A/N: Thank you for all of your lovely comments, reviews, PM's...follows and favorites! You have inspired me greatly...and I can't wait to hear what you think of this chapter. A big thank you to Sam for all of her excellent advice!
Blythe slowly opened her eyes to find she was laying on the bed with Connor and Murphy propped up on either side of her, shirtless. They were staring at her with concern...had she fainted? How embarrassing, she thought.
"There's our girl..." Connor caressed her cheek. "Ye feeling better? I think ye might have forgotten to breathe."
Blythe covered her face with her hands. She was mortified. Had she been thoroughly enjoying the attentions of her two Irishmen so much she forgot to breathe? Talk about killing the mood.
"There's nothin to be embarrassed over, love...it's kind of romantic..." Murphy offered.
She took her hand away from her face so she could quirk an eyebrow in his direction. "Romantic? Really?"
Murphy smiled. "Ye swooned, love...from our amorous attentions. As long as yer feelin ok, Je ne regrette rien..." (I regret nothing) he said, bending down to kiss her forehead lightly.
"How long was I out?" she asked as she sat up against the wall behind their makeshift bed.
"About twenty minutes, lass. Do ye want a glass of water?" Connor offered.
Blythe nodded.
"It's just a lot... the way you make me feel." she said.
"How are we making you feel, love?" Murphy asked.
Blythe blushed. "I've never felt the way I do when I'm with both of you. I feel so happy, safe...beautiful. You are both so smart, considerate, passionate, and silly. I want to spend every minute I'm awake with you. It's a little overwhelming..."
They both looked at her with great emotion in their eyes. Connor cupped her cheek and gave her a quick kiss as he handed her a glass of water.
"Well we certainly don't want to overwhelm you, lass...but all those other things ye said are exactly how we want to make you feel. I've never needed anybody but me brother...but when you aren't with me I feel like something is missing." Connor said.
"Aye, love...we want nothing more than to make ye feel happy, respected, and desired. Yer so talented, and ye do crazy things to me heart and I can't imagine life without you in it." Murphy said.
Blythe brushed the hair out of Murphy's face, his gaze bright and intense with passion. She kissed him while her hand was on Connor's chest and then turned and kissed Connor softly while lacing her fingers with Murphy's hands. When she pulled away, her eyes were damp.
They both were quick to kiss and stroke away her tears. She let out a small laugh. "Happy tears." she said before they could be concerned.
"Now I seem to recall I was promised a double dose of cuddling...do you two happen to know anyone up for the job?" She laughed as she felt arms pulling at her waist, each one trying to bring her closer. "Any good movies on TV, Connor?"
His eyes lit up. "Ye like Clint Eastwood, lass? Or maybe Charlie Bronson? I think I've got some John Wayne too..." he was up and frantically looking for his stash of VHS tapes.
"Oh lord, love...you have no idea what ye started..." Murphy groaned into her shoulder.
Blythe giggled with Murphy. "Just pick something, Connor. Enlighten me..."
Connor couldn't find his stash of VHS tapes-he greatly suspected Murphy had hidden them somewhere to avoid watching Dirty Harry for the 7,000th time, so they settled on watching the late night movie on the local station. It happened to be Bullitt - a classic Steve McQueen action film set in San Francisco. She snuggled in between them, her hands resting on their stomaches.
"That's one of my favorite spots..." Blythe said, lifting her hand as she pointed at a scene of the city on the screen.
Murphy kissed the juncture of her shoulder and neck. "This is one of my favorite spots..."
Blythe bit her lip and smiled. She pointed at the screen again. "That's another of my favorite spots. Great for picnics."
Connor kissed behind her ear, and began nibbling on her earlobe. "Hmm...Great for picnics..." he repeated.
Blythe closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "Hmmm...you know what one of my favorite things about San Francisco is?"
Murphy traced his fingertips down the inside of her arm. "What's that, love?"
Blythe looked at both of them with mischief in her eyes. "Wandering around with no destination at all..."
Connor and Murphy took that as an invitation to let their hands and lips wander across Blythe's arms, face, shoulders, and chest. Steve McQueen and San Francisco were soon forgotten as the twins moved in concert, kissing and caressing Blythe into pleasurable oblivion.
"Mmmmm...Murphy..." she whimpered softly. He had pulled her into his lap, her back to his chest. She could feel his hardened length through his jeans against the small of her back. His right arm was tucked under hers, as the palm of his hand cupped and caressed her right breast underneath her tank top. She reached behind her with her right arm gripping onto Murphy's shoulder as she arched into his touch, which allowed Connor to grab ahold of her waist and pull her slightly lower on the bed as he kneeled between her legs.
With one hand starting on each hip, Connor slowly pushed the material of her tank top further up her torso. As he revealed inch upon inch of creamy soft skin, he gently kissed and rubbed his way up her ribcage towards her left breast. She moaned his name when Connor looked up at her with indigo eyes he placed an open-mouthed kiss to the base of her sternum, pulled back slightly, and gently exhaled on the trail of moisture he left behind.
Murphy pulled her tank top off completely, throwing it off to the side. He palmed both of her breasts as Connor leaned up and captured her mouth in a demanding kiss. His knee brushed against her apex as he leaned forward. She could feel how hard Connor was as he leaned forward onto her stomach. Blythe moaned into his mouth before he broke the kiss biting onto her lower lip. She tried to unbuckle his belt, but he gently pushed her wrists away, chuckling softly. "Tonight's all about you, lass." he said.
She rocked her core against Connor's knee, searching for friction as she reached out and grabbed his face with both hands, pulling him in for another hungry kiss as Murphy brushed his calloused fingertips across her nipples. They were hard and sensitive as his thumbs made a second pass, causing her to break the kiss with Connor and throw her head back against Murphy's chest. Her breathing was becoming labored, her pulse quickening. Murphy lowered his head and placed a kiss along the vibrating band of her jugular. Connor moved his head lower as he laved his tongue across the sensitive flesh of her left breast, capturing the nipple in between his strong lips. Murphy continued kneading her right, rolling her nipple in between his fingers.
"Mmmmh...oh God! ...Connor...Murphy..." she moaned.
Connor looked up into his brother's eyes. They knew she was incredibly close to coming undone. They wanted to make Blythe come so hard she saw stars, but they also knew she wasn't ready for things to progress much further.
Murphy groaned low as she twisted her head to the side, biting his lower lip in a quick kiss.
She whimpered softly..."Mmmh, Murphy...Connor..." and rocked against Connor's knee again. He could feel the moisture from her core through a hole in the kneecap his jeans.
"Blythe...yer a sight...so fuckin beautiful for us..." Connor's voice was lower, more commanding. "Do ye trust us, lass?"
"Yes...,Always,...Yes..." she said breathlessly.
He looked at Murphy, and they both moved at the same time, two hands with the same destination. Both hands sank into her sleep shorts and brushed against her slick folds, cupping her sex as she arched into them, Murphy's thick finger penetrating her as Connor rubbed against her throbbing clit.
Blythe felt all the blood in her body travel south as she reached her peak. Her heart was beating out of her chest as she felt her body break through some cosmic barrier- she swore she saw stars as she lost control, loudly crying out as she came.
Feeling completely sated and relaxed, she rocked against them as fingertips brushed against her overly sensitive clit, causing her to whimper softly. They pressed small kisses against her temples. When they removed their glistening fingers, her hooded eyes widened as she watched Murphy bring his finger to his mouth. His groans vibrated through her as he lapped up the taste of her desire.
Connor looked at her with hooded eyes before doing the same. When he kissed her softly, she could lightly taste herself on his lips. "I count the days until I can drown in you for hours..." he whispered, she almost fainted again.
Her body felt boneless as she scooted down the bed, releasing Murphy from behind her. They removed their belts and curled around her, Murphy kissing her and pulling her close to his chest and Connor spooning her from behind. Their legs were intertwined as they drifted off into a deep sleep.
###
Blythe woke in the early hours of morning, as sun streamed in the windows of the loft. She had Connor's steady breaths against her ear, his arms wrapped possessively around her waist. Murphy's head was curled under her chin, his silky dark hair soft against her neck.
She never wanted to move again. She was cocooned in warmth, and felt incredible. Murphy and Connor had given her something Tyler had never been able to-an orgasm. She bit her lip as she smiled. She finally understood what all the fuss was about and they hadn't actually had sex. Her mind reeled at what it would be like when they finally did.
Part of her brain couldn't make sense of how quickly she was falling for these two incredible men. Her heart, however, had grabbed hold and was running towards them at blinding pace.
Unfortunately, her body told her she had to move. She had to pee. Badly. She prayed the boys would stay asleep as she wiggled out of their grasp and tiptoed over to the toilet. Yeah, they were going shopping. Groceries and a privacy screen. As she washed her hands, she realized she was topless. She looked around for her tank top, finding it thrown a few feet from the bed.
She stood and stretched in a patch of sunlight, her back to the bed. Suddenly she heard the faint click of a camera shutter. Her arms went around her body as she turned her head to find Murphy looking at her intensely, the little disposable camera she had given him yesterday resting in his hand.
"You look like an angel in that light, love. Turn your head a little more towards me..."
He clicked another shot. "Beautiful...love" She blushed.
"I'm usually the one behind the camera..." she said, pulling her tank top back over her head.
He stood up and walked over to her, pulling her into a soft kiss. "G'Morning..." he smiled against her.
She smiled as she rubbed against his scruff. "Good Morning..."
He backed her into another sunny spot along the wall. "Stay right there...turn your head away from me slightly..." he clicked another frame.
Blythe chuckled. "I've created a monster..." she quipped. "Two can play that game..." she said as she pulled out her Polaroid Sx-70 out of her bag. Murphy stared at the vintage camera as she unfolded it. "I've never seen a camera like that, love."
She smiled. "Wait until you see the photos it takes." she said, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Back up into that patch of light...good. Eyes forward. Look right in the lens...like you are looking right at me...stay right there..." she instructed as she composed her shot. She hummed as she made a few adjustments to the exposure dials. There was a click of the shutter and a whirr of the Polaroid film being spit out of the camera. "Stay there..." she said as she got up close, filling the frame with Murphy's face. The blue in his eyes caught the morning sun, turning them a lighter shade of topaz. Another picture left the camera with a mechanical whirr.
Murphy wrapped his arms around her waist as they watched the pictures develop. She gasped excitedly as the photos appeared. Murphy's eyes were an amazing shade of blue-time zero blue as she liked to call it. Time Zero film was the only thing that could come close to capturing that shade of MacManus blue she loved so. They seemed to glow in the morning sun and his intense gaze into the camera was breathtaking. His bed rumpled hair fell in a perfect frame around his face. He looked hot. The first photo she took was further away, but still cool. His muscular arms were caught in a patch of sunlight as he leaned against the wall of the loft with his hair in his face.
"Damn, love...how'd ye make me look so good this early in the morning?" he asked.
Blythe stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. "You certainly don't need much help, Mr. MacManus."
Murphy laughed. "Show me how this camera works, love..." he said, taking it from her hands.
She pointed out the viewfinder, and the focus controls. It had more manual features that most Polaroid cameras people were used to, along with a glass lens. "So you focus here...and what you see in the viewfinder is what appears on the film...when you are ready...press the red button on the right..."
Murphy got a devilish look on his face...as he tiptoed across the room to the bed where Connor was still out cold. He got down on the bed so the camera was at the same level as his brother's face-inches away. He focused and hit the red button. The sound of the shutter firing and the mechanical whir of the picture ejecting woke Connor from a dead sleep. He jumped up like a shot, disoriented. Murphy collapsed on the bed in a fit of laughter. Blythe scooted in to take the camera from Murphy before Connor tackled him.
As they scuffled, Murphy giggling furiously, Blythe took another Polaroid of the boys fighting. She couldn't stop laughing. The photo of Connor fell off the bed. It was a close-up of his face as he was fast asleep. The morning light highlighted the stubble on his face and he looked damn sexy. This was shaping up to be a great morning. She had two amazing photos of her men and it wasn't even 8 o'clock.
She tucked the photos and her camera back in her bag as Connor came up behind her. "Oh, so I don't get to see the photo that woke me from me beautiful slumber, lass?"
She wrapped he arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. "Nope." she laughed.
"Is that so? Hmm... we have ways a makin' ye talk, lass..." he tickled her sides.
She laughed into his chest...a spot that was quickly becoming one of her favorite places.
"Ye have no idea what your laugh does to me, lass..." he whispered in her ear. Blythe shivered.
"If ye two lovebirds are done makin' eyes at each other, I thought we could go grab some breakfast." Murphy interjected playfully.
Blythe walked over to Murphy as he pulled on shirt. "Sounds like a grand plan, love..." she said, pulling on a pair of jeans and a sweater.
###
Peg's Diner was busy with the morning rush, but she stopped long enough to pinch Murphy and Connor's cheeks and hug Blythe as she guided them to a back booth. "Yer looking well this morning, lass...yer cheeks have a healthy glow. These boys takin' good care'o ye?" she asked.
Blythe blushed at the memory of how well the boys had taken care of her last night. "Yes Peg. They most certainly are. But ye might need to give Connor another lecture on the importance of vegetables." she said, eyeing Connor conspiratorially.
Peg laughed loudly. "Oh lass, I'm glad yer keeping them on their toes." she said. "Be back with yer coffee, loves."
They gratefully accepted the coffee and placed their orders. It was decidedly a pancake morning for all three.
Murphy lit up a cigarette and took a healthy gulp of coffee. He sat across from Blythe and Connor blowing smoke rings.
"How do you do that?" Blythe asked.
Murphy's eyes glittered with amusement. "It's all in the tongue, love. I'd be happy to show ye sometime. Maybe after a French lesson."
Blythe covered her face...she could feel her face turning beat red. "I think the tips o' yer ears are turning red, lass" Connor said, amused. "I've never met someone who blushes as much as you."
"I'm not blushing, I'm glowing...according to Peg." she said biting her lower lip.
"Aye, that you are, lass. I cannot wait to see the photos I took of you this morning. You were a vision. Still are, love." Murphy said, taking a sip of coffee. Connor nodded in agreement.
Blythe looked at both of them, soaking up the affection in their eyes. "I have to tell you...what you two did...last night..." her voice cracked a bit with emotion. "What you gave me...that was a first for me...and it was incredible. Thank you." she covered her face again...feeling her blush return.
Connor smiled as he pried her hands away from her face. "Don't hide, lass. What we shared last night was incredible." he said, kissing her cheek.
Murphy took her hand and placed it over his heart before kissing it. He said everything he was feeling with his eyes.
After they had devoured their flapjacks, and polished off a second cup of coffee, Blythe had to bring up something she knew the boys wouldn't like.
"So I think I'm going to skip class today so I can go to the apartment and pack. I know you both have to work today and I want to have as much done as I can before Rocco brings the van-so maybe you can meet me there when you're finished?" she said cautiously.
Murphy's jaw tightened. She could feel the tension rolling off of Connor. "We'd much rather have one of us with ye there, love. We know it's gonna be hard on you, no matter how you go about it. We don't want you to have to go it alone." Murphy said. She could tell he was trying to remain calm.
"I won't be alone, guys. You'll be there here." she said holding her heart.
"Three days ago I was an emotional mess. You've done so much to make me feel emotionally strong-including last night. I need to get this done so I can look to the future, with the two of you. It's time to rip off the band-aid. Besides, Lacey won't be there until late afternoon at the earliest, and I can handle her." Blythe took a breath.
"What about Tyler?" Connor asked with darkness in his voice.
"I don't think he'll show his face, guys. He's probably invented some stupid story or told everyone he dumped my ass for something better...and if he does show up, I'll handle it. I'll lock my bedroom door, or call the cops, or call you at the plant if I feel uncomfortable. But I can't live my life worrying about where he is." Blythe said with determination in her voice.
The twins looked at one another, communicating wordlessly. Connor started to speak in French until Murphy interrupted to let him know Blythe understood. He smiled at her. "Sorry, lass. Just need a little brother time I guess." The three finished their breakfast in silence, until the boys protested when Blythe grabbed the check. "I'm going to pay the bill and freshen up. Talk whatever language you need to-I want you both ok with my decision when I get back."
As they left the diner, Connor and Murphy walked on either side of her, until she stopped suddenly. "The silent act has to go, guys. If you are truly that upset, somebody call in sick and come with me-but it really isn't necessary."
They both looked at her, almost contrite. Connor broke the silence. "Sorry, lass. We've just been tryin to get right with yer decision. Everything you've said makes sense...it really does."
"And we have every confidence in you, love." Murphy added.
"It's just all the other variables that worry us, lass. We want ye safe and happy." Connor said.
"Well I'll be safe and happy when I am out of that apartment. So walk me to the T, give me a kiss, and meet me after work. You can call my private phone line on your break and check on me if you'd like." she smiled.
Connor took a pen out of his coat pocket and she wrote her number on a scrap of paper. They wrote their work number and Rocco's number on a matchbook and walked her to the T.
They both kissed her, much to the amusement of the man working at the newsstand.
"Are we doin the right thing, brother?" Connor asked.
"We gotta trust the lass, brother. Let's get to work, the sooner we get there, the sooner we leave." Murphy said.
###
Blythe stepped into her old apartment and found it empty once more. She breathed a sigh of relief. There was a note, presumably from Lacey taped to her locked bedroom door. She opened the door, and set her bag down. There was another note that had been shoved under her door as well.
Lacey's note was predictable- I'm sorry... it just happened...let's talk... but overall she said she understood Blythe wanting to move out. She outlined a few things they had to take care of-to remove Blythe from the utility bill, etc. Most could be handled with a few phone calls, so Blythe would do that when she needed a break from packing.
Sighing, she decided to put off reading the other note until later. She knew who it was from.
She changed into a baggy band shirt and her rattiest jeans and pulled her hair into a pony tail. Taking a long shower before heading back to the loft tonight was a must..
After a few hours, Blythe had made great progress. She owned way too many clothes-but at least they were easy to pack. Her camera equipment was mostly packed already-that would be easy for Rocco to take in his van.
The boys called her around 1:30, fighting over who got to hold the phone. They were overjoyed to hear she had the place to herself most of the day, and told her they'd see her in a couple of hours...and that they would bring more packing materials.
She'd wait on them before she attempted disassembling her bed. The more she stared at it, the more she wanted to take a break. "I'll just lay my head down for a minute..." she thought.
While she had locked the door to the apartment, the door to her room was open when she fell asleep. Blythe was so out she didn't hear the lock in the door or the footsteps as someone entered her room.
Rather, she woke up to the feeling of being watched. She knew she wasn't alone before she opened her eyes. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end.
"Hello Blythe."
###
A/N: What? Another evil cliffhanger? Say it isn't so! I really hope everyone loved this chapter! It was a delicious challenge to write. I tried to find some Irish Twins to practice with, but it's harder than you'd expect. ;) It may be a few days before I am able to update again...as I am heading on a photography trip with some friends. And I will be bringing my Polaroid SX-70. It's quite a cool camera, and you can get film for it still. Time Zero film is now like a rare fine wine though, they stopped making it, and its unlike anything else. It produces very unique colors...especially blue. As always, thank you for your thoughts, favorites and follows...they make my day!