If Only Those Shorts Were ... Well ... Shorter........

Everybody Loves a Parade - Part 4

Warnings: Mostly Fluff.

Thursday

Reaching to his side of the bed, it’s empty.  I blink awake.  It’s barely sunrise.  I can smell onions cooking.  Kicking my way out of the covers, I pull on my robe.  Our clothes from the Gala are draped over the chair in my room.  Padding out to the kitchen, there stands James.  He’s engrossed watching the onions brown in the pan.  I lean on the counter and watch him.  Those tattoo laced hands that had me screaming in pleasure last night, that make amazing music, are now expertly chopping up celery.  He scoops the celery into the pan.  “I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“The smell woke me.”

“Sorry.”

“I love the smell of onions being browned.  That’s a comfort smell for me.”

Stirring the pan, “Me too” he grins.  He moves the pan off the heat, “Do you have spices?”  Pointing to a drawer, “Ah.”  His eyes light up.  Kid in the candy store.  “I figured that I could get the bird in the oven before we leave on a slightly lower temp and it should be ok until we get back.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

He smiles at me, “Coffee?”

Moving into the kitchen, I set about making a pot.  I end up shoving the stuffing into the bird since I have the smaller hands.  Being small does pay off every now and again.  Putting the bird into the oven, we clean up the kitchen.  Fixing our coffee mugs we move to the sofa.  I power up the TV.  All the local channels are showing the parade prep.  The weather forecast is snow flurries and light winds.  I curl up into his side.  James wraps an arm around my shoulders and gently strokes my hair.  When the news cycle repeats, I turn off the TV.  Stretching some, “We should get ready.”

Standing up, he pulls me to my feet, “I want to check on dinner.”  He takes our coffee cups to the sink.  I go to the front door.  There’s a stack of papers there.  I pick them up and close the door.

Dropping the stack on the dining table, I open the top one to page six.  There in glorious color photos is a full spread of the Gala last night.  Of us.  James wraps his arms around me from behind.  He points to one of the photos of me, “Nice ass.” 

I laugh and spin in his arms grabbing his ass, “Yours is pretty good too!”  He snorts a laugh.

“We need to get ready” he says holding me tight.  I hug him back.  He walks me backward into the bedroom as I giggle in his arms.  When we get to the bed, we tumble into it as his misguessed the distance.  We both laugh loudly.

Sitting up, I look at his reclining form.  “What?”

“You amaze me” I almost whisper.

Rising up on his elbows, “How.”

“Watching you this morning.  Your hands.  The tattoos.  Your music.  Cooking.”  I bit my lower lip, “What they do to me.”

He smiled at me.  “I love watching you.  I love watching you while I make love to you.”  He pulled me closer.  “I am so glad that we are sharing this weekend.”  He kisses me deeply.  “Together.”  His blue eyes filled with compassion.  And something more.  I wasn’t sure what I saw there.  He pats my hip, “We need to get dressed.”  He gets up off the bed and pulls me with him. 

I pull out a pair of wool pants, a tank top, a silk liner shirt, a sweater, scarf, gloves and a hat.  Finding a thong, I start getting dressed.  James pulls on a pair of heavy jeans, a tank top, a thin hunting shirt liner, a sweater, scarf, gloves and hat.  We both pull on our fur lined boots.  Grabbing the extra warm things, we make our way to the dining room table.  “Oh wait!” James says.  He goes back into the bedroom and quickly returns, “Here.”  He hands me a couple of hand warmers.  “Hope they are still good.  They were buried in the bottom of the hunting backpack.” 

Smiling, I tuck mine into my pocket.  “Thank you.”

James texts Rudy, and then checks on the turkey in the oven again.  “You sure you’re comfortable leaving your oven – your gas oven - on while we’re gone?”

“Very.”  Taking the newspaper stack to my office, I collect my phone and tuck it into my coat pocket.  “I did it last year.  And the year before that, and the year before that.”  Collecting my scarf, “Besides, too late now.”

“ok.”  He smiles at me.  His phone buzzes.  “That’s us.”  He pats his pockets.  “Let’s go!”  He holds out his hand to me and we walk out into the hallway.  James locks the front door.  A quick elevator ride and we are in the lobby.

“Happy Thanksgiving Carl!”

“And to you two!” Carl says happily as he opens the front door.

We climb into Rudy’s taxi.  “Where to?” he grins.

“As close to Hearld Square as possible, please” I ask.

Putting the car in drive, “It’s early, but I can probably only get four blocks away.”

“That’s fine” James says.

“How was the Gala last night?”

James smiles.  “It was wonderful” I say.  “They always put on a glorious show.”

“It is pretty spectacular!”  Rudy chuckles at his own pun.

James joins in the chuckle, “Good one!”

I kiss his cheek, “My king of dad jokes” I giggle.  James pulls me in closer a huge cheesy grin plastered on his face.

Pulling over, “This is as close as I can get you to the Square today.”  There are roadblocks on almost every street.

“No worries.  Thanks!” James says happily.

Leaning over the back of his seat, “Give me a call when you’re ready to head back.  I’ll collect you at this corner.”  James pays the fare, then climbs out.

“Thank you, Rudy.  And Happy Thanksgiving!”  I say as I climb out after James.

“Enjoy the parade!” Rudy says.  He waits a moment as someone is ready to jump in almost before I’m completely out of the car.

“That happen often?” James gives the other rider a dirty look.

“Almost every time.”  I do up my coat and tug on my cap.  James follows suit and we head toward the Square. 

There’s a check in point for Grandmother’s seats.  A young assistant looks up from her tablet and looks at me.  She looks at James.  Her complexion fades a little.  “I hate to ask, but I am supposed to check IDs.”

“Of course.”  I turn to James.  He looks at me.  “Mine is in your wallet.”

“Oh yeah.”  He pulls it out, shows the young woman my ID then slips it back into his wallet then back into his pocket.  He pulls his coat down over his pockets.

“Thank you.”  She picks up a walk-talkie.  “Someone will be here shortly to show you to your seats.”  She fidgets with her gloves.

“Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving” I say.

She blushes, “And to you too!” 

Hands grab my shoulders, “There you are!”

Turning, “Mrs. Corbett!  Happy Thanksgiving!”

“Thank you!  And to you!”  She pulls me from the check in point.  I grab James’ hand.  “This way!”

She leads us past all the TV cameras and across the street to the stands setup in front of the stores’ grand entrance.  We weren’t quite as far to the end of the bench as I would have liked, but, we weren’t front and center either. 

“So, what did you think of the show last night?” Mrs. Corbett asks James.

“I can see why it’s called Spectacular!” he smiles broadly.  I stifle a snort.  “I really enjoyed it!”

“I am so glad!”  Her radio buzzes.  “I must away!  I will come collect you after to visit the Big Guy.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Corbett!”

“Again, with the Big Guy.”  James cocks his eyes at me.  I just grin at him.

The bench begins to fill up.  As families arrive on our bench, I shift us to our left to allow them to sit in the middle.  James looks at me, questions in his eyes.  I point to all the cameras across the street.  “Technically, this is the worst seat in the house as all the performances will be staged to face the cameras.”  James nods.  “Moving us to the side means minimal camera time for us.”  I reach up and tug his stocking cap down a little more on his head.  He slouches a little giving me a side long glance with a gleam in his eyes.  I snorfel a giggle. 

He snakes an arm around my waist and lifts my chin with his other hand and kisses me.  “Hey you.”

“Hey you.”

“Happy Thanksgiving.”

I reach up and tenderly kiss him.  “Happy Thanksgiving.”

He just holds me close to him, tucking my head under his chin.

The Broadway theatre presentations start.  I lean into him, “Here we go!”

He’s trying to watch everything at once, “This is kinda exciting!”  After the first performance, James pulls out his phone and discreetly snaps a selfie of us.  After some texting, he pockets his phone.  I look at him.  “The kids.”  I smile and nod.  “And Lars.”  I start giggling.  “Rob.  Kirk.”

“What?  Not your manager?”

His eyes light up, “Oh yeah!”  He pulls his phone out again and another text is sent.  He shows me the response from Kirk.  A middle finger.  “Oops.  He’s in Hawaii.”  I grimace.  He checks once more.  His kids each sent him selfies back.  I watch him as he reads their messages.  He tucks his phone into his inside jacket pocket and takes my hand.

I squeeze it.  “I made a promise to you.”  He kisses the back of my gloved hand.  I lean into his ear, “I will never get between you and your kids.”  His eyes glow as he kisses my hand again.

The sirens of the NYC motorcycle cops echo in the concrete canyon.  “This is the start!”  I spend the next few hours watching him watch the parade.  He tries to watch everything at the same time.  Somewhere in the middle I open the hand warmers slipping one into each glove.  The flurries start just as the end approaches, I get a little excited.  My favorite float.  Santa.  I get giggly and little teary eyed. 

James pulled me into a full on hug.  “You ok?”

Wiping away the tears, “This was our favorite.”

“You and your Grandmother?”  I could only nod.  He just holds me.

As the people began to leave the stands, I tug James hand to keep our seats.  A short time later, Mrs. Corbett shows up.  “Well?  What did you think?” she asked James.

“Wow.”  His face full of joy, “This is an experience.  I am so glad that we came.”  His arm still around my waist.

“Well, someone is waiting to meet you two!”  She smiles at me conspiratorially.  “Let’s go!”  She leads us from the stands to a side door, down a hallway and into what looks like a conference room.  “Wait here just a moment.”  She leaves us there. 

I sit on the table and pull off my cap and gloves tucking them into my coat pockets.  “Did you really enjoy it?”

He grabs my face, “Yes!”  He kisses me.

“I’m glad.”

James pulls off his gloves and loosens his coat and scarf.  Standing between my knees, he pulls me into his chest.  I wrap my arms around him.  No words are needed.  Just being together is enough.

I hear the door open and there’s a soft tap.  James turns and Mrs. Corbett is standing there.  “Are you ready?”

“Yes” I respond sliding off the table and taking James’ hand.  We leave the conference room and are led into a winter wonderland.  There are Christmas trees everywhere covered in all kinds of ornaments – each with a price tag.  We walk slowly through them, me leading James.  His blue eyes seem to sparkle with wonder.  There is no one else in the space.  We move past the last trees and there, on a huge chair that’s almost throne like, sits Santa. 

I keep walking forward.  James looks at me, “The Big Guy, huh?”

“uh huh!” I almost skip the last bit.

“There you are!  I haven’t seen you in a very long time Kira!”

“Hi Santa!”

“And you must be James.”

Almost blushing, James nods.  He gives me a look.  I crinkle my nose at him.

“I understand that this is your first time seeing the Parade in person, James.  Tell me.  What did you think?”  Santa leans forward, hands on his knees.

“Honestly, it was amazing.”  James grins.  “The balloons don’t look that big on the TV.”

“Yes, they would look smaller on TV” Santa chuckles.  “Even on a big screen” he chuckles again.  “I know what this one wants for Christmas” Santa nods towards me, “But what would you like?”

James cocks a look at me, “What do you want?”

I raise my eyebrows at Santa.  “It’s the same request every year.  Snow.  From about 9pm Christmas Eve to about 10am on Christmas Day” Santa chuckles out.  Looking at me, “You know that all I can do is forward your request on to Mother Nature.”

“I do Santa.  And I appreciate that.”

Giving a big belly laugh, “Well, you are a very good girl!”

James kisses my temple, “Yes she is.”

“So, what can I bring you, James.”

He thinks a moment nodding.  “Happiness.  For my kids.”

“I will see what I can do for your three children.” 

I watch as James’ eyebrows almost meet his hairline.  Santa just belly laughs. 

“Thank you, Santa.”

“You are most welcome Kira” Santa says happily.

I look up at James, “You want a photo with the Big Guy?”

James laughs, “Sure!”

Santa laughs again.  Mrs. Corbett appears and takes our phones.  James sits beside Santa and I perch on their knees.  Several snaps are taken on each phone.  I almost trip getting up, but James grabs me.

“Good catch there James!” Santa laughs softly.

“Yes, she is.”  James smiles broadly at Santa.  “Merry Christmas, Big Guy.”

Santa lets out a deep genuine belly laugh, “Ho ho ho!  Big Guy!  Ho ho ho!!!”

Heading back into the trees, I stop to look at the ornaments.  A crystal snowflake catches my eye.  I feel James take my left hand into his.  I collect the ornament.  He kisses my hand.  I look at him.  Then my hand.  There on my ring finger is an eternity band with the sparkliest diamonds I have ever seen.  James slips his hand around my neck and kisses me deeply.  I am in total shock.

“This is not an engagement ring.”  James’ eyes are serious.  “I told you that I’d never marry again.  But,” he looks at my hand, “this is a promise ring.”  I’m confused.  “A promise that I will spend every day earning your forgiveness.”  He kisses me again.  My heart soaring higher.  My insides fluttering hard.  My brain saying ‘Ok, we good’.  He rests his forehead on mine, “Don’t say it.  I can see it in your eyes.  Let me have this.” 

“Ok” squeaks out of me.  “This is just a start then….” 

Smiling, “That’s what I want to hear,” and he kisses me again.  Deeply.  Someone clears their throat.  We both snicker.  Pulling me into his side, we find our way out of the trees.  He pays for my snowflake.  It gets wrapped up and we head to the exit.  The flurries have become an outright snow fall.  He texts Rudy as we make our way to the pick-up corner, both of us pulling on our gloves and doing up our coats.  We did have to stand a few minutes waiting for Rudy.  He was most apologetic.  We assure him that as long as he was safe, that was all that mattered.  Getting to the building, James pays Rudy and probably tips him well.  Morty opens the door for us and we quickly escape the wind and cold.  Getting to the apartment front door, James opens it and we get hit with the smell of roasting turkey.

“Oh man!  That smells wonderful!”  I groan.

James dumps his outer layers on the table and checks the oven.  He uses the meat thermometer.  He smiles broadly.  “Almost done!”

I pull off my outer layers and set about making the rest of dinner.  The yams get popped into the microwave.  The rolls get set in front of the oven vent.  The green beans are set on the stove.  I pull out the pie and set it on the counter.

We both clear off the dining room table of our outer layers.  I show James the rack for drying gloves and scarves in the hallway.  The coats get hung in the hall closet, I make sure that the heater vent is wide open before closing the door.  We set the table together.  My new ring still catches me off guard. 

James checks the bird again, “It’s done!”  He sets it on the butcher block.

“How long does it need to rest?”

“About 20 minutes.”

“Perfect!”  I pull the yams from the microwave and shift them to the oven.  Reaching into the cabinet, I pull out the mini-marshmallows.  James opens the bag and grabs some.  He tosses a couple at me, but I miss catching both.  So he pops several directly into my mouth.

I had to dig for Grandmother’s carving set.  “I haven’t used it in years.”

James takes it, “Wow.  This is an excellent set.”  He sits down with it and sharpens the blade with the whetstone in the box.  I watch him.  He was very intent on making sure that it was done correctly.  I pull out a platter and he sets about carving up the turkey.  I put the marshmallows on the yams.  I put the rest of dinner on the table, the yams last.  James sets the main course in the middle.  I turned the oven off and put the pie in to warm with the door open.  I finally sit down at the table.

He turns to me, holding his hands out to me.  I put my hands in his.  He wraps his fingers around my hands, his right fingers toying with the ring on my left hand.  “It’s tradition to say what you are thankful for before digging in.”  I just nod.  “I am thankful that you wrote that note and that it snowed that night.”  He kisses both my hands.

“I am thankful that you didn’t just slam the door on me.  That you are truly trying to earn my forgiveness.”  I kiss his hands.  Then I wipe away the tear that falls from his eye.

He leans into me and kisses me.  My stomach rumbles.  I snort into our kiss.  He just out right laughs.  “Light or dark?” he asks merrily.

“Both.”

It wasn’t a huge bird, but it wasn’t tiny either.  We managed to do it justice.  Along with the other dishes on the table.  There are leftovers that still got put away.  The dishwasher gets loaded.  We plop onto the sofa.

“Pie?”

James belches, “Not yet.”

I turn on the TV.  We settle on watching the classic black and white Miracle movie.  We both chuckle at the old balloons after seeing the new ones earlier in the day.  Once it was over, James stands and goes into the kitchen, “Pie?”

“Yes please.”

He brings back two plates with pie slices on them totally covered in whipped cream.

“Did the patisserie chef have the night off?”  I deadpan and blink quickly at him.

James actually snorts.  Hard.  I take the plates from him – setting them on the coffee table - as he was laughing so hard.  When he calms, “I knew I wanted a dessert that night, and that’s all I had!”

“It was perfect under the circumstances!”

He bowls into me laying me out flat on the sofa.  His eyes shining.  “This has been the best Thanksgiving I have ever had.”  Our lips meet.  “Ever.”

My hands caress his face, “Me too.”

He grabs my left hand and kisses both my ring and my finger.  Then my mouth.  He shifts his leg over me and I push back.  “What?”

“I gotta pee!”

We detangle ourselves and I run to the closest bathroom.  After washing up, I return to the sofa.  It’s empty.  The flush of another toilet tells me where he is.  I collect a plate from the coffee table and dig into it as James returns to the sofa.  “It’s nice to have several bathrooms so close together” he says, picking up his plate and joining me on the sofa.  I change the channel to the local news.  The parade – was of course – the lead story.  The follow up:  US at the Gala and parade.  We just look at each other.  It wasn’t a long blip, but enough to totally unnerve me.  I was the unknown woman at his side.  He kinda giggles. 

“What?” I squeak.

“I wonder what they would think if they knew that everything was under your name!”

I had to giggle too.

The news carries on into the weather.  Full on snow fall overnight with clearing late Saturday afternoon for the balance of the week.  We both look out the front windows.  It is snowing pretty good.  But small little flakes.  James leans into my ear, “Looks like you got your wish.”

I turn my head to him, “It’s not Christmas Eve.”

I turn off the TV.  We eat our pie watching the snow fall.  I put our plates on the coffeetable.  James stretches out and puts his head in my lap.  I play with his silvered locks.  I look down as he snores softly.  I drag a blanket over his damned long legs and watch the snow.  The day replays for me.  His cooking in the morning.  His hands.  The parade.  Santa.  Dinner.  My ring.  I take the time to really look at it.  The diamonds are set in the middle of a wide silver band.  Between every pair of diamonds is a gold cross or x.  I tug it off.  Inscribed on the inside of the band: Tiffany’s.  I almost drop it on his face.  Slipping it back on my finger, I look at him.  He’d not begged off dinner to come home to me.  He’d begged off dinner to go shopping.  At Tiffany’s.  For me.  I was in shock.  The private flight from Denver.  Dinner from the Tavern.  A ring from Tiffany’s.  He’s spent a fortune on me.  James grunts some and shifts in his sleep, his face turning into my stomach.  I tenderly caress his cheek.  It’s a little scruffy as he didn’t shave this morning.  I smooth his eyebrows.  He sighs in his sleep, his body relaxing a little more.  I sit there in my tiny NY apartment with the megarocksuperstargod snoring in my lap.  My upper arms still bearing the bruises from our escapades yesterday morning.  The ring from Tiffany’s wrapped around my finger.  The memories of Colorado.  The laughter that has built up after.  “Yes, James” I whisper.  “You are doing a great job working on my forgiveness.”  Again, I smooth his eyebrows with my fingertips.  “And I will continue to work on not taking you for granted.”  I don’t remember my eyes closing.

“Hey sleepy head, c’mon.”  James’s voice a sweet rumble in my ear.  I sniff awake.  It’s late.  It’s still snowing.  James is standing in front of me.  “C’mon, lets get comfy in bed.”

I make it off the sofa.  James’ arm guides me to the bedroom.  I tug off my shirt just inside the door.  James pulls his off.  I sit on the bed and pull off my pants.  James is stretching right in front of me.  I undo his pants and they fall off his hips.  James reaches behind me to flip the covers down, “In we go.”  He guides me back into his body.  I tuck my feet under the covers.  He pulls the covers up over us.  I curl up around his arm which doubles as my pillow.  He wraps his other arm around my ribs.  His nose buries into the back of my neck. 

Moments later, we are both snoring softly.

Somebody's happy!

Faithfully

Warnings: Tissues might be needed. I needed a reason to have a good cry. Also discovered it's hard to type when you can't see the keyboard.....

I remember the first time I saw her.  Well, I heard her first.  Me and Lars had gone out to dinner.  As we walked back to our cars, we passed a small dive bar.  The voice that came floating out the door intoxicated me.  I stopped dead in my tracks.  Lars, still yabbering away, plowed into me.  Almost in a trance, I walked into the bar.  She was standing on the small basement stage with four other musicians.  I found a table in the back and sat, barely aware that Lars had followed me.  No one noticed we’d entered the place.  She finished singing Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.  The crowd applauded.

“Y’all liked that one?” she giggled.  The crowd yelled their appreciation.  “What do you want to hear next?”

“The Boxer!”   “Nothing Else!”  “Sound of Silence!”  “Faithfully!”

“Hey! Hey! Hey!  You know I don’t do Metallica!” she laughed, pointing to the guy who’d called out my own song, before turning to get a drink “Well, not in San Fran anyway!"  There was laughter in the crowd.  “Let’s end the night on a high note” she laughed with the band.  They launched into Faithfully by Journey.  Again, I was entranced.  That last note I thought she’d never let it end.  It floated in the air effortlessly.  The crowd happily cheered them.  Her.  I turned to Lars “Damn!  She’s good!”

“Are you thinking with your head or your brains?” the little Dane snarked with a laugh at me.

Laughing slightly, “Probably both!”

Me and Lars left the place as the house lights came on.  Over the next couple of weeks, I saw her perform as many times as I could.  I would always sneak in after they had started performing.  Not once was I recognized.  Well, the barkeep recognized me, but kept his mouth shut and even helped get me in and out without too much hoopla.  A couple of times, I sat on the backbar to watch.  Her.  The barkeep was the one who told me that she was single.  And her name.  Y/N.  That name struck a chord in my heart.  Y/N was a natural on the stage.  Every night, she would turn down the request to sing any Metallica song. 

One night as I tried to sneak out the back, I plowed into Y/N.  Literally.  I parked her on her ass.

“oohff” escaped her as she landed on the floor.

“Oh man!  I’m super sorry!”  I pulled her to her feet “You ok?”

Rubbing her butt, “Yeah.”  Then she grinned “It’s all good.  You ok?  I kinda mowed into you a little hard there.”

“Yeah, I’m good.”  I could see that she was blushing.  I think I was too.  “You sounded good tonight.”

Y/N looked down at her hands for a second, then back up at me “Just tonight?” she said softly.

“You noticed?”

A huge smirk plastered on her face “You are kinda recognizable.”  She crinkled her nose a little “And kinda tall.”

“Yeah, that has been a problem over the years.”  She giggled.  “Can I take you out to dinner?” I asked feeling like a teenager.

Shrugging her shoulders slightly, “Sure.  Not sure what’s open at 2am, but sure!”

We ended up at a Taco Bell.

The first time I kissed Y/N it was like we were both zapped by static electricity.  What was supposed to be just a kiss quickly became something much more.  Ok.  We ended up in bed.

We started dating.  Seriously dating.  I had her at my side as much as possible.  The age difference – she’s 8 years younger than me – doesn’t bother me.  Y/N claims that it doesn’t bother her either.  The height difference – I’m 6 foot 1, she’s 5 foot 2 – quickly became a constant joke between us.  Well, everyone.  She’s even shorter than Lars!

A month later, I asked Y/N to move in with me.  “You know what’s going to be said about that, don’t you?” she grimaced slightly.

“What?” as I wrapped my arms around her.

“That I’m mooching off you” she put her hands on my chest.

“You’re a better singer than I am” I caressed her hair.

“That’s debatable” she sighed out.

Turns out, we both suffer from serious performance anxiety.  We both manage to cover it up pretty good once we get on stage.  Getting us there can be another story.

One night, while cuddling in bed – after we’d fucked each other silly – I finally asked, “Why won’t you sing Metallica songs?”

“I don’t have the voice for it” Y/N stated simply.  “I don’t have the power.  I’d love to be able to sing the heavy songs, but my voice just lacks … something.”

“I think you’d do a great version of Nothing” I smiled at her.

“Maybe” she grinned.

I took her camping that weekend.  We ended up spending most of the weekend in the tent as it poured down rain.  If memory serves me right, neither of us could walk straight as we packed up the truck, giggling the whole time.

Y/N walked slowly out of the bathroom one morning about two months after the hiking trip.  Her face pale.  Her hands shaking.  The pregnancy test stick wobbling in her hands.  “James” her voice shook.  I just pulled her into my lap.  “We were so careful” she whispered.

Seeing the pink plus sign on the tester, “I know” I kissed her forehead.  “One must have broken.”  I rocked Y/N in my arms a moment.

“James?”

“Yeah?”

“Stop rocking me.”

“What?”

“I’m nauseous enough.  Please stop rocking me.”

“Oh god” I stopped rocking.  But snugged her tighter to me “Sorry.”

“I’m so old” she whimpered.

I kissed her forehead.  “I know this won’t be easy.”  I kissed her forehead again.  “We need to get you the best baby doctor.”

Wrapping her arms around my neck, “They are called OBGYN.”

I held her tighter, “I got you.”

Within days, I’d found her the best one in the city.  Ok.  Avi found the OBGYN.  The doctor called it a Late In Life pregnancy.  And it would not be easy.  And that we should consider all the options.  ALL the options.  Y/N quickly batted down the hardest idea immediately.  “No.  If we aren’t supposed to become parents, then the Fates would not have let this happen.  I’m not going to throw it away.”

“Ok.  I got you.”

“I know that you already have kids.”  The worry plain on Y/N’s face.

“I do.  But, I’m willing to move forward with this.”  I put my hand on her belly, “If you are.”  Y/N just nodded and snuggled up closer to me.  I held her tightly.

During one of the baby doctor visits, a sonogram was performed.  We were both excited to see our baby.  Then Y/N’s face paled “Doc?”

“Yes Y/N?” she smiled.

“What’s that?” Y/N pointed to a small bulge on the side of the image.

Moving the wand, “Well look at that!” the doctor smiled.  “Twins!”

I just looked at Y/N.  With a look of total panic etched on her face “Twins?” she whispered.

“We’ll manage” I whispered into her hair.

She nuzzled into my neck “mmk.”  Then sighing “I will need to stop performing.”

I looked into her eyes “Why?”

Smiling “That’s one less stress in my life.”

I huffed out a laugh “That’s true!”

Then we heard the heart beats.  Two little washing machines swishing away.  The doctor gave us prints of the sonogram.  I stuck one on my mic stand in my vocal booth at HQ.  Y/N put one on the fridge at home.

The following weekend, Y/N put on her final performance.  Rubbing her growing belly the whole time!  Me, Lars, Kirk and Rob showed up.  Y/N even pointed us out.  When she announced that this would be her last performance, the crowd was shocked into silence.  Until she announced why.  The applause grew in the crowd.

“Ok.  So.  What should be my last song for y’all?” she smiled at the crowd, hand on her belly.

I had already schemed with the other three.  We yelled out “Nothing Else Matters!” louder than everybody else.

Y/N, leaning on the mic stand and holding her belly, laughed loudly.  “Well, only if you four dorks” pointing at us “get up here and join these four jerks!” she hiked her thumb over her shoulder at her bandmates.  Her band was behind her almost begging us to take the stage.  As we walked to the tiny little stage, the audience went nuts.  As part of my scheming, Avi had made certain that me, Kirk and Rob had guitars at the bar.  Lars was stuck with the drum set already there.  I stood behind Y/N as she sang my song.  Perfectly.  When done, Y/N took her bow.  We encouraged the crowd to keep applauding her.  Turning around, she saw what that eight of us behind her were doing and she smacked my bicep.  Hard.  But laughing.  Flipping my guitar to my back, I grabbed Y/N and planted a deep kiss on her.  Right there.  On that tiny little basement stage.  I heard the crowd go quiet.  Then they burst out cheering.  From behind the drumset, Lars yelled “Get a room!”

Kirk chimed in “They already did!”

The place busts out in laughter.  I eased us out of the kiss, smiling at her.  She wrinkled her nose at me, then rested her head on my chest. 

The four of us pushed Y/N and her band to front of the stage to take their well deserved bows.  When the house lights came on, I handed off my guitar to Chad and took Y/N’s hand leading her off the stage.  I again kissed her, my hand resting on her belly.  Her hand covered mine as her other arm wrapped around my waist.  I almost carried her out to my truck.

Y/N made me call my grown kids to tell them the news.  “They don’t need to find out from the gossip rags.”

Over the following months, Y/N began having some serious medical issues.  The doctor put her in the hospital.  With two months to go.  It almost drove her nuts with the restrictions they had on her.  They actually counted the number of steps she could take in 24 hours.  I stayed with her, trying to keep her spirits up.  I’d sit in her room and play guitar.  I wrote several songs there.

As baby delivery time got closer, Y/N was – at times – exceedingly uncomfortable.  I would sit on her bed rubbing her belly.  Or her back.  Or her cramping feet.

One night Y/N woke me up, smacking me hard.  “James!”  I bolted upright.  “James!” she was panting hard.  The stupid call button had fallen off the bed.  I hit the button as I held Y/N.  She clutched my wrist, eyes wide in both pain and fear.  “It’s too soon” she almost begged me.

The door crashed open with all the night nurses entering the room.  Within minutes, Y/N was being pushed to delivery with me running behind the bed.  I held her hand as the contractions quickly became strong.  The doctor was soon there too.  Concerned over all three heartbeats, natural delivery quickly became a Cesarean.  A barrier was lifted over Y/N’s midsection.  The nurses let me get up by Y/N’s head.  I wrapped my hands around her head and the back of her neck, my lips right beside her ear.  She rested her forehead on my cheek.  Her fingers clutched at my wrists.

Our first child – a son – was laid on her chest.  Screaming.  Y/N started giggling hard “He’s a Hetfield!”  Our second child – a daughter – was also laid on Y/N’s chest.  We both rested our hands on the naked little beings.  Our kids.  Y/N started crying softly.  I joined her, kissing her temple.  Once the stitches on Y/N’s belly had been done, the doctor checked out the kids.  Both were a little underweight, but acceptable for twins.  Then we are told that our son was born on the 6th.  Our daughter on the 7th.  Even though they were born only 4 minutes apart.  Y/N giggled softly leaning her head into my arm, “At least they get their own birthdays!”  I joined in the giggling.

The kids were taken to the nursery for a full check out as they wheeled Y/N back to her room.  The lead night nurse leaves a couple of clipboards on the bedtable, “You’ll need to get these filled out soon.  Please.”

“Can those wait till morning?  Y/N really needs some sleep” as I watch Y/N fight to keep her eyes open.

“Sure” the nurse smiled before leaving the room.

I stretch out on my side next to Y/N.  She leans into me.  I gently rub her eyebrows “Sleep.”  I feel her body sag into sleep a few moments later.  I lay there gently rubbing her eyebrows, letting my fingers glide over her forehead, down her cheeks, over her lips softly.  She snorfels softly in her sleep, nuzzling deeper into my chest.  My hand naturally went to rest on her belly.  I almost smacked her as the large baby bump was gone.  I leaned my head on hers.

The blinding sun shining in the window woke me.  I stretch slightly as I am still cradling Y/N.  The mother of my twins.  Heaving a sigh, I kiss her forehead.  I detangle myself to go use the bathroom.  When I exit, I pick up the clipboards.  One for our son.  One for our daughter.  Their names blank.  Our names had been printed out as the parents.  I look at the woman sleeping in the hospital bed in front of me.  My heart is not sure if it wants to break or is so full it’s breaking.  I have three grown kids.  It hits me that I am going to be in my early 80’s when these two graduate high school.  Heaving a sigh, I reclaim my spot next to Y/N.  She snorfels awake.

“hey” she whispers.

“Hey” I kiss her forehead “Mom.”

She starts to snicker, then reaches for her stomach.  “Stitches.”  Looking up at me, she kisses my chin “Morning Dad.”  She snickers again, “But then you are used to being called that.”

I nod, “I am.  But it’s always special to hear it.”

There’s a soft knock on the room door.  “Come” I call out.

It takes two nurses to wheel in the basinets with our kids.  They are being a little fussy.  I push the button to raise the head of Y/N’s bed.  One of the nurses hands Y/N our son.  “They might be a little hungry.”

Y/N blushes some “I think the diner is open” as she looks at the wet spots forming on the front of her hospital gown. 

Smiling “Can I show you?” I ask her.  Y/N gently smiles at me blushing even more.  I gently pull open the front of the hospital gown.  Cupping our sons’ head, I guide his little mouth to her wet nipple.  He latches on almost immediately.  I take Y/N’s hand and guide it to the back of our son’s head, holding it so he can happily feed.

“You’ve had kids?” the first nurse looks at me.

“Three” I smile back at her.

“Then, I will leave you to it” the first nurse grins as the two leave the room. 

I collect our fussing daughter and pace with her until our son is done.  “Here” I smile as we trade kids.  I pace the room more, gently patting our son on the back.  The small bundle lets out a massive belch.

“Like father like son!” Y/N snarks softly at me.  I chuckle softly.

Again, we trade off kids.  I pace the room burping our daughter.  She lets out a smaller belch.  We both snicker.  I put our daughter into the bassinette.  As I go to lay our son into the other, they start fussing again.  I look at Y/N and she just nods smiling.  Shifting our daughter a little, I put our son down next to his sister.  It seems that both kids sigh before drifting off to sleep.  I push the empty bassinette into a corner of the room and push the loaded one close to the bed.  I collect the clipboards and retake my spot next to Y/N.

“So.  What are we going to name our kids?”

Heaving a sigh “I was thinking ….” her voice trails off.

“Yes?” I kiss her forehead.

“For our son, Forest.  For our daughter Ivy.”

Nodding, “I like those.”  I kiss her forehead again.  “How about middle names?”

“I don’t know.”  She looks at me “Tents?”  We both bust out laughing as Y/N holds her stitches.

Our son is named Forest Cliffton.  His middle name a combination of Y/N’s dad’s name – Milton.  And Cliff.

Our daughter is named Ivy Elizabeth.

Y/N and the kids have to spend at least a week in the hospital.  But the whole crew – including wives, girlfriends and partners – from HQ drop by to meet the newest editions to the immediate family.  Both Lars and Kirk show up to help shift Y/N and the kids home.  Rob, Chloe and Jess have evidently already been to the house as it’s been cleaned up.  Groceries are in the fridge.  Sheets have been changed.  Garbage taken out.  There are several premade dishes in the fridge for us. 

Just getting Y/N into the house and tucked into the sofa has exhausted her.  The kids are happily asleep in their car seats.  I let them sleep there.  We all sit around the living room talking about our kids.  Kirk’s youngest is just a couple of years old.  All four of us have kids in their teens or older.  I get calls from my older kids wanting to know how their younger siblings are.  I send them photos of Forest and Ivy in their car seats.

It seems like it’s just been days since the twins came home.  But they are beginning to teeth.  I hear Y/N whimper and watch her wince while feeding Forest.

“Stop biting Mama, you little milk vampire!” she chuckles gently at our son.

“That bad?” I grin at her as I hand off Ivy and collect Forest.

“You have been gentler to my boobs than your son!” she grins as she positions Ivy.  “Ouch!”  Y/N shifts Ivy a little “A second little milk vampire!”  I reach down, wipe off Y/N’s other boob and lick off the seepage from my hand.  “Cleaning up after your son, hmm?” she snarks softly at me.  I just nod at her smiling face just before she winces again.  “That’s it.  You two are getting weaned!”  Wiggling my eyebrows at her, I chuckle.  “And if you use what I’ve pumped in the fridge for your coffee again, you’re going to be in trouble!” 

I just chuckle as I walk with Forest into the living room, burping him.  He finally rips a loud one.  Into my ear.  “Yeah, I probably deserved that one!”  Hoisting my son a little higher in my arms, I set about making my coffee.  As I open the fridge, I consider the small bottles on the second shelf. 

“Don’t you dare!” Y/N snarks behind me.  “Literally taking the food from your children for your coffee!”  She’s carrying Ivy and adjusting her bra.  Ivy coos at her mother.  “I know you prefer it warm directly from the tap.  But you are cut off.”  She nuzzles the small face.  I grab them and smooch them both, making them both giggle along with Forest. 

“Well, if they are cut off ….” I reach for one of the small bottles.

Y/N smacks my hand “They are cut off from the tap.  Not the milk!” she laughs.

Several months later, we have returned to the studio.  It’s time to consider the AWMH Concert again.  I pull Y/N into my arms “C’mere.”  We snuggle for a minute.  “I had a thought on the way home.”

She strokes my hair “And what thought is that?” she smiles serenely at me.

“Would you consider singing a couple of songs at the AWHM show?”

She leans into my chest “Let me think on that.”

Three months later, Y/N and I finish the AWMH Concert with Nothing.  She did an amazing job.

Seven years later….

I’m in the studio with the others.  We are putting the final touches on a song for the new release.  Y/N had taken the kids shoe shopping.  It’s been an off day for me.  I can’t seem to get anything right.  I’m frustrated.  Even Lars is seeing that I’m having a hard time and leaves me alone. 

Avi walks into the studio, his face pale.  There’s a CHiP officer walking behind him.  “Avi?” my voice shakes.

“James.  There’s” he gulps, “been … an accident…”

“Where is Y/N and the twins?” I almost bark at him.  I’m barely aware that Chad is there pulling my guitar and in-ear monitors off me.  “Where?”

“Your children are bumped and bruised.  They are in San Fran General” the officer speaks up, taking a couple of steps closer to me.

“Y/N?”

The officer’s eyes are kind.  “She didn’t … make it.” 

I’m aware that there’s someone screaming as I sink to my knees.  Lars has almost knocked over his whole drum kit to get to me. That someone screaming is me.  Kirk and Rob are pulling me to my feet.  Lars slides me into the back seat of the officer’s car and sits next to me.  The officer takes us with lights flashing to the hospital.  Lars leads me through the hallways to a room.  The twins are there, sitting on the bed side-by-side.  When they see me, they collide with me.  I pull them in, squeezing them to me.  We sit there sobbing.

It takes me some time to calm.  The twins have cried themselves to sleep.  The officer has hung around.  “Please tell me what happened” I plead.

“It was a wrong way entry to the freeway in a stolen delivery van.  That van hit a sedan and both vehicles hit your truck head on.”  He’s wringing his hands.  “She didn’t suffer” he almost whispers.

I again break down sobbing.

Lars and Jess help me to plan Y/N’s funeral.  Ok.  Lars and Jess planned it.  I couldn’t.  The twins clung to me over those days.  I let them.

Over the next decade, the twins and I managed to muddle through.  We talk about Y/N all the time.  Her massive silver tabby cat – Mithril - would occasionally sit at the top of the stairs, staring at the ledge in the bend of the stairs.  There’s nothing there.  Y/N had always wanted to put a fake plant there.  But we never got one picked out.  I shiver every time I see her cat staring at the empty shelf.

“Ok you two!  School bus is leaving!” I yell up the stairs to the twins.

“Coming!”   “On it Dad!”

They come storming down the stairs, tugging on jackets, carrying backpacks, dodging the cat.

Seeing my backpack on the table, “Where are you going, Dad?” Ivy asks, her fingers grazing the straps of the pack.

“I thought I’d go glassing for bucks up on the ridge after dropping you two off” I grin at my youngest child.

Ivy’s dark eyes – her mother’s eyes – look at me “Please take your avalanche beacon” she whispers.

I frown slightly at my youngest daughter “Ok.  I’ll take it.”

She kisses my chin, “Thanks Dad.”

“Hey Dad, I’m going with Rudy after school to shoot some hoops.  Is that ok?”

“Sure Forest.  What time do you think you’ll be home?”

“Probably 4:30 or 5.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“I’m supposed to go help Stacy with her English paper after school” Ivy speaks up.

“mmk.  Same question, Ivy.”

“4:30 or 5ish.”

“Deal.  Let’s roll out kiddos!” as I grab my wallet, backpack, phone and key fob.  As we walk through the garage, I grab my avalanche beacon and attach it to my backpack.  Ivy smiles at me.

After dropping them off, I head up into the hills to a trailhead that I’ve heard has been busy with elk this year.  I wander through the wilderness, spotting several big bucks.  I note where they are roaming.  Checking the time, I turn and start my way back.  As I’m navigating a trail by a ravine, I trip……

I snorfel awake.  Y/N is laying in the bed next to me, smiling gently at me.

“There they are!  Those stunning blue eyes” she purrs at me.

“Y/N?  How are you here with me?”  I rub my forehead, the remnant of a headache fading.

Her fingers are gently playing with my hair “James.  I am not … there ..with you.”  She heaves a sigh.  “You are ….here ..with me.”  I look into her eyes completely confused.  “What’s the last thing you remember?” she smiles softly at me, her hand planted on my chest.

“I’d been out on the ridge glassing…” the images dancing in my head.  “I was walking …. back to the truck.  I tripped….”  She just nods gently with a wonky smile.  “I’m …?”

She nods.  “You didn’t trip.  The lip of the ravine collapsed.  Your head hit a boulder about 15 feet down.”

“That explains the headache” I snark.

“It was instant and I’m glad for that” she winces some.

“Tell me please” I ask her softly.

“When your body hit the bottom of the ravine, the impact snapped your neck and broke your spine in three places.”  She caresses my hair “If you had survived the fall … James, you would never have walked again.  Nor been able to play guitar again.”  She sighed heavily “Ever.” Her fingers gently caress my mustache. "Without the avalanche beacon, they would never have found your body."

It hits me what she’s just said.  “You were there.”

Nodding, “James, I haven’t left your side since you collected the twins after I died” she looks down for a second, then back to my eyes.  “I was lying next to you every time you cried yourself to sleep.  I would sing to you every night.  I was there in front of you begging you to put the beer or vodka back on the shelf at the store.”

The tears are streaming down my cheeks.  My fingers cup her head.  “There were times when I could have sworn you there.  Holding me.”  Smiling, she kisses the corner of my mouth.  “Because you were…”  She just nods slowly.  I pull her into me, hugging her tightly, kissing the top of her head.  Finally easing my hold on her, “Did it … hurt?”

“For a moment” she whispers

“You knew.”

Nodding into my chest, “I did.  There was a concrete wall to my right and three lanes of freeway traffic to my left.  Trying to turn the truck, we would have been broadsided by cars on both sides.  And all three of us would have died.”  She’s wrapped her arms around me.

“So you sacrificed yourself …”

“To save our children.  Yes.”

I again pull her tight to me.  “How are the twins now?”

Putting a hand in the middle of my chest, Y/N pushes up, kissing me, then smiling, “Come with me.”  She holds out her hand.  Looking at me, Y/N crinkles her nose some “This might make you dizzy.”

Pulling me from the bed we’ve been lying in, the moment my feet hit the floor, the room blurs-spins-shakes before coming back into focus.  We are sitting on the stairway ledge.  Mithril is sitting at the top of the stairs.  Staring.  “Hi Mithril” Y/N greets the massive cat.  It meows back at her. 

“He can see you?”  Y/N just nods.  The cat meows again softly.  Taking in the view, the twins are sitting at the dining room table doing homework.  Y/N’s other large cat - Caladan - is sitting in Ivy’s lap.  Staring at us.

Just then, Castor comes almost running to the stairs “Mom!” he steps over Mithril.

“What Castor?” Fran’s voice floats from the kitchen.

“First, the cat is staring again.  Second, have you seen my sweatshirt?”

“Leave the poor cat alone and your sweatshirt is on the back of a chair in here” Fran walks out into the dining room carrying a couple of mugs.  “Here you two go” setting the mugs down in front of the twins.

Forest takes his and sips some, whipped cream sticking to his upper lip.

Ivy’s fingers wrap around her mug.  “Fran?”

“Yes, Ivy?”

“Why are you staying with us?  Onkel Lars is our godfather” Ivy’s voice soft, verging on tears.

Fran sits at the table, “Yes, Lars is your godfather.  But he doesn’t want to live in Colorado.  You two have made it clear that you don’t want to live in Denmark.”  Castor sits at the table.  “You are James’ children.  I know how he’d want you two to be raised.”  She shrugs some.  “I wasn’t going to let just anyone raise you two.”

“You still love Dad” Ivy looks at my ex-wife.  Fran just nods slowly.

“But why are the others here too?” Forest asks bluntly.

Smiling at him, “Your older siblings want to be part of your lives too” as Marcella and Cali join the table with their own mugs.  Fran smiles at the two young women.

Marcella leans on the table, “Tell us about your Mom.”

I pull Y/N into my lap on the ledge as the six people gathered around the table start talking.  Telling stories.  About Y/N.  About me. 

As the day fades, I see silver beams glowing out the window running across the landscape.  Y/N sees my confusion.  “Those are lifelines.  They will all live long lives.”

“But whose that short one that fades?”

“Mithril’s or Caladan's. Not sure.” Y/N smiles at me.  “The kids all have long lines.  Even Fran’s is a long one” Y/N snuggles up close to me.

The people that have had to become family finally turn in for the night.  Y/N helps me navigate off the ledge.  Hand in hand, we check in on our twins.  In our daughter’s room, Y/N gently brushes a stray hair from Ivy’s forehead.  She sighs and snuggles into her pillow.  In Forest’s room, Y/N tugs the blanket a little closer to his chin.  He snorfels in his sleep.  In my older children’s rooms, I check on them.  As we walk down the hallway, I stop in what had been my bedroom.  Fran is again sleeping in my bed.  With both cats.  “Thank you Fran” I whisper.  Fran sighs and rolls to my side of the bed grabbing my pillow.  Y/N and I walk into the hallway.  Turning to Y/N, I hold out my hand to her.

Smiling gently at me, “Are you ready?” she whispers.

Nodding, I pull her to me.  Kissing her.  Her arms wrap around me.  Leaning my forehead against hers, “Yes.”

She pulls my head to her, kissing me.

“I love you James” she whispers to me.

“I love you Y/N” I whisper back as we kiss again.

The hallway fades away.  Our feet leave solid surface.  Stars begin to fill in around us.  Our arms wrap tighter around each other.  I look into her eyes seeing the stars reflected there.  Her smile glorious.  It starts with a rumble.  One that I recognize.  Grass slowly fills in below our feet.  A stadium materializes.  Candlestick Park.  A song echoes in my ears.  From behind me I hear him …

“James!  About time!”  Cliff is running towards me.  Red hair flying, his bass slung over his shoulder.  “C’mon!  I have some new riffs to show you!”

Rockies Christmas - Day 15

Warnings:  Fluff, Send offs, poignant moment

Guide: CBF = Cali’s Boyfriend / CGF = Castor’s Girlfriend / MBF = Marcella’s Boyfriend {I didn’t want to give them names}

There’s a loud buzzing in the room.  I feel James roll to his back.  The buzzing stops.  It’s dark outside.  He pats my lower back, “I want to see the kids off” he mumbles.

I swim to the side of the bed, “I would like to do that too.”

We get ourselves pulled together and head into the kitchen.  “Do we do coffee now or later?” James asks. 

“I’m awake enough to need it.”

He gives me a wonky grin, “Coffee it is!”

I sit at the bar while he starts the maker.  I can hear the kids getting their things together.  CBF is the first to round the corner with his bag.  He puts it by the side door with a very mumbled “morning” in passing.

Cali isn’t far behind, “He doesn’t do mornings well” she apologizes with a smile.  CBF takes her bag and puts it by his.

“Especially early mornings.  I completely understand” James grins at the young man.

Castor, MBF, CGF and Marcella soon make the turn, all with bags in tow.  “Morning” is mumbled by all.

James looks with concern at his boy, “You good Castor?”

“I just need some coffee.”  I shove my cup in his direction.  “Thanks!” as he almost chugs the whole cup.  He gives me a look.

“What?”

“Where did you learn to drink coffee?”

“I spent a summer in Seattle.”

“Ah” Castor looks into the mug.  “That explains it.”  James pours more coffee into the mug.  Castor takes another drink.  “That’s better.”  Then chugs the contents.

James goes to the living room and powers on the TV.  The very early morning news is on.  We have to wait for about 10 minutes for the weather and traffic report.  The news is good.  The trees on the freeway have been cleared overnight and the plows are running non-stop.  But the reports say that some side streets are still blocked.

“You better load up and get on the road.  I’d rather you sit at the airport than miss the flights because of the trees” as James turns off the TV

The kids all bundle up.  James and I pull on our boots and help the kids load up.

James pulls Cali to the side, “You keep me informed on this” he puts his hand on her belly.

“I promise Dad.”

“We will be on tour in the spring in Europe.  But should be stateside before this one makes its appearance.”  He kisses her forehead, “We will get to you as soon as possible.  Promise.”  He gives her a hug.

Cali steps to me, “Thanks again for the baking soda tip.  It really helped.”  She gives me a hug.

“You’re welcome!” hugging her back, “I will get your Dad to you as soon as possible when it’s time.”  I smile at her, “Promise.”

“Thanks!” Cali says stepping back, hand on her belly.  Her eyes light up, “Dad” she grabs his hand and puts it on the baby.

I watch as his eyes close holding both daughter and grandchild.  That moment burns into my mind.  Then he stands up, “You stay in touch.”  He helps her into the van.  “Be safe.  All of you.”

“We will”   “Ok”   “You got it Dad”  all came simultaneously. 

“Text me that you got there ok.”

“And when we get home” Marcella smiles.  “Love you, Dad.”

“Love you too, baby girl!”  Pointing, “I can’t wait to hear the new tunes, son!”

“As soon as I get home, Dad!”

James steps back as Castor backs the vehicle up.  There are waves and shouts of “bye!” and “Love you” from the van.  James reaches back and I take his hand.  Together we turn and walk back into the house.  The now very quiet house.  I can see he’s already missing the chaos of having that many people in the house.  I just wrap my arms around him, holding him.  He wraps his arms around me, sighs and rests his cheek on top of my head.  I don’t know how long we stood there just being together.  He gently pats my lower back, “I should check the back of the garage again, just to make sure that no other branches came down.”

I loosen my grip, “Ok.  Be careful.  It’s slick out there.”  He smiles at me.  “I’m going to start the laundry.”

“That’s going to be an all-day event” he grins, grabbing his phone before heading back outside, this time with a jacket on.

I go to the rooms that the kids had used to pull the bedding off, only to find that they’ve already stripped the beds.  Going into the laundry room, they have piled all their linens and bath towels on top of the Media Room blankets.  Smiling, I sort things out, then load and start the washer.  Returning to the kitchen, I pull out the last loaf of date-nut-bread and slice it.  I am spreading cream cheese on a slice when I hear James come in through the garage.  He joins me in the kitchen, “Want a slice?”

“Yes, please.”

Gathering up coffee mugs, the bread and some napkins we move to the living room.  James turns on the TV just as his phone buzzes.  “They made it to the airport and are through security.”  I can feel him relax some.  “Castor says that the road was slick in spots, a few smaller branches down, but otherwise clear.”

I smile at him, “I’m glad they got there safely.”

We watch the news for a bit. 

Then James turns to me with a massive grin on his face, “I’m going to be a Grandpa.”

- -- - - - - -

Sorry this one is so long! I couldn't do one holiday without the other! I do hope everyone had great holidays!!!

~H4H

Oh! Hello James!

Tricks or Sweets

I am having so much fun writing these!  Here is the October offering.

The one for November is in the wings!

Link to the September post:

Warnings: The end is NSFW. Strip Joints mentioned.

Damn this man can be frustrating.  I suppose any man can be frustrating.  I’ve had relationships before.  But none of them worked out.  The last serious one that I’d had ended a couple of years ago and it broke my heart.  Ok.  Shredded it.  This one came damned close to doing it again.  Although the last month, we have both been working on it.  Together.  We’ve had some heated discussions.  No yelling.  Some discussions have ended with the agreement to disagree.  Some he’s changed my mind.  Some I’ve changed his.  But here it is, close to Halloween and I’m sick.  I have kept him at a distance because I don’t want him getting sick.  Hell, Lars would skin me alive if I get the mighty James Hetfield sick when they are working on new songs.  James and I had closed up his Colorado house to stay in his NorCal place so he could go into HQ with the rest of the band.

James is a little hurt that I’m pushing him away.  Even after explaining to him that I don’t want him to get sick.  He still curls up with me in bed.  He’s been keeping his kisses to any part of my body except my mouth.  I’m not going to complain.  He’s excellent at kissing body parts.  I also think he’s hoping that I’ll get better in time to go to Kirk’s big shindig on Halloween.

“James, I really don’t like to be scared.” I mumble, then cough.  It feels like I’m hacking up a lung. 

Patting my back, “But Kirk’s parties are really good.”  He’s almost whining.  “Will you at least consider going?”

I know that this party is a big deal, “I will consider.”  More coughing, “If I get over this.”  I blow my nose, which is sore and red.  I untwist the Hawaiian print dress I’m wearing.

He pulls me into his side, cupping my head, “I’m sorry you don’ feel good.”  His fingers feel cool on my forehead.  He grabs the digital thermometer and presses it to my forehead.  It double beeps.  “100.2.  Do you want more tea?”

I can only nod as I cough some more.  I watch from the sofa as he sets the kettle to boil.  I had moved to the living room sofa – for a change of scenery from our bedroom.  I slowly sink back into the sofa.  My eyes flutter open as I feel his fingers on my forehead.  My mug is sitting on the table.  I sit up and he hands it to me.  It’s the perfect temperature, which means that I’ve been asleep.  I chug most of it.  It feels good on my throat.  It hits my stomach like a ton of bricks.  It’s the only thing I have consumed all day.  I curl into a ball against him as he takes my mug.  He gently urges my head into his lap, tucking the blanket in around me.  I close my eyes as he plays with my hair. 

It's dark when I wake up.  Still on the sofa.  I cough hard.  Grabbing some tissues I spit out what I’ve hacked up.  At least it’s beginning to break up.  I hope.  I sit up slowly.  I can hear James in his studio.  He’s putting lyrics to a new tune.  I just sit and listen.  Damn!  It’s going to be a hit!  Standing up slowly, I make it to the bathroom.  Washing up after, I splash some water on my face.  It feels so good that I lean on the counter.  I feel his hand on my lower back.  “You good?”

“Yeah.”  I slowly stand up and lean into him.  “Just had to pee.” 

He presses his hand to my forehead.  Before I can protest, he’s scooped me up and carries me back to our bedroom.  Grabbing the thermometer, he presses it to my forehead.  “101.3.  If this gets any higher, I’m taking you in.”

I can’t argue.  I sink back into the pillows.  I feel him get off the bed.  My eyes close.  Then I feel the mattress sink as he sits on it.  A cool cloth is pressed to my forehead.  Another he presses to the back of my neck.  I whimper softly.  “Shhh.  Just sleep.”  I drift away again.

I hear voices.  Speaking softly.  I feel James’ hand cupping my head. 

“Doc, she’s been down for at least a whole day.”

“Temp?”

“101 to 102 consistently.”  I can hear the concern in his voice.

“Is she drinking or eating anything?”

“It’s been awhile.  I got some tea in her yesterday afternoon.”

I hear a deep sigh.  “She needs some electrolytes.  Let me set up an IV for her.”

I try to squirm.  “Shhh.”  His fingers cup my face.  “I got you.”  I manage to pull his fingers to my neck, leaning into the coolness.  The bed sinks on my left side.  I wince as the band is tightened around my arm.  “Hang on Kira.  It’s only for a moment.”  Then there’s a stinging in my left arm.  I manage to kick out with a leg.  “Almost done.”  His lips press cooly to my forehead, his fingers play with my hair.  The sting eases and there’s a cool sensation running up my arm.  The band is removed.

“Ok.  I have this one wide open.  Keep an eye on this arm.  It’ll need to stay pretty straight for this bag to get in her.”

“Got it, Doc.”

“I’ll leave a couple of bags in your fridge.  Pull the next bag back to about half.”

“Doc, thanks a million.”  The bed shakes gently.  I can only guess that they are shaking hands.  I whimper and try to curl around him.  “Shhh.  You’ll feel better soon.”  His hand caresses my hair.

“Call me if anything looks wonky.  I’m only doing this cause I know you can handle the IV port.  You’ve had enough in your life.”

“Thanks again.”

“I’ll see myself out, James.”  I hear footsteps.  “I’ll check in with you later.”

“Thanks.”  James rolls me to his side, draping my left arm over his chest.  His fingers make gentle lazy patterns on my arm and shoulder.  The darkness reaches up and pulls me under.

It’s pitch black outside when I float awake.  I’m flat on my back.  James is on my right side, his arm and leg keeping me pinned.  I struggle a little to move.  “Hey.  What’s wrong?”

“Gotta pee” I cough out.

I have never seen him move this fast, he’s standing on my side of the bed, one hand holding my left hand, the other under my right arm pulling me gently to my feet.  “Hang on a sec.”  He reaches behind me.  The IV bag hits my back.

“That’s cold” I flinch slightly.

“Sorry.  It’s still attached to you” he gives me a small smile. 

I wobble to the bathroom.  He stands holding the IV bag while I use the toilet.  He did have to help me stand after I cleaned up.  He squirts some hand sanitizer on my right hand and works it in.  “Faster than washing just the one hand.”  I snorfel a smile.  He almost carries me back to bed.  Tucking me back into the sheets, he rehangs the IV bag.  I look up.  He’s jerry rigged a mic stand to hold the bag.  I laugh softly.  “What?”

Pointing with my right hand, “Very creative.”

“I didn’t want to put a hole in the wall” he smiles at me.  I wiggle to get comfy.  He checks the bag.  “I’ll be right back” he kisses my forehead.  “Don’t go anywhere.”  He pats my stomach as he leaves.  I blink and he’s back, a new IV bag in his hands.  “Let’s go ahead and change this one out.”  Like a trained nurse, he quickly gets the bags changed.  He adjusts the flow on the line.  I just look at him.  “You don’t want to know how many IV ports I’ve yanked out of my own arms.”  My fingers gently rub his arm as he sits.  “A night nurse in Montreal took pity on me and showed me what to do.”

“That had to be horrid.” 

“Honestly, I was terrified.”  He gently stretches out next to me.  “I still double check the setlist and where I am on stage.”  I can see the memories in his eyes.

“You were very lucky that those flames didn’t sear your lungs.”

Nodding, “That would have ended me.”  I gently caress his cheek.  “The year it took to be able to pick up a guitar again was torture.”

“I’m sure it was.”  My fingers linger on his face, “I heard what you were creating earlier.  It sounds great!”

He smiles at me, “That was two days ago.  But thanks!”  He kisses my forehead.

“Two days?”

“Yeah, you’ve been a little out of it” his fingers caress my face.  He grabs the digital thermometer.  “Look at that!  99.8!”

I smile softly.  “I do feel better.”  A coughing fit hits me.  He just rubs my back. 

“Actually, you did cough in your sleep.”  He brushes stray hairs from my forehead.

“Have you slept at all?”

“Some.  But I’m good.  Let’s get you out of the weeds first.”  He pulls me to him, making sure that the IV tube isn’t being crushed, and curls an arm around my head.  “I’m not going anywhere.  Sleep.”  I wrap my right arm around his and let sleep pull me back under.

My eyes squint open to a room filled with bright sunlight.  The IV port is still in my arm, but the tubing has been removed.  I sit up and cough hard.  I hear the toilet flush, then water in the bathroom.

“It lives!” James smiles at me.  He’s wearing just a pair of boxers.  And damn he looks good.  Another coughing fit hits me.  James slides onto the bed, patting my back.  “Doc stopped by this morning.  He gave you a shot of B12.  That should give you the boost you need to get over the cough.”

“That explains why my ass hurts.”

Nodding, “Yeah, that’s one of those shots that can’t go thru an IV.”  He kisses my shoulder, “I want to leave the port in for a bit.  I can take them out, but can’t put them in.”

“I understand that.”  I squirm to the side of the bed, “I gotta pee again.”

He helps me from the bed to the toilet and then the sink.  “Let’s shift you to the family room.”  He snakes an arm around me, “Change of scenery.”

“A change of sheets please?”

He snickers a laugh, “You read my mind.”  He helps me sit back into the sofa in the family room and covers me with a big fuzzy blanket.  “Need anything?” as he hands me the TV remote.

“A Severed Lime please?”

He kisses my forehead.  “Be right back.”

I power up the TV and start looking through the guide.  His hand comes over my shoulder, “Here.  Careful it’s open.”  His voice soft.

“Thank you.”  I look into his blue eyes, “For taking care of me.”  Another coughing fit.  This one hurts my chest.  His hands gently hold my shoulders and rub my back.  I pull his hand from my shoulder to my chest, “It hurts here.”  He rubs my chest gently.  His hand warm on my skin.  And deeper.  I cough again.  James uses the heel of his other hand to pound on my back.  I grab some tissues and spit out the phlegm.  It’s green.

“That’s not good.”

“Better out than in” I manage, spitting out more.

“I’ll call Doc again.  Get his opinion.”  He kisses my hair, “In the mean time, I’ll go change the sheets.”

“Please spray the pillows and mattress with Lysol.”

He kisses my hair again, “Good idea.”  He takes my left hand, “I think we’re done with this.”  He deftly pulls out the IV port from my arm.  Then he holds the spot for a minute waiting for my blood to congeal.  “There.  All better.”  I cough hard.  “Well, getting there” he chuffs at me. 

I find a movie and start it as another fit hits me.  More phlegm comes up.  I drop the messy tissues to the floor with the other ones.  I curl into the corner of the sofa, tugging the blanket tighter.  I blink awake as the movie is ending.  Music floats from James’ studio.  I cough again, bringing up more phlegm.  I chug some of the Severed Lime.  The bubbles actually feel good on my sore throat.  I start another movie and I recurl into the blanket.  It’s dark when I sit up, coughing again.

“Hey,” his hands on my shoulders again.  He reaches out and grabs the Severed Lime can, “Here, sip.”  I take a couple of sips.  “Doc stopped by while you were sleeping.  He looked at what you’ve coughed up.  He didn’t want to give you an antibiotic shot without knowing if you have any medical allergies.”

Shaking my head, “None that I know of.”  I cough again.  I take another drink.

“He left the shot, if you’ll let me.”  I look into his big blue eyes.  He’s concerned.  Very concerned.  And torn.  Being brought up Christian Scientist, medicines were frowned on.  But modern medicine saved him when he was so badly burned.  I nod at him, holding tissues to my mouth as another cough hits me.  Once he knows I’m ok, he goes to the fridge and pulls out the syringe.  He picks up the alcohol wipe packet from the counter as he returns.  “Doc said the best place for me to jab you is in the ass.”  He sits on the sofa.  I slowly roll to him, draping myself over his lap.  “If you felt better, this would be interesting!”  He opens the wipe packet, pulls up the Hawaiian dress I’m wearing and rubs my ass with the wipe, then his fingers grab that cheek and the other stabs.  I wince.  He pulls the dress back down and rubs the spot, “All done.”  I just hang there.  “You better shift off my lap, or I might just let my evil thoughts take over” he growls gently into my ear. 

“Maybe later” I grin up at him as I push myself back into the corner, another cough hits me.

“My poor little Kira.”  He tucks me in, kissing my forehead.  He goes into the kitchen.  I hear him puttering around in it.  I’m still a little too far gone to pay attention.  He comes back carrying a bowl, “Here, sip this.”  It’s miso.

“That tastes so good.”  I drink more.  “Thank you.”

He returns to the kitchen and comes back with his own bowl.  A much bigger bowl.  He puts my feet into his lap and I start another movie.

I don’t remember falling asleep.  My feet are still in his lap.  Our soup bowls on the coffee table.  He’s curled up on his side, several pillows under his head.  I gently extract my feet.  “You ok?”

“I gotta pee.”

He stands up and helps me stand, “Well you do have about three IV bags of fluids in you.”

As we move toward the bathroom, “I do feel better.”  I cough again.

“Yeah.  Uh huh.”  He gives me a look.

“I do” I protest while using the toilet.  He stands behind me while I wash up.  I take a good look at my reflection.  I grimace.

"What?"

“I need a shower.”

“Not at 2am.  C'mon.  Back to the sofa with you.”

He sinks into the sofa with me.  “You go to bed.”  I cough again.  “I’ll be fine.”

Pulling my feet back into his lap, “Yes, you will be fine.”  He reaches up and tucks the blanket back around me.  He takes the remote and starts another movie.  He gently rubs my ankles and calves.  I slide back into sleep.

The morning sun shines in on my face.  I struggle to shift.  My feet are still trapped in James’ lap and hands.  His warmth feels good on my feet.  I watch him sleep.  His eyelashes curl against his cheeks hiding his bluer than blue eyes.  His lips slightly open under his graying mustache.  Oh, the joys that mouth has given me.  His fingers curled around my ankles that make such magic on his guitar.  The magic they work on me.  Inside me.  I whimper slightly.  And cough.  Hard.  His hands tighten around my ankles.  “I’m ok.”  I drop the tissue.  “Not as green.”

His eyebrows rise, “That’s good.”  I cough again.  “Better out than in.”  He grins at me, shifting my feet out of his lap.  “How about some breakfast?”

“Yes, please.”  I look up into his eyes as he stands.  “I’m sorry I’ve been such a pain.”

“I’m glad I was able to take care of you.”  He kisses the top of my head.  “Then maybe a shower.”

“That bad?”

“I have smelled better after a show.”

“Yikes.”  I kick out of the blanket.  I change the channel to local news.  The weather is on.  Nothing new.  Clouds, fog, spotty rain.

“Ahh.  San Fran in late fall” James sighs as he hands me a plate.  He sinks into the sofa next to me.

His scrambled eggs are smothered in cheese.  There’s sliced tomato and avocado on my plate.  “mmmm.”

“Good?”

“Yeth” I say around a mouthful.

He takes the remote and finds the NFL Network.  We finish eating while getting the latest updates on the teams.  Well, he finishes our breakfast.  I could only eat about half of what he’d put on my plate.  Once the updates are done, James collects the plates and dumps them in the sink.  He comes back, turns off the tv, pulls me to my feet, pulls the blanket off the sofa and unloads about half a can of Lysol where I’ve been sleeping.  Then he leads me to our bathroom.  Pulling off my dress and dropping his boxers, he pulls me into the shower.  I lean against the back wall as he washes my hair, my back, my body - being very tender between my legs.  I know he’s horny as hell, but I’m so not horny.  It pinches my heart that I can’t be sexy for him right now.  The steam from the hot water puts me into a serious coughing fit.  James wraps an arm around my waist and holds my head with his other hand.  I hack out the biggest chunk of phlegm ever.  It’s yellow, green and brown all at once.  Using a spray wand, James washes it down the drain.  I slowly stand up.  “Well, there’s that” I whisper.

“Maybe that’s the core and you’ll get better now” James cups my head and pulls me into his body.  He releases me gently, rinses us both off and after turning off the water, wraps me up in a towel.  I waddle to the bed and sit.  That last hack hurt.  James sits behind me and using a towel, dries my hair.  I almost fall asleep sitting there.  He tugs the clean sheets and blankets down, “In you go.”  He pulls the towel from my body and tucks me into bed.  I’m asleep before the covers are tucked around me.

The next couple of days, I slowly recover.  Still hacking a cough, but not as bad.  I start putzing around the house taking care of little things.  I still crash out almost every time I sit down.

Knowing that I’m out of the weeds – as he put it - he’s been working a lot lately at HQ.  He didn’t get home until about 11pm a few days ago.  It’s 10:12pm.  I cough again.  I had tried his phone but it went directly to voice mail.  I figure that he’s doing vocal work.  I decided to call the HQ main line.  I almost hung up. 

“Hello.”

“Hi, this is Kira.”

“Hey!  It’s Avi.  How you feeling?  James told us that you were super sick.”

My eyebrows are in my hairline, “I’m doing ok, thanks for asking.  Uhmmm, this is kinda embarrassing, but would you please give James a note to pick up some cough drops?”

“Uhm, sure.  But he and Jacob left for the club.  I probably won’t see him before you do.”

The club?  THE club.  “Oh.  Ok.  Thanks.”

“Do you want me to run some up to you?”

“That’s very kind Avi, but I think I have enough to get through tonight.”

“Well, feel better!”

“Thanks!”  I end the call. 

Curling up tighter in bed as I cough, a million thoughts are going through my head.  There’s only one place that men refer to as The Club.  He went to a strip joint.  I’m surprisingly not mad at him that he went to a club.  I’m more upset that he didn’t let me know.  My eyes close.

His warm body is spooned up behind me.  My clock shows 3am.  Just that he’s back safely is all I care about.  I press up against his warmth and drift back to sleep.

“Hey sleepy head.”  His voice rumbles in my ear.  His big warm hand is slowly rubbing between my shoulder blades.

“That feels really good” I murmur into the pillow.

His lips press against the back of my neck.  “You feeling any better?”

“Let me wake up first, then I’ll let you know” I smirk at him.  I turn my head looking up at him, “How was the club?”  All the color drains from his face.  His hands freeze on my body.  I pull myself up and sit cross legged in bed.  “James, why wouldn’t you tell me?”  I’m not shouting.  I’m not accusing.  It’s more statement than question.

He rolls to his back, his left arm rests on his forehead, his right hand resting against my calf.  “I thought you’d get mad.”

I cock a smile at him, “Let me surprise you.”  He looks at me.  “I really don’t care if you go to strip clubs.”  He blinks.  “I really don’t.  Some of those women are gorgeous.”  He blinks again.  “Hell, I’d fuk some of those women.”  That got his attention.  “All I ask is that you let me know.  And bring this” I run my hand over his boxers where his erection is growing, “home to me.  I’ll be more than happy to take care of it.  I just want to know when to expect you home.”  I can tell he’s gobsmacked.  “What?” I smile at him.  “Have I rendered the great wordsmith silent?”

“Kinda.”  He sits up, holding my hand with his on his crotch.  “You’re serious.”

“Very.”  I feel him get harder.  “James, there’s nothing wrong with watching them dance.  For some, that’s how they are putting themselves through school.  Or taking care of sick kids or parents.  But this” I gently squeeze him, “comes home to me.”  He bowls into me laying me out flat on the bed, his lips kissing my face and neck.  I try to push him back, “If I get you sick, Lars is going to kill me!”

With both hands planted on either side of me, he rises up, “Lars is sick.  Probably got it when he went to Jessica’s shoot on the beach last week.”  He almost drops on to me, planting a toe curling kiss on me.  I wrap my arms around his neck.  Parting the kiss, “I’ve missed this.”  His blue eyes sparkling at me.  “I am sorry that I didn’t tell you.  It won’t happen again.”

“What won’t happen again?” I ask cheekily.

“I will tell you from now on where I’m going.  You’re right.  You should know when to expect me home.”

I caress his head from forehead to the nape of his neck, “Thank you.”  I twist my head into the nearest pillow and cough.

“Well, that is sounding better.”  He grabs the thermometer and presses it to my forehead.  It beeps.  “Hey look at that!  Normal.”

“yay!”  I play with his hair, “I could really use a shower.”  I sniff his chest, “So could you.”

“What?”

“You smell like cigarettes.”  We both sit up, “I don’t mind your cigars, but cigarettes just stink.”

“Noted.  I will shower after coming home.”

I grab his boxers, “Maybe I can help you” as I slid off the bed pulling him with me.

I was still a little anxious over the next couple of days about going to Kirk’s Halloween party.  I really do hate spooky stuff.  Spiders top of the list.  Halloween and being scared next.  I’m standing in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher when my phone rings.  By the ring tone, it’s James.  “Hi!”

“Hey.  I’ll be home a little early tonight.”

“What’s going on?”

I can hear him snicker, “Kirk is sick.”

“Well damn.”

“Yeah, he’s bummed that he’s gotta cancel the party.  Sooo, I’ll be home early tonight.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

I hear him chuckle as he ends the call.  Well, this is a curve ball.  A wicked idea comes to me.  I set up the stereo and put the remote on the landing.  I dash upstairs and dig through my things in the closet.  There.  The little plaid skirt.  Don’t know why I’ve kept it.  Don’t know why I packed it, but here it is.  I find a pair of scissors and cut about 6 inches off the hem.  It now barely hides my pussy and my ass cheeks peek out beneath it.  I almost run into the bathroom.  Fifteen minutes later, I’m hairless.  And wet.  I pull on a pair of black knee high socks.  My clunky white sneakers will have to do.  Then the skirt.  My heavy duty pushup bra is next.  My tits are almost hitting my chin.  I take a white t-shirt of his and sacrifice it.  I cut the neckline super low.  Then I twist the hem up and knot it right below my bra showing off my stomach.  Running back into the bathroom, I pull my hair up into a super messy bun.  I’m putting on bright red lipgloss when I hear the garage door open.  My heart is pounding and I’m a sopping wet mess between my legs.  I grab a towel and give a wipe as I hear him come in the house.

“I’m home.”

“Hi!  Sit on the sofa.  I’ll be down in a moment.”  I watch him from behind a corner.  I grin happily as he sits in the middle of the sofa.  I get to the landing and hit play on the stereo remote.  His own song – Devil’s Dance - blares to life.  He spins and sees me.  I chew on my lower lip as I try to move down the stairs in a sultry manner.  Hard to do in bulky sneakers.  But the look on his face is worth it.  He’s almost drooling at the sight of me.  When his song gets to the line “I’ve got what you need,” I squat, and quickly spread my knees flashing him with my cleaned and sopping wet core, then snap my knees together.  He actually grunts.  I slink around the living room trying to dance like a stripper – which I’ve never done before in my life.  I finally crawl across the wooden coffee table.  I can feel the strip of fabric I called a skirt slide up my rump – which I wiggle slowly as I crawl.  Putting my hands on his thighs – which are shaking – I get a couple of inches from his face and in the dirtiest voice I could, sing his own words to him, “Let’s dance.”

He doesn’t just grab me.  He tackles me.  His mouth crashing into mine.  His arms wrap around me as we crash to the floor between the sofa and the coffee table.  He shoves the table aside.  He’s grabbing at the shirt I’ve tied up and my bra.  I’m undoing and tugging off his belt.  His hands grab his jeans and about pops off the metal buttons on his 501’s.  I help him yank down both his jeans and boxers.  He grabs my hips and lifts while I point his dripping cock at my sopping cunt.  With one thrust he roars into me balls deep.  I cry out.  Not in pain.  I was so wet the Titanic could have slid into me.  The pleasure of his girth filling me made me cry out.  He grabs my left wrist and pins it to the ground by my shoulder as he starts thrusting.  Hard.  The look in his eyes, on his face.  Hunger.  Wild.  Feral.  I moan loudly.  My legs wrap around his waist, the heels of my sneakers dig into his hips forcing him deeper still into me.  Again, my voice cries out in sheer pleasure.  He lets go of my wrist to grab my hip again.  He’s slamming into me.  My hands grabbing his arms pulling him closer to me.  His balls slapping my taint.  His fingers dig deep into my hips keeping me from moving away.  We are both reduced to primal grunts and growls.  I feel his strokes getting sloppy.  His thumb finds my clit.  We both scream in release.  Not your normal orgasm vocalization.   It was an If the neighbors were any closer, the cops would have been called scream.  We are both panting, he slowly lowers his weight onto my body, his hands cupping my head.  I kiss his arms, neck, chin, chest. 

Then I cough.  Hard.  We both start laughing.  He gently withdraws from me.  I reach around to find the ruined t-shirt and shove it between my legs, which makes him give me a look.  “I’m leaking on the carpet!” I manage to squeak out.  Still laughing, he tucks the fabric under me.  He rests his head between my well lifted boobs as he never did get the bra off.

“I’ll never be able to play that song live again!” he pants out.  My laughter just redoubles.  “I’ll never be able to explain to Lars why not!” he laughs into my chest.  My fingers just play in his hair.

We lay there a tangle of arms, legs and clothes for a bit recovering.  I push the hair from his sweat covered brow, “Now tell me, wasn’t this better than a spooky Halloween party?”

His face still buried in my boobs, “It’s pretty close!”

Inverted image.

Flipped image. It's RIFF on his right fingers, not FFIR.

Snow Way to Escape

I originally posted this a while ago, but I think I screwed it up. So, here's a re-write that has become the prologue to several other fics that are in the wings. I hope you enjoy it!!

Warnings:  Angst, Sex Suggested

Why did I ever fall for this man?!  Is he talented?  Yes.  Is he good looking?  Damn yes.  Is he great in bed?  Fuck yes.  Is he being a dick?  All holy hells yes.  Has been since he got home from the road.  Am I regretting moving to his place in Colorado?  Right now.  Yes.  His last dig at me has me packing my carry on and putting my computer into my backpack while wiping away the tears I swore I wouldn’t shed.  I can walk away from everything I can’t fit into these two bags.  I looked over at the smart home device for the time.  It’s 3pm.  The notification bar was flashing yellow.  “Computer, what’s the notification?”  The robotic voice responds, “For the Vail Colorado area, the National Weather Service has issued the following weather warning.  A severe winter storm is forecast to begin snowing heavily at 2pm local time with heavy snow levels accumulating to 3 to 4 feet, drifting 6 to 8 feet.”  The rest of the warning went unheard as I grabbed my two bags, the note I’d written, and ran to the front door.  I dropped the bags on the floor, still clutching the note, as I saw my plans end.  Opening the front door I slowly walk outside into the dark, the snow had already been falling.  Big fat fluffy flakes so thick I could barely see the light at the end of the driveway.  Looking over to the garage door, “No, no no no, no!”  The drift was already a good 2 feet tall.  For a split second I thought about taking his damned truck.  It would easily clear that drift.

“What the hell are you doing?” James yelled from the open front door, looking between me and the bags on the floor.

Taking one last glance at the pile of snow blocking the garage door, I turn back to the house, “Well, I was going to leave you.”  I slapped my note into his chest.  Pushing past him, I collected my bags and slowly made my way back to the room that I had claimed as my own a week before.

“What the fuck!?” James yelled just before slamming the front door closed.

I kept walking dejectedly.  Making it back to the room, I tossed the backpack onto the bed and just stood there clutching the carry on.  I could hear James come storming down the stairs.  “What the fuck?  You are leaving me?”  I turned.  His usually glacier blue eyes now a threatening dark blue filled with rage.

“Well, mother nature said no” as I motioned to the now very dark window.  “Not tonight anyway.”

I heard the paper flutter to the floor.  “Why?”  The pain in his voice was natural, not forced.  It pinched my heart.

I turned to him but couldn’t look him in the eye.  “What was the one thing I asked of you when we started dating?”  He just stood there.  Then I did look at his face.  He was obviously thinking.  “I asked you to not compare me to the exes.”  He nodded slowly.  “I am not them and the exes are not me” I raged at him.  The rage fading from his eyes.  “But ever since you got home from the tour, you have been … well …”

“A dick” he finished my sentence.

“Yes” I snapped.  I put the carryon I was still holding on the bed.  “You have done nothing but compare me to them for months.”  I turned back to him, “The final straw was when you started counting your cash.”  His eyebrows knitted together.  “Every night before you go to bed, you count the cash in your pocket, put it in your wallet which you put on your nightstand.  Then in the morning after you shower and get dressed, you count it again.”  His fingers twitched as he processed what I said.  “I don’t need your money.”  He just looked at me.  “I have my own career and my own bank account.”  He continued to stare at me.  “I could have taken your damned $90 thousand dollar truck and left you the Shelby that I paid $125 thousand for.”  He cocked his head but didn’t ask.  I answered anyway.  “Taking your truck I would have gotten pulled over by your state trooper friends in a heartbeat.  That would be a felony.  And you would have no say if I got arrested or not.”  I turned away from him shaking slightly.  “Right now, you are not worth a felony on my record.”  I moved to the desk and sank into the chair.

He looked around the room.  The realization hit him, “When did your stuff get down here?”

I huffed a smile, “James, I moved down here a week ago.”  He looked at me.  “You didn’t notice that I wasn’t sleeping in your bed?”

His hands kinda flapped uselessly, “I thought you were coming to bed after me and getting up before…”

“Thanks for noticing” I said sorta like Eeyore.

His eyebrows knitted together again, “But the sheets got changed.”

“Yes they did” I just looked up at him.

“And the kitchen … the dishes … the laundry …”

“The grocery shopping, collecting the mail, dusting” I looked down at my hands. 

“Why?”

“Who else was gonna do it?” I dug back at him.  “It’s not like you’d do any of those things.”  He huffed a moment but didn’t say anything.  “I wanted to hire a cleaning team, but you went almost mental on me about that.”

“I don’t want someone just rummaging through my shit” he flared.

“I understand that” I tried to stay calm.  “But there are teams that specialize in people of your status.  Plus” I pointed to the monitors on the desk, “I have a job!  One that I enjoy!” my temper trying to flare.  I leaned my elbows on the desk rubbing my eyes. 

He was quiet for a minute.  “Look, this storm is going to blow for a couple of days” he said trying to stay calm.  “Let’s get some sleep.”  I just nodded.  He stepped backwards out of the room collecting the note from the floor, “We can talk in the morning.”  He softly closed the door.

I looked at the closed door.  His cologne lingered.  More than just his cologne.  Him.  The tears started to fall.  I let them.  Sniffling, I decided to take a soak in the tub.  Starting the water, I dumped in some salts from the cupboard, then sank into the hot water.  I mulled over the past 8 months.  The good, the bad.  More tears.  When the water turned cool, I got out, drained the tub and climbed into the bed.  The heat from the soak worked a charm and I was asleep in minutes.

I woke up still wrapped in the towel from the tub soak.  I slipped out of the bed, pulling on jammies and a robe.  I opened the bedroom door.  I could hear that James was in his studio.  It was a super crunchy riff floating through the house.  Smiling to myself, I went into the kitchen.  Pulling out what I needed to make a breakfast sandwich, I looked at the items on the counter.  It’s just as easy to make three as just one.  I left two on a plate in the fridge covered with a paper towel, with “Zap for 30 seconds” written on it.  I left another note on the counter, “Breakfast in fridge.”  Collecting my sandwich, a granola bar and a couple cans of Severed Lime from the fridge, I returned to my room.  Pulling my computer out of my backpack, I logged into work.

My chat window opened:

Boss:  You make the flight?

Me: No.  Got snowed in.

Boss:  You ok?

Me:  Meh

Boss:  Wanna talk?

Me:  Not right now.

Me:  I’m going Marinas Trench.  I need to get the last three chapters done.  They’re late.

Boss:  Understood.  Don’t worry about being late.  I’ll put in a good word for ya!

Me:  Thanks.

I clicked on the Out of Office option.  Then opened the files I needed from the New York servers and ate my sandwich waiting for the computers to synch.  Once done, I launched into where I’d left off.

I had no idea how long I’d been working until there was a soft knock on the door.  “Hey?” came James’ voice.

I turned to the door, “Yeah?”

“May I come in?”

Stretching, “Yeah.”

James came in and leaned against the wall.  “You sleep ok?”

Uncurling my legs from the chair, “Yes, thank you.”  Looking over at him.  “You?”

“Yeah, ok” he said.  He looked like shit.

I cocked a smile at him, “Liar.”

He huffed a laugh, “I don’t think I slept at all.”  He scrubbed his fingers through his silvered hair.  “Thanks for the breakfast sandwiches.”

I nodded, “You’re welcome.”  He kept trying to look at my computer monitors.  “What are you doing?”

“I guess I don’t know exactly what your job is.”

Patting the end of the bed, “Sit” I said.  He sat and leaned forward.  “I’m an editor.”  I rotated back to face the monitors.  “This screen is the book I’m working on” pointing to the monitor on the right.  “This screen” motioning to the one on my left, “are my notes.  The laptop in the middle just keeps me awake.”  I paused the cheesy disaster movie.

“Why the notes?” his curiosity was genuine.

“Well .. here” I pointed to a block of text highlighted on the right screen.  “The author has brought in a new character that has no backstory.  If this character was just in this paragraph it wouldn’t matter, but it shows up several more times.”  Pointing to the text on the left monitor with matching highlighting, “These are my notes back to the author asking about a backstory for this character.” 

James shifted to my left so see the screen.  “And how many notes does this author have from you?”

“On this book” I looked to the page count in the lower left corner of the window, “92.”

“Really?” he seemed shocked.

Stretching out my back, “Yeah, this guy tends to get lost in his own words.  So, I have to try to get him back out of the woods.”  I turned back towards James.  “You have never asked about my job before.  Why now?”

He sat back and looked at me.  “Because your note is correct.”  He rubbed his hands nervously on his thighs, “I haven’t taken any interest in you … outside of the bedroom.”

I heaved a sigh, “I probably should have edited my own writing.”

“No” his eyes popped up to my face.  “No.  You were right.  You were probably pissed as hell when you wrote that note.”  He ran his hands through his hair – which he did when he was nervous.  “But every word was true.  I have treated you like a whore.  I have compared you to the exes.  I have not discovered you … about you.”  His shoulders slumped some.  “I am sorry.”

That hit my heart.  Hard.  I rested my fingers on his knees.  “James.  I can accept your apology.”  His glacier blue eyes found mine.  “I can see that you mean it.”  Those gloriously blue pools now filled with doubt.  “But you will have to work on the forgiveness.”  I withdrew my fingers from his knees slowly.

Nodding, “I completely understand.”  His smile slightly lopsided.  “Will you please give me the chance to earn that forgiveness?”

I watched him a moment.  Then, smiling back at him, “Yes” I said softly.  His eyes brightened along with his smile as he stood.  “By the way” I looked up at him – damn but he’s tall.  “I really liked that crunch you had going this morning.  It sounded amazing!”

Incredibly, his eyes lit up even more, “You really liked that?”

“Yes” I smiled up at him.

“Thanks.”  He fidgeted.  “Uhmm, what would you like for dinner?”

“What time is it?” I asked looking at my computer screen.

“It’s like 3pm.  But since you made breakfast, I thought I’d make dinner.”

Nodding at him, “I will leave that to the chef.”

Nodding as he moved towards the door, “You like your steak …?”

Smiling at him, “Medium Rare.”  He closed the door with a grin.  My head was laughing Of course it would be steak!  My laptop pinged.

Boss:  Surface to Marianas Trench…. (I love my boss!)

Me:  evening.

Boss:  How’s it going?

Me:  Half way through last chapter.

Boss:  And the other thing…..?

Me:  Perhaps there is a chance here.

Boss:  ????

Me:  He just invited me to dinner.

Boss:  I thought it was snowing there still.

I took a picture out the window of the thickly falling snow and attached it to the chat.

Boss:  So?

Me:  He’s making me a steak.

Boss:  Ahh.  Well, then you need to go get ready!

Me:  Right after I finish this chapter.  Then I’m all caught up on this book.

Boss:  Fine. 

Boss:  Hope it goes well!

Me:  Thanks!

I finished the last chapter fairly quickly since it was not a complete chapter.  Saving both files to the servers and sending the links to the author – with the boss cc’d on that email – I closed down my computer.  Standing up and stretching, I moved to the bathroom.  I decided to take a shower and wash my hair.  If James was going to put in the effort to change, so could I.  No more being a slob.  I sat on the bed drying my hair when there was a tap on the door.  I popped up and grabbed the robe.  “Yes?”  No answer.  I opened the door.  There hanging on the light fixture in the hallway was a garment bag.  A postit note stuck to it.  Dinner at 6pm.   Smiling, I collected the bag and closed the door.  Laying the bag on the bed I opened it.  I only got about 6 inches open when I gasped.  Inside was a dark green velvet gown with beaded trim around the scoop neckline.  It was the dress I’d told him about.  I’d even made him watch the movie.  James had had it made.  He’d threatened to have it made for me to wear to the next awards show.  But I never thought he’d do it.  That was just a month or so after we’d started dating.  I looked at the clock.  5pm.  I had time.  I went back into the bathroom and did some tidying up.  Did my makeup and pinned up the hair.  I knew that he loved my long hair, but this gown … the hair had to be up.  Going back to the bed, I pulled the gown from the bag.  I slipped into it.  With the plunging back to just above my ass, I was completely commando beneath it.  I went to move the garment bag and it felt heavy.  Patting it down, I discovered a pair of heels.  They glittered with the same rhinestones as the trim.  Just as I slipped them on, there was a single tap at the door.  I opened the door.  The hallway was empty.  But there was a pink post it note on the floor.  Squatting down – if I’d bent over the gown would have slipped off me – I picked it up.  There was a doodle on it.  I couldn’t figure it out.  But looking up the hallway was another post it.  Another doodle.  As I walked to the stairs, there were more postit notes.  Each with a doodle.  I climbed the stairs and turned into the living room.  There stood James.  In his Brioni tux.  The sight took my breath.  Damn!  He looked good!  And he was holding another postit note, a crooked smile on his face.  He held it out to me.  The doodle on this one was a rose.

“Oh!”  I held out the ones I’d collected, “These are rose petals!”

Blushing, “Yeah, I couldn’t go get a real rose, so I improvised.”

I gently collected the one he held, “It’s lovely.”  I looked up into his eyes, “Thank you.”

James held out his hand to me – which I took – and he slowly spun me.  “I should have given this to you ages ago.”  He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it.  “You look stunning.”  I just blushed.  James tucked my hand into his elbow and gently led me down the hallway away from the kitchen and into the formal dining room.  He’d set the table.  There were candles on it and two place settings.  He pulled out the chair for me and scooched it in when I sat.  “The staff seems to have not reported to work this evening, so I will have to substitute” he said in a really bad French accent.  I giggled.  His eyes lit up.  “I shall return madam.”  I giggled even more.  James disappeared into the kitchen.  I put the pile of post it note petals on the table.  He returned with two plates.  Each bore a steak, a pile of green beans and a large slice of bread smothered in butter.  I smiled.  He was trying.  I cut into the steak and took a bite.

“How is it?” James asked.

Swallowing, “Perfection” I said.  He dug into his own.  I took a bite of the green beans.  A couple were still pretty frosty.  I didn’t say a word, but just smiled.  The bread was a garlic sourdough that I loved.  The butter was a bit much, but again, I wasn’t going to complain.  James had obviously put some thought into making dinner and I wasn’t going to ruin it.  I’d had worse meals. 

“The weather is forecasting that this snow will last another 48 hours or so” James said.

The weather.  A safe place to start.  “I haven’t listened to the weather or news today.”

“Did you get your book done?” James leaned towards me.

“I did.”

“How many do you edit?” his blue eyes clear and piercing.

“Uhm.  I have about 20 items in the wings to work on.”  I took a sip of the Squeezed to Death Orange in my glass.  He’d used champagne flutes for the sparkling water.

“Why so many?” James looked at me with raised eyebrows.

“Some are just articles.”  I put my fork down, “It all depends on release dates.  The one I worked on today is supposed to release after the New Year.  The others have release dates after that one.”

“It has nothing to do with whom the author is?”

Pushing my plate away and leaning on the table, “Sometimes.  All depends on the author and release dates.”  I looked at him.  He was genuinely interested.  “If it’s big wig author and the release date is close, then that file gets bumped to the top of the pile.”

“Who is the biggest author you have edited?”  His smile was slightly crooked.

“I don’t get the Mitchell’s or the King’s”  I grinned.

“Why not?”

“My boss says that I’m too brutal with my notes” I slow blinked him.

James sat up.  “Yeah, you can be.”  He used his napkin on his lips.  “But perhaps they need those brutal notes.”  He smiled at me.  “As a recipient, I can attest that it kicked my ass into changing how I think.”  He held out a hand to me.  I laid my fingers into it.  “And I thank you.”  I didn’t know what to say.  He simply laid his other hand over my fingers and smiled at me.  Then he popped up, “Dessert” he said collecting our plates.  I squirmed in my seat.  My thoughts ranging all over the place.  He had totally messed me up.  Again.  Just like he had when we’d met.  He returned with two small plates.  Piled creatively on each were four sandwich cookies held in place with cake frosting and topped with whipped cream.  He set them down with great flourish, “Tah dah!”

Trying my best to not snort out a laugh, “I’m sure that the patisserie chef labored all day to create these delicacies.”  James did snort out a laugh.  Which made me burst out in laughter.  I picked up one of the cookies and happily munched it.  James retook his seat and tucked into his plate.  “Seriously, these turned out pretty good” I said licking whipped cream from my fingers.

“The frosting isn’t too much?” James asked seriously.

“No.  It’s just the right amount” I said scooping the last bit up on my finger.

James grabbed my hand and gently sucked the frosting from my finger.  I didn’t retract my hand but did go a little stiff.  He kissed the back of my hand before pushing it back tenderly towards my body, smiling at me.  “I’m sorry” he said kindly.  “Just a little too soon.”

Looking down at my now empty dessert plate, “Maybe not” I said softly.  I knew he couldn’t see it, but my thighs squeezed together tightly.

“Perhaps I should escort the lady back to her room” he said looking down at his plate, “before I make a compete fool of myself.  Again.”  He smiled at me as he stood, offering me his hand.

I took his offered hand, collected the postit notes and stood.  He tenderly tucked my hand into his elbow and walked me back to the room I’d claimed as mine.  I turned at the door, “That was lovely James.”  I again slow blinked him, “Thank you.”  I wiggled his bow tie, then let my hand rest on his chest, “You look very handsome in this suit.”

He gently cupped my face and kissed my forehead.  “Thank you” he said softly.  His hands gently ran down my shoulders then arms to my hands, “I can’t wait to see you in this gown again.”  He lifted both my hands to his lips and kissed them.  “Good night.”  He took several steps backwards before turning.  I turned and opened the bedroom door.  I put the post it rose petals on the desk.  I kicked off the heels and then shrugged and let the gown slip off.  I stood there naked.  My desires wanted to race up to his room and let him have his way with me.  My integrity said no.  My curiosity wanted to know what James would do next.  Hanging the gown up, I decided another soak was in order.  I unpacked my waterproof vibrator on the way into the bathroom.

I was sound asleep.  I felt his hand on my shoulder, “Kira” he said softly.  He shook me slightly, “Kira, wake up.”  I opened my eyes to find James standing by the bed holding my robe.  “There’s something I want to show you.”  I fumbled out of the bed.  James helped me into the robe and then tucked me into his side, his left arm draping from my right shoulder down to my waist on the left side.  Wearing a huge coat and scarf, he guided me to the big sliding doors to the upper patio.  “Here, put these on.”  He guided my feet into a pair of fuzzy boots, then put on his own mukluks.  He opened the door and led me outside.  It was bitterly cold, trying to suck the air from my lungs.  James lifted the collar of the robe to cover my mouth, “Here this will help.”  It did make breathing easier.  I looked up and he had the scarf wrapped around his own mouth.  He opened his coat and his arms gently held my back close to his chest.  Then he pointed.  I followed his finger.

The clouds had parted and the sky was filled with stars.  The landscape was a blanket of white snow as far as I could see. The bitterly cold temperatures had crystalized the top of the snow.  The moon was rising.  It was reflecting on the frozen crystals making them glitter.  It looked like diamonds had been scattered over the ground.  “Here it comes!” he whispered excitedly into my ear, his breath warming my ear and neck.  I shivered.  My nipples hardened painfully.  Then the Aurora flared into life.  An undulating ribbon of greens, blues and purples danced into the sky.  I gasped.  The frozen snow below reflected the colors of the Aurora.  James wrapped his arms around me, one around my shoulders the other around my waist.  I leaned back into his warmth watching the magic of nature unfold in front of me.  I have no idea how long we stood there speechless at the beauty.  As quickly as it started, it ended.  “Wow” was all James said.

I leaned back into him, looking up at his chin, “Thank you for waking me.”  He hugged me tighter.  “That was stunning.”

His hands patted my body, “I am glad I shared it with you.”  He nodded towards the distant pass “And here comes the next round of snow.”  The clouds looked black and nasty in the now darkened sky since the Aurora had faded.

James kissed the top of my head.  “Now, you are shivering.  Let’s get back inside.”  He rotated us, his arms still wrapped around me.  We walked – a little awkwardly – back into the house, closing the big glass door behind him.  We both kicked off our boots.  He backed us into the sofa, pulling me down into his lap.  He reached over and pulled up a blanket.  He wrapped it around us.  I curled up into his arms shivering, my head resting on his chest.  His fingers gently stroked my hair.  Sleep reached up and grabbed me.

I woke up on the sofa with the blankets tucked in around me still wrapped up in my robe.  I could hear James in the kitchen.  I sat up.  “Morning sleepy head!” he chimed cheerily.  “Coffee?”  All I could do was nod.  He brought over my favorite mug filled with coffee.  I took a sip.  It was super sweet.  “Too much sugar?”  I nodded.  He went to pull the mug from my hands but I wouldn’t let it go. 

Instead I took a couple of huge slugs from it, “Now, just put more coffee into it and it will be fine.”  James went to the kitchen and grabbed the coffee pot bringing it back to me.  He filled my mug.  I swirled the mug and took a drink.  Smiling, “Yum” I beamed.  I looked out the window.  More snow had fallen over night.  The sky was still filled with grey snow clouds, but not snowing.  At the moment.

James collected his mug and sank into the sofa with me.  He flipped on the TV and tuned in the local news.  There were the stories about roofs collapsing under the weight of the snow, power lines down, cars sliding off the roads – one accident ending in a death.  “I’m glad you were smart enough to not drive that night” James whispered to me.

“Me too.”

I looked into his eyes.  The passion I saw there made my knees weak.  I reached up and wrapped my fingers around his head, pulling him to me.  I kissed him gently.  His eyes widened.  He cupped my head and kissed me back just as tenderly.  “So how are we going to spend the next day or so?” I asked teasingly.

James tightened his arm around my waist pinning me to his body, “I can think of a way” he rubbed his hands on my hips, “or two.”  He gently pushed me back, “Only if you want to.” 

I could tell that although his voice was joking, his eyes said that he’d changed.  I was no longer just a fuck buddy.  I was a woman that he wanted to spend time with.  In more ways than one.

“I’d like that” I purred.  “Just remember, you are still working on my forgiveness.”

He showered kisses all over my face, slowly pulling me towards his bedroom, “I know a way to start working on that” he growls softly at me. 

I just smiled and willingly let him lead me.

Everybody Loves a Parade - Part 5

Warnings: Part NSFW, Smut, Mostly Fluff

Rolling over, I pat his side of the bed.  It’s empty.  I sit up.  It’s still dark out.  There’s music coming from the living room.  Smiling, I lay back down.  Grabbing his pillow, I curl up around it.  Listening to him creating.  In my living room.  My eyes close.

His arms wrapping around wake me.  “Pillow hog!” he whispers into my ear as he tugs the pillow from my arms.

“It smells like you” I whimper happily.

He gently rolls me over and buries my nose in his pit, “I’m right here” he grins.

I inhale deeply, “Actually, not bad this morning.”  He chuckles and pulls me to his chest.  I bury my nose into his chest hairs, “This does smell better” I say with a laugh.

Rolling me to one side quickly he smacks my ass softly, then kisses me  “So.  What do you do the Friday after the parade.”

Pushing myself up some, I look out the window.  It’s still snowing, but the flakes are bigger.  “Usually go see the windows on 5th Ave.”  I curl back into his chest.  “Although, with the snow it’ll be cold.  But fewer people.”  I look up into his blue eyes.  “Thoughts?”

He gently plays with my hair.  I can see he’s considering.  His stomach rumbles.  We both snicker.  “I think better on a full tum” he chuckles.

We detangle ourselves from the sheets and each other.  I grab a dress with a Hawaiian print on it and slip into it.  He pulls on a pair of shorts and a tank top.  As we head into the kitchen he grabs the fabric of my dress.  “Have you been to the Islands?”

“Once.”  I start making the coffee, “I treated myself when I graduated college.”

James pulls out the eggs, bread, cheese and avocados, “Which Island?”

“Maui.  I stayed in Lahaina.”  I turn to him, “It’s sad that it’s gone now.”

Gently resting a hand on my waist, “It is.  I’m hoping that they get the rebuild right.  It was a cool town.”

“You’ve been there?”

Nodding, “I still have property there.  North Shore side.”

“Really?”

“It’s a nice way to warm up in January” he grins as he kisses me.

“I bet!”

We pull together a simple breakfast of avocado toast – I added tomato to mine – with coffee.  Sitting in the living room, we catch up on the local news.  Again, the parade is the lead story, but the snow is the follow up.  Breakfast clean up is quickly done.

He wraps his hands around my waist pulling me into his body.  “So, are these windows really worth getting cold feet over?”

I gently rub my hands over his chest, “Yes.”

His hands reach down to my ass patting it, “Well, I’d like a shower first.”

“ok” I reach up and kiss his chin.  “And a shave please?”

He rubs his fingers over his chin, “I was thinking of letting the beard fill in” as his eyes twinkle.  “You don’t like that idea.”

“I don’t mind, but …. Uhm …” I grind my hips against his thigh “it can be uncomfortable” I grin up at him.

“Not liking rug burn” his hands grip me tighter to him.

“Not really” I look up at him with sultry eyes.

He kisses me, “Then a shower and a shave it will be!”  He pulls me toward the bathroom. 

With no timetable today, we take our time.  Our hands gently caressing each other.  Fingers washing hair.  Mouths gently kissing lips, arms, necks, backs.  Bodies writhing together in the warm water.  Moans gently fill the air in the bathroom.

James wraps a towel around his waist, then one around me.  “You ok?” he gently huffs a laugh.

Leaning into his arm, “Little wibbly” I grin up at him.  We kiss deeply.

“I never get tired of watching you climax” his eyes a glorious blue as a smile softens his lips.  I blush slightly.  He kisses me again.  “If we’re going out, we need to get dressed” he purrs into my ear.

Straightening up out of his arms gently, “Clothes.”  Pointing to the bedroom, “That way.”  He smacks my towel covered butt as I leave the bathroom.  I just giggle.

I find a pair of black heavy jeans, a tank top, a t-shirt and a sweater.  I’m in the process of layering when James comes in. 

He rubs his freshly shaven cheek against my still bare shoulders, “Better?”

“mmmhmmm” I purr looking over my shoulder at him guiding his hand between my legs.

An hour – and a very rumpled bed later – I am getting dressed.  Again.  James is pulling on a sweater.  As he passes me, I smack his ass.

“Hey hey!” 

I just grin at him.

He’s looking all over the floor.

“What are you missing?”

“Boots.”

“Entryway closet.”  He looks at me.  “By the front door.”

“ah”

Taking his hand and tugging down my sweater, I lead him to the closet in question.  Tucked inside are our boots and big jackets from the day before.  He pulls his boots out.  “They’re warm” his eyes in bright surprise.

“mmhmm” I point to the vent in the back of the closet and pull on mine.

“That’s clever” James inspects it.

“Grandmother’s idea.  She hated having wet boots.”

Kissing my forehead, “I do too.”

“Give me your phone, please” I ask.

“Why?”

“I need to put a Metro Pass on it.”

“oh.  Ok.”  He unlocks it and hands it over. 

I download the app and tie it to my account, authorizing it when my phone pings.  Handing it back, “There ya go.”

Collecting our wallets – he hands over my driver’s license - and the front door key, we head out into the snow.  I pull him around the corner to the subway station.  I show him how to use the app on his phone to pay the fare.  I lead him to the correct platform.

“How do you navigate this?” his eyes slightly bewildered.

“Experience.”  I pull him closer to me.  “This is how I got to school, work, sometimes shopping.”  I lean into his chest, “The parade.”  He just hugs me.  A train arrives.  “This is us” I pull him in the car.  He backs me into his chest, tucking his hands into my coat pockets.  The ride isn’t that long.  I pull him off the train and we exit up into the street.

With the snow falling it is actually a pretty walk up 5th Ave.  And not that many people around.  Bergdorf’s windows are a fantasy land.  His face lights up when we get to the angels in front of Saks.  I completely enjoy watching his eyes.

He turns to me, “Isn’t there a skating rink around here?”

Taking his hand, “This way.”

The look on his face when the Tree comes into view…  Even without the lights on, it’s an impressive sight.

We take a spin on the ice.  Actually, he takes the spins.  I take a couple of good spills while he laughs.  He picks me up after the last tumble, “I think we’re done here!” he laughs.

Rubbing my ass, “Yes, please!”  We turn in our skates.  “Anything else you want to see while we’re here?” I look up into his face, his cheeks bright red from the cold.

Shaking his head, “I don’t think so.”

“Then let’s head back.  There’s another tradition I want to share with you.”

“This doesn’t involve another Big Guy, does it?” he laughs.

“No!” I answer cheekily.

Taking the subway back home, I pull us off a stop early.  A couple of blocks over, I pull him into a Chinese restaurant.  The little bell over the door jingles merrily.  I reach up and violently shake the bell.  There is only one other customer in the place.

“It can’t be!  Is that Kira!” comes a voice from down by the kitchen.  A tall skinny woman with very long black hair – pulled back in a ponytail – comes almost running up to me, “Nǎinai said that was you on Page 6!!” as she bear hugs me.

“uhf!”  I hug back.  Extracting myself from the hug, “Dang girl!  You’ve gotten stronger!!”

“Someone has to heft the rice bags!” she laughs.  “And whom have you drug in here, huh?” she gives me a look.

“Fannie, this is James.  James, this is Fannie.  We went to college together.”

James pulls off his glove and holds out his hand, “Nice to meet you, Fannie.”

Fannie shakes his hand, “Nǎinai is not going to believe me!  Can I please?” she whips out her phone.

James huffs out a laugh, pulls me closer and says “Sure!” 

Fannie grabs my other shoulder and she snaps a selfie.  I watch as she sends it to Nǎinai.  “Now, the usual?” she rubs her hands together.

I hand James a menu “I know I want the Moo Shu.  James, do you need a minute?”

“hmmm, Can I please get the Sizzling Beef?”

“Sure.”  Fannie starts inputting our order into their system.  “Rangoons?”

“Duh.”

“1?”

“3.”

“Rice?”

“Yes please.”

“Ma Lai Gao?”

“Yes please!”

“2?”

“4.”

Fannie gives me a look.

“I’m hungry.”

She laughs at me, “Windows?”

“And skating” I grin.

“You?” Fannie gives me a look.

“She actually spent more time sitting on the ice than standing” James wraps his arms around me chuckling.

Fannie laughs even harder.  “I’ll go help Jie get this put together.”  She points to a table behind the counter, “Have a seat.”

James and I pull out chairs at the offered table.  He holds out his ungloved hand.  I pull my left glove off and take his hand.  He fiddles with my ring and smiles.  “Ya did good today” I assure him.  He scrunches up his nose and eyes, smiling.

“Hey Kira!  Nǎinai wants to say hi!” Fannie yells holding her phone out the pass-through window.

“Her Grandmother” I smile at James and go collect the phone.  “Hi Nǎinai!”  I walk back to the table and sit with James.  “Yes, it was really beautiful! … We did.      No, it’s James’ first time seeing it live.   Of course!”  James takes my gloved hand in his.   “The windows are a fantasy this year.    They were really weird that year.”  I smile at James.  He smiles back.   “Yes Nǎinai, I was in Colorado.   That’s where James lives.    Yes, it snows in Colorado too.”   We both squeeze hands.   “Thank you Nǎinai!  And Shèngdàn kuàilè to you too!”  I end the call.

“I didn’t know you speak Chinese.”  James cocks his head at me.

Scrunching up my nose, “That’s all I know.”

“And she still mispronounces it” Fannie laughing arrives with a box in her hands.  “Dinner’s ready!” she grins.

“Woah” James says as he pulls his glove back on.

“Watch the bottom of the box.  Oh, and I need that plate back” Fannie passes the box to James.  He gives me a look at the weight.

I hand Fannie her phone back, “Total?”

She grabs me in a hug, “Paid.”

“Thanks Fannie!”  I go to open the door for James.  “Merry Christmas!”

Fannie waves as she heads back to the kitchen.  I quickly pull out a large bill and drop it by the register and follow James out the door.  We get just around the corner, “Thanks Kira!” Fannie yells.  It echoes around the block. 

It’s a quick walk back to my building.  Carl opens the lobby door and quickly hits the elevator call button, “Have a good time?”

“Yes, thanks Carl.”

“Do I smell Moo Shu?” he grins.  I nod as the elevator door opens.  “I’ll have to stop by on the way home!”

I take the box from James as he digs out the key and pushes the door open.  I quickly enter and set the box on the dining room table.  We shrug off our coats and dive into the box with our dinner in it.  In the very bottom of the box wrapped up in a couple of towels is a cast iron plate.  It’s hot.  “That’s why it was heavy.” James quips.

I grab some mitts, “Let me reheat that.”

James watches me start the gas stove and set the plate directly on the burner, “Why?”

“Can’t have sizzling unless the plate is hot.”  I turn off the burner and put the plate on top of a mitt on the butcher block.  I collect the container marked SB.  I open it and upend its contents on the cast iron plate.  It begins sizzling delightfully.  “See?”  Using chopsticks I make sure that everything is sizzling hot.

James comes over and kisses my neck.  “That smells really great!”

I pull out a couple of plates and we fill them.  I carry my plate to the living room and turn on the TV.  The weather again forecasts snow.  James joins me.  I let the news finish and Jeopardy starts.  We both try to get the answers right between bites.  When done, I collect the plates and take them to the kitchen.

“You ready for Ma Lai Gao?” I ask James.

“What is that?”

“Yum is what it is!” I say carrying the container to the living room.

James takes a slice.  I watch his eyes widen as he takes the first bite.  “Dats werawy gowod!”

I pull out a slice for me.  “Fannie doesn’t offer it to just everyone.”  I smile around my first bite.

“What’s that smile for?” James licks his lips pulling out another slice.

“It can be the holidays now” my voice a little wistful as I pick at the cake slice in my hand.  James wraps an arm around my neck and kisses my temple.  I lean my head on his bicep as he finishes the last slice.

“I like that it’s not super sweet” he says standing up, collecting the carry out container.

“It is satisfying” I agree.  A shiver runs up me.

Jame sees it, “You cold?”

“A bit chilly.  Dinner helped.”

“naw” he comes up to me, “let’s warm up.”  He stops a moment looking around.  “Uhm…”

“Office bath” I grin up at him.  “But we need the towels from the big bathroom.”

“You go start the water, I’ll grab the towels.”  I watch as he pulls off his sweater walking towards the bedroom.

I move towards my office shedding my clothes in front of the washer closet on the way.  I’m standing naked beside the tub checking the temp when James comes up behind me.  I can feel that he’s naked too.  I step into the tub holding a hand towel.  The warm water actually stings my toes a little.  I sit and slide forward as James slips in behind me, pulling me back into his body.  Completely soaking the hand towel in the water, I drape it over my chest.  I turn my face towards James’ neck and heave a sigh.

“You good?” his voice rumbles gently.

My left hand gently caresses his cheek, “Very good.”

His left-hand cups mine holding it close to his face.  His lips kiss my fingertips.  His right-hand curls softly around my neck.  I can feel his erection rising into the small of my back.  I wiggle my hips.  He sucks the tip of my left pointer finger.  His right hand slowly, gently, drifts down between my legs.  I move my left leg up over his granting him full access to my pussy.  He starts with gentle caresses to my whole crotch.  His large hand cupping me, holding me firmly.  Gently, his large fingers start exploring my folds.  Pulling my lower lips apart tenderly.  His fingers start running circles around my bud.  I suck in a sharp breath.  His lips warm my temple and work down to my ear.  His left hand moves to my breasts, playing with them.  The circles on my clit become slow strokes reaching down to my opening.  I can only relax into his body as his arms keep me from reaching back to grab his stiffening cock.  “uh huh” his lips right by my ear.  “I want to watch you” a kiss to my ear, “feel you,” a kiss to my neck, “convulse in climax.”  His lips find the magic spot between my neck and shoulder.  I shudder and moan.  His left hand gently holds a nipple, his right-hand slides two digits into my tight hole.  I groan, my body both arching and tightening.  "Fuk, you have a tight pussy” his voice rumbles happily in my ear.  My head rocks back on his shoulder as I start panting softly.  His left knee holds and lifts me as his right hand pushes another digit into me.  I groan and whimper at the same time.  His right thumb finds my clit.  My hips buck up.  His left arm holds me securely.  “don stawhp … don stawhp” escapes my lips, my head rocking back and forth on his shoulder.  “I have no intentions of stopping” more kisses to my neck “until you cum for me.”  I groan louder, my hips buck up again.  His left hand reaches up and cups my chin – a couple fingers wrapping around my throat.  His right fingers curl and uncurl inside me while that thumb speeds up on my clit.  I crash over into orgasm, my hips thrusting completely out of the water, sloshing some out, his left hand turns my chin and his mouth covers mine as I cry out in pure pleasure.  “There’s my good girl” he purrs into my ear as my hips slowly sink back into the water, his fingers gently slid out of me then again cup the juncture between my legs gently yet firmly.  He holds me, his fingers gently making lazy patterns on my body, as I recover laying on his body, his lips randomly kissing my face, ear, neck, hair.  My breathing evens out. 

I rotate over so that I am now floating face to face with him.  I pull my knees up the outside of his legs, my hands on his shoulders.  His blue eyes pierce into mine.  I kiss him deeply.  Then sitting as best I can over his knees - making sure to not hyperextend them – I move his arms to rest on the edge of the tub.  I let my hands drift over his chest, one fingernail gently tracing his tattoos.  He closes his eyes, shifting in the tub some to rock his hips up.  My right hand slowly runs teasing circles down his chest, sides, belly, finding his happy trail.  His eyes slit open.  “I like watching you too” as I chew on my lower lip.  He rumbles at me and closes his eyes again.  My right fingers tenderly wrap around his hard on.  He groans and his cock thickens.  “mmmmm” I purr and land a kiss on his Adams’ apple.  He sucks in a sharp breath.  I tighten my grip on him as he moans again.  I release my grip – his eyes open - and reaching between my own legs gather the slick he’d done to me and quickly wrap that hand back around his cock.  “That’s wicked” he mumbles.  I raise my eyebrows at him, “That’s payback” slowly beginning to pump him.  He actually growls at me.  My actions on him cause the surface of the water to slosh some.  His head rocks back and rests on the edge of the tub, his breathing quickening.  I plant my left hand over his clavicle divit.  His eyes fly open.  I speed up my right hand, “That’s my good boy.”  He groans and his shaft gets even thicker.  He's trying to keep his hips from bucking up.  I suck my lower lip, “Such a good boy.”  My left fingers grab a little tighter, my right hand moves faster, his eyes close and his groans fill the bathroom.  “close …. so damned …. Close .. close”  My left fingers slid up his throat gently.  I can feel him ready to explode in my right hand.  I lean into his neck, “Now.”  I cover his mouth as his release slams into him.  His arms strain as his hands grab the edge of the tub.  I’m sure his toes curl but I can’t see them.  I slow the motion on his cock but keep a tight grip.  His left hand joins my right around his shaft pulling it slowly up milking the last out of him.  His right arm flops around my shoulders and gently tugs me to him.  His lips still locked with mine.  His left hand pulls my right hand slowly from his deflating cock and puts it on his chest.  He presses his lips to my forehead, “I needed that” he mumbles.  I put both my hands on the tub on either side of his neck, rising and kissing his face.  His eyes drift open.  “hi” I sing softly.  A smile spreads from his lips to his eyes “hi” he sighs.  I lay several quick kisses to his cheeks, nose and lips.  I let my hands drift across his shoulders and down his chest.  “Your knees can’t be comfy” he mumbles shifting me to my left, urging my legs to straighten.  A thread of his cum floats across his tummy.  “uhm, we may need to rinse off in the shower” I grin.

“Ya think” he sighs out.

I push myself up to my feet.  I look to floor, “And some more towels.”

“Puddle?”

“Lake.”

“Yikes.”

I step out and pull a towel from the counter.  I shrug my shoulders and drop my bathsheet into the water on the floor.  James stands up and pulls the plug in the tub.  I hand him his towel, “I’ll be right back.”  I quickly streak across my apartment and grab some more towels, one for me, the rest for the floor.  Returning to the bathroom, I find James on his hands and knees reaching under the tub with his towel.  “That’s not exactly what I was expecting to see.”

He wiggles his hips, “Good view?” he chuckles.

“Very” as my voice cracks.

James laughs as he stands and starts collecting the wet towels, “Washer?”  I show him that just outside the office door is the laundry closet.  My clothes from the day are dumped in front of it.  I open the washer door and he shoves the wet towels in.  I hand him a dry one.  He wraps an arm around me, kissing me.  “I’m hungry again” he says as I start the washer.

“There’s turkey leftovers.”

He pats my ass, “Let’s rinse off first” wrapping an arm around me and pulls me toward my bathroom. 

A quick rinse off and some clean jams, we converge on the fridge.  I make myself a turkey sandwich with some warmed sweet potatoes on the side.  James makes a pile of the turkey and finishes off the stuffing.  “Do you mind?” he asks pointing to the stuffing pile on his plate.  I shake my head smiling at him.  He puts his plate into the microwave.

I take another scoop of the sweet potatoes and head to the living room.  The snow is still falling, pretty heavily.  The path lights in the park are just pools of lighter snow in the dark.

“Wow.  It’s really coming down.”  James is standing behind me holding his plate.

“Yeah it is.”  I take a seat on the sofa.

James rounds the table and sits next to me.  He lifts my left hand, kissing my ring “Reminds me of another night.”

I look him in the eye, “Me too.”  I flip our hands over and kiss his palm.  We smile at each other warmly.  He squeezes my hand, gently letting it go and we dig into our plates.  Afterward, we jointly empty the dishwasher and reload it with the dirties.  I move the potatoes into a smaller container and restore them to the fridge with the last of the turkey.

We return to the living room and sink into the sofa.  James pulls me into his body.  “Hey.”  He gently rubs my shoulder, "You're a million miles away.”

Sighing, “I have to come clean on something.”

“You’re pregnant.”  He totally deadpans that answer.

I smile, “You know I can’t get preggers!”

“Please tell me.”  Both his eyes and voice smiling kindly.

“I told you that my parents died when I was three.”  He nods.  “They were in a plane crash that killed everyone onboard."

"Holy shit.”  His hand squeezes my shoulder.

I grimace a smile.  “I guess Grandmother sued the airline.  They settled out of court.”  I look up into his eyes, “I have a trust fund.”  He just looks at me.  “I don’t use it often.”

“That’s up to you.”  Just a statement from him.

I smile softly.  “That how I bought the Shelby.”  Again, he just nods.  “I used it to pay for my education.  And the remodel.  The trip to Hawaii.”

“That’s it?” his face a little shocked.

I think, “Oh!  I spent last summer in Seattle.”  I look into his eyes, “New York summers suck.”

He smiles and pulls me to him, kissing me.  “Your Grandmother would be proud of you.”  He again rubs my shoulder, “Feel better?”  I nod.  “Any more secrets?”

“At the moment no.”  I look sideways at him as he gives me a look.  “I haven’t started Christmas shopping yet.” 

“Fair enough!” he laughs and kisses me again. 

The washer beeps.  I go forward the load into the dryer.  James meets me by the kitchen.  “C’mon.  You can barely keep your eyes open.” 

I let him guide me to bed.  I drop my robe and slip under the covers that James holds up and curl up next to him. His left hand gently stroking my hair.  I don’t remember the sandman taking me away.

Da bulge......