#i damn near laughed myself a 6-pack

[hillerskaroyals]

some days i think i’m not going to have a breakdown and other days i legitimately cry from laughing so hard at a sponge landing facedown on the ground that my roommate comes to check on me bc she’s concerned

[echoe-back-from-the-void]

Supernatural X Twilight~ pt. 3

| 1 | 2 | three | 4 | 5 | 6 |

"I wasn't joking." I say pulling up to the crummy looking liquor store. We had driven near an hour out of town to not get caught. I opened the door before closing it again as he was too in shock. "Gimme your card." I say holding my hand out.

"My What?" Jasper says snapping out of shock.

"Your card, so I can buy the good stuff." I say making grabby hands.

Soon a card is placed in my hand and I examine it with a smile. "I'll give it back. Hunters promise." I say cheekily. I open the door and step to the door. "You'd better stay out here. Your not exactly old enough kiddo." I joke and he makes a face at me.

I laugh while walking into the store and buying a bottle of expensive liquor and an a bottle of my favorite. The whole trip went off without a hitch.

Jasper continued to eye the bottles as I drove. "Looking at em won't make em disappear doll face. It's just part of the hunter lifestyle to be an alcoholic. Unless your Sam. Then your a health nut." I crack.

I pull up to the motel and turn off my car. "Now you know where I sleep. If you try to kill me I will decapitate you with my bare hands." I say tilting my head with a sweet smile. My tone sounds flirtatious but my threat is very real.

He nods and exits the car as I do. Again opening my door. I tilt an invisible hat toward him as I open my motel door. "Night night cowboy. Don't stay up too late." I tease.

Before I close the door his foot stops it and he speaks in a rushed voice. "Do you think, could I join you tomorrow?"

"Mr Hale, whatever crush you think you might have on me, ain't gonna happen." I clench the brown paper bag. "I'm going home soon, I'm going to see my brothers and my friends. I'm gonna shoot Chuck and all this," I wave my free hand, "will be some distant nightmare." I drop my head at his hurt expression. "I have to get home, I have to know they're okay. I have to know or I can't—" I choke on a lump in my throat as it rises higher. "Most hunters don't get to have families. When we do, we hold onto it with claws and teeth, your argue and fight but you don't let go for a damn second because the second you do they're gone for good. I bided my time in this place thinking it was in my head. I wasted enough time playing nice with teenagers. I wasted even more time waiting for some villain to show up. I'm going to bed and then I'm hightailing the fuck outta here even if I have to rip a rift myself." I looked back at him with angry glassy eyes. "Your the empath, tell me if anything I said was a lie." I bite.

He turns away unable to make eye contact as he feels my emotional pain. He then tries to manipulate it to at least ease the pain in my heart but I hold my hand up.

"Don't. Let me feel for myself." I close the door more. "Goodnight Hale." The lock clicks into place and I drift to the bed before putting the expensive bottle to my lips. I swirl it in my mouth before swallowing.

The next morning I wake at the asscrack of dawn and begin packing my few clothes and strapping myself with weapons. I open the door and am met with a broad chest that I follow upward to see jaspers nervous expression.

"If you stayed out here all night I'm officially calling you stalker till the day I die." I say grouching as I tug my duffle over my shoulder. "Cmon Bronco. Burning daylight." I say opening my passenger side door and throwing my duffle in the back. At the same time another door opened but not to my car. I turn and am greeted with Carlisle stepping out of his pristine car.

"I hope you don't mind but my academic curiosity was peaked and I'd like to come with." Carlisle says.

"Fucking Victorians." I mumble under my breath. "Yeah yeah, follow me." I slid into my car and Jasper sits himself in my passenger seat as I pull out the motel parking lot.

I'm sure I sped the whole way there but no cops stopped me so I didn't care. I wasn't going nearly as fast as the Cullens drive. As I drive old tapes of bands play through the speakers. Highway to hell and fly by the night to name a few. They were mixtapes dean had made me for my own car. They were in my hunter duffle and that's how they came to here.

I pulled off the road and grabbed both the tape and the duffle as I stepped out the car.

"You walked from here, all the way into town?" Carlisle asks in surprise.

"Little further doc." I say before walking further up the road until I reach past the sign that says forks. I walk another 20 feet before stopping. "Here." I set my duffle and things by the side of the road as I start to examine what was my entry to this world. I begin to mutter under my breath as I walk around.

"No sulfur, not a demon. No hangin bodies, not a djin. Leaves one more option." I kneel on the ground and put my hand flat on the asphalt as I try to channel energy. After a few minutes I shake my hand from the hot asphalt and snarl in anger. "Where the fuck are you?" I whisper under my breath.

"Whats wrong?" Carlisle asks coming closer to my side. Both vampires had been silent as they too took their own examinations of the site.

"No sulfur, no grace. Nothing." I say growling as I glare at the ground.

"Isn't that good?" Carlisle asks.

"No captain obvious. It means I can't track what brought me here! It means I don't know what brought me here. It means I have to rip the rift myself and with no angels on your side!!" I say with growing anger as I begin to breathe heavily. My chest begins to hurt but I ignore it in favor of getting chalk from my duffle and then writing various runes and symbols.

"And these are?" Carlisle asks in curiosity. He knows I'm angry but he asks in hopes that talking will calm me down.

It does some but I still have an angry disposition. "Symbols. This is for travel and that is time, this one is for sacrifice." I say explaining a few.

"Sacrifice?" Carlisle asks in worry.

"The virgins are safe doc, not that kind of sacrifice." I joke. I tip my head back down to the sacrifice symbol. "Needs blood. No, I won't be needing a donor or anything. Not human. And not neither you. Needs grace, or angel blood if you wanna get technical." Before they can ask how I would get angel blood I slice my wrist open and blood begins to steadily drip over the chalk sigil. The blood begins turning white and glowing faintly. Not nearly as bright as a pure angle would be, but it's something.

I hear a scuffle behind me as Carlisle is holding Jasper back. Probably expecting him to go rabid with bloodlust but Jasper starts pushing Carlisle away.

"I'm fine! Im fine! Look at my eyes." Jasper says referencing how his eyes haven't darkened a shade.

"I'd be poisonous anyway, doc." I shout to them before turning back around to continue. When I feel like enough blood has left and I feel lightheaded I hold my hand over the wound to stop it. I dip the hand not holding the wound in the puddle and drag it with my fingers toward time, grace and travel until I've made a bloody triangle. I stand up and say some Latin mixed with the first language and a small rift grows into existence with a screech. When the sound of ripping dulls I can hear talking then yelling.

"Sammy get the hell away from that thing!!" Dean screams in a distorted voice.

"It appears to be a rift?" Shadows move through the rift and then a light flashes inside the blurry window. "It leads to a world called twilight. Created by a..."

"Cas?" I say nervously.

"Marcella?" Cas responds immediately to the sound of my voice.

I can't hold myself up any longer and fall to my knees before the rift. "Sam? Dean?" I call out to them.

"Marcella! It's good to hear from you kid." Dean says as his shadow moves forward toward the rift.

I choke on a sob as I clench my arm tighter.

"You okay where your at?" Sam asks in a worried tone.

"Yeah," I sniffle as my eyes fill with tears. "I'm safe now, no ghouls or anything on this side. Been laying low at forks high. Waiting for rescue."

"I know kid, but we'd been looking everywhere for you. Heaven, hell, purgatory. We never considered..." Dean says. "We miss you."

"Do you know who did this? And why twilight? Why not mash or the matrix. Did you know they don't even have fangs!" I said with a sad kind of laugh.

Dean laughs too but it's guttural and starts too high pitched to be his normal laugh. "Yeah, you seen the werewolves yet, they don't eat hearts or anything." Dean jokes further. "Big ass puppy dogs!" He laughs again.

"Marcella, how long have you been there?" Sam asks with his usual worry.

"Month, month and a week?" I bit my lip.

"Marcel, it's been a week." Sam says in a sad tone that carries his shock and fear.

"Can't—can't be." I shake my head. Best not to dwell. "Is there a rescue plan, a escape plan, anything?"

"Yeah, find you and get your ass home, where you'll be grounded for the forceable future." Dean orders jokingly.

"Hey I didn't ask to get kidnapped, old man!" I yell back at him but I can't help the smile.

"Well you still can't leave the bunker. And no boyfriends and no joyrides in the impala. Until we gank the sonof bitch that took ya." Dean adds.

His humor and teasing makes me laugh and start crying again. "Can we watch scooby doo and westerns?" I ask in a small voice.

"Always. We can even eat popcorn and complain bout Sammy being a—" before Dean could finish there is the sound of him being hit while Sam whined his name.

"Marcella?"

"Yeah Cas?"

"When you get back do you wanna help me plant flowers for my bees? Recently I found a very beautiful flower and it grows best in late may but you'll be back by then so we can plant a lot of them." Cas says in his monotone voice.

"Hell yeah!" I agree immediately. Before realizing his words. 'But you'll be back by then.'

Will I? A pit in my stomach forms but I smile.

Then the light from the rift begins dulling. Panic swells in my chest. "Cas, Dean, Sam! Guys?!"

"Marcel!" "Marcella."

"Dean! Sam!" I reach for the rift as if I could hold it open. "Cas!"

"Marcellla!" A fearful scream distorts its way though the rift and I stretch my fingers over the rift but it closes and my hands fall through open air and I fall on them.

"No, no nonono." I begin to shake as I take gulps of air though my collapsing airways. Everything is constricting the longer the silence stretches. "Sammy?" I ask in a broken whisper. "Dean? Cas?" My head begins to spilt as I cry harder. I bang my fist against the middle of the triangle where sacrifice is written. My hands splash in the already sludgy puddle of my own blood. I beat my fists harder as I cry. "Open, aperta, Άνοιξε, отворен, otevřít se, offen, opna." With each word I bang my fist again until they begin to bleed with the force. Strong hands grab mine as they stop me from my continued abuse.

I twist in their grip as they pick me up and pull me from the area. "No, Jasper put me down. Put me down! Jasper!" I struggle harder as I begin to hyperventilate. "Let me Go! They were right there!" I feel myself growing lightheaded as I scream what little oxygen I have. Soon passing out.

~~

When I wake again I feel the bandages on my hands and a splitting headache that I recognize from crying and not a hangover. I blink at the ceiling before cracking again. My ribs feel like they are splitting from the sadness and longing that force their way down my throat. I choke on my tears and feel the overwhelming urge to scream but I bite my lip and pull myself up. I unwrap my hands to see the healing wounds and the slit in my wrist gone.

I set my feet on the floor and stand up. Quickly someone blurs into the room to my side. My hand catches the person by the throat as I hold them there. Their hand moves to my waist to keep me from falling and I blink again to realize it's Jasper. His hand is the only thing keeping me from falling and mine keeps him at an arms length.

I push any feelings of sadness and anxiety to the side until it's easily ignored. Compartmentalizing. Something Dean unintentionally taught me in the years I spent with the brothers. You don't need emotions when your a hunter.

I tilt my head and squeeze his neck and feel him flex his arm as he swallows his venom down. Teasingly I say under my breath, "too kinky for you, cowboy?"

His eyes flash a dark amber. And he grins. Jasper leans forward and I let him by bending my arm, hand still on his throat. I expected him to stop sooner but he moves even closer until my arm is bent completely as I keep it on his neck. I can feel his chest through where my forearm is pressed against him. His hand that was on my waist wraps around my whole back until it's on the opposite hip. "I don't know, Darling." He whispers huskily and my cheeks flame up but I tamper that down as I flirt back, challengingly.

"You play dirty." I nose his cheek as my free hand moves to his hip and slips under his shirt to rub my thumb against his hip bone. He gasps for unneeded air as his grip on me becomes tighter. "But One thing about hunters is we play dirtier." I tease as my lips brush against the shell of his ear with my parting words. Then I'm slipping out of his grip and twirled around him to walk to the door. My hand is on the door knob and I turn to him. In a completely normal voice that doesn't give anything away I say, "well your house, ain'tcha gonna show me around?"

"Yes ma'am." He says drawling the words purposely. I roll my eyes and open the door. Im blinded by the countless windows that let the surrounding forest be visible and let light in. We pass a wall of graduation caps and I chuff the air our my nose in a short laugh.

"Think it's funny." He teases me.

"I'm twenty two. You couldn't catch me dead with a cap an gown." I shivered. I leaned against the banister of the stairwell. I could hear the other Cullens in the house, moving and trying to be quiet. I turn to Jasper with a mischievous smile before jumping over the railing and landing the two floors below with precision. I turn around with a beaming smile to see Jasper.

"Took you long enough, trouble on the stairs?" I say with amusement.

"Did you really have to do that?" He asks.

"Yes." I say seriously before walking to the living room where I sit not on the couch but on the floor leaning against it.

"Why is she on the floor?" Emmet asks in a loud whisper.

"Wouldn't you like to eat, honey?" Esme asks in a mothering tone but instead of comfort the hair on my neck stands on end.

"Not hungry." I dismiss regardless of being hungry. "You have questions...again." I say addressing the elephant in the room.

"The—" Carlisle stalls unable to find a right word to fit what occurred yesterday.

"Ritual, or spell if you prefer." I offer.

"The spell you did yesterday, you said it required sacrifice. Not human blood, not vampire either. It required angel blood—grace. If so why did you slit your wrist?"

I sigh dramatically while rolling my eyes. "Geez gramps couldn't take you any longer to get to the question." I tease. I suck my teeth in agitation. "When I met the Winchester it was just after the apocalypse started. Before sealing Lucifer away, dear ol Lucy took interest in me. Kidnapped me away and tortured me for a month straight." I grin darkly at the ground. An odd amusement grows in my chest making my words come out chirpy and sarcastic. "You'd think you know torture until your in the hands of an Archangel. He would remove limbs before restarting. Skinned my whole arm." I chuckle and meet the doctors horrified eyes. "Anything he thought would be fun to try, he did. Then he got this sick idea. Angels can have children with humans, the term nephilihim comes to mind. But he wondered what would happen if he was to forcefully and manually imbue his grace into my blood and body. Archangels have so much juice that just a fraction can be lost without making a dent to them." I calm my excited jitter with my other hand. "I'm not a full angel by any means. Angels are their grace, without it they are human. But you can imagine how your venom reacts differently than your wife's. Some grace is soft." I think of cas and the time he healed my broken arm. "Some so savage and full of fire that it burns from the outside in."

I take a deep breath as I try to calm my erratic excited heartbeat. "To imbue me with grace was give me some of him. His pain, anger, bloodlust and hate for humans. Like two souls arguing over a body." I wave my words away dismissively and bend my knee to my chest. "I never told Dean any of this. Cas knows I go dark. Sam might suspect because we've both been so close to Lucifer. But how would you tell your big brother you've been grace-raped by the devil?"

"So your an Angel but like part devil?" Emmet asked after the potent silence.

"Part Angel, and I don't have devil in me. It's a fraction of the mark of Cain. Least that's what Gabriel theorized." I sigh and let my head fall back on the cushion as I expose my neck. "Being part Angel means I heal faster, got better reflexes and am stronger. Basically it's a power up."

"But who's stronger?" Emmet asked and my head snapped to him.

"Nephilihim, god, archangel, then pagans, then monsters, lastly humans. I'm between archangel and pagan." I says in a contemplative voice.

This time Alice was the one to speak. "You said there was a war Coming, I haven't seen a war."

"Something about new bloods or— led by some red head. Something something something baseball!" I look away from the ceiling to meet the Cullens exasperated looks. "What? Oh so now it's my fault for not paying attention. You try listening to dean talk about sex every other sentence. I lost interest." I shrug.

~~~ months passed and I tried to have weekly rift calls with my brothers. Sitting on the pavement in front of the rift as I talked to them like everything was normal. When all I wanted was to be home in the bunker.

"You shouldn't call so frequently. Sam he uh... he told me how you can do this. Cas filled in the rest." Deans voice cracked even under the distortion. "Cas said it's dangerous for you. Doing this, using his grace. He said you go—" deans voice cuts out. "It's like Sam with the wall, you can't keep doing this or your gonna break. Whether that makes you a vegetable or you go full blown ripper. These personality changes can't be healthy." Even though the rift I could hear the pain and guilt in his voice.

"I never blamed you. Not even when he told me what you were doing at the time. He could hurt me and tell me you were eating a sandwich and I not once blamed you. The hunt before I was kidnapped you saved my life and I could never imagine what happened after. You are my brother in all but blood. I would never blame you or Sam for the pain I went through. To you it was a month to me it felt like a lifetime. You said the same thing about hell once and did you ever blame Sam for being in hell?"

"Well no because—"

"That's kinda what makes a Winchester, the ability to live and die for family and still love unconditionally. Do you remember anymore about the newborn army?"

"You aren't actually planning to fight with them?" Dean asked in exasperation.

"Time moves quicker here. What may be a month to you will be many to me. The army will still come. And I'll keep calling every week. If I contain it until the army comes then I can let lose and not harm anybody. Nobody human." I say the last part sarcastically.

"No! No!" I hear shouting and the silhouette of dean turns over his should. "Sammy come in here!"

Sam enters and the two begin to talk fast under there breath. "She's gonna pull another —?"

"What do you mean another? She's done this befo— you've done this before?!" He shouts while turning back to me. "No! End of discussion, your not doing it."

"Dean!" Sam admonishes dean. "Marcella if this is what you need to do, I know this is hard for you. I support whatever decision you take."

"No no no this isn't Winchester approved until I approve it!" Dean argues loudly making me smile at his behavior.

"You guys are the best brothers a hunter could ask for." I say softly. Both sam and Dean stop talking and sam is the first to respond.

"We love you too Marcella. If you do fight be safe and kick some ass." Sam waves as the rift begins closing on its own. This parting is not full of regret or anger. It's just an until next time. Hopefully when deans calmed down and came around to the idea of me fighting against newborns. Or after. I add cheekily.

~~~

The drive back to the Cullen residence is hopeful for me. Sam's okay was all I needed. Deans would've been better but...can't always get what I want.

Jasper opens the door for me and helps me out of the car. The first month after the Cullens found out, I felt edgy around jasper. He obviously shows interest in me but I would shoot it down with reasons why not. He was undeterred and continued his polite gentleman behavior. Like a suitor courting a lady. Eventually I stopped correcting him and just let him do as he pleases.

His fingers moved down my hand as he held it gently in his icy grasp. The cold wasn't unwelcome, temperatures stopped affecting me some time ago.

"Will you tell my family about—"

I cut him off with a small yeah. I smile and walk faster and when I approach the door I swing it open widely and chant "the fun has arrived!" Like in Tarzan. Emmet zooms to my side and tries to tackle me and I sidestep him. "Too slow." I mock. Jasper holds my hand tighter and pulls me to the living room. "Ya know I spend so much time here I'm only at the motel to sleep."

"Your still paying for it?" Carlisle asks in surprise like he only just realized I'm homeless.

"Well duh. I mean it's under Burt Afrihamian but whoop de do."

"Credit card scams, great." Edward says under his breath.

"Cork it angel, Not like saving lives pays good money." I say spitefully. (Because Edward totally looks like angel from Buffy)

"How do you make money then?" Esme asks in curiosity.

"Poker, pool, gambling, sometimes taking a job in the area like day worker or something. Never make enough to sustain ourselves but if we save it then we can buy things like new guns and ammo. Under the counter shit."

"Full blown criminal." Edward says again.

"Say it to my face you limp noodle." I hiss. "Point is. Im fighting with you, not against you."

~~~

Jasper began training me outside of school to see if I was fit for battle as he put it. So far I had taken him down more times then he had taken me down. So I was deemed battle ready but we still spared for fun. The first time I had him pinned his eyes went dark and I met his other personality, the major.

"Hello Darlin'" the accent he used was much thicker than normal. My first clue. "I've been itching to meet you for a time now. You made him flustered enough for me to slip through." His words dripped like honey and venom as he held my waist and lifted the both of us.

This person who isn't Jasper, had a military presence that made him respectable. Second clue.

"And what should I call you?" I say tracing my finger around his eyes.

"Major, that's what everyone calls me." His eyes drifted. "He's worried I'll hurt you?"

I snorted and leaned heavier against him, my hand slipping to his shoulder as I laughed. "Cute. If you've seen it then you know I'll put you on your ass and smile doing it." I grinned sharply and the man practically purred. "So your his dark side? Maybe our two sides will meet, hit it off and slaughter a city." I say sarcastically. He chuffs and noses his head into my neck.

"You smell like pine trees and lightning. Bitter." He purrs pulling me closer. He just barely brushes his lips against my pulse when I wrap my hand around his throat.

"Ah ah ah," I admonish while moving him back. "Keep your nonexistent fangs to yourself, Major. Poisonous, remember." I tease.

He huffs before grinning. "You refuse his/our advancements? Do you not find me attractive?" He teases back.

"Very 'tractive. But I haven't got time to be foolin with a vampire. I'm not really into necrophilia, ya know." I say sarcastically. "And my brother would kill me twice over for it." I joke. He wouldn't really, he'd probably make a bunch of vampire jokes.

(Stay tuned for part four when I finally write the newborn army fight. I’m moving fast cause the fight was the whole reason I wanna write this.)

[or-something-better]

Sam & Dean Free Run

September 12, 2022 

Dean

waiting for Patience to get in the car

Sam

I toss my pack into the back set of the Impala and climb into my usual front set spot. Be nice to not be the one driving.

Dean

I start the car, turn the radio on and Asia starts playing well I'll be damned! It’s not even Tuesday! laughs as I pull off heading down the road

Sam

Makes a face I guess it's always Tuesday some place. Just ignores the song

Dean

Sorry Sammy. driver picks the music...only I didn't pick it... And shotgun shuts his cakehole. So, what do we wanna do after coffee?

Sam

well, I have a small to-do list that I assigned to myself. Was thinking that I might try to knock out one or two, but really not holding much draw for me today. So, I guess I'm just sort of free...

Dean

That’s still a thing? What was on the list? We might be able to

Sam

Just finishing up grunt work. Some cabinet drawers need to be reversed in their cases, because Ruby and I had to swap the number system of files to make them compatible with the new computer program. Doesn't take any brain power, just  the manual change over. I guess that's the biggest one You know there's a really good coffee shop new the Campus in Beloit. It's about 15 miles further, but you'd like that cups I'm sure

Dean

Are we talking the cabinets in the New Orleans bunker?

Sam

No. No these stay here. Their 100% online now, so we can travel with them instantly where ever we go. Just have to manually switch the drawers so people here can get to stuff fast when we need it. My phone in my pocket rings and I pull it out to see who’s calling, and turn it to show Dean It’s Garth… Answering the phone I hold it to my ear Hey, Garth. How’s things going? I listen for just a minute and my head starts to nod. Pretty sure we know where that is, hold on a second… Dean, Garth is asking about the cemetery up near the interstate, just before we cross into South Dakota. Do you remember it? Pretty sure we had that one case there… listens again to what Garth is saying Yeah Garth, he says to tell you Dean that it was the place you ganked that witch spirit, the one with the green mold issue…

Dean

Oh wait so all the information and files at the New Orleans you have at the touch of a button now. That’s pretty awesome... And what? Garth.... Yeah i know the place. What’s going on there?

Sam

Listening to Garth once again Yea, send me the address and information that you have. I open the paper map and measure off distance. Guessing we could be there in 4-5 hours. Just before dark maybe. I listen to his explicit directions, this one is a regular salt and burn with a bit of added twist. No, that shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll call you back when we roll into town. I listen again and smile You too Garth, talk soon. I hang up the phone and check to make sure the information texted trough. It had So, sounds pretty straight forward. Family terrorized by a ghost. Usual salt and burn with a twist… Garth is clear over in Minnesota and was hoping we'd be closer

Dean

Ok go figure as usual... Nice calm relax day just turned into "lets go salt and burn a bitch". Well still getting coffee on the way. Wait....what kind of twist? pull into the parking lot head for the drive thru to order coffees

Sam

Garth said that along with the salt, we have to also throw white roses onto the body first, as ,any as we can find. Then cover with salt and burn it all. Ever heard of that?

Dean

White roses? What’s the significance of that? Is that like a weird respect thing for a douchebag ghost killing people?

Sam

Maybe it has some kind of like to the family, or to the curse that's effecting that all. He didn't really give me much more than that, you know Garth. But he did say time of a factor and we should hurry

Sam

Dean, order me a Grande Black, with ginger and turmeric.

Dean

Time is a factor being 6-8 hours away..... He thought we were the closest to that? What the hell was he on? the person on the speaker comes on asking to take the order yeah I’d like a Grande Black with a ginger and turmeric and the biggest black coffee you got

Alex

drive up and coffee shop and park and walk in smell the coffee air ahh that smell good

Sam

shrugs I don't know Dean, he just sounded like Garth always sounds. Won't hurt us to check it out for him. We didn't have plans when we left the Bunker, now we do

Dean

Alright fine.... But if this turns out to be another wild goose chase.. Hey is that bear's car? pointed in the parking space nearby

Sam

Leans forward to look at the side window Sure looks like it. Why don't you go see if she'd like to come with us. She could probably need to blow off a little steam after how things have been.

Dean

Here’s an idea why dont you text her since we are sitting in the drive thru I cant just get out and walk inside.... pulling up to the window I hand off my card and receive the coffees thank hand you your coffee

Sam

Turns my phone on and send a text to Alex "Dean and I are in the Drive Thru and getting ready to go do a case for Garth, Want to come with? hits send Sips my coffee, it's perfect Mmm, good place. I'm going to have to remember this one Dean, why don't you pull around by where Alex parked

Dean

pull the car out of drive thru after we get our coffee and drive back around and pull into the space next to Alex’s car see if you can find her

Alex

Felt my phone buzz and pull out my phone and text Sam back I am inside Stand looking at menu

Dean

Sam text her back tell her we need to know if she’s coming we have a long drive ahead of us

Sam

I toss my phone onto the front seat and just get out of the car to go inside. I see Alex at the counter and walk over. Hey, Alex... Dean and I need to head out. Do you want to join us or do you have other things going on today?

Dean

I watch you get out... time is factor.... Yeah

Sam

I spoke to Alex for a minute and gave her our information, as much as I knew anyway. and then headed back to the car Alex has got a couple of things she has to finish first for the kids, then she said she'd follow after us. I gave her the info, so it looks like it's you and me.

Dean

Ok if anyone else texts or calls we can have them meet us there. puts the car in reverse backing out of the parking space then drive and take off down the road so what do we know about what’s going on in South Dakota?

Sam

It’s a case Garth is working out in Minnesota, family being terrorized by and uncle. Uncle was buried in the cemetery we're headed to. Garth just said flower, salt and burn. Thinks a minute but when is it ever that simple, you're right. Let me see if I can get any information on the Minnesota family. I pull out my laptop

Dean

I thought garth was in Minnesota and the case he called you about is SD?

Dean

The whole reason he called is because he couldn’t get to it himself

Sam

Gives Dean a closer look You want me to drive? Garth is hands on with the family trying to keep them safe. He needs us to gank the ghost. This family used to live in SD, moved after the Uncle was buried there

Dea

I can drive just going by what you said. So he’s on the case but needs US to go to the cemetery to dig up and burn...

Sam

Finds some local articles about the family Turns out this family has old money. A second great grandfather held onto land that the rail roads needed access to. I read further Work out for him, instead of just being bought out. The railroad gave him lease type payment and also kick back dividends. The guy made millions. Scroll some more Seems like family strife of one reason or another since.

Dean

So who’s the ghost and why is it a threat?

Sam

Closes my laptop The things people do for money... Turns the phone on and checks Garth's text The original grandfather, one who made the money. William Steward-Barns.... Guess maybe granddad doesn't like the way his decedents are using his millions

Dean

So what does that have to do with the uncle buried on the border of SD?

Sam

looks like they are the one and the same. If I had to guess, I'd say maybe someone who married into the family might have only done it to get control of the financials. Thinks about how that could work I guess there are a lot of terrible ways to grow up. Having everything that money can buy doesn't ensure happiness.

Dean

What do you mean? Uncle and grandfather have 2 different means how would he be their uncle and grandf- oh. Yeah.....nevermind... continues driving that’s all sorts of messed up.... Great family.... clears throat and keeps driving

Sam

There wasn't really anything left to say about the horribleness of families, so I just let the silence hang and settled back to enjoy the drive. It had been a long time since the two of us had gone off alone anywhere like this. I was going to enjoy the feeling of old times as long as I could.

Dean

So... Why dont you go through my tapes and pick some music Sammy. Let quiet that way

Sam

Grins over at him Who are you and what have you done with my brother? You're letting Shotgun choose the music?

Dean

Shut up Sammy...fine I throw a tape in and night moves starts playing so i start singing to it I was a little too tall, could've used a few pounds

Tight pants points, hardly renowned

She was a black-haired beauty with big dark eyes

And points of her own, sittin' way up high

Sam

Laughs at the memories of a past time in the car singing that song Good Choice

Dean

Way up firm and high

Out past the cornfields where the woods got heavy

Out in the back seat of my '67 Chevy

Workin' on mysteries without any clues

Why not...

Sam

Sitting back just listening to the good-naturedly sung to lyrics. You seem like you're in a pretty good mood today. Things going good for you lately?

Dean

When am I not in a good mood? I mean since I’ve been back things have been pretty good

Sam

Things have been pretty normal, I guess. I don't know, you've just seemed sort of caught up in your own head about something recently. I hope you worked it out, whatever it was.

Dean

still pushing things back, taking a drink of my coffee as we fly down the road I’m good Sammy really... Sing with me... 

Workin' on our night moves

Tryin' to make some front page drive-in news

Workin' on our night moves

In the summertime

Umm, in the sweet summertime

Sam

laughing and singing badly 

Tryin' to make some front page drive-in news

Workin' on our night moves

In the summertime

Umm, in the sweet summertime

Dean

smiles as I look over at you while we sing we need to do this more Sammy

Sam

Yeah, nods my head and then looks out the front window yeah we do

Dean

pull into the nearest gas station as we still have awhile to go I guess this is a good time to fuel up, grab some snacks, drinks. get out and start pumping gas in the car

Sam

I get out and stretch Anything I can get you?

Dean

I got a cooler in the back why not stock it up with some beer and then grab me some jerky a chocolate bar for now?

Sam

I go inside the little shop and find some flavored Vitamin water for myself, another six pack of the best beer they had, which wasn't saying much. Found Dean's jerky and chocolate and an orange for myself. As I'm checking out, I add one of those Monster Claw energy drink things I know Dean likes. With my bag of goodies, I head back to the car.

Sam

Storing the beer in the ice chest, I had Dean the things I'd brought him and keep the empty bag for the orange peels I'm about to go through. So what, you figure about 4 more hours?

Dean

Yeah probably finish pumping the gas and take my things from you. I open the bag of jerky and grab some out cramming it in my mouth and pop open the energy drink thanks Sammy

Sam

I slip back into the front seat and stick my water in the door spot. Then begin pealing the orange.

Dean

Dont make a mess with that thing Sammy winks as I pull back out onto the road and we continue driving

Sam

Long after my orange was gone and the open road had lulled me back into that soothing rhythm it always did. I looked across at Dean silently driving. He seemed in deep thought. I've missed these simple hunts... jobs, whatever you want to call them. These kind where we know what the bad thing is and we know how to end it. Nothing more than that. Starting out, those were the kinds of things we always saw.... back before demons and angels and all of the other Gods.... do you ever miss it too? Like it was when we were starting out?

Dean

Hmm?. Oh...yeah...simple hunts.  Not that anything is really all that simple. But I agree. It is fun just to be us on the road. Just you and me. But our family has grown so it just isn’t a possibility as much.

Sam

It has grown, I wonder what Dad would think of that. He was always so 'we work alone'-mind-setted. Letting others in I shake my head Not sure that would have been easy to do if he were still around.

Dean

Maybe not but it’s not up to him because he’s not around but THEY are.

Sam

Sees a road sign for the HWY 90- HWY47 junction. You’re going to want to take that one. Keep on 90 and Reliance is about 12 miles past the split Starts going over in my own head what we're likely to need once we get there. I had most of it and I knew the Impala most likely carried the rest. We should be good.

Dean

watch as I come up on the turn for HWY90-HWY40 and make the turn as I merge onto the highway and continue driving

Sam

When you exit at Reliance, make a loop through town, just so we can check it out. I'll message Garth now to see if he has anything new for us. Type out a text to Garth letting him know we're here and asking if anything has changed. Hits send

Dean

On it.... seeing the sign and taking the exit i follow it and head towards town slowly driving through in case we need to stop anywhere

Sam

My phone pings in my hand and I open to find Garth's message He says everything holding. We won't miss the family tomb, and that William is the last uncremated body to have been interred there. So, I guess swing back through town and let's find the location and then just wait for dark, sound good to you

Dean

So head to the cemetery and salt and burn with roses.... Got it drive through the town looking for the cemetery

Sam

I forgot about the flowers, need a flower shop as well I think

Dean

Oh ok it’s not long now and I’m sure it’s gonna be dark soon but yes flower shop is next on the agenda circling back through town how about that one?

Sam

I look where Dean is pointing and I can see a young, blonde wearing the vest of the flower shop, just saying good bye to a customer. I Grin I think you'll be able to get white roses and that girls phone number, both in record time.

Dean

laugh as I pull into a parking space, get out and walk up to the girl hey beautiful... I would like a big bundle of white roses please.

Sam

Hearing the word beautiful carried back to me on the wind, I had to chuckle. It didn't matter what horrible fate we were about to walk into, Dean always had time for a pretty girl

Dean

go inside the store and come out with a bunch of white roses, putting my phone back in my pocket on my way out anything else we need?

Sam

I think we're good I step out of the car and empty the orange peels out of the plastic bag and get back into the car. From what I could find online, the white rose petals are supposed to protect any goodness or love that might still be residing within a person. I take the flowers from Dean and start tearing the petals off and stuffing them in the plastic bag.

Dean

We just.... Ok..... watching you ruin the roses ok so where are we headed now? To find the grave?

Sam

Yes, Garth says the Family Tomb is the grandest there and won't be hard to see. I'm actually feeling better about busting into some marble covering in a crypt, than digging down 6 feet in the hard South Dakota clay.

Dean

You're looking forward to it? Um who are you and what did you do to Sam you always hated that part of the job even though we did it

Dean

I think maybe the pollen from the flowers are going to your head

Sam

well, I've pretty much come to terms that it's the only way to bring some kind of peace to the dead who's after revenge and peace for the ones its after. But I was just talking about shoveling up six feet of dirt. That's a long slog some nights.  Knocking off a marble covering is soooo much easier

Dean

You got the cemetery on GPS so we can find it?

Sam

Back down this main road. I saw the turn off just before we came to that first gas station... It will be on your left now

Dean

head back towards the gas station and making the turn looking for the cemetery

Sam

That's it... points Right there... As we turn into the cemetery, I look around for where we might be needing to go. THERE!

Dean

Holy shit! As I turn into the cemetery and you point it out that’s?

Sam

Let's just park outside the gate and off the road until dark

Dean

park the car and turn all lights off

Sam

No cars passes and no people. It was as if we were the only people for miles. Once the sun was almost down, I looked over at Dean. What do you think? Give it a few more, or get to it?

Dean

Wait a few just to make sure everything is clear

Sam

Works for me Continues to look at the window and watch all the areas around us

Dean

after sitting and watching for a while let’s do it

Sam

I get out of the car with the rose petals and meet Dean around the back

Dean

get out opening the trunk and grab the shovels salt oil and my lighter and grab my gun and blade

Sam

From the trunk I take a crow bar, a mallet and then slip my bag over my shoulder which contains salt, holy oil and matches

Dean

carry everything to the gate

Sam

Clipping on a small flashlight, I start to make my way towards the Stewart-Barns family tomb.

Dean

walk with you carrying the shovels keep your eyes peeled

Sam

I hadn't seen so much as a squirrel since we'd been sitting out here, but knew that things could go south in a hurry. I nod to Dean and keep walking.

Dean

getting to the family tomb I use a shovel to bust the lock and open the door

Sam

Shhhh Let's not let every dead person know that we're here just yet Dean At the door to the crypt I was relieved to see that a standard issue lock was through the small chain. Pulling out my lock pick tools, I had it open in less than a minute. Here we go

Dean

It easy easy to break sorry.... walking into the little room i look around which one is it?

Sam

Looking for William I scan my flashlight along the craved names Bingo Right there

Dean

Well how do you supposed we are gonna bust into that without making noise Sammy? We kinda can’t avoid it

Sam

I run my fingers over the marble sealer plate. I think if you just get a notch here at a corner, we'll get this whole slab off in one piece

Dean

grabbing a shovel I begin slamming it into the stone to break it at the corner you are pointing to, and pry the slab away

Sam

I help with the crow bar and together we break the whole piece free Piece of cake The dead air from the tomb space, takes more of a dusty smell. Help me slide this out I grab hold of the end of an really ornate coffin

Dean

grab ahold and help you pull it put and pry open the top

Sam

Getting most of the coffin out, I let go and it bumped to the ground. Here, you can do the honors I hand Dean the crow bar

Dean

once open using the crowbar, looking at the old mostly rotted away bones as a big scurries out of the eye socket and another out of the mouth ugh ... I pour the salt over the entire remains and toss the container to the ground

Sam

Wait!!!

Dean

What?

Sam

I open the plastics bag and scatter the white rose petals all over the body I almost forget that step I pull out holy oil and use it to make sure the fire will spread to the entire corpse Light it up I think

Dean

Oh right I totally forgot! watching you cover the salt and bones with the rose petals then pour the oil over it all covering it you wanna do the honors?

Sam

I'll let you go for it. I know that's your favorite part I grin at him

Dean

grab my zippo lighting a piece of paper I throw it in watching the oil catch and the fire slowly grow in front of us good riddance

Sam

Yeah, what he said Picking up our equipment, I waited just a bit longer to be sure that the fire was going to catch it all and then started for the tomb door

Dean

watching the fire burn until it was almost down to ashes then head to the door

Sam

Back at the Impala, I drop my gear into the trunk and slide into the front seat. Pulling out my phone, I text Garth to let him know hte mission was completed.

Sam

You know Dean I look across at my brother This was nice today, getting away to just do what we do so well. It was nice just spending time with you. We need to do this more often.

Dean

walk back to the impala getting in i agreed if only all our cases were that easy

[athena-is-a-chaotic-lil-shit]

Let the Stars Witness

Okay okay holy— omg I did it! My first request and from an admired writer of mine no less!

From @kim-monsterlings : Hi and welcome!! Really looking forward to seeing your work! ~ If you would, could I request some form of friends to lovers with an orc? (Prompts maybe like, "you deserve better.") Thank you! <3

Since it wasn't specified on what their genders are, I hope your okay with what I went with! And I kinda trailed off from the prompt (or rather it's different but similar)

Anyways you'll know when you read!

•

Pairing: Male Orc (Duruk) x Human Fem!Reader

Word count: 2.2k

Warnings: None.

•

"You know, I never thought I would be friends with anyone here, especially with someone other than my, well, species," you tell your companion, your eyes not leaving the cloudless night sky as you lied on your back on the roof of his house. The stars were out tonight.

If you told your younger self that you'd be having great escapades (if running away and getting into a series of trouble fall under that) with an orc, you would most definitely cry your eyes out because you thought were being teased, taking it as a hurtful comment. You were sensitive like that. Part of the reason why no one would even go near you, afraid they might hurt you with a pat on the shoulder or with one word alone. You became the prime target of bullies, finding twisted amusement at your pathetic reactions. A crybaby, they called you. But it wasn't your fault you didn't have much control over your emotions. You were weird, asocial, timid, maybe even depressed. Having a neglectful family didn't help either, it just worsened.

•

The morning you met Duruk was after the orientation. And it was not so good for a first impression.

Long story short, you cried.

But since you're perhaps curious as to what happened exactly, let's elaborate.

You had your headphones on, the melodic sound of gentle rain played in a 3-hour loop and blocked out other noises, your eyes glued to the path you were on. You took long and hurried steps, wishing you could teleport to your classroom and hide in the back, disappear or become invisible.

You were distracted, or should we say, focused on the ground and expecting everyone to step aside and let you through.

Well, except for the one who had his back on you.

You crashed—not an exaggeration— into something- someone massive. You stumbled back and landed on your bum, wincing from the impact. Luckily, your headphones were safe (ah yes, priorities), detaching from your ears and landing on your shoulders. When you looked up to see who it was, you thought your eyes were gonna fall off, grow little legs, and scamper away.

Before you stood an orc, halfway turned to glance at whoever it was that tried to push him, his sharp tusks jutting out from his maw. His brows were furrowed as he looked down on you. Sure, he wasn't as tall as the orcs you've seen around the city and campus but still was over 6 feet, with muscles thicker than your thighs, easily hulking you.

You tried to get out an apology and run as far as you could go, but you just sat there, frozen as you strained your neck to meet his gaze, you couldn't look away. Your heart was trying to claw its way out into the surface.

Then you felt the tears swell up.

They cascaded down your face before you even could stop them.

The orc's eyes widened at your reaction and crouched down to your level in an instant that he almost fell over. His hands hovered, not sure what to do.

"Hey, hey, please don't cry. Please don't—"

"I-I-I'm re..really s-sorry p-please don't hurt m-me..." You managed to choke out pathetically, hiccuping in every word.

"Shhh now hey, it's okay. It was an accident— what? No! Why would I do that?" he replied. The orc peeked over his shoulder and to the sides. "Let's get you to somewhere, uh, less crowded," he added. You turned your head and saw that you had an audience, whispers went around as they sent pitiful and disgusted glances in your direction, only making you cry even more.

He proceeded to unceremoniously lift you into his arms, bridal style, and dashed away. You gripped the front of his shirt and shut your eyes. You were trembling now, scared of what he might do to you. How could you even fight back with your small stature?

It wasn't long until you felt him slow down and placed you carefully on a bench. The orc knelt in front of you, brows scrunched up as he studied your face.

"You okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

You didn't reply, only staring at him through your glassy eyes as you heaved.

You flinched when his hand started rubbing your back, his other hand placed on the side of the bench to balance himself.

He continued to caress your back and murmured soothing words in hopes of calming you down.

Your tears didn't stop falling until moments later when you came down from your initial fear, the warmth of his palm leaving your back once you did. All the while the orc remained where he was, at a loss of what to do next.

You rubbed your sticky face with the collar of your pale and blotchy crimson sweater, sniffing and taking slow, deep breaths before you spoke.

"I... I'm sorry for causing you trouble. E-Even going as far as to take me somewhere quiet. I...appreciate that." You thought you'd pass out with the way people gathered around you, it was suffocating. "Thank you..."

"I panicked," he started, "Sorry—I mean, it's okay, you didn't do anything wrong. I get that a lot of people run away from the sight of me, but you didn't, and just froze there on the ground so..." he shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck.

You shook your head. He was such an imposing figure to many, their first thought was most likely to get away or scream at him.

"You looked angry... When I bumped into you." You slammed into him actually, but he didn't budge an inch. Guess it was one-sided.

"Oh, that? Well, my brother scolds me a lot for having such a grumpy face, scaring humans away. Like he was the one to talk when he's taller and bigger than me! People would faint on the spot when they see him, I bet!"

The image your mind conjured up tore a laugh out of your body, two orcs arguing about how not to terrify people at sight was damn hilarious. When was the last time someone made you laugh like this?

The orc grinned, your reaction a contrast to that of earlier.

You opened your mouth to say something but the ringing of the great bell resounded, cutting you off. The two of you stood up as you realized you were late for your first class of the school year.

"So, uh, what now?" you asked.

"How about we go to our class, then maybe meet up later? Oh, fu— my mother will gut me— I haven't introduced myself!" He blurted out, his voice making you yelp with the sudden outburst.

Clearing his throat, he reached out, "I'm Duruk."

In turn, you gave him your name, taking his hand and smiled. "Hello, Duruk."

•

True to his word, you met again later when lunch came. The cafeteria was packed so you settled on getting the convenience food they offered and eat somewhere quiet.

Your conversation that day spiraled when you found out the two of you had a lot in common. From your favorite rock band to your favorite flavor of ice cream.

You both strongly agreed that vanilla ice cream was superior.

You agreed to meet up during breaks, always having something to chat about.

Eventually, you became inseparable.

He even changed and transferred to your class just so the two of you could be together at the start of the day rather than walk half of the campus to see each other every time.

You became best friends, sharing each moment in school, may it be helping the other stay awake in a boring class, or copying homework when one of you forgot to do it. Soon enough, Duruk started inviting you to his house to hang out. He did mention he had four other siblings, but he lived alone. You came by almost every night and on whole weekends to escape from home, only a few miles in between. No one would notice you gone anyways, but you returned around midnight, not wanting to impose on Duruk no matter what he says, so he walks you back instead.

You basked in each other's company. The odd and scrutinizing glares didn't go unnoticed when you two were together, but you shrugged them all off.

It didn't take long before you started having feelings for the orc, a little wishful thinking that you could be more than friends. You noted lately that his touches would linger seconds longer than usual, hugs and even a hand on your shoulder and back seem to be warmer and —you dare say— affectionate. It weighed heavily on your heart, your simple crush turned into something else, and it only grew with each passing day, and every laugh you shared.

But of course, you swatted those away, buried them deep inside every damn time they climb back up. Who could even love you? Yes, you have Duruk, he likes you, you think. But that's the end of it. Just close buddies. You can't take the risk of ruining your friendship with him and make things awkward with the only one you had! What if he stops talking to you, weirded out by your confession? You don't want to go back to being alone again, your heart can't take the rejection that came with it.

So you endured.

•

A little over five months ever since the embarrassing accident, here you are now, stargazing with your best friend.

"Well, good thing you didn't watch where you were going that time then," he says, chuckling beside you. His hands cushioned his head against the hard surface. "I wouldn't have..." he trails off.

"Hm, what?" you ask. Duruk went silent and didn't answer you for a time. You were about to let it slide but then he breathes in audibly.

"I wouldn't have met an angel if you did. Should've caught you in my arms, but sadly I didn't move fast enough." He replies, his voice deep and mellow.

You straighten up and turn to face him, your brows shot up, incredulous to what he just implied.

"W-Wait. What?" you squeak, your heart thumping hard in your chest, your skin warming up even in the chilled night air.

Is he—

"You're so cute, y'know that? Fuck it, it's all or nothing," he whispers under his breath as he sits up to face you. His expression was unreadable, but you see in his mahogany eyes a familiar glint of determination. "I'm not good with long-ass speeches so I'll make this short," he breathes in before he continues, "I feel something for you, for a while now, more than a best friend does, like...in a romantic sense. I want to cherish you and hold you in my arms every time I see you, I- ah fuck- damn it I just—" he growls, "I love you, so much and if you don't love me back then please re—"

You shut him off with your lips against his, Duruk's tusks pressing against your cheeks as you held his face in your hands. He was stunned for two solid seconds before returning the kiss, his arms snaking around your waist and pulling you close and into his lap.

You feel something wet roll down your hand and you immediately jerked back to see his face. The orc was crying.

Did you do it wrong? Were you so terrible at it—

"I don't deserve you... A monster like me doesn't deserve an angel like you."

Where was this coming from??

"Say that again, I dare you."

"I don't de—"

This idiot!

You pecked his lips to cut him off.

"You big dummy," you begin, "I love you too, idiot. You may be a monster but not what everyone else defines you as. I love you as you are. You're my best friend, and dare I say my l-lover now. Is that right...?"

Duruk gives you a small, gentle smile, "If you'll have me, then yes, for as long as you want me to be." He says, sniffling a sob as a couple more tears tumbled down his rugged face.

You never thought you'd see him like this. He was the one who kept making you laugh with his stories and terrible jokes. Before you, in your hands was someone vulnerable, his eyes soft and fond as he gazed into yours.

It made your heart pound and it hurt.

You leaned in and he met you halfway, kissing once again, deeper and more intimate this time. Real. You brought your arms around his neck, your tears spilling out and he tightened his grip around you. It felt like a dream, too good to be true, but the way he hugged you like you were the only thing that anchored him in this world made you believe it wasn't. All of this was real and you couldn't be anymore happier.

From above, the glittering stars, the light gentle as they shone, bear witness to two freed hearts, bottled up feelings gushing out like a broken dam as you embraced one another and lost yourselves in the moment of bliss, cheeks stained and clothes lightly damp from the tiny rivulets of liquid that dropped down.

It's a lovely night, isn't it?

[babayagakeanu]

How Will I Know? -part two

Pairing: Jethro Gibbs/reader

Summary: In which the reader finds out that Gibbs is in fact, in love with her too

Warnings: smut, NSFW 18+, oral receiving(female)

It’s been three weeks since your discussion with Gibbs, and he’s been giving you the silent treatment all those 21 days. It was agony, and you felt so small whenever you were near him. His hard gaze towards you made you overthink and regret ever opening up to him like that, and it made it even harder to do your job with Abby. Forensics was hard enough, Gibbs made it even harder when he kept entering the office every hour. 

“Abs! What do ya got?” He says, entering your shared office in a swift motion. You watch the two as they interact, Abby sharing the details of the prints you two had found on the Vic’s jacket. 

“Great job, Abs. Y/n, I expect you to do the same.” Your blood boils at Gibbs’ remark, but you swallow your pride and continue to work on finding DNA matches. Abby looks over to you and grimaces. “He didn’t take it well, did he?” He didn’t at all, you think, acted like a big baby about it. 

You sigh, looking down at your sample and face her. “No he didn’t. He’s been giving me harder tasks and giving me the silent treatment for almost a month.” You swivel in your chair before getting up to continue your rant. “Abby, I thought  Gibbs and I were close. He opened up to me about more than he’s ever opened up to any of you guys, no offense.” 

“None taken!” She responds. “Maybe he’s processing it, giving it some time to swish around in his little noggin. If it gets to a point where you can’t take it anymore, talk to him, y/n. You deserve closure, at the least.” She hugs you, patting you on the crown of your head before getting back to work. The work day proceeds the same, catching the suspect before the two day period runs out. 

———-

It was midnight when you guys had finished, and you and Gibbs were the only ones left at your desks. It’s been hell working in silence; usually you two would find something to talk about, maybe you would ask him about his boat or he would ask you about your latest puzzle. Either way, it was awkward and uncomfortable. 

“Gibbs?” You ask, the waver in your voice instantly detectable. 

He doesn’t look up from his paperwork. “Yes, y/L/n?” He hasn’t said called you by your last name since you were a probie, and that was the last straw.

You shift in your seat, “I think it’s about high time you give me an explanation!” His head snaps up, a glare already storming in his steely blue eyes. “I’ve been honest with you on how I felt about you. Was it the perfect time and place? No. But I don’t regret it. The only thing that I regret about this is letting you leave without telling me the truth.” He’s silent for a moment, trying to call your bluff; only to be found with tears in your eyes and the devastation wreaking havoc on the color of them.

It’s not long until he gets up, reaching to your desk in a few long strides. You can feel your heart hammering in you chest, and the nervousness ate at the pit of your stomach.

“Jethro, are you-?” He yanks you up with one hand, not too rough, but enough to pull you flat to his chest , the warmth of his body seeping into your skin. You smell him; sawdust and bourbon. Smoky with just a hint of manliness.

“I have tried incredibly hard to keep my distance from you because all I want to do is kiss you.” You knew Gibbs wasn’t one for words but even the simplest of sentences behold the deepest meanings. You looked into his eyes, memorizing the image of yourself reflecting back at you, hoping that you will be for his eyes only now on.

“Then kiss me,” you say, craning your neck for him as he dips into your mouth, growling at the taste of your lips against his. His hands travel further, cupping both of your ass cheeks and pressing you into him. You gasp into his mouth, scratching at the base of Jethro’s neck.

“Jethro, please I-“ You whine, backing up into your computer desk, careful of knocking down the computer. “What do you need, babygirl?” You could feel the corner of something digging into your back but you didn’t care. 

“I want you. All of you.” You say, against his lips that were still currently attacking yours.Your hands found their way under his shirt, feeling the warmth and rigidness of his muscled back. His lips leaves yours, dragging a whine out of you from the loss of contact. 

“Meet me at my place, tomorrow evening. Dinner’s on me, you bring the bourbon.” He leaves you a sweet kiss, another following on the corner of your mouth. You pack up and are about to leave when he stops you. “By the way, you were never just a friend to me.”

You sigh, grinning up at him. “You sure you don’t want to come to my place? I can think of a few ways to prove myself to you. Well, more or less, show you.” He smirks, chuckling before playing with the strap of your bra, peeking out from underneath your short sleeve top. 

“Well, as much as I believe you can show me, I also believe in the art of suspense and surprise. So, tomorrow at eight.” 

——————————————————————————————————

The time to go over Gibbs’ place tonight was almost upon you, the hour hand reaching 6:30. You were in the shower, currently listening to every power-up song there was, and scrubbing your skin until it was red. Once you knew that you’ve been in the shower for way too long, you stepped out, wrapping a fluffy towel around you and hurried to your bedroom to pick out your outfit. You didn’t want to dress up to much, knowing that Jethro would most likely be wearing a button up t-shirt and jeans. You settled on a tight black shirt, paired with simple blue jeans. You had opted to curl your hair, letting it fall into loose waves and for your makeup, simple but with a bold red lip. It was 7:30 by the time you were done getting ready, so you packed up the bottle of wine and headed to his his house.

The phone rang a few times before he picked up. “Yeah, Gibbs.” 

“You still answer your phone like that with your significant others?” You say, smiling as you turn down his street. 

“Who said you were my girlfriend?” He asks, the joking evident in the way he chuckles at the end. 

“Well, what I’m wearing under my clothes and the way you kissed me last night said otherwise.” You park your car in his driveway. “Now open up Marine or I’m leavin’.” The phone call ends and the door opens, revealing Jethro, who actually looked like sex on legs. He donned a jean button up, and cargo pants. 

“Wow.” Is all he says, watching as your chest gleamed under the light of his kitchen. “Wow, yourself.” You respond, leaning in to kiss his jaw. “You looking like that makes me wanna skip dinner and get to the fun stuff.” He smiles, looking down at your smirking face. “Well, if you keep talkin’ like that, I might end up being hungry for somethin’ else.” He leads you to the kitchen were he made an excellent dinner of steak, potatoes, and some veggies. 

“Why did I known you were a meat and potatoes kind of guy?” You quip, watching as he smirks at you before cutting into his steak. 

“I’m a simple man, y/n. I know what I like.” You knew that his last sentence has a double entendres, and it makes the corners of your mouth quirk up a bit. 

“I don’t doubt that you do.” You say, and the two of you eat your dinner in a comfortable manner, it felt natural, like you knew that fate had brought you together, but you wouldn’t tell him that, not yet. You still had the fear of losing him, of him pushing you away like he did with his ex-wives, and you didn’t want to ever be referred to as Jethro’s ex-wife. 

“Something on your mind?” He asks, cutting through the silence and shaking you out of your head. 

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just thinking.” You shrug, forking more veggies into your mouth. 

“Nothing is always something. What are you thinking about?” he puts his fork down and rest his elbows on the table, folding his hands. You sigh, putting your fork down.

“It’s gonna sound embarrassing if I tell you.” 

“No, it won’t.”

“Well,” you begin, the fear in your throat rising. “You know how I feel about you, and I’m just thinking about why I took this job in the first place. I love forensics and working with Abs is just one of the many perks of the job.”

He laughs, “ She is a character.” 

“But, I think the biggest perk there was, is you.” You look up at him, and find him walking up to your chair, and lifting you up from it. “Yeah, I think I’d agree too.” His hands ghost up your arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake. His lips find your neck, leaving wet, hot kisses causing you to moan softly and grab his biceps in an attempt to stable yourself. 

“Jethro...” you mumble, watching as he stares down at you with his steely blue eyes, looking at how the icy blue ring deepens with lust. His lips are on yours in a flash, and something tells you he couldn’t handle not kissing you for long. You match his pace, a kiss full of gnashing teeth and hot breath. Your hands reach up to wrap around his neck. “God, you taste so good, J.” You feel his shit-eating grin on your lips before you pull away.

You grab the bottle of wine and two glasses. “Meet me upstairs in ten minutes.” You wink at him before walking off upstairs, not without adding an extra sway to your hips. 

———————-

The Marine had finished cleaning up dinner in record time, and you had finished putting lotion all over your body, brushing your teeth, and positioned yourself in just your panties on his bed; they were lace, of course. It was when you heard Jethro coming up the stairs that the excitement starts eating at the pit of your stomach. You’re sipping on your third glass of wine when he opens the door and stops in his tracks when he sees you.

“Well, I’ll be damned.” He states, his eyebrows raised with a smirk. “you’re looking real pretty right about now.” He can tell your nipples are perked, and are in desperate need of attention. “Well, don’t just stand there with your mouth open, come put it to good use, mister.” He smirks, his hands in his pockets as the tightness in his pants grew, he felt it as he was walking towards you. Shoving his socks and shoes off, he climbs on the bed, taking your wine glass and sipping it with once again, a smirk. Setting your wine glass on the bedside table, he envelops your lips in a fiery kiss, licking into your mouth and tasting the Cabernet on your tongue. His hands find your hips, squeezing as he breaks contact with your lips. He sits up as you climb into his lap, your arms ghosting over his broad shoulders meanwhile grinding into his bulge. 

“I love you,” you remind him, watching as his lips turn into this wide smile, as if the heavens opened up to him, and that would be alright because he could die a happy man right about now. 

“I love you, too.” He kisses you, and maybe you were just in a daze but you felt every emotion in his kiss. As if he was telling you something without actually telling you. His lips trail further down your collarbone, sending chills through your spine and when he reaches your taut nipples, it causes you to let out a high-pitched gasp. His tongue swirls around your teased bud, nipping it a little.

“For years, I’ve dreamt of knowing what was under these clothes of yours, and you know what? My imagination is nowhere close to the real thing.” He lays you down, watching as your hair cascades against his pillow. “I’m gonna show you what it’s like to be with a man, sweetheart.” You giggle at him, but it’s suppressed once he dives into your pussy. Licking and sucking at the small bundle of nerves you know most men can’t find. 

“Oh, Jethro!” You gasp, hands tangling themselves into his short silver locks. “Just like that... just like that” you mumble, his fingers working your tight hole, hot, wet, and tight. You were nearing your release when he releases his fingers and mouth, coming back up to kiss you before shedding off the rest of his clothes. “Wha-” he smirks down at you, before tugging at his cock, entering you  in a swift motion. Your gasp was swallowed by another kiss, but he didn’t move, allowing you to adjust to his larger size. Once you tap his shoulder, he moves, slowly but gradually picking up pace once he hears your tiny whimpers and mewls.

“So fucking tight,” he adds, his sharp and heavy thrusts causing your breasts to bounce, and his large hand moved from the pillow by your head to capture your breast. You left out a high-pitched moan as his thrust sends you into overdrive, nails scraping at his shoulders while you moan out his name like a mantra.

“Good girl,” he moans, getting close to his end as well. His thrusts start to sloppy and with a guttural groan, he comes, spilling his hot seed inside you.

——————————————————-

Your fingers were trailing his face, committing his looks to memory, as if one day you’d wake up and he wouldn’t be there. You’re figuring he’s doing the same since he’s looking at you like you’re the only one in the world who’s made him feel so strongly about someone. There were no need for words, because everything has already been said.

———————————————————————-

Taglist: @minninugget @bandgeek88

[wouldduskwood]

Descendants of Despair Part 9

Duskwood - JakexMC fanfic

Contains swearing and references to abuse types

Note: Much of this fictional backstory is improbable but was needed to give depth to the MC character (intelligence, street smarts/survival skills, manipulation and trust issues)- to make her reactions more understandable and leads on to explain other details later. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once again I found myself becoming uncomfortable under Jake’s intense gaze so I found myself lowering my eyes, consumed in thought. It appeared as though he was analysing everything about me, trying to hack into the very core of my being. Frustratingly, I couldn’t even justify getting angry at his actions. I had been doing exactly the same, maybe not as obviously, but every step of the way I had been covertly watching and analysing everything he had messaged, said or did. It made sense really, for both of us. Understanding the situation I was in at all times was the only thing that had kept me alive for years now. I imagined this would be the same for him. Our situations may have been vastly different, but instinctively, when faced with danger, we all developed our own safety mechanisms. It was that, or submit.

Jake cleared his throat, which brought me back to reality. “Sorry,” I mumbled. This elicited a sigh from Jake. 

“Don’t be, I could start talking too but...let’s just say I get where you are coming from.” His fingers grazed against the table top in frustration. “It is like we are on a fucking knife edge. It is impossible to just sit back and ignore this, but...what I have to tell you… it could have you running for the hills and permanently ridding yourself of me. I may have a few tricks up my sleeve, but from what I have witnessed these past few days, so do you and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that if you don’t want to be found, it would be damn near impossible for me to do so.” Jake lowered his eyes, watching his fingers grating against the rough surface of the table. “I would willingly let you go...if that was what was best for you...but not knowing you were safe...how the fuck could I even function with that possibility.” 

I had remained quiet through Jake’s speech. He was in much the same state as myself, talking to himself as much as to me. “You realise that everything you have just said is the same pressure I have right now. My past isn’t exactly rainbows, unicorns and fluffy kittens you know.” I groaned.

“Touché,” Jake admitted. “So,what? Paper, scissors, rock to see who starts?” He suggested with a wry smile. 

“No, I’ll begin. Look I already know a bit more about you than you do about me. During our conversations on the phone, I put more pressure on you to reveal information than you ever did to me. That was manipulative of me…” I took a deep breath in to mentally prepare myself for the conversation that was about to follow. To his credit, Jake waited patiently, his gaze flicking between me and the tabletop.

“Okay, remember a while ago when we were making small talk. You asked a specific question and it was the first and only time I have ever logged off before you...especially without answering..” “Mm” Jake mumbled. 

“You asked about my family and at the time I didn’t tell you. It isn’t a short story and it isn’t exactly something I am quick to admit to. I have to tell you now.” I began. Jake stopped moving his fingers over the tabletop for a minute as he looked at me. “Okay, uh I guess I will start at the beginning” I grinned, buying myself a little composure time. 

“A wise place to start” Jake muttered dryly, causing me to laugh. 

“Smartass” I groaned.

 “Okay, I don’t exactly have a family. At least not one I know. The day after I was born, my parents walked out of the hospital and never came back for me. The nurses kept me there for a while as they tried to find where my parents were. Anyway, somehow I contracted an infection from the hospital and I was kept in until that was resolved. Unfortunately this had the negative impact of being classed as potentially being a sickly child...Foster care parents don’t generally willingly take a sickly child, unless they are really serious. There are several kinds of foster care parents. The genuine ones that aim to one day adopt, the ‘kid collectors’, the ‘save the relationships’, the ‘have a gifted kid’…” The list does go on a bit. Anyway, abuse is fairly commonplace in the majority of these homes. The abuse could be emotional, physical or sexual in nature….” the crack in my voice betrayed my emotion and Jake cast me a concerned look. He hesitantly reached a hand towards me but pulled it back before we touched. 

I swallowed sharply then began my story again. “By the time I was 6, I was in a pretty dire situation...I won’t go into much detail here, maybe one day but...not yet. I remember staying awake late into the night contemplating. I cried a lot that night. Before dawn, I packed the few belongings I had and left. I had made the decision to try and make it on my own. It was a terrifying thought. I knew the world outside would be dangerous but I also knew I wouldn’t survive long where I was. I was glad I had left when I did, the sun was beginning to rise so my surroundings weren’t quite as scary. I made my way to the “ghetto” part of town and people watched for a while. I saw an elderly woman sitting on the bench near the railroad. I watched her for a bit and established she likely had a drinking problem. I recognised the telltale signs from watching my foster carer drink. I knew what alcohol could potentially do to somebody but she seemed safe enough so I approached her and asked if I could sit with her for a while. She took a look at my appearance and must have decided I needed help. She became my only caregiver and first real teacher. She taught me to read, write and simple math using things we found lying around. I maintained a cool and wary distance from her. I knew she wouldn’t hurt me herself but I also knew she would sell me for a drop of alcohol if it came to that.”

Part 10

[peanut-butter-parkerxx]

non-navigational maps

y/n's new to the giant busy crowds of new york so she wanted to ask someone for help

pairing: peter x fem!reader

status: strangerz

Warning: shy reader (idk if this is a warning but just in case)

y/n's POV

new york sure is loud, like really really loud. but thankfully i found a park or something so i can relax a bit and really look at my map. i couldnt understand a thing. seriously how do people use a thousand subways just to get to one place?

after a few minutes i gave up and tried to ask someone for help which isn't very fun for me considering i barely talk to strangers...too shy for all of that but my familly will murder me if i wasnt home by 6 and most importantly im STARVING. hmm lets see, a mom and her toddler? nah shes probably busy as it is trying to stop her little boys tantrum, the old man in the bench infront of me? yeah why not- nope his ice cream just spilled on his shirt poor thing. i wanted to help him out but someone already did, a boy i think wait no he looks older maybe my age?  i dont know, i can only see his back, his hair looked cute though soft, brown, light, did I mention soft?- ok y/n stop it.

"Damn it!" The old man cursed "should've gon for the vanilla" he shook his head, I laughed his comment, he 'should've' gotten vanilla coz his t-shirt was white and it wouldn't stain that much *laughing* ugh so wholesome

I heard another voice, a much younger voice. I looked up from my god damn map to meet the back of the boy who's helping the guy out, laughing at what he said. His laugh is cute too

"But chocolate tastes better sir, I think you made a great choice" he wiped the excess now I know chocolate ice cream off the old mans shirt

"I always make the right choices kid, the names Stan" the once grumbled old man, smiled just from an act of kindness by a boy my age, he held his hand for him to shake

"Peter, Peter Parker sir" he shook his hand and smiled he said something to Stan which made him laugh. I giggled from their interaction just happy from what I've witnessed. for some reason I find guys my age helping others attractive it really shows me how good of a person this guy is, it makes me feel like not all boys my age are bad, I don't know hopefully I'll see him soon

*A/N: YES IM PUTTING A STAN LEE CAMEO IN HERE, if you didn't ask...The old guy I'm talking abt is Stan lee ;)*

After looking at my map a billion more times to try and not talk to people I gave up again and kept looking around, since there wasn't anyone else in this side of the park I decided to walk, if I'm staying for a while might as well get some exercise am I right?

I walked for a few minutes until I found a group of benches again so I looked for someone unoccupied, not sketchy, and hopefully is in a good mood, till i found a beautiful woman probably in her 40s or something ( but she looked amazing though)

she seemed nice as well, she just had that vibe to her so i decided to ask her, yayy can you feel the sarcasm?? I'm TERRIFIED

she was sitting on the bench, lifting her glasses every once in a while to read the book she had in her hand. i slowly walked up to her, nervous. what should i tell her? that im new to the area and if i couldnt find a Mcdonalds soon ill turn into the next hulk? the nerves seemend to fade away once we we locked eyes, she had brown welcoming eyes, a smile ill probably never forget plastered on her face.

"hello sweetie, what can i do for you?" her voice was like honey sweet, and calming as well.

"oh uhm sorry to bother you but i- i am kinda lost and i-i cant find a burger place kind near the are-" i was a stuttering mess! But thankfully i got interrupted from humiliating myself...by the- who is this guy? Oh wait! That's the guy that helped the old man! Peter? Yeah Peter, Peter Parker

"sorry i took a while aunt may, theres this old guy named stan, he spilled his ice cream all over his shirt so i decided to help him and i bought him a new one! should we go..." the boy trailed off, he looked cute not gonna lie, he had the same features as the woman infront of me, brown eyes, soft brown hair, and a kind spirit definitely. "s-sorry was i interrupting something?" he rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed

"no its okay peter, this lovely lady right here is just lost would you be a doll and help her? im bad at maps as it is" she laughed pointing at me. the second he looked at me blood rushed to my cheeks, he really was cute. i gave him a small wave and a barely audible 'hi' but luckily he picked it up and replied with a 'hey'

"i-im"

"Peter, yeah I know. Kinda heard saw helping the guy out. That's really sweet of you...what you did" I blushed "a-a-anyways I'm y/n" I wiped my clammy hands on my jeans to take the sweat off quickly before he shook them.

"Uh nice to meet you too?" he fiddled with his hands his smile growing bigger with every second he looked at me "y-you needed help?" He asked blushing and also eyeing may like he's frustrated from her or something, I laughed at his face and opened the map in my hands

"Uhm, well i-I'm supposed to go to the 21st street 3rd Avenue or somethig by 6 coz my parents will kill me if I was late since were new here, but I think there's enough time to go find some burger place or something since I'm starving and there should be a Macdonalds around the corner right? Oh my god I'm so sorry I'm rambling...I do that a lot when I'm frustrated.....and hungry haha" I nervously laughed mentally kicking myself for being such an idiot to a boy I potentially liked

"Oh no no, I don't mind. So uh you live in queens?" He started off smiling a bit, I was scared for a second since i didn't tell him about that part how would he know that?

"Oh uhm, I'm from queens and the 21st street 3rd Avenue is in queens" he probably got nervous since he saw my slightly frightened face, but it softened once I knew that he wasn't a creepy stalker or some shit

"Y-yeah yeah queens, sorry" why the the fuck am I apologizing?

"No it's fine, you don't need to worry. You probably couldn't find the 21st because you held the map upside down?" he chuckled flipping the map and I just died in embarrassment like can the floor eat me or something?

"I'm such an idiot oh my god" I face palmed and laughed a little the world has something against me I am sure of it

"No you're not, you're new to the busy subways and noisy streets it's fine" he assured me and continued on chuckling, can this day get any worse? "well ironically there isn't a burger place near this area" well great "but t-theres this deli sandwich shop that I always g-go to, uhm I don't know if you'd like that but it's uh really good" he squeaked red swarming to his cheeks and the tip of his ears

"He can show you, if you want? Since you're new and everything he'll be happy to help" the woman buts in smirking, turns out she's been listening to our conversation than reading her book. She sent Peter a wink and packed her stuff

"But what about the library may, you said you wante-"

"It's ok Peter, just come home before 7 and be safe!" She patted his shoulder and gave me a smile. It all happened so fast but I smiled back. Guess I'm gonna go eat with a handsome stranger?

"Well uhm sorry about my aunt" he cleared his throat "wanna g-go grab a sandwich? It's like 10 minutes away and uh we have like" he checked his watch " 3 hours before it turns 6 so plenty of time..." he trailed off, I could either decline and not explore with a cute boy and get lost again? Or risk it and potentially get kidnapped....yeah the answer is pretty obvious

"..uhm yeah sure, let's go" I ushered him taking the map and stuffing it in my bag "well, after you"

I'm thinking of doing a part 2 idk 🤷🏻‍♀️

Have a wonderful morning/afternoon/evening/night!

-quacksonlover

[there-must-be-a-lock]

wings & the way down - part 4

Spencer Reid x Derek Morgan

Word Count: ~1870 this chapter

Warnings: None? 

A/N: A wild subplot appears! Gang’s mostly here, so we get to the fun stuff soon. Nobody’s reading this on tumblr, really, but I still feel the need to apologize for the delay! 

Catch up here. 

Monday, January 6 - Derek

As far as first days go, it could be a lot worse. It’s still fucking exhausting. 

They send the class president to meet him in the office, in the morning — blonde-haired and blue-eyed, straight out of a Colgate ad as she shakes his hand and introduces herself as “Jennifer, but my friends call me JJ.” 

Derek doesn’t fully trust girls like that, the ones who are so traditionally pretty they think they don’t have to be nice, but she’s cool enough as she shows him to his first class and gives him a brief tour, pointing out where he’ll want to go for his next class. He’s already feeling a little lost. 

People keep looking at him, and he wonders what they’re seeing. 

JJ seems to know everybody; she greets almost everyone by name as they walk, introducing Derek in passing. Most of the kids smile right back. It makes Derek reconsider his initial assessment of her; mean girls don’t usually get that sort of genuine warmth aimed in their direction. 

She invites him to eat lunch with her and her friends, but he has a meeting with Principal Strauss during lunch to talk about the student handbook, how he’s adjusting, and all the other fun shit. 

“No worries, standing invitation,” JJ tells him. 

“Tomorrow, then. It’s a date,” he replies, flashing his most charming grin. 

She smiles at that — not the flirtatious expression Derek expected, more like she’s laughing at a private joke — before waving and heading off to her own class.

The history teacher, Ms. Lewis, asks him to stand and introduce himself to the class, and to “Tell us something about yourself,” which… yeah, he saw that one coming, and he practiced it in front of the mirror last night. 

“Derek Morgan.” Not-too-bright smile; just casual enough to be cool, not cocky. “I just moved from Chicago. Psyched about the Vegas weather, not so much about the pizza.” 

He has to do the same thing at the start of every class. He’s going to be repeating it in his sleep, at this rate, and the more he says it, the more disingenuous it feels, trying to boil his identity down to one neat sentence. 

The English teacher, Blake, also asks him to say his favorite book, and Derek hesitates slightly. His instinct is to lie, say something cool and not quite as nerdy, but he catches himself and tells the truth instead. Nobody seems to care except the girl sitting next to him — dark hair, darker eyeliner — who raises a skeptical brow, like she doesn’t believe it. 

At the end of class, though, Blake pairs him with Eyeliner Girl for a project, and she gives him a begrudging smile before introducing herself: “Emily. Glad I’m not the new kid any more.” 

She scrawls her name and number on a piece of paper and slaps it down on the desk in front of him, saying something about meeting up later in the week, as she starts to pack up her stuff. Derek notices an enamel pin of a pansexual pride flag on her bag — between a Joy Division patch and a pin that says “Death Before Decaf” — but before he can figure out whether he wants to comment on that, she’s on her way out the door. 

Most of the day is just a blur of new faces and names and trying to remember where the fuck he’s going. Strauss is brusque but sharp. The place is huge, but there seem to be a lot of girls eager to show him around. People have been friendly enough; the whispers he hears are curious, instead of vicious. 

Derek feels a little bit like he’s got a spotlight on him every time he walks through the halls. At least here it’s a spotlight and not a bullseye. 

He wasn’t nervous for any of his classes, or anything, but he’s definitely nervous before practice. He’s not sure whether Coach Rossi told the team anything about why he ended up transferring mid-year. 

He’s braced for some hostility when he introduces himself to the team captain. “Hey, man, I know this has got to be weird, but—”

“Hey, apparently you can help us win some games,” the guy says, with a disarming smile. “Foyet. Glad to have you.” Derek breathes a little easier as they shake hands. 

Coach Rossi, meanwhile, isn’t like any high school coach Derek’s ever met. They’re usually big and loud and kinda aggro, but Rossi’s quieter, deadpan, well-dressed. He’s got this unimpressed expression, like he has seen some shit in his day and is not going to be bothered by any amount of macho teenage posturing. 

It feels good to be back on the court. The team’s not stellar, but fuck, it’s better than what he left behind, any day of the week. Derek’s in his element, here, and after a day of uncertainty, it’s nice to know he can still do this. By the end of practice, he seems to have won over most of the guys who seemed a little frosty at first, and that’s really fucking nice too. 

He hangs back for a minute to talk to Rossi, afterward, to thank him and just touch base. Then there’s talk of uniforms and making sure he has a locker, before the next practice, and by the time he gets showered, the rest of the team is gone.

He doesn’t mind walking back to the main building on his own. It feels like he’s been smiling and shaking hands and working so damn hard to make a decent first impression that he hasn’t been able to properly breathe all day. 

The school is mostly deserted, at this point — there are a few teachers still working at their desks, a couple students packing up. He gets a little bit turned around trying to find his locker again, wandering into an out-of-the-way section of classrooms near the auditorium before hitting a dead end. He retraces his steps and takes the right turn this time. 

Then he hears an argument around the corner, unmistakable in the relative quiet. He winces, wondering if he should announce his presence somehow, but it doesn’t sound like the kind of thing he wants to interrupt. 

“Look, I’m sorry,” a female voice is saying. “But every time I think about it… it’s terrifying. It’s easier for you, you’ve never—”

“You think this is easy?” another girl snarls. “Fuck that and fuck you. I told you, I’m not doing this. No fuckin’ way.” 

With that, heavy footsteps stomp away, echoing down the hall. 

Derek pauses for a moment, listening, but there’s no more sound; he waits a few seconds anyway before turning the corner, where one of the girls is still standing silently. 

When she whirls, startled by the sound of his footsteps, he realizes it’s JJ. 

It just takes her a blink to pull herself together at the sight of him; if he didn’t see the tears streaking down her cheeks, he’d almost believe it when she aims one of those Colgate-ad smiles in his direction. 

“You okay?” he asks hesitantly. JJ nods vigorously. 

“Totally! I think it’s allergies or something,” she insists. Right.  

“Think I’m a little turned around. How do I get out to the senior lot?” he asks her. 

“I’m heading that way, I’ll show you,” she says. As they start to walk, Derek can see her, out of the corner of his eye, wiping away tears discreetly. “How was your first day?” 

“Not bad, can’t complain,” he says, shrugging. “Pretty weird being the new kid, but… what are you gonna do, right?” 

JJ hesitates before saying, “Must be nice. Getting a fresh start, no expectations.” 

That’s not the usual line. Most people say it must be difficult, having to start over where nobody knows him; most people ask if he misses home, and they don’t consider what he’s trying to get away from. 

He doesn’t ask JJ what she wants to get away from — instead he says, “That’s what my momma keeps saying: I can be whoever I want to be.” 

“So who do you want to be, Derek Morgan?” 

“Just want to be myself,” he says, and she looks up at him with a small, sardonic smile. 

“You make it sound so easy,” she mutters. 

He laughs. “Yeah, fair enough.” 

This time, her smile seems more genuine. JJ points him in the right direction and then ducks into the women’s bathroom, with a wave and a reminder that she’ll see him for lunch. 

Derek heads toward the front door. He’s fishing around in his bag as he walks, looking for the keys to his uncle’s truck, when he walks right into somebody rushing out of the men’s bathroom. 

“Fuck, sorry, are you —” He stops dead, still with an arm out to help steady the other person, because the other person is Spencer. 

Spencer, who looks just as surprised as Derek feels. They lock eyes for a second, and Derek’s insides go on an entire fucking roller-coaster ride in one frozen moment. 

“I thought you were in college,” Derek blurts out, half-laughing, but Spencer doesn’t look even a little bit happy to see him. He’s gone pale. 

“What? No, still in fucking high school, last I checked.” His voice is bitter, and it cracks on the words. “I just take college classes sometimes.” 

“Oh.” 

“I thought you were visiting,” Spencer says, pushing his hair out of his face like he wants to be pulling it instead. 

“I am,” Derek says, stomach sinking when he realizes Spencer still isn’t smiling. “For another six months.”

Spencer’s mouth drops open, and Derek has a visceral flash of sensory memory: those pretty pink lips brushing his cheek. 

Spencer scowls. “So you’re — you go here. Fantastic.”  

Derek’s too tired to pretend the venom in Spencer’s tone doesn’t hurt. 

He snaps, “Did I do something wrong here, or did you just wake up on the bitchy side of the bed?” 

Maybe not his most mature reaction, but. It’s been a long fucking day.  

Spencer digs the heels of his hands into his eyes, for a second, and Derek can see the tension in his fingers. Then he exhales and it’s like all that twitchy furious energy drains out of him at once. He just looks exhausted. 

His voice is low and croaky as he says, “I liked that you didn’t see me the same way as everybody else does.” 

“So, what, you think that’s gonna change just cause we go to the same school now? What kinda asshole do you think I am?” 

“The kind who wears a varsity jacket,” Spencer mumbles. His eyes are huge and hurt and soft, and Derek recoils slightly. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

Spencer shakes his head. “Never mind. Just — trust me, okay? You’re better off pretending you don’t know me.” 

“I want to know you, though,” Derek says quietly. 

Spencer’s phone is vibrating. He looks down at it and then gives Derek one more sad little half-smile as he starts to walk away. 

“If you still feel that way by the end of the week, give me a call,” he says over his shoulder, already pushing the front door open. “But you won’t.” Before Derek can respond, he’s flipping the phone open and saying, “Hey, Mom. I’m on my way.” 

When Derek collects himself and follows him out, Spencer’s already gone. 

.

.

.

[statticscribbles]

Past Hope Pt 4/6

Summary: Reader/Steve Rogers; Reader is immortal and grows up with Steve, always wanting to be something more; but he goes in the ice and life moves on

The woman who shows up at the door is far too polished to be someone that lives in the area. She smiles and nods as you invite her in.

“I’m Peggy, Peggy Carter. I understand you’re friends with Steve Rogers?”

“Has something-“ Peggy nods slowly explaining the plane and the ice. You bite down on your lip till is bleeds and try to smile at her when she asks if you’re all right. You nod wiping at your face and you catch the grimace, as she sees the ring.

“Oh we weren’t, it wasn’t. I’m just holding onto it is all. Safe keeping.” You try to smile again but Peggy pulls you into a slightly stiff hug.

“Y/N, I came here for another reason as well. To offer you a job. If you want.”

“What sort of job?”

“To work for me as-“

“I’d love to.”

“Really? You haven’t heard anything about it yet.”

“I don’t have much here I want to stay with.” Peggy nods in understanding and hustles you out into a car after she helps you pack a few things. You keep Steve’s sketchbook against your chest refusing to open it for now.

You’ve been Peggy’s assistant and secretary for months when she slides a folder towards you. You tilt your head at the file within, details about Project Insight and half of a serum recipe.

“You in Y/N?” You frown looking up and watching her as she explains.

“We’ll give you a serum like his, if it doesn’t work, nothing will change about you. But if it does; you’ll be as the scientists call it an ‘unrivaled asset’” Peggy beams when you say yes. The machine they hook you up too is nothing more than a very intense looking IV drip. The chair however looks straight out of a horror movie, clamps and thick leather bands ready to restrain you. You’re assured its for your safety and as your strapped in you cant help the fear you feel as the scientist straps some sort of mask over your face.

“Just in case. Now start the infusion.” You just feel warm for a second, and spike of heat in your arm as the serum trickles in. You can’t feel it coursing through your blood stream but you feel a sense of dread settling in your stomach. You leg starts to cramp a slow ache that builds up until all your limbs are convulsing and you’re howling in pain. The pain dulls as they remove the restraints and clamps and as you sit up, you can feel something twisting in your stomach before you vomit onto the floor. You look up groggily and Peggy offers a sheepish smile.

“Guess it didn’t work then.” You shake your head. You realize this is an opportunity to tell Peggy about your powers. You ask to talk to her in her office.

“You sure it didn’t work?”

“Yes I just, I had, well have powers, before what just happened.”

“Oh? What can you do?” Peggy leans forward.

“I can heal myself faster than normal, and I don’t think I can die.”

“Don’t think?”

“Haven’t been in many near death experiences.” You shrug, shuffling the handful of papers you hold.

“Yet. How would you feel about becoming an agent?” Peggy writes you into the founding of SHIELD after that. You’re not sure how she manages but it seems everyone who works there does not question your involvement in almost every part of the business. Of course as SHEILD gains more departments you settle on working the information and filing systems. Keeping yourself busy and as anonymous as you can as the other agents change in front of your eyes. You cry when Peggy steps down. The man who takes over for her calls you into his office.

“Ms. Carter has informed me of your unique situation. Rest assured I wouldn’t let it get out to anyone, as far as the others can tell you’re just a damn good secretary, unless you’d prefer another position?” You shake your head and he smiles dismissing you.

You settle working back in the filing system keeping your head down and barely talking to any of the other agents. When Nick Fury steps up and a few years later you meet Maria and Phil you talk more to them. This is due to them being nosy more than you wanting to talk, as time goes on you open yourself up more, still the thought of outliving them never far from your mind.

“Did you hear about Captain America?” Phil’s excitedly moving around the office. Maria rolls her eyes but you can tell she’s excited as well.

“Yes! Do you think he’ll agree to the suit though? It’s a massive responsibility and a huge adjustment, what with being thrown into the public eye and all. Not to mention everything he’d have to learn. Oh god can you imagine the history he’d have to catch up on.” You ignore the talk, you try to avoid thinking of Steve, and how they had never found his body. You push the thought back and settle back into your next report review.

“I still can’t believe they’ve convinced someone to play Cap again. Pretty big shoes to fill!” You chirp on your way to get coffee. Hoping it’ll be enough to avoid talking about it anymore.

“Y/N that’s not what-“ You rush off ignoring the shout Coulson gives. You get back to your desk; both Maria and Phil are gone, having returned to their positions. You glance at Phil’s report from his trip to the artifact recovery sector, you don’t bother reading it, just checking the date he signed it, pushing it into your finished pile. You never had to correct any of his documents anyways.

“Y/N, we still on for drinks?’ Sharon leans over your desk; you look past her blonde hair envisioning brown curls.

“Course Carter, its tradition after so many years.” You leave out the tradition you started with her aunt and instead let her talk about the new Captain America. You try not to say anything, your hands twisting the ring around your finger nervously.  You can still remember Steve’s voice; Peggy hadn’t given you any letters he’d written when she took you on, awkwardly confirming he hadn’t received most if any of your letters. Peggy had insisted he had written and it had probably gotten scrambled in the mail during he war. After she stepped down you’d found the box of his letters, stamped, ready to be sent but unsealed.

You still haven’t opened them; they sit under your bed in a waterproof box. You’d though about donating them to a museum pretending to be an anonymous donor. You’d wonder what they’d have said about how well preserved they were. You’d been so good about not letting your powers slip, so instead you kept them safe under your bed, along with his sketchbook. You’d only looked through the first few pages, sketches of his mother, a few pieces of fruit, and Bucky looking either bored or angry filled the pages.

“So what do you think about it? Pretty wild huh? They said they found the actual shield he used. Which is crazy. I mean the whole thing is crazy right?” You nod, pretending to be amazed by whatever it is she had said. You shake your head trying to clear your thoughts of Steve. He’s dead and gone, somewhere in the arctic frozen and alone.

Phil calls you into Fury’s office first. They both sit, watching you as you settle in the chair.

“Phil has been informed, we’ve opened your file and we need to fill in some missing information. Ms. Carter, Peggy that is, has written here you have a connection to Steve Rogers. Is that true?”

“Yes sir. We knew each other back before he was Captain America, before the war, I lived next door to him.”

“Good, you can help him adjust to the new world then. Fill him in on everything he’s missed.”

“Sir, I knew Steve Rogers, not whoever this fake Captain America is.” You hear the door open and Phil smiles, turning as Fury coughs slightly.

“When you say knew him?” Fury prompts. You squeeze your eyes shut sighing and looking back up, you know you’re probably about to cry but you shrug it off.

“He never knew I was in love with him if that’s what you want.”

“Well at least you’ll get another shot at that.”

You can’t help the laugh that spills from your mouth.

“What?”

“You really think I’ll get with the fake Captain you have? I fell in love with Steve Rogers, not his suit.”

“Real glad to know your feelings on that matter.”

“You even sound like him, I bet-“ You turn around breath catching in your throat looking at Steve standing in the room.

Support My Writing?

[shewillreadyou]

Retrospect for Life

As always. I hope that you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing.

A/N: Bree meets Emmett’s parents. Then her Dad meets them too. Will this end on a good note? A big Thank You to @secretaryunpaid​ for the preread.

Disclaimers: Most characters are property of Pixelberry

Warnings: Language and adult content.

Catch up: Ride or Die

Word Count: 3019 ish

Pairings: MC (Bree Hill) x OC (Emmett Perry)

Song inspiration: Retrospect for Life-Common

Be Kind: Hit the heart button, leave a comment or reblog. It makes a writer so so happy.​

She stood in the entryway of Emmett’s town-home with her mouth agape hoping that no one noticed the blush of her cheeks. His mother was the definition of youth and beauty. Not to mention his father, Emmett was a perfect mix of the two of them. It was clear where Emmett got his stunning good looks. 

“Mr. Perry, Mrs. Perry, the pleasure is all mine.”

“Mommy, since when do you just pop in on me?”

“Did he just call her Mommy?” she thought to herself.

“Since you’ve taken a serious lady friend that you haven’t introduced to us.”

“Em, where are your manners? Please, do come in,” Bree stepped aside, one arm wrapped around Emmett’s waist to welcome his parents.

“May I offer you something to drink?”

“She’s very well mannered as well, Nathaniel.”

“I can see that darling.”

“Thank you, we’ll have Perrier.”

Bree ducked into the kitchen trying to suppress the smile creeping across her face. 

“What a pretentious beverage. It’s even more telling that Emmett actually has that in stock,” she thought to herself. 

When she returned to the living room, Emmett had an unreadable look on his face. Bree turned on her most charming smile, noticing that Mr. Perry hadn’t taken his eye off of her. 

“So Bree, please sit.”

She sat. Suddenly feeling like she was on display. Emmett moved closer protectively placing his hand on her knee. 

“I was telling my parents that I’d like for them to meet your Dad the next time he is here.”

“That sounds like a great idea, Em. I’m sure he would be thrilled. Maybe we could all have dinner,” Bree said sheepishly.

“Dear, Emmett tells us that you are a BioChem major?” 

“Yes Ma’am, I have always been obsessed with science.”

“That’s quite the workload. I’m surprised you have time to entertain our son. Tell me, what do you plan to do with it?” Mr. Perry asked as he sipped his beverage.

“Yes Sir, It is quite the load, but Emmett is great at making sure I’m focused. I’ve toyed with doing something with forensics and possibly going to medical school.”

“A doctor? With manners and her own hair. Color me impressed. Emmett normally goes for girls who major in Art and share a brain with their roommates.”

Bree shared a giggle with his parents and the mood seemed to lighten considerably.

“This has been delightful. But, we must run. We have to check into our hotel before 3pm. Dinner reservations at Crave at 7. Don’t be late.”   

“Yes Ma’am,” Emmett didn’t hesitate. 

“It was good to meet you Bree, we’ll see you tonight,” Mr. Perry said, still never taking his eye off of her.

“Likewise.”

They headed out the front and Bree watched Mr. Perry as he opened the door to his silver S class Mercedes for his wife.

“I’m sorry. I had no idea that they would just show up like that.”

“It’s ok. I didn’t know that you had taken a serious lady friend. Maybe I should leave. I wouldn’t want her to get the wrong impression,” she said teasingly. Her eyes went wide and her hand demurely covered her mouth.

Emmett smiled, pulling her into his embrace. “I’m sorry. It’s been a minute. I got excited and told my Mom about you.” 

“And what exactly did you tell mommy?”

“Basically, that I have it bad. Now, do you have a nice dress to wear to dinner?”

“I should be able to come up with a little something.”

“Take my car. Pick me up by 6:30p?”

She smirked. “Are these baby mama benefits? I get to drive your Benz? What would Kira think?” she teased.

“You got jokes! You are having my baby. You can have my Benz and if you see Kira, wink at her for me.”

“Bye boy. You are trying to get me killed. See you at 6:30.”

She headed back to her dorm to shower, and wash her hair. She pulled her long wavy tresses back into a sleek ponytail. She only had a couple of options, so she chose her graduation dress. It was a black boat neck dress with a modest split in front. She paired it with black strappy heels, a small black clutch and gold accessories. 

She arrived at his place to pick him up she had packed another bag, warming to the idea of spending more time at his place. When he heard the garage door he opened the door and noticed her pulling the large duffel bag out of the trunk. 

“B, I’ll get it. I don’t want you lifting anything that’s heavy.”

“How do you think it got in here? I’m fine.”

He rushed over to the trunk and as he lifted the bag on to his shoulder he noticed her dress. She looked like a snack. He swallowed hard before licking his lips and biting the bottom lip. She looked over her shoulder at him. 

“You good?”

“Yeah, B.. uh, you.. you look--”

“Is it too much? I was trying to find something nice, that didn’t show too much skin.”

“No, I'm speechless. You look. WOW. I mean you look beautiful. I feel lucky to have you on my arm.”

“Oh Emmett, stop it. You’re gonna give me a big head. But thank you I guess it’s a far cry from the sweats and tees I’m normally in.”

He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled into her neck. 

“I mean I like the sweats too but, damn girl,” he ran his strong hand up her arm and she shivered.

She placed her glossy lips at his ear and whispered, “dinner, Emmett.”

 Dinner was fairly pleasant, more casual conversation, and getting to know one another. His mom was clearly impressed, but the jury was still out on the patriarch of the Perry family. Before they wrapped up the evening, the date was set for them to meet Mr. Hill. 

The two weeks passed quickly and before she knew it, she was picking her Daddy up from the airport.

“A Mercedes Benz? Where is the GTO?” 

“It’s in Emmett’s garage. He had to work an event this evening, so I just dropped him off on campus before I picked you up.”

“Do you normally drive his car?”

“Yes, he told me i’m his girlfriend.”

“You didn’t know that before? He’s kind of marked his territory.”

“Daddy?!?!” she laughed.

“How have you been? Do I need to start looking for jobs on the east coast?

“I’ve been good. I go to class everyday, I eat mostly at Emmett’s, he cooks healthy food and reminds me everyday to take my prenatal vitamins. I go to bed early, and I need naps frequently, but i’m ok.” 

An awkward silence fell over the car. She waited for him to speak instead he kept his eyes on his phone, texting furiously. 

“Daddy, may I ask you a question?”

 “Yeah, Babygirl. What’s up?”

“Why have you been so calm through all of this? I was expecting you to yell or disown me.”

“Well, I didn’t know if I would tell you this but, how old do you think your Mom would be now if she were still with us?”

“Let’s see, she was born in 82 so, what? 38?”

“Yes, now subtract your age from 38.”

She had always been great with numbers. Shock and realization washed over her face almost immediately. Her big brown eyes fell on her Daddy and before she could speak. 

“How could I be angry with you for doing the exact same thing that your mother and I did at your age?”

“But Mom had been a nurse for as long as I could remember.”

“Yes, you were four years old when she graduated from nursing school. We didn’t have the help that I am offering you. So, if you don’t finish what you came here to do then, I will be angry. You can do anything you put your mind to, no excuses.”

“I will Daddy, promise. But, about that. Emmett wants to keep the baby here in Langston with us. He’s probably right Daddy. Four months at a time is a really long time to be away from my baby.”

“Don’t get upset but, I told your Aunt Rhyan, she suggested a night nanny for me. I’m sure if you two decided to keep the baby here, we can find some help. I think that I can cover a nanny with my FSA account.”

“I’m not upset. Is she still in Boston? You know, Emmett’s family is from Boston. I will be calling her if--”

Her Daddy glared at her.

“I meant, when I go to medical school.”   

“Sounds good, now tell me about Emmett’s parents.”

“Oh, well they seem nice. I met them a few weeks ago. His Dad is a Kappa. He’s the owner of an engineering firm near Boston. I think he expects Emmett to take over one day. His Mom is really pretty. She is a partner at her accounting office. Emmett is really close with her. They talk everyday.”

“Interesting, what else do you know about his family?”

“Detective mode much? He has a brother at NYU and twin sisters.”

“I can’t help it. Where did his parents go for undergrad?”

“They both are Langston grads.”

“Hmm, do you have an address for them?”

“Daddy!” she warned as she pulled in front of his hotel. 

“You’re right I’ll find the address myself,” he said as he leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Behave, and we will pick you up right here at 6pm. I have to get to class.”

After class she picked Emmett up from his event and they went back to his place to get dressed for dinner at Oishii, a very upscale Asian restaurant. 

She chose an ivory one sleeved fitted dress that hit her right at the knee and he wore grey slacks, a crisp white button up and a black blazer. When she was dressed, she stood looking in the floor length mirror in the corner of his room. He watched from across the room before moving behind her and snaking one arm around her waist. His large hand rested on her abdomen as he sniffed her hair.

“What are you doing, creep?”

“You smell like dessert.”

“Really Em?”

“Yeah, and I feel sorry for this kid. Look at how good we look together.”

“You do look pretty tasty tonight,” she said as she walked out of the room.

“Girl, don’t write a check you aren’t prepared to cash,” he said as he followed her out of the room.

After picking up her Dad they headed to the restaurant for the 6:30 reservation.

“Mr. Perry, Mr. and Ms. Hill, your party has arrived and are waiting for you. Right this way.”

They follow a thin asian man to the center of the empty restaurant where the Perry’s were waiting with drinks and appetizers. They stood as Bree approached. Mrs. Perry pulled her in for a hug and kissed her on both cheeks.

“Oh Bree, you look simply ravishing in that dress. Emmett won’t be able to focus dear,” she giggled. 

“Thank you Ma’am, you are too kind.”

 “Mr. and Mrs. Perry, meet my Daddy, Detective Alvin Hill.”

“Detective Hill, it’s good to meet you brother,” Mr. Perry said as he offered his hand.

“Mr. Perry, Mrs. Perry, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Please, sit. Your daughter is one impressive young lady, you must be proud.”

“I am. Thank you. Likewise, I have been oddly impressed by your son as well. I’m usually not a fan of the boys my daughter chooses to consort with, but Emmett has been a breath of fresh air. Not to mention if my Babygirl is happy, then so am I.”

“So Dad, Detective Perry here is an UCLA grad. He and his late wife Alicia, were college sweethearts, like you and Mom.”

“And like you and Bree?” his Mom chimed in.

“Yeah Mommy, that would be a good look. Hopefully, she won’t dump me for the next charming guy who moves her into her dorm,” he said as he beamed at Bree and winks.

Just then a server comes with a plate of raw sushi and places it in front of Bree, and a plate of tempura in between Alvin and Emmett. Mr. Perry eyed Emmett suspiciously as he slid the plate of raw sushi in front of him. 

“Son, is there a problem?”

“No, no problem. Bree just doesn’t like raw sushi.”

A wave of nausea threatened to overtake her at the smell of the fish.

“If you will excuse me.” 

Bree stood and headed to the restroom. Emmett excused himself to check on her.

“So Mr. Perry, our children seem to be getting serious.”

“Please, call me Nate. And it would appear so. I believe that my son is quite taken with your lovely daughter. I assume that she is on birth control.”

“Why would you assume that? I would have assumed that you taught your son to use a rubber.”

“You know they are adults, and I would be naive to think that they aren’t being intimate. I’m just trying to protect my son.”

“Nathaniel, you are being quite presumptuous,” Mrs. Perry warned.

“My daughter doesn’t sleep around if that is what you are trying to insinuate.”

“Whoa, Dad tell me you are not sitting here discussing our sex life,” Emmett asked returning from the restroom.

 “Actually, he has quite a bit to say about my daughter.”

“Nathaniel, Emmett’s right. This is hardly an appropriate time to have this conversation,” Ella chimes in.

“Actually Mommy, while we are on the topic. Bree and I have some news.”

“News? What is it baby?”

“Mommy, Pops, we don’t know how else to tell you this, so I’ll just say it, Bree’s pregnant.”

Ella squealed. “I’m gonna be a Glam-ma?”

“Not so fast, Ella. How can you be sure you are the father, son?”

“Here we go. I am the father. I’m sure of it.”

“Like hell you are. I’d like a DNA test.”

“I thought you might say that.”

“Why? Because Bree here doesn’t know how to keep her knees together?”

Emmett reached into his suit coat producing a copy of the DNA results.

“Are you happy now?”

“No, I’m not happy to watch you throw your life away on a piece of tail.”

“Nathaniel Perry, you are OUT OF LINE! Apologize at once.”

“I will not, the girl is beneath us and so is her father.”

“You don’t mean that. He didn’t mean that!”

“You are entitled to your opinions but keep my daughter out of it.”

“Dad, you will not talk about her like that in my presence. This is not her fault. We both made a mistake. But ultimately, I didn’t protect her. In the heat of the moment, I chose not to wear a condom. Dad if you can’t see this for what it is, then I guess this conversation is over.”

“She is smart Emmett, think! She saw you as a meal ticket, and you fell into her trap.”

“Nathaniel, I can’t believe you. You would speak of the mother of your grandchild this way?”

Bree sat speechless as hot tears ran down her face. 

“Man, my daughter doesn’t need your money. We aren’t rich and we don’t all drive a Benz, but we are comfortable.” 

“Come on B. We should go.”

“Yeah Babygirl, let’s go before I catch a case out here in the sticks. Buying out this restaurant was a power move. But he’s playing checkers and I’m playing chess.”

“I’m coming with you. If I have to spend another moment in his presence I don’t know what I will do.”

Bree nodded as Emmett wrapped his arm around her waist and led her out to his car. 

Once inside, there was more awkward silence, as Emmett rubbed Bree’s knee, she struggled to steady her breathing. Her Daddy furiously texted on his phone, while Mrs. Perry searched for the words to comfort her.

“I know you were probably expecting me to be upset. But the truth is, me being upset wouldn’t help or change anything. You two are consenting adults and I’m gonna be a Glam-ma. This won’t be a walk in the park for you two, but your father and I will help as much as we can. You have to prioritize your education now.”

“Yeah Mommy. We appreciate it, but it didn’t seem like Dad got the memo. I can’t believe the things he said.” 

“He will come around. Also, he may have had a little too much to drink.”

“Yeah well, a drunken man’s words speak a sober man’s thoughts. It will be a minute before I can forgive him. He needs to apologize to Bree and her father. He was way out of line.”

“I do apologize for my husband's behavior, Alvin. I promise I don’t know what has gotten into him.”

 “Don’t worry about it Ella.”

“Babygirl, say something. Are you ok?”

“No, Daddy, I’m so sorry,all of this is my fault.” she sobbed.

“That fuckin’ bastard!”

“Emmett language!”

“I’m sorry Mommy, but I don’t care who he is, he doesn’t get to make Bree cry.”

Just then Ella’s phone rings. 

[This is Ella.]

[Ella, it’s me Nate. I’m down here at Langston Police Department. I got pulled over after pulling out of the parking lot of the restaurant. I was arrested and charged with a DUI. You have to come post my bail.]

[Ok, dear. I’ll be there when you are ready to apologize to Alvin, Bree and Emmett.]

[You have got to be kidding me, Ella.]

[Oh, what’s that dear? You’re still being unreasonable? What a shame. I guess I have to go now. I’ll check on you in the morning.]

Alvin’s phone chirped with a text message as they ended the call. 

** 1 Unread Message from Sgt. Massey**

 Done. Have a good night Detective. 

Alvin smiled placing his phone back into the inside pocket of his blazer.

“Checkmate motherfucker.”

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[hawthornsybil]

5 Times Eddie realizes how caring Buck is + 1 time Eddie shows Buck he’s loved.

(I lost count as I was writing and ended up with 6 instead of 5 ooops)

1.

Eddie and Buck are sitting at the table in the station’s kitchen when Hen gets to work. Eddie is reading a book and Buck is watching a video on his phone so intently that he doesn’t even look up when she greets him.

“What you got there, Buckaroo?” she asks and looks at Eddie to see if he knows but all she gets in return is a shrug.

“I’m trying to learn something.”

“You’re always learning something,” she teases him. He’s always deep into researching the most random things and as much as Hen likes to teas him a lot of the time, she knows how smart he is. “What is it this time?”

“ASL.” His reply is short but not rude and Hen is surprised, looks at Eddie again and finds him staring at Buck just as incredulously.

“You’re studying sign language?” Eddie asks. 

Buck nods and then gets up and leaves with his phone.

Eddie can’t help the fond smile that breaks out on his face “Of course he is.”

They think it’s just another thing Buck is interested in, until later in the day they find themselves staring as Buck is crouched down in front of a kid they just pulled out of a fire, a smile on his face while his hands move a bit stiffly between signs. They watch on as the kid smiles at Buck, fear long forgotten, and re-arranges his fingers in the right way.

Chimney comes over to stand next to Hen and Eddie so he can help pack everything up. He looks at Buck too. “What is he doing?”

Buck gets up, patting the kid on the head and walking him over to his mom before he finally goes over to the rest of the 118.

“You know sign language?” Chimney asks.

“I started learning after we saved that woman the night I met Red. I couldn’t reassure her as much as we usually do so I figured, next time I can be better prepared.” Buck shrugs like it’s not a big deal and then walks off, going to help the engine crew to pull back the hoses.

All they can do is stare after him.

2.

Eddie is pushing the cart, Buck in front of him selecting things from the shelves all the while keeping up an easy conversation. It’s a lot different from the last time they came to Howie’s Market with Bobby and truth to be told, Eddie is surprised they haven’t been banned.

Buck puts one box of cereal in the cart that Eddie knows that’s not on the list.

“Buck?”

“Chris ran out, you mentioned it this morning.”

All Eddie had said was ‘I gotta stop for cereals on the way home tonight’ and somehow Buck had remembered. He shouldn’t be surprised, he knows this by now, Buck always pays attention to him and Christopher.

“We should also get him those dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets he’s been asking for.”

“Buck…”

“I know, he shouldn’t eat them.” He looks at Eddie with a soft smile, not looking sorry at all. “Good cop, bad cop, you know?”

Eddie laughs, pushes his cart into Buck’s hip in retaliation.

3.

“Am I going to die?”

The woman they’re trying to save is hyperventilating and won’t stay still long enough for them to reach her, her seat belt the only thing stopping her from falling through the broken windshield and plummeting to her death in the water below.

“Ma’am, what’s your name?” Buck’s voice is calming, his eyes assessing the situation.

“Me-Megan.”

“Hi Megan, I’m Buck and that’s Eddie. We’re going to get you out, alright?”

Eddie still has no idea how they’re going to do that. They used the rappelling kit to get down to her car, but it was going to be hard to grab her and get her out.

Buck reaches inside carefully passing the rope around her chest, keeping her distracted. “I’m getting you out, promise.”

The first thing they’re taught, is to not make promises, and Buck should have learned from the train derailment, he was ready to risk his life because of a promise and that had infuriated Eddie to no end. Buck was always so quick to throw himself at danger as if he didn’t have anyone counting on him, loving him.

“I thought these things only happened in movies, you know?” Megan says and she doesn’t seem to realize that she’s almost free.

Eddie reaches inside from his side, knife ready to slice through the seat belt. He looks at Buck, finds his eyes and waits for him to give him the nod before cutting her free.

They barely manage to pull out before the car jolts forwards and then free falls into the ocean.

Eddie’s first instinct is to check on Buck, make sure he got himself out, but he finds him focused on Megan, joking about how cool that looked and how he couldn’t wait to rub it in Chimney’s face.

4.

“’Cap, I’m telling you, I can get him out.”

That’s all Eddie hears while he’s passing the woman he’s just pulled out of the fire to Hen. 

“Buck, we’ve been over this, I can’t let you risk your life for…”

“Hey, listen, it’s on me. I think I can do it.”

Eddie knows Buck is asking Bobby to trust him. He watches them hold each other’s gaze before Bobby gives in, shoulders slumping as he nods.

Buck is running into the house a moment later.

“Did we miss someone?” Eddie asks.

“One of the kids Buck pulled out said they have a blind dog still inside the house.”

Bobby’s worried eyes stay focused on the door of the house, hands poised on his radio ready to call Buck out. Eddie takes his helmet off, trying to get his hair out of his face and waits with Bobby. Just as he’s about to run inside and drag Buck out, he walks out, dog hiding under his turnout coat. Buck’s smile is blinding.

5.

The only thing Eddie hates more than 24-hour-shifts, is having to do one when Buck is on a day off. On the bright side, by the time he drags himself home, back killing him, he knows Buck is going to be there, probably half asleep on the couch with Chris.

When he gets inside the house, he follows the sound of Chris’ laughter into the living room where he’s sitting next to Buck at the table. Eddie just leans against the door and watches them for a second.

“Chris, is not very nice to laugh at your friends, you know?” Buck is saying, head bent over one of Chris’ books, tongue sticking out in concentration. Chris only laughs harder at that.

“Math again?” Eddie asks, his own laugh bubbling out of his chest.

Buck glares at him but Chris laughs harder. Eddie walks over, one hand ruffling Christopher’s hair first and then Buck’s.

“See if I help you again, Chris,” Buck protests but they all know that Chris has Buck wrapped so tightly around his finger that he could ask for the moon and Buck would find a way of getting it.

“Chris, you know Buck doesn’t know math, mijo.”

“Hey, tell you what, tomorrow I’m going to bring my old fire science book to the station, and we’ll see who gets the most correct answers.”

Eddie rolls his eyes. Coming home and finding Buck and Chris waiting for him together, never ceases to make his hurt squeeze painfully in his chest, yearning to make Buck stay, keep him here with them where he belongs.

“Your kid is a bully, Eddie.” His eyes are full of mirth and Eddie can’t help himself, runs his hand through Buck’s hair again, this time slow and deliberate. 

“You let him bully you, that’s on you.”

Chris giggles from where he’s sitting. “Buck, I’m sorry.”

Buck’s face softens in that fond little smile that Eddie has come to catalog as Buck’s Chris smile. Eddie’s not too sure what he’s ever done to find someone who loves his kid as much as he does, but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t let Buck know how much it means to him.

6.

They’re responding to a call in a hospice, someone trapped on the roof, when Eddie notices Buck speaking with one of the patients, an elderly man that looks frail where he’s sitting in a wheelchair. Buck is crouching next to his chair and Eddie gets curious.

He looks to where Chimney is checking over the man they’ve just saved and figures he can take a few seconds to go check on Buck. When he’s near enough he hears Buck laugh, his face going pink as soon as he notices Eddie coming over.

“So, you haven’t done it yet?” the man is asking Buck just as Eddie reaches them.

Buck gets to his feet looking shy and uncertain. “Not yet.”

“Hey, Buck, we’re almost ready to go,” Eddie tells him.

“Eddie, this is Ronnie, Ronnie, this is Eddie.”

“Nice to meet you,” he says while shaking the man’s hand.

“Nice to finally meet you, too. I was starting to think you weren’t actually real. Buck here never shuts up about you.”

He’s so confused. “I’m sorry… how do you two know each other?”

Ronnie looks delighted at the question. “Oh, Buck comes to read to me once a week. Brings some beauty and companionship in an old man’s life.”

“You’re not that old, Ronnie,” Buck deflects.

Eddie can’t help but stare at him. Sometimes he feels like all he does is looking at Buck, couldn’t look away if he tried. He’s almost certain that Bobby has caught him staring more than once, Chimney and Hen probably did too; Eddie doesn’t really care.

“Anyway, we should go. I will see you next Wednesday, okay?” Buck is pulling him away before Eddie can get a word in edgewise.

“Is this why you’ve been blowing me off?”

Buck scoffs as they reach the truck outside. “I’d hardly calling it blowing you off. I skipped game night like, twice, so far. I know I’m irresistible but I’m sure you can entertain yourself without me for one night a week.”

Eddie raises an eyebrow and grins at him. Too easy. “I can definitely entertain myself.”

Buck pushes him and Eddie can’t help but laugh.

+1

Eddie knocks on Buck’s door twice before finally saying screw it and using his key to let himself in. The apartment is dark except for the light coming from the TV on in the corner.

“Buck?”

When he gets no answer, Eddie can feel the worry he’s been feeling for the last few hours of his shift getting stronger. He walks over to the sofa and finds Buck passed out, brow furrowed in pain, his hand holding his side even while he sleeps.

Eddie sighs, tells himself to calm down and then crouches by Buck’s head, one hand coming to cup his cheek, thumb stroking gently.

“Buck, hey, wake up.”

Buck moans, tries to turn away but he puts too much weight on his injured side and stirs, eyes blinking open slowly.

“Eddie?”

“Yeah. How are you feeling?”

Buck doesn’t move so Eddie lets his hand rest on Buck’s cheek, eyes fall to Buck’s pink lips.  

“You’re an idiot, you know? I told you to wait for me but no, you just had to throw yourself inside.”

“She was going to die.”

Eddie pulls back, sits down on the floor, his eyes remaining locked with Buck’s. “I wish you’d get that your life is not expendable, you are not expendable.”

“Comes with the job.”

“You don’t have to be so reckless all the time just because you want to save everyone. You always think it’s going to work out in the end but sometimes it doesn’t, you know. One day it won’t work.”

Buck closes his eyes, readjusts himself so he’s sitting up. Eddie can’t help himself, puts his hands on Buck’s knees, thumbs digging into the bones. Buck is okay he keeps repeating in his head.

“I know you care about saving everyone but Buck, I need you to save yourself too.”

He stares at Buck, sees his eyes soften in the blue light of the screen. Eddie pushes himself on his knees, comes to stand between Buck’s legs. His eyes search Buck’s for a moment and then he can’t help himself and leans close, his breath catching in his throat for a second before his lips touch Buck’s. It feels like he’s breathing for the first time after being underwater.

[itsnsfwalways]

Canyon Moon

A/N: WELCOME TO THE CANYON MOON FIC ! The chapters have to be split up and cut a lot shorter bc of sizing limits but I’m hoping you guys will still like it.

FIC MASTERLIST

WARNINGS FOR CHP. 1: swearing, mild drug use (weed)

CHAPTER ONE: the world’s happy waiting

The ocean has always been a calming place for you. Any body of water, really. The lapping of thewaves, the smell of salt, the course feeling of sand between your toes. It felt like home. So when you moved to Malibu, you found yourself lying on the beach until 4 am most nights, sometimes sleeping, but more often than not listening to music and writing.

Working as a songwriter for mostly just your friends, or as a fill in whenever someone wasn’t there, you were constantly writing. It was a lot easier to get deeper that way for you, not having to worry about sharing your secrets, and being able to mask it in other people’s voices. That being said, you had journals upon journals of your own songs. They were just for you, and occasionally your best friends, but it was something you were really proud of. After writing for the past 6 years, you’d like to think they were pretty good.

You’d gotten to your little spot around an hour ago, parking your pride and joy, an orange and yellow remodeled VW bus, which also functioned as your room most nights when you wanted to be out here, next to the sand.

The vibrant sunset had since dulled into a deep purple color, but it was still fairly light out. A small bonfire was lit in front of your blanket, keeping you a little extra warm even though it was still 70°.

Strumming your guitar, you moved away from the rock you were leaning against, a car’s headlights snapping you out of the haze you always got when you were out here. And also those two joints you had smoked already.

You raise your eyebrows at the fucking bright yellow Ferrari, hoping they were just stopping for a second.

Your prayers were ignored as a guy stepped out, a hoodie pulled over his head.

Shrugging your shoulders, you continue to play mindlessly, making up different melodies before creating a new one on top it.

Mr. Ferrari starts making his way over to you, which sends a flutter through your chest.

“Hey, just so you know, if you’re going to kill me, I’ve always wanted to die listening to Landslide by Fleetwood Mac,” you yell, grabbing your phone from your bag just in case.

The guy stops for a second and lets out a laugh.

“Definitely not trying to kill you,” he chuckles, and, oh, he’s British.

He comes closer and you come face to face with one of the prettiest people you’ve ever seen. Wearing a black hoodie with the words “Treat People With Kindness” embroidered on it, that’s cute, a pair of grey slacks, which you wouldn’t necessarily think of for beach attire, but he makes up for it by completing the look with no shoes.

“Do y’have a lighter I could borrow? Damn thing ran out and the gas station is just far away enough for it to be annoying.”

You laugh at that and nod, tossing him a random one from your bag.

“I feel that. I’m Y/N. Where you from?” You bluntly ask, because hey, he’s cute.

“Manchester, originally. Live near here now. You mind?” He asks, and you nod, scooting over to let him sit.

You’re hit with the smell of vanilla, leather, and just rich as he plops himself down, leaning against a rock a few feet away from you.

He points to your guitar, lips curled around the joint for a second before he inhales and asks,

“How long you been playing? Liked what you were doing earlier.”

You blush at this, barely remembering what you were doing.

“I have no fuckin clue. 14 years? Got my first guitar at 8 and fell in love.” You over exaggerated hugging your guitar, getting another laugh out of him, before you spit out,

“Oh, and thank you! I don’t really remember what I was doing to be honest. Just get in the zone sometimes. Do you play?”

He looks surprised at this, looking at you closely for a second.

“Uh, yeah, little bit. Been trying to learn more recently and kind of get my skills up.”

“Good for you! If you ever wanna play together, I’m literally always here. You sharing?” You smile, looking at his face in the orange light. His cheekbones are illuminated perfectly and you feel your throat go dry.

He nods and hands it to you, watching as you press the filter to your lips.

“What did you say your name was again?” You rack your brain and cannot remember him introducing himself.

“Didn’t. Harry, sorry that was a bit rude,” He mumbles, and you look at him funny.

“Are you like an FBI agent, Harry? Why so secret? And harassing young girls on the beach at night? With a fucking Ferrari? Come on, man, what’s your secret?” You tease, bumping your elbow into his side.

He laughs, shoving you with his shoulder lightly.

“Only harassing that’s going on is you interrogating me. But if I’m making you uncomfortable, I’ll leave right now. I should probably go, actually.” He rants, suddenly moving to get up. You turn your body quickly and lay your legs in his lap so he can’t move.

“You’re dumb. Secret, please?” You smile, blinking up at him.

He scoffs, shaking his head with a small smile, and pauses to run a hand through his hair. He takes a deep breath in before saying,

“I’m a musician, so that’s where the car and secret beach trips come in. I’m actually just starting to write for my next album, and I’m hitting a rut.”

“Oh shit, that’s what’s up! You’ll have to show me your stuff sometime. Sorry that I don’t know you, I’ve been living on the road for awhile so I listen to a lot of oldies. Plus, with hippie parents you don’t hear a lot of new music,” You explain, gesturing to your van.

He looks at you for a second before shaking his head, smiling to himself.

“What?” You grin, shoving his knee with your foot.

“You’re something else, s’all.”

“So I’ve been told.” A giggle falls from your lips as you lay down on the blanket, legs still in his lap, guitar now discarded to the side.

Looking up at the stars starting to form, you feel his gaze on you. Trying to figure out who this chick was, what stories she had, what witty remark was just past her lips.

“Question.” You say, propping your head up. Your hand finds it’s way on the back of your skull and you feel the blanket shift slightly underneath your elbow.

“Answer,” He responds with the same tone, tapping your knees with his fingertips.

“Would you wanna come with me so I can get a tattoo?”

He stops for a second and stares at you.

“Like, right now? You got an appointment?”

You grin and move off of him, ruffling his hair.

“Even better. I got cool friends.”

He takes his time packing up all your stuff, being as cautious enough to remind you not to cover the fire with sand in case someone stepped on it.

“This is my beach, Ferrari. No one comes here. Except handsome British guys, apparently.”

He looks up from the ground, where he’s stuffing your towel into your bag, and throws you a smirk.

“Thanks, baby. You’re gorgeous as well,”

“Blegh. Let me come introduce you to Sunflower,” you fake shudder at the pet name and he grins, pinching your side so he can laugh at your little jump.

You lead him over to your van, opening up the side door to show off your renovated home.

The entire thing was orange with white trim, big yellow sunflowers painted on the sides. The ceiling inside was painted a dark blue, the walls painted yellow.

A meditation rug was lying on the floor, a light brown wood flooring that matched the cabinets attached to the ceiling.

Your bed was all the way in the back, a simple white comforter on it. A mirror hung next to it, attached to the bathroom door. There was a small kitchen counter complete with a sink and a stovetop next to it. A small table folded out behind the drivers seat where a lounge area was located, orange cushions and fairy lights decorating the little couch.

All in all, it was a tiny fucking house in a car and you treated it like your baby.

“This is fucking sick,” he says, looking at the different artwork, posters, and decorations hanging all over the walls and cabinets.

“Thanks! Did it myself. Spent all summer working on it a few years back, I’m damn proud of it.”

There’s a pause for a second, trying to figure out how to best work this out.

“I’m cool to just leave my car here if you’re down to drive me. We’re going to one of my guy friends’ studio about thirty minutes from here,” you suggest, having a feeling Harry wouldn’t be down to leave his car here, no matter how secluded it was.

“Uh, okay. Should I be worried? Who knows what scoundrels you hang out with?” He teases, watching you go into the van to grab some things.

You glance back at him, laughing, before your breath catches in your throat. He’s since removed his hoodie and is left in a white tank top with small black print on the rib cage. Making a mental note to figure out what it says later, your eyes can’t help but drift to his arms. Illuminated in the car light, his biceps bulge as he rests his hands on the roof, leaning forward slightly into the car.

His tongue traces along his teeth, landing itself in his cheek as he watches you check him out.

“See something you like?” He asks, raising his eyebrows like he’s genuinely curious.

Your eyes flick back to his smirking face and you blink for a second, before responding with,

“Yeah, was trying to figure out what asshole uses a word like ‘scoundrel’ in 2018, what the fuck, Harry?”

He barks out a laugh and brings his fist up to his mouth to cover it, the other one coming down to hold his stomach.

“When you are done appreciating my humor, I need to change real quick. Spin around, please,” You come up from your squat and pull off your sweatshirt, not waiting for him to do that.

“Jesus, Y/N,” He exhales, spinning around and looking up at the sky.

“What? I gave you a warning,” you giggle, sliding your sweatpants down to slip into a pair of black volleyball shorts.

“By about half a second!” Harry exclaims. “You’re killing me.”

“Sorry, superstar, nobody is exempt from special treatment here.” You roll your eyes at yourself, what the fuck are you even saying.

“Mkay, you’re good.”

Harry spins around, eyes taking in your new outfit.

On top of your shorts was a giant Stevie Nicks shirt, one from her White Winged Dove tour.

“Shit, you might be a bigger Stevie fan than I am, and that’s saying a lot.”

“Fuck, you have no idea. My dad went to the fucking final show of this tour and met my mom in the crowd during Dreams. My mom made him play it when I was born because she swore Stevie brought me to them.”

You catch him staring at you and turn your head away, cheeks burning because you’re rambling and need to shut the fuck up.

He clears his throat and takes a breath before starting.

“Promise not to kill me when I tell you this?”

Holding your hand to your burning cheeks, you murmur,

“No.”

“Y/N!” Harry exclaims, finally coming in the van to tickle you.

“Okay, okay, I promise not to kill you,” You mock, waving your hands around.

“I was lucky enough to sing one of my songs with her along with Landslide and Leather and Lace.”

You drop your bag onto the ground as your jaw drops.

“Shut up. I don’t believe you.” You cross your arms over chest. “I don’t know if I’d be angrier if you’re lying or if it actually happened. Holy shit am I jealous.”

“Oh, I was crying onstage, losing my shit. She is, everything. Dreams was the first song I learned the words to, yknow? She truly is a magical being.”

“God. I’m definitely looking you up later because who the fuck sings one of THEIR songs with Stevie Nicks.” You sigh, leaning over to grab your bag and Doc Martens.

“Oh god.” Harry laughs, running a hand through his hair again, looking at you really intensely for a second.

“Not to sound like a dick, but do you really not know who I am?”

“I mean if you need your ego boosted I can lie?” You offer, before dropping the witty responses.

“But no, sorry. Like I said, I just.... don’t really listen to new music, and if I do it’s always my friends or some indie shit with an overused beat.” Harry laughs at that and you smile, yes, he’s not weirded out.

“Don’t apologize, please. I just, can’t be too sure, yknow? People like to use you, especially here. And you’re just a little too perfect to be true,” he sighs, pulling you closer to him by your waist.

Placing you hands on his chest, you look at him for a second before leaning forward and whisper in his ear,

“My tattoo awaits me, baby. Let’s go.”

He groans and leans his head on your shoulder, before letting you go and grabbing your bag for you.

Such a gentleman, you think to yourself, locking up Sunflower.

“Does your car have a cool name?” You ask, after buckling you, fingertips appreciating the rich black leather seat.

“Nope, but I’m good at nicknames. I’m gonna take a wild guess and say normal terms of endearment aren’t your thing?” He asks, making eye contact with you for a quick second as he puts his arm behind your seat before stretching slightly to look behind him as he pulls puts the car in reverse.

Looking up for a quick second, you remind yourself to breathe.

“You would be correct. Gotta use your brain if you wanna get me all jittery,” you tease, fanning yourself over exaggeratedly.

He gives you a side eye and smirks at you, popping a piece of gum in his mouth and raising his eyebrows, as if to say, game on.

“So where am I going?” He asks, starting to drive away from your special spot.

“Let us ask the oracle!” You hold out your phone like a trophy, before laughing to yourself and bringing up Google Maps.

Propping your phone up in the cupholder, you sit cross legged in just your socks in his seat, fidgeting with your hands for a second.

“I’m kind of intrigued on who you are now. What’s your story?” You ask, turning your head to look at him.

Harry glances over at you, eyes drifting to your bare legs for a second.

“Well, the short version, I guess, is I grew up in a little town in England with my mum and my sister, applied to X-Factor when I was 16, got put into a band called One Direction with four other lads, released couple albums with them until end of 2015. Then did a movie called Dunkirk, wrote and released my first solo album, and toured it. Just got back from tour about a month ago, actually.”

You look at him blankly for a second, and he shifts in his seat, removing one of his hands from the wheel to place it on the armrest.

“Holy SHIT am I unaccomplished,” you exclaim, hitting him in the chest.

“Hey!” he yells, but you cut him off.

“How many fucking albums is a couple? And how old are you, my god. That is impressive.”

“I’m 24, that probably should’ve been said before we’re alone in a car together. And 5 albums, in 5 years. Nearly killed us.”

“I’m 22. Damn, dude, that’s insane. It sounds like they horribly overworked you and I am hoping you were generously compensated and had a bit of musical freedom. I know how the music industry can be with boy bands.”

He nods for a second, licking his lips slightly, trying to figure out how to phrase his response.

“I’m not going to lie, there are some definite perks and I am so incredibly lucky to just be able to do what I love as my job.” His fingers find their way to his bottom lip, pinching it slightly. “It was fun, I mean, you throw a bunch of teenagers together and give them celebrity status? We were insane, and I enjoyed it. But.... it felt like I wasn’t a person anymore. I was just ‘Harry Styles from the boyband One Direction’.”

“I don’t necessarily understand but I think the fact that you came out this respectful and real says something. You seem to have your shit properly together, and, even if you don’t, you got back from tour two months ago! You deserve some relaxation. The world’s happy to wait for you to find yourself a little.”

Pausing for a second, you place your hand on his arm, squeezing it lightly before swearing,

“I hope you know I’m being genuine about not knowing you and latching on for fame. I’ll let your parents know my intentions with their son are all very pure.”

He laughs at that, glancing at you again,

“I appreciate you saying that. This life is wonderful, like I said, but it’s very stressful and puts pressure on every relationship. There’s always going to be stories or photos and rumors spread like wildfire.”

You shift in your seat, understanding that this was a very serious issue for him.

“Listen, I’ll let you know up front that that doesn’t bother me. I’ve dated musicians and know the life, I get it. I think you’re cool and that we could have a fun time experiencing real life together. But before we do that, you need to have fun and let everything the fuck GO. I’ll promise you right now, if you let me stick around, you’ll experience what life is. No fame or pining for success bullshit, no offense, but there’s no need for it. If you’re happy doing what you’re doing, no one can tell you you’re not successful.” Harry stops the car at a red light and fully turns to look at you.

He exhales harshly before grinning. “You are a breath of fresh fucking air, Y/N. I think you’re going to change my life, if I’m being honest here.”

“Here’s hoping,” you grin.

A/N: THE OFFICIAL FIRST CHAPTER IS UP !!! I’m hoping you guys will come to love this fic as much as I do. I’ll try to find a writing schedule that works with you guys and my work schedule, so sorry if chapters take a little bit to come up. This is going to be a looooong fic, so buckle up, turn that old lover’s hippie music on, and enjoy !!

- lana <3

[exosmutfactory]

Six Phases 005 Pt 1

Who knew it nearly took 6 months to win your heart, and 6 phases for Baekhyun to lose his mind.

A/N:  Hi, welcome to a 22.6K MONSTER of a chapter. Thank you.

[ contains: romance, fluff, angst, & smut ]

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3  P(1) P(2) | Part 4 P(1) P(2) | Part 5 P(1) ✓  P(2) | Part 6

•⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •

The club is more alive than ever tonight. Almost everyone has taken to the dance floor and the place is packed everywhere with grinding bodies. It's not hard getting lost in the crowd.

I can barely see over the majority of the crowd in my stilettos. You'd think my current 5'10 height would make it easier to spot Baekhyun in the room, but nope, the flashing of lights and mass of bodies could conceal a damn pink polka dotted elephant from your eyes.

After spinning around to avoid the elbow of a particularly non-coordinated individual, I nearly crashed into the person behind me. "Excuse m-" My eyes widen at the familiar head of silver hair before I smile, "Hey."

Baekhyun chuckles, settling his hands on my hips; a brow raised in amusement, "Hello." He huskily replies; locks of hair attractively dangling in his eyes. He's adoring a red shirt with white scripted words all over it, black leather pants that make his thighs look scrumptious, and black heeled boots to match. Looking like a full course meal as always—and even more so than usual with that alluring look in his kohl outlined eyes.

Quickly reeling in my steadily-rising urges, I keep moving to the tempo of the moderate-paced music; loosely wrapping my arms around his neck, "What took so long? I thought I lost you for a second."

"Minseok hyung went on a tangent over how much business has been booming since he incorporated cheerwine-vodka drinks to the bar." He chuckles again, twirling me around with an adorable smile. "Your southern delicacy is really popular around here."

I grin, "It's the best of the best."

Baekhyun hums, pulling me closer and tilting his head to plant a kiss on my cherry red lips; causing me to giggle. "What?" He looks at me, smiling adorably.

"Nothing." I smile bashfully; cheeks warmed from the gesture.

"Come on," Spinning me around again, he suddenly dips my body; making me gasp as his hand rests securely on my back and lips brush against mine. Warm minty breath caressing my cheek, "Tell me."

"I-I just..." Locking eyes as he pulls me back up, I can't help but flush at his adoring stare. "Being with you, like this." I gesture to the dancefloor; blissfully unbothered by the pleasantly chaotic environment, and the thundering pound of music with him—and his firm body—so close and so warm. His comforting presence brings a smile to my lips, "It's nice."

His smile widens, a look of understanding flashing in his brown eyes. "I knew you had a kink for dancing with me."

Choking on a laugh, I smack his bicep; leaning on him for support as his contagious amusement rings in my ears. Would it be too mushy of me to say how utterly adorable Baekhyun is when he smiles like this? All bright crescent moon eyes, glowy cheeks and a boxy grin that I just want to kiss right off his pouty lips. His smile could light up the whole galaxy, not even the sun can deny that.

"And what if I do?" I murmur lowly, sliding my hand up his arm and down his chest; feeling the lean muscle underneath. "You got quiet," I muse, flickering my eyes up to his; quickly gulping at the pure lust swirling in his brown orbs.

Baekhyun grabs my wrist and slides my hand back up his chest, holding eye contact as he sucks my finger between his lips. The piercing gaze in his dark orbs making me sway out of rhythm—something he catches with a winning smirk. He tightens his grip on my hip, leaning to whisper into my ear, "Then I'm willing to fulfill your needs, baby."

Gulping at his deliberate lick of lips, a new song breaks me out of our little bubble. The familiar 8-count instrumental seems to trigger Baekhyun's memory as well; his hand releasing mine as I kick off my heels before his stable singing voice reaches my surprised ears.

"She got the mmm, brown eyes, caramel thighs. Long hair, no wedding ring," He gives a cute little nod, raising his brow attractively, "hey." He walks closer, causing me to step back to fully admire his confident aura. "I saw you lookin' from across the way. And now I really wanna know your name..."

He continues in that hypnotizing way of his—little sinful body rolls and confident crotch grabs—holding eye contact as if the words are meant for me; mouthing along with a satisfied smirk on his inviting lips.

"I love her hips, curves, lips say the words." He lightly brushes his hands over my thighs and up my waist, walking around to whisper into my individual ears along with the beat. "Te amo, mami, ah, te amo, mami."

"I kiss her, this love is like a dream..."

He brings my hand to his shoulder while grasping my other one, stepping forward as I step back in synchronization; meeting him toe to toe.

"So join me in this bed that I’m in

Push up on me and sweat, darling

So I'm gonna put my time in

And won’t stop until the angels sing-"

He spins me around and brings me back into his arms, swaying to the beat with my back to his chest and our joined hands resting on my hip. Matching smiles on our lips.

"Jump in that water, be free

Come south of the border with me

Jump in that water, be free

Come south of the border with me"

Spinning away, I turn to face Baekhyun, throwing his moves right back at him with a wink, "He got that mmm, green eyes, givin' me signs. That he really wants to know my name—hey. I saw you lookin' from across the way. And suddenly, I'm glad I came, ay-"

Gathering the skirt of my white dress, I dance light on my feet around him as the speakers burst out Spanish lyrics; smiling playfully at the captivated look in his eyes. "Mmm, green eyes, takin' your time. Now we know we'll never be the same."

"I love his lips 'cause he says the words," Putting my back to him, I arch my back, coyly peeking over each shoulder at him and slightly rolling my body against his to the beat, "Te amo, mami, ah, te amo, mami."

"Don’t wake up, this love is like a dream... So join me in this bed-"

Pressing my back to him again, we move in sync; heated skin to skin with only our thin clothes between. Barriers that don't even matter with my hand in his hair and his tight grip on my hips.

"-that I’m in

Push up on me and sweat, darling

So I'm gonna put my time in (Time in)

And won’t stop until the angels sing-"

Being cheeky, I slide my hands up my body while we sway side to side; resting my hand on the back of his neck.

"Jump in that water, be free

Come south of the border with me

Jump in that water, be free

Come south of the border with me."

He spins me around to him once again. Our eyes locked as we let ourselves get lost in the rest of the song.

"Flawless diamonds

In a green field near Buenos Aires

Until the sun's rising

We won't stop until the angels sing..."

The piercing gaze in his dark eyes is almost too much for me to bear; warm, slender fingers digging further into the soft swell of my hips with every twist of my waist.

"Jump in that water, be free

Come south of the border with me

Jump in that water, be free

Come south of the border with me"

The song quickly fades into another, but Baekhyun and I don’t move. Chests pressed together and shared heavy breaths. His freshly dyed grey hair leaving streaks of silver sliding down his cheeks. Long strands of hair messily clinging to his forehead, sweat shining on his prominent collarbones and peek of a firm chest. His lick of lips as he takes the chance to check me out as well pushing me to my limit.

"Take me home." I breathe, pressing my lips to his.

/

"Shit." Baekhyun hisses, pausing to brush his hair back.

I can't help but chuckle, kicking off my heels and bending over to pick up the fallen table, "Told you keeping the lights off was a bad-" I jolt forward with a gasp, bracing myself against the wall with red cheeks. The accusatory look I shoot over my shoulder does nothing to change the hungry expression on his face, "The fuck did you just do, Byun?"

He tilts his head at me, hand resting comfortably on the curve of my ass, "You liked it." He observes, rubbing my throbbing cheek; lifting the corner of his lips, "Didn't you?"

I scoff in opposition to the redness of my cheeks, "That's not-" A moan escapes before I can clasp my hands over my mouth, staring at him with wide eyes.

Baekhyun merely raises a brow as his hand slips from my heated skin and down between my legs, full-on smirking at what he discovers there. He leans close, pressing his chest to my sensitive back. "You're soaked," He murmurs into my ear; gripping my hip when my legs shake at his light exploration.

I part my lips only to whimper at the smack he lands on my left cheek, quickly becoming breathless at his light taps on my clothed clit. "F-Fuck-" My back arches when he suddenly pulls away, flipping the skirt of my dress over my back and yanking my panties down in one go, "Baekhyun-" I nearly yell, knees buckling at the rough intrusion of two fingers into my wet core.

"Shh," He leans forward again, smacking my ass as his fingers pound into me, "Be a good girl for me."

I choke and scramble to find something to hold on to when he twists his wrist, curling his fingers right into my sweet spot. Neat, blunt nails lightly scratching against my clenching walls as my hands slip helplessly on the wall, "B-Baekhyun." I whimper, squeezing my eyes shut. Just when I'm at the edge and slowly lowering to the ground with shaky knees, he fucking pulls his fingers out.

At this point, the only thing keeping me on my feet is the acute annoyance I feel towards him right now.

"Bedroom." He states, slipping wet fingers past his kiss-swollen lips after I stand up and turn around to glare at him. He merely lifts a brow, hand still on my hip as he sucks obscenely loud on the slick digits; wicked tongue peeking out from his smirking lips.

Inwardly cursing him and myself, I walk further into the spacious apartment on wobbly legs. Crossing my arms once I enter the black, white and grey with a dash of red—thanks to me—styled room.

Baekhyun takes his sweet old time joining me. Slipping out of his shoes and socks before pressing me against the wall. Chest pressed to mine as he reconnects our lips, reaching down to pull my leg around his waist.

My nails dig mercilessly into his shoulders when he slides his fingers back inside me; arching my back at the addition of his thumb tapping my poor clit. One well-aimed thrust to my spot makes my knee buckle, gasping for breath and tensing up in preparation only for him to pull his fingers out again.

Baekhyun looks down at me with the darkest eyes; pupils blown wide as his hand rubs over my lower back and down to cup my ass. "You're shaking," He whispers, tightening his grip and hoisting me up into his arms before walking over to the bed. Setting me down gently with a soft kiss pressed to my lips.

I sit up to pull off my dress, "Don't you fucking dare." I hiss at his fingers walking up my thigh, crossing my quivering legs.

Baekhyun chuckles, pulling his shirt over his head, "Don't you want me to make you feel good, baby?"

"I... Yes..." Distracted by his glistening chest, I twitch at the feeling of his sneaky hand slipping between my thighs, fixing him with a glare. "Not stopping when I'm right there." I grumbled, jaw clenching at the persistent ache in my core.

"Does my baby want to come?" He coos, sliding off his leather pants before climbing onto the bed. Gaze locked on mine as he pulls my underwear off my legs.

Gulping at his predator stance, I sit like a deer caught in headlights, panting when his hands softly spread my heated thighs. His lips brushing over my inner thigh makes my back arch. "I'll literally flip if you stop again."

He hums noncommittally, leisurely leaving a trail of wet kisses up to where I need him the most. I close my eyes, trembling a little when his lip brushes over my folds.

Baekhyun hovers, and I can feel his eyes on me.

I know exactly what he wants.

Gulping again I nervously lick my lips, slowly peeling my eyes open to look back at him.

He releases his bottom lip from between his teeth, wordlessly holding up his palm in my direction with twinkling orbs.

The hot blush forming on my cheeks and small trembles in my body do nothing to ease my giddy heart as I gingerly place my shaky hand in his. Baekhyun's soft squeeze and sweet smile melts me further until he's flicking his tongue against my heated core. My grip tightens with every whimper and gasp he pulls from my lips. Barely a few minutes have gone by when my thighs start shaking again.

"Always so sweet for me," He murmurs, pulling away as I catch my breath. His warm skin brushes against my own as he leaves a trail of kisses back up to my lips, "Babe?"

Humming I blink the post-orgasm daze from my eyes, meeting his questioning orbs. Breath hitching at the feel of his cock rubbing along my thigh. "Yes," I breathe, biting my lip at his promising smile.

Baekhyun reaches over to the nightstand drawer, pulling out a condom as my cheeks flush. The way he rips the packet open from between his teeth stirs the fire growing in the pit of my stomach; an unintentional tease to upcoming events—or intentional based off the knowing smirk on his equally flushed face.

I can't help but scoff at his antics, trying my best not to squirm when his cock brushes over my sensitive pussy; growing impossibly redder and wetter at the thought of the word as he insists to tease over my wet folds. I never imagined myself referring to it in that way, let alone while my boyfriend is looking down at me like I'm his last meal.

Seriously, I swear the twinkle in his eye rivals the one he reserves for hawaiian pizza right now. And the groan that escapes his lips while finally sliding his cock into my waiting core making my breath hitch… Fuck me.

I never really saw myself actually enjoying the act of sex or fucking or whatever. Yes—I will admit—I probably think about sex more times than anyone should in a day, but to actually do it? To give someone one of the most precious things to me and enjoy it on the first night? Yeah, not how I saw myself evolving. Then again, who can ever predict how their first time will go? Who can predict a Baekhyun walking into their life? Surely not I, nor how much I appreciate the slight stretch of accommodating his impressive length.

—Okay, maybe I enjoy sex with Baekhyun more than the thought of sex itself—

A noise I never thought I could make escapes my lips when he gathers my body closer to his; hips grinding at a new angle into my core with dark brown eyes watching my every move and swallowing me whole. Fuck it—yes, I definitely enjoy it with him more.

"Are you close?" He murmurs, kissing behind my ear in a way that makes me squeak.

"Y-Yes." I sigh, clutching onto his shoulders and gasping when he increases the tempo, "Fuck."

Baekhyun chuckles huskily into my ear, his breath causing goosebumps to cover my heated skin. I don't even try to stifle my moan when his cock hits my sweet spot just right. A beautiful noise of his own leaving his lips as my walls clench around him. I'm still so sensitive from earlier there is no coaxing needed to make me cum on his cock.

Baekhyun's gasp fans over the sensitive skin of my neck; a sneaky hand slipping between my legs while I'm trying to catch my own breath. My thighs tighten around his waist and hips buck from the prolonged sensations. Somehow he manages to pull one last orgasm from me as he's reaching his own; kiss swollen lips beautifully parted and head thrown back while filling the condom. There's no relaxing myself with the way he stays buried deep inside my clenching walls. If that condom wasn’t on… I quickly shake off that dangerous thought.

The feeling of Baekhyun's chest pressed to mine with our frantic heartbeats and shared breaths combined with his breathless kiss to my lips has a whole new wave of emotion bursting through my being. I love him so much it kinda hurts.

"Happy?" He muses, leaning up to run a hand through his messy hair, looking me over with those mesmerizing brown eyes of his. A soft smile playing at his lips. I don't reply, too busy trying to regulate my breathing while lying completely lax against the sheets. Not at all ashamed to take in the glorious sight of his flushed cheeks and glistening chest amidst the afterglow, and leaning up to press another kiss to his sweet mouth. “Very.” I murmur, lips curling up into a smile that matches his own.

////

There's nothing like waking up to a blarming alarm at 7:30 in the morning after a particularly long night that states “MEETING WITH THE BROS/HOES” in all caps. Especially after partying—and partaking in the “after party”—the previous night. Why did I agree to meet at the coffee shop on a Sunday morning? Oh, right.. Baekhyun was supposed to drive me back to the dorm last night…

:) Well then.

I mean, it wouldn't have been so bad if I had actually managed to get out of bed when my alarm went off this morning.

Now here I stand, hastily fixing my appearance in the reflection of the cafe window. Making sure the collar of my backless crop-top is up and freshly made curls are covering stray blemishes on my skin.

The events of last night fill my mind before I promptly shake my head, clearing my throat as I step through the door.

"Well look who it is!" A warm voice chimes. I look up from checking my outfit again to an amused Jongin, watchful Jenny, and Sehun waving like a madman from our booth. Quickly making my way across the room with red cheeks while avoiding the annoyed looks of onlookers seated around.

"Nice of you to finally join us," Jenny muses, knowing blue eyes following me as I plop down into the remaining seat next to her. "If you didn't call the other night I'd swear Baek put you in a sex-induced coma."

Snorting, I quietly take a sip from the steaming mug seated in front of me; savoring the taste of lemon ginger tea and setting it carefully back on the table. "Nothing of the sort happened."

"Really?" She squints a little, Sehun and Jongin watching on in amusement, "You got that glow about you right now."

Instinctively looking off to the left, my cheeks grow warmer at Jongin's chuckle. I can't even throw Baekhyun under the bus for how he held me up last night, or this morning; trying my best not to bite my lip. Another type of sex added to the favorites list. "I just slept really well."

"Uh, huh," Jenny nods, taking a sip of her own cup with a knowing smile on her face. "I bet you did."

"Anyway," I deflect, looking between the trio. "How are you guys? It’s been awhile."

"I'm convinced that my intern is a complete dumbass," Sehun grumbles, finishing his coffee and sitting back with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Uh, oh," I utter, trying not to smile at the petulant expression on his normally blank features, "What he do this time?"

"I caught him trying to spot check a guy doing 50 reps of bench press with 200 pounds." He tries to explain as a waitress brings over plates full of muffins fresh out the oven. Recalling a brief conversation of this particularly risk-taking kid, I can't help smiling while digging into my strawberry one. "Maybe he's good at it."

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Riley, this kid looks like a twig would be too much for him-"

"Now that's a lie," I immediately interject, pointing my fork at him. "If that was the case you would have turned him away on the spot. Did you ask him how much he lifts?" Sehun begrudgingly nods, lips still childishly pursed. "Good, now give the poor kid more credit. He's probably stronger than you think."

"But-"

"Have a little faith in him," I soothe. "If you're really worried then make sure you are there next time to observe and intervene if needed, but you have to let him do something." I emphasize, "So he can improve."

Sehun sits quietly for a few minutes, thinking it over as the rest of us fuss over the arrangement of identical glasses and sneaky hands (Jongin) stealing food from others' plates. "Damn it, why do you have to be right."

"Comes with the territory." I grin, referring to our matching stickers childishly stuck to the back of our phone cases. It happened during a recent drunken night at the newest bar in town. Donkey and Shrek; some days I'm one of them and oftentimes he's the other.

"Just my luck to befriend an intellectually logical yet empathic person," He mumbles, sipping his coffee with a small smile quirking at his lips.

"That's best friend to you!" I retort, glaring at his mischievous smirk before turning to Jongin. "How bout you man? What's cooking?"

His brow raises, amusement shining in his eyes at my poor attempt to not laugh at my own joke. "The kids got a residual coming up," He utters, thoughtfully chewing on a piece of strawberry muffin I swear he took from the top of mine.

"Oh?" I hum, taking the extra muffin Sehun offers me before blinking in realization. "Oh! Really? When is it?"

"This Saturday," A certain kind of sparkle is in his normally brooding eyes, small smile on display. "It's the last one before school starts."

"Yeah," I wince, staring down into my swirling mug with a frown, "Don't remind me. I still got books to get."

"What year will you be in this year?" Jongin inquires, brow raised when I only give him a deadpan look. "What?"

"Really?"

He shrugs, "How am I supposed to know what year you’re in?"

"Anyway!" Jenny chirps while I take another sip of my drink, judging him over the rim of my mug. "There's a party going on at Jongdae's this Friday." Her eyes are already lighting up at the thought of what she's planning to wear—or at the prospect of having an excuse to be with a certain brunet for the entire evening. "Are you going?"

Humming a bit in thought, I lightly shake my head, setting my drink down. "I think I'll pass."

"But why?" She protests, puppy eyes in full effect while I quickly avert my eyes. I'm not about to fall for that trick again. "...It isn't because of Baekhyun, is it?"

My neck cracks a little as I whip around to face her; temples pulsing with a painful whiplash, "And why would Baekhyun have anything to do with it?"

"Bro, you are like attached at the hip," Jongin states with a raised brow, idly twirling a spoon around his fingertips.

"Has he been to a party since he moved?" Sehun lifts his head from the phone in his hands, slipping it into his back pocket when I give him the side-eye.

"Well-" I pause, thinking back over the past two months. They are kind of right in a way. I spend more time having lunch dates in Baekhyun's office than sleeping in on Saturday mornings. There's more of my clothes neatly stacked on the left side of his closet than my own back at the dorms. And I swear I didn't purposely stash his favorite black hoodie in my backpack...

(I did. I totally did and I don't know when I'll give it back).

"…No," I conclude, stirring my drink.

Sehun makes a ‘mmhm’ noise, leaning back in his seat while Jongin snorts, shooting me a knowing look. "The wild princess changing playboy Baekhyun's ways."

I scowl as Jenny nods, throwing an arm over my shoulders with the cheekiest smile, "Who would have thought, right?"

"You all suck." I groan, hiding within my folded arms on the table. "...I'm going."

"Yes!" Jenny squeals, clapping her hands in glee and outstretching one out to the shell-shocked man across from her, "Pay up, Jongin."

"Riley, I was rooting for you." He protests, handing a 20 over with a disappointed frown.

I merely look over at Sehun, raising a brow when he's quick to hold up his hands. "I wouldn't. You're very 50/50 lately."

"Oh that's very reassuring," I grumble, sipping my warm drink; not fighting the smile curling at the corners of my lips. "Good thing I bought that new dress."

"What!?" Jenny gasps, lightly shoving my shoulder when my smile just widens. "I swear you never wear the same dress."

"Perks of having a CEO boyfriend," Jongin muses, washing down a muffin with some coffee.

"Nah," I set the empty mug back on the table, shaking my head. "I saved up a lot from my part-time job."

"Part-time job?" Jenny inquires, lowering her phone down to her lap while looking at me. "When did you get one of those?"

"She had one before school," Sehun explains, continuing after my agreeing hum; giving him a thumbs up with a mouthful of muffin. "A well-off flower shop, I believe."

"Wow." Jenny blinks, narrowing her eyes at me. "You're just full of surprises."

"It was nice," I mumble, dabbling my lips with a napkin, "Besides the fact I have mild pollen allergy."

Jongin snorts and I grin, enduring Sehun's amusement and Jenny's continuous scoldings as the morning sun rises higher in the sky.

I checked my makeup in the mirror one last time: a fierce copper glitter, smokey eye look to match my sexy black lace sleeveless dress with see-through sides. The form-fitting material complementing my every curve. Even lingerie is out of the question with this daring dress, but I have no fear. Stretch marks can't be easily seen in the dim lighting of a drunken party, and my lips are coated in a glossy pink shade to not kill too many men in the crowd tonight.

Leaning away from the mirror while recapping my gloss, I set it down next to my phone that lights up with a notification.

//

I miss you （>﹏<）♡o(╥﹏╥)o ♥♡

8:28pm

//

Giggling with an adoring smile, I maneuver around my baby pink manicured nails to type a response.

//

I miss you too, baby. Take care at the office, okay?

The day is almost over! 4 more hours to go. You can do it :***

8:30pm

//

A few heart emojis shared later and a knock sounds at the door. I grab my phone, sparkly golden clutch and walk over with even strides; the clinks of my nude high heels against the floor blooming more confidence in my chest. The sight of a familiar head of blue hair greets me on the other side of the doorway.

"Hey," Jenny perks up, spinning around, "You ready?" One look at my outfit and she smirks, raising an eyebrow knowingly as I take in her matching cocktail dress. "Oh honey, we are going to be sharks tonight."

Giggling I loop my arm around hers, our respective heels clicking down the residential apartment complex halls.

"So," She adjusts her hair in the reflection of the elevator, carefully pulling curls from inside of her dangling turquoise earrings. "What are your plans for tonight?"

"Plans?" I raise a brow, briefly meeting her gaze while meticulously evening out my gloss in my handheld mirror.

"Dancing, drinking, going home early," She lists off her turquoise manicured nails with a nod, nonchalantly leaning against the railing on the far wall. "Did you even tell Baekhyun you were going out tonight?"

A chill goes down my spine as I put my things away, and I don't know why. "Tell him?" I chuckle, rubbing my goosebump covered arms.

Jenny continues to nod, long nails tapping rapidly across her phone. "Mhm." She hums, voice filled with a level of concern that has my head tilting in confusion. "He's a worrier, you know?"

My brows furrow at that. "...It'll be fine," I mumble after a minute, trying to convince myself. Based on the look she shoots my way it didn't reassure her either. "Besides, he's working late tonight," My heart sinks a little at the reminder; I shrug it off. "I won't see him til the morning anyway."

She meets my eye over the illuminated screen of her phone; perfectly shaped brow raised. "If you're sure."

"Yes, Jen." I stress in exaggeration, placing my cold hands on my hips. "What's the worst that can happen?"

She says nothing as the double doors open, quietly putting away her phone as we exit side by side. A gust of wind meets us the instant we step outside.

"Maybe he's over it..." I hear her mutter under her breath.

The screeching of tires startles us before I can say anything. A familiar shiny black Mercedes pulls up to the curb; bass booming from the cranked up stereo speakers.

"Ready ladies?" Jongin's smirking face appears through the rolled down window; his arm resting comfortably on the window seal, free hand gesturing to his vehicle. "Your chariot awaits."

Jenny scoffs as I muffle a giggle. Before we can take a step forward, another voice rings out over the music.

"Get in already! You're letting out all the cold air." Sehun complains.

A scoff leaves me at that. "You're not the one navigating stilettos, Oh!" I yell right back, climbing into the backseat as Jenny takes the passenger side; her laughter filling up the spacious car.

Jongdae's party wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. The usual partygoers were there except for talented bartender Minseok, brooding Kyungsoo, enthusiastic Chanyeol, and of course Baekhyun. Such a little difference left a major impact in the handling of drinks, (I had to run down to the convenience store with Sehun to get him to buy us dr pepper and a bottle of cheap vodka to share. Perks of being 21). The selection of music—I honestly never knew that techno dubstep could leave my head pounding harder than any hard liquor. And the state of the dance floor… Between the crushed solo cups and unidentifiable fluids littering the wooden floors, it's a far cry from any event Baekhyun has had.

"Shit." I hiss, clutching my throbbing knee. Struggling to insert the key into the apartment door while balancing on one unsteady foot. The door is yanked open before I can make a third attempt. I blink, slowly lifting my eyes up to a disheveled Baekhyun; his silver hair in a disarray and white dress shirt partially unbuttoned. My heart skips at the sight; a smile soon forming on my lips, "Baekhyunee-"

He steps out the reach of my open arms, swiftly turning to head back inside, leaving the door open.

I hover in the doorway for a moment with a frown, feeling a bit apprehensive while stepping over the threshold. Maybe it was a bad day at the office? His subordinates have been giving him a hard time lately, making decisions without his approval only to leave him to fix their mess in the end. Plus the rumors of a mole trying to catch a peek at his upcoming fashion line designs isn’t ideal. With great power comes great responsibility... I don't know how Baekhyun does it.

I peek inside to find him pacing the wooden floor with heavy footsteps. His neighbors surely won't like that.

"Where were you?" He stops in the middle of the living room, watching me with keen eyes. There's nothing exciting about the darkness I find there.

"Where was I?" I mumble quietly, gently pulling the door closed behind me. Hesitating to even lock it.

"Where were you?" He steps closer and it takes everything in me not to recoil under his predatory stance. Frustration clear in his voice with a sense of poorly concealed panic in his eyes.

What's wrong? I want to ask; worriedly glancing over the obvious exhaustion written all over his face.

"Why haven't you been returning my calls?" His wild gestures towards his device innocently sitting on the arm of the couch remind me of my own tucked away in my clutch; still on airplane mode. His black blazer is even left in a heap on the floor. "How are you going to ask to spend the night yet when I come back you're-"

"I went out," I simply shrug with a twitch of my lips; guilt and slight annoyance bubbling in my chest at the doubtful expression forming on his tired face. "It's a Friday night, Baekhyun."

"Without telling me?" He points to himself. "No call, text or anything?" His eyes trail over my person, hovering over my new dress; brown eyes indifferent instead of the awe I wanted to find there. He scoffs after a moment, shaking his head. "Very responsible of you."

"I'm sorry?" I laugh a little in disbelief fighting the urge to hide away from his scrutinizing gaze. "What are you, my father?"

"Sometimes it feels like it." He grits out, lips curling up into a mocking smile.

My hands drop down to my sides at that. "If you were so worried," I continue despite the bad taste in my mouth; crossing my arms and staring him down, "You could have contacted Jenny."

"How do I know you were with her?" He chuckles bitterly, roughly running a hand through his ruffled hair. A disgusted look crossing his face as he spits out, "How do I know you weren't out fucking Jong-"

"Excuse me?" I breathe, placing a hand to my chest with wide eyes; my heart somewhere between being shattered at my feet and beneath the lump forming in my throat.

He pauses, suddenly at a loss for words before spinning on his heel.

"Oh no." I chuckle at his audacity. "Finish that sentence, Baek. Go ahead." My voice is sugar sweet while following him to the hallway; steadily deepening with my building rage. "Go a fucking head."

He stops, deciding to get in my face then. Looking me over in disdain and hissing venomously. "You were out fucking Jongin."

"Do you have a height complex or something...?" I chuckle in disbelief, hand on my hip while pushing him back with the other. "Don't come accusing me of anything just because of your insecurities." Lifting my chin, I murmur. "You either talk to me like a fucking adult or I let you talk to the wall because I am sick of your shit."

"I'm sick of you too," He shoots back, hurt clear in his glistening brown eyes, swiftly turning to storm off down the end of the hallway.

A tired sigh leaves my lips while shaking my pounding head; feeling a headache coming on. "You promised not to go to bed angry!" I yell after him, leaning against the wall to tug off my annoying heels.

"I'm not angry." He growls, slamming the door to the guest bedroom shut.

I jolt at the startling noise, rubbing the back of my neck; muttering sourly under my breath. "Not angry my ass..."

We barely speak a word to each other for the rest of the weekend. He either leaves a room every time I enter it or downright acts like I'm not even there. Patience wearing thin, I repack my overnight bag shoved deep under the bottom of his bed from months of being unused and start sleeping back at the dorms. Although it is rightfully my room too, I still feel like I'm guiltily crashing there with how much I've been gone lately. Jenny doesn't mind though.

"I've missed the company." She reassures, helping me apply a face mask.

"...Do you think I was being unreasonable?" I mumble, looking down at the container in my hands.

Her sigh is a long one. "Well." She nods, smoothing the cream out on my skin, "The height comment was below the belt. And you could have shot him a text."

"I had my phone on silent..." I mumble in remorse, glancing over the 30 worry-filled messages and 5 calls he sent to me the other night. Not a peep has been heard out of him since, not even when I reminded him where the cute teapot set is for his adorable tuesday tea time…

"You were a bit harsh. But." She continues, raising her clean hand when I begin to object, "He had no right accusing you of cheating." The disgusted look on her face matches the tone in her voice. "Like what the fuck? Who cheats on the best dick in town-"

"Jenny!"

"Kidding!" She laughs, dodging my hand, sporting a serious expression again. "In all seriousness. Baekhyun has trust issues…" She trails off, blinking before I can identify the odd look in her eyes. "And sadly, I'm not surprised."

"Really?" I keep still as she nods, applying more cream across my forehead. "...Do you know what happened?"

She winces, gently taking the container from my hands. "I think it is something you should ask him about yourself." She mumbles, avoiding my gaze.

Sighing, I nod, leaning forward to apply some cream across her nose. The information—or lack thereof—is stuck in my head for days afterwards.

Yeah, nearly a whole damn week goes by before I hear from Baekhyun's stubborn ass again… And I end up being the one to make the first move.

It took ten agonizing minutes of debating with myself before daring to press the first number on my speed dial. Desperate times calls for desperate measures… And I'm this close to losing it.

"Hello?"

I release a shaky breath, heart pounding in my ears. Just that word alone eases a bit of the tight feeling in my chest. I have never, ever been more grateful to hear his voice as I pace the luxurious lobby; anxiously glancing up at the intimidating label of Park's Publishing on the far wall. Trying my hardest not to bite on my freshly white-tipped nails.

"Riley?" He speaks up, bringing me out of my unrelenting thoughts, "...Baby?"

"B-Baekhyun." I whimper, fist clenched by my side; fighting the urge to wrinkle my perfectly ironed pencil skirt, or worse, bolt.

A distant voice says something unidentifiable and a door closes before he speaks again; honey voice closer than before, "What is it? What's wrong?"

A tiny noise barely escapes my shaking lips; I plop myself down on a leather chair. "I don't think I can do this." I gasp out, tears stinging behind my eyes.

"Do what?" He continues a bit frantic, rustling papers sounding over the line, “Tell me what's going on, baby. Where are you?"

My voice barely reaches a whisper. "I-Interview."

The rustling stops and he releases a deep sigh; going quiet. It snaps me out of my panicked daze and riles me up in a fit all over again.

"I-I'm sorry," I blabber, rapidly blinking back tears, "You must be busy and I shouldn't-"

"Baby," He soothes and I pause, listening to his voice. "Listen to me."

I nod wordlessly, taking in his every word.

"You are going to do amazing." He begins. "You're going to go in there, answer their questions and blow them away with your input." He insists, that CEO persona in his voice. "They are going to love you and you are going to get that position. Do you hear me?"

"Y-Yes," I whisper, clutching onto the phone.

"Good. You got this," He softens, smile being heard through his voice, "I believe in you, okay?"

"Okay," I hush, bashfully fiddling with the bottom of my skirt; peeking over at the waving secretary trying to get my attentionand straightening up, "I-I got to go. It's time…"

"They are gonna love you baby," He shushes. "But not more than I do."

A smile makes its way to my lips; my heart racing for a different reason entirely. Even when in the middle of a cold war, he still manages to make my heart flutter. "Thank you, Baekhyun." His reassuring hum resonates in my being; warming me up from my sore feet to my cold fingertips.

With quick partings, I hang up the phone and make my way over to the secretary standing by a door. Taking a deep breath before entering the spacious room. Let the games begin.

Three days later, I get an email in the middle of lunch; damn near sending Sehun's poor ham sandwich flying across the room.

"Sehun!!" I squeal, jumping out my seat; phone in hand.

"Wha—What?!!" He exclaims, trying to stop me from excitedly slapping his arms.

"Sehun!!!! I-" He finally catches my hand making me pause, taking a look around the silent cafe. Onlookers watching us with their brows raised. "Just a job interview. Carry on." Turning back to him with red cheeks, I quietly shout, "I got the job!"

His eyes widen before I'm pulled into a bear hug, my laughter muffled in the soft fabric of his black t-shirt.

Everyone is elated at the news, congratulating me at our next meet up in Minseok's new bar. The atmosphere is homey despite all the new faces.

"Congrats man," Chanyeol claps a hand on my shoulder in passing, smiling over the glass of bourbon in his hand while taking the seat next to Sehun. My best friend fist bumps me from the left side of the table before turning to the grinning man.

"Thanks, bro," I chuckle, watching Minseok work on the countertop in the distance with my chin in my palm. Many regulars chat him up over strong shots and fruity cocktails. "He sure is the favorite here, huh?"

"Oh yeah," Chanyeol nods while Jenny leans in across the other side of the table to whisper in my ear. "Although he doesn't play for any team."

"Really?" I whisper back with wide eyes, smiling at her confirming nod. "Good for him then."

"Excuse me, coming through." Minseok’s cheery voice is easy to hear amongst the lively bar chatter, sporting that signature smile of his; a tray full of drinks clutched firmly in his hands. "Order for table four!" He beams, setting the drinks in front of us. The usual for me, brandy for Sehun, and a Sex on the Beach for Jenny. "What's the special occasion, hmm?" He teases, rubbing his hands on the towel at his waist.

"Don't act like you don't check the group chat," Chanyeol complains, looking over at the chuckling man as he takes the empty seat across from him. Jenny scoots over to give him more room. "Riley got her first major job."

"Really?" He continues to smile, a twinkle in his eye while glancing over at me. "The baby grew huh?"

"She has left the nest." Sehun nods, ruffling my hair despite my protests; arching a brow at Jenny. "Where are Jongin and Baekhyun by the way? I understand Jongdae, but-"

"Oh would you look at that," She looks over her shoulder towards the door behind me with a relieved smile, drawing my attention there as well. "You talked them up."

Two familiar figures step into the bar, each with grim expressions on their faces as a third, shorter one is revealed when they reach the rest of us at the table. —Or well, more like the two tables we pushed together (not the least bit quiet either, might I add. Thanks Chanyeol).

"Kyungsoo?" I inquire, eyes widening at the bouquet of yellow roses, pink Peruvian lilies, purple irises, and red gladiolus flowers. Taking the small bottle of cheerwine he also hands me with a small gasp.

"Hey," He smiles a little, softly patting my hand resting on the back of my chair. "Didn't want to come empty-handed."

“Thank you,” I beam, setting the flowers on the table before opening the bottle carefully; pouring some into a spare shot glass Chanyeol slides across the table.

"Congratulations, Doll." Jongin mumbles, hands stuffed deep inside the pockets of his black slacks. Keeping a fair distance between us.

The smile I send his way is an apologetic one; especially with the pair of eyes watching us like a hawk. "Thanks, bro," I mutter as he walks on to take a seat; that sinking feeling once again filling my chest.

"Hey," An unmistakable voice whispers in my ear.

I turn a bit towards Baekhyun, smiling politely despite the chaste kiss he presses to my forehead. "Hi."

He pulls out the chair next to me while I pretend to focus on the conversation Chanyeol, Jongin, and Sehun are having across the table about the boring subject of weight lifting. Trying hard not to think about how adorable he looks with a black blazer, white dress shirt, and that matching bow-tie around his neck. Gorgeous silver hair styled in a subtle—yet just as knee-weakening—comma hairstyle.

"How have you been?" Baekhyun softly murmurs, his voice nearly drowned out by everything around us.

"I can bench press more than the both of you combined!"

"Shut up, Yeol."

"I've been okay," Smiling lightly, I turn back to my neglected drink to avoid his eye; idly wiping away condensation from the side of the cold glass. My attention instantly snatched away by a familiar hand gently taking mine away from the object.

"Can we talk after this?" His voice is barely above a hush, only loud enough for me to hear. The gleam of sincerity in his tired eyes has my heart aching and soaring at the same time.

I take a swig of my drink, simply nodding despite the burn, "Sure."

He watches me for a moment, seeming to be looking for something beyond my nonchalant expression; probably trying to see past the walls I've put up. A small sigh falls from his lips, the warm pillows shortly pressing a soft kiss to the back of my hand, "Okay."

He doesn't let go of my hand, choosing to tangle our fingers together before setting them on his thigh. The warmth on my cheeks is not coming from the gentle strokes of his thumb on my skin or the sweet tingle that kiss left in its wake. Nope. Not at all.

Gradually, the conversation at the table switches to more lighthearted topics. Everyone pitching in with little tidbits of their daily lives as if sensing the tension between the quietest men among us. Even Kyungsoo goes into detail about the newest dish added to the menu of his restaurant.

Baekhyun's shoulder looks comfier by the second with every sip of cherry soda and bold vodka I take. A particularly hilarious story of Chanyeol's sends me reeling; hiding my face in his gorgeous neck. His little shiver when my lips accidentally brush over his warm skin doesn't go unnoticed by me.

Baekhyun meets my gaze, his brown eyes darker than they were before as his tongue glides over his bottom lip; pink lips curling up into a knowing little smirk at my unwavering stare.

"Hey, guys!" A light voice chimes, a soothing timbre that sails above the bar chatter like an unsuspecting breeze; breaking us out of our little bubble.

Just about everyone at the table turns to the newcomer with wide eyes. Sehun and I share the same confused look before I slightly twist around in my chair to see.

"Yixing?" Baekhyun's eyes are wide, brows soon furrowing at the three unexpected people approaching our table. A tall man with kind eyes and raven hair is accompanied by an equally stunning woman, her black hair falling to her mid-waist. Minseok gets up to make room for the all-too-familiar brunet striding in front with a satisfied smirk on his face. "Sora? Dae? I didn’t know you all were coming…"

"Hi, Baekhyunnie," Sora damn near purrs, red-painted fingertips brushing his shoulder as she walks by with Yixing by her side. The oblivious man envied while I blink slowly, eyes narrowed closely on her smug form; recognition taking longer than I'd like to set in. It's the secretary Baekhyun supposedly fired. But wait… Weren't there two of them?...

"It's about time everyone meets your girlfriend, Baek." Jongdae drawls, smiling innocently enough while taking his seat. Gleefully twinkling eyes glancing over at Jenny when she smacks his arm, giving him a warning glare.

A few more drinks in and everyone seems to relax; easy going inhibitions and loosened mouths. Now we've moved on to telling old college stories. Minseok is currently recalling a time a classmate had mistaken him for being her star quarterback boyfriend.

"He acted as if he'd beat him to a pulp not knowing that Minseok is actually made of steel." Yixing grins lopsidedly in humor, head tilted to inspect the contents swirling within his glass.

"I challenged him to arm wrestling once." Chanyeol reminisces with a shiver, taking a gulp of his second refill. "Never again."

"Bro, this man could toss you over his shoulder and run a mile, I swear." Jongin's tone has a hint of a whine to it, elbows holding his weight upon the table directly across from Baek. Kyungsoo is quick to slide their glasses out the way of his clumsy hand gestures.

"Sure," Sehun mutters, half-lidded eyes rolling in exaggeration.

"I know from experience..." Jongin grumbles, a hilariously offended look on his face.

I laugh quietly, catching Minseok's eye. "Easy as pie," He smirks behind the rim of his glass, lifting it in a playful cheer and winking mischievously.

"Easy for you to say," Chanyeol full-on complains, the large distance kept between him and Sora causes his arm to constantly bump into Sehun. "Remember that time you slipped off the pier? I almost broke my back tryna pull you back up!"

I laugh harder, having to cling onto Baekhyun's arm before I fall out of my chair, a burning stare makes my eyes drift over to Jongdae.

The table seems to settle down, everyone looking at the narrowed eyed man as well.

"Hey Jongdae, you good man?" Minseok jokes, tentatively nudging his side.

The brunet comes out of his trance, throwing his head back in that rambunctious laughter that never leads to anything good. "Oh yeah." He grins, words noticeably slurred. "Please forgive me, I was just struck by deja vu." His eyes drag over to Baekhyun, curled lip smile widening in glee. "Isn't this scenario familiar to you Baek?" His voice dips in emphasis on the word ‘familiar’ as if it's a hint to an inside joke. "Very very familiar."

"O-kay," Jenny steps in hurriedly as I feel Baekhyun stiffen; she reaches for the shot glass clutched in Jongdae's palms. "I think you’d had enough-"

"How is she, by the way?" He brushes her off, sending the glass falling over onto the table; contents spilled while Minseok is quick to catch it before it hits the floor. "Have you heard from her lately? I mean, she sure is pretty active in our old group chat-"

Chanyeol and Jongin stand up, assisting her in hoisting him up before escorting a blabbering Jongdae outside; the brunet practically a dead-weight. Apologizes are directed to everyone they accidentally bump into along the way; Kyungsoo shortly following behind to help. The worried yet knowing look they all share while stepping out the door is imprinted on my mind. Along with the fact both my potential rides are gone unless I plan to catch a cab with Sehun...

"Want me to drive you home?" Baekhyun murmurs quietly after a while, soft lips caressing the shell of my ear.

I try my best not to shiver, turning to him with what I hope is my best pleading eyed expression. An incoming headache and the desire to sleep it off overpowering all other thoughts as I meet his warm brown orbs, "Please?"

Based on the way his eyes soften even more, I think it worked. "Come on." He offers his hand, smiling a little when I stumble trying to get off of my high chair.

A gust of wind blows just as we step out into the busy street. Baekhyun wordlessly places his blazer on my shoulders. A small smile curls my lips at the gesture; widening further when his warm hand searches for mine, tucking our joined hands into his pocket. His secure hold makes my heart race while we walk to his car parked at a meter on the other side of the road.

"Thank you," I mumble as he opens the passenger door, hiding my heated cheeks in the fabric of his blazer. Heart exhilarating at the lingering scent of vanilla, laundry detergent, and him. I take my phone off of airplane mode once settled in the comfortable leather seat.

Just as we pull off the curb, a loud ding! disrupts the quiet atmosphere. I pull my phone from my hoodie pocket, eyes widening at the messages that come streaming in.

"What is it?" Baekhyun asks curiously with a brief glance, noting the look on my face.

"It's...mom," I mumble, blinking sluggishly; squinting a little at the bright screen. "She's asking when I plan to visit."

"Ahh..." He hums, fingers tapping on the steering wheel. We fall quiet once again, nothing heard except the late-night traffic, low radio volume, and my nails tapping away on my phone screen.

"I wouldn't mind meeting your mom," He mumbles after awhile.

My head snaps over to him at that, neck painfully cracking from the sharp movement. "What?"

"I wouldn't mind meeting your mom." He looks over at me at a red light. "What?" His tone is softer, uncertainty filling his eyes. "Do you not want me to-"

"No!" I interject a bit too hurriedly, backtracking at the doubtful expression playing on his handsome features. "I mean, it's not that. I just…"

He tilts his head, slivers locks of hair concealing the emotion in his brown orbs, "Just?"

"I never brought a guy home," I grumble, shifting my eyes to the view of city lights from the passenger window.

"I'd be the first?" His voice is that soft hush again, tip-toeing around questions as if I will snap at him at any moment.

"Not if you keep being an insufferable peacock," I cross my arms, sinking further down into the comfy leather seat as his wide brown eyes flick over to me.

"...I deserve that," He mumbles, lips poked out in the tiniest pout.

Taking a long look at his sulking side profile, I sigh at his slumped shoulders and the now “scolded” child-like expression on his face; turning more towards him. "Can we talk now?” Catching his eye, I elaborate. "Like really talk? This habit of going days without talking to each other cannot continue if we are going to be together, Baekhyun."

I swear I heard him utter a disgruntled, “why not?” under his breath, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

"We are both adults here, Baek." Tucking my buzzing phone back into my pocket, I gently place my hand on his free one, interlocking our fingers. "We have to talk, listen, and compromise if we want to be healthy and not end up hating each other." Feeling him tense up, I rub my thumb over his knuckles, adding softly, "I really want us to work, but we can't keep going on this way…" I swallow hard, trying to work around the lump in my throat and tightness building up in my chest; directing my blurry eyes down to my hands. "It hurts, Baekhyun."

The car jerks violently just as I finish my sentence. I brace myself against the seat, meeting his brooding eyes with my confused ones. He's cupping my face to pull me into a deep kiss before I can say anything. The way his soft pillows slowly dance with mine causes my heart rate to escalate. Beating so loud I fear he'd hear it or feel it through his warm palms.

I pull away after a while; searching his brown orbs for answers as he caresses my cheek, leaning forward to press a kiss to my nose that leaves my feelings in an even bigger disarray.

"We will." His tone is gentle, yet firm, eyes never straying away from my own. "We will talk, just…" He falters, gaze shifting off to the side, blinking away a foreign look too soon for me to identify it before focusing his tired orbs back onto me. "Trust me, okay?"

Finding determination and a plea within those puppy eyes, I nod, keeping a resigned sigh to myself while placing my hand over his own on my cheek.

"Okay…" He seems to relax, lips brushing over mine before he moves to sit properly in the driver’s seat; starting the car back up. The journey to the dorms is spent in comfortable silence. Fingers intertwined and wild hearts in sync.

•⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •⇔♦ •

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3  P(1) P(2) | Part 4 P(1) P(2) | Part 5 P(1) ✓ P(2) | Part 6

[since0202]

Chapter 16: Collide

Grace left before rounds started that evening. Jake was nowhere in sight, but she didn’t feel like waiting around for him to find out she and Paul had kissed. Sam gave her a hug before she left which was very out of character for him. 

“What was that for?” she had said to him. 

“For today. I felt what you did, we all did. So thank you.” Sam had replied. 

“You’re welcome.” she had smiled, completely grateful for this moment. Paul had hugged her tightly and whispered that he’d see her tomorrow in her ear before kissing the top of her head and releasing her to Charlie. She felt light, buoyant. 

But when they pulled up to a still dark house, the sinking realization filled them both—Bella still wasn’t back. Grace automatically checked her cell for texts, but there was nothing. 

“Come on, Bells,” Grace muttered under her breath. Charlie stared at the dark house for a little too long while clutching the steering wheel tightly. “She’ll be back soon Charlie.” 

When she got up to her room to change, her phone beeped. She checked it anxiously. When Jake’s name popped up on the text, she hesitated opening it. 

SMS Text— 9:52 p.m: Jake

I’m so sorry, Grace. 

Let me know when you want to talk.

She clapped her phone shut and chewed on her thumb nail, distracted. Then she shook her head, quickly undressed, and went to sleep before she could make a hasty decision. 

-----

The next morning, Grace got up for school and headed out the door before Charlie had even come out of his bedroom. She left a note saying she went to school early to catch up on some homework and worried that the process of finding a note might traumatize him further. 

When she pulled up to the empty parking lot and made her way to the school’s library that was usually opened early for students, she heard her phone beep again. Flipping it open, she was happy to see that it was a text from Paul: 

SMS Text— 6:32 a.m.: Paul 

Good morning. 

SMS Text—6:33 a.m.: Grace 

Hey, good morning :) 

SMS Text—6:33 a.m.: Paul 

Sleep okay? 

SMS Text—6:34 a.m.: Grace

For the most part, yeah. 

Bella still isn’t back so that’s scary. 

You? 

SMS Text—6:34 a.m.: Paul

I was up doing rounds for most of the night. 

We’ll keep an eye out for her and I’ll call you if we get wind of her showing up. 

SMS Text—6:36 a.m.: Grace

Thanks Paul. I really appreciate it. 

I’m gonna get caught up on some homework, but can I text you later?

SMS Text—6:37 a.m.: Paul 

Not if I don’t text you first. 

Have a good day <3 

That morning during her classes, Grace tried to pay attention as much as possible to keep her mind off of Bella and off of...Jake. Everytime she thought of him the ache grew a little larger. She flipped open her phone during AP Chem and looked at the message he had sent to her last night. 

I’m so sorry, Grace. 

Let me know when you want to talk.

Did that offer still stand now that he probably knew she and Paul had kissed? Her fingers hovered over the keys to type a response but she opted to shut her phone and dig into her lab report instead with a huff. Seeing as her lab partner had been conveniently absent for 7 months and her teacher hadn’t offered to replace him, Grace had to work twice as hard to keep up. 

As the bell for lunch rang and Grace packed up her things, she heard her cell phone ring. Paul. Grace’s eyes went wide as she stared at his name for a half second and frantically answered it, rushing out into the hallway among the throng of other students. 

“Paul?” 

“Grace, she’s back. The Cullens are back on their property and she’s on her way back home from the airport. The leech is with her.” Paul said scathingly. 

“Okay, I’m on my way.” Grace shouldered her backpack and turned to move towards the front doors. 

“I’m in the parking lot. I’ll take you. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you there alone.” Paul said with an edge in his voice. She didn’t have time to argue and his forerunner would be faster than the truck anyway. 

“Okay, I’ll be to you in just a second. Thanks Paul.” She shut her phone and started jogging toward the front door, pulling her hood up to protect against the downpour of rain that had started. She skipped down the steps and landed too quickly in a deep puddle, causing her to slip and reach for the railing to catch herself. Paul jogged around his car, laughing and scooped her up, planting a short kiss on her lips that made her laugh a little too. 

“Try to tone down the x-games mode, will you? I need you in one piece,” he guided her toward the car and opened the door for her to slide in. When she was safely inside, she pulled down her hood and shook off the excess rain. So much for catching up on schoolwork. 

“Thanks for coming to get me,” Grace said a little breathless as Paul jumped into the driver’s seat and started them off toward her house. 

“I wasn’t going to let you go alone,” Paul said decidedly. 

“Right, but you can’t come inside, Paul.” Grace retorted. 

“We’ll see about that,” his voice was even, another edge. 

“Paul, I’m serious. It will only cause conflict and I’m sure there’s enough going on at the house. Edward isn’t going to do anything, especially not with Charlie there. I need you to wait in the car.” she stated this simply, sure of herself and glanced to Paul. His jaw was clenched and he was chewing the inside of his cheek. 

“Paul?” Grace tested. 

“I got it.” he said through gritted teeth. Grace sighed and leaned back against her seat watching the rain pour in sheets. When he pulled up to her house she turned to him. 

“I’ll be okay, really. Hang out here and I’ll text you, okay?” Paul only nodded, his eyes flickering toward the house. 

Grace pushed open the passenger door and sprinted toward her front door. When she opened it, she heard Charlie’s voice right away. 

“—this again?!” 

“Charlie, I think she needs to lie down.” Edward said calmly. Grace rounded the corner as she saw Charlie raise his finger at Edward and start toward him. 

“Woah!” Grace said as she stepped between Charlie and Edward who was holding up a deliriously tired Bella. 

“DON’T YOU TELL ME ANYTHING. You took her away AGAIN!” Charlie moved his finger from Edward to Bella. 

“I understand, Mr. Swan,” Edward said reverting to fatherly respect, “And I’m happy to hear what you have to say about myself and my character, but right now I think it’s very important I get Bella to bed.” 

“Dad,” Bella groaned. 

“Whats wrong with her?!” Charlie cried out. 

“Okay, Charlie, I think she’s honestly just tired. She’s home, that’s what matters,” Grace said. Edward took this as a cue to start moving Bella toward the stairs. 

“Not YOU!” Charlie bellowed. Bella moaned and Grace flinched. 

“Oooookay, I’ll do it.” Grace went over to Bella and gently moved her arm under her left shoulder to transfer her weight onto her. Edward looked at her skeptically but let her so as to reduce Charlie’s wrath. Grace clutched Bella’s wrist to help leverage her up the stairs. “Jesus, Bells.” Grace muttered as they slowly moved up the stairs. Charlie was right behind them, ferrying them up the stairs in case they stumbled. Grace got Bella into her bed and covered her up, pulling off her shoes and socks to make her more comfortable. 

When she turned around, Charlie was standing in the doorway, his face pulled with worry. 

“She’s here. She’s not going anywhere, at least not right now Charlie. She’s okay.” Grace offered. She didn’t know if that was entirely true but she needed to offer it as consolation to Charlie anyway. At least it would hopefully help to keep Charlie from completely flaying Edward. 

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Edward was in the hallway, a full look of surrender on his face. Grace gazed at him critically. His black eyes were circled with dark purple bruises. His pale skin practically glowed in the late spring light. 

Charlie let out an exasperated huff and Grace crossed her arms, motioning to the living room. Edward turned to move back into the living room but Charlie interjected. 

“No.” Grace looked up at him in surprise. “You get out.” Oh, that makes sense. Grace thought. “You get out. You’re not allowed to step foot in through that front door ever again, do you hear me?” 

“Yes, sir,” Edward said simply. 

“And don’t sir me! You’re done mister. I’m not letting Bella anywhere near you either. She’s grounded for the rest of her life.” Charlie continued. 

“Charlie,” Grace sighed. 

“She’s eighteen, sir” Edward quipped. Grace’s eyes shot up to Edward, bewildered. 

“Damn, you really said that,” Grace said some what impressed and somewhat disturbed. 

“OUT!” Charlie bellowed. 

“Charlie, keep your voice down, you’re going to wake up Bella,” Grace said as she crossed to the door and opened it for Edward. It quickly moved across the room and out the door. Something to Grace he’d be back. As she watched him move tensely toward his car, her eyes met with Paul’s. He was leaning against the driver side door of Edward’s Volvo, arms crossed. Edward stopped halfway on the lawn and glared at him.

“Can I leave?” Edward held out his hand toward his car. 

“Sure, dude.” Paul said. Pushing himself up off his car and moving toward the stairs to the porch to Grace. Edward got in his car and sped away. 

“See, totally fine,” Grace said sarcastically throwing her hands up in the air. 

“Right,” Paul said, a smile on his face. “Can I leave my car here? I need to run quick and let Sam know what happened.” 

“Yeah, of course. I should stay here with Bella anyway. Make sure Charlie cools off and doesn’t grab his shotgun and go after him.” Grace put her hands on her hips and let out a light laugh. 

Paul climbed the two steps to meet her face and gave her a warm, long kiss. Her hands automatically moved up to cup his face and his hands gripped her waist. When he pulled back he glanced over toward the trees to the sound of a light growl. 

“Gotta go,” he smiled and kissed the tip of her nose, taking off toward the woods. Grace sighed and held a hand to her forehead before turning around and trudging back into the house. 

Charlie was in the kitchen standing in front of the fridge and aggressively drinking a beer. Grace grabbed her backpack from the door and climbed the stairs and walked into their room and felt a coldness rush through her. At first, she was startled and then she realized what it was. 

“Edward, I know you can hear me,” Grace said dully. She dropped her bag on her desk and started digging in it for her homework. Another rush and he reappeared by Bella’s window. 

“It’s fine, but I expect you to at least tell me what happened.” 

“That might be a little complicated,” he responded, gently sitting on Bella’s bed and running a hand across her face. 

“The cliff notes version then,” Grace said as she plopped on the edge of her bed and popped open her Chem book. 

“Does this run in the family then?” Edward asked, evading her request for now. 

“What? Being incredibly good looking and perceptive?” 

“No. Blocking me out so I can’t hear what you’re thinking.” Edward said nonchalantly. Grace dropped her pencil. 

“Wait. You can read minds?!” 

“I thought you said you knew!” Edward whispered back incredulous. 

“Oh my god,” Grace said, picking up her pencil again and writing out an answer on her chem lab worksheet. “So, wait you can’t hear what I’m thinking?” 

“Sort of, I can hear feelings with you, similar to Charlie. Though if I concentrate hard enough I can hear him more clearly, but never full sentences. I could feel what you meant when you said you knew I was here. An understanding.” 

“Hmm.” Grace responded still trying to be interested in her worksheet. Her head was reeling and she was glad he couldn’t hear her thoughts. Edward waited for a beat, his eyes trained on her and then followed up with: 

“Hmmm? Is that all?” 

“I’m waiting on you to tell me what happened.” Grace pointed her pencil tip toward Bella, “And to figure out why my cousin is so exhausted that she could barely stand after coming and looking for you.”

Edward watched her for a full minute, weighing his options and then began to tell the story. About how and why he left, looking down at Bella painfully when he explained, him thinking Bella dead when Jacob answered the phone and said Charlie was planning a funeral, the despair he felt when he thought Bella was dead because of him, and his decision to see the Volturi to end his life. 

At some point during his explanation, Grace had set her pencil down to watch him intently. 

“And Bella came to save me. From myself. If it wasn’t for her, I’d be dead.” Edward finished. His eyes jumped to their bedroom door suddenly and with another rush, he was gone. Charlie opened it a second later and stuck his head in, his eyes looking for Bella. 

“She’s still sleeping. I think she’s gonna be out for awhile.” Grace said trying to cover dead air. 

“Right,” Charlie looked from Bella to Grace a couple of times and then said, “Did you skip school?” 

“What? No! I mean...I came home early because I heard Bella was home and I wanted to see her.” Grace said tapping her pencil against her textbook. “I’ll keep an eye on her, I promise. I just really need to get this homework done.” 

“Okay. I’ll pick up dinner.” 

“No, I can make something later, it’s fine.” Grace responded. Charlie nodded and took one more look at Bella before closing the door and going downstairs. When Grace looked back over at Bella, Edward was there again. 

Grace turned back to her work even though she was dying to know more. After about 15 minutes, Edward piped up again. 

“How bad was she?” Pained was etched clearly in his voice. Grace looked up suddenly. She swallowed hard and nodded her head looking down again. 

“Not great,” she said, trying to spare him.

“Tell me,” he pressed. Grace sighed, and looked up at him. His eyes were on her now. 

“Really bad. She barely talked, ate, or moved for three months. Then she took to jumping off cliffs and running around on motorcycles for the thrill of it. She almost drowned. I didn’t see her smile for five months. So, you can see why maybe Charlie isn’t thrilled to see you again.” Grace said a little annoyed. 

“I’m sorry, Grace,” Edward said sincerely. Her eyes checked him for any malice, any danger and still there was nothing. She shivered at what she thought was something forming between them: an alliance, an understanding as he put it. 

“Apology accepted. But you could at least help me with this Chem work that you’ve skipped out on for nearly eight months,” she held up her lab and shook it at him. He laughed and in a blink he was standing in front of her bed, reaching for the paper. 

For the next hour or two, he helped her study and complete her backlog of homework. He sat cross legged on the floor while she perched up on her bed. Bella still slept soundly as they worked quietly, making light jokes to one another. Grace could see why Bella liked him. Once he let the impenetrable wall facade down, he became easy to talk to. Relaxing in his company became second nature. 

At one point, Grace’s phone buzzed once, twice, three times. Exasperated, she picked it up and mumbled an apology to open the flood of texts in her inbox. 

SMS Text—5:01 p.m.: Paul 

Is he still there? 

Grace, answer me. 

I need to know you’re safe. 

SMS Text—5:03 p.m.: Sam 

Is Bella alright? 

Remember, you’re under specific orders not to share the pack’s existence to anyone. 

That includes “friendly” vampires. 

Call me. 

Grace clapped her phone shut and shook her head at the messages. One thing at a time. Edward posed no threat and she hadn’t shared pack business with him so everything was fine. 

“I got to go make dinner downstairs, are you going to be okay up here with her?” Grace said and then caught herself, “Of course you are, stupid question. I’ll be back.” 

She left her phone on her bed and quickly went downstairs to start dinner. When Charlie was fed and she took a couple bites of spaghetti, she whisked back upstairs, half expecting them to both be gone. She was relieved to see Bella was still asleep and Edward was sitting on the edge of her bed at a picture in his hand. 

“Your phone buzzed more while you were gone,” Edward said quietly. Grace let out a groan and checked her phone again. 

SMS Text—5:22 p.m.: Paul 

I’m coming to get you if you don’t answer me Grace. 

You’re not safe with him there. 

SMS Text—5:28 p.m.: Quil 

Paul’s freaking Grace, can you text or call him? 

Sam’s going to send out a patrol soon if you don’t answer. 

“He wouldnt,” Grace whispered annoyed under her breath. 

SMS Text—6:12: Sam 

We’re having trouble keeping tabs on Paul. 

I’m about to give the green light on patrol around your house. 

Don’t make us blow our cover. 

“Jesus,” Grace said and frantically typed to Sam: 

SMS Text—6:33 p.m.: Grace 

Everything is absolutely fine. I’ve been doing homework up in my room all afternoon and just got done with dinner with Charlie. 

Chill out. No one’s making you blow anything. 

“Except yourself,” Grace muttered. Then to Paul she wrote: 

SMS Text—6:33 p.m.: Grace

I need you to chill and take a deep breath. 

I’m 100% fine. He is still here. Nothing is happening. 

I’m doing homework. I’ll call you tomorrow. 

Please just relax. 

<3 

She realized belatedly that she threw that heart emoji in as an afterthought and it didn’t sit well with her. 

“Everything okay?” Edward asked. 

“Just getting hounded,” Grace shook her phone and threw it on her bed, laying back with a huff. She got back to work, sitting at her desk this time and typing up an English paper she’d been putting off. 

Around midnight, just as Grace was wrapping up her homework, Bella began to stir. She stood up frantically and stayed by the desk. Edward was leaning over her, trying to console her. Grace couldn’t hear much between their mumbled conversation except that Bella thought this was all a dream. 

“The Volturi, they don’t have a great concept of time. To them, soon could mean decades. You’re safe and we don’t have to rush anything.” Edward placated her. 

“No.” Bella said. She suddenly got up stumbling to get her shoes on. Grace helped her as she almost fell into things. 

“Bells, where are you going, it’s midnight.” Grace asked. Edward was on his feet trying to get Bella back to bed. 

“I want to talk to Carlisle.” Bella said, a little clearer now as she pulled on her jacket. 

“Bella, please,” Edward said trying to tug her back to bed. 

“No! Edward. This is what I want and I don’t want there to be a chance of you leaving again. I’m going. Come if you want, or not.” Bella said firmly. Edward looked to Grace for help. Grace was currently blocking Bella’s exit. 

“Grace move.” Bella said. “I need to do this.” Grace considered this for a moment looking from Bella to Edward. 

“Then I’m coming with you this time. No more secrets.” Grace extended her hand to Bella and for just a moment, Bella hesitated. Then her eyes seemed to color in recognition and she smiled, nodding. 

“Okay.” Bella acknowledged. 

“Uh, just one thing. The truck is in the school parking lot. Paul picked me up.” Grace countered. 

Bella quickly turned to Edward and held her hand expectantly for the keys. “Edward?” He looked at her for a moment, rolled his eyes almost imperceptibly when he realized she wouldn’t stop and said, “Fine, but I’m driving.” 

So, she was walking into the vampire’s den. The pack would be floored when they realized. She just hoped she wouldn’t start a war over this. With Bella’s hand in hers, she snuck easily down the stairs. And in the cool night air, they felt cloaked in the knowledge that somehow, despite the chaos of destinies colliding at this very moment around them, they’d be okay as long as they held onto each other. 

[crystalstar8]

Knights of the Night (ch 7)

Chapter 7

Ch 1, ch 2, ch 3, ch 4, ch 5, ch 6, ch 7

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29139240/chapters/71536491

pairing: Jungkook x oc

genre: vampire au, college au, twilight, romance

word count: 1,367

warnings: blood (obviously), kidnapping, child kidnapping, needles, France

notes: vampires, vampire au, college, college au, so many twilight references, blood, needles, kidnapping, children, homelessness, dance, ballet, flashbacks, romance, slow burn, probably no smut, idk yet tho, France, French things, attempted genocide, inaccurate French history, bisexual main character, @strawberriewithchocolate-blog @mozy-j  @daechwitad-2​ @zobadak​​

summary: Catalina starts college in a small town all the way across the country. She doesn’t know anyone and isn’t exactly looking for friends. She just wants to focus on dance. But when she meets fellow dance major, Jimin, and adventurous, fellow freshman, Jungkook, Catalina ends up discovering a whole new side to the small college town; one that is dangerous but oh so enticing…

              After they had shown the ghost hunting documentary at game night, which everyone had loved, Jungkook declared that he was thirsty and was going on a hunt for beverages. That’s how Catalina found herself searching the front of the house for the garage with him, since Taehyung said, “There’s soda pop in the garage refrigerator.”

               They ended up in a back kitchen, which connected to a mudroom, which led them to the garage. The garage was filled with ancient looking equipment and a tractor so rusty, Catalina figured she could shatter it with a good tap.

               “Here they are!” Jungkook said, facing two refrigerators against the wall.

               “Which one is for the soda pop?” asked Catalina. Jungkook opened both at once. The one on the left was filled with pop, beer and a single head of moldy broccoli. The other was filled with…

               “What do you want? Coke?” Jungkook asked, closing the other fridge and reaching into left one.

               “Wait, what was in that other fridge?” asked Catalina. She opened the one on the right. Blood bags. It was filled with blood bags. They both gasped.

               “The secret soda pop,” Jungkook whispered. Catalina slapped his arm.

               “Jungkook! Why do they have these?” she asked. Jungkook shook his head.

               “I don’t know. Maybe one of them is a doctor or something?” he said.

               “Probably not,” Catalina thought for a moment. “Not a word about this to anyone. We’ll discuss it later. Let’s just go enjoy game night. We probably shouldn’t stay the night though. Just in case.”

               “Right. Got it. So, coke?” he asked, pulling an entire case of coke out of the left fridge.

               “Yeah, coke is good,” Catalina nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

               Later that night, Catalina sat up in bed on her laptop, unable to fall asleep. She just couldn’t stop thinking about what she saw in that fridge. She opened Google on her laptop and typed in “vampires”. Most of the sites that came up were about vampire novels or movies. She typed in “vampire history” instead. This gave her a bit more. There were tales about bloodsucking monsters all over the world. In Europe, they were considered demons or witches. There were many names for them throughout the middle east and Asia, but all the stories had the same few things in common: red eyes, superhuman speed and strength, unnatural beauty, and the need to drink human blood.

Catalina closed her laptop and sat against the wall, since her mattress was still on the floor against the wall. She had seen enough. Catalina knew what she needed to do.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The front door looked less intimidating than it did the first time Catalina had laid eyes on the house, but her heart still pounded in her chest as she raised a hand to knock. She waited a few seconds before the door opened. It was Namjoon. Catalina’s heart stuttered. God damn, he is so beautiful…

“Oh, hi!” he said. “What are you doing out so late? Not that I mind seeing you- I mean…”

Catalina giggled and momentarily forgot why she was here. Namjoon scratched the back of his head.

“Um, anyway, come on in,” he said.

“I was actually wondering if we could go for a walk,” said Catalina. Namjoon nodded and stepped outside, closing the door behind him. He led Catalina into the woods on the cobblestone path.

“Is there something you wanted to talk about?” he asked as they strolled side by side. Catalina felt her heartrate pick up again.

“I know what you are,” she said. Namjoon stopped and faced her.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Don’t play dumb Namjoon. I know what you are,” said Catalina. The confusion melted from his face, replaced with an intense gaze.

“Say it,” said Namjoon.

“You have blood red eyes, and all of you are unnaturally beautiful. I haven’t seen it, but I bet you have superhuman strength and speed,” said Catalina. “I saw the fridge in the garage. It was filled with blood bags.”

“Say it,” Namjoon said again. “Out loud.”

“Vampire.”

“Are you afraid?”

“I know you won’t hurt me,” Catalina said, looking up at him.

“You know the risk, and yet, you still want to see us,” he said.

“You’re not a killer.”

“I’m a predator, Catalina. Everything about me is meant to draw you in. You couldn’t outrun me if you tried, and you certainly couldn’t fight me,” said Namjoon.

“Namjoon. I don’t care. You and your friends have been nothing but kind to us. I’ve seen you all and none of you seem like you want to drink our blood,” said Catalina.

Namjoon scoffed and said, “You have no idea how much I’d like to taste your blood. You smell…irresistible.”

Catalina blushed. “Can you stop? Once you’ve had a taste?”

“What?”

“I mean, if you were to drink from me, would you be able to control yourself before you took too much?” Catalina asked. She couldn’t believe what she was saying. She was playing with fire, but the thought of it made her a bit dizzy with anticipation. Her blush was hot all the way down her neck.

Namjoon stared at her and said, “You can’t be serious.”

Catalina shrugged and brushed her hair off her shoulder, baring her neck. Namjoon smirked and shook his head. Catalina’s flush turned to one of embarrassment.

“I’m not drinking from you,” Namjoon said. “I’m old enough to control myself, but what if I wasn’t? A younger vampire wouldn’t have turned you down either.”

Catalina sighed and said, “Sorry, I don’t know why I asked that.”

“It’s okay,” Namjoon said. They continued walking.

“So, vampires are real?” Catalina asked. Namjoon nodded. “Are other things real? Like werewolves and demons?”

               “Werewolves are real, but you probably won’t ever meet one,” Namjoon explained. “They tend to live off the grid and the ones who don’t are hunted pretty relentlessly by the Pack Hunters. Also, demons[PG1]  aren’t real. Religion is a human based concept that holds no truth.”

               “So, crucifixes don’t repel you or anything?” Catalina asked. Namjoon laughed and said no. “Cool, wait who are the Pack Hunters?”

               “The Pack Hunters are an organization that hunts werewolves,” he said. “They say that they’re protecting society but most of the time, the people they hunt are harmless, just trying to live peacefully. It is a problem in the werewolf community. Werewolves can no longer live in packs like they used to. They’ve been on the run for so long, it’s basically every man for himself.”

               “That’s terrible,” said Catalina. She had so many questions buzzing through her head and she didn’t know where to start. She supposed what she was most curious about was what lore was true and what wasn’t. “Do you have fangs?”

               Namjoon flashed a toothy smile, showing off sharp fangs. Catalina gasped.

               “I didn’t notice those on any of you guys before!” she said.

               “That’s because we didn’t want you to notice,” said Namjoon.

               “Can you be killed with a wooden stake?” asked Catalina.

               “No.”

               “Does silver hurt you?”

               “Yes, it just burns a bit.”

               “Can you enter a place before being invited in?”

               “It’s not the polite thing to do, but technically yes.

               “Do you burn up in sunlight?”

               “Not exactly, we’re just more susceptible to really bad sunburns.”

               “Are you actually immortal?”

               “Yes.”

               “How old are you?” Catalina asked.

               “Twenty-three.”

               “How long have you been twenty-three?”

               A pause. “A while. Catalina, I’d love to stay out and answer your questions, but don’t you have class tomorrow morning?” asked Namjoon.

               “Do you need sleep?” she asked. Namjoon sighed.

               “No, I can sleep but I don’t need to. I’m pretty sure it’s nearing two in the morning,” he said.

               “You’re right, you’re right. I’m sorry for bombarding you with questions,” said Catalina. They stepped off the trail and Catalina didn’t even realize they had made their way back to the house.

               “No, it’s okay,” said Namjoon. “I never mind spending time with you.”

               Catalina blushed again.

               “I like spending time with you too,” Catalina mumbled, playing with the ends of her hair.

               “I’ll drive you home. Someone recently went missing in this town, you shouldn’t be out at night alone,” he said.

.

.

.

(Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!!!)

[wouldduskwood]

Jake's POV Descendants of Despair Part 9

Duskwood - JakexMC fanfic

Contains swearing and references to abuse types

Note: Much of this fictional backstory is improbable but was needed to give depth to the MC character (intelligence, street smarts/survival skills, manipulation and trust issues)- to make her reactions more understandable and leads on to explain other details later.

—————————————————————————————————

I found myself gazing at her in a mixture of frustration and awe. She was an incredible mixture of clear transparency, allowing me to read deep into her soul...and a complex wall that, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't breach. The more time I spent with her, the closer I felt...but her mystery remained. I tried to analyse every micromovement. Under the intensity of my gaze, she lowered her eyes. I wondered if she was as consumed in thought and emotion as I was. I hated to admit it to myself, but I was scared. Terrified.

I cleared my throat, deciding it was pointless to delay the inevitable. “Sorry,” she mumbled. She was sorry... I should have been taking control and she was sorry. I sighed.

“Don’t be, I could start talking too but…let’s just say I get where you are coming from.” My fingers grazed against the table top in an attempt to release some frustration. “It is like we are on a fucking knife edge. It is impossible to just sit back and ignore this, but…what I have to tell you… it could have you running for the hills and permanently ridding yourself of me. I may have a few tricks up my sleeve, but from what I have witnessed these past few days, so do you and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that if you don’t want to be found, it would be damn near impossible for me to do so.” I lowered my eyes, watching my fingers grating against the rough surface of the table. 'What if she does leave?' I questioned. When this first began, I would have been thankful for that...but now I wasn't so sure. However, I was sure of one thing, that I wanted her to be happy. “I would willingly let you go…if that was what was best for you…but not knowing you were safe…how the fuck could I even function with that possibility.”

She had remained silent during my outburst and I found myself wondering why. Had I scared her off already?

“You realise that everything you have just said is the same pressure I have right now. My past isn’t exactly rainbows, unicorns and fluffy kittens you know.” she groaned.

“Touché,” I admitted. “So,what? Paper, scissors, rock to see who starts?” I suggested with a wry smile, trying to lighten the mood a little.

“No, I’ll begin. Look I already know a bit more about you than you do about me. During our conversations on the phone, I put more pressure on you to reveal information than you ever did to me. That was manipulative of me…” She took a deep breath as I waited as patiently as I could, my gaze flicking between her and the tabletop. I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.

“Okay, remember a while ago when we were making small talk. You asked a specific question and it was the first and only time I have ever logged off before you…especially without answering...” “Mm” I mumbled. At the time I had thought I was getting too personal with my questions.

“You asked about my family and at the time I didn’t tell you. It isn’t a short story and it isn’t exactly something I am quick to admit to. I have to tell you now.” she began. I stopped moving my fingers over the tabletop for a minute and looked at her. “Okay, uh I guess I will start at the beginning” she grinned as if buying herself a little time to get her thoughts in order.

“A wise place to start” I muttered dryly and was thrilled when she laughed.

“Smartass” she groaned. That was something I doubted I'd ever get used to. It separated her from all the other females I'd ever known. She swore, got angry and called me out for my shit. She was the most real person I had ever met.

“Okay, I don’t exactly have a family. At least not one I know. The day after I was born, my parents walked out of the hospital and never came back for me. The nurses kept me there for a while as they tried to find where my parents were. Anyway, somehow I contracted an infection from the hospital and I was kept in until that was resolved. Unfortunately this had the negative impact of being classed as potentially being a sickly child…Foster care parents don’t generally willingly take a sickly child, unless they are really serious. There are several kinds of foster care parents. The genuine ones that aim to one day adopt, the ‘kid collectors’, the ‘save the relationships’, the ‘have a gifted kid’…” The list does go on a bit. Anyway, abuse is fairly commonplace in the majority of these homes. The abuse could be emotional, physical or sexual in nature….” her voice cracked as she spoke, indicating how deep her hurt had been. I cast her a concerned look and hesitantly reached a hand towards her but pulled it back before we touched. I wanted to support her, hold her, make everything okay. But the reality was, it wasn't okay and I didn't know if my closeness would make that fact even more raw for her.

She swallowed sharply then began her story again. “By the time I was 6, I was in a pretty dire situation…I won’t go into much detail here, maybe one day but…not yet. I remember staying awake late into the night contemplating. I cried a lot that night. Before dawn, I packed the few belongings I had and left. I had made the decision to try and make it on my own. It was a terrifying thought. I knew the world outside would be dangerous but I also knew I wouldn’t survive long where I was. I was glad I had left when I did, the sun was beginning to rise so my surroundings weren’t quite as scary. I made my way to the “ghetto” part of town and people watched for a while. I saw an elderly woman sitting on the bench near the railroad. I watched her for a bit and established she likely had a drinking problem. I recognised the telltale signs from watching my foster carer drink. I knew what alcohol could potentially do to somebody but she seemed safe enough so I approached her and asked if I could sit with her for a while. She took a look at my appearance and must have decided I needed help. She became my only caregiver and first real teacher. She taught me to read, write and simple math using things we found lying around. I maintained a cool and wary distance from her. I knew she wouldn’t hurt me herself but I also knew she would sell me for a drop of alcohol if it came to that.”

Pain mingled with awe. At such a young age, to recognise she needed to choose between the uncertainty of life on the street or she faced death...I had met plenty of adults that would have pissed themselves with lighter situations than that.

Part 10