|
|
|
944 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Trix on Dec 26, 2017 5:33:48 GMT
295 Words
|
Death of a Bachelor
Happily ever after, a lifetime of laughter
Dating was a truly terrifying thing when you were out of the game for over ten years. Elliot was nearing thirty, he hadn't dated anyone since he was in high school and that had been the mother of his child. The very fact that he was dating someone else who'd been married and had a child as well was baffling. Especially with her being his best friend's sister/aunt/buddy. And while it all scared the hell out of him to be dating and finally moving on from the death of his wife, he knew he couldn't have found someone better for it.
Emma was such a down to earth person. Sure, she was wild and brash, but she knew how to handle situations with care. After finding out that he was not in fact married and that he'd been alone since, she hadn't bolted or gotten offended or freaked out by the fact that he wasn't even sure he was ready for something like that again. She'd accepted his terms, his boundaries and they were doing what they could together. It wasn't like she was very far off.
After an intense playdate with makeovers and fashion shows put on by Leah with the help of Nora, both girls were passed out and dreaming, leaving the adults to finally relax. Elliot sunk into his favorite couch and put his arm around Emma, "Well, we're getting pretty good at this. I don't think Nora has ever slept so much in her life." He laughed and leaned his head back against the couch. "I sure as hell haven't."
at the expense of the death of a bachelor
|
|
|
|
|
|
962 posts
|
0 likes
|
|
Authored by
Nu
|
Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Nu on Dec 29, 2017 21:59:13 GMT
491 Words
|
My persuasion can build a nation
You'll do anything for me
Dating Elliot had came as much as a surprise to her as it did to her brother and parents. Hell, she would wager even to Elliot. He was almost the complete opposite of Wallace in every possible way. The only thing they had in common was that they were both musicians. Even though it did freak her out how different Elliot was, she understood that his calming presence was absolutely what Leah needed in her life. The little girl took to him almost immediately and that in itself was a huge feat.
That Emma got along so well with Nora was a bonus she didn't anticipate. It was scary just how easy she had slipped into this role for the young woman and her father and vice versa. But it did make alone time a lot less difficult to attain.
Nora adored Leah so much that she took the young girl under her wing quite quickly and it reminded Emma of how her and Nicky used to be. There was a point in their lives that they thought it was always them against the world. Nicky was as fiercely protective over her as she was over him. Nora and Leah were quickly becoming that for each other and Emma was admittedly scared of messing that up.
She had never been with anyone quite like Elliot and she liked it a little too much. Then again, anyone other than Wallace was good for her. But she found herself just waiting for the other shoe to drop because things were just way too easy.
Especially considering that Elliot was still not over his dead wife, Emma found it difficult to feel safe enough with him to just dive in. But she already liked him, which made it easy for her to want to dive in.
So easy, in fact, that after a night of exhausting playtime with the girls, Emma just wanted to curl up with Elliot and go to sleep right there on his couch. She tucked her legs up under her and ran her fingers through his hair softly. "Right there with you, man. Leah puts up such a good front in front of people, making them think she's this little angel who listens to mama but nope. As soon as our doors close, she's a terror." She chuckled.
Leah, of course, wasn't that. But she was four years old now and everything had to go her way. She was becoming so much like Emma at that age, finding her own voice and really utilising it.
"Thanks for letting her sleep over tonight. I really hope she won't be much of a bother." Emma dropped her hand and moved closer to Elliot and leaning her head on his shoulder. "She doesn't wet the bed anymore," Emma yawned behind her hand and sighed. "So really, all you gotta deal with is her not wanting to brush her teeth tomorrow." She laughed lightly.
Who run the world
|
|
|
|
|
|
944 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Trix on Jan 7, 2018 19:14:09 GMT
253 Words
|
Death of a Bachelor
Happily ever after, a lifetime of laughter
"I'm fully aware of how that goes. Nora still pretends she's an angel around other people. Too bad she's becoming quite similar to her uncle," And like him whenever he was around Ethan and Nick. Leah and Nora's friendship made him pretty happy. She was beginning to have a solid little troupe just like he'd had when he was growing up. Jamie was her number one, but he was still waiting for that to become something more. So to have her cousin, Wyatt and Leah as her little minions, well, he figured that was for the best. She'd always wanted another sibling and for years would get really upset when she saw families with multiple kids. It broke his heart.
So if there was one thing that he knew he wouldn't let happen, it would be for Leah and Nora to lose each other. He couldn't fathom what would happen if he messed that up.
She leaned against his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her tighter while his other hand laced through hers, "That's okay. I'm not too worried about it. And she's not a bother, Nora loves having her over and so do I." He gave her a smile and shook his head, "You know you could stay here, too. I don't mind taking the couch and you look really exhausted."
at the expense of the death of a bachelor
|
|
|
|
|
|
962 posts
|
0 likes
|
|
Authored by
Nu
|
Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Nu on Jan 8, 2018 6:26:48 GMT
223 Words
|
My persuasion can build a nation
You'll do anything for me
"What are you talking about, Nora's an absolute angel!" Emma teased with a laugh. "Although to be fair, she's surrounded by men most of her life. You can't quite blame her for being who she is. Especially with Ethan and Nick around her all the time."
Emma's eyes closed as she curled up in a ball by Elliot's side, enjoying his arms around her. As much as she was still cautious about the relationship, it was nice to sometimes let go and just be taken care of. But she did go rigid a little when Elliot offered for her to stay over. She couldn't make him do that, especially when he said he would take the couch.
She tried to relax in his arms again. She really was tired though and a bed sounded so good right then. She took a deep breath and pulled away from Elliot to look at him. "I...you don't have to take the couch." She sucked in her lower lip and chewed on it. "Unless you have a single bed in your room, we could fit." She looked away before laughing. "I'm sorry, we're adults. I...I am really tired and the thought of driving all the way back to my place... We can sleep together, right? There's no need for you to get uncomfortable just because of me."
Who run the world
|
|
|
|
|
|
944 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Trix on Jan 8, 2018 7:10:05 GMT
511 Words
|
Death of a Bachelor
Happily ever after, a lifetime of laughter
Elliot grimaced, but broke out into a laugh, "You're right. My poor girl has been raised by frat boys more or less. Big, dumb, lovable frat boys." He shook his head and laughed again. Of course he didn't actually think either of his best friends were dumb. In fact, he often felt like he was the more brainless one of the bunch. But they'd all debate that. And he loved the hell out of them.
When she curled up closer to him, he let his hand play with her hair. It was something that he'd always found comfort in. Just watching someone he cared about unwind and be comfortable with him. For so long it had just been his daughter, he nearly forgot how to act like a boyfriend. However, with such focus on how relaxed she was, he definitely took notice of her body going rigid at his offer. He was by no means trying to rush anything. Neither of them were ready for big, dramatic changes which was exactly why he'd offered to take the couch. Neither of the girls would wake up to a surprise and he wouldn't feel guilty for making Emma uncomfortable. And yet, there he was, feeling guilty for the suggestion.
They were both quiet for a moment, and he gave her some time to digest whatever it was that had made her uncomfortable about the offer. In fact, he didn't want to move because she hadn't and he was scared she would. When she did, he opened his mouth to apologize immediately, but she spoke before the words came out. It was so unlike the Emma he'd seen, the way she was sitting there so unsure of herself and yet, he saw the resolve that he was familiar with. One of the things he found that he liked the most about Emma was that she did what she wanted, when she wanted and nobody could tell her otherwise.
Elliot's lips quirked up at the side and he reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, "I just wanted to give you the option instead of just assuming we would." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "Tell ya what, I'm up for it if you are, but if at any point you're uncomfortable, I really don't mind taking the couch. I don't want you to feel like you're putting me out or anything, I'm 100% good with either." He was pretty easy to please. They were adults, but they also were new to the relationship world again and things were moving in a good direction, but a little quickly. Elliot was smiling though because the idea of waking up with her in the same vicinity was a lot better than her coming back later to pick Leah up. He was already planning a big breakfast and going all out.
at the expense of the death of a bachelor
|
|
|
|
|
|
962 posts
|
0 likes
|
|
Authored by
Nu
|
Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Nu on Jan 8, 2018 8:43:26 GMT
118 Words
|
My persuasion can build a nation
You'll do anything for me
Leaning into his hand when he tucked her hair behind her ear, Emma took a deep breath and smiled when he responded. Elliot was being respectful and thoughtful, two things she had been missing since before her marriage even ended. Finding it in someone so completely gentle and unassuming was refreshing and much needed.
She took his hand and brought it up to her lips as she kissed his knuckle. "You're being very sweet...I hope I'm not pushing it." She chuckled lightly. "But...could I borrow your shirt or something? I only brought things for Leah and I didn't actually expect to stay over..." Emma was suddenly feeling very shy and so uncertain, two things she most definitely wasn't.
Who run the world
|
|
|
|
|
|
944 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Trix on Jan 16, 2018 6:13:15 GMT
294 Words
|
Death of a Bachelor
Happily ever after, a lifetime of laughter
Elliot's face started hurting because of how much he was smiling. He almost worried that he was coming off creepy, but she didn't seem phased by it. She kissed his knuckles and his expression softened. It was so easy for them, which was exactly what made it hard for him. He'd been expecting way more discomfort in the transition of them dating, but it was like he'd known her as long and as well as he'd known Nick instead of just having met her a few months ago.
Her question made him laugh and he nodded, "Of course I do. I've got a million and one concert t-shirts you could honestly probably have or a flannel button-down since it's kind of cold. Whatever you want, you can take, c'mon." He kept her hand in his and pulled her up towards his bedroom.
Slipping past Nora's room, he peaked in and nodded when he saw that they were both out cold. He opened his bedroom door and released her hand. "Sweatpants are in the second drawer, t-shirts are in the third and flannels are hanging up in the closet. I'm gonna go grab a few more pillows since I only sleep with one and you can change then, yeah?" He wondered if he was rambling or if it all just rushed out because he was nervous. She was in his bedroom and was about to be wearing his clothes. His heart was hammering against his chest and he gave a quick smile before heading back down the hall where he kept the extra blankets and things.
at the expense of the death of a bachelor
|
|
|
|
|
|
962 posts
|
0 likes
|
|
Authored by
Nu
|
Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Nu on Jan 27, 2018 18:06:16 GMT
218 Words
|
My persuasion can build a nation
You'll do anything for me
The fact that Elliot didn't even seemed bothered by her request made her a lot more malleable than she thought she ought to be. She knew it was something simple but he was willing to open his home to her and that wasn't something to take lightly.
She followed him, her hand subconsciously gripping his tightly as they passed Nora's bedroom. The sight of her baby girl curled up beside Nora was achingly sweet and somehow so natural.
As he spoke, Emma noted how much he seemed to be rambling and she couldn't help but give a little giggle. She nodded and looked at the places he pointed out and took note where she should avoid looking. She wasn't going to be a snoop, no matter how much the idea kept nagging her at the back of her mind.
"Okay, thank you Elliot." She reached out and squeezed his arm before watching him walk away. Once she was sure he was gone, she went to the drawers to pull out a t-shirt and the smallest sweatpants she could find before moving to the bathroom.
Once she was dressed, with the pants hanging quite loosely around her waist, she stepped out and sat on the edge of the bed, folding her clothes and setting it on the bedside table.
Who run the world
|
|
|
|
|
|
944 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Trix on Jan 29, 2018 4:36:30 GMT
386 Words
|
Death of a Bachelor
Happily ever after, a lifetime of laughter
After some serious struggle, nearly falling over by the mound of blankets that he had piled in the closet while also trying to remain quiet as to not wake the little princesses, Elliot figured that he'd given enough time for her to change. With a little effort, he adjusted the blankets and knocked lightly on the door to announce his entrance before barging in on her. He wasn't a total pervert. He saw her sitting on the edge of his bed in his clothes and the sight made his heart squeeze a little bit. It was so unnaturally...natural. Setting the extra blankets and things on the top of the bed, he chewed on the inside of his cheek, thinking about what to say.
Elliot slid onto the bed beside her and folded his hands together, leaning forward so that his elbows were resting on his knees. "You look really cute wearing my clothes, for the record," He looked over at her with a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. It was only awkward now because he hadn't slept with anyone in years. Emma had never made him uncomfortable and he realized that he was made uncomfortable by that. How was he supposed to act? Spooning? Giving her space? Which side of the bed did she prefer? He'd gotten so used to just sleeping in the middle that he couldn't even remember the side that he used to take.
He nudged her a little and laughed, "Tell me I'm not the only one who feels a little weird. Like are a million things going through your head right now, too?" All he could hope was that his question didn't frighten her off. Elliot didn't want her to feel uncomfortable or weird with him, but it was safe to say that things were still new enough that it would be awkward every now and then. The last thing he needed was for her to think he wasn't ready or okay with moving onto a relationship. "If it's just me, then I'm going to promptly shut up," He laughed again and looked down at his hands.
at the expense of the death of a bachelor
|
|
|
|
|
|
962 posts
|
0 likes
|
|
Authored by
Nu
|
Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Nu on Jan 29, 2018 8:37:35 GMT
159 Words
|
My persuasion can build a nation
You'll do anything for me
When Elliot came in, a smile curved Emma's lips as he sat beside her after setting the bedding stuff on the bed. She wanted to instinctively lean against him but caught herself. His compliment widened her smile and she felt her cheeks heating up. She was so used to compliments but somehow it sounded different coming from Elliot.
Elliot's question brought a small laugh from Emma before she pulled one of his arms to sling over her shoulder and wrapped her own around his waist. "Like you wouldn't believe." She responded, resting her head on his shoulder. "I haven't been with anyone else since before Leah was born so yeah, it's weird. But I have to be honest, Elliot. You're making it a lot easier on me than I thought it would be." She said softly as she moved her face so her lips pressed on his shoulder. "But if this is too weird for you, I can go."
Who run the world
|
|
|
|
|
|
944 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Trix on Feb 4, 2018 8:46:51 GMT
288 Words
|
Death of a Bachelor
Happily ever after, a lifetime of laughter
Elliot felt his lips quirk up at the side when she pulled his arm around her shoulders. He moved his hand up and down on her arm while he listened to her words and took them in. It was far more comforting to know that he wasn't alone in his awkwardness. It wasn't even that he was unsure of Emma, he was unsure of himself. To be fair, he should have had a lot harder of a time than he actually was, which was the part that terrified him more than anything. She was so easy to fall into patterns with. It was effortless. And he was glad that she felt the same thing from him.
She turned in and kissed his shoulder and he tightened his arm around her. Elliot brushed her hair back with his free hand and smiled down at her, "I'm glad it's easier for you, I wouldn't want to make it difficult. And honestly, Emma, it's a lot easier for me than I ever thought it would be. You're just so easy to be around. Which should answer your question with a resounding 'no.' I don't want you to go, I just wanted to be honest with you, ya know?" Because he couldn't stop himself from spouting off any kind of feelings he was having with her. That was something he'd always valued about relationships, completely openness and honesty whenever the moment passed.
"I'm really glad that you picked Nora up that day," He said quietly as he pressed his lips to her forehead.
at the expense of the death of a bachelor
|
|
|
|
|
|
962 posts
|
0 likes
|
|
Authored by
Nu
|
Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Nu on Feb 5, 2018 2:12:27 GMT
124 Words
|
My persuasion can build a nation
You'll do anything for me
Emma didn't know how she lucked out getting Elliot. If he ended up just being her friend instead of anything romantic, she honestly wouldn't even mind. He was a great guy and she was lucky to have him in her life. And in Leah's life.
Her cheeks heated up at Elliot's words before the forehead kiss. Obviously the universe wanted her in a safe enough headspace to finally meet someone who knew Nick since forever.
She straightened up and pressed her lips against his softly. "Me too." She responded before yawning. "Okay, before I start drooling on you, I should get some sleep." She chuckled sleepily as she stood up from the bed, stretching lightly. "Um...which side should I sleep on?" She asked.
Who run the world
|
|
|
|
|
|
944 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Trix on Feb 5, 2018 6:08:04 GMT
216 Words
|
Death of a Bachelor
Happily ever after, a lifetime of laughter
He couldn't help but laugh at the eloquent way she put her words and he nodded, involuntarily yawning shortly after she did. She stood up and he was thrown by her question. Did it matter which side she slept on? Elliot had finally settled on the middle of the bed after years of retraining himself. Of course he still remembered which side had been his wife's and which had been his, but he was doing the best he could not to think about that.
It hadn't mattered when Corinne first moved in with him and he decided that it didn't matter now. "Either side is fine, I'm just going to hope that I don't shove you off in the middle of the night because I'm used to sleeping smack dab in the middle." And Nora had always just laid on top of him if she ever came in after a nightmare or during a storm.
"I'm sorry, I'm not a very decisive person sometimes," He laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck. He couldn't help it though, he just went with the flow of everything.
at the expense of the death of a bachelor
|
|
|
|
|
|
962 posts
|
0 likes
|
|
Authored by
Nu
|
Sept 19, 2019 9:40:59 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Nu on Feb 5, 2018 7:18:16 GMT
104 Words
|
My persuasion can build a nation
You'll do anything for me
Emma laughed at his response and nodded. "It's fine. I do the same. That's mostly why I asked." She responded before climbing on to the side closest to the door. The idea that she could run out faster if Leah needed her comforted her.
When he climbed in next to her, Emma turned to face him.
"Thanks again...I know this is...weird but I didn't think it'd make sense for you to be on the couch. And you're not gonna let me take it so I thought it'd be easier than arguing about the couch." She rambled in a teasing tone. "Goodnight, Elliot."
Who run the world
|
|
|
|
|
|
944 posts
|
0 likes
|
Sept 17, 2019 4:43:32 GMT
|
Advanced Member
|
Post by Trix on Feb 6, 2018 17:36:17 GMT
279 Words
|
Death of a Bachelor
Happily ever after, a lifetime of laughter
As Elliot took the other side, he propped his arm under his head and turned to look at her when she started talking. He couldn't quite peg why she was thanking him so much, it wasn't even that big of a deal for her to stay. It made sense for her to. And the bed thing, well, they were adults and in a relationship of sorts. It didn't have to be weird even with each other their circumstances.
His lips quirked up at the side, "When you're right, you're right." Because it would have been an argument. Elliot had been raised to be a decent guy who always took the couch when it was between him and a lady. He rolled over a bit and kissed her forehead, "Sweet dreams, Emma."
The next morning, Elliot woke to Nora calling for him in a whispered tone. He glanced at the other side of the bed to make sure Emma remained asleep before he inched out of the bed and followed his kid and Leah, who was standing just behind her, down the hall. He made sure they were situated in the living room, Cartoons playing quietly while he started making breakfast.
Nora then begged him to put on music instead and he complied, shutting the TV off before setting up his speakers to play Sinatra. The two girls started twirling and dancing around the living room, giggling and he sang along quietly while he flipped the pancakes and frying the potatoes.
at the expense of the death of a bachelor
|
|
|
