#you can’t cross the distance to your brother but you can build a doorway to watch the loss through!!!

[rhymaes]

The Untamed, Ep. 11 // The Untamed, Ep. 48

[rocorambles]

Surprise Interview

Pairing: Kenma x Reader

Genre/Warnings: NSFW, Yandere, Pseudo-Cest, Dub-Con/Non-Con, Verbal Humiliation, Manipulation

Summary: Kenma sees if you have what it takes to be Bouncing Ball’s newest employee.

A/N: This is for @sugawara-sweetheart ‘s Decadence Collab. So excited to be a part of this collab and to be able to indulge in such a delicious prompt and theme. Be sure to check out everyone else’s works! As always, thanks for beta-ing @sawamooora ~

There’s a familiar peace and a new nervousness about coming back home for the holidays. Mostly because home isn’t quite the same home it used to be. You can feel warmth blooming in your chest at the thought of seeing your mom, telling her about everything and everyone (as if your daily phone calls aren’t enough), and just lounging around while she fills you up with her cooking. But you can also feel a certain shyness as you approach the house, a building that still feels brand new and strange to you.

Your mother had gotten remarried during your earlier college years after your father’s passing and you were elated for her. If anyone deserves all the happiness in the world, it’s her. You had met Mr. Kozume quite a few times and you have no qualms with the man. He treats your mother like a queen and even though you playfully gag as they sweet talk and kiss in front of you, you wholeheartedly approve of their relationship.

However, what you aren’t quite as prepared for is having a new step-sibling.

You don’t know much about Kenma Kozume. Well, not much more than the rest of the world does.

Professional gamer. Successful stock trader. Popular YouTuber. Founder of his own corporation.

You know exactly who your new brother is, but other than seeing him a few times in person at family gatherings and exchanging polite greetings, there’s no real connection. Which is why your heart races as you nervously ring his doorbell, anxiety already making your leg twitch as you wait for the door to open.

Your mother and step-father are on a couple’s vacation and won’t be returning for a few days.

(“We just want some romantic time together before we have a full house again for the holidays. Plus this is a great chance to get to know your older brother better!” You hadn’t even been able to get a word of protest in before she had laughed and hung up on you, leaving you speechless and on your own as you hesitantly texted Kenma, letting him know what day to expect you.)

Kenma is quiet as ever as he nods in greeting, silently leading you to your guest room before quietly telling you to make yourself at home and leaving to do his own thing. You let out a huge sigh of relief as the door closes behind him.

There’s nothing wrong with Kenma. He’s smart and successful. Maybe a bit on the quiet side, but that only adds to his down to earth charm. You know your mother and step-father adore him and you can’t blame them. Yet, you can’t help but feel scrutinized, seen so clearly in a way that terrifies you when his feline eyes gaze at you. It takes everything in you not to immediately scurry away whenever you’re in viewing distance of him, desperate to hide all the flaws you imagine he’s noticing and calculating. Your step-father had mentioned how Kenma used to be the strategist of his high school volleyball team, and has always been able to evaluate and accurately break down situations and people. And you believe it.

You’re just grateful the house is large enough to avoid each other and that Kenma tends to reside mostly in his home office and bedroom.

But even the founder of a company needs a break from time to time. Kenma shuffles towards the gaming room, only to blink in surprise when he sees you already inside of it, happily smiling as Animal Crossing visuals and sounds fill the space.

He had known you owned a Nintendo Switch, a piece of information your mom had shared to break the ice a bit. And it’s really no surprise that this is your go-to game. But knowing and seeing are two different things and he can’t help but let his own lips twitch upwards at how calm and relaxed you are tending to your garden, decorating your home, choosing your outfit.

Kenma’s never been good with people, has never been the one to initiate a friendship. He knows he should have made more of an effort to be friendly and welcoming to you as your new older brother. There’s a slight pang of regret in his chest when he sees how at ease you are while you’re unaware of his presence. His eyes are as sharp as ever and he locks in on the way your body slightly stiffens, fingers nervously fidgeting when you finally notice his figure in the doorway, words already stuttering an apology for using his game room without explicitly asking.

You look like a scared mouse about to flee from the claws of a cat. And it pisses him off.

He hasn’t made the best efforts to bridge the gap between you, but for you to fear him? That seems a tad unnecessary, and more than a tad insulting. It’s more than enough to make the sadistic streak in him want to give you something to be scared about.

But he’s never been impulsive and he just quietly sits beside you on the floor, reassuring you it’s fine to play, smirking when you sneak little side glances his way as you continue collecting fruits.

“Kozume, do you want to play-”

“Just call me Kenma.”

Entranced eyes watch as you grow flustered at his words, mouth silently testing the weight of his given name in your mouth. For once, Kenma could care less about playing video games when a shaky timid “Kenma” slips past your soft lips.

“Kenma, do you want to play something together?”

You have no idea how badly he really does want to play together, but it’s a game you’re not ready for. So he calls upon any restraint he has to pluck your device from your hands and change the game to Mario Kart.

It’s amusing how easily you soften besides him, brow furrowing in concentration, eyes intently and eagerly following the screen, any anxiousness quickly forgotten as you get into the game. He greedily watches as you pout when you make a mistake, as your eyes light up every time you pass someone.

If he had known how easy it would be to make you warm up to him, he’d have done this sooner and he genuinely laughs when you whine and fake glare at him as he wins yet another round.

He asks about school. You ask about work. He tells you about his childhood. You share your own stories.

It’s a comfortable rhythmic back and forth and he’s afraid of ruining it, but a certain question nags at his mind, a question he knows may ruin the entire flow of the conversation.

“You’ll be graduating soon. Have you decided what you want to do after college?”

“Kenma not you too!!!”

His shoulders relax at how well you react to the question, smiling at the way you flop onto your back and groan about how mom and dad are already on your case about future plans.

“I’ve been applying to places, but who knows. Maybe I’ll just work for you at Bouncing Ball.”

There’s a playful lilt in your voice when you say it, a giggle and teasing smile accompanying the words. But there’s nothing funny about it to Kenma and your smile falters a bit when you see how tightly Kenma’s gripping his controller, the way his eyes pin you down.

“Kenma? It’s just a joke. I would never take advantage of-”

You try to get up from your reclined position, only to whimper in confusion when Kenma’s hand on your shoulder forces you back down. And suddenly you’re pinned down by more than just his stare as he moves to straddle you, knees on either side of your body, hands next to your head, his whole body caging yours.

It’s a lighthearted joke in the family that if all else fails, you could always work at Bouncing Ball. A joke your step-father and mother always dish out when the arguments get too tense as the three of you talk about your future. But it’s become less in jest for Kenma, especially after Kuroo sent him a scandalous picture of his newest secretary kneeling between his long legs, lips wrapped around his cock.

It wasn’t the first picture, nor was it the last incriminating photo the older businessman had sent him. Kenma merely rolled his eyes before deleting the image from his phone, wondering when Kuroo would grow bored and find a new toy to play with. But he freezes when he sees the following text message from his long-time friend.

“You’re the CEO of a company, Kenma. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone convenient around? A pretty warm body? I bet that cute new step sister of yours would look really good under your desk. Doesn’t she graduate from college soon? If you don’t make a move, maybe I’ll snatch her up right from under your nose. I’m due for a change of secretary soon.”

There’s absolutely no reason for the hot anger that lances through him at Kuroo’s taunting words and he grimaces at playing right into his ex-captain’s hands, already hearing Kuroo’s braying laughter in his head if the older man saw just how much his words affected him.

But initial irritation aside, he lets himself really think, really imagine what a life with you at his beck and call would be like. And he likes what he sees. He doesn’t delete Kuroo’s photos as quickly as he used to, replacing the female faces with yours in his imagination as his hands slip under the hem of his boxers.

He knows it’s a longshot, knows there’s a high chance you’ll continue your lives as is, never destined to exchange more than a few polite greetings at family outings. But now...now hearing you voice the idea out loud yourself, hearing the way his first name sounds from your lips…

Maybe it’s not the silly pipe dream he had believed it to be.

“I’m in need of an assistant if you really do want to work at Bouncing Ball, but you’d need to prove why it would be worth hiring you.”

He almost laughs at how you perk up despite the precarious position you’re in, almost ready to launch into an elevator pitch of your qualifications flat on your back underneath him. You’re quite the multitasker already and he groans at the thought of having you cockwarm him while he tests out a new video game, making you answer all his calls stuffed full of him and desperately trying to hide the lustful tremble in your voice.

But he’s not here to listen to your carefully crafted speech. (Guess you really were practicing for job interviews like you said you were. What a good girl.) And he firmly presses his lips against yours to silence you, taking his time to immerse himself in the way your mouths mold against each other.

Your taste, your smell, your warmth. It’s all intoxicating and he slips his tongue inside your parted lips, subtly rutting his groin against your body. He can feel your body jostle as you lift your arms and he waits for the weight of your arms to lovingly wrap around his neck, only to be shocked when you weakly press against his shoulders until he finally relents and pulls back just enough to look down at you in irritated confusion.

“We- we shouldn’t be doing this.”

It’s not the words that have him clenching his fists, not even the way your palms still timidly press against him in a laughably weak show of defense.

It’s the fear in your eyes, the way you look at him like he’s some monster. It's the way he can almost palpably feel and hear your desire to be anywhere other than here, with anyone other than him, wishing to put as much space between the two of you as possible.

It’s your rejection.

It hurts to know that he isn’t enough just as he is, that he needs to resort to less...savory and straightforward ways to entrap you. But he’s not Hinata or Kuroo. He doesn’t have an electrifying personality or roguishly handsome features and charm to woo you. He only has his cunning and sharp tongue.

And he fully intends on maximizing his gifts.

“Of course, you don’t have to. You can just keep on applying and getting rejected by every company you speak to, if they even bother meeting with you after seeing your pathetic resume. Average college. Average grades. Average major. Tell me, how many interviews have you actually been reached out to for?”

He’s going out on a bit of a limb, but his suspicions are right and he cruelly smirks at the way tears bubble in your eyes at his words, no comeback or denial rolling off the tip of your tongue. He had a feeling you were struggling from the bits and pieces he’s picked up as your parents quietly talk and fret over you actually being able to find a job after graduation.

“Our parents are too nice to say anything about it, but you know they’re disappointed in you, right? Have you noticed how they always avoid talking about how school is going or asking you about how job hunting is going? How they only ask me how work is going? It’s because they know you’re just a loser whose life is going to amount to nothing.”

“That’s not true! They love me-”

“I’m not saying they don’t love you, but doesn’t that make it even worse? Making your loving and caring parents worry and stress over you when they should be preparing for retirement, an easy life? Instead of letting them finally enjoy a carefree life, you’ll be their freeloader daughter who uses up all their remaining funds. Is that what you want?”

You really are too easy and his lips curl in satisfaction at the way you frantically shake your head side to side, fat wet drops streaming down your face, adorable sniffles filling the air.

“If you become my assistant, I’ll compensate you well. You can live here with me, have your own room, a roof over your head, all the food and clothing you need and want. Think about how relieved and happy our parents will be seeing you provided for, seeing us getting along. Isn’t that what you want? For them to be happy?”

He knows how close you are to your mom, how important this idea of a perfect family is to you. He knows how insecurity and doubt about your own capabilities torment you. And he knows you’re hooked on his claws when your hands that are still pressed against his shoulders drop limply besides you, not even a hint of resistance left in you when he leans down once more to rest his forehead on yours, one hand cupping the side of your face.

“This is all you’re good for anyway. Working underneath me.”

If you notice his pun, you don’t acknowledge it, too busy wincing and squirming as he harshly nips and bites a trail from your lips to your neck as he pushes up the hem of your shirt until your chest is on full display for him. There’s something experimental, cold, meticulous about the way he gropes and fondles your breasts.Your face heats in humiliation at how he treats you like one of the many game consoles he’s reviewed for his audience.

But you don’t do anything about it, telling yourself that this is just his version of an interview as he pinches and prods at you, meanly twisting your nipples and chuckling at your yelp of pain. You obediently let him spread your legs apart, only letting out an agonized cry as he tests your flexibility, staring at him with a trembling lower lip as he sharply tells you to shut up while scrutinizing your panty-covered sex.

“You really are made for this, aren’t you?”

You whimper as he nudges the small wet spot on the thin fabric, clenching your eyes shut in denial at how hot and wound up your body feels from his touch, unable to hide your gasp as he pulls the layer aside and rubs your aroused clit.

There’s something so different about the way his fingers slowly sink into your wet pussy, almost lazily curling against your soft walls, his thumb never stopping its careful massage on the bundle of nerves at the apex of your thighs. So different from your own fingers desperately thrusting in and out of you. So different from the drunk partners you’ve hooked up with at college and their sloppy, rapid, frantic movements.

You can feel something large, something intimidating slowly rising from deep inside of you, a volcano about to erupt compared to the bright and fast to fade shooting stars you’re used to. You’re scared. Scared of the intoxicating feeling, of how easy it is to grow accustomed to Kenma’s presence, of how his cat-like eyes are all you can see and think of.

How can something feel so wrong and so right at the same time?

That’s the last coherent thought you have before your world goes blank, pleasure rocking through you as you soak the carpet and your step-brother’s hand with your juices. You’re moaning as Kenma continues to rock his fingers in and out of you, fingertips insistently massaging your clit and g-spot as you ride out your orgasm, body trembling and convulsing.

But even when the tremors slow, when pleasure becomes something sharper, more overwhelming, he doesn’t stop. You wail, begging him to stop, to let you rest, slumping in relief when he finally drags his hands away from you, carelessly wiping the mess you’ve made of his hand on your skin, covering you in your own essence.

Your heavy eyelids threaten to flutter shut as you let exhaustion wash over you, already dreading having to get up and wash yourself. But you’re shocked back to reality as something hard begins to nudge at your still fluttering entrance.

“Kenma! No! Too much-”

You break off into a sob as surprisingly strong hands dig into your hips, holding you still as he pushes and pushes until he’s fully settled inside of you, balls resting against your ass.

You’re still so tight, your quivering walls clamping around the intrusion, and he groans at the thought of being able to sink into this hole every day, multiple times, whenever he wants. His cock is already aching from holding off for so long, from watching your body and face contorted in pleasure. Kenma can feel his end quickly approaching as you scream and wail underneath him, eyes rolling back in your head, drool trickling from the corner of your mouth. You look absolutely obscene and he doesn’t think he’ll ever get enough of this side of you.

But despite the way his balls are tightening, despite the stutter in his hips, he’s determined to watch you fall apart once more, to see you shatter to pieces yet again. He grits his teeth, fingers reaching down to furiously rub at your already oversensitized clit, reveling in how your back arches, thighs shaking in overstimulation, and then you snap.

He wonders what his parents would think of their dear dumb daughter now, looking nothing like their silly angel, looking like a wanton used whore, incoherent garbled noises slipping past your lips as you twitch uncontrollably, your pussy milking him dry as he cums inside of you.

There’s only silence mixed with your pitiful whimpers as he slides out of you, grimacing at the sticky mess you’ve made of yourself and him. But that’s what your other hole is for and he orders you to suck him clean, admiring what a quick learner you are, eager to please as you noisily slurp and lick him clean, moaning at the taste of your combined fluids...

Maybe too eager and he shoves you off of him when you become too enthusiastic, his cock beginning to twitch in interest once more.

You look so lost, still sprawled out on the ground, staring up at him with wide imploring eyes as he pulls up his pants. So vulnerable and in need of guidance.

Good thing you have such a great boss to manage you.

“Not bad. Consider these next few days your internship and if all goes well, I’ll be more than happy to hire you as Bouncing Ball’s newest employee this summer. Now clean up this room and show me that my future assistant can do more than just be a slut.”

[fanficimagery]

A Fangy Fetish

Imagine finally coming home to your family, only to realize there's something other about your little brother and his friends. But that's okay because you're not exactly the same as you were when you first left either. It's a surprising change, but one you're more than okay with after meeting Peter Hale.

Trigger Warnings: Brief conversation about death, an abusive relationship and a brief scene of spiking one's drink.  Author’s Note: Pls don’t ask about the title. I don’t know what the fuck I was thinking XD

Passing up the welcome sign to Beacon Hills should fill you with glee since it's been forever that you've seen your mom and brother, but it merely makes you squirm in your seat since there was a good reason you had stayed away in the first place. And now- now you're meeting with them for the first time since you've changed and you're not sure how it should make you feel.

Your mom hasn't moved from your childhood home and as far as you knew your brother didn't have plans to move out until he had completed vet school, so it's not too hard to track them down. There's no vehicle in the driveway, but the opened curtains to the front windows showcase flickering lights from a TV being cast against the wall. Then cutting the engine, you tuck your hair behind your left ear and angle your ear towards the house to listen. After zoning out various noises, you can hear a TV show playing and your mother's familiar voice muttering obscenities when she sees something she doesn't agree with. There's no other voices or heartbeats so you figure your brother must be out.

Exhaling a nervous sigh, you pull down the visor and check your reflection in the small mirror being lit up by two small lights on either side of it. Then after making sure there's nothing on your face or at the corner of your eyes and mouth, you push the visor back up and then make your way out of the car. Walking up the steps to the front path and then the front path to the house porch, you nervously close the distance to the front door. You hesitate only a second before pressing the doorbell and then step back as you hear your mother pause her show and get up to see who it is.

The door opens and you can't help but smile when you see realization set in and Melissa McCall's eyes widen. "Y/N?"

"Hey, mom."

"Oh my god. Sweetheart!" She closes the distance between the two of you, arms wrapping tightly around you as you laugh and return her embrace. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"It was a split second decision," you tell her, letting her pull back and look you up and down to make sure you're really there. "Then I figured a surprise was in order."

She practically beams. "Come on. Come in," she says. "Oh I can't wait until Scott gets home. He's going to be so happy."

"Yeah, I can't wait to see Scotty either. It's been way too long."

Following your mom, you warily eye the doorway before stepping inside and the various scents of your childhood home make your chest ache with memories you had pushed to the back of your mind. Everything still smells familiar, even if there is a new underlying scent that makes you a little anxious and nose twitch.

"So what have you been up to?" She asks. The two of you settle in the living room and she's quick to turn off the TV in order to give you her full attention. "Catch me up."

"Well," you nervously chuckle, "there's not much to tell. School and work have kept me busy, and then there was this guy-"

"A boy?!" She gasps. "Tell me more."

"For a year," you tell her, your smile faltering. "I was with him for a year when I finally realized our relationship wasn't exactly healthy. The break was pretty amicable, but my trust in him was completely broken."

Melissa's mood immediately drops. "Oh sweetheart, I'm so sorry."

"It's fine. I'm okay now." Your mom looks so heartbroken all of a sudden that you can't help but scoot closer and pull her into a hug again. "Don't be sad," you chuckle. "It's part of growing up. If I didn't go through some stuff, I wouldn't be the person I am today. And let me tell you, I really like the person I am now."

Your mom sniffles. "Well if you're happy.."

"More than," you assure her. "I mean, I could probably use a little more fun between the sheets, but-"

"Y/N!" Melissa pulls back, shock etched into her features. "I am still your mother, young lady."

You burst out laughing, quickly leaning in to peck your mother's cheek. "I know, mom. Just wanted you to stop being sad. It worked."

A moment passes and her shoulders sag. She starts to laugh with you and you're so distracted by cheering her up that you don't hear the car parking outside or the steady heartbeat getting closer and closer. It's only when the front door opens that you freeze, your mom's smile widening.

"Hey, mom, whose car is out front?" Scott rounds the corner and you're surprised at how much your little brother has grown. He stares at you, eyes widening, before a very familiar and very missed crooked smile overtakes his features. "Y/N!"

You're laughing again as Scott practically rushes you, his arms tight around you in a welcoming embrace. He's warm, like really warm, and he has a very distinctive earthly smell. But that can't be right because as far as you knew the werewolf gene did not run in your family's DNA.

"What are you doing here?" Scott asks, squeezing you one last time before letting you go and then putting you at arm's length to look you up and down. He looks between you and your mom, smiling the entire time.

"Thought it was about time I came over for a visit." You shrug. "School is on break and my boss said I needed to cash in my vacation days or I'd lose them."

"I don't even know your boss, but I already love him. If he made you come home, he's okay in my books."

You chuckle, punching Scott lightly on the arm. You open your mouth to reply, but a frantic beeping reaches your ears. You and Scott look at your mom when she frowns, she then walking over towards the kitchen and picking up a beeper. She sighs and looks towards you and your brother, apologetically. "It's the hospital."

"Say no more," you tell her.

"Don't worry. Stiles will be stoked to see Y/N so we'll keep her busy for a while."

"Stiles?" You slowly smirk. "He still a little heathen?"

"Worse." Melissa snorts. "So much worse."

As Melissa gets ready for a shift that has been passed on to her, Scott convinces you to go surprise Stiles who's in town for the week. He hasn't stopped smiling the entire time he's set eyes on you, but every now and then you see his expression falter as he stares curiously at you before shaking off whatever it is and going back to his happy self.

The three of you head outside, you and Scott promising Melissa to be home in time for some breakfast before watching her drive off. You and Scott then climb into your own car, and he happily directs you towards the outskirts of town to a seemingly abandoned building.

"What is this place?" You ask, turning off your car and then climbing out.

"An apartment building. Friend of a friend likes his privacy so he bought the building. The only occupied portion of it is the loft at the very top."

"Nice," you quietly muse as you follow after him. But very quickly you come to a certain realization and stumble to a halt. "So he owns the entire building? Privately?"

"Well yeah," Scott says. "Why?"

"Oh no reason." You try to play it off, nonchalant. "I just- I rather not barge in without meeting the guy. Walking in uninvited is bad manners."

Your brother huffs. "It's just Derek. He won't care."

"Yeah, but I will."

Digging your heels in on this, Scott sighs. "Seriously, Y/N. Derek won't mind. You can wait down here all you want, but Derek won't waste his time coming down here just to tell you to come in."

"Can't you call him?"

Seeing your pout, Scott rolls his eyes but the amused little smile doesn't go missed. "Sure. Fine." He pulls out his phone and quickly presses the contact he's looking for. Phone then put on speaker, you flash him a small smile in gratitude.

"What do you want, McCall?"

"So I have a friend down here with me and she's really adamant that she gets an invite from you before we head upstairs. She says it's bad manners to just walk on in."

The guy scoffs. "Whatever. Come in."

Well that should do it. Hopefully.

"Happy now?" Scott puts his phone away after the call is abruptly ended and leads the way inside. "Now hurry up. I wanna see Stiles flip out." You follow him, briefly hesitating at the main door before exhaling silently in relief when you're permitted entry.

The metal, cage-like elevator gives you pause, but Scott promises it works just fine. So after settling inside and vowing to kill him if the elevator fails and falls, Scott presses the button for the loft at the very top of the building. Once stopped, you're then led towards a sliding metal door which Scott readily opens. Again you hesitate, but cross the threshold with no problem.

There are two men in the loft, one whose movements are very familiar and brings a smile to your face. The other one, the one with the dark hair and scruff, well it looks like he's scenting the air until his hardened gaze lands on you. But Stiles, who'd been preoccupied by tell him a story, immediately ceases talking to see what the problem is. And when his gaze lands on you, his jaw drops open and you can't help but snort.

"Holy shit. Y/N?"

"Goddamn, Stilinski," you muse. "You grew up in all the right places." Scott groans and you laugh when Stiles' awed expression turns a bit smug. From one second to the next he's moving and making a beeline for you, the two of you colliding in a hug which he rocks you side to side in. "It's nice to see you too, Stiles."

"How long are you here for? Dad will be happy to see you."

"Two weeks," you tell him as he pulls away. "And I can't wait to see Noah. It's been ages."

"I'm all for reunions," the guy who you're assuming is Derek says, "but why the hell would you guys let me invite a vampire into my home?"

Scott scoffs, Stiles freezes, and you frown at the new guy. This was not how you wanted the news broken to Scott. Your moment of anger, however, is overridden by the fact that there's no immediate denial of the supernatural from either your brother or his best friend.

"My sister isn't-"

"What are you?" You ask, cutting Scott off, glaring at Derek. "You smell wolfish, but so does my brother. Last I knew there was no wolf gene in our family line."

"Y/N, what?" Scott then asks. "You're not- tell him you're not a vampire."

Your gaze slides to Scott and you smile sadly at him. "I'm sorry. I can't do that." He tenses and Stiles takes a few steps back, and your heart breaks. "I promise to explain everything here in a bit, but tell me what's going on. Please. You don't smell human, Scotty, and neither does Eyebrows over there."

Scott gulps and nods, eyes filling with tears that refuse to fall. "Derek Hale comes from a family of werewolves. I'm sure you remember the Hale family before you left for college." There's a huff and you warily eye Derek as he rolls his eyes. Scott clears his throat and continues. "At the start of my sophomore year, I was bitten by a rogue alpha. I turned."

"Huh. I've never met a wolf that could turn someone with a bite."

"Never met a-" Stiles starts, only to stop and redirect his line of thoughts. "Wait, there are other types of werewolves?"

You shrug. "Well, yeah."

Stiles opens his mouth to retort, but Derek is quick to shut him down. "You can get your supernatural fix later, Stiles. Right now, Scott's sister has some explaining to do." By now he's nearly shoulder to shoulder with Stiles, arms crossed over his chest as he stares at you.

The guy's gruff, but since he's not outright threatening you, you don't get defensive. "Um, I died about two years ago."

"You died?!" Both Scott and Stiles yelp.

Your lips press into a thin line as you nod. Scott frowns. "Two years ago is when you stopped coming home to visit."

"I-I had to." You glance at your brother as the first tear falls, but you're quick to wipe it away. "About a year prior to dying, I fell in love with a local. Everything was fine. I was happy," you say. "But as the months passed, I started to realize that there were blank spots in my memories. Some days I'd wake up with bruises I couldn't explain or wake up completely exhausted to the point that I couldn't get out of bed. No one, other than myself, realized something was wrong."

"What happened?" Scott quietly asks.

You sniffle, smiling sadly. "My boyfriend. He was a vampire, only I didn't know it until I was one myself."

"Why only after? Surely you could tell something was up when you were with him," Stiles says.

You shake your head, but it's Derek who says. "Vampires can manipulate the mind. It's one reason my mom wasn't very trusting of them."

"He's right. Our kind can compel people- make them forget something happened or plant memories that never existed," you admit. "As it so happened, my boyfriend was feeding off of me without my consent. And when he took too much, I would pass out and then wake up extremely weakened without a clue as to why. Most of the time he compelled me to think that I was fine- that nothing was wrong with me."

"How'd you figure it all out?" Your brother wonders.

You exhale softly. "I went out partying with some friends. On our way back, my friend lost control of the car and slammed into a tree. I died, but I died with vampire blood in my system." All three guys shift uneasily of learning about the ingested blood, so you quickly explain how it got there in the first place. "When my boyfriend was too rough with me, he'd feed me his blood since vampire blood has healing capabilities. The only downfall of ingesting vampire blood is that if you die while it's still lingering in your system, you wake up in transition."

"Which means you had to feed on human blood," Derek says.

"Yes." Stiles and Scott grimace. "I had woken up in the hospital morgue and found my way to the blood bank. It was- it was a clusterfuck," you admit smally. "I gorged, I cried, and I unknowingly compelled the doctors to make them think that I was fine and then fled the hospital as soon as I could. Fortunately for me, there was another vampire at school. When she realized I was newly turned and I told her what I knew, she felt sorry for me. And since I was a vampire myself now, all my compelled memories started to rush back. She helped me break up with my vampire boyfriend and then took me under her wing. She taught me how to control the bloodlust and introduced me to a witch who made me a piece of daylight jewelry so I'd be able to walk in the sun."

Scott and Stiles appear floored by your story, but it's Derek whose expression has yet to falter. "I have one question," he says. You nod, waiting. "Are you here to cause drama for Beacon Hills?"

"No. Never," you immediately answer him. "I honestly just came for mom and Scott. I didn't expect any supernatural to be here at all or even that my baby brother was part of it now too."

"Okay then." His stern expression briefly falters so he flashes a quick smile. "Then welcome home, I guess."

You huff a quiet laugh. "Thanks. I'm Y/N, by the way. Scott's older sister."

"Derek Hale, co-alpha to the McCall/Hale pack."

"Co-alpha, huh. Does that mean," you trail off and glance at your brother, smiling when his eyes flash red at you. "Cool. The werewolves I know can't do that. They're really only dangerous when they've transformed under a full moon. Other than that, they're as human as can be."

"I have so many questions," Stiles muses.

Derek huffs in amusement. "Don't bother. We have books on other breeds of the same species. I just never brought them out because, until now, vampires never stepped foot in Beacon Hills and we didn't have to worry about other breeds of werewolves." He turns and walks back to a metal table where various books are opened, and busies himself by browsing the pages. Stiles is quick to follow after him and pester him about these so-called books.

Scott steps closer to you, hands tucked into the front pockets of his jeans as he smiles sheepishly. "So you're fine?" He wonders. "You're not gonna fang out and drain us of our blood?"

"What?" You snort. "No. If I wanted to drain you or anyone else, I'd have done it when everyone was hugging me and my mouth was literal inches from your throats. I'm fine. You guys have nothing to worry about."

"But you drink blood?"

"I do, although I tend to stick to blood bags from a hospital. If I drink straight from the vein, I only take enough to soothe the thirst and then quickly compel the person to eat a snack or go home and nap."

"Have you ever killed anyone?"

You pause. Scott stares at you, and even Derek and Stiles go eerily quiet after the question. You sigh. "Does it matter?" Scott shrugs and you hate you have to admit this. "Yes. My first victim was an accident. It happened when my friend was teaching me how to feed properly and I lost control. It happened twice more, but I was able to save those two individuals before their hearts stopped."

"Any on purpose?" Derek asks from his side of the room.

"A few." You gulp. "The moment a hunter learns you're a vampire, you're apparently fair game. If I have to take a life to keep my own, I will. Dying is not fun and I don't plan on doing it again any time soon." You notice Scott frowns at your answer, but Derek and Stiles hum before accepting your answer as appropriate. And not wanting to get into a discussion of right or wrong, you paste on a smile and change the subject. "So anyway, what else have I missed? Any girlfriends I should know about? Or boyfriends? I don't judge."

Derek snorts and Scott flashes you a crooked smile. "Actually, yeah. My girlfriend and Derek's are out right now buying some stuff to throw a party."

"Oohhh. Do these girlfriends have names?"

"Yeah. Malia and Kira," Stiles says. "Malia's my ex-girlfriend and Derek's long lost cousin, but now she's Scott's girlfriend. And Kira is Scott's ex-girlfriend who is now Derek's girlfriend."

"That is.. weird," you say, chuckling softly. "But cool, I guess, if you guys seem to have no problem with it."

"We're all pack," Scott tells you. "We're more than fine with it."

"And I'm actually dating Lydia Martin," Stiles says, "but she's super busy with school which is why she's not here."

"Lydia Martin?" Your nose wrinkles. "Snooty Martin?"

"Hey!" Stiles quickly reprimands you. "She's not so bad anymore. Not after finding out she was a banshee."

"Hold up. What?"

"Yeah. Lydia's a banshee." He shrugs. "Kira's a kitsune and Malia's a werecoyote."

"Holy shit. What the hell has Beacon Hills come to?"

"That's nothing," Derek says. "If you had been here all along, you'd have seen a lot more than just that. Beacon Hills is a beacon for crazy."

"Yeah. No shit."

What little tension that had been lingering finally vanishes and everyone shares a friendly laugh. But when a newcomer enters the apartment, it has your hackles rising.

"Ugh. Who let a bloodsucking fiend in?"

The elder gentleman that enters is rather attractive, but the scowl he's directing in your direction leaves you scowling back. "Aren't you a little old to be wearing v-necks?"

"And aren't you a little new to be taunting the big bad wolf?"

You hiss. "Do we like this guy?"

Without missing a beat, Derek says, "On occasion."

"Good." Then before anyone can blink, you use your vampiric speed to appear inches from the newcomer, grab him by the throat and pin him to the floor. Stiles and Scott yelp at your sudden movements, but you pay them no mind as you snarl in the wolf's face. "You don't wanna get on my bad side."

The wolf blinks in surprise and everyone seems to hold their breath. You see movement out of the corner of your eye, but since it's slow you don't bother to act on it. Instead, fingers gently touch your face before a thumb brushes on the underside of your left eye where you know small black veins are pulsing. "Beautiful."

You freeze and slowly ease up on the wolf. "What?"

He smirks. "If you wanted me on my back, sweetheart, all you had to do was ask." Derek, Stiles and Scott all groan. "Peter Hale, at your service."

"Y/N McCall," you hesitantly introduce yourself. Climbing off of him and steadily walking on your own two feet, you can't help but knock him down a peg when you see his expression. "And don't look too smug. The other Hale is hotter."

Meeting Malia and Kira was rather interesting, especially when you saw what they were face to face rather than just hearing about it. Seeing Scott and Malia shift almost left you speechless, but seeing Kira left you in complete awe. They had then asked to see you and Malia was the only one to not balk or make some sort of disgusted facial expression when you mentioned needed a bag of blood soon.

Over the next couple of days, Scott manages to convince you to explain to your mom about your new status as a vampire, as well as Noah Stilinski since both of them knew about the supernatural. And since Noah was like a father figure, you, Scott and Stiles got them together for a family dinner where you told them your story. Noah was angry and your mother was heartbroken, but both accepted you with open arms.

Being with your family and your brother's pack brings you a sense of calm that you haven't felt in a long while. You're easily accepted without question and it's like you've known everyone your entire life with how easily they talk with you. Peter, however, is a completely different story. While he's friendly, just like everyone else, he's a little too friendly. You were more than ready to return the teasing innuendos, but then Scott had to burst your bubble by telling you that he was Malia's biological father. Malia, however, is quick to assure you that she and Peter have a rocky relationship and that she doesn't care who Peter chooses to show affection to so long as she didn't have to see it or hear it.

You were hesitant to be so carefree and teasing with Peter afterwards, but the recent lack of male attention had you caving before the week was even over.

"So what happens if your daylight necklace is ripped off?" Stiles asks. It's now Saturday afternoon and everyone is at Derek's, making sure the loft is party ready for later that night. "Do you just burst into flames right then and there?"

"No." You snort. "It starts off as a sizzle and you have seconds to flee to the shadows before bursting into flames." Malia helps you position a keg into a large metal bin, Kira then filling the empty space around it with ice. "And my necklace is spelled. No one other than myself can remove it so I don't have to worry about someone ripping it off."

"I'm not gonna lie, I kind of want to see you burst into flames."

"You're an asshole."

"Actually, I kind of want to see it too," Malia says.

Stiles beams, pointing at Malia and nodding. "See! I'm not the only one."

You glance at Kira and she sheepishly smiles, not even attempting to deter her pack mates who want to see you purposely set yourself on fire. A moment passes before you sigh. "Fine, but you better get me a blood bag or I'm sinking fang into someone's vein."

Stiles is quick to scramble for the kitchen, no doubt making a beeline for one of the few blood bags Derek had tossed into the back of his fridge. You groan but chuckle nonetheless as you look around for the perfect spot and then find it in the corner of the loft just right by the overly large windows. Then settling in the corner with your back against the brick wall, you exhale deeply before carefully reaching behind your neck to unclasp your necklace. Grimacing, you look forward and hold your necklace out for someone to grab. Kira hurriedly steps forward and takes your necklace with gentle hands.

"Jesus Christ. I can't believe I'm doing this." You shakily raise your arm, hand reaching towards the sun rays before your fingers curl into a fist. You sigh, nervously chuckling as you shake your hand out. "Okay. I can do this. It's just a little fire and then I'll heal."

Stiles, Malia and Kira are all eerily silent as they watch you. You're grimacing before the sunlight even touches you and then your whole face is scrunching up when you feel the sizzle before hearing it. Kira gasps and your eyes don't even have to be open to know what they're seeing. Unblemished skin darkening before slowly glowing like burning embers. Seconds later the smoke starts and against your better judgment you hold your ground. At least until you feel your hand igniting in flames and then you're quickly bringing your arm close to your body and patting the fire out.

"Ow, ow, ow." You utter. "Fuck! Give me the blood!"

Stiles is staring at you, wide-eyed, before Malia rolls her eyes and grabs the blood bag from his hands to toss at you. Catching it with one hand, you nod at the werecoyote before dropping fang and biting directly into the bag. At that, Stiles gags. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that."

Pulling your fangs from your snack, you mutter, "Pussy," and then go back to draining the bag.

Stiles gasps in mock offense as the girls chuckle. Your hand had immediately healed after your first gulp, but you drain the bag anyway since you're going to be around a lot of strangers later on.

The loft door slides open and immediately all three wolves wrinkle their noses.

"Why does it smell like burning flesh?" Peter asks. No one says anything, but their eyes slide to you knowingly. You sheepishly smile as you hide the blood bag behind your back. Peter's eyes narrow. "What did you do?"

The heaviness of all their stares makes you squirm. "It was Stiles' idea!"

"Hey!" He barks. "Don't forget about Malia and Kira." Both girls frown at him in betrayal, but he merely shrugs in return. "If I'm going down, I'm taking all of you with me."

All three werewolves sigh, rolling their eyes. Scott and Derek bring in the delicate black lights that need to be fixated around the loft, and the buckets of neon paints. Peter drops whatever was in the brown paper bags he was holding and then saunters towards you. He spots Kira holding your necklace and snatches it from her hands. You subconsciously press your back into the corner, but Peter merely smirks as he unclasps the necklace in his hands and holds it out, waiting to place it around your neck.

"Come on, sweetheart. We don't have all day." Your eyes narrow at his teasing smile and you step towards him so he can put your necklace back on. And since you're facing him, refusing to give him your back, he reaches around you to clasp the necklace at the back of your neck. Then letting it settle against your throat, he untucks your hair from the chain and then gently cusps the sides of your neck in his hands while his thumbs brush along your jawline. His smile drops. "Don't do that again. If Stiles wants to see a fire, let the moron set himself ablaze."

"Hey! I heard that."

You blink in surprise at Peter before he takes his leave, only to see the subtly surprised expression Derek is sporting and the sour expression your brother can't help but show. Malia is indifferent to the exchange, Kira looks rather amused, and Stiles is just put out because he was called a moron. Nothing else is said on the matter, so you quickly flee the corner of shadows and get back to work.

          - - - - - - - - - -

The party has only just begun by the time you send Malia and Kira on their way. You had painted both their faces with wolf-like features- Malia in blue and Kira in orange. You had also painted markings along their collar bones, and swirls and floral patterns up and down their arms. They were prepared to wait for you, but you insisted they head on out and that you'd join them soon enough.

You're left alone in Derek's bathroom, bowls of paint and paintbrushes scattered along the counter top as you determine what you want. Eventually you settle for neon green skeletal features, jagged teeth painted over your lips. You outline your neck and collar bones, and then stand there while you fan yourself so the paint will dry.

The faint sound of creaking catches your attention and you immediately glance towards the doorway. Peter stands there, leaning against the door jamb. "Love the handiwork," he says. "Are you taking any requests?"

You faintly grin at him. "No because then that puts the pressure on me to give you exactly what you want. But if you want me to paint you a surprise, then I'm your girl."

"Hmm. My girl. I think I like the sound of that."

"Of course you do." Your eyes roll, but the quirk of your lips tells him you're amused rather than annoyed. "Now get in here. I'll try and make it quick." Peter pushes off the door jamb and walks in, getting up close and personal to your back. You think he's trying to make you squirm, but you merely frown when you realize just how much taller he is than you when you stare at him in the reflection of the mirror. "Well this isn't going to work," you mutter. Pushing the bowls of paint and paint brushes aside, you turn around and hop onto the counter. "There. That's better."

"So much," he says while stepping into the space between your knees.

Snorting, you let the remark slide and grab his face in your hands. Turning his face this way and that way, you hum as you determine what you're going to paint for him. "Wanna match?" You ask. Then without giving him a chance to answer, you grab the bowl with green paint and a paintbrush. "We're gonna match, but you're only getting half a face because I really need to get out there and dance."

Peter fights off a smile as you grasp his chin with one hand and then quickly dip a paintbrush into the green paint with the other. The moment the loaded brush touches the center of his forehead, however, he schools his features so you have an unwrinkled canvas. The left side of his face gets the skeletal treatment, but when that's done you can't help but dip three fingers into purple paint and drag them down the unpainted side of his face.

He grins afterward. "Does this mean I can mark you back?"

"I don't see why not. Just nothing on my face."

Peter carefully coats his entire hand in pink before he looks at you, eyes darting up and down as he determines where he's going to mark. He smirks and then gently wraps his hand around your throat. He leaves it there, squeezing just so, and you gulp beneath his hand.

"Ooohh. Don't threaten me with a fun time." His eyes flare blue in response and you can feel your own eyes change in return as he drops his hand and slowly leans in. You put a hand on his chest to stop his progression. "Seriously, Hale. If you mess up all my hard work before anyone has a chance to see it, I will rip your jugular out."

Peter growls and you quickly lean in to snap your fangs right in front of his face. He shudders and you chuckle lowly before nudging him back and hopping off the counter. After all, you had a party to attend.

          - - - - - - - - - -

The party has a bit more people than you'd expected there to be and even Derek seems a bit surly over how any people are in his home. But the DJ is amazing, the drinks are flowing, and the strobe lights are flashing in tune with the beats.

Everyone is lit up, whether it be their clothing or because of the paint, and you readily slide into the dancing masses. You don't seek out anyone in particular, choosing to dance on your own or anyone who sidles up to you in order to have a good time. But the second they get too handsy for your liking, you're shoving them off and moving on.

You're dancing, swiveling your hips and laughing with a few females who were all too happy to have you join them. You turn around, putting the girls at your back when your hands slide up your neck to gather your hair and hold it up off your neck before letting it fall once more. Your eyes somehow manage to find Peter, but the once teasing wolf looks anything but teasing. In fact, he looks rather pissed. And that- that just won't do.

Pushing through the bodies, you eventually make your way towards Peter from behind and tiptoe so your chin hooks over his shoulder. "So who are we killing?" You muse.

He tenses, but upon realizing who it is he's quick to relax. And without missing a beat, he says, "Two o'clock. Apparently this young man, if you can even call him that, has made the mistake of spiking a drink in hopes of giving it to one of the young ladies here. Fortunately, every female he's tried to pawn it off on has been smart enough to not take the pre-made drink."

His words immediately sour your mood. "Well that just won't do."

Before Peter can stop you, you're falling back onto the balls of your feet and practically skipping towards the guy Peter had been murdering with his eyes. A smile here, a touch there, and whispered promises of a good time goes a very long way and it doesn't take long to have the guy following after you. Then as you're about to pass up Peter with Troy (that was the guy's name, the one who was looking to roofie some poor innocent soul) following you, you flash Peter a wink and mutter follow me just loud enough so that he could hear.

You manage to avoid the rest of the pack as you lead Troy out of the loft and into the hallway, manhandling the all too eager dude-bro against the wall. He's a pretty decent looking dude, but his smug aura and tendency to roofie his potential hook-ups is a major turn off. So you tease him with a pretty smile, leaning in so your lips are just centimeters apart.

"Forgive me. I hope I'm not interrupting."

You pull back, turning half way and grinning at the intruder. There stands Peter, looking like he's not sorry at all. But Troy- Troy is annoyed. "Fuck off, man."

"Well that's no way to talk to your betters," Peter drawls.

"Yeah I gotta admit," you say. "That was a dick thing to say."

Troy glances between you and Peter, scoffing. "Whatever. I can find another girl to get laid by back in the party."

He goes to push off the wall, nudging you out of the way, but your hand lands in the middle of his chest before shoving him back into the wall. "I think not." Then meeting his gaze, you smile cruelly as you say, "Do not make a sound."

Troy's mouth opens as if to tell you off, but not a peep comes out. His eyes widen and Peter chuckles as he saunters towards you. "Huh. Having a vampire around could come in handy."

"So says the werewolf," you muse. Troy struggles against your hand, but he's not going anywhere. Not even when he raises a hand to strike you because Peter reaches out with lightning quick reflexes and catches his wrist. You smirk before looking at Troy. "Now that wasn't very nice. I was just going to let you go after scaring you a bit, but now.."

"Now," Peter says, "I think it's time we give you a taste of your own medicine. Let you know how it feels to have something taken from you without your consent." Troy's eyes widen even more while you and Peter snicker at the spike of fear in his scent. "Y/N, will you do the honors?"

"With pleasure." You stare at Troy, willing your features to change right before his very eyes and hissing when your fangs elongate. He renews his struggle in order to get away, but with your strength and Peter's he's going anywhere. "Now this is going to hurt like hell," you coo. "I want you to feel the fear of every girl you ever roofied just so you could get your dick wet."

Your smiling façade drops as you snarl, opening your mouth wider as your head rears back before you lunge forward and sink your teeth into Troy's neck. You feel him stiffen in pain, struggling even more to get away as you harshly drain his life's essence through the wound in his neck. But the second you feel his struggle lessen, you pull back and lick the corners of your mouth.

Peter chuckles darkly as you pat Troy on his cheeks. "Perk up some, will 'ya? I hardly drained an artery."

"Uh, sweetheart? I don't think he can talk."

"Oh. Right!" Catching Troy's gaze once more, you say, "You can make sound again, but you're never going to speak about what just happened. You're going to forget that monsters exist. All you need to know that if you ever see my face or his face again," you compel him while gesturing to Peter who's now standing over your shoulder, "then you're going to remember something terrible happened but you're not quite sure what. You'll just be deathly afraid. Do you understand?"

"I understand."

"Good. Also, you're never going to spike another drink ever again. If you ever just THINK about taking anything without the person's consent, you're going to get violently ill and remember the pain in your neck from when I sunk my teeth into it. Got it?"

"Y-Yes."

"Awesome! Now, run along. You're no longer welcomed here."

Troy blinks rapidly, his mind clearing briefly as the compulsion sets in. When he sees you again, and then Peter at your back, his eyes widen before he scrambles to the side and rushes for the elevator. You laugh and wiggle your fingers in a mocking wave. Then the moment he's in Derek's death trap of an elevator and is descending, Peter's crowding you against the wall as he dips down so his hands can grab the back of your thighs and lift you up.

Your legs automatically wrap around his waist and you have a split second of being surprised before his mouth is pressing against yours, tongue licking into your mouth a couple of times, teasing yours, before teeth pull on your bottom lip as he retreats. You groan, hands finding purchase on his shoulders before sliding back and up, and settling at the nape of his neck. "So, uh, violence really does it for 'ya. Huh?"

"You have no idea." Peter leans in once more, nose brushing against yours and leaving you anticipating his next bruising kiss, but he merely presses his lips softly against yours. You whimper and he smirks. "Now, now. Patience is a virtue." You growl and he chuckles. "Trust me. The last thing we need is to get carried away in the hall and-"

"Oh gross. Seriously, you guys!?"

Peter sighs as you jolt in his hold. You're already staring wide-eyed at your brother, so Peter slowly lets you down before bringing you into his side and slinging an arm around your shoulders. "Yes?" He drawls.

Scott wrinkles his nose. "You guys good out here? Stiles said he saw you leave with a stranger and Peter looked a little too happy about it."

"It's fine," you assure him. "Just some guy trying to roofie himself a quick lay." Scott bristles, but your too calm demeanor keeps him from asking questions. "If you're wondering, I just scared him a bit and then sent him on his way."

"Y/N!" He says. "He's just going to go out there and do it again."

"Please," you scoff. "Do you think me dumb, brother? I obviously compelled him."

"She did." Peter smiles. "And it was marvelous. You should have seen it."

"I don't know. It seems to have gotten the both of you amped up so I assume it's something I'd have disapproved of." You and Peter both smile innocently at Scott, and he rolls his eyes. "Whatever. Either rejoin the party or go somewhere else. Don't have sex in the hall. I have to walk through here."

As Scott disappears, you hum and nudge Peter with your hip. "Well would you look at that. You got the alpha's permission to defile his own flesh and blood. Wherever shall we go?"

"I've got a condo downtown."

"Too far. My car is downstairs," you say as Peter chuckles. "We can take the edge off first and then head back to your place."

"Finally! A McCall whose choices I can get behind."

"Are my choices the only thing you'd like to get behind?" You smirk at him, winking, and then start heading towards the elevator. "Lets go, Mr. Wolf. I only have less than a week left in Beacon Hills and I'd like to find out exactly how rough a wolf like you can get."

[catflorist]

Stars (ao3/ffn) catflorist warning: major character death

Sasuke joined the Akatsuki for simple reasons. He heard they had a plan to destroy the shinobi world, and he wanted a part of it. 

As a blizzard raged in the cold northern air, he followed a dark-robed figure into a passageway carved into the cliffside of a snow-capped mountain. The tunnel twisted and turned, snaking past cavernous rooms and rocky chambers. Akatsuki forces milled about everywhere, red clouds hovering on dark cloaks everywhere he looked. His guide, Konan, led him past without stopping.

“Where are you taking me?”

“To our leader,” Konan said, leading him deeper. “She says she knows you.”

He was sure they were halfway through the mountain before she stopped by a metal door. 

“Wait here.” 

She knocked and the door opened a crack. Whispered words were exchanged, too low for Sasuke to overhear.

“You’ll have to wait,” Konan said. “She's still bathing.”

Sasuke was annoyed. Why was Karin going through these theatrics? He hadn’t seen her for months, not since disbanded the team and left to face Itachi alone. How she’d ended up in the Akatsuki he couldn't guess. Not only that, she somehow had all of them tiptoeing around her. 

“Tell Karin I don't have time to wait,” he snapped.

Konan gave him a curious look, but stayed silent.

“What?”

“Enter,” a voice called from inside. The way it echoed off the rock, it didn't sound like Karin’s voice at all.

He stormed in. Torches lit the dark room in a flickering glow, and the air felt warm. A shadowed figure rose from a steaming pool of water. An attendant held out a billowing Akatsuki robe, helping guide arms through sleeves. 

When the light caught her face, shock ripped through him. Because it wasn’t Karin.

Her pink hair was dripping wet, her cheeks hollowed. She pulled on glasses over red-rimmed eyes pinched with pain, the green irises huge beneath the thick lenses. The dark robe slipped off bare, bony shoulders—was that all she was wearing? He averted his eyes, stared at the steam curled in the air. His guard down, his chakra stretched out to meet hers of its own accord. But there was nothing. 

He recoiled. How was that possible? She should be dead.

A diamond mark on her forehead pulsed like the core of a star, the only part of her with any vitality, energy. That and her eyes—they were still bright and sharp. The rest was fading.

“It's good to see you,” Sakura said.

.

.

It didn’t take long for Sasuke to understand. The chakra stored in Sakura’s seal was all that kept her alive, and one day it would run out. 

At the same time, it all depended on her, it seemed, the meticulously planned attack on the shinobi world. She was its life force. Every ounce of her remaining chakra was rationed and monitored, planned in advance for that day. It was all anyone talked about, the reason why heads lowered in respect when speaking Sakura’s name.

To fill his time Sasuke accepted mission after mission. He brought back intel, took out troublesome political figures, and weakened supply chains, doing anything they asked of him to prepare for the attack on Konoha, three months away.

He avoided Sakura.

One night Konan pushed aside the curtain hanging in the door of his small chamber, an alcove in the stone set apart from the other Akatsuki members. “You’re back. What was it this time?”

“We intercepted a shipment of weapons,” he said. “They’re waiting in the meeting room.”

“When do you set out again?”

“I don’t know yet. What do you want?”

Konan met his eyes. “She wants to see you.”

He crossed his arms. “Tell her I'm busy.”

“You think you’re so important,” she said in that calm, mild way of hers. “You wouldn’t act this way, if you truly understood the magnitude of what she’s doing for us. For the world.”

Overcome with sudden anger, Sasuke forgot he came to the Akatsuki willingly, that each day he helped advance its mission. That he too hated what their world had done to his family. 

“It's all for nothing!” he spat. “You’re throwing her away. For nothing.”

“You’re selfish. It’s no wonder you don’t understand sacrifice.”

He grit his teeth. “Find another way.”

“She’s dying already,” she said. “She’s just making something from the time she has left. What have you done with your life?”

Sakura was frozen. Dying. Sasuke pictured her in a land of ice, the snowy expanse that surrounded the mountain lit by a weak and wintery sun. Perhaps she could stretch her life a few years, each day lighting her chakra no brighter than a candle’s fire, barely warming her hands in the cold. 

Instead she would burn up all at once, quick and hot and bright, like an exploding star, and maybe something would grow after the flames cooled. Fire always led to life in some way after all. She would not wait to freeze to death. 

“Go away,” Sasuke snarled. The curtain was already flapping in the doorway.

.

.

Sasuke stormed through the hideout after a botched assignment. What should have been a simple scouting mission had turned into a bloodbath after a surprise ambush. The hidden villages were growing more hostile and clever as the day of the attack drew nearer. 

He didn’t pay attention to his loud footsteps, the eyes following him in fear, until a figure darted into his path. One of Sakura’s attendants, blocking his way with an outstretched arm, a finger held to her lips. 

“What?”

“She's asleep.” Her voice was hushed, like discussing a sleeping god. Not his old, annoying pink-haired teammate. 

Sasuke stepped back. “So?”

“It's the first time in three days.”

Sasuke realized the hideout was utterly quiet except for their conversation. If he listened hard enough he might hear snow falling outside. 

An old memory flashed through him. When they were genin, taking missions as a team, how much Sakura hated waking up in the morning. She’d groan and clutch her pillow, though she’d always get up and help him with their breakfast anyway. That Sakura would never struggle to fall asleep for three days. How things had changed.

Sasuke knew when she woke up, because the deathly silence in the compound lifted. Foot traffic picked up again, the scent of cooking food from the mess hall drifted through the halls.

He walked down the twisted passageway to the metal door, following the route he’d memorized, though he hadn’t ventured this way since Konan led him the first time. He pushed open the doors without knocking.

A wide futon was spread on the ground, where Sakura lay against soft pillows. Her eyes were closed, but he could tell from the stiffness of her shoulders that she was awake.

“Sakura,” he said.

Her head turned, set deep in the pillows like it held a heavy weight. She did not look surprised to see him, did not ask why he’d avoided her for weeks. “Sit down.”

With some reluctance, he lowered himself on the edge of the futon. Steam curled in the air, and water gurgled somewhere hidden, feeding the spring. Beneath the blanket, Sakura’s legs shifted gingerly.

“What happened to you?” he said.

“It’s this world,” she said. “Person after person, sent out to get killed. To protect someone else’s money, or goods, or to fight in pointless wars. And the survivors, they sent them all to me. It never ended.”

She closed her eyes again. “I healed, and healed, until something inside me broke. I couldn’t make chakra anymore. Without my seal I would have died then and there.”

Without meaning to, Sasuke’s hand stretched out, brushing her forehead, where the mark lay. Her brow was feverishly hot. 

“That’s nice,” she whispered. He was about to pull away, but his fingers changed course, trailing into her hair, drawing a sigh. He didn’t know what to do. It was a long time since he’d tried to be gentle. He tried to think of what he liked as a child, the comforting touches he received from his mother, or Itachi, a lifetime ago.

When he finally lifted his hand, the cords of her neck seemed less tense, her head less heavy on the pillow.

She exhaled. “I was dying. I’d given everything away, but still they wanted more. That’s why I’m here. The way this world is, it can’t go on. Everything I have left is going into changing it.”

“This world won’t change,” he muttered.

A thin arm emerged from the blankets, fumbling at her bedside for her glasses. She slipped the frames on, appraising him with large eyes. “Then why are you here?”

.

.

This new Sakura was a stranger in many ways. She carried herself with a quiet calmness, a stillness, like she’d lived longer than her years. When she walked down the corridors of the hideout, heads bowed. At gatherings, she barely needed to speak louder than a whisper, because everyone listening hung onto her every word. 

Knowing she favored him, the members of the Akatsuki looked differently at Sasuke, too. They brought him into their meeting rooms, seeking his advice and ideas. He learned why each of them wanted to destroy the shinobi system. Its claws had harmed others beyond himself. He started to believe they could truly build something new. Something better, that would never force older brothers into cruel and heartless choices.

When Sasuke returned from a mission he found Sakura sitting on a ledge under the stars, snow gently falling around her. They were high up on the mountain, but the sky was white and hazy in all directions, so he could barely tell where they were or what lay in the distance beyond the haze.

“What are you doing out here? It’s cold.”

“I like the fresh air.”

He sat next to her, knowing it was useless to argue. Everyone knew Sakura did as she wanted. 

“My father used to use his katon on days like this. His fireball was strong enough to span the whole length of the lake. But when it was cold, he used it to warm his breath.”

“Show me,” she said.

His hands shaped the quick signs. When he exhaled, a soft puff of fire curled out, a flash of red and orange warming their icy surroundings. “Like this.”

Sakura watched him with furrowed brows. “Can you teach me?”

“Yes, but…” He stopped, tried again. “You can’t...”

“I can’t use my chakra,” she said. “But I can still learn.”

He took her hands. “Serpent, ram, monkey, boar, horse, tiger.” He didn’t need to, but he shaped her fingers through the signs. “Pull the chakra into your throat. Let it churn. Exhale.”

Sakura mimed the signs, paused in concentration so the chakra could build. Of course, it was only pretend. She exhaled. Her cold breath hung in the air, the furthest thing from fire.

“Thank you. I understand now. Your katon always fascinated me.” She opened her eyes. “Once, I saw you practicing in the distance. I secretly hoped, one day, you would teach me yourself.”

Bitterness filled him. “Not like this.”

“This is enough,” she said, her voice kind.

He thought about young Sakura—energetic and talkative, irritating, nervous around him. He pictured her, watching as he exhaled fire, wishing. The way her voice sounded as she spoke to his back, because he didn’t have the strength to turn and look at her, begging him to stay, or to take her with him. 

“Did you mean what you said? The night I left?”

For once she didn’t meet his eyes. “That I loved you? Yes, I meant it.” Then her calm returned. “I’m glad you’ve thought about it since then.”

He felt the urge to throw her off guard, to catch a glimpse of the girl from his memories.

“You still love me,” he accused.

Her eyes seemed to sadden. She touched his face, her hand growing warm. He wrenched away, but it was too late. A cut on his cheek was healed. 

He held his cheek like she had burned him. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m in control. I know how much I have left. Shouldn’t I be able to do what I want with it?”

Her hand remained outstretched. He gripped her wrist tightly, so tight it must hurt, and threw it away from himself.

“Don’t ever do that again.”

.

.

“Why are you always bathing?” Sasuke asked her once.

Shameless, she stood up in the bath, reaching for her robe. He tried very hard to ignore her body, only glancing up when he was sure the robe was around her. The front hung loose, only her hand clasping it together.

“It hurts less in the water.”

Her eyes always gave everything away. Even when they were kids. They said everything she was thinking. When he met her eyes now, he was dazed to find unguarded curiosity, desire. The difference now was she put it bluntly to words.

“Haven't you wondered?” she said.

He would be lying if he said he hadn’t. He was wondering now, painfully aware of how his body was reacting to her there, so close, so easy to touch. 

“It doesn't matter,” he said. “You’re—you’re sick.” Dying. But he couldn't say that. “I could hurt you.”

“I've never been as fragile as you thought I was.”

She let the cloak slip. It draped down low, revealing the narrow expanse from the hollow of her throat to the space between her breasts. Sasuke heard a small noise escape his throat, a strangled cry. And he was crossing the room, because he couldn't refuse her, not when it was something he also wanted so badly. Each footfall shed away the time and distance built up between them, laying in his wake like shed layers, so by the time he got to her he already felt naked. 

He walked straight into her touch, her palm pressing against his heart, the other curling around his nape. He slipped her glasses off, let them fall, secretly hoping they’d break on the stone ground. He hated them.

In the dark, as he leaned in to kiss her, he could almost imagine they were somewhere else. In a soft bedroom, in a life they lived together, elsewhere. But he could not ignore the echoes sounding off the rock walls, the feeling of emptiness handing over their heads, the cold pressing in.

.

.

Sasuke stared up at the sky, his back to the dirt.

Around him, battle was waging. The day they’d all been waiting for, fueled with Sakura’s remaining chakra, was almost over. He didn’t know which way the tide was pulling now. He could only feel the hole in his side and know for him it was over.

When he next opened his eyes, everything was green, like he was lying on the forest floor. It wasn’t what he expected death to be like. But Sakura was there, leaning over him. He smiled, washed with relief. At least, even in this place, they had found each other. It was such a comfort, it didn’t matter to him what happened next.

He tried to sit up, and pain tore through him, though it was fading quickly. His eyelids drooped. Sakura’s hands shifted across his body, so warm.

“Can I go back to sleep?” he mumbled.

She cupped his cheek. “Yes, my love.”

He almost listened to her, but strange sounds reached his ears. Metal clashing, screaming. He cracked open his heavy eyes. A body lay close by, red staining the ground beneath. Above him, Sakura’s face was streaked with dirt and tears.

“What are you doing?” he hissed.

“My part is over,” she said, hands rooted to his chest like an ancient tree to the earth, unwavering and sure. “I have some left. Just enough.”

His body rippled with an electric shock. “Don’t, Sakura!” 

He struggled to move, but she held him down with an iron grip.

“Just take it!” she cried. “What else would I do with it?”

It was always coming to this, he knew. But he wasn’t ready. He needed her to stay just a little longer. There was so much he still needed to tell her. 

“One more day,” he begged. “You could stay just one more day.” 

Her green eyes were like a storm, and as she steamed the last of her chakra into him, she didn’t look like she was dying. She looked as strong as he remembered. “If I stop now you’ll die.”

That night, when he left the village, he should have taken her with him. Taken her far, far, away. Why had he left her there? What use were his prized eyes and Uchiha blood if he couldn’t see the right choice to make? 

“Don't leave,” he gasped. It was hard to see her, tears blurring his vision. “Please don't leave.”

Her hands softly slipped from his chest. “It’s okay, Sasuke-kun.” Her voice came from far away. “Just go back to sleep.”

The mark faded from her forehead like a star at dawn.

.

.

Konoha fell. The world was raw and overturned. Burning, and growing, and burning, and growing. One day, Sasuke would want to see it. For now he returned to the mountain, to Sakura’s pool.

He floated in the water, weightless, aching with the life she’d given him.

.

.

.

.

notes: a longer multi chapter is coming soon, but for now take this, and sorry

[mrspanky]

I'm not really sure how long these are meant to be. "Right, I'm pretty sure that's called trauma".

Trauma Bonding, (a Jason Todd x Reader)

Warnings: Language.

Genre: Fluff/angst/comedy/romance

Authors note: This prompt is perfect, thank you @aethers-stuff ! Sorry it took me so long to write! I hope you like it. ♡(: _______________________________________________

Dick watched you two from the kitchen.

Jason was seated on one end of his livingroom couch and you on the other. You were talking loudly, gesturing with your hands so much that you looked like Italians at a family gathering. You were both exceptionally expressive and extroverted people on your own, so when you got together, the room's volume was always raised a noticeable few notches.

It was endearing, but a real headache when it went on for too long.

Dick massaged his temple. An extrovert himself, he felt the need to jump into the conversation, but he knew better. You and Jason would simply not shut up long enough for him to get a word in when you were both really on a roll, and Dick didn't feel like expelling that much energy. Plus, he was curious to see where this would end.

“...That’s ridiculous Jason”.

You crossed your arms.

“There is no way in hell you're dying your white streak black.”

He raised his hand from the couch armrest in exasperation.

“I wasn't even asking you.”

You arched an eyebrow.

“You should've been. The white streak stays. It's your trademark. If you're concerned about me being right, I dare you to ask everyone to vote.”

“Hon, I am not in the practice of asking people if I can or can't do things.”

“Luckily, you never ask me my opinion so you don't have to worry about breaking your pattern just yet.”

“...You never keep it to yourself, so why would I even bother”.

Dick shook his head. You were like an old, emotionally constipated couple and it was amusing to observe.

“Just kiss already”, he said under his breath.

You turned your head towards the kitchen, hearing him faintly, but almost unintelligibly.

“Dick, did you say something? Sorry, we're arguing here, I hope we're not too obnoxious”.

“Hey don’t throw me under the bus with you, I was just trying to have a moment of quiet meaningless thought when you started playing hair cop,” Jason quipped.

“Hush.”

“Right back at you”.

“-Both of you shut up for a minute. I didn't say anything”.

Dick rolled his eyes.

“However, we do have patrol in an hour, and Bruce sent me some weird instructions.”

“Weird how?”

You tilted your head in curiosity.

Jason glanced at you, and huffed a little. He couldn't help himself. Despite himself, he found you really endearing. Especially in moments like this when your lips were pouted in confusion and....”.

Dick snapped Jason out of his brain fog.

“Jay. Buddy. Try to pay attention.”

“Wasn't not doing that,” he grumbled.

“Then what did I just say.”

The two brothers shared a childish battle of glares.

“...fine, you made your point. I was dreaming about this whisky I saw in the manor the other day”, he lied.

“Ok. Very in character, Jason. Now, the mission is-”

“...looked decadent. It was really old and had this fancy label on it that-”

“...Guys. I can hear you from the other room”, Tim walked in looking miffed.

There was a pause as all three of the human boom-boxes stared blankly at the intruder.

“...you’re a detective, Tim”, Jason deadpanned.

“Ugh, Jason...that’s not the... just shut up.”

Tim pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose.

“Did you all get the mission briefing?”

“Somehow, Jason didn't”, Dick fumed.

“Alright, fine. Basically, Jason, you, and Y/n are staying back tonight because you're the only ones who haven't been seen yet in the city, and Bruce wants to save you guys for an undercover mission next week”.

“What?!”

You both looked at each other in disgust.

“I'm not working for the bat anymore!”

“Yeah, and I've never even started to work for him! He can't just expect us to be at his disposal and then bench us!”

“Guys, relax. He's just doing this so you can have a better element of surprise later. You're both really valuable, ” Dick reasoned.

You and Jason paused, your egos begrudgingly satisfied.

“...fine”.

“Fine”.

“Good. Ok. So everyone suit up”, the oldest brother concluded.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Jason was irritated.

He found you interesting. Really interesting. Usually, he dealt with his fear of vulnerability by acting too unbothered to care, but you intrigued him so much that he struggled to keep his mouth shut around you. He was afraid to get too close to you; he would lose you eventually like everyone else.

But, he knew so little about you, despite all of the banter. A talent you both possessed, was chattering without disclosing any actual information. You had only met each other two months ago, and usually it would take both of you longer to warm up to a new person, but there was just a feeling. You were kindred spirits. He wanted to learn more about you, despite himself.

“So what brought you here”.

“Here as in what brought me to dress up and punch criminals as a nightly routine, or as in what brought me to be in an alliance with Bruce Wayne that I'm now regretting?”

There it was. Those were the kind of responses that made Jason feel just enough on his toes to be uncharacteristically comfortable with you.

“Take your pick I guess.”

“Bruce Wayne it is then. I'm not really a fan of my life story”.

“Ttt, ” Jason laughed, taking a page from his youngest brother’s book.

“I'm kind of an accidental friend of Dick’s. We met first at the Bludhaven police station, I was there for...pfft...I was just there, ” You paused with a laugh.

“He helped me out, and we didn't see each other again until he ended up working with me anonymously for info on a case as Nightwing years later. We both just figured out each other's identities and he brought me on a mission once where I met Bruce. And Bruce is a convincing prick so now here I am, somehow under his command”.

“Sounds about right. So when do we kiss?”

Great. Now he sounded like an asshole.

Jason looked at you, gauging to see what your reaction would be. He’d half said that last part by accident, but now that he’d acted out of impulse he knew he couldn’t take it back.

“-What?”

“When do we kiss? You heard Dick”.

He was really committing to his blunder now.

“Yes, and I ignored him and smoothly got him to change the subject. Besides. You're not my type”, you lied.

Jason was in fact, exactly your type.

“What is your type?”

“Shit”, you thought.

“Hmm. I like people who I can chase that don't actually like me, and then I eventually get to give up. It makes it easier”.

You admitted this in a tongue-in-cheek manner, but you weren't really kidding. Something about Jason’s persistence made you want to open up, despite your usual habitual wall-building.

“You're like a fucking mirror; you know that?” Jason laughed.

He knew you weren’t kidding because he’d said things along those lines millions of times.

“Your point, Mr. Therapist? People hurt people. I kind of prefer to enjoy relationships from a distance at best”.

“Right, I'm pretty sure that's called trauma”.

“Call it what you will, but it's a good way of not getting even more mentally busted up than an already fucked vigilante”, you grinned.

“Nice.” he smirked.

“You sound as dumb as me”.

“That’s a little low don’t you think? I’m only half as dumb as you at most, but yeah. Fine. We share some things”.

“What’s that supposed to mean Princess,” he smiled.

He felt himself get exited a little. What you had just said made it sound like you felt you two were similar just as he did.

“That I think we’re both stupid people that have really stubborn hearts that get us into trouble”.

Your heart was beating so fast. You hadn’t meant to say that much.

“Now who’s the therapist”, he said in a low voice.

He leaned in closer to you a little, testing the waters to see if you were just being a little cautious, or if you actually weren’t comfortable. He felt like you were just being scared like he always was deep down, but he didn’t want to push you if it was only going to cause you both more pain.

He was a little scared too. You scared him. Not just because you were powerful and beautiful, but because he actually liked you. He wasn’t used to that. But he knew himself, and when Jason Todd does something, he can’t do it half way. If you were in this too, he knew he’d do anything for you, and that was terrifyingly vulnerable.

As he leaned in, your breath caught.

“Fuck”, you thought.

His eyes were stunning.

You hadn’t let yourself notice how much until now.

“Jason…”

“...Todd why are you about to taint Y/n”.

Jason spun around.

“Damian!” you yelled.

The small Wayne was standing in the doorway.

“Shortstack, you are too young to be using a fancy word like taint”, Jason recovered.

Tim and Dick emerged behind Damian in the doorway.

“What’s going on?” Tim asked.

“Todd was just about to be disgusting with Y/n in front of all of us”, Damian smirked, crossing his arms.

He knew he just set up Dick to take a fit.

The oldest brother was not pleased.

“Jason, really? Damian is right here and you didn’t think to chill?”

Jason rolled his eyes.

“We didn’t do anything Dicky. The kid here is being a drama queen. The only thing he walked in on us doing was some good old fashioned arguing”.

Jason knew he was making himself look like a major...well...dick, but he knew you wouldn’t want to commit to the family knowing about anything that might be going on between you two, however small just yet.

Dick rolled his eyes, and the three brothers walked in the doorway and into the kitchen to get water. You and Jason were always an entertaining spectacle for sure, but patrol was tiring, and they all needed to cool down.

Jason looked back to you. You were looking at your feet with your arms crossed and a barely contained smile on your face.

“The kid has good timing,” he huffed with a laugh.

“Oh fantastic”, you gazed at him, laughing back quietly.

“So, you want to talk some more about trauma?” He asked in a playful, but matter of fact tone.

“Maybe sometime, Red,” you smiled.

You turned and walked away.

“She’s gonna make me work for this”, he thought.

It had been so long since either of you had met your match, and you both were going to thoroughly enjoy this.

[raindrops-and-tubestops]

Angst: 2

Linumi:)

I see you like this pairing Nonie! That’s fine, it’s kind of fun to write something different! Enjoy! 💜

——————————————————————————-

The air was still, for once the sounds of her city were absent, it seemed she was the only one who couldn’t sleep. Sealed in her own bubble, the metalbender wa slots in thought. The glow from the spirit portal casting an eery glow across the tops of the buildings. From her apartment she could see the waves rolling gently in the bay, the salt and chill from the water sweeping through the city.

A painful sigh escaped her lips. This wasn’t how she had pictured her night. She flexed her feet slightly, readjusting them where they were propped on the railing of her balcony. The pull from her muscles reminding her of just how long she had been in the position. The tumbler in her other hand, now devoid of ice, confirmed the length of time. She set it on the arm of her chair.

She sighed again, her hand that was unoccupied sweeping across her forehead, trying to massage the tension away. She was supposed to be enjoying a quiet night in…a simple dinner followed by a nightcap, one last chance at spending quality time with him before he left.

In the morning he’d be traveling with his brother, visiting the other air temples, making the rounds and noting what needed to be done. It had been a hectic yeah and Tenzin was eager to make sure that nothing had come to pass at the other sites in his absence. Bumi, of course, had volunteered to go with his little brother…in fact she was certain they were picking Kya up on the way back.

He was going to be gone for at least a month. Communication wouldn’t be difficult, but only being able to send letters ahead to certain temples in hopes that he would receive them wasn’t the same as hearing his voice. Seeing his smile when she rolled over in bed every morning. Tonight had been her last chance.

Lin bit her lip, punishing the delicate skin, almost to the point of drawing blood. She could feel the tears beginning to pool behind her eyes; she would not cry.

~

The morning had been like any other, except that she wasn’t needed at work and would be spending the day lazing around her apartment. She rose before Bumi, starting breakfast and their coffee, knowing that after he would head to the island to be pack. The plan was for him to return later that evening and for them to relax; packing ahead of time ensured they would have additional time together.

Lin was standing at the sink, humming to the radio and washing the dishes, when she felt his presence behind her. She turned her head, glancing over her shoulder to see Bumi leant against her counter, a look of contemplation on his face. He seemed to be looking through her, his eyes unseeing.

She turned off the faucet with a flick of her wrist and moved so that she was facing him, drying her hands with a dish towel.

She eyed him warily, ‘What’s the matter?’

He hummed noncommittally, shrugging his shoulders. Lin could tell he was trying to act nonchalant, but there was clearly something on his mind. She knew him well enough to know that much.

Green eyes locked with grey, seeing the apprehension clearly on display.

‘I’m going to ask you something,’ he started hesitantly, ‘ and I would like you to let me finish before you answer or interrupt.’

Lin was on instant alert…those words, in that combination, had never boded well for her. She nodded anyway, regardless of the reluctant feeling in her stomach.

Bumi inhaled slowly, ‘I want to tell Tenzin about us.’

Her eyes widened in surprise. That was the last thing she’d expected to fall from his lips.

‘I can’t travel with him for a month, maybe more, with a good conscience, and not tell him.’

‘It’s none of his business,’ Lin insisted.

Bumi crossed his arms over his chest, ‘I’m aware of that Lin, but he’s my brother.’

He looked at his feet for a few moments before continuing, ‘We’ve been working on reconnecting…all of us, and I want to be completely transparent with him.’

She realized he had a point, but she wasn’t ready to concede the fact.

He sighed again, smiling softly and looked her directly in the eyes, it was as if he knew her thoughts.

‘But that’s only if you’re completely comfortable with the decision.’

Lin tilted her head in contemplation. It wasn’t that she was ashamed of Bumi…he was probably the most stable relationship she’d had since Tenzin. She wasn’t afraid of what others would think, but she was afraid of hurting Tenzin. She was afraid of losing her privacy. She was afraid of taking a step that she wasn’t ready for.

‘Bumi, we agreed to keep this quiet,’ she began.

‘I know,’ he interrupted, face falling slightly, ‘sorry, I didn’t mean to cut you off.’

He swept his hand between them, gesturing for her to continue.

She scratched the back of her neck, trying to decide how to voice what she was thinking. Telling people about their relationship terrified her…the last time she had a public relationship, it had ended badly, she had been the topic of the gossip columns for weeks. She wasn’t a fool, she knew that it was part of the territory, being a child of a war hero and dating the child of the previous Avatar as well as a Master Healer (read THE Master Healer).

As if sensing her inner debate, Bumi whispered, ‘It’s only Tenzin.’

‘Tenzin will turn into Kya, and then your mother, and then my sister, and then Korra and her friends and…’ Lin’s thoughts were spiraling.

Their family would be happy…intellectually she knew that, but she still couldn’t bring herself to agree. She looked at him with what she hoped was an apologetic expression…she hoped he understood her reluctance.

He blew out breath as he reached forward, enfolding her stiff body into his arms. He nuzzled her temple, inhaling the soft floral scent with hints of metal.

‘It’s ok,’ he mumbled, ‘forget I brought it up.’

His words were meant to reassure her, but she couldn’t help feel guilty. She knew she didn’t give him the answer he’d been hoping for and squeezed him tighter in response.

Not long after this discussion, Bumi let her know that it was probably better if he returned to the island for the night. Tenzin still had a few final course corrections he wanted to discuss with his brother. She looked at him with a question in her eyes, one he couldn’t answer. She nodded dazedly, no quite sure how to respond.

She walked him to the door,she quickly glanced around, making sure that he hadn’t left anything he might need. She rubbed her arm awkwardly as she couldn’t meet his eyes. She knew he was frustrated but didn’t want to pressure her, he would wait until she was ready, if she ever was.

He sighed, almost sounding defeated, pulling her gently closer and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. He then turned to open the door, looking over his shoulder.

‘I’ll send a letter as soon as we land, we should be stationary at the temple for at least a week.’

Again Lin nodded, glancing up slightly, a hand massaging her upper arm. He smiled slightly and slipped through the doorway, the click of the lock deafening in her now empty apartment.

~

The tears were flowing freely now, she couldn’t stop them even if she tried. Why hadn’t she just agreed? Now thinking back, it had seemed so selfish, he didn’t deserve that. Their relationship was about give and take, and it seemed she’d been doing a lot of the taking so far.

She knew he understood, he knew her insecurities and her past hurts and how they affected her interactions with people. They had talked long and hard about communication before even venturing into this territory, admittedly unfamiliar for both of them. They wanted this to work…they loved each other. They had never said it out loud, but it was implicitly implied, they knew.

He made her feel safe and understood unlike anyone else. If anyone could comprehend the pressure of being the child of a war hero that didn’t seem to measure up to their famous parent, it was Bumi.

Lin could feel her nose starting to run and her eyes growing puffy. She hadn’t cried like this in a long time. Probably since she’d lost her bending…maybe even before that if she was being honest. After Tenzin had broken up with her? When she thought her mom would show and didn’t?

She rubbed her hands over her face roughly, frustrated with the loss of control of her emotions. She drew her knees up on to the patio chair, hugging them to her chest, as she laid her head on them. Her body shuddered with soft sobs, she couldn’t have stopped them if she tried.

‘Please don’t cry.’

His quiet voice startled her. She snapped her head up quickly, almost knocking the glass off its perch on the arm of her chair. She carefully unfolded her legs, her feet connecting with the floor, she could feel his heartbeat now. It was as erratic, matching hers in its rhythm.

His eyes smiled even if his mouth didn’t, she could feel the warmth enveloping her. Everything would be ok, it would work itself out, he came back. That had to mean something right?

She rushed to him and collided with his chest, a soft oof coming from his lips as he caught her easily. The sobs that were quiet earlier, the ones she was trying to contain, fell from her lips uninhibited. The more relieved she became, the louder the sounds from her mouth were, rising in pitch and frequency.

Bumi rubbed her back, quietly yet steady, until the sobs subsided in small whimpers. He had never heard these particular sounds from the metalbender in his arms. It was humbling to hear witness to such vulnerability.

‘I’m sorry,’ she hicupped into his chest, ‘I was selfish earlier…I should have at least discussed it with you.’

‘Shhhhh,’ he intoned gently, trying to calm Lin, ‘we don’t have to talk about it no, it’s ok.’

‘But it’s not!’ She insisted, ‘it’s not ok.’

She shook her head, unfolding herself from his arms, putting the needed distance between them, she needed to clear headed…and he was distracting. She wiped the tears and snot on the sleeve of her sweater, she could be disgusted about it later.

‘You can tell him,’ she whispered, ‘we can tell everyone, if that’s what you want.’

She paused, looking to his wide grey eyes and the beginnings of a smile stretching across his face. The hair on his head even more disheveled than normal, his crooked grin so reminiscent of his father, it made her smile in turn. Her eyes watered as she contemplated her next words

‘I love you,’ she her words soft and lilting, ‘so much.’

prompts 💜

[creepy-spooghetti]

A Hapless Endearment [Creepypasta x F. Reader]

Chapter 9 - All My Friends Are Heathens, Take It Slow

_____

It isn't long before the house that Y\n ran away from only fifteen minutes ago comes into full view, the girl only beginning to notice the shrubbery that the entire exterior of the building is covered in. Almost like it's meant to be difficult to see, as if to make it inconspicuous. There's no doubt that these people are wanted criminals if they're crazy enough to kidnap people from their bedrooms in the middle of the night, so what else are they capable of? Murder? This permanently-smiling man still in front of her has to own a knife for a reason, right? Do they actually... kill people? Is that what they're going to do to her?

Jack told her that they meant no harm, but then again, how is she supposed to trust the very guy who abducted her while she was asleep? She limps onto the porch, behind the raven-haired male, and waits in uncomfortable anticipation as he knocks on the door. Smile sits down beside her legs, looking up at her with scarlet eyes and releasing a growl from deep within his throat, making her take a small, almost unnoticeable step away. This dog is freaky. This man is freaky, the guy that took her in the first place is freaky. People like this are supposed to be in movies, not reality. Then again, she's been seeing things lately that should make her question both herself and reality.

The door opens, and she instinctively glances up, instantly regretting it when she meets the soulless pits where she assumes Jack's eyes used to be. Or did he even have eyes? He did, she saw them. They were a nice, chestnut color, so what happened? Was it just a disguise? A trick of the mind? Is he even human? Maybe he somehow made her see him in a different way than what he actually is. "Jeff," Jack starts, voice low with a suspicious tone to it, "I hope you didn't do anything stupid."

So that's his name. Jeff.

"Psh, why must you immediately make such an assumption about me?"

"Because you do stupid things," he answers plainly, stepping aside and allowing who she now knows as Jeff to enter the small household. Y\n follows, warily glancing at the mask-wearing male and staying as far away from him as possible. "What happened to her ankle?"

"How else was I supposed to catch her? She was bolting so fast even Smile had some trouble." He stands there a moment, staring at Jeff with an emotion that she can't quite identify. Though it's quite possibly irritation. 

"So what you're saying is, Brian tells us not to hurt her, and you hear, 'sic Smile on the runaway'?" 

"Hey man, I caught her, didn't I? You just better be happy she didn't get a leg ripped off or something." She crosses her arms and shoots a glare at Jeff, putting her weight on her right leg to relieve herself from as much pain as she can. Jack sighs, shaking his head and walking farther into the living room, closer to Jeff. 

"Just... just get outta here. And take your dog with you."

"With pleasure," he replies, sending Y\n what she assumes to be a smirk from behind his makeshift mask before stepping outside, snapping his fingers while he does so. "C'mon Smile. Let's go somewhere far away from these bozos." Smile wags his tail excitedly and stands from his sitting position, looking up at Jeff. "And I'll have you know, demon boy," He looks back at Jack, his eyebrows raised, "if you let her get away again I'm not the one responsible for catching her."

"Get lost, Jeff," he responds, pointing outside and facing the icy-eyed teen with clear annoyance. Jeff leaves without another word, and Jack closes the door behind him before turning back to the injured girl standing timidly in his living room. "...Are you okay?"

She narrows her eyes and releases an indignant huff from her nose. "I've just been bitten by a dog, met some psycho with a smile carved into his face, and been taken back to my kidnapper's house against my will." She furrows her eyebrows. "What do you think?"

"I think that you could be doing better," he says, taking a small step forward and making her move back slightly to keep some distance. "Look, Y\n... I know you're scared. If you'll just sit down and let me bandage your ankle, I'll explain it to you." His tone is negotiative, and she raises an eyebrow suspiciously.

"You want to bandage my ankle?"

"Yes. Unless you want to walk around with a hole in your leg and wait for an infection to get into it first." She stares at him, glancing at the couch she stands in front of and contemplating her options. It isn't like she can take off again and expect to get anywhere. Maybe she shouldn't push her luck—after all, he doesn't seem too mad at her, if he is at all. And if he wanted to hurt her, he likely would have said something threatening. But he hasn't.

Slowly, she steps toward the couch, not taking her eyes off of Jack as she eases down on the cushion farthest away from him. He seems to take this as a positive sign and his muscles loosen up, nodding in response to her silent agreement and beginning to walk down the hall.

"Make this easier on yourself though and don't try to get out again, okay?" She doesn't answer, though she figures that he doesn't really expect her to. She watches him disappear into the hallway and open a door, she isn't sure which one, before flicking her gaze around the room that she's currently occupying. If she's going to let him 'bandage' her ankle, then she doesn't want to be unprepared while he does so. What if he tries something? There's no way to know what's going on in his mind and what he's planning on doing with her, but according to Jack, he'll explain it all.

How is she supposed to believe that he is actually the Jack she met on her way to the river? They look almost totally different. How could he change his whole appearance like that? He went from fair skin and copper eyes to grey skin and no eyes. How is that possible? 

But... he looks familiar. She knows already that he's the one that she saw in her 'dream' that turned out to be an actual event that occurred, but she can't help but feel that maybe she's seen him before then. When? In a nightmare? No. During one of her severe hallucinations? When she was having an episode? Now that she thinks about it... she has seen him before. It was when she was at the river, right before she began to climb down the tree. She saw Jack, but... it wasn't Jack. It was him. The man that brought her here. Except he wasn't wearing a mask.

And then, in an instant, he looked normal, again. What if he isn't lying? What if he somehow tricked her into seeing what he wanted her to see? She trusted Jack, at least to a point, but if he actually lied to and kidnapped her, she can't trust him. Not until she sees for a fact that he isn't going to hurt her. Not until she finds out that her grandparents are fine. Not until she's allowed to go back home.

By the great lengths that Jeff guy went to already to make sure she didn't escape, it's evident that he, Jack, and whoever else was involved with this stuff don't want her to leave, at least not yet. Even after sweeping her gaze over every inch of the living room, she fails to find anything that could be used as a potential weapon, much to her displeasure. Would a TV remote be heavy enough to throw at his head?

If worst comes to worst she supposes that she can kick him, but it won't do much if she uses her left leg for one reason in particular. She notices a doorway to her far right, with only a swinging door to block the interior. She sees what looks like a fridge and the beginning of a counter, and is instantly tempted to journey inside. That has got to be the kitchen. Kitchens have knives, right? A knife would be an amazing weapon.

But before she can even start to stand, Jack reappears and turns his head in her direction, black pits searing through her eyes, grabbing at her stomach and squeezing. Why does he have to be so creepy? In his hands is a bottle of what looks like Peroxide, a roll of gauze, cotton balls, and some kind of wipes. Probably to clean her wound. As long as she doesn't see anything sharp like a scalpel or a knife, then she won't cause too much trouble. 

He draws closer at a slow pace, likely in an attempt to make sure he doesn't alarm her any more than she already is, and sets everything but the wipes on the coffee table before dropping to his knees. Y\n shuffles in her seat uncomfortably, scooting another inch away from him but seeing the sudden difference in position and height as an advantage and mentally prepping herself should she need to use it. 

"I'm just gonna clean the bite, okay?" he says cautiously, tilting his neck upward to better face her and not missing the skeptical look etched across her features. "Don't... don't kick me. My intention is to help you, not hurt you." 

"And you couldn't have told your friend that before his dog or whatever did this to me?" She motions toward her leg, her nerves jumping. Everything about this situation seems out-of-place and wrong, and there's no way she going to let her guard down for even the shortest of moments.

It takes a few seconds for him to respond as if he isn't sure what to say. "Jeff... isn't one to follow orders very well. He pretty much just does what he wants when he wants to do it. The only one he really listens to is Liu, and even that's scarce."

"Who's Liu?" she more or less demands, her eyes narrowed down at him in suspicion. She might as well be informed of every person that she can, because if they're associated with Jack, it will come in handy, especially in a police report. It'll make them easier to track down. 

"Jeff's brother." He reaches out toward her leg, silently asking for permission, and after a moment of hesitation, she lets him take it. "This process will be quicker and more comfortable if you shift around this way a little bit."

"I'm not going to be 'comfortable' either way." But she does as told nonetheless, her right leg now propped onto the couch and her left one dangling slightly. She studies his actions as he peels away her dirt-covered, bloody sock, and rolls the material of her pants up, revealing the small puncture wounds littering her ankle as they leisurely seep crimson. He presses one of the soggy wipes against her skin, making her flinch from both the wave of cold it brings and the mild stinging sensation. 

He rubs it gently around her injury, putting pressure on certain areas, and it isn't long before she notices that the blood leaking down her ankle is getting significantly thinner and less noticeable as the piece of cloth collects it all. Unable to handle the tense silence between the two and yearning for answers, she speaks.

"Why am I here?" He continues his process of swiping away the blood for several more seconds before tossing the wipe in a nearby trash can, opening the plastic bottle of Peroxide, and pouring it skillfully over a cotton ball. She waits in dwindling patience as he takes hold of her leg and brings it closer to him, once again. 

"This is liable to hurt a bit."

"I don't care," she snaps, lips pressing together into a firm line. "Tell me why I'm here. Tell me why you kidnapped me." She internally winces when the medication meets her minor wound, focusing directly on Jack and glaring daggers into his head. She avoids looking at his empty sockets to make everything a bit more bearable. 

"You're in danger, Y\n." Sensing the judging e\c gaze of the girl sitting on the couch, he better clarifies. "Something bad wants you, and it wants you now. I only brought you here this soon because, if I hadn't, it would have gotten to you first. And you would be suffering. It would make you its...slave, I guess one could say."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying what Jack has to deliver. "What do you mean 'something bad'?"

"It... er, he, I guess, is... well, he's not human. He's not even from this world, he came from somewhere different. Somewhere evil, and dark, and filled to the brim with things, creatures that he created to reign chaos upon the earth." He pauses a moment to gather his words. "We don't know a lot about him because sightings of him are so rare, but... there are a few key individuals that live around here that have had very personal, up-close encounters with him. Everyone knows that he's dangerous, though."

Geez, that's a lot of information to process. She takes in a short breath, fighting the fear threatening to creep into her chest and forcing a coherent sentence out of her mouth. "So why is he dangerous? What did he do?"

"He's bad. And I'm not talking about robbing a store or stealing ice cream from a baby 'bad', I'm talking about messing with peoples' psyche, making them go insane and murder others 'bad'." She blinks, quickly becoming invested in his words, much to her resentment. "He gets in your head, makes you see things that aren't there, makes you dream terrifying things that often involve your greatest fears. It's a slow process, and it usually takes months if not years to complete, but... he's taken a strong liking to you for some reason. I don't know if it's because you're really stressed or just because you have a weak mind, but either way it means you're in immediate danger."

He takes away the fluffy ball of cotton and throws it, too, in the nearby trash bin, grabbing the gauze wrap and slowly twisting it around her ankle, making sure to cover the entire wound before slapping a piece of medical tape on it and setting it on the table. She doesn't realize that the speed of her breathing is increasing, nor does she notice the erratic beating of her heart as it thumps against her rib cage. Seeing things that aren't there? Having horror-inducing nightmares? That sounds extremely familiar, and she isn't sure whether or not that's a good connection to make. 

"It sounds crazy, and I know you probably don't believe me. But haven't you been experiencing freaky, unexplainable things lately?" She watches as he stands and sits on the other end of the couch, making her instinctively draw her legs toward her in order to create as much distance between the two as possible. "I mean... when I went into your room that night, you weren't even in your bed, you were in the closet. There must be a reason for that."

She releases an unsettled huff, biting the inside of her cheek nervously and staring at his navy-blue mask with a contemplative expression. Surely he can't be telling the truth, right? "I was just..." She wracks her brain for a reply, desperately wanting to think that this is another one of her wild dreams that she'll wake up from again soon. "...just a little scared."

"Because you had a bad feeling. Y\n, I saw that symbol that was drawn on the sketchpad. Did you do it?" She shoots him a half-hearted glare, subconsciously clenching her hands into loose fists. 

"Yes." Her tone is sharp and defensive, eyes holding a mixture of fright, anger, and disbelief. "What does some stupid symbol have to do with anything, anyway?"

"That symbol is a side effect of having Operator Sickness, which means that he's in one of the last stages of recruiting you." He stuffs his hands into his hoodie pocket and shifts around a little. "Did you draw it willingly?"

"What do you mean?"

"Were you conscious while you were doing it? Or did you not realize until it was finished?" She narrows her eyes, refusing to take them off of the brown-haired boy sitting only two and a half feet away from her.

"I was... I was doing it in my sleep."

"See what I mean? He's been trying to control your life. It only would've gotten worse had I not taken you here." She attempts to wrap her mind around this new information, though not willing to just accept them as straight facts. It is, indeed, freaky how almost everything he just mentioned has happened to her within the past few days. How would he know that? Has he been watching her? But how would he know what she's been dreaming about?

"And how exactly is you bringing me here, wherever 'here' is, gonna help me?" She scoots backward and furrows her eyebrows at him. "For all I know, you could be the bad one and just be lying to gain my trust. It wouldn't be the first time." Her words have a blunt edge, eyes brimming with emotions that she isn't allowing to fly out of her mouth. He sighs, running a hand through his hair.

"This place is like a base, I guess. There are lookouts on duty at all times in order to ensure nothing creeps up on us, there are cameras hidden in the trees around the area with a sharp eye watching them, and multiple...beings, live here that can protect things better and more efficiently than normal people."

"So you're telling me that you brought me to a prison with a bunch of freaks." She doesn't miss how his shoulders tense after those words leave her lips, though she doesn't think on it too long, focusing solely on her current, certainly unfortunate, situation. 

"I, uh... I wouldn't call it a 'prison'. A lot of individuals take shelter here because it's the safest place to be. And it has been for a while. We wouldn't have to have such drastic measures if we hadn't all been attacked before. We're at risk all the time, so we have to take precautions."

"Cut the crap, dude," she suddenly barks, twisting around and putting her feet back on the floor. There's no way this is all true, right? He has to be trying to get a reaction out of her. Trick her, manipulate her. And she won't stand for it, even if she does have the disadvantage. "Just let me go. I don't want to be here."

"I'm not lying."

"Oh, yeah?" She rises to her feet, becoming exasperated and refusing to believe the information she was just given. "Are you really expecting me to believe that there's some other-worldly creature trying to get me, that it's been controlling what I dream and what I see, and that there's a secret base somewhere in the woods that houses multiple 'beings' that protect it?" Her voice raises, a natural occurrence thanks to her incredulous state, and she holds back frantic tears. 

Jack stands as well, easily towering over her with his taller frame and striking her unintentionally as intimidating. "It's the only way to explain what you've been experiencing. I promise you, I'm not lying." She scoffs, crossing her arms and taking a step back, ignoring the pain it causes. 

"So then why do you care?"

He tilts his head in mild confusion. "What?"

"If I'm really being hunted by this thing, why do you care? I can't do anything for you, I can't even help myself at this point. So why'd you bring me here? Don't you have better things to do than help some random, troubled girl?" He rubs the back of his neck, his voice lowering slightly.

"It wasn't my idea, but I agreed with it. If he were to get his way and you became his...his worker, then you'd be against us. We don't need anyone else to fight." Her gaze flickers down briefly, staring at the floor and trying to decide whether or not she should take what this person says to heart. He's made some pretty valid points so far, and he obviously isn't trying to hurt her. Why else would he doctor her ankle for her? He sounds very passionate about this, so even if it isn't true, she can tell that he's either just convinced himself that it is true, or he's a really good liar. Something that wouldn't be too big of a surprise...

After a long silence, she lands her gaze on the black pits in his head that leak the same thick, tar-like liquid that she's seen since she woke up and first laid her eyes on him, and breathes an almost inaudible sigh. "...You're not going to let me leave, are you?"

He doesn't comment on her sudden change in demeanor and instead shakes his head slowly. "It's too risky. Besides, I'm sure you don't want to be mind-controlled by some faceless guy in a suit."

"W-wait, faceless what?" That sentence sends her mind into a frenzy, and she subconsciously leans toward him in anticipation. Did she really just hear him say that?

"Faceless guy in a suit. That's what he looks like." He steps closer to her curiously. "He's also really tall. Did you see him?"

"I... I think so." She thinks back to that night she slept in the closet after she woke up from that daunting dream, so horrific that it made her awaken violently ill. When she glanced out of the window, she saw something. Something tall, starch white, but she couldn't make out any other detail besides the fact that it seemed to be dressed in formal wear. Maybe that's because it didn't have any other details. "Do you mean... that wasn't a hallucination?" Her tone is uncharacteristically soft as she comes to the realization that if that wasn't a hallucination, how many other things has she saw that also weren't hallucinations?

"No... probably not." Another silence settles between the two, and she steps backward until stumbling over the armchair sat beside the couch, causing her to fall into it and land with a startled huff. Not that she's complaining, in fact, she hardly even comprehends it as she tries grasping everything she was just told.

One of the first thoughts that enter her consciousness is her grandparents. What happened to them? Are they okay? "My grandparents." She shifts her gaze back onto Jack, expression quickly turning aggressive. "What did you do them?"

He's quick to put his hands up in self-defense and shake his head. "I didn't touch your grandparents." She sends him a look that makes it obvious that she doesn't believe him. "I'm serious. I went in, got you, then left. They didn't even know I was there."

"Prove it," she spits, glaring up at him with distrust. His posture tells her that he's becoming a bit irritated, but she could care less at the moment.

"You want proof? Fine. Brian's going to take you back in a few days to get your stuff, so you'll see then."

"Who's Brian?"

"He's who you're staying with." She opens her mouth to object, but he cuts her off. "No, he won't hurt you, but I suggest you don't push his buttons. He has a low tolerance level."

"I can't believe you expect me to willingly stay here," she says through gritted teeth, devising a way to escape Jack, escape this place. All of this is a little too much to comprehend at one time. She just wants to go home. Nana and Pops are probably worried sick about her. 

"Well, you don't have another choice." He collects the medical supplies from off of the coffee table, screwing the lid back on the Peroxide bottle and heading toward the hallway, likely to put them back where they were originally. Her stomach twists into a stressed, scared knot as she glares daggers at his retreating frame. "Let me put it this way; if you go back to that house and start living normally again, not only will you end up either dead or a slave, but you'll be putting them in danger, too. I know you don't want that."

He leaves her with that sentence, letting her repeat it over and over in her mind. How would, she returning home, put them in danger? Would that make them targets? Would Jack and his group of misfits go after them as a form of revenge? It's unknown to her, and it will remain that way until she gets more answers out of Jack. She will not stand aside and let him threaten her family like that.

She twirls a strand of hair around her finger anxiously and considers everything. How did she get tied up into this? She's never done anything that could be deemed as 'satanic', like playing a Ouiji board. Is this... thing, if it does even exist, a demon of some kind? Is it the devil himself? Why does he want her? What makes her so special that he'd want to...mind-control her, according to Jack? She's just an average girl with trash for a family, at least for the most part. All of these questions and more send a streak of fear through her chest, and she can't shake the feeling that maybe it is all true. Maybe Jack was telling the truth. Maybe she is in danger. If that is the case, what then?

[noayuusukki]

Say My Name.

Iida x fem!reader Fluff  (cause I’m feeling lonely, even though I’m single as a Pringle- I also am suddenly on an Iida kick so~ and I have this scenario in my head a lot I also REFUSE to believe that the Iida family doesn’t know English almost fluently due to the generation of heroes, and them wanting to help ALL- even foreigners- and Iida calling you his star or my love just makes my heart 🥺)

Word Count: 2,133 Little Summary: You’re a pro-hero from Japan that moved after going on hiatus when you somehow met Iida. When you’re invited to be a guest “speaker” at UA for the heroes course, Iida is in for a little surprised. TW: Long Distance Relationship; None that I can think of~ . ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ . . ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

Being a pro-hero was hard. Being one at a young age was even harder. So When you went on hiatus, you went back to school to catch up on everything you missed. And one of the assignments that you had to do when you got back- a letter exchange.

That’s you met Iida, Purely for a school assignment. Write a letter to someone in a different country, compare your cultures, all that jazz. Somehow you both ended up wanting to talk to each other more- not wanting to wait on the letters being delivered half way cross the world, so you gave him whatever forms of social media you had and waited.

Lucky for the both of you, he sent you a message within a week. Telling you that he made an account specifically for you both to talk. Which Warmed your heart. After the letter exchange, you and Iida continued to talk and after a year of talking decided to start a long distance relationship. You were now a senior in America and Iida was in his third year in Japan, having known each other for nearly 3 years and dating for almost a year- you both had never met in person.

Sure, you’ve face-timed each other when the other was awake, just waking up, or wasn’t busy. But when Iida started to train more to be a hero, you heard less and less from him- the once hours long calls turned to five minute ones, and the conversations of text that would be miles long within an hour, turned to simple good mornings and good nights.

And while you knew what it was like to be a pro, and having trained since you were little. You still felt like you weren’t worth his time anymore, always making the first moves. Until one day your guardian got a call from your manager about an opportunity to speak to up-coming heroes, and more specifically UA. Almost instantly an idea popped into your mind, and you instantly agreed to talk to the heroes in training.

With this new information, you text his brother, Tensei to help you figure somethings out. 

You had met Tensei by pure accident.You had called Tenya when your relationship was new, and instead of him- you saw someone who looked like him, but older. You instantly hung up and waited for Tenya to text you about who that was, but instead the ringing of your phone returned and you hesitantly answered- only to see the same person from before. Which caused you to drop your phone out of shook. But you could still hear Tenya yelling about how he wanted his phone back, and how this was an invasion of privacy- that’s basically how you meet and befriended his brother.

“I’m going to that same talk, but why are you calling me about it?”

“Tensei, I got invited as well.” There was a long pause before Tensei asked the very important question.

“You’re a hero?” You quickly explained that you were in deed a hero that even worked in Japan, your quirk allowing you to gather information on a person by looking them in the eyes, even if it’s for a split second. You told him why you were on hiatus, but still did some work on a smaller scale for local heroes.

“But that’s not why I called,” you laughed after hearing his reaction. “I wanted to get there a few days earlier to surprise Tenya.” 

“They’re really busy at UA-”

“I can try to get in contact with one of the teachers, all I need is another excuse to see him.”

“So I’m an excuse now?” He teases, an evident smile on his face as he agreed to help you with your little plan.

A week or so before the initial date, you found yourself on a plan to the closest airport to Musutafu with your guardian.

You were beyond nervous, having never seen Tenya in person, wondering if he was the same person he was on the phone. You knew he was, but you can’t help but wonder- let your mind wander as you spent 10+ hours on two/three different planes. The whole way there was a big blur until you met Tensei in the airport and were in your hotel room.

Which you crashed as soon as you were changed and on a comfortable surface. The next day is when your plan really started.

So the next day, Tensei picked you up and helped you into UA and the dorms. having one of their teachers help with this- you waited for Tenya to return to his room after class. You waited in his room for hours, looking at everything you had around and even reading some of the books he had laying around. It wasn’t until you heard yelling from downstairs did you realize that classes were over.

You put the book you were reading down and smoothed out your clothes, your nerves starting to act up as you patiently waited. Hearing chatter outside the door, you stood and waited.

“Make sure you don’t stay up to late! Despite tomorrow being a weekend, keeping a god schedule is important!” You smiled and made sure you weren’t in the line of sight from anyone in the doorway.

“You too, Iida-kun.” A somewhat higher pitched voice said before Tenya nodded, closing the door and sighing, taking his glasses off, rubbing his eyes.

“Tenya?” His ears perked up at the sound of your voice, he instantly put his glasses back on and finding where your voice came from. When he found you standing in his room, questions came to his mind- were you really here? How were you here? Why? What? When?

“My star?” When he snapped out of his questioning state he hesitantly made his way towards you, his voice timid like he was scared this was a dream.

“My love,” you closed the gap and engulfed as much as you could hold in a hug, feeling his body stiffen before relaxing. He was so happy that you were here, but he still had questions. Pulling away from the hug, he cupped your cheeks softly.

“My star, why are you here? How did you get here, and into UA?”

Smiling you answered, “I thought it was about time we met- I was also getting tired of the lack of conversations.” That statement made Tenya’s brows furrow, he was going to respond but you cut him off. “I also had help from a certain Engine hero.” Tenya could only roll his eyes at the information, that is brother helped sneak you into UA just to see him.

“That’s highly irresponsible of both of you-”

“Tenya, you can reprimand us later, but I just want to hold you for now.” Tenya couldn’t argue and only agreed, leading you to his bed and cuddle for the rest of the night.

-----

The following week, after spending a lot of time with Tenya and Tensei. You and Tensei made your way to UA, you both in versions of your make shift hero costumes, despite Tensei having passed down his costume to Tenya.

“What’s with your costume?” Tensei laughed, all you had on that was from your costume was a black face mask with sheer fabric laced at each bend of the arm with it ending at the base of your middle finger.

“I made it when I was like 14- I haven’t really had the chance to change it, but I’m also not wearing all of it.” You said as you stopped in front of gym gamma, taking a deep breath you looked at Tensei before nodding and entered the gym, standing behind the other students. Hearing Eraserhead say they had some special guest to help them with training today. You and Tensei smiled at they intently listened to their teacher. 

“Eraserhead!” Tensei shouted as soon as he was done talking. Everyone turned around surprised to see the retired hero and some random girl behind them.

“All of you know who this is,” Erasure said while walking in front of the group and motioning to Tensei. “But, you may not know who this is.”

“Hello! I’m Intel, I’m basically an underground hero who worked with big names before going on hiatus!” As you spoke, Tenya was trying to figure out why you sounded so familiar- not knowing it was you. “Erasure asked us here to help you, either with teamwork building or stealth.” Tensei read out the people who would work with him first, leaving you with the rest.

“I worked with people like All Might, Endeavor, Fatgum, more of the bigger heroes who couldn’t fit into small spaces and sneak around.”

“How old are you?” A guy with Yellow hair and a dark brown lighting bolt in his hair asked.

You giggled, “I’m actually your age.” That giggle is what connected the dots for Tenya. Intel was (Y/N), Intel was you.

“Let’s play a little game!” You suggested, “I had Cementos make this terrain, 5 of you will be patrolling and I will try to get this ball from one side to the other without getting caught.” The others didn’t believe you could do it and instantly agreed, having the other 15 watch what was about to happen. 

The first 5 that went in weren’t back, but you got the ball from one side to the other in a matter of minutes. The second group was a bit harder, but that only lasted for the first few minutes as you got to the other side. The third group had a similar plan to the second, having someone at the entrance and exit purely to catch you- not knowing that you could get passed them.

The fourth group almost caught you, they were tactful from having watched the other groups. But something that they had yet to learn was your quirk. While you could simply learn theres once they looked in your direction, they didn’t have to see you, but you had to see them.

Deciding that you wanted a little challenge, you decided to yell. “Over here!” Before you ran into the shadows, only Tenya was in this group and you came to where your taunt was very quickly. Soon the others also came and that made it easier for you to creak away and win. After you won that round you had them either take a break or talk to Tensei, but you didn’t expect Tenya coming up to you and asking you to talk.

“Intel, may I speak wth you?”

“Sure, what would you like to talk about?” Tenya took off his helmet and looked around you both before stepping a bit closer.

“(Y/N),” the tone of your name and the seriousness of his voice made you wonder what he wanted to talk about. “Say my name.” Okay, what?

“Huh?”

“Say my name, please, I would like to confirm something.” He said, lowering his head and his voice, “Say Tenya, please.” You took a deep breath and, bit your lip.

“Tenya.” His eyes snapped up to yours, his dark blue eyes boring into your (E/C) eyes. He nodded and stepped closer to you again, patting your head and walking away. You knew he would talk about this more later but for now, you were happy to be able to help him follow his dreams.

--------

“SaY mY nAmE.” You mocked as you walked out of UA, having just finished talking to Nezu and thanking him for this wonderful opportunity. Tensei had left earlier than you, having to finish paperwork at his office. The gesture left your heart racing for the rest of the day, wishing that you saw this side to him a bit more- even if you were oceans away.

As you were leaving, you heard your name being called.

“(Y/N)!” You knew who it was without having to turn around.

“Tenya, what are you doing? Don’t you have homework?”

“I do, but I wanted to see you off for a long as I could.” You smiled and continued to walk to the gate, now with Tenya by your side. You could tell he wanted to ask you something, but didn’t know how to bring it up.

“Tenya,” you stopped walking and turned toward him, “if you’re wondering why I didn’t tell you I was a hero, the simple answer is- it never came up. I would’ve told you when if it did, but it never did.” Tenya was quiet after that, grabbing your hands.

“Can you... can you say my name, one more time, my star?” You giggled and nodded before saying his name, his grip on your hands tightened a bit before you asked why he wanted to hear his name.

“It sounds different in person.”

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ . . ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

This sucks cause it’s like 6:30 am when I wrote this, and spent like 2/3 hours on it. I know it’s not going to get a lot of notes like Please  Cause Iida is underrated

But I was in an Iida mood and become sad then sleep deprivation kicked in and this story lost all the angst- but i hope you enjoy!

[blankdblank]

Brother Dearest Pt 52

“Steve has a sister...” Peggy halfway murmured at the sight of the returned Commandos to the bar she alone sat in the curved booth with fingers twisting the shot glass holding a whiskey now watered down by the melted ice meant to cool it.

Jaques asked in his slide first into the booth the others joined in on the motion to support their friend in this monumental loss. “What?”

“Steve has a sister.” She repeated and jaws dropped to her rehash of all the Colonel had shared and the way he had hinted he would hurt Steve for the fate the girl suffered.

Gabe, “So she’s dead?”

Dum dum shook his head, “No, we know Steve! We spent all that time together and not one mention of a family!”

Peggy said on the cusp of tears with a crack in her voice, “Well we apparently didn’t know him very well!” Up she raised her glass and haltingly took a sip and lowered it with half the liquid remaining in the lipstick stained glass that tapped the table again to her swallow. “He never said if she was dead or alive.” She whispered with her mind circling on that woman traveling with the Colonel who said her name was classified.

Jim, “And what if she’s alive? Not like we can do anything for the girl.”

“I have to know.” Left simply to that the conversation hung like a wet blanket over the mock funeral on the base as none could attend the one they anticipated would be held to celebrate him upon his return as a hero to Brooklyn.

.

And small bits of progress were shared on and off in the aid of Stark in his enlisting her aid in clearing his name and saving the world between run ins of the old friends until the fated call, “I found her, she’s alive.”

“You got to be kidding me,” Dum Dum chuckled and asked, “Who is she then? Still a nurse or did she drop that after the war?”

“She’s a student, at Columbia University. She’s in Brooklyn. I’m going to meet her tomorrow after a stop by Steve’s grave.”

“Well then, do we at least get a name?”

“She changed it, her surname at least, she goes by Bunny Pear now.”

“Bunny Pear.” The name had his face go stoic recalling those towns and stops they crossed with those signs posted up creaking the gears in his head in puzzlement as to who this mystery sister and brother duo was and why the hell Steve acted like he knew nothing of them at all. “The only woman awarded the Medal of Honor Bunny Pear?”

“Yes, you’ve read about her then?”

“Steve lied about a lot more than just having a sister. Bunny Pear devastated every German force she and her brother came across, and while we toured a ruin of a city they’d left Steve and Bucky played the fool. Hundreds of soldiers we crossed had thousands of things to say about them.” He paused then said, “Ring us when you’ve talked to her with what you learn.”

“I will.” She replied and hung up the phone more fearful than she had been hours earlier upon uncovering an address to find said lost sister she had been brushed off by once before years prior as to why her friend was so curt in his parting tone that revealed a mingle of hurt and something else. Something she hoped to be a misunderstanding and not a betrayal of the man they all had such hopes for being a pure heart in the middle of a harsh war to guide them to safety and a better tomorrow.

 *

From the library to the dinner table you were set to move for the meal the brothers got started on once Eddie had come home and Peggy joined you all after having asked a few blaring questions about Venom in his shoot outwards ready to eat any intruder upon the telling scent of blood foreign to the family. In a skip of a scoop Eddie remained at home to keep watch of you all tonight knowing Venom would want to be on patrol all night. Both Norma and Dawn smiled and greeted Peggy, with whom they chatted in the wait for food until the doorbell rang again and Eddie sprung to check on who it was.

“Oh, hello,” the clear voice echoed through the house and was followed by, “Edwin Jarvis, there is a Peggy Carter here I believe?”

Eddie replied, “Yup, James said you called. Just you?”

“Jarvis, we’re growing cold, it’s on the move!” Stark’s voice came from the car parked on the curb who waved to Eddie, “Hey Eddie! Been following your headlines, you’ve been building up some steam!”

To that you smirked and climbed to your feet to join Peggy to the door, “I take it this means you won’t be staying for supper.”

“Apparently not. The offer was very kind however.” She answered with a kind smile.

Right to the door you strolled to stop in the doorway where Stark waved to you, “There you are Bunny! Not dead yet I see.”

That had you smirk and look to Jarvis in the sweep of his eyes over you, “Oh my,” he said then flashed you a grin stating, “Edwin Jarvis,” his hand outstretched for a handshake you returned, “Pleasure to meet you. I have heard so very many things about you, Mrs Pear Howlett.”

“Pleasure to meet you, you must have the patience of a mountain to work with Stark.”

His head tilted to the side a moment and he flashed Peggy a grin, “Lately it has been much more accommodating to my skill set and the company much less likely to land me slapped by women I come across.” His eyes wandered over you in a lean into Eddie’s side to the clear shift of your belly that had you rest a hand on it. “Might, I be bold in offering congratulations?”

“You may, and thank you.” You replied then looked to Peggy.

“I will let you rest, however I did want to let you know, the Howling Commandos, who traveled with Steve and Bucky in the war, they will be in town tomorrow and wondered if you might be up to meeting them? They also wished to pay their respects to Bucky’s parents as well.”

Eddie, “Bucky’s just got his Mom and sisters, girls are about 11 now.”

Peggy, “Good, we were planning on joining in for church, if you would accept that.”

“Not my place to ban anyone from church. We do have a block party after they may find as a reprieve after a Catholic Mass. Can be quite daunting for some not familiar with the service.”

She nodded and to Stark’s next honk she rolled her eyes and Jarvis said, “We will see you tomorrow, Mrs Pear Howlett, Mr Pear.” Both names accentuated with nods before his turn to join Peggy on the way back to the car.

“Should be fun,” you said to Eddie who chuckled and turned to lift Teddy in his race towards his father with drawing in hand to show it off.

“Oh yes,” he said to your closing and locking the doors. To turn back to the guys with eyes shifting over Eddie answering his mental questions on what he had missed of the intruders above what the guys had given of a basic description. Though mainly to calm Venom that the threat was aimed for Peggy and not yourself or his children.

Norma however drew your focus in a move to guide you to the dining room table, “Your friend had to leave before supper?”

“Yes, she’ll be at Mass tomorrow with more friends of my brother Steve’s.”

James asked, “You okay with that? We can stay home.”

That had you chuckle, “Right, because she would never just bring them here.”

And he smirked back at you playfully answering, “You set the rules. You want them barred we won’t let them in.”

Dawn said, “I just can’t believe she would come here knowing she was being followed.”

“Well I suppose there is the off chance she didn’t know. Seemed afraid of the woman at least, had to be sneaky or something to scare her.”

Victor murmured in French to keep Norma from hearing, “Don’t have to be sneaky to get a shot off in my chest.”

James teased, ���Fairly big target to miss a couple feet away, now his head, be hard to hit that in reaching distance.” Earning a smirking glance back at him.

Dawn said to Norma’s confused glance their way, “Suppose we’ll just have to make sure these friends of Steve’s won’t cross any lines.”

.

The purple floral wrap dress you chose that hung past your knees was smoothed over you to sit under the cardigan you used to keep warm on top of the jacket that was eased over your arms and back. Sure to have your hat in place down the front stoop you strolled to join the others in town for the joint trip to Mass between your relatives. With his arm around your back James kept you close in the sight of Stark’s car driving past. While on the sidewalk outside the church Peggy stood with her signature blue dress and bright red hat to match her lipstick outlining the easy grin she gave you in the move to lead the staring group of guys behind her inside. Into the pew a row back to the left of yours across the aisle they settled. Each of them luring stolen glimpses through the service until the town and Priest especially got a chance to interrogate the newcomers who seemed to keep their focus on the family that everyone hoped would just be left to their privacy to live out their lives.

Once Mass was over however and your family took turns in the chance for confession the Brocks were the first to swoop in to begin the questioning. Gina especially smiled in her step towards the group and asked, “Passing through town?”

James Montgomery took the brief murmured conversation Peggy and Dum Dum Dugan were having about the proper time for him to put his hat back on to answer, “Yes, we’ve come out to pay our respects to Steve Rogers’ and Bucky Barnes’ families.”

Her husband asked, “Really? You knew them well?”

Pinky Pinkerton said after glancing back to Gabe Jones, Jim Morita and Happy Sam Sawyer who were ushered prior to Mass to sit on the far end of the pew on their move to join the group again, “We served together, though Steve never mentioned he had a sister, or any family at all really. Said he was orphaned.”

Mama Brock said in an unamused scoff to the memory of how her adopted daughter was treated, “Selfish little boy wouldn’t know family if it slapped him in the face. Lucky we never got our hands on him after he kept leaving Bunny out on the steps.”

That turned Peggy’s head, “On the steps? He actually left her on the steps?”

“Even went so far as to argue with the Judge that gave him custody to send her away so he wouldn’t have to have legal custody of her right in front of the poor thing before he was sent packing. To actually want to send her off anywhere unknown on the verge of a war to who knows what end how cruel can you get to do that to such a sweet child?” Mamma Brock then huffed feeling herself ready to begin shouting mumbled in a try to keep calm, “I have to go check on my pies,” and joined the others on their way to fetch the food cooked for the block party and her daughters began to list slight after slight that had their hearts sinking for both of their friends.

Including a stop to view the album of Sarah Rogers’ funeral where the guys understood by the captured look on your face just who Bucky was haunted by. The younger sister he encouraged Steve to abandon.

Peggy asked after the album was closed and added to the shelf of funerals of families within the past decade, “I don’t see Steve’s album. There’s one for Bucky.”

Ambrose said, “The Catholic church does not give suicides funeral processions.” That dropped Peggy’s jaw, “Father Thomas only insisted upon giving any words at all over the grave for Bunny’s sake when he knew we knew she was alive and with Eddie.”

Jim Morita, “Where did everyone think she was?”

Gina, “She was assumed to have run off with Eddie, but we clarified she got into a good school in Canada then they got drafted. Until she got shot she was listed as a POW though by the Canadians, we still have the telegrams our cousins received. War offices learned she was with Eddie through the field promotion papers and picture of the planes and tanks she took out first time she got shot.”

Dum Dum Dugan, “Well, I guess in his own way Steve had to have left her something decent for how she’s managed since the war.”

Ambrose’s husband said, “Steve left everything to the church. Even Jaqi’s things, she didn’t have a red cent to her name or home to come back to except for ours. Father Thomas is the one who set up the inheritance to be transferred to us to watch for her.”

Howard from the back of the church had crept forward and asked a question that hurt the group even more than anything they’d heard before that he had to confirm you yourself had told him, “Steve really call her a monster?”

Ambrose, “When he called her anything at all. Barely spoke to her at all unless it was a shout on where her change for food was or eyes were on him from people he wanted respect from.”

Howard, “He pick on people often?”

Gina, “After how his dad treated him and Sarah all he wanted to do was fight, even after she married Jaqi’s dad.”

Howard asked in a look over the albums, “Which one’s her dad’s?”

Ambrose, “Father Thomas gave it to Jaqi, only keeps them a decade. The one for Steve’s dad as well he found tucked away from when Sarah died.”

Howard asked, “Her dad a good man?”

Gina and Ambrose chuckled and the latter’s husband answered, “The pinnacle of perfect father and husband. Never raised a hand to anyone or any creature. Used to call Sarah his Greatest Treasure and Jaqi his fair Queen of the Cosmos, drove Steve up the wall. Worked and saved for his studies and a fund for his girl to study after him at the best schools. Even paid for Steve’s tuition for art classes at the community college.”

Jaques Dernier asked, “How does Bucky fit into this? Why did he hate Bunny? What did he get out of it?”

Gina’s husband answered, “He got Steve’s focus all to himself. Didn’t have much of a home he wanted to go back to at night. Steve wanted an escape and gave Bucky the most devoted buddy he could ask for.” From there the group led the others out to the party where two identically dressed girls with painfully familiar eyes stopped in their way with wide smiles.

“You knew our brother?” Stories of their war hero brother were shared to be confirmed that the guys were stunned they had heard you shared researched bits learned just for them to keep their hero. The new stories the guys shared were adored especially by their mother who in your exit of the church gave you a grin and watched your approach.

She said to the guys in the walk closer in a moment of distraction for the girls, “She’s been so kind to my girls, for how my boy and her brother behaved. Don’t you be rude to her. We owe her that much.”

Howard asked in a step away lowly to meet you before you reached the others, “You haven’t broken the bad news to the girls?”

“I’m not in the business of destroying heroes for little girls. They deserve memories of a brother who loved them and died ensuring they were safe.”

Howard, “How can you stand it, that truth you can’t say?”

“Everyone in town knows who is old enough to. Their cruelty dies with them.”

Bernie and Benji when their friends had called them waved and made their ways to the seats saved for them to share some of the excitement while you stepped forward accepting handshakes and introductions of the group that each of your family nodded in their own naming. Mrs Barnes left soon after to join her own friends to shift the focus of the group back to you.

Marigold, Petal and Teddy however called for food while you focused on the newcomers that joined you at the closest table mainly away from the crowds to the start of the music. “So, you knew Steve and Bucky in uniform, must have left an impression to bring you all out here.”

Gabe said, “Well, they were pretty special, least till we heard about you and Eddie.”

Jim Morita, “You really turned Panzers to marbles?”

“Among other things.”

Howard, “And she’s being stingy on the weaponry. I’ve even been asked to see if I can duplicate it. Magnets however are surprisingly difficult to master.” His eyes looked you over and he said, “How you made it in one piece with magnets that strong I have no clue. Did you know they can cause heart failure when they pass a certain grade?”

“Human body is comprised of iron in the blood, along with other traces of metal throughout the rest of the body, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and cadmium. Part of how x-rays and sonograms work magnetic fields reacting to the body.”

“Not hard to bypass.” Happy Sam Sawyer chuckled out, “Don’t you remember, we heard the soldiers we came across all said they’re aliens.”

That had you smirk and thank the young Brock kids that brought your drinks over then darted off to play again. “Close enough,” you giggled and lifted your drink to take a sip then lowered your hand to the belly that shifted and drew James in a grin of his own to steal a stroke of your belly.

Jaques began the sea of congratulations and Dum Dum asked, “Did you plan on returning to school? You seem due soon.”

“Due closer to summer actually.” Parting his lips in confusion, “Triplets.”

Howard said, “When we’re done here Jarvis has our gifts for you in the trunk.”

“You didn’t have to bring gifts.”

Howard nodded, “Oh yes I did. Down right rude not to. Good thing I buy spares or Peggy’s sharing of the triplets would have left me in a lurch to have enough for all of you.”

“Fine, but it better not have gemstones or anything flashy or you’ll end up wearing it.”

Again he smirked and Dum Dum Dugan asked, “Any clue on what you’re having?”

“Girls,” James answered, “Hopefully just like their mom.”

Eddie said, “My sisters and cousins mostly have boys so when Dawn and I had Marigold they loved the new wave of girls, my sister Ambrose is having a girl too and can’t wait for hers.”

You smirked and said, “She’s really excited to go through this with me. Even debating coming out to Canada when we head back for the summer.”

James Falsworth asked, “Why stay in the city while you are carrying so many babies?”

“My courses.” You said, “I’m going to stick in it as far as I can through this semester. Might work it so I can leave a month early, just over four months, so possibly April to June depending on how impatient the girls are they’ll be showing up and the space and quiet will be better for me have them.”

Peggy, “How strenuous are your classes?”

“Not very, a majority of them are on the same campus and the Professors surely will be as accommodating as they keep trying to assure me they will be.”

Jim Morita asked, “What’s it like, being back here, after everything that happened?”

“I think the oddest thing was how everyone had just taken to the new last name. But I think Mama Brock had something to do with that, not to mention the papers.”

Eddie said, “They knew we needed a new name. I think remodeling Bunny’s home settled everything. Let everyone know she’s home in her own building she bought.”

“Technically-,” you tried to cut in only for Victor to cut you off.

“We bought it for you. Your name is on the lease now and when it’s legal it will be the only one on it.”

Peggy, “The whole house?”

James nodded, “Same with the comics and her bank account and just about anything we’re hoarding for the eventual turn over when we can.”

Howard said, “Might take a while to get there.” Though he smirked at the pointed gazes from the brothers around you mingled with Eddie’s unamused brow tick.

“Be a fairly terrifying time for the Starks of the world for me to have my own empire.”

Howard chuckled and fired back, “Oh no, then I might actually have some competition.”

Dum Dum Dugan asked, “What’d you do with the weapon and suits you built?”

“Well I certainly didn’t bring any weapons back from the war aside from a knife James found for me.”

Gabe, “So, what happens if someone shows up on your doorstep wanting those blueprints?”

“I may be pregnant but I can still throw someone around a room,” making the guys chuckle and Peggy smirk to herself.

.

From the party to the house again now with the guys the tour continued with each admiring the pictures you had posted from Steve and Bucky’s trips to shows in murals with ticket stubs and autographs.

Peggy’s focus in a glance to the other room however shifted from Eddie’s smile down at his son. Who was faking claws at the air and snarls that had Venom’s face pop out with a toothy proud grin in a lift of the boy he then lowered to kiss in the return of Venom to sink back again, to the trumpet that sat polished on display. That had you ask, “Do you play an instrument?”

Her eyes met yours and she nodded, “Piano, Mummy insisted. Made Michael keep up with his sax.”

Her grin dimmed and you said with a stroke of your hand on her arm, “Boys rarely stick to practice. Steve missed most of his, though about half came by his passing out or rehearsals that triggered his asthma.”

Pinky asked, “Steve really was this scrawny?”

You nodded, “And he hated every minute of it. Eddie and me used to get a chuckle I might have been bigger than he was in his uniforms. Pre-Captain mode that is.” You paused and asked, “He ever sketch anything? While he was over there?”

“Oh,” Happy Sam Sawyer patted his pockets until he brought out a small journal, “Just a few small sketches, the rest is some sort of scribbles we couldn’t make out.”

Opening the book to one of the notes you snapped it shut saying, “It’s a cipher. You need the source book to translate it. Some boys used to take their notes and read them like they were dirty novels even if they were on toast to taunt them for not having a wider circle.”

James Falsworth asked, “Do you know the source?”

“The Hobbit.”

Jaques, ��The bedtime story?”

You nodded, “Funnily enough, I gave Steve the book they used to hide in.”

Jim, “Why not translate it?”

“Oh I can read it, and I don’t think Peggy would appreciate the content.”

Peggy paused a moment then asked, “It’s, about me?”

“Yes,” you said and lifted the book a tad, “And by the notes I am guessing he didn’t get as far as he’s writing about. You could very possibly be flexible but I doubt even then his day dream would be plausible.”

Pinky, “Wait, all you did was glance at the page. How could you read and translate it that fast.”

“Photographic memory, and I can read novels in minutes,” you glanced at Peggy saying, “I’ll read the rest later and if there’s anything less imaginative and respectful I’ll write it out for you.”

She shook her head and said, “I doubt there would be anything sentimental in there. Your brother was not overly expressive of his affection until the drive we took to get him on that plane and the radio transmission afterwards, even then, rather simplistic, trade of a promise then static.”

“Well if I do ever find him wandering around in the afterlife I’ll punch him for that. Downright a crime to not woo you properly.” You teased making her smirk your way.

Jarvis upon return from his third trip to the car gave Howard a nod that had him smile and smooth his hands together, “Gift time!”

“Anything with gems-,”

“And I’m wearing them, I remember.” He said with a smirk guiding you to the front room where you eyed the trio of crib kits that by the brand were expensive and had you in an open mouthed gawk at the smiling inventor, “I won’t accept no for an answer. Only the best for the daughters of our greatest asset for this country’s future.”

“Asset?” you asked.

“You know what I mean,” Howard said. “With your help ladies are set to give us old boys a run for our money.”

Victor, “Why’d you buy three cribs? Must have sparked some rumors with that purchase.”

Jarvis said, “Oh, for that I bear the name on that invoice. Sparing Mrs Stark that scrutiny.”

Howard said, “Though she has seen the catalogs and now is considering children with her husband number two.”

James muttered, “Ouch.”

Howard swatted his hand, “I was a means to irritate Daddy. No matter she’s picked a fine replacement more fit for the suit and tie brigade.” He patted his hand on the crib box closest to him, “Paperwork is nearly done as soon as he finalizes on his house she will pack her things and you will have tons of cover headlines to distract from your lovely little parade of geniuses.”

James, “Least you haven’t broken a sweat over it.”

Howard, “Oh we signed a prenup,” he looked between you both and said, “Which I’m certain you both won’t need.”

Victor, “Oh I’ll kill him before so much as a weekend away comes up to think things over.” Howard chuckled and pointed at him assuming it was a joke only making you smirk behind a stroke of your finger along the side of your nose. Though to a bold set of kicks your hand outstretched and landed on Eddie’s bicep and you let out a sharp breath.

“Ok, I need a minute,” you said in a turn that had him guide you to the nearest bathroom.

Howard looked your back over and James drew his gaze by saying, “They kick and her bladder is almost always trapped in the middle. This the one with the side that comes down or the solid wall model?” That had his grin return in James’ move closer to crouch and look over the diagram on the outside of the box that Victor joined him in inspecting, “Oh this one’s nice. Good solid sides won’t take off a finger if it drops like other models.”

Victor, “We can always make a set of steps if it’s too tall so Pipsqueak can reach inside.”

Jarvis, “Would it prove to be too tall we could purchase another set.”

James shook his head, “Nah, no need. She can adapt. Doubt she’d accept the second set.”

Victor, “Or even let you up the stoop with it.”

Howard, “What about Canada, you need a set there.”

James smirked, “We’ve already built a set for home, Jaqi helped with the finer touches but let us cover the basics off our experience for what would be the safest designs.”

Howard said, “Wow, you sound like you’ve been through the whole parenting schtick before.”

He didn’t need the answer in their telling continued silent stares at him till one of the guys smiled and said to you in your return, “Your hubby says it’s a safe model.”

“Even if it wasn’t the guys can easily make some changes in the install. Should be nice, I do like the round half circle top to the ends, could have some nice crochet covers from Gina. Maybe a nice quilt too for the bed the Brocks can fix up for us. One of the cousins do enjoy stuffing them.” You looked to Howard and said, “Thank you, Howard. Now, no more gifts.”

He scoffed at that and rolled his eyes only making Jarvis say, “I will do my best to remind him of that, Mrs Pear Howlett.”

“No jewelry,” you said to Howard as a flat rule that deepened his smirk in your knowing he would find a way to shower funds onto your family he’d now spread a sort of fondness onto even more so upon discovery of the link between you and his major successful project your brother turned out to be.

Dawn broke the circle by calling everyone in for tea that let you all relax in the living room until the group all had to leave with promises to come back again. Though in their absence relief came from not having the presence of questions on your lost brother and the fact that you now could have that much needed pear you had been forced to put off until the lunch that was readied upon the moment of freedom.

Straight on to bed comfort was found in solace lounged in James’ side reading off tidbits from the stack of history books Elliot had been dropping off weekly to guide you by century and culture to feed the growing appetite for reading that your pregnancy was enhancing. Mixed between those were journals from those of the Beserkers who had lived through those times including the few saved items from assumed lost libraries wars had threatened and been recorded to have destroyed. All of which could only aid in the growth of your mind, though every bit of it seemed to be familiar, a notion that pleased both him and Herc that old memories were being tapped of a time when you were present there as well to observe those moments throughout history even with your physical being in hiding.

.

“Odd,” you muttered in smoothing your hands over your chosen shirt to have been stolen from James’ side of the closet along with his flannels you’d adjusted the hem and waistband to a tie instead of the usual buttons he agreed upon so that you would be comfortable on nights you wanted to wear pants until yours could fit again.

“Odd?” James asked having lit the fire in your bedroom to the sound of the wind outside picking up to cover the street with the thin layer of snow forecast that would enforce the use of Victor’s car that was promised to you to prevent threat of slipping upon travel to Columbia and back again.

In a shake of your head you moved to the bed and folded back the covers, only luring him closer with head tilted slightly to the side. Softly in a sigh you replied mid lift of your leg to kneel on the bed to begin the crawl to the middle, or at least as close to it as possible while still remaining close to the edge in case of bathroom trips. “Power’s gonna go out.”

“Well with the wind like this, not far from imaginable.” His eyes looked over your face in his move closer when you sat down readying to arrange the pillows to perfect the spot for you. “Unless there’s more to it?”

“I can feel it. In the power lines. But the storm isn’t near as bad enough to shut it off. We’ve had worse storms than this.”

“How can you tell?”

“It’s,” you sighed again, “You remember that storm out in Palermo where the lightning kept circling over the ocean and it was so close it had your hair on end?”

He nodded, “So it’s like a static?”

“Something like that. Soft fizzle like soda bubbles travel through the wires. Just odd.”

“Well you won’t be cold, and breakfast will be easily fixed up even without lights.” He said in the motions to help tuck you into the comfy nest that he snuggled closer to your back with a shrug of the blankets higher over you both. “Don’t you worry.”

“Just hope it doesn’t get too cold for Whiskers.”

That had him smirk and settle his head behind yours on the pillow, “Furnace is powered on gas, won’t go out with the electric, same as the cabin. Whiskers will be perfectly warm and thanks to your metal layer inside the walls all our pipes are extra insulated. We won’t let our house go cold.” After a moment his hand covered yours and he hummed, “We all promised to keep him and the puppies warm and safe, we won’t go back on that.”

Mid yawn you started to say, “He has a schedule to keep,” which only had him chuckle to himself and close his eyes to the inch of your body back into his chest.

Pt 53

All –

@sherala007​, @mariannetora​​, @jesgisborne​, @knitastically​, @catthefearless​​, @theincaprincess​, ggbbhehe4455, @lilith15000​​, 

Not nsfw(smut) - @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore​

X Marvel-Cast - @himoverflowers, @theincaprincess, @changlingkhat​

Brother Dearest - @thorinanddwalinsdwarrowdam​​, @swoopswishsward​

[mjvnivsbrvtvs]

the first 1,000 words of the....the......the brutus/gaius thing. the ‘gaius doesn’t get executed, cassius wants to straight up murder brutus, so they run away to egypt’ AU

‘I’ve indulged whatever misplaced affection you have for Gaius so far,’ says Cassius, ‘but you cannot keep doing this.’

Brutus sighs. He stares at his hands.

‘I know,’ he says quietly.

‘Do you?’ snaps Cassius. ‘The lengths you keep going to for him, you’re going to ruin us all, and for what? He’s one of brothers Antonii, he’s not worth this--’

‘What are you, Cicero?’ says Brutus, finally looking up at Cassius, existential misery giving way to unfiltered annoyance.  ‘Go back to Rome and kiss the ground Octavian walks upon if you’re going to be like that.’

Cassius stares at Brutus for a long moment. ‘What kind of hold does he have over you, anyway?’ asks Cassius, and then, in a rush, like he’s realized something horrible: ‘Are you lonely?’

When Brutus says nothing in reply, Cassius makes a sound of despair in the back of his throat. ‘I cannot believe,’ he says, ‘you would risk everything we are doing, everything we’ve done so far, because you’re fucking lonely---’

‘We gain nothing from having him killed,’ interrupts Brutus, but he can’t find it within himself to argue with any kind of enthusiasm, not anymore. Cassius has reached inside and pulled out the most vulnerable truth left in him. He would be irritated, but mostly he’s just...

...tired.

Cassius says nothing, he doesn’t have to. They’ve had this conversation before. They have this conversation daily. If Brutus is being honest with himself, he’s a little surprised Cassius has put up with it for so long.  

‘We used to be close,’ Cassius says eventually. ‘We understood each other.’

‘No,’ says Brutus, finally standing up and walking towards the door. ‘I think we just got stuck with each other.’ He lingers for a moment, hand on the door frame, examining the visible paint between the space of his fingers. ‘When I was younger, maybe, but...’

‘You’ve changed,’ finishes Cassius, still looking out the window towards some unknown distance. There’s regret in his tone, and underneath it---something else. Conviction.

Brutus leaves.

•

Night falls, the heat from the day fades away into a comfortable coolness. A soft breeze drifts through the open air. Gaius Antonius steps into Brutus’ room and immediately drapes himself across the bed like a lazy cat while Brutus watches him, amused, from where he’s sitting behind his desk.

‘So,’ says Gaius. ‘I heard you got into another fight with Cassius.’

‘We’ve never not been fighting about something,’ Brutus says idly. ‘If it wasn’t personal, it was about politics, and then it would turn personal.’

Gaius hums.

‘This is more serious, though,’ he finally says.

Brutus looks at the papers scattered across the desk. Correspondence, information, reports, badly written poetry composed in moments of insomnia driven weakness. He wants to consign all of it to fire and never think about any of it again.

‘Yes.’

A moment passes in silence. The impulse to throw everything into a fire begins to turn into a concrete plan in Brutus’ mind. He’s not actually going to do it, but the fantasy of neatly organizing everything together and methodically casting each paper into open flame, watching it all reduce to ashes, is incredibly cathartic.

‘I’m sorry,’ Gaius says abruptly. Brutus looks over at him. He’s staring up at the ceiling, frowning.

‘What on earth for?’ asks Brutus.  

Gaius makes a vague, all-encompassing gesture with one of his hands. ‘All of this.’

‘This isn’t your fault,’ says Brutus incredulously. ‘If this is anyone’s fault, it’s--’

Gaius sits up, shaking his head. ‘I’m making it worse,’ he says, frustration creeping into his voice. ‘I keep—I don’t know why, I keep doing things I know I shouldn’t do, like something outside of me is compelling me to--’

Brutus gets out of the chair and crosses the room to sit next to Gaius, taking hold of the other man by his shoulders and waiting for Gaius to meet his eyes.

‘This isn’t,’ he says quietly, ‘your fault. We've known each other since we were teenagers, none of this is right. Nothing about this is how it should be. Who would blame you for your actions?’

‘You,’ Gaius says fiercely, eyes bright. ‘You should, you fucking idiot, don’t you get it--’

Whatever else he was going to say is cut off by the sound of someone running down the hall and sliding to a stop in the doorway.

‘Lucilius,’ says Brutus, surprised. He lets go of Gaius.

‘You,’ says Lucilius, slightly out of breath, ‘both of you need to get the fuck out of here.’

•

The moon shines bright in the clear dark of the sky, something Brutus had thought beautiful only hours before.  

Now it feels like a bad omen.

‘Cassius is making plans,’ whispers Lucilius, as the three of them navigate the few remaining shadows that survive the light of the moon. It’s less than ideal, but there are only a handful of soldiers lingering about at the main entry ways. Brutus and Lucilius have done more with worse odds. ‘To have you sent east, to deal with some shit, so that he can have Gaius executed and his head sent back to Antony while you’re away.’

‘That’s smart,’ Gaius whispers back. ‘And incredibly shitty of him.’  

Brutus stays silent. He has never felt particularly welcome within the walls of this villa (nor did he ever expect to: after all, what house willingly welcomes an invader?) but as they move amidst the shadows, the structure of the building begins to feel oppressive, almost violent: as though it’s become aware that he’s trying to leave and was loath to let him go before it can get retribution.

It feels heavy, like an actual weight pressing down around him, distracting enough that he almost misses it when Lucilius says:

‘He wants you dead too, Brutus.’

It’s....unsurprising, if he’s being honest with himself. It doesn’t stop him from feeling disappointed.

Lucilius glances at him out of the corner of his eye. ‘Sorry,’ he says.

Brutus smiles wryly at him. ‘Be honest,’ he says quietly. ‘You're surprised one of us didn’t try to kill the other sooner.’

Gaius makes a choked off wheezing sound, hand clamped over his mouth to smother the sound, but his shoulders shake with silent laughter.

[moonyy-writes]

ephemeral ~ levi ackerman

word count: 8k

summary:  Levi and Idahlia get stranded on a mission due to a rainstorm and seek shelter inside an abandoned house. But they find more than safety in that old cabin. 

a/n: this is an oc x levi story! this is the first i’ve ever posted :D

ephemeral (adj,) lasting for a very short time; fleeting, short-lived, momentary

“Captain Levi! There is a cabin in the distance.” Idahlia stated as she slowed her horse down to a trot in order to let Levi catch up. Rain was pouring all around them and making everything difficult to see. He grunted in response and went ahead to get a better view of the house. It was a small cabin, with a few buildings around it and then trees all around those, as the house was in a clearing inside the giant forest the scouts were supposed to be clearing of titans. That is until Levi and one of the cadets from Hange’s squad, Idahlia, got stranded due to an unexpected rainstorm and had to find shelter for the night. “You go inside, I’ll stay out here and scope out the surroundings.” Levi said, without turning to her and shot off around the side of the cabin. Idahlia tied her horse to the fence and went up to the front of the house. The stairs old and creaky and the windows dusty. She reached for the door handle and it was locked, but seemingly so old that she could force it open. Coughing as she walked in, the house was quaint, but homey. She walked directly into the living room and noticed the layer of dust on everything in sight. Levi won’t like that. She thought to herself. She walked further into the house and made sure to walk quietly in case the house was inhabited by someone, despite it seeming vacant from the outside. After getting through the living room, she found a hallway and glanced down it. There was an open door on the left which led to the dining room, then an archway that led into the kitchen. A bit farther down, there were three doors which Idahlia assumed led to the bedrooms. Idahlia turned into the kitchen and took note of the half full pantry and an indoor water pump. Next to that was a tiny table and two chairs, in front of a big window. She exited the kitchen and went down the hallway and opened each of the doors; surprisingly, it only had one bedroom, the other two doors led to a bathroom and an office space full of books. She walked over to the shelves and ran a finger over the spines of the books until one sparked her interest and she opened it. “Oi! Are you deaf?” Jumping in surprise, Idahlia spun around and noticed Levi standing in the doorway with his arms crossed. “Oh, I um, I was lost in this book.” Levi glanced at the book she was holding and nodded, “The outside is safe for now, I took your horse to the stable they had outback. How’s the house?” “Old and dusty, but it should work. I was gonna try to clean up before you came in because I know you don’t like messes, but-” “It’s okay, I’ll go see what I can do. Get your gear off and dry off the best you can and try not to make more of a mess” He said as he gestured to the trail of water leading right to her. “Oops,” Idahlia giggled as she set the book down and walked past Levi to the bathroom. Levi tensed a bit as she went past, him not being used to her so close. ~~~~ Idahlia wandered into the bedroom and searched the dresser for clean clothes. The drawers were barely full of anything, but she managed to find a beige skirt and a white flowy poet blouse, plus a black corset for on top. She put them on and did a little spin in the mirror, I haven’t worn clothes this pretty in so long. Before leaving she picked out a black long sleeve shirt and a pair of slacks for Levi to change into. She pulled her hair from the loose braid and ruffled it a little bit and left after giving herself another glance in the mirror. Idahlia came out of the room and found Levi in the kitchen wiping the counters down. She paused in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt his work. “Captain, I found some clothes in the drawers. I brought some that I thought would fit, I don’t want you getting sick from the wet clothes.” She laughed a little bit to stop her rambling as Levi turned around. There were a few seconds of silence while Levi blankly stared at Idahlia, but she was looking at something else. “Sir, your face is flushed, are you feeling okay?” She placed the clothes she was holding on the counter beside him as she rushed to Levi. Idahlia leaned down and placed her hand on Levi’s forehead, “You don’t feel feverish, are you hungry? I haven’t looked too closely at the food here, but I’m sure I could find something.” “I-uh, yeah that works. Thanks.” Levi rushed out and grabbed the clothes beside him before practically running out the room. Idahlia stared after him in confusion, he’s never acted like that before. ~~~~ Idahlia took it upon herself to make dinner for the two of them, while Levi thoroughly cleaned the house and the mud she trailed in. After fixing up some kind of stew with the ingredients she could find, Idahlia found herself sitting in front of the big stone fireplace trying to get some of the wood to light in order to provide some warmth in the otherwise chilly house. She kept trying, but none of her attempts were working. Huffing in frustration, she sat back on her heels and tossed the log down. “You weren’t holding the match right, you have to hold it at more of an angle.” She heard from behind her. Turning, she saw Levi leaning against the doorway watching her. “How long have you been standing there?” She asked curiously. Levi’s face burned a little bit as he stuttered out an answer, “Long enough to realize you were doing it wrong.” “Then why don’t you do it,” she scowled and gestured at the fireplace. Levi shrugged and walked over. He picked up the match and paused as he mumbled, “Why don’t I show you how to do it? Just so you know how to do it for next time, of course.” Idahlia nodded and smiled a little bit at him, which made Levi’s face burn brighter. She scooted in closer and waited for him to show her. But he just handed her the match and took her hands in his and ran them through the motions she would need to do in order to get the log lit. He paused before letting them go and gesturing for her to do it. To Idahlia’s surprise, it lit on the first try. She turned to him and smiled sweetly and Levi froze as their eyes met. Just then, they realized how close they really were. Their legs were touching and he could feel her breath fan his face. He jumped back and stood up quickly, dusting himself off. “Good-good job,” he stated. “Thank you, sir.” She paused as she looked at the fire, “Oh yeah! I made us food, I wanted to wait until you were done to eat it.” Levi stiffly nodded as he began walking into the kitchen. ~~~~ An odd silence swept over Levi and Idahlia as they were eating, not quite awkward but it seemed nobody wanted to speak as they were lost in thought. The rain was the only thing heard as the droplets bounced from the window. Idahlia took a few small bites and then gazed out the window. “Is there something on your mind?” Levi asked, observing her lack of eating. “Sir-” “Call me Levi,” he muttered and kept his eyes glued to his bowl. “Okay, Levi.” Idahlia smiled as she continued, “I was just thinking about my squad. I hope they’re okay.” Levi simply nodded, understanding her worry. “But, my mother always said that worrying makes you suffer twice.” Idahlia remembered, “So it’s not worth my time fretting over. I know they’re a strong team and Hange is a more than capable leader.” Levi nodded again and stayed silent for a few moments before speaking up, “What’s your family like?” “They were..chaotic. I was the second oldest in a family of eight. There were my parents, my older brother, then my three sisters and youngest brother. But we were happy, we really were. This food reminds me of something my mother and I would make on Sundays. Those were usually the days before we went shopping, so we had scraps and leftovers to make a meal out of.” Idahlia shook her head, “As much as I miss them, I’m glad I’m where I’m at now.” Levi looked at her and she glanced at him before continuing. “But..I’m the only one left now. Way back when the wall broke, me and my brother were playing by the river. Then titans started streaming in and we ran as fast as we could to get back to the house. All that was there when we arrived was blood.” She shook the memory from her head, “it was a horrific sight.” Both of them stayed silent as Idahlia sadly reminisced and Levi sat uncomfortably, not knowing how to comfort her or even react. “Idahlia..you don’t need to tell me anymore.” Levi said, looking at her in concern. She sniffled and wiped her eyes, not even realizing she was crying. “It’s alright, not many people know anyway.” “Your brother, where is he?” “He was in the garrison, but...got eaten at Trost.” “I..Idahlia, I’m so sorry.” Levi said genuinely, reaching across the small table and grabbing her hand. Idahlia glanced up at him and painfully smiled, “it’s okay, at least they’re safe. That can’t be guaranteed in this world. I just need to live every moment like it’s my last.” Levi nodded and got up without a word to rinse his bowl. Silence ensued once more, both of them reflecting as the sound of water dripping from the faucet filled the room. Levi cleared his throat, “I don’t know any of my family. My mother died when I was young and I got taken in by this man, Kenny. He wasn’t the most supportive figure in my life, but I learned how to survive in the Underground.” Idahlia got up next to him and dried the dishes as he washed and continued to speak, “I lived there most of my life until Erwin came and recruited me for the scouts. He said he saw something in me.” Idahlia smiled at that as Levi stopped washing and stood there in thought. “I-I met two of the greatest people in my life in the Underground, Isabel and Farlan. They were my best friends. Isabel, she was definitely energetic, but she was determined. Eren reminds me a lot of her. And Farlan, he..he was the most level-headed out of all of us. He was like my brother. And Erwin recruited all of us, we stayed together and trained. It was nice, we-we were like a little family.” Levi shook his head and slowly washed the dishes with his now shaky hands. “But that’s all gone now. They..they died and it was all my fault. I pushed them to keep fighting and we got ambushed by titans and they couldn’t survive.” Idahlia gently took the rag and dish from his hands as his knuckles turned white with his grip. “Levi, I’m so sorry.” But he only shook his head and turned away, walking outside the house. Idahlia wordlessly finished the dishes and went back to sit by the fire and read. ~~~~ Levi came back an hour or two later, his demeanor had changed back to the sharp glares and blank stares. As night fell, Levi and Idahlia found themselves occupying their time in silence, but also in comfortable company of one another. Idahlia was deep in a book as she sat in front of the fireplace with her knees hugged to her chest. While Levi was sitting in the corner chair cleaning and checking their gear. All of a sudden Idahlia jumped up and ran out of the room. Levi glanced up and shook his head in confusion, but had a small smile on his face despite it. A few moments later, Idahlia came back and walked over to Levi and grabbed his hand. “Close your eyes.” Levi frowned at her in suspicion, gripping her hand tighter to stop her from walking further. “Just trust me, you’re gonna love this.” She wholeheartedly reassured. He shook his head with a small smile at her antics and closed his eyes, letting Idahlia lead him. She let go of his hand and placed her hands on his shoulders and directed him into one of the dining room chairs. “Hold out your hands,” Idahlia said and he felt a warm cup in his palms. “Anddd open.” He looked down and saw he was holding a mug of hot tea, he glanced at Idahlia and she was now sitting next to him excitedly. He couldn’t help himself as he smiled at her again and held the mug in his signature way and brought it to his lips. Upon tasting it, he could tell the tea was old. But to his surprise, it had been made the exact way he liked. She must’ve remembered when I had her make me tea all those years ago. “What do you think?” Idahlia asked as she rested her chin in the palm of her hands and looked at Levi. He blushed and broke the eye contact quickly, “It-it’s good. Thank you.” Idahlia smiled as she nodded, “I know how much you like tea, I mean everyone does, but I made it for you quite a bit back in the day. And I found that in there a bit ago and thought of you. I hope it helped.” Levi let her ramble and then mumbled out a quiet “I appreciate it” as she stood up. Before leaving, she paused. “I forgot to tell you, but there’s only one bedroom. Meaning one bed. So we can take turns sleeping or I can sleep on the couch, whichever you prefer.” “I don’t sleep in a bed so it works out.” Idahlia turned back to him, “Where do you sleep then?” Levi kept his eyes on the cup he was holding, “I have a nice armchair back in my office I can sometimes sleep in.” “Well you’re in luck, there’s a comfortable chair in the bedroom too.” Levi finally looked over at Idahlia who looked like she was waiting for something. “I guess I could sleep there.” She smiled, satisfied with his answer and continued on her way. ~~~~ Idahlia found herself back in front of the fireplace reading again. Levi was outside again, this time checking the horses and making sure the perimeter was still safe. As he wandered back inside, he paused and smiled at the peaceful sight in front of him. Idahlia curled up by the fire with a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. Before he could realize it, Idahlia had looked up from reading and was staring at him. “Levi?” “Um, yes?” He stuttered out as he tried to appear nonchalant and like he wasn’t just staring at her. “Do you like to read?” Idahlia asked, closing her book. “Not particularly,” Levi replied, turning his back to her to cover up the embarrassment of being caught. “Well, can I read to you?” Levi froze, the last person he remembers reading to him was his mother. “I-” “You don’t have to, it was just a suggestion. Although it’s a lovely story, a girl finds her true love and it’s so sweet-” “Yes,” Levi paused and sat back down in his chair, “Please.” Idahlia smiled widely before opening the book back up and clearing her throat. “There were once these two girls, Meredith and Abigail…” Idahlia read on and on, while Levi sat in the rocking chair listening quietly. After a few minutes she paused and got up and moved to a spot on the floor next to Levi. He wouldn’t look at her until she began reading again, but when he did the view was breathtaking. The fire reflected warmth across her face as her eyes were bright with excitement. Her expressions were vivid as she read through the dialogue and she seemed to not be able to hold back a smile during the cute parts of the story. It was absolutely mesmerizing. God she’s beautiful. He thought to himself. ~~~~ A few hours went by before Idahlia stopped and decided to go to bed, she sat at the vanity in the bedroom when Levi walked in and took his spot in the small armchair. He watched as she took her braid out of her hair and brushed through it with her fingertips. He didn’t notice Idahlia could see him staring at her in the corner of the mirror. She just smiled and hummed to herself until she got her hair detangled. She walked to the bed and paused before looking at Levi, “If you change your mind about the bed, just wake me up. We don’t need you tired tomorrow, it’s gonna be a long day.” Levi nodded and didn’t take his eyes off his gear in an attempt to ignore his heart racing at her concern for his well being. Idahlia got under the covers and blew out the bedside lantern. She was quiet for a few minutes, the only thing being heard was Levi cleaning metal with a rag and the thunderstorm echoing through the field. “Levi?” “Yes?” “Why did you open up to me so easily?” Idahlia pondered as she laid under the blankets and stared at the ceiling. “I-I wanted to. You shared an important part of your life with me too,” He explained. “But you never open up like that to anyone, at least not with random people like me.” “You...you’re not a random person.” He mumbled, voice growing quieter. A small smile stuck to Idahlia’s face, “I see. Well, goodnight, Levi.” “Goodnight brat,” Levi mumbled back, leaning back in his chair and gazing out the window at the starry night sky. ~~~~ Idahlia’s eyes flew open and her heart raced as she lurched forward with a gasp. Her hair was plastered to her forehead and eyes were watery as she continued gasping for air. But her efforts were to no avail, instead it got worse. She started quietly sobbing and brought her knees to her chest in an attempt to muffle her crying and her thoughts and not wake Levi in the process. “Idahlia..?” “Le-Levi, I’m okay, you can go back to sleep.” She assured, despite her voice quivering as she spoke. “What happened? Is everything okay?” He questioned as he hurried from the chair to sit on the edge of the bed. She raised her head and met his eyes, their only source of light was the moon shining brightly through the window. Levi could see the panic and fear in her expression and immediately knew what was wrong. Nightmares. Everyone in the survey corps had them, it was just like the plague. Idahlia just kept her eyes trained on Levi’s and he took this opportunity to try and soothe her anxiety. “You’re safe, nothing is going to hurt you, okay?” Levi moved a little closer to her, “It was all just a dream. We’re perfectly fine right here.” Idahlia scooched in and filled the remaining distance between them and leaned her head on his shoulder, while Levi tensed, not used to someone touching him. Idahlia was silent for many moments before finally speaking up. “Levi, what if everyone thinks we’re dead? What-what if they’re dead? My squad members, I just left them there. God why would I do that, I just sent them to their-” “Hey, stop that.” Levi grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him, “You didn’t know we were gonna get separated from everyone else. They were near my squad too, if they stuck to the formation then they should’ve stayed safe.” “But you-you know accidents happen-” “Don’t. Don’t even start that, thinking of all the what if’s is pointless.” Levi said and laid her head back on his shoulder. “Nobody knew that titan was gonna jump out, it surprised all of us.” Idahlia hiccuped and nodded as they both gazed out the window at the stars. She moved her hand down and searched for Levi’s. Levi froze and stared at their conjoined hands as Idahlia played with his fingers idly. “You know Levi, you’re not stone cold like people say. I can see how kind you are deep down. This world has just caused you to mask that, it does that to all of us at some point.” “I’m still not a saint,” Levi muttered. Idahlia smiled gently and sniffled as she squeezed Levi’s hand. “Everyone does what they have to in order to survive.” Levi kept his eyes on their hands, rubbing a thumb across her knuckles. “Can you sleep in the bed with me? We don’t have to be close or anything, I just..want someone near me.” He nodded and let Idahlia guide him back into the bed. Although they remained apart while laying together, they both had the most peaceful sleep in a long time. ~~~~ Surprisingly, Idahlia woke up first. She sat up and stretched her arms, not noticing how Levi had gotten much closer during the night. She smiled as she gazed at his sleeping figure. Reaching down, she swept some of the hair from his eyes. She smiled as she glanced up at the big window. The stormy skies had cleared, making way for a bright sunny day. Except there was a massive shadow blocking the window. The shadow of a titan. It was a smaller one, but it was crouched in front of the window seemingly frozen as it stared at the pair. Idahlia tensed up and slowly moved her hand down to wake Levi. “Levi, wake up please. There’s a bit of a situation.” She shook his shoulder lightly. He only groaned in response, shifting a bit to block the light from his eyes. Idahlia began shaking him harder and his steely eyes burst open and looked right at her. “What do you want brat? I’m trying to sleep.” “That..” Idahlia pointed at the window with a shaky finger. Levi’s eyes widened as he followed it and he slowly sat up, keeping his eyes trained on the titan who hadn’t moved an inch but it’s dead eyes followed their every movement. Levi’s hand subconsciously wandered until it found hers, “When I count to three run to the living room and get your gear on as fast as you can. Then go outside and get on one of the big branches and wait, don’t worry about me. Just get yourself out as safely as possible.” Their eyes met as Idahlia nodded, she squeezed his hand in reassurance and waited for him to count. “One..” “Two..” “Three.” They took off like bullets to their gear. The second they ran out of the room, the titan seemed to gain all movement again. It’s arm shot out and broke the window in an attempt to grab them, but they were already in the living room. It continued pushing its arm around the room, knocking over furniture and sending objects flying, all in an attempt to get one of them, but after a few seconds it seemed to realize they weren’t coming back and made its way around the house. Idahlia put on her gear with shaky hands and kept fumbling over every buckle from the mixture of adrenaline and fear running through her. Levi turned to her, already having his gear on. They could hear the shaking of the ground as the titan stomped its way to them again. “Come here, quick.” He helped her with the buckles she was struggling with. “It’s gonna be okay, just get to that tree as fast as you can. I’ll be right out after you.” Idahlia nodded and watched for a second as Levi had gone back into the kitchen for something. She took a deep breath and centered herself before going to the door. Slowly, she opened it, keeping an eye out for the titan. The ground was muddy and wet with morning dew and the remnants of the rain storm the previous day. Once the coast was clear, she sprinted through the yard the best she could, as it was slippery, and readied her hooks and aimed for the highest branch on the closest tree. As she was flying, she heard the thundering of the titan’s run in an attempt to grab her. Idahlia breathed with relief as she thought she made it far enough away. But the titan leapt through the air and swatted her like a fly before she could make it to the tree. A scream ripped from Idahlia’s throat as she fell through the air. She tried to regain control and grapple to the tree, but the titan grabbed her from midair. Idahlia froze as she was brought closer to the titans mouth, I can’t go out like this. Her hands shook as she stabbed at its chubby hands with dull blades in an attempt to get it off, but its grip was deathly. The longer she struggled, the more lightheaded and weak she got. Her attempts to fight it off were becoming feeble as it opened its mouth and brought her nearer. “NO!” Idahlia seemed to find her voice again as she screamed and cried, “Please no!” Suddenly, a blade flew from below and cut her from the titans hand. Time seemed to slow as she fell to the ground. Levi flew past her and hacked at the titan’s nape and the giant crumbled. Idahlia landed on the ground roughly with a cry, immediately feeling thousands of pricks of pain throughout her whole body. Levi rushed to Idahlia in a panic, “I-I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have sent you out here by yourself, that was stupid-” Idahlia weakly laughed, “It’s not your fault, that thing was like a kangaroo” Levi shook his head in response and ran his hands over Idahlia’s limbs and torso to check for blood or bones sticking out. Once satisfied, he lifted her up into a sitting position and gave her his canteen to which she accepted gratefully. “What’s the situation looking like doc?” Idahlia winced as she sat up a little straighter. “Thankfully, your legs and arms are okay and there’s no external blood. But I can only imagine you broke at least a few ribs and bruised your abdomen, especially since that titan had a death grip on you and you fell at least four meters down.” Levi flushed once he realized he had been rambling and running his hands over her body. Birds started squawking and fleeing the forest as the ground had begun shaking lightly, signalling one thing. More titans. Levi hoisted Idahlia to her feet and hurried to get their horses from the stables, "Quickly. This place isn’t safe anymore.” ~~~~ The journey through the forest was long, every turn looked the same and Idahlia was basically out of commission due to her injuries. She remained slumped over her horse's reins and kept groaning in pain due to her body getting jostled at every movement. Levi stayed close by so she didn’t hurt herself more, but that only caused him to be more distracted and therefore more lost. “Idahlia,” Levi called and she jerked her head up in an attempt to seem more attentive, “Let’s rest a bit, we’ve lost the titans that were behind us for now.” Idahlia only grunted in response and shakily slid off her horse and stumbled against a tree. Levi guided her down to sit and passed her water and the small amount of rations they had left. “I-Idahlia, can I check your torso?” Levi stopped and tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach. “You’ve probably broken a rib, so we might need to wrap your abdomen.” Idahlia nodded and stripped her shirt off without wasting a second. Levi froze, not expecting her to be so forward. He moved closer and avoided her eyes. But she kept them closed as she sighed and leaned her head back onto the tree. Levi directed his gaze to Idahlia’s stomach, not her chest, although looking at her stomach didn’t do anything to stop his face from turning bright red. Her stomach had dark bruising wrapping around her body and back. He ran his fingers along her ribcage gently as he tried feeling for broken bones. Idahlia hissed in pain and jerked away. “Sorry,” Levi breathed quietly, “That’s one broken rib.” This process continued until he had checked the entirety of her ribs, finding too many broken bones for comfort. “I need to wrap it now, it’ll be tight but it’s going to keep you from hurting yourself more.” Idahlia opened an eye and watched Levi dig through a bag in search of bandages. She laughed dryly and closed her eyes again. “What’s so funny?” Levi asked as he got closer. “You’re like a nurse,” Idahlia smiled, “It’s quite cute.” Levi’s hands froze right where he had begun wrapping them, “I..” he stuttered and felt his face grow hot once again. “I’m just messing with you, although I really do appreciate this.” Idahlia admitted. Levi just nodded and kept to his work, now in a hurry to get done and get back on the horses. After Idahlia was secure, they began their journey to the base where everyone else was staying to rest during the mission. The sun was slowly setting as they reached a break in the woods. Idahlia had managed to stay alert the best she could given the condition she was in. Her head and body ached as she kept her eyes on the horizon as they barreled through a field. BOOM. BOOM. BOOM. They tensed up as their eyes searched for each other knowing exactly what was causing that sound. Titans. Levi simply nodded at Idahlia as they took off faster than they had all day. They veered off the path in an attempt to confuse the titan running behind them, but it only kept up, if not getting a little closer. Idahlia cracked the reins, but her horse couldn’t keep up the pace, tired from running all day. “Levi!” Levi’s head snapped to her as he saw his worst fear come to life. A titan was mere feet behind Idahlia as she was struggling to escape. Her fearful eyes met his and she was flung from her horse due to the animal's panic. Idahlia flew off her horses back and hit the ground hard. She laid there frozen as the abnormal titan sprang past her with it’s mouth opened and swallowed her horse in one bite. Levi was to her side in an instant, he pulled her to her feet and pushed her to his horse and mouthed “go.” She hesitated as she watched Levi sprint towards the beast and rip off his cape. He shot into the air and came down on it’s nape and in a split second, it was dead. But Levi kept hacking at it and cutting its limbs and slicing its flesh. It felt like an eternity before he had stopped and almost immediately began to inspect Idahlia for injuries. “I’m fine,” she said as she pushed him away as he was covered in blood. Levi just stared at her with an incredulous look on his face, You’re fine?! We’re stranded in the middle of a forest and we have no gas to use our gear and now you’re without a horse. Not to mention you were flung from it while it was galloping quite fast and you’re now hurt more than before.” She just shrugged in response and took more of an interest in the grass below their feet, not quite wanting to argue with the furious man. “How can you stand there like that? You’re thrown off your horse, almost eaten by a titan. AND THEN YOU DON’T LEAVE WHEN I TOLD YOU TO.” Levi shouted, red in the face. “DO YOU NOT REALIZE HOW RECKLESS THAT WAS?” Something in Idahlia snapped and she finally mustered up the courage to look him right in the eye, “Well if that hadn’t happened, then I’d be dead. Which maybe you’d prefer by the way you’re sounding right now.” She calmly spat and started walking - hobbling - to Levi’s horse as she climbed on and continued in the direction they were previously headed. “HEY! GET BACK HERE!” Levi yelled, to which Idahlia only gave him an obscene hand gesture and kept on her way. ~~~~ Levi trailed after Idahlia and gave her space as she stubbornly refused to be anywhere near him. He kept an eye out for any dangers, as she was now quite injured and vulnerable, but also incredibly stubborn. After the sun had fully set, he noticed she had stopped at a tree and was drifting off in a shallow sleep. He hurried after her, wanting to make sure she was still breathing. When he made his way over, he noticed her shivering figure and pulled off his cape and laid it across her body. Once he was satisfied, he used the remaining blade he had to cut tree limbs and start a pitiful fire in order to provide some source of light and warmth. Levi kept glancing at Idahlia every so often as if to double check she was still there and safe. “You scared me out there,” He mumbled out loud to no one in particular, “I was weak and now you’re hurt. I feel so powerless and I hate it.” The night hours went by tediously and soon the sun had risen and Idahlia’s eyes fluttered open. She sat up and saw Levi sitting rigidly with his back to her and the remnants of a fire in front of him. “Did you sleep any?” Idahlia asked as she rubbed the tiredness from her eyes. He shook his head and stayed facing away from her, “How do you feel?” Idahlia paused and winced as she stretched out her body, “Um, not the best.” He finally turned and blankly studied her, staying silent for a few moments as the tension in the air got thicker and thicker. They both sat there observing one another, waiting for someone to break the quiet. “Levi look-” “No.” He interrupted, “Listen. When I saw that titan about to eat you, I..I froze. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t do anything. I was weak and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” He finished and ashamedly kept his gaze on his hands and fidgeted with his fingers. Unsure what to say Idahlia shifted closer to Levi and wrapped him in a hug. He tensed up immensely and she began to pull away thinking she crossed his boundaries. But he only pulled her back in and held her tighter than before. He felt her put her face in his neck and sigh contentedly. They stayed like that for what felt like hours, having the hug portray the emotions they couldn’t say out loud. Eventually their arms loosened and they pulled away, keeping each other at arm's length as they maintained eye contact. Levi’s stomach was doing somersaults as he gazed into Idahlia’s eyes. She softly smiled and finally looked away, trying to cover up the blush that was now covering her face. Levi quickly stood up and rubbed his arm. “I, uh, we only have one horse.” “We’re both fairly small, we should fit. Idahlia stated, standing up as well while Levi looked at her wildly. She glanced at him and gave him a questioning look. “I don’t see the problem with it.” Levi bit the inside of his lip and nodded before walking to their horse. ~~~~ They had managed to stay awake and alert the whole time back to the base without anymore titan incidents. The only incidents that had happened was Idahlia having intense dizzy spells and almost swaying off the horse. That is before Levi managed to get a grip on her shoulders and wrap an arm around her waist to keep her steady. When they got in sight of the people on watch at the small cluster of houses, everyone began yelling to get Erwin’s attention. “It’s Captain Levi!” “Wait, who’s that with him?” “That’s Idahlia from Hange’s squad!” “They’re safe!” It seemed Levi had turned back on his stony facade as he began barking orders at the cadets. “Someone get her to the infirmary.” He demanded as he gently helped Idahlia from his horse and passed her to the cadets. “Where’s Erwin?” “Behind you, sir.” Levi turned and saw Erwin casually making his way over to him, standing as proud and strong as ever. “Ah, Levi. I see you made it back in one piece.” Erwin stated as he stood with his hands behind his back and a small smile on his face. Levi looked to him, “Of course.” Erwin gestured for Levi to follow him, “Come on, you must tell Hange and the others about how you survived. Plus you’ve got paperwork to do.” Levi simply nodded, but his attention was elsewhere. His gaze followed the cadets and Idahlia as they led her to the infirmary. ~~~~ “So what you’re telling me is you found an abandoned cabin, then a titan found you so you had to flee and then you just happened to find the base?” Hange reiterated. “Yes.” Levi nodded. “And you both somehow made it out alive?” They asked again. “Yes, four-eyes what’s so hard to understand about this.” He sighed and gripped his nose in aggravation. “Nothing, nothing. I just can’t see how she was able to deal with you and actually survive it.” They laughed at their own joke while Levi rolled his eyes. “What did you guys even do in that cabin?” “I-what?” Levi whipped his head around to see Hange smiling suspiciously. “Hange. Leave him be,” Erwin scolded, though he seemed to have been holding back a laugh of his own. An hour went by of them questioning Levi on everything that happened and updating him on the current state of the mission. When he was able to get a moment away from them, he rushed to the infirmary. He tried to act nonchalant as he asked a nurse where Idahlia was. Upon figuring it out, he opened a curtain and spotted her laying on a bed in deep sleep. She had a washcloth on her head and a bandage wrapped around her skull. A nurse passed by and he grabbed her arm and asked her what was wrong. “She has a concussion, could barely walk without people holding her up. Then she passed out on the bed here, so we checked her ribs and she has lots of bruising and a few broken bones. But other than that, she’s fine. She just needs lots of rest.” Levi nodded as he pulled a chair up to the side of the bed. He sat there for a bit, making sure Idahlia was still safe. He watched her sleeping face, noticing how peaceful she looked. He reached into his bag and pulled out the book she was reading to him a few days prior. He opened it back up to where they left off, “Meredith lay on her back watching the clouds, while Abigail played the lyre. A beautiful melody filled her ears as she hummed along. Abigail stopped playing as they made eye contact, the world around them faded as they slowly began to lean in.” “Levi?” Idahlia groaned as her eyes fluttered open. He put the book down and was at her side in an instant. “Yeah, it’s me. Do you need anything?” She closed her eyes and gestured at the wide curtain letting in bright light, “Curtains.” Levi quickly closed them and sat back down, waiting for her to say something. But she only laid there with her arm over her eyes. She stayed that way for a little bit before popping her head back up and looking at him, “Are you gonna keep reading or no?” “Um, yeah. On it” He grabbed the book from the side table and opened it where he had left off and began reading. It felt like hours went by as he read to her, her laying there and listening diligently. Eventually, Levi reached the end and closed the book softly, gazing at the ground. “What did you think?” Idahlia asked with a gentle smile on her face as she watched him. His ears turned pink as he looked anywhere but at her, “It was good.” “Yeah it was.” She agreed, “So that’s what was in that bag.” Levi nodded slightly and set the book on the side table. “I knew how much you enjoyed it and I figured you’d want to finish it.” Idahlia reached out for his hand and ran her thumb across his knuckles, “Thank you, Levi.” “You-you’re welcome.” He replied, face turning redder and redder the more he focused on their conjoined hands. “Knock, knock.” Hange spoke as they peeked behind the hospital curtains. Levi jumped to his feet and kept his hands behind his back in an attempt to cover up any affection between the two of them. Hange only smiled before speaking again, “Good news Idahlia, you’re going to be released tomorrow, per my request. But you can’t train or do any hard labor for two weeks until you heal.” Idahlia sat up and smiled widely, “That’s great! Can I visit the squad?” “Of course,” Hange nodded as they turned to Levi, “Would you care to keep Idahlia company as she goes? Safety precautions, you know.” Levi curtly nodded and walked out of the closed off room. Hange turned back to Idahlia with a grin, “What’s wrong with shorty?” Idahlia shrugged and glanced around before adding, “Between the two of us, he’s been acting off ever since we found that cabin.” Hange’s grin got even wider, if possible, “Hm. I’ll have to question him some more about that later. But for now, you go see everyone. We’re regrouping and will be headed back to HQ within two days.” Idahlia nodded before bouncing out of bed, “Thanks so much Captain!” She ran out of the room yelling for Levi to find him and drag him along to see her squad. Hange only shook their head and smiled at the sight. Levi’s got himself a little crush. ~~~~ After Idahlia caught up with her squad and made sure each of them were safe and well fed, she finally wandered to get some food for herself. “About time you eat, I almost dragged you away from them.” Levi muttered. “You’re like their mother. “Hey! They are like my children, I have to make sure they’re all doing okay.” Idahlia defended. Levi snorted and shook his head as they walked over to get a tray. He made sure to pile more than enough food on your plate. “Slow down there, short-stack. I don’t need quite that much food.” Levi froze looking at her, “What did you call me?” Idahlia realized her mistake and blankly stared at him, Is this the part where I run or apologize? “I-I’m sorry, it slipped out. I didn’t mean it-” Levi huffed and slammed the spoon down, “Fine. You can get your own food.” “Wait! Levi!” She put her tray down and stumbled after him. “It was only a joke-” She wasn’t aware of Levi standing right outside the door when she swung it open and ran straight into him, causing both of them to fall into a heap on the ground. “Oh my, I’m sorry!” Idahlia profusely apologized as she quickly got off him and grabbed his arm to help him back up. Levi only stared at her as she rambled off apologies.“Sir, why are you looking at me like that?” Levi yanked his arm from her grip and walked away, both of them sporting a heavy blush. “Wait, no! Come back.” Idahlia shouted as she ran after him a second time. Levi groaned and turned back to her, “Fine. Follow me, brat.” He ordered as he roughly grabbed her hand and pulled her after him. They went down the hallway with Idahlia stumbling after Levi. Despite being short, the man can sure walk fast, she thought. They eventually made their way outside after quite a few abrupt turns and finally behind a secluded tent. Both Idahlia and Levi stood there while an awkward tension filled the air. Idahlia played with the ends of her shirt and dug the toe of her boot into the dirt, trying to figure out how to start the conversation, despite not knowing what Levi dragged her out here to talk about. “So..?” Idahlia prompted, gesturing for him to begin speaking, “You didn’t drag us out here to get cold feet.” Levi gave her an attempted cold stare, one that just withered away into an uncomfortable grimace. “This is already hard enough, don’t make it more difficult.” “Levi, I’m confident in saying I have absolutely no idea what you’re saying.” Idahlia giggled at his behavior. Levi looked up at her, his face flushed pink. He didn’t make any attempt to cover it up, he just gazed at Idahlia’s face. She felt herself growing hotter with each passing second he watched her. “You’re so beautiful.” Levi murmured and brought his hand up to her cheek, gently rubbing it with his thumb. Idahlia’s face turned bright red and she felt herself leaning into his touch more and more. She smiled before mumbling, “I was thinking the same thing about you Ackerman.” Levi’s face burned brighter, if that were possible, and she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a tight hug. One the pair didn’t let go of for a while, content in each other's embrace. Idahlia started giggling and pulled away, covering her mouth with her hand. Levi’s eyes widened as he smelled himself. But her laughter didn’t let up, it only got more profuse after she watched Levi lift an arm and sniff his underarms. Levi eventually joined in, with a few chuckles of his own before settling with a smile. “What’s so funny?” “You-you like me,” Idahlia stuttered out in between laughs, now sitting on the ground clutching her stomach, “Humanity’s Strongest has fallen for me. Me. Of all people.” Levi lightly sat next to her, not sure if she was making fun of him or being earnest. “I..of course I do,” He stated as if it were obvious. Idahlia reached over and patted his cheek, “You really are cute, Captain.” Levi blushed at the comment and rolled his eyes, trying to keep his dignity. “Come here,” he mumbled as he pulled her in and their lips met. Idahlia’s laughter abruptly stopped and her eyes widened before fluttering closed and losing herself in the kiss. Levi brought his hands up to cup her cheeks and Idahlia wrapped her arms around his shoulders to bring him closer. They pulled away after a few moments, Idahlia leaned her forehead against Levi’s as they caught their breath. “That..that was the best kiss I’ve ever had.” Levi only blushed at the compliment and pulled away. He stood and grabbed Idahlia’s hand to pull her up with him. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. Idahlia only giggled at the affection. “Is it safe to assume you feel the same about me?” Levi pondered. “Oh definitely not,” Idahlia deadpanned as she leaned against a nearby tree. Levi’s hopeful expression fell and he let go of her hand. “I guess I’ll-” He began before being interrupted by her giggling again. “What are you laughing at now?” He questioned exasperatedly. “You’re just so cute,” Idahlia smiled and brought her hand to his cheek and pulled him in for another kiss. “So that’s a yes?”

[tloujm]

Part VI: Future Days

Author’s Notes: My favorite chapter because Joel freaking playing the guitar! and singing? Ughh! Timewise, a year has passed since Part V so the season is back to fall/autumn.

Genre: Is it fluff or is it angst? Both?

Summary: After the break up, you had no desire to see or speak to Joel. You became close to your new friends and moved out on your own. Joel couldn’t take how much he missed you, so he came over to serenade you. Needless to say, it messed with your feelings. Despite that, there were still unsettled matters between the two of you and that meant having a grown up discussion with him. 

Ship: Joel x Reader

For a year, you avoided Joel like the plague. In turn, things became awkward with Tommy and Maria. You only spoke to them when it came to official settlement business. When Joel had told Tommy about everything, the younger brother promised to keep the secret. Maria, however, guilted it out of him. As a result, she felt sympathy toward you. Still, you kept your distance. You became close with a group of people who you began patrolling with after switching shifts. You also started taking shifts in the main watchtower. 

No one in Jackson other than Joel, Tommy and Maria knew you were immune, so even your closest friends didn’t know the depth of why you and Joel broke up. The two of you always seemed like an odd match on paper, but in real life, had a way of complimenting each other, which caused townsfolk to envy your relationship. At some point, you got your own place and moved out of your friend’s. You loved Jackson and the people within it, but almost everything tied back to Joel there and you wanted to free your mind of him. You so much as contemplated moving outside the walls of Jackson and living on a farm. It was a conflicting thought because you promised him that you would stay if he told the truth. 

One night, you were relaxing in your new home after a long day. The music was playing from an old boombox and you were mindlessly drawing in your notebook. A knock on the door was heard. You told them that they could come in. You knew everyone in Jackson and trusted them in your home. You didn’t, however, expect Joel to come in. You looked him up and down. The first thing that drew you was his hair. It was longer. You noticed that he’d been growing it out as the months got colder. Now that he was in front of you, you could see that it was slightly grayer as well. He was wearing a worn out, olive green button down. It was tucked into his equally worn out jeans. He looked so tired. 

“Hey.” You said awkwardly. 

“Hey.” Joel repeated in that gravelly yet soft voice only he had.

“What’s up, Joel?” You finally asked after silence had sat in the air for a moment. He fiddled with a piece of decor that he recognized from your shared house.

“Tommy and I went riding the other day and he, uh,” He let out a light chuckle. “He told me a joke and I...I thought about you. It’s um....” He looked off into the distance trying to remember. “Oh shoot, now I done forgot it. Uh...somethin’ about a clock.” He was frustrated at his lack of memory. You could tell he was nervous. He should be, you thought to yourself. 

“You came by to tell me a joke?” You asked. He looked up at you with doe eyes. You weren’t sure if he was going to say something, but you decided to speak up anyway. “It’s pretty late, Joel.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. I’m gonna get outta your hair. I just um…” He looked behind him at the door. “I wanna...wanna show you somethin’. Just gimme a second.” He ran out the door. You closed your notebook for the night. 

You heard the door open again, so you looked back up. “What’s this?”

“Some folks call this thing here a gee-tar.” He walked in holding the stringed instrument. He knew your question was sarcastic, but he still played into it. Immediately, you noticed that it looked different from the one he found a while back.

“Is that the one you’d been building?” You asked with genuine curiosity.

He nodded. “Mmmhmmm.” It was beautiful. You contemplated telling him that. Emotions started to flood as memories of watching him work on it came to mind. It took all you had to push them to the side so he wouldn’t see. “You wanna hear somethin’?” He looked to you.

“Okay.” You said barely loud enough for him to hear.

“Okay.” He repeated with feigned confidence. He sat down on the couch across from the armchair you were in. “Promise me that you won’t laugh.” You thought it was a rhetorical request and that he was just going to start playing, but he paused and looked up at you. His eyes locked with yours for the first time in God knows how long. Waiting for a reply, you silently drew a cross on over your heart. “I’m trustin’ you.” He mumbled before pulling his gaze down to the metal strings between his fingers. He took a deep breath then started playing. “If I ever were to lose you, I’d surely lose myself.” When he began to sing, you were taken aback. Despite sharing his dreams with you, he had never shared his actual singing voice. “Everything I have found here, I’ve not found by myself. Try and sometimes you’ll succeed to make this man of me. All of my stolen, missing parts, I’ve no need for anymore. ‘Cause I believe and I believe ‘cause I can see. Our future days. Days of you and me.” His voice was low and velvety. It wasn’t perfect, but it was raw and it appealed to you. The lyrics hit home with every word he sang. You could hear the emotion in his voice and it plucked at your heart strings. The emotional memories began to flood back and this time you couldn’t stop it. Tears streamed down your cheeks as you noticed that he was playing with his eyes closed. He finished the verse and strummed a few more chords before letting the strings settle. “Well, there you go.” He looked up, but not quite at you, focusing somewhere on your shirt. You were grateful for this because your face was completely wet with tears at that point. You had the sudden impulse to run over and just attach yourself to him. In your mind, you imagined a weaker version of yourself knocking him over with your embrace; your legs straddling his waist, your arms around his neck, your mouth next to his ear. You imagined a weaker self making up with him right then and there on your couch where he sat. Instead, you continued to sit across from him. You breathed in with a sniffle, causing him to actually look at you.

“Joel,” You breathed his name. He watched you with eager eyes, hungry for your next words. “That didn’t suck.” You finally said with a soft smile. 

He breathed out a laugh. “I’ll take what I can get.” He ran his hand across the guitar before holding it out for you to take. “She’s yours.”

“No,” You protested. “I can’t! This is your baby.” He opened his mouth to speak but held his tongue to ponder. He propped the guitar up against the wall. “I promised I would teach you how to play.” 

“You did.” You almost whispered. He gazed down at you with loving eyes.

“So what do you say, tomorrow night? First lesson?” He knew it might be too soon after he just poured his heart out to you, but he couldn’t help but take a chance. 

“I have a long day tomorrow actually. Then the day after that, I’m covering Wendy at the daycare.” You told him sorrowfully. It was the truth; you liked to keep busy. Part of you was ok with that, though, because you didn’t know if you could handle seeing him again so soon. Being so close to him so soon.

“Oh.” He began. “Maybe another time then.” You nodded your head.

“Hey,” You caught him before he left. He turned around in the doorway to face you again. “Did you remember the joke?” He leaned against the door frame and smiled, happy that he got to stay a little longer. He remembered the joke alright, but pretended to think as a way to stay in your presence longer.

He feigned an aha moment. “What is the downside to eating a clock?” You looked off in the distance to genuinely think of an answer before shrugging. “It’s time consuming.” He said with a twang of charm in his voice.

You chuckled. You always found corny dad jokes funny. “That’s so dumb.”

“Yeah.” He mumbled while gazing at you.

You let him for a moment longer before breaking the silence. “Goodnight.”

He grabbed the door knob. “G’night, (Y/N). You gave him a tight lined smile and watched as he closed the door behind him. 

After almost a month of rescheduling with him, you decided to give him a visit. It had to be without your new guitar this time. You couldn’t move on and do frivolous things with him without having a grown up talk first. You hadn’t realized how much time went by since the ultimatum until he came to visit. You hadn’t meant for so much time to go by, but the healing did not come as soon as expected. Everyday felt the same; no moving forward from what he did. 

One evening, you mustered up the courage to have that talk. You found him strumming away on the porch. Quietly, you walked up the wooden stairs in an attempt to not disturb the melodic tune. As soon as you entered his peripheral, he stopped playing.

“Hey.” Joel spoke softly. He sat down the guitar and focused on you.

“Hey.” You greeted back. You walked up to the front of the porch and leaned up against the wooden railing. He followed suit. You watched him pick up a mug. “What are you drinking?”

“Coffee.” He looked down at the dark liquid. “Not the one you got me for my birthday. A little embarrassed as to what I had to do to get this, but, ” He shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. “It's not bad.” Joel tried to ration the jar of coffee beans that you gave him, but the break up stressed him out which led him to find comfort in frequent cups of coffee. 

“I need you to stop harassing Jesse about my patrols. I do just fine with the group I’m with.” You blurted out. Before Joel visited you that night, Jesse mentioned in passing how Joel would ask him a ton of questions about you and your patrols.

“Okay.” He agreed before pausing. “Y’all are close, huh.” He took a sip of his drink.

“Who? Jesse and me?”

“I hear the way he talks about you.” You scoffed and rolled your eyes. “I have a pretty keen eye for these sorts of things.” He said with a hint of humor in his voice to mask the pain.

“Well, you must be going blind.”

“I am really old.”

“Joel,” You sighed. “No, you’re not.” You said seriously. 

“Jesse is closer to your age---” He tried to reason.

“Joel,”

“I wouldn’t blame you if you two were...Look, I don’t know what his intentions are, but I do know that he would be damn lucky to have you.” 

“We’re not together.” You said before pausing. “You’re such an asshole! I was supposed to die in that fucking hospital!”

“I’m not trying to---” He tried to speak up.

“My life would have fucking mattered, but you took that from me!” You let out a breath to calm your boiling blood. You turned to Joel as he stood up straight.

“If somehow the Lord gave me a second chance at that moment,” He turned to look directly at you. Your eyes scanned his for any trace of remorse. “I would do it all over again.” Joel emphasized each word with a level of intensity. He gave you his famous glare to drive home his point. You looked away from him and thought about what he just confessed to you. “Those Fireflies refused to let me see you after I woke up in one of their hospital beds. I snuck through the hospital trying to find you. I ended up in the office of the doctor that was going to kill you. Files were opened on his desk. I looked through them.” Joel shook his head before leaning against the railing again. “They died, (Y/N). All the other people that they experimented on died. No, they weren’t immune; you were the only one. But, (Y/N), I have a feeling those folks didn’t choose to be there on their own. What I do know for sure was that nothing ever came of their deaths. They weren’t going to get any closer to a cure or vaccine with you than they were with any of the others.” His confident demeanor began to falter as he took in a shaky breath. 

“Then what happened?”

“I found you right before they were going to operate and I got us out of there.”

“The ‘Joel’ fashioned way, right?” You asked, in an attempt to make him feel remorse.

“I’m sorry that I lied to you, but I’m not sorry for what I did. All I wanted to do was protect you and they would have come back to kill you if I hadn’t.” 

You caught yourself before you started to cry. “I don’t think I can ever forgive you for that. Any of it.” You looked at him only for a moment before tears began to fall down your face. You looked away. He couldn’t bring himself to look at you either. “God.” You mumbled, deep in thought. “But I would like to try.”

Joel let out a shaky breath as if he was about to cry too. “I’d like that.”

“Okay. I’ll see you around.”

“Yep.” He responded with a lump in his throat. You could hear it in the way his voice cracked. You never heard his voice break like that before. Your heart ached as you walked down the wooden steps. 

[watchtower-feed]

Waynesitter and Favorites

Notes: Oh hey an actual fic this time. I’ve been feeling under the weather for the past few days and DDWP part 11 is heavy on the heart so I can’t do it in one sitting. Is that a spoiler or a teaser? Anyway, here’s something light for now. Words: 2,085

     “Okay, but who’s your favorite?”

     They've been asking you this for a long time now. You’ve been expertly dodging their questions but even Damian has started to be persistent that you’re finding it harder and harder to just say, “I hate all of you, let’s start there.”

     “Jason.”

     Cass answers suddenly which catches the attention of the whole room. Jason stares at her as a growing blush slowly covers his whole face.

     “Wait.” Dick is visibly flabbergasted but more upset. He points a finger at Cass, “Is that Y/N’s answer or-“

     “Mine,” she answers with a smile.

     “Why?” Tim asks, sounding skeptical and a little outraged.

     Cass places a finger below her lips and looks up, listing things in her head for a moment. Jason is the easy choice for her. She knows that when death comes knocking for one of them, he won’t bat an eyelid to kill the harbinger. Cass needs that. She needs someone to do what she can’t do.

     There are other reasons, too, smaller ones. Like how Jason is a brute but he’s tender when he’s applying first aid on her wounds. How he quotes books she’s never read. How he sings while he cooks.

     “Because he’s the most handsome,” she teases and you’re already hating her for the chaos that ensues.

     If you think Dick was offended before, now he looks like Cass just stepped on his grave. “Lies,” he hisses.

     Cass snickers which eggs him even more. Tim’s frowning when looks to you, “I always thought I was her favorite…” he says trying to sound nonchalant but failing.

     “Tim,” you look at him with a straight gaze, “If I had a daughter, you’re the only one I would introduce her to.” Tim practically straightens his body in joy. You point your finger at him and wink, “So you better make sure you get her into an Ivy League.”

     Tim rolls his eyes and groans. 

     You chuckle. You weren’t lying though. Tim is the most dependable and responsible out of everyone in the manor. He’s not great at taking care of himself, God knows he goes days without sleeping and won’t notice until he passes out, but whenever he sees someone injured or just plain exhausted, he goes into full big brother mode.

     “I knew it! You just want me for my brains.”

     “At least you get Y/N’s daughter! Cass won’t even acknowledge that I’m the most fun and loving brother!” Dick quickly turns to Jason with the distaste of a childhood rival, “You’ve been quiet. You must feel so smug right now.”

     Jason pretends to inspect his cuticles, “What was that? I can’t hear you over all the handsomeness I’m emitting.”

     Someone tugs on your sleeve and you see Damian sitting next to you now. He half covers his mouth to whisper something to you, “I know I’m your favorite.”

     You twitch a little, “Really? How so?”

     “You always see me last before you leave.”

     Half true. Damian is the only one living at the manor full time so you always see him. He’s also still a child so you always have to check on him before you leave, making sure he’s still on the property and not out of the country without Bruce’s knowledge like that one time—

     “I also overheard you talking to Alfred.”

     Okay. Guilty. Whenever Alfred comes back early, he asks you how you are and you would always go into these rants about everything they did. You love them as much as you hate them but ever since you first met Damian, you’ve always had a soft spot for him, so everything he does is almost endearing to you.

     He was in the garden with the dog when Lucius first dropped you off at the manor. You watched this stern little kid try to talk the dog into sitting down, gesturing the proper movement for the action, and staring Titus down like a boarding school principal.

     But Titus did sit down and the wide and bright smile on Damian was too precious. He was beaming so hard that for a second there he lost his composure. You knew right then and there that this kid deserves more love than he can handle.

     You place your finger on your lips and whisper, “Don’t tell them.”

     “What’s this?” Jason calls out loudly, “Damian and Y/N are conspiring with each other.”

     “It’s none of your business, Todd.”

     “You’re bribing her, aren’t you?”

     “Jason, you already have Cass. Stop being so greedy,” Dick replies, obviously still wounded. 

     “Who’s your favorite?” Cass suddenly asks him. You almost want to hug her. Of course, the best way to nurse an emotionally hurting Dick Grayson is by giving him the upperhand.

     Dick is already grinning as his eyes sweep around the room. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

     “That’s why she asked, Dick,” Tim answers, almost bored of this topic.

     “We don’t wanna know,” Jason adds.

     “No. No. I’ll tell you.” He looks around, taking in the suspense that was slowly building. “It’s…” Dick takes his time looking at all of you.

     “Any day, Richard,” you mock.

     “You know what?” Dick crosses his arms and pretends to be hurt but the grin on his face is giving him away. “I don’t want to tell you.”

     Jason groans and Tim just rests his head on the back of the sofa. You and Cass smile because it’s such a typical Dick thing to do, and it finally got everyone off your back.

     “Have you all gone deaf?” Alfred pokes his head under the living room doorway. “I’ve been calling the lot of you for dinner for 5 minutes. Even master Bruce is already at the table.”

     “Bruce!” everyone simultaneously yells out. Cass and the boys leap over the couch to get to the dining room, surprising and angering Alfred as they pass him.

     “Goodness-- It’s like living with wild animals.”

     “I’ve been telling you that since my first day!” you whine as you walk to the dining room.

     Alfred grins at you, “We both know you’ve grown fond of them.”

     As you get closer, their riotous goating of Bruce got louder.

     “Come on, Bruce! You can’t not have a favorite!”

     “The moment you tell us it’s not Dick, then we’ll be happy.”

     “Stuff you, Jason. Just because you’re definitely not in the running doesn’t mean you can drag me down.”

     “You’re all wasting your breath. Of course, I’m his favorite. I’m his real son.”

     The room suddenly goes quiet. This was the worst time to enter. Cass, Tim, Jason, and Dick are staring at Damian, and then they roll their eyes and fill the room with a collective ‘oooh’.

     “Look at me! I’m Damian! I’m his son!” Jason sways his hips as he mocks.

     “Look, I have my father’s eyebrows,” teases Dick.

     “Being his son means he’s obligated to love you, you know.”

     “Shut up, Drake!”

     Bruce turns to you and you’ve never seen so many worry lines on the cool and collected millionaire until this moment. He’s practically begging you to help him. “Um,” you say out loud, trying to drown their voices, “Cass is definitely the best girl here!”

     They all turn to you. Alfred leaves you to sit at the table with the rest of them. Traitor you almost want to mutter. He gives you a look saying good luck because you’re digging your own grave.

     “I mean, isn’t she though?” You walk over to Cass and hug her from behind. “If you guys ever got caught, like really caught, and I mean like you can’t fight your way out, or your talk your way out, who would you call first?”

     The boys look at each other and think for a moment. Some of them nod and purse their lips. Cass holds onto your arms and turns to her side to kiss you on the cheek. You immediately smile and feel giddy that you lean your cheeks against each other. That was enough to calm everyone down because if anyone would dare ruin the moment none of them would be leaving the table alive.

     Dinner lasted longer than usual. You yawn as you walk to the door with Dick.

     “Want me to drop you off on my way to Bludhaven?”

     You nod quickly, “You’re an angel.” He chuckles but you quickly remember something. “One sec.”

     As soon as you go back into the house, Damian’s standing there. “You almost forgot me.”

     “I could never.” You lift Damian in your arms and carry him off to his room, an extraordinary milestone that took you a month to reach. 

     “You tired, Dami?” He’s nodding off against your shoulders but still manages to suppress a yawn. You enter his room and lay him down on his bed. “What are you doing tomorrow?” You always ask him. When Damian thinks about his plans for the next day, it seems to put him to sleep faster.

     He finally yawns, “I’m patrolling with father.”

     “And during the day?”

     “Training Goliath.”

     You flinch. You’ve seen Goliath and you vow to yourself to never go exploring in the caves again. “H-how fun…” you mutter. You brush his hair until he closes his eyes. “I’ll be back in two days, okay? Tell me about it then?”

     Damian lazily nods with his brows and turns to his side. You tuck in his blanket before you leave and head home.

     Eerily, the drive back to your apartment is quiet. You sneak a look at Dick and see a more serious expression on his face. You nudge him.

     “Hey! Driving here--”

     “Wanna know who Bruce’s favorite is?” you tease with half-lidded eyes.

     “Who is it?” you don’t answer so he takes a quick look at you and finds you raising your brows and smiling. He laughs, “No way!” then he stops, “Yes way? Are you serious?” You just smile at him and nod once. “I don’t believe you. How could you obtain such valuable information?”

     “When you take your suits off, you guys are a lot easier to read than you think.”

     “Gosh, Y/N. If you ever become a villain, you might just take over this town.”

     You shake your head at such a ridiculous notion. You hate crime-fighting and you hate crime even more. You suddenly punch Dick in the shoulder.

     “Ow!”

     “You better not tell your brothers!”

     He rubs his shoulders and looks at you, “Why would I? Is it true? Am I really Bruce’s favorite?” His grip on the wheels suddenly tightens and he looks like he’s ready to speed into the distance, “Jason is going to be so mad!” You shake your head and wonder how many hours you have to wait before you’re bombarded with group messages about this.

     “Oh hey, Y/N,” Dick pulls over outside your apartment building. “Guess who’s Alfred’s favorite?”

     Your attention is definitely piqued, “Who?”

     “I said guess.”

     “It’s not you, is it?” you narrow your eyes, suddenly feeling like this is just a narcissistic trap Dick has set up.

     He chuckles, “It used to be. But have you noticed how you get called to the manor even when he’s there?”

     You roll your eyes, “Have you met you? You guys are a serious handful!”

     Dick shakes his head, “No no. Listen. Alfred can handle us. He can handle us better than Bruce, let me tell you--” Dick pauses a little, “Alfred actually saw you at the office. You were scolding Lucius and when Bruce came to check on him as a backup, you scolded him, too.” Dick laughs.

     “Wait. What? What’s this? I don’t remember that. Come on, Dick. Stop laughing and tell the story properly!”

     “I don’t know,” he’s still laughing, “I forgot what it was about but Alfred was just impressed by how immune you were to their charms and how scared you made Bruce in a matter of seconds. Not an easy feat and you know that.”

     You narrow your eyes at Dick, “You’re the worst storyteller.” You unclasp your seatbelt and step out of the car. After walking around, you knock on the driver’s window and wait until he rolls down the window. “Thanks for the ride by the way.” 

     He salutes you. “Want me to pick you up in two days?”

     “No, I’m okay.”

     “Okay. I’ll pick you up.”

     Dick drives off before you can add another word. You glare at his sports car before you walk up to your building door. Before you even get the chance to slip your keys in, your phone vibrates in your pocket. “That little-”

✧ Watchtower Masterlist ✧

[reddrobins]

curiosity killed the cat and perfection killed the bat

tim drake x reader

summary: you were the batgirl to Tim’s robin. his everything, that is until you started to deteriorate away.

warnings: depiction of eating disorders, angst, hurt/comfort

You hadn’t always been a perfectionist. Really, if anything that was a new trait. But of course, all new things become old and all good things must come to an end, and you were the best thing in Tim’s life.

Bruce had taken you in under circumstances like any other of his children. Small child, carrying absurd amounts of trauma on their back. He saw potential in you the minute he laid eyes on your scared shaken form back in Crime Alley.

You were quickly welcomed into the family and not long after made friends with Bruce’s newest son, Tim.

You and Tim were inseparable the moment you met. Bruce could tell there was a bond like no other between the pair and would never dare to break the two of you up. So when Stephanie decided to go solo, the role of batgirl was open and Bruce saw no other option than you to be Tim’s new crime fighting partner.

You were thrilled. I mean what average child gets to go ham on criminals nightly and punch out their aggression? Though you knew batgirl was a more strategic role within the duo, you still couldn’t have been more excited to be a part of the team.

However, that joy didn’t seem to last too long.

Your first week as batgirl you decided to watch some footage of old fights on the batcomputer. It was videos of when Barbara and Dick were batgirl and robin and boy, were you blown out of the water.

You were drawn to Babs. Her moves, her brain… Her body. Everything just seemed so superior to you. You started to feel inferior, to feel like you weren’t good enough, like you didn’t deserve the mantle. It was basic comparison at its finest, however when you add comparison on top of years of trauma, it shifts into something different. Something more sinister.

Tim was the first one to notice your mood shift. Of course he was, the teen was your partner both in life and at ‘work’. The first signs he noticed was your increase in irritation and newly adapted short temper. The most prominent example being the one fateful night on patrol.

“Batgirl, do you have the location of the drug circle?” Tim asked as he scoped out the area from atop the WE building.

“Yes, it should be right under the pier. A small ship where they’re beginning to load up cargo for a trade.” You responded as you grappled from building to building - catching up to Tim.

“Okay. Here’s the plan, I’ll go in first, quietly. Then you can swoop down and take out the two thugs by the boa-”

You interrupted him, “Why are you going in first?”

Tim furrowed his eyebrows behind his domino mask. “I- I just thought you would’ve wanted to do some recon before we go in fighting…”

You crossed your arms, “do you think I can’t handle it myself?”

Red Robin was at a loss for words, beyond confused. You were a partnership, were was this sudden burst of irritation coming from?

“What? No, (Y/N) - I mean batgirl of course not. Why would you even think that?”

Rolling your eyes you sneered, “You just always calls the shots Tim. I’m starting to think you don’t think I’m capable enough.”

He was taken aback by the accusation, you were never normally like this. “That’s not that at all. No way, I think you’re more than capable, I just… I just thought that’s what you’d want?”

“Sure Tim.” You glared at him, “if you think you can pull this off on your own, then why don’t you get on with it. I won’t interrupt your work anymore.”

And with that you left, grappling away from Tim and back home to the Manor. The raven haired teen was left astounded. What the hell had just happened? Did you really just sacrifice the mission for what, a mild argument? He’d definitely be talking to you about this later.

The second sign he noticed of your change in personality was your avoidance of dinner. Or all meals for that matter.

“(N/N)! Alfred’s calling us for dinner! You want to come down?” Tim hollered from the stairs.

You however were busy in your room, music up to a volume that drowned out Tim.

Downstairs, the teen groaned and clambered up to your room knocking once before entering.

There you were, on the floor doing crunches, eyes squeezed shut due to over exhaustion. “(N/N)” he called again, this time from the doorway.

You sat up and pressed pause on the speakers, facing Tim. “Oh. Hey, what’s up?”

“Um, Alfred made dinner and wanted me to come bring you down… am I interrupting something?“ 

 “What? Oh that, no. It was nothing. Just some pretraining workouts before patrol tonight.” You laughed, looking off into the left. 

 Though Tim was a great detective, it didn’t take skill to know that you were lying. However, he let it go. “Okay… so, you coming down?” 

 You bit your lip in contemplation and then finally shook your head. “Uh, I had a big lunch and am still not really hungry. So please tell Alfred I’m really sorry and I know whatever he made was wonderful.” You lied, hoping he would let the conversation go.

Luckily, he did. 

“Sure. Just please come down if you get hungry. With all of the extra training you’re doing you need to make sure you’re staying nourished.”

You quirked your head at his response, “extra training I’m doing?” 

 Tim sighed and ran a hand down his face, “Do you really think I don’t hear you sneaking down to the batcave every night? The floorboards are old you know.”

 Not knowing what else to do, you put up your walls. “What are you spying on me or something? The fuck Drake, I thought we were a team?” 

 Tim faltered at your response, not knowing what provoked this outburst, “What? No. Of course not. I just care about you okay?” 

 The teen walked over to you and lifted his hand, bringing it up to caress your cheek. However before he could make contact, you pulled away instantly. Hurst flared in Tim’s eyes. 

 He sighed, “Okay. Well I’m going back down, feel free to come down if you need anything.” Walking to the door, Tim shut it behind him and waited for a few second, seeing if you would change your mind.

However all he was left to hear was floorboards creaking and pained counting as you continued your workout. 

The third thing Tim noticed was a change in your clothing style. Suddenly all of your favourite dresses, crop tops and t-shirts were swapped out for baggy hoodies and men’s jumpers. Tim swears you steal them from Jason.  

The two of you were sat on the floor of the batcave, Damian off in the distance spearing dummys with his katana. 

 “So” Tim started, “last night I was looking into our case and I found out some pretty interesting facts. The guy were looking at, his name is Gregory Jacobs and guess what, he works for Sionis. If we crack him, he could be a huge lead to whatever- what’re you doing?” 

 “Huh?” You looked up at Tim. 

 The teen pointed at your wrist which you currently had two digits wrapped around. Immediately, you unclasped your grip. 

"That?” You laughed, “That was nothing. Just something I do when I’m nervous.” Based on the inflection in your voice and your lack of eye contact, Tim could instantly tell you were lying. However, like last time, he decided to drop it. 

 “Uh, Sure… what’s your opinion on the Jacobs thing? Say we go on patrol tonight?” Tim quirked an eyebrow, obviously really intent on taking down Sionis’ men. 

“Yeah. Sure.” You said distantly. Tim was about to respond when you opened your mouth again. “Hey Timmy, you mind if I take a nap. I’m just really tired right now and want to rest up before patrol, you know?” You stood up from your spot on the floor. 

 “Um yeah. Go take a nap. I’ll catch up with you later about the case.” Tim stood up too and leaned in to kiss you on the check, only for you to once again pull away abruptly. 

You gave a weak smile and ran up the stairs from the cave, heading towards your room. 

“Somethings wrong with her, Drake.” Tim turned around to find his little brother, sheathing his katana. 

“I know. I just wish she would tell me.” The older teen sighed. 

 “Do you wish me to talk with her?” Damian asked, shocking Tim. Why all of a sudden was he being nice? 

 Tim shook his head, “No, it’s fine Damian. She’ll just get annoyed with you. I’ll just wait for her to talk.” 

 The younger Wayne nodded, “I’m only asking for her well-being, Drake. Don’t get any ideas I’m going soft on you.” 

 Tim smirked, enjoying this unusual moment with his brother, “of course not Damian, I wouldn’t expect that of you.” 

 “Good. Now I am going to go play fetch with Titus. If you decide you’d like me to talk with (Y/N), I shall be in the yard.” Damian went up the stairs leaving Tim by his lonesome. Lost and confused on how to help you get through… whatever you were going through. 

 The fourth time Tim noticed something was off was when you fainted on patrol. And man, was that the scariest night of his life.

“Red Robin to Batgirl, I’ve located Jacobs, are you in place to attack?” 

It was the night of the mission. Tim was overly stoked whereas you, well you had your mind on other things. The suit felt really tight, almost like you were too big to be in it, you’d much rather opt for your oversized hoodies. You kept thinking about the breakfast you had that morning, everything was just too much. “Yeah...” you responded.

“Good. Batman,” Tim spoke into the coms, “we’re moving in.” 

You swung your grappling gun to the nearest ledge, jumping off your current perch, and ow, why did that hurt? Your shoulder felt like it was on fire and when you landed on your feet, you felt like you broke both your ankles. 

You hissed in pain and Tim heard, “Batgirl, are you okay?” 

You nodded, “Fine, dunno why that hurt all of a sudden though...”

To say Tim was worried about this mission was an understatement. For the past few weeks, though you had been working out, you seemed to be quite frail, walking slowly, speaking with no energy - it was scaring Tim. But still, you insisted you come on the mission.

“Okay, just please be careful... I’m going in, are you behind me?”

You mumbled a ‘yes’ into the earpiece and followed your partner into the building.

Flipping down from the awning, you stumbled on your landing, luckily Red Robin was there to catch your fall. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he whispered to you.

You shrugged him off in annoyance, muttering an ‘of course I am.’

“Okay, we’re going to split up from here, I’m going to take the two guys in the back and you can handle the one by the cargo, then we’ll both go after Jacobs.”

Though you didn’t see why Tim insisted you only take down one goon, you complied with the plan and snuck over to the cases of drugs.

Quietly, you reached out behind the thug and pressed your hand to his mouth, pulling him behind the crate. You tried to use your core strength to flip and straddle his neck but to no avail, you were just too weak.

He got the better of you and wailed a punch at your temple. You stumbled slightly, blinking away the dark spots in your vision. Cursing, you charged at the man again, batarang in hand. 

You threw it at your target but alas, the force wasn’t strong enough and it clattered against the crate, limply falling to the ground.

was the room spinning or was it just you?

At this point you couldn’t even tell. Nonetheless, you tried to attack one more time, sliding onto the floor you stuck your leg out in means to trip him, but it just barely made the man sway.

He laughed, “So this is Batgirls replacement? A weak little twig like you?”

You felt a flare of anger in your chest, how dare he call you a replacement!

You let out and angry growl and with all of your might pounced at him, tackling the large man to the ground. 

He laughed again, and easily threw your body off of him, leaving you to crash into a wooden crate.

You laid on the floor staring up at the ceiling, was the ceiling always that high up? Where are those dots coming from?

Weakly, you tried to sit up, ignoring the heaviness of your head, at least that was until you passed out.

When you came to, you realized you were in fact, tied to a chair, however not by yourself. Tim was tied behind you on his own chair.

“Timmy?” you mumbled.

The teens ears perked up, “(Y/N)? Oh thank god, you scared me so bad.”

“Tim, what happened? Why are we tied up?”

He sighed in response and craned his neck to look at you, “After you fainted, the third thug came at me. There was just too many of them for me to handle while thinking about if you were dead. God, (Y/N), you scared me so bad. Please don’t do that again.”

“It’s not like I chose to faint, Tim.” You sneered, upset that he was putting the blame on you.

“Well you are the one that chose not to eat. The one that chose to overwork them self. The one that didn’t ask for help when you were clearly struggling... I mean, am I wrong?”

You gulped, so he knew... 

“Tim... I-”

“(Y/N) I’m not mad at you, I just want to know, why? Why put yourself through that?” He pleaded with you.

You sighed and then out of frustration and exhaustion, let out a cry. “I had to okay?! I saw footage of Babs and saw how much prettier and skinnier and smarter and just better than me she was. I didn’t have a choice but to fix myself to live up to her legacy.”

Tim’s heart broke at your sobs, god he wish he cold take away your pain and just tell you how naturally beautiful and smart and unique and talented you are... He just didn’t know how.

“(Y/N)... you didn’t have to do any of that. You, you’re amazing just the way you are. And, and I know I wont be able to change your mind but, but... I love you. I’ve loved you since the moment I met you. I never wanted you to be any more than you already were because in my eyes you’re amazing. You’re my (Y/N) and I wouldn’t ask for any different.”

You gasped, I mean you knew there was something between you and Tim, but love? He loved you? You cried again, overwhelmed. “Tim, I love you too. I just thought I had to be better, to prove myself to you all, to show that I actually deserved the title of Batgirl.”

“Oh love, if you want to talk to someone about deserving their title, hell talk to me. I’ve struggled with that for years. But I would never, ever tell you to do something like this. You’re so much more than a body. You’re just a beautiful soul, inside and out.”

“God Timmy, you’re such a sap... But you’re my sap. Or, is that okay?”

Tim smiled, leaning his head on your shoulder, “That more than okay.”

The two of you stayed like that for a bit until you were brought back to reality. “Hey Tim...” The teen in question gave a loving ‘hmm?’

“Um, how are we going to get out of this?”

[phantom-curve]

find the strength, find the melody pt. 8

oof I don’t know if I actually like this chapter or not. imposter syndrome has taken up residence in my brain and it’s not looking to move out anytime soon. hopefully this is better than I’m giving myself credit for. 

I’m gonna try and get on a more regular schedule of updating this weekly. I think we’ve got one more part to day three and then a chapter each for days four & five. there might also be another middle of the night chapter, trying to figure out if it fits into the timeline like I want it to or not. you get some sneak peaks of angsty Luke in this part which I’m kind of excited about. can’t be all soft boy all the time. gotta get that ~dimension~

also, I wrote a one-shot of Ray and Rose’s first date that was referenced waaaay back in pt. 6! it’s also the story of Tia Victoria’s 21st birthday that was referenced in pt. 7! I really love it which isn’t something I’ve felt about my writing lately so you should check it out.

taglist: @blue-hat-girl, @lwhoscribbles, @bluefyoto94, @5sosmukefan, @moonlightxnder, @leahthewonder​, @kat-maybe-not​, @lukewearingbeanies, @imastrugglingartist​​

Julie had expected a mess of sloppy, overlapping notes and kinks that would need to be quickly smoothed out by Friday’s performance. She had been ready to go into the Showcase and just give it their best, hoping that maybe they would sound somewhat coherent, but not really expecting much all the same. A band couldn’t be built in a day. It was part of why she thought Luke’s plan was so insane. She couldn’t have been more wrong if she tried.

Within the first three run-throughs of the song things just seemed to click into place. It was like she had been playing with them her entire life. The longer they played, the more they slipped naturally into their role as bandmates. The energy in the room, the chemistry between the four of them, was palpable. She knew they could feel it too.

It was the way Reggie turned to her at the exact moment she moved towards him, playing off of her as she gave into her need to move to the bassline vibrating through her feet. It was how Alex’s face lit up with a kind of unrestrained joy she had never seen before, face shining as he nodded his head in time with his tapping foot when she turned towards him. They laughed together as she flipped her hair out of her eyes at the exact same time he did, completely in sync as they moved to the rhythm created by his fast-moving sticks. It was every single part of Luke.

His head, tilting to the side to call her to him just as she began to drift closer to his side. His voice, blending with hers like they had been made to sing together. His eyes, drilling into hers as she held her microphone out for them to share. His fingers, so sure on the strings beneath them that he didn’t once break their stare down. The tension she had felt simmering between them for the last few days exploded. They felt it at the exact same moment as their most seamless playthrough of the song came to a close.

Julie’s voice rang out beyond the instruments as she held her final note a beat longer than everyone else. She could hear the sound of Reggie and Alex’s voices rising with enthusiasm as they talked, but she couldn’t make out their words. Everything felt a little soft on the edges as Luke gazed at her with so much awe she thought she would float off the ground. He made her feel transcendent. Like the celestial being he claimed her to be. It was hard to feel like she wasn’t in Heaven when he looked at her like that. Her breath caught in her throat. He opened his mouth to say something, but suddenly she was being jostled from behind, her moment with Luke broken. Her feet stumbled as leather-clad arms wrapped around her tightly, sweeping her into a clumsy spin.

“Julie! That was amazing!”

Reggie’s voice was sparkling, and she couldn’t help but laugh softly, giving into the all-consuming feeling of happiness that was bubbling up inside of her. They came to a stop as a longer pair of arms covered in soft pink cotton pulled them close. Julie met Alex’s eyes, giving him a grateful smile as the studio finally came back into focus. He beamed back at her, completely relaxed and damn near glowing.

“I gotta agree with Reg for once.”

Julie giggled as Reggie let out an indignant shout, lips slipping into a pout. Alex ignored him, releasing his hold on both of them, but still talking to Julie.

“Seriously, Julie, I totally see what Luke has been saying. He was right, you’re perfect.”

Julie felt hot all the way from the top of her head down to the tips of her toes. She gave Luke a side-eyed glance, heart tripping as she caught the quick expression of embarrassed betrayal on his face. So, he had actually used the word ‘perfect’ to describe her. He had talked about her to his boys, and not just as a musician. This wasn’t only about the music. She knew that, or she should have known that by now, but to be faced with it so plainly was something else entirely. Luke attempted to slip into a casual slouch, but his hand scratching at the back of his neck gave away the nerves he was feeling as his gaze slipped back over to hers. Julie gulped, breathing out slowly.

“What can I say? You definitely make us better.”

Another attempt at a nonchalant shrug that was foiled by his still-scratching hand and slight vocal crack. Julie’s heart raced, her stomach flipping low in her gut. So, this is what a real crush feels like. Julie had crushed on boys before, or so she had thought. Never before had she felt like this. She hadn’t actually known the other boys she had been attracted to. Not in the way she was beginning to realize she knew Luke. She had kept herself at a distance from them, building up a fantasy in her mind as to what type of person they were and what it would be like to see that fantasy come to life. Her crushes had always been somewhat superficial and definitely unobtainable. Luke was neither one of those things. He was right here. She knew him. Connected with him on a level deeper than should be possible after only three days, but it was undeniable all the same. Her soul whispered that she had always known him, she had simply been waiting for him to return to his true home within her heart all this time.

Luke was shifting uneasily on his feet, just like earlier in the day when he realized he had taken his bold declarations a step too far. Only this time, Julie realized she liked when he did that. The way he built her up without even trying, an endless supply of support and admiration falling from his lips so easily. Julie simultaneously wanted to reassure him and also continue needling him because the way his words made her feel was a high like no other. His eyes crinkled at the edges, smile softening just for her. She gave in to the temptation to touch him, reaching up to lightly grasp his wrist. The scratching finally stopped, and Julie gave a special soft smile of her own.

“I think we make each other better. That’s a great song, Luke. Thank you for doing this for me.”

Julie released her grip and lowered her hand, biting her lip slightly. She didn’t miss the way that Luke’s ears tinged pink, his arm hovering in the air for a second as he processed her words. Their eyes locked, a million fleeting emotions passing between them in seconds, their own form of silent communication. With Luke, Julie was learning that there was a lot more in the things left unsaid than the things that he let slip out. Her words meant more to him than he would ever be able to express and she wondered if that related back to something with Bobby or something with his parents. Maybe even both. The moment stretched on, the rest of the studio melting away in the background. Until Reggie’s whisper broke through.

“I see chemistry.”

The twin slaps of Alex’s hand on his forehead and Luke’s hand falling to his thigh echoed in the otherwise silent space. Julie felt her cheeks burn, breaking away from Luke’s gaze to face the other boys once again. She really had to stop letting herself get swept up in him. Especially when they had such an observant audience. Her eyes darted to the clock behind them, surprised to find several hours had already passed. Her dad would probably be calling her up for dinner soon. Right on cue, the studio doors rattled and opened. Carlos, framed by the setting sun behind him, studied the group of teenagers.

“So, this is your boy band?”

“Boy band! Who you callin ‘boy band’?!”

Luke’s indignant shout would have been funny if Julie wasn’t hyperaware of how close she was still standing to him. Carlos’s skeptical brown eyes darted back and forth between them like he could tell he had missed out on a golden opportunity to embarrass her. He smirked slightly, crossing his arms as he regarded Luke.

“I mean, you’re boys in a band. Ergo, boy band.” His hands lifted in a falsely innocent shrug. “I don’t make the rules.”

Reggie giggled as Luke’s jaw dropped slightly, stunned into silence by her brother’s sass. Even Alex was fighting back a grin. Reggie stepped closer to Carlos, whipping out his hand for a high-five.

“Up top, little dude!”

Carlos’s smirk melted into a genuine smile as he lifted onto his toes to smack Reggie’s hand. Julie rolled her eyes, nudging Luke a bit while the others were distracted. He turned to her with a small pout.

“Kids usually think I’m cool.”

“No, kids usually think you’re another kid.” Alex chimed in gleefully.

Luke’s pout deepened and Julie couldn’t resist knocking their fingers together for a quick brush of contact.

“I think you’re cool.”

The whisper was low, but she could tell he heard it by the way he snatched her hand into his, squeezing it for a brief moment as he gave her that burning look again. The interaction was over in a second, but Julie felt the lingering fire race across her skin. She wished she could have a minute or ten alone with him. She turned back to Carlos in the doorway before he could notice. That kid didn’t need any more ammunition against her, thank you very much.

“Did you need something, Carlos? Or are you just here to be a pest?”

He broke off his conversation with Reggie to stick his tongue out at her. She repeated the gesture back to him.

“I need a lot of things actually. Like a normal sister for one.”

He snickered at the way her nostrils flared, fully aware that she wanted to reach out and cuff the back of his head but wouldn’t do it in front of other people. She settled for gritting her teeth and reminding herself that as annoying as Carlos was, he was also her little brother and she loved him. She just didn’t always appreciate his astonishing lack of a filter around older boys that he thought were cool. Luke had read him all wrong of course. Carlos only teased people he was in awe of. That reminder calmed her as well. He was teasing out of love, and because he was nervous around these teenagers that he clearly wanted to like him. She could give him a pass. She could also tease him right back.

“I know where you sleep, twerp. Relay your message or scram.”

He rolled his eyes at her lame threat, but dropped the bratty attitude nonetheless.

“Dad says it’s time to eat. He said the guys can stay if they’re hungry.”

Carlos couldn’t fully hide the hope in his voice, though he tried to sound indifferent about it. Julie watched the boys share a quick look, an entire conversation taking place in mere seconds. Alex’s arm went around Reggie, who sagged a bit like he was disappointed. Luke’s hand went back to his neck, body slumping as if to shrink himself. Alex’s fingers tapped out a restless beat against his thigh. None of them moved to speak. Julie couldn’t stand the uncomfortable way the air grew thick between them.

“I’m sure the guys have plans already, bud. This was kind of a last-minute thing. Maybe tomorrow?”

She aimed the question at the boys instead of Carlos. They seemed to melt all at once. Another silent conversation communicated through glances. Reggie took the lead this time.

“That sounds great! As long as you’re sure your dad won’t mind. We don’t wanna be a burden.”

Julie shook her head, heart aching at the way Reggie said ‘burden’ like it was a title he was used to.

“No burden at all. Dad always makes too much spaghetti anyway. And my Tía usually brings food a few times a week so we literally always have leftovers. You guys would be helping us out by eating them up, honestly.”

Reggie smiled at her, and Julie was surprised to find that she wanted to cry. Not because she was happy or sad or any particular emotion really, but because Reggie made her feel the same way Carlos did when it was the middle of the night and she was waking up to the feeling of his cold feet against her calves and his whispered confession about not wanting to be alone right then. She felt protective. Ready to fight whatever or whoever it was out there that had made him believe he was too much simply by existing. Was this what her mom had talked about when she said the best bands were actually families? Julie had always taken that to mean her family, as in her mom and her. Maybe what she had been saying all along was that the magic of music could make a family. The right connections, the right mix of artists, and it wasn’t just about playing anymore. It was about creating something together, breathing life into their art as one entity. Caring for each other, lifting each other up, bandaging each other’s wounds.

The enormity of the realization that all it took was one afternoon for her to adopt these three idiots hit her like a ton of bricks. She didn’t even know them, and yet, she did. Their souls were forever intertwined. Whatever feeling had overtaken them during their practice would linger for the rest of eternity, burned into her heart like a brand. The magic of music.

“Thanks, Julie.”

Alex’s voice was soft, fingers calm once more. Julie nodded, not trusting herself to speak right then.

“Cool!”

Carlos whooped, breaking the moment once again. This time, Julie didn’t mind so much.

“I’ll go tell Dad. See you guys later!”

He was off like a rocket, propelled forward by his unshakeable enthusiasm. The arm that Alex still had around Reggie flexed for a moment before dropping. Reggie gave him a quick smile, lifting his bass over his head. Luke swung his guitar onto his back, shoving his hands in his pockets and rocking back on his heels. Julie could tell something was bothering him. Alex seemed to feel it too.

“Hey, Reg, can you go unlock the van? I’m gonna start carrying my kit up.”

Alex tossed the keys to Reggie, who somehow managed to catch them singlehandedly while still holding his bass. His eyebrows furrowed for a second, but then he looked over at Luke and understanding dawned. He raced out of the studio without a word, Alex close behind him cradling his bass drum in his arms. Julie turned to Luke once they were alone, only to be met with his back as he fiddled with his guitar in its case. His shoulders were raised high, muscles bunched tightly under his shirt. She took a few steps forward, resting her hand lightly on his back once she was next to him. He relaxed slightly and she sighed in relief. Her fingers took on a mind of their own, softly rubbing until he let his shoulders fall.

“Please don’t feel obligated to stay for dinner tomorrow if you don’t want to.”

Luke spun around so quickly Julie didn’t have time to step back. He grabbed her elbows, steadying her but not moving out of her space. His expression was torn, eyes intense. Julie felt her throat tighten.

“No, Julie, it’s not that. I just...families are hard. For me. For...us.”

His eyes flew to the still open doors and back. She didn’t have to ask who the us was.

“Your dad seems really great. Your brother too. I just...it’s silly, but I don’t wanna let you or your family down.”

He bit his lip, gaze slipping down to the floor. They stood toe-to-toe, the tips of their sneakers almost touching. Julie breathed in deeply, the faint smell of her shampoo tickling her nose. It had to be coming off of Luke. Her own hair had been tied back into a bun at the beginning of band practice. It was an intimate reminder of the night before. When he hadn’t been home in the middle of the night because sometimes it was better to be elsewhere, even if elsewhere just meant not there. She couldn’t relate to that feeling. Her home had never felt like anything other than a welcoming, safe space. Her family had never been anything other than loving and supportive, even in the rare moments when they fought with each other.

“Luke, I’m pretty sure my dad thinks that you’re an angel. He was so happy this afternoon he didn’t even bring up the meeting with Lessa. You’re the reason I’m playing music again and that’s as good as gold in his eyes.”

“No way, Molina.” Luke scoffed, hands raising from her elbows to her shoulders. “That’s all on you. I didn’t do anything except ambush you for my own personal gain.”

Julie was shaking her head before he even finished his sentence. He was trying to play everything off with that cocky, cool kid attitude, but she knew him better now. That bravado was all a defense mechanism. One of her own hands lifted, brushing his hair out of his eyes, fingers lingering along his jawline.

“You’re wrong, Patterson.”

She didn’t miss the way he jerked a bit when she used his last name, his pupils widening slightly. A small smile formed on her lips. Two could play at that game.

“You rescued my mom’s song and protected it all this time. You brought it back to me right when I needed it. Did you know that was the last song she ever worked on? The last song we ever worked on. That song is the last piece of my mom. I don’t think I would have ever been able to play again without it, and I didn’t even realize that until yougave it back to me.”

She edged forward until their shoes touched. It wasn’t that much closer, but Julie could feel every inch of space lost between them. Luke’s eyes were doing that soft, starry thing again, and Julie thought her own eyes might look the same. He let his hands fall from her shoulders until they were resting lightly against her waist. Her own hands snuck around his neck, fingertips brushing against his soft, jasmine scented hair. Luke swayed their bodies slightly, his need for constant motion of some kind getting the best of him. It made her want to laugh, but this moment felt too big for that. Of all the ways her relationship with Luke had rapidly shifted in the last few days, this felt like the most serious. She wasn’t trying to fight him anymore. She was laying her cards out just as openly as he had.

“Julie...”

She couldn’t stop herself from leaning into him further, his voice twisting her name into the sweetest sounding melody. Luke didn’t get a chance to say or do anything else before noise filtered in through the still open studio doors. Alex’s voice, louder than Julie had ever heard it before, as he chatted with Reggie. Luke’s shoulders curved slightly, like he was disappointed, before he straightened and put some more space between them. They dropped their hands at the same time, the loss of contact causing her to shiver. Luke shot her a quick smile, so Julie knew his actions were less about hiding her and more about not wanting to share their delicate relationship with anyone else just yet. That was okay with her, too. It felt a little too new, a little too fragile, to let anyone else in on it just yet.

Alex and Reggie appeared only seconds later, Alex looking a little wary like he wasn’t sure his loud approach had been enough warning, Reggie’s expression open and happy, clearly oblivious to the thick tension between Luke and Julie. He was babbling to Alex about something involving physics homework, both of them moving to collect several other pieces of Alex’s kit. Luke gave her one last glance before he left her side to lift an amp. Julie was silent for a moment as she watched them before a realization had her smacking her forehead. The sound was loud enough to startle the boys, who turned to her with matching confused expressions on their faces.

“You guys are going to be right back over here tomorrow. You don’t need to take all your stuff out just to haul it back in here in like 24 hours. I should have said something earlier.”

Another silent conversation, the boys wary and anxious again. Julie wished she had a better understanding of the landmines she seemed to keep stumbling upon. Luke had given her a small hint, but the rejection anxiety ran deep in every single one of these boys. Reggie spoke up before Julie had the chance to reassure them.

“Are you sure your dad won’t mind?”

He was fiddling nervously with the strap on his bass, eyes wide. Alex’s grip flexed on the snare he held, Luke stepping closer to his guitar case. She heard the underlying question behind Reggie’s tone. Are you sure these parts of our souls will be safe here?

“He won’t mind at all. He hasn’t touched a thing in here since we locked it up after Mom...since we locked it up a year ago.”

She tried to keep her voice soft, her steps slow as she moved to place her hands against the top of the grand piano.

“My mom’s piano has been stored in here my entire life. I promise you the Molina’s know the importance of protecting our instruments. It’s up to you though. I totally get it if you want to keep them with you.”

Julie didn’t wait for their response, letting them process and decide for themselves how they felt about the situation. She bent to lift the sheet that usually covered the piano, shaking it a few times before closing the fallboard and draping the soft material over the instrument.  By the time she turned around, only Luke was left behind her. She raised a brow, concerned she had said the wrong thing. His lips stretched into one of the smiles reserved just for her.

“They went back to the van to get Alex’s bass drum.”

Her eyes darted off to the side behind him, noticing that the snare Alex had been holding was back in place, Reggie’s bass once more nestled into a guitar holder. She felt her frown soften into a smile, relieved that they seemed to trust her despite not really having much of a reason to.

“Thank you...for, ya know, being so cool about all of this.”

Luke’s voice was quiet, hands fidgeting like he was fighting the urge to raise them to the back of his neck.

“Luke, I should be the one thanking you. Seriously, you guys don’t have to do this for me, and you are anyway. Actually, you very well could get into trouble for doing this, and yet you’re still willing to take that risk. The least I can do is house your instruments for a few days.”

Julie didn’t mean to, but something in her voice had his head snapping up at the way she said her last sentence. Like he could tell that she was trying to say it wasn’t just the instruments she was willing to care for. It was the boys too. It was Luke. They didn’t say anything more, letting the sentiment hang in the air between them. Luke’s eyes were impossibly soft. If Julie hadn’t already plunged over the cliff ledge falling for him, this moment would have toppled her.

Reggie and Alex stumbled back in, both of them laughing but unable to fully articulate why. Something about an old Vine video and bible study. Alex reset his bass drum, Julie scrounging up another sheet from the linen closet in the bathroom to cover it for the night. And if she took an extra second to run her fingers over the towel now hanging on the hook next to the shower, the faint scent of jasmine and citrus body wash and Luke drifting off of it at the movement, well no one else had to know about that.

[cakesunflower]

Stuck in the Middle [C.H. & L.H. AU] Part 1

**DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a poly!Cake fic!! Just wanted to clarify that in case of any confusion.

Summary: Calum Hood and Sloane Thorne are engaged to be married--though, not because they were in love. More so that it was a part of the merger their families’ companies were going through, as a way of strengthening the bond and building a foundation for the partnership Calum and Sloane would have as co-CEOs. So when the opportunity arises for them to get away from the pressures of their families and relax for on the beach in Florida with their friends, they’re quick to go. Except Calum falls for their neighbor, River Young, while Sloane discovers pent up feelings she never knew she had for her long time friend, Luke Hemmings. Trying to figure out how to navigate through unexpectedly budding relationships while also getting rid of the strain on their friendship seems to be how Calum and Sloane have to spend their little vacation. Whatever it takes to not be so stuck anymore.

IMPORTANT A/N: So I originally uploaded the entire 41,800+ words of this fic in this very post, but it wasn’t opening for some people and it was crashing the app because of its length. So I kept the first half of this one shot in this post, and the second half is uploaded in another one that I will link at the start of this part and the bottom too. I hope you enjoy this monster of a fic. But Luke and Calum are my brand (hence my URL) and I wanted to do this fic justice. I hope you enjoy. Happy reading!!

This is Sloane’s face claim.

This is River’s face claim.

Read Part 2 Here!

The roar of waves crashing against the shore was silenced by the glass separating Calum from the ocean, the white sand in between a smooth carpet creating a pathway. He watched the water recede before rushing back once again, glittering in a purplish-orange hue under the setting sun, but Calum could still feel his skin warming at the mere sight of the sun above them, slowly descending, before begging to be submerged in the coolness of the water. The waves colliding with the shore was muted, replaced by the sound of his friends roaming the beach house, finding rooms to settle in, and making plans as they unpacked. His own luggage was near the bed, waiting to be unloaded, and Calum swept his gaze over the ocean in the distance one last time before turning around with a sigh.

His actions were slow, leisurely opening up his suitcases and pulling out his things to put away. The nap he’d taken on the near three hour flight from New York to Florida had only seemed to tire him out more, but Calum knew his exhaustion came not from lack of sleep, but because of how busy and overwhelming life had suddenly become. The knowledge of a hectic schedule soon becoming a new normal for him sank heavily in Calum’s bones, and while he thought he was ready for the responsibilities that came with soon becoming the CEO of his parents’ multi-million dollar company, Calum knew he wasn’t ready for the additional arrangement that came with it.

As he put away a few shirts on hangers into the closet, a knock sounded on the white door of the bedroom, and he stepped out of the closet, glancing to his right to see Sloane lingering by the doorway. The first thing he noticed—the first thing anyone noticed, really, upon looking at Sloane—where her bright blue eyes, which stood out against her olive skin tone and dark hair. She looked at him, almost hesitant, with an apologetic smile tilting at her lips. “Hey, sorry, uh, just wanted to let you know we’re heading to the beach in, like, an hour. Right after sunset.”

For a moment, all Calum could do was take in the nervous energy radiating from Sloane, and he felt a prickle of guilt shoot through him. They were friends, had been for years despite college keeping them in different states, and to see her appear so small in front of him when she was one of the most confident people when she wanted to be felt wrong. There were occasions Calum had seen Sloane shrink into herself; because of him had never been one he wanted to see.

So he nodded, hoping his tone didn’t come off as edgy as it had lately. “Okay, thanks.” His dark eyes then dropped lower, taking in the way she was wringing her fingers, noticing the rings she wore and the lack of one. He couldn’t help the slight upwards tilt of his lips. “You’re not wearing the ring.”

It was an honest observation, one he found truthfully amusing as Sloane’s own gaze dropped to her hand. Fortunately, she picked up on his subtle humorous tone. “Yeah, no, uh—” Sloane cut off with a gentle chuckle, blue eyes meeting brown. “Our parents aren’t here so, you know, I’m not gonna put it on.” Her throat worked as she asked cautiously, “You’re good with that, right?” She knew he was, but her need for double checking spoke for her consideration of others as well as her precision in other matters Calum knew would come in handy.

His small smile widened with half of a laugh, eyebrows raising in amusement as he went back to the bed to grab more clothes. He told her in all honesty, “I’ve got nothin’ against it, Sloane.”

If she didn’t want to wear the diamond ring his parents picked out to signify their engagement—their arranged engagement—while they were on their vacation, away from the prying eyes of both of their parents, investors, the works, then that was fine with Calum. He didn’t blame her for it. Kind of encouraged it, actually. As he picked up some folded sweats and brought them over to the dresser, Calum added lowly as an afterthought, “We’re free until we’re not.”

It was a reminder, not that Sloane needed one, he knew, of their agreement before they’d come to Florida: that there would be no mention of the engagement, of the impending wedding, impending merging of their companies. It was a topic that neither of them were too keen on discussing, and if they could spend their time in Florida ignoring a situation they knew would be right there, waiting for them, when they got back to New York, then that’s how they’d deal with it.

He heard Sloane let out a slow breath through her nose. “Fair enough,” was all she said before giving the door frame a departing tap and walking down the hall, leaving Calum alone with his thoughts and items still needing to be put away.

*****

The crackle of the fire was a soothing comfort over the waves dancing just a little ways away. Of course, the sounds of nature were drowned out by the music playing through Ashton’s speakers, though the smooth tones of Dan and Shay weren’t ones Sloane could argue against. So she sat on her blanket spread upon the sand, her now empty can of black cherry flavored White Claw discarded beside her as she contently ate the s’more she’d just made. The air was a mixture of smoke, salt, and marshmallows and it was a combination Sloane found herself surprisingly fond of, covering her mouth as she laughed, given the food she was chewing, at Michael’s expense when his marshmallow caught on fire, which only prompted him to yell in despair.

“Mind if I join you?”

Sloane had to crane her neck to look up at the man completely towering over her, feeling a smile tug at her lips at the sight of Luke. “Only if you make me another s’more.” She hadn’t meant for her words to sound flirtatious, feeling a warmth in her cheeks that had nothing to do with the fire, yet Luke didn’t seem to mind.

Instead, he let out a soft chuckle as he said, “Deal,” before settling himself down. Sloane watched as he adjusted his long legs, crossing them as he sat next to her on her blanket with a satisfied sigh as they sat shoulder to shoulder. Well, her eyeline was at his shoulder. The blonde of his curls were glowing against the orange fire, blue eyes half a shade darker than her own glimmering against the flames as he reached for the items sitting between Sloane’s blanket and Michael and Crystal’s. “How d’you like your marshmallow?”

“Golden.” Kind of like your hair.

Luke nodded as he stuck the treat at the end of the stick. He shot her a boyish smirk. “That’s the only way to like ’em,” he hummed approvingly, shuffling just a bit forward to allow the marshmallow to roast over the fire. As Sloane reached up to push some hair behind her ear, Luke’s gaze went to her hand and he smirked lightly. “Trouble in paradise already?”

Sloane dropped her hand with a breathy groan, knowing he was talking about the lack of the diamond ring on her finger as he chuckled quietly. “There can’t be trouble if there’s no paradise,” she reminded him, resting her hands on her knees before adding pointedly, “Which I’m fine with, by the way.”

Luke gave a shake of his head, glancing at the marshmallow to make sure he didn’t burn it. When his blue eyes met Sloane’s once more, he added in a dismayed tone, “Can’t believe your parents are forcing you guys to get married. Like—” He frowned, shaking his head once more. “That shit’s nothing to be taken lightly. It’s not some business deal.”

She felt something sink in her chest, her smile small and dejected as she reminded him with a subtle raise of her eyebrows, “Except it is.” Her gaze wandered towards the fire, the heat pleasant against her skin. Vaguely, she heard Ashton challenge Michael to the chubby bunny challenge while Crystal protested because it would only be wasting marshmallows. “They think merging our families would be beneficial to merging the companies. That way everything stays within the circle. It. . .” She sighed. “It makes sense, at the end of the day.”

It was a responsibility that hadn’t been Sloane’s to begin with, but now she had no choice in the matter. With Jacob gone, the family business was hers to take over, and while Sloane knew the ins and outs of the company as well as her brother did—perhaps more, though her parents would never believe it—and was accepting of taking over, she didn’t appreciate being subjected to her personal life being tied with her professional. Marriage should only be between two people who genuinely, wholeheartedly loved each other. Not for business negotiations. Not to play with other people’s lives.

And yet, this was Sloane’s life. And Calum’s.

“You’re more than a business deal, Sloane.”

Her head turned to look at Luke once more, breath hitching in her throat at the earnesty gleaming with the flames in his eyes. The sincerity in his quiet tone was loud in his gaze, enough to send Sloane’s heart unexpectedly into her throat as he looked at her. It was almost too much, the tender way he stared, spoke, and Sloane broke their gaze and looked at the marshmallow, unsure of where her voice had gone as she found herself whispering, “Marshmallow’s done.”

Luke blinked before pulling himself out of whatever reverie they’d lost themselves in for that brief moment, retracting the stick as Sloane tried to keep herself busy by breaking off a piece of Hershey’s chocolate and grabbing two crackers. The two of them worked together in silence, save for every other sound around them, as Luke placed the marshmallow on top of the cracker and chocolate before Sloane sandwiched it with another cracker, allowing Luke to pull the stick away.

“Thanks,” Sloane murmured before adjusting her fingers on the treat and taking a bite. It was warm and sweet, the cracker crunching, and Sloane hummed approvingly. “’S really good,” she chuckled after swallowing, hand covering her mouth just in case any crumbs fell out. That’d be unattractive. Not that she was trying to be attractive in front of Luke. Ridding herself of ridiculous thoughts, she offered the s’more and asked Luke with a teasing grin, “Wanna try your masterpiece?”

He scoffed at her playfulness with a roll of his eyes. “Sweetheart, I know it’s perfection,” Luke joked, though that didn’t stop him from leaning down and taking a bite of the s’more as Sloane held it between her fingers.

Except Luke’s equivalent of a bite was him just taking almost the entire thing in his mouth, and Sloane let out a sound of protest, a mix of an exclaim and laugh, as she pushed him away with her free hand on her shoulder. “You just ate the whole thing!”

Luke laughed as he ate the s’more, leaning away from Sloane’s half-hearted shoves, arms an X over his chest as ended up on his back as she shoved him. She couldn’t help her giggles, not when his loud and infectious laugh drowned out the crackle of fire, roar of waves, the music, and the chatter of their friends. Luke’s laugh was one she found herself preferring over all else. “I’ll make you another one!” he promised, dimples in full view through his grin, sharp features shadowed by the flames as he sat up once more.

Sloane found herself grinning as Luke pulled out another marshmallow, raising her eyebrow as she asked jokingly, “Are you my personal s’more maker for the night?”

Luke shot her a wink, cute and boyish, and she told herself the heat in her cheeks was from the fire, not from him. “For as long as you’ll have me.”

*****

There was a calmness in Calum’s chest as he walked along the shore, the cold water at his feet sending pleasant shivers up his spine. The serenity was present even when he glanced over where his friends sat around the fire in the distance, catching sight of Sloane and Luke sitting side by side, his blonde friend’s laughter ringing through the night and reaching him even over the crashing of foaming waves. Lifting the cigarette, Calum took a drag of it as he looked away from where his friends were. He kind of hated that he picked up on the nasty habit again, but circumstances weighing heavily on him called for a cigarette break every now and then.

Unfortunately, he’d been in the middle of taking a drag when the sudden, unexpected sound of a bark startled him, prompting the smoke to get caught in his throat and Calum’s eyes squeezed shut as the gasp turned into a minor coughing fit. He lifted his arm, coughing into the crook of his elbow, only vaguely hearing a female voice apologize, “Oh, shit, I’m so sorry! Shh, Freddie, it’s okay.”

His throat slightly stung but soon the coughing subsided, and Calum opened his eyes and lowered his arm to catch sight of a German shepherd in front of him, tail wagging and tongue out as he panted excitably. A cute, if not intimidating, dog that Calum still found himself getting excited at the sight of—dogs had that kind of effect on him—as his gaze lifted to look at the girl jogging towards them.

Calum told himself his throat was dry because of the cigarette and not because of this girl; one with blonde hair tied back into a messy ponytail and an apologetic smile upturning her lips. She wore shorts and a tank, a hoodie loosely handing over her shoulders as she came to a stop in front of Calum. His lips were parted, he could tell by the way he was breathing as the cold air tickled the inside of his throat, and he could hear his mind tell him to get it together and stop gaping like an idiot. But the girl in front of him was smiling kind of breathlessly and he, too, was feeling the breath escape him.

“Uh, no, it’s okay,” Calum found himself saying, trying not to cringe at stumbling over his own words as he gave a shake of his head. His lips tilted upwards as he expelled a short breath, wondering about the color of her eyes seeing as it was a bit too dark to tell, before dropping his gaze to the dog. “He’s a cute one.”

As if on cue, the dog—Freddie—barked, taking the few steps towards Calum to sniff at him. Though he couldn’t start at his feet, given the water pooling around his ankles. Calum chuckled as the girl let out an airy laugh, the sound sweet, as she said, “I think that’s Freddie returning the sentiment.”

Calum’s smile melted into a smirk, his eyes meeting hers, noting the light shade of them. With a quirk of his eyebrow and a lift of his chin, Calum questioned boldly, “Does his mom agree?”

She let out a short laugh, impressed or amused by his forwardness, he wasn’t too sure, as she dug her hands in the pockets of her unzipped hoodie. The ocean breeze tickled at Calum’s skin and he watched as loose locks of her blonde hair swayed against her temples. She eyed him for a moment, biting the corner of her grinning lips, Calum’s stomach uncharacteristically flipping as she mused, “She does.” She then pulled her right hand out, her bracelets clinking together as she held it out to him and introduced, “I’m River.”

His hand grasped hers, the touch rivaling the fire crackling in the distance, and Calum wondered if she felt the heat of it too as her gaze briefly dropping to their joined hands as he shook hers before meeting his gaze again. “Calum,” he supplied, remembering to speak before this woman managed to steal his entire thought process. They were slow to release hands, or maybe it was all in Calum’s head as their eyes remained locked, and he found himself telling her, “I’m, uh, staying at that house with my friends for a while,” while gesturing to the beach house Michael’s fiance’s family owned.

River’s gaze flickered past him towards the house, looking at him as she asked in breezy curiosity, “How long’s a while?”

He wondered if he was imagining the alluring tone in which she spoke in, dangerous wonder in her own voice as she gazed up at him with a subtle tilt of her head. He wondered if he was an idiot, utterly ridiculous, for feeling his heart thud in his chest and something else flip around in the pit of his stomach. Wondered if it was okay that none of it felt wrong. Exciting, confusing, unexpected, desirable—but not wrong.

His tongue poked out for a quick swipe of his lower lip, fighting the smirk when he caught River’s eyes trail the movement. She met his gaze again, unapologetic. Finally, Calum answered her, “A month. Maybe more.”

River pursed her lips before smirking, eyebrows cocking upwards. “Sounds promising.”

The cigarette was forgotten between his fingers, the sounds of the waves and his friends drowned out in the presence of the woman in front of him. Calum could feel his heart in his chest. “I’d hope so.”

*****

“Bro, you’re burning the pancakes! Get out!”

Sloane’s eyebrows raised at the sound of Ashton’s yelling, reaching the bottom of the stairs and turning into the kitchen as the smell of burnt pancakes hit her nose. She blinked as she let out a breath with a quiet, “phew”, arriving just in time to see Ashton push away a laughing Luke from the stove. He looked to be enjoying himself despite possibly ruining breakfast for everyone. Through his laughter, Luke exclaimed, “I’m just tryna help!”

Ashton shot him a bemused look, a spatula in hand as he pointed it at Luke while Sloane quietly approached, the amused smile growing on her face as she stopped by the counter separating the kitchen and living room where Crystal sat, watching the whole thing go down. “You’re fucking it up, man—you can’t cook,” Ashton scoffed, turning back to the stove.

Luke huffed, lips pouting as he leaned against the stainless steel fridge, arms crossed, biceps in full view thanks to the tank top he wore. It was in that moment that his eyes landed on Sloane, straightening up his posture as she felt the amused smile tug at her lips. Luke’s own lips parted as he sounded, “Hey, Sloane, uh—good morning.”

Her smile, without her permission really, turned fond as she leaned against the counter where Crystal sat, happily eating her cereal. “Morning, Luke,” Sloane greeted, flashing a smile to Ashton who offered a quick wave over his shoulder. Looking back at Luke, she asked knowingly with a soft chuckle, “How’s breakfast going?”

Before Luke could answer, Ashton scoffed, “He’s banished from the kitchen. Please, take him away.”

The offense was expressed across Luke’s face with an indignant frown as he protested, “Hey!” while both Crystal and Sloane laughed. “Actually, I was gonna go on a quick supply run,” she said, eyes finding Luke’s once more, raising her eyebrows almost hopefully as she asked, “You wanna come with?”

Ashton pouted as he transferred a pancake from the pan to a plate. “What about breakfast?”

Sloane’s lips parted to speak, but Luke beat her to the punch. “Sloane doesn’t eat breakfast.” Her blue eyes met with his, and she could see the hint of pinkness that tinged his cheeks as an almost embarrassed smile quirked at his lips. Sloane didn’t miss the looks exchanged between Ashton and Crystal, though she chose to ignore them in lieu of her own skin warming as Luke pushed himself off the fridge with a clear of his throat. “I’ll just, uh, get my shoes.”

He left the kitchen quickly, but not before walking around Sloane and offering her a cute, boyish smile that she couldn’t help but return before her eyes met Crystal’s. The amused expression the blonde wore wasn’t missed by Sloane, who let out a breath and asked, a bit defensively, “What?”

“Nothing,” Crystal hummed, sounding deceivingly innocent as she stirred her cereal with her spoon. Her smile was teasing and Sloane rolled her lips into her mouth as Crystal observed, “Totally adorable.”

Ashton snickered and Sloane let out a slow breath, shooting Crystal a look. Despite the drumming in her chest and the desire to visibly chew her lips, Sloane kept up the indifferent front before reminding her, “It’s not a thing.”

Crystal puckered her lips with a shrug as she flickered her gaze up to look at Sloane. “It could be.”

Sloane bit the inside of her cheek, her own gaze falling to her hand. Crystal was only putting dangerous ideas in her head that would end in nothing but heartbreak if Sloane decided to stray from what the plan was. Feelings were. . . Not an option. She’d be lying, though, if she said there wasn’t a disappointed, sinking feeling in the pit of her chest at the knowledge of her kind of. . . Never getting to be with someone she wants to be with. A decision about her life made for her without any consideration for what she—what Calum—wanted. They were expected to move forward with this, to change their lives for the benefit of companies their parents had built, which were to become their own soon.

It was her and Calum. It had to be. Neither of them had much of a choice and to allow herself to even think otherwise would be stupid.

Sloane sighed, scratching the back of her head as she looked between Crystal and Ashton, who was eyeing her curiously. With a quick, small smile, Sloane decided, “It’s a bad idea.”

Luke’s voice sounded from behind her, innocent and oblivious as he asked, “What’s a bad idea?”

Ashton and Crystal’s gazes darted past Sloane just as she turned around to look at the towering blonde. He still wore his tank top and athletic shorts, only this time his wallet and phone was in his hand and black Nikes on his feet. Her heart jumped into her throat as he looked at her questioningly, eyebrows raised, and she swallowed before covering with a nervous smile of her own, “You being in the kitchen.” Luke’s expression fell into a childish pout, and Sloane’s nerves eased slightly as she said to Ashton and Crystal, “If you guys have anything you want us to pick up, just text us in the groupchat. Tell the others, too.” She looked at Luke again, who was pouting, and giggled as she turned him around and began pushing him towards the front door. “Come on, let’s go.”

He stubbornly let her push him, exiting the house as Sloane pulled out Calum’s car keys. He’d kindly allowed her to take his Range Rover for the quick supply run, which was good since his car was the last one at the end of the driveway, blocking the rest of the vehicles in. It was a quick drive to the nearest ShopRite after Luke put the address into the GPS, and as soon as they grabbed a cart they began their quest for supplies—most of which were coming in through the groupchat, seeing as everyone was suddenly awake back at the house.

As Sloane put a box of Crystal’s favorite vegan cookies in the already filling cart, she looked at Luke, who was leaning forward against the handle, and asked him, “How’s it feel being almost twenty-three?” Jokingly, she added, “Does your back hurt yet, old man?”

Luke rolled his blue eyes. “Ha-ha, so funny,” he humorlessly scoffed, lips quirking upwards when Sloane giggled as they made their way down the aisle. He lifted a hand to rub at his mouth, scratching his growing facial hair as he pointed out, “Ashton’s the one turning twenty-five. Quarter of a century.”

Sloane shot him a look over her shoulder, quirking an eyebrow. “Hey, I’ll be twenty-five next year.” She turned around fully to face Luke, walking backwards as she challenged the blonde, “Are you calling me old, Luke?”

He stopped, as did Sloane, as his mouth dropped open almost comically. He looked adorably nervous at Sloane’s challenging, playful stare, throat working, before he said, “I’m not qualified to answer that question.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, lips quirking as she sounded, “Mhmm,” before turning to continue on, hearing the rattle of the cart wheels as Luke followed after her.

“Come on, Sloane,” Luke called after her with a laugh. “You’ll always be the prettiest girl I know.”

His words had her stopping short, breath rushing out of her lungs quickly enough to make her choke on absolutely nothing. Her sudden pause had Luke accidentally bumping the front of the shopping cart right into her lower back, nothing painful save for causing Sloane to stumble forward, and he cursed before apologizing quickly. Except it didn’t really register in Sloane’s head, her thoughts more focused on the fact that Luke considered her to be the prettiest girl he knew.

Her heart had considerably picked up its pace; a compliment from Luke wasn’t anything new, except this time it certainly felt like it. This time his words gave an unexpected jolt of her heart, skin warming as she pressed her lips together and absently stared ahead at the meat section of the grocery store. Luke so easily uttered the compliment, not even thinking twice about it, the sincerity behind them effortlessly stealing Sloane’s breath as she tried to regain it. The buzz of the store was lost on her, fighting to bring herself back to reality instead of losing herself in the reverie of Luke’s words. Tried not to let the smile grow on her lips because she didn’t know how Luke was capable of making her smile without even truly trying.

“Sloane? Fuck, I’m sorry for hitting you—are you okay?”

The poor guy was behind her, fretting over accidentally hitting her with the cart when it was her fault for coming to such an abrupt stop. She blinked a couple of times before turning around, Luke now standing straight with a concerned expression on his face as he eyed her carefully. “Yeah, no, I’m good,” she assured him after finding her voice. She wondered if he could notice the pink on her cheeks, wondered if he even knew what he’d said that had her stopping in the first place. Or if it was just a casual, obvious thought in his head that when he voiced it, he didn’t think of it as a big deal. Maybe Sloane was overreacting. She bit her tongue. She needed to get it together.

Luke was about to say something, his broad shoulders relaxing somewhat, when Sloane’s phone began ringing. She sighed at the sight of her mother’s name, offering Luke a small apologetic smile as they began walking once again while she answered, “Hey, Mom.”

“Are you settled in?” Came her mother’s response as a way of greeting.

Sloane suppressed the sigh threatening to escape as she and Luke made their way to the next aisle over. Leave it to her mother to forgo pleasant greetings when it came to talking to her daughter. Nothing new there. “Yeah, we are,” Sloane answered, tapping Luke’s shoulder when she caught sight of the shelves filled with cake mix. To him, she offered a smile, momentarily forgetting about what he’d said just minutes before, telling him, “Hey, Luke, pick your favorite flavor. I’m gonna bake you a cake for your birthday.”

Luke followed her gaze before letting out a laugh, the sound widening Sloane’s smile as dimples appeared on his cheeks before blue eyes took in the several flavors on the shelves. On the phone, Sloane’s mother asked, “You’re with Luke? Where’s Calum?”

“Yeah,” Sloane answered, somewhat absently, as she looked at the boxes as well, trying to spot Ashton’s favorite kind of cake. His birthday was first, and she planned on baking him one as well. It was a fun hobby of Sloane’s, baking, which relaxed her when everything else was getting to be too much. Baking some treats for two of her friends’ birthdays would be nothing short of enjoyable. “Uh, Calum’s at the house.”

Luke’s blue eyes met Sloane’s at the mention of Calum, offering a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, but he broke the gaze as he put a box of triple chocolate fudge cake mix into the cart. “Don’t you think you should be spending time with Calum, Sloane?” came her mother’s question, her disapproving tone not missed by the twenty-four year old. Sloane clenched her jaw as she stopped the box of lemon cake mix and put it in the cart. “You two grew distant while at school so it’d be better if you started spending time together now before the wedding. We’ll be setting a date soon.”

The wave of nausea hit Sloane upon hearing her mother’s statement, free hand gripping the cold metal of the cart as her fingers closed around it tightly. Her expression fell as the force of reality nearly swept her off her feet, neck tensing as she desperately tried to keep the rampant, overwhelmed emotions from showing on her face. But she’d failed, it seemed, as Luke looked at her in quiet concern and curiosity, eyebrows drawing together over widened blue eyes, taking a step towards her. His body towered over hers, and his tall frame provided a kind of comfort Sloane hadn’t expected but realized she needed in this moment.

Luke’s hand rested on the spot where her shoulder met her neck, his touch comforting and warm against her exposed skin thanks to the tank top she wore, and without even meaning to, Sloane felt herself relax somewhat under it. She focused her attention on her mother once again, despite really not wanting to, really just wanting to go about this shopping trip in peace without being thrown in for a crisis. “Okay, yeah, I hear you,” she said, hoping to sound convincing for the sake of ending this conversation.

Her mother clicked her tongue, the sound itself harsh through the crackle of the phone. “Take this seriously, Sloane. The company will be in your hands; start acting like it. This wouldn’t be a problem if your brother—”

“Right, okay, Mom, I get it,” Sloane instantly cut her off in a rush, hating that she felt the familiar subtle sting in her eyes, feeling the primal urge of throwing her phone across the aisle. The last thing she needed was her mom bringing up her late brother and how he would’ve been a far better fit to run the company. But that just wasn’t in their cards, and Sloane could live her life without being constantly told she wouldn’t match up to what Jacob could’ve been capable of had he not died. She’d been grieving her brother a long time; she didn’t need to feel guilt over his death, too. “I, uh, I gotta go. Talk to you later.” She hung up before her mother could get a word in.

She pocketed her phone with a slow exhale, head bowed and eyes shut and completely hating herself for feeling so vulnerable and powerless. Over her life, her emotions—everything. For practically falling apart in the middle of some ShopRite. Soon-to-be heads of multi-million dollar companies didn’t have breakdowns in grocery stores. Sloane knew she was better than this, stronger than this, and took a deep breath as she reminded herself of the fact.

“Sweetheart, you okay?” Sloane opened her eyes, looking down at her painted toes peeking out from her sandals, inhaling softly at the gentle term of endearment that slipped from Luke’s lips. Sloane pressed her lips together in order to keep them from quivering, silent for a few moments to get it together, and Luke let out a soft breath before his arm wrapped around her to pull her in for a hug. Her cheek pressed against his chest, his right arm around her shoulders and left around her back as he held her to him, and Sloane felt herself melt into him and the cologne he wore. Totally beachy.

Sloane closed her eyes for a moment, reveling in Luke’s embrace, the way his arms felt around him and the warmth he provided. She felt herself relax, heart rate calming after the unfortunate conversation with her mother. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she whispered, feeling utterly ridiculous for being so pathetic. “Just tired.”

Luke took a breath, which Sloane felt against his chest, before letting it out in an airy chuckle. “Come on, Sloane. We just got to Florida; can’t get tired already.”

He prompted a soft laugh from Sloane, shaking her head at his attempt at lightening the mood, which seemed to work as she reluctantly pulled away from him, wanting nothing more than to stay with his arms around her. But they were in the middle of a grocery store, had some shopping to get done, and the longer she stayed with Luke hugging her, the more she’d get used to it. And, like she told Crystal and Ashton, that would be a bad idea.

Especially since a wedding date was about to be set.

Sloane pulled away from Luke, hands on his sides to reluctantly create some distance between them as she looked up at the tall blonde. The smile was still present on his face, just a little softer, an ever present glimmer in his blue eyes Sloan had forgotten how fond she was of while she’d been away at school. Her fingers itched with the urge to run through his blonde curls, wanting nothing more than to feel the softness of the strands under her touch.

Instead, Sloane took a step away from Luke, rolling her lips into her mouth yet still smiling because she didn’t want to be rid of the light, teasing mood that Luke had so easily set after pulling her out of the rigidness her mother had put her in. With a tilt of her head, Sloane wittily challenged, “We’re gonna have a good time, then?”

He responded with a comical wiggle of his eyebrows, enough to elicit laughter from Sloane as she pressed her hand against his chest and pushed him away. They stood, laughing in the middle of the cake aisle, as he confirmed, “An unforgettable time.”

The promising glint in his bright blue eyes left no room for doubt. As if there was ever any uncertainty; not when Luke looked at her the way he did. Not when Sloane found herself doing the same to him.

*****

The thin sheen of sweat that coated Calum’s skin felt welcomed as he approached the beach house, lightly kicking up sand as he kept the same pace of his jogging since he had started. It was a bright morning, unsurprising given that it was the middle of summer in Florida, the sun above threatening to burn him had he not had the good sense to put on some sunscreen before leaving the house. The ocean was nearly as blinding as the sun as the rays glittered against the water, leaving Calum perpetually squinting as he jogged along the shore, though not close enough to the water to get his shoes wet.

Still, Calum enjoyed the softness of the sand beneath his feet and the music playing in his ears not too loud to drown out the sounds of the ocean as it made for a combination he quickly grew fond of. Jogging along the shoreline of Daytona Beach was vastly different than doing so through Central Park; while the latter had become routine,Calum would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy the heat of the Florida son on his skin and the salt in the air replacing the unmistakable, world-known scent of New York he’d grown used to since his family had moved there when he was a child. While the rush of the city felt like home, the calmness of the beach rid Calum of the worries his bustling life back home came with, feeling completely at ease despite it only being their second day in Florida

He slowed down his pace when he approached the back of the house, about to head up the steps that led to the back deck when the sounds of a dog’s barking cut through the sound of Nine Inch Nails playing in his AirPods. Calum stopped before even going up the first step, pausing his music as he caught sight of a familiar German shepherd at the bottom of the steps of the house next door before he ran towards Calum.

“Oh hey, buddy,” Calum chuckled as Freddie reached him, the dog excitedly sniffing at Calum and looking up at him with dark eyes and what seemed to be a grinning mouth. As Calum rubbed at Freddie’s head, scratching behind his ears, he chuckled lowly, “Guess you remember me, huh?”

“I dunno what’s happening—but I feel like I should be worried about you trying to steal my dog.” Light footsteps against wooden panels could be heard, and Calum glanced up to see River staring down at him from where she stood on the back deck of the house next door. Her arms were folded atop the railing and as Calum absently kept petting Freddie, he could feel himself getting pulled in by the sight of River.

He’d only seen her in the dark of last night, but now she stood with blonde hair in pretty and messy waves and a smile on her pink lips as she peered down at him. Dimples. She had dimples. The sun was blinding, but it provided for a pink in her cheeks and a glow against her skin he wanted to admire for as long as she’d let him. And in watching her, he didn’t miss the way her own gaze seemed to size him up from her viewpoint, trailing up and down his arm. He knew she was taking in the sight of the tattoos wrapping around his left arm, an excited twist in the pit of his stomach knowing she was drinking him in the same way he was admiring her.

Remembering that she’d spoken to him, Calum quickly gathered his wits about him and offered a smirk, squinting up at her with one eye as he responded, “He’s the one that seems to find me.” He straightened as Freddie panted, and Calum held up his hands in defense as his smirk widened and he said, “Think he’s tryna tell you somethin’, doll.”

River’s close mouthed smile transformed into a proper grin, laughing at his words as Calum felt a tug in his chest at the sound. Before she could respond, though, another woman’s voice popped up, “Who’re you talking to, Rivvy?”

It sounded like an older woman, Calum’s thoughts confirmed when River glanced over her shoulder to whoever was behind her, obviously hidden from Calum’s view, as she said casually, “Just our new neighbor, Grams.”

“New neighbor?” Calum heard her grandmother repeat, feeling a small smile tug at the corner of his lips at the excited tone he detected. “Tell him to come up!”

River scoffed in amusement before looking back down at Calum, their eyes meeting, and from the distance Calum could confirm his observation from last night: definitely light colored eyes he wanted a closer look at. His eyebrows raised when River nodded her head over. “You heard the woman. Come on up.”

She unfolded her arms and gripped the wooden railing, standing up straight and watching Calum watch her. River raised questioning eyebrows when he stayed put for a moment, too lost in the way her hair danced in the ocean breeze and the glint of the fine golden necklace she wore around her neck. But he pulled himself out of his reverie when Freddie started making his way up River’s porch steps, and Calum was quick to follow, his footsteps a lot heavier against the wood as opposed to the clatter of Freddie’s paws.

Calum pocketed his AirPods as he made his way up, feeling his lips quirk at the sight of River sitting down on a chair, Freddie by her feet, a small table with two cups of tea and cookies, and River’s grandmother sitting in the chair next to her. The older woman grinned, warm and maternal, at the sight of Calum. “Ah, new neighbor, hello! I’m Maggie.”

Her short silver hair danced gently in the wind as she looked up Calum with green eyes, and he found himself returning her smile easily as he shook her hand and introduced, “Nice to meet you, ma’am. I’m Calum.”

“Oh, no ma’am,” she shook off, leaning back in her seat. “Call me Maggie—or Mags.” She then gestured to the spare chair opposite of her and River, and Calum settled down as River crossed one leg over the other. He did his best to keep his gaze on Maggie and not the smoothness of River’s legs. “So, Calum, when did you move next door?”

Calum linked his hands together, arms resting on his thighs as he let out a quiet laugh. “Actually, I’m on vacation with some friends of mine. We just got here yesterday from New York.”

Maggie raised her eyebrows in understanding. “Oh,” she nodded slowly, moving to reach for her cup of tea with a subtly trembling hand. Calum watched as River beat her to it, taking the mug and bringing it to her grandmother, who smiled at her gratefully. Looking back at Calum, Maggie asked, “How long are you here for?”

“A while,” River answered for him, Calum’s gaze darting to her, biting the inside of his cheek at the sight of her knowing smirk and hint of a dimple. When he looked at her, in that moment, he noted the green of her eyes, darker than Maggie’s, glinting against the sunlight. He felt his own lips mirror her smirk at her referral of their first meeting the night before. Was a while long enough? Long enough for what?

Calum looked back at Maggie, oblivious to whatever had just transpired between him and her granddaughter, and he offered her a charming smile before saying, “Ah, probably a little over a month.

Maggie nodded after taking a sip of her tea. Then her eyebrows raised as she glanced at River, a smile curling at her lips. “Oh, honey, now there’s some kids your age around. You should get to know them—show them around while they’re here!”

Calum watched the way River shot her grandmother a look; not an annoyed one, just mildly exasperated, like she wasn’t a fan of Maggie offering her up like that but also that it was something she was used to. She looked calm where she sat, an amused smile on her lips as she told Maggie, “Grams, I’m sure Calum and his friends already have their own pla—”

“No, no, she’s right.” The words fell past Calum’s mouth before he even realized, unaware that he’d spoken until two sets of green eyes were staring at him, excited and the other surprised. He looked at River, who seemed to be fighting a smile from growing on her lips, and Calum cleared his throat before backtracking in hopes of not sounding too desperate. “We, uh, we could always look for new things to do; we’ll be here for a while so, like, if you’ve got any ideas, I’m all ears.”

River smiled with a slow nod, tucking stray longs of her blonde hair behind her ear. The movement drew Calum’s attention to the black ink against her skin, trying to make out the tattoo she had before it disappeared from his view too quickly. Her grandmother chuckled. “Look at that—you’re making friends!”

River’s blue eyes met Calum’s brown at the mention of friends. It was hilariously an understatement of what either of them wanted to be. To Maggie, River scoffed, “I have friends, Grams.”

Maggie waved her off. “Other than your coworkers.”

As much as Calum wanted to stay and chat with the two of them, which was actually a lot, he needed to head back to the house to take a shower. So after kind goodbyes to Maggie and rub at the top of a compliant Freddie’s head, Calum got up and began making his way down the steps, River right behind him. He’d gotten to the sandy ground when River spoke up. “Calum.” He looked back up at her as she stood on the middle step of the staircase, squinting towards the ocean before looking down at him once more. “There’s actually this, uh, gig tonight. A local band playing at this underground bar downtown. You and your friends interested in that sort of thing?”

He fought the urge to instantly say yes. “Are they good?”

River chuckled gently. “If you’re down to hear a wanna-be version of Joy Division, yeah,” she mused with a shrug before laughing at Calum’s amused smirk. “Yeah, they’re good.”

Nodding and trying to ignore the thrill of the fact he’d get to see her later on, Calum asked, “What time?”

River grinned, turning her body to head back up, though gaze still locked on Calum’s as she told him, in a delightedly cute voice, “I’ll knock on your door at six-thirty.”

He adored her grin and dimples when he told her, “I look forward to it.”

Later on that evening, after the groceries Sloane and Luke had brought back long since packed away and everyone using their first day in Florida as an excuse to laze around, the energy in the house turned busy and buzzing as they got ready for the gig River had invited them all to after having dinner. There had been an excited buzz with his friends at having something to do for the night, as if they couldn’t have just gone into town on their own, but Calum supposed it was more fun with a local guiding them. He knew he definitely was looking forward to enjoying his night with River.

A knock sounded on his door, and Calum looked up from where he’d been crouched over, sitting at the end of the bed, tying the laces to his Docs. “What’s up?”

“I have a question,” Michael mused, strolling into the room, dressed up in his usual black and white outfit, cap covering his blonde hair, key necklace hanging low as Calum sat up with a questioning quirk of his eyebrows. “Is River the same girl you were talking to last night? During the bonfire?”

Calum blinked up at his oldest friend. “Yeah,” he answered slowly, warily. “Why?”

Michael took a breath, looking down at him as his hands fell to his sides. “Because you’d only met her once and you were talking about her like someone would if they weren’t engaged to someone else.” Calum bit the inside corner of his lips, knowing exactly where this was going. “And now we’re going out with her?” Michael shook his head. “Sounds dangerous, man.”

“Mike,” Calum spoke up, voice only slightly strained as he stood to his feet. Pointedly, he said, “Sloane and I agreed we wouldn’t talk about that stuff while we were here. We’re just trying to enjoy ourselves before—”

“Not talking about it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, Cal,” Michael cut in matter-of-factly, gaze turning concerned, like he was genuinely worried his friends were fooling themselves. “What, you’re gonna screw around with some other girl with Sloane ten feet away? Come on, man, you’re not that kind of guy.”

As much as Calum appreciated the good place Michael was coming from, he found it completely unnecessary. He didn’t think any of his friends would understand the predicament he was in—only Sloane could. The two of them were put in this situation by listening to those around them; for now, Calum wanted to only listen to himself.

“Sloane and I aren’t together, Michael,” Calum said, his tone factual and purposeful. “We’re engaged, on paper, but there’s not—there’s no relationship there. Only friendship, and even that’s getting fucked because of this shit situation. When we’re married, that’s—” He broke off briefly, looking away from Michael with a shake of his head, not for the first time wondering how he could’ve let himself get mixed up in all of this. “It’ll be different then. For now, we both agreed to just enjoy ourselves before heading back to New York.”

Michael breathed in deeply as he considered Calum’s words, exhaling heavily with a shake of his head as he muttered, “Sounds fucking complicated.”

Calum scoffed, a wry smile tilting at his lips. “I know,” he mused, shooting his friend a look. “That’s why they say ignorance is bliss.”

The doorbell rang just then, and Calum failed to ignore the lurch in his chest as he clapped Michael’s back and headed out of his bedroom. He walked past Ashton’s, who was playing some Coldplay behind the half closed door, and as Calum jogged down the stairs he gave a shout to everyone in the house, “River’s here!”

He ran his hand over his hair as he approached the door, a nervous habit where he’d be able to tangle his fingers through his curls, though now he was left with only feeling the soft edges of his hair growing from when he shaved it a few months back. Calum quickly licked his lips, the doorknob cold under his touch, no time to overthink or question himself as Michael stood next to him, and he opened the door to reveal River standing on the blue wood of their porch.

Calum so desperately wanted to stand in the doorway and admire the sight of her; she looked like the picture perfect model of someone from a beach town. Wavy dark blonde hair, sunkissed skin, with a smile that Calum didn’t mind being blinded by. The subtle smell of salt wafted into the house when he opened the door, and before Calum could get lost in the sight of River—again—he opened the door wider and said, “Hey, come on in.”

She kept smiling as she entered the house, smiled as Calum introduced her to Michael and then everyone else as they one by one came down the stairs. He watched, suddenly feeling a bit uneasy, as Sloane greeted River with a smile, friendly and genuine in all her right. Selfishly, Calum’s gaze dropped to Sloane’s hand, relieved to see the lack of ring, pressing his tongue to the back of his bottom teeth at his own absurdity.

It was complicated, like Michael said. And Calum had no idea what the hell he was doing.

Once the introductions were done, it was time to head out, and since there were seven of them, two Ubers were called. River offered to call one of them, phone already in hand, but was promptly shut down by everyone as Calum and Luke took it upon themselves to call them. The two cars arrived quickly enough, and Calum sat in the back with River and Ashton took the front—they were too tall to fit in the back comfortably—before they were on their way.

“I could’ve called one of the cars, y’know,” River said as she buckled in her seatbelt.

Calum let out a small chuckle at her insistence. “River, seriously, it’s fine.”

“Yeah; you’re the one that gave us plans for the night; least we could do was pay for the ride there,” Ashton piped up from the front, words nothing short of honest. He turned around then, shooting her a friendly grin as he added, “But you can call one for the ride back.”

Calum watched as River giggled, the sound devastatingly sweet as they drove down the roads, the street lights rhythmically shining into the car every now and then and splashing against the pretty girl sitting beside him as she said to answer, “Deal.”

The confined space of the car had Calum far more intune with his senses, and out of nowhere, all he could smell was a delicious floral, no, fruity, scent. Something like passionfruit as it tickled his nose and Calum was a second away from a deep inhale when he realized it was probably River’s shampoo or lotion or something, and that he’d be some weirdo sitting next to her in a car, sniffing her like a dog. So he bit his tongue, fingers curling into his palms as Ashton asked River about herself, allowing Calum to know some more about her. Just surface things; of her living with her grandmother since she was a kid, spending years watching college kids every year come around for spring break, spending any free time she had looking for things to do. A lot of alone time, River told them she had, which allowed her to enjoy her own company and take advantage of when the opportunity to hang out with others arrived.

Like tonight, she’d joked, and when Calum’s brown eyes met her green, he knew she was glad Maggie had pushed her the way she had.

They’d reached their destination fairly soon, both cars pulling up at the same time, and River led them inside after they all flashed their I.D’s to the men outside. Music could be heard from below them, mixed with the chatter of people conversing loudly in hopes to be heard over it, and Calum fell into step alongside River as they walked down the stoned steps, going closer and closer to the noise.

“I wanted to ask—what’s your tattoo mean?” Calum found himself inquiring. His eyes had once again caught sight of the ink on the inside of River’s wrist. And as someone who had quite a few tattoos of his own, each with their personal story, he was always intrigued by the ink others wore proudly on their bodies.

River glanced down at her wrist. Colored lights began splashing across them, purples and blues doing more to darken their surroundings than lighten them up, and River’s lips quirked up at the sight of her tattoo. Calum got a better look at it; they seemed like two stick figures, joined together by a shared arm, except the joints and heads were made up of flowers, with the occasional leaf growing from what would be the limbs. But the figures were uneven, not entirely lining up.

“It’s the constellation for my zodiac sign,” River informed him with an airy chuckle. Calum could feel the bass of the music rumble through his chest. “I’m a Gemini, which has the symbol of the twins.” With a roll of her eyes, she continued, “There’s this stigma of Geminis being, like, two faced and fake or whatever, but I don’t think that’s me.” Shooting him a smile as they reached the bottom of the steps, his friends all right behind them, River finished, “I like to think I’m more of a what you is what you get type of person. I’ve got nothing to hide.”

There was something about the way she spoke that threatened to send Calum stumbling on his own feet. Her voice, from what Calum gathered to this point, was a sweet mixture of airy and confidence. Like she spoke as lightly as a gentle breeze yet had the independence of standing solid against anything that decided to challenge her. A free spirit in even her voice and manner of speaking, and it only served to draw Calum more and more into her. Dangerously slow.

The music had grown loud as they reached the bottom, arriving to the space where up ahead, Calum could see the band performing, everyone else in between enjoying the guitar centered music. Still, no matter how impressive they sounded, Calum found his attention to still be on River, who was looking ahead with an excited grin, and told her, “That’s pretty sick.”

He hoped she knew he was talking about her tattoo and not the band, gaze meeting hers as the purple lights flashed against her green eyes. River smiled. “Thanks—hope that means I get the backstory to all of yours.”

Calum grinned while biting his lower lip, not missing the way River tracked the action, as he told her easily, “Any day.”

Her grin widened, the shadows of her dimples gentle in her cheeks against the light, and River glanced over at the rest of Calum’s friends and said over the music, “Bar’s this way!”

They followed her through the buzzing, dancing crowd, Calum’s gaze darting over the heads of everyone around him to look over to the stage. The band sounded pretty good, cohesive and coordinated and talented, and if the music was good then Calum felt as though this night would be, too. They walked towards the bar, a very thin haze of smoke in the air, which he realized was from actual smoke machines and not anything people were using given the stench of cigarettes and weed wasn’t detectable. Bodies bumped against him as he made his way through, eyes on River as she led them to the bar, which they pushed their way onto and quickly caught the attention of one of the bartenders.

As they waited for their drinks, Calum leaned back with his elbows resting on the bar, gaze taking in his surroundings. He didn’t realize there was a second floor, a balcony like section surrounding them above as people danced and watched the band from up there. The walls were made up of rigid stone, lights set up in the middle of the ceiling to shine on the stage and flash on the crowd, in sync with the beats the band was playing. People in the crowd danced and sang along, hands holding cups or bottles in the air as they lost themselves for the night.

“So what do you think?” Calum glanced to his left to see River watching him take in everything, eyebrows raising as she handed him his drink he wasn’t aware was ready.

Calum nodded, lips quirking downwards, impressed, as he looked around once more before meeting River’s gaze once more. “It’s pretty cool,” he told her truthfully, shooting her a smile. “Thanks for bringing us here.”

River met his smile with a smirk of her own, holding up her glass as she corrected, “Thank my grams.”

He laughed at that, nodding in appraisal as he clinked his glass with hers before taking a sip of his vodka tonic. He owed Maggie.

Once they all had their drinks in hand, they began making their way into the crowd, grip on their glasses tight as they got to the middle of the boisterous audience, the heat of the mass amount of people already sticking to Calum’s skin as he looked towards the band. He didn’t know the songs or the words but his head still bopped to the music as he nursed his drink.

They finished playing one song and right before going into the next, the frontman surprised Calum by announcing that the next song would be their cover of a song by one of Calum’s favorite bands. “They cover The Maine?” he asked in surprise, gaze flickering to River.

She nodded with a hum, looking over at him as the blue light flashed across her face. It darkened her eyes and made them glitter at the same time, and for a moment he forgot where he was as she smiled at him. “Yeah—you like them?”

Calum let out a breath. “Fucking love them,” he told her just as the band began playing the familiar tune of Black Butterflies and Deja Vu. He felt himself loosen up even more, unable to keep himself from singing the lyrics.

By the time the chorus hit, they were screaming the lyrics with the entire crowd, feeling the ground beneath them vibrate and hearts pound with the drums, and Calum felt himself leaning into River just as she did him, jumping along to the music yet the distance between them was practically nonexistent. His left arm eventually found its way around River’s shoulders, the two of them moving together to the music, not even thinking twice as her own free arm went around his waist to keep him close. Effortless, unthinking, just.

Calum didn’t know what to make of this, what he was doing. During too many songs did he catch himself unable to tear his gaze away not from the stage, but from River. His own movements had slowed down, body only jolting ever so slightly if someone else bumped into him, mostly when River’s own dancing in the form of excited jumps with her hand gripping his arm had him pulled towards her each time. Calum should be watching the band on stage, but he could hear them fine enough, and so his eyes seemed to gravitate towards River and stay on her to take in the glow of her skin against the colored lights, the subtle glitter of her makeup, the shadows of her dimples as she sang along through her grin.

She looked beautiful; drowning in the music, a thrilled happiness glinting against her eyes that effortlessly took Calum’s breath away. He wasn’t one to get blindsided often, didn’t particularly enjoy it, but somehow he was okay with River completely taking him by surprise. Not that he knew how she did it, but he wasn’t going to fight against it.

Calum blinked out of his reverie when River’s green eyes met his brown, and she leaned towards him to tell him over the music, “I’m gonna get another drink.”

Not wanting her to go by herself, he replied, “I’ll come with you,” before looking to his other side at Ashton, gesturing to him that he was gonna go to the bar, to which Ashton nodded in acknowledgement.

River and Calum pushed their way through the bustling crowd, lips curling a bit distastefully as warm bodies rubbed against him, expression suddenly melting when River reached her free hand behind her to grab onto Calum’s. His gaze darted to their joined hands, how hers seemed to fit a bit too well in his, before dragging his eyes back up, only to see River glancing at him over her shoulder. She flashed him a smile, cute and easy going, before turning to continue her way through the crowd until they were finally out.

Their hands were still together as they approached the bar, and Calum hoped she wouldn’t let go because he certainly wasn’t ready to, desperately fighting the urge to shift his hand so his fingers could interlace with hers. But maybe that was too intimate. He didn’t know.

River flagged down one of the bartenders with her empty glass, asking for another margarita as her and Calum leaned against the bar, facing one another in the minimal space they had as many others gathered around the bar as well. After giving her order, River’s gaze flitted just a little past Calum, towards the stage over his shoulder as her head bopped to the music, and he knew he should turn to follow her gaze but he stayed put. No amount of force or willpower allowed him to turn around, to drag his eyes away from the green of hers, or the pink of her lips, or the soft waves of her blonde hair. She seemed to be constantly smiling, from the few times Calum had seen her, a sight he was getting too used to, too quickly.

He couldn’t bring himself to care.

River’s eyes flickered to his, smile still present as she raised her eyebrows and inquired, “What?”

Calum didn’t look away, not at all ashamed at his open admirance of her, feeling a thrilling twist in his stomach when he felt her thumb absently rub at the back of his hand. Her smile prompted one on Calum’s lips too, taking a tiny step towards her, his body towering over hers, as he nonchalantly responded, “Nothin’.” River’s expression went from questioning to unconvinced, and Calum let out a low chuckle before telling her, “I owe Maggie for convincing you to go out with us.”

A laugh escaped River, looking away from the intensity of Calum’s gaze as she said, “Grams didn’t have to do much convincing.” Her eyes met his, the smile she wore faltering into a more secretive, yet equally alluring, one. “Going out with you was a no brainer.”

His heart quickened, no longer in time with the drums, gaze ever so briefly dropping to her lips as the distance between them grew smaller and smaller by the second. Over alcohol probably spilled somewhere and the sweat of bodies lingering in the air, Calum could still smell the passionfruit on River, could focus on only that as her body drew closer and closer. He was realizing, as both of their gazes only seemed to focus on the other’s lips, the extent of the effect River seemed to have on him, could feel it in the way his mouth burned with the desire of capturing hers, hand tingling where she held it in her own. It was like every force of nature was pulling him towards River, was relieved to know it was just as mutual when she finally closed the gap by pushing herself on her toes to press her lips against Calum’s.

He pushed closer to her, free hand coming up to cup her cheek as she easily parted her soft lips for him, deepening the kiss as his tongue slowly came to meet hers, his vodka mixing with her tequila. Not that either of them cared a bit. Everything around them was moving quickly and loudly, losing themselves in the fast paced energy of this underground concert they’d found themselves in. But none of it registered in Calum’s head anymore; the entirety of his focus went into the way his heart threatened to jump out of his chest and right into the palm of River’s hand until she fisted the front of his Nine Inch Nails tee to keep him close. Colors flashed behind Calum’s closed lids as he kissed her, but he knew it had nothing to do with the lights flickering around him. Nor did the bustling crowd have anything to do with the heat firing up his skin. It was all River and the power she so effortlessly seemed to have over him, giving into her as he finally did shift his hand so his fingers could lace with hers.

They had to pull away for a breather, but their faces remained close, Calum’s eyes opening just enough to look down at her pink lips, kissed and soft and needing more. With a breathless smirk, he asked, “Was it worth it?”

He prompted a gentle giggle from River, tilting her head up just to brush her lips against his as she answered, “Kiss me again and I’ll let you know.”

God, he didn’t want this night to end.

*****

When River walked over to where the group of them were sitting with a pleasant hi y’all, an uncomfortable twisting sensation bothered the pit of Sloane’s stomach as she watched Calum greet her with a hug. She pushed it aside long enough to say her own hi’s with a smile, but Sloane couldn’t help but chewing on the inside of her lower lip River sat down at the end of Calum’s beach chair, thanking Crystal as she handed her a drink.

The smile Calum wore in River’s presence was telling enough, and the uncomfortable feeling turned into a bad one, the added heat of the sun prompting Sloane to shift uneasily where she sat on her own chair. Silently, Sloane looked down at her paper plate with her half eaten slice of pizza and some chicken wings. She desperately wanted to push aside whatever was eating her up, wanting to enjoy the beach day because it was Ashton’s birthday, the music was playing and the food was as hot as the sun above them. He didn’t want to do anything big, opting to spend the day enjoying the beach and the ocean with his friends after receiving his presents ordering a whole lot of food from one of the best pizza and wings places in town. Living in the heart of the city did not allow for any beach days, so they were determined to take full advantage of the never ending blue ocean in front of them; except Sloane kept tapping her foot against the ground and she needed to talk to Calum.

While Sloane had grown used to being silenced, she also knew she deserved to be heard—something she would quickly have to adjust to when they got back home. And her worry for Calum kept her from just sitting and letting things happen, so she put down her plate on her chair and stood up, taking the few steps towards Calum’s chair and saying, “Hey, Cal.” She shot River an apologetic smile for interrupting before looking at Calum, who was staring up at her from behind his sunglasses. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

She noted the way his eyebrows drew together, wondered if he was deciding against it until he ultimately let out a quiet breath and stood up, telling River he’d be right back before following Sloane away from the group. They walked a bit of a distance until Calum stopped and asked, almost boredly, “What’s up?”

Sloane turned to face him, sighing as her sheer lilac colored cover up swayed in the breeze. Looking up at Calum, her sunglasses resting atop her head as she squinted at him, she asked, “What are you doing?” When his frown deepened, Sloane pursed her lips. “With River. Are you guys, like, together?”

She noted the clench of his jaw, his arms crossing over his bare chest as the sun unfairly made his skin glow. There was a rigidness in his shoulders and Sloane knew he was getting irritated, but she didn’t quite care in the moment. “Why does it matter?”

Her eyebrows shot up incredulously, wondering briefly if she misheard him over the distant sound of waves crashing on the shore. “Why does i—” Sloane cut herself off with a scoff, shaking her head up at Calum as her lips quirked in a disbelieving smile. “Because if this is more than just a—a summer fling, then you’re gonna end up hurting River.” She leaned back a bit, her expression softening a little as she added, “And yourself.”

Calum’s lips puckered petulantly, tongue pushing against his lower lip as he considered Sloane’s words. She hoped he understood where she was coming from, that she was only worried about not only him but this girl that, Sloane knew, had no idea of the circumstances the guy she was getting involved with was in. If whatever Calum was pursuing with River ended up being more than just a brief fling, something to hold him over while they were in Florida, then they were going to end up in a lot of pain. The arrangement Sloane and Calum were in had already put a bit of a strain on their friendship; she didn’t want him to completely resent her for being unable to be with someone he may actually want to have. This wasn’t jealousy, not by a long shot; this was genuine concern for any potential heartbreak Calum was, intentionally or not, setting himself and River up for.

Calum looked to his left, towards the glimmering ocean and blinding sun, and Sloane watched as he pressed his tongue to the inside of his cheek before he lowly said, “I thought we agreed we wouldn’t discuss. . . The arrangement while we were here.”

Sloane felt a disappointed tug in her chest. Was he even willing to listen to her? To acknowledge she came from a place of genuine concern? “We did,” she confirmed calmly, throat working. “But that was before I saw how much you seem to like River. And how much I can tell she likes you. This whole thing is complicated and, trust me, I’m still trying to figure out how to deal with it, but—”

“You’re right, it is complicated,” Calum cut her off, finally looking down at her once again, and Sloane fought the urge to shrink into herself under his stare. Despite being unable to see his dark eyes, she could hear the edge in his tone, feel the tension radiating off of him. “But while you try to figure things out for yourself, let me deal with them the way I want to.” Sloane blinked to break their gaze, looking away from him as she pressed her lips together, finding some semblance of dignity to not be insulted by the way he spoke to her. And it was like Calum heard how harsh he was being because he paused before letting out a breath. His tone was calmer, losing its edge, as he added, “I appreciate your concern, Sloane. But you do you and let me handle things my own way, okay? Just. . . Take advantage of being able to make your own decisions for now.” With a wry scoff, he added, “I know I am.”

She rolled her lips into her mouth, nodding as she took in Calum’s words and looked back up at him again. He didn’t seem as tense as before, and it relaxed her muscles somewhat as he offered her a small smile before nodding his head over to the group, silently telling her they should get back. Sloane sighed quietly, the sound drowned out as they approached their friends, grabbing her plate and settling on her chair once again.

The weight of a pair of eyes on her wasn’t missed, and Sloane looked up to see Luke sitting across from her in his own chair, plate in hand with arms resting on his knees as his blue eyes met her own. He furrowed his eyebrows subtle and gave a gentle lift of his chin, silently asking if she was alright. Sloane felt the corner of her lips tug upwards at his obvious concern, a silent nod telling him she was fine. Or she would be.

“Mm, Sloane, you made this cake?” She looked away to see River looking at her, a slice of the lemon cake she’d made on her plate and a plastic fork in her hand. River had pretty green eyes, Sloane couldn’t help but admire, a gorgeous image of beached beauty. When Sloane responded with a confirming nod and smile, River’s own widened as she praised, “It’s so good. I’ve never liked lemon cake until now.”

Sloane let out a laugh at her compliment, thanking her sincerely before continuing with her pizza. She took a breath, picking up the slice and absently inspecting it. River was a sweetheart, Sloane could tell. She hoped she didn’t get hurt.

A little over an hour later, Sloane stood at the shore, feeling the cold water gather up to her shins every time the waves crashed over, tempting her to go in deeper. But she remained put, hearing the speaker Ashton brought play an unfamiliar song, her cover up fluttering in the breeze. Arms crossed over her chest and sunglasses forgotten on her chair, Sloane watched the others enjoy the water. She could hear their laughter, mixed with that of other beach goers a little ways away, and Sloane chewed on her lower lip as she watched Michael and Crystal play a game of chicken against Calum and River. All smiles, all giggles, completely carefree. Calum was in a state of contentment Sloane hadn’t seen in a while, and as relieved as she was to see him like this, she knew it was because of River, and it worried her.

“Aren’t you gonna go in?” Sloane jumped at the sound of Luke’s voice, a gasp ripping through her throat as Luke chuckled sheepishly, holding up his hands in defense. “Sorry, sweetheart, didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Jeez,” Sloane laughed breathlessly, shooting Luke a look. “Warn a girl next time.” He merely grinned, dimples and all, and Sloane forced herself to tear her gaze away from him. Or else she’d get lost in admiring his wet hair and glistening body that she felt like God took a bit more time carefully sculpting. Answering his question, she said, “Uh, I don’t know, actually. I hate feeling seaweed on my feet—it freaks me out.”

It was a dumb fear, Sloane knew, as Luke hummed thoughtfully. Her cheeks warmed then when he nonchalantly suggested, “I can just carry you in. No nasty seaweed touching you then, just me.” When her gaze met his, Sloane saw the way Luke’s brain seemed to catch up to what he’d said, and watched as a pink flush donned his cheeks as he began stumbling over his words. His eyes widened as he began backtracking, “Not like—I didn’t mean it to sound like that. I just meant, y’know, I’d, like, carry you in and—”

She’d struggled to keep the smile from growing on her face as Luke tripped over his words, feeling her heart jump at how endearingly adorable he was capable of being. Seeing Luke so flustered wasn’t something Sloane was entirely used to, and the fact that it was kind of because of her had her skin growing hot. Her cheeks hurt from her grin, deciding to ease Luke’s fluster as she put a hand on his bicep and gently laughed, “I know what you meant, Luke.”

He pressed his lips together instantly, looking both grateful and embarrassed, cheeks still tinged an adorable pink. Luke raised a hand pushing his fingers through his wet hair as it slicked back, looking down at his feet for a moment. He then looked at Sloane once more and said, “I just, uh, don’t want you hanging out here by yourself. You. . . You looked upset before.”

The softness in his tone had Sloane smiling a soft, small grin, his consideration not lost on her. She squinted against the sun, looking up at him as her own loose strands of hair tickled her jaw and neck. “I wasn’t upset. Just. . . Worried.”

Luke’s eyebrows drew together a bit. “Worried about what?”

Sloane rolled her lips into her mouth, taking a breath as her gaze wandered back towards the ocean. River had successfully pushed Crystal off Michael’s shoulders, laughing victoriously with Calum, whose hands were rubbing at her thighs before she bent down, her hands cupping his cheeks to lean his head back so she could quickly kiss him. Not a new sight for any of them, given that Calum and River hadn’t been particularly secretive about the action since the night of the concert.

And it was weird for all of them, but not fully so. Because no one had told River about Calum and Sloane, leaving it up to him to do so, and no one could really say anything against Calum being with River because he wasn’t with Sloane. So they let him do what he wanted, assuming he had things under control, and Sloane could only hope he did. They weren’t together, but they were still friends, and she didn’t want to see him hurt, or River. It wasn’t weird seeing him with River, nor was Sloane at all jealous. Being jealous would mean she felt something for Calum in more than a platonic fashion, and that had never been the case. Frankly, she didn’t think that would ever be the case. She was just concerned.

She figured Luke followed her gaze because he slowly asked, “Are you worried or jealous?”

His question had a startled laugh choking out of Sloane, eyes widening as she exclaimed a genuinely bewildered, “What?” When she gave a shake of her head and looked at Luke, she saw how serious he was in his inquiry, and it only prompted more incredulous laughter to bubble past Sloane. Poor Luke was watching her, probably truly confused as to what she thought was so funny, unaware that his serious question was humorous in its own right. “Oh, God, no,” Sloane answered in between dying laughter, looking at a still confused Luke. “I’m not—if I was jealous, that would mean I had, like, feelings for Calum, which I don’t.” Sloane calmed down, exhaling softly as Luke’s shoulders sank a bit. “I’m just worried if he knows what he’s getting himself into. But jealous?” She scoffed, shooting Luke a reassuring look. “Far from it.”

Luke rolled his lips into his mouth, looking out at the water as his eyebrows drew together under the sun. “But. . . He’s your fiancé.”

Sloane pursed her lips at the reminder, one that she didn’t need, before exhaling forcefully. “Not while we’re in Florida.” She looked at Luke once more, who’d raised his eyebrows in consideration of her words. He glanced up as a pelican flew overhead, meeting Sloane’s gaze once again when she added, “I’m a free woman until we get back.”

His body turned to face hers, easily towering over her, and Sloane couldn’t ignore the way she liked it. Luke’s broad frame and impossible height made Sloane feel so small; except Luke himself never did. The way he looked at her, listened to her, talked to her. . . Everything about the way he existed around her made Sloane feel visible. And not just now, but for years; Luke always had a way of making Sloane feel as if she was someone worth listening to, worth getting to know, and there had been times where she’d tell herself that’s just the way Luke was. Kind, sweet, personable. Now, thought. . . Sloane couldn’t help but think, with her, it may just be something more than she’d previously caught on to.

“Alright then,” Luke smiled, his dimples coming out. “Will you get in the water with me?”

Sloane giggled softly before nodding, taking a few steps away from the shore to take off her cover up. She had on her bathing suit, but took off her denim cut offs and dropped them with the cover up on the ground, running her hands through her long dark hair as she watched Luke watch her. Heat jolted through her veins at the sight of his gaze, feeling him earnestly appreciate her, a sensation Sloane didn’t think she’d enjoy until she was.

Luke licked his lips, blinking himself back into reality as he turned around. “Okay, come on.” She watched as he crouched down with his back towards her, wiggling his fingers at her. “One seaweed free ocean entrance.”

She rolled her eyes at his humor, totally endearing, as she approached him with a quickening heart rate. Swiftly, Sloane got onto his back, biting her lower lip as his hands grasped the back of her knees, her front pressed against his bare back, arms wrapping around his neck and trying so hard not to focus on the sensation of his skin against hers as he began making his way to the water. She struggled to keep the smile off her face as he began going deeper, the water at his hips, her chin resting on her arm on his shoulder and head right next to his as she felt the cold water on her skin, the salt in the air even more prominent.

Luke’s long legs allowed for him to go further into the water on his feet than Sloane would’ve been able to, their friends playing around nearby, and she heard herself giggle as the gentle waves splashed against them. “Hm, okay, I don’t think your feet are gonna touch the ground here, shorty,” Luke said before both of them reluctantly let go of each other.

As Sloane floated—her feet did not, in fact, touch the ground here—she splashed Luke. He made a protesting sound through a laugh, turning away from her halfway in between of turning to face her, and Sloane argued, “I’m 5’5”—that’s average. You’re the one that’s ninety-five percent legs!”

Luke scoffed, splashing her right back as he asked, “What’s the other five percent?”

Sloane paused, bobbing in the water before smirking. “Hair.”

Her shriek was silence when Luke grabbed her before dunking her under, laughing before he was pulled under too as Sloane pushed and swam away from him. They resurfaced, gasping laughter and the taste of salt on their lips, and the blue of Luke’s eyes was far superior than that of the ocean, Sloane had decided. His smile could rival the sun, too.

Soon enough, Ashton called them over for a game of water volleyball with the beach ball he’d snagged from the gift shop, and Michael called himself out to be the referee so there was an even number of players. Crystal, Calum and River versus Ashton, Sloane and Luke. As the game proceeded, Sloane found herself worrying less and less about Calum and River and focusing more on how Luke would swim over to her every time they scored a point, one arm wrapping around her collarbone to pull her back into his chest while his free hand high fived Ashton. She’d focus on the vibration of his chest when he yelled out a cheer or laughed triumphantly, the sound so easily widening Sloane’s grin without her even noticing. His skin easily warmed her within the coolness of the water, feeling herself childishly pout every time he pulled away from her to continue the game.

It was hours later—hours of spending it under the sun, in the water, having a sand castle competition which Michael surprisingly won, and eating more food—that they decided to call it a day, which Sloane was fine with. The sun was beginning to set and spending a good amount of time in the water had Sloane yearning for her bed after she washed the salt and sand off in the shower.

She figured she wouldn’t be hungry after eating so much during lunch, collapsing on the mattress with damp hair and in her pajamas. Except her stomach started growling right when she got comfortable, and Sloane buried her face in the pillow, hoping if she ignored it for long enough, her hunger would go away. But that wasn’t the case, and so she was reluctantly hauling herself off the bed and making her way down the dark hallway and stairs. She was surprised, however, when she noted the kitchen light was on and someone else seemed to have the same idea as her.

“You’re having a late night snack and didn’t invite me?” Sloane grinned when Luke glanced up from his bowl of Cheerios to watch her enter the kitchen, straightening where he’d been leaning against the counter. The overhead kitchen light was the only one on, while the hallway leading to the back deck, the foyer, and living room were all darkened. Sloane clicked her tongue. “I’m hurt.”

Luke chuckled, putting the spoon in the bowl as he said, “Every man for himself and his own hunger.” Raising an eyebrow, he added, “You looked ready to collapse before.”

Sloane scoffed, reveling in the cool tiles against her bare feet as she walked to where the bowls were, pulling one out for herself. She gathered what she needed, included the box of Coco Puffs, and said, “I was, but I guess my stomach had other plans.”

He scooped some more cereal up. “Same here,” he said before shoving the spoonful in his mouth.

As she poured milk over her cereal, Sloane smirked and shot him a glance. “Yeah, but you’re deadass always hungry.”

Luke didn’t look affronted as she put the milk back in the fridge, shoulders hunched as he brought the bowl up so the milk didn’t drip from his spoon as he continued to eat. “I’m a growing boy.”

She stood diagonal of him at the counter, her smirk widening in the quiet of the night as she said, “You’re almost twenty-three. You’re a man, not a boy.”

Sticking his tongue out, quite effortlessly contradicting Sloane’s statement, much to her amusement, Luke began backing away, carrying his bowl close to his chest with both hands. “Well, this man is gonna watch Scooby-Doo while he eats, in case you’d like to join.”

Her smile widened at his jokingly haughty tone, picking up her bowl and following him into the living room where he settled on the couch and turned on the TV. Sloane took a seat right next to him, crossing her legs and eating her cereal as Luke went on Netflix and found the cartoon. They sat in the dark together, the only light emitting from the bluish glow of the television, the volume appropriately low as to not disturb their friends asleep upstairs.

The two of them were quiet, the sound of the show only disturbed by the crunch of the cereal they ate and the occasional clink of their spoons against the bowls. Sloane could feel herself growing tired, especially after she finished her cereal and put her empty bowl on the coffee table in front of them. She leaned back on the couch, sinking a bit as her gaze remained fixated on the TV. There was nothing stopping her, really, from returning to her room and falling asleep now that she’d quelled her hunger. But the thought of leaving Luke was enough to make her stay, to sit in his company rather than go to sleep. He was a warm and comforting presence, his low chuckles at the cartoon bringing a sleepy smile to Sloane’s lips, whatever woodsy and fresh body wash he’d used tickling her nose as she smelled it every time she took a breath.

The last thing she remembered was watching Scooby and the gang running from a specter before her heavy lids fell and her head lolled to the side until it fell against, what she assumed sleepily, was Luke’s arm.

She woke, unsure of how long later, eyes sleepily blinking open when she felt her cheek come in contact with something soft. Slowly, she came to, eyebrows furrowing tiredly when she realized she was being carried in someone’s arms. A familiar scent embraced her and Sloane couldn’t even control the sleepy smile upturning her lips as she mumbled, “Luke?”

“Hi, sweetheart,” his low voice whispered, and judging by his movements, Sloane determined that he was going up the stairs, until they reached the top. “You fell asleep downstairs.”

Sloane hummed in acknowledgment as Luke took them to her room. She was vaguely aware of her fingers fiddling with the soft material of Luke’s shirt as she was held close to him. “Did they find the bad guy?”

She felt the rumble of Luke’s chest as he chuckled quietly, using his foot to push open her bedroom door as he appeased, “You know they did.”

They entered her room and Sloane kept her eyes closed, reveling in Luke’s movements and the grip he had on her, humming when she felt him lower her until she lay on the mattress. Sleepily, her eyebrows furrowed, not entirely liking the feel of her mattress when she’d gotten to feel Luke’s arms. Sloane huffed, rolling onto her side as she blinked her eyes open to look up at Luke, who was about to bring up her blanket to cover her. She slid her hand towards the edge of the bed where he stood, blue eyes meeting blue as she asked, “Will you stay, Lu?”

She took in the way he looked down at her, both surprised by her request and, from what she guessed, endeared. Through the dark of her room, the only light seeping through the curtains was the glow of the moon, Luke’s blue eyes appeared like a beacon, one Sloane felt herself drawing towards and not wanting to be rid of. Even in her sleepy haze, the forwardness of her request wasn’t lost on her, but she couldn’t bring herself to care. She needed the closeness—his closeness—and Sloane had a feeling Luke wasn’t going to argue against her.

He didn’t. Instead, Luke’s lips quirked upwards and he nodded, whispering, “Lemme close the door.”

Sloane nodded as Luke disappeared towards the door, and she shifted backwards to the other side so there was room for Luke, licking her lips as she paid attention to the drum of her heart. They were only sharing a bed, she sleepily reminded herself. That’s all.

The soft click of the door shutting was followed by Luke reappearing by the bed, his smile gentle as he climbed under the comforter, the mattress sinking under his weight as Sloane watched him lay down next to her. He rested on his side, facing her, blonde curls brushing across his forehead, and a contentment settled in Sloane’s bones at the sudden warmth his presence brought. The smile reappeared on her lips, small and tired and gentle, and without much thought, Sloane shuffled closer to Luke.

He turned to his back, allowing for her to settle into his side and rest her cheek against his chest while his right arm loosely hooked around her shoulders to keep her close. Sloane closed her eyes at the feel of being in his arms once again, slowly sliding her right leg between both of his as her hand rested on his chest as well. Faintly, under her touch, Sloane could feel the gentle, steady drum of Luke’s heart, utterly at peace in where he lay. It brought a kind of comfort Sloane hadn’t expected, to feel Luke in his entirety laying next to her, so real and present. It brought a smile to her face and allowed for sleep to return easily.

The brush of his lips against her forehead heated her skin pleasantly, the subtle scratch of his facial hair eliciting a desire to lean herself closer to him. “Goodnight, Sloane,” he quietly murmured. And it was.

*****

Around eleven at night was when Calum and all of his friends returned to the house after a late dinner. He could hear most of them unwinding in the living room downstairs, the open doors and spacious halls allowing for sound to travel easily—not to mention they were probably the loudest group ever. Not that Calum minded.

He took off his leather jacket, tossing it on the bed as he gazed out the window. The ocean at night was mesmerizing, the glitter of the moonlight against the water superior than the sun, in Calum’s opinion. He wasn’t quite sure how long he stood staring, but when he was about to turn away, his gaze wandered to the house next door; specifically, the back deck of River’s house. With a furrow in his eyebrows, Calum stepped closer to the window, gaze downwards, the deck light allowing him to see that River was sitting on top of the railing of the deck, facing the ocean.

Her face wasn’t visible to him, obviously, and for a moment Calum bit his lower lip, debating his next move. He wondered if she wanted to be alone, if he would be intruding on alone time she may want to have. But he found himself moving before giving himself a chance to truly think about it, walking out of the room and down the stairs. The sounds of his friends and the TV playing were loud and present, but no one noticed him reach the bottom of the steps and turn around to walk down the hall, their voices growing faint as he stepped outside into the surprisingly cool night and shut the glass door behind him.

He squinted ever so slightly against the breeze, instantly tasting the salt as he took the few steps towards the steps, the weight of his Docs providing for some heavy thuds against the wood despite him attempting to be light on his feet. His eyes trailed over to the house next door, catching sight of the girl peacefully sitting on the railing, as he approached the railing. He gripped it, trying to make out River’s expression; all he could see from where he stood was a calmness on her features that he found himself not wanting to disturb even though he wanted to talk to her, just be in her presence, really. It was relaxing. But he’d lived life without presence. He could do it again.

So, rolling his lips into his mouth, Calum silently pushed himself off the railing and turned to head back inside, stopping in his tracks when River’s lilting voice called, “You’re not even gonna say hi?”

Calum stopped, turning his head to see River looking at him. He took a breath, the cold air tickling his throat as he buried his hands in the pockets of pants and faced her house. Lifting his chin, he found his voice as he responded, “Didn’t wanna disturb you.”

“You’re not,” River replied, stretching her hand out towards him, fingers wiggling as she called out, “Come sit.”

She didn’t have to tell him twice, turning towards the steps and making his way down and crossing over to the steps of her back deck. He happened to glance up as he made his way over, River’s legs dangling above him as she stared straight ahead, and he soon enough reached the top, hand sliding along the top of the railing as he walked over to the spot where she sat. Calum came to a stop to River’s right, leaning on the bannister with his arms folded on top of it, but instead of following her gaze to the view up ahead, he took in the one right next to him.

“You alright?” He wasn’t quite sure what prompted him to ask that, but it was just something in her face. A mute sadness he felt she was trying to hide behind a mask of contentment.

River’s throat worked, not meeting his gaze yet. “No,” she answered truthfully, head bowing as her gaze dropped to her lap. She glanced at Calum, who was watching her patiently, and River smiled wryly before letting out a sigh. “I called my mom today just to, you know, talk to her. Hadn’t heard from her in a while. But she was, uh,” she paused with a frown, like she was fighting the emotions threatening to spill, licking her lips. “She was too busy with her new boyfriend. We barely talked for a minute before she hung up.”

Calum frowned, feeling a sense of annoyance towards River’s mom and her lack of communication with a daughter who obviously wanted it. “Where is she?”

River scoffed, lifting her head. Her blonde hair danced in the wind. “Hell if I know. Her boyfriend’s a roadie; like, lives out of an RV. So she’s always driving around the country with him.” River’s shoulders sank with another heavy sigh, wringing her fingers in her lap. “And my dad—he hasn’t spoken to me since the divorce. So it’s been me and Grams.” Her back straightened, shooting Calum a reassuring look as she proceeded, “Which I’m fine with, by the way. I love Grams. I just didn’t think my parents would, y’know, forget about me while trying to forget about each other.”

His heart sank to the pit of his stomach at River’s words, hating to see her so upset over something he didn’t know how to make better. He didn’t know her parents, didn’t know what happened between them, but taking out their issues in the form of neglecting their daughter was horrible and instantly tightened Calum’s jaw.

He straightened, stepping closer to River so he was halfway behind her, looking up at her as her gaze slowly met his. “It’s their loss,” Calum told her firmly, confidently. He hoped she saw the sincerity in his eyes, heard it in his voice when he said, “They’re missin’ out on getting to know one hell of a woman.”

River rolled her lips into her mouth, taking in a breath at Calum’s words, gaze briefly dropping to his lips as she asked in a whisper, “You think so?”

Calum reached up, finger gently pushing back a lock of blonde hair from her cheek, his mouth curling into an honest, charming smile as he replied, “Know so.”

She let out a breath with a smile, gaze softening, leaning down and capturing Calum’s lips with hers. He felt the tip of her nail at the bottom of his chin, tilting his head towards her as his arms wrapped around her waist, an absent fear of her falling on the ride side of the railing—or falling in general. River tasted like coconut chapstick as he reveled in the softness of her lips, using his grip on her hips to carefully turn her around the bannister without breaking the kiss, stepping into the space between her legs as her tongue caressed his.

He groaned against her, the sound a low rumble against the distant roar of waves, as his hands slid up from her hips and under the loose material of her top, his skin against hers as he fingers danced up her sides, drawing a quiet moan from River. He wanted to hear more of it, more of her.

“Upstairs.” Apparently River had the same idea as he did, the single word rushing out breathlessly against his lips. “My room’s upstairs.”

Calum grasped one of her hands in his, reluctantly pulling away from her to allow her to step down with the help of his hold, and Calum felt his breath catch in his throat at the sight of River and the ocean breeze pushing her blonde hair forward. Her lips were kissed, his greedy doing, and Calum bit his lower lip as River smiled prettily before pulling him towards the house. He paused only to shut the glass door behind them before River led him towards the dark house and up the stairs, shushing and giggling at him when a step creaked under his foot, which only caused Calum to cover his mouth to stifle the laugh threatening to escape.

They reached her bedroom, and Calum let out a breath at the yellow fairy lights strung up on the wall behind the bed, providing the room with a pretty glow. It was one of his favorite things about her room, along with the sill of the window looking out to the beach that had small plants lined up on it.

River grabbed Calum’s other hand to pull him in, meeting his grinning lips with her own as she kissed him fervently, and he walked her backwards towards the bed until her knees hit the back of it, forcing her to sit down on the edge. Calum took the opportunity to sink down to his knees, dark eyes never leaving River’s green as he undid the button and zipper of her shorts, sliding them, along with her panties, down her smooth legs until she kicked them off willingly.

The smirk she threw his way had Calum’s breath catching in his throat, especially when she lifted her right leg and rested it on his shoulder, the heel of her foot gently nudging into his back as she teased, “I’ve been dying to know if you’re more than just a great kisser.”

That was quite the invitation.

Calum kissed the inside of her thighs, trailing up to her core, just barely getting there, before switching to the other one. He ran his fingers along the side of her leg resting on his shoulder, other hand on her left knee to keep her open as he trailed hot kisses to where she needed him most. “You think ’bout my mouth a lot, doll?” he goaded, his voice dropping to a rasp.

“More than I should,” River answered above him, earning a smirk from Calum as he heard the way her breathing was shallow. “I’m too curious.”

His breath fanned over her entrance. “Lemme fix that,” was all the warning Calum gave before licking a stripe over her folds. He felt River’s body react with a small gasp, urging him on to appease whatever curiosity River may have had.

He licked at her folds, right arm laying across her hips just so his thumb could tease her clit, reveling in the dig of her heel on his upper back and her hand at the back of his head, desperately wanting to keep him close. Not that Calum would rather be anywhere else.

River allowed herself to fall backwards on the mattress as Calum’s tongue continued to work her over, the back of her hand pressed to her mouth to keep any noises from escaping because her grandmother was asleep. Calum smirked against her, tongue and even a little bit of teeth teasing her as his thumb played with her clit, reveling in the taste of her and feeling his dick twitch when she ground her hips, begging for more. He loved her silent begging, the tilt of her head as he drew her towards the edge, feeling like a bastard when he could feel how close she was and decided to pull away at the last second.

He heard her groan against her hand before looking up at him as he climbed over her, a wicked smirk on his face as he took in her pout and said, “I think that’s enough proof for your curiosity, hm?”

She pushed herself up on her knees, scooting back on top of the bed and allowing him to admire the glow of her body under the lights. He needed that tank top of hers off. As well as the boxers that were constricting him a bit too much. River narrowed her eyes at him, her breathing slightly labored, cheeks flushed adorably as she quipped, “If I say yes, will you take off your damn pants?”

Her wish was his command.

*****

“This is amazing,” Sloane murmured, her voice carrying every bit of awe, as she picked up a pair of homemade earrings and observed them. They were beaded, blue and silver, and she held them up to her ears as she looked at Luke and asked, “What do you think?”

He’d been consumed by the fried chicken he’d bought from a snack booth, but as soon as Sloane asked him a question his eyes were on her. Her heart thudded, as it normally came to do in the case of Luke, at his complete attention, blue eyes taking in the earrings before he nodded with a grin. “You should get them.” Sloane smiled as he offered the paper plate towards her. “And you gotta try this chicken. It’s so fucking good.”

She chuckled as Luke picked up the piece of chicken he’d been eating, holding it out to her and Sloane stepped towards him and fought the grin as she bit into the chicken he was feeding her. It wasn’t hot enough to burn her teeth, soft enough to easily rip off the chicken and its skin as Luke pulled it away for her to chew. She hummed in approval at the taste as she pulled out her wallet, trying not to laugh as she swallowed when Luke widened his eyes and nodded as if to say I know, right?

Sloane thanked the woman after paying for and receiving the jewelry in a small paper bag before her and Luke continued on. They were at some grand flea and farmer’s market in town, their friends somewhere around there as well, and it was one of the coolest places Sloane had been to. She didn’t often get to go to flea markets or the like back home, her parents much preferring she buy her items at more appropriate places, but they weren’t here to control her life, much to her relief. She was free to take in the smells of fresh fruit and cooked meats, free to admire the trinkets and jewelry people put their hard work into making, to see the plants, bongs, paintings, toys, and everything else people were selling in continuous stalls and booths.

��Wait, this is amazing,” Luke laughed, drawing Sloane’s attention to where he stood in front of a stall. Her gaze went to what he was holding, an amused laugh eliciting from her as she took in the small gnome statue he held in his hands; the gnome held a sign that read Go Away in one hand while the other had its middle finger stuck up. “I’d totally get this and put it on my yard.” He shrugged. “If I had a yard, I mean.”

Rubbing at his arm, Sloane mused, “You’re too nice to have such a mean gnome.”

Luke frowned, lips puckering into a pout as his blue eyes met Sloane’s. Defiantly, he argued, “I can be a mean guy.” Sloane wasn’t convinced.

They walked around the market for hours, a constant buzz in the indoor mart as eventually they met up with their friends. Eventually, they decided to go home, with Sloane purchasing a jar of strawberry jam as well as a cliche Daytona Beach, Fl. shirt just for kicks. She somehow managed to convince Luke to buy a cowboy hat for shits and giggles—“It’s your brand!”—and grinned childishly when he complied. She had a feeling it didn’t take much convincing on her part, but the reasoning for that was too conceited to say out loud.

The day felt long despite it being a vacation, and so Sloane helped herself to the wine when it came to be dinner time at the house. After eating, she found herself wandering down the hallway towards the back of the house her second—nope, third—glass of wine in hand as she approached the glass doors leading towards the deck. It was slightly ajar and she saw the familiar head of blonde curls as Luke sat on one of the what were actually lawn chairs. Quietly, she opened the door and slid it shut behind her, stepping out onto the deck and walking over to where he sat. The smell of salt was an interesting scent mixing with the bittersweet wine, and Sloane walked around the chair until she stood at Luke’s side.

“Am I interrupting?” she asked just as he looked up at her.

Luke smiled, legs splayed out in front of him and hand holding a bottle of Heineken. His curls danced ever so lightly in the breeze. “Not at all,” he returned, sitting up and moving his feet so he was kind of straddling the chair, gesturing to the space now created on the rest of the chair as he added, “Join me.”

There was another chair Sloane could’ve easily occupied, but she took Luke’s offer and sat down on his, sideways, as she glanced towards the ocean. She watched the waves crash in the distance through the wood pillared bannister lining the deck, peaceful in its own summery way as she let out a long sigh. “I really like it here,” Sloane hummed, the gentle breeze feeling kind of chilly against her wine flushed skin. She wasn’t drunk by any means; just a little loose in the way she held herself, a pleasant buzz in her veins. “Everything seems so. . . Uncomplicated.”

Which was a funny observation, considering how messy things still felt to Sloane, how she felt a constant little ball of anxiety dig deeper and deeper into the pit of her stomach and all she could do was try to ignore it. But sometimes she’d look towards the ocean and feel tranquility wash over her like waves. She’d watch her friends and the smile easily came. She’d feel Luke’s eyes on her and heart fluttered like it never had before.

She felt Luke shift, looking back at him to see him sit up a bit more, leaning forward as he held the bottle between his thighs. His broad shoulders were hunched, like he was trying to make himself look small, blue eyes on hers as he told her softly, “I’m sorry you’ve got all that. . . Stuff to deal with.”

“Bullshit,” Sloane surprised, prompting Luke to quirk an eyebrow as she smiled wryly. “It’s bullshit.” She took a sip of the wine as Luke watched, her gaze dropping to her glass, watching the drink ripple inside before letting out a breath. Without much thought, she added gently, “You make it less shitty.”

Luke tilted his head, throat working, looking for and probably finding the sincerity in Sloane’s gaze. She hoped he knew she meant it, despite the alcohol in her system. Even before they arrived to Florida, her and Luke had reconnected back home, and he had been there when she and Calum were both losing their minds over their arrangement. Sure, both of them had agreed to it for the benefit of the businesses, but that didn’t mean that, personally, it settled well with them. Luke attempted to calm her down by bringing over her favorite treats from her favorite bakery, and it had done the trick for a little while—as well as remind Sloane of what a thoughtful, loving guy he was.

Now, her heart ached for him, and she wanted it to stop. Bad idea.

“Yeah?” Luke hummed, the corner of his lips quirking ever so slightly but the smile could still be heard in his voice. Her own lips curled up as the glow of the moonlight lightened his eyes, wondering if she should fight the urge to be pulled in like the moon pulled the tides. Sloane was reminded of the other night, where she’d asked him to stay because even in the dark he’d been glowing, and she didn’t want to put out the light he’d brought. She was reminded of how she’d woken up the next morning with him still next to her, legs still tangled, and how she’d never felt so comfortable and content before. So right. Luke shrugged, then. “It’s the least I could do. Especially for you.”

At that, Sloane smiled curiously, raising an eyebrow with a tilt of her head as she repeated, “Especially for me?” She shifted just a bit to face him more, the ocean now at her back. “Do elaborate.”

“Uh—” Luke cut off with a sheepish laugh, head dropping and hiding the sight of his smile and dimples. She could make out the embarrassed flush in his cheeks, feeling her questioning smile widen and heart flutter as she waited for his confession, and when Luke noticed her anticipating expression, he let out another nervous laugh as he leaned back against the chair. “Come on, Sloane, you’re gonna make me say it?”

Her eyebrows shot up as she laughed as well, defending, “I don’t even know what you’re gonna say!”

Luke shook his head, smiling yet biting his lower lip as his free hand ran through his curls, pushing them back. “What, you thought I was kidding when I said you’re the prettiest girl I know?” he said, his words effectively stopping Sloane’s heart. “I’ve thought that since the day I met you, Sloane. And, just, liked you a little more and more every day since.”

Her breath caught in her throat, a tightness in her chest at his confession as she stared at him in disbelief. He was serious, a hundred percent, as he twisted his lips to the side. Now he was the one anticipating a reaction from her, and Sloane had no idea what to do. The confirmation that Luke liked her—that he still had feelings for her—was like someone dropped an explosive in her heart, butterflies erupting from it. She could feel herself blinking, like she was trying to bring herself back to reality—except that this was reality and Sloane had no idea how to face it.

The happiness was there; she could feel it vibrate in her bones. A longing for the man in front of her tightened Sloane’s throat, and if she wasn’t so desperate for something to ground her she’d have lost her grip on her glass long ago.

This wasn’t how a future business woman, future CEO, was supposed to act. She couldn’t lose control over herself every time someone surprised her like this. Except, God, this wasn’t some kind of deal or contract or investment. This was her friend—her good, close, amazing friend—telling her something that she hadn’t been aware she’d wanted to hear. And now that she was, she had no idea what to do. Where to go from here. She was at a complete loss, and she could feel what little control she thought she had on her life beginning to slip away.

The roar of the waves seemed intimidating now. A low growl in the night. Unable to say anything else, Sloane stupidly stammered, “You—you like me?”

She saw the concern seep into his blue eyes, hated that she was the cause of it. “If I’m being honest: like is an understatement but you already seem freaked out enough as it is. . .” Luke trailed off with a nervous laugh, only this time, she could hear the bit of anxiety carried within it.

Oh. Oh, crap.

“I don’t—” Sloane cut herself off, breathless in disbelief, giving a tiny shake of her head as her near distressed gaze met Luke’s concerned one. “Where do we go from here?” she whispered, as if she was afraid to voice it at all.

She felt a chill run down her spine as something softened in Luke’s eyes, a few curls fluttering across his forehead as he returned in an equally quiet voice, “That’s up to you, sweetheart.”

They’d already been sitting so closely together, it had been easy for Sloane to begin leaning in, slowly and carefully, her heart in her throat as Luke, realizing what she was doing, gradually started to move towards her, too. Sloane heard nothing but the drum of her heart, drowning out the ocean in the distance, her gaze dropping to Luke’s lips as the distance between them grew smaller and smaller.

The heat of his body was warm, inviting, drawing her in as it usually did and Sloane wanted to close the gap between them. Except her stomach was in knots; not the good, excited kind. But a scared, unsure twist that had her wondering if she wanted to do this. If she was willing to risk things by crossing this line when she knew nothing could come of it. That as much as she wanted to melt into Luke, they both would only experience pain.

Their noses slanted together, foreheads against one anothers and Sloane’s eyes fluttered shut. They were so close, mere inches away, feeling the warmth of his breath fan over her mouth and the softness of his curls tickle her skin. She wanted to kiss him. So badly. And it was when their lips brushed together that Sloane felt a bout of electricity shock through her veins did she realize what was about to happen, and her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach as she squeezed her eyes tightly.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, hearing the crack in it derived from the ache in her chest as she stopped pushing herself to kiss him. They froze, still so close, and Sloane let out a shuddering breath she felt wrack through her whole body. She hated that she felt the tears sting her closed eyes under furrowed eyebrows, her conflicting emotions getting the best of her, unable to look at Luke. Oh, God, she was gonna hurt him. The knowledge of that suddenly made her nauseous. “I—We can’t do this.”

Her eyes remained closed as Luke’s quiet, desperate voice pleaded, “Sloane—”

“We can’t.”

She couldn’t look at him. Sloane kept her eyes clenched shut as she suddenly pulled away from Luke and stood up, only opening them when she’d taken the few steps behind Luke’s chair, opening her eyes when she knew he was behind him. Her breathing was heavy, heart thundering in her tight chest as she hastily slid open the door and heard Luke call out to her, every bit as bewildered and heartbroken as she feared he would be.

But she didn’t stop. Sloane kept going, her steps quick as she went down the hall and swung a right to go up the stairs, ignoring the chatter of her oblivious friends as she ran up and went into her room. She locked the door, unsure if Luke had followed her, praying that he hadn’t. She couldn’t face him—hell, she hadn’t even been able to look at him.

Her trembling hand rested her still half full wine glass on the dresser, and Sloane let out a slow, shaky breath as she felt the first tear escape her eye. She fell to the edge of the bed, elbows on her thighs and bowing her head to press the heels of her palms against her eyes, uncaring of the makeup she was likely smudging. Breaths escaped her brokenly, raggedly. She hurt Luke. Oh, she knew she did. And her chest ached more at that fact than anything else.

So much for uncomplicated.

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Read Part 2 Here!

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