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jacksonroseroth · 4 months

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~The Price~Chapter 6~

Moodboard done by @badwolf-in-the-impala, none of the pictures are mine.

Taddie finished packing her things, then moved on to Juniper’s, Thatcher waiting by the door with her suitcase, watching her run around. Juniper ran with her, as Taddie carried all her toys and treats, Rowdy soon joining as he thought it was a game. More than once Taddie nearly tripped over him and Thatcher was quick to rush to her and catch her before she toppled over. Ash watched everything from her doorway, raising her brow and studying Thatcher each time he bolted forward to grab Taddie. He always made sure she was okay before he let her go, but once he did, he went back to the door to watch her and wait.

While Ash still didn’t trust that her friend was making the right choice, let alone trust Thatcher in general, she helped carry Juniper out to the car as Thatcher took both of Taddie’s suitcases to the trunk. Taddie stashed Juniper’s bag and carrier in the back before Ash helped her put the harness on Juniper before she unleashed the small beast into the car. Once she had everything, Taddie turned to Ash with a sad smile, Ash having a hard, yet sad expression with her arms crossed. She gave her friend a look then pulled Ash into a tight hug, both women letting out soft whines and sniffles as they said their goodbyes.

They knew it wasn’t a real goodbye, Taddie wasn’t moving moving out, but with the other being all they had to keep them sane, they both knew this was going to be a lot harder than they thought, at least to let each other go. Thatcher stood back and watched the pair embrace and not let go, then he drew his brows together, suddenly feeling guilty and questioning if this was even right, let alone the right thing to do. But Taddie soon broke the embrace and promised she would be at work the next day, making Thatcher swear he wouldn’t pull any stunts to keep her from her shift. Ash stepped back and watched Thatcher open the door for Taddie, helping her in, then closing the door before he went around the car to get in himself.

Juniper jumped to the front seat and into Taddie’s lap, pressing her front paws to the window as Thatcher backed out. Ash gave a small wave and a smile, Taddie returning it and feeling her eyes sting with tears as they drove away. She watched the house disappear in the side view mirror, then pressed her face into Juniper’s fur, trying to stifle her sniffle with a kiss to her belly, then sat back with a soft sigh. Thatcher glanced over at her, shifting his hands on the wheel to reach a hand over to slide it across her thigh. Slowly, she slid her hand over his and gripped it, but she didn’t look at him. He furrowed his brows as he stole another glance at her, beginning to worry he had forced her into this.

Thatcher pushed the door open and let Taddie walk in with Juniper. She let the cat jump down, still on her leash. Taddie waited until Thatcher had closed the door before she bent down and unhooked the leash from the harness and said, “Go on, Juni.”

Juniper sniffed at the floor as her eyes darted around, then she ran to the chairs, jumping onto one, then the other before she jumped to the mahogany table then tore across the apartment.

“Juniper!” Taddie cried, starting to run after her, worried. Thatcher caught her hand and spun her back to him, making her squeak then gasp and press her hands to his chest. She stared up at him then let out a quick, light laugh before she bit her lip. “I-I don’t want her to break anything…”

“There’s a lot of open space, kitten. The only thing I’m worried about is her falling into the pool…Might have to invest in a gate or a solid cover or something, though.” Thatcher said, sliding his fingers along her jaw as he tilted her chin back. She began to smile at him, then stopped as she saw his features were etched with concern as his eyes roamed over her face. As she opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong, he asked first as he said, “Do you want to be here, Taddie? Here. With me. Doing all of this.”

“I-I--Yes. I s-I said yes yesterday. Thatcher, what-?” Taddie started.

“You didn’t want to leave Ashlen. You didn’t want to leave your home-”

“It wasn’t my home…”

Thatcher raised his brows, surprised, and Taddie snapped her mouth shut as her brows drew together, tightly. He cupped her cheek, lightly, and ducked down to press a soft kiss to her lips. She kissed him back, curling her fingers around the edges of his jacket as she clung to him. She let out a soft sniffle as he broke the kiss and said, “Taddie, I need you to look me in the eyes and tell me you want to do this. That you don’t feel forced-Like I’m taking you prisoner.”

“No. Thatcher--It-Yes, it-it’s weird, it doesn’t sound right when I say it out loud…But th-this…What you’re offering me, Thatcher--My painting is my passion, I couldn’t turn this down. Odd and sketchy as it might seem, I…” Taddie stopped, her breath catching in her throat as she stared up at him. He took a deep, slow breath and pushed his hand from her cheek into her hair. Taking a deep breath of her own, she said, “I trust you. You-You’ve shown me you’re not-you’re not trying to like…Take advantage of me. You didn’t need to offer Ash that for me. She would have come around--You didn’t need to do that…And you did. It-That-It-It kind of felt…Good. You were trying to make this as easy as possible for me…And I trust you because of that. Thank you, Thatcher.”

“You’re welcome, Taddie.” He whispered back before easing his lips onto hers again in a deeper kiss, wrapping his arm around her waist and pinning her against him. She pushed her hands up his chest with a soft sigh as she kissed him back, gripping his shoulders lightly.

Somewhere in the apartment, glass met the black tile that lined the entire space and made them break apart quickly as Thatcher said, “Of course, I do have heirlooms that I’d prefer to remain that way?”

“I’m so sorry-Juniper!” Taddie called, breaking away from him and hurrying to find her demon child as Thatcher followed at a slower pace, his hand lifting to press a button among a line of them on the wall as he passed. He followed the sound of Taddie’s voice until he rounded the corner, into his office, where Taddie quickly scooped Juniper up off the floor as she had begun creeping toward the mess that she’d made. “Bad kitty cat. This isn’t our home, we can’t just push things over, Juni--Thatcher, I’m so sorry. It-It was just a clear glass vase?”

“That’s okay. I think it was like $10, just decoration. Is Juniper okay? Did she get cut?” Thatcher asked as he went to them, gently taking one of Juniper’s paws in his fingers, rubbing the pad of his to hers, lightly. Taddie shook her head and shifted her in her arms.

“No, she’s fine. I’m-I’m sorry…Maybe I should take her back and leave her with Ash. I’m sorry--”

“I told you to bring her. I knew what I was doing when I said it. Juniper can stay, I just need to get a few things and hide a few others.” Thatcher said with a soft chuckle. Taddie nodded and let out a soft sigh, looking up at him with a small smile.

“Is everything alright, Mr. Price?” A female voice came, making Taddie jump as Thatcher turned, waving an older woman in. She had graying brown hair and was dressed as a maid, carrying a broom and dustpan.

“Everything is fine, Lucette. Just an accident. By the way, Taddie, this is Lucette Cassini. She’s been my housekeeper and cook for-What is it, now, Cette? 8 years?” Thatcher asked as Lucette shooed them away from the broken glass as she began to sweep it up. He chuckled and tugged Taddie along with him as he backed up, sliding an arm around her waist and keeping her close.

“Oui, Monsieur. 9 next March, Mr. Price.” Lucette said with a soft giggle, glancing over at them, then doing a double take and eyeing Taddie as she swept. She let out a quick slew of Swedish, though her French accent came through, and Thatcher responded. Taddie looked up at him, her eyes a little wider and her brows raised in surprise and arousal. She knew he was a Swede, but she’d constantly forgotten that he spoke the language. Hearing him speak so quickly and effortlessly honestly turned her on and a series of thoughts flew through her mind.

“Lucette--This is the new lady of the house. Taddie Prior.” Thatcher said, arching a brow at the woman before looking down at Taddie with an almost prideful smile. She felt her cheeks heat and her smile grew as he pressed a kiss to her temple.

“Oui, bien sur-It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady.” Lucette said, turning to her and dipping into a curtsy. Taddie winced and shook her head, shifting awkwardly as she started, “Oh, n-no, please--”

“You need to get used to it, kitten. You’re my girl now. This is how you’ll be treated.” Thatcher whispered into her curls, giving her hip a tight squeeze to stop her. Taddie snapped her mouth shut, giving Lucette a sweet, polite smile and bowed her head at her, lightly, as she said, “Th-Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”

After another exchange of Swedish, Lucette said, “-Oui--Well, Madame, I will provide a list of dishes I serve Mr. Price. If you have allergies or wish another dish, please let me know so I may prepare properly. Laundry is done on Thursdays and Saturdays on alternating weeks. If you have anything that needs dry cleaning, I’ll leave bags for them.”

Taddie blinked as the old woman swept up the glass and spoke so quickly at the same time. She tried to find her words and stammered out, “I-I, um, I, uh-Y-Yes-Yes…ma’am? I don’t--”

Thatcher chuckled and kissed her cheek before he said, “Thank you, Lucette. We’re going to unpack and change, then go for breakfast. We won’t be back until after lunch. Have the morning to yourself.”

“Merci, ma puce.” Lucette said, giving him a grateful smile and dipping into a quick curtsy before she walked out, going to the trash can to dump the broken shards. Taddie let out a sigh, then turned to him with a half awkward chuckle and her brows lightly drawn together.

“I don’t think she likes me very much. Your housekeeper has grown attached to you. Should I be worried?” She teased, shifting Juniper in her arms as she got antsy, then climbed onto her shoulder. Thatcher chuckled, giving Juniper a quick scratch before he looked down at Taddie and said, “Maybe--She’s my housekeeper now, but she helped raise me and my brothers since we were in Sweden--Ma puce. It-It means…My flea. We were always her ‘little fleas’ because we were always jumping around and clinging to her when we were babies.”

Thatcher chuckled, embarrassed, and Taddie bit back a teasing smirk as she saw his cheek turn pink for a moment. With a soft giggle, Taddie slid her hands over his chest as she said, “I think it’s cute. So, she was your nanny? Did she teach you French?”

Taddie tried to keep the interest from her voice as best she could, but Thatcher still heard it and quirked an eyebrow at her before he said, “Est-ce quelque chose qui te passionne, chaton?--Why did you sound so excited when you said that?”

“Not excited…Not not excited. Though that answers my question, thank you.” She cooed at him. Pushing her hands over his shoulders, she threaded her fingers through the hair he left down from putting the other half up in a bun. Since the first time she saw him, she’d never seen any other hairstyle on him and part of her ached to see all of it down. As Thatcher tugged her closer, Juniper jumped from Taddie’s shoulder to a file cabinet and Taddie said, “Why don’t you ever wear your hair down? Even when you sleep?”

“Do you want to see it down more often?” He asked. She gave a shrug and said, “I’d like to see it…If this is how you like to wear it-”

“It’s easier than fighting my Father to cut it like he made Tristan and Theo…But having short hair doesn’t really work well when I headbang with the band.” Thatcher said with a chuckle. Taddie let her head tilt back with a soft chuckle before she said, “That’s right. The big, bad, black sheep of the family is in a big, bad metal band…What’s the name of this band, anyway?”

“Omens of Wrath. We can listen to a few songs on the way to breakfast if you want? We only have one album out so far, but we’re working on another.” He said, sliding his hands to her hips and shifting back. She pulled her hands to his chest and she nodded.

“We can, iiiff…You tell me where we’re going for breakfast?” She countered with a smirk. Thatcher rolled his eyes and tsk’d at her.

“You just refuse to let me surprise you. We can listen to them another time.” Thatcher said with a smirk, stepping back from her and taking her hand to lead her out of the office. Taddie chuckled and followed him, closely, gripping his hand in both of hers. He led her back to the front door to grab her bags, then brought her to the bedroom space. As she hoisted one of her bags onto his bed, Thatcher went around it and passed his closet, going to a second door and slid it open. Taddie’s mouth dropped when she saw an empty closet space and he turned to her, saying, “Go ahead and unpack. I have to make one more call, then we’ll go.”

“You didn’t need to make me a whole ass closet. I can live out of-“

“Absolutely not, Taddie. You’re my girl, you’re going to have your own space…And I didn’t make anything. Just did a little spring cleaning and got rid of a few old suits and jackets, some pants and shirts-Unpack, kitten.” Thatcher said, giving her a smirk as he moved around the bed and headed toward his office again. Taddie gave him a playfully reprimanding look as he walked across the floor then let out a soft giggle and turned to the closet in the wall, pushing her suitcase across the bed before rounding it.

Taddie quickly put her bras and panties into a drawer first, casting a glance over her shoulder to make sure he wasn’t watching, then continued on, unfolding what needed hanging and sticking hangers in them. She made quick work of both suitcases then put the smaller into the larger, zipping it up. She chewed her lip and glanced around, unsure of what to do now, then hearing Juniper’s bell, she smiled and went to grab Juniper’s bag and litter box. She looked around, unsure of where to put her box, then decided it should just be near the bathroom, for easier cleaning.

Once Taddie had set up the litter box, she placed Juniper's food and water bowls in the same area, not wanting to take up too much of the apartment. As she finished unfolding the little cat tent, Thatcher walked out, still texting on his phone, then stopped as he did a double take, watching Taddie try to make everything organized, but contained to the one corner. He chuckled and shook his head, deciding instead of letting her know she could spread out, that he’d just rearrange it himself when she was gone. He went to the glass brick wall and leaned against it with a small smirk.

“Ready to go?” He asked, making her jump and fall onto her butt as she turned, looking up at him with big eyes, blinking. He chuckled and quickly went to her, helping her up and sliding a hand around her hip. She gave him a look, laying her hands on his arms, though he caught the small smile that crossed her face.

“If you want to surprise me? Do it with gifts or fancy dates. Not like that. It may not end well for you next time.” Taddie teased at him, biting her lip lightly. Thatcher chuckled and kissed her cheek before he said, “Let’s get going, kitten.”

Thatcher led Taddie down to a private garage where a number of older looking cars sat. They all shined as they were well taken care of, but Taddie was still stunned by them. She loved classic cars, especially Mustangs, and her gaze zeroed in on a cherry red one that sat at the end of the line as he led her to a small ‘58 Corvette. As he glanced back at her, Thatcher stopped and smirked, following her gaze down to the car. Taddie looked up at him and gave him a sweet smile before taking a step toward the passenger side of the Corvette, but he stopped her, redirecting her down the line. She bit her lip as she tried to contain her excitement as they got closer and closer to the Mustang and Thatcher bent down to slip his hand under the wheel well, grabbing the keys and unlocking the door.

Taddie giggled and bounced on her toes, lightly, before looking up at him with a grateful smile. Thatcher chuckled down at her before she quickly lifted on her toes and pressed a kiss to his lips then got in. He blinked, shocked, but pleasantly, and let a genuine, happy smile touch at his lips as he closed the door and rounded the car to get in. As Thatcher started the car, Taddie slid her hand over the dashboard in awe and let out an astonished and ecstatic sigh before she sat back and looked over at him. He put the car in gear and pulled out, going up to a sealed door with a little keypad mounted on a metal rod.

While Thatcher punched in the code, Taddie chewed her lip, hesitating, before she shifting closer to him, leaning into his side. Thatcher looked down at her with a smile and she wrapped her arms around his, resting her chin on his shoulder with a small smile of her own. He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead before he pressed the gas and the door opened, speeding out. Taddie let out a squeak then giggled, realizing he’d had work done to the car and switched out the engine, possibly reworked the entire car, the way it flew down the tunnel. She didn’t know much about cars, but she knew enough to know an old car like this does not accelerate like that, nor sound like a modern day sports car.

The tunnel came out in the middle of the highway, off an access road in the forest. They easily joined the light traffic and sped north, Taddie soon seeing signs for the airport that Thatcher seemed to be following. She looked up at him and raised a brow, but she knew better than to ask, as she knew he’d just say it was a surprise and to be patient. The realization dawned on her that she was getting to know him and had begun to anticipate his answers. She’d only spent a night with him, but she found that she was excited to find out just what he had in store for her; Whether that meant a date or visiting his family, she was curious and eager to find out.

It didn’t necessarily scare her to be doing this with him, the son of a mobster. What scared her was being stuck at the bar for the rest of her life as she struggled to make something of her paintings. Taddie quickly realized she was hoping he would bring up her work again and ask to see them, eager to show him. She remembered that he said he liked art, and being in a band already, she hoped he had an artistic mind and would actually critique her work and not criticize it.

Her thoughts were soon pulled from wandering as she felt the car slow as Thatcher turned into a private hanger off the airport runway. Taddie bit her lip and felt a smile tug at her lips, realizing he was flying her somewhere, most likely on a private plane or jet, because why wouldn’t he have one? Spoiled, little rich boy. A smirk flew across her face as he pulled into the hanger, indeed, a dark blue jet sat inside, a gold streak painted from the nose to the tail. Taddie took a deep breath as her heart pounded in her chest, then looked up at Thatcher as he cut the engine and looked down at her with a smile. He pressed a kiss to her temple and opened his door, taking her hand as he slid out, helping her as she scooted over.

“Mr. Price. We’re wheels up and ready to go when you are.” The pilot said, coming up to him as Taddie stepped out and Thatcher pulled her into his side, affectionately nuzzling his nose into her curls. Or at least that’s what he made it seem.

“It all starts now, kitten. Are you ready?” Thatcher whispered to her, gripping her hip and giving her a squeeze. Taddie closed her eyes and smiled a little more, biting the inside of her cheek. She pressed a hand to his chest, sliding her other arm around him, and looked up at him as he pulled away to smile at her. She gave him a light nod and he guided her arm down to take her hand, then looked at the pilot with a single nod. The pilot turned, making his way toward the plane, and Thatcher led Taddie along.

Thatcher let Taddie go up the stairs first, keeping hold of her hand as he guided her arm over the railing, then dropped it and quickly followed behind her, placing his hand on her waist. They ducked inside and a stewardess greeted them, offering them each a glass of champagne. Taddie glanced back at Thatcher, who nodded and gave her a smile. He waited until she had taken her glass to reach for his, curving his arm around her to let her walk into the jet before him. Taking a sip, he laid a hand on her hip, guiding her to the window seat, the both of them sitting down.

Taddie took a deep breath and glanced out the window, twisting the stem of the glass between her fingers, anxiously. Thatcher set his glass in the holder and reached to do the same to Taddie’s before he sat back and slipped her fingers into his palm as her hand dangled from her arm rest. When she turned to him, he lifted her hand to kiss the backs of her fingers before he said, “Are you feeling okay? You’ve flown before, right?”

“Um, a few times? Planes still seem sketchy to me…Wh-Where--?” Taddie stopped and let out a soft sigh, rethinking her words. “H-How far are we going? I don’t like…Need a passport or something, do I? Cause I-I actually don’t have one…”

Thatcher bit his lip for a moment, fighting his laughter before he let a few chuckles slip and lifted a hand to her cheek as he said, “We’re going to New York, kitten…So fucking impatient.” He let out another chuckle and he saw her eyes go dark for a moment that intrigued him.

Taddie chuckled and wrinkled her nose at him, leaning into his touch, slightly, as she said, “I just don’t want to be flying over open water. That scares me--Fucking terrifies me, actually.”

“Hmmm--How are we going to get you to Sweden for Christmas then? The passport isn’t an issue…” Thatcher mused at her, taking her chin between his fingers. His smirk grew as her eyes shrunk back at the thought, then she scrambled to wipe the fear from her face. He laughed and guided her closer for a quick kiss before he said, “I’m teasing. We usually go to Vail, but we’re having Christmas at home for once.”

“Because Tristan might propose? Why can’t he propose in Vail?” Taddie asked, letting her fingers slide between his as he dropped his hand to hers and he gave her a stern look.

“Don’t ever mention even the word when we’re around any of my family. I’m serious. Tristan finds out word spreads, he’s gonna have my ass. I said I wasn’t sure, but we’re fairly certain because he acts squirrely and weird when we talk about her even moving in. He keeps insisting on having her move after New Year’s…But, yes. That’s why.” Thatcher said, his look melting into a smirk as she narrowed her gaze at him for a moment. She chuckled and shook her head at him before sitting back, leaning her head on the rest behind her, gazing up at him. He smiled down at her, slowly letting his head fall back as well. With a light chuckle, he said, softly, “You’re so beautiful, Taddie. I’ve never seen curls like yours before…You’ll definitely make an impression on the family.”

Taddie’s cheeks turned pink and she bit her lip, looking away from him with a soft, shy giggle. Swinging her head back to him, she said, “Because of my curls? Why? What’s so special about them?”

“Mmm-No one in my family has ever had curls. Maybe a light wave, I have a bit more frizz in humidity…Never curls. Not like this.” Thatcher said, pulling his fingers from hers and taking a curl, rubbing the silky strands between his fingers. Taddie bit her lip as she felt her smile widen, then leaned closer, tilting her head back as she angled for a kiss. Thatcher obliged and kissed her, deeply, pushing his hand along her jaw, cupping it lightly. As his lips curved into a smirk against hers, he whispered, “You’re quite the little actress.”

“Who said I’m acting? Maybe you’re just a really good kisser and I might as well take advantage?” She mused back with a smirk. Thatcher rolled his eyes at her with a teasing, annoyed sigh, making them both laugh as his hand dropped back to hers, their fingers lacing as the stewardess came back to them.

“The captain has just informed me we’re about to take off-Mr. Price, Miss Prior, please put on your seatbelts. We should be in New York within an hour. Once we are in the air, you may remove your seatbelts and move about the cabin.” The stewardess said with a bright smile. Thatcher and Taddie both thanked her and buckled themselves in before their fingers laced again, both of them returning to it as if it were second nature. Almost the second they did though, the engines of the jet roared to life as they started to move and Taddie squeezed her eyes shut and gripped Thatcher’s hand as it had begun to shake lightly.

Thatcher glanced over at her, giving her two, quick, soft squeezes before he said, “Hey, are you alright?”

“Mm-hm…” Taddie said, not moving and not looking at him, gripping the other arm rest.

“Taddie-“

“Hmm?”

“Taddie.”

“What?”

“Look at me.”

“I am.” She said, 100% not looking at him, in fact she still didn’t move.

Thatcher reached his hand over, gently taking her chin and turning it toward him. She let out a small whine and her eyes squeezed tighter. “Taddie, look at me. Open your eyes.” He said. Her eyes snapped open, then quickly shut again as she gave a small whimper. She’d looked at Thatcher, but her gaze caught the movement in the window across from them and her chest pounded. “Look at me-“

“I tried. I saw the window and we’re moving, I-“

“Focus on me, kitten. Don’t think about or look at anything but me…Open your eyes, Taddie. Look at me, baby.” He said, softly, comforting her. Taddie took a deep breath, slowly opening her eyes, and focused on Thatcher’s green gaze. He felt her hand ease up on his and she let out a slow breath. He gave her a smile and slid his fingers along her jaw, then the backs up her cheek as he praised, “Good girl. Just focus on me, baby. That’s my girl…It’s just a plane. I’ve flown in it a hundred times.”

“I-I know. Just when-Taking off and landing freak me out cause-“ As she spoke, they hit a rough patch, jolting them around briefly. Taddie let out a whine and snapped her eyes shut again, gripping his hand as she pushed herself back in her seat, trying to fuse into it so she’d be safer. Thatcher chuckled and moved his head onto her head rest, touching his forehead to her temple.

“Hey, it’s just turbulence. It’s normal. I promised you that you’re safe with me and you are. I’d never let you set foot on this jet if I knew something was wrong…Taddie. Kitten, look at me.” Thatcher whispered to her, rubbing his hand over her arm, trying to calm her. She let out a deep, slow breath and turned her head to his, pressing their foreheads together before she slowly opened her eyes and looked up at him. “Good girl…It’s okay, love. We’re already in the air. Once we level out, you’ll feel fine, yeah?”

Taddie nodded and bit her lip, letting her eyes close for a brief moment as she brushed her nose against his and whispered back, “Thank you, Thatcher…”

“Of course, kitten.” He whispered before giving her a quick peck and lifting his hand to her cheek again. Once they hit their cruising altitude, Taddie slowly relaxed, as there was no more turbulence, and she sat a little more forward in her chair with a sigh. Thatcher lifted his hand, sliding the backs of his fingers over her cheek as he said, “Are you gonna be alright? You know we still have to come back too?”

“I-I know. I know…I—Yeah, I’ll be fine…I think.” Taddie said, turning to him and drawing her brows together, lightly. Thatcher chuckled and shook his head at her as he lowered his hand and sat back, then lifting their joined hands to kiss the backs of hers with a smile. She let out a soft chuckle and smiled at him, her eyes sliding over his features. Her lip slowly slid between her teeth, lightly, as he turned away to grab his glass and take a deep swig. Taddie had finally released her arm rest and picked up her glass to do the same, ending up finishing it out of anxiety. She set the empty glass down and sat back, closing her eyes with a deep sigh.

“Have you ever been to New York?” Thatcher asked as he turned to her again. Taddie opened her eyes and turned her head to him, shaking it lightly.

“Never. I’ve always wanted to go, though. Just to experience it.” She said. Thatcher raised a brow and hmm’d at her, making her narrow her gaze as she asked, “Why? What did you do? Are we even going to breakfast?”

“Of course we are! I’m just…Thinking.” He said with a smirk, giving her hand a squeeze before he pulled his hand back and unbuckled his seatbelt. “I’ll be right back. Bathroom.”

Thatcher pressed a kiss to her cheek before he stood and rounded the chairs, going toward the back of the plane. Taddie smiled and watched him go, then chewed her lip as she turned forward, looking around the cabin. The stewardess seemed to have been staring at her, intensely, for when Taddie swept her gaze over the woman, she made Taddie do a double take with how quick she looked away. It made Taddie arch a brow, confused, even more so when she pulled out her phone and sent a series of quick texts before stashing it away. The action stirred something unsettling in Taddie’s chest but she forced it down as Thatcher came back to retake his seat.

“So, can I at least get a gist of what we’re doing? There’s no way you’re flying me to New York just for breakfast…” Taddie said, giving him a look. Thatcher chuckled softly and slid his fingers over the back of her hand as he cooed at her, “I could be. You never know.”

Taddie cocked her head to the side and arched a brow at him, unconvinced, then he laughed and said, “There’s a tailor’s that’s open-I know you said no custom clothes, but other stores aren’t open just yet. And he has a selection ready to purchase, if they fit you.”

“So, shopping…” Taddie teased with a small smirk. He shook his head at her lightly with a chuckle as she continued, “And what else? You’ve got something else planned-I sense it…”

Taddie narrowed her gaze at him, briefly and teasingly, making him chuckle before he said, “You’ll just have to find out then. You’ve already ruined the New York surprise-“

“I didn’t ruin shit! I asked how far! You’re the one that told me!” Taddie cried with a half offended, half amused look. Thatcher laughed, loud, tossing his head back against the rest as she punched his shoulder with an amused, but reprimanding look. Taddie bit her lip and giggled as she leaned a little closer, over both armrests, as he brought his head back down to look at her.

“Alright, fair enough…But, I’m still not telling you what else we’re doing.” Thatcher said, turning forward. Taddie smirked, triumphantly, and said, “Ha—I knew there was more.”

Thatcher looked at her, raising a brow and chuckling. She pursed her lips at him, briefly, then lifted her brows, lightly, waiting for him to speak. He shook his head at her with a soft, amused smile and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. Her brows lowered as her smile widened a little more and she let out a shy giggle, quickly looking away, biting her lip. Thatcher chuckled and pulled his brows together as he asked, “What? What did I do now?”

“Nothing. It-It wasn’t you.” Taddie said with a light laugh, turning back to him with pink cheeks. He chuckled and bit his lip, lightly, growing fond of that look on her and wanted to put it there another way. She lowered her gaze to the silver chain around his neck, lifting her hand to reach up and take it between her fingers. “I just don’t understand it…”

“My necklace? Well, back in the medieval times--”

“Shut up, you idiot. No.” Taddie laughed, dropping her hand as she shot him a look, then smirked. Thatcher snickered and nodded at her as he said, “Go on. What? What don’t you understand?”

“How we can just stare at each other and be silent and…And it’s not awkward.” Taddie said, softly, almost bashfully. Thatcher took a deep breath as his smile widened, nodding in agreement.

“Though, I’m not trying to figure it out and ruin it. I say, for this instance? Ignorance is bliss.” He said, leaning closer and sealing his lips to hers. Taddie kissed him back and pulled her hand from his to slide her fingers over his cheek as she turned to him more. Thatcher let his, now, free hand drift over to her thigh, rubbing up and down, slowly, before giving it a soft squeeze as he flicked his tongue at her lips, demanding they part. Taddie happily obliged, letting his tongue slip past and spar with hers for a moment before she broke the kiss with a soft gasp, quickly glancing at the stewardess before Thatcher opened his eyes to look down at her. He chuckled and rumbled at her, “Suddenly so shy? Thought I was a good kisser?”

“I believe I said maybe?...And I think we’re being watched. I don’t do live shows…Outside a bedroom at least?” Taddie mused back, sucking her bottom lip between her teeth. Thatcher raised his brows, amused and intrigued, as he chuckled at her, making her blush deepen. He smirked at her then glanced back at the stewardess, who quickly tucked her phone away when she saw him.

“I told you it starts now. It’ll only spread once we get to New York. I know what to look for, who to look for. I need you to never leave my side and I will never leave you alone, I promise you.” Thatcher said, his voice turning a little more serious, making Taddie’s smile drop from her face. Seeing the quick change, he shook his head and said, “I’m only telling you so you won’t wander. I promised you were safe with me, kitten.”

Taddie nodded and bit her lip, clasping both her hands over his, still resting on her thigh. Thatcher took a deep breath and gripped her thigh a little more as he drew his brows together, not wanting to scare her, but she needed to know.

“We’re…Not exactly friendly with the New York mafia families-My family isn’t. The last time Theo and Luna went to New York, it was for their honeymoon. It was fine until the last two days when word finally reached the families, and suddenly, they couldn’t get into restaurants, they couldn’t go shopping…The families pulled their strings and the puppets obeyed, didn’t let them in and threatened to call the police.” Thatcher said, reluctantly and guiltily. Taddie squeezed his hand so tight he yanked it back and she furrowed her brow at him as her anger rose.

“And you thought that would be the best place to bring me? Are you fucking kidding me, Thatcher?” Taddie shot as he rubbed his hand and gave her a sympathetic look.

“I know. That’s why my guys drove up there last night after they left you when you got home. You didn’t notice they’re not here? They’re up there, making sure we can land safely and get to the tailor’s and to breakfast…I promised you, Taddie. And I meant it--You’re safe.” Thatcher said, reaching his hand up to cup her cheek. She flinched away at first, then chewed her lip before turning away with a soft huff. His hand fell to her shoulder, sliding down her arm, slowly, then back up as he leaned closer, pulling back her curls to press a kiss to her neck, then the shell of her ear, then her cheek. “Kitten, you really think I would go through all this trouble to get you, only to put you in harm’s way? Absolutely not, Taddie. I have far more than the four men that you see me with at the bar. We’re going to have eyes on us everywhere we go. If anything happens, they’re going to take you back to the airport and fly you home. I told them to leave me and make sure you’re safe before they come back for me.”

“You need to tell me these things beforehand. Not when I have no choice anymore. Don’t take away my choice unless you have to. Which you shouldn’t ever have to.” Taddie sighed, staring out the window as they flew over the country. Thatcher nodded and nuzzled his nose into her cheek until she let a small smile tug at her lips and she turned her head to him. “And don’t fucking lie to me. Ever.”

“I promise, Princess. Do you forgive me? Are you still mad at me?” He asked, crooking a finger under her chin and lifting it a little higher. She finally gave him a small, sweet smile before she said, “I wasn’t mad…I was annoyed. But I wasn’t mad. I-I have anxiety and it gets bad sometimes. Stuff like that--You need to tell me way in advance, or as much as you can. Yeah, I’m gonna be anxious and freak out, but it’ll pass if you just help me through it. I-I spiral a-and I scare myself.”

“Did I make you do that just now?” He asked, looking guilty as he brushed his thumb over her jaw before dropping his hand. She nodded and took his hand in hers as she said, “It’s okay. I’m okay. Just know if anything happens, I’m gonna have a real hard time trusting you after…”

“I know. Believe me--I know.” Thatcher said, gripping her hands for a moment as his expression went hard for a moment. She lightly scratched her nails over the back of his hand, trying to relax him, then leaned closer to press a deep kiss to his lips. He gripped her hand and pressed his forehead to hers when she broke the kiss with a light sigh. “No more of this. Today was supposed to be a fun day. I didn’t mean to bring you down.”

“You didn’t. I’m still excited to go. I’m just nervous now.”

“I promised, Taddie.”

“I know.”

Let me know what you think! <3 If you'd like to be added to the taglist for future chapters, send me a message!

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lickstynine · 5 years

Text

Misadventures of Kit: Chapter Twenty-Five

I just want to say a quick thank-you to those of you that have been waiting so patiently for this. I was really struggling when school first started back up, but I think I’ve finally gotten into a routine, so I’ll be trying to post chapters regularly again.

written with @ocsickficsideblog

By the time Kit was feeling well again, it was barely a week til Christmas. He’d been watching the calendar warily. The Raycraft Christmas ball was drawing close, and even though he wouldn’t be going alone, he was still terrified. Siofra had visited several times while he was sick, and she’d promised repeatedly to beat the shit out of anyone who bothered him, but Kit couldn’t shake the lingering feeling that something would go wrong.

Now it was the 19th, and Kit was getting dressed properly for the first time in almost two weeks. He’d promised to take Siofra shopping for a dress, both as thanks for going with him, and so she’d have something appropriately fancy to wear. Alistair had of course insisted on coming along, and the younger boy was sitting impatiently on the bed while Kit put on mascara and re-re-re-fixed his hair.

“Kit, are you done now?” Alistair asked. He was grumpier than usual because he really didn’t like crowded shops, wearing his scruffy jeans and his black jacket so he could pull the hood up and sulk.

“Almost, but I’ve said repeatedly, you don’t have to come.” Kit huffed. He loved going shopping with girls, but he hated shopping with Alistair.

“Yeah I do. I need to protect you.”

“From what? The shopping centre werewolves?” Kit rolled his eyes.

“I don’t know what’ll crop up,” Alistair mumbled. “Not werewolves. You clearly don’t know your lycan folklore.”

Kit groaned. “That’s not the point. My point is, I don’t need a bodyguard, and even if I did, Siofra is stronger than you. You hate shopping, there’s no reason for you to come.”

“I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

Kit sighed in frustration. “Well, you’re choosing to come along, so you don’t get to complain.”

Alistair pretended to pout. “But there’s so much to complain about!”

Kit gave him an irritated look. “I’m serious. This is supposed to be a nice day with Siofra.”

“I was joking,” Alistair said. “You can just say if you don’t want me there.”

“Will you get offended if I say that?”

“No.” Yes.

Kit rolled his eyes. He knew better. “Come along, but if you start whining, I’m calling Taddy to take you home.”

“Okay,” Alistair said, brightening just a little. Kit didn’t make him stay home, that was enough to cheer him up. Kit just sighed dramatically, putting on his scarf and gloves and many coats before daring to leave the house. Though his cough had mostly cleared up, the cold outside air still made him wheeze. Alistair supervised this process, making sure Kit was adequately bundled.

When the boys made the trek down the stairs, Siofra was waiting outside the block of flats, with Finny sitting loyally at her feet. Alistair immediately cheered up, kneeling to greet him. Finny was equally excited, throwing his front paws on Alistair’s shoulders to bark and lick his face. Alistair laughed delightedly. “Hello, Finny! I missed you!”

Finny boofed in response, nearly tackling Alistair in his continued attempts to cuddle. Kit rolled his eyes, but Siofra grinned. She had deliberately brought Finny to distract their inevitable third wheel. She met Kit’s eyes, and he nodded gratefully. Alistair was none the wiser - it might hit him later on tonight, and he’d feel indignant, but now he only had eyes for Finny. Siofra ‘generously’ offered him the leash. He took it at once, beaming, genuinely believing she was being kind.

Kit took Siofra's newly-free hand, and they headed off towards the shopping centre at his admittedly slow pace. She didn't seem bothered, telling him about the hike she'd gone on last weekend - she and Riagan had trekked Ockley to Leith Hill, which sounded terrifying to Kit, even in fairer weather, but he listened loyally as she rambled.

“I'd offer to take ya sometime, but you're not exactly… outdoorsy.” Siofra laughed.

Kit shook his head. “I know, it's alright. That was always more Al's thing than mine.”

“What was my thing?” Alistair called back. He’d gone dashing ahead with Finny.

“Going outside.” Kit said, “Like into nature, not just out of the house.”

“Oh yeah, I like that. As long as there’s no people.”

Siofra snorted. “Well, yeah, that’s half the point of goin’ out. Get away from all the bustlin’ crowds ‘o idiots.”

“Definitely,” Alistair mumbled, petting Finny. The dog licked his hand before walking ahead to sniff a tree. Siofra went back to talking to just Kit.

It took almost an hour to reach the shopping centre, but Kit and Siofra were still chattering away when they approached the first store. Kit was so absorbed in a story he was telling, Siofra had to tug his arm to keep him from smacking into the doorway. She rolled her eyes. “You’ve got the survival skills of a dodo bird.”

“I’m not that bad.” Kit huffed. “I’m not extinct.”

Siofra fought the urge to snark back, knowing she couldn’t let him know what Alistair had told her. She settled on, “That’s sheer fuckin’ luck from the look of it.”

“That is correct,” Alistair said.

Kit just huffed again, leading her to the women’s formalwear section of the shop. “Come on, we’re looking for dresses.”

“What sort of dresses do you like, Siofra?”

“I like bright colours. Blue an’ green usually look good, black is easy. Somethin’ that makes my tits look nice, nips in at the waist.” She replied, looking at a deep blue gown on a mannequin before shaking her head. “Colour’s nice, but it’s just a shiny tube. Might look nice on a real skinny girl.” Suddenly, an idea made her snort. “Kit, you try it on.”

Kit’s face flared red. “I’d rather not.”

“He’s not trying it on,” Alistair said firmly. He knew Siofra didn’t know about the Dress Incident, but it still rankled.

Siofra drew back a little. “Jeez, okay. It was a joke. C’mon, let’s just look around.”

“Sorry,” Alistair muttered quietly, but he didn’t offer an explanation. Kit was just glad to be distracted by dressed, guiding Siofra over to an emerald dress with a low-cut top and a full, flared skirt.

“What do you think of this?”

“It’s nice. Little plain, though. If it’s gonna be long, I want somethin’ to be happenin’, ya know?” Siofra mused. “Is there anythin’ with lace? I like lace dresses. It’s like ‘I’m pretty, an’ I’m fancy, but I still fuck.’ Y’know?”

Kit laughed, “I don’t, but I’ll take your word for it.”

“You’re a weird girl, Siofra,” Alistair said, grinning.

“So are you.” She grinned back, turning to examine a deep purple dress with a patterned bodice. Kit came to look with her.

“This fabric is lovely.”

“Yea, looks like it might get warm, though.” Siofra said. “Don’t wanna sweat too much while I’m dancin’.”

Kit paused; he was always cold, he hadn’t even thought of that. “Oh… you’re right. You want something lighter, then?”

Siofra nodded. “Yea. Some’o these are nice, but I wanna look around more. Nothin’s speakin’ to me yet.”

Alistair didn’t join in the conversation much. He mooched around swishing the skirts of mannequins and making shoes dance on his hands and generally worrying the staff as they watched him mess with things. Finny, ironically, was well-behaved the entire time, just padding quietly at his side. Eventually, Kit and Siofra gave up, leaving the store to explore another. Alistair sighed to Finny. “They’ll be at this all day.”

Finny let out a dog sigh. Kit and Siofra were already ducking into another store that had stunning gowns on the mannequins. Kit was pondering outfits, and after a moment he asked, “How do you feel about red?”

“I like a good red. Red is a sexy colour.” Siofra said, winking at him.

Kit grinned. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He’d had a vision of him, hair freshly dyed, red accoutrements paired with a sleek black suit, gold jewelry on top of it all, and Siofra, in a matching red gown and gold accessories.

“You got an idea?” She asked, “You’re makin’ a thinkin’ face.”

Kit nodded. “Come on, let’s find a red dress you like.”

Siofra followed him through the store, gathering up several gowns in varying shades from wine to crimson. Alistair sighed and made scarlet woman jokes, picking at his hangnails. Finny nosed his leg while Siofra smuggled Kit into the dressing room with her. Alistair raised his eyebrows, squatting down and shaking Finny’s paw. “Honestly, Kit is so blooming fancy he won’t answer the door in pyjamas, but I bet he’s getting up to stuff in there with Siofra. Gross. I hope they buy the clothes and don’t just put them back.”

If Alistair actually thought about it, he would’ve known Kit was just in there giving Siofra input on the dresses and helping her try them on. They went through about eight gowns, but all they really figured out was what they didn’t like.

Sequins look too cheap.

The short skirt is too casual… and a little slutty.

That wine colour is too dark, and cool. It doesn’t quite suit you.

Narrow skirts aren’t very flattering to your shape.

These rhinestones don’t look that elegant up close.

Eventually, they came back out, dumping all eight dresses on the reject rack. Despite the seeming failure, both Kit and Siofra had a fire in their eyes.

“To the next store?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yup. Finny, come on!” The dog stood up, tugging Alistair along after his owner.

“You two look like you’re going to war,” Alistair said, running to keep up.

“To war with tacky dresses!” Siofra yelled. She was practically lifting Kit so she could run faster, but he was still out of breath by the time they got to the next boutique.

“Siofra, be careful with him,” Alistair called, as if Kit was his premature newborn.

“I’m fine, Al.” Kit mumbled, but he was wheezing as they walked into the shop.

“Siofra, he needs to rest a minute.”

She paused in the doorway, looking around and finding a cushioned bench to deposit Kit on. “I need to piss anyway. I’ll be back. You figure out how to breathe.”

Kit nodded, waving as she walked off. Alistair sat beside him, rubbing his back. “You alright?”

“Just tired.” Kit sighed, running a hand through his hair. His chest was still heaving, and he let out a tiny wheeze with every exhale.

Alistair bit his lip. “Your chest still sounds bad.”

“It always does, this time of year. Fucked up from years of pneumonia.” Kit mumbled, leaning on the back of the bench. “I should've brought water.”

“Want me to go buy some?”

“Would you?” Kit took out his wallet, handing Alistair a crisp fifty pound note.

Alistair grinned at it. “Yeah, I’ll buy it. With this fifty.”

Kit rolled his eyes. “Just keep the change. I don’t have anything smaller.”

“Course not,” Alistair said fondly, leading Finny to a smaller shop selling health food and fruity drinks. “Wait there.”

Kit, of course, stayed put, out of exhaustion as much as obedience, while Finny sniffled curiously at the shelves of the shop. Alistair found water easily enough, pulling a face at Finny. “Lots of gross food in here…”

The dog didn’t seem as bothered, nosing at anything he could reach. The shop owner was giving Alistair a less-than-delighted look. Alistair quickly paid, getting even more evils for using a fifty. He returned to Kit at nearly the same time Siofra did, and Kit stood, taking the water and following Siofra through the maze of racks in search of a suitable dress.

They had settled on a few details already, bypassing anything that wasn’t voluminous and bright red. Eventually they narrowed it down to three: two strapless, one with a fluffy chiffon skirt and sparkling floral bodice, and one all satin, with a nipped waist and shimmery detailing around the top; the third had off-the shoulder sleeves, with floral appliques adorning the translucent sleeves, the bodice, and the outer chiffon of the skirt.

Siofra seemed satisfied with their choices, tugging Kit towards the dressing room. “Alright, come on Christina, I need help with my zippers.” She gestured for Alistair to follow. “You, too, Alyssa. Ya don’t hafta come in, but ya hafta at least look at me in each one.”

Alistair sighed, but he did actually want to see the dresses, so he let “Alyssa” slide - though it did annoy him that the sales assistant let him through into the changing room without a second glance, clearly believing him to be Siofra’s dumpy little sister. He was allowed to sit on a bench outside the row of stalls, while Siofra and Kit disappeared into a cubicle to try on the first dress. There was a bit of stumbling, grumbling, and mumbling about “stupid fuckin’ zippers halfway up my arse,” but before long, Siofra stepped out to model the dress.

It certainly wasn’t an ugly dress, but the floral pattern on the bodice tapered up and inward over the cleavage, featuring Siofra’s strong shoulders and completely concealing her breasts. “Fuck me, I look like a bloody drag queen!” She huffed, glaring at the full-length mirror on the open door of her changing stall.

Alistair laughed hard. “Go in that one!”

“You wear it if ya like it so much. I intend to show up lookin’ decent.” Siofra rolled her eyes, pondering whether Alistair might actually fit in the same dress as her. It would be close - he definitely wasn’t too tall or muscular - but she decided he was too squishy in the middle to fit in anything cinched at the waist. After another moment glaring in the mirror, she closed herself back in the stall so Kit could help her change dresses.

“Why does chiffon have so many fuckin’ layers?” She grumbled, “It’s like wearin’ a hoopskirt made’o bloomin’ candyfloss!”

Kit chuckled, “It’s for volume. Take away all the layers, and this is a boring A-line.”

Siofra rolled her eyes. “I know why. It’s just a pain. Come on, let’s get the other fluffy one over with.” She snatched the off-the-shoulder dress off its hanger, pulling it over her head with Kit’s assistance. Though the back opened wide with the zipper, she had no hope of stepping into anything with her hips. The sleeves were a bit snug near the top - dresses weren’t typically made with muscle in mind - but she liked the cut of the bodice better. She swung the door open so Alistair could see.

“Well, at least this one shows off my tits,” Siofra mused, “but I’m afraid if I lift my arms, I’m gonna rip these flimsy sleeves off like She-hulk.”

“Better body, but you look like Popeye with those arms,” Alistair said.

“Well maybe if the sleeves weren’t cut for Olive Oyl, it wouldn’t look so bad.” Siofra grumbled, swishing her hips in the mirror before closing the stall door again. “Fuck this fluffy bicep prison.”

Kit was snickering again as he helped her out of it. “Do you want to bother with the last one? I’m not sure this shop really styles for your body type.”

Siofra shrugged, throwing the heap of chiffon and fabric roses at him to hang back up. “Might as well, I’m already in my knickers.” She’d discarded her bra for the trying-on, since the straps would be awkwardly exposed. Kit hung and set aside the second rejected dress, unzipping the last one and helping Siofra pull it over her head.

“I like the material of this one.” He remarked, running a hand over the cherry satin as he zipped her into it. “Very sleek, elegant.”

“Ooh, this one makes my tits look great!” Siofra grinned in the mirror. She wasn’t wrong - the bodice had a slight dip between the breasts, and the glittering red stones around the top drew even more attention to her chest. Kit nodded, stepping out of the way so she could open the door.

Alistair was already snorting with laughter. He adopted Kit’s plummy accent. “Very sleek and elegant.” Then he switched to Siofra’s Irish lilt. “Cor, don’t my tits look great!”

“Your tits look terrible, actually. You should get a more supportive bra.” She grinned at him.

“Har har. That dress is nice though. Tits and all.”

“Yeah, I like this one.” Siofra nodded, “Skirt’s way more comfortable, too. An’ it looks expensive. I like that.” She swished her hips in the mirror, causing her dress and her curls to sway. Finny gave an approving bark.

Kit seemed excited. He hadn’t expected to find a dress they’d like so soon. “Do you want that one, then?”

Siofra shrugged. “Sure, yeah. I like it. I look hot in it. Why not?”

Kit nodded, bustling the other two dresses out to the reject rack while Siofra posed in the mirror. “Should we start looking for accessories, then?”

“Let’s just buy this an’ go. I had to walk through purses to get to the loo, the selection here is shit.” Siofra said, ducking back into the stall to put her own clothes on. Dress in hand, she and Kit walked to the checkout.

Alistair stood up and trailed after them, sighing heavily. “God, is everything going to take so long? Shoes and purses and flipping rings…”

“The jewelry will probably be easiest, actually.” Kit replied. “Most of the time, necklaces have matching earrings and bracelets and so on. Do you want to do that first?” He asked Siofra, “There’s a lovely jeweller right down this way.” He gestured towards a row of shops.

“Sure, yeah.” Siofra nodded. “I don’t wear earrings, though, so don’t get excited about that.” She warned him. Kit didn’t seem bothered, and they discussed metals and gems while they waited in line at the register. By the time the dress was handed back in a sleek shopping bag, they had already settled on rose gold and rubies. Kit was babbling excitedly as they walked to the jeweller.

“Most of my jewelry is yellow gold, just because it’s more widely available. I didn’t really like rose gold when it first came into style, but I warmed up to it a few years ago. I think it will look lovely on you, especially with your hair.”

Siofra let him talk, listening and nodding as they walked into the store. She was a little out of her element now; her idea of expensive jewelry was the department store - this place looked like a dragon’s hoard. “I hope you know what to look for, cause I’m lost.” She mumbled.

Kit nodded. “I saw an ad for one of their collections a few months back, follow me.” He led her to a lovely array of rose-gold jewelry, set with a variety of gems to show what the shop had to offer. There were only a few bracelets, but the necklaces and earrings were more numerous, and nearly a third of the case was taken up with mannequin hands modeling rings. “They can set any stone in the piece you like.” He explained, letting Siofra examine the case herself. She was trying not to gawk, but couldn’t help staring at the jewels oozing from the pinkish metal.

“Bloody hell… what’s my budget?”

Kit laughed. “You don’t have a budget. Pick what you like. As much as you like.”

Siofra turned to stare at him, more awestruck than ever. “You’re joking.”

“Why would I be?” Kit shrugged. “My father is making me go to this stupid party. I might as well waste his money making you look nice for it.” He was eyeing the earrings himself, wanting to coordinate his own jewelry with whatever Siofra chose.

Alistair attempted to entertain himself by trying to find the most expensive thing in the store, continually getting distracted by the prices. He’d still had money when he was old enough to be able to buy stuff for himself, but he’d never been one for fancy jewellery like this. He was more of the skull-ring-from-Hot-Topic type back then. Finny was interested too - he liked the sparkly things, and pressed his nose against the glass trying to look closer.

Alistair grinned at him. “Shame you don’t have fingers. But we can get you a necklace,” he laughed. “You’re getting nose marks on the glass.”

Finny gave a low ruff. He seemed to like the idea of his own shiny accessory. The sales girl giggled at them. “We do custom collars and dog tags on request.”

Alistair brightened. “Want a sparkly collar? Then I can take you to the Pride Parade.”

Finny barked again, and the sales girl went to a shelf, picking out a book to show Alistair while her coworker helped Kit and Siofra. She laid it out, opening to a page of thick glittery chains, as well as varying fabric and leather bands that could be stoned and studded. Alistair held the book out like he was showing Finny too, ignoring the amused look he got from the girl. “Are you a glitter or a leather boy?”

Finny snuffled at a picture of a bright blue band, adorned with gold studs and white stones. Perhaps it was sheer chance that he’d reacted to that picture, but Alistair nodded. “Yeah, that’s a good one.”

“Do you know what size band you would need?” The girl asked.

“Siofra!” Alistair called. “What size band does Finny wear?”

Siofra set down the ring she'd been trying on, turning to look incredulously at Alistair. “What?”

“Oh, Finny wants a fancy collar. Don’t worry, I assure you Kit has spent money on more useless shit than this.”

“He wants it?” Siofra asked, trying not to smirk too hard.

“Yeah, he was snuffling the page.” Alistair looked completely serious.

Siofra chuckled. “Um, I usually get ‘im an extra-large when I buy collars. A large might fit, but I worry ‘cause’o all the fur.”

“Extra-large,” Alistair told the girl. He didn’t want to risk getting a tight one.

She nodded. “And did you want all studs, or studs and diamonds?” She pointed to the different options in the book.

“The diamonds… They look pretty.”

The clerk checked a box on a form she’d pulled out. “And you wanted the deep blue?”

“He wants that, yeah,” Alistair said, nodding at Finny. The dog barked happily. Siofra rolled her eyes at them, turning back to her own counter to try on more rings. Alistair ruffled Finny’s fur as he got the collar sorted with the girl, rubbing the soft part behind his ears. Finny tilted his head, tail flapping happily.

The clerk finished typing the order into the register, looking back to Alistair. “Custom orders usually take two to four weeks to complete. Your down payment will be £1200.”

“You fuckin’ what?” Siofra spun back around to stare at Alistair and the girl.

“Kit.” Alistair didn’t even blink. “Credit card. Please.” The older boy pulled out his wallet and passed it to Alistair without looking up from the ruby earrings he was considering. Siofra was staring at them both like they’d just turned into dinosaurs.

Alistair held up the card, raising his eyebrows at Siofra. “Nice, isn’t it? I could do this once. Buy stupid shit I don’t even need. It was cool. Now I have to dig down the back of the sofa for the bus fare.”

Siofra snorted. “Yeah, that’s university for ya.” She was looking at Kit, and how casually he shoved aside a set of earrings to ask for a pair with more diamonds. “Is it still a sugar daddy if I’m older?”

“What would be the younger version? A sugar son? Yuck. And what is he to me? I’m not banging him.” Alistair never did have any awareness of his language in a posh shop. The clerk was giving him a weird look, and awkwardly cleared her throat.

“Ahem, sir? The down payment?”

“Oh yeah.” He handed the card over. She scanned it and handed it back, along with a receipt to sign. He scrawled his untidy signature and gave Kit the card back. Kit stuck it in his breast pocket, knowing he'd need it again once he and Siofra picked everything out. She had gathered a pile of glittering rings, along with a matching pendant and tennis bracelet. He was still waffling between pairs of earrings, trying to decide how to arrange everything - the bane of having ten piercings in each ear.

Alistair was soon bored again, sitting on the floor with Finny and sighing heavily. The dog climbed into his lap and mimicked his sigh. That made Alistair laugh a bit, rubbing between Finny’s ears. Finny licked his face and Siofra grinned at them. “You can take 'im outside. 'e probably needs the loo anyway.”

“Thank god. I’m losing my mind in here,” Alistair mumbled, easing Finny off his lap and getting up. “Come on, Finny.”

Finny climbed to his feet, bounding for the door. He was eager to get outside, too. Alistair ran through the shopping centre with him, laughing when all the posh people gave them dirty looks. He felt like a teenager for a moment. Finny pulled Alistair through the crowd, weaving deftly through the clusters of people. They burst out onto the street together, and Alistair walked Finny up and down the high street, letting him stop to pee. The dog quickly selected a tree and did his business before tugging Alistair down the street.

Alistair let Finny lead him submissively. “Where are we going then?”

Finny just continued to run down the street. Alistair started floundering after a few minutes. “Finny, I don’t think I’ve gone running since PE at school… And even then I’d bunk off and sit in the bogs.”

Finny stopped pulling Alistair along, instead electing to run circles around his legs. Alistair laughed, dragging him to a bench. “Come here…” The dog followed him dutifully and sat by his feet. Alistair gave his lap a pat. “You can sit right up here.” Finny hopped up at once, his fuzzy butt resting on Alistair’s legs. Alistair hugged him happily, completely swamped in dog fur. Finny was content to sit like that until Alistair’s phone buzzed. It was Kit.

We’re going to look for shoes. Do you want to come with or stay out with Finny?

Alistair pulled a face. I’ll come. Where are you?

By the food court. Siofra was hungry. Do you want anything?

Do they have those fancy donuts? The Krispy Kreme ones?

Yeah, what do you want?

Just get that really chocolaty looking one with the crumbly topping.

Alright. Kit didn't bother asking what his cousin wanted to drink - he'd already bought Alistair a hot chocolate when he was getting himself a chai tea. Meet us by the Krispy Kreme.

Okay. Don’t touch anything strawberry flavoured.

Wasn’t on the agenda. Kit rolled his eyes. As if he was the one who forgot about his allergy, when Alistair had never told Julius about it and nearly poisoned his cousin as a result. He was still grumbling to Siofra about it when Alistair came up to meet them, Finny in tow.

“Did you two buy what you wanted then?” he asked.

“We did.” Kit waved the tea in his right hand, offering Alistair the donut and hot chocolate in his left. Siofra just nodded. Her arms were weighted with bags holding her dress and jewelry, and her hands and mouth were busy with a carton of inauthentic but deliciously greasy Chinese food.

“Only one donut?” Alistair said, taking the drinks and food with a grin. It was an old, old joke between them, back when Alistair was still a little pudgy five year old. He’d always insist he could manage several desserts.

“Yes, because you don’t have a change of clothes.” Kit smirked.

“Ha ha. So you’re going shoe shopping next? Are you getting those fancy ones with the red insides or whatever it is?”

Kit rolled his eyes. “I already have a pair of Louboutins that will match my outfit. We’re finding shoes to go with Siofra’s dress, and hopefully a matching clutch.”

“A clutch? Oh! One of those stupid little purses?”

“It's not stupid.” Kit rolled his eyes. “It's small, so it can hold necessities like a wallet and keys, but it isn't a huge bulky thing that's in your way all night. It's an evening bag.”

“I remember them! Remember when we were kids and that Lord’s daughter - Arabella, was it? - hit me over the head with her clutch? So I tied her pigtails to the door handle and slammed it shut,” Alistair giggled.

Kit didn't seem as amused. “You're leaving out an important detail. She hit you because you were flailing around by the refreshments, hit her punch, and spilled it all over her dress.”

Siofra snorted. “Always been a charmer, huh?”

Alistair stuck his tongue out at Siofra. “She didn’t have to hit me, did she? I’d have said sorry for spilling her punch if she hadn’t, and the whole clutch-and-pigtail drama could have been avoided.”

“You also could've been dancing on the dance floor, instead of endangering innocent people seeking refreshments.” Kit pointed out. He spotted a shoe store and walked inside, Siofra in tow. Finny pulled Alistair along, following sedately, while Alistair glared at anyone who gave them funny looks.

Kit and Siofra went immediately to the high heels, looking at the array of shiny shoes on the shelf

“We definitely want something red or rose gold. I know your skirt is long, but it you lift it, the shoes ought to match.”

“They've also gotta fit,” Siofra reminded him. “Most gals have smaller feet than me. See what they've got in a 9.5. I can do a 9 or an 8.5 if it's open-toed.”

Kit sighed. “Well, that certainly limits our options.” He started exploring the shelves, but found little more than a generic gold sandal. After a good ten minutes of scouring, he shook his head and stalked out of the store. “This place is useless.”

“We’d be fine if it wasn’t for her troll feet,” Alistair snorted. Siofra kicked him in the shin as she walked by.

“Shove my troll foot up your arse if you don't watch your fuckin’ mouth.”

“Ow! Get her, Finny,” Alistair urged. The dog just barked cheerfully and kept walking. Alistair rolled his eyes, letting Finny drag him after Siofra. “So where to now? How many shoe shops can be in one big shopping centre?”

Siofra looked at him for a moment, then back to Kit. “Is ‘e actually that stupid, or does ‘e really just never go outside unless ‘e’s followin’ you like a needy puppy?”

Kit shrugged. “Bit of both.” He said, leading the group into another shoe shop.

“I’m not the needy puppy when you’re koala hugging me all night,” Alistair grumbled.

“You’re the one who insists I stay at yours.” Kit replied, not even looking up from the high heels he was examining. The pair he was looking at were actually quite pretty - bright red pumps with narrow laces attaching them at the ankle. Each lace had shiny gold aglets and the heel was tall and thin. Siofra looked at them approvingly, selecting a pair in her size to try on.

“These are cute.”

“They’re basic.” Kit replied flatly. “This style is popular right now. Five girls at any given nightclub are wearing this shoe in one colour or another. You’re not a vapid parasite looking for a face to suck. You’re an exquisite guest at an exquisite event.”

Siofra snorted, amused but also taken aback. “Damn, okay. Maybe save for them for a backup at least?”

“If you like them.” Kit shrugged.

Alistair held Finny’s leash out in a lordly fashion and stuck his nose in the air. “You’re an exquisite quest at an exquisite event, my darling,” he said in Kit’s posh accent. “We must have your own shoes cobbled for you by the finest craftsmen out of gold and marble, studded with pearls fresh from the ocean. We can’t have common shoes on my precious carpets, oh heavens no.”

Kit rolled his eyes at his cousin. “Why don’t you go piss on a tree with Finny? That seems more like your kind of activity.”

“Oh, aren’t we funny. He’s already pissed. I want to see what shoes old Hobbit Feet gets anyway.”

“Who the hell are you talkin’ to about shoes?” Siofra asked, “I saw glittery pink trainers in your wardrobe.”

“I didn’t buy those! They were fucking hand-me-downs from Toby’s sister,” Alistair grumbled. “I don’t have rich parents to fund me anymore. You know how expensive shit is? It’s awful!”

“So you fit in Toby’s sister’s shoes, and you’re givin’ me shit for my shoe size?”

“Maybe she had gigantic feet too, you don’t know!”

“I saw the shoes.” Siofra grinned. “She didn’t.”

“Didn’t you know that posh folk are known for their dainty feet?” Alistair declared, struggling to keep a straight face.

“Then why are Kit’s shoes bigger than mine? He’s the daintiest of the three of us by far.”

Kit spun around; he’d been busy scrutinizing shoes and not listening to the others. “What?”

“They are? Kit, what’s your shoe size?”

“...good question.” Kit sat down on one of the little benches, lifting his foot to check the number on the sole. “10.5. Why?”

“That’s huge!”

“I mean, I said the same thing, but not about his feet.” Siofra grinned. Kit went red, but he laughed so hard, he snorted.

“Gross! I don’t want to hear about that!” Alistair cried, blushing too.

Siofra just laughed. “Stop talkin’ about my feet, an’ I’ll stop talkin’ about his dick.” She turned to look at a pair of gold pumps, trying to gauge whether they were too yellowy.

“Are those the one?”

“Mm, no.” Siofra had pulled out one of her rings to compare the colour. “I kinda wanted a red shoe, anyway. Red pumps are sexy as fuck.”

“Alright, Dorothy. Clicking your heels will be useful at our place, you’ll get to leave early.”

“Actually, in the book, Dorothy had silver shoes. They changed them to red to show up better on-screen.” Kit chimed in.

“I don’t really remember the book. You read it to me when we were kids.”

“I remember. You called my mum Glinda and yours the Wicked Witch, and got sent to your room for the night.” Kit rolled his eyes.

Alistair snorted. “Don’t tell me that wasn’t genius. And true. And your mum bought me fake fairy wings and I got upset when I couldn’t fly with them.”

Kit just shook his head. “I remember.” He went back to looking at shoes, glaring at a ruby pump that had a nice colour but a slightly squatty heel. “This shop is just as bad as the last.”

“What exactly is wrong with that shoe?” Alistair asked.

“The heels are too short, and wide. It's not elegant. Not to mention, it would look pitifully small on someone as tall as Siofra. That heel height might work proportionately for someone Julie's size, but even then, it's unflatteringly thick.”

“Maybe we could buy them for Jules. He has to climb on the countertop to reach shit from the back of the cupboard.”

Siofra snorted and Kit rolled his eyes. “If I'm going to buy Julie heels, they'll be attractive.”

“He has really fucking small feet. Like, comically tiny.”

“He could probably fit both feet in one'o Kit's shoes.” Siofra grinned.

“And have room to spare,” Alistair agreed.

“My feet are not that big!” Kit cried.

“I was making fun of Jules’s feet that time. It’s no fun when he’s not here to hear it.”

Kit rolled his eyes. “Loving fiance you are.’

“Shut up, I am. If I gushed about him all day you’d feel awkward, right?”

“I'd feel annoyed.” Kit corrected.

“Well, either way. And for the record, I like his stupid small feet. They’re cute and ridiculous,” Alistair said.

“You're just ridiculous.” Kit huffed. “Come on, let's try another shop. This place is a disappointment.”

“Ugh, how many more?”

“However many it takes to find good shoes.” Kit replied. Siofra just chuckled, gesturing for Finny to come along..

“I can’t believe people enjoy this. I’m bored and hot and my feet ache and this place is full of other humans.” He pulled a face, like other people were the equivalent of sewer rats.

“This is why I said you didn’t have to come.” Kit reminded him, “And that is why I said if you did come, I’d send you home if you complained.”

“I have to look after you!” Alistair huffed. “I’m practically your carer. I should be receiving benefits for this.”

“First off, I pay for anything you ask for. Second off, we already discussed that Siofra can take care of me just as well.”

“You know I’m not being serious, Kit. And yes, Siofra is fine and responsible and strong, blah blah blah, but you’re my cousin. I’d worry about you.”

Kit groaned. “You should worry about my sanity if you keep whining. For Chrissakes, Finny is being more cooperative than you, and he doesn’t even know what the hell we’re doing!”

“I’ll bet he does. He’s a clever dog.”

“Okay, so the dog is smarter and more cooperative. Good for him. You still need to stop whining.” Kit said.

“Only if you stop bitching.”

“What am I bitching about?!” Kit cried.

“Me.”

“The only thing I’m bitching about is your bitching!” Kit’s face was going red, and he looked close to popping a blood vessel. “You agreed to not complain when you insisted on coming with us!”

“Kit, calm down,” Alistair mumbled, looking almost unnerved. “What’s wrong with you? I’m not being serious.”

The older boy deflated, his voice wobbly with frustration. “Then why are you seriously trying to drive me insane?” His eyes flickered between Alistair and Siofra and the crowd around them, afraid to say more in such a public setting. Though the cup in his hand was still half-full, he mumbled something about wanting another tea and walked off towards the food court. Siofra sighed and rolled her eyes.

Alistair looked equally upset, mumbling something about taking Finny to pee despite the dog having just been. He went off in the other direction. Now Siofra looked properly peeved, stalking after Alistair and grabbing his collar. “Oi! You don’t get to just kidnap my dog.”

“Get off me!” He yelled it way too loudly for a public place indoors, but his voice was thick, like he had a bad cold. The people nearby gave him weird looks, but Siofra just seemed like an annoyed big sister, so nobody gave them a second glance.

“Then gimme my fuckin’ dog, an’ I’ll go find your idiot cousin myself.” Siofra kept a stony grip on his jumper, holding a hand out for Finny’s leash. Alistair handed it over at once, keeping his face turned away.

“Now get off.”

“Gladly.” Siofra dropped his collar, wiping the now-free hand on her jeans. “You go cry while I fix your fuck-up.”

“Fuck you,” Alistair spat, clenching his fists. He kept his back to her though, hoping he might be able to pretend he wasn’t near tears later if she couldn’t actually see him welling up.

“Go annoy someone else, why don’t ya?” Siofra rolled her eyes and walked off in the direction Kit had gone.

#misadventures of Kit #chapter twenty-five #angst #drama of the big gay #kit #raycraft #siofra #rafferty #alistair #ocsickficsideblog #collab

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