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middleearthpixie · 2 years

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Fifty

Armitage Summer Splash #25 ~ prompt courtesy of @fizzyxcustard & @lathalea!

Trope: Birthday

Quote: “I’m sorry.”

RA Character: Ray Levine

Relationship: Ray Levine x ofc Theo Bailey Levine

Warnings: None

Rating: G

Word Count: 1,461

***

Theo sat in her car, staring up at the apartment building on the opposite side of Lescart Street. It was half-past six, the streetlights had come on probably an hour earlier, but no light showed through the windows on either of two upper floors. The flat on was completely dark.

Ray wasn’t home.

Again.

It had been a busy couple of week for the both of them. She’d picked up two new clients to train, Fester had plenty of need for Ray as a paparazzi for hire, so they were both running crazy. They saw each other briefly in the morning, and managed to fall asleep almost around the same time every night. Other than that? They were the proverbial ships passing lately. And she missed him.

With a low sigh, Theo climbed out of her car, moved to take her bag from the back seat, closed the door, set the alarm, and dashed across the street to avoid being run over by the rush hour traffic.

November had been a damp month so far, with rain almost every day, and she began to wonder if the sun was ever going to come back out. Although she’d been in England since the past spring, and her bouts of homesickness grew fewer and further between, today had not been a good one at all. Everything was cold. Damp. Gloomy. It suited her mood perfectly today of all days.

Today, she turned fifty.

Fifty.

A half century had gone by, mostly in the blink of an eye.

Fifty.

She sighed softly as she let herself into the flat and hit the switch just inside the door. Donna had called her around noon, which was about seven in the morning in New Jersey, and sang Happy Birthday in her loud, very much off-key voice. But that was it. No one else knew it was her birthday, and she didn’t tell anyone. After all, she wasn’t dealing well with the fact that she was now, as of two in the afternoon, officially a half-century old. She really didn't want to think about it.

The flat felt even quieter than usual. It was Tuesday, and normally, Ray would have a gaggle of pre-teen and teen boys and girls in his studio in the basement, where he taught photography on a part time basis. Before she’d met him, he’d won a Pulitzer for photos he’d taken in Iraq during the war, and since they’d been married, had almost taken a job with the Associated Press, but decided he’d rather do what he’d been doing all along—working with Fester and those kids.

She set her bag on the floor by the sofa, and moved to set her keys in the dish on the breakfast bar that served as their kitchen and dining room table. The pipes rattled as the heat kicked on to take some of the damp chill from the air. Blackpool was on the ocean, but she was from Point Pleasant, which was also on the ocean, and so was used to the dampness for the most part. But today, everything felt magnified and she seemed to feel it more deeply than usual.

The bottle of chardonnay she’d opened yesterday was on the refrigerator door, just waiting for her, so she grabbed the wineglass from the drainboard and emptied the bottle into it. There was a little under half a glass. Why had she even bothered to put it in the fridge? Pointless.

It went down in one mouthful, and she sighed as she moved to the wine rack and selected another bottle. “How sad is this?” she muttered, setting it on the breakfast bar.

Her phone rang, and when she dug it out of her bag and turned it over, Ray’s picture was on the screen. “Hey, where are you?”

“Sorry, love,” his deep voice rumbled over her the way it always did—smooth and elegant and enough to still give her chills, “I’m going to be a while. Fester has me waiting for someone at Madeline’s and I don’t know where the fuck they are, so I have no idea what time I’ll be getting home.”

Her stomach sank. “Oh. Okay. No problem.”

“Hey, why don’t you come on out and wait with me? It’s been a while since we’ve done this together.”

She heard the rain pattering again the windowpanes. “I don’t know, Ray. It was kind of a long day.”

“Come on. Let me buy you a drink and maybe you’ll get lucky.”

She couldn’t help but smile. “Maybe? Ray, all I have to do is show up to get lucky with you.”

“Okay, maybe I’ll get lucky. Throw an old guy bone, won’t you?”

“All right, you win.”

“Good. I’ll be the ass standing around outside with the camera.”

“I think I can manage to find you.”

Madeline’s was down near Pleasure Beach, and parking was at a premium. Rain still fell softly and Theo actually felt bad that Ray had to be out in this weather. True, it wasn’t quite as bad as some other elements he’d been in before, but waiting around for spoiled rich kids to show up and pretend they were more famous than they actually were could be just as demanding a job. He mostly did it because he and Fester were more friends than boss and employee.

She sighed as she drew nearer to the building. Loud hair band music pulsed through the walls and the neon lights were reminiscent of the clubs from the eighties, where she’d gone as a teenager at the Jersey shore. She smiled as the deejay put on Def Leppard and the opening guitar riff of Photograph echoed from within.

“There you are!” Ray shouted over the music as he strode down the sidewalk toward her. “I was wondering if you were standing me up, love.”

“When have I ever stood you up?”

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” He bent to kiss her, his lips soft as they swept against hers.

“Not tonight, I’m afraid.” She slid her arms about his waist and gave him a squeeze. “Did your prey finally show up?”

He nodded before kissing her once more. “Yeah. About ten minutes ago. But, you’re here, so let’s go in and lose our hearing a little more. I owe you a drink, so…”

“Sounds good.”

His hand closed about hers, and she smiled as he linked their fingers and gave a gentle tug. He might have forgotten her birthday, but she’d make the best of it anyway. Besides, it wasn’t as if she looked forward to this one, anyway.

Still, it did hurt a little.

Okay, maybe more than a little.

It hurt.

A lo—

“Surprise!”

She jumped as the music ended and it seemed everyone she’d ever met leaped out at her. Black and gold balloons dropped from the ceiling as she rounded the corner into the main room, and everywhere she looked, banners and gold fives and zeros were strung about her. Fester, her coworkers, even Donna was there, smiling as she hurried over and threw her arms about Theo. “Happy Birthday, Thee!”

“Wait… You were in Jersey this morning. I talked to you and you were half asleep.”

“Nope. I was at the Edgemont Hotel when I talked to you and that’s what? Ten minutes from here?” Donna shook her head, her wild black curls bouncing in all directions. “I used my pretend to be sick to call outta work voice.”

“Venus!” Fester boomed, appearing as if from nowhere to wrap her in a massive bear hug. “Don’t be too mad at him, darling. He really just wanted to surprise you. Happy birthday, love.”

She gave him a squeeze. “Thank you. Is this why you’ve had him running like a fool all week?”

“Someone had to get this all set up. Do you know what it costs to rent an entire club for the night?” Fester straightened up and then punched Ray in the arm. “Even if you know the owner?”

“Ray,” she turned to find him trying hard not to smile, “what are you doing?”

“You thought I forgot, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, actually. I did. I spent all day thinking you just didn’t give a damn.”

He drew her into his arms. “I’m sorry, love. But, you should know by now I was not forgetting this birthday. I know how much you looked forward to it.”

“You’re an ass.”

“I’m not just any ass, baby, I’m your ass.”

She slid her arms about his waist and leaned away to peer up at him. “Ray.”

“What?” He draped his arms about her shoulders and bent to brush her lips with his. “I love you, Theo. Happy birthday, baby.”

***

Like it? Love it? If so, please love it, leave a comment, reblog it, or do all three! 💜💜💜

Tag List: @tschrist1 @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @bitter-sweet-farmgirl @linasofia @fizzyxcustard @legolasbadass @kibleedibleedoo @xxbyimm @arrthurpendragon @exhausted-humxn-being @rachel1959 @laurfilijames @sketch-and-write-lover @sherala007 @enchantzz @knitastically @notlostgnome @myselfandfantasy @ggfamert @medusas-hairband @guardianofrivendell @jotink78

#armitage summer splash #richard armitage #Ray Levine #Ray Levine x OC #Stay Close fanfic #this one is not dark #Ray x Theo

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sorisooyaa · 2 years

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Love Triangle - June 16th

Pairing: Ray Levine x Fem!OC x Cassie

Series: Stay Close

Taglist: @fizzyxcustard @lathalea @eunoiaastralwings

#armitage summer splash #richard armitage #stay close #ray levine #ray levine x oc #ray levine x oc x cassie #from shalinizhara's temp acc #soriyaa graphics #shalinizhara graphics

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fizzyxcustard · 2 years

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Lathalea and Fizzyxcustard's Armitage Summer Splash - Masterlist

Day 1 - "Did we make a mistake?" / Enemies to Lovers trope - (Lucas North x Fem!Reader)

Day 2 - "I never thought it'd be like this." / Only one bed trope - (Modern!John Thornton)

Day 3 - "I did it for you...for us." / Unrequited love trope (Francis Dolarhyde x Fem!Reader)

Day 4 - "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me." / Betrayal trope (Lucas North x OC [Amy Holland from Covert Eyes] )

Day 5 - "I can't believe you did that." / Drunken admission of feelings trope. (John Porter x Fem!Reader)

Day 6 - "You've got to get over this." / Friends with benefits trope. (Guy of Gisborne x Fem!Reader) COLLAGE.

Day 7 - "I've never loved you." / Soulmates trope. (Thorin Oakenshield x Fem!Reader)

Day 8 - "Show me your face." / A secret is told trope. (Adam Price x Fem!Reader)

Day 9 - "You need to get over this." / Coffee shop trope. (Ray Levine x Fem!Reader) COLLAGE.

Day 10 - "You always promised you'd never hurt me." / Kidnapped trope. (Lucas North x OC)

Day 11 - "I could stay like this forever." (Scott White x Fem!Reader)

Day 12 - "How dare you." / Oblivious of feelings trope. (Raymond de Merville x Fem!Reader)

Day 13 - "It was the best day of my life." / Comfort trope. (Guy of Gisborne and slight Fem!Reader)

Day 14 - "I wish I could go back." / Lies trope. (Lucas North x OC)

Day 15 - "How could you possibly think that?" / Arranged marriage trope. (Raymond de Merville x Fem!Reader)

Day 16 - Love triangle trope. (Ray Levine x Fem!Reader/Ray Levine x Cassie)

Day 17 - "I need space away from you." / Illness trope. (Modern John Thornton x Fem!Reader)

Day 18 - Angel/demon trope (Raymond de Merville x Fem!Reader)

Day 19 - "I can't do this." / Matching tattoos tope. (Lucas North x OC)

Day 20 - "I feel like everyone has abandoned me." / Werewolf trope (Thorin Oakenshield x Fem!Reader)

Day 21 - "It really suits you." / Body swap trope. (All Richard fandoms)

Day 22 - "We have all the time in the world." / Break up trope. (John Porter x Fem!Reader)

Day 23 - "Do you regret being with me?" / Time travel trope. (John Thornton x Fem!Reader) COLLAGE

Day 24 - "I need to see you." / Accident trope. (Ray Levine x Reader)

Day 25 - "I'm sorry." / Birthday trope. (Lucas North x OC)

Day 26 - "I miss you." / Proposal trope. (John Porter x Fem!Reader)

Day 27 - "Do not lie to me." / Anniversary trope. (Guy of Gisborne x Fem!Reader)

Day 28 - "Lets skip to the good part." / Dream trope. (Lucas North x OC)

Day 29 - "I never thought we'd ever find a way to each other." / Holiday or vacation trope. (Raymond de Merville x Fem!Reader in modern times)

Day 30 - "It meant nothing to me." / Pirates trope. (John Thornton x Fem!Reader)

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shiinata-library · 2 years

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My masterlist ✨✍️

[ THE HOBBIT • PILGRIMAGE • SHERLOCK BBC • STAY CLOSE ]

English isn't my first language

The Hobbit

Bilbo

Glasses [11K words] x fem!reader with glasses | Fluff, angst

Too much mulled wine at Yule [5K words] x fem!reader | Fluff

A comfortable armchair [3K words] x fem!reader | Smut, fluff

Welcome home [3K words] x fem!reader | Smut, fluff

Open the door! [5k words] x fem!reader | Smut, angst, fluff

Tea and apple pie [900 words] x fem!reader | Comfort, fluff

You're right [ongoing] x fem!OC | Angst, fluff

Invisible desires [1,3k words] xfem!OC or fem!Reader | Smut

Kíli

Plants and cakes [10k words] x fem!reader | Fluff, idiots in love

The ponies race [4k words] x fem!reader | Fluff

We can't [20k words] x fem!OC | Smut, Fluff, idiots in love

Near to the throne hall [3k words] x fem!reader | Smut, fluff

Into the woods [ongoing] x fem!OC | Enemies to lovers, slow burn, Robin hood inspiration

Office’s treasure [30k words] x fem!OC | Modern AU, Office AU, fluff, smut chp4

Tauriel’s fan [3k words] x fem!reader | Fluff, idiots in love

I’m not her [8k words] x fem!reader | Angst, fluff

A cute, stubborn scribe [9k words] x fem!OC | Smut, fluff

Thorin

Arthur, at your service! [28k words] x fem!reader | Angst, fluff

Private diary in Middle-earth [63k words] x fem!OC | Diary writing style, Rated M, Only on AO3 because diary style is more appropriate on it.

Am I dreaming? [3k words] x fem!OC | Fluff | for the Armitage Summer Splash

Fíli

Jewellery and bad-tempered [8k words] x female reader | Fluff

Office’s light [3k words] x female OC | Smut, modern AU, Office AU

Multiple characters

Aghäte, the decision is yours [113k words] Thorin, Fíli, Kíli or Bilbo x fem!OC | Different paths/ends | Only on AO3

Just the three of us ⋅ On the royal desk [1k words] x Bilbo x fem!reader x Thorin | Smut, PWP

Just the three of us ⋅ Bilbo's birthday [2k words] x Bilbo x fem!reader x Thorin | Smut, PWP

Just the three of us ⋅ How it began [1k words] x Bilbo x fem!reader x Thorin | Smut, PWP

Imagines

Imagine: Bees’ fear [3k words] Thorin, Fíli, Kíli, Bilbo, Dwalin, Ori x reader | fluff

Imagine: Without your medication [3k words] Thorin, Fíli, Kíli, Bilbo x reader | fluff

Imagine: Being too focused [3k words] Thorin, Fíli, Kíli, Bilbo x reader | fluff

Imagine: Another man kisses you [2k words] Thorin, Fíli, Kíli, Bilbo x reader | fluff, mini angst

Imagine: They know you can’t sleep at night [2k words] Thorin, Fíli, Kíli, Bilbo x reader | fluff

Imagine: You can speak to animals in Middle-Earth [3k words] Thorin, Fili, Kili, Bilbo x reader | Fluff

Raymond de Merville Pilgrimage (2017)

Waking up in the Middle Ages [63k words] x fem!OC | Angst, fluff, eventual smut

Headcanon about Raymond de Merville being in love

John Watson Sherlock BBC

Not on the first date [3k words] x fem!reader | fluff

Ray Levine Stay close

Photography lessons [6k words] x fem!reader | angst, insecurity, fluff

📚 👉 My personal library with my favourite stories/fics: just here

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enchantzz · 2 years

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Fic recs 4

These are the fics that I have enjoyed reading since my last fic rec list. The list is quite long, since I’ve read a lot :-) Check them out and give the writers some love.

If you are reading any of the stories, please consider leaving a comment and consider reblogging. This helps spread the visibility of the wonderful stories, which are written by these amazing writers. If you are too shy, please consider leaving a message in an ask. You can do this anonymously if you like.

Enjoy reading !

Master list Fic Recs

Middle Earth and Middle Earth AU fics

The Hobbit Advent Calendar - Day 17: How do you shop for a king? By @lathalea

A lovely imagine on getting a gift for the King under the Mountain

Business & Pleasure by @linasofia

A hot fic that makes you want this to happen to you for real when you land that perfect job

Thorin Oakenshield x Fem!Reader (Modern AU)

Cruelty of Time by @laurfilijames

A beautifully written angsty Fili fic. Fili is recovering from the battle, but progress is slow and he is hurting.

Heirloom by @welcome-to-writers-haven

A lovely drabble about Kili giving you a necklace that’s been in his family for generations.

The Crown - by @guardianofrivendell

A lovely short story about @guardianofrivendell’s OC Tullaina and gossip about the King under the Mountain. Very amusing.

Related links

New report finds increase in Los Angeles County violent hate crimes

Report: Hate crimes rise again in Orange County

U.S. anti-Semitic incidents surge to all-time high in 2019, ADL report shows

White nationalism, long ignored, takes center stage after Pittsburgh shooting and rise in anti-Semitism

After 2020 election, how does a divided nation come together?

Reporting, training needed

Edwards said she believes polarization plays a role in how people view each other.

“When we live in our own echo chambers, it becomes possible to dehumanize each other,” she said. “Once that trust erodes, that creates a fertile ground for hate and violence. We stop seeing each other as human.”

Edwards said it is important to remember that hate crime is underreported, which means these reports are only a snapshot, not a complete picture. It is also important for more police departments to send their data to the FBI. Most agencies in Southern California don’t report hate crime numbers to the FBI.

“It’s also important to make sure all officers understand how to identify and investigate a hate crime when it occurs,” Edwards said. “For example, police officers need to be trained and educated about the symbols and language of hate so they can document incidents accurately. Doing so will make the public feel like it’s worth reporting these hate crimes. As it is, these are crimes that are very difficult to prove because you’re dealing with someone’s internal motivation.”

Communities on edge

About six months after the 2018 shooting that killed 11 people in the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, a man armed with an AR-15 barged into the Chabad of Poway synagogue and opened fire, killing one woman and injuring three others. That attack took place on the last day of the Jewish Passover holiday.

The FBI report confirms what the Anti-Defamation League found in its annual audit of anti-Semitic incidents, which hit an all-time high nationwide in 2019 and showed a 56% increase in such incidents in California during a three-year period ending in 2019, said Jeffrey Abrams, regional director of the ADL’s Los Angeles chapter.

Winchester man killed, 6 hurt in South Whittier crash

White supremacist leader Tom Metzger dies in Hemet at age 82

Southern Californians face rainy weekend, snow in some spots

Riverside police talk down man who threatened to jump onto 91 Freeway

2 floors of Riverside City Hall flooded and damaged after pipe breaks

“The tenor of our national dialogue, the divisive and polarizing rhetoric and the (political) climate we’re in, contribute to that,” Abrams said. “A number of people have also been emboldened and energized to act out their hate. It puts not just the Jewish community, but all communities on edge.”

ADL also monitors and tracks the increase in extremist activity, which has also been steadily increasing, Abrams said.

“One of the best ways to protect ourselves is to bring it out in the open, not to amplify it, but to help us fight it,” he said.

Abrams agreed more law enforcement agencies should report hate crime data to the FBI. In 2019, 86% of participating law enforcement agencies reported zero hate crimes in their jurisdictions. That includes 71 cities with a population of 100,000 or more, nine of which are located in the Los Angeles area, Abrams said.

“Good data leads to good policy,” he said. “We encourage law enforcement to participate so we can address the issue and stem this tide of hate crimes.”

-on November 16, 2020 at 09:15AM by Deepa Bharath

#riversidenews

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middleearthpixie · 2 years

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Now or Never

Armitage Summer Splash #6 - and so many thanks to @lathalea and @fizzyxcustard for this challenge... :)

Trope: Friends with Benefits

Quote: “You’ve got to get over this.”

RA Character: Ray Levine

Relationship: Ray Levine x Unnamed OFC

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 812

~~**~~

“You’ve got to get over this, you know. You’re talking like an absolute fool.”

“Get over it? I’d love to.” Ray tilted his beer bottle up to drain the last drops from it. Lowering it, he added, “But I don’t know how, so if you’ve any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.”

Fester drummed his fingers against the bar’s scuffed top. In addition to the scratches and dents from years of glasses and shakers and mugs being thunked against it, old water rings dulled the surface here and there. It only added to the pub’s already broken-in look, actually made it feel homey and warm. “Can’t say I have, darling. Not all of us have your women problems, you know. Let me see if I have this straight, she wants no commitment, no hassles, just sex. And you’re free to see any other women, and as many other women as you can possibly accommodate?”

Ray nodded. “That’s it.”

“So…” Fester pursed his lips, “where’s the problem?”

Ray bit back a sigh. He really should’ve known better. Normally, Fester was a great sounding board, gave solid advice, and if nothing else, was just a willing ear. But this time? He was as useful as a freezer at the North Pole. “The problem is, it’s not enough.”

“Not enough? All the sex you could want, with your goddess and any other woman you want as well? Yes, darling, we should all have such problems.” Fester didn't even try to make it seem he wasn't laughing. He signaled to the bartender to bring them another and then turned back to Ray. “You have what most of us dream about. Freedom to see any other women you wish, while this utterly hot goddess just wants you to have sex with her from time to time. Again, you’ll forgive me if I don’t see what the problem is.”

“You know, at one time, I’d have agreed with you.” Ray just stared at the bottles lined up on the bar. “It seemed like a great idea at the time. But that was then and this is now and things… things change…”

“Ah… you’ve gone and fallen for her, haven’t you.”

“I suppose I have.” He tugged the bowl of peanuts closer and dug in. “She’s always been there, always someone I could count on and now… now I want her to always be there, entirely. Her and her alone.”

“So,” Fester shrugged, “talk to her and tell her.”

“I can’t.” Ray let out a mirthless laugh. “She’d never let me hear the end of it.”

The bartender pulled another Guinness for Fester and set the glass before him. “Then you, my friend, have a decision to make. How much do you want her all to yourself?”

“More than I want to share her, or see anyone else.”

“Then tell her. You’ve nothing to lose.”

Ray drummed his fingers against the side of the bar. Fester was right. If he said nothing, he’d stew in jealousy, always wondering who she was with and what they were doing. In the end, he’d have to cut ties with her because he’d go insane otherwise.

On the other hand, if he said something, she might tell him no. In which case, he’d be no worse off than he was now. Then he’d have to cut ties with her for making an utter ass of himself to her.

Of course, there was also the possibility of her confessing to feeling the same as he’d been.

In which case, all bets were off and no ties would be severed.

What did he have to lose?

Friends with benefits started out great, but now… now he wanted to tell her how he felt. Wanted to tell her he loved her. That he’d been in love with her practically from the moment they met. He was comfortable with her. She made him laugh. Made him feel like someone actually gave a damn about him.

And there was no one else in the world with whom he’d rather spend his time.

With that, he eased off his barstool and tossed two twenties onto the bar itself. “Wish me luck.”

“You know I do, darling. And remember, I get to be your best man when you marry her.”

Ray grinned. “If she doesn’t kick me to the curb, you’ve a deal, mate.”

Her flat was only a block from the Winslow Pub and by the time he’d reached the front steps, his heart hammered his ribs with such force, he thought he might actually pass out. His mouth went dry as he stared down at the button alongside her last name. He felt sick with dread, with apprehension.

With anticipation.

It’s now or never, Levine.

His hand trembled, hovering halfway to the bank of buttons.

All he had to do was push the one for her flat.

~~**~~

Did you enjoy this?? If so, love it, comment, and/or reblog it! 💜💜💜

Taglist: @tschrist1 @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @bitter-sweet-farmgirl @linasofia @fizzyxcustard @legolasbadass @kibleedibleedoo @xxbyimm @arrthurpendragon @exhausted-humxn-being @rachel1959 @laurfilijames @sketch-and-write-lover @sherala007 @enchantzz @knitastically @notlostgnome @myselfandfantasy @ggfamert @medusas-hairband @guardianofrivendell @jotink78

#armitage summer splash #ray levine #ray levine X oc #Stay Close #Stay Close Fanfic #Ray Levine fanfic

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middleearthpixie · 2 years

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The Note

Armitage Summer Splash #3

Trope: Unrequited Love

Quote: “I did it for you… for us…”

RA Character: Ray Levine

Pairings: Ray Levine x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Obsession, reference to masturbation, implied suicide

Rating: T

Word Count: 4,337

A/N: Thanks to @lathalea and @fizzyxcustard for this prompt, which is probably one of the darkest things I've written in a long time, :)

~~**~~

You sat in the same seat every Tuesday and Thursday nights—fourth row, right next to the window. The classroom was on the second floor, your view that of the parking lot and the woods just beyond it. Not all that exciting, but you weren’t all that interested in the scenery beyond the window anyway, so it hardly mattered.

Your best friend was supposed to be there with you, but she dropped out after the first class when her hours at work changed. And that was fine, actually. It meant you could focus solely on the man at the front of the room, who was currently talking about photojournalism in war zones. You really didn't hear what he said. You were too busy just… admiring him.

Ray Levine looked like no professor you’d ever had—his dark hair on the longer side and always looked as if he’d combed it by raking his fingers through it to pull it away from his face. He dressed in faded jeans, and long-sleeved tee shirts or henleys during the cooler months, but now, as the weather grew warmer, he swapped them out for tee shirts. His arms were heavily inked—not sleeves, but individual images, some of keys, one of a hand holding dog tags, trees and roots, and some unidentifiable images. They were all black and gray save for the one on his right forearm. There, he’d inked what looked like a chainmail-clad hand, holding a sword thrust through a crown with a rose hanging from it. It was mostly black and gray, but unlike the other images, this one also bore color. Teal in the hand and sword itself, yellow in the crown, red in the rose.

And his eyes were absolutely the most beautiful eyes you’d ever seen. They were the same perfect pale blue of a cloudless summer sky and whenever those eyes slid in your direction, you almost sighed at their beauty.

Week after week, you sat there, just soaking up all he wanted to teach. And almost every week, you went up to him after class for help. He was so patient with you, no matter how stupid your question seemed to you. And they never seemed stupid to him at all. He’d smile and let out a low, rumbling laugh that made your heart melt, and he’d assure you it wasn't a stupid question. In fact, he once joked that for all of the times you claimed you needed help, you were one of his star students.

He called on you, time and again, and you were happy to contribute. And this week, he’d asked you to help him set up the darkroom supplies, and as you worked, he asked you about your day, as he always did. You asked him about his. And it was all so comfortable. At one point, your hand brushed his as you handed him toner and a jolt tore up along your arm. Did he feel it? It was hard to tell as he’d turned away at that same moment.

But then, he looked back. “I appreciate your help, you know.”

“Oh, I don’t mind. This class is amazing. I can’t believe how much I’ve learned.”

He smiled. “I’m glad you think so and I’m just as glad to see you’re getting something out of it. How’s your project coming?”

“Fine. I’m just about finished with it.”

“Good. Any trouble?”

“No. Nothing that going over my notes couldn’t help.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” He turned away to set the bottle down at the far end of the table.

“Professor?”

“Ray,” he said without looking back at you.

Still, you smiled. “Ray, can I ask you something?”

He peered at you over his left shoulder. “Sure. Ask away.”

You wanted to melt at the sound of his voice. He was English, his voice deep and elegant. He had a bedtime story voice—one so soothing, it could easily lull you to sleep. Or keep you awake, if he was whispering your name in your ear.

“I was wondering—”

“Professor Levine?”

You clamped your lips together as Tony D’Amato poked his head into what would be the darkroom once class began. Damn it. What did he want? He rarely paid any attention in class, and last week, when you’d covered the module on pornography and the media, he and his clique of dude bros cackled like magpies the entire time.

“Ray.”

“Sorry,” Tony didn't even look at you as he went on in a breathless rush, “do you have a few minutes before class starts? I have a question about my project.”

“Sure.” Ray looked over at you. “Thanks for your help again.”

You nodded, smiling even as your insides twisted into furious knots. How were you ever going to ask Ray if he wanted to grab a coffee or a drink or something after class if dudebros kept getting in the way?

The question bounced around in your head the entirety of class. And you shot Tony dirty looks every chance you got. Not that he saw them. He paid no attention to you. He never did. It didn't stop you, but it did take some of the fun out of it.

You tried to focus on the lecture, but had a hard time doing so since you were still just so annoyed at Tony. It seemed hours had crawled by before Ray said, “So, are there any questions?”

You waited for the wave of hands to rise, but tonight, no one had any questions and Ray looked surprised, his eyebrows shooting up as he said, “So, I was that clear tonight, huh? That’s a first.”

A ripple of laughter rolled thorough the classroom. Ray looked about. “Are you certain? Not a single question? Not even about your projects?”

The project was due next week, for the last class of the semester. You dreaded it. Not because your project was particular difficult, but because it meant you would have no reason to be sitting in the fourth row, by the windows, where you had a perfect view of Ray for two hours, twice a week any longer. He only offered Intro to Photography, at least as far as you knew.

Then again, if you didn't lose your nerve tonight, perhaps next week wouldn’t be the last time you saw him. In fact, you just might be seeing a whole more of him and in more ways than one.

You smiled even as your mouth went dry. You gathered up your book and notebook, whisked your pen and phone into your purse, and stood as Ray said, “Well, if you are all absolutely certain you have nothing you wish to ask, I’ll see you all on Tuesday. Enjoy your weekend. Remember, I have office hours Monday morning if you realize there was actually something you wanted to ask, or you can email me.”

You hung back, moved slower than usual, and waited for the usual crowd gathered about him to disperse. It was nearly eight-thirty, but finally, you were alone in the classroom with him.

“Ah, I was hoping you hang around,” he said with a grin. “Would you mind helping me clean up? I know I’m asking a lot, since it’s late, but—”

You smiled and shook your head. “No. I don’t mind at all.”

His smile sent a flutter through you. “I knew I could count on you.”

That was your chance. “Professor—”

“Ray.”

“Right. Ray.” You moved a little closer to him. “I was wondering if you might want to go and get a coffee or something? During class, I realized I do have a few questions about my final project.”

“A drink?” To your surprise, his smile faded and he shook his head. “No, that’s not a good idea. Besides, it’s getting a little late and I’m supposed to be somewhere.”

“I know, but The Roadhouse is just across the street.”

He didn't answer right away, and that made the knots in your stomach tighten. This was not how you saw this playing out. Not at all. He wasn’t supposed to hesitate. He was supposed to look at the steel watch on his left wrist, sigh softly and say of course he’d join you, that his plans could wait.

But instead, he shook his head once more. “I think it’d be better if you just asked me your questions now,” he said, gesturing to the darkroom door, which stood wide open now. “While we clean up.”

You scowled when he turned away. He didn't wait for you, but just strode into the darkroom ahead of you. You weren’t even sure he’d heard your, “Okay.”

“So,” he said as you joined him, “what’s your question?”

You looked up at him. He towered over you by nearly a foot or so, and his eyes were direct as his gaze held yours for a long moment, then he picked up the tray of chemicals to be discarded, carrying it over to the proper receptacle for said chemicals and carefully poured the contents out.

You just watched him, the way his tee shirt bunched slightly, then stretched taut across his shoulders, the way his hair curled over his collar. Your lips felt dry, so you licked them, wondering what he would do if you crept up behind him and traced the tip of your tongue along the side of his neck, down to where it sloped into his shoulder.

You knew what he’d do. He’d stiffen at first, then let out a soft laugh and pretend to protest, to insist he was your professor, but then he’d yield. He’d turn to you, slide his arms about your waist, lift you to meet his kiss—

He looked over his shoulder then, one brow raised. “Something the matter?”

“What?” You jumped and shook your head, “No, everything’s fine. I just… It’s just that I’m not entirely sure I understand what it is exactly that you’re lookism for?”

“It’s due next week and you’re only now asking? I assigned this in February.”

You shifted your weight from one foot to the other to give him the impression you were actually worried about it. Truth was, you’d finished the bulk of this project weeks ago. It needed only the final touches put on and you just knew he’d love it. “I know, but it was an idea I’d only just come up with, so…”

“You haven’t even begun working on it yet?”

“No, I—I have, it’s more like I’ve decided to take it in a different direction.”

You watched as he recapped one of the bottles. His hands were huge, with long, elegant fingers, and the tattoos on his forearms stretched out into the backs of his hands as well. More than once, you wondered what those hands would feel like on you, wondered how gentle they could be as they stroked you, cupped your breasts, wandered between your legs.

No. Not now! There’d be plenty of time for that later.

“A different direction?”

You nodded. “Yeah. So, why don’t we go and get that drink and I can ask you about it? It’s a little… complicated.”

“I can’t tonight. I’ve only got a few minutes and like I said, I have to be somewhere and I’m already going to be late as it is. So, really, it’d be better if you just asked me about whatever you were confused about. Or if you can, shoot me an email over the weekend.”

Okay, so far, this was nothing like you imagined it. He was supposed to be trying to convince to stay with him, to maybe sneak off with him to his car or the motel down the road. He was not supposed to be trying like hell yo get away from you. You felt the familiar slow burn in your gut, the one that flared when you didn’t get what you wanted.

You had to ignore it. You still had a chance to convince him. To entice him. Time to bring out the big guns, as the stupid saying went.

“Well, you said we can shoot any subject matter we want,” your heart slammed harder against your ribs, with your mouth growing drier still, “right?”

“Any subject matter that doesn’t involve breaking any laws, of course. And if you’re using models, they each need to sign the release I handed out when I assigned everything and I need copies of those releases for every warm body you use before you begin. But otherwise,” he shrugged, “sure. Go crazy. Think as far outside the box as possible.”

The smile that accompanied his words momentarily stunned you. Did this man have any idea just how hot he was? He should only know how many nights you’d lie awake, staring at the ceiling, imagining that smile aimed at you, imagining his pale blue eyes locked with yours. And the fantasy always started out harmless enough—a moment such as this, maybe. An innocent conversation. Then your hand would brush his. He’d look over at you. He’d smile. He’d reach for you. Draw you into those tattooed arms. His lips would find yours. His hands would slip beneath your tee shirt, or into your jeans, your shorts, whatever you happened to be wearing. He’d hurriedly tug your clothes off, lift you onto his desk and—

And that’s when your hands would started wandering. They’d drift down, between your legs, into the damp heat that the images in your head brought forth. You’d slip your fingers into that heat, let them slide along your flesh as it grew slick with each pass. You’d imagine him doing this instead, imagine his fingers tracing along the soft knot of your clit, gentle at first, teasing. Then he’d grow bolder, he’d slide down to your opening, and then…

You’d slip your finger inside, let your slick coat it so when you drew it back and traced back along the surface of your clit, it was in a silken glide that would make your entire body shiver. You’d stroke it harder and harder, catching your bottom lip between your teeth as you shuddered, as your hips rocked up, as your clit grew swollen and sensitive, as the heat thickened and you ached for his cock instead of your finger.

Even now, your thighs pressed together and a soft shiver rippled through you. What would he do if you leaned over and kissed him? In your mind, he’d lift you onto his desk, shove your skirt up, tear your panties off, tug his cock from his jeans, and fuck you right there.

Oh, that was a delicious thought. Your thighs tightened against each other. A soft tingle began where they met, hummed thorough you. Your gaze fell to his lips, and you wondered what his kiss would taste like. His lips would be soft, no doubt. His tongue equally so. But incredibly skilled. He would tease you with it. Trace it along your neck, down to your breasts. He’d swirl it about a nipple, and kiss his way down…

“So… by thinking outside the box,” you managed to say even as you felt the dampness of your arousal pooling against the cotton of you bikinis, “you mean, outside the box. Like, really outside it. Right?”

His eyes grew puzzled and he shook his head as he put away the rest of the chemicals and pans. “I’m not following.”

“Well… okay… I was thinking of doing a series of nudes. Would that be all right?”

He blinked. “Nudes.”

You nodded. “Yeah. Like we talked about a few weeks ago during the Playboy lecture. The beauty of the human body and all that.”

He laughed, but you noticed it wasn't the laugh you always heard when he gave a lecture and something amusing happened. This laugh sounded forced. Uneasy. You knew you’d gone too far. What sounded seductive in your head must have sounded stupid to his ears.

“I—uh—” He looked down at his watch again and then stood. “I have to admit, you’re the only one of your classmates to suggest such a thing. As far as I know, no one else is planning to even use models, so, I don’t—”

“I’d be the model and I’m okay with it, so, if you are as well, can I do that?”

In your fantasy, this would be when he offered up a slow smile and leaned in to kiss you. And it would be the start of a wonderful new life. Just you and Ray. Together. Forever.

But in reality, a flush swept along his cheeks, from the scruff of beard covering the lower half of his face, rising almost to his hairline. “I know I said to think outside the box, but no, using yourself as a model in that way would not be in any way appropriate. Not for this project or this class, anyway. And I will not accept it, either.”

He moved around you to leave the darkroom. Once he passed back into the classroom, he glanced at you over one shoulder. “I’m afraid I cannot possibly agree to accept this project as it stands. You have to understand how utterly inappropriate it would be.”

Embarrassment flooded you. The fiery heat engulfed you, made you feel so utterly stupid for even suggesting it. You should’ve just handed it in and let it speak for you. Let it seduce him.

And you blew it.

You blew it, asshole.

“I don’t mind it, though,” you said, desperate to get the conversation back on the track you wanted it to take. “I mean, you said yourself there’s nothing wrong with it, if it’s tasteful and these are. I swear they are.”

“It’s immaterial that you don’t mind. And while I stand behind what I said about nothing being wrong with it, there is a huge difference between a magazine and a class project. It would be inappropriate and unacceptable for me to even consider it, never mind to green light it. No,” he shook his head, “I’m afraid you will have to submit something else. And I want to know what it is before you being working on it, is that clear?”

Anger flashed through you. This was not how it was supposed to go. This was all going so fucking wrong. “But, I’m almost finished and class ends next week.”

“You should have thought to ask me about this before now. You should have seen for yourself that it wouldn’t be acceptable. Why would you think otherwise?”

Your gut churned wildly, your fingernails biting into the palms of your hands as your temper reared its head. Don’t lash out.

Just ask him already.

“Okay, here’s the thing, I really like you, Ray, and I thought maybe we could go out—”

“Ray, are you just about done? My stomach is ready to eat itself.”

The woman’s voice was like a blade slicing through your spinal cord and you spun about to see a tiny blonde in the doorway. She didn't look at you, her green eyes remaining on him. You were invisible to her.

No, that wasn’t entirely true. Her gaze did slide to you, but only for a moment and then it fell on Ray once more. You weren’t invisible, but you certainly weren’t important.

“Yeah. I’m finished here, love. Sorry it took me so long. Students and their questions.” He gathered up his camera bag and notebook and offered you a half-smile. “Email me your new project idea first thing tomorrow.”

“Of course.”

He bobbed his head. “Have a good night.”

“You—you, too.” You stepped back as he moved around his desk and without a look back, joined the blonde in the doorway. The pit of your stomach fell away as he leaned toward the blonde and brushed her lips with his. Jealousy, poison green and sharp as a blade, sliced through you as you stared.

He straightened up then and said, “So, how does Russo’s sound?”

You didn't hear her reply as they left you alone in the classroom, a hint of Ray’s sandalwood based cologne lingering in the air as if to taunt you. Who was that blonde? Wife? Girlfriend? You scowled at the now-empty doorway, then went and retrieved your backpack.

Back at in the cozy, one-bedroom apartment you called home, you sat cross-legged on your bed, scrolling through Ray’s Facebook page. His was the third Ray Levine page you’d clicked on and as you went through his pictures, your jaw clenched tighter. Your blood boiled hotter.

The blonde’s name was Theo. She was a personal trainer.

She was Ray’s wife.

There were endless photos of him with her—at the shore, on an island somewhere, in what looked like London. And in each one, they both looked so happy. So fucking happy.

You clicked on another and just stared. A wedding on the beach. Him and his stupid Theo and three other people and that was it. His wedding. He looked so happy, and in every picture of him and Theo, she was in his arms. Or he was kissing her. Or both.

Without thinking, you slammed the laptop’s lid down on the happy couple, your stomach in knots. You wanted to vomit. This wasn't fair. You were supposed to be the one in those pictures. You were supposed to be the one in his arms. He smiled at you every week. He asked you how your day had gone. If you’d had a terrible day, he asked what happened. He offered advice and encouraged you. He said you had talent. An eye for striking subject matter.

And all the while he knew… he knew he was married. How dare he lead you on that way? And then to—to mock your idea, to tell you to find something else to shoot? How dare he smile at you and talk to you and give you the impression he wanted to see you outside of class? How could he just lead you on that way? Just let you think there was something there between you?

How dare he!

You scrolled through the photos of him on your phone, the ones you’d surreptitiously taken during class. And with each one, your eyes welled up. Tears spilled over to make his face blurry as they coursed over your cheeks and hit the phone screen with a splop. You’d given him so much of your time, you had talked about so many things, and all the while, he was with another woman.

Where was he now? What was he doing? Was he at that very moment rolling around in bed with her? Were his hands and lips and tongue working what you were positive was exquisite magic on her? God, you envied her so much. You should be the one there with him. The one in his arms. You loved him and he had to know that. He just had to…

And he would.

You’d show him.

An eye for subject matter.

He’d seen nothing yet.

Ray wanted to throw up. Theo’s hand slipped into his, her fingers threading with his as she murmured, “Oh, my God…”

He had no words as he stared down at the photographs spread across the sergeant’s desk. He only barely heard the sergeant when he asked, “She was a student of yours, wasn't she?”

He nodded, his throat too tight to speak at first. Theo’s thumb grazed his. He cleared his throat and managed to murmur, “She was one of my best students. Always willing to help with the hands-on part of the course. Always smiling and—and… when did this happen?”

“She was found earlier this morning and these were in an envelope with your name on it. And there was a note.”

Theo looked first at the sergeant, then at him. “A—a note?”

The sergeant nodded. “Addressed to Mr. Levine. It was in with the pictures of her. ”

He meant the photos she’d done for her final project, the photos that the sergeant warned him bordered on explicit. He rejected the offer to see them for himself. He didn't want to see them. She was a student. Barely old enough to drink legally. She had amazing eye and a god-given talent for photography.

The sergeant slid over the note in question. The wrinkled, blood-spattered sheet of paper had been torn from a notebook and now lay encased in a plastic evidence sleeve. Ray closed his eyes briefly, then opened them to stare down at the note written in blue pen by what appeared to be a frenzied hand.

“I did it for you… for us…”

“Ray,” Theo’s voice was soft, “what did she mean, for you and for us?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know…”

“Were you having an affair with her, Mr. Levine? Is that what this means?”

“An affair with her?” Ray snapped his head up to meet the sergeant’s direct stare and shook it emphatically. “No. Of course not. I—I saw her twice a week from six-thirty to eight in class and that was it. Sometimes she would come to class early and would sometimes stay a few minutes after, but I never saw her outside of that classroom. She never came to my office hours, nothing but the occasion email or voicemail. Jesus… why?”

“I don’t know if we’ll ever know,” the sergeant replied softly. “And that’s too bad.”

Ray swallowed hard. “She had so much talent…”

“For all the good it did.” The sergeant gathered the note and photos and tucked them back it the envelope marked evidence. It was sealed and dated and then he said, “You’re free to go, Mr. Levine. Thank you for your time.”

Ray nodded, slipping his hand into Theo’s. Her fingers tightened about his and no words passed as they left the police station and stepped out into the warm early summer sunshine.

~~**~~

Did you enjoy this?? If so, love it, comment, and/or reblog it! 💜💜💜

#Ray Levine #Richard Armitage #Armitage Summer Splash #Ray Levine x Reader #Ray Levine x OC #Stay Close fanfic #Ray Levine X you

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sorisooyaa · 2 years

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Moodboard / Banner / Blend Masterlist

ARMITAGE SUMMER SPLASH HOSTED BY @lathalea AND @fizzyxcustard

WEEK 1:

Enemies to Lovers - Guy of Gisborne x Fem!Reader

Lathalea’s Post

WEEK 2:

A Secret is Found Out - Thorin x OC (Diamonds and Ashes | Raelynn Adair story)

Coffee Shop - Daniel Miller x Fem!Reader

Kidnapped - Raymond De Merville x Fem!OC

Crossover - Thorin Oakenshield x Eternal!OC

Oblivious Of Feelings - Thorin Oakenshield x Fem!Reader

Comfort - John Thornton x Fem!Reader

Lies - Thorin Oakenshield and Fëanor

WEEK 3:

Arranged Marriage - Raymond De Merville x Fem!OC

Love Triangle - Ray Levine x Fem!OC x Cassie

Illness - Dr. Scott White x Fem!OC

Angel/Demon - Modern!Dragon Sickness!Thorin Oakenshield x Fem!OC

Matching Tattoos - Francis Dolarhyde x Fem!OC

Werewolf/Vampire - Vampire!Thorin Oakenshield x Werewolf!Fem!Reader

Body Swap - Thorin Oakenshield and Thranduil / Thorin x Wife!Reader

WEEK 4:

Break Up - Lucas North x Fem!OC

Time Travel - Raymond De Merville x Reader / Father!Raymond De Merville x daughter!ofc

Accident - Francis Dolarhyde x Reader

Birthday - Thorin Oakenshield x Fem!Reader

Proposal - Dr. Mikhail Astrov x Fem!OC

Looming Anniversary - Thorin Oakenshield x Wife!Reader

Be Careful What You Wish For - Modern!Dragon Sickness!Thorin Oakenshield x Fem!OC

WEEK 5:

Vacation/Holiday - Modern!Thorin Oakenshield x Wife!Reader

Pirates - Thorin Oakenshield x Mermaid!Reader

Thank you for the likes, comments and reblogs 💖

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fizzyxcustard · 2 years

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I’ve got a week off work now so I’m hoping to work on quite a few things.

1) Betrayal (Lucas North x OC and Raymond de Merville x OC)

2) Ultimatum (Guy of Gisborne x Fem!Reader)

3) Begin getting A Rose at Twilight fully copied over on to here (Thorin x Fem!Reader)

4) Get Wrong Place Wrong Time part 2 copied over to here (Raymond de Merville x Fem!Reader)

5) Richard Armitage character headcanon series. I’ve selected 9 characters who will be the base for all the series. (Thorin Oakenshield , John Thornton, John Porter, Guy of Gisborne, Ray Levine, Raymond de Merville, Lucas North, Father Quart, Francis Dolarhyde)

6) Some one off fluffy fics around Thorin and Lucas North which have been requested.

7) Some of the very last requests in my inbox.

Any other suggestions and comments are always welcome. My ask box is always open so please never hesitate to reach out. I love answering asks and interacting with you. ❤️❤️❤️

#richard armitage #thorin oakenshield #fanfiction #Raymond de Merville #Lucas North #wip #wip update

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middleearthpixie · 3 years

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Master List

So... I write things. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. If you'd like to be tagged in any of them, let me know!

Also, if you enjoy something, please reblog to your heart's content! Comments are always welcome as well!! <3

You can find my stories here and at AO3.

Fandoms I Write For:

Lord of The Rings - Boromir, Éomer, and Haldir (I've not tackled him yet, but want to. hee hee)

The Hobbit - Thorin, Dwalin, Frerin

And in the near future - The Boys - Billy Butcher

Please read my note on requests before submitting. 😉😀

Multi-Chapter Works

Damaged Goods - Ray Levine x ofc Theo Bailey (Stay Close AU) Complete

The Hobbit

~ Thorin ~

Something in the Night ~ Thorin x ofc Nina Carren (Post-BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives) 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |

Brilliant Disguise ~ Thorin x ofc Sophie Asharm (Post- BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |

~ Completed Works ~

After the Fire - Thorin x ofc Jasna Stoneham (Post- BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

Miss Fortune ~ Modern!Thorin x ofc Alex Prescott -

Playing With Fire ~ Modern!Thorin x ofc Leda Andrews - (Pub AU)

Where I Belong ~ Thorin x ofc Noelle James (modern NYC/DoS/BOTFA AU)

More Than Meets the Eye ~Thorin x ofc Arielle Farran (Post- BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

Someone to Watch Over Me ~ Thorin x ofc Seren Gilwynn (The Hobbit, Slight AU)

In Time ~ Thorin x ofc Amara (Post-BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

~ Frerin ~

Seven Days ~ Modern!Frerin x ofc Syd Prescott - Complete

Better Days ~ Modern!Frerin x ofc Elena Madison - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |

Lord of the Rings

~ Boromir ~

Promise Me ~ Boromir x ofc Gabriella (LOTR AU Where Everybody Lives) -Complete

Living Proof ~ Boromir x ofc Kaia (LOTR AU Where Everybody Lives) ~ Complete

Letter to You ~ Boromir x ofc Nora (LOTR AU Post-War of the Ring Where Boromir Lives) 1 |

One Shots/Drabbles/Shorts

~Miscellaneous Shorts~

How Will I Know ~ Thorin, Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, (Modern AU) ~ This ties loosely with In Time, and The Cellar & Other Stories.

~ Dwalin ~

(Oldest to Most Recent )

Durin's Garage AU - Good Trouble - Updated 10/25/2022 - This WILL be updated in the near future!

The One Where Zana & Dwalin Spend Their First Yule Together

The One Where Zana Faceplants

The One Where Dwalin is Totally NOT Jealous

Meet the Fundinsons

The Morning After

The Cellar

~ Thorin x Reader Inserts Master List ~

The Getaway -Modern!Thorin x reader

Monday - Modern!Thorin x reader

Durin's Garage AU ~ The Chance You Take - Modern!Thorin x reader

Yule - AU!Thorin x reader

~ Asks Master List ~

A Walk in the Woods - Thorin x reader (Post-BOTFA Where Everybody Lives)

Absolute Beginners ~ Thorin x reader (Post-BOTFA Where Everybody Lives)

In This Moment ~ Thorin x reader (Desolation of Smaug Slight AU)

Blind Date ~ Guy of Gisborne/John Porter Crossover AU

Stroll ~ Guy of Gisborne/John Porter Crossover AU Part 2

Dessert ~ Guy of Gisborne/John Porter Crossover AU Part 3

Lockdown ~ Guy of Gisborne/ John Porter Crossover AU Part 4

Cake ~ Guy of Gisborne/John Porter Crossover AU Part 5

Hot Apple Cider ~ Thorin Oakenshield x Reader (Post-BOTFA AU Where Everybody Lives)

Fireworks ~ John Porter x Reader

The Fountain ~ Lindir x fem!reader

The Escape ~ Thorin x ofc Carys Greenleaf

The Escape, Part Two ~ Thorin x ofc Carys Greenleaf

The Harp ~ Thorin x fem!reader

Fair Enough ~ Éomer x fem!reader

~ Challenges Master List ~

The Courtyard - Dancing/Dipping Partner

A Kiss in the Rain - Kissing in the Rain

Bed of Roses - Rose Petals in the Bedroom

Showstopper ~ Modern!Bard x ofc Aislinn Dale (Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2022)

The River ~ Thorin x Fem!dwarf reader (Gates of Summer Exchange 2022)

A Bit of Home ~ Thorin x Fem!Reader (FotFic Pinup Calendar 2023)

Midsummer Night ~ Frerin x Belladonna Took (Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2024)

Long Walk Home ~ Boromir x ofc Eleri (Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang 2024)

The Woods ~ Boromir x ofc Kaia (Tolkien Pinup Calendar 2024)

Second Time Around ~ Boromir x ofc Brynne (Tolkien Pinup Calendar 2024)

~ Armitage Summer Splash Master List ~

WEEK 1

Make Me ~ Prompt #1 ~ Thorin Oakenshield

Bygones ~ Prompt #2 ~ Lucas North

The Note ~ Prompt #3 ~ Ray Levine

The Other Woman ~ Prompt #4 ~ John Porter

In Vino Veritas ~ Prompt #5 ~ Guy of Gisborne

Now or Never ~ Prompt #6 ~ Ray Levine

Misunderstanding ~ Prompt #7 ~ John Thornton

WEEK 2

The Tavern ~ Prompt #8 ~ Guy of Gisborne

Brewster's Place ~ Prompt #9 ~ John Proctor

Runaway ~ Prompt #10 ~ Raymond de Merville

Middle Earth’s Next Top Model ~ Prompt #11 ~ Moodboard

Stolen Moments ~ Prompt #12 ~ Thorin Oakenshield

Waiting ~ Prompt #13 ~ John Porter

Hurt ~ Prompt #14 ~ Lucas North

WEEK 3

The Lake ~ Prompt #15 ~ Raymond de Merville

The Visitor ~ Prompt #16 ~ John Proctor

Quiet ~ Prompt #17 ~ Thorin Oakenshield

Angel ~ Prompt #18 ~ Guy of Gisborne

Inked ~ Prompt #19 ~ Lucas North

Vampire ~ Prompt #20 ~ Claude Becker Moodboard

Body Swap ~ Prompt #21 ~ Ray Levine Moodboard

WEEK 4

Family ~ Prompt #22 ~ Thorin Oakenshield

Pizza - Prompt #23 ~ Raymond de Merville

Hit & Run ~ Prompt #24 ~ John Proctor

Fifty ~ Prompt #25 ~ Ray Levine

Leap of Faith ~ Prompt #26 ~ Guy of Gisborne

Homecoming ~ Prompt #27 ~ John Porter

Sweet Dreams ~ Prompt #28 ~ Lucas North

WEEK 5

Vacation ~ Prompt #29 ~ John Proctor Moodboard

Magic Kingdom - Prompt #30 ~ Raymond de Merville

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middleearthpixie · 2 years

Text

Damaged Goods ~ Chapter Forty-Six

A/N - originally, this chapter was not going to be written, but I've heard from a few people (looking at you @legolasbadass amongst others) asking to read about the photoshoot, so here it is. I hope you enjoy it... Ray and Theo seemed to...

Pairings: Ray Levine x OC female Theodora (Theo) Bailey

Summary: Following the events of Stay Close, Ray Levine has come to the US to begin a new life and is staying with Theo Bailey, the friend of a friend, who is quickly becoming his best friend and Ray is starting to wonder if there isn’t something more there between them.

Like Ray, Theo has her own demons and although she wonders the same thing about Ray, fear of repeating past mistakes keep her from moving forward. Or do they? Somehow, these two damaged people will come together and discover that maybe—just maybe—second chances are worth the risk.

The photoshoot…

Warnings: Protected intercourse, a new use for satin sheets, some nude photos, and a bit of serious talk

Rating: M

Word Count: 4,639

Tag List: @tschrist1 @i-did-not-mean-to @lathalea @bitter-sweet-farmgirl @linasofia @fizzyxcustard @legolasbadass @kibleedibleedoo @xxbyimm @ocfairygodmother @exhausted-humxn-being @shalinizhara @rachel1959 @laurfilijames @sketch-and-write-lover @sherala007 @enchantzz @knitastically

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Previous chapters can be found here and AO3

Theo’s heart pounded wildly against her ribs as she stepped into Ray’s studio the next afternoon and saw it all set up and ready for a photo shoot. Sometimes, she forgot that he was an actual photographer, who’d probably done time in settings like this early on in his career, and to see the backdrops, and lights and everything brought it all rushing forward. She had to be crazy for doing this, and he had to be crazy for wanting her to do this.

But, there she was, the only thing between her and the camera lens was the soft fleece bathrobe she wore.

He looked up from the umbrella he was adjusting and offered up a smile. “You ready?”

“No. I feel silly.”

He straightened up. “You’ll be fine. Trust me,” he winked, “I’m a professional.”

“And how many nude shoots have you done?”

“You really want an answer to that?”

She just stared. Did she? She thought he’d just tell her none, but now… she paused. “Well…”

Another wink. “I’m only kidding, love. I shot mostly little kids and babies at holidays, and family portraits before I got into journalism.”

“And what about with other girlfriends?”

She didn't know why she asked, but the slight flush along his cheekbones gave her an answer and that made her clutch the front of the robe tighter. Wonderful. Why didn't she just keep her dumbass mouth shut and think before she spoke?

A low sigh rose to her lips. “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.”

“No, no, it is,” he came around to stand before her to catch her by one wrist, “and let’s just let the past stay there, okay? We both had lives before we met, so, it’s stupid to pretend otherwise, and it doesn’t matter what each of us did in those lives.”

She met his gaze and nodded slowly. “You’re right. I’m just being a dick and I shouldn’t be, and I’m nervous as hell, and I shouldn’t be.”

He released her wrists to catch the neck of the robe, the backs of his fingers brushing her collarbones as he gave a gentle tug. “You shouldn’t be. It’s me and you really don’t have to be shy with me. Not now, anyway. Trust me, love. You need to trust me.”

“I do.”

He smiled and winked. “Give me a minute to finish setting up.”

“Wait, this isn’t it?”

“Oh, Christ, no.” He stepped back and skirted the light umbrella to crouch at his workstation. “Everyone’s seen the pictures of Marilyn Monroe photographed in only the sheet, and I have to confess, Theo, since the day I met you, I’ve wanted to shoot you, but wasn’t really sure how.”

“You did not.”

“Swear to Christ, I have.” He grinned at her over his shoulder and for some reason, that grin calmed her butterflies and put her nerves all to rest. Then he turned and began rummaging through a shopping bag stowed beneath his desk. “And when we first started… sleeping together, I guess is the best way to put it, since we never really went out or anything like that, seeing as how I was already living with you, it hit me, how I wanted to do it, I wanted you to be my Marilyn.”

“Ray.”

“What?”

“You are rambling. I’m the nervous one, remember?”

“Baby, you’re in the best hands you could be in. I won a fucking Pulitzer, remember?”

She shook her head as she came up behind him and leaned over to drape her arms about his neck. “You should let me take a few pictures of you nude as well. Fair’s fair, you know.”

“Who wants to see my old ass naked?”

“Uh… me, for one. I happen to like how you look naked, Mr. Levine. You’re really quite impressive, you know.” She brushed his ear with her lips. “And besides, I thought you said you weren’t old?”

“I don’t look quite as good as you do.”

“Bullshit. And what are you looking for, anyway?”

“This.” He dug into the bag and came up with two packages of black sheet sets. “And thank you for the compliment, love. We’ll see, okay?”

“I thought you wanted to shoot me nude?”

“I do. But, I know you’re nervous about it, and I get that, so I thought you could cover yourself with this until you felt comfortable enough to let me get all the goods on film.”

She arched an eyebrow at him. “All the goods?”

“You know what I mean.”

She stood up and stepped back to let him do the same. As he rose, he opened the package. “And they’re not just sheets. They’re satin sheets. Although, I think Marilyn’s was silk, but I can’t swear to that and either way, I think black satin is sexier.”

She chuckled at that, which earned her a look as he said, “What? You don’t think so?”

“I think you’re nuts, is what I think.”

“Yeah, well, that’s entirely possible.”

“And I also think I love you.”

“I like how that sounds.” He winked as he came around her, unzipping the first package to tug the flat sheet and two matching pillowcases out, then he tossed the package aside and attacked the other one. “Anyway, have you ever slept on satin sheets?”

“Actually, I have, yes. I used to have them on my bed.” She sank into his chair, tucking her legs under her as she watched him unfold and lay the sheet out across the photography drape stretched across the floor.

“You did?” He went to work with pillows next, tucking them into the satin cases to position around the area as well.

“You sound surprised.”

“I am. You don’t strike me as a satin sheet woman.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shifted onto one knee and went to work with the next two pillows. “I mean, you’re far too practical. Satin sheets are a fucking nightmare.”

“I know. Why do you think I don’t have them any more? The pillows kept slipping off and onto the floor.”

“Yeah, but they feel nice on your skin.”

She propped her elbow on the chair’s arm and her chin on her fist. “Yours or a girlfriend’s?”

“Mine. I was a ladies’ man back in the day.”

“I can see that.”

He unfolded the second sheet. “I’m lying, Theo. I’ve never had satin sheets and I’ve never slept on them and back in the day, I was a fucking nerd with a camera and the girls I wanted to sleep with wouldn’t give me the time of day.”

“Why don’t I believe that?”

“Why would I make it up? I was tall and skinny, with no lips and a nose that got into the room five minutes before the rest of me. Not exactly what girls dream about, you know.” He smoothed the second sheet out, and let it lay across the first one and when he finished, and was still on his knees, came over to her. “Doesn’t do my ego a whole lot of good to think about it, either, you know.”

She reached out to curve her hand against his bearded cheek. “I just can’t imagine it. There’s nothing wrong with your lips and your nose is absolutely perfect the way it is. Not to mention, a woman would have to be crazy to turn you down. You’re handsome and sexy and you’re amazing in bed.”

“Now, yeah.” He winked again. “But back then? I had no idea what I was doing.”

“Well, someone taught you well and I do not want to know who it was.”

“Same and same.” He braced a hand on the chair’s arm and rose. “Let me put on some music and I’ll go busy myself until you get comfortable.”

“You can stay right here, you know. It’s not like you’ve never seen me naked.”

“Yeah, but this is a little different. You’re naked. I’m not.”

She waited to see if he’d offer to get naked, and when he didn’t, the butterflies returned. He was slipping into professional mode and she wasn’t sure if she liked it or not. On one hand, it was interesting to see, as she’d never really seen Ray work before. But on the other, it was odd, to have him keep a bit of distance between them, a bit of formality between them. Especially now.

He moved back to his work area, where he had a small Bluetooth speaker. While he scrolled through his phone, she walked over to where he’d draped the one sheet over several sturdy boxes to create a backdrop and scattered the pillows, the area now looked, for all intents and purposes, like a somewhat rumpled bed. Her belly fluttered wildly as she reached for the belt of her robe. Never in a million years did she think a photographer would want her to pose nude for him. That said photographer was her husband didn’t matter. He still wanted her to do this for him. And although she had her hesitations, and her doubts that these pictures would do anything but look scary, part of her held out a sliver of hope that they would turn out to not be disappointing for him. Or for her.

With a deep breath, she let the robe slip from her shoulders to hit the satin, then she grabbed the second sheet to tug over herself, and sat with one leg bent up, the other tucked beneath her, with her bent leg outside the sheet, which she tucked beneath her chin The satin was cool against her skin, cool and fluid and skimmed along her like a caress.

He set down his phone and she winced at the opening notes of Love Bites. “Seriously?”

“I thought you didn’t hate this song any more?”

“Well, I don’t, but it’s not my favorite, either.”

“Okay… let’s see…” He leaned over to swipe his finger along the screen. “Ah, here we go. How about this instead?”

Love Bites became She’s the One from Springsteen’s Born to Run album and she smiled. He knew her too well now. “Perfect.”

“Good. Let me just—” he turned and the words died as his eyes widened. “Damn… do not move, Theo. Not an inch.”

She smiled as he moved over to his work table, where two cameras sat, and he picked up the Nikon D5 she’d seen him use so many times before. He lifted it, and came closer, saying, “Just pretend I’m not here.”

“How do I do that when you’re clicking all around me?”

“Try to ignore it. You’ll find it fades into the background and while you’re ignoring it, imagine yourself somewhere else.”

“Like where?”

He lowered the camera. “Anywhere. Where do you want to be?”

“Here.”

“Theo.” An exasperated sigh wove into his voice.

She winced. “Sorry. I’m new to this modeling thing, you know.”

“Just listen to the music, lose yourself in it, and pretend I’m not hovering around you, okay? And don’t worry. You look beautiful.”

At first, Theo felt so stiff and unnatural, with Ray moving around her, adjusting the sheet here, offering up a suggestion there. But then a strange thing happened. He’d put on the Springsteen station and the deejays were in fantastic form with the music they chose, and so little by little, she lost herself in the music, just as he suggested. Little by little, her inhibitions and her hesitation faded and she lowered the sheet a bit here, tugged it up a bit there, stretched out across the black satin with it draped enough to give hints of her breasts or her thighs or her ass, but not enough to actually announce their presence.

“Perfect,” he said softly, finally lowering the camera. He crouched by her. “We can stop if you want, love.”

She offered up what she hoped was a seductive smile. “I thought you wanted to shoot me nude?”

A slow grin lifted his lips. “Only if you’re comfortable with the idea.”

“Ray.”

“What?”

She held his gaze as she let the sheet slide partially down and he let out a sound that was a cross between a sigh and a moan. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice husky.

“I’m sure.” She sank back against pillows and offered up a sly smile as she crooked her finger at him. “But, come here for a minute first.”

He set the camera on the floor and crawled over to her. As he eased over her, she slipped her arms about his neck to tug him against her. She pulled him down to meet her kiss, threading her fingers through his hair, letting her nails graze along the back of his neck.

A soft laugh skimmed across her lips from his as he lifted himself just enough from her to murmur, “This isn’t very professional, Mrs. Levine.”

She smiled. She did like how that sounded. “Ask me if I care.”

His lips brushed hers, then he whispered, “I don’t usually fool around with my subjects, you know.”

“Well, since most of the ones I know of are married men, this make me happy to hear.” She slid her fingers through the graying hair at his left temple. The sleek satin between them was warm against her skin, almost as much of a caress as his hands would be on her, and seeing the way his eyes darkened at the sight of her offered up a heady rush.

“Sometimes it was married women, you know.” He swept his lips along hers again, a bit harder this time. “And some of them were pretty easy on the eyes.”

“Is that so?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Maybe I should get dressed then…”

“I don’t think so.”

His lips slashed down over hers with those words. She tightened her arms about him, the leg she’d eased out from beneath the sheet curving about his hip to pull him against her. His kiss came slow and deep and lingering, and when he pulled back, his eyes held more than a hint of promise as he whispered, “Damn, I am a lucky man…”

He shifted his weight to his right arm, letting the other hand skim along her hip, over her bared waist to the just barely visible outer curve of her right breast. His thumb moved over the satin itself, her nipple beading beneath it at his touch. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth as his thumb slipped around that nub, teasing it into a taut peak clearly visibly through the satin. The fabric’s sleekness against her skin, combined with his touch, was enough to make her body hum with desire. And with each pass, heat swirled through her, radiating from where he touched her to toward her core, where that heat grew and spread through her veins.

“Do you want to call it a day?” he murmured, his lips just brushing hers.

“I’m not sure yet.” She planted a hand in the middle of his chest to gently push him down.

He smiled as he sank into the pillows and she shifted, gathering the sheet about herself as she straddled him. “What are you doing, Theo?”

“Do you want me to stop?”

“Oh, now, I didn’t say that. That depends on what you have in mind.”

“Somehow, I think you’ll like it, Mr. Levine.”

“That a fact?” His eyes sparkled even as his irises darkened to nearly cobalt. “I mean, I like it so far already.”

“I’ll just bet you do.”

“It’s a hell of a sight, this gorgeous, naked woman on top of me. Doesn’t happen every day, you know.”

She held a finger to her lips. “Shhh…”

He pressed his lips together and winked. His hands rested on her thighs as she bent over him and let her lips sweep along the side of his neck, from just below his ear, down to the neck of his dark red tee shirt. A low growling purr rumbled up to his lips as she swept her kiss back up to his ear, and caught his earlobe between gentle teeth.

He slid his hands up her legs, to her hips. But when he went higher, she abruptly pulled back, catching his wrists and shaking her head at the same time. “I don’t think so. You touch me, and it’s game over and Ray doesn’t get a happy ending.”

“That’s cold.”

“It’s time to see how long it takes to get you to beg for me.”

“It’ll take about thirty seconds,” he murmured, arching an eyebrow. As he did that, he tensed beneath her and she had to hold back a laugh at the sudden pressure at the apex of her thighs.

“As impressive as that is,” she told him, leaning forward to press his hands down on either side of his head, “it wins you no contests this time. You’re going to beg, Mr. Levine. And I do mean beg…”

His pupils dilated, a seductive smile playing at his lips. “I think I’m going to like this game, love. Do your worst.”

She just barely brushed his lips with hers, and slowly released him. “You touch me in any way,” she warned in a whisper, “and I stop and I don’t care how close you are to coming, so keep that in mind.”

A strangled groan rose in his throat but he nodded. “Fair enough.”

“Ready?”

“Do your worst.”

She smiled as he tensed beneath her once more, and then she shifted, scooting down over his thighs to grip the bottom of his tee shirt, and pushed it up. He sucked in a sharp breath as she swept a kiss along his side, up toward his right nipple. As she moved up, she pushed the tee shirt out of her way and paused to allow him to tug it over his head.

His hands fell to his sides once the shirt was off and his eyes closed as she trailed kisses along his neck, up through the scruff of his beard, along his jaw, over his chin, down his throat.

Inch by inch, she kissed him slowly, sweeping her tongue over each bit of skin she caressed. His arms tensed. His hands clenched and straightened out, but he managed to keep them on the sheet and off her.

The heady feeling of being in complete control swept through her as she sat back and caught ahold of his belt to slip the leather from its loops on his jeans. The black leather was warm from his body, and he moaned low in his throat as she pulled it slightly tighter then unbuckled it and popped the button on his jeans.

“Theo…” Her name rose like a mist into the air as she slid down his zipper. His breath hitched as she brushed her lips along the warm skin just above the waistband of his boxer briefs, her chin just brushing the solid ridge of his erection.

She sat back again, this time gripping both waistbands and worked denim and cotton down his long legs. Another sigh rent the air as she freed him from the confines of jeans and briefs, and she smiled at the sight. She’d barely touched him and he was already leaking, his eyes closed, a muscle bulging in his jaw, his hands twisting in the satin beneath him.

His clothes lay in a heap as she moved back to brush his calf with a slow kiss. The muscle in his thigh leaped. A low moan rose into the air. The pulse in his neck sped up. His knuckles were white. His hands moved, but only just.

And he held out from touching her.

“Good boy,” she whispered just before tracing the tip of her tongue along the underside of his cock. She moved slowly. Deliberately.

His hips rose toward her, he gritted, “Theo…” as his hands moved again.

She slowed. His hands went still.

“Oh, Christ…” he growled, his breathing growing more ragged by the second. “What you do to me, you evil woman…”

She swept along his length again, and her lips brushed him as she whispered, “And you love every second of it…”

He let out a strangled laugh. “I do…”

“I know.”

She smiled as she caught the bottom corner of the sheet and brought it up to wrap about his cock. One stroke, and he shuddered beneath her. “Holy shit… that feels… oh, that feels so good…”

She slid her hand along him, teasing him with the cool satin that quickly warmed. His eyes closed. His hips rocked toward her as he thrust into it, moaned softly with each one. She slid along him quickly. She slowed. She loosened her grip. Tightened it. The satin grew damp from him, but she didn't slow, didn’t stop, and it wasn’t long before he breathed, “You win, baby… please don’t tease me any more… Christ, I want you… I am not going to be able to hold out much longer…”

“How badly do you want me, Ray?”

“Baby…”

“Tell me,” she slowed her caresses, “or I stop right now.”

“I have never wanted anyone the way I want you right now,” he gritted, the muscle in his jaw bulging once more, “and if you don’t fucking ride me right now, I swear to Christ I’m gonna throw you down and take you right this fucking minute…”

Raw need deepened his growl and she shivered at the ferocity of his voice and words. She reached over for her robe, for the condom she’d tucked into the pocket, and whispered, “I love you, you know,” as she rolled it over him.

“I know. And I love—oh, Christ… ” His back bowed as she shifted and came over him, caught him and guided him into her. As soon as he breached her, he thrust and as he did, he growled, “Oh, holy shit, you are so fucking wet, Theo.”

“I like being in control.”

He smiled as she quickly found her rhythm, and he met her easily, his hands sliding up her thighs, coming to rest on her hips. Her need for release had built right alongside his and she couldn’t move fast enough to satisfy it. His fingers tightened on her, her core melting as he rocked her hard against him. The knots within her tightened. They twisted. Heat scorched through her, filled her, as the wave rose, crested, crashed over them both, and she threw her head back as she surrendered to the amazing sensations smoking through her.

Fire fed fire. Ecstasy fed ecstasy. She pulsed around him, the pleasure hot and sweet and sinful and wonderful and she throbbed into him as his release triggered hers. Their cries mingled, and as the wave receded, she sank against him, fighting to breathe, fighting to see beyond the stars dancing before her eyes.

His heart was like machine-gun fire beneath her ear—hard and fast and furious—and he panted as if he’d run a marathon at top speed. A shaky hand moved along her hair and a hint of disbelief crept into his voice as he murmured, “Sweet Jesus, you are incredible…”

A breathless laugh escaped her. “Oh my God… Ray… that… that was… wow…”

He tightened trembling arms around her. “Wow sums it up perfectly.”

“Right?”

She carefully eased off him, but he didn't let her move away from him. Instead, he gathered her in his arms and held her against him, whispering, “I love you.”

“Mmm… I love you back.” Her eyes closed, that delicious post-sex drowsiness, combined with her earlier nervousness, left her sleepy and content to lay there with him just like that, beneath the warm satin sheet.

His fingers moved lightly over her hair and they lay there for what seemed like a lifetime before he whispered, “I hate to do this, but I do need to move.”

“I know.”

He rolled away from her and carefully stood. “This really sucks.”

She looked over at him. “What?”

“Condoms. I hate them. I’ve always hated them. I far prefer how you feel without rubber between us.”

She sighed softly. “I know, but—”

“I should just get a vasectomy.” He gazed up at her. “I mean, it’s not like we’re ever having kids.”

“I wouldn’t ask you to do that.”

He moved to the trash can and took care of business, then looked over his shoulder at her. “You aren’t asking me to do anything.” He came back over to stretch out beside her once more. “I’m going to be fifty-one in a few months. You don’t want kids. I don’t want kids. And I don’t want to have to sweat out each month right now. And I know you said we’d be okay yesterday, but you know, I am going to sweat it out until you get your period. And I’m too old for that. I should’ve done it years ago, but just never could find a good time, with me traveling all over and then everything just fell apart on me and I didn’t give a damn about it. But now, I do, so when we get to London, I’ll find someone to do it and just get it over with. Then we don’t have to worry about it. We just do it whenever and wherever we feel like it and not worry.”

She looked up at him, tracing her forefinger down the middle of his chest. “Are you sure? I don’t want you doing it if you aren’t.”

“Yeah, I’m sure. I’ve had years to think about it.”

“I know, but it just seems… so permanent.” At his long look, she rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Are you going to change your mind about kids? In all honesty, what are the odds of that happening?”

“Slim to none. Age aside, I told you, I never wanted them. I’ve never felt anything even close to a maternal urge. I see kids, and my first reaction is, get them away from me. The fact that I’m an old fart is just one more little reason.”

He chuckled. “You are anything but an old fart, Theo. Really.”

“You know what I mean. Theoretically, I can get pregnant still. The odds are pretty slim, but it could happen. And if it did, then I’d have a decision to make and honestly? I don’t think I’d want to see it through.”

“So, then let me take care of this so we don’t have to worry about it ever happening.” His fingers swept lightly along her shoulder. “It means a weekend of me lying on the sofa with a bag of frozen peas on my junk, and that’s a pretty small price to pay in order to be able to do this whenever and wherever we want, without worrying about condoms or the pitter patter of little feet. And let’s face it,” he gave her a gentle squeeze, “doing this whenever and wherever is a much better idea.”

“You’ll get no argument from me. And I’ll even take care of you that weekend. Keep you in frozen peas and the like.”

“Careful. I might get spoiled.”

She rose onto one elbow to smile down at him. “It’s the least I can do.” She glanced over at the camera, still sitting so innocently on the floor, and with a sly grin at him, picked it up. “Now, it’s your turn, Ray.”

“Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. I mean, I have no idea what I’m doing and my fingertip will probably cover up your goods, but still…”

He grinned up at her. “I can introduce you to Photoshop, then.”

“Perfect.” She lifted the camera and added, “Say cheese,” as she snagged the sheet with her foot to draw it away from him and pressed the shutter.

#richard armitage #stay close #stay close fanfic #fanfic #ray levine #ray levine x oc #romance #friends to lovers #damaged people #healing #love story #some smut

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middleearthpixie · 2 years

Text

Damaged Goods ~ Chapter Forty-Seven

Title: Damaged Goods

Fandom: Stay Close

Pairings: Ray Levine x OC female Theodora (Theo) Bailey

We end our story with Ray having second thoughts about accepting the AP job…

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 1,405

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here

“So, what do you think?”

Theo shook her head. “I think you should’ve hidden my face in them.”

He looked over at her. “Are you kidding me? These are hot and so are you.”

He turned back to the monitor where he’d pulled up the series of photos he’d taken of her and shook his head. How could she not see just how much the camera loved her? There were nearly a dozen he wanted to print and hang, if only she’d let him. But one look, and her cheeks went scarlet and she covered her eyes with her hands.

“This one’s my favorite.” He tapped the monitor lightly, then reached to tug her hand from her face. “Tell me you aren’t gorgeous here.”

She pressed her lips together and shook her head. “That doesn’t even come close to gorgeous.”

“The hell it doesn’t.” He sat back in his chair and studied the image of her, lying on her side, one leg bent over the sheet, which she’d drawn to her shoulders but let slip down to expose her entire side. Her hair was tousled and spread over the black satin and she looked the way she did after they made love—sinful and sensual and just looking at the photo was enough to make him want to pull her down into his lap again.

That she couldn’t see what he did drove him nuts and he didn't know how to make her see the woman he saw, the woman he’d seen right from that first moment. Even now, with her hair pulled up in a messy bun and no makeup, dressed in leggings and one of his sweatshirts, he fairly itched to get her on film again.

“This one isn’t too bad.” She tapped the first image, which was also the first shot he’d taken of her.

“Theo, they’re all good. There isn’t a bad one in the bunch. Let me frame a few to hang up.”

“Are you kidding? You have a bunch of teenage boys down here. That’s the last thing I want hanging on the wall, even if does replace Cassie.”

He leaned back in his chair. “I won’t be doing this in London. I’m going to be too busy to work with any kids.”

She came around to perch on the edge of his desk. “You sound kind of sad about that. Are you having second thoughts about the AP job?”

He didn’t answer right away, but stared at the monitor, at the rows of photographs of her and the ones she’d taken of him, which would never see the light of day if he had anything to say about it. It had been fun at the time, but now? Now, he just wanted to delete every last shot. He tried to stay in relatively good shape, but his days of spending hours in a gym were firmly in his rear view mirror.

“Ray?”

He looked over at her and nodded slowly. “Yeah. I am, actually. And I have been since I told Grant yes.”

Her brow furrowed. “Why? I thought it was a great opportunity?”

“It is. And that’s why I can’t believe I’m having second thoughts.” He caught her by the hand, drawing her down from the edge of the table and onto his lap. “As much as I hate to say this, I like what I do here. I like working with these kids.”

She draped her arms about his neck. “So, do you want to tell Grant you’re going to pass after all? Are you sure that’s what you want? Because you might not get this chance again.”

“I can freelance. I can keep working for Fester. He’d like that.”

“What about you, though?” Her fingers moved through his hair, her nails grazing his scalp, which always made him so relaxed. He let his eyes close as he leaned his head back.

“What about me? Would it bother you if I didn't take that job?”

“Ray,” her fingers slowed, then stopped, “the only thing that would bother me would be if you were unhappy with the choice you’ve made.”

He didn't open his eyes, but waited for her to resume her strokes, and when she did, he sighed softly. “I’m almost fifty-one years old, love. I’ve a wife now,” he opened his eyes and smiled up at her, “and honestly? I’m too fucking old to live out of a suitcase the way I did in my thirties. I’ve kissed death’s ass enough. I don’t want to go into war zones or be embedded with battalions and caught in firefights or roll over a roadside bomb. I don’t want to stop and take pictures of girls hanging their laundry because it’s the most normal thing I’ve seen in months. I want to come home every night and not have home be a tent or a base or a burned out apartment building or the backseat of a truck. I want to curl up next to you every night, would really like it if it meant having sex with you, but even if it didn’t, I don’t think I’d mind very much.”

“Oh, well, that’s something.”

He chuckled at her dry tone. “The day I don’t want to have sex with you, baby, check for a pulse because I’m probably dead.”

“Don’t even joke about that.”

“I’m not joking.” He shook his head. “I like living here. I like being near the beach, the water. Maybe we can travel back to the States every now and then. And I kind of want to keep working with these kids. Some of them have a lot of talent.”

“Ray,” her fingers went still in his hair once more, “if that’s how you feel, then don’t take the job.”

“It’ll mean security, though.”

“I think we’ll be okay regardless. So, do you want to stay here and make sure no teenage boys ever see my nude photos?”

He smiled. He’d have given his left nut to see pictures like that when he was thirteen, but he was also not about to share them with anyone else. “Do you want to stay here?”

“I finally know where things are and I don’t get lost any more.” She trailed her fingernails down along the back of his neck. “So, I’d be okay with it.”

“Then let me call Grant and tell him I can’t do it.”

She slid down from his lap. “Then I guess I can tell you my news.”

He’d been reaching for his phone, but froze halfway to it. “What news?”

“I got a job offer. So, we’ll have steady money coming in even if Fester flakes on you or you run out of spoiled thirteen year olds to play paparazzi for.”

“Fester doesn’t usually flake, and when there are no spoiled brats, there are plenty of psuedo-rich assholes who want to play like they’re paparazzi-worthy, so there’s no shortage of work for me. But, tell me, when did this happen?”

“A little while ago. I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to jinx it or influence your decision.”

He smiled up at her. “Told you you’d find something.”

“Yeah, well…”

He caught her around the waist with his free arm, tugging her close to press a kiss into her belly as her snagged his phone with his other hand. She bent and kissed the top of his head in return. “I love you, Ray.”

“I love you back—good afternoon, Mr. Grant. It’s Ray Levine.”

“Mr. Levine, what can I do for you?”

He looked up to see Theo smiling down at him, and he gave her a playful squeeze as he said, “About that position? I’m afraid I won’t be able to take it after all.”

“You—you changed your mind?”

He nodded. “I have, yes. A few things have come up and it’s really not a good time for me to be traipsing around the world. I’d rather stay close to home these days. But thank you just the same.”

“Are you absolutely certain, because—”

“I am. Thank you, though. Take care now.” He clicked off the phone to pull her down onto his lap once more. She wound her arms about his neck and as her lips found his, he tossed the phone back on his work table, wrapped his arms about her waist, and lost himself in her kiss.

The End

#richard armitage #stay close #stay close fanfic #fanfic #ray levine #ray levine x oc #romance #friends to lovers #damaged people #healing #love story #some smut

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middleearthpixie · 2 years

Text

Damaged Goods ~ Chapter Thirty-One

Author's Note: Just a reminder that this story takes place following the events of the miniseries Stay Close and will contain spoilers.

Title: Damaged Goods

Fandom: Stay Close

Pairings: Ray Levine x OC female Theodora (Theo) Bailey

Scott’s taken Ray hostage and there’s nothing Theo can do but wait… and hope…

Warnings: Some violence, bloodshed, character death

Rating: T

Word Count: 3,407

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here and AO3.

Theo couldn’t sit still as she waited for Laurence to show up. And while she paced her apartment, another car pulled into the lot, one she’d never seen before. A few minutes later, someone knocked on the door and she called, “Who’s there?”

“Theo? It’s Drew Kaparski. Can I come in?”

“Drew?” What was he doing there? She opened the door and unlike the last time he’d knocked, Drew wasn’t at all flushed or embarrassed. Instead, he was all business, striding into the apartment with a dark green Pendaflex folder in one hand.

“Ray called me. He said you’d called him and sounded upset and he had a feeling it might have something to do with Ryland. So, I pulled up my file on him.”

She stared at him as another knock sounded. Laurence, hopefully. “Wait, you have a file on Scott?”

“I have a file on everyone. Well, everyone except you, that is.”

She shook her head as she crossed to the door and opened its to find the detective in the hallway. “Did you get lost?”

“Miss Bailey, that doesn’t help anyone. So, what happened?” He took out his trusty notebook and a pen.

“I called you twenty minutes ago and this town isn’t exactly huge. Scott Ryland was here, in my apartment, with a gun. He told me to call Ray and tell him to come home and when Ray came home, Scott made him go with him. At gunpoint.”

“Do you know where they were going?”

She shook her head, fighting down her rising panic. Scott had nearly a half-hour head start and she had no idea where he was going or what he planned. “No. He didn’t tell me and Ray isn’t answering his phone.” She’d dialed it until she thought she’d worn a trench in her phone’s screen.

“They’re going to Mantoloking,” Drew broke in, looking up from the Pendaflex that now lay open on the breakfast bar. “He and his wife own a house on the beach.”

“What?” Theo spun about, gaping at him. “Mantoloking? But… he lives in Ortley.”

Drew nodded, lowering his head to scan the pages fanned out on the counter before him. “I know. The house is—or was—his in-laws’ property. Allison Ryland inherited it when her dad died last spring. The house took a beating when Sandy hit and then again when Ida hit last fall. They’re selling the Ortley property to use that to pay to finish the construction on the Mantoloking house.” He looked over at Laurence. “My guess is that’s where he’s heading because a little bird told me Allison Ryland filed for divorce at the end of last week. Apparently she found out about you, Theo, and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I guess she’d had enough of his screwing around on her.”

Theo’s mouth went dry. “So… oh…oh, no…”

Laurence pulled out a cell phone. “Give me that address?”

“Six Ocean Avenue. Right on the beach.”

Laurence strolled out of the room to make his call and Theo met Drew’s stare. “What happens now?”

“He’ll get the department’s hostage negotiator out to the address. They’ll negotiate with Ryland. SWAT will be called in and they’ll set up a perimeter and get sharpshooters into place. And while they do that, we wait.”

“Here?” She shook her head. “No, I’ll go crazy if I have stay here.” She spun about as Laurence came back. “Please, let me go with you. I—I cannot be here alone, just waiting for that fucking asshole to pull the trigger.”

“Here is the best place for you, Miss Bailey.” Laurence moved to the door. “Keep her here until the situation is resolved. We will let you know when it is.”

“No… I want to be there. Please… I can’t—”

But Laurence was already out the door, closing it on her and her pleas. She stared at it for a moment, almost willing him to come back and tell her she could come with them. But, of course he didn't and helplessness surged through her with all of the force of a tidal wave.

“Drew,” she turned to him, “please… you know where this house is. You have a whole file on him… please? I can’t stay here, I’ll lose my fucking mind worrying about Ray.”

Drew just stared at her for a moment, then sighed and nodded. “Okay, but we stay out of their way because I do not want to find myself handcuffed in the backseat of a cruiser.”

She nodded, already tugging on her puffy black ski jacket. “I promise you, they won’t even know I’m there.”

The upstairs windows were framed out, but had no glass in them yet and the wind whipping in off the ocean was as sharp as a blade. The plastic sheeting that had been stapled to the frames had torn in several places, and slowly pulled away from the frames themselves. The gun’s muzzle dug into Ray’s back as Scott pushed him up the stairs.

The house would probably be beautiful, once it was finished. But for now, it was eerie, with that desolate feeling empty houses always had. Things echoed far louder than than should have—their footsteps, the wind’s howl, the snap of tattered plastic— each seemed to reverberate through the entire structure. A work bench littered with tools took up a great deal of the plywood floor and the plastic drop cloths that lay scattered about the floor, held down by various buckets of spackle and paint cans, snapped just like the sheeting did. Ray shivered as an arctic blast tore through the huge room.

“This was going to be our bedroom. Allie had it all planned out—ridiculous four-poster beed along that wall, draped with some gauzy shit. That’s how she saw this entire place turning out. She is all about flowers and gauzy shit and romance and I just wanted to sit up here and watch the bikinis down there.” He gestured to the snapped, trailing plastic. “Who doesn’t want to look at bikinis, right? Even you probably want to.”

Ray looked from him to thee sheeting and back as they emerged from the staircase. “Bikinis are nice.”

“Right? You ever see Theo in one? Hard to believe she’s fifty.”

Ray bit back a smile. “I’ve not seen her in one, no.” But, I have seen her in a bra and panties, not to mention a fucking garter belt and thigh highs. I win.

“Yeah, she is fine.” Scott turned away for a moment, gesturing with the gun to the eastern side of the octagon-shaped room. “And there is where the deck was going to be.”

There was the enormous rectangular cutout along the wall backing the beach. More plastic had been nailed up, and it held up only slightly better than its counterparts. Ray stared at that hole, wondering if there was anything on the other side besides a twenty foot drop.

“The view will be incredible.”

“Yeah. Morning sun would flood this room. Probably wake my ass up at five every morning. But, Allie loves the morning light. She loves the ocean. She was gutted when Ida ripped through here. It was her pop’s problem when Sandy hit, but this time? This time it was ours. And since it’s not our primary residence, our homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover so much as a nail.

“I wanted to sell this place. Bank the money. But no, she loves this house. So, she nagged me into selling my house. The house that I bought and paid for long before she ever came along. And so I do sell it and what happens?”

“She found out, didn’t she?” Ray asked softly without looking at him. The muzzle still dug into his back and he was terrified that any sudden move, and Scott would pull the trigger. “About Theo?”

“She found out. But,” the muzzle fell away from his back, but Ray swallowed his sigh of relief as anger crept into Scott’s voice, “this time was different. She knew I loved Theo. Theo. Not her. Not anymore. Theo… she just gets under your skin, doesn’t she?”

Since Scott couldn’t see his face, Ray managed a smile. She absolutely did, and in the best way. He nodded slowly, choosing his words as carefully as he could. “It can drive you mad when a woman does that. I spent seventeen years pining for one who got away.”

“It makes you crazy, doesn’t it?” Scott stepped away from him, moved to where the slider would go if it was ever installed. The wind snapped through the plastic and he shivered as it whipped through the room. “You hate them for the hold they have on you, but you can’t fucking break it, can you? It’s like… like they have something… I don’t know… fucking magical between their legs and it grabs you by the balls and won’t let go.”

He looked over at Ray. “You know what I mean, right?”

“I do,” Ray told him softly. “I almost ended up in prison because of her.”

“Because of that guy you killed, right? I know all about it. I hired that PI and he found out everything there was to know about you.”

Ray’s nerves calmed some. Keep him talking. Just keep him talking. “What did he find on me?”

“That you killed this guy in England. Some poor bastard named Green. Why? Why’d you kill him?”

“He slapped around that woman, the one who had that hold on me. I didn't like it and let him know it.”

Scott’s eyes narrowed, but they were still almost all pupil, which unnerved Ray to no end. “Damn, really?”

“Really.”

“McClintock also said you did time in Iraq. You were in the military?”

“I was, yeah. With the Hundred and First Airborne division, Third Battalion, Hundred and Eight-Seventh Infantry.”

Scott’s eyes narrowed. “Not with a British unit?”

“I wasn’t a soldier. I’m a photojournalist.”

Now his eyes widened. “Wait, you mean you took pictures of the shit that went down there?”

Ray nodded. “I did, yes. I was there for over a year, same battalion, same group of guys.”

“Damn…”

“That about sums it up.”

“You must’ve seen some shit. Theo know about this?”

“She does, yes. Not all of it, of course. But anything she’s asked me about, I’ve told her.”

“Did you ever kill anyone?”

“In Iraq?” Ray shook his head. “No. Journalists weren’t permitted arms.”

“But you knew how?”

He nodded. “We went through basic training, so I learned how to disarm and kill a man with my bare hands.” A total lie, but worth it as Scott visibly stiffened.

But perhaps not a wise lie to tell, as Scott lifted the gun once more. Ray held his stare even as his hearth threatened to explode from the speed with which it pounded. He felt faint. His stomach tossed and roiled.

At first, he thought the wind had grown louder and rougher, that the storm that had been threatening them all day had finally hit. But then red and blue lights swirled about and he realized what he heard was a helicopter hover overhead.

Scott moved away from the slider hole as Ray’s phone rang. Ray eased it from his pocket. “Hello?”

“Mr. Levine? This is Lieutenant McMichaels. How are you holding up?”

“I’m just peachy, what do you think?” His face hurt. And while most of the bleeding stopped, the wrong motion, and he found himself with a mouthful of blood again.

“Let me talk to Mr. Ryland.”

Ray lowered the phone to hold out. “It’s for you, Lieutenant McMichaels. He wants to talk to you.”

Scott shook his head. “I’m not negotiating with anyone. I don’t want to talk to any cops.”

Ray brought the phone back to his ear. “He doesn’t want to talk.”

“Put me on speaker.”

Ray lowered the phone again, one eye on the gun now at Scott’s side, and hit the speaker icon. “Go ahead.”

“Mr. Ryland, we want to talk to you. That’s all.”

“No. I don’t want to talk to anyone. And get that fucking copter out of here.”

“Mr. Ryland, we don’t want to see anyone get hurt. Just talk to us. Tell us what you want.”

“Theo.” Scott lifted the gun again. “I want Theo.”

“Theo?”

“Theo Bailey,” Scott told him, his eyes growing shiny. “Bring her here and I’ll talk to her.”

“I can’t do that, Mr. Ryland.”

“You better!” A hint of desperation wove thorough Scott’s voice as he pointed the gun at Ray and his hand shook. “Get me Theo or I swear to Christ, I’ll shoot this motherfucker right now.”

“We have to send a car to get her, Mr. Ryland. But you need to stay on the line with me now. Do you understand?”

“Hang up.” Scott stepped closer.

Ray looked first at the gun, then at him, and hit the icon to end the call. Almost immediately, the phone rang again. Scott shook his head. “Don’t you fucking dare answer it.”

“Mr. Ryland!” Lieutenant McMichaels’ voice echoed through the house, “we need to keep the line open if you want to talk to Miss Bailey. Answer the phone so we can do that.”

Ray’s cell rang again and this time, Scott snatched the phone from his hand and jabbed the speaker button. “I do not want to talk to anyone who is not Theo, do you get that?” He held the gun even with Ray’s midsection. “I swear I will shoot him right here and right now.”

“You do not want to do that, Mr. Ryland. We can talk this out and then you and Mr. Levine can walk—”

“He isn’t walking anywhere! This asshole is fucking my Theo! And that bitch is the reason I’ve lost everything!”

The gun shook furiously now as Scott let the phone fall to the floor and Ray braced himself as he said, “If you love her, don’t you want her to be happy?”

“I want her to be happy with me!” To Ray’s surprise, Scott’s eyes actually grew red and shiny and his voice cracked as he added, “I loved her, man. I was gonna leave all of this for her… and she… she chose you over me, man… She was fucking you behind my back the entire time…”

“She wasn’t. She really wasn’t. And I can tell you, shooting me won’t win her back, either. You should know that, should know her, by now.”

“I don’t care,” Scott told him softly, tears now streaming down his bruised cheeks. “I really don’t. Now, I just want her to suffer… to know what it’s like to lose someone she loves… And because of her, I’ve lost my home, my wife, this house… I’ve lost her. I’ve lost everything, man. And for what? What did I do to deserve this?”

Pain flared through Ray’s jaw and when he gingerly probed it, a hot sting swept along his face. “What do you want from me, Scott? What? I didn't mean to fall in love with her and I certainly didn’t plan on her falling in love with me, either. So, what do you want from me?”

“I want what was mine!”

“She wasn’t yours!” Ray shouted back, shaking his head. “Don’t you see that? She wasn’t and it isn’t because of me or because of her, but because you treated her like shit, Scott. You hit her, insulted her, called her names— that is not how you show a woman you care about her.”

“Shut up, man… just—just shut the fuck up.”

“Man up then, and take responsibility,” Ray told him bluntly. “Own your words, your actions, and grow the fuck up.”

“Shut up!” Scott swung, the gun butt clipping the same spot on Ray’s jaw to send him to one knee swearing and spitting more blood. He curved his hand against the throbbing bruise and looked up to find Scott aiming with the steadiest of hands.

Drew eased his MDX to a stop behind the last of half a dozen police cruisers on Ocean Avenue and Theo stumbled as she shoved open the door and tried to scramble out of the car. The street was a blinding array of flashing lights, whirring helicopter blades, and police spotlights and she felt sick as she stared up at the last house on the left.

Detective Laurence hurried over to them. “What in Christ’s name are you doing here? I told you—”

“I’ll stay out of your way,” Theo interrupted, tugging her hat lower over her ears as the wind sliced through her. “But, I had to—”

“Detective! Is that Miss Bailey? Ryland wants to talk to her.”

Theo’s heart sped up and her mouth went as dry as the sand on the beach in the middle of summer. “Why?”

The cop shrugged. “He’s been asking for you.”

Theo glanced over at Drew and without thinking, grabbed his hand. “Come with me.”

“Let them through,” Laurence called, “and take her to McMichaels.”

“Lieutenant,” the cop called, “I’ve Miss Bailey here!”

McMichaels turned around, a phone to his ear. “She’s right here, Mr. Ryland. I’ll put her on.” He hit mute and said, “Keep him talking. Grant, get the word out. They go on my signal.”

“They?” She looked from McMichaels, to Grant, to Drew. “They who?”

Drew was grimaced. “Sharpshooters.”

“Oh, God…” Her hand shook as McMichaels unmuted the phone and handed it to her. She lifted it. “Scott?”

“Hey, baby… god… I forgot how soothing your voice is.”

She swallowed hard, her gaze riveted on the house lit up by the helicopter searchlight. She couldn’t see anyone inside, and she wanted to ask about Ray, but managed to hold her tongue as she said, “What’s going on, Scott? What do you want?”

“I want you. I want you to run away with me, baby. We’ll go find some deserted island and just live there, you and me.”

“Scott…” She could only barely hear him over the whir of rotors and the buzz of police. A news chopper joined the police helicopter and she looked over by the MDX and saw two news vans as well. “We can’t do that. I’ve got work and a lease and—”

“Who cares? We can do it. Please… I made such a mistake and I want to make it up to you now, baby. Please let me.”

Her heart slammed harder against hr ribs. “Scott… we can’t. I can’t. I—I can’t. Please, just let Ray walk out of there.”

“Let Ray walk out of here.” Scott’s voice went flat. “Ray. That’s who you care about, isn’t it? You do love him, don’t you?”

She squeezed her eyes shut and drew in a deep breath, hoping like hell she wasn’t about to make the worst mistake of her life. “I do, Scott. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but it’s the truth.”

“Theo…”

“Let him go. He had nothing to do with the problems you and I had.”

“No. That was me. It was all me. I fucked up and I can’t fix it, can I?”

She drew in a deep breath and without thinking, grabbed hold of Drew’s forearm. “No. Please, let him go and come down here and talk to someone. Get help. You passed the event horizon yet. It’s not too late.”

“Son of a bitch. Yeah, Theo,” his voice grew harsher, “it is too late.”

The gunshot rang out and she dropped the phone as she jumped, her heart now in her throat as the police on the rooftop of the houses next door and across the street returned fire. She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think.

She bolted forward, only to have McMichaels grab her. “No, Miss Bailey, you are not going near there.”

“Ray! Oh, my God, let me go! Ray!” Her pulse roared through her head, hot, stinging tears blinded her, and no matter how she fought, she was no match for the burly McMichaels and only barely heard him shout for the EMTs to get up to the third floor.

She collapsed against him, horrified disbelief coursing through her. No, this was not happening. It just could not be happening.

But Drew gathered her in his arms and whispered, “I’m so sorry,” and she knew she was only lying to herself.

It happened.

#richard armitage #stay close #stay close fanfic #fanfic #ray levine #ray levine x oc #romance #friends to lovers #damaged people #healing #love story #some smut

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middleearthpixie · 2 years

Text

Damaged Goods ~ Chapter Thirty-Four

Author's Note: Just a reminder that this story takes place following the events of the miniseries Stay Close and will contain spoilers.

Title: Damaged Goods

Fandom: Stay Close

Pairings: Ray Levine x OC female Theodora (Theo) Bailey

Both Ray and Theo are still dealing with the aftermath of what happened

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 3,527

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here and AO3

Theo tapped her fingers against the steering wheel in time to Atlantic City as she navigated her way to the Toms River Bridge, which was technically two separate bridges—the eastbound Thomas A. Mathis Bridge and the westbound J. Stanley Tunney Bridge. Although the studio version was okay, her favorite was almost any live performance of it. No one could paint a stark image the way Springsteen could, and it suited her mood perfectly. Her passport would be sent to her within four weeks, if all went well, and in five, hopefully she and Ray would be in England and they could put what happened with Scott behind them.

She hadn’t slept well the night before. Her brain kept torturing her with sounds and images from the previous night. Only instead of Ray being ushered out of the house, he was the one on the stretcher, being wheeled to the morgue. She’d woken up in a cold sweat throughout the night, managed to fall back to sleep, only to have the exact same dream each time.

But she couldn’t tell Ray that. She had to take care of him right now. He was the one who’d been through hell, who’d been traumatized. Him. Not her. So her stupid brain could just go fuck itself right then and there. She’d ignore it as long as it took to get Ray through whatever he needed to process.

The Mathis Bridge was not one of her favorite things to drive. She hated bridges, hated heights, actually, and this bridge was high enough that she was convinced she could see Atlantic City from the top of it. She had nightmares of plunging over the side and into Barnegat Bay every time she drove it and this was no different.

During the summer, the traffic coming off that bridge onto Route Thirty-Five was usually the stuff of nightmares. But, in January? Smooth sailing. Seaside Park and Seaside Heights? Same. In fact, there was almost no traffic all the way down Thirty-Five and as she steered into her parking lot, her mood was a little brighter. Especially when she saw Donna’s Hyundai Sonata in what was usually Ray’s space.

“I was wondering where you were,” Donna greeted her as she climbed out of the Sonata. She was halfway to Theo’s Jetta when she stopped. “Are you—what happened? Your face is bruised again.”

Theo sighed, sinking against the Jetta’s quarter panel. “It’s been a long twenty-four hours.”

“What happened?”

Running a hand through her hair, Theo debated about whether or not to unload on her. With another long sigh, she decided unloading might help and so filled Donna in on the events of the last day.

Donna’s eyes went wide and she whispered, “Holy fucking shit,” more than once. And when Theo finished, Donna grabbed her in a bear hug and said, “But you’re okay, right? And Ray—Ray’s okay?”

“We’re both fine, more or less.” Theo’s eyes closed as she let Donna hug her tighter still. She was the closest thing Theo had to a sister and just knowing someone cared was enough to bring tears to her eyes. She blinked as fast as she could to hold those tears at bay.

Pointless. Her eyes overflowed and she cried into Donna’s shoulder as she whispered, “I’d never been so scared, Don. I thought Ray was dead. I did.”

“You just said he’s okay, though.”

“He is.” She drew back, swiping at her eyes as she looked to see Mrs. Montfort coming around the corner. “He’s got a pretty ugly bruise on his jaw, but physically he’s okay. He’s still shaken up mentally, though.”

“I think that’s kind of understandable. He almost died and saw Scott shoot himself. He’s bound to be a little traumatized by it.”

“He was up most of the night. I found him watching Get Up at six this morning and when I asked, he said he’d been up since about two-ish.”

“And you just left him and went to sleep?”

“No!” Theo gestured toward Mrs. Landry’s house and they started across the lot to it. “He had a painkiller and it knocked him out, so I put him to bed and curled up next to him. He got up during the night and just couldn’t go back to sleep.”

“Give him time, Thee.” Donna slipped her arm through Theo’s as they navigated the slushy sidewalk and up Mrs. Landry’s front porch. Theo rang the doorbell and a minute or so later, Mrs. Landry appeared.

“Ah, you must be the young lady Theo was telling me about who wants to take over her lease.” She pushed open the screen door. “Theo, why don’t you let me and your friend talk?”

Theo smiled. “Go for it, Mrs. Landry. You’re gonna love her.” She winked at Donna and turned to leave them on the porch while she went home. They didn't need her and she really didn’t feel like making polite conversation. Besides, she was tired enough that she was afraid she’d say something stupid and muck up Donna’s being able to sublet her apartment while Theo was in England and she really didn’t want that to happen, either.

She didn't see Donna until almost four that afternoon, when Donna told her everything was a go. She just needed to know what date Theo and Ray planned to leave and Mrs. Landry said she was fine with it no matter when it was, so that was one less thing for Theo to worry about.

Shadows stretched across the walls as Theo sat at her desk trying to get all the loose ends tied up. She didn’t know how one went about getting certified as a personal trainer in England, and she wasn’t even sure she’d be able to work, and trying to do any research on her laptop just gave her a screaming headache, so she closed the computer decided to worry about it later.

By seven-thirty, when Ray still hadn’t come home, she checked her phone to see if maybe she missed a call from him.

She hadn’t.

By eight-thirty, she was wearing a trench between the kitchen and the living room with her pacing. She’d held off calling him, not wanting to be accused of mothering him again, but now, she dialed his number.

“Hey, this is Ray. Leave your name, number, and a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

“Ray, it’s me… I know you don’t have to check in with me or anything, but I’m starting to get worried, so—”

The sound of a key in the lock had her whirling about and she hung up when Ray came into the apartment. He managed a lopsided smile and said, “Hey, baby.”

“Where’ve you been? I was starting to get worried.”

“I was…” He reached up and rubbed his forehead. “I went to get my car detailed—to get the rest of the blood out of it, and I was with Drew after that and then I went for a walk. On the beach.” He waved a hand in the general direction of the Atlantic. “I needed to think.”

“Are you okay?” She stepped up to lay her hands flat against his chest. “Ray?”

“I’m fine. I told you, I like being near the water. It—it clears my head.” He leaned in and gently brushed her lips. “Christ, I can’t wait until kissing you doesn’t hurt.”

He spun away from her, going into the kitchen, where he tugged open the refrigerator and pulled out a Yuengling chocolate porter. “You want one?”

“No, I’m good.”

He moved to take a bottle opener from the drawer and popped off the cap. He lifted the bottle to his lips for a sip, but as soon as he did, he swore and lowered it. He tried again, from the opposite side of his mouth.

She pressed her lips together, debating her next words. “Ray, I have straws if that would make it easier for you.”

His shoulders stiffened, his eyes narrowed and she regretted saying anything. But then, he relaxed and shook his head, and even offered up a hint of a grin. “I don’t think I’ve ever sipped a beer through a straw before.”

He set the bottle down on the counter and carefully rubbed his face with both hands. “It’s been a very long day.”

She sighed softly as she closed the space between them, sliding her arms about his waist. “I know,” she murmured, resting her head against his chest. The faint thump of his heartbeat was more soothing than she’d ever imagined it could be, and when his arms eased about her, she closed her eyes. “I was getting worried about you,” she whispered after a long silence.

“I’m fine. I just felt a little restless and being near the ocean always seems to help. I should’ve called, but I rather lost track of time.”

Resting her chin on his chest, she peered up at him. “Didn’t the dark give it away?”

A faint smile played at his lips. “By then I figured I was already in trouble, so it was go big or go home at that point.”

“You aren’t in trouble. I’m not your mother, you know. Just a worried girlfriend.”

“Good.” He offered up that lopsided smile, adding, “How insane do I look?”

“No more than you usually do.”

He bent to her, gingerly brushing her lips with his once more. That was all she expected, but then he angled to his left, his lips parting, and as his tongue swept along hers, she couldn’t hold back her sigh, sliding her arms about his waist. Apparently either this did not hurt him or he didn’t give a damn. Either way, she responded in kind, teasing him with her tongue, taking care not to sweep the raw part of his inner lip and cheek. His arms tightened about her, his hands skimming along her back, curving about her backside to pull her into him.

Her fingers bent into his soft flannel, her breath harder to catch as his mouth moved carefully against hers. She rocked her hips to meet him without thinking, then pulled back, whispering, “I’m sorry… you’re probably not up to—”

“Shhh…” He brushed his lips against her forehead and added, “I am absolutely up to it, but just not right now. There’s something I have to do first.”

What could he possibly have to do and why didn’t he do it before he came home? Theo fought back a disappointed sigh, and smiled up at him. “What’s that?”

“You’ll see.” He brushed her lips with a quick kiss. “Get your jacket. We are going out.”

“Out where?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Ray.”

“What?” He winked. “I don’t.”

“Ray.”

“Trust me.” He moved to the breakfast bar to grab his keys, then lifted her coat from the back of the stool, where she’d tossed it earlier. He brought it back and held it up for her to slip into, then bent to press a light kiss into the top of her head. “Let’s go.”

If the beach during a January day was empty, on a January night, it was utterly desolate. But, the wind was calm and the air not quite as frigid as it had been, and the night sky sparkled with stars all the way to the horizon.

Ray eased the Compass into a parking spot a deserted municipal lot and said, “It will make sense in a minute. I promise you it will.”

She looked at him like he’d lost his mind. Maybe he had. Maybe he’d never really had it at all to begin with, he didn't know. All he knew was that this was where he needed to be right now. Hopefully, Theo would understand. He had the feeling she would. She seemed to get him no matter what. She understood him. More so than any other woman ever had, with the possible exception of his own mother.

Even so, she didn't exactly look convinced as she pulled on her Rutgers hat and shoved open her door. “I know moonlit walks on the beach are what every girl is supposed to claim she loves,” she said as she pushed the door shut, “but I don’t think anyone means in the dead of winter.”

“Just… trust me, okay?” He came around to hold out a hand, smiling as she slipped hers into his and laced their fingers.

They made their way up the wood ramp to the boardwalk. According to Theo, come summer, the boards would be alive and blinding with neon lights and tourists from all over the world. There would be buzzers going off for the water balloon race stand, and carnies trying to outshout each other in order to draw more warm bodies to their amusement. The rides would be blinking and buzzing and ringing, and the train that traversed the perimeter of the far end would chug along. Children would be laughing and yelling, their parents and other adults talking and laughing, and the air would be heavy with the tang of sautéing onions and peppers, sweet Italian sausage, and the sickly-sweet scent of coconut tanning lotion.

But for now, it was all dark and deserted, the stands boarded up for the winter, their awnings rolled tightly away, the sweet shops and soft-serve stands were dark and empty. The boards were empty as well, the wind the only patron rolling up and down between the stands.

He led her away from the amusements, to the ramp that led down to the beach itself. The soft sand shifted beneath his feet, and the wind rustled through the sea grass growing on the dunes between the beach and the parking lot. The water was calm, sparkling like jewels under the full moon, the waves breaking as gently as they knew how against the shore. The only sound was the rustle of the grass and the swoosh of the surf.

And Theo couldn’t hear it, but the sound of his heart picking up its pace.

“Ray, it’s freezing out here.”

He turned to her. “I know. But, I just thought this was the perfect place for this.”

Her eyes were puzzled. “For what?”

“This.” He sank to one knee, fumbling in his jacket pocket for the small jewel box he’d tucked inside it when he and Drew left the mall earlier.

Her eyes widened. “Ray…”

“I know it’s been crazy, and I know this has been a whirlwind for both of us. And I originally planned to do this when we got to England. I thought London maybe, or maybe Blackpool itself, I don’t know. I hadn’t decided. I hadn’t really thought that far ahead for anything, and I know we’ve not been a couple for long, but we’ve known each other for a few months now and it just feels… right… you know? It feels like this is what I should—what we should do, if that makes any sense. And I know it’s rather crazy on the surface, but further down? I know there’s no one else I’d rather be with than you, and there’s no one I want to share things with the way I do with you. And I know it’s all new and rather sudden and that common sense says it hasn’t been long enough and that we really ought to slow down and maybe wait a while. And maybe that would be the sensible thing to do.

“But, last night, I realized I didn't want to wait. That there are thousand reasons why I should, and none them mattered a single bit. Last night was a reminder that we aren’t promised anything but this one fucking moment. And I am not letting this one fucking moment get away from me.

“I love you, Theo. And I don’t want to live without you. And I was stoned last night when I said it, but I’m dead sober now so,” he opened the box and held it up, “will you marry me?”

Her jaw actually went slack, her, “Ray?” barely a whisper as she stared first at the box’s contents, then at him.

“What? I know we’re both freezing our asses off out here, and it’s not exactly as romantic as it would be in the summer, but I think it suits us this way.” He smiled up at her, lowering the box to pull the ring from its bed of black velvet. Instead of a traditional diamond, he’d chosen an amethyst surrounded by smaller diamonds. Purple was her favorite color and since traditional wasn’t necessarily her thing, a purple stone it was. He caught her hand by the fingertips and eased it onto her ring finger. “I even got the size right.”

“Ray…”

“Marry me, Theodora. Don’t make a guy with a busted up face beg.”

Her eyes sparkled like the ocean under the moonlight, shimmering with tears as well as she nodded and said, “I will, yes. Now, stop calling me Theodora.”

“Never.” He rose and caught her around the waist, lifting her to meet his kiss. Ignoring the pain in his jaw, he tried to smile as normally as he could when she pulled back and her hands gently curved about his face. “I thought you’d like the amethyst better than a diamond, but if you preferred the dia—”

She silenced him by gently pressing her lips to his this time and when she drew back, it was to whisper, “I don’t want a diamond, Ray. I’d be happy with an old-fashioned cigar band if it means I can spend the rest of my life piling my laundry on you.”

“Oh, Christ, not that.” He couldn’t hold back his laugh. “I mean, I never minded the towels, but the jeans and the underwear I could do without.”

Her smile faded and her eyes grew serious and as he lowered her back to her feet, she said, “All I could think about last night, while I was down there with the cops, just waiting for it to—to end, was how we met, how our relationship has unfolded. I saw Ty—Christ, it was just yesterday that I saw him. Yesterday and it seems so much longer ago—but I saw him and do you know what he told me?”

Linking his fingers at the small of her back, he held her at arms’ length. “How would I know what he told you when I wasn’t there?”

“He introduced us not just because he wanted to help you out, but because he wanted this to happen.”

“No shit?”

“No shit.” She smiled up at him. “His exact words were, ‘there was a reason I suggested you to each other, you know. Ray’s a good guy who just found himself in a little bit of a mess and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, so I thought I’d try to bring you together. And you both owe me huge now.’ He thought we’d be good for each other. And all I could think about was how right he was. And all I wanted—” her voice wavered and her eyes grew shiny and when she ducked her head, he pulled her back against him. She sniffed quietly. “And all I wanted was for you to walk out of there.”

She looked up at him then, her eyes overflowing to send silvery tears streaking along her cheeks. “And I honestly didn’t think you would.”

“But I did, so let’s not dwell on what might have happened.” He curved his hands against her cold cheeks, brushing her tears away with his thumbs. “In a few weeks, we’ll get out of here and I’ll show you my world. And maybe we can plan a wedding while we’re at it.”

“A wedding… can you see me in a frilly white dress?”

“Frilly? No.” He pursed his lips for a moment, then grinned. “And I think white is absolutely the wrong color. Maybe red? Is that the color a jezebel’s supposed to wear?”

“Jezebel?”

“Well, you know, you’re not exactly a virgin, so white seems… pointless. Red’s probably better.”

“Ray!”

He laughed, then winced and sucked in a sharp breath at the same time. “What? Not even red?”

“Ray.”

“What?”

“I ought to junk punch you.”

“Junk punch?” He shook his head. “Oh, no, love…we treat Ray’s boys nicely. Otherwise, you might be a little disappointed the next time you want to fool around and you find out you’ve broken him.”

She kept a straight face, but he didn't miss the way her eyes danced with merriment. Still, she met his gaze, shaking her head. “After that crack, I’m not so sure I want anything to do with your boy parts now.”

“My boy parts?” He leaned forward and just barely swept her lips with his. “Love, I will have you begging for my boy parts before this night is over.”

“Oh, is that so?”

He nodded slowly, and then winked at her. “Care to prove me wrong?”

“You’re on, Mr, Levine.”

#richard armitage #stay close #stay close fanfic #fanfic #ray levine #ray levine x oc #romance #friends to lovers #damaged people #healing #love story #some smut

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middleearthpixie · 2 years

Text

Damaged Goods ~ Chapter Forty-Five

Title: Damaged Goods

Fandom: Stay Close

Pairings: Ray Levine x OC female Theodora (Theo) Bailey

Ray has an unexpected request for Theo…

Warnings: Unprotected intercourse

Rating: M

Word Count: 3,897

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here and AO3

When they returned to the flat, Ray flopped down onto the sofa, closing his eyes, and let out a low sigh. “It feels like today has lasted at least a year.”

“Well, I hope Cassie finally got the message.” Theo sank onto the arm of the sofa and gazed down at him. “I really don’t want to have to deal with her any more than I absolutely have to.”

“I can’t imagine why.”

She tossed one of the throw pillows at him. “She really is a bitch, you know. And seriously, if she doesn’t take the hint and just go away, I might have to hurt her.”

“Well, my money is on you,” he opened one eye and grinned up at her, “because you are a badass American who knows how to kick ass when she needs to. Now,” he held out an arm, “come here and let’s not talk about her any longer.”

She carefully eased down from the arm and stretched out beside him. “What?”

“I just wanted to snuggle. Isn’t that what women want from us modern guys?”

“You’re tired, aren’t you?”

“Love, I’m exhausted. I didn’t sleep much last night, you now.”

She tucked her head against his chest, smiling as he tightened his arm about her. “And what about tonight?”

“I think I’ll sleep the sleep of the dead for now.” His fingers moved lightly along her hair. “What about you?”

“I’m not the one who had that huge decision to make,” she told him softly, tugging his tee shirt from the waist of his jeans to slip her hand beneath it.

“No, but you’ve already had your life turned upside down as it is. This is just another tumble, so to speak.”

“I’m not even completely unpacked from the last move.” She craned her neck to gaze up at him. “When is this guy going to let you know where you’re being assigned?”

“In the next week or so. For now, I’m reporting to the London bureau, and Grant’s already said there’s a good chance I’ll stay in London for the time being.”

She sighed, tired at just the thought of having to move again. “So, we have to go apartment hunting in London now?”

“I’m already on it, love.” He tightened his arm about her and pressed a kiss into the top of her head. “I have friends all over the UK, you know, and one just happens to be a realtor who will find us a few flats to look at. I thought we’d travel down there this weekend and see what she’s found for us.”

“I want something with a view. And a big bathroom. And a gourmet kitchen. And—”

Leather creaked as he shifted to come over her and cut her off with light kiss. “I want something we can afford and London is not exactly affordable.”

“Damn. I thought AP photojournalists made the big bucks.” She smiled up at him, easing her hands beneath his tee shirt to trace her fingernails along his back.

“Maybe someday.” His eyes closed, a soft sigh rising to his lips as she lightly dragged her nails back down toward the waist of his jeans. He shivered against her, and bent to press his lips to hers once more.

When he drew back, she reached up to brush his hair away from his face. “Well, I suppose I can wait for that day.”

“Good to know.” His phone buzzed across the coffee table, and with a low sigh, he snagged it, hit accept, and brought it to his ear. “Ray Levine.”

His expression grew serious as he carefully eased off her. “Of course,” he said, rising from the sofa to cross over to the kitchen. “I can do that. Sure. I owe you, Fester. This on is on me.”

She sat up on the sofa as Ray put down the phone. “What did he want?”

He grinned over the breakfast bar. “One last assignment. A thirteen year old’s bar mitzvah.”

“Paparazzi for hire?”

“You know it.” He sighed. “Well, I had to dig out my camera and equipment any way. Come and give me a hand?”

“You need me to help you find your stuff that you packed?” She followed him down to his studio.

“Not exactly.”

“Then, what, exact—” The words died on her lips as she reached the bottom of the staircase and saw the collage behind his workstation.

Every single one of the Cassie photos was gone and in its place, were photographs of Theo, ones she hadn’t even realized he’d taken. “Ray?”

“In the time since I first set foot in Jersey,” he reached for her hand, drawing her down the last two steps and around to stand in front of him, “I’ve found the camera really does love you, Theodora, and I know it’s a little weird, but I like shooting you.”

“Ray… how did you do this without my knowing?”

“Most of them were done with my phone and it’s easy to take pictures of someone with a phone. You would have thought I was just playing a game or checking my bank balance or email, but this is what I was doing.”

He eased his arms about her, pressed a kiss into her cheek and then said, “And we need a few more of us. So, I thought tomorrow maybe we’ll do some sightseeing and I can get a few of us.”

“When do you have to go play paparazzi?”

“Not until Saturday. We have the next few days to ourselves, love, and I thought maybe—just maybe—you’ll let me photograph you in that lingerie as well?”

“Ray.”

“No one else will ever see them. I promise.”

“Ray.”

“What? A beautiful woman in sexy lingerie? It’s a photographer’s wet dream, unless you’d agree to pose nude for me.”

“Ray!”

“What?”

“You’re joking, right?”

“Love, I would never joke about you naked.” He winked at her. “I swear on my camera no one else will ever see them.”

Heat swirled through her at the thought of posing nude for him, which was silly, since he’d already seen every inch of her and explored it to the fullest. And of course, she trusted him, trusted that no one else would ever see the pictures if she didn't want them to be seen.

But still, she hesitated. “Ray…”

“What?”

“I don’t know… The last thing I want is to see a visual reminder of the fact that I’m not a young woman any more. Why on earth would you want pictures of me that scream that fact at the top of their little pixelated lungs?”

“You still don’t get it, do you?”

“Get what?”

“Fifty is just a number, baby. You’ve got a killer body that puts women half your age to shame, and a beautiful face that will get you carded until you’re eighty. Not to mention, I think you will thank me when we’re finished and you see for yourself just how fucking hot you are, because you really are just that fucking hot.”

A teasing shiver rippled along her spine at the seriousness in his voice. She wanted to believe him, and wished more than anything she could, but the fact remained, she was fifty years old. Time was catching up and it made her more insecure than ever.

His arms tightened about her. “Let me shoot you, Theo,” he murmured, sweeping his lips along her neck. “And I promise no one else will ever seen them unless you want them to be seen.”

“I barely want you to see me.”

He stared at her as if she’d just said the craziest thing he’d ever heard. “Why?”

“Well, because.”

“Because why?”

“Because I’m an old lady and I hate being reminded of that, that’s why! I’m good at what I do, but the new owners of Tony’s gym didn’t see that. They saw an old woman and that was bad for their look, so they decided I had to go. And I’ll probably have a hell of a time finding another gym for that same damn reason. I. Am. Old.”

“Oh, holy Christ, you are not old, Theo. You’re younger than me and I’m not old, so—”

“It’s not the same for men and you know it.” She pulled out of his arms, but reached up to touch the streaks of gray at his temple. “This is sexy, Ray. Women look at you and oh, my God, they fucking drool over you because you’re aging so perfectly. And I mean women of all ages from young to old. They look at you and fantasize about being with you. If I stopped coloring my hair and let it go to my natural color—whatever it is now because I don’t remember because I’ve been bleaching it forever—it’s probably more gray than anything and you know what I’ll get? A granny discount. So, no. I really don’t want any more reminders of the fact that my boobs sag and my skin is all crepey over my knees when I straighten my legs out and that I look like I’ve been awake for a week straight when I’ve had a great night’s sleep because I’ve got bags under my eyes. Why would I want that?”

“Theo, that’s a load of crap and you know it.”

“Is it? Because the woman I see is not the one you’re trying to convince me exists. And no, I don’t want to be reminded of that any more than I already am.”

“You’re being ridiculous.” He reached for her once more. “You are gorgeous, love, and I will prove it to you. If you’ll let me.”

“No.” She moved toward the stairs. “It’s really the last thing I want, Ray. You’re great at what you do and all, but there is no way to make me look like anything other than an old woman and I don’t want that. I just don’t.”

At the foot of the staircase, she paused, glancing over at the collage. “I appreciate that you think that way about me, but I don’t want anything to change that and I think you seeing nude photos of me will absolutely change that.”

“They won’t.”

“Sure they will.” She sighed softly, combing her fingers through her hair, which felt sticky and unruly from the salt air. “I have to wash the beach off me, and then I’ll see about dinner.”

“Theo, wait—”

She turned and hurried up the stairs as her eyes stung. Some days, her emotions were more out of whack than others and today was one of those days. While she knew Ray meant what he’d said, she couldn’t help but fear that any photos of her would shatter that vision of her.

For the most part, she’d handled getting older well, or so she thought. But she saw how women reacted to Ray, how they stopped to take another look at him as they passed by him on the sidewalk, or in a shop, or out on the midway at Pleasure Beach or Seaside Park. It didn't matter. He aged like wine—a little finer every day.

She aged like milk. And her expiration date was fast approaching.

She tried not to think about it as she started the shower and pulled off her clothes to leave in a heap on the bathroom floor. The spray was hot and relaxing, needling the stress from her skin, her muscles, her joints. She closed her eyes and leaned into it, worked it through her hair to wash the sea air from it.

She was just rinsing the shampoo from her hair when the door whooshed open and Ray angled in behind her. He didn't say a word, but just slid his arms about her waist and bent to sweep a kiss along her shoulder, up toward her neck.

Her eyes closed at the first touch of his lips, at the gentle caress of them moving along such sensitive skin. His hands splayed against her belly, then slid up and cupped her breasts as he caught her earlobe between teasing teeth. His hands tightened on her, his thumbs slowly slipping about her nipples, beading them, sending warmth cascading through her as only he knew how.

Her back arched of its own to press her breasts deeper into his hands, and he kneaded them with a gentle firmness that made the warmth only grow. It flowed with her blood, to her core, where it twisted into delicate knots that pulsed and swelled with each pinch, each roll, each pluck of her nipples.

He released one breast to slide that hand along her belly, down into the growing heat between her legs. “I wish you could see the woman I see,” he whispered, his lips just brushing her ear. She bit down on her bottom lip as his fingers slipped into her curls, into here heat, and he swept ever so lightly over her clit. “Because she is stunning. Sexy. Seductive. She is the woman I fantasize about, the woman I dream of, and the woman I love to the ends of the earth and back, Theo.”

She bit down on her bottom lip as he slid his fingers through the wetness pooling between her thighs that had nothing to do with the shower and everything to do with him, as he slid into her folds, over her clit, toward her entrance and just lightly swirled his fingertip about. She couldn’t hold back her low moan as she rolled her hips to meet him. He slid that finger inside her, gave a gentle pulse, crooked it and did something utterly magical with it.

Sweet fire filled her with each teasing stroke. Her entire body tightened about him, her, “Ray…” light and airy and almost vapor as he stroked her faster now.

“You have no idea how beautiful you are,” he murmured as he teased her, his voice low and velvety and as much a caress to her ears as his touch on her body. “Because you are, you know… beautiful and sexy and I am a lucky man, to call you mine, love. A very lucky man…” His lips brushed her ear. “I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you and I still can’t believe you’re mine, baby… You could have any guy you wanted, but you’re here with me…”

“Ohhh…” She couldn’t hold back her low moan, couldn’t even form coherent thoughts. How could she, when white-hot pleasure screamed through her as he applied more pressure? The sensual tightness within her core was reaching its melting point, her entire body already humming with the desperate need to come. Her eyes refused to remain open. Her body refused to remain still. With each stroke, each pulse, he brought her nearer to the edge of insanity and she wanted to leap off that cliff.

Hot water cascaded all around them. Steam billowed into the air, a combination of her growing desire for him and the water itself, no doubt. Her entire body tingled as he held her there, teetering on that edge. As his finger moved faster still. As his thumb grazed her clit.

She exploded.

“Ray!” She came in a fiery flash, her body trembling from the force of her pleasure, and as the wave receded, he cradled her against his chest, slowly easing his finger from her.

She spun toward him and smiled up at him. God, he looked positively edible, with water beading across his shoulders and chest, his hair damp enough to encourage its natural wave and his eyes looked even bluer thanks to how the water spiked his eyelashes, and what could only be described as pure lust. He loomed over her, all broad chest and shoulders and his smile held so much sin and promise, her knees actually felt weak for a moment. She couldn’t imagine a time when this man didn’t have this effect on her, when she didn’t ache to have him inside her with little more than his touching her. Hell, he only had to look at her the way he did just then, and she’d be wet for him.

“I love you,” he growled, catching her face in his hands and tilting it to his. “And I don’t ever want to hear you tell me you are anything but the absolutely fucking sexy woman you are, do you understand me? Because you are the most stunning woman I’ve ever been with and that is not going to change.”

With each word, his lips brushed hers, his breath came across her lips as a warm whisper and she swallowed hard as she met his gaze. “Ray…”

“It won’t. Not ever. Christ, I love you…”

He didn't wait for her to reply, but captured her lips with his and she melted against him, her heart slamming her ribs hard enough to probably go through them. His arms slid about her waist. He lifted her easily and backed her up against the slick, warm glass.

She welcomed his kiss, her lips parting, her tongue slipping into his mouth caress his, to tangle with it and draw it back into her own mouth. Her legs wrapped themselves about his waist, her arms about his neck, and when he shifted her enough to fit himself inside her, she tightened her legs around him, unable to hold back her lusty moan as he thrust and slid deep.

He moved slowly inside her, his moan mingling with hers as pleasure slowly eddied through her. There was nothing like the feeling of him against her without anything between them and her body tightened about him, every nerve tingling with delight as he slowly teased her.

The glass against her back was warm and slick and with each thrust, she slid along it easily.

“Theo…” Her name emerged as a long, low purr as he clasped his hands at the small of her back as he thrust again, even more slowly this time.“Oh, Christ, baby… This is what you—oh, holy hell—what you do to me…”

His words had a heady effect on her, her insecurities drained away, and as she met his gaze, as she saw the pure desire radiating through those brilliant blue irises, she shivered against him. He felt so fucking good, and she wanted to make him feel every bit as good as he made her feel.

Linking her fingers at his nape, she offered up a smile as he drew back, and thrust again, with a bit more force this time. A muscle bulged along his jaw, testament to his control as he arched into her again. Her entire body tingled from the silky pleasure of him moving so easily inside her, and she couldn’t hold back a soft laugh as she tightened about him and he shuddered in response, his heavy-lidded eyes closing for a moment.

“Oh, baby…” he managed to grit, surging hard once more. “Christ, you feel so fucking good.”

Her body trembled around him and deep within her core, her orgasm took root. He surged again, she arched to meet him, and he growled low in his throat when she did. His hands tightened on her, his thrusts harder and sharper now. Back and forth. Each thrust more powerful than the last, even as a muscle bulged along his jaw and tension corded his arms and shoulders. He felt amazing—hot and sleek and full inside her—and she didn’t want to move any faster, but savored each amazing inch of him slipping deeper inside her.

He slowed, then went still and she shook her head. “Don’t stop, Ray… please don’t.”

“Are you sure?” His eyes were like smoked sapphires, his smile sleepy and sinful at the same time. “Because if—if you aren’t—” He shuddered against her, “you need to tell me now because it won’t take much more for me to come.”

She smiled as she tightened about him and he groaned low in his throat. She did it again, then murmured, “Don’t stop.”

She clenched about him harder this time, which brought a low, husky moan to his lips. “If—if you say so,” he whispered, moving ever so slightly. “Sweet Jesus, you feel absolutely fucking incredible…”

“So do you,” she managed to grit back as the knots in her core tightened with each of his powerful thrusts as he moved again, surged hard, slid deep. She sank her fingernails into his back, leaned to seize his lips with hers, and that was all it took. He hammered into her, crushing her between him and the glass wall as his body tensed. His eyes closed. A low moan rose to his lips.

“Theo… baby…” He moaned softly, his breath hitching, his hands tightening on her. He thrust to meet her and that was her undoing. She melted around him, pleasure spiking through her like flaming arrows.

She hit that peak, sailed over it, out into the abyss, and as she did, Ray tensed and then slammed her against him as he came with a throaty, “Oh… ohhh, yesss…”

He shuddered, wrapping his arms about her, crushing her against him as he spilled into her and when it was over and she sank against him, he cradled her once more, whispering, “I love you,” between rapid breaths.

She pressed her cheek against his, also fighting to breathe even as she managed an airy, “I love you back, Ray…”

He gently eased from her and set her down, but drew her flush against him, his fingers grazing along her back, as he murmured, “I hope we didn't just make a giant mistake.”

“We’re fine. Trust me,” she whispered back, smiling as she lifted her head. “The calendar is on our side.”

He curved his hand against her cheek. “On our side?”

“On our side.”

“I hope so.”

“Trust me. Isn’t that what you’re always saying to me?”

“I do trust you.”

“Good. You should. Just like I trust you.”

He leaned away to grin down at her. “So, can I convince you to pose for me?”

“Do you really want me to?”

“Yeah,” he nodded without hesitation, “I’ve wanted you to since the moment I met you, but it would’ve been awkward if five minutes after I set foot in your apartment I said, ‘Hey, I know you don’t really know me from a hole in the ground, but I think you’re fucking gorgeous and I want to take nude pictures of you. What do you say?’”

“Yeah… awkward is not what comes to mind with that. I’d have probably hit you.” She smiled, her cheeks growing warm as she added, “Is that what you really thought, though?”

“More or less. And I can tell you that now because you’re stuck with me. But, yeah, I wanted to see you naked the moment I met you and wanted to sleep with you about five minutes later.”

“Ray.”

“What? I did. You’re hot, Theodora.”

“Ray!”

“What?”

“You’re nuts and don’t call me Theodora.”

“I will never not call you Theodora.” He smiled, tightening his arms about her. “And you haven’t given me an answer on the shoot, love.”

She drew in a deep breath and slowly nodded. “I suppose I can throw you a bone there.”

“Is that a yes?”

“It’s a yes.”

“Nice…”

#richard armitage #stay close #stay close fanfic #fanfic #ray levine #ray levine x oc #romance #friends to lovers #damaged people #healing #love story #some smut

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