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lulupen2023 · 2 years ago

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My very first BellDom Fic 20/23

Hope you're still having fun with this super crazy fic :)

Summary:

Do you want to meet a Matthew who sees conspiracy everywhere (oh wait, this is not big news!) and is so fond of his trolley that he treats it like a sort of puppy? Do you want to meet a Dominic in love with… himself (and with Matt, too, of course!)? And do you want to meet a Chris who wants to prove to the world he's the most masculine guy ever… but is unavoidably attracted by every… female hobby? This is what you'll find in this story, among lots of BellDom and… craziness!

Summary of the chapter: Matt and Dom enjoy their special night, but... Chapter XIX B : What If I Told You...

Too bad that his beautiful boyfriend doesn't seem to get around to playing.

"What?" the blond wonders, sitting in front of him.

"You know, there's a price to pay to hear the song." the brunet warns him "Your t-shirt!" he adds, winking at him.

Dominic realizes his intentions and takes it off, throwing it on the sand.

Pleased by what he's seeing, Matthew is about to pluck the first chord, but he immediately stops when he sees the blond get up.

"Bloody hell, Dominic! You're gonna spoil the atmosphere if you carry on this way!" the frontman snorts, as he watch his boyfriend pick his t-shirt from the ground, dust it down with a proper shake and fold it with a great care.

"Mattie, try to understand... it's a Dior t-shirt!" the drummer justifies as he places it on the bench, before coming back to his mate and sitting down.

Matthew shakes his head with a smile and then he finally starts playing, as he plucks the chords one by one and slides his fingers along the frets.

No matter how pleasant it is, Dominic has never heard such a version of that song that he has already recognized, even before Matt starts singing.

BREAK ME IN AND TEACH US TO CHEAT AND TO LIE AND COVER UP WHAT SHOULDN'T BE SHARED AND THE TRUTH IS UNWINDING SCRAPING AWAY AT MY MIND, PLEASE STOP ASKING ME TO DESCRIBE

Dominic lets the music lull him as he listens to the silky voice of the guitarist, closing his eyes to enjoy the moment even better.

FOR ONE MOMENT I WISH YOU'D HOLD YOUR STAGE WITH NO FEAR AT ALL OPEN MINDED, I'M SURE I USED TO BE SO FREE

The chorus is edited, without screams nor falsettos, just to adjust it better to the soft arrangement, but that doesn't mean that it is less beautiful than the original one.

SELF-EXPRESSED, EXHAUSTING FOR ALL TO SEE AND TO BE WHAT YOU WANT AND WHAT YOU NEED AND THE TRUTH IS UNWINDING SCRAPING AWAY AT MY MIND, PLEASE STOP ASKING ME TO DESCRIBE

FOR ONE MOMENT I WISH YOU'D HOLD YOUR STAGE WITH NO FEAR AT ALL OPEN MINDED, I'M SURE I USED TO BE SO FREE

Dominic opens his eyes again, in order to see his partner as he faces the most difficult part.

This time it's Matthew who keeps his eyes closed, with an ecstatic smile that almost makes Dom instantly jealous of the music that is enrapturing his boyfriend.

Just before singing the last sentences, Matthew pops his eyes open and the sweet, charming smile he casts at Dominic annihilates the blond's ridiculous jealousy at all.

WASH ME AWAY, CLEAN YOUR BODY OFF ME ERASE ALL THE MEMORIES, THEY ONLY BRING US PAIN AND I'VE SEEN ALL I EVER NEED

Matthew ends the song, without breaking eye-contact with Dominic, not even for a second, before plucking the very last note.

Dom claps his hands at him.

"Oh, Matty, it was wonderful, you were so incredible..." he congrats, as he stops his clapping. "But it didn't fit!" he adds, pouting.

"It didn't fit?! Gee, Dominic, did you listen at it? The lies, the truth that shouldn't be shared, the desire to be free, even just for one moment, the need, the..." Matthew starts rambling.

"Yeah, but... what about the 'erase all the memories' part? I didn't like it one bit!" the blond explains.

"Oh, Dommy, no, no! You misunderstood; it's not the memories about us. I meant the memories of our girlfriends. If the past didn't exist, there would be no consequences to face." Matthew clarifies, as he places the guitar on the ground to hug the blond, letting one hand sink in the softness of his hair.

"Oh, so it was just that!" Dom figures out, as he plays with Matt's hair-creamed locks.

"Of course, it was just that, it couldn't be any different!" Matthew reassures him, before kissing him.

"Mm... whatever, it didn't fit well anyway!" Dom grumbles at the end of their kiss, parting from Matt.

"Damn you, Dom! If you didn't like it you could stop me at the beginning, at least! And I'm such a dick-head for choosing one of the longest and most difficult songs both to play and sing of our discography!" Matthew snaps and the he notices the smile that the blond can't hide anymore.

"Oh, Mattie, c'mon! Haven't you realize yet that I'm just kidding? Of course, I liked it. I loved every second of it." Dominic reveals. "So much that I would love to hear another one." he goes on as he caresses Matt behind his ears, one of his most sensitive spots.

"Aawww... another one? But, Dommie... we have just performed a whole concert..." Matt attempts to protest, but then, without stopping his way to caress him, Dominic lets one of his hands slide on the crotch of the brunette's jeans , slipping between his tights and making him startle.

"C'mon, Matty, I'm gonna be very grateful if you do that, you know." the blond cuts him off, before kissing him again, fiercely, as he rubs his hand against Matt's length, through the fabric of his pants.

"Okay, Dom, you won, I'll do that, but not more than one song, got it?" Matthew surrenders

After all, after the blond's attentions he has no choice.

Dom nods with a huge grin, allowing him to take his guitar and then he crouches close to him on the ground.

< Let's see ... what I could sing to him? Maybe 'Exo Politics'. Oh, c'mon, is that a love song? You, idiot! Maybe 'Can't take my eyes off of you' or 'Endlessly'. No, wait, no way. He expects that and I'm anything but predictable. Uhmm, maybe 'Shrinking Universe'? Yeah, right, that would be just perfect; I can already picture the whole scene in my mind: I sing 'And I'll reflect your imperfections' and he yells at me 'I HAVE NO IMPERFECTIONS!' 'till dawn! > Matthew ponders as he takes his eyes from his guitar to his boyfriend who strangely doesn't seem to be impatient.

< Alright! I've finally found the proper one. And I'm such a dick-head once again, since I chose another very long and difficult song, mostly because usually it's the piano the main instrument. Well, let's see how it turns out... > the brunette decides as he starts plucking the chords in the attempt of creating the same melody he usually does with the piano.

Matthew manages to do that so well that Dom immediately recognizes that song, beaming blissfully to let his mate know how much he appreciates that choice.

LIPS ARE TURNING BLUE A KISS THAT CAN'T RENEW I ONLY DREAM OF YOU MY BEAUTIFUL

TIP TOE TO YOUR ROOM A STARLIGHT IN THE GLOOM

Dominic is almost tempted to make the backing vocals that repeat the same sentences, but Matthew realizes that and summons him not to do that just with an intimidating look.

I ONLY DREAM OF YOU AND YOU NEVER KNEW

Dominic listens to him, thinking at the beginning of their love story, when they started realizing the nature of the feelings they had towards each other, with the mutual fear that they weren't requited by the other.

SING FOR ABSOLUTION, I WILL BE SINGING AND FALLING FROM YOUR GRACE

Matthew smiles at him, before starting the second verse.

THERE 'S NOWHERE LEFT TO HIDE IN NO ONE TO CONFIDE THE TRUTH BURNS DEEP INSIDE AND WILL NEVER DIE

LIPS ARE TURNING BLUE A KISS THAT CAN'T RENEW I ALWAYS DREAM OF YOU MY BEAUTIFUL

SING FOR ABSOLUTION, I WILL BE SINGING AND FALLING FROM YOUR GRACE

As Matt sings, both of them can't help thinking about how right that song is , especially about the part involving the hidden truth, a hidden truth that sooner or later they'll make the world find out, getting ready for every kind of consequence.

OUR WRONGS REMAIN UNRECTIFIED AND OUR SOULS WON'T BE EXHUMED

Matthew ends the song flawlessly, plucking the very last chord and placing the guitar on the sand.

"So, Dom, I guess it's time for you to show me your thankfuln..." Matthew incites him, but he doesn't even have the time to finish his sentence, because Dominic jumps on him, laying him down on the sand as he crawls upon him, before sealing their lips together.

The blond's hands caresses every inch of the brunette's chest, before remembering that there's a better way to enjoy it.

A little bit unwillingly, he gets up, leaving Matt puzzled and disappointed, but he grins in anticipation when he sees Dom coming back to him, holding the cake.

Dom places the cake on the guitar near them and crawls back onto Matt's lap.

He stretches his arm in order to get a handful of whipped cream that he smears on the frontman's smooth chest, with particular attention to his nipples where he places two little humps of cream.

"So, do you like what you see?" Matt challenges him from below, enjoying the sensation of that warm cream on his body, but knowing that he will enjoy even more the sensation of Dom's rough tongue on his skin.

"Yummy, creamy Mattie!" the drummer hums, before licking all the cream away, following the line he has traced, from his belly to his Adam's apple, leaving the nipples as the icing of the cake.

Matt moans in pleasure, especially when Dom finally gives the proper attention to his left nipple, sucking hard on it, before doing the same with the right nipple, when he ends up giving it a tiny nip.

"Dom!" Matt gasps, in total bliss.

"Oh, baby, you taste fantastic!" Dom smiles at him, as he deals with the zipper of Matt's jeans and when he undoes them, he found a very pleasant surprise.

"Oh my, the hot pink boxers!" he rejoices.

"Yeah, I'd never thought they would be so fast with the delivery." the brunette smiles as he caresses the blond's chest. "What if I told you that there's another pair waiting for you, in our room?'" he reveals to him.

"Oh, god! Really? The only thought gives me an orgasm!" the other confesses, excited.

"Well, my dear, get ready, 'cause you're gonna have a real orgasm, maybe even more than one!" Matt warns him, before switching positions and getting on top of him and then he gets rid of his partner's black pants, finding something unexpected.

"Bloody hell! No boxers!" he cheers.

"Yep, here's my surprise for you. See? I'm ready for use!" Dom smiles at him and the smile turns into a beam when he sees Matt take two handfuls of whipped cream from the cake.

"Oh, you're such a bad boy and I'll take advantage of that!" the singer warns him with a devilish look.

"Uh-uh! What are you gonna do?" Dom wonders, as he pretends to be concerned and then he jolts when Matt grabs his already hard and throbbing cock that is begging for attention, covering it all with cream.

"I'm gonna enjoy my very special Banana Split!" Matt sneers, right before turning theory into practice.

And when he does Dom throws his head back, groaning in astonishing delight.

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

After a lot of sex, and a huge amount of alcohol too, the two lovers gather all their stuff and leave that beach.

They decide to take a walk towards their hotel, since it's not very far from there, plus the late night prevents them from the chance of meeting some fans.

They resort to the very few sense of direction still left in them and walk hugged together, staggering a little.

Once in a while, they stop just to exchange some quick kisses.

"Jessssssshhica!" Matt slurs, after one of said kisses.

"Heeeeeey! After all we ssshared, I eeeexpected ya didn't think aboooooout a gurl when ya're wih meeeee. And if ya really haaave to think about a gurl ... at leaaaaaaaast choose yourrrrs!" Dom slurs.

"Ya, idiot! I meant thaaat ya haven't called Jesssshica, ya haven't beeeeen calling her fow thwee days! Aren't ya going to make her doooubtful?" Matt points out.

"Oooh, it's juuust that. Well, I'm not calling herrr on purrrrpouse , 'cause if sheee hasn't been hearing froooom me for some days, sheee'll probably begin thinking that everything's not sooo ok as it used to be before!" Dominic explains.

"Oooh, well done. Instead, I keeeep telling Gaaaaaaaia that I misssh her terribly and I wiiish she was here, so she woooon't worry about everything!" Matthew reveals.

They stop walking abruptly, since the flashing neon sign of a shop that is still open drags their utter attention.

"Babe, are ya thinking what I'm thinking?" Dom winks at his boyfriend and he nods, very eagerly.

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

Half an hour later, the two lovers reach their hotel, satisfied by their bright idea.

They find Chris in the hall, sat on one of the sofas and as soon as he sees them he walks towards them, visibly agitated.

"Wassssssup, Chrissy? Are ya going to act like an apprehensive father who waits for his kids to come back home?" Matt makes fun of him.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that 'Chrissy', only because you're scarily drunk! Anyway, there's no time for jokes, guys. What if I told you that your girlfriends are here?" their friend warns them.

"Gee, Chriiss, you were supposed to say that just to our fans. I guuuesss you got into character waaayy too much!" Dom makes fun of him.

"Chris is right, honey." a female voice exclaims, a voice that Dom knows terribly well.

"You should trust in Chris' word a little bit more, love..." another female voice exclaims, a voice that Matt knows painfully well.

The two guys are so shocked that they instantly sober up, as they silently thank their lucky stars for not getting in the hall still hugged or kissing each other, because in front of them there are just Jessica and Gaia, as they go downstairs together, before approaching to their boyfriends, greeting them in unison.

"Hi, guys!"

TBC

This is what I call an evil cliff-hanger! * sneers wickedly *

Disclaimer: the song Matthew played in this chapter are obviously 'Citizen Erased' and 'Sing for Absolution', by Muse. About their different, acoustic arrangement here... well... I'm sure that Matt can do stuff like that and many other amazing things! ^^

Hope you'll still like it, but feel free to tell me everything!

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millersfinest · 9 days ago

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the thing in your chest that beats ² | e.w

santa barbara!ellie williams & ex-firefly!reader

wc: 4.5k

mini-series: california | oregon (you’re here) | idaho | wyoming

blurb: you put up a good fight with those rattlers, but it wasn’t good enough��all it got you was strung up near a beach where the sun scorched you dry. abruptly, their set-up gets fucked by their own prisoners, saving your life by only a thread. but the wrath that lingered under your skin was immense, and you’re not the only one to experience that phenomenon. when another damaged soul encounters your brittle state; the dreams that put you in a tough position manifest into reality. along with a few extra miscellaneous things…

cw: angry!r, slow-burn romance, eventual smut, proximity trope, both reader and ellie on a path of redemption, afab body parts mentioned, vulgar language, reader being complicated, mentions of attraction, inner guilt, use of ‘y/n’ and ‘woman’.

note: honestly i just can’t wait for them to kiss (spoiler: not this chapter). but they’re learning to trust each other. just know in the idaho ch we’re gonna be UP! please, enjoy this for now!! (also: i hope the lot of you voted for the presidential election. these are very very important times #harriswaltz2024)

Oregon

Several days and nights were spent on a boat, cruising up the coast of California. It was one of those livable boats, where you could hide from the sun in a room with stable furniture to eat on, and a bed to sleep on. You spent a lot of your time inside the hatch, analyzing a map that Ellie had labeled with a marker. Hoping that you’d maintain your luck enough to actually see Wyoming for yourself.

Ellie had confessed that she came from Jackson, but she still hadn’t told you the why. Instead of asking about it, you refrained, in turn, asking about the settlement. Were the people kind? Did they have horses? Because you heard they had horses.

Those were the questions she could answer easily, with little to no hesitation. Until your questioning began to irritate her—which, in turn, irritated you.

The two of you bickered over the smallest of things in those days on the water. It could’ve been the heat, or the rationed food, or even your similar personalities. You couldn’t help but clash every chance you got. By the time the two of you drifted onto the coastline of Oregon, the conversations had diminished—because of your stubborn attitudes.

Leaving behind the boat was a drag, but there’s wasn’t much of a choice. The rest of the journey toward Wyoming was going to be on foot. Over cracked pavements and between dewey trees. If only the trip could be simplified by the use of a boat—it would be less extraneous.

The weather had gotten significantly cooler the more north you traveled. The mornings were the coolest, and the days were chilled with a gentle breeze. It would rain eighty percent of the time, which made it harder for you and Ellie to continue the trek. But both of you were resilient.

Somewhere between Salem and Portland, you found yourselves looking for a place to stay for the night. You had run across some nefarious people when you first arrived at the coast; and you’ve been recovering ever since. Trying to collect as many things as possible on the road to make up for the lost ammo and supplies. Which is what led to you looking for a place to crash in, basically, pitch black darkness. Navigating the dewey wood with nothing but the lights attached to your bags.

Droplets of water slipped off the waxy green leaves of the trees above. Splashing onto you—and it was shocking every time. The climate sent a gentle chill up your spine, so the water was even colder. Ellie walked ahead of you, mumbling under her breath from the lack of shelter. Her agitation was ruminating off her skin like a furnace. “We should’ve never gone this way— there’s nothing out here!”

Her agitation was obviously laced with panic. Ellie was exhausted from all the traveling and worries about conflict. “We entered a campsite a few miles back. At the very least there should be a cabin out here.” You surmised, squinting your eyes trying to defy the darkness. The auburn-haired woman scoffed under her breath, adjusting the hood of her raincoat. “If you wanna take a break, just say that.” You reached for her wrist, pulling gently. “It’s been a long day…”

“Absolutely not. We need a place to sleep tonight— with a roof.” Ellie pulled her arm away, placing her hands onto her hips. Her head hung low, clearly fatigued.

“How about this: you park it by this tree for a little bit, while I walk around to see if I can find somethin’ for us.” You offer, shrugging your shoulders, casually. The both of you were exhausted, but it seemed that Ellie was suffering a bit more than you were. Was that not that point of a team? To tap in someone else when you need it. Plus, you really felt that there was a cabin nearby. There had to be one. Most campsites had cabins that hikers and campers would go to before they began their adventures. For supplies or even important notices about wild animals.

Or, maybe, you watched too much tv at the firefly base.

She shook her head. “No chance. Separating in the dark doesn’t sound like a good idea to me. What? So, you can get lost and give us another problem to deal with?”

Pinching the bridge of your nose, you press your lips into an irritated line. “Are you seriously insulting my intelligence, right now?” You raised an eyebrow, glaring at the woman in front of you. “I was a firefly for six years of my life—“

“Oh, my God! The whole world knows that you were a fucking firefly, y/n. No need for the reminder.”

Ellie began to walk in another direction, sternly. You scoffed, following after her like confused duckling—which was an embarrassing thought. “You’re so insufferable. All I was trying to do was help you out— because to be honest, you’re not handling this well.” You quip, walking by her side with your hands shoved into your pockets.

She scoffed. “How could I handle this well? Please, tell me.” Stopping in her tracks, she glares at you. Olive irises blown out from the darkness around her, boring into your aggressive frame.

Taking a step closer to her, the corners of your lips curled, mischievously. “You could start by taking a fucking break and letting me take the lead.” There was something that differed between you and Ellie’s versions of frustration and anger. She took it up a level, while you brought it down. It could fool an idiot into thinking you weren’t mad at all, when really you were fuming. The pace of your voice was slow, almost menacing. True fire remained behind your eyes, in your posture—the way your lip twitched as you spoke.

“I’m not some damsel in distress you pull everywhere then blame when shit goes wrong.” You added, taking in her battered features. The scar in her eyebrow and her top lip. The freckles under her peeling skin from the days aboard. “I have a great sense of direction; I’ll have you know.” As you spoke, she examined your features the same way you did. “Stop arguing with me, sit your ass down, drink some water— and i’ll be back in twenty minutes tops!”

Ellie rolled her tongue in her mouth, averting her eyes from you. She was too stubborn to admit her own exhaustion to you—she’d rather be in control of the situation than someone she barely knew. Someone, who at the start of this trip, was, in fact, a damsel in distress. Your body had healed in the days since departing Santa Barbara. Not completely, but in progress. You were walking better, even though you still had a bit of a limp.

Her focus on you made it easy to forget her own ailments. The missing fingers on her left hand, the wound on her abdomen. They were healing, surprisingly. However, her attention still remained on your well-being.

She sighed, itching her nose with her index finger. “Fine. Whatever.” Ellie shrugged her backpack off, leaning against the tree. “Just come back in one piece, yeah?” Somehow, she managed to sound insulting with her hidden words of weariness.

You snickered, narrowing your eyes. “Is that worry I’m sensing or…?”

“Don’t make me change my mind.”

With that, you backed toward the path, chuckling under your breath. Adjusting the hood over your head, you focused to begin looking for the cabin that you just knew was close by. Feet crunching over dead leaves and sticks that were imbedded in the mud.

The light attached to the strap of your bag began to flicker as you pushed between the trees. “Come on…” You hit the light to stabilize it. “Now is not the time.”

When you’re lost in the darkness, look for the light.

Your past affiliations haunted you like a ghost. Somehow, you always found yourself looking for that light. Perhaps, in this case, it’s Jackson, Wyoming—a place far from what you know. That was more of a long-term goal, though. The light you were currently looking for was a building made of wood, preferably insulated.

Ahead of you, you weren’t sure if you were seeing things, but what you were hoping for was coming into view. The brightness of the moon illuminating the starry sky outlined the top of the cabin, exposing its silhouette. In excitement, you rushed toward the building, peaking through the foggy windows. From what you could see, there was nothing inside but old furniture. Thankfully, no infected. You were beat; the last thing you wanted to do was fight that damn virus.

As you peeked through every window you could find, jiggling door handles to try and find a way in, you realized it was a home. Not some hiking administration building you surmised would be around the trail. Spending enough time circling the cabin, you pick up a rock from the ground to crack a window. You were getting in that house one way or another.

The rectangular shape was rather high for your reach. Huffing, you dug your fingers into the divots of the logs. It wasn’t the best grip, but it was enough to get you into that window. After throwing your body through the hole, you landed on the ground with a thud. A shallow pain throbbed in your thigh—the one that Ellie had stitched for you back in Santa Barbara. Shutting your eyes, you took in a breath from the slight pain. You weren’t one hundred percent just yet.

Exhaling, you stood tall on your feet to get a look at the interior. A long plaid couch was placed in front of what used to be a fireplace. Burned logs was still lying in the pit, but they burned to a crisp. You were certain that if you touched them, they would fall apart under the weight of your hand. The dirt shapes on the walls symbolized that picture use to fill this space—the cabin was drained of life.

It’s only source of existence was the fact that you were standing in it.

Before leaving to retrieve Ellie, you jogged up the steep stairs of the cabin. To check the upstairs rooms for any infected or people. You must’ve been one lucky woman, because there was nothing but dust occupying those rooms. Quickly, you went through the front door to grab your partner.

Crunching on leaves and sticks, you startled her. Ellie was spotted sat in front of the tree, leaning her back with her eyes closed—which was the least smart thing to do, but she was tired. The sound of your boots crushing the elements of the forest jolted her from her light sleep. She gripped her switchblade in a fist, looking at you with determination. “Fuck,” She sighed, rubbing her hands over her face. “I thought you were someone else…”

“Nope. Just me.” You breathed, watching her as she stood to her feet. “There’s a cabin about ten minutes from this spot.” Crossing your arms, a slight smile rested on your lips. A smile screaming I-told-you-so.

Ellie slung her bag around her shoulders, dusting off her jeans; doing everything to ignore your antics. “Are we just gonna stand here, or are you gonna show me where it’s at?”

Sucking your teeth, you pivoted, rolling your eyes. She was such a sore loser. It felt good to be right, and for her to be wrong. You didn’t get lost like she thought—instead, you carried out exactly what you planned: finding shelter for the night.

The two of you approached the cabin, Ellie releasing a sigh of relief. Hallow sounds of your shoes walking up the steps of the wooden porch sounded. You opened the door, allowing her to walk through. Staring her down with same smile you had a few minutes ago. “Nice place, huh?” You asked, shutting the door behind you, turning the lock.

She meandered inside, surveying the interior. Her fingers slide along the dusty bannister above the fireplace, pursing her lips. “Not bad…” Ellie lifted an eyebrow, peering over her shoulder at you. Lifting her finger, she eyed the dust that stuck to her skin.

“Told you there was a cabin around here somewhere.”

“I knew you were gonna say that.” Ellie chuckled, dryly. Taking moderate steps toward the kitchen. Every time you stopped, she insisted that inventory was taken of all of your supplies. She achingly tugged her backpack off, sighing. You followed behind her, leaning your arms against the counter—watching her tired movements.

“Why are you looking at me?” She dropped her hands onto the counter, with that familiar irritated glint in her eyes.

You purse your lips. “You know I could do this, right?” Shrugging off your bag, you swing it onto the counter. There was a slight sway to Ellie—the only reason being her exhaustion. “We’ve done this a number of times; you can go rest up. There are three bedrooms upstairs— take your pick.”

Ellie scoffed, continuing the work in front of her. Counting under her breath. You grit your jaw, glaring at her. She was truly insufferable—moments like these really highlighted that. Her stubbornness and pride amounted about the same to yours; causing you to wonder… Were you just as bad? You pity the friends you had in your youth if that was the case. Releasing a meditative breath, you placed a hand over hers. “Seriously, Ellie, I got it. Go get some sleep.”

She looks at you through her eyelashes, allowing your skin to remain on hers. “Aren’t you tired, too?”

“Yeah, but not as much as you… I could stand to be up for a little while longer. You on the other hand…”

She pulled her hand from under yours, pushing off her wet hood. Her auburn strands were damp, sticking to her freckled skin. “All right. Make sure to write down the things we don’t have that we need.”

“I know.”

“And mark the items that we’re running low on.”

“Again, I know.” You motion with her hand to run along with amused eyes. Waiting to begin, you watch as she hesitantly walks toward the steep wooden stairs around the corner.

It was like pulling teeth for Ellie to willingly hand over responsibility to you. In her mind, she was still doing you a favor—she was working for you. But being that she was extremely tired, her inhibitions loosened. The touch of your skin to hers, surprisingly, comforted her concerns; made her sleepier. She heavily stepped up the stairs, leaning on the railing for support.

She walked into the first bedroom she saw. The light from the moon cascaded through the window that the queen-sized bed was pushed against. Shedding her damp clothing, she spread them out onto a dresser before getting into the bed. Before nodding off, she peered out the window with a burdened mind. Remembering the bulk of her actions leading up to Santa Barbara. With the added misfortune of Santa Barbara. Then… You.

The moon reflected over a sparkling pier, that was down a hill behind the cabin. The lake was completely in her view, rippling subtly from the fish beneath the surface. She cracked a smile, peering at the beautiful sight. Rolling up a pillow, she propped it up enough to let that be the final thing she sees before sleeping. Using the elements of the earth as a night cap.

She’d woken up many times throughout the night, but she was used to that habit. When the sun peaked through her window, Ellie had gotten as much sleep as she could have. The smell of cooked fish had wafted into her nostrils, pulling her from the old mattress. With a groan, she swung her legs over, rubbing her eyes.

In a blur, from the corner of her eyes, she saw a figure walking toward the pier. Blinking, she leaned on the pillows against the window, watching as the figure began to remove their clothes—it was you. Ellie watched as you dropped your items, carelessly, before jumping into the water. For the first time in awhile, her mind went blank. Completely empty.

Well… Not that empty.

She checked the clothes she had on from the night before, and for some reason, they still were damp. Enough moisture resided in her jeans that she didn’t feel comfortable putting them back on. Sighing, she began searching through the drawers for anything she could put on in the meantime.

Finding a pair of plaid pajama pants, she slid those on, throwing her holed band t-shirt over her sports bra. “What time is it?” She patted her jeans for the watch she carried with her. Cursing under her breath, she realized it was left in her backpack.

Quickly, Ellie found herself navigating to the first floor. Her eyes widened at the organized sight of all of your supplies. You had grouped similar items together and left a piece of paper with the amounts in each group. At the bottom of the page, you had written a list of the items you needed more of. Ellie’s watch was sitting on the end of the counter, properly placed. “You have outdone yourself…” She muttered, picking up the paper you scribbled on.

When she flipped it over, the subtle grin her lips faded. Seeing the sorrowful words written on the page. Since leaving Santa Barbara, she noticed you pulling out this letter a lot. The one you fetched from under that infected woman. You had never gone into what this letter or note meant to you—probably, because she never asked. That didn’t mean she wasn’t curious about it, though. Ellie never would’ve expected that you’d write on it over something as silly as taking inventory.

There were so many things she didn’t understand about you.

The aroma of fish filled her nostrils again, leading her to slab of rock placed on the counter. A coverage of cloth was placed over the fish to ward off flies. She peeked under it, seeing a perfectly scaled and grilled fish. Hunger got the best of her, and she began to eat the fish with her hands. Humming at the satisfaction of filling her stomach.

After, she grabbed the cracked watch to check the time. It was ten in the morning, the both of you should’ve been back on the road.

Pressing her lips into a line, she walked out the back door to alert you. Her fingers fiddling with the plaid cotton on her legs.

The air was fairly cool, but the sun warmed you up. Basking in the lake was like splashing your face with cold water in the morning—it was a wake-up call. Something that you needed after the night you had. In the room across from Ellie’s, the bed was too firm, and the sheets were too prickly. Your mind kept you up with the image of Honey’s infected body. And, whenever you did shut your eyes, you were back on those pillars again.

You had no choice but to get up early and occupy yourself. So, you fished for a little while, then cooked what you caught—for yourself and the sleeping woman upstairs. After that, you thought you could use a bath. And there was nothing more satisfying than cool lake water—nature’s finest.

You allowed the water to engulf you, embracing your body like a chilled hug. Breaking the surface, you swam comfortable laps around the lake. As you lazily backstroked, you noticed Ellie walking down the steps that led to the dock.

Her auburn hair was spiked all across her head—she must’ve slept well. You chuckled, swimming up the edge of the dock. Placing your hands against it, to pull yourself up a little. Bare shoulders glistening from the sunlight reflecting off your wet skin. “You have a bad case of bedhead, my friend.”

“What?” She immediately became self-conscious, running her hands through her hair. Shaking her head, she adjusted her features, trying to uphold her naturally irritated persona; scrunching her eyebrows and clenching her jaw. “You let me sleep too late; it’s ten. We should start packing up.” Her eyes avoided you, instead, focusing on the plants surrounding the lake. Or your pruned fingers holding onto the dock.

Looking up at her with squinted eyes, you dramatically sniffed. “Why don’t you hop in? You smell like shit.” You ignored her small jabs of blame, coating your lips with a smile. Perhaps, you’ve been spending too much time with her, but her little irritations were beginning to amuse you more than bother you. Or, from the angle that you were peering up at her, she looked really… Pretty. Bedhead and all.

“Excuse me?” She questioned, raising her eyebrows, finally meeting your eyes.

“I’m serious. Let’s resume the trip smelling better than a sewer.” You began to paddle backwards, almost forgetting about your own nakedness. “Take off your clothes… I‘ll give you privacy. Unless you’re too… Chicken.”

She hesitated, watching you swim backwards. Catching an accidental glimpse of your breasts as you turned around. It was true that she didn’t smell the greatest. Before she could formulate her thoughts properly, Ellie spoke. “Chicken? Really, y/n?” She sighed, punching the bridge of her nose. “Fine. But not for long— I wanna make it to Idaho within the next two days…”

Ellie shed her clothes, dropping them close to yours. She jumped into the water, keeping her head from going under, loudly reacting to the coldness of the lake. “Shit!” She exclaimed, treading water.

You turned around, chuckling, noticing her hair still disheveled. “You’ll feel better if you dunk yourself under water.”

“Hell, no! It’s too cold.”

“This doesn’t have to be another I-told-you-so moment…”

She rolled her eyes, clenching her nostrils with her fingers, lowering herself under water. Allowing the cold, earthy, lake water to encapsulate her. The first few seconds were chilling, but her body began to adapt. It became rather comforting—easing her sore muscles and healing wounds.

The lake did the same for you, which was why you were still inside of it. Time stopped at the pier; at least it felt like it did. Existing felt normal, for once. There weren’t any violent rogue people, or hungry infected. Just you and Ellie bathing in a lake.

Ellie broke the surface, running her hands over her saturated strands. Her pale skin was flushed, from what you could only assume, was the briskness in the air and the chillness of water. However, that may not have completely been the case. “Feel better?” You ask, waving your arms under the water to keep yourself afloat.

The corners of her lips curled, subtly. You had to squint to really notice her amusement. She rolled her eyes in a way to avert her gaze. “Yeah, a little.” Ellie finally peered at you, pointing a dripping finger. “Don’t say it.”

“Say what?” A grin plastered on your lips. “I told you so?”

“Do you realize how annoying you are, or just me?”

You pursed your lips, feigning thought. “Just you, I think.”

Honestly, you’re proud of yourself. A lot of the relationship blossoming between your traveling partner and yourself had been developing under the pressure of your attitudes and circumstances. The fact that you could get her to crack a smile, even if it was faint, felt good. It was either the dock’s magic, or your own.

A beat passed while the two of you circled each other. Barely looking at the exposed skin above the water, trying to be distracted by the world around you.

Surprisingly, Ellie was the first to speak—or the first to question you. She rarely every asked you anything. “That letter you carry with you…” The woman awkwardly began. “I saw it on the counter— who wrote it?”

Her voice grabbed your attention immediately at the mention of the note. You held onto it like a totem, a piece of memorabilia from your past. Hesitating, you moved your eyes from left to right in thought. “I know that it came from Santa Barbara. From that house…”

“It’s from an old friend.” You started, lips parting slowly as you spoke. Mouth going dry at the question she asked. You’ve yet to physically get the chance to talk about Honey. From the days aboard the boat, you’ve been trying to forget what you saw. Maybe, you could convince yourself that she was off living the life she wanted—instead of spending her last days suffering under the hammer of infection. “Some girl I met at that God-forsaken resort…” You attempted to casually respond.

“She got infected?”

“Yeah…” You nodded with avoidance, shutting your eyes and moving your head with a cadence of I-don’t-wanna-talk-about-it.

Ellie pursed her lips, nodding. “Why’d you write on the letter? I don’t know… It looks like it means a lot to you— I don’t understand why you would write on it?” She spoke, thoughtfully, as if she didn’t want to say the wrong thing. That was certainly the first time.

You shrug, wanting to hide somewhere, even though there was nowhere to do so. “I just want to forget about it… I guess.”

“If you cared about her, why would you wanna forget about it?”

The muscles in your forehead twitched, bunching your eyebrows together. Your face burned, lips scowling. Ellie’s voice evolved from a soft curiosity, to a judgmental version of it. You sensed the difference the moment it fell from her lips. The intention of her words didn’t matter—it was what she said that bothered you. Did she think you were cruel for wanting to forget about seeing her in that state?

“If I cared about her?” You started, evenly, but with warning. “I did care about her— I do care about her! If I choose not to remember her as a fucking corpse, that makes me a bad person?” Your voice raised, for the first time in awhile, rasping.

Ellie sighed, shaking her head with pleading eyes. “I didn’t say that.”

You scoff, swimming toward the dock. “Well, I’m sure that’s what you meant, right?” Pulling yourself out of the water, you don’t think twice about the exposing of your naked body. Cold air pricking at your wet skin. “I’m the asshole for wanting to remember Honey alive rather than dead…” You wrapped the towel you brought with you around your body, balling your clothes into your arms.

Lamely, Ellie called for you from her place in the water as you left her behind. Before you covered up, she eyed the scars and bruises on your body—maps of what your vessel has been through. Perhaps, she should have entered the conversation with more caution.

Watching you stalk back into the cabin, wiping at your eyes felt like a punishment. A worse punishment than the fact that she didn’t have a towel to dry off with.

“Nice work, Ellie.”

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