. She was beginning to wonder what he was doing when her own phone started to ring from the depths of her handbag. When she saw who was trying to Facetime, she smiled.
“Sirius, I’ve missed you!” she yelled at her friend as his face appeared on the screen. James pressed his cheek to hers so they could both be seen.
“Sirius, long time. Is Remus with you?” James added. Lily watched her best friend’s face break out into a slow smile.
“He’s here too. Remus, come see these two. It’s enough to make you sick,” he called. She could just about hear Remus yelling in the background. “You two have been having fun without us, I see,” he started. Lily went to shake her head, but it would have meant bashing James’ nose.
“We’re just going on a date,” she answered, waiting to see Sirius’ response. Before he could say anything, Remus was sliding into the shot with him, his hair damp and with a towel around his shoulders.
“That’s fantastic!” Remus cheered. “See? I told you they could get along,” he added with a dig in the ribs to Sirius. “So when did this happen?”
Sirius rolled his eyes at his boyfriend but when he turned his face back to them, he was still smiling. It was not a full blown happy smile but a thoughtful one, as if he was surprised by how pleased he was. Lily really wanted him to be okay. His friendship meant the world to her. He was her constant, her north star. When she looked at him, she thought he was looking right back at her. He dipped his head a tiny fraction of a nod and winked. She beamed back at him.
“It hasn’t. Not properly, anyway. We’re going on a few dates first,” James was saying to Remus before he planted a kiss on her cheek.
“It’s going pretty well so far,” she added with a blush, shoving James’ face away. He turned his face to look at the phone. She spotted the wink he gave his friends in the preview window. “I’ve so much to tell you. I’ve missed our chats.”
“Tell us everything. I’m dying to hear your news,” Sirius responded happily. “It’s been hell on Earth here without being able to talk with you.” Remus huffed slightly at that. “Not you, darling, you know that,” Sirius added with a kiss to apologise. “How did your gig go? How’s the book going? How’s the big city coping without me?”
She told them about her audition and about the job offer. Sirius almost dropped the phone when he got so excited. James had news too and told them about his new book deal. Lily sat stunned as she listened to him. Sirius and Remus looked happily back at them and told them they would be starting the tour proper next week but hopefully would get a few days home first.
The whole time, they chatted on the phone with hips pressed together. James’ hand rested lightly on her thigh with his other wrapped around her waist, as if they did this all the time. She never felt uncomfortable in his closeness. As soon as they said their goodbyes to their friends, Lily turned to him again, lips pressing a soft kiss to his. It might have gone further, but they had arrived at the New York Public Library.
“Of course, this is your place,” she said once he had paid the cab fare and stood beside her. She tried to look as enthused as he so obviously was, as enthusiastic as he had been for her theatre.
“Have you ever been inside?” he asked as he offered his hand to lead her up the stairs.
“On a school trip, once or twice, but I’m sure you know the best places. We can get lost in for a while.”
To be honest, once inside they didn’t do too much exploring or reading. They were never going to read. Any time they found a quiet corner or a convenient, dimly lit alcove, they would linger, hands roving freely over clothes, lips exploring cheeks, chins, necks, and mouths. The pressure to be quiet added another level of excitement for her. Her giggles were loud in the echoing rooms.
“Oh, when I finally get you in my bed,” she murmured, nibbling on his ear.
“When I finally get in your bed, I’m going to find out just how flexible you are,” he added. “If I survive that long, ‘cause you’re killing me, Evans.”
They left the library, a little hotter and more flushed than they had been on arrival, but grinning like lunatics whenever they looked at each other.
“I’m hungry.”
“Will dinner count as a third date?” he asked her with a cheeky smile.
“It would depend on the food, I suppose. Until then, we’re still on our second date. Besides, I don’t want a fancy dinner. I just want hot dogs.”
“You’re not serious, are you? Those things have got little to no nutritional value, and you will be hungry again in half an hour.”
“Okay then, Dad. What do you suggest?”
“Let me cook for you? We can grab a few groceries and just hang out.”
“That does sound like an excellent third date.” She slid her hands under his suit jacket. “But don’t think just because your going to cook for me that I’m going to stay over.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll kick you out before midnight, I promise,” he joked, stepping to the road to hail a cab.
“Subway’s right there, James.” She pointed. “You don’t have to take expensive cab rides everywhere.”
“But, in a cab, I get you all to myself,” he explained, sliding his hands around her waist and nuzzling into her neck. She sighed and tried not to smile at his cuteness.
Before, when any man had been so openly affectionate with her in public, it set off alarm bells. However, this was not true for James, it seemed. In fact, she quite liked the way his head felt tucked up close to her neck.
“Well, I’m a city girl, and it’s way too extravagant for me to have more than one cab ride in a day. We can cuddle up on the train just as easily.” She skipped a few quick steps away from him towards the subway stairs and spun to see if he was following, making her dress and hair flare out.
He had not moved from the spot. James just stood there with a goofy half grin.
“What?” she asked, self consciously tucking a strand of her hair behind an ear.
“Nothing,” he replied. “Just wanting to remember this moment, this day.” She rolled her eyes at him but, inwardly, she was feeling the same way. She offered her hand to him and they went to board the train together.
Date three:
“So what am I supposed to do with it?” she asked in confusion, huffing slightly as he laughed at her.
“You’re telling me you’ve never done this before?”
“Well, no, actually, I haven’t,” she replied, her tone getting defensive.
“It’s okay. Don’t worry. There is a first time for everything.” His voice was gentle and patient. He came to stand behind her, placing his chin on her shoulder as he guided her hands. With a precision she would never be able to muster without his guidance, he showed her how to rock the knife to make perfect slices of the bell peppers and mushrooms. “See? It’s simple. Just go nice and easy with the knife,” he instructed before going back to the hob. She continued at a much slower pace, trying to match his perfectly sliced slithers and holding her tongue in her teeth as she concentrated. “It’s so surprising to me that you’ve never cooked,” he continued.
“I cook.”
He snorted in response to her words. “Frying meat and adding a jar of sauce is not cooking.” James countered, in a mildly irritated tone. She was realising he was a bit of a snob about food. Just as well he looked adorable in the navy blue apron, as he chopped onions with an expert hand. He had changed out of his suit as soon as they got to Remus’ apartment, and was now wearing a white tank and taupe cargo pants. It was a relaxed look and dangerously pale colours to be wearing when cooking. All Lily had done to relax her look was take off her denim jacket and boots.
He turned to take her neat-ish chopped mushrooms and peppers and added them to his pan, giving it a few deft swipes with his spatula.
“We can’t all be Gordon fucking Ramsay, you know. My way of cooking has done me alright so far,” she countered to his statement. He looked down at the pan he was still stirring, but she saw the side of his face crinkle as he frowned.
“You should look after yourself. Food is important. It’s your body’s fuel. You wouldn’t put sludge in a car, would you?”
“Well sure, if i ever feel the need to own a car, I’ll bear that in mind, okay?” She then added impatiently. “I get it. Don’t get all preachy on me. At least, you’re not vegetarian, I don’t think I could live my life without bacon.”
He chuckled at that and shrugged. “I thought about it. My personal trainer thought it would be good for me, but I like bacon too much too.” He looked around as if he was looking for something.
“What’s next, Chef?”
“I need to cook the pasta. You can cook pasta, can’t you?” He said in a rather patronising tone. Lily gave him a
“I’m not completely useless, you know.”
His smile was warm when he looked at her. “I know.”
When they finally settled at the table to eat two massive bowls of spaghetti with the most delicious sauce she had ever tasted, Lily realised how happy she felt. How easy it was to spend time with James. They fitted together like they were the missing parts to a puzzle. They had spent the entire day together and not once had she felt the need to find her own space. He made her relax. No one had ever made her feel like that, not even Sirius.
“Stay.” He spoke the single word as she put her jacket on to go.
It was getting late. They had watched trashy television and talked about nothing important. She wanted to kiss him, kiss him until there was no breath left in her lungs, kiss him until she was begging him to carry her up those stairs once more, but she hadn’t. She would go back to her own bed, imprint this day on her memory, and find release with her own fingers.
“Why won’t you stay?” he asked her when she shook her head. They had shared a bottle of wine, the majority of which he had consumed. His cheeks had a healthy looking bloom of colour.
“We haven’t had our fifth date yet. That was the deal, wasn’t it?” she replied, flicking her hair out from her coat.
He moved impossibly close to her, overwhelming her senses with all of him. She couldn’t show it, couldn’t let him know how much she wanted to wake up in that bed again, this time with him in it too. Perhaps he saw her resolve crack slightly or perhaps the alcohol had emboldened him slightly.
“Lily, please, no more games, no more deals. Just stay with me. You win. I’m at your feet.” His hands went to her hips, pushing her back against the wall as his lips dragged kisses along her neck down the open v of her dress. She couldn’t stop the hungry moan that escaped her. Her fingers tangled through his hair and, without thinking about it, she hooked a leg around his calf. All the while his head was dropping lower, ever lower.
When he kneeled at her feet and lifted her leg to hook it on his shoulder, she knew she had to stop him or she would never be able to stop herself.
“Stop. Please stop.”
He did immediately, but his gaze was a little unfocused as he looked up at her, glasses crooked, still holding her leg. His eyes were so dark, he was breathing hard, and he had her wondering why she was saying no. He kissed her thigh before placing her leg gently back down to the ground.
“We need to do this properly, I really need to do this properly. I want to have special dates with you, proper memories of romance. It’s not that I don’t want to do everything with you. Believe me, I do, but I know once you sleep with a person, it becomes all about that. I want there to be a little mystery. We are already going quite fast.”
“Lily, we can still go on the dates. We have time…”
She couldn’t look at him, she had to stay strong. “I’m not going to have the time. I have three days before I go into pre-production planning, and you are going to hardly see me after that. Two more dates, then we can spend the rest of time in bed together. Please, James, for once I’m going to do romance properly.”
“You want romance?” James asked, finally getting up and taking her hand, looking resigned. “Tomorrow, you are going to have the most romantic date ever. If this is what you need, then okay. I’m sorry for pushing you.”
She leaned into him and kissed him while pressing her hands to his cheeks. “You didn’t push me anywhere I didn’t want to go.” He lifted his head up and kissed her forehead. “I just need to do it this way. I’m so sorry. Goodnight, James.”
She slipped out the door without looking back, knowing she had left him standing in the same spot in as much need of a cold shower as she was.
Formula One’s most impressive young talent meets Britain's favourite reality tv dancer in hotel bar under a flurry of endorphins and one too many glasses scotch. Lily’s weary of his international infamy and his jet-setting lifestyle. James just wants her to meet his parents. It was supposed to be a one night stand, but who were they kidding.
Qualifying, the prequel and secret dating escapades to Trackside is coming soon 🤍
prompt: Fake Dating AU - “I may have made myself look like a tool on a night out and I need to date you (the tabloid's darling) to reform my bad boy/girl image.”
James Potter is Formula One’s most impressive young talent, making up one half of the championship winning team at Gryffindor Racing. He’s got a reputation for playing dirty on, and seemingly off, the track but when an article quoting a particularly vulgar comment made by him at last years final Grand Prix is released, it seems he may have pushed it too far. Potter faces two options; fix his public image or give up his seat.
prompt: Fake Dating AU - “I may have made myself look like a tool on a night out and I need to date you (the tabloid’s darling) to reform my bad boy/girl image.”
“Lils,” She isn’t sure if it’s his voice or the use of her nickname that does it, but a few more traitorous tears spill over onto her cheeks.
“It’s fine, Potter. I’ll… I’ll just see you tomorrow. Tell Sirius and Mary I was… ill or something.”
“Don’t.”
“Don’t, what?”
“Don’t do this. You asked me to keep it between us, you wanted that, I would’ve happily shouted about you from the rooftops the night we met so don’t blame me when—”
prompt: Fake Dating AU - “I may have made myself look like a tool on a night out and I need to date you (the tabloid’s darling) to reform my bad boy/girl image.”
He can’t get out of the car fast enough, and for a moment he feels stupid, like he’s throwing a tantrum like a two-year-old but his heads not in it and the last thing he wants is to go into a wall that has him out of tomorrows qualifying.
Minnie is, of course, waiting for him as pulls off his mask, “Care to explain?”
“I have to go home for the night… I can’t… I wasn’t… I just need to leave.” Her lips purse into a thin line, “I’ll be good tomorrow.”
“This have anything to do with the fact that you looked a little too comfortable with Ms Evans with the press this morning?”
A/N This is a very short little bit extra I had as an idea and had to add it to the end.
Please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you have about this story. I love to know you are out there and reading my stuff.
I plan to be back soon with something new. If you want to read this on Ao3 the link is here
Thanks for reading TJ
EPILOGUE
Lily looked at herself in the mirror as she smoothed the rich fabric over her hips and sighed. Even though she still considered herself in good shape, the lithe figure of her twenties was a distant memory.
“Why can’t I come too, Mama, please?” Harry asked her from his position on the large double bed that dominated the room.
“Because it’s on ‘til late darling, way past your bedtime. Daddy and I are treating your Uncles Sirius and Remus to a grown up night out.”
“Sounds boring.”
“That’s why you’re not coming, sweetheart. You will have much more fun here with Elsa. You always love it when she stays over. We can tell the babysitter to let you stay up a bit longer, yeah?” She watched his reflection in the mirror as she put in her earrings.
He was already in his Avengers pyjamas. His black hair had been brushed, but it still stood up on every angle. The dark rims of his glasses made his green eyes look even brighter. He plucked at the coverlet, torn between the knowledge that the babysitter would probably let him stay up late, eat junk food, and watch cartoons, and the thought of missing out on a special night for his parents.
“Babysitter’s here!” called out James as he strode into the room, putting in his cufflinks before walking over and zipping up her dress. “You’re looking hot, love,” he murmured before planting a kiss on her bare shoulder.
“Bleurgh,” came Harry’s disgusted voice from the bed. “You two are disgusting.”
“One day, my boy, I hope you understand.” James told his son with a wink.
“No, I won’t. Girls are horrible and mean.”
“Elsa’s not mean. You always get along with her,” Lily reasoned with him.
He gave a little shrug. “Suppose.” he mumbled.
Sirius and Remus were already waiting downstairs with their daughter Elsa when they all came downstairs. All three of them beamed warmly at her.
“Don’t you look a vision.” Sirius said, warmth filling his voice as she hugged him in greeting. She opened her arms to Elsa who looked uncertain.
“My Daddy and Papa told me not to get you dirty.” She murmured.
“I think you can risk a hug.” She told her assuredly grateful that she had chosen the ball gown with a slit allowing her to crouch down low enough to give this little girl a proper aunt Lily squeeze.
“Elsa come on, I’ll let you have first pick of what we watch.” Harry called to her from the living room already sprawled on the couch.
Elsa turned to check with her parents who nodded before each gave her a kiss. She ran past James and jumped to take her space beside Harry.
“What no hug for uncle Jamie?” He called out after her before following into the living room and tackling the children tickling them mercilessly.
“Come on now uncle Jamie, the Tony’s won’t wait for you.” Remus reminded him before Lily could. With a final round of kisses for the children James joined them and they all went in the limo.
“Thanks for letting Elsa stay over.” Sirius said once they were on their way.
“It’s no problem Harry loves having her company and the sitter is cool with it too.” Lily replied trying to find a comfortable seating position.
“It’s a shame we have to go to these awards. It’s been ages since we all were out together.” James commented pulling Lily in close to him. She returned his gaze with a little smirk knowing exactlywhat he was thinking about.
“Oh no we are going. How often do you think it will happen that both of you are nominated? James it’s crazy and I’m so proud,” Remus told them beaming. “What if you win and you weren’t there, don’t you want to be able to show Harry?” Mentioning their son did the trick and James nodded. He was very proud of what he had managed.
“We can still have fun while we’re there.” Sirius was more excited about going than any of them, and true that the production was as much his baby as Lily’s as they had spent hours going over all the details together.
“On that note Sirius if I win you are coming up on stage too because it’s as much your win as mine.”
“No Lil I couldn’t.” He began but she overrode him.
“Yes you can and you will, I insist.” He tried to look like he wasn’t happy about this but she knew him so well and spotted the happy smile he shared with Remus.
“Perhaps this can be fun after all.” James said thoughtfully.
“Oh I guarantee we'll have fun.” Lily said softly into James’ ear making him smirk.
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E! Announcer: “And here we have arriving on the red carpet now, one of the power couples of Broadway - James and Lily Potter. The stage adaptation of James’ best selling book, The Dancer is up for no less than ten Tony’s tonight, along with his wife, the renowned choreographer, who is also nominated for her work in her husband’s show, as well as her work in Derek Wells newest production fight like a girl. Which has been the surprise nominee of this years Tony’s. Arriving with them is music producer Remus Lupin and his husband the retired dancer Sirius Black.
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“Shit, fuck, shit, they’re gonna miss it. Lily’s category is next up. Where have they got to?” Sirius looked about the music hall trying to see if they were coming back to their seats. Remus stayed resolutely in his seat not looking around, with a sigh he put his hand on his husband’s shoulder making him sit back down.
“You know exactly where they have got to. What do they always end up doing every single time they get the chance?”
“Yes, but surely not here?”
“You’re joking aren’t you?”
“Fuck you are right.” Sirius said sliding his hair back into place.
“I always am.”
A man in black wearing a headset and carrying a clipboard approached them crouching low.
“We need Mrs Potter for the shot of the nominees, where is she?” Sirius looked back at the man with a shrug.
“I think the nerves have gotten to her and she has just nipped out for a moment. I have her permission to represent her.” The runner pinched his face and started talking quickly into his headset as he rushed away.
Sirius was suddenly not so confident when the cameraman came to stand in the isle beside him. Remus leaned in to him and held his hand.
“Breath darling it’s fine, it’s not like you are going up on stage.”
“And the winner is…”
“Oh, fuck!”
ထ
Lily heard her name called over the PA system but in that moment she did not care, she was far too interested in thoroughly kissing her husband and removing him of his pants as quickly as possible. Once again she was grateful for picking the dress with the high split so she was able to sit herself up on the powder room counter and lock her legs around his.
“Lily.” James murmured
“Shhh” she replied grabbing the back of his head.
“Lily, they are calling for you.”
“James, I think this once I can miss my curtain call, now shut up and kiss me.”
A/N A massive thanks to @the-castle-crew for the ideas and encouragement along with correcting my Britishness.
Cover picture by @raissassampaio
Read from Chapter one on Ao3 or Chapter five here
A/N If you see this symbol ⬹ and you don't like to read explicit content then just skip until you see the symbol again.
A/N This is the last part of the main story the next chapter is a little epilogue.
CHAPTER FIVE
The journey home was torturous. Every time she had to stop at a crossing, every time there was a delay to her journey, she wanted to run right back to him. Her mind was calling her every kind of fool for leaving, as was her body. She was filled with the anticipation of what it could be like to be with him. Her body felt like a charge of electricity had run through it. She was so responsive to him; to his touch that she did not know how much longer she was going to be able to stop herself. Ifshewas feeling this way, God only knew how James was feeling right now.
A part of her - a small, tiny, insignificant part - was proud for leaving, of sticking to her conviction for once in her life and not just jumping into bed with a guy before she properly knew him. The problem was, of course, that she didfeel like she knew him so well already. What she knew was how much he was going to ruin her. It was silly, but her superstitious self kept thinking things would only work out if she saw all the dates through properly. It was a stupid feeling and complete nonsense, but she just couldn't shake it.
She kept in contact with him during her journey home, fuelling a little more of her desire to turn around and go back to him. He needed to know she got home safely. She needed to know everything was okay with them. He sent her a snap of him telling her to get a good night's sleep, because she most certainly wouldn’t be getting much tomorrow night, if he had anything to do with it.
Hang the cold shower, she thought, I’m going to need a fucking ice bath.
She didn’t know how she did it, but despite all these feelings along with the built up frustration, she fell asleep the moment she collapsed onto her bed.
It was odd to think of how different her day had been yesterday compared to her days before, how much her mood had been lifted by James. After spending the entire day with him and feeling so quickly like he was an essential part of her life, she was becoming more and more sure with every passing moment that being with James was what she wanted and what she needed to stabilise her crazy life.
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Date four:
Despite the late hour she got home, despite how tired she should be, she was already up bright and early when her phone buzzed a text from James telling her to dress warmly, leave the heels at home, and be outside in half an hour.
It took her awhile to decide on what to wear. She didn’t think a worn-out hoodie three sizes too big would quite work for a date even though it was warm and comfortable, and it definitely wasn’t cold enough yet for her winter coat. Then, she remembered a chunky cream Aran knit cardigan Remus had bought her last Christmas, paired it up with a dark green spaghetti strap top, skinny jeans, and her ankle boots. The only footwear she owned that weren't heels, or her Converse. When she looked at her reflection, she hardly recognised herself. She looked like an ordinary girl about to go on an ordinary date; even her hair was behaving itself framing her face in soft waves. She grabbed her purse from the bed, threw her phone into it before taking the stairs two at a time, excited to have this day start and see James.
He was already waiting outside, wearing a long dark wool coat with a red scarf draped over his shoulders, and a backpack that looked really out of place with his fancy coat. His grin nearly split his face when he saw her.
“Alright, Evans?” He beamed
“Hey, Potter. You’re looking fine today,” she replied, taking his hand as he offered it and kissing his lips softly like they had been greeting each other this way for years.
“Not so bad yourself.” He added with a little wink. “Come on, we have to book it a bit to get the train out of town.”
“Out of town?” She stopped dead, dropping his hand. “Why are you taking me out of town?” She squinted suspiciously at him.
“It wouldn’t be much fun if I told you that, now would it?” he told her with a knowing look. “Come on an adventure with me and find out.” His grin was devious, like he knew a special secret and didn’t want her to know.
“Okay,” she replied to him eventually. “But only because I like you.”
It took most of the morning to get out to the field they now stood in, but goodness, was it worth it. She stood and watched in wonder as the giant multi-coloured balloon slowly filled and lifted itself off the ground, its bright colours contrasting vividly against the dull grey sky.
“When did you find the time to organise this?” she asked mildly impressed, “I was with you all day yesterday.” She glanced at him and spotted how smugly pleased with himself he was looking.
“I looked through a few options when I went home to get changed yesterday morning. Also,” he waggled his phone at her, “have you heard about all the amazing things you can do with your phone these days?”
“Okay, smartass.” She smirked at him. “If you’re so smart, what do you call the guy who’s inflating the thing?”
“Steve,” James replied without missing a beat, which started her giggling uncontrollably. It wasn’t long before he joined her in the merriment, his rich laughter sounding out across the field.
She was still giggling when Steve signalled them to come over and climb in.
“This is amazing,” she breathed as the ground began to sink away and the only noise was the burner behind them. She turned to share this feeling with James, and her excitement dropped when she saw him. He was not looking exactly as calm as he had been when they were on the ground. “James?”
“What was I thinking?” she heard him mutter to himself. One hand was holding the edge of the basket in a white knuckled grip, and his fixed smile was more like a grimace.
“James, it’s okay.” She placed one hand on top of his the other stroked his face. “Why on Earth did you think this would be a good idea when you’re afraid of heights?”
“I just thought it would be romantic and pretty cool, you know?” he said, his voice quaking slightly. “Didn’t really think about my slight discomfort about being off the ground. Didn’t realise how small the fucking basket was going to be, or the fact nothing but wicker is preventing us from plunging to our doom.”
“James, you can relax, it’s perfectly safe.” She glanced sideways at Steve who nodded his agreement. She let his hand keep its firm grip on the edge of the basket and rubbed his arm trying to give him comfort, the muscles of his arm were like solid knots he was gripping so hard.
He nodded and smiled shakily. “I’m okay, I just need to distract my mind. Wow, look at that!”
They had cleared up higher than the treeline, so they could now see the great grey mass of the city on the far horizon. She hugged his middle and pressed her head against his chest.
“Thank you,” she told him, genuinely pleased, despite the fact it felt like she was hugging a tree trunk.
He stroked her hair with the hand that wasn’t holding on to the basket in a death grip.
“You’re welcome.” He replied pressing a kiss to the top of her head. When they went high enough to be just above the clouds, it was like they had entered another world. James seemed to relax when they could no longer see the ground, and produced a small bottle of champagne and two glasses from his backpack.
“Wow, I’m impressed. This is quite romantic isn’t it?” She told him as they clinked plastic. It was a surreal moment as they enjoyed drinking champagne together while Steve looked in any other direction, impassive and silent.
“I’m certainly enjoying the view.” James told her softly looking straight at her with his intense look. His scrutiny made her blush and cuddle back into him again, hiding her face in his chest.
Lily was still enjoying leaning into James as the balloon slowly started to sink back to the ground. She tried her best not to laugh at him as he let out a very unmanly yelp when the basket connected once more with the ground, sliding along for a while before finally coming to a stop. He sat for a long time with his eyes closed at the bottom of the basket, his arms wrapped around his knees.
“Don’t say a fucking word Evans,” he breathed as she knelt down beside him, as if he thought she would make fun of him.
“About what?” she asked. “That my boyfriend wanted to do something so romantic for me he went up in a hot air balloon despite being afraid of heights?” She asked him gently “That he was brave enough to overcome his anxiety and actually enjoyed it a bit? Why on earth would I tell anyone that?” she rubbed his leg and he seemed to be bolstered by her words. “Come on.” she told him firmly. “I have someplace in mind I want to take you.”
Date five:
The train ride back was quite soothing for both of them. They shared sandwiches James had brought with him and polished off the last of the champagne. Lily leaned herself into his side as they sat together, her eyes drifting closed for a time while James idly played with a strand of her long red hair and checked a few emails on his phone.
When he looked down at her once more, he saw she had drifted off to sleep, her long eyelashes fluttering and a gentle curve to the side of her lip. She was so stunning it made his heart burst to look at her. Without thinking about it, he bent over and kissed her forehead. As he looked up, he saw an older women sitting opposite smile at the pair of them like it was the cutest thing she had ever seen in her entire life. James had to agree. The pair of them were pretty adorable.
He opened his notes in his phone and tapped out a few ideas these past two days had given him. Lily slept on, resting comfortably against him.
“So, where are you taking me?” James asked as they switched lines back in the city. He was still not overly confident about getting around on the subway, but Lily guided him through everything, completely at home in this environment. He knew enough to know they were taking a train away from their usual haunts and tried to catch the name of the line. Lily’s hand was small in his, but she guided him strongly and confidently through the crowds and confusing tunnels.
“It’s a fun place I’ve not been to for ages. Don’t worry, James, I'll keep you right.” She walked backwards a few steps so she could look at him, still holding his hand with a mischievous smile on her lips.
The last date.
He had never before even contemplated having five dates in two days. Of course, technically, yesterday had been one long date, but he was never going to mention that to Lily. She was looking so happy, and he had done that. Her brightness and warmth had filled the cracks in his own heart and melted the ice he thought he would have forever. He was finding it more and more difficult to imagine a life without her.
“I’m not worried,” he countered. “Just intrigued to know where you are taking me.”
“I followed you on faith this morning. You have to do the same.”
He had to admit that was true and faithfully followed her without any more questions.
As it turned out, the place Lily took him was an Irish bar in Kips Bay that had live music every night.
It was early evening when they arrived. The place was nowhere near quiet, and every member of staff they passed greeted Lily warmly.
“I used to work here,” she explained when he asked her. “Before my dancing paid me enough to not need extra work. I’m surprised so many still recognize me since it’s been a while.”
One of the staff members squealed excitedly when she saw Lily and practically threw her tray away to hug her. “Oh, it’s so good to see you,” she said with her arms still firmly around Lily’s neck while rocking them from side to side.
“Hey, Dorcas.” Lily’s voice was muffled slightly and she patted her friend’s back.
Dorcas seemed to notice Lily was not alone and eyed James up appraisingly.
“This is my… James,” Lily continued.
Dorcas’ inspecting eyes roved him over like he was about to be sold at a market.
“Your James, eh? Well, I like the sound of that, ‘Bout time you got yourself a good egg.” She nodded her apparent approval before she was called over to the bar to get back to her work.
“This place is pretty cool. It has a really good feel,” he said as he made his was through to the bar and ordered their drinks.
While he was waiting, he took a moment to look around the place. It certainly had the feel of the old country with the dark wood and brass fittings. The walls were lined with framed old photos, some of the bar in different states of decoration, some of people, and some were even signed. The ceiling’s low beams were covered in little trinkets and badges too. There were plenty people in the place, but James didn’t feel claustrophobic. The whole atmosphere was relaxed, warm, and friendly.
Lily had wandered to the back and was now standing beside the group of musicians who had been playing until a moment ago. A couple were holding guitars and what looked to him like a large tambourine, which he assumed must be a drum. They were all talking animatedly with her, and she was smiling and laughing back, looking completely at ease with them all.
One of them stood up. He was a bit taller than James and a fair bit younger than the rest of them, only a few years older than himself at most. He was holding his fiddle and bow in one hand as he moved to give Lily an overly familiar hug with his free arm.
James resisted the urge to scowl at him as he joined them and tried to nod politely to the fiddler along with the rest before handing Lily her drink.
“Oh, James, this is the unofficial band.”
“Unofficial?”
“Well, it's just whoever feels like turning up and playing. More a social thing than a job, but they get tips from the patrons.” She shrugged.
James noticed the variety of instruments squeezed into the small stage and the jar at the front with a few notes and some change sitting inside.
“Well, from what I heard when we came in, you’re all amazing.” He fished out a note from his wallet and stuffed it into the jar, not really looking at the amount.
Some of the musicians goggled in surprise at him. Then, as one, they took up their instruments and started to play once more, to the cheers of the other patrons.
Lily grabbed his arm and pulled him aside sharply. “What was that?” she asked him quietly.
“They play for tips. I thought that was a normal thing to do?”
“James, you dropped a fifty,” she hissed. He wasn’t sure exactly if her tone meant he had insulted them or not.
“Well, there is a lot of them, and I don’t know. Was that not enough?” he asked.
She shook her head at him in a fondly exasperated way, slapping his cheek gently before kissing the corner of his mouth.
“You and the fiddler seem close?” he asked, trying to sound innocent and taking a sip of his drink.
“Who? D’you mean Fabian? Yeah, I know him a bit.” She shrugged. “Me and Sirius used to hang out with him and his brother before things got a bit weird.”
The tune they were playing was lively, and Lily was stamping her feet to the beat along with several others.
“What do you mean by weird?” he asked, trying not to sound like an overprotective boyfriend.
“It was nothing, just something between them and Sirius. I don’t really want to talk about,” she said hurriedly, looking more and more distracted by the music. She shed her thick cardigan and threw it, along with her purse, into the booth they were stood beside. She placed her drink carefully down on the table.
“Come dance with me?” she told him, offering her hand.
He looked at it, unsure.
“I’m no dancer, Lily,” he told her, completely uncomfortable with the idea of being shown up by a professional. He didn’t want to disappoint her, though she was practically bouncing to get up and dance.
“It’s real easy. All you’ve to do is tap to the beat and swing each other around. Just watch for a bit you’ll see”
As if to demonstrate this, she joined the group of people already on the free space reserved for just such an occasion. She immediately looped arms with one of the other revellers, and they spun a few turns before moving to link arms with another smoothly. He watched her dancing and enjoying herself. Her long red hair streaming behind her, her white teeth shining as she smiled and laughed, her bright green eyes sparkling with happiness. When one too many men had spun Lily around and held her a little too closely for his liking, he shucked off his coat, took a large swallow of his drink, and joined in the madness on the dance floor.
Lily almost cheered when she saw James join her. He smiled nervously back at her, sliding his arm around her waist to spin her again.
The last time she had been here, she had been in such a dark place, barely surviving and wondering if she would ever be able to quit working here. This place had become a reminder for everything she’d been running away from, but she was no longer running. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she didn’t feel like a failure. She finally felt like her life was clicking into place. Seeing some of the familiar faces and listening to the reels gave her comfort. This bar no longer reminded her of her shortcomings but instead was welcoming her home. It had always been so full of warmth and energy, and now she felt happy to share it with James.
James. He looked to be actually enjoying himself, despite the occasional stumbles. He was trying his best. He seemed determined not to let up and matched her dance for dance. She could see he was improving as the evening wore on, and they consumed a few more drinks. He was no longer self conscious about anyone else, and there were moments that he danced with her like there was not another soul in that room.
She spotted Fabian looking at them occasionally and hoped James didn’t notice the look in his eye. Fabian was ancient history, from when Lily was a different person and nobody needed to know. Her life was different now and still changing, She would make a success of her new opportunity. She would give her all into this burgeoning relationship with this incredible man.
Eventually, Lily took pity on James, and she pulled him off the dance floor into their booth. His hair was damp, and his navy t-shirt was clinging even more than the cut normally made it. She felt it herself. She was a complete mess from dancing so much. The bar was now packed, and as soon as he was seated, she pulled him in for a kiss.
“Thank you,” she said when she finally let him go.
“For what?” he asked, moving his lips to kiss her ear, not letting up as he nuzzled into her neck.
“For today, for yesterday. For dancing with me all night and for going up in that balloon. For lifting me up out of the rut and proving to me I have value.” She slid her hands through his hair, tugging slightly to make him look up. “You wanna get out of here?”
His eyes grew dark as he regarded her. “Do you even have to ask that?”
ထ
James’ apartment block was quiet and cold when they finally got back. She had relented to his request for an Uber in order to get home quicker and also agreed his place was closer, nicer, and James actually had real food.
Now that she knew where they were both going, she didn’t want to waste any more time. James was so gorgeous and she was so ready for him that it was a struggle to keep her hands from wandering into inappropriate territory in the car. This was it, there was no more need to put on the brakes.
James himself seemed to be having the same problems. As soon as they were walking in the elevator, he snaked an arm around her middle, pushing his whole body against her back and brushing her hair aside so he could kiss the nape of her neck. Her knees almost buckled at his attention, and she braced herself against the wall as his free hand slipped down between her thighs, rubbing against her jeans. She couldn’t resist grinding her butt back against his crotch, making him moan softly into her hair. He slid the thick wool of her cardigan down, exposing her shoulders, and kissed along it, making her whimper.
She barely had the strength to stand as the lift came to his floor. She spun in his arms as they walked the short distance to his apartment, so she could kiss his mouth and taste his breath. Her back thudded hard against the front door. He pressed her into it more as he placed his left foot between hers, rubbing his leg against her groin, the keys forgotten in this moment. She could feel how hard he was for her against her own leg, even through the thickness of his jeans.
Eventually, he remembered to open the door, and they stumbled into the kitchen, lips still locked. They were barely through the door when he was lifting the edge of her top, sliding his hands up to brush the bottom of her breast.
“Surprise!” came a shout from the living room.
“Fuck!” Lily screamed out loud in shock. James’ hands jumped off her as if she was now scalding hot. She hastily tried to correct her clothing before she saw who it was standing in the living space.
“Thought it would be better to announce our presence while you guys still mostly had clothes on.” Sirius’ sounded amused as he spoke, but there were definitely spots of colour on his cheeks.
“Sirius! You nearly gave me a fucking heart attack.” Lily’s heart skipped to see him and practically vaulted over the couch to give him a hug, grabbing Remus and pulling him in too. They were here, they were real, and she had missed them so, so much.
“Sorry for interrupting, er… things,” Remus apologised, his face a delicate shade of pink, much more obviously embarrassed than Sirius.
James was still standing awkwardly by the door, hand shuffling his hair and an awkward smile on his face, as if he was unsure he was welcome to this reunion. Sirius stepped away from Lily and moved to his friend, hugging him fiercely. James and Sirius seemed to exchange a lot in that hug, but Lily didn’t listen in as they spoke softly to each other, because she was giving Remus the hug of his life.
“Thank you,” she murmured softly to him. He looked slightly confused when she pulled away. “You brought James to me. I know it was you.”
Remus gave a little half shrug and waved her away as if it was nothing. “I just said what you needed to hear. You are both glowing with happiness right now. You have done that for each other. It had nothing to do with me.” He stepped away from her. “We are disturbing you and have interrupted something a little special, I think, but you will make time for us tomorrow?”
She nodded her promise that they would before Remus looked to his partner. “Come on, now, my darling. We have disturbed these love birds enough.” He grabbed Sirius by the belt buckle and pulled him towards the door.
With a smirk and a wink to James, Sirius added, “Enjoy your evening.” Then, they were gone, leaving Lily and James alone and staring at each other from across the room.
⬹⬹⬹⬹
“Come here,” he told her, his eyes intense and never looking away.
Her whole body was electrified with the thoughts of what was about to happen. She walked over to him slowly, her hands reaching for the buttons of his coat as her lips met his. It wasn’t the intensely passionate kisses they had shared in the car. It was soft, slow, and so very sexy. His hand cupped the back of her head as her hands removed him of his coat, dropping his hold of her face only to let the heavy fabric fall to the floor with a soft thud.
“Shower with me.” It was less of a question and more of a demand, his voice slightly hoarse. One hand was now holding her chin, the other making its way up under her top.
“Oh, I like you being all bossy,” she murmured then gasped as his thumb brushed under her soft bra and slid across a firm nipple.
“That’s good to hear, because I like being bossy too.” He started to drag his lips across her jaw, moving backwards with his hand at the back of her head, urging her to follow. “I want to make you come so hard you are going to forget what fucking day it is,” he rumbled into her skin.
Oh fuck, where did this James come from?
If she thought she was wet before, that was nothing compared to how she was feeling now. His words, just his words, were turning her into a quivering wreck.
“James,” she breathed his name, her hands tangling through the strands of his hair. “I need you so much.”
“Oh God, I love the way you say my name.”
He stepped away from her for a moment, lifting his shirt from his body before bending down to remove her boots for her. There was something strangely erotic about a man at her feet, sliding down the zip and slowly slipping them off. His body was beautiful as she looked down at him, no longer needing to hide how much she liked watching his muscles move.
Carefully, she slid his glasses from his face and placed them on the table. In response, he unhooked the button of her jeans and slid them down her hips. She took off her top as he stood back up, then placed her hands on his shoulders to jump, wrapping her legs around his middle. He caught her easily, splaying his hands across the firm globes of her behind.
“I love how your ass feels in my hands.” She chuckled at that and kissed his face, moving slowly to suck at his neck with her open mouth, feeling the slight burn of his stubble against her soft cheek.
“Let's go take that shower,” she told him as he carried her into the bathroom.
The shower did not take long at all to heat up, filling the room with clouds of steam. They had long since disregarded the last of their clothes and now stood staring at each other with heat in their eyes.
She thought she would feel self conscious under his scrutiny, but instead he made her feel worshiped and wanted.
“You are so beautiful,” he told her as he closed the space between them, lips crashing hungrily together.
The steam had made her whole body slick, and his hands skimmed easily over her skin, holding her breasts, squeezing them, brushing the pads of his thumbs across her nipples making them stiffen before bending his head to take them in his mouth, nipping gently and making her gasp. She reached out for him as her back arched at his touch, fingers clawing at his toned body, running over the bumps and grooves of him, fingernails dragging through the soft hair on his chest and down his stomach until her hand moved lower, sliding along the length of him. The soft moan he let out as her hand gripped his arousal intensified what she was already feeling between her own legs.
With a shake of his head he moved her hands back up his body.
“Not yet,” he murmured, walking her backwards into the stream of water, dulling her senses to the feel and sound of the water cascading over her head and running channels down her body. His lips met hers before she could open her eyes. His left hand cupped her sex, skimming his fingers along her slick folds before they rested against her entrance, the heel of his hand pressing against her centre, moving in ever such slow grinding circles.
She moaned at his touch, felt the cool tiles against her shoulders as James continued to press her backwards. Her knees felt weak and she thought she might have collapsed, but James’ other hand held her steady, gripping just under her left breast. Her hands gripped his head, pulled his lips to hers so she could share his breath, and let him know exactly how much she wanted and needed him right now.
“You are a goddess,” he whispered before kissing her back just as intently, just as full of this undeniable wanting. “I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you right now.” Finally, they would know each other completely.
“James,” she gasped his name into his open mouth, sliding her hands down his body and gripping his buttocks, digging her nails into the soft flesh.
He stepped away and suddenly his hands and lips were gone, making her feel bereft. She opened her eyes to see him lather his hands with soap and hand the bottle to her to do the same. It took her a moment to come back to herself and comply, but then his hands were on her once more. He started to rub the suds against her shoulders, sliding down her front to press, swirl, and rub her breasts. Hands then moved up her back, pressing the pads of his fingers into her, making her body curl at the feel of him. In return, she ran her soapy hands over his chest, up and down his back, rubbed long, large circles over his toned stomach, and slid her hands a few times along his length, enticing another groan from him. He grabbed her wrists to stop her and pulled her back under the water to rinse them both.
It wasn’t long before she was pressed up against the tiled wall again, quaking under his touch. She was coming undone quicker than she thought possible.
He knelt to rub his hands along her thighs, pressing his thumbs along the crease of her legs. “Let me taste you?” he asked, his lips so close to her sex that she felt his breath puff against her.
“Oh, God, yes. Please, yes.”
He lifted her leg onto his shoulder, like he had done before, but this time, there was no way she was going to stop him. His hand glided along her folds first, quickly followed by his tongue, sliding along her before gently nipping the bundle of nerves between his beautiful, soft lips.
She tried her best not to wriggle and squirm as his tongue masterfully swirled, lapped, and sucked, bringing her body up to a whole new level of ecstasy. Her hands desperately clawed against the smooth tiles before grabbing his head, gripping his hair tight enough for him to wince slightly. She would have apologised if she could, but her whole mind was completely on what James was doing to her.
Her release was sudden and intense, like a wave crashing over her. The only thing holding her up was James’ solid grip on her hip. She felt like she had been fractured into a million pieces, only for him to gently bring her back together.
He was grinning like a fool when he stood back up to her eye level. Her heart was pounding so fast that she could hear it in her ears. He softly kissed back up her body as it slowly stopped trembling.
She grabbed his shoulders, pulling him in even closer to her, so his chest was pressed against hers. She turned them around so now his back was against the wall.
“Your turn,” she told him before moving down his body in slow, lingering kisses.
“Lily, you don’t have to,” he told her honestly, but she did not stop. She knew she did not have to but knew he wanted her to.
“It’s only fair.” she told him, continuing her slow journey.
When she took him in her mouth, he groaned loudly, his head tilting up to look at the ceiling, the muscles of his thighs bunching, and one hand fisting in her hair. “Holy fuck,” he breathed as she glided her lips up and down him, sucking gently and swirling her tongue. She could feel him losing himself just like she had done. “Oh, Lily.” He reached for her hand that was resting on his stomach and encouraged her to stand. He pressed a kiss to her wrist before pulling her in for a long lingering kiss. “If you keep that up, I’m not going to last,” he told her breathless.
She smirked back at him.
“We have all night. But, if you want, let's continue things somewhere more comfortable.”
She had not appreciated how soft this bed was in her drunken state last time. How her body sunk into its embrace as James followed her onto the bed, lips locked, his hand pressed to her back, lowering her gently. His hands wandered over her body once more, making her hum with anticipation.
She grabbed his shoulders, slid her hands down his chest, squeezed his buttocks, and pulled him to her, wanting to feel his weight on her, but he kept one arm braced and lay to her side. This time he did not touch between her legs but kissed, nipped, and stroked everywhere else, building up the tension inside her until she was begging him to touch here there, just there, and lifting her hips every time his hand skirted close.
“Please, James,” she begged, her back arching, her eyes rolling back in her head.
“Patience. Trust me. You beg so beautifully, but it will be worth it.”
“At least let me touch you.” She growled her frustration, making him chuckle wickedly from deep in his throat. She had to admit that he had already proven himself more than capable of building her body up to heights she had never before experienced. She was strung out, completely at his mercy, and she loved every second of it.
“Oh, fuck, James. I’m so ready, please,” she begged, her hands fisting the sheets, her legs twisting, her hips bucking. Wanting nothing more than to feel the weight of his body against hers, the pressure of him inside her.
“Alright then, just a sec,” he murmured, moving to rummage in a drawer and taking out a foil packet.
“Let me,” she told him, taking the condom and putting it on him as he sat on the edge of the bed, enjoying finally being allowed to touch him again.
“Lie back down,” he told her cupping her face, but this time she decided she wasn’t going to do what he said, and shook her head.
“Sit up against the bed,” she commanded. “It’s my turn to be in charge.”
He did as he was told, holding her waist as she swung her leg over him. His face was level with her breast as she positioned herself above his manhood, but his eyes were looking up at her, letting her know she had complete control.
Slowly, she lowered herself down his length, letting him fill her. They both groaned at the same time, enjoying the sensation as she started to grind a rhythm. He felt amazing; he was amazing. His hands moved up from her stomach to her breasts and nipped her nipples a little harder than he had done before. She ran her hands through his silky, soft hair, pulling on it playfully.
“Holy fuck, Lily,” he breathed. “You are amazing.” She could feel the tension building in her body once more. She closed her eyes and arched her back.
His fingers slid down to her centre once more, and it was her undoing. His touch tipped her over the edge, making him lose control too. She pressed their heads together as they caught their breath and she waited to come back down to earth.
Oh God, she was ruined. He had ruined her, and she absolutely loved him for it.
⬹⬹⬹⬹
When Lily woke the next morning, the first thing she saw was the blissfully sleeping form of James, his hair a chaotic tangle and his arm resting between them, fingers almost touching her nose.
His body was hers now. Resolutely marked, the property of Lily Evans. They had made love several more times through the night, never being quite enough. Until finally, they had collapsed, exhausted, completely spent, and blissfully satisfied as dawn's light slowly started to filter through the giant windows.
She couldn’t stop staring at him.
Is this love?She thought to herself as she gazed upon his face, so relaxed in sleep. Surely, it was too soon. If it wasn’t yet full love, it was certainly a strong foundation for them to grow on. She had found stability in his arms and ecstasy at his touch. He was a steady presence, and she felt comforted by the belief that he was never going to let her go. Her night with him, her mind-altering night with this amazing example of a human being, was just the first. This was it. She was now a they or an us.
She turned to slide her back against him and settled down to sleep again.
Barely waking, his arm curled around her waist, pulling her closer as he kissed the back of her neck.
This was meant to be. There was no way she was ever letting this man go.
A/N: If you have any questions about anything in this story feel free to ask. As I said at the start of this chapter this is the end apart from a little epilogue. I hope you have enjoyed reading. It certainly has been fun for me to write.
