TJ Hammond and Steve Rogers (between TWS/CW) are neighbors who, after trying to find comfort on sleepless nights through baking and music, have forged a lasting friendship.
NEIGHBORSfluff | gen [platonic friendships] / Steve & TJ Hammond [SERIES of oneshots]
Many thanks to @avenger-nerd-mom for the idea behind this snippet (as well as her continued cheer-leading)
TJ let himself into Steve’s
apartment, looked around the orange, brown, and black autumn decorations and
saw why he’d heard the muffled “come in” when he’d rang. Steve was in an orange
t-shirt and a black apron with a full-sized skeleton, and he was piping icing
onto cookies.
“Um,” TJ hesitated, cleared his
throat, and started again, “I hate to tell you this, because you look like
you’re having a great time with those spooky cookies.”
“What?” Steve flicked his eyes
toward TJ, not moving a muscle as his hand hovered over the latest perfect
pumpkin cookie in the lineup. The piping bag stilled and a line of royal icing
dangled from the tip.
@steverogersnotebook I’m so sorry I’m JUST getting to this PERFECT halloween story! Every time I read these two, i grin from ear to ear. I love their friendship and trust in one another! The message ‘be yourself’ runs clear through and it’s so right for Steve, TJ and your brand of story.
(And I have an idea for a christmas tale if you’re interested!)
Author’s Note: Not much to say other than reiterating that I don’t know anything about law other than what I’ve seen on Law and Order, so just got with me on this. This is after all fiction, in their world this is how the law works 🙂 As always, feedback of any kind is welcome. Please let me know if you want on or off the tag list
Disclaimer: This is an Actor!fic. It holds no basis in reality. But come on, you knew that. I also make up some stuff about scheduling and different jobs. So, just go with it.
Anna sat back in her chair as Peter’s lawyer cross examined Brian. Anna’s nerves were all over the place that afternoon. She was exhausted from being up half the night calling and texting those closest to her and Tom about the photos. They had needed to warn people so no one was caught off guard if they were suddenly questioned about it. That was tiresome enough but explaining why they couldn’t correct it was even worse. Of course their parents knew about the case, but Anna has decided it was best not to tell many people to make sure nothing got out. The last thing she needed was being followed and asked questions about this. Anna had hoped for a good night sleep and had about three hours on and off instead.
The witnesses they had heard from so far showed a lot in her favor, but Peter’s lawyers were manipulating the witnesses. He got them to admit that Anna had been distracted at work after she started dating Tom. That was true, she had been, but only because Peter was making her life a nightmare, it had nothing to do with Tom. Brian however, was the witness Anna was most nervous about. She knew he was on her side, but also knew that he had been working with Peter for a period of time and she didn’t know what Peter would have on him.
Author’s Note: Here we are! I’m finally back. I’m sorry for this long break but the next few chapters have been difficult for me to write due to it involving things I know nothing about (and still know nothing about, just go with it please). I hope it was worth the wait. Thank you so much for everyone for being patient with me. In case you didn’t re-read chapter 34, we are at the morning of the first day of Anna’s court case. Thank you so much for sticking with me. This story means a lot to me and so do all of you who read it. I just wanted to do right by you and by Anna and Tom. As always, feedback of any kind is welcome. Please let me know if you want on or off the tag list 🙂
Disclaimer: This is an Actor!fic. It holds no basis in reality. But come on, you knew that. I also make up some stuff about scheduling and different jobs. So, just go with it.
Author’s Note: I don’t really have any notes for this one. It’s pretty self explanatory. As always, feedback of any kind is welcome. Please let me know if you want on or off the tag list 🙂
Disclaimer: This is an Actor!fic. It holds no basis in reality. But come on, you knew that. I also make up some stuff about scheduling and different jobs. So, just go with it.
“So um, I hate to bring this up again, but I sort of asked you to move to London and you sort of ignored it, which I thought was something we agreed we weren’t doing anymore.” Tom said as he tucked Anna’s hair behind her ear, still on top of her from wrestling her after she started singing “Space Oddity” to him.
“I suppose you’re right. We can’t already screw this up.” Anna laughed as she shifted under Tom’s weight. Tom got up and pulled Anna up with him so they were both sitting on the couch again. She straightened her shirt and cleared her throat. “I would love to move to London, but now we have one more factor to add into this. So, I kind of, um, got a freelance writing job at broadway.com this week.”
“Anna that’s amazing!” Tom grabbed Anna’s face and kissed Anna quickly, “Well done you. I knew the blog would take off! Oh, so does that mean you have to do it here?” Tom’s smile disappeared almost as quickly as it came.
Author’s Note: This chapter begins with Tom and Anna back in the same time space. It begins the morning after Anna and Sam had their talk in Sam’s apartment, which is the same day Tom and Luke spoke (time zones are really difficult guys, I don’t know if this is right, but just go with it because it hurts my head man!) As always, feedback of any kind is welcome. Please let me know if you want on or off the tag list 🙂
Disclaimer: This is an Actor!fic. It holds no basis in reality. But come on, you knew that. I also make up some stuff about scheduling and different jobs. So, just go with it.
Anna left the Broadway.com offices late the following morning. She had officially signed on to be a freelance writer to the website. She and Paul decided on a biweekly article called Theater Kids. She would interview a New York performer and write their story about being a theater kid before they made it, and then she would illustrate it as well, similar to her blog but it wouldn’t be about her. Anna liked the idea of being able to interview as many people as she could in a short period of time but have them roll out every other week. This meant she could do mostly in person interviews and bank them for when, or if, she was no longer residing in New York. Anna was going to ask Laura Benanti and Zac Levi personally for stories, but Paul was going to send out other emails asking if anyone would be interested, so they knew it was a legitimate request. The feature would launch once she had a few interviews done. Anna was excited to finally have something to do that wasn’t totally by herself. Some guaranteed income wasn’t bad either. Now she just needed to know where she lived and when she’d be in New York to get these interviews. She pushed the thought to the back of her mind as she still had things to do that day.
Summary: It’s been a while since you’ve been laid and your friend, Sebastian, is a pal and helps out.
Warnings: Smut, dirty dirty smut…you know the drill
A/N: This is a prompt request from my other marvel porn blog @sinful-sisters-5, check it out if you haven’t (and of course I can’t tag it because Tumblr sucks!!) There are 5 of us that add content to that blog, not just me 🙂 For the Anon that requested this months ago, I am so sorry it took so long to get this done. I hope you enjoy it 🙂
A dry spell was the understatement of the year. I have tried everything under the sun to get laid, with the exception of actually sitting down naked on a man. I need a cock in me, and I need it soon, I’m going out of my mind with pent up energy. Toys can only take things so far, and while my dual head vibrator, helps me get off; nothing can replace the feel of a hot, heavy cock nestled between my thighs.
I huff in annoyance, as the battery in my vibrator goes dead— again. I can tell it’s old, and overused, because the battery life isn’t what it used to be. I even went as far as getting one of those suction cup dildos and it’s just not the same. I want it warm, and pulsing— not plastic and hard.
I know, I know…long time, no update. Please know that I am extremely sorry for how long it’s taken to get this to you all. It’s been fairly crazy in my world. Moving house and undertaking a mammoth project at work. I hope you still have a little love in your hearts for Tom and Monday. Looking forward to your comments and I promise, it won’t be so long between drinks next time. xo
Monday said she’d be here at 6 and we’d head to Benedict’s together. Ten minutes is nothing. I mean, I’m almost always held up with something. Habitually late Hiddleston.
I checked my phone as well, just in case the time on my watch was wrong. It matched. The minutes blinked over to 6:11 as the flash of a message appeared on the screen
**Monday**
Hey Tom, I got really bogged down at work. Stuck in the office – I don’t think I can make it to dinner. Sorry.
I read it again. It was a blow off over text no less. Sure, she’s very busy, this I know, but why didn’t she call? And the message was without the usual ‘xx’ at the end or silly little emoji.
Something wasn’t right, or I was overreacting.
Maybe, possibly?
I tapped on her name and the line began to ring. She may have messaged me, but I can call her.
No answer. Hmm. Just voicemail. I shook my head, I was absolutely overreacting, she must have been really busy. I took a deep breath and hung up before it reached the tone.
She’s just busy Tom. Busy.
I texted back instead.
**Tom**
Ben won’t mind if we’re a little late darling. How long do you think you’ll be?
Those three dots appeared almost immediately. So, she was near her phone.
Why didn’t she answer my call? I imagined her in a meeting, her phone hidden under the desk sending me a quick text, a crooked smile on her beautiful lips.
I waited. The dots flickered. And disappeared.
Flickered some more. And disappeared again.
**Monday**
I’ll probably be here all night.
No sweet sign off, no ’xo’ or a smiley face. Maybe she gets stressed when she’s busy? Perhaps my vision of her covertly texting was accurate and I was simply acting like a forlorn teenager.
I replied, hopeful that maybe I’d still see her tonight. It would be our first night apart since we’d met.
I took in a sharp breath. Maybe I’m suffocating her and she needs some space? Ugh. Tom. Stop. I swallowed down the lump in my throat.
**Tom**
That’s ok, I’ll call Ben and postpone. Will I see you later tonight? xo
The dots blinked again. Hmm.
A half an hour went by and nothing.
I kept checking my phone. It was 7:30 now. Poor Monday, working all night, probably didn’t even get out to lunch and now she’ll be there til the wee hours. I went to my computer and searched for the chambers where Monday worked. If Monday couldn’t come to dinner, I’d bring some dinner to her. I found the address, threw on my coat and headed toward the centre of the city.
That’s not weird at all right? Randomly turning up at someone’s place of business with dinner.
Hell, if I was scaring her off, this would be the real decider, a bold move. I’d convinced myself that Monday deserved boldness.
Monday
I felt awful with every text I sent Tom as I curled into the corner of my couch and held Percy closer.
I wasn’t at work. I was at home, hiding from my life. Ruining things, I was sure of it.
“What am I doing, Perce?” I asked my little friend receiving a head tilt in reply.
I’d left lunch with Sasha still feeling unsure about spending the evening with Tom, Benedict and Sophie. The gin and tonics didn’t help so I took myself home and overthought the afternoon away. Finally, as I began to get ready I just…I just couldn’t do it.
None of my clothes looked right. My hair wouldn’t stay in place. I felt like an utter mess and I wasn’t ready for the friends. Any friends, let alone Mr and Mrs Sherlock.
Or maybe it wasn’t that.
Maybe I wasn’t ready to admit how I felt about Tom. Wonderful sweet Tom, who makes my heart squeeze, my palms sweat and my knees knock.
I just needed my heart to shut up for a minute so my head could catch up, decipher what was happening.
I texted Tom with shaking fingers. For such a good lawyer, I was always a terrible liar – perhaps that’s why I was better served working more altruistic cases.
I told him I was at work. Kept it short. He’d know something was up if I went on too long.
But, Tom was as sweet as I could have imagined, trying to accommodate me and postponing the dinner. I wish he’d just gone without me, then I wouldn’t feel as guilty right now. Then he asked if he would see me tonight.
An hour and a bit went by since Tom’s last message. I hadn’t replied. I felt too embarrassed, faking a work deadline to get out of a perfectly lovely dinner with lovely people. Instead, I was waiting for a sad single order of Chinese food to arrive so I could mask my feelings with something sticky and soy covered.
I picked up my phone to come clean numerous times, to tell Tom the truth – that I was hiding in my house under a blanket on the couch wearing the jumper I had never returned to him, sniffling and feeling sorry for myself. And guilty. Horribly guilty.
I wanted to explain how I was feeling. But how was I feeling? And would he even want to speak to me after not being honest with him? It was too early in the piece to be playing this game with Tom. What was I doing?
A knock. My order of anxiety with a side of rice was here.
I opened the door with my head in my purse, handing out the notes before I looked up.
“Hello, Monday.” A voice spoke softly. A sad, confused and very familiar voice.
I felt the heat of embarrassment rush to my cheeks and tears prickle my eyes.
“What are you doing here Tom?” I practically whispered as I took a step backwards.
“I could ask you the same thing.” He replied, his tone was not irritated, rather upset.
“I’d just visited your chambers. They said you went home after lunch to work on some cases.” A twinge of sadness was more pronounced now. He hovered in the doorway, not sure if he should come in or turn around and leave. I could feel his whole body bristling before me.
I just shrugged in reply, my eyes moving up from the scuffed toe of his grey suede boot toward a basket in his hands.
“I thought I’d bring you dinner since you were working through.” He stepped forward and softly closed the door behind him.
“But, you weren’t working through.” He sighed and slumped against the closed door.
I opened my mouth, nothing came out. I just gawped at him blankly.
“Monday. Do you want to talk? Have I done something wrong? I thought…” Tom stuttered out.
“I thought everything was going great.” Tom attempted to fill the growing awkwardness of the silence.
“I mean. Fast, but great.” His vocal pace quickened before he took a deep breath and gulped loudly.
“I get it, I’m coming on too strong. I’m sorry, I’ll go.” He scrubbed a hand over his face.
I still couldn’t speak. Just blinked.
“I should have known the dinner invite was too soon. What was I thinking?” He whispered to himself, his back to me now. His long fingers turning the doorknob to make his exit/
“Don’t go.” I practically blurted. I opened my mouth not sure what was going to come out.
“Please. Stay.” It was my turn to sigh as I wrung my hands.
He slowly turned his head back to me.
“I’m sorry Tom. I’m a grown woman who lied about being too busy so she could hide at home in her pyjamas.” I whispered.
“My heart has been so noisy. My poor head hasn’t had a chance.” I babbled as Tom looked on.
“Your heart?” Tom asked with a whisper, his eyes connecting with mine.
“Mm-hmm.” I replied, my hand-wringing increased.
“What’s your heart trying to say?” Tom asked as he stepped a little closer. My head began to swirl from the warmth of his body drawing nearer.
“I don’t know, it’s like I can’t speak it’s language anymore.” I searched Tom’s eyes.
Tom put the basket down and stepped closer. He placed a hand on each of my shoulders and gently pulled me closer as he ducked his head down to place an ear against my chest.
“I think it’s saying that you should stop worrying, darling.” Tom whispered as he pulled his head back and circled his arms around me, wrapping me tightly.
“You’re not annoyed with me for blowing you off?” I mumbled into his shoulder.
“I was a little upset when I went to your work and you weren’t there. But not annoyed, never annoyed.” He manoeuvred me to look at him, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
“The whole way over here I was flipping between worry that I’d overwhelmed you and fear that you were trying to get rid of me.” He let out a lacklustre chuckle.
“You aren’t, are you?” He questioned, his eyes searching mine now.
“Trying to get rid of me, I mean.” He added.
“I’m not.” I gave him a weak smile.
“I’m sorry I cancelled on you. And Benedict. Ugh. They’ll think I’m awful.” I burrowed my face into Tom, once again trying to hide.
“No, darling. They won’t. They won’t at all. I have no doubt that they’ll adore you.” He paused and audibly swallowed.
“They’ll love you. I’m sure of that. When you’re ready to um…ready to meet them.” I felt Tom’s hand tremble a little against the small of my back, nervousness radiating from him.
I didn’t miss his phrasing.
Adore you. Love you. When you’re ready.
I stood on my toes and brushed my lips against his.
“Thank you, Tom.” I spoke softly.
“I think I’m almost ready.” I smiled and he held me tighter.
Late again! Life, unfortunately, got in the way of Tom and Monday over the last week. I scribbled notes here and there, and finally, I got the chance to piece them all together. Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments and encouragement, it keeps me going! Hope you’re still enjoying! xo
CHAPTER TEN
Monday
My alarm buzzed. Loud. Shrill.
I was woken out of my delightful slumber. I was almost certain that the weekend had been nothing more than a wonderful dream when I felt a warm body press behind me. Tom. I could get used to waking up like this.
“Five more minutes.” Tom mumbled into my bare shoulder as he clutched me closer, pressing his nose into the nape of my neck.
Five more minutes wouldn’t hurt, so I snuggled into him as he proceeded to wrap himself around me, a tangle of limbs.
Once his grip loosened, I was sure he had fallen back asleep so I took that as my notice to slide out of bed and into the bathroom. Showered, hair styled and made up for the day I crept out of the ensuite and tried not to giggle at the site before me, Tom’s long limbs stretched out across the bed, like a six-foot-two starfish.
In the half-dark I fumbled into my walk-in for an appropriate work outfit. A simple cream silk blouse, tucked into a tailored mulberry coloured pencil skirt and matching jacket. I found a pair of nude heels and grabbed my tartan lined trench before stepping back into the room and shutting the wardrobe door behind me.
“Wow.” I heard a mumble from the bed.
“It’s illegal to look that good at six in the morning, Monday.” Tom rolled onto his side and perched on his elbow.
“Come here.” His raspy morning voice beckoned me closer.
I stepped in front of him and he ran his finger under the hem of my skirt as he looked up at me with a certain twinkle in his eye.
It took everything in me not to climb back under the sheets with him, reenact our night’s activities again and again.
“Don’t give me that look Tom Hiddleston. You’ll make me late for my first meeting.” I winked at him and he sighed as he retracted his hand and sat up against the headboard, fingers now laced behind his head.
“I’m not a man to get in the way of justice.” He said with a faux-wistfulness and a crooked smile.
“Oh, you are positively selfless.” I leant forward and gave him a chaste kiss as his arms snuck around my waist and inched me closer.
“I’m really quite selfish actually.” With one quick swooped movement he pulled me onto the bed and I squealed in delight as he nipped at my neck.
“Tom!” I laughed through kisses.
“You’ll make me all crumpled.” I continued to giggle as he finally let me free.
“Sorry, darling.” He smiled as he attempted to climb out of bed.
“No, no Tom.” I stopped him before he got a foot to the floor.
“Stay in bed as long as you’d like. I’ll let Bobby and Percy into the yard before I leave.” I assured him as I tucked him back under the covers.
“Are you sure, I don’t mind.” Tom questioned, but I could tell it was only half-heartedly as he sunk back into the pillows.
“I don’t mind.” I kissed the tip of his nose and made my way to the door.
“Monday, wait.” Tom called out to me.
“Will I see you tonight, darling? Come to my place after work? I’ll take Percy over with me if you’d like, he can spend the day with Bobby and me at my place.” He asked me earnestly, my favourite eyebrow all off kilter. The eyebrow I now know is his slightly anxious tell.
“Sounds lovely. I’ll message you when I know what time I’ll be leaving.” I assured him with a wink and stepped into the hallway.
Tom
Two dogs in tow and a mountain of groceries in hand I made it back to my place around 11am. My phone buzzed.
Monday: I should be at yours by 6. I’ll have some work to get through though, I hope you don’t mind?
I smiled. I appreciated Monday’s commitment to her work. So smart, so savvy. Her intelligence was an equal match to her beauty and both parts of her drove me crazy.
I pottered around the kitchen for the better part of the day, a stack of pages in one hand and spoon in the other. I’d taken somewhat of a hiatus of late, not really interested in reading scripts or openly auditioning. I had run myself fairly thin over the past few years and enjoyed a much needed break – I’m sure to the chagrin of those around me who were itching for announcements. But, I felt compelled by Monday’s prior interest in the ‘professor script’. I should at least give that a proper look – for her, of course.
I found myself unable to put down the script as I chopped and stirred, sliced and sautéed.
With everything in the oven being kept warm and a dog on either side of me I put my feet up and kept reading. Line after line.
I missed this and I knew I wanted this part.
I knew I couldn’t wait to tell Monday.
A buzz. The gate’s intercom. It’s like Monday had a sixth-sense, always knowing the perfect moment to reappear.
I looked at my watch. Six o’clock on the dot. Monday must have put in an overwhelming effort to get out of work at what would be considered a reasonable hour, a thought which didn’t escape me as I grinned answering the buzz and letting Monday through the gate.
“Good evening Miss Marlowe.” I stood waiting in the doorway as she walked toward me in the dusk of the evening. It was as though she had become more beautiful throughout the day, framed by the soft orange sky-glow.
“Let me.” I reached out and took a stack of folders from her, receiving a quick kiss on the cheek for my effort. That deep thump in my chest started up banging against my ribs, playing them like a xylophone.
“What a day.” Monday sighed as she slid in past me and was immediately pounced on by both Percy and Bobby.
“Hello darling boys.” She cooed at them bending to scratch behind both their ears, causing synchronized leg kicking as she looked up to me with the warmest, widest smile.
That moment. That was the moment the thump increased. My chest felt both full and empty at the same time. Full of potential for what things with Monday could become and empty because it hadn’t even been a week, how was I already feeling this ache. I felt as though I had been walking throughout life with a Monday shaped hole in my heart. And here was the missing piece, standing in front of me, kicking off her heels and chatting about something I wasn’t quite processing properly.
I rubbed my sweaty palms on the front of my jeans. A move I was becoming more familiar with in Monday’s presence. She made me so nervous sometimes I wasn’t sure how to function. Breathe Tom, breathe.
“Ooo. Is this the professor script?” Monday was pointing to the dog-eared stack on the coffee table and I nodded in reply.
“And…oh my goodness, something smells incredible, Tom.” Monday sniffed the air and twirled on the spot as she moved toward the kitchen…but not before I grabbed her hand and pulled her close.
I kissed her hard on the lips, squeezing her tightly to me. Attempting to satisfy that as of yet unnamed feeling. I felt her legs wobble and her body melt into mine.
“How was your day, darling?” I asked as I tipped my head back to look at her, her eyes still closed from our kiss.
“Even better now.” She whispered back, eyes still fixed shut as she kissed me again.
–
Monday
The next few days flew past. Tom and I spent each night together, falling into an easy rhythm and it felt as though everything was both new and old at the same time.
I pushed food around my plate with my fork, drawing little shapes, smiling to myself.
“Monday…are you actually humming?” Sasha asked across the table from me with a smirk on her face.
“Sorry.” I gathered the food onto my fork and proceeded to eat if only to stop my humming with chewing.
It was our weekly Thursday lunch together and I had just spent the better part of an hour being interrogated for every tiny detail of the whirlwind time the past (almost) week had been…really, was it only a week?
“So, dinner tonight. You ready?” Sash asked waved to the waiter for the bill.
“I uh…I think so. I mean, you can’t really go wrong with vegan food, can you?” I asked Sasha, sincerely.
“The food Monday? Really. I was talking about the company. Meeting the friends, that’s a real step right there. I mean…a week and…friends?” She took my hand across the table and gave it a squeeze.
“Tom’s already met you.” I squeezed her hand back and stuck out my tongue in reply.
“Accidentally Monday, while he was creeping around your neighbourhood.” She stuck her tongue out right back at me.
“But seriously Mon. You know I am all for whatever it is that is happening between the two of you. I mean, yes girl!” I began to laugh as I saw Sasha’s expression ripple.
“And I am beyond happy that you are out of your old Monday anxious funk. But, I just want to make sure that you’re OK.” Sash smiled the sweetest most hope-filled smile I’d ever seen.
“You know I love you Mon, I just want to make sure you don’t get your heart broken. I was there before and I’ll be there forever. I’m just…” Sasha took a sip of her water.
“I’m just feeling really protective of you right now, alright?” Sash let out a little sniffle and I scooted my seat closer.
“Thanks Sash.” I wrapped an arm around her as I lifted my own glass.
I swallowed down a gulp of water. I hadn’t really had time to think about it. I was OK. No pending heartbreak here.
I mean, it’s not like I was about to meet the friends of a guy I had been seeing for about 5 minutes.
A guy. Not just any guy. But Tom. I’d come to grips with Tom, who he is and what that meant. Less of a celebrity and more of an adorable goofball that I was falling for more and more with each moment.
But the friends. The famous friends of the equally famous guy.
Meeting the friends. One step closer into twining our lives together.
To the outside world Tom and I had been nothing more than tabloid speculation. There’d been no more paparazzi interruption since Saturday and I was glad that I worked in chambers with a group of older barristers, removed from the world of celebrity.
No one had asked a thing and I hadn’t spoken to my parents or any other friends, so apart from Sash, no one knew about Tom.
About Tom and I.
Tonight, that’s what we’d become, right? Tom and I.
Tom and Monday. A real couple. Right?
Not just together at his house or mine. Wrapped in bed, like a secret only we kept. I was ok with the paparazzi pics. I’m still ok now, right?
I blinked at Sash, not speaking, my smile twitched.
“Oh shit. Why can’t I keep my bloody mouth shut?” Sasha sighed at herself realising that my wheels were completely spun and my brain had run off the road. And as the waiter came over with the bill, she asked instead for two gin and tonics.
So, just when we thought Monday’s anxieties had disappeared reality has struck once more. Will she hit the breaks on this crazy week, or will she hide her nerves and meet the friends? And Tom, he’s completely smitten! Is it too soon, or do you think when you ‘know’ you’re looking at your perfect match time is irrelevant?
avenger-nerd-mom 