↳ 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 - 𝙟𝙤𝙝𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙗𝙮

♧

word count; 1625
warnings; none

Laughter blossoms within the group you are chatting with, mirroring their relaxed smiles as you sip your champagne. Friends and acquaintances nod their heads on their way by. It never gets old to see you unwind with his family, hence John's eyes struggling to detach from your figure at his side.

Parties and events have never been your forte, mingling with strangers and engaging in meaningless conversation, clinking glasses and toasting things you -in the nicest way possible- don't necessarily care for. Sporting costly attire all evening and torturing your poor feet with extravagant heels.

John always approaches the topic cautiously, knowing you'd much prefer a quiet night in since those rarely present themselves to either of you. No matter how much you exhale, no matter how much you scrunch your nose at the invitations, he always has his ways of persuasion. Putty in that man's hands you are.

"You look lovely, [Y/n]." Arthur smiles warmly. "Now, does anyone want another drink?"

"Not for me." You thank a waiter when he takes your empty flute. "I think I've had more than enough for one night. Perhaps you too but I won't stand in your way."

"It's a party." Arthur winks.

"Go easy. Tonight isn't the night to be breaking up fights." John's hand returns to its usual spot on your lower back, tracing subtle patterns against your exposed skin to keep you as calm as possible.

"Alright?" Tommy nods to you all.

"Thank you again for inviting me, Tom. I can't get over how beautiful your home is."

"Lizzie made it a home. What've I told you? You're always welcome, you're part of the family remember. John should be reminding you of that every day."

"I do." John brings you closer to his side and plants a kiss atop your head.

"He does. You know me, I'm always doubting myself."

"You're not the only one." Lizzie appears beside Tommy, offering a kind smile. "Your special guest has arrived." He hums and takes her hand. They excuse themselves.

A path clears once they leave to greet the man making his entrance into the foyer. Your chest tightens, the air catching in your throat when you suddenly inhale. You dip your head to avoid catching the gaze of your previous partner as he discusses business with Polly and Michael. A silent prayer that the bodies littering the floor between you both will conceal you from his wandering gaze.

"Everything alright?" John breaks you from your thoughts.

Your brows scrunching kicks him into action. He hands his drink to Arthur and excuses the two of you, leading you away from the guests to a quiet corridor outside. An arm raises to rest against the wall above your head, his own lowering to avoid any passersby eavesdropping.

"Talk to me."

You toy with the ring on your finger. Twisting it, straightening it, tugging it. "I'd like to leave. Please, John. Can we go home?"

"You wanted to come tonight. Wouldn't shut up about the dress I bought you." It's a wonder how you arrived on time given he couldn't keep his hands off you earlier. Nothing like a brand new dress to steal his attention, as well as his heart.