Diana and Matthew meet at Oxford as Diana returns to teach history and research manuscripts at the Bodleian for a new book. Jealousy and mystery hinder their romance but their desire is made real. (All Human) NO VAMPIRES/NO WITCHES/NO DAEMONS. First story in a few years. Keeping it simpler by not adding the supernatural aspect.
Desire Made Real
By Goode Girl
DISCLAIMER: All rights to Deborah Harkness. Just borrowing the characters.
Chapter | TWELVE
It was now almost March, and we had moved into Matthew's house in Oxfordshire in mid-January. During the week, we'd stay in his rooms at All Souls College to cut down on the commute. We'd fallen into a routine that suited us both well. Monday and Tuesday mornings, Matthew would join me at the Bodleian as he was doing his own research for a paper he was working on, titled "The Evolution of the Scientific Study of Blood." After some morning research, we'd go to lunch together. Sometimes at Brown's Café and other times at Gino's Spaghetti House, before he'd head to the lab for the afternoon and I'd go back to his rooms to go over the notes I'd taken that morning. We'd meet up for dinner most nights, but sometimes he was required to work late, and I wouldn't see him until he'd crawl into bed at midnight. Some nights, after I had taught that afternoon, I would make dinner. Other nights I'd bring a packed dinner I'd cooked or take away, to the lab where we'd seal ourselves in his office for an hour to eat before he'd bend me over his desk. With pregnancy hormones running amok in my body, I was constantly horny. I'd drag him into closets and locked rooms and even to the private bathrooms in the Bodleian for a quickie.
There was one instance in which I couldn't wait, and it was almost 10:00PM. He'd called from the lab saying he wouldn't be home until almost 2:00AM. There was a backlog of work on a case he needed to complete for a police cold-case file. I knew there was no chance of sleep until I gotten my fill of him, and being four months pregnant, we were still pretty wild and able to do various positions. I'd pulled on a pair of yoga pants and one of Matthew's sweaters before heading to his lab. Matthew had given me my own key card, so I could see him whenever I wanted.
Jogging down the hallway, I passed the key card over the reader and the door beeped, and I entered the code which allowed me entry. When I pushed the door open, three heads popped up from their work. Miriam smirked at me, and Marcus just shook his head, a teasing smile on his face, but Matthew…Matthew knew exactly why I was there. The Cheshire-cat like smile that overtook his features said it all. Within minutes my legs were around him. His hands moved to my ass and we were in his office moments later.
My hands moved along the buttons of his shirt, unbuttoning them in record speed, as he lifted me onto the edge of his desk after slipping my pants off, and pulling his sweater over my head. My hands fumbled with his belt and the button on his pants before he shucked them and his underwear off. "Couldn't wait, Love?" He teased, his lips on my neck. "You know I can't, Matthew, now don't tease me." I ordered, with a modicum of teasing thrown in there. "Yes, ma'am." He smiled. "Fuck me. Please." I cried and within seconds he was inside me, pumping hard and fast. It didn't take long to reach my climax. I lay back on his desk, pulling him over me and moving my legs over his shoulders. "Oh, fuck, Diana. You feel so amazing." He groaned. I started to laugh when I heard the music start to play out in the lab. That was the signal that we were being too loud, but we didn't care. "Don't stop." I panted. "I won't, darling. Fuck." He retorted, leaning back and holding my ankles as he continued to thrust. Trailing a hand down the back of my leg and then in between, he licked his thumb and pressed it into my clit, pressing and moving it in a circular motion. I could feel the tension coiling as my second orgasm approached. "I'm gonna come, Love." He crooned, lowering my legs and wrapping them behind him before bringing me close to kiss me as we climaxed simultaneously. Lifting me off the desk, he carried me to his couch and sat down. I was still straddling him as he held me. My chest firm against his. "I love how big your boobs have gotten." He smiled, cupping them and rubbing his thumbs over the nipples. "You're such a boy." I smiled, running my hands through his hair as he leaned back. "You love that about me." He replied, a cheeky smile on his lips. "Of course, but what happens when after I have the baby and they shrink back down?" I posed. "I don't care, I just love how they jiggle." He smiled. "Besides, they were a great size before pregnancy." He added. "I love you. Thank you for indulging me in my new sex addiction." I teased. "Anytime, Love. Really." He affirmed, bringing his lips to mine.
Matthew and I got the surprise of our life a few days later when we'd gone in for my routine check-up on the baby. There were two heartbeats.
"Twins?" Matthew blurted in surprise. His eyes were wide as he looked to the doctor for confirmation. Dr. D'Aurillac nodded, a wide smile crossing his features. "Diana! We're having twins!" Matthew called in excitement as he cupped my cheeks, kissing me lovingly. "I heard." I replied, tears of joy falling down my cheeks. "Can we find out the sex of both?" Matthew turned to the doctor. "I know we said we wanted to be surprised, but I want to know, don't you?" He added in happiness. Matthew was so giddy it was adorable to watch. "Yes, we can find out." I replied, as I cupped his cheek. His hand moving around my shoulders. Dr. D'Aurillac moved the sonogram wand over my belly and when he was sure he found what he was looking for on screen, he turned it to us. "Okay, do you see this here?" He pointed out. We nodded. "Baby 'A', is a…" He trailed off, making us wait. "What?" I prodded. "It's a girl." He confirmed, as he pressed a few buttons, making screen captures. "And baby 'B' is…" He trailed off as he moved the wand some more. "Looks like this little one is hiding on us." He added. We were anxious as we waited. "Ahh, there it is." He stated. "Okay, look right there." He pointed out. "Baby 'B' is a boy." He smiled, again clicking a few buttons to take screen captures.
Four Months Later – July
Dr. D'Aurillac confirmed our expected due date as the end of July, and I had three weeks left. Although he did warn that twin pregnancies didn't always go to term. I was feeling completely helpless. I couldn't see my feet. I couldn't put my shoes on, or my socks. If I went to the bathroom and dropped my pants, I couldn't pick them up again, and anything could cause me to break into tears. Matthew was concerned one Saturday afternoon. I'd gone for a nap and ended up watching TV in bed and a Netflix advertisement for some movie came on leaving me a crying mess. "Mon Coeur, what's wrong?" He crooned, crawling onto the bed with me. "The trailer. The puppy." I wailed. I could tell he just wanted to laugh and then that made me angry. "I hate being so emotional." I blubbered. "It's okay sweetheart, not much longer." He stated, cuddling into me from behind so he was the 'big spoon' and I was the little spoon'. I suddenly felt wet beneath me and thought he'd squeezed me too hard and I'd peed. Which caused me to start crying. "Matthew!" I called, struggling to get up. "What's wrong?" He looked on worried. "I don't know if I just peed or my water broke!" I wailed once more. He jumped from the bed and helped me up where another gush of water trailed down my legs. "Oh, bloody hell, that's…your water broke, sweetheart." He comforted.
After helping me change into clean clothes, we were on our way to the hospital. Matthew had called ahead and our doctor was notified. A nurse brought a wheelchair round for me, and Matthew held my hand as a contraction hit. "Breathe, darling." He comforted. "OH, it hurts." I cried. The nursed helped me get set up in a private room, courtesy of Ysabeau's donation to the hospital. The contractions started coming hard and fast and before I knew it, the doctor was urging me to push. Everyone kept telling me that first pregnancies were always long, and especially with twins. Sixteen hours later, I'd given birth and was finally asleep.
"I'm your daddy, little loves." I overheard. I opened my eyes and turned my head to see Matthew in a large chair, our two children nestled in his arms and a tired but happy smile on his face. "Bring them here, please." I called quietly as I tried to sit up. The nurse entered suddenly and helped me raise the head of the bed. "Mrs. De Clermont, perfect timing. It's important to get them on a schedule as soon as you can, so let's start with their first feeding." She nudged as Matthew handed me our little girl first. "You did so good, Mon Coeur." He praised, kissing my cheek.
A few days later I was released and we were heading home. I don't know how he did it, but Matthew managed to carry both babies in their carriers into the house, along with my bag from my hospital stay. He set them at the base of the stairs before helping me in as well. "I should warn you." He began. "What?" I asked worriedly. "Maman, Sarah and Emily have asked us to video call them, so we can introduce them to the babes together." He confessed. "I'm so tired." I whined. "I know, darling. Let's get you settled up in the bedroom, we've got the cradles in the room, next the bed, then I'll get us some dinner." He added. "It's almost time for their feeding. But we should change them first." I stated, moving to the stairs. "Here, Love, you take your bag from hospital, and I'll bring the little loves up." He smiled. "I love that you call them that!" I replied, standing a few stairs above him so I was closer to his height. "You're my Love, and they came from you, so they're my little loves." He explained, nonchalantly with an adorable shrug of his shoulders. "I love you." I stated plainly, pressing my lips to his. "I love you." He replied when the sudden squeak came from beside his feet. One of the little ones was waking, so he grabbed their carriers and we headed to the master bedroom.
After a new diaper and a feeding, Matthew rocked them both to sleep in his arms while I took a quick shower. When I came out, dressed in a pair of comfy and stretchy yoga pants and once again one of Matthew's sweaters, I crawled into the bed and he rested a babe in the crook of each of my elbows, a pillow underneath for support. "I'll grab a quick shower and then we'll do the video call, okay?" He posed, kissing my cheek and the tops of each of their heads.
"Can everybody see me okay?" Matthew asked. A chorus of 'yes' was the reply. "Now please don't squeal, they're asleep, and we can hear you just fine." He warned. The last thing we wanted were crying or screaming babes. Matthew joined me on the bed and took our little girl into his arms. "Come here little love." He crooned. "That's so sweet, Matthew! You call her 'little love'?" Emily whispered. "I call them both my 'little loves'." He smiled. "What did you name them?" Ysabeau posed. "Let us introduce you to, Rebecca and Philippe Bishop-De Clermont." I stated proudly. "Oh, Matthew! You named him after your father!" Ysabeau gushed. "Actually, Diana did. We agreed to each pick a name and that's what we decided." He smiled, gently rocking our daughter in his arms.
After we'd rocked them to sleep and their aunties and grandma had gushed over them plenty, we set them in their cradles. Ysabeau announced that Detective Baldwin had been in contact with her when he couldn't get a hold of Matthew. "You were at hospital with the babes, Matthew, it wasn't something that required urgent attention, it was just news." She informed. Ysabeau explained that after Gillian's psychological evaluation, it was clear that she was unstable and it was recommended by the court that she serve her time in a mental facility. The update was rather disturbing. The staff of the hospital reported that Gillian managed to use her bedsheet to hang herself. They found her in time and were able to save her, only for her to die in hospital a few days later. We were of course sad to hear this news. We never wished her ill, despite what she'd put us through. Her attempted suicide seemed to coincide with the announcement at Oxford that I was on maternity leave. How she found out, we're still not sure, but her fantasy of a life with Matthew was all she could focus on. In the end, she died for an imaginary life that would never come to fruition.
Peter Knox was serving his sentence but had to be placed in isolation because of the chronic fights he'd get in. In other words, he was provoking fights with biggest and most terrifying inmates, trying to get himself killed. The thought of spending the rest of his life in prison was his worst nightmare and he'd rather die.
Juliette Durand had served her sentence and there was a permanent protection order in place. She was never to contact or come near Matthew, myself or our children for the rest of her life. If she broke that order than she would be arrested and potentially serve more time.
Once the babes reached two years old, I was able to return to teaching on a more permanent basis while they were looked after for a few hours a day in a daycare. Sarah and Emily and Ysabeau and Marthe would visit every few months, demanding that Matthew and I take a weekend away. We never really got a honeymoon, and the idea of leaving 'our little loves', as Matthew would say, was too hard when they were so young.
It was almost mid-June and Matthew's 40th birthday was near. After a family luncheon to celebrate, we were presented with a surprise. Ysabeau, Marthe, Sarah and Emily had come together to give us a week away at lovely Bed and Breakfast so they could love up on Rebecca and Philippe, or 'Bec' and 'Pip' as they lovingly referred to each other as. Philippe couldn't pronounce Rebecca yet so she was affectionately nicknamed 'Bec' and the same for Rebecca as he referred to her brother as 'Pip'. "You guys didn't need to do this!" I exclaimed, hugging them each in thanks. "Well we want to spoil the kids, so you guys go away, celebrate Matthew's birthday." Emily encouraged. Matthew was rolling around the floor as the kids crawled all over him and he played the horsey. "Daddy, more!" Rebecca urged as she kicked her little legs against his sides. We just laughed as Philippe toddled over to me. "Up Mama." He cooed. He was definitely my cuddly little guy and it was nearing afternoon nap time.
"So how far away is this Bed and Breakfast?" Matthew asked, as we cuddled on the sofa while Marthe insisted on preparing tea. "Only an hour away. We figured you'd like to head out after the kids wake from their nap. Give the little ones some love and then have a dinner out. They're expecting you by 9:00PM for check-in." Ysabeau informed. Marthe poured tea and handed everyone a cup. We sat around talking aimlessly about random things when we heard a little voice. "Daddy?" Rebecca called as she toddled down the stairs towards us in the parlour. "Hi little love. You didn't sleep too long." Matthew cooed, picking up our daughter and cuddling her to his chest. Her little arms wound around his neck. "Snuggies, Daddy." She whimpered sweetly; mispronouncing 'snuggles'. She rested her little head on his shoulder as he held her tight, his arm supporting her under her little bum. "You okay sweet pea?" I coddled, resting my head on the edge of Matthew's shoulder, her cherub face looking into mine. She nodded and reached her little hand out, cupping my cheek. Matthew wrapped his arm around my shoulder and we all had a little cuddle as she dozed off in his arms. "I'll go get a snack ready, it won't be long before Pip's up too!" Marthe stated, leaving us in our bubble. "And I could really use some coffee." Sarah added as she and Emily followed. Ysabeau left without word and headed to the library to read the paper, giving us some quiet time. "I should go pack for our week away." I announced, reluctantly leaving our cuddle fest. "You want some help?" Matthew offered. "No, you stay, give her her snuggies!" I teased, kissing him sweetly. Matthew lay back on the couch, Rebecca on his chest.
It didn't take long to pack, but I did have another surprise for Matthew that I packed away for later tonight. I'd just finished zipping our suitcase and had placed it on the floor, when I heard the sweet voice of Philippe. "Mama?" He called sleepily, waddling in from the room next door. The same room that Matthew once tried to pass off as 'my space'. "Hi my little guy. Come here." I called. Picking up Philippe, I cuddled him to my chest, his head on my shoulder. He was still sleepy, but I grabbed the handle for the suitcase and rolled it behind me, heading downstairs. Leaving the suitcase at the bottom of the stairs, I walked back into the parlour where Matthew and Rebecca were. The sight of four women, phones out, taking photos as he slept with our little girl in his arms caused me to laugh as I came up from behind. "Precious isn't it?" I whispered. "They do this all the time." I added. "Hey Pip. You want a snack?" Marthe offered. He lifted his head from my shoulder and reached toward Marthe. "We should wake them too." I stated. "We'll leave you to it." Ysabeau stated, as they followed Marthe into the kitchen.
Brushing Matthew's hair back, I leaned down and kissed his cheek. His eyes fluttered open as his arm came around me, tugging me towards the couch. "Hi, Love." He crooned sleepily. "We need to wake her, so we can get on the road." I mentioned. Matthew sat up, still cradling Rebecca. At the movement, she woke suddenly and looked around. "Hi Mommy." She called, rubbing her eyes with her fists. "Hi sweet pea, did you have nice snuggies with Daddy?" I posed. She nodded before looking to Matthew. "Tank you Daddy." She wheedled. "You're welcome little love." He replied, kissing her cheek and making her giggle. "I think Marthe has a snack ready for you in the kitchen, should we go find her?" I posed, as Matthew got her excited and giggling.
After snack time and a few tearful goodbyes, more on my part than the kids, we made promises to video call before bedtime and to check in. Ten minutes later we headed off for our week away. The drive didn't take as long as we thought, but we stopped at a lovely Italian restaurant for dinner. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxed. "I keep thinking I need to go check on them when I hear that kid from the table over there." Matthew stated, as we waited for our server to bring our bill. "I know, it's instinct at this point I think." I replied, leaning over to kiss him. "But this is our time. They're in good hands, you know that." I supported. "I know love. I love you so much." He crooned, cupping my cheeks and pressing his lips hard and firm onto mine. Once the bill had been settled, we made our way to the Bed and Breakfast.
The woman at the reception counter of the Bed and Breakfast insisted on leading us to our room, but I really think she was just making eyes at Matthew. She started swaying her hips in what I assumed was her trying to be seductive. Matthew stopped in front of me and turned to look my way. "What is she doing?" He whispered, a genuine look of horror and confusion on his face. I couldn't help but laugh. "I think…trying to get your attention." I whispered back. He looked insulted that she would even try. "And this is your room here." She stated, opening the door. "Thank you." I stated. "Louisa. Please, don't hesitate to call the front reception if you need anything, and I do mean anything." She introduced, as well as laying down a pile of innuendo. "I won't need anything from you." Matthew retorted, wheeling our bag into the room and past her. She stormed off in a huff and I laughed out loud as I followed Matthew into the room. He lay back on the bed, running his hands over his face in irritation. "Are you okay?" I called, as I closed the door. "The nerve of some people. I mean seriously, we checked in as Mr. and Mrs. And she's doing…that!" He commented, the anger clear in his tone.
This seemed like the right moment to give him my surprise, so I moved our suitcase on its back and unzipped it, pulling out my small gift. "Matthew?" I called cautiously, hoping he wasn't still angry. "Hey, I'm sorry, Love. That just really…" He started. "Pissed you off. Clearly." I finished for him, setting the gift on the top of the suitcase. "Yes, it's insulting." He added. "Can I do anything for you? And I do mean, anything…" I simpered, attempting to imitate Louisa. Matthew just laughed. "I love you, Mon Coeur. So, fucking much." He replied, pulling me to straddle his lap on the bed so he could kiss me. "I love you too." I replied.
Having privacy at home was difficult when you had two young toddlers, but we managed as best we could. Nap time for the kids tended to be 'our time'. But we had to do it behind the locked door of the bathroom, in fear Rebecca would want her snuggies from her daddy. We didn't need to have the 'birds and the bees' talk anytime soon.
Even though we knew we had a week, our actions were almost frantic as we shed our clothes quickly. I climbed over him and lowered myself over his cock, and the sounds that left his lips as he filled me, spurned me on. His hands moved up to my breasts, pulling at the nipples gently before squeezing them in his grasp. Matthew always managed to give me more than one orgasm during sex, he knew just the right way to push and pull my body bringing about the most amazing responses even I didn't know I could evoke. "Oh, don't stop, right there." I cried, as his hands gripped my hips firmly as he thrust from below me. "Behind, take me from behind." I panted, getting on my hands and knees. He sidled up behind me before entering me again and our love making was hard and fast as he brought me to another orgasm before finishing himself.
We lay in each other's arms. My head on his chest, his arm under my neck as his fingers traced along my shoulder and collarbone. "I love this, just being with you in the quiet after making love." He murmured. "Me too." I replied as my fingers continued to trace the muscles of his chest and abdomen. I remembered my gift and felt this was the perfect moment. "I have something for you. A surprise." I teased, jumping from the bed. Matthew sat up and leaned against the headboard of the bed, watching me. "A birthday surprise?" He queried. "Of sorts." I stated mysteriously handing him the package before crawling back under the comforter and cuddling into his side. "Open it." I urged as he pulled the ribbon off. "What did you get me?" He murmured pulling the lid off. He fumbled for a moment before pulling out a small envelope. I watched his face for his reaction as he slipped out the small photo. His face was priceless. "Bloody hell, are you serious?" He asked in excitement. I nodded frantically, tears streaming down my cheeks. "Another baby? Love!" He crooned; his lips sealed against mine. He pulled away to cup my cheeks in his hands. "How far along are you, sweetheart?" he posed, his eyes locked on mine. "Only six weeks, I just found out three days ago." I confessed. "Best fucking birthday surprise ever." He smiled. "Yeah, let's just hope it's not twins again." I stated, laughing at the look of fear on his face. "I love you, Matthew. You're happy about this right?" I asked. "Absolutely, Love." He confirmed, laying me back and moving over me. We proceeded to make love again before falling into a contented sleep. Dreams of what else our future could bring flitting through my mind as I lay snuggled in his arms.
Matthew was a surprise that I never expected when I returned to Oxford three and a half years ago, but a surprise none-the less. I never knew it could be like this. So whole, so complete and so overwhelming at times that the thought of him not being there was like a physical ache in my chest. We'd beaten jealous friends and exes and even fought with family over our union, but nothing could stop the final result. Matthew was my true love and our children were the representation of that love. Growing up without my parents was probably one of the hardest parts of my life, but I knew in some way, they brought Matthew to me. No words could express this level of love. Life was complete, and so was I.
T H E ~ E N D