Dinner with Niamh's Parents
A/N: Here we have another time jump. Being honest, I'd rather not bore my audience with endless filler, so I tend to just cover majour events. And, Niamh's dinner dress was borrowed from the film, City of Life. It's the dress Olga wore to Guy's party. Also, I swear I'm not a review whore, but I refuse to believe that out of all of people that have read this story, not one of you has even one word to say. All I'm asking for is ONE review, as I would love to know how I'm doing and if posting the rest is even worth it. Please and thank you.
Timeline Mid-November 2011
Nick yawned as he headed down the hall to Niamh's flat, having promised to come by at seven-thirty so that they could have breakfast before heading to chambers for the day.
'I hope that whatever she has planned wakes me up…Stupid complicated brief kept me up half the night…' He thought as he knocked on the door, surprised to receive a welcome call. He quickly opened it and stopped dead in his tracks.
In front of him, Niamh stood with one of her feet resting on the coffee table as she pulled a stocking up her leg, clad in nothing but her black, court skirt and a rather lacy, dark-violet, push-up bra that not only framed her breasts nicely, but gave them a bit of a lift.
"Jesus Niamh! You could at least be half-dressed when I come over!" He finally said, resisting the urge to stare at her chest.
"I am half-dressed," Niamh said as she stood up straight and reached for the camisole resting on the sofa behind her.
"No! You're half-naked!"
"I don't see what the issue is. You've seen me fully naked before, Nick!" Niamh pointed out as she pulled on a dark-violet blouse.
Nick tried to speak, but couldn't come up with anything to say, knowing she was right. Finally he said, "Shouldn't you have been ready by now?! You knew I was coming!"
"I woke up late. I was up working on my defense until two in the morning."
"And let me guess…You still have to do your hair and makeup."
"You don't mind, do you?" Niamh asked.
Nick shook his head, thinking, 'Of course I do! We're supposed to be at breakfast!'
Niamh quickly ducked into the bathroom to apply her usual, light layer of makeup and after contemplating a few different choices, she put her hair in its usual clip and headed out.
"Sorry about that," She said as she pulled her coat and court shoes on and then grabbed her stuff. "Let's go see what we can find for breakfast."
They held hands as they walked out and choose a small, casual place for breakfast.
"You know why I asked you out, right?" Niamh asked once they were seated.
"You're my girlfriend and wanted to go on a date," Nick said.
"I need to talk to you."
"Okay…" Nick said, hoping that he hadn't done something wrong.
"My parents want you to come over for dinner."
"What?"
"We're at the two month mark and it's sort of…a tradition for my boyfriends to come home for dinner at this point."
"What?" Nick repeated, this time with more confusion.
"Well, at this point we know it's starting to get serious, and my parents would like to meet you before it progresses any further."
Nick raised an eyebrow as the food arrived, unsure of what to say.
"I know that look…Please don't tell me you're breaking up with me," Niamh pleaded.
"What?! Why would I do that?"
"I've had boyfriends break up with me in the past because they didn't want to go to dinner with my father. They were intimidated because he's a judge."
"Are you serious? That's pathetic. I would never do that to anyone, especially you. Besides, I'm a barrister; I think I'm used to intimidating judges."
"Yes, but you're not dating all of the intimating judges' daughters."
"True. How about you give me a few days to think it over and look at my calendar to pick a date?"
"Okay," Niamh nodded and left it alone as she turned to her food. "What's your latest case about?"
"Two latest. I have a bail app at ten and my trial starts at ten thirty. It's a small but complicated misdemeanor trial. You?"
"My trial's at eleven. Vehicle TWOC. From what I understand the client was clearly identified on surveillance camera, but denies it. I'm not quite sure what the defense is, but I am sure he will fill me in. Are you going to eat that?"
"Picking off of others' plates is rude," Nick pointed out.
"I'm not picking. Yet."
Nick sighed and pushed the small bowl of strawberries toward her.
"Thank you," Niamh smiled and promptly poured them over what was left of her pancakes.
"I still can't believe you ate all of that," Nick said after they had finished.
"It wasn't really that much. Just a few pancakes and eggs."
"And all that fruit."
"Fruit is good for you. And I don't eat like this every day. I usually have smaller meals, but since we were going out I got a bit more," Niamh explained as she stood and grabbed her coat and briefcase. "Come on before we're both late."
"The trials aren't until later."
"We still need time to finalize the preparations. Besides, I told you I was having trouble with mine."
"Alright," Nick sighed as Niamh took his hand and led him down the street.
She wanted to ask him if he had thought on her proposition, but knew that it wouldn't be right to pester him so soon after asking. She then decided to give him a day or two before asking, just in case he forgot.
'I don't think there's any way to get out of it despite my nerves… Nick thought as Niamh let out a content sigh and rested her head on his shoulder. 'Besides that would be stupid. I knew I would have to meet her parents sooner or later. I don't even know why the thought makes me nervous, it's not like I don't know my feelings or am trying to hide anything.' He thought, soon being dragged from his mind by Niamh's yawn.
"Tired?" He asked.
She nodded. "I told you I was working until two in the morning."
"Then maybe we should go home and have naptime instead?"
"Nice try. But, I'm fine. I'll take a nap after my trial."
"I've got a better idea. Why don't you come over? We could watch a film or something."
Niamh thought for a minute and nodded. "Alright. I should be free around one-thirty. I'll meet you at your flat."
The rest of their walk continued in silence with bits of small talk here and there until they reached chambers. Once there, they exchanged a brief kiss before entering and heading to their room, where they worked for a bit before Nick left first at nine, followed by Niamh a half hour later.
Once she arrived in court, she immediately sought out the solicitor's rep and her client for the usual pre-trial meeting.
"It says here that you were seen clearly on the Powells' neighbour's security camera. Is there any way to disprove that? An alibi perhaps?" Niamh asked as she sat across the table from her client.
"No. I was there," The client, Marcus, said.
"So we're pleading guilty?"
"No."
"But you just admitted that you did it."
"I did, but I don't feel guilty. The bastard had it coming."
"How so?"
"He was my friend and needed a bit of money for his son's school debts, so I agreed to loan him a few pounds. He was supposed to pay me one-hundred and fifty pounds a month until he paid off the debt, then he was late. I gave him a few days, which turned into weeks and soon I ended up empty handed for three months, so I confiscated the car to compensate."
"So, you did steal the car?" Niamh asked, thinking, 'Does this man honestly think I can use that as a defense?'
"No, I…repossessed it."
"That is the worst defense I have ever heard!" Niamh snapped. "No jury is going to believe that and you know it."
"Well they're going to have to because I'm not pleading."
"Then you will have to find a new barrister, because I refuse to run such a ludicrous defense. It doesn't even fit under statutory defense!"
"What do you mean?"
"Under statutory defense you have to prove that you either had the authority to do it or that you would have the owner's consent if the owner knew of the taking and its circumstances. You had neither the consent or the authority, as, this was a private dispute and you are in no place to take matters into your hands like this," At that, she stood and began to gather her things.
"Wait! I haven't waited for this long for this not to go to trial! Besides you can't leave."
"Unless you give me a real defense, I won't stay. I am not looking like a moron and jeopardizing my job because you're stubborn."
"Wait…Can we…talk about this…What happens if I plead?"
"If you plead then we could argue for a lesser sentence or even bail. This is only your first offense, right?"
"Yes."
"We may be argue for bail, or negotiate with the owner. From what I read it wasn't aggravated, nor was it a death drive."
"Death…drive?"
"Joy ride," Niamh translated.
"Well…I can't say that," Marcus admitted.
"What did you do?" Niamh asked as she sat back down.
"I'll admit that I did take a bit of a joy ride, though I wasn't reckless. It was more like a revenge ride."
Niamh sighed. "Are we pleading?"
"I don't think I have a choice now."
"Alright then. Now we're getting somewhere." She quickly opened her notebook back up. "Now that we're pleading, tell me why you should get a low sentence. The maximum is a fine up to level five and/or six months imprisonment from your offence. Now, we may be able to negotiate the fine with the owner…"
"I don't want to negotiate anything with the bastard. Why should I pay him if he owes me?"
"The fine goes to the government, not the vehicle owner," Niamh said, not knowing if it was completely true or not.
"Alright then."
"Now, tell me why you should get a lesser sentence, minus the fine. Regardless, it will have to be paid because of the damage to the vehicle's window," She said, remembering the note in the brief.
"Well, to be honest I'm not a bad guy, never have been, really. And, I can't go to prison. I have a girlfriend who's pregnant. I can't exactly take care of her while I'm in prison."
"Alright," Niamh said, thinking, 'That's a good start…'
Awhile later, they stood in front of the bench in the magistrate's court arguing the client's sentence.
"As you know, Mr. Faine admits to the crime. Our only matter is to discuss a sentence," Niamh said.
"We feel that the typical punishment should be sufficient," The main judge said.
"No it isn't. Not for him anyway. Mr. Faine is not a criminal, well, not in the sense we think of them anyway. Granted, this was a bit of a step too far in a personal matter, but jail time will do no good. He has informed me that he has a girlfriend and a child on the way. Now, tell me, do you really wish to deprive an expectant mother of the father's assistance and income?"
"Are you trying to turn this into a sob story, Miss Cranitch?" One of the bench members asked. "This is a courtroom, not a soap opera."
"I am just making you aware of my client's situation. I believe it more reasonable to negotiate with the owner, as, this all began with a private manner."
"Is said owner with us today?"
"Yes. Mr. Powell?" She said, turning to the small group of observers behind her.
The man in question immediately stood.
"May I call him?"
"Of course."
Niamh gave a nod and Mr. Powell was brought to the witness stand. "Can you tell us about the dispute you had with my client?"
"Awhile ago, he loaned me some money for my son's school expenses. I was grateful and made a deal to pay him back."
"But you have been late recently, correct?"
"I got tied up with some things and money became tight. It thought I could handle it but…"
"Why didn't you explain this to him?"
"I tried but…he wouldn't listen. I had every intention to pay him back when I got the money but…He took matters into his own hands instead and took my vehicle."
"From what I understand, the window was broken, but there was no other damage."
"Correct."
"And this man had no issues with you before this event occurred and vice versa."
"That is also correct."
"In that case, if the bench allows it, would you be willing to negotiate a fine with the client?"
"If it would set things right. I don't want him to go to jail, he's a good man who just made a mistake."
"Sir, we have heard from both ends the situation and Mr. Faine's true nature and circumstance. It is only up to you to decide the result," Niamh said, leaving with a smile when the final result was decided. She returned to chambers in good spirits, and, after writing the result on the brief, stuck it in the proper pigeon hole for the solicitor. As soon as she turned around, she found herself facing Billy.
"Just got a new one in and you're the only one free," He said, handing it to her.
"Drug scandal?" Niamh said, reading the headline.
"If you could call it that. Just some teenagers attempting to grow plants in the closet."
"It says there was a teacher involved."
"Just do it."
"The trial isn't for another two days…"
"There was a delay with a witness is all," Billy said as he walked away.
Niamh sighed and tucked the brief under her shoulder as she headed to her and Nick's room to grab some things before heading home, as, she felt more comfortable working there. Though it was cold, she decided to walk, and even stopped to buy ice cream along the way, intending to bring it over when she went to see Nick.
Once she arrived at home, she kicked off her shoes, dropped her stuff on the sofa and walked off to change her clothes. After a bit of contemplation she decided to keep her usual camisole on and replaced her skirt and blazer with a pair of jeans and a dark-violet cardigan. She returned to the lounge and set her brief on the coffee table before heading off into the kitchen for a quick lunch, which was just a leftover meal she pulled from the fridge. She alternated between eating and working for awhile before being interrupted by her mobile.
"Hello?" She said, not even looking at the ID.
"Niamh? Are you alright?" Nick asked. "It's two already."
"What?" Niamh gasped, quickly looking at the clock. "I'm sorry, I just got this brief and I've been working since I got home. But, I'll be there soon, I promise."
"Alright, see you when you get here," Nick said before hanging up.
Niamh sighed and quickly collected her papers, then shoved as much of them as she could in her brief case and, after a quick look at her shoe collection she decided on a simple pair of black pumps, slipped on her coat and headed off with her handbag, brief and ice cream in hand.
"You look…cute," Nick said when he answered the door.
"Can you wait until I take my jacket off to say that?" Niamh said as she kicked her shoes off.
"You left your hair tied back."
"I know. I kind of liked it and I told you I was busy."
"Well…" He stepped over. "I like it down," He said, quickly pulling the clip out of her hair.
"Nick!"
"No. You need to relax. Can I get you something to drink?"
"No. But you can start serving this ice cream," Niamh said, holding out the plastic shopping bag.
Nick sighed and took it, asking as he headed into the kitchen, "What do you feel like watching?"
"Hm?" Niamh said back as she set her brief on the coffee table.
"I invited you over to watch a film, remember?"
"Nothing yet, there are some things I want to look at."
"Come on Niamh. I invited you over for a date, not a work session."
"I think this is a bit more important Nick. We can watch a film in a bit. Don't you have something to do?"
Nick shook his head as he reappeared with the ice cream. "Billy didn't give me anything, well, not yet anyway. He said it would be biked over."
Niamh nodded and scooted closer to Nick, who had taken a place next to her on the floor.
He smiled and, getting a sudden idea, held up a spoonful of ice cream for her, surprised when she actually ate it. She then did the same for him, then they shared a light kiss and Niamh sighed contently as she cuddled up to him.
"I thought you had to work," Nick pointed out.
"I do. I'm just taking a break," She said before accepting another spoonful of ice cream.
Nick gave a small laugh and lightly kissed her on the head, accepting his own spoonful moments later.
They sat, laughing, talking and eating for about twenty minutes before having to stop at the sound of a knock.
'That's probably the bike….' Nick thought as he got up to answer, finding, as he expected, a delivery man waiting for him.
"Nicholas Slade?" He asked.
"Yes," Nick nodded and the man held out a paper for him to sign.
"Sign here, and then initial here."
Nick did so and handed it back. In return he was handed a rather large brief. "Thank you," He said.
The man simply nodded and left.
Nick closed the door behind him and moved to set his brief next to Niamh's.
"What's that?" She asked.
"You know what it is Niamh."
"What's the crime?"
"Didn't check…" He said, leaning over to read the top of the binder. "Attempted murder," He paused for a moment. "Wait…What?! There has to be a mistake."
"No, it says Nicholas Slade," Niamh said, looking at the heading.
"Why would they give me a case like this?"
"Maybe Billy is finally recognizing your skill?" Niamh suggested. "Or maybe…" She paused.
"What?"
"Well, since Martha's taking up all of the high profile cases, her old work has to go somewhere. Perhaps they're simply splitting it up between you and I."
"And Clive."
Niamh nodded. "Just be glad that you're getting better work," She said as she stood and headed into the kitchen to wash the dishes. "Why don't you start on that while I work out some of mine?"
"I told you…" Nick started, only to be interrupted.
"I know, I know. You invited me over to watch a film, but you and I both know that work is more important. It'll only be for a few hours. We'll watch the film after that."
"Promise?"
"Yes. What did you have in mind to watch anyway?"
"I don't…really know," Nick admitted. "What do you want to see?"
"Whatever you want. I picked last time we went to the cinema, it's your turn," She said. To avoid unnecessary arguments, they had gotten into the habit of taking turns when watching films both at the cinema and during their stay-in dates.
"I'll think about it," Nick replied, thinking, 'And add that to my list of things to think about…' He sighed. 'I know I like Niamh…but am I really ready to meet her parents?'
As soon as she finished, Niamh went back to her spot and was soon joined by Nick. They shared the space as best they could with all of the binders and documents, with some of them ending up on the floor. And, after about three hours, Niamh sighed and sat back.
"I'm done with this," She decided.
Nick looked up from his work. "I was done two hours ago."
"You're not funny," She said. "Besides, I think we deserve a break. Did you decide on a film?"
"Give me a few minutes," Nick said, quickly getting up while Niamh organized and set aside her brief.
"Do you want me to get anything?"
"Sure. There should be some crisps in the pantry."
Niamh simply nodded and searched the kitchen while Nick went through his small film collection, eventually deciding on one of his action films just as Niamh came back and set a bowl on the coffee table. She then threw off her cardigan and made herself comfortable on the sofa as Nick stood to set up the player.
"Wait…before you start that…" She said, "I'm cold."
Nick sighed. "Hold on." He then headed into his bedroom and after some quick searching, returned with a dark-blue throw blanket, that he quickly draped over Niamh.
"Thank you," She said, pulling it around herself.
Nick gave a quick nod and joined her after starting the film.
Niamh looked up for a moment and moved closer so she could cuddle up to him, smiling as he gently brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. She sighed contently and reached over for the crisps. She knew she probably shouldn't be eating them on top of the ice cream, but figured that she'd just work it off later.
"This is stupid, why doesn't he just run?" She asked halfway through the film.
Nick shrugged.
"You know, if the guys in these films stopped trying to be the hero and took some time to think, they'd get more done and all of those people wouldn't have to die!"
"It's just a film Niamh. It doesn't have to make sense."
"I know, but…"
"Niamh, shush," Nick whispered, gently rubbing her back as he spoke.
Niamh sighed contentedly and laid her head back down as Nick pulled the blanket up on her.
He smiled as he gently ran a hand through her hair, thinking that she looked adorable cuddled up next to him. And, of course, his thoughts went back to her request. 'Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad…I know exactly how I feel…I think. And, it's not like I have a hidden agenda. Besides, I should have known this was coming eventually. Better sooner than later, I guess.' He thought. Though he was close to making up his mind, he was still unsure, and knew that he would have to look at the calendar before truly making his decision. He turned his attention back to the television and, when the film ended, asked, "Do you want to watch another one? Or…"
"No. Whatever is on the telly is fine," Niamh replied, waiting as he flipped channels, eventually deciding on a news programme. She sighed as it went on, and felt her tiredness catching up with her, and, despite her efforts to try and stay awake, she eventually drifted off to sleep.
"Niamh," Nick said awhile later. "What do you think of…Niamh?" He stopped and glanced at her, curious about her lack of reaction, and smiled once he saw that she was asleep. He thought to get up and let her sleep until he realized that he couldn't, not without disturbing her, as she was lying on him. 'I can't get up…But…I should. I have to get back to work and she… looks…comfortable.' Finally, he sighed and gently began to shake her. "Niamh…Niamh…"
"No…Sleepy…" Niamh muttered, clutching the blanket tighter around her as she buried her head in its spot.
"Niamh, you have to get up," Nick urged.
Niamh groaned and forced herself up, rubbing her eyes as she did so.
"Would you like to stay here for the night? You have pyjamas here, remember?" He asked, not wanting her walking around alone at night. Especially when she was tired.
After thinking for a moment, she slowly nodded.
"Alright, come on." He took her hand and helped her up, then took the lead as they headed into his bedroom. He quickly went through the drawer where he kept both Niamh and Patricia's things and handed over her pyjamas. He had convinced her to leave a few clothes over just in case she had to stay unexpectedly and had some of his own clothes over at Niamh's flat as well, though he had yet to stay over.
"Thank you," Niamh yawned and moved into the bathroom to change, then she went through her usual bedtime routine as best as she could being out of her flat and came back into the room in a very simple pyjama set that consisted of black, cotton trousers and a grey spaghetti-strap top with a black heart printed on the left that sat on her breast with three smaller hearts above it.
"Cute," Nick complimented.
Niamh said nothing and went to climb into bed, only to have Nick snatch the duvet out of her hands. She thought to say something, but ignored it when she realized that he was simply helping. So, she climbed into bed and let him cover her.
"Do you want this blanket?" He asked, holding up the one that Niamh had dragged into the bedroom with her.
She nodded and he draped that over the duvet.
"Are you comfortable?" He asked.
She nodded.
"Good. I'll be back in later. There's some work I want to do," At that, Nick leaned down and gave her a quick, goodnight kiss on the head before making his way back to the lounge to continue with his brief. As he worked, his thoughts faded in and out to Niamh and her request until he finally stopped them by making up his mind. 'This is stupid!' He decided. 'I'm thinking about this too hard and I hate it!' He quickly shuffled some papers around and pulled out a planner. After opening it, he flipped to the current week, noted that Saturday was free and before he could do any more thinking, he penned in the dinner. 'I'll just…tell her in the morning.' He thought before turning back to his work and, when he felt he had done enough, he got up and decided to go to bed. Once he returned to his bedroom he laughed a little at the sight of Niamh lying directly in the middle of his bed. But, while he thought she was adorable, she needed to move. After he changed, he tried getting her to roll over twice to no avail and then took to shaking her. "Niamh…Niamh," He whispered.
"No," She muttered in response.
"Niamh you need to move," He said, gently pushing her again.
Finally getting the hint, Niamh rolled over to one side with a small whimper.
Nick smiled as he climbed into bed and gently moved a strand of hair from her face before kissing her cheek. "Good night, Niamh."
She responded with a content sigh as he rolled over to his own side of the bed. When he woke the next morning, he found Niamh curled up next to him with her head burrowed in between the pillow and his shoulder. He smiled and watched her sleep for a few moments before his alarm went off, waking her up too. She reached over and turned it off before rolling over and looking up at him.
"Morning," She muttered.
"Good morning," Nick replied, then, suddenly remembering his decision, he said, "I have some news for you."
"Hmm?"
"I've decided to accept your offer. I'm free on Saturday if you want to visit your parents then."
"Really?" She asked.
Nick nodded and was immediately pulled into her arms.
"Thank you," Niamh whispered.
Nick shrugged, then said, "What time do you have to be in court?"
"I don't. My trial isn't until tomorrow, but I might go to chambers to do some work."
"Are you up for a shower date before work?"
"Not when you have to be in court at nine and I have to go home and change for chambers."
Nick sighed. "Please?" He asked, leaning down to kiss her.
"No," Niamh turned her head away. "We don't have time right now. Rain check?"
"Alright," Nick sighed again. "But I'll hold you to that rain check."
"Fine with me," Niamh said, rolling over and drawing him in for a light kiss. "You get in the shower and I'll make breakfast."
Nick simply nodded and got up, grateful to be able to get done first, as Niamh often took forever to take her morning shower.
Niamh simply got up, dug through a drawer and pulled on a simple set of casual clothes to head home in. Then, she gathered her clothes from the previous night and shoved them in her handbag before moving into the kitchen to start on breakfast. Unfortunately, the only breakfast food she found was cereal.
"Nick, where's all your food?" She asked once he came out.
"At the supermarket."
After a small laugh Niamh replied, "You're not funny. Would you like me to pick you up a few things? I wouldn't mind."
"No, I'll take care of it. I just haven't had time," Nick said, not wanting to admit that he was a bit short on food money at the moment.
"You sure?"
He nodded. "I got tangled up in my work. I'll go after my trial today."
"Alright."
"You're not eating?"
"I don't like cereal with marshmallows."
"But the marshmallows are the best part."
Niamh shook her head, "No. After you're finished, do you want to walk back to my flat with me?"
"I would say 'yes' but I have work to do, remember?"
"Oh, right…see you later then," Niamh said as she gathered her things. Once she returned to her own flat, she quickly got her clothes for the day together and headed into the bathroom for a morning shower. Afterwards, she decided on a simple breakfast of apple slices and peanut butter, surprised that Nick hadn't even had peanut butter in flat.
'How can he not have peanut butter? It's one of the essential foods.' She thought as she finished up and then grabbed her mobile, hoping that at least one of her parents was home. She quickly dialed and got her mum.
"Hi mum, it's me," She said.
"I know. We do have caller ID, Niamh," Valerie said.
"I have some news for you."
"Good or bad?"
"Good. Nick wants to come over for dinner on Saturday."
There was a bit of shuffling on the other line as Valerie rifled through her calendar. "I have an event that morning, but we should be done by four…So, would seven be alright?"
"Sure."
"I wish I could say more, but I'm running a bit late, so I'll ring you later."
"Alright, talk to you later. Bye mum," At that, she hung up and stood to finish getting ready before heading off to Chambers for the day. She spent her time rereading over her notes and adding new ones until a knock interrupted her.
"Jake?" She said when she looked up.
"This just came in for you, miss," He said, handing her another brief.
"What?" She said, looking at the label.
"Solicitor asked for you, apparently."
"What?!" Niamh said again, quickly glancing at the solicitor name. 'Why would Camp Frogett want me? Perhaps it's a test?'
"Who delivered this?" She asked.
"A bike. The message that came with it said that the case was minor, and something for you to handle."
Niamh glanced at it again and sighed. 'Another traffic case? Really? Why do solicitors hate me?'
"Alright. Thank you," She said. 'So I guess I'm double booked tomorrow. This one doesn't seem to be much, a five-minute mention, maybe.' She sighed again and started on it, alternating between that and her bigger case, until her mobile rang.
"Hello?" She asked absent-mindedly.
"Do you have a minute, Angel?" Valerie said over the line.
"Mum! I thought you said you'd stop calling me that!"
"And I thought I told you that you can't break twenty years of habit."
Niamh groaned. "What do you want Mum?"
"I called your father earlier and he's fine with dinner. Do you want to make it a bit dressy like we have in the past?"
"Of course. I love having an excuse to put on a little black dress."
"Not too little I hope."
"Mum…"
"Niamh…" Valerie said back.
"Never mind. So, it's all set, then?" Niamh asked.
"Yes."
"And what do you plan to make?"
"Now Angel, you know that's always a surprise."
"I know. I hate to sound rude, but I have to get back to work."
"It's alright. I understand. I'll see you on Saturday."
"Alright, see you," At that, Niamh hung up and sighed. 'I love her, I do. But she really needs to stop calling me Angel…If she says it to Nick…Oh, God!' Niamh groaned at the thought and put her head in her hands.
"Something wrong?" Martha asked as she entered the room.
"It's nothing," Niamh said. "Why are you here?"
"I work here."
"You know what I mean."
"I was looking for Nick, actually. I need a favour," Martha explained, leaning against the desk.
"He said he had a trial at nine. I haven't seen him since this morning. What do you need?"
"I just needed him to go through the unused on my case."
"Martha, he's not your pupil anymore," Niamh pointed out.
"It doesn't mean that he can't do a favour here and there. So if you see him, can you tell him I was looking for him?"
"Of course," Niamh nodded as she left and turned back to her work until she deemed it time to go home. On the way home, she decided to take a small break, as she was in the mood to bake. She decided on peanut butter cup cookies and realized that she'd have to stop to pick up the mini peanut butter cups she used to make them. Once she had done that, she headed home and immediately changed into suitable clothing and, halfway through her baking, as she was adding a few odds and ends, her mobile rang. She quickly stopped, put it on speaker and said, "Hello?"
"Niamh?" Nick said.
"You can hear me, right?"
"Perfectly."
"Alright. I have you on speaker. I'm baking, but I did want to give you a ring. My parents are okay with dinner on Saturday. And, it'll be a bit dressy so wear something nice…like one of your good work suits."
"Do I have to?" Nick teased.
"Yes. It's always been like that. Martha was looking for you in chambers earlier," Niamh said as she moved to add more chips to her batter.
"I guess I'll have to give her a ring then. I went grocery shopping."
"She just wanted you to help her with something."
"Oh, so how do these dinners usually go in your house?"
"Usually Papa asks a lot of questions about your intentions with me, and mum tries to act normal. She never tells me what she's making beforehand, but I can guarantee that you'll like it. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like her cooking."
"If it's anything like yours, I'm sure it'll be great," He said, flinching at the sound of banging on the other end. "Niamh, what are you doing?"
"I told you, baking," She said, using an ice cream scoop to shape the cookies on the tray.
"Baking what, exactly?"
"Cookies. I was in the mood for something small and sweet. Which reminds me, there's always desert following dinner. How was your trial?"
"It's still going on, but it's not looking too well. The evidence outweighs the defense."
"Look into it more. Attempted murder is hard charge to deal with. I would help, but as of today, I'm double booked."
"It's fine. I'll figure something out."
"Good luck."
"Thanks, I'll need it," Nick said before he hung up, thinking, 'For more reasons than one…' He sighed and went back to work on his brief. The trial was listed for three more days, and at the end of those three days he'd have to take on his next challenge: meeting Niamh's parents. He had no idea why the idea frightened him, but it did. He simply figured it was normal for this sort of thing and did his best to shake it off and remain calm when he arrived to pick Niamh up on Saturday evening. He had spent the week asking a few questions here and there, and had found out that they would be taking the underground into Camden and that, regarding attire, she was wearing black. After a bit of contemplating, he ended up wearing his best black suit, with a new, white shirt that he even took the time to iron, a matching black tie with just a few red and white stripes and his usual court shoes that he had shined in hopes of making a good impression.
'Okay…I can do this…I think…' He thought as he knocked on the door. He heard footsteps and a bit of shuffling before Niamh finally opened the door.
"You're early," She said.
"I always am, and it's for the best. You know how the tube is."
"Right. Give me a minute, I was in the middle of looking for my other shoe…I think it's under the bed," She muttered the last part to herself as she walked off into the bedroom. After a bit more shuffling, she came back out with a pair of black, strappy sandals in hand. "Sorry about that," She said, sitting to put her shoes on. "What do you think?" She stood to reveal her full outfit which consisted of only a simple, black, halter-top dress. The neckline went down just below her breasts and was met with what looked like a silver belt buckle that had a long piece of fabric pulled through it that hung down with the skirt. The back of it fell a bit past her knees, but the front had an asymmetrical hemline that came to a V just above her knees. It was matched with the sandals and a small, black clutch. Her makeup was light and simple, almost as if she was going to court and consisted of a light layer of dark-violet eye shadow with just a bit of onyx mixed in and a light-pink lipstick and her hair was pulled back in its usual, twisted ponytail.
"You look beautiful. But…I think you'd look better with your hair down."
"I was thinking about that, but…"
"Trust me."
Niamh hesitated a moment, but pulled the clip out and shook her hair out a bit.
"Much better," Nick said.
Niamh smiled and picked up her jacket, finally noticing the flowers Nick held as she slipped it on. "More flowers?" She said.
"What? Oh. These aren't for you. They're for your mum. I was taught that you're supposed to give the lady of the house a gift when you come over. She's not allergic, is she?"
"No. I think she'll love them. Let's go before we're late," Niamh said as they headed out the door.
The nearest station wasn't far, but the wait for the train was longer than expected as, it was Saturday night. Though Niamh didn't complain, Nick worried for a moment what would happen if they were late.
Catching his worried look, she said, "Don't worry if we're a few minutes late. They won't mind, especially if we explain that it was a simple tube delay."
Nick smiled at her reassurance as she gently laid her head against his arm. Moments later, the train finally arrived and he led her on, trying to ignore the lingering glances of some of the men around them. 'Were they not taught that it's rude to stare?' Nick thought, turning to Niamh when she set her hand on top of his.
"You look worried."
"I'm fine. It's just my nerves."
Niamh nodded in understanding and returned to her previous position. The ride was spent in silence, both of them simply enjoying the time together before having to get off at their designated stop.
"Where to from here?" Nick asked.
"This way," Niamh said, pulling at his wrist. "It's a bit of a walk, but it's worth it. I can show you some of the sites around along the way. See that little ice cream shop across the street?"
"Yes."
"Mum said that's where I had my first ice cream cone when I was two. And the park coming up? When Felicia and I were eight, her mum took us to the playground during the winter and we helped Pippa make her first snow angel."
Nick smiled and listened carefully as Niamh pointed out places and relayed stories from when she was little. Every other place seemed to have some sort of story to go with it, and she went on and on until they finally made their way into the neighborhood twenty minutes later.
"Well, here we are," She said.
"Here we are…" Nick repeated nervously.
"You have nothing to worry about. I'm sure they'll love you."
"I know, but…"
"Nick, look at me," Niamh said, turning his face toward her. As soon as he looked into her eyes she gave him a soft, gentle, reassuring kiss. "You'll be fine. Come on." She took his hand and led him up to the door. "Ready?"
He nodded and took in a breath as Niamh knocked on the door. Soon, they were greeted by a woman about the same height as Niamh with the same colour blonde hair, except hers was just a bit longer, falling a bit past her shoulders. She had warm, brown eyes and wore a simple, spaghetti-strap black dress that showed off her slim frame rather well and made Nick see where Niamh got her good looks from.
"Niamh!" The woman greeted, stepping aside to let them in with a gesture.
"Mum," Niamh greeted, giving her a quick hug. "Papa," She said, moving to the man standing behind her mother. He had dark, brown hair and blue eyes that matched his daughter's, but, while Niamh's were stunning, his were rather…intimidating to Nick. Frame wise, he was somewhere in the middle, with broad shoulders and a slightly muscular build. He wore a suit similar to Nick's, only the tie was blue and violet rather than red.
After the brief greeting, Niamh turned back to Nick and said, "Nick, these are my parents. Stephen and Valerie Cranitch."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Nick Slade," Nick said, holding his hand out for Valerie to shake. "These are for you, Mrs. Cranitch." He held out the flowers.
"Call me Valerie," Valerie said. "Thank you for the flowers. They're beautiful," She said, quickly taking them from him.
"Aren't you going to shake my hand?" Stephen asked.
"Barristers don't shake hands," Nick reminded him, knowing that it was a test.
Stephen shot a brief, slightly impressed look toward Valerie as a timer went off in the background.
"That's the bread…" She said. "I'm sorry. I'm not completely finished yet. I got a late start.
"It's alright," Niamh assured her as she pulled off her coat. "Take your time." After properly hanging up her jacket she moved into the kitchen behind her mum with Nick following a moment later.
He watched as Valerie pulled a tray from the oven to check and asked, "I hope you don't mind my asking, but what are you making?"
"Chicken parmesan over a bed of pasta. I was in the mood for Italian," Valerie explained as she added a bit of cheese to the platter. "Besides, it's one of Angel's favourites."
"Mum!" Niamh hissed, the embarrassment clear on her face as she thought, 'How could she say that in front of him?!'
"Oh…sorry," Valerie said absentmindedly, realizing her small mistake.
"Angel?" Nick asked with a small chuckle.
"It's my mum's name for me…" Niamh muttered, trying to keep the embarrassment out of her voice, knowing she was failing.
"Oh, Niamh, you don't have to be so embarrassed," Nick said. "If it makes you feel any better, my parents have a name for me too."
"What is it?" She asked.
"Nick."
"You're not funny!"
"No…" Nick replied with a cheeky smile.
"Since this will be another twenty minutes or so, why don't you show Nick some of our albums?" Valerie suggested.
"Alright," Niamh said, quickly grabbing Nick's hand and dragging him into the lounge.
While she searched the bookshelf, he looked at all of the pictures on it, the wall, and the few along the top of the entertainment centre. "They're all you," He said to Niamh.
"I told you I was an only child. Did you think I was lying?"
"No, but…When did you get this done?" He asked, fixing his gaze on a picture of her in her black suit with the purple blouse. It was a well staged shot of her sitting in a chair in front of a bookshelf.
"A month after I started my pupilage. My parents wanted some pictures of me in chambers attire. Mainly because mum wanted to show them off. Come here."
Nick turned and found her on the sofa with a few books around her. After one last glance at the picture, he joined her and immediately had a book placed in his lap. "Is this it?" He asked, looking at the small pile.
"Of me, yes. Unless you're interested in my parents' wedding album?"
"No. It's just…"
"Hm?" Niamh said, opening the cover, which was neatly labeled, 'Niamh: Years one through three, 1990-1993.
"You don't seem to have a lot of pictures…Your first three years are in one album?"
"My parents have demanding jobs, so there wasn't time to capture every moment. The upside is that I don't have most of the embarrassing pictures that everyone else does."
"So…No naked baby pictures to show off?" Nick teased.
"Nope," She said with a smile as Nick looked over the first two pages, which were pictures from when she was born and her first day home. Though, to him something was missing. And, when he finally figured out what it was, he asked,
"Niamh, where's your father in these pictures?"
"Oh…He…Uh…He…Was preparing for a trial that day."
"I would think that the birth of his daughter would be more important than a trial."
Niamh sighed and quickly looked around, making sure her father was still in the kitchen with her mum. "That's not all of it," She whispered. "The truth is that…not only was he preparing a trial, but…he was disappointed in me."
"How can you be disappointed in a newborn?"
"He wanted a boy. In fact, he completely believed that I would be a boy and he and mum went out and bought all boy things. He had all of these plans to raise his son to be his own and send him off to the best schools…And then, I popped out. He got used to it after a few days, and even though I know he loves me, sometimes I feel that more is expected of me because I'm a girl and not the son he wanted."
"Niamh…"
"Anyway, on a happier note," She said, flipping through another book as Nick glanced at the wall again, his gaze fixed on a picture of what looked like a sports team.
"You played field hockey?" He asked after another look.
"Hm? Oh, yes. I started when I was twelve, but quit during year eleven to focus seriously on studying law and getting into sixth form."
"Were you good?"
"Really good, actually. I was told that I could've been captain if I hadn't quit."
Nick nodded and turned his attention back to her and then a book buried under the albums.
"What's that?"
"Hm? Oh," Niamh said, following his gaze. "My book."
"Your…book?"
"My baby book," She clarified, pulling out the pink book in question. The front cover was custom made, and the book itself was titled 'Our Angel.'
'Is that where her mum got the name?' He asked himself as she flipped the book open and laid it across his lap before proceeding to read aloud.
"My name is Niamh Cranitch. I was born on February 11, 1990. My name is special because it means 'bright.' It was chosen because of my bright, blue eyes," She said with a smile and an obvious sparkle in her eye. She loved being able to trust him enough to share these bits and pieces of her life with him. Her other boyfriends had never cared much for these sorts of things, nor had she trusted them enough to show them. "This is my favourite page," She said a few minutes later, turning to one entitled 'My Firsts.' "My first crawl, my first steps…"
"Your first word was 'Papa'?" Nick asked, reading ahead.
Niamh nodded. "Mum was a little disappointed, but I learned how to say 'mum' awhile later. My parents told me I was a quiet child. I worried them quite a bit because of it, actually."
Nick nodded and picked up a later album from when Niamh was in secondary school. "You wore a uniform…" He muttered.
"I told you I went to public school, didn't I?"
Nick shook his head. "You didn't, but I assumed that was the case."
"Didn't you wear a uniform?"
"I did…but it wasn't like this…" He said, focusing on the quality of the clothes, which looked well made and just a bit fancy.
"Nick, Niamh," Valerie interrupted. "Dinner is ready now."
"Yes, Mum," Niamh nodded, pulled at Nick's hand and led him into the dining room. She took her usual place in the middle of the table, between her parents, who sat on either end, and motioned for Nick to sit across from her. Moments later, Valerie came in with the plates.
"Thank you," Niamh said politely, as she had always been taught.
Nick took the hint and said the same, earning a smile from Valerie.
"So, Nick…Why don't you tell us about yourself?" Valerie said as soon as everyone had been served.
"Well…I like music. I was in a band for awhile, but we broke up shortly before going our separate ways in sixth form."
"What about your parents?" Stephen asked, wanting to know where he came from and if his background made him suitable enough to be with his daughter. Luckily, she had yet to bring home any undesirables.
"Well, my mum is a tailor, my father writes for a newspaper and I have a younger sister. She's in school for fashion," Nick replied before finally turning to his food.
"And you're a barrister," Stephen said.
Nick simply nodded, as he was eating.
"Barrister in training," Niamh corrected him. "Nick's on the same level I am."
"And you're in the same chambers?" Valerie asked for clarification.
Niamh nodded and then looked at her father. "I know what you're thinking," She said. "And, no it doesn't affect our work at all. Court battles are never anything personal. We're just doing our jobs."
Stephen simply nodded, though he wasn't fond of the idea of Niamh dating a close colleague, he knew better than to say anything, as that little detail was far from important. He knew Niamh was smart enough to separate her professional and private lives and had seen her do it in school once or twice when he showed up for the occasional meeting and parents' days. From the reactions he had gotten from her peers it was obvious that she didn't talk about her personal life much, which was a rather good skill to have, he thought.
"How about you tell us a little more about yourself?" Valerie suggested.
"Well, I already covered the music and my family…What else do you want to know?"
There was a brief silence while Valerie thought for a minute, but before she could say anything, Stephen bluntly asked, "How long have you been sleeping with my daughter?" He knew Niamh had sex, not that he liked to think about it, nor did it matter, since she was an adult. However, as a father, it still bugged him, though he had never asked that question of any of her previous boyfriends, something about Nick made him want to ask. He caught the occasional glances Niamh gave him and their closeness when they were looking over the albums; she seemed almost too comfortable around Nick and he couldn't remember her ever being so close to her other boyfriends, though she did sleep with them. For some reason, something about Nick struck him as…different…
"Papa!" Niamh hissed, giving him a swift kick under the table.
"Stephen!" Valerie whispered, after nearly choking on her wine.
Nick simply sat back a moment and replied, "A month and a half…maybe two months?"
"Nick!" Niamh hissed as she kicked him.
"What? He asked," Nick said, as her father sat back, a little shocked that he even answered. Though he'd never asked the question before, when he'd implied such things other men got nervous or had lied to his face. Nick was the first to actually answer him.
'I can't believe he actually answered…but on the other hand, he does have this cheekiness…is that normal for northerners?' Stephen thought, remembering a few other people he had met from up north.
After a small, awkward silence, Valerie said, "Anyway…let's move on, shall we?"
"Yes," Niamh nodded, then she looked at Nick, "Why don't you tell them a story or two? You have plenty of them."
"Or I could tell you my favourite story," Valerie said.
"Mum, no."
"Why not?"
"Because I said so!" Niamh snapped.
"What story?" Nick asked.
"Don't ask. Just start talking before she does," Niamh said as she turned back to her plate, which was half empty.
"Alright…" Nick said, pausing to think a moment. "I guess I could tell you about the last time we all went on holiday together. It was right after I had finished sixth form…"
Nick managed to keep Valerie and Stephen distracted with the story, which could be considered heartwarming but, just a little bit awkward at times. He then paused to eat while Stephen started a discussion with Niamh about old cases they had done that Nick quickly jumped into.
Valerie sat back and pretended to look interested until they were finished and then proceeded to relay one or two stories about the family to give Nick a better picture of them.
"Niamh sounds like my sister," Nick laughed, interrupting Valerie in the middle of a tale. "She was always trying to climb trees and do things to show up the boys around the neighbourhood."
Niamh blushed slightly and said, "It wasn't fair that they thought they could do things that I couldn't."
"Some of them you really couldn't," Valerie said. "There's a reason you have that scar on your arm."
"Scar?" Nick asked.
"There's a small one on my elbow. When I was seven I somehow thought it was a good idea to climb up a tree after one of my schoolmates, but I slipped and fell backwards. I got that along with a few other scrapes and a nasty bruise on my shoulder. Nana loved getting that phone call."
"Nana?" Nick asked.
"My mother," Valerie clarified. "She used to watch Niamh when she was younger because our jobs are a bit demanding. Stephen and I weren't available that day, so she got the call."
"Well, you and Papa weren't amused either."
"That's because my daughter didn't belong doing those reckless things," Stephen said as Niamh stood to take their empty plates.
"I'll get that, Angel," Valerie said. "You sit back down."
"Mum," Niamh groaned.
"Oh, sorry, Niamh."
Nick gave a small laugh as Niamh sat back down and Valerie grabbed the plates.
"Why don't we move into the lounge? The dishes can wait and I have desert ready," Valerie suggested.
"It doesn't matter to me," Nick shrugged and they all stood and moved from the table into the lounge.
Niamh took a place on the sofa and motioned for Nick to sit with her while her father sat in his usual recliner. Moments later, Valerie appeared with a tray of brownies and took a place next to Nick and Niamh, who had shifted around so that Niamh was cuddling up to him.
Stephen narrowed his eyes, clearly disapproving of the sight as Nick gently ran his fingers through Niamh's hair, making her sigh contentedly.
"So, Nick," Valerie said, offering both him and Niamh dessert. "You've told us a few stories, but what about your parents themselves? What are they like?"
"My mum is off her rocker most of the time, which is where Patricia gets it from, but she's a pretty nice woman. She's always been around when we need her and my father is the laid back type. They're big family people," He said, hoping that it would make him look good.
Before Valerie could say anything else, Nick asked, "What kind of brownies are these?"
"Double fudge with peanut butter. Niamh's favourite."
"I love you," Niamh said to Valerie as she picked up another small brownie.
"So, Niamh, in court on Monday?" Stephen asked.
"Yes," Niamh nodded. "It's nothing big, just a bail app."
"What about you, Nick?"
"I just finished an attempted murder trial and don't have anything lined up…that I know of. You?"
"I'm booked for the next few months," Stephen said.
"I am too," Valerie said. "I have a wedding in two weeks."
"I know, I'm helping," Niamh said. She had been helping her mum with the planning for a few months and agreed to help since it was just one weekend and she needed the money.
"You plan weddings?" Nick asked.
"No. We just do the food," Valerie said. "Niamh makes a great assistant and additional server when needed."
"Do we really need to get into that, mum? It's not important."
"It is if you want to make extra money."
"I do need to pay rent and eat," Niamh pointed out, smiling as Nick draped his arm around her waist.
Valerie held in a dreamy sigh, she couldn't remember Niamh ever being so close or comfortable enough with her other boyfriends to cuddle up to them during the usually harrowing visit to meet the parents. She seemed perfectly content and Valerie was pleased. Knowing that Niamh was comfortable with him and could be that way without him having ulterior motives made her like him even more.
Stephen, however, was still on the fence about him. While he did like Nick, there was just one little thing that did not sit right with him. Though, he couldn't pinpoint it exactly, he figured that it stemmed from the fact that Nick was sleeping with his daughter. He also wasn't too appreciative of Nick's boldness in cuddling his daughter in front of him and glared at the arm wrapped around Niamh's waist as she laughed at something Nick whispered.
They talked for a bit longer before they all decided that it was getting late and that they were simply lingering.
"Well, it was nice meeting you," Nick said as he helped Niamh slip her coat on.
"You too, Nick," Valerie said with a nod. "If it helps, I think you're a great guy and you and Niamh are so cute together."
"Mum," Niamh hissed.
"I'll see you in a few weeks, Angel."
Niamh groaned and said, "I'll see you soon. You too, Papa."
"Have a safe trip home," He said.
Niamh nodded and turned to leave with Nick following until Valerie stopped him. "Wait a moment, Nick," She said.
He shrugged and headed back in while Niamh waited outside.
"Now, though what I just said is true," Valerie whispered, "Niamh is still my daughter and if you hurt her I will not hesitate to kick your ass. Do you understand?"
"Yes ma'am," Nick nodded, just a bit intimidated.
Valerie simply nodded and allowed Nick to leave.
"What was that about?" Niamh asked.
"Nothing," Nick shrugged and held his arm out for her to take.
"So, what did you think?" She asked as she gently laid her head on his shoulder.
"About what?"
"My parents."
"Oh, they're…nice. I like your mum but your father is a bit…intimidating."
"I warned you."
"He doesn't seem to like me very much."
"Actually, he does. He's just not very open about it. You would know if he didn't like you, trust me. Give him some time; he can actually be kind of sweet once you get to know him."
"You have to say that. You're his daughter."
"It's true. He's a bit tough around the edges, but he has his moments."
Nick nodded. "Why does your mum call you 'Angel'?"
Niamh shrugged. "I was told that she said it once when I was a baby and it stuck."
"I think it's cute…Can I use it?"
"NO! Even she isn't supposed to say it, but it's too much of a habit for her to stop."
"Your father doesn't say it?"
"No. He just calls me by name."
"I like your mum, and I can see where you get your good looks from."
"Stop it!" Niamh said as an obvious blush crept up on her.
"And you were right about her cooking. I hate to say it, but she might beat you."
"I already knew that. Not only does she do it for a living, but she did teach me. The only thing she really can't get right is spinach dip, mainly because she doesn't like it."
"Neither do I."
"What is wrong with you?" Niamh muttered as they headed into the Underground station. They talked the whole way back and ultimately decided to go to her flat for the night after he realized that, even though they had been dating for two months now, he had never stayed overnight at her place, she had always come to see him or he had left.
"Why is that?" He asked as they walked down the hall to her flat.
Niamh shrugged. "I guess I just found it easier to come to your place and whenever we were here you left early because you had a trial or something."
"Yet, some of my clothes are there."
"You gave them to me and told me to keep them just in case," Niamh reminded him as she unlocked the door.
"Oh, right…" He muttered as they headed in and Niamh flipped on the light.
"Do you want anything to drink?" She offered as she slipped off her coat and shoes.
"Have I told you how beautiful you looked tonight?" Nick asked, not answering the question as he slipped off his own coat and shoes.
"Yes, when you picked me up," She said, curious as to the point of the conversation.
"Well, I'm saying it again. You're beautiful and that dress looks amazing on you," He said as he stepped a bit closer to her.
"What are you getting at?" She asked as he closed the space between them.
"I want you," He whispered. "Besides, you need to be punished for torturing me by making me meet your parents."
"But, you weren't being tortured," Niamh whispered a bit seductively as Nick set his hands on her waist.
"You're getting punished anyway." At that, he leaned in and their lips met in a series of soft, gentle, kisses.
Niamh thought to push him away, thinking herself too tired for it, until he suddenly deepened it, washing all thoughts of rejection from her mind. She moaned against his lips as he backed her up against the wall.
He gently teased and bit at her lower lip, and she quickly took the hint as his hands went to her dress and she hooked a leg around his waist, moaning when she felt his teeth gently grazing her neck, followed by a series of soft kisses that went down to her breasts.
He smiled against her skin and made his way back up to her lips, quickly taking control of the kiss as his hands went for the knot holding her dress on and hers for his tie, which she quickly threw off. He then stepped back a minute and threw off his blazer to make it easier for her.
Niamh moaned appreciatively when he came back to kiss her, and quickly went for the buttons of his shirt, glad that she didn't have to fumble with the blazer. She worked fast, struggling a bit to get them undone with her trembling hands, but she soon gave up being careful and simply ripped the rest of the shirt open, ignoring his aggravated sigh. She could care less about his clothes at the moment, the only thing on her mind was him and her hands on the flesh she craved. She ran her hands over him, her nails gently scraping against the skin, earning a soft groan from him as he finally managed to untie her dress. It fell in one swift motion and pooled at her feet, and, as soon as it hit the ground, Nick's eyes widened a bit in surprise.
"You're not wearing a bra," He whispered before kissing her again.
"I can't with that dress," Niamh said.
"I like it," He said before going for her lips again. His hands started to wander, teasing and caressing any piece of bare skin he could reach as he kissed down her neck again.
Niamh's breath hitched as he slid a hand up her leg, and, before he could get any farther, she gasped, "Bed. Now."
Nick responded with another kiss as he quickly lifted her up, allowing her to wrap both legs around him as he headed into her bedroom. Caught in the heat of the moment, he only broke the kiss out of necessity to see ahead of him, quickly realizing that, despite the small space, he wasn't quite sure where he was going.
"On…the right…" She gasped in between kisses, ending with a soft moan as he carefully lowered her down on the bed. And, before he had the chance to fully climb on top of her, she grabbed his arms and aggressively flipped him over. Not wanting to linger, she quickly moved down his neck, nipping at the skin in hopes of leaving a mark or two. However, she tried to keep them low, near where his neck met his shoulder so they would be easy to hide.
He groaned as she moved further down, her hands joining the teasing, along with her teeth, which she gently, sensually scraped against his chest.
Niamh smiled at the reaction. His moans only fueled her, making her want to please him more. She then began to act a bit more roughly. The patterns she had been forming became more precise and were formed by her nails rather than just her fingers. She continued downward with this method, pausing for only a moment before she went for his belt. As always, she was quick about it. Her skilled hands easily undid the buckle and stripped him.
Caught in the pleasure, Nick nearly forgot that this was supposed to be her punishment, but remembered as soon as she came back up to kiss him. He tangled a hand in her hair, pulled her in closer-if that was possible, and after a moment or two of struggle, took control of the kiss. And, once she was distracted, he quickly and easily rolled her over.
She thought to protest, but was silenced with another kiss.
"No," Nick whispered. "This is your punishment."
She gasped as he moved down her neck, gently nipping at the tender skin along the way as he made a path to her breasts.
He started with the left one, gently placing small, soft, lingering kisses on the soft mound of flesh. He took his time, wanting both to savour and tease her.
She moaned once he finally closed his mouth over her breast, resisting the urge to cry out as he carefully teased her, rolling her nipple about with his tongue, teasing it to a taut peak before taking it fully into his mouth to suck on it. Overwhelmed with pleasure, Niamh threw her head back and let out a soft-high pitched cry, as she arched against him, hoping he'd take the hint.
Nick got the hint, but ignored it as he moved over to give her other breast the same treatment as the first, groaning when he felt her hands in his hair as his ran up and down her sides, caressing the skin and drawing patterns in their path. He then slowly moved down her body, creating similar patterns down her stomach, and placing light, soft kisses on every piece of bare skin he came across. He slipped his tongue into her naval and smiled against her skin at the surprised gasp he received in response, her moans fueling him as his had her. His hands moved further down and he teased the edges of black lace that made up her minimal string bikini as he pulled it off of her.
At this point, Niamh wasn't thinking straight any longer. She was caught in a wave of pleasure, with no control over her body other than to make it breathe, though by now most of her hot breaths had turned into either gasps or irrepressible moans, both of which came out when he came back up to kiss her lips again.
"Nick…" She gasped in between kisses. "Please…"
"No…I'm not done with you," He replied, ending with another kiss before going back down, placing one, light kiss on her stomach before moving between her legs. He grasped one of them, kissing his way up her thigh until he found her, just her, perfectly ready for him. Not wasting another second, he slowly slid his tongue over her, earning a small cry of pleasure in response.
She wasn't sure whether to feel annoyed or pleasured by his teasing. She wanted-no needed him, but instead of responding to her hints, he simply ignored them. She thought to say something but could only manage to gasp, "Oh, God…Nick," as he picked up the pace. In no time at all, Niamh felt the familiar, and, at this point, more than welcome heat forming in pit of her stomach. She couldn't hold back the tremble that came with it, which, unfortunately, Nick caught onto. He stopped for a moment and started again far more slowly, delaying her desperately needed release.
She moaned with both pleasure and frustration. Why did he have to torture her so?
He continued for as long as he could stand it, stopping only a moment before she finally gave into her overwhelming pleasure. "Oh, no you don't," He whispered as he came back up to kiss her. "Where…do you…?"
"The…same place…as…yours," Niamh replied, struggling to speak through hot breaths and the small trembles that came with the end of her orgasm. She then grabbed the back of his head and pulled him down for another kiss as he reached over and pulled open the drawer on her nightstand. Never taking his eyes or his lips of off her, he quickly felt around until he found exactly what he was looking for. To save time, he ripped the package open with his teeth, and within two seconds, he had the condom in hand, and in another three, he was sheathed and ready. Not wasting a moment he came up and thrust into her, hard and deep. He didn't bother with being gentle or setting a rhythm. He simply started at and kept up a steady speed that formed into its own rhythm.
Niamh moaned his name, quickly grabbed onto his shoulders for support and wrapped her legs around him moments later, pulling him in closer and deeper.
Nick soon took to kissing her again, to muffle her cries of passion as best as he could while trying to hold back his own.
However, there was no holding back when Niamh threw her head back and cried out her release, which came just a moment before his. She clung to him until he collapsed next to her, desperately trying to steady his breathing.
Once things had settled, he rolled over, looked at her and whispered, "You will be the death of me, Niamh Cranitch."
"I think I should be the one saying that," She replied. "You were the one doing the teasing."
"You liked it and you know it."
"Maybe…But," Niamh said, slowly getting up and on top of him. "Now it's my turn." As soon as she leaned down to kiss him, he flipped her over again, only to be immediately flipped the other way. "Behave," She warned, holding his arms down as she kissed him and then slowly began to move down his body…
They were together once more after that and fell asleep soon afterwards, with Nick being the first to wake up the following morning at nine. For a minute, he forgot where he was-until he noticed Niamh sleeping soundly next to him. He smiled at her and rolled over on his side, only to feel movement a few moments later as Niamh woke, turned over and gently kissed his shoulder.
"Good morning…" She whispered as she wrapped her arm around his waist.
Nick smiled and turned over to look at her. "Your hair is a mess," He teased.
"Well…" She started as she slowly glided her hand down his body. "The part of you that wakes up first doesn't notice it…In fact, it doesn't even know that I have hair," Niamh teased as she slowly climbed on top of him and straddled him.
"I don't think so…" He said as he quickly sat up, putting her in his lap. "If we're going to do this, we're going to be equals…" As he finished, he closed his mouth over a breast, earning a soft moan in response.
"Works for me," She gasped before kissing him again. Their kisses were soft, but impassioned as they ran their hands over each other, until, finally, ignoring the pretense of foreplay, Niamh wrapped her legs around him, pulling him closer as she sank down onto him.
She held onto him for support, moaning as he took his mouth to her breasts.
They moaned together when they finally gave into their pleasure, and, afterwards, Nick whispered, "I believe you owe me a shower date."
"Even after…?"
"Best time for it."
Niamh giggled. "Come on then. I'll see what I can do." She then slowly got up and sauntered into the bathroom with him following close behind. Once in the shower, they let their hands wander, and what was supposed to be a quick shower, led into a rather long, lazy Sunday morning. Not that either of them complained, of course.
The following morning, they were both in court. Nick for a burglary and Niamh for another drug charge as Clive's junior.
"So, how was dinner?" Martha asked as they walked up to the courthouse. She was to do a quick bail app before heading to the Bailey for a kidnapping trial.
"Okay. My father had the nerve to ask Nick how long he was sleeping with me," Niamh replied.
Martha laughed. "Sounds like something my mum would ask. Though, she usually asked me rather than my boyfriends and we had a nice laugh about it afterwards."
"It wasn't funny, it was embarrassing."
"I would have thought it funny."
"Of course you would…" Niamh muttered. "Don't you ever get embarrassed?"
"Niamh, I'm thirty-seven, not much embarrasses me anymore. And, if you're talking in relation to your situation, my mum and I have always been a bit too open about things like that."
"And your dad?"
"He walked out when I was two. I haven't seen him in thirty-five years."
"Oh, sorry…"
"Don't be. It's because of that I'm the way I am. Because of it, my mum became a strong, independent woman and taught me how to be the same. Besides, he wasn't much of a dad when he was around anyway. Mum calls it a blessing in disguise."
"Then I guess I'm not sorry."
"Good. Now come on, we should get a move on before we're late."
"You're the one who's falling behind," Niamh laughed as she grabbed Martha's hand and began to run.
"Niamh! We're wearing heels!"
"And?"
"This isn't professional."
"It's more unprofessional to be late."
"True," Martha admitted as she quickly caught up with and fell into step with Niamh, both knowing that they had busy days ahead of them.