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whatisreggieshortfor · 1 year

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Little Tolly

Tolly has to watch his best mate try to make things work with his father’s choice of ladies. Even though he and Tom both know Evangeline has his heart.

@rebelrayne It’s ya boy!

Tom x MC

‘Lord Tom Beresford-King has Finally Found Love’

Tolly found his younger sister rolling her eyes, letting out an unladylike string of curses, as she crumbled up the tabloid and tossed it into the fireplace, and he couldn’t blame her. Tom was his best mate, had been for pretty much their entire lives, but Tolly had never seen Tom actually want to chase a romantic interest he found, too worried about what his father’s thoughts on her would be. At first, Tolly was thankful Tom never pursued his interest. He’d have to be brain dead to miss the way his best mate would look at his sister with the biggest heart eyes known to mankind.

But now Tom had found Allegra, he wished Tom had chased his own desires. She was a woman of fine tastes, sure, but just as Tolly had always expected of a match made by Tom’s father, she didn’t care about Tom in the slightest.

Tolly had only met Allegra a handful of times, dressed from head to toe in exclusive designer tags, and she had waited all of half a second before allowing her eyes to check him out without sparing so much as a glance toward her future fiancé. Leering at Tolly would be an accurate description of what she did. He was put off, but he tried to be supportive of his friend trying to navigate an arranged relationship. Even if he knew that Allegra was still seeing some Scottish lad with a castle behind Tom’s back- Tolly had tried to raise the issue with his parents but they didn’t care as long as she wasn’t caught by the tabloids.

Which brought Tolly back to his sister’s frustration. Sure, Tom gave her the heart eyes to end all heart eyes, but Evangeline couldn’t hide her own love from flooding her face if her life depended on it. Tolly knew. And he was over his whole ‘protective older brother, nobody is good enough for my sister’ bullshit. He wanted his two favorite people to be happy.

But he was nothing if not a teasing ass.

“Evan, you need to be careful. Your jealousy is showing.”

She scowled at him before redirecting her gaze to where the flames licked up the pages of the tabloid, “Bugger off, Tolly. He’s not going to be happy with her.”

It might’ve been the way her voice cracked at the very end of the sentence, the fire shining off the tears she wasn’t letting fall, but Tolly didn’t retort. Instead he wrapped his arm around his sister and agreed, “No. He’s not.”

When Tom met Allegra, he knew it wouldn’t be love at first sight. But he hoped they’d come to love each other like his grandparents had, even though his parents didn’t. Youcef told him he was being stupid, especially when he came by for their regular poker night and he saw Tom giving his credit card to Allegra. He glanced to Tolly, who spoke up, “Allegra, your nails look a bit dirty.” Her eyes snapped to her manicured nails, “Been digging for anything lately?”

“Oh, bite me, Alexander.” She sneered back at him after she’d taken his point.

Tolly was unfazed by the use of his first name rather than his nickname, “Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t touch things if I don’t know where they’ve been.” Tom barely forced his amusement away before Allegra glanced at him and stormed out of the room.

“Mon deux, you realize she is using you for your money, yes?”

Tom shrugged, “It is what I have to offer after all.”

Youcef glanced over to Tolly where he sat at the table again, and the other boy just shook his head in defeat. They both knew this ‘relationship’ wasn’t good for Tom. It had been months. The final straw for Tolly had been a week ago, when Tom was trying to force sincerity into his words when he told Allegra he loved her. The conversation had put Tolly on edge even more.

“I love you.”

“I love your money.”

“What?”

“I said I love you, honey!”

Tom had pretended he had heard her wrong the first time.

Tolly glared at her blatant arrogance.

Youcef had been the only one to notice Tom had been staring at Evangeline as the words left his mouth.

The look Youcef shot Tolly’s way tonight meant that they should try and talk him out of it. Again.

Tolly was sick of trying to explain to him why staying with Allegra was a bad idea.

But hell, maybe twelfth time was the charm, right?

But before Tolly could open his mouth as they took their seats, Tom’s mother came gliding into the room. Tolly hid a gag that only Youcef could see as she sauntered over to them in her silk nightie and robe, her manicured fingered digging into Tolly’s shoulders. “Aren’t you boys looking handsome tonight?” Tolly had to force the very real gag at her purred words back down his throat.

“Mum, please.” Tom looked mortified, as usual, at his mother’s antics, “We’ve discussed this.”

“Don’t you worry,” Mrs Beresford-King giggled, “He hasn’t done anything to warrant concern, don’t be so silly.” Everyone in their circle knew about his parents affairs, but Tolly didn’t fancy being the next on his mum’s list. Even if she was single. But she didn’t stay, and he was thankful for that.

As soon as Youcef signaled the coast was clear, Tolly started the conversation, “You know what we’re going to say.”

“It’s a moot point at this juncture.” Tom answered back, not looking up from the cards he was shuffling, “Evan- I mean, no one will want me outside of the capacity I am currently fulfilling, so why bother changing things?”

Tolly was fairly sure his eye was twitching. Sure, he’d heard this argument from Tom more times than he could count, but he had never blatantly said his sister’s name before, on accident or otherwise. He couldn’t really be that stupid, could he? “No one does? You really sure about that, mate?”

Tom cleared his throat, ignoring the question, and dig into his trouser pocket.

Setting a ring box on the table in front of his best friends.

Youcef blinked at it, mouth moving on its own, “Vraiment, I pray you are proposing to Tolly right now and not telling us you plan on popping the question to that woman.”

“I will marry you if it avoids that nightmare.” Tolly agreed, staring wide eyed at the ring sitting in the open box. It reminded him of the things he saw Evangeline wear, simple and understated. Not gaudy and over the top like Allegra’s style. God, Tolly wished there was something he could do to stop this.

Evan came home from some charity event she chaired to find her brother sitting in her study. “To what do I owe the pleasure of you lurking in the dark to scare me?”

But Tolly didn’t laugh like he usually would have. He stared into the fire, letting the glow shadow his face, before he finally opened his mouth, “He’s planning to propose.”

Evan knew he wasn’t saying it to hurt her. He was stating a fact she needed to know. But her legs gave out all the same, as she collapsed into the armchair beside him like she’d been struck down, “Are… are you sure?”

He nodded, almost looking like he was on autopilot, “Showed me the ring himself.” Suddenly Tolly covered his face with his hands, just screaming into his palms before he peeled them away to look her in the eye, “You need to tell him.”

“Wha- no! Absolutely not! He’s- he doesn’t-“

“I swear to everything in this life,” he groaned out, “If you are about to and tell me he doesn’t feel the same, I’m gonna- I’m gonna lock you in the closet like that neighbor kid did at that one party when we were children.” He wasn’t serious, she knew that. He and Tom had been the ones to find her, to get her out, and it had left her with a deep seated fear of small spaces. He wouldn’t actually do that to her. But it showed her how desperate he was.

“I’ll try. Okay? But I can’t promise either of us will be happy with the ending.”

Mr Beresford-King threw a grand party, it was obvious that it was meant to be the night Tom proposed to Allegra, and as the oldest friends of the family the Peregine-Tolpuddles were invited. This would be the last chance to talk Tom out of it- he would never risk embarrassing his parents by calling off an engagement. Youcef had taken charge of choosing Evangeline’s dress, picking something in Tom’s favorite color with a sweetheart neckline and a dropped waist. Evan never dressed as nicely as she was tonight, she wasn’t a flashy person regardless of the money their family had. Her entrance was noticed by everyone in the room, and she still didn’t see the way Tom’s eyes traced her every move.

But someone else did.

The proposal would be toward the end of the night. Tolly knew Tom’s father wouldn’t risk to much attention or too many questions about the relationship, so his sister had time to say her piece. But where the hell did she go?

When Allegra had asked Evangeline for a chat, the Lady didn’t think much of it, choosing to follow the girlfriend of the man she loved.

She didn’t expect to be thrown into a closet.

Fists slamming against the wooden door, no sound seemed to be heard over the sound of the band, so Evan rushed to dump her clutch purse out on the floor. Unsteady hands shoved through the pile of make up and other junk she’d stuffed inside, gripping onto her phone when her fingers grazed it. She was heaving in deep breaths, but feeling like she was still short on air, “Siri… call Tol- call To-“

She heard Siri’s robotic voice reply but wasn’t sure what it said.

When Tom’s phone rang, he almost ignored it. Almost decided that his father’s disapproving face wouldn’t worth the call. But instead he fished out his cell, “Evan? Everything alright?”

He was greeted with her frantic breaths, mutterings that he didn’t think she realized another person could actually hear leaving her lips. He’s seen her like this before, and the decision to tear out of the room like a bat out of hell was confirmed when he heard the word ‘closet’ leave in a terrified whisper.

He found Allegra standing in the hall, leaned against the door of a coat closet, a cackle on her lips as she smirked at him before faking a pout, “Aw, what? Sad I got rid of your little eye candy?”

Tom chose not to answer, a fire he didn’t recognize burning in his gut as he shoved her aside and forced the door open, only for Evangeline to stumble out and into his arms, “Evan, it’s alright.” He rubbed her back, “I’ve got you, it’s okay.”

Allegra ignored her tears as she rolled her eyes, “You should’ve left her there. How is anyone supposed to take this proposal seriously if you stare at her the whole time? Maybe I’ll just say no. Let you embarrass your father.”

Tom scoffed, “You think I’ll be getting down on one knee for you any time soon?” He held Evan to him, guiding just a bit down the hall until he found a buzzer, “Alfred, please escort Allegra off the premises and alert the guards she is no longer welcome.”

There was no denying the joy in the older man’s voice as he buzzed back over, “It will be my absolute pleasure, sir.”

“Oh hell yeah!” Tom turned to see Tolly celebrating, for the entirety of the one second it took him to catch sight of his sister, “Holy- Evan, what happened?” He rushed down the hall, gently holding her face.

“Closet.” She whimpered in return, burrowing further into Tom’s side like it was the safest place she’d ever been.

Eventually, Evan was able to return to the party, and the three of them entered the room to be greeted by Youcef as Tom’s father addressed the crowd. The Frenchman couldn’t hide his grimace, “I believe you’re just in time for your introduction.” He glanced at the three of them, “Where’s the bride to be?”

Tom tugged Evan to stand beside him, “Right here.” Her eyes widened, but he continued, “Not yet. But if this has taught me anything, it’s that it’s about time we both stop avoiding it.”

A year later, Tolly found Evangeline staring at another headline about Tom. But this one didn’t get tossed into the fire. This one was framed, hung in her study.

‘Lord Tom Beresford-King Set to Marry Lady Evangeline Peregrine-Tolpuddle’

Masterlist

#litg #litg season 4 #litg tom #litg tom x mc #litg tolly #litg youcef #litg mc

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whatisreggieshortfor · 11 months

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Dating Game

Episode Two

It was weird. Bernadette knew that, and her mates never let her forget it either. They called it obsession. Which she was offended by… but she could admit it was kind of fair. It’s not like he was an actual celebrity. He just happened to become a public figure after being cast on Love Island. But that counted as a celeb crush, right? He was still on a tv show. Bernie couldn’t understand what the girls on Love Island didn’t see in him. Sure, Tom wasn’t outgoing like Bruno, or smooth like Youcef, but he had his own charm. She couldn’t help but follow his time on the show as soon as he befriended Bas, even though the man chose Will over him. She watched as the man awkwardly tried to make sure Bas knew he was welcome in his life as a friend. Watched as he packed his things with the rest of the Islanders when Dylan attacked Bas. Tom clearly didn’t understand everything about the situation but he had still stuck by his friend. Bernie thought it was admirable, but figured that would be the end of her celeb crush. He wasn’t a huge social media user, only posting the minimum to honor his contract with the show.

And then her friend showed her the new line up for Ex on the Beach, and there he was in the promos with his new mate Bruno. She excitedly tuned in for the start of the season, ignoring her friends banter about the so called obsession. She just wanted to see him be happy!

Her eyes widened when Claire Ursula Newman-Thompson came out, strutting up to Bruno and loudly making sure Tom knew exactly who she was- the ex that dumped the comedian through an email.

But her jaw firmly dropped when the Kurdish beauty walked out, all confidence as she flipped her dark brown hair over her shoulder and her glimmering eyes set on the British Lord with disdain. Bernie could see something else, as the announced Natasha Moradi crossed her arms and something akin to rage burned in her otherwise beautiful eyes, “Funny, Claire. You came out of that looking better than I did, for sure.”

Bernie couldn’t look away, even as Tom’s gaze flared with annoyance- because of what else she saw. There was still love that burned deep in his irises.

She followed his time on the show, just like she had on Love Island. Tolly was a much bigger presence online, making jokes about how Bruno’s ex was clearly hated by her parents to be given such a name. She recognized Youcef when he commented after, pointing out his name was Fredrick Peregrine-Tolpuddle, which just led to fun banter about how he had already told the Frenchman to call him Tolly.

But sadly she watched his journey on Ex on the Beach end the same way his journey in Love Island had.

Alone.

When her best mate called her up, announcing she had gotten tickets to be in the audience of The Dating Game, Bernie wasn’t sure why her mate was so excited to bring her.

Until she was sitting in the audience, watching the contestants take their seats.

She hadn’t needed to listen to Chelsea and Youcef’s introductions, the show was run by the creators of Love Island and most of the people brought in were former islanders. She recognized Felix and Lucas from season two, Ryan from season six, and the realized her eyes were glued to the stage.

Tom Beresford-King from season four.

When Jen came out, even though it killed her inside, Bernie hoped that the beauty guru from season one would see what a special man Tom was.

The blonde fiddled nervously with the microphone in her hand, “Alright- um- What’s the last thing you read? Let’s go with contestant number… four!”

Tom startled at being the first asked to answer, “A business article?”

The blonde pouted a bit, “A bit boring, but okay. Number two?”

Lucas seemed to flip through a list in his head, “Book wise? It’d be… well, I most recently finished Fulfill Your Best Self?”

Jen nodded, seemingly satisfied, and it made Bernie want to scream to feel less anxious. Didn’t they understand that he just wasn’t good when put on the spot?? But the beauty influencer moved on, “What’s your idea of a romantic evening, number three?”

Ryan smirked, “I’d serenade you with my guitar, maybe on a picnic under the stars in the park.”

He clearly thought it was a smooth idea, but Bernie watched as Jen cringed the same way she had, “Thank you. Number one?”

Felix grinned, big and goofy as he had on Love Island, “Easy! I’d take you to the club and let you see me rock a set, maybe buy you a drink if you’re feeling it like I am.”

Lucas clearly thought he had pulled the mic away enough, but his voice carried over the radio waves, “How were we in the same season?”

Felix huffed, “It’s basically the same as his answer!”

“It really is not, mate.” Tom offered quietly, looking absolutely puzzled.

“Moving on,” Jen giggled, “Number four- How would you comfort someone after they receive bad news?”

“Uh” Tom blanched, he wasn’t great in those situations, “Maybe send them to a spa? Help them relax?”

Jen blinked, confusion on her face, “Okay? Number three?”

Bernie couldn’t hear the rest of the answers, gripping the cushion of her seat as she watched, until finally Jen had picked Lucas.

Without thinking about it, Bernie flew to her feet in what was a cheering audience, ignoring the shock of the people around her, “HOW DOES NO ONE SEE HOW SPECIAL THIS MAN IS!? TOM IS WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN ANY OF YOU BLOODY BIRDS GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR!” Every head on staged swiveled her way, each of them trying to block the lights from their eyes to get a look at her.

So Bernie panicked and ran.

Making it no further than the lobby when a hand caught her arm, whipping around she clocked the person in the nose before she caught sight of a familiar face with red hair, holding his nose, while a much calmer familiar man with dark hair stepped back to stay out of her reach, “Oh, oh god! You’re- you’re Bas! And Will! Oh, I am so sorry!”

Bas waved his hand, still holding his nose to stop the bleeding, “No, no, my fault. Shouldn’t have grabbed you like that.”

Will put their hands out, inching closer like she’d attack him if he moved too fast, “My boyfriend didn’t know your name to call out. Can you come with us really quick? Promise we won’t take up too much time.”

Bernie cringed, she really didn’t want to follow them after she embarrassed herself in there, but she felt bad for striking him, “Okay.”

She fished tissues out of her bag as she trailed behind them, offering them to Bas like a peace offering even though the man didn’t seem fussed over it, until they finally led her to an odd room backstage.

A room that wasn’t empty.

Tom Beresford-King sat at a table, looking incredibly nervous, moving to stand as she entered- before bumping into the table and sending the glass of water resting on it tumbling over. Tolly stood in the corner, a wide and damn near shit eating grin on his face, “This is her?” The question wasn’t posed to her or Tom, rather to the two that led her there.

“Yup!” Bas called happily, his nose finally no longer bleeding, “Please don’t grab her without warning!”

Will winced, “Babe, we should get that looked at. Make sure she didn’t break it.”

“I’m sorry.” She muttered again, thoroughly red faced and embarrassed.

Bas leaned into her line of sight, grinning broadly, “You can make it up to me by letting, in your words, this ‘very special man’ take you out on a date.”

Her brows shot up as her jaw dropped, but Bas and Will were already giggling their way out the door. Tolly patted Tom’s shoulder before following them, “I need to speak to Youcef, you crazy kids have fun.”

Bernie couldn’t bring herself to look at him, even as he introduced himself, offering a very quiet, “I- I know. Bernadette Silverman.”

Clearing his throat, Tom gestured for the door, “I was… well, as you can see my mates are kind of…”

“Insistent?”

“Yes,” he chuckled, “But maybe we could have dinner?”

“You don’t even know who I am.” She laughed incredulously, “After that performance in there I could be a crazy stalker.”

Tom shrugged, “I can deal with hiring a bodyguard if this goes awry.”

She snorted, but honestly what did she have to lose?

Dating Game Masterlist

Masterlist

#litg #dating game #litg tom #litg lucas #litg jen #litg felix #litg ryan #litg tolly #litg will #mc: Bas #mc: Bernadette

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