#but then im just pushing back everything a little further. ay. it never ends

[bubsdolan]

Okay but like Kristina and grays girl plotting together to prank the twins. like maybe like the drill seargent bit but somehow the boys are in the same room, maybe asleep on the giant blue flowery couch they have. and it’s just utter chaos🥺

{hiii angels, ive already written something similar in the scene of the sergeant prank- you can find that here. so I decided to switch it up abit! hope you like it. also combined these two requests as im trynna clear my inbox}

the view of the twins cuddled up together. grayson’s body curled into himself as ethan’s arms were spread out over the legs of graysons body hanging off the edge, on their new and extremely comfortable sofa, almost made you feel bad about what you and kristina were about to do- almost. you couldn't help but snap a quick photo of their tangled limbs, wanting to savour the peace before shit hit the fan. 

the twins loved to pull pranks on each other, they loved it even more when their significant others got involved. it added that extra element of surprise, which completely caught the other off guard. no one would expect the sweet innocence of y/n and kristina to pull of such a believable performance and therefore making the victim fall straight into the other ones trap.

pay back was the only way you could describe it. the twins had been pulling pranks on you and kris left right and centre. stupid little pranks that would result in no harm to you, whilst also not wanting to cause an argument or breakup of some sort, but would leave you pouty with a slight increase in your heart rate. you however- weren't going to let them off lightly. you were going to prove to the twins you weren’t the type of girls to mess with.

everything was set up, mando was in place ready to record when you strike. go pros filling the corners of the room in order to capture every angle, you and kristina giggling amongst one another, finalising the details of your prank before it was go time.

“gray! grayson! there's a.. a-”

you run into the living room, frantic, shaking grayson awake as kristina lets out an unearthly scream-instantly startling ethan awake from his slumper, as he was so intune with his girlfriend that he ended up rolling off the sofa with a thump to the floor. both twins jump up in a state of panic, staring at one another with wide eyes as they try and adjust to their surroundings.

“baby? wh-whats happened? are you ok?” grayson pulled your fake trembling body into his, checking over every part of you for any sign of you being hurt. all while ethan bolted in the direction of kristina’s screams. both their hearts pounding at the unexpected wake up call and delirious state of mind.

“there's a strange man in the back yard!” kristina cried, hiding her face in ethans shoulder as his eyes avert to the back garden, giving it a once over as he tried to soothe his girlfriend. his own fears creeping up on him as he was ready to fire all security for not keeping his family safe.           beside you, you could feel grayson’s whole body tense up, holding a tighter grip on you as his eyes ransacked the house for any sign of a break in.

“sweetheart, stay here,” grayson hands you over to ethan and kristina as he took charge and was heading outside to investigate the strange figure he saw pacing up and down the garden. his first thought went to it being a potential fan- someone who had found their location and wanted to meet the boys the unconventional way. it had happened many a times before so he wasn’t rolling out any possibilities.

however, when grayson made eye contact with the suspicious, yet oddly familiar man- dressed in all back and a sports baseball cap covering his distinctive features- grayson ready to pound his arse into the ground for not only breaking and entering his home, but for scaring his girl. no one messed with you, particularly if you felt unsafe in your own home, grayson would be damnbed if he ever let that fly.

“no, gray, im coming with you.”

“y/n, stay inside.” grayson said though gritted teeth. sending you a glare that read ‘listen and don’t test me’. one you found extremely attractive yet made you shy away from his intimidating gaze. teeth grinding together as his face clenched, allowing you to admire his chiselled jaw you loved to run your lips across.

with that, he’s jetting off into the back garden. fists clenched tightly at his sides as he scouting the permission in search for the mystery man. his mind running like clockwork as to the areas of the garden he could have hidden but also wondering how long he had been out there. grayson would be lying if said he hadn’t let his paranoia and post traumatic stress quick in. had this said man seen anything he shouldn’t have... was he spying on you? maybe he took some unsolicited photos and was going to leek for some petty cash. it’s far to say grayson was seething whilst you could barely contain your laugher.

“AY! YO BRO- im gonna give you 2 seconds to get off my priority or im calling the police!” grayson picks up his pace when he sees the intruder side eye him and travel further into the depths of their garden. shielding his face more with his cap.

“are you listening to me! i have my girl inside bro, you’re scaring her!” grayson tried the guilt trip method. knowing that if the threat of law enforcement wouldn't work, then at least you shouldn’t have some human decency to not push the boundaries of somebody's safety- well as grayson thought.

when he received nothing in response , not even any acckonwlage to his presence, it has grayson jogging over to the man and rugby tackling him to the ground. grayson was bigger built, much taller and carried a lot more strength so it made an easy knock out for him to capture and overpower the intruder. grayson has the man in a headlock, his body pinning him down as he shouted for ethan to call security.

within seconds ethan is at this brothers side, assisting him as he pulled his phone out ready to send for the number he had saved on speed dial for situations like this, that have sadly occurred many a times before. however, before he had the chance to hear the first ring, you, kristian and mando comr running out in a fit of laughter. the figure trapped beneath groans body rippled with the same surprising laughter as you all succeed in getting the best reaction out of the twins as you could. one you knew would bring into a high percentage of views.

“what the fuck? why are you laughing! e, call security!” grayson was still wrestling with the man, unbeknown to him that it was his longtime social friend juanpa in disguise. 

“buenos días, bro,” juanpa ushers out through his laughter, starling grayson one again as he soon put two and two together. the cameras, you laughing, the face he recognised but thought his own mind was ticking him. you set him up and he feel right into the trap.

“oh, fuck outta here,” grayson releases his choke hold from juanpa, stomping off in a huff as the laughter keeps flowing between you all. even ethan joins in as he recreates the moment grayson tackled this dearest friend to the floor. mocking his twins brother as he high fives you all for pulling off a world class prank. one he for sure never saw coming.

inside grayson was a pouty sulking mess of a man, hiding away in his room as he ignores your attempts to butter him up. pressing kisses over his jaw like he often adored, running your hands up and down his torso under his sweatshirt. your nails starching at his skin as you knew he couldn't resist your touch. he was a sucker for you fingers dancing magically along his stomach, leaving marks as you claimed him as yours in an innocent act of intimacy.

“baby, it was only a prank. can't stay mad at me forever.’ you whisper agasint his skin between each kiss. your mouth nibbling and sucking at his sweet spots to try and entice something- anything from him that you could.

“i thought it was pretty hot.” you break the tension after grayson continues to ignore. scrolling through his phone as he tried to distract himself, wanting you to work for his attention as he secretly loved the way you were showering him in your love.

“my big macho man, maybe you could use those throw down moves on me, daddy?”

“you’re in for it now, slut. got a lot of pent up anger i need to release... and darling, consider this payback.”

[p0gue420]

!Too Young To Feel Numb! (Kie x Reader)

ATTENTION!! There are a lot of trigger warnings in this one! Including: drinking, drugs, talks of feeling alone, depression.

Summary: Y/n started smoking weed at the age of 8, It’s all she’d known; She grew up around it so it was normal for her to start super young, she told herself that’s the farthest she’d go...only smoking weed..never any hard drugs. She thought she could learn from her parent's mistakes, guess not. 

pairing: Kie x female!reader, Rafe x Platonic! reader, JJ x Sister figure! reader

Warnings: Substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts, marijuana Underage drinking,(reader is 15),

A/N: Alot of grammar errors because i dont feel like checking it so sorry....not really,hehe

---------

I use to think people were crazy for even thinking about doing anything harder than weed. Yeah...I was like 7 so it doesn’t count.”Yo you gonna babysit that shit or pass it, I mean...I have all day but  would love to do something besides wait for you to pass the blunt.” I rolled my eyes waiting for JJ to hand it to me.”Chill, what’s up your ass today?”

He finally passes it, after what felt like hours. I take a long hit before seeing he’s actually wanting me to answer his question.”Nothin. man, I’ve just got places to be.” I mumbled out hoping he wouldn’t start asking any further questions. He stares blankly awaiting me to pass it back, knowing I don’t share my feelings so he simply lays off. “Hey. You trynna go surfing today….whenever you’re done with your….things..?”

“Uhh, yeah text me and-” I’m cut off by the sound of my phone vibrating...Barry.

Barry:

Meet in twenty? I got extra today

I look up from my phone stuttering my words, and fumbling.“Uhm, I gotta go do something, but I’ll text you later to surf, yeah?” I say nodding towards JJ as I began walking out.”Uhm yea sure, hey-” I was already out the door.”-be safe.” he muttered to himself left wondering why I left so fast. On the way to my bike, I ran into Kie and Pope laughing about something before Kie began to make her way over towards me.

“Hey, Y/n! Heading out so fast, are we?”Kie pouted her lip out mimicking a whimpering sound.” heh, yeah sorry bub. I gotta go handle some things and I’ll be back later.” I peck her lips in a swift movement as well as pull up the front of her crop top, covering her exposed cleavage.”Those are my love,keep them covered” I wink at her. She laughs and heads inside after blowing me a kiss,that I catch and pretend to place in my heart..Wow im so whipped.

My thoughts cut off by a loud vibrating noise.

Barry:

You coming?

Read: 46 sec.ago

Me:

Omw now!

Read: just now

I hop on my bike heading over to Barry’s place knowing a shortcut I found a few days ago.

It only takes 10 minutes before i’m in front of his house walking up the steps of the porch.My clean oxygen is immediately replaced by the smell of cigarettes,weed,and...Is that burnt hair?I scrunch my face in disgust at the awful smells.”Aye look who it is!” Barry calls out after seeing my face, He’s standing beside..Rafe cameron.

Now...I’m not friends with Rafe but i also don’t exactly despise him.I babysat wheezie all summer last year,most the time he’d join..keep me company;I don’t think he knew i was with Kie but he’s not all bad.He’s helped me more times than I can count,only because i've done the same for him though.

“Yo waddup.I didn’t expect to see you here.” I share a short handshake with Barry and side hug Rafe,he seems unprepared for it so he stumbles a bit but eventually hugs back quickly.”uh yeah.just doing some..business” Rafe says avoiding eye contact,looking everywhere except my face.”anyway i'm gonna head out, i'll catch you guys later.” Rafe walks towards,im guessing his bike;I head inside following barry so i didn’t really catch what he drove in.

“So like I said I've got your usual ,and then I got a little extra something I thought you may like.”He continues on but I'm so wrapped up in the fact that I want to consume something soon,anything;I don’t know exactly what he's saying.”Sound good?” He asked “Uh what?sorry I zoned out a bit.”I shook my head pushing my long hair out of my eyes.”Look,Usually altogether this would be alot of money but considering I stole the pills,I'll spare you the oxy,wadda yuh say?”, “Yeah sure,80$?”

He nods his head holding his hand out as i hand him the money.He hands you a bag full of coke in a plastic baggy, along with the pills in its original container it was prescribed. “Ight,thanks man.Ill see you later next week!” I wave goodbye as I show myself out, shoving the ‘things’ I had bought into my bag and swinging it back on my back.

~Incoming call from:Bubbs<3

I instantly pick up not wanting to worry her.

I instantly hear the boys laughing and playing in the background,but wait for her to say something.”Hey baby, you heading back yet?” Kie questioned sounding bored of the childish boys we spend our time with.”Not yet,i promise im almost done,ask the boys if there's drinks at the chateau please.”She turns her head away from the boys asking what there is to drink besides sink water.

I hear a chorus of “We just stocked up”,”All good momma bird.” and other sayings coming from the overly hyper boys.”Did you hear that,or need me to repeat?” She hesitantly says, making sure I’m still listening ”Gotcha,I'm headed your way now,see you there” I say quickly hanging up without giving her time to respond.

I hop on my bike and drive towards…...the opposite of the chateau,instead deciding to go to the Camerons.I drive,stuck in thought of what ill do when i get there,not quite sure why i decided to come.I had been so lost in thought I didn’t realise I was suddenly at the Cameron residence. I park my bike and began walking up to the door,but before I can knock,Rafe walks up behind me.

“Y/n?” I swiftly turn around being scared for a minute before realizing who it was.”Oh!uhm. yeah...hey” I ‘smoothly’ say”what are you doing here?” he asks..The whole conversation was a blur and before I knew it I was walking up to his room to hang out.I sit on the bed laying back asking about what he wants to do.”I don't know,you came here,what'd you have in mind?” He asked curiously.”I'm not sure.” I snorted at my inability to maintain a conversation.

I dig into my bag as he starts up about how he broke his bed frame the other day, because he put too many boxes on the bed while getting rid of some old things. I finally found what I was looking for,the baggy of white powder.I lifted it up smiling widely.”Can I do this here or no?”I question,feeling my body begin to sweat at the thought of getting to snort the white powder.

“Uh,I mean.. yea sure,didn't know you did that kind of thing.. but I mean go ahead.” He rambles. He stares into space as I do a few lines, my eyes opening wide at the sensation of sudden adrenaline;I look over to see him trying not to stare.”Oh my bad,You want some?” I ask holding up the dollar folded into a cylinder shape , gesturing to the lines of coke spread on the dresser.

---

Hours go by,giggling,cracking jokes with rafe as well as doing oxy and maybe overdoing it with the coke seeing as the bag was almost gone.Rafe hasn't done much.I on the other hand was feeling VERY shaky and everything was just so hilarious..until it wasnt.My high started to get bad and overall scary.I must've did too much in such a limited amount of time.I look at my phone .

17 missed calls from Bubbs<3

8 missed calls from John B:)

9 missed calls from Popey boi

11 missed calls from JJ

Incoming call from Bubbs<3

“He-h-hello ,hi,hey.”

“DON'T ‘HI’ ME!” Kie instantly began screaming into the phone making me move my face away from it as Rafe looked at me with a worried expression on his face.

“Y/n,Where have you been! I’ve been so worried! I’ve-” I Blanked out again not in the mood to be yelled at.”Yeah,hey I nee-need,will-can youcomeandpickme up” I say jumbling all my words together. “Are you okay?Why are you talking like that?''She ask worried about my state of mind.

“Yeah am- I fine,Yes” I say yet again struggling to sound normal. I guess I was on speaker because JJ immediately began yelling into the phone asking about where I was.”Rafes house” Rafe sat silently waiting for them to break out into hysterics about me being with him.The phone went silent for a moment before the call ended.”So does that mean they not-....Vodka” was all i said before heading downstairs Rafe was sober enough to be able to notice what i was doing.I quickly went downstair searching through the freezer.

“Yessss.”I exclaimed before chugging the vodka.”Rafe continuously asking me to give him the bottle.I chugg at least half the pint bottle before having to give it up because Sarah comes down the stairs.”Y/n what're you doing here?” She asks excitedly until she saw me tripping over my own feet walking towards her,”Woah!” she caught me just before I hit the floor.

She turned to the door hearing someone pull up.Kie.”Rafe what did you do to her?” Sarah asked, holding me up scared of how out of it I was.”SHE BROUGHT COKE HERE,i did a bit with her, but she did A LOT. I legit did nothing this time I swear on everything!”He trailed back up the stairs not caring about the situation now that Sarah was there to take care of you. 

I began to sweat, tears running down my face. scared of what's happening to me.John b and Kie rush through the front doors asking where I am.”IN HERE GUYS!” Sarah screamed for them to hear her.My eyes rolling to the back of my head as I went in and out of consciousness.

“BABYYYY!!!” i exclaimed making grabby hands at Kie as i started crying harder

Sarah helped me stand up shakingly as I tried to walk to my girlfriend,She came running towards me with a concerned look on her face. She grabs my face pecking my lips,”Bub. I need you to listen to me, okay?” I nodd in awe of the gorgeous girl in front of me.”John B is gonna take you to the van,we need you to tell us everything you took to get in this state, okay?” I drowsily  nodded,growing tired.

Just as she said,the tall boy picked me up bridal style carrying me out to the twinkie.

I take notice to seating arrangement so i can close my eyes and know whos talking ,JJ being in the passenger seat,Pope watching From the bench behind the driver's seat.Kie stepped up into the van sitting on the floor of the vehicle waiting for John B to place me down beside her.As he did I sat up enough to lean my back against her chest.

JJ was surprisingly silent.Too silent.Pope looked so worried at my sweating body and dripping wet hair from  sweat,tears,and vodka mixture.”Okay,Y/n,What did you take?” my girlfriend sits grabbing my face turning me to face her, my legs straddling her thighs on the floor as I nuzzle my head into the crook of her neck,but she pushes my head up making me pout but not being able to maintain due to the dizziness. “I took a few oxy,uhm when I -then i did a few lines of coke,and…..i chugged half a pint of vodka..” i said tears filling my eyes trying to not look into anyone's eyes,

Silent JJ was no more .”Are you fucking kidding me.Y/n Y/m/n Y/l/n.You’re not supposed to take oxy and drink alcohol together.much less do oxy or coke at all.ARE YOU DUMB!” JJ began turning around. A Quiet ‘im sorry’ came from my mouth.John B finally pulled into the chateau.

Kie carried me while my face stayed nuzzled in her neck still crying due to my,still,VERY high state.she sat me down on the couch out on the porch as everyone except her,went to get a few things.Pope came back with water and a wet rag to place on my head.JJ brought a blanket,John B came back empty handed because he only went inside to pee.

“Kie?” I whispered scared she was mad.”Yes baby?” 

“Are you mad at me?” I questioned hiding my face in her shoulder due to the amount of dizziness being insured. She leaned her head on mine with an unknown amount of emotions,not quite sure of how to fully answer. “No I- I just don’t know what you were thinking I just- Well I figured you wouldn’t ever do anything like this considering what we talked about-and -and what you went through with your parents..” 

“I know-I wanted to feel better tho..I just feel like i have no one-”

Shortly realising the guys were still in on the conversation as Pope cut in.

“Y/n, you have,and always will have us..” I lift my head from the girls shoulder  before slowly looking at Pope in his sad worried eyes.

“I guess, I like-I dont know guys what you want me to say..Im trying to be better for myself for everybody,but nothing was working and i ran into barry one day and we talked and he offered a way to help,of course i was hesitant but its really not that bad...Im actually fine!” I said standing up as John b followed me.

“y/n, you were just saying you need help,so what the fuck are we supposed to do ,one minute you need help and having to be ushered here so you dont die! And-and-the next thing you’re yelling at us about how your fine,you’re not fine and you know it!” I stopped as I watched the long haired boy fight back tears trying to explain how all of them feel.

“Fuck you guys honestly,Im not a child i know how i feel,this is all just bullshit!” I yelled at them all, I ran to the spare bedroom covered in sweat,tears,and vodka; I slowly sink into the bed as tears fall down my face crying myself to sleep,what i didn’t know was that my bestfriend’s and girlfriend were all huddled up outside the door awaiting me to fall asleep so that they could come in and cuddle me to make me feel better.Sometimes things get better, but i dont think this is one of those times atleast for now anyway..

[barsformars]

Ice Cream

//

g - fluff, comfort

p - bestie!jongho × reader

w.c - 2.8k

t.w - food mention

c - jongho is never one to have sugar cravings, but for you, maybe he could do with an ice cream or two. and oh? you want donuts too? he could do that too.

a.n - something sweet for our gummy bear 💕 jdjsjs the ending do be a little rushed but ay

//

playlist 🍦

- ice cream by oceanfromtheblue

- yellow hearts by ant saunders, audrey mika

- candy by baekhyun

[ 쫑 🐻 ] im at the food court

Swallowing a sigh, you slid your phone back into your pocket before adjusting the backpack that was slipping from your right shoulder. Your left was already occupied with a canvas tote bag used for your laptop and thicker lecture notes. Look, it wasn't that you didn't want to meet Jongho. It's just that you had a really draining week — mentally, emotionally and physically. And every step you took was made heavier with the countless things you had to bring to school today. The humidity and the heat didn't help at all; even now in the evening, it wasn't that much cooler. God, you can't wait for autumn to arrive.

You got off the escalator and dragged your feet towards the food court, mentally hoping that it wouldn't be crowded. It always is during dinner times on weekdays, Friday excluded, with most office workers looking for a cheap yet nutritional meal. And for the first time this week, life was treating you right because apart from a few tables of young adults and teenagers, the food court was pretty much empty. This meant that you didn't have to search high and low for Jongho, not that it was very hard in the first place.

Jongho was wearing a black cap, an oversized black crew neck tee with black sweatpants and black boots so heavy you sometimes wonder how he even dances in them. You know, the usual 'celebrity in disguise' outfit. You can't tell if he's standing out from the rest because of how ridiculously covered up he is or because his black face mask was the only thing that wasn't branded.

"Sorry I'm late, Professor Cha extended the lecture," you apologised as you set your bags on an extra chair, finally relieving yourself of the heavy load.

"It's fine," Jongho said cautiously, studying your facial expression and body language. It didn't seem like it was a good time for banters. "I have plenty of time anyways."

"Any idea what you wanna eat?" Your best friend asked, to which you shook your head in response to. There were a wide array of cuisines and food for you to choose from, but frankly you didn't have the appetite. This earned you a concerned frown from Jongho, food was always the best way to cheer you up. Yet here you were, not interested in anything the food court offered. Whatever's bothering you this time round must be really serious. He made a mental note to ask later on if you want to talk about it, but for now he's just going to make a suggestion for dinner. "I'm in the mood for makguksu, the weather is pretty gross these days. What about you?"

"Yeah, that sounds good."

Jongho gave you a tight lipped smile as he silently cheered for his own little 'victory', he only suggested that because he had wanted you to eat something cooling. Surely it would help you relieve some stress and negative feelings.

"Alright, I'll go order." You gave him a nod of acknowledgement and muttered a 'thanks' as he stood up to go to the front counter.

As soon as Jongho left the table, you pulled out your phone again, which maybe you shouldn't have because you physically felt your facial expressions drop even further than you thought was possible. You pressed on the message notifications and stared at your screen for a good minute, not knowing how to go on from here. Flipping your screen down onto the table, you pressed the heels of your palms into your eyes, letting a hefty sigh escape from your chapped lips. You didn't want Jongho to see you like this, idol life was exhausting as it was and he didn't need something else to worry about. But you couldn't bring yourself to sit back up and pretend that you weren't about to burst into tears any moment now. You can only hope he doesn't turn back to look at you now.

"School's been tiring, huh?" Jongho stroked your back gently when he came back with the receipt and order number, and you wished you could stay like that for a little while more but you forced yourself to get back up.

"What's new?" You gave a half shrug and a faint smile. Jongho can't believe you think he would buy that but he doesn't press further, only humming in agreement. But even that alone was enough to bring the tears out again, and you had to turn away for a second to blink them away. You felt so pathetic.

"Oh, the food's ready. That was fast," Jongho lied so that you could have the privacy and space you needed right now, even if it's only for a little while. No words could ever express how grateful you are for your best friend, how he always knew how to read the room so well and act accordingly. It was no wonder his members always brag that their youngest in the team was so mature and reliable.

You took the few minutes you had alone to hold yourself together, telling yourself to push everything to the back of your head for now and to just enjoy dinner with Jongho. It wasn't an everyday occurrence that you could meet him, and you weren't going to let your bad mood ruin it. This was what Jongho admired about you, how you're always able to put up a strong front. He learnt it from you, but he wishes you would learn from him too, to let your walls down comfortably whenever you're with him.

"Let's eat, honeycomb," Jongho said affectionately as he set the two trays on the table. Honeycomb was a nickname Jongho had given you because he said you had a sweeter tooth than all his other members, which was kind of scary to hear but you couldn't disagree. At least you knew better than to indulge in sugary foods all the time.

You picked up the chopsticks and stirred your noodles sloppily, not quite feeling like eating it. Recalling the meals you've had this week, you only ever manage to down a quarter of the food, and even after that you still feel so nauseous. Not eating might save you from that horrible feeling for the rest of your time with Jongho tonight.

"Here, take my bowl. I already mixed it well." Jongho lifted your hand up so that he could trade bowls with you before you could even reject his offer kindly. You knew he was doing that as a way to tell you to eat up.

You stared at him with a pout on your face, not knowing whether to thank him for being so caring or to hate him for being too caring.

"What? I already mixed it for you, you want me to feed you too?" Jongho teased now that your eyes weren't as dim as before. "Come on, eat up."

"I will, if we can get ice cream later," you bargained, hit with the sugar cravings again when Jongho called you by your nickname.

"Sure, I'm craving some too," he agreed, much to your surprise. He was never one to crave ice cream, always saying that it was too sweet. In fact, Jongho never let you get it either, knowing that you would go overboard with the sugar by picking the sweetest flavours. And even if he did, he would just sit and watch you eat, which was a total mood killer for you because you felt like you were wasting his time.

"You better not be lying just t-"

"You're such a baby," Jongho sighed with his gummy smile plastered on his face, shaking his head in disbelief as you extended your pinky finger out. "I promise," he said as he linked his finger to yours.

With that, you forced yourself to take mouthfuls of the noodle. If not for the taste, at least do it to stay alive, was your rationale. Jongho smiled to himself proudly as he watched you eat, slightly more relieved now though it still broke his heart to see the faint smiles instead of the usual ugly laughter at his lame jokes. On top of that, Jongho was used to you ranting about your struggles over meals or phone calls but it seemed like you still needed some time before you were ready to talk about it this time round. But it's okay, he will wait patiently for you as long as you're still looking after yourself well.

After dinner, you both found yourself gawking at the 31 different flavours on display at your favourite franchise ice cream place. It was basically heaven on earth, your favourite flavours calling out to you to pick them. But how do you choose when there's 10 you want and only-

"How many scoops are you getting?"

"Hmm." Jongho thought for a moment before turning to you, replying, "I think I'm going to get two."

"Two!?" You exclaimed, your eyes widening in surprise, though internally glad because now you can get three scoops for yourself without looking too insane. "Don't you have a schedule tomorrow? What if your throat hurts?"

"It's fine," Jongho assured, going straight to ordering two scoops of coffee flavoured ice cream as you resorted to using 'meeny miny moe" to choose your three flavours.

Walking out of the store with your ice cream cones, you turned to look at Jongho, your eyes narrowed. You were too occupied with choosing your ice cream earlier on to judge Jongho for his sudden sugar cravings, but now that you think about it, it's really odd. Was he really not lying just to get you to eat your dinner then?

"Keep your eyes on your ice cream before it falls," Jongho pointed to your dessert with the hand that was carrying your tote bag, chuckling softly at the memory of that one time your ice cream tipped over because of the strong wind. You didn't think Jongho would remember that, it was such an insignificant and distant memory. Not to him though, he found you really adorable when you were pouting about your fallen ice cream and demanding he treats you to another one.

"Don't swing the bag like that, my laptop is in it!"

"Yes, honeycomb." Jongho stuck out his tongue at you before going in to lick his ice cream. He made sure to hide the cringe in his face at the sheer sweetness of the dessert, not wanting you to feel bad for 'forcing' him to eat it. If even his coffee flavour was this sweet, he doesn't want to imagine how sweet your choice of bubblegum, raspberry and caramel would be.

Jongho's always fascinated when he sees you eating sweet food. Most people he knows, even his members with a sweet tooth, would need a glass of water after eating sugary stuff. Some of them would even comment that it was too sweet sometimes. Yet when it comes to you, you could go on and on without a single complaint, and you never ask for water. And with every bite came a slightly brighter smile from you, a soft squeal and the shaking of clenched fists at chest level. Does sugar really make you that happy? If so, he can't help but want to be sickeningly sweet towards you.

"Wait," you said, catching Jongho's attention. He looks at you and you're staring at the donut store in the near distance, and he immediately knows what you want to hear.

"Should we get donuts?" The both of you suggested in unison, further surprising you because the Jongho you knew would be strongly against getting another dessert right after one. But before you could question him about his weird behaviour today, Jongho's already pulling you towards the store.

"We'll get the box of 6," Jongho told the staff, almost causing you to shout at him out loud.

"Are you crazy?" You whisper-shouted at him, tugging at his arm. "How are we supposed to finish it?"

"I don't know, but I want more than one so…."

"Okay….." you glanced at him suspiciously before he rushed you to pick three flavours for yourself. You could look past the ice cream cravings but now donuts? It was definitely not like Jongho to be so into sugar, he's literally someone who drinks their coffee black.

If you had to be honest, you were starting to get a little worried. Was he getting very stressed out while preparing for their next album? You can only imagine the pressure the boy had to bear at such a young age as the main vocalist of a rising boy group. But then again, eating so much sugar in one sitting must not be very good for his vocals.

"Your throat is seriously going to be bad tomorrow," you warned as Jongho reached for an oreo donut from the box laid out on the grass. The both of you had decided to relax and spend the rest of the night at the Han River, which was a good choice because it wasn't very crowded tonight. "Hongjoong's going to scold me for not taking care of you."

"It's fine, really," Jongho giggled as he bit into the donut. Not a good sign, he was probably going to get sugar high if he isn't already.

"You know the other day-" he laughs-"Seonghwa hyung and San hyun were working out and-" he laughs again, harder this time-"and when the-"

You rubbed your temples and sighed, "I need you to put that donut down." And Jongho just laughs hysterically at you for saying that? On one hand, it was nice to see him so carefree, but on the other hand, you really needed him to burn those sugar out or he's going to feel so shitty when he crashes. You shook your head in dismay, standing up from the ground and extending your hand for him to grab onto.

"If you catch me, I'll top up your Starbucks card with 50,000 won." That seemed to spur Jongho on, because he jumped straight up, stretching his body in preparation. Did he want that free money? Yes. But was he about to catch you to get it? No. He just agreed because he knows you need a little exercise too, it would help to relieve the negative emotions if the ice cream didn't already. Perhaps you suggested playing catching for yourself too, and so Jongho will play with you, no questions asked.

You think the both of you probably looked like drunk youngsters in the park being public nuisances with all the gasping for air mixed between the laughters that were more like screams. But it didn't really matter because you were having fun, for the first time in a while. And so was Jongho, he hasn't felt this wild and free since his trainee days. It seems like he can only allow himself to act his age when he's with you. It's been so long that maybe you think it's the ice cream and donuts that were making him this way, but it's you. You were his honeycomb.

"Truce," you panted for air as you let yourself collapse onto the soft grass, patting the space beside you as an invitation for Jongho to come lie down too. "I'm so tired."

"Same here." Jongho lays down on the grass and tilts his head to the side so that he could look at your face. Damn, even all sweaty you still look so good. You could say the same for him.

You wonder if Jongho knows that whenever you're with him, your heart turns to ice cream. You don't know when it started but your heart melts at every thoughtful action he does, and you wish it didn't because you're afraid that he wouldn't reciprocate your feelings. You don't understand why he has to be so warm towards you, it makes you want to be cold. It makes you want to not let your walls down so that you wouldn't get hurt.

"So…." Jongho pauses for a short while, studying your facial expressions before continuing, "you wanna tell me what's going on?"

"It's a long story, and I don't want to spoil this good mood right now," you said, staring up at the night sky. The city lights of Seoul were too bright for the stars to show but it's alright, you were right beside one right now.

"Alright, I'll respect that. But just wanted to let you know, once again, that no matter how long the story is, I'll listen." Jongho reached out to hold your hand, interlocking his fingers with yours. It's something the both of you have been doing since the beginning of your 'best friend' phase, and you hate yourself for wishing it meant something more.

"I hate you sometimes," you joked, earning yourself a sad whine from the red haired boy. "Stop being so sweet to me, I'll melt."

"Just melt then, I think I quite like ice cream now."

[sonofirishseas]

End Game

  Sleep had not occurred to him as he walked the deck in the wee hours just before dawn. Just as his appetite and all other desires had fled him in the wake of the overwhelming pit that was growing inside him. The dark bitter thing that had crept into him and infected everything...consumed him whole.

 His last conversation with Jack had been a tense but chillingly cool argument in regards to the coordinates and the treasure hidden away inside the strange cave. 

“And what would you have me do, Jack?” he had muttered to the man the night before. “This crew be pushed their limits, and most of them are hard enough to keep in line when they aren’t without pay or proper shore leave in more than a month! The navy driving at our heels and making it impossible to make port! You owe them this Jack...this harebrained scheme of yers is all that’s keepin’ them from yer throat!”

Jack laughed him off lazily, tired and smelling heavily of rum tonight. More than usual. He had been drinking clearly, though not with Kili Hector realized. The younger man was busy elsewhere, helping Gibbs and the others below. “Come off it, Hector! I know well the crew is a bit out of sorts but what exactly is their alternative, eh? Besides, I’ve still got you and Kili on my side, as well as Gibbs and Marty and Cotton and the rest...and Bootstrap’s shown promising sway with the others these days.”

That made Hector bristle like a wet cat. “Aye...if ye can call a sniveling rat impressive. He’s kept awfully close to you of late, Jack. I don’t like it.”

Jack snorted; “And why is that? Bootstrap’s harmless.” he took another drink and shook his head. “Although I will say he doesn’t seem to care much for you. But then again, you’ve been a special breed of cantankerous.”

“I think ye under estimate the man. I’ve seen the way he is with you these days, so has Kili. He bends yer ear when not much else can...and that’s power. Power someone like Bootstrap Bill shouldn’t have. Have ye ever considered he’s after more than yer good graces?”

Jack side-stepped the question utterly. “The treasure was a bad idea...they’ll soon forget about it.”

“Men don’t forget when they don’t get paid, Jack.”

“I have every intention of making good on my word. But not there. Not that place.” he looked wary indeed.

Hector’s lip curled. “Is that fear I hear in the infamous Jack Sparrow’s voice?” he sneered. “Ye coward...was it Bootstrap what told you that little ghost story? About the blood curse?”

Jack gave him a dark warning look. “I believe him, mate. You and I have both seen enough in the world to know not to take this lightly. Bootstrap’s merely looking out for the lot of us.”

“Is he now? And what does Kili say on the matter?” the older pirate asked. “Or did you even ask for his vote?” there was more cut to his words, something that suggested Jack held a little too much influence over the other. And even if it were partly true, it was hardly fair.

“Kili is sensible. He trusts me.” Jack said tightly. Kili was so close and dear to his heart, the man had never waivered in his faith of him before, why should now be any different?

‘Is that what ye call fuckin’ the wits out of him until he can’t say no?”

Jack stepped toward him and shoved him back. “Don’t you dare...” He warned with a look that told Barbossa they would come to blows if it were pushed further.

Barbossa merely walked away, still sour as ever. “Ye expect me to clean up yer messes Jack, but ye won’t even listen to me anymore!  And ye just assumed Kili will agree with ye without even considering the alternative? We’ve fought and worked and bled to keep you and this damn ship going! And ye won’t even try this, when it could very well offer the relief we need? All on Bootstrap’s word?!” He looked at his lover pleadingly, reaching out one last time to make the connection that seemed to have been lost between them. “At the very damn least you can give me the coordinates...I’ll take a boat and inspect the matter myself, see if it’s as treacherous as it’s claimed.”

Jack looked at him, unsure. A strange expression on Jack Sparrow. He sunk his teeth into his lower lip...and then shook his head. “No.”

It had been that moment; that one small word, that allowed the dark thing in Hector to finally creep fully into his heart and turn it cold.

“What?” 

There was something broken in his question. A crack deep inside that was suddenly opened into a fissure. And if Jack had been paying any attention he might have seen how he had wounded the man fatally with that one small word that held so much. So much distrust. So much dismissal. 

“You have your answer, Barbossa.” Jack growled. It hurt him to see the anger in Hector’s face, to see the man’s disappointment...but Hector didn’t understand. Jack trusted his own gut...and it was telling him that the Isle de Meurta would be a bad end for all of them. And he could not risk what he loved most...surely Hector and Kili would both see it his way in time. “Now I’d be much obliged if you went below and looked in our lad. See how he and the others are fairing.” His eyes flicked towards Hector’s again. “And don’t mention this to him. He doesn’t need to be in the middle of every squabble we have. Im not arguing over who’s sleeping on the bench tonight.”

 Barbossa was dragged from his thoughts by the sounds of boot falls behind him. It was Mr. Twigg, carrying the lantern. It’s yellow light cutting the blue-grey darkness that saturated the ship.

“The men are ready,” the scraggly sailor spoke. He held a pike in his other hand, shifting it as if eager to use it. “Your orders, sir?”

Barbossa didn’t answer him at once; looking back at the cabin. “Make no move just yet. Secure Bootstrap...I won’t risk him interfering. I will see to Kili.”

Twigg nodded, pressing a key into his hand. One lifted from Gibb’s belt earlier that day. The key to the cells in the brig.

“And should the Captain make himself known?” there was a look of blood lust in the man’s eye that Hector had seen in battle and hated all the same.

Hector shook his head. “You leave him to me. Stick to the plan...or you may find yourself on that island with him, Mr. Twigg.”

Hector turned and excused himself, moving below to the gun deck where Kili was currently resting after a long night of tending the canons.  He approached him as if nothing was amiss, offering him a rare and warm (if not slightly sad) smile and offered him his flask.

“You look flat out. How about a chance to stretch yer legs and steal a bit of bacon from the kitchen?” he asked, ghosting a kiss along the man’s cheek as he pulled him up. It was not often the pair had a moment to themselves...but soon that would change. 

[crimsonrae]

Across the Road, At the Brothel

Chapter Eleven

Summary: Jaskier fell in love any day that the sun rose in the East. It was a trifling, pleasurable experience for him. Even when he was jumping out a window to avoid cuckolded husbands. So what happens when his trifles start to become more significant? Jaskier/OC. Some Yennefer/Geralt

A/N: Jaskier is just too adorable not to write about. This is a relationship development story with an OC. There will be smut in later chapters and plenty of angst.

Rating: Mature

It's Not the Fall

A cloud of dirt erupted into the air as Geralt landed on his back. His medallion hummed steadily against his chest as he quickly gathered his bearings.

His sword landed a few feet from him.

The bruxa's scream continued to assault his ears as he kept a wary track of the fleder bearing down on him again. A curse fell from his lips as he barely managed to avoid an attack. The setting sun glinted almost tauntingly in his golden eyes and Geralt just managed to bite back a growl.

Had the whole fucking universe come against him?

A clawed hand slashed down at his face and Geralt only had his quick reflexes to thank as he caught the wrist before those too sharp talons could tear into his eyes. With little thought, he thrust the silver dagger in hand across the creature's stomach and felt the flesh give way like butter. The fleder roared in shocked-pain and flew back. It allowed Geralt the chance to roll to his feet and grab his sword.

Only then did the witcher notice the silence.Not daring to pull his gaze away from the infuriated vampire, Geralt pushed his senses out as he sought the bruxa, even as the fleder attacked again.

                                        »»————-　　————-««

Jaskier hadn't come to the Rose and Pine.

Lyrra tried to swallow her disappointment as she went about her duties. She quietly berated herself for being so foolish as she tried to remember that this was what she had wanted. She had wanted peace again, to feel in control of herself and to return to a routine that was familiar. Things that had been inexplicably absent since Jaskier had sauntered into her life. He was giving her exactly what she had desired with his distance. It dismayed her how easily he had disrupted everything, even more so when she realized just how quickly she had adjusted to his presence. It felt like he had been with her for months, not weeks. She bit back a frustrated sigh. She shouldn't be pining for a man she barely knew.

He was a dalliance, nothing more.

She would repeat that until she believed it.

"Another beer, luv."

Lyrra nodded at a strange fellow in a brown smock and moved to collect another order. She needed to keep busy that was all. She moved about the tavern in a familiar dance. Kept her head bowed and the mugs of ale full as she faded into the background. Hillard was the only one to pay her much mind and even then, it was only a curious look or two.

The old barkeep had noticed the conspicuous absence of a certain minstrel, as well. He, like Lyrra, had grown used to the boy's presence in the pub – more so his inane chatter and propensity to break into song after have a few glasses of beer or wine. Not that the bard didn't sing without the alcohol, it was just those songs were quite a bit tamer than what spilled from his mouth after a little liquid courage – while often amusing, wasn't always...right proper. In truth, the boy was lucky the people of Glynedol were rather hard to offend or else he would have been dealt a resounding beating on more than one occasion. And while Hillard would never mention it aloud, he was rather delighted by the bard's propensity for calling Tyssa, Madam Hatchet, even when in mixed company.

It wasn't until the night was nearly half over that the barkeep finally gave in to his curiosity, "Alright lass, where is'e?"

Lyrra frowned as she passed him a tray, "Where's who?"

The deadpan stare she received had a smile quirking at the corner of her lips. Hillard dryly intoned, "King Llorad o'course. Yer boy, lass. Where's yer boy?"

"He's not my anything." Lyrra responded back softly as she took the now drink laden tray, "I dunno where he is. I'm not his keeper."

Hillard frowned churlishly as he asked archly, "Did 'e do somethin'?"

Lyrra smiled faintly at the older man's worry and shook her head, "Nothing that I didn't want. Promise."

She skittered off before he could ask any further questions. Despite appearances, Hillard was smarter than most gave him credit and she had no doubt that he was putting together the pieces without much input from her. After all, two years of working for the man had given him a decent insight into her proclivities.

Even still, the night seemed to drag on and Lyrra found herself glancing toward the tavern door any time it opened. Jaskier never appeared, nor did Geralt and she found his lack of presence almost as disheartening. The witcher never hung around for long, ever the loner, but his imposing figure had become something of a comfort to her.

As time passed and the customers came and went, Lyrra cleared the last of the tables and wished Mirel a good night as the other girl headed out with Owain. The moon sat full in the sky as she met Hillard on the road outside. The barkeep had become ever more protective over the girls in his employ after Lyrra's attack, she didn't bother protesting an escort anymore. She did, however, protest the silent judgment his company engendered.

She bit back a growl of frustration as she heaved a sigh and bit out, "What?"

"I dinnae say anythin'." Hillard rumbled back loftily.

Lyrra pursed her lips in annoyance as she sent him an unimpressed stare, "You didn't have to."

After a long moment, the barkeep shrugged, "Ye like 'im, he likes ye. Why chase 'im off?"

"What makes you think I chased him off?" Lyrra questioned lightly as she tried to ignore the bland stare she was receiving from the older man. She fidgeted after a moment and scowled, "Fine. There's no point in starting something more serious when he'll be gone soon... if he's not already."

She would like to think that Jaskier would say goodbye before he left, but she knew her reticence had hurt him more than he had allowed her to see.

"Hmmp." Hillard grunted dubiously but refrained from further comment. He had to remind himself that it wasn't his place to counsel his barmaid as if she were his daughter. To be fair if she had been his daughter, he would have chased the bard off the first night he had flirted with the girl.

His disbelief gnawed at Lyrra, however, and she growled, "What?"

Hillard sighed and stopped. He looked at her knowingly, almost sadly, "He'll be gone soon or ye will?"

Lyrra damn near froze as she fought to keep her surprise from her face. Her mouth moved silently for a moment before she broke their stare, "How..."

The barkeep bit back another sigh, "Aye, girl – I've been around a bit. Ye've been restless, eyes searchin' and ears open. Pushin' ta bard away was ta the last clue. Ye was neva gonna stick around 'ere foreva. Surprised ye hadn't left sooner."

Lyrra shrugged, "I've liked it here."

"Ye've had a good break." A faint smile tinged the older man's lips, "But ta game still calls to ye."

Her grey eyes flashed with a mix of longing and anticipation and she couldn't deny his words. A rueful smile pulled at the corners of her lips as she caught Hillard's commiserating stare, "Still a pirate at heart, Hillard?"

"Pirate captain, lass." He corrected softly as a roguish grin flashed across his mouth, but Lyrra didn't miss the faint gleam of longing in his hazel gaze.

She had been lucky to stumble upon Glynedol when she had. Ill and quite frankly waiting for death, an old farmer had found her bleeding out in a vineyard and had taken her immediately to Tyssa. The old madam had taken her in without question and fetched the town healer. It was in the weeks that followed in which the former princess had discovered what exactly the small town she had stumbled upon really was – a retirement community for the outlaws and vagabonds. Those that hadn't been caught or killed for their exploits anyway. She had never felt more at home.

Hillard was right, however. That feeling of comfort and familiarity had started to become suffocating and she had been itching to move on. She had originally planned to be gone by the end of the harvest season, but the oddness of the last few months made her think that she had stayed too long already. Her little sparring sessions with Geralt had reinforced that fact. Her reflexes were not as sharp as they once were – she refused to believe that the witcher was just that good.

She and the barkeep turned down the path to her cottage. A comfortable silence now enveloped them, but Lyrra's mind continued to whirl. She ignored the sinking sensation in her belly as she braced to enter an empty home. Jaskier and Geralt's departure would be the last string holding her back from leaving... she truly had no other reason to stay. She couldn't explain why that made her sad. Moving to a new town had never caused her such grief, such uncertainty before. Hillard seemed to sense her thoughts as he gave her arm a reassuring squeeze.

Yet as the duo neared her cottage, Lyrra frowned as she noticed a light emanating from the window. Her brow furrowed in confusion. A horse, no two horses lingered in her pasture. She only recognized Roach. The witcher had retrieved her from the stables just that morning. She couldn't fathom whom the other horse belonged to. Jaskier hadn't seemed overly fond of the creatures himself.

She picked up her stride and ignored Hillard's muffled curse as he moved to keep up with her as he sensed her unease. It took only a handful of moments before she crossed the threshold of her home and walked into a nightmare.

Lyrra barely managed to duck in time as a sword swung at her head. A curse left her lips as she glared up at the golden-eyed witcher, "You kill me in my own home and I will come back as a wraith to torment you."

Geralt merely grunted and helped her up. She noticed then the blood coating his clothes and skin. It was hard to see in the dim light from the fireplace against his dark clothing, but a faint copperish scent cloyed at her nose. This time her brow creased in concern, "Are you hurt?"

Hillard entered the cottage behind her more cautiously. He eyed the witcher warily for a moment before quickly evaluating the rest of the room.

Geralt paid him little mind as he shook his head wearily, "No, but I need to fetch the healer."

Lyrra frowned but didn't have the chance to question him further as she heard Hillard suck in a sharp breath. Her gaze followed his into her bedroom. She could just make out the form of a man lying prone on her bed. Hillard blustered forward for a better look as Lyrra snapped a demanding gaze back on the witcher, "Jaskier -"

"It's not him." Geralt murmured, impatience coating his tone, "I don't know his name. He was attacked by a bruxa. Lyrra, where can I find the healer?"

"It's Tyllan." Hillard grumbled casting a grim look at Lyrra as he ambled out of her bedroom, "He's a right mess, lass. I'll fetch Mirel's ma, but ye take care o'im."

Lyrra nodded, not bothering to watch as the old barkeep left. She slid around Geralt to her bedroom, "Geralt, get me some water from the well, please."

She quickly lit the lamp on her bedside table and turned to pull out a few cloths from her chest. She didn't have much left after taking care of Geralt's shoulder. She grimaced and grabbed a near-empty bottle of liniment as well. It wasn't until she collected her supplies that she finally turned toward the bed. She bit back a gasp as she took in the man on her bed.

Tyllan was the blacksmith's son. He ran his own shop in Belhaven but visited his father often. The man was built like a fortress. He was easily a few inches taller than Geralt with just as much muscle, but he looked nothing like the imposing man she knew him to be now. His normally tan skin was paler than the moon. Yet, it was the flesh around his throat that had her attention. It had been torn open like soft cheese and a moss-like substance had been pressed into his wound. She didn't dare touch it. Her grey gaze roved lower as she took in the slashes to his chest that wept slowly. She pressed her clothes over the wounds and held in a sigh as she tried to ignore the amount of blood Tyllan was covered in.

Geralt came to her side and poured the requested water into her basin on the table. Lyrra spared him a glance, "Are you sure you're not hurt? Your shoulder -"

"I'm fine, help him." Geralt murmured as he wet a cloth and passed it to her.She frowned at him, "What happened?"

                                       »»————-　　————-««

"OI!"

A vague swishing sound of a projectile being launched through the air registered to Geralt's senses long before the shout had. He barely ducked in time as an axe flew past his head and embedded itself into the fleder bearing down on him again.

It landed with a sickening thunk.

The creature shrieked in pain, but the unexpected attacked worked in the witcher's favor as he managed to get his dagger through the throat of the lesser vampire without becoming speared by its talons. The memory of his last fleder attack was all too clear as he pulled away from the creature and ignored the dull throbbing from his shoulder. He ripped the axe from its chest as it fell to the ground, satisfied that it wouldn't be getting back up.

A shrill scream shattered the air and Geralt felt his feet skid backwards before he had a chance to even look for who assisted him.

The bruxa.

He whipped around, expecting to see the vampiress advancing from his blind spot. Yet, no one was there.

His golden eyes swept the area wildly. He spotted the horse before he spotted its rider and the bruxa's latest victim. She had the man pinned to the ground. His arms straining as he tried valiantly to keep her fangs from his throat. Her nails like lethally sharp claws dragged across his chest, ripping fabric and flesh, to tear into his arm. The man roared in agony, his fingers pressed into her eyes and she screamed again. This time throwing the man unconscious from the soundwave.

Geralt expected the scream as he gathered his silver dagger and quickly cast Quen to ward himself. The bruxa was too busy to notice his approach. He fairly lunged across the yard and slammed his dagger into the bruxa's back just as her fangs clenched upon the man's throat. His blade tore down through the hard muscle of her back, sizzling as it went, and finally pierced her heart. Her mouth opened in surprised torment, letting the man beneath her go as she fell into death's embrace.

Geralt hauled her small form off the large man as he moved to assess his wounds. His throat was bleeding profusely and the witcher wasn't sure if he could stem the flow... or even if he did if it would be enough to save the man. His attention turned abruptly to the horse and he fairly yanked the saddlebags from the poor beast as he sought out a useful compress. There wasn't much to find and Geralt growled as he eyed his surroundings. The drying moss dangling from a nearby tree-line caught his attention and he gathered as much as he could before packing it tightly into the man's wounds.The man was horribly pale, but the shallow quiver of his chest gave Geralt hope that he would survive.

                                     »»————-　　————-««

The healer had arrived as Geralt told his tale and related his and Jaskier's findings from a few days prior. The small woman pushed Lyrra out of the way as she laid out her own supplies. She clucked disapprovingly under her breath as she listened to the witcher's words, but said nothing as she examined Tyllan closely.

A piercing look from her emerald eyes, so similar, yet so different from Mirel's was all Lyrra needed to vacate her bedroom. She tugged gently on Geralt's arm and swiftly snatched a few of the healer's bandages. She had long learned not to ask what it was exactly that Nyria did to heal people so close to death. To Lyrra there was no doubt that Tyllan was on that particular doorstep. The woman, however, always demanded privacy to perform her craft and Lyrra had the distinct feeling she would be without a bed again. Hillard hovered in her front room as Geralt followed after her.

She quietly bade him sit before the fire and moved to peel his soiled shirt from his shoulder. The witcher flinched away from her with a scowl and Lyrra merely raised an unimpressed brow, "Yeah, you're really fine. You've probably broken it open again."

Geralt frowned, "It's just tender."

"How can you be sure? You're slathered in blood." Lyrra intoned dryly as she ignored Hillard's muffled snort. Not even his hair had escaped, as splotches of red and brown – she assumed was dirt - glinted in the firelight.

She pulled a bandaged from her pocket and reached for his shirt again. To her surprise, she found an old dressing wrapped around his wound. She hadn't taken Geralt as the type to properly care for his injuries once he initially healed. The faintest staining of pink had risen to the clothes surface and she sighed, "It needs to be replaced. Shirt off."

Geralt shook his head, "It can wait. It'll be changed once I get a chance to bathe."

Lyrra pursed her lips in a frown, but couldn't disagree with that logic. Unbidden, she turned her attention toward Hillard, but found the old barkeep staring intently at Geralt, "Where did ye say this attack 'appened?"

"About four miles south of here. There was an old ruined farmhouse that they were congregating at – I would have the townsfolk stay away from there for the time being." Geralt answered after a moment. He turned his own hard gaze on the older man, "At least until I can head back and check for anything else lurking."

"Hmmph." Hillard grunted in agreement, but his brown eyes held a glint of worry that caught Geralt's attention, especially when the barkeep spared a quick glance at Lyrra who had suddenly taken an interest in feeding the fire, "I should get Myer down 'ere for 'is, boy."

Lyrra bit her lip and nodded her understanding, "He'll be worried, especially if he was expecting Tyllan. You should take the horse with you."

She stood and walked with him outside as Hillard quietly brought up sleeping arrangements. It wasn't until they were a good distance from the cottage door that their tone turned quieter and more serious, "It's odd that those creatures went ta the Ol'Croorey house."

Lyrra shook her head, "Not really. The magic of that place attracts all kinds. I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner."

Hillard scoffed, "Tha place attracts those needin' a place ta 'ide."

"Well..." Lyrra drawled with a pointed glance. That had been the purpose of the Croorey House in a town of criminals. A place for the people to shelter if any law or crossed assailants reared their heads in Glynedol. "I'll head out there tomorrow. Check to make sure no one was using it as intended."

Hillard grumbled under his breath, "Jus be careful, lass. In an' out. Ya don't need one o'those creatures getting' ye either."

She nodded as she waved the older man off. If anything, slipping into the Croorey House would be the opportunity for her to assess her skills. It had been a long time since she had to sneak into anywhere. She turned and headed back into the cottage, only to be met with Geralt's piercingly expectant stare.

He had barely moved from his place by the fire, "What's the Croorey House?"

Lyrra blinked, "You could hear that all the way in here?"

A weary sigh fell from his lips, "Mutant... remember?"

Her mouth moved silently for a moment before she asked almost hesitantly, "Do I want to know what else you can sense?"

"Lyrra." Geralt warned quietly, not to be deterred by her weak attempt at distraction.

She paid his warning little mind as she pulled out her basket of laundry from the morning. Her fingers quickly shifted through the layers of garments before she pulled out a dark shirt and passed it to Geralt. He arched a brow, not having realized she had taken his clothing for washing but didn't move to claim his property.

Again he growled, "The Croorey House, Lyrra."

She stifled a sigh and placed the shirt next to him. She didn't know how to explain Croorey House without explaining the town and neither was an explanation she wanted to give. Slowly, choosing her words carefully, Lyrra began to explain, "Glynedol is... different from other towns. Its people are different."

Geralt tilted his head and waited for her to continue.

"Many here have difficult pasts – pasts that have the potential to come back and haunt." She pressed on quietly, "So, years ago, the town came together and created a... a sanctuary of sorts. The Old Croorey House is that sanctuary for any who need a place to hide. It's where your vampires were dwelling."

The witcher frowned, "That place was all ruins and framework. It'd be a poor hiding spot, let alone sanctuary."

A sly smile twitched at her lips, "Well, that's rather the point. No one is supposed to know that there Is anything there."

"An illusion." Geralt murmured as he remembered the way his medallion had continued to thrum after he had dispatched the vampires. He had assumed another creature was in the area, but if he had been inside a spelled space then the results would be similar, "Glynedol has a mage at its service?"

"An elf."

Nyria's voice crackled through the room like a snapping whip. Her green eyes burned hollowly, as the duo turned to her. She eyed Geralt's shoulder in much the same way Lyrra had, but made no moves to offer him aid, "Tyllan will need care through the night. Do you have a chair to spare, Lyrra?"

The young woman nodded as she grabbed a wooden back from her small table to move inside. Nyria cocked a brow at the witcher, her voice almost brittle as she chided, "I did not heal you to have my work spoiled. Have a care."

"I'm fine." Geralt bit out, "The man in there is the only patient you need be worried about."

Nyria sniffed unimpressed, "Don't come running to me when infection sets in."

Lyrra appeared at her shoulder, a faint smile twitching at her lips as the elf spun on her heel and to her patient's side. The barmaid crossed her arms as she murmured softly, "She likes you."

Geralt raised a disbelieving brow, "I would hate to see how she treats those she doesn't like."

"If she didn't like you, she would have ignored you." Lyrra continued just as quietly as she stifled a yawn.

Geralt nudged his bedroll to her and picked up the clean shirt from the floor. It was time he cleaned himself up, "You should sleep."

Lyrra shook her head, "I'll wait until Myer gets here. You may need a buffer if he decides you're to blame for his son's state.""Sleep, Lyrra." Geralt ordered unconcerned as he exited the cottage and headed for the stream.

»»————-　　————-««

Jaskier bit back a weary sigh as looked tiredly up at the building before him. The cobbled stone and plastered walls of the inn were a welcome sight after such a long day. Yet, even in his weary state Jaskier hesitated to enter and succumb to the simple pleasure of a soft bed and a hot meal. He itched to return to the cottage and seduce his way back into the arms of his recalcitrant enchantress. Despite his desires, he hadn't been lying when he had told Lyrra that they both needed space, however. All of it due to six words.

I don't want to miss you.

Those six little words had been bandying about his head since leaving her lips. Oddly, it was both the most hurtful and sweetest thing that had ever been said to him. Whether Lyrra knew it or not, she had struck a nerve he had thought he had long since buried. She had incited thoughts that were normally induced in darker moments, lonely ones when company was scarce and his drink a tad too strong.

I don't want to miss you.

Was he not worth missing?

Was he doomed to wander the world begging for even a scrap of true affection?

Worse yet, was the realization that there was someone who could, who potentially could, give him that attention he so craved, but that she didn't want to.

…

No, that wasn't fair. She was afraid to...and that was just heartbreaking.

He also knew he hadn't been fair to her with his translation of her meaning either. He had seen the faint sheen of her pain before it had been glossed over by guilt. It had made him feel like an utter bastard. She had every conceivable reason to be leery of him and his intentions and he had thrown it back in her face.

It was all too intense. Too much. Too soon.

Lyrra had been right. They barely knew each other, had barely scratched the surface with each other, and neither one of them had been particularly interested in that scratch going deeper. For all his blather, Jaskier was very good at keeping his past in his past. As his father would say, he hid behind his inanity.

Inanity that had almost damn disappeared with her bloody words. Oh, how he had become so serious in those few minutes, had shown her... He didn't know what.

Bollocks, he had made a mess of it.

Even that kiss had revealed too much, too soon.

He wanted to groan.

He had fallen in love before – this was nothing new, but falling had always felt like a blissful freefall before. Where his heart tightened and beat a little faster, where the butterflies fluttered erratically in his belly, where he felt breathless and besotted almost painfully so. He had the same sensations with Lyrra, but this fall felt more like a plummet down a steeply rocky mountain that was leaving scrapes and bruises with his descent. It was bloody terrifying... and fantastic.

A wicked grin spread across his lips.

Yes, he needed his space. He needed to regain some of the equilibrium that he had lost in the past weeks before he tumbled down that mountain again. It had taken him until he had reached the Rose and Pine to realize that said space would be scarce in a town the size of Glynedol. He needed to go further and to spend a few days to himself.

He needed Lyrra to miss him.

He had left word at the inn for Geralt and Lyrra with only a quick muttered prayer the bloody idiot innkeeper would get it to them before he departed.

It had taken a little more than half a day to walk.

Belhaven.

He pulled on the heavy wooden door to the inn and was pleasantly surprised to find a crowd still gathered, despite the late hour. The innkeeper a portly man of sixty raised a curious brow as he took in the flashy silk apparel of the bard.

"Here for the dice tournament?" His low voice grumbled in question.

Jaskier smiled, "Indeed, I am."

He never noticed the twin pair of eyes that followed his entrance as he requested a room.

Previous Chapter     Next Chapter 

[determined-magi]

" Probably hate us now... don't he? "

" Probably... not like we didn't do much, for it to be otherwise. "

" Aye... we didn't... "

" If... it serves some comfort... at least that means he'll stay away, he'll be more likely to look after himself. "

" That he will... I just... "

" Yeah... wish things were different, you could have done the things you had planned... I kind of wished the same... he really enjoyed sticking there, you know? "

" Ye... 'minded me of young me... loved helpin dad... on his own forge, was eager to create... never got the chance with 'im either. "

" At least you got to enjoy that with someone else... "

" Lasted so little though... damn shite lasted little... "

" All good things do, Tei... in face of everything that has happened... "

" It aint fair. "

" No it isn't... not to him... not you... "

" More 'im than me though... "

" I doubt it. "

" Hurt him a lot... all of us, couldn't even muster enough strength...know when to step back. He didn't deserve the shite. "

" No... he didn't, but... he chose to step it, he knew this was going to happen if he did, in a way... he walked into it, quite literally... "

" Ye... but... should've been more insistent... Push him away harder... order him harshed to keep away, he didn't need to... "

" He wanted to help, Tei... he's stubborn like you, me or the rest... "

" ... "

" He would have found his way around, and things would have gone the same way probably... I know I would've tried to... people like him or me really... really care too much for their own goods. "

" Ye know yer limits... "

" We both know that is bullshit, I mean... I do get pushy whenever you overwork yourself, or when you are being too reclusive, so on and so forth. "

" ... "

" If... if he hates us it is alright... he's not the first... he'll not be the last to do that... we've been here, we'll just... do what we allways do... "

" Easy to say, doing is another thing... "

" Perhaps, it doesn't make it less true however. "

" Ye... its just... "

" Don't we all? "

" ... "

" You knew this would happen... wouldn't you? "

" Had an inkling... "

" Bullshite... you Judged him. "

" ... "

" Yes and no... "

" I... I felt an inkling of things going that way, he's in... a rough place. He's gone... through a lot, even worse on some aspects than us... too... It was... hard, very hard to process. "

" And we didn't help on it... didn't we? "

" It... it is a mixture... I may be biased and wrong, but... yes, we did not... we were bound to not, like allways... it hurt that he could be an asshole just as much... but... What hurt the most then... I guess it was that we were no different from the people he'd met, couldn't make a damn difference... now it doesn't hurt anymore though... it just... feels... "

" Dissapointin. "

" Yeah... Expected... but... still dissapointing... "

" ... "

" Wish we didn't have to kick 'im off... "

" It was us... or it was someone else coming to drag him away... this... was the better option of the two, at least. He'll feel like shit for a while... but... I'm sure he'll recover... not in the best of ways... but he'll do... he wouldn't be alive now if it was otherwise... "

" Nay... he wouldn't... lil shite's smart... resourcefull... not wise, but he got tools to live... yet... "

" I can imagine... must suck to let go of the last reminders... "

" Better that than ending up further destroyed by my dumb ass... "

" Still... letting go of the things you care... "

" I'll forget anyway, won't I? Why have them then?... "

" ... "

" We'll eventually forget ourselves too... "

" Because they are the only things holding us together? "

" And for how long, Rhowën? How long? "

" Long enough to get our work done? I hope so... "

" And then what? "

" Well... hopefully someone puts us out of this... misery, or out bodies simply collapse, unable to withstand whatever has been going on with our magic anymore... "

" And if nothing comes? "

" hm? "

" What if no body comes? "

" What if? "

" What are we going to do then? "

" Well... we'll seal ourselves away I guess... better be safe than sorry, if we have enough common sense to do that... then... well... that will be their problem and not ours anymore... "

" In that case we should... "

" As much of a sensible idea that is, Tei, If we do we'd have to make VERY intricate spells to craft anything able to do that, AND spells able to discern the wielders actions and intentions being fair enough to be used... which we can't on our current condition... or won't be for long... I like the idea, I'd endorse it... but we can't. "

" So we're going to leave them at loss, vulnerable and helpless if something does go wrong... hm?? "

" We don't have much of a choice, if Kairos was... is as unhappy as he is... I can't imagine what our men must be holding up, he was the mind-dumbingly tolerant idiot... "

" You saying they are waiting to get excuses? "

" I am saying they must be just as stressed over it, specially the mages... We are going against all they know a mage should do with someone on our condition... that isn't a small thing... "

" Then why haven't 'ey done anything? "

" Fear, simple as that... they don't have anything other than those... neddle things, and they aren't designed to kill... besides, I doubt they'd be able to get close to a fatal overdose... if he designed them with that being some possibility... "

" You think he would do that? "

" Might have... might not, again... doubt people will be able to do that before any of us gets wind, and it comes back to bite them literally. Only way to find out? Hound him down and force him into it... or, if he's got a grudge, wait until that wins and he kills us out of spite... "

" ... "

" At least you are worried, that is a good sign some part of you cares still... or thinks of it, it still matters... "

" It... it isn't as much as I wish it did... it is more out of paranoia of getting back-stabbed out of the sudden now with yer words... "

" Ah.... At least you wish it had more positive roots, and they might have had some positive roots until I fucked it up... "

" Despite everything done, I still think he'll backstab, I don't need reassurance Rhowën... a punch would fit more. "

" You are in distress, Tei... yes you do. "

" I am NOT... "

" Do I need to say it? You sent him with some of your most prized possesions, literally gifted him with the things that matter to you the most besides... well... us, and the few family members we have left that actually like you. Of course you are. "

" ... "

" It feels very close to giving up, and this is as close as to being on a death-bed as we'll be, I KNOW. I don't need to place Judgement on you to know doing that is very distressing. "

" ... "

" He still matters... perhaps not enough to feel regret, or shame, or guilt or anything like that... but he still does. "

" ... "

" We wouldn't have kicked him otherwise... "

" I suppose... won't last for long... way things are going... "

" Perhaps... perhaps not... But they lasted this long... doesn't it mean... something, anything? "

" I... "

" No need to say it... come here brother... "

" I'm scared... "

" I know. "

" I... I just... I just..."

" Let it it out bro, don't talk... just... let it be..."

" I just... I-..."

" ...I know..."

" I don't want to..."

" I know... "

" Just... let it all out... crying for what can't be isn't bad  "

" Why? Why is this world so unfair? "

" I wish I knew, Tei... I really do... "

[smartgirlsaremean]

My Heart’s in the Highlands - Chapter 13

Fandom: OUAT, Hamish Macbeth

Pairing: Bellish

Rating: T

Summary: With Rumplestiltskin gone, Belle can't face going back to the Enchanted Forest without him. She leaves Storybrooke forever, travels the world, and ends up in a small village in Scotland, where she meets a constable with a very familiar face. Nominated for Best Anyelle in the 2017 TEAs.

AO3

Chapter 13 - The Thing that Matters Most

Mr. Walsh was at his accustomed table in the library again, pen scratching away, his face inscrutable as he worked, stacks of books piled up around him like a fortress. From behind the circulation desk, Belle kept one eye on him and the other on the teen-aged boys engrossed in a new auto magazine. Whenever she had to wander into his section of the library to re-shelve or tidy up, he would look up and catch her eye, smile slightly, occasionally ask her a question, but he’d stopped flirting, thank heavens. Belle was determined to move things forward with Hamish and, knowing now how easily his jealousy was aroused, she didn’t need any further complications. Her previous romantic experiences hadn’t prepared her to deal with that particular emotion.

Rumple had never been jealous of her affections. She’d never sought to make him jealous, and anyway no one in their right mind would attempt to woo the Dark One’s girlfriend away from him. The closest anyone had ever gotten to flirting with her had been Captain Hook, who had simply been trying to frighten and unnerve her. She supposed poor Keith, beaten to within an inch of his life for kissing Lacey, might have had a different opinion on whether the Dark One was capable of jealousy, but Belle suspected he had been outraged on Belle’s behalf and heartbroken that Belle was apparently lost to him, not truly jealous that Lacey preferred another. Lacey had liked Gold’s violent outbursts and encouraged them as often as possible, but left to his own devices Belle doubted he’d have cared much whether Dr. Whale or anyone else looked at her. Gaston, the only other person with whom she’d had any sort of relationship, had not liked her enough to be jealous. Her going off with the Dark One would have been a blow to his pride, but nothing more. Belle wondered if he’d waited even a month before finding a new fiancee.

The door opened and Belle’s head snapped up. It was nearing noon and Hamish hadn’t been in yet, which was unusual. He’d kept his distance a bit over the last few days, though his visits had resumed, and Belle understood, but that didn’t mean she had to like it. She was more certain than ever that she was falling in love with him, and she was not exactly a patient person. She wanted to take the next step, whatever it was, and confirm that he felt for her the same way she did for him.

A cough drew her attention to Walsh’s corner, and when she looked over she saw he was watching her with a smirk on his face. Belle resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him and smiled pleasantly at the elderly woman who always liked to look at the knitting magazines. Really, she thought a little peevishly, Hamish should have been here hours ago if he wanted to talk to her. The afternoon rush would start any moment, and…

“Mornin’, Belle.”

Her heart fluttered and she looked up.

“Well,” he shrugged, glancing at the windows. “I s’pose it’s nearer afternoon now.”

“I thought you were standing me up,” Belle said. Hamish’s eyebrows rose.

“Oh, ah, no, there was a spot of trouble out at the Stuarts’. Taken care of now.” He held out his book and waited for her to take it. When her fingers brushed his, they twitched slightly and then fell to the surface of the desk. “Day off tomorrow, eh? Any, ah...any plans?”

“None so far. You?”

“Well, I don’t really get days off, but…” He shrugged and scratched the back of his neck. “If all’s well I’ll probably do a spot of fishin.’ Havenae been in a while.”

Belle hummed and scanned the book into the system, gathering her courage. “I’ve never been fishing.”

When he didn’t respond immediately, she looked up; he was staring at her as if he wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly. “I, ah,” he said when she raised her eyebrows., “find that hard tae believe. You’ve done everything, you have.”

“Almost everything.”

“Well, ah...if ye like, you can join me tomorrow. I’ll teach you.”

“You’re sure you wouldn’t mind?”

He laughed, short and sharp and disbelieving. “No, I don’t mind.”

“What time should I meet you?”

“Well, moonlight’s best for sea trout, but there’s no moon tonight and night fishin’ isnae exactly for beginners. We’ll make do wi’ sunset.”

“Okay. It’s a date,” Belle said sunnily, smiling deliberately.

The tips of his ears went pink. “Uh...aye. See ya.”

Belle shifted from foot to foot, trying not to feel as nervous as she did, her heart pounding in her ears as she watched him walk toward her, rods and tackle in hand. He flashed her a grin as he set the tackle box on the ground and handed her a long, flexible rod. “Got you all rigged up,” he said.

Belle fingered the rubber lure and frowned. “I looked up how to fish for trout. I thought you used little feathery flies.”

“Aye, usually, but fly fishing isnae for first-timers. There’s a rhythm to it, and ye’ve got tae practice a fair bit.” He glanced at her and his face reddened. “We can work on that some other time, if ye like.”

“Sure.”

Hamish took the rod from her and held it out in front of him. “Right, so...you grip with your right hand, your left’s on the reel. A tug on your line means a fish has taken the bait.” He showed her the hooks embedded in the lure. “Ye’ve got tae set the hook or the fish’ll spit it out. Tae do that, jerk the rod up fast and hard, then reel ‘er in.”

He moved to stand beside her and cast the line out into the harbor with an easy flick of his wrists, then began to reel it back in.

“I thought you were supposed to wait for the fish to bite.”

“Not trout. They go after prey that moves - tha’s why flies are good for them. So reel in, not too fast, and,” he moved the rod gently a few times, “make it dance a bit. Fish don’ swim in straight lines, and you want the trout to think it’s real.”

There was a sudden jerk on the end of the line and Hamish grinned. He yanked up on the rod and began to reel, allowing the trout to take the line a bit before pulling it in again. Light from the setting sun glinted off the water and scattered over his animated face and wind-ruffled hair and Belle’s breath hitched.

With a splash the trout surfaced, thrashing in the shallows as Hamish snagged the line with one hand. Holding the fish aloft, he grinned at Belle. “See? Nothin’ to it.”

Belle studied the spotted trout. “Are you going to keep it?”

“Nah, he’s too small. We’ll send ‘im back, let ‘im grow a bit more.” Expertly he gripped the fish, slipped the hook from its mouth, and tossed it back into the water. He grimaced and reached for a towel, wiping his hands. “Not the best smell, that.”

Belle shrugged. She’d smelled worse.

“Right. Now for casting.” He moved closer and flexed his hands on the rod’s grip. “Not too tight, not too loose. Nice firm handshake. Flip this here, but hold the line against the rod. Pull back to about two o’clock, then fling it forward nice and fast. Flip the bail arm pretty quick, don’t want the line to go too deep.”

He demonstrated again, then handed Belle the rod. Belle bit her lip and tried to match his every movement, but her lure kept landing only a few feet from her shoes.

“Ye’re letting go too soon,” Hamish said after her fourth failed attempt. “Here.”

Stepping up behind her, he put his hands over hers. Belle swallowed and tried to focus on his words instead of the warmth of his hands, the pressure of his chest against her back, or the flutter of his breath by her ear. He pulled her hands back, then pushed them forward. “Two o’clock, ten o’clock,” he breathed. Back. “Two o’clock.” Forward. “Ten o’clock.” He released her and stepped back beside her. “Gie that a try.”

Belle’s fingers trembled just a little as she tried again. This time her lure actually landed a decent distance away, and she grinned at Hamish, who smiled back and picked up the other rod.

There was silence between them for a long time, nothing but the swish of line, whir of reel, plop of lures. The sun was halfway below the horizon, bathing them and the beach and the town in red-gold light. Belle kept sneaking looks at Hamish, who had waded a little ways out into the water; every now and then she caught him looking quickly away from her, the tips of his ears reddening. Once their eyes caught and held, and then a sudden shadow flitted across his face and he glanced down.

That had happened a lot over the last few days. She would look at him, meet his eye, share a smile, and then his expression would shift to something sad and dark. Whatever had changed, she didn’t like it; they’d been making progress, damn it.

A sharp jerk on her line drew her eyes back to her rod and she gasped, pulling up on the line like he’d shown her. The line squealed as she cranked the reel and in a flash Hamish was beside her, holding the rod steady so it wasn’t yanked from her hands.

“Feels like a big one,” he said when the line screeched again. “Go on, bring ‘er in.”

“I can’t!” Belle gasped with the effort of turning the reel. Hamish moved behind her again, his hand closing over hers. Suddenly the fish on the end of the line gave an almighty tug and the line snapped. Belle stumbled back and Hamish’s arm shot around her waist, steadying her against his chest.

“It got away,” Belle said breathlessly.

“Aye. They often do.”

His voice at her ear made her shiver, and his arms tightened around her. “A’right?”

“Yeah,” she whispered.

His fingers flexed against her before he let his arm drop, but she didn’t move away. His left hand still covered hers on the reel, and she could feel him pressed against her back. Her eyes widened and she bit back a gasp when she realized certain...parts...of him had taken an interest in their position.

That was something she hadn’t felt in awhile.

Hamish coughed and stepped back. Belle reeled in her line and kept her gaze averted as he went to retrieve his own rod, but she smiled in spite of herself. At least she had some proof now that he was attracted to her.

They caught nothing more, but Hamish had never been more satisfied with an unproductive fishing trip. Belle had offered to help him carry everything back to the station, and now they were walking side-by-side in the deepening twilight, silence enveloping them like a warm blanket. She followed him through the door and placed the tackle box and net on the floor, then looked around.

“I’ve been here a few months, and I’ve never been inside the station,” she mused.

“Well, I can give you the grand tour if ye like.” At her smile he gestured around them. “Ah, this here’s the kitchen,” he pointed, “living room and office through there, bedroom out there, holding cell across the hall. That’s it.”

“Cozy.”

Hamish chuckled. “It’s cramped as hell is what it is, but it’s all we’ve got.”

She hummed and walked past him into the office; Hamish followed her, suddenly inexplicably nervous. He watched as she ran a finger over the ancient fax machine. “This office is like a time capsule.”

Scratching the back of his neck, Hamish felt himself flush. “I’m, ah, not really good with new technology. And John...well, he’s even worse.”

Her lips twitched. “I understand. I still use a flip phone, myself.”

Silence descended between them again, this time with an undercurrent of tension that Hamish could only attribute to their being alone in his house for the first time. Belle looked as if she was making up her mind about something.

“I…”

“Cup o’ tea?” he blurted, and she looked surprised. He felt his face flush. “I mean, uh...would ye like a cup of tea?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

He hurried into the kitchen to set the kettle on, and when he returned she’d sat down on the couch, legs crossed and eyes very steady on him. Briefly he considered sitting in the armchair, but that was stupid because they’d sat beside each other before and she might ask questions if he suddenly put that much distance between them. Swallowing his nerves he sat beside her - not too close, but not too far - and tried desperately to think of something to say.

“Heard from Neal lately?”

“No, actually. It’s been a couple of weeks, which is weird. He usually emails at least once a week.” She shrugged. “He’s probably just busy, and he told me that since he’d visited he was less worried about me.”

He nodded, trying not to think about the fact that now she’d uncrossed her legs she seemed a lot closer than she’d been before.

“Hey. Are you okay?”

When he turned his head to look at her, he realized that she had turned to face him, her knee just inches from his thigh. Her eyes were wide and serious, and he smiled. “Yeah, fine.”

“You seem a little on edge. Have I done something wrong?”

“No, you’re - no.”

She pursed her lips, looked away for a moment, and then looked back at him. “I had fun. Maybe we could - we could do it again sometime.”

“If ye like.”

She huffed and smiled. “You’re really not making this easy on me, y’know.”

He blinked. “What?”

Her teeth sank into her lower lip again as she studied him, and then she braced one hand on the back of the couch, pushed herself toward him, and pressed her lips to his.