#wovenlace

[i-hate-flying-jellyfish]

It's a hard life shipping a version of Belle and a version of Rumple that never even appear in the same season.

[atone-with-a-lone-prayer]

Because I’m trying to motivate myself to write, here’s a snippet from my WovenLace trucker AU I’m cobbling together.

“You’re not the man I thought you were,” she whispered bitterly. Something in her tone, in the way her impossibly blue eyes regarded him with wretched disappointment. He knew her. He knew this. And here he was, letting her down. Again.

His grip tightened on the wheel, knuckles going white. “I’m darker, dear. Much darker.”

She shrank from him, pushing her self further into the opposite side of the cab. “You weren’t always,” she hisses through gritted teeth. She laid her head against the window, watching the dark landscape whip past them.

There were no words. Nowhere to go, but forward.

[desperatemurph]

wovenlace au

[rumpledgoldenweaver]

The Drink Talking

Written for the August @a-monthly-rumbelling moodboard. 

You can read it on my blog here: https://earlyrisingwriting.home.blog/2020/08/26/the-drink-talking/

Following on from A Knight In Double Denim. They have been seeing each other a couple of months when Lacey gets a part time job at Roni’s and Weaver is assigned to Victoria Belfry as her personal security officer. What could possibly go wrong?

It wasn’t that Lacey particularly disliked Ivy Belfry, she didn’t know her well enough to judge one way or the other, however when she came into the bar it would only be a matter of time before her tales of woe had Lacey rolling her eyes so hard she could see the back of her own head. The girl had everything and the wardrobe to go with it, but still she spent her evenings in Roni’s bar whining about how unfair her life was.

This particular evening a steady stream of customers including her own father Moe, who was “just checking in on my girl” kept Lacey away from Ivy for a good couple of hours which was fine with her.

As the room cleared Lacey was left with no choice but to serve Ivy, although when Roni came back from her break she might discreetly ask her to suggest that Ivy let them order a taxi for her, she’d drunk far more than usual. Lacey idly wondered what dire misfortune had befallen the other woman this time. She didn’t have to wonder for very long, drink had loosened Ivy’s tongue and increased the volume of her plummy tone

“And” Ivy waved her glass for emphasis “if that wasn’t bad enough, my mother has a better sex life than I do!”

First eye roll of the night thought Lacey I wonder which poor sod Belfry has her talons in.

“I only bloody caught her at it” Ivy continued to anyone who might be listening “banging the old bill!”

Lacey’s ears picked up at that.

“Her and that detective she’s been given, all over each other like a rash. Can’t blame her I suppose he is hot even if he’s old. I mean I’d take my heels off and climb that tree but seeing my own MOTHER. UGH. Don’t suppose you serve brain bleach do you?”

“I think you’ve had enough Ivy, bleach or otherwise” Roni had returned and just in time because Lacey was rooted to the spot “Let me call you a cab”

“Nah I’ll walk” Ivy finished her drink, swayed very precariously and tottered towards the exit.

~

Lacey spent the rest of the evening in a daze, in the end Roni sent her home early, but not before telling her to take no notice of anything Ivy Belfry spouted when she’d had a drink. Roni had known Weaver a long time, if he and Lacey were together he would not be sniffing round the older Belfry woman and certainly never whilst on duty. Everything would be fine, Ivy had got it wrong.

Curled up in her chair with Begbie the cat, sipping a cup of tea Lacey began to feel better, her phone rested on the arm, maybe she should call him. As if reading her mind Begbie nudged the device with his paw and meowed. Lacey laughed “Well if you say I should then I will”

He answered on the fifth ring.

“Weaver”

“Hi Chris”

“Hey”

“Begbie and I were wondering if you’d like to come round and share a pot of tea with us? Or something stronger if you prefer”

There was a pause “Er sorry something’s come up. I’m still working”

Before she could reply Lacey heard Victoria Belfry in the background “Chris darling do hurry up I need you”

Lacey ended the call and threw the phone across the room.

Weaver knew he was in trouble, it was always the same, he’d meet a woman, they’d date, his work would start getting in the way, the relationship would grind to a halt, rinse and repeat. Not this time though. He’d taken the night off, armed himself with the most expensive roses that French Flowers had to offer, now he was heading over to see Lacey in order to put things right.

The conversation with her Dad had been interesting once Moe had realised who Weaver was.

“What did you do?” it was a statement more than a question, Moe pulling himself up to his full height.

“I’m not entirely sure” Weaver confessed “there’s a lot on at work and..”

Moe nodded in understanding “You’ll want these then” he indicated at a container “and I’ll knock ten percent off since they’re for Lacey. But if you upset her again I’ll charge you double”

~

Twenty minutes later he found himself on the wrong side of a slammed door, roses still in his hands and a mouthful of accusations ringing in his ears. Where the hell had that lot come from? Throwing the roses down onto the doorstep he stalked off in search of a drink. Many drinks.

“Begbie if you want out use the bloody cat flap, I am not opening the bloody door for you” but the cat persisted, running to and from the front door, meowing, scratching and generally being a pain in the backside.

“Okay. Fine” Lacey snapped and flung the door open. There on the doorstep lay Weaver’s apology roses. She bent down to pick them up and brought them inside. Her father would never forgive her if she didn’t at least put them in water, these were expensive and he didn’t keep many in stock. A thorn pricked her finger “Bugger!” and hot, unreasonable tears started to flow.

Begbie wound himself round her legs in a attempt to offer comfort but to no avail. He sat down and licked his paw thoughtfully. Why were his humans making life so difficult? The man human had bought flowers and Lacey had yelled so loud at him, Begbie had hidden under the chair until it was safe to come out. Now she was crying. Begbie finished his cleaning regime, stretched, decided there was only one thing for it, he’d have to sort it out himself. He knew where the man human went to, the lady human who lived there always gave him titbits and a scratch behind the ears. Without further ado Begbie bolted straight out of the still open front door and off up the street.

“BEGBIE!!! You little.. BEGBIE! Come back!!”

~

Roni was not in the slightest bit surprised when the grey tabby cat jumped up onto the bar and meowed at her.

“You are getting cheeky young man” she admonished picking him up for a cuddle “No cats allowed in here, you go to the back door if you want treats”

Begbie wriggled free having spotted his quarry nursing a drink at one of the tables. He scampered across and leapt straight into Weaver’s lap “Bloody hell Begbie!” the cat swatted him with his paw.

“Yes I know I’m in trouble, you don’t need to start”

Ivy Belfry sat at the far end of the bar watching the scene with open amusement, she was about to shout over a very crude remark about Weaver and the standard of felines he attracted when her attention was caught by raised voices just on the edge of her hearing. The voices then barged into the bar. They belonged to that French girl and oh god her mother. Ivy glanced at Weaver who had turned a delicate shade of green.

“My private life is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS MS FRENCH” Victoria snarled

“THEN TELL THAT TO YOUR DAUGHTER MS BELFRY. SHE’S THE ONE WHO ANNOUNCED YOU WERE BANGING THE OLD BILL TO THE ENTIRE BAR”

Deafening silence descended into the room. No one moved, no one breathed. Roni sent up a prayer to the Licensing Gods that she be able to keep the bar after this. Ivy did her best to sink down into her chair, offering her own prayers that her mother wouldn’t spot her.

The click of Victoria’s heels resounded through the silence till she stopped right in front of her daughter.

“Ivy. Is this true?”

“It is” said Roni brightly “she also said, and I quote she would take off her heels and climb that tree herself”

Weaver choked. Ivy blanched “I erm really don’t remember Mother…”

“I was not, am not and will never likely to be banging the old bill as you so delicately put it Ivy. Neither will I be climbing him like a tree” Victoria was the picture of poise and decorum “Detective Weaver has been teaching me self defence in addition to his duties as my security officer”

“Oh..”

“Yes oh. Next time you decide to tell the world my business make sure you get the story straight”

“Yes mother”

“Now go and wait in the car” without another word and as much dignity as she could muster, Ivy left.

Victoria turned her attention to Lacey “Ms French it seems I owe you an apology. My daughter’s mouth has a habit of running away from her”

“Yeah.. no worries” Lacey felt slightly foolish.

“Now then Detective why don’t you take Lacey up to my penthouse. I haven’t used it in a while and it could do with an airing. The fridge and cupboards are fully stocked, you know where the key is. In fact stay a couple of days if you want”

“That’s very generous Ms Belfry” Weaver looked hopefully at Lacey then remembered Begbie who was still curled up on his lap “What about him though?”

“Oh don’t worry. Ivy can look after him. It’s the least she can do”

~

Begbie had not liked the idea of staying with Ivy one little bit, hissing, at both Weaver and Lacey as they tried to put him in the cat basket. In the end Lacey gave Ivy a key and she agreed to make sure there was food and water out.

Victoria Belfry’s penthouse was like something out of a magazine. Tastefully decorated in muted tones, various works of art adorning the walls. The balcony had a view over the city, Lacey stood watching headlights streak like lasers round the buildings.

Weaver appeared with a bottle of expensive champagne and two stemmed glasses. All chilled to perfection. He put them down on the bistro table and joined Lacey at the railing.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” he murmured

Lacey hummed in agreement.

“I’m sorry about what happened..”

“You said. Several times”

“I know but..” he sighed “every other relationship I’ve had got screwed over by work. I didn’t want that to happen to us”

“It wasn’t your fault Chris. I should’ve trusted you, at least let you explain. I’m sorry too”

He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead “Champagne?”

“Why not since we aren’t paying”

Weaver laughed “We’ll be okay Lacey. Me, you and that bloody cat. We’ll be okay”

“More than okay”

They clinked glasses “To us” said Weaver.

[staypee]

Some rumbelle + wovenlace doodles because I missed drawing them. Lol Weaver looks like he’s from the mafia.

If you like my works, please consider supporting me on ko-fi.

I’m taking chibi commissions, if anyone is interested.

[barpurplewrites]

Down like the eight-ball

WovenLace Lemons. Took me ages, but I got there, so yay me. Enjoy.

-x-x-x-

Lacey is queen of the pool table.

-x-x-

The eight-ball dropped into the top pocket with a satisfying clunk. The loser groaned but shook the winner’s hand with good grace. Lacey grinned and plucked the bills from the edge of the table. Another twenty bucks, she was doing well tonight. She tucked the money into the pocket of her shirt and looked around at the crowd.

“Who’s next?”

Everyone shook their heads. Lacey had been queen of the pool table since half six and it was now come up for nine o’clock. She’d beaten all the regulars tonight, some students from the local college, and a couple of off-duty coppers.

Keith oiled his way to the front of the crowd; “Come on guys, someone’s got to be able to beat her.”

Lacey rolled her eyes. Keith had been running side bets on her games all night, just like he did every week. It wound her up because he was always going on about what a good team they made, and how they’d made a great team in other ways. He was a total sleaze, Lacey would rather give up all sex, including her vibrator, than sleep with him. She’d lost track of how many times she’d told him no. At this point she was ready to whack him with a pool cue, maybe a few good bruises would get the message through his thick skull.

Weaver swigged back the last of his scotch and rose from his seat; “I’ll give you a game, Lacey.”

Laughter erupted from Keith and his cronies. Weaver had never beaten Lacey on a Friday night, he’d not even come close. The odd thing was he was good at pool, very good. On the odd evening Roni decided to let a few folks stay for a lock-in Weaver had easily won. She’d asked him about it and he’d just shrugged. There’d been a gleam of mischief in his eyes, that she’d found far too damn attractive. As he sauntered across to the pool table, casually flipping off Keith and his buddies, the gleam was back.

She gave him a smirk as he lay a twenty on the table and chalked up his cue; “Feeling confident tonight Weaver?”

“I shouldn’t be according to Nott’s odds.”

The little wink only she saw clued her into his plan. Weaver was going to bring his A-game, and judging by the money changing hands, Keith was going to end up out of pocket.

“You never know, luck might be a lady for you tonight, but you’ll have to work for it.”

He leaned in close; “I never mind working hard for a lady.”

She arched an eyebrow at him. Flirting was normally reserved for their lock-in games, well that wasn’t going to be a hardship for her. She picked up the nickel from the edge of the table; “You want to toss?”

He snorted and took the coin from her finger-tips. It twinkled in the air before he slapped it down on the table; “Call?”

“Always got to be head.”

“Heads it is. You take the break.”

Lacey leaned over the table to line up her shot. As they had done all night Keith and the rest of idiot’s corner started whistling and making comments about her arse. They were easy to tune out, and since she’d stomped on Charlie’s foot last week when he tried to get handsy, they all kept their distance.

Weaver hissed through his teeth as she made the break and sank a stripe. She sank the next one as well, and while the third didn’t go in it did cover a pocket perfectly to block what would have been an easy shot for him.

“Trying to make me sweat, Lacey?”

“Second best way I can think of doing it.”

He ambled by her and softly said; “If I win will you try the first best?”

The answer to that was a great big yes, but she wasn’t going to let him think he was on a promise just yet; “Maybe.”

Weaver made what looked like a hit-and-hope shot. The crowd jeered, but Lacey bit back a smile. For all the shot looked wild, he’d actually moved several of her striped balls into tricky positions. She managed to eek a stripe in by fluke on her next shot, but the cue ball rolled to far and she was pretty stuck for the next shot.

“You’ve got me on the ropes here, Lacey.”

He had to be kidding. She looked up at him and spotted that gleam in his eye again. Ah, a little performance for the crowd. Most of them were busy heckling Weaver, which proved to her that they weren’t paying attention to the table. She played her shot, failed to sink anything and from the looks of it had left him set up to clear up.

He’d sunk four solids before anyone caught onto the fact he was now winning.

“What the hell, Lacey? Why are you going easy on the copper?”

“Game’s not over yet, Keith.”

Unless Weaver decided to hold the cue with his feet, the game was over. He’s next two shots were flawless. She wasn’t sure if it was showmanship that kept the final solid teetering on the edge of the pocket for a few seconds before it dropped, but it caused a groan from the crowd who’d bet on her to win.

She leaned against the table where he was lining up his shot on the black, close enough to say quietly; “Sink this and it won’t be the only thing going down tonight.”

He rolled his head slowly and looked at her, a question in his eyes. With a tiny nod she confirmed she was serious. Weaver licked his lips and said; “Deal.”

Lacey shivered as sparks of desire danced down her spine. He kept his eyes on her. She watched the smooth roll of his shoulder as he took the shot. The racing thrum of her heart muffled the thwack of the balls, and the metallic cluck as the black dropped into the middle pocket. Weaver straightened up and leaned the cue against the table. There was a ruckus starting around them, but Lacey only had eyes for him as he stepped closer.

Movement behind him made her lunge for the collar of his jacket and drag him into her. Keith missed hitting Weaver in the back of the head and staggered away. Lacey’s hip slid along the edge of the pool table and if Weaver hadn’t grabbed her around the waist they would have ended up on the floor. Weaver twisted them around pinning her between his body and the table as Keith wound up for another punch.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.”

Weaver’s rings and bracelet flashed in the lights as he punched Keith in the jaw. Keith’s eyes crossed and he wobbled. He rubbed his jaw and glared blearily at Weaver. Lacey could see him getting ready to either yell assault or try again to commit it. Two of the off-duty coppers had hurried over when Keith started mouthing off. They grabbed him none-too-gently by the shoulders.

“Be sensible for once in your life and back down, Nott.”

“What do you want done with him Detective?”

Weaver huffed; “Send him on his way. After he’s paid everyone who had a flutter.”

While he’d been talking, Weaver’s hand had been rubbing gently on Lacey’s hip. Once Keith had been taken away, he turned his attention back to Lacey.

“So, erm…”

Weaver was always swagger and confidence. Lacey had never seen him look uncertain about anything, it was oddly endearing. She trailed her fingers over the edge of his open collar; “We made a deal. My place, alright?”

The confidence was back. He stepped away from her, his hand still on her hip and nodded towards the door; “Shall we then?”

 Roni watched from behind the bar as Lacey and Weaver left together. She glanced at the security camera screens and was pleased to see the pair of them had calmly walked out of the alley and onto the street. With all the eye-sex and innuendo flying around between them for the past few weeks, she’d been worried that they wouldn’t wait for real privacy before feeling each other up. She had not desire to go after Weaver with a bucket of water.

 They walked along in a silence that was comfortable and charged. Easy in each other’s company, and very aware of what they were planning on doing once they got behind a closed door. Lacey’s apartment was a short walk from Roni’s. Like many rental places in Hyperion Heights it had seen better days, but the rent was affordable, and the super was pretty quick with repairs. She had the feeling she could had led Weaver into a hole in a tree and he wouldn’t have noticed.

The thrumming anticipation ramped up another notch once the door was closed. When she dropped her keys onto the little hall table, he caught her waist. Lacey leaned back into his touch as he nuzzled at her neck. She turned in his arms making sure to trail the back of her hand across his stomach just above the line of his belt. She felt his muscles twitch. He leaned in a little but waited for her to close the gap between their lips. The kiss was soft and teasing. When Lacey caught his bottom lip and sucked slightly Weaver growled.

She pulled away, and although he craned forward to chase her lips, he didn’t tug her into him.

“I need a minute. Why don’t you go sit down and get comfy?”

“Sure thing.”

He stole another kiss and headed into the lounge. Lacey ducked into her bedroom and slipped the money she’d made at pool from her pocket. The folded bills were tucked into her hollow book. She opened the drawer in the bedside table and fished out a couple of condoms. The foil packets went into her shirt pocket and she took a moment to fuss with her hair.

When she strolled into the lounge, she found Weaver had taken his boots off, and was sat on her couch, his head leaned back against the cushions. The rest of her furniture was thrift-store and hand-me-down, but she had saved for a really good couch. She stroked his hair where it was fluffed out against the plum fabric.

“Comfy there?”

He opened his eyes and smiled at her; “This couch is amazing.”

He suddenly lunged up and caught her around the waist. Lacey squealed as he tipped her on to the couch. He kept his weight off her as he leaned over to kiss the breath from her. She ran her hands over his chest and under his jacket. With a bit of squirming she shoved it from his shoulders, and he tossed it somewhere on the floor behind him.

Weaver pulled back enough to give her a suggestive smile; “I believe we had a deal.”

Lacey toyed with the shaggier hair at the back of his neck; “Oh yeah, something about going down like the eight-ball?”

He hummed in agreement. She expected him to sit up to give her access to his belt, but instead he eased himself down her body. He nuzzled at her cleavage while those clever fingers of his hitched her skirt up. She arched up as his fingers stroked over her damp panties.

“Been a while since I’ve done this, so tell me if I’m going wrong, okay sweetheart?”

Lacey bit her lip as he peeled her panties down her legs. In her experience not many blokes were willing to consider doing this, but Weaver looked keen. When she’d made that comment at the bar, she meant that she’d go down on him, but she wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

He draped her legs over his shoulders and started kissing her inner thighs. Slow and steady was apparently Weaver’s approach. Lacey lost herself to the sensations of his licks and nibbles. She’d never come for oral before so the climax that washed over her came as a surprise.

“Fuck me!”

Weaver chuckled; “If you insisted.”

She opened her eyes and looked down at him. He made a damn fine picture, between her legs his mouth shining with her cum and a pleased smirk on his lips. She was going to ride that smirk right off his face.

“Stand up.”

“Yes ma’am.”

His knees clicked as he rose to his feet. How long had be gone down on her for? Lacey reached for his belt. His hard-on had already forced the zipper down, so all she had to do once she’d freed his belt was pop the button. His cock sprang out as she shoved his jeans and boxers down his legs. While she’d been striping his lower half, Weaver had tugged his shirt off over his head. She gave him a wink and fished a condom from her pocket. When she rolled it onto him with her mouth he swore. It was a bit of a penguin-shuffle to get him sat down on the couch, but Lacey was too impatient to let him get out of his jeans properly.

She sat astride him, and his hands went straight to her hips.

“Not going to last long, Lacey.”

“Long as you see stars like I did, right?”

“Aye.”

Sliding him into her made them both gasp. Weaver’s fingers tightened on her hips and she could feel him trembling She gripped his shoulders and started to ride him slowly at first, but she upped the pace quickly. His head rolled back against the couch, face contorted in a grimace of pleasure. When she squeezed his cock, he growled and started thrusting up into her.

“Fuck! Yes! Right there!”

He didn’t last more than half a dozen thrusts after that. He tensed and pulled her down onto him as he gave a final thrust. Lacey squeezed around him making him groan and curse. He was shaking as his body relaxed.

“Wow, you, you really made me sweat, Lacey.”

“Told you this way was better than pool. Have a break, maybe a drink and go for round two if you like. I’ll go down on you this time.”

His cock twitched inside of her making her squirm.

“Deal, sweetheart.”

[a-monthly-rumbelling]

January Master List

Thanks to everyone that posted in January. You guys are fantastic! I hope you had fun with the prompts. Hopefully everyone should be able to find something they’ll enjoy from these amazing works. You can also find all previous works here. Happy reading!

Non-Smut: “I’m not dressed for this…”

Dressed for the Occasion - by @barpurplewrites: Gold had worn suits for years, but now things have changed and they just aren’t going to work anymore.

A Jug of Wine, A Loaf of Bread - by @darcyfarrow2005: Belle adored romantic poetry, especially when she could persuade Gold to read it aloud against the backdrop of a snowy evening and a crackling fire in his antique fireplace.

All of Me (Chapter 16) - by @mariequitecontrarie: Belle and Emma go shopping in Portland to prepare for a big night out with Gold and Neal at the Storybrooke Winter Gala. Emma runs into an old high school rival and shares a secret.

Paint, Picnics, and Predicaments - by @worryinglyinnocent: Rumpel’s attempt to give Belle a nice surprise backfires slightly when she turns up with lunch unexpectedly. Set in a nebulous alternate season 5-6 in which everything is happy.

The Wedding - by @itssandgirl: Our past can be a funny and painful thing, depending how you remember it. It was her best friend’s wedding day and Belle suddenly found herself unprepared to deal with things she thought she’d left in the past.

Smut: “Let me show you why we should stay in bed.”

In the Small Hours - by @barpurplewrites: (WovenLace) Phone calls in the early hours of the morning did nothing for Weaver’s mood. Good job Lacey knew how to put a smile on his face.

Dedicated to Diplomacy - by @worryinglyinnocent: A follow-up fic in the Match Made in Heaven/Next Adventure ‘verse. Sir Rumpelstiltskin and Lady Belle are on their first official visit as a married couple, and whilst Belle is determined to make a good impression, Rumpel has other ideas.

Comfort - by @itssandgirl: The regal queen 2001, was the enchanted mattress emporium most luxurious and expensive mattress, and Robert Gold the ‘Mattress King’ as he was dubbed, was it’s number one salesman.

Soapy Water: Part 3 (Conclusion) - by @mariequitecontrarie: The Evil Queen’s curse is due to arrive any day, and Belle and Rumple find smutty ways to distract each other.

[i-hate-flying-jellyfish]

Anyone got any angsty Rumbelle fic recs? Goldenlace, Wovenlace, and Wovenbeauty are also welcome. I love all the flavors.