A Friendship Or More

New Years Flu

Christmas was over and we were heading tward January, and new year's. Norman and I were still going good. Nothing seemed to faze us. Now he was talking about having a party or going to a party for new years. I laughed, he was always so full of life, aways on the go, dispite his busy schedule. I wasn't fond of the party idea. I wasn't much for people, or being in the public eye, mostly. Norman insisted though, as we sat on the couch cuddling and talking about it again.
"Come on, you could wear one of them cute dresses, or we could buy you something new," he said kissing me. I giggled.
"Your going to have to do one or the other," Mingus piped in. I smiled.
"I know," I agreed. Norman pulled his eyebrows together. 
"Why do you two always agree with each other?" He asked. I giggled. Mingus shrugged.
"I don't know, I just know in the end you'll drag her somewhere or have a party here, so, she's going to a party like it or not," Mingus told Norman. I giggled.
"He's right, I'll only fight you so much then I'll give in, I always do," I told Norman kissing his cheek. He smiled 
"It's not dragging her of she agrees," Norman told Mingus, I gigled. 
"Boys," I said trying to stop an argument before it started. Mingus rolled his eyes.
"Of course she's going to go, she's in love with you," Mingus shot back. Norman smiled at me.
"I'm  in love with her too, so if she told me no, we would just sit home together," he told me. I smiled, leaning in and kissing him. 
"We can go out, or have a party, I dont care, but we are not buying me any more clothes," I protested. Norman laughed. "That's what you think," he said, I looked at him unimpressed. He smiled bigger and kissed me. 
"I'm serious Reedus!" I said, he chuckled.
"If I bring you home a presants you have to keep it," he said. I made a face. He had me.
"So don't bring home any presents," I said. He made a face at me.
"We both know that isn't going to happen," he said. I rolled my eyes.
"I have plenty of dresses already," I told him.
"Just face it, he's already decided he's getting you a dress," Mingus said. I made another face.
"Stop encouraging him!" I said. Mingus raised his eyesbrows at me.
"You do know once his mind is made up," he started, I cut him off.
"Yeah yeah, I know, there's no changing it," I said. I knew Norman, about as well as he did. Mingus nodded.
"You two stop talking about me like I'm not here, I can hear you," Norman pointed out. I giggled.
"Then you know your a pain in my ass, but I love you," I said. He smiled. 
"Yes and I love you too," he replied. 
"Alright! Geez!" Mingus said. I laughed again.
"What not in to the hallmark love story?" I teased. Mingus made a face at me.
"No, I'm going to puke," he said. I gigled again.
"I'm tellin ya kid, one day, you'll have a girlfriend and I'm going to annoy you," Norman smiled. I made a face at him. 
"Be nice," I said. Norman smiled at me. He looked like he wanted to say something, but his phone rang so he stopped.
"Hey!" Norman answered happily. Norman's phone calls were akward for me, I wasn't sure if I should sit around, or get up. I mean I know we're together but, do I listen or not? I knew Norman had nothing to hide. It was just strange I hadn't figure out what to do yet. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Norman  tell someone. 'Yeah she's here' I looked up. He smiled.
"Sean," he said lowly. I nodded and smiled. I hasn't actually seen Sean sence we had lunch thay one time. We had kept in contact though threw text. He was also sure to text me when Norman and I got together to tell me how happy he was. I only could think that Norman had told him and smiled.
 I laid my head on Norman's chest. I wasn't listening to his conversation, I just wanted to be near him. I closed my eyes, I didn't know why I was so tired, it hadn't been a stressful day. Norman had the day off, Mingus didn't get up early, he never did. We slept in, it had been a good day, but I wasn't feeling like I could keep my eyes open any longer. So Norman was my pillow and his arms, as they came around me were my blanket.
Some time later, I was kissed on my head. Then my nose, finnaly my lips. I smiled. 
"Mmh," I hummed, Kssing him back.
"Good morning sleeping beauty," Norman said, happily. I made a face, I didn't feel like I had slep all night.  I looked at him sleepily and lost. He chucked. "You are so adorable," Norman smiled, kissing me again. I smiled. 
"What time is it?" I asked. Leaning against him again, still feeling tired.
"It's time for bed," he said, I tilted my head. 
"You just said, good morning," I said confused. Norman laughed.
"Sorry, baby girl, I didn't mean to confuse you. It's still night. Mingus went to bed, I figured you were alseep, so it's time to go to bed," Norman explained. I closed my eyes again and nodded. 
"Mmh," I hummed. He leaned in.
"You want me to carry you?" He asked. I opend my eyes and shook my head.
"No, just sleepy," I sais. Norman kissed my cheek.
"Alright baby," he said getting up and holding his hand out for me. I took it and we walked to the bedroom. I laid on the bed, as Norman smiled down at me. 
"What Sean have to say?" I asked. Holding his pillow. Norman smiled. 
"He wants to come with the kids and his wife, hang out," he said. I smiled. 
"That would be nice," I smiled. I had seen pictures of Sean's family, but never of course met them. Norman smiled, he was down to his boxers by now. I couldn't help but look him over. He smiled.
"What you looking at?" He asked getting on the bed. I giggled.
"My sexy man," I giggled, he smiled
"You are just so adorable," Norman said leaning in and kissing me. I pulled him closer to me. We parted and he smiled down at me. "What do you see in me?" He asked. I tilted my head.
"We'll besides the fact that your sexy as fuck," I giggled. Norman made a face, that told me he didn't believe me. I smiled. "Your funny, sweet, adorable, and I love you, because your not only the man I love, but also the best friend a girl could have," I told him pulling him down to kiss him again. He  smiled as he pulled away.
"I don't see what you mean by sexy, I'm definitely not sexy. You are so amazing though," he said, kissing me. I smiled. 
"Believe me, you are," I said, pulling him back to kiss him. Our minds were on the same page and we were done talking all in that moment. As we started to move together. 
Later as we laid catching our breath still tangled togeter. Norman kissed at my neck. I giggled as he kissed at me. He smiled.
"I love you," he said, still kissing at my neck. I gigled.
"I love you too," I said, resting my head on his chest. I was quickly off in to dream land.
After Christmas had been a fun time at work, Tish was the first to notice my new ring, and wasn't too happy. The other girls flocked me asking me if it was an engagement ring. I laughed, I never actually thought about marring Norman. We always just were together, I guessed I didn't need to marry him, to be happy. I explained it was just a promise ring. A few pointed out it was way to nice for a promise ring, but I just shook my head. Telling them he liked to spoil me, and I wasn't sure why. 
 That had died down though, and they went back to their boring lives. I was happy. I wasn't big on the attention on me, especially if it had anything to do with Norman. I knew he liked his privacy and I was definitely ok with that. The girls were a buzz today with their new year's plan's and resolutions. Mine was to get out of being invited to another stupid party. Of course I couldn't get any luck in that. Tish was at my starion.
"Any plans with your man for new years?" She asked. I sighed.
"Yes," I answered, trying to keep busy. She fallowed me.
"Always. He must be a big deal, to be as busy as you two are. How did you meet him?" She asked annoyingly. I stopped.
"Luck," I said. Trying to get my station ready for the next client. She sighed.
"Why is he such a secret?" She asked. I looked at her.
"We are just private people," I said and it was the truth.  She kinda huffed.
"I'm not sure what your hiding, but it's definitely something good," she said angry. I looked at her innocently. 
"I don't know what your talking about," I said. She eyed me closely. 
"There's soemthing about that man of yours, you don't want anyone t know. What is he famous?" She growled. I laughed.
"Sure, what ever you want to believe," I said, she eyes me more. 
"With a rock like that, and a necklace, he sure has moeny," she pointed out. " And you've never warn the same clothes twice. We all know what you make, you can't afford the clothes you wear on that salary," she said snide. I shrugged. 
"Like I said, my life, is none of your business," I said as I walked away from her.
"Steph," my boss called to me. I sighed and walked over.
"Yeah?" I asked nervous. She smiled. My boss wasn't a mean lady, just one kinda set in her ways. She was older, and odviously well rounded and knew how to run a business, no talorance for crap.
"You want the thirty first and the first off?" She asked. I had put in my request as soon, as Norman had started talking about a part. I nodded.
"Yes, ma'am," I said. She nodded.
"Alright," she argreed. I looked at her. Aright, I could? Or alright, she was making sure? I knda stood there a moment. She smiled. "Your cleared for the thirty first and the first," she clarified. I smiled..
"Thank you!" I sad, quickly scurried away.
The rest of the day was normal. Tish came and bugged me as usual. Making snide remarks about Norman to see if I would cave. I didnt, I just let her talk. I was so happy to be going home. As I grabbed my things and headed out the door. No sooner was I out the door and just past the building there was soemone grabbing me. I froze. I didn't think about this kinda thing. I mean it was New York so I had heard about it, but I didn't actually think it would happen to me.
"So fuckin beautiful," his gravely voice said lowly. As his arm went around my waist and he kissed my cheek. 
"Reedus!" I growled. He chuckled ans let me go.
"How'd you know?" He asked as I turned to face him. I pushed him, he didn't move, he was like a brick wall.
"Your an asshole!" I yelled, pulling him in to a hug. He held me back.
"I just wanted to play Mac for ya," he said kissing my head. I looked up at him.
"Mmhm, why is Mac in NYC?" I asked. He looked at me.
"I don't know," he said. I giggled.
"Come one, I wanna go home," I smiled. Norman smiled back.
"Sounds good, been a long fuckin day, I'm exhusted. Ready to go home and get naked," he smiled, I giggled. 
"No Mingus?" I asked. Norman growled.
"Damn it!" He said. I giggled.
"You forgot again? Who's son is he?" I laughed. Norman made a face.
"Listen girly! Mingus or no Mingus, I can still spank you when we get home!" He said. I giggled.
"Yes, but you have to wait untill he goes to bed," I pointed out. Norman growled again.
"That's it, your in trouble," Norman tried to sound  authoritative. I giglged.
"Ohh spank me I'm bad," I giggled. Norman made a face. Leaning in close to me.
"Fuck that sounded so hot," he said. I giggled.
"We don't have time today," I said, as we reached the apartment. Norman made a face. We made it inside and then in the elevator alone. He attacked my lips. It was a hard needy kiss. One that told me he had missed me and his hand squeezing my ass told me he was in the mood. I moaned lowly as my hands tangled in his hair. We parted a little breathless and I looked up and him as the elevator dinged and we reached our floor. We walked up and to the door, hand in hand. When we were safely locked inside the apartment Norman pushed me against a wall. I moaned again, Norman was quick to move to my neck.
"Normy," I maoned. God I loved this, but we didn't have time. 
"I'll be quick," he promised as he pulled me in to his arms and we went to the bed room. I couldn't argue with him. I'd never tell him no, and if he said he'd be quick. He would. He needed this. I'm not sure why, but I could feel it in his kisses and the way he was rough with me. 
Norman didn't take his time, he was quick like he said. There was also something up with him. He was on edge, his love making showed it. As we laid catching out breath and getting some strength. I wondered what had him so worked up.
"You wanna talk about it?" I asked rolling tward him and kissing his jaw. He pulled me up to claim my lips. We parted and I looked up at him.
"Got offered a part in a movie. Read the script, but couldn't get you out of my head. It's a drama, kinda movie. Bad guy, good girl, but in all my years acting, it's never been hard for me to separate a script from my life. I can't do this movie with out knowing, though your ok with it. There will be a sex scene. I will kiss whoever they cast, and most likely I'll see her naked," Norman explained what was going on. I sighed. I knew it was his job, and I knew sooner or later it would happen. I kissed his lips, again.
"That's your job," I told him. Trying to get up, it kinda bothered me. I didn't want to think about him spending his time with another woman, one who could possibly replace me. He pulled me back.
"No, it doesn't have to be. I haven't given them an answer yet," he said holding me. I wiggied. He let me up, but only enough to look at him.
"It's up to you. I'm not going to tell you, if you can or can't do soemthing," I said. He pulled me close and kissed me.
"I'm asking you, but your being stubborn as always. You wouldn't tell me I couldn't do something, I'm not sure why you won't, but you'd rather be unhappy then tell me no," he said. He knew me, didn't suprise me. I sighed.
"Then why are you asking me?" I asked, he rolled his eyes.
"Why would you rather let me do what I want, even if it hurts you?" He asked, I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I asked you first," I pointed out. He smiled.
"Technically baby girl, I asked you," he had me. I growled. He was good, knew how get me.
"You already know me so well, you tell me what I want you to do," I said, annoyed with his, smugness. He smiled.
"You'll say yes, but inside you'll be pissed, and I'm sure extremely jealous," he said, then he shook his head. "I'm not sure why, I really don't know what you see in me," he said. Holding me close. I looked up at him, holding his face, and kissing him.
"Your my best friend. My stress release, my happiness, my world. Norman we have spend almost every day together for the past seven, almost eight months, and you want to know what I see in you. Baby, you are a big part of my life, hell my life, I love you so much, and I'm not just saying that. I mean it, you've changed me in so many ways. I never felt beautiful, or worth anything, untill I met you. You broke down a wall, I didn't even realize I had put up. You made me, happy, and that's something, I hadn't been in a while untill I found you," I was crying and I was sure I looked dumb, but he needed to know why if I didn't want him with some, fake boobed, super model, turned actress. Norman pulled me close to him, hugging me tightly.
"I fuckin love you so much baby girl, there's no way in the world I'd ever leave you," he said. I sighed, holding him.
"Baby I love you too, and I'd love to continue this conversation, but Mingus will be here soon and we aren't eve out of bed," I pointed out. Norman sighed.
"Damn it!" He growled again. "Fine get dressed, but I need to let you know, there is no way I'm ever going to leave you for another woman. Your my world," he said. I smiled, I wanted to believe him, but why? Why was I his world? I wasn't a super model or an actress. Norman kissed me while I was lost in my thoughts. "Your beautiful," he told me, he must have been able to read my face. I smiled, that's why I loved him, he knew me. I shook my head as I was thrown a shirt and giggled.
"You know I get weird looks from Mingus, when he sees me in your shirts," I told him. Norman smiled, pulling on his sweets and another shirt.
"Ohh well," Norman laughed as he came beside me, as I finished getting dressed. I smiled at him as we kissed. "He's seen plenty of my ex's in my clothes. None looked as good as you do though," He said kissing me again. I smiled.
"Bet you tell all your girlfriend's that," I giggled. Wiggling away from him. He smiled.
"I'm gonna get you girly," he laughed as I started running andgiggled. I had just made it to the couch when the door bell rag. Norman was seconds behind me.
"Saved by Mingus!" I laughed. Norman growled.
"You just wait! This isn't over," Norman pointed out, as he went to get the door. I giggled. I knew it wasn't, but for the moment it was. Mingus came in and smiled.
"I heard the screaming from the door. You two are rediculous," he said. I smiled.
"We might be," I laughed. 
I knew Mingus was just kidding with the way he smiled every time he pointed out how we acted. I was happy Mingus liked me. It made things a lot better. I hadn't ever dated someone with a kid, but I had a feeling the kid liking you is a good thing. 
Norman came back in and he and Mingus talked, I was happy to be just there. I wasn't really listening, and I wasn't sleepy yet, but it just felt nice to be able to space out. Truthfully I was thinking about the small get together we were having. Norman refused to call it a party, even though that's exactly what he wanted, and it wasn't a lot of us. There were going to be kids too. Sean and his family, Andy and his, Mingus of course. I was kinda glad at the moment we didn't have kids, other then Mingus. I knew how Norman got at theses get togethers.
The rest of the night seemed to fly by, I didn't remeber making dinner. Or cuddling with Norman on the couch. Falling asleep, was another, but I never remebered that it just always happend. So it was no big shock really when I was being carried to bed. Well it shouldn't have been, but as usual, it was a suprise.As usual Norman placed me gently on the bed, and got undressed. I love watching him. It was so peacefull. I felt extremely tired and when he climed in to bed, I almost asked him if we could just cuddle. I quickly rethought that as he kissed me. Leading me off in to a land of pleasure only he could create.
It was finnaly, new years eve, and I woke up feeling off, then again I had been all week. I pushed it aside though as I cuddled with Norman. He kissed my head, as he pulled me close odviously awake. 
"You awake?" He asked. I shook my head, I didn't want to be. My body ached and I just wanted to lay here with him, but I knew thay was impossible. "You ok?" Norman asked. I nodded slowly. I wasn't going to tell him I felt like crap. It would ruin his day, he would spend all his time worring about me and not having any fun. That's what today was about, him having some fun. He deserved it. I looked up at him and smiled.
"Fine," I said lowly. Norman made a face
"Baby girl, I love you, but you look awful. Are you sure your feeling ok?" He asked. I nodded.
"Fine," I repeated. Norman looked at me funny, and pulled me close. 
"If your not feeling well," he started. I pulled away. 
"I'm fine baby, just sleepy," I said laying my head back on his chest. He sighed.
"Stubborn as shit too," he said holding me. "It's only eight thirty, you sleep a little longer," he said, holding me toghter. I sighed and shook my head.
"No, I have a tone of stuff to do," I said. Trying to get up. Norman grummbled. 
"I'll help you with that in a little while," he said. I sighed, kissing his cheek.
"No, it's your day off to relax," I told him, he threw me a look.
"You work too," he pointed out. I sighed. 
"Not like you," I argued. He made another face at me.
"We both work, we both deserve a day off, to relax, doesn't matter what we do for work. I can help you set up and I will, just go back to sleep for a little while," he protested. I sighed. 
"Fine," we shared a kiss and I laid back down. Sometime later I felt the need to get up. I opend my eyes and didn't see Norman. I sat up and looked around the room. He wasn't anywhere. I sighed getting up and checking the bathroom. Nothing. I sighed again, as I got dressed and headed out. I heard the tv. I found Norman and Mingus  setting on the couch. I looked at Norman who smiled.
"Good morning Beautiful!" He said happily getting up and coming over to me, kissing my head. I smiled.
"Why didn't you wake me up?" I asked. Norman just smiled.
"Coffee?" He asked. I sighed.
"Norman," I said. He led me to the kitchen.
"Wanted to let you sleep," he said leaving me at a bar stew and getting my coffee. I smiled.
"Baby that's so swee! But there are a million things," I was cut off.
"Everything's done, I made sure. All you have to do is get ready. Your always taking care of me, and I wanted this stupid party, so it's only fair I do the work," he said. I looked at him. Then moved and and hugged him. 
"I love you," I told him, as  we kissed. He smiled
"I love you too," he said. I sipped my coffee, it tasted pretty bad, I wondered what happend, he was always so good at getting it right I sighed, must just have been me.  We went and sat down, my head was pounding, but I pushed it aside, I couldn't be sick, not today, there was too much to do. I finished my coffee and headed off to the shower. 
I showered alone this monring, it was weird, Norman was always with me. So it was quick, I got out and got dressed. Starting on my hair and make up. Norman came in behind me and held me as I tried to do my hair. I smiled at him in the mirror. 
"Baby, I can't do anything with you holding me," I said, smiling and turning around to kiss him. He smiled.
"I know, I just wanted a minute to hold you," he said. I giggled. Hugging him tighter. I loved his hugs they were the best. I could never get enough.
"Mmhm, would let you hold me all day if we didn't have things to do," I told him. Ke kissed my head.
"Tomorrow, I see a day in bed," he said lowly. I giggled. 
"Sounds amazing," I  agreed. He smiled. 
"We haven't gotten to do that in a long time," he said. I nodded. 
"I know, I miss it," I told him. Norman pulled me close and kissed me hard. 
"I miss a lot of things, from when we were in Georgia," he told me when we parted. I sighed. I did too. Finnaly I nodded.
"It's ok though," I said with a smile. Norman watched me, waiting. "We are still together and I stll love time we get to spend together. It's good for us too, not to spend every waking moment with each other. We would get sick of each other," I tired to assure him. He smiled, but shook his head. 
"I don't think that will ever happen," he said. I giggled. 
"I hope not," I told him.  He smiled again.
"Sean will be here soon. He's comming a little early," Norman said. I smiled, and looked at the clock. It was about three. That made me wonder how late I had slept. I also knew Sean and Norman had been friends forever so it didn't suprise me Sean eould be comming early.
"What are we doing for dinner I asked?" Norman smiled.
"Sean's picking up pizza, and wings,"Norman said. I smiled, and shook my head, of course he was. Finnaly I made a face.
"What's his wife like?" I asked nervous. Norman chuckled  at me now.
"You two will get along just fine. She's really nice, and she will love you," he said. I smiled, I hoped so. I had met Andy wife already, while in Georgia so that was no big deal. Sean's wife though, I was a little nervous. 
"Good to know," I said. Norman kissed me again.
"Relax, everyone who meets you loves you!" He said excitedly. I shook my head, because I didn't know why. Norman smiled. "It's because you are too fuckin adorable!" He said, reading my mind. I looked at him.
"How do you do that?" I asked, he chuckeled.
"I know you, you don't believe how amazingly beautiful you are. So I know you can't understand why people like you so much," he explained.  I sighed, and made a face. 
"Stop that," I laughed, he smiled. Pulling me in and kissing me one more time, but slow now.  We parted and he looked down at me, lovingly. 
"Never, not untill you know, how perfect you are to me, and just how much I love you," he said sweetly. I smiled up at him. I was about to answer when Mingus yelled.
"Dad? Uncle Sean's here!" He said. I looked around Norman, but couldn't see Mingus. We walked out to the bedroom, he was at the door. I giggled.
"You could come in," I told him. He made a face.
" I don't know what's going on in here," he said. I giggled again.
"Norhing!" I said kinda embarrassed. Norman laughed.
"Don't worry we wait till you sleeping," Norman felt the need t tell him. I looked at Norman and slapped his arm. 
"Reedus!" I squeeled, really embarrassed now. Mingus left after that, and Norman was still laughing. 
"What? Just telling him he was safe," Norman said still laughing. I started back to the bathroom. 
"Don't!" I said shutting the door. Norman was at the door.
"Baby don't be like that," he wimmpered. I shook my head, opening the door.
"Go bug Sean," I laughed. He smiled, leaning in and kissing me quickly. 
"Love ya," he said. I giggled, he was to cute.
"Love ya too," I said, going back to the bathroom. I finished may hair and make up. Heading out to the living room, I could hear the guys fighting. I sighed, I stood in the door way. Norman and Sean were in a heated debate about something. Mingus smiled and walked over to me.
"What are they fighting about?" I asked. Mingus laughed.
"We don't even know anymore," he said. I giggled. All at once Norman's attention was on me. As his face lit up and he came to my side. I smiled.
"Whatcha fightin' about?" I asked. Norman shook his head.
"Stupid stuff, " he said, I smiled.
"It's only stupid, becuase your wrong," Sean said coming over and hugging me. "I see he finnaly grew a set and asked you out," Sean said. I giggled.
"Hello Sean," I laughed. He smiled. They deffenatly acted like brothers. 
"Steph, this is my family, my two boys Charlie and Porter. This is my lovely wife Lauren," Sean introduced us. I smiled.
"Nice to meet you," I said unsure. Lauren smiled.
"She's nothing like any of the other girls you date," she pointed out. A lot of people point that out in the first few seconds of meeting me. I wondered why. Mingus laughed.
"Naw, she's way better!" He said. She looked at him.
"That's a first, he don't like any of your girlfriends," she laughed. Norman made a face.
"Why am I just now hearing about this?!" He asked, kinda annoyed. "You never said a word when I was with them," he said to Mingus. Mingus shrugged. 
"You liked 'em," he said. Norman made a face. 
"Well yeah, but aparently they didn't act the same around me as they did to you," he said. Mingus shrugged. 
"You were happy,"he said. Norman made another face. "I might have been but anyone who can't except you, isn't worth being with," Norman told him Mingus looked embarrassed. 
"Well anyways, Steph's gonna be around a long time so we don't have anything to worry about," Mingus quickly put the focus back on me. I smiled shaking my head. 
"We use to be friends," I laughed nervously. Mingus smiled.
"You still love me!" He laughed. I shook my head.
"You act like your father," I told him. He smiled bigger. 
"Then you do love me," he said. I laughed.
"You a pain in my ass," I told him. He laughed.
"I'll take it," he said, and walked away.
"And there goes the clone," I told Norman, he laughed. 
"You really think we act that much alike?" He asked. We all laughed now. I arched an eyebrow at him. He laughed. "Ok, I get it," he laughed. After that we all started talking, some how Lauren and I ended up in the kitchen with the kids. The guys were in the living room, doing god knows what. We had just been getting to know each other, when youngest boy asked for a cookie. I still wasn't sure wich one was wich. I smiled getting up and getting into Norman's Oreos. Lauren smiled at me
"How long have you wanted one?" She asked. As the little boy thanked me shyly. I smiled at him, then looked at her shocked.
"Oh, no," I tried to blow it off. She laughed.
"Norman doesn't know does he" she asked. I shook my head, aparently I was odvous I really wanted a baby.
"Yeah, had that same look about two years ago. Sean could tell though. I bet you anything Norman knows. Have you talked at all about kids?" She asked. I was giving the second little boy a cookie, and shook my head.
"No, we haven't been together that long, and he already had Mingus and he's sixteen," I said, mostly trying to tell myself it wouldn't work. I didn't want to get my hopes up. She laughed.
"Ok maybe the amount of time you two have been together would have a bearing on it, but Norman he wants another one. He talked about it when we had this one, but he wants a girl. Either would do, but he wants a girl," she said. I smiled. 
"I'd love a little girl. I mean don't get me wrong, a baby is what I want, have for about five years now. Just hadn't found Mr. Right," I said smiling. I knew if Norman said yes, I would have a baby with him. Lauren laughed.
"Talking helps, telling him you want one. He isn't a mind reader, he's a man. Sometimes they get it, sometimes they just don't understand. I know when we had our first, Sean didn't get what I wanted," she laughed. " I pointed out how cute that baby was and how adorable the little clothes were. He just agreed. When I finnaly told him I wanted a baby, he just looked at me lost," she laughed again. I giggled.
"Sounds about right, I could see Norman doing that," I laughed. 
"Norman doing what?" He aksed comming behind me and kissing my cheek, I was kinda worried about how much he had heard.
"Being obvious to a woman's wants and needs," Lauren said. Norman made a face.
"That could happen, but if I'm not doing something right, just tell me," he said, turning me to look at him. I sighed.
"No your doing it all right," I said, kinda embarrassed. He smiled. 
"Then what's up?" He asked. I bit my lip.
"Nothing," I said, hugging him. He hugged me back.
"Reedustine! I sent ya after beer, not girls!" Sean laughed comming in to the kitchen. Norman made a face. Lauren shushed him. Sean got his own beers. I looked at Norman,  nervously, he was reading my mind like only he could, I knew he was.
"Uncle Norman can I have another cookie please?" a small voice asked, Norman looked down to the child.
"A cookie?" He asked, the boy nodded. "Who gave you my cookies?" He asked with a smile. The boy looked at me. I ggigled and handed him another cookie. "Girly are you giving away my cookies?" He asked me. I smiled. 
"But uncle Norman! Look at that sweet face!" I said innocently. Norman smiled.
"Did she give you my cookies?" He asked the boy. The little boy nodded. "Did you tell her thank you?" He asked, again he nodded. Norman smiled. "Do you think she's pretty?" Norman asked him. The little boy smiled, and nodded again. Norman smiled. "Kids don't lie," he said, handing him another cookie.
"Alright, uncle Noeman, unless you want to be taking care of them tonight, I think we have had out limit on cookies," Lauren said. Norman smiled. Hanging him another cookie.
"You just wait!" Sean said. "Pay back brother, when you have another one, I'll remeber this!" He said. Norman smiled.
"What are uncles for?" He asked. I slapped his arm. 
"Reedus!" I said warning. He made a face.
"Ok little dude, ya wanna bring that one to your brother?" He asked. The little boy nodded, and wet off to find his brother. Norman was quick to get a holed of me. "Now, what makes you think you can just give my cookies away,  missy!" He said smiling. I gigled.
"They are adorable!" I said. Norman laughed.
"Yeah, they are cute," he agreed kissing me. "This isn't over though, I'm gonna get you," he laughed. I smiled. 
"Alright," I agreed.
"Again?!" Mingus complained. I laughed. "You really don't care who's here," he said. I smiled and kissed Norman. Norman played along. 
"If it didn't bug you so much we wouldn't be as bad," he said. I made a face. He laughed. "Ok we would, it's just a plus it bugs you," he laughed. "Besides thought you liked her?" He asked. Mingus made a face.
"I do, but do you two have to be in love with each other all the time?" he asked. Norman made a face. 
"Yeah, you'll understand one day," he said. I smiled. Watching them go bsck and forth again. I wanted to be in Norman's arms right now, more then usual. I still wasn't feeling well. I had been ignoring it all day, but it was getting wose. I looked at the clock. There was a while, between now and midnight, I had to hold on. Norman looked at me again, and I smiled. He always had away of making me feel better, with just a look. He leaned in and kissed me.
"Now, you sure your ok?" He asked. I nodded and smiled. 
"Yeah," I said. He kissed me again. Smiling down at me.
"Alright," he agreed. We parted and Sean, Mingus ansdhim went back to the living room. I smile shyly at Lauren, still not use to being the center of attention. She laughed.
"You looked extremely uncomfortable," she  said. I nodded.
"I have anxiety, about being the center of attention," I told her. She kinda laughed.
"Sorry, I don't mean to laugh and it's not at you. Norman's girlfriends usually love being the center of attention. So the fact that you don't, is crazy," she said. I nodded.
"Yeah, I'm not really sure what he sees in me," I said feeling akward. She smiled.
"I do. Your different, your not his normal girl. I'm sure it's not just that either. I'm sure there are a lot of other things you do differently too. Like Mingus, and you seem to like his friends, and not just their husbands," she said. I looked at her funny.
"What do you mean just their husbands?" I asked, she made asked face.
"I get it. I know my husband is hot, odviously, but I don't need some young tramp pointing it out. Or offering herself for a three some," she said annoyed. I was suprised. 
"Ohh wow," I said she nodded.
"Yeah really annoying, and it wasn't just one, it was a couple. Sean never told me names. I don't think he ever told Norman eirher.  Mingus and him think alike, they just wanted Norman to be happy," said. I shook my head.
"I'd never do that," I said lowly. She smiled. 
"Ya know after Helena, when Norman went to dating younger girls, I was worried, and most of them did exactly what I knew they would. They are young and hot, why not use that to their advantage, and they did. Made me think he'd never find someone, but I doubt your that old, and I really hope he's found someone great," she smiled. I smiled. 
"I'm twenty-six," I said. She looked at me kinda surprised. 
"I'm wouldn't have guess that. Twenty, maybe," she said. I smiled. 
"Norman thought I was eighteen," I said lowly. She shook her head.
"Of couse he did, horny basterd," she laughed. I giggled.
" I knew him three months, before anything ever happend," I told her. She looked really suprised now.
"You didn't sleep with him at all?" She asked. I giggled. 
"Well he did come over one time when he was fighting with Kate, and we fell asleep on my couch. Then when we started hanging out all the time, after he was single. I fell asleep on his couch," I giggled. She shook her head.
"You know that's not what I mean," she said, with a laugh. I smiled, shaking my head.
"No, I told him I wasn't in to that, casual stuff. I wanted a relationship if we were going to be intimate," I said, she smiled. 
"Bet that went well," she laughed. She odviously knew Norman. I shrugged. 
"About as well as you'd expect. That was in the beginning, we didn't get together untill August, but he never stopped trying to just sleep with me," I said. She laughed.
"Your deffenatly the one," she said. I giggled.
"I'm a hopeless romantic. I wanna love that will last forever," I said lowly. She smiled.
"We all do, and I'm pretty sure you found it. I'm pretty sure you almost killed Norman, making him wait," she laughed. "But is bet he sees now you were worth it," she smiled. I smiled.
"I hope so," I said, I smiled. 
The evening went on, Andy and his wife, and their kids came. Around seven I tried to have a drink. I nursed it for a couple house, but finnaly ended up just dumping it. Lauren was quick to ask me if I was ok. I told her I was fine, I would just have to take care of Norman all nigh, and I wasn't a drinking mood. 
Norman of couse was plastered. He kept coming and finding me. Attacking me with kisses and no telling me loved me. I would giggle. I loved how affectionate he was. At one point he started rambling about not being around as much, and he hoped I knew how much he loved me. I smiled pulling him in to a tight hug. I assured him everything between us was fine. 
By midnight when the ball dropped, and I got my new years kiss, I was feeling the worst I had felt all day. Norman clung to me as his drunken legs could bearly hold him up anymore. I sighed, I felt so sick, and I hadn't even drank. By one o'clock when everyone filed out. I was more  then happy to see them go. Not that I didn't want then there, it was just between Norman being drunk, and horny, and me feeling sick, I was ready to go to bed. 
Mingus had went to bed at midnight, after seeing the ball drop. I was thankful, becuase Norman had nothing telling his brain anymore what was appropriate to be doing. As he was pulling at my clothes as I walked him threw the house.
"I want you," he said as he kissed at my neck as we walked.
"Reedus you're drunk," I said, not feeling anywhere near in the mood, sadly. I wished I did, because I really did love when I got all Norman's attention. 
"Drunk on love!" He said claiming my lips. We kissed our way in to the bedroom, and Norman only stopped to pull my shirt up. I wanted to, I really did. I just felt awful. I was about to give it and just let Norman have his way. I could lay there and just let him be happy. My body ached, and I couldn't tell if I had a fever or it I was hot from the way Norman kissed and loved me.
"Your so hot," Norman said. I sighed. He looked up at me. "No seriously. Your burning up," he said. He almost sounded sober. I looked at him at we made our way to the bed. 
"Baby, I love you and you know any other time I wouldn't fight it, but I just don't feel good," I finnaly told him. He nodded.
"You don't look good," he pointed out. He got undressed and I did the same. I was told hot for clothes. I just wanted to be cool. Norman turned around and saw I was naked. "Thought we weren't doing that?" He asked with a smile and kissed my shoulder. I wimmpered. 
"I'm hot and uncomfortable," I said. He looked up at me, concerned.
"I'll get you a fan," Norman said getting up. I sighed, laying down. I just wanted to sleep. Norman got the fan and plugged it in, making sure to point it directly to me. It did little to help though. He then went to the bathroom and came back with a cold cloth. Placing it on my head. I smiled.
"I love you," I told him. He smiled. 
"I love you too. Is that a little better?" He asked. I nodded. He crawled back in to bed beside me and turned out the lights, holding me.
Sometime in the night I woke up feeling like I to was going to die. I was sweating like we were back in Georgia and I was wearing all black in the sun. I had no strength, as I got out of bed and practically crawled to the bathroom. I felt the cool tile on my skin and that's where I laid. I willed myself to at least get to the tub, closer to the toilet, becuase I knew I was going to be sick eventually. I made it there and again laid down on the cool tie, and at some point fell alseep. 
"Stephanie!" Norman's voice was panicked. I didn't want to move, I had that sick feeling if I did I'd regret it. "Stephanie!" He was yelling now and would wake up Mingus, and the neighbors. I lifted my head. It was the word mistake all night, as I hurried to make it to the toilet. I couldn't hear anything over my own sickness, but the bedroom light comming on was a good indication Norman found me. I finished emptying my stomach  as it laid back on the cool floor. Norman was beside me.
"I'm taking you to the hospital," he said. I shook my head weakly, but had no fight in me as he took me back to the bedroom and practically dressed me. I was so weak I didn't want to do anything. The only thing is I did find strength to do is make it back to the bathroom to finish emptying my stomach. I stood there a while just dry - heaving. Norman was by my side. I was almost in tears. 
"I don't want you to see me like this," I wimmpered, my voice bearly a whisper. He pulled me close. 
"Baby girl, I'm going to take care of you," he said kissing my head. I smiled weakly. Going to the sink and brushing my teeth. We walked out to the living room and Norman set me on the couch. 
"I'm going to tell Mingus we will be back," he said. I nodded. I had no strength to sit up, so I laid down. I was hot and and my body hurt. I wanted to go back to the cool tie and lay down. Norman was back in a minute it felt, as he helped me up. I leaned in him.
"I wanna go back to bed," I cried. He kissed my head. 
"Let's get you to the doctors, make you feel better," he said. I whimmpered. He held me tight. We got outside and the artic air was welcomed. I wanted to take my coat off, but Norman wouldn't let me. We hailed a taxi and Norman told the to take us to the hospital. I leaned on him.
"It's hot," I told him he nodded.
"We'll be there in a minute, " he said. I closed my eyes. We were, because Norman was waking me up, shortly after that. I groaned. I didn't want told be awake, I didn't want told be at there hospital. I wanted told go home and go to bed.
We went in and Norman tried to tell the receptionist I had the flu or something.  She blew him off, telling him it was new years I probably just drank too much. I want too go home. Norman got upset and I never see him get upset with people like he did her. In minutes we were in in a room and a doctor was in. Not even a nurse first. 
They looked me over, and confirmed I had the flu, or something like that. I was way too out of it by then to care. I was hooked up to a bag for something. They tried explaining this all to me, but I wasn't hearing all word. I'd just nod, I wanted to go to sleep. 
Finnaly some point later, I had fallen asleep. Norman of course was waking me up too soon. All I hard him say was we could go home. That made me smile. I didn't feel any better, but I was glad we were going home. Norman was sure to handle the checkout and we were on our way out the door. It was just getting light out side when we walked out of the hospital. I looked at him.
"How long have we been in there?" I asked. He smiled weakly, i could tell he was tired. 
"Most of the night," he said, as we got another cab home. The ride was short again, I think I fell asleep.  We made it inside and Mingus was up. I smiled at him weakly. We took off our coats and shoes, and Norman sent me off to bed. I waved at Mingus, on my way bye. He smiled. I heard him and Norman start taking but I couldn't tell what they were saying. 
I made it to the bedroom. Lazily stripping off my clothes and crawling in to bed. I laid awake, I couldn't sleep with out Norman. I didn't know how I did it all night. I assume because I knew he was with me. Finnaly he made it in looking exhusted, as I flet.
"You feel any better?" He asked as he finshed undressing and crawling in beside me. I snuggled close to him, even though I was still feeling extremely hot.
"No," I said flatly. He sighed.
"Well they said you were extremely dehydrated and probably should have come in yesterday. Why didn't you tell me you didn't feel good?" He asked. Looked up at him.
"I didn't want to ruin your party," I said lowly. Norman shook his head and kissed mine.
"You are way more important to me then a stupid party," he said. I sighed.
"But you were really excited," I pointed out. He laughed now.
"You'd do anything for me wouldn't you?" He aksed. I nodded. He kissed my head.
"Well I would too, so your out work for a week and I'm going to stay with you untill you feel better, " Norman said happily. I eyed him
"I'm off work a week? And you can't just take off work. baby I'll be fine," I protested weakly. He shook his head.
"Always fighting me," he said kissing my head " Yes, your doctor's note is on the table, I'll deliver it later. I've already called Clark and told him I have a very sick girlfriend to take care of," Norman said. I sighed, any other day I'd fight with him. Today I didn't have it in me.
"Fine," I said, cuddled close to him and went back to sleep. 
I woke up later to Norman moving. I groned, trying to pull him back to me. He chuckled at me. I looked at him unamused. He smiled at me.
"I can't lay here anymore, my back hurts," he said kissing my head. I grummbled and sat up. "Lay back down," Norman told me, gently pushing back to bed. I shook my head. 
"Noo," I whined. "I wanna be with you," I said getting back up. He smiled.  
"You could be dying, I swear and still want to be with me," he smiled. I looked at him. 
"Is that a bad thing?" I asked. He smiled. 
"Not unless you turn in to a walker," he joked. I laughed. 
"I'll love you even after I'm dead," I joked. He laughed. We got up and I found shorts and a tank top, Norman eyed me.
"Still feeling warm?" He asked. I nodded. 
"Feel like shit, but I wanna be with you," I told him, throwing my hair up in to a messy bun. He simled.
"Come on, you can rest on the couch, and I'll get coffe," he said. I shook my head.
"No coffee, please," I growned. Norman held me as we walked out.
"You must be sick to turn down coffee!" he said as he waited for me to sit and gave me a blanket. I nodded. 
"I'm still achy and my stomach did a flip as soon as you said coffee, I'm hot and I'm sleepy," I told him. He sighed, making a face.
"I'll bring you something to drink, you need to drink to keep yoursef hydrated," Norman said. I groaned. 
"Hurry up, I wanna cuddle," I whined. He laughted.
"Alright baby girl," he said, as he disappeared in to the kitchen. I made myself comfortable on the couch. I must have fallen back to sleep, because I woke up to Norman very gently tying to move me, so he could get in beside me, but not wake me up. I sat up, and he looked suprised. "Sorry," he said lowly. I shook my head, as I moved to be near him. He welcomed me in to his arms as he  turned on the tv. I was mostly comfortable, as I drifted back out again.
I woke up again, but refused to opend my eyes. Norman was getting up, and I just didn't want to move. I let him up, unwilling. I fell back to sleep, but it was only for a short time. Norman again was waking me up for something. I groaned at him as I tired to turn away.
"Stephanie, you need to drink this," he said. I growled and rolled back over. Eyeing him unhappily. He chuckled. "I'm going to assume your not happy with me," he laughed. I chugged the drink. It was awful, and as soon as it hit my stomach, it was comming back up. I rused to get up and past Norman, I bearly made it to the closest bathroom. I finished emptying my stomach, wich wasn't much but the nasty drink, I wasn't even able to identify at this point. I rinsed my mouth out and walked back out of the bathroom. 
"You ok?" Mingus asked, waiting beside the door. I shook my head.
"No," I groaned. I walked back to the bedroom, not even stopping at the living room. I crawled back in to bed and waited for sleep. My head was pounding now. Norman was quickly beside me.
"Baby, here, try some water," he said. I shook my head. He sighed
 "I know but if you don't drink anything, I'm going to have to take you to the hospital, and you cried last night when they put the IV in you," he said I looked at him, I didn't remeber that. Truthfully I dint remeber much about being at the hospital last night. I took the cup and sipped some of the water. I stopped, feeling sick again, I laid back down. Norman smiled, and kissed my head. I was already half asleep, when he said something. I didn't move, I felt like if I moved I'd throw up again. I just went back to sleep.
Norman woke me up a few more times, trying to get me to drink. I would only sip at the water, I didn't want to be awake. I felt like shit. I told him that very time he woke me up, but it seemed like evey few minutes, but in reality it was every couple hours he was in tying to get me to drink. The last time he woke me up, he told me I had to eat something. I made a face at him, he smiled, and he offeredoes to cuddle with me after. I glared at him, the man new how to get me to do things, I hated it. We walked out to the livingroom, and he left me on the couch.
"You feeling any better?" Mingus asked,. I shook my head. "I'm sorry, " he said I smiled.
"Your sweet," I managed, he smiled.
"So dad took your doctor's note to your work earlier," Mingus said. All the blood rushed to my head and I didn't hear what Mingus had to say after that. I saw Norman come in and could see them tallking. Norman walked over to me and shook me a little, bringing me back. 
"Hey, hey! It's ok, I take to your boss in private, no one but she knows," he said. I looked at him blankly.
"Where's my phone?" I finnaly asked. Norman looked at me.
"I don't know, let me go look. Baby girl relax. I swear, I didn't make a scene. I was in and out," he said. I nodded. I wasn't worried about Norman, I knew he would be discreet, I just had to see if my boss texted me anything.
"Why didn't you want dad at your work?" Mingus asked. I grabbed the water on the table and took a sip. I sighed.
"I just don't want everyone there in our business. I know your dad's a private person, so I like to keep things private at work. Plus there are some people there that it kills to not know who I'm dating," I kinda laughed. Mingus smiled.  
"I think your the first girlfriend he's had thay isn't 'all look at me, I'm dating Norman'" Mingus said, making his voice sound girly. I giggled. Norman came back in the room. 
"What the hell I wrong with you?" He asked. I laughed harder.  Norman smiled. "Well whatever you were doing keep it up, that's the first time she's smiled all day," Norman said, bring me my phone. Mingus shruffed.
"I was impersonating your ex's," he said. I smiled reading threw my messages and some tweets. Here it was nestled between some tweets, a message from my boss.
'He's a cutie. Don't worry, no one knows. I see now why you so quiet about him. The media, this would draw alone would block the salon for days. Oh by the way feel better, if you need more time let me know,' she wrote. I sighed. Norman looked at me.
"What's wrong?"  he asked, handing me some crackers.
"It's begun," I said taking a bite our of one. Norman waited untill iwas done chewing.
"What has?" He asked. I showed him the message. "And?" He asked. I sighed again. "Baby you don't have to be worried about your boss thinking I'm cute," he said. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. 
"No!" I said. "'If you need more time, let me know'" I quoted. Norman was still lost. "It's a damn good thing your cute," I told him, he stuck his tongue out at me. I giggled. " If I had brought that note in, I'm sure I would have got a 'feel better soon' my boss isn't like that. Take all the time you need off. That's because of you," I sighed, I wasn't mad at Norman I was annoyed with the way she changed because now she knew.
"That's what you were trying to avoid," he said lowly. I nodded. He kissed my head. "It will be ok. Hey on the bright side, now you can be a little late in the mornings and not get in trouble," he laughed. I leaned on him, smiling. 
"Just what I wanted!" I said. He pulled my face up for me to look at him then he kissed my head. I smiled. 
"Should see the message Clark sent me," he laughed. I smiled
"You tell him I'm sorry and I'll make him cookies or soemthing?" I laughed. Norman made a face. 
"Why does he get cookies? I don't get cookies," he pouted. I giggled again.
"If your in trouble, I'm trying to get you out of it," I said. Mingus smiled.
"He's not in trouble. Clark said you were pregnant," Mingus laughed. I was suprised, and almost choked on my craker.
"He what?!" I asked Norman laughed too. 
"Yeah, first he said, drinking too much last night was not an excuse. Then I explained it wasn't me, it was you and you bearly drink. Then he said 'well I'd you didn't knock her up she probably be fine," Norman smiled. I smiled, too. At least if he was taking it as a joke, I could.
"I told him, well I tell you that later," Norman smiled. Mingus shook his head.
"I'm sure he told him something like, he hadn't gotten that far yet," Mingus said. I looked at Norman, who made a face at Mingus. 
"Shut up smart ass," he said, then looked at me. "Might have been something like that," he said lowly. I smiled. 
"Of course, you couldn't just let him get away with something like that, with out having your own smart ass comment," I laughed. He smiled.
"Yeah, but don't worry when I knock ya up you'll know, " he smiled. I kinda smiled. When? Not if, but when. I couldn't help but wonder if maybe Lauren did say something to Sean and of course Sean would say something to Norman.
"Well I'm sure, that won't be for a long while," I said kinda unsure of what else to say. Norman raised an eyebrow, but stayed quiet
"Alright, i hate to break up this moment, but are you going to feed me?" Mingus asked. I sighed.  
"You haven't fed him again?" I groaned. Norman made a face.
"Stop telling her that shit, I get in trouble when you do that," he sais. Mingus kinda smiled. 
I groaned and fell over on the couch. Norman watched me.
"Order soemthing," I told them both, putting an end to there aging for five seconds. They both agreed ans went to decide.
I sat in the livingroom eating crackers slowly and trying to keep the water down. Norman brought me in medicine from the doctors, he had forgotten about. I took it unwilling and then went back to bed. The rest of the night Norman came in every so often to check on me, and give me a drink. I was so happy when he decied to come to bed and we cuddled. It didn't matter i was sick when I was with Norman I was happy and safe with him. That alone made me feel better. As he kissed my head and we went off to dream land. I only hope I felt better soon.