#it’s so crazy I am smelling things!!!!!! my eyes aren’t swollen shut and I can breathe! through my nose! whadda hell!!!!!!

[b-blushes]

POV you’re a little snale hiding in the grass while I’m taking photos

[psychemeanscure]

PART 20 {After two consecutive parts with full Jang Taeyoung, yeah I do need a Sung Eunyoung indeed. Enjoy y’all}

That was the last thing she can remember before she went blackout. Approached by a couple of men after a newly ended meeting. She tried. Tossing her leader bag sling from own shoulder, running after their chase over her, pulling out the only pepper spray weapon she had. Yet, none of that paid way other than her being smelled by a chloroform in handkerchief, then history happened. They successfully taken her.

Regaining consciousness, she learned that her head was actually cloth with garbage bag. Peeking a possible person, she can see but failed as the bag was pure black for her to take chances. Hands tied tightly from behind, both ankles wrapped by metal ropes. Much the duct tape plastered on her lips isn’t helping, useless screaming as only muffled sound is heard. She gave up, as only heavy breaths left.

Until someone finally take it off the bag on her. Meeting the eyes of the person she expected it to be. ‘Veeros Alcaziar.’ Her raging mention in mind. It innocently looks at her surprised as if no idea as well. “It was you?” its disbelieving words even.

‘Cut the act, old hag’ a retort from her mind once again. She may can’t blurt it out yet her blazing glare says it so. “I never thought you’ll be the co-partner of that industrial company director who wasted my money. You see señorita, I invested a sum from that Xi industry knowing that it could profit my business carefully. They promised, I trusted them, and they just flee. I had no choice but to look for the other proprietor hoping to bring back mine. If only I knew you were the other person, I could have just settle to you properly. I’m sorry.”      

Sensing another of her muffling sound, the latter takes away the duct tape without care for she need to whimper in no time. “F*ck you.” Her convicting reply as the old Alcaziar only awed in snigger, revealing its true colors. Sighing as if disappointed on its own action. “Is my acting really that bad to notice easily?” it even snaps his own forehead as if remembering where he slips a word. “Ah! Right. Flee. Tsk, how can I say that when you just met him with your last meeting? What a bad actor I am.”

“Shut the crap out, Señor Alcaziar.”

Her cold stone response, as its evil grimace slowly showed up. “So you knew.” Does, the retaliating laugh resonate the illuminating room. The only hanged fluorescent bulb swaying from the ceiling makes it more irritating. “I thought I have to work too much threat with you but damn my dear Amilia--- oh scratch that, my little Sung Eunyoung-ie… You wholeheartedly offer yourself instead. So proud of you. So like your mother, just as wise as her.”

And it stilled her. For she admits she starts to get nervous by his presence. Given the mere mention of her mother, she knew a glimpse of Pandora’s box will reopen. “W-what do you mean?” her urging eccentricity. Responded by the clicking of its shoes, arms crossed with ascendency, fully welcoming her awaiting answer. “Hm. Alright, let us put it this way.”  Removing its usual cowboy hat he’s wearing by a near table, lighting up own tobacco while pulling out something on its shirt pocket, she acknowledged it. Strands of hair tailed neatly as she can only think of one person. ‘Eomma.’

She never expected the extent of obsession the geezer has, until today. Possessing a part from a deceased is too much considering years had passed already. Inhaling like he has been familiar for such a long time, he reminisces. “God, your mom’s smell lingers my senses over the years still. Such my favorite scent.” Its interleaved remark before turning back at her with the original answer she needed.  

“Have you ever wonder of your mom’s death was actually?”

Blowing the smoke of its tobacco close to her while she remained unwavering, he continued. “Cancer?” his questioning stance after proceeding with another as he shakes his head and takes her chin, up to level his gape.

“She was killed.”

Firm and self-assertive statement before letting go of its hold, opposite to how she’s already clenching her fist tightly from behind. Observant stares from the latter but just a stern look she does. Hot fire ready to explode into her, a little more and she won’t be surprised if she blasts out any time soon.

With a tilting of its head, the old Alcaziar continues. “Brave.” A compliment she did not bother. “You being jeopardize and all, I must say you applaud me with your calmness.” Him, leaning its face closely to her, “Now listen, my sweet little pea…” he speaks. And just like that, she spits him while it’s also too fast for his countered slap.  

It was a hard one. Hard enough to leave a reddened mark on her face. It hurts her, yes but she holds it in. Letting herself satisfy with her work instead. Her contoured saliva which successfully spread all over the latter’s face gives her pride for she thought it was her chance to fight back just to shiver by his touch after fiercely wiping its own face, cupping her face tracing every part of it like his own. 

“You only had me realize a while ago that you resemble so much of your mother that I keep stopping myself on hitting you, but just looking by your behavior right now you left me with no choice. The next time you will then I, your father won’t let it slide anymore.”

“You aren’t one to begin with, geezer!”

Dodging her cheeks from his hold, she retorted. “Father! Call me father!” as his domineering affirmation came after an irate throwing of its own tobacco. Eyes of obsession starts to ponder, jaws clenching with delusion. “Your mother died…  Isn’t because of the unexplainable rapid of her cancer but rather she stopped it on purpose.”

A series of sham speech begins to create. “All of it. Each reason, is always because of that Sung Chanhyung! The f*cking coño stole the love of my life from me! You understand that?”

“You have no right!” she countered.

“I met your mother first! And that alone, gives me a right. That crazy s*cker killed her!”

“No, it’s not for you are the crazy one who killed them!!!”

She can’t attain anymore. That with the mere mention of his father being accused, she exploded. Finally, as it’s too fast for another heavy slap to earn a cut on her lips this time. Yet, none of it matters for she’s occupied with one thought and only. As her brows furrows, connecting its illusive stories to reality. Half-truths or not, she can only sum up the emotions her parents felt back then. 

Threatened, deceived, betrayed. Just three things but left a large impact for their blissful family to fall apart. “Is that how the bastardo taught you?! That puto! Why am I surprised, even? He had brainwashed my wife what more with you.”

“She had never been yours!”

“She loved me! And that you should put in mind. We were in love until he came she became unwise, giving her all as sacrifice from that foolish man!”

“Wake up with your f*cking illusion now Señor Alcaziar!”

He’s insane! A very factual word that best describes the man in front of her. That’s for sure. How can she believe him even when she herself was the witness of the unconditional love her parents had for each other? She, who begged for the both of them to share their love story during bedtimes. She, who always wonder about how lovesick they are just by staring gazes. She maybe still a little kid then but for a young age she had once known what true love is. Her parents, was undeniably each other’s first love.      

“Eh. You, stubborn child. You’re being hard to persuade still, huh?” Hair being clutched by the senseless old man, she yelps. By its menacing impatience, she’s cornered. “You better kill me instead, Señor Alcaziar. You will never hear anything from me. Besides, I’m all that you need anyway. What stopping you?”

Her spoken counter finally. But yet until a deafening laughing mockery from the latter. “Oh! No, no, no. You can’t always be exact my kid. I guess I did, at first. I had only asked for you alone, but learning about you further I got to think twice after. Then at second, I thought. Why not a little gratification, right?”        

Seconds later, the once darkened room she’s in, becomes brighter. It relieved her somehow, little not knowing that it would fade away too fast as her eyes begins to go round in shock. She was frightened.

The sight of her foster parents, seen from the monitors of the LCD TV, tied up on a chair unconscious. And to the person whom she never expected to get harmed. Being kneeled helplessly across her, appearance being tormented from its usual dominancy.  A bleeding cut from the eyes streaming on its face, swollen lips that had break its original luscious form, but most specially… the part which worried her too much.

Its wounded stomach. 

“No…”

“No, no, no.”

‘This can’t be real.’ Her disbelieving pushing of her own thoughts as she shakes her head hoping that is was all a dream. But it’s not. Her shuddered eyes never left the figure in front of her. Twisting herself trying to get away from her own situation even if it means failing. “There you are, Mi niña.”

Not even the voice of the crazy Spaniard bothered her for all she could think of is him.

And like a sinking lioness, she bawled.

Into what just the hell happened?!

“Jang Taeyoung!”

[saharamae21]

Never Ran Smooth (Part 4)

I didn’t want to wait to post this one! Heres Part 4 of my JJ fanfic! Please let me know what you think of it! Let me know if I should continue posting it on here! | Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven |

__________________________________________________________

Steal me awhile from mine own company.

After hearing about everything the Pogues have been through during the past few days, I started to get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. What did they get themselves into. I felt JJ’s arm nudge mine.

“It’s been dangerous, so if you don’t want to get involved, you don’t have to,” he said. I looked at them. All of them could use the money for something bigger than me and they looked as if they needed all the help they could get. “Park right here J.B.” I looked around and noticed that we were in front of the salvage yard. “Stay here princess.” he said and patted me on the shoulder.

“No way,” I mumbled and jumped out of the van with them. They told me to stay with Kie, but they looked like they could use all the help they could get and I was quick. I followed them through the gate while Kie distracted the guard.

“I told you to stay out there!” JJ hissed at me. “Your dad is going to kill you if you get caught.”

“Don’t worry about me! Let’s just find this thing,” I snapped back. I watched as he fiddled with the lock. Nothing happened.

“Alright, so I might have the wrong numbers,” JJ groaned. I listened to him and John B argue back and forth for a second, but then there was another noise. I deep growl filled the air and I turned to see a mean looking dog. Then, it started barking loudly. I jumped and we all dispersed in different directions, all of us except Pope.

“Pope, run!” JJ yelled. We all looked around and began to panic. Thinking quickly, I held up my bandana and turned towards the dog.

“Hey, look boy! I got a toy!” I yelled and all the sudden it started charging at me. I took off running, silently cursing as I did. That’s it, I’m getting attacked by a probably rabid dog today. I was running so fast that I didn’t even notice the pipe on the ground and completely ate shit. Tears welled up in my eyes as pain shot through my ankle. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Then I felt someone scoop me up in their arms and we were moving again. I looked up and saw JJ’s blonde locks bouncing as he ran. This was the first time I was so close to him. His eyes were so blue. They looked down at me for a split second before spotting a boat in the yard. He set me down gently. “Are you okay? Can you climb up there?” My heart was beating so quickly in my chest as I nodded. I climbed up the ladder, with him following after me. I sat down as soon as I got to the top. He crouched down beside me and ran his fingers over my ankle. “Are you hurt?” I shook my head no.

“I’m okay. I just rolled it,” I said, giving him a smile as reassurance. I could hear the dog barking below us and sighed. “We’re definitely getting caught.” I couldn’t help laughing. I’ve always followed the rules and this was such a rush.

“Whoever's up there better come on out! I mean it! Don't make me go up there and get your ass!” a deep voice rang out. In that moment, the realization hit and I felt panic well up inside me.

“Let me handle this,” JJ mumbled to me and stood up. “Wait, Bobby! Don’t shoot! It’s me, JJ. Luke’s kid?” He held his hand out behind his back as if telling me to grab it. I took it gingerly and stood up behind him.

“What are you doin’?” The big guy asked, eyeing us both.

“I swear, okay? I didn't want to, okay? My dad made me,” his face looked pained as he spoke.

“Don’t lie,” the man yelled up at him.

“He told me Captain Leo kept his cutting torch,” I felt his breath hitch. He looked like he was about to cry. “You know, after he got fired. He said if I didn't get it for him, he was gonna…”

JJ paused. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at the security guard. Seeing him like this made my heart ache.

“. . .he was gonna hit me again.” I squeezed his hand as tears dripped down his face. “I’m sorry.”

The guard let us come down and JJ told him that he would let his dad know he couldn’t find it. Then he let us walk away.

“Don’t let him get you in trouble, miss,” the guard called after us, making me giggle.

I held my breath with every step, trying to ignore the pain from my ankle and the raspberry on my leg. I glanced up to look at JJ who had a smirk on his face. I knew he was trying to get us out of the situation, but I could help to wonder if there was some truth behind the lie he told the guard. After we were far enough away from the scene, JJ walked in front of me and stopped.

“Get on,” he said, bending down a bit. “Hurry up!”

I looked at his back in front of me and jumped on. I began feeling my anxiety climb. Am I heavy? Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten on. I wrapped my arms around his neck. I could feel the heat rising to my face. His back felt muscular and sweat glistened across his tan skin. I could smell the faintest scent of weed and mint.

“How’s the ankle feel? Is it swollen?” he asked awkwardly. I leaned against him, so I could look at him as I talked.

“Is JJ Maybank worried about my well being?” I asked with a small giggle.

“You know I could literally drop you right now, right?” he said. I watched as he looked in the opposite direction of my face, cheeks pink like a cherry blossom once again. I felt the smile on my face grow every so slightly. He was so cute when I teased him. “Hey, just because I’m doing this for ya, doesn’t mean I have a soft spot for ya or anything. Kay, Princess?” he scoffed.

“Sure it doesn't, JJ,” I teased and leaned my head on his shoulder. When did JJ start making my heart go crazy like this?

***

After everything happened and we had time to relax a bit, I decided to go out on a limb.

“Do you guys want to come over for a bonfire or something?” I asked quietly from the back of the van. Kie had switched places with Pope and was now in the back staring at me. She smiled and opened her mouth to answer, only to be beaten by JJ.

“I don’t know,” he started. He stretched his arms out and laid his head against my shoulder. “I’m feeling a bit tired.”

I felt my heart sink. I bit my lip thinking that I shouldn’t have spoken up at all. I watched as Kie stared daggers into JJ.

“Calm down, Kie. I’m just teasing her,” he said with a chuckle. “Payback for earlier. Now stop pouting! Of course we’re down.”

A smile crept it’s way to my face as I directed John B to my house. We pulled into the driveway and got out. I watched as my dad walked around the house to see what the commotion was and I waved to him.

“Wow, look at you Savvy,” he said. “Who are all your friends?”

“Hi Mr. Stryker,” Kie said. He was very familiar with Kie being that she was the only classmate I ever talked about and she was a Kook as well.

“Hello sir,” JJ said, standing up straight and extending his hand. It took all my restraint to not burst out laughing. “I’m JJ Maybank, I work at the hotel.” “Ah, JJ. I remember you,” my dad said, shaking his hand. “Oh, your Heyward’s son, aren’t you?”

“Yes, sir,” Pope said, also shaking his hand.

“I’m John Booker Routledge,” he shook my dad’s hand. I watched my dad carefully on this exchange. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes when he looked at John B.

“You’re big John’s son? I used to be good friends with him when we were kids. He’s a good man,” my dad said. “You guys here to hang out for a bit?”

“Yup, were going to go have a fire!” I said with a smile.

“Your friends can head on back, but someone is here to see you quick, Sav.” my dad said. I noticed a figure inside our house and dismissed myself quickly. I walked in and saw Rafe sitting in the living room area.

“Savannah,” he said with a smile. “I guess the rumors are true. You’re slumming it with them today?”

“Shut up Rafe. My brother’s probably home, what do you want with me?” he asked.

“A date,” he said. I bursted out laughing.

“Are you high?” I asked in between laughs. This boy was absurd if he thinks I would spend any of my time with him voluntarily.

“Not at the moment. However, I do need a date to Midsummers and your mom already told my mom that you would escort me,” he said. I glanced outside as he said that and JJ caught my eyes. Suddenly, I wasn’t the one laughing, he was. “This couldn’t be more perfect. It’s not like you could’ve asked a Pogue to come with you anyways, but this has turned into a nice jab at them. I’ll see you then, Sav.”

With that he exited, getting on his bike and speeding off. I was left in shock and anger, but I pushed it away, so I wouldn’t worry my new friends.

[96harmony96]

Chapter 17

I pushed to my feet in a rush.

“Don’t,” she warned in a dark purr. “You’re not running yet. We’re not done.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Being under someone else’s thumb—losing my right to say no!—was never going to happen again. “You know what I went through. I need control as much as you do.”

“Sit down, Camila.”

I stayed on my feet, just to prove my point.

Her smile widened and my insides melted. “Do you have any idea how crazy I am about you?” She murmured.

“You’re crazy all right, if you think I’m going to put up with being ordered around, especially sexually.”

“Come on, Camila. You know I don’t want to beat you, punish you, hurt you, demean you, or order you around like a pet. Those aren’t needs either of us has.” Straightening, Lauren leaned forward and placed her elbows on the desktop. “You’re the most important thing in my life. I treasure you. I want to protect you and make you feel safe. That’s why we’re talking about this.”

God. How could she be so wonderful and so insane at the same time? “I don’t need to be dominated!”

“What you need is someone to trust—No. Close your mouth, Camila. You’ll wait until I’m finished.”

My protest spluttered into silence.

“You’ve asked me to reacquaint your body with acts previously used to hurt and terrorize you. I can’t tell you what your trust means to me or what it would do to me if I broke that trust. I can’t risk it, Camila. We have to do this right.”

I crossed my arms. “I guess I’m dumber than bricks. I thought our sex life was rockin’.”

Setting her glass down, Lauren kept going as if I hadn’t spoken. “You asked me to meet a need of yours today and I agreed. Now we need to—”

“If I’m not what you want, just spit it out!” I set the picture frame and my glass down before I did something with them I’d regret. “Don’t try and pretty it up with—”

she was around the desk and on me before I could stumble back more than a couple steps. Her mouth sealed over mine, her arms caged me. As she’d done earlier, she carried me to a wall and restrained me against it, her hands banding my wrists and lifting them high above my head.

Trapped, I could nothing as she bent her knees and stroked my cleft with the rigid length of her erection. Once, twice. Silk rasped against my swollen clit. The bite of her teeth on my covered nipple sent a shiver through me, while the clean scent of her warm skin intoxicated me. With a gasp, I sagged into her embrace.

“See how easily you submit when I take over?” Her lips followed the arch of my brow. “And it feels good doesn’t it? It feels right.”

“That’s not fair.” I stared up at her. How could she expect me to respond any differently? As disturbed and confounded as I was, I was helplessly drawn to her.

“Of course it is. It’s also true.”

My gaze roamed over that glorious mane of inky hair and the chiseled lines of her incomparable face. The longing I felt was so acute it was painful. The hidden damage inside her only made me love her more. There were times when I felt like I’d found the other half of myself in her.

“I can’t help it that you turn me on,” I muttered, “My body is physiologically supposed to soften and relax, so you can shove that big cock inside me.”

“Camila. Let’s be honest. You want me to have total control. It’s important to you that you can trust me to take care of you. There’s nothing wrong with that. The reverse is true for me—I need you to trust me enough to give up that control.”

I couldn’t think when she was pressed up against me, my body achingly aware of every hard inch of her. “I am not submissive.”

“You are with me. If you look back, you’ll see you’ve been yielding to me all along.”

“You’re good in bed! And have more experience. Of course I let you do what you want to me.” I bit my lower lip to stop it from quivering. “I’m sorry I haven’t been as exciting for you.”

“Bullshit, Camila. You know how much I enjoy making love to you. If I could get away with it, I’d do nothing else. We’re not talking about games that get me off.”

“Then we’re talking about what gets me off? Is that what this is?”

“Yes. I thought so.” she frowned. “You’re upset. I didn’t mean—Damn it. I thought discussing this would help us.”

“Lauren.” My eyes stung, then flooded with tears. she looked as wounded and confused as I felt. “You’re breaking my heart.”

Releasing my wrists, she stepped back and swept me up in her arms, carrying me out of her office and down the hallway to a closed door. “Turn the knob,” she said quietly.

We entered a candlelit room that still smelled faintly of new paint. For a few seconds I was disoriented, unable to comprehend how we’d stepped out of Lauren’s apartment and into my bedroom.

“I don’t understand.” A serious understatement, but my brain was still trying to get past the feeling of being teleported from one residence to another. “You…moved me in with you?”

“Not quite.” she set me down, but kept an arm around me. “I recreated your room based on the photo I took of you sleeping.”

“Why?”

What the hell? Who did something like that? Was this all to keep me from witnessing her nightmares?

The thought shattered my heart further. I felt like Lauren and I were drifting further away from each other by the moment.

Her hands sifted through my damp hair, which only increased my agitation. I felt like batting her touch away and putting at least the length of the room between us. Maybe two rooms.

“If you feel the need to run,” she said softly, “you can come in here and shut the door. I promise not to bother you until you’re ready. This way, you have your safe place and I know that you haven’t left me.”

A million questions and speculations roared through my mind, but the one thing that stuck out was, “Are we still going to share a bed when we’re sleeping?”

“Every night.” Lauren’s lips touched my forehead. “How could you think otherwise? Talk to me, Camila. What’s going through that beautiful head of yours?”

“What’s going through my head?” I snapped. “What the fuck is going on in yours? What happened to you in the four days we were broken up?”

Her jaw tightened. “We never broke up, Camila.”

The phone rang in the other room. I cursed under my breath. I wanted us to talk and I wanted her to go away, both at the same time.

she squeezed my shoulders, and then let me go. “That’s our dinner.”

I didn’t follow her when she left, feeling too unsettled to eat. Instead, I crawled onto the bed that was exactly like my own and curled around a pillow, closing my eyes. I didn’t hear Lauren come back, but I felt her as he drew to a stop at the edge of the bed.

“Please don’t make me eat alone,” she said to my rigid back.

“Why don’t you just order me to eat with you?”

she sighed, and then slid onto the bed to spoon behind me. Her warmth was welcome, chasing away the chill that had brought goose bumps to my skin. she didn’t say anything for a long while, just gave me the comfort of having her close. Or maybe she was taking comfort in me.

“Camila.” Her fingers caressed the length of my silk-clad arm. “I can’t stand you being unhappy. Talk to me.”

“I don’t know what to say. I thought we were finally coming to a point where things would smooth out between us.” I hugged the pillow tighter.

“Don’t tense up, Camila. It hurts when you pull away from me.”

I felt like she was pushing me away.

Rolling, I shoved her to her back; then I mounted her, my robe parting as I straddled her hips. I ran the palms of my hands over her powerful chest and raked the tanned flesh with my nails. My hips undulated over her, stroking my bare cleft over her cock. Through the thin silk of her pants, I could feel every ridge and thick vein. From the way her eyes darkened and her sculpted mouth parted on quickened breaths, I knew she could feel the outline and damp heat of me as well.

“Is this so awful for you?” I asked, rocking my hips. “Are you lying there thinking you’re not giving me what I want because I’m in charge?”

Lauren set her hands on my thighs. Even that innocuous touch seemed dominating.

The edginess and sharpened focus I’d detected not long ago abruptly made sense to me—she wasn’t restraining her force of will anymore.

The tremendous power coiled inside her was now directed at me like a blast of heat.

“I’ve told you before,” she said huskily. “I’ll take you however I can get you.”

“Whatever. Don’t think I don’t know you’re topping from the bottom.”

Her mouth curved with unapologetic amusement.

Sliding down, I teased the flat disk of her nipple with the tip of my tongue. I blanketed her as she’d done to me in the past, stretching my body over her hips and legs, my hands shoving beneath her gorgeous ass to squeeze the firm flesh and hold her tight against me. Her cock was a thick column against my belly, renewing my fierce appetite for her.

“Are you going to punish me with pleasure?” She asked quietly. “Because you can. You can bring me to my knees, Camila.”

My forehead dropped to her chest and the air left my lungs in an audible rush. “I wish.”

“Please don’t be so worried. We’ll get through this along with everything else.”

“You’re so positive you’re right.” My gaze narrowed. “You’re trying to prove a point.”

“And you might prove yours.” Lauren licked her lower lip and my sex clenched in silent demand.

There was a brilliant depth of emotion in her eyes. Whatever else was going on in our relationship, there was no doubt we were seriously twisted up over each other.

And I was about to demonstrate that in the flesh.

Lauren’s neck arched as my mouth moved over her torso. “Oh, Camila.”

“Your world’s about to be rocked, Miss. Jauregui.”

It was. I made sure of it.

Feeling goofy with feminine triumph, I sat at Lauren’s dining table and remembered her as she’d been just a short time ago—damp with sweat and panting, cursing as I took my time savoring her luscious body.

she swallowed a bite of her steak, which had been kept hot courtesy of a warming drawer, and said calmly, “You’re insatiable.”

“Well, duh. You’re gorgeous, sexy, and very well-hung.”

“I’m glad you approve. I’m also extremely wealthy.”

I waved one hand carelessly, encompassing the whole of what had to be a fifty-million-dollar apartment. “Who cares about that?”

“Well, I do, actually.” Her mouth curved.

I stabbed my fork into a German fried potato, thinking that Peter Luger food was almost as good as sex. Almost. “I’m interested in your money only if it means you can afford to stop working in favor of lounging around naked as my sex slave.”

“I could afford to financially, yes. But you’d get bored and dump me, then where would I be?” Her look was warmly amused. “Think you proved your point, do you?”

I chewed, and then said, “Should I prove it again?”

“The fact that you’re still horny enough to want to proves my point.”

“Hmm.” I drank my wine. “Are you projecting?”

she shot me a look and casually chewed another bite of the tenderest steak I’d ever had.

Restless and worried, I took a deep breath and asked, “Would you tell me if our sex life didn’t satisfy you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Camila.”

What else could have prompted her to bring this up after our four-day breakup? “I’m sure it doesn’t help that I’m not the type you usually go for. And we haven’t used any of those toys you had in the hotel—”

“Stop talking.”

“Excuse me?”

Lauren set her utensils down. “I’m not going to listen to you shred your self-esteem.”

“What? You’re the only one who gets to do all the talking?”

“You can pick a fight with me, Camila, but it’s still not going to get you fucked.”

“Who said—” I shut up when she glared. she was right. I still wanted her. I wanted her on top of me, explosively lustful, completely in control of both my pleasure and her.

Pushing away from the table, she said curtly, “Wait here.”

When she returned a moment later, she set a black leather ring box beside my plate and resumed her seat. The sight of it hit me like a physical blow. Fear struck me first, icy cold. Followed swiftly by a longing that was white-hot.

My hands shook in my lap. I clasped my fingers together and realized my whole body was shaking. Lost, I lifted my gaze to Lauren’s face.

The feel of her fingertips brushing down my cheek soothed much of the vibrating anxiety inside me, leaving behind the terrible yearning.

“It’s not that ring,” she murmured gently. “Not yet. You’re not ready.”

Something inside me wilted. Then relief flooded me. It was too soon. Neither of us was ready. But if I’d ever wondered how deeply I had fallen in love with Lauren, now I knew.

I nodded.

“Open it,” she said.

With cautious fingers, I pulled the box closer and thumbed open the lid. “Oh.”

Nestled inside the black leather and velvet was a ring like no other. Gold rope-like bands were intertwined and decorated with Xs covered in diamonds.

“Bonds,” I murmured, “secured by crosses.” Lauren Jauregui. Crossfire.

“Not quite. I see the ropes as representative of the many threads of you, not bondage. But yes, the Xs are me holding on to you. By my fingernails, it feels like.” she finished her glass of wine and refilled both our glasses.

I sat unmoving, stunned, trying to take it all in. Everything she’d done in the time we’d been apart—the photos, the ring, Dr. Petersen, the replicated bedroom, and whoever had been following me around—told me I’d never been far from her mind, if I’d even left it at all.

“You gave me my keys back,” I whispered, still remembering the pain.

Her hand reached out and covered mine. “There are a lot of reasons why I did that. You left me wearing nothing but a robe, Camila, and without your keys. I can’t stand thinking about what could’ve happened if Cary hadn’t been home to let you in right away.”

Lifting her hand to my mouth, I kissed the back; then released her and closed the lid of the ring box. “It’s beautiful, Lauren. Thank you. It means a lot to me.”

“But you won’t wear it.” It wasn’t a question.

“After the conversation we’ve had tonight, it feels like a collar.”

After a moment, she nodded. “You’re not altogether wrong.”

My brain hurt and my heart ached. Four nights of restless sleeping didn’t help. I couldn’t understand why she felt I was so necessary, even though I felt that way about her. There were thousands of women in New York alone who could replace me in her life, but there was only one Lauren Jauregui.

“I feel like I’m disappointing you, Lauren. After everything we’ve talked about tonight…I feel like this is the beginning of the end.”

Pushing her chair back, she angled toward me and touched my cheek. “It’s not.”

“When do we see Dr. Petersen?”

“I’ll go alone on Tuesdays. After you talk to him and agree to couples counseling, we can go together on Thursdays.”

“Two hours of your week, every week. Not including the travel back and forth. That’s a big commitment.” I reached up and brushed the hair back from her cheek. “Thank you.”

Lauren caught my hand and kissed the palm. “It’s no sacrifice, Camila.”

she went into her office to work a bit before bed and I carried the ring box into the master bathroom with me. I studied it further while I brushed my teeth and hair.

There was a soft hum of need beneath my skin, a persistent level of arousal that shouldn’t have been possible considering the number of orgasms I’d already had over the course of the day. It was an emotionally driven need to connect to Lauren, to reassure myself that we were okay.

Clutching the ring box in my hand, I went to my side of Lauren’s bed and set it on the nightstand. I wanted it where I’d see it first thing in the morning, after a good night’s sleep.

With a sigh, I draped my beautiful new robe over the footboard and crawled into bed. After tossing and turning for a long while, I finally crashed.

I woke sometime in the middle of the night to a racing pulse and quick, shallow breathing. Disoriented, I lay still for a moment, gathering my bearings and remembering where I was. I tensed when it sank in, my ears straining to hear if Lauren was having another nightmare. When I discovered her lying quietly beside me, her breathing deep and even, I relaxed with a sigh.

What time had she finally come to bed? After the days we’d spent apart, it worried me that she might have felt a need to be alone.

Then it hit me. I was aroused. Painfully so.

My breasts were full and heavy, my nipples furled and tight. My core was aching and my cleft wet. As I lay there in the moonlit darkness, I realized that my own body had woken me with its demands. Had I dreamed something erotic? Or was it enough that Lauren was lying beside me?

Pushing up onto my elbows, I looked at her. The sheet and comforter clung to her waist, leaving her sculpted chest and biceps bared. Her right arm was tossed over her head, framing the fall of dark hair around her lavishly handsome face. Her left arm lay between us on the blankets, the hand fisted and bringing to relief the network of thick veins that coursed up her forearms. Even in repose she looked fierce and powerful.

I became more aware of the tension inside me, the sense that I was drawn to her by the silent exertion of her formidable will. It wasn’t possible that she could demand my surrender while she was sleeping, yet it felt that way, felt like that invisible rope between us was pulling me to her.

The throbbing between my legs grew unbearable and I pressed one hand against the violent pulsing, hoping to dull the ache. The pressure worsened it instead.

I couldn’t stay still. Throwing the covers off, I slid my legs off the side of the mattress and thought about trying a glass of warm milk with the brandy Lauren had given me earlier. Abruptly, I paused, riveted by the moonlight gleaming off the leather of the ring box on the nightstand. I thought of the jewelry inside it and my desire surged. At that moment, the thought of being collared by Lauren filled me with heated yearning.

You’re just horny, I scolded myself.

One of the girls in group had talked about how her “master” could use her body any time and in any way he wanted, for his pleasure alone. There was nothing about that I’d found sexy…until I put Lauren in the picture. I loved getting her off. I loved making her come. Just because.

My fingers brushed over the lid of the tiny box. Exhaling a shaky breath, I picked it up and opened it. A moment later I was sliding the cool band onto the ring finger of my right hand.

“Do you like it, Camila?”

A shiver moved through me at the sound of Lauren’s voice, deeper and rougher than I’d ever heard it. she’d been awake, watching me.

How long had she been conscious? Was she as attuned to me while sleeping as I seemed to be to her?

“I love it.” I love you.

Setting the box aside, I turned my head to find her sitting up. Her eyes glittered in a way that made me impossibly more aroused, but also sent a bite of fear through me. It was an unguarded look, like the one that had literally knocked me on my ass when we met—scorching and possessive, filled with dark threats of ecstasy. Her gorgeous face was harsh in the shadows, her jaw taut as she lifted my right hand to her mouth and kissed the ring she’d given me.

I moved to kneel on the bed and draped my arms around her neck. “Take me. Carte blanche.”

she cupped my butt and squeezed. “How does it feel to say that?”

“Almost as good as the orgasms you’re going to give me.”

“Ah, a challenge.” The tip of her tongue teased the seam of my lips, tempting me with the promise of a kiss she deliberately withheld.

“Lauren!”

“Lay back, angel, and grip your pillow with both hands.” Her mouth curved in a wicked smile. “Don’t let go for any reason. Understand?”

Swallowing hard, I did as I was told, so turned on I thought I might come from just the relentless spasming of my needy sex.

she kicked the covers down to the footboard. “Spread your legs and pull up your knees.”

My breath caught audibly as my nipples hardened further, causing a deep ache in my breasts. God, Lauren was hot as hell like this. I was panting with excitement, my mind spinning with the possibilities. The flesh between my legs trembled with want.

“Oh, Camila,” she crooned, running her index finger through my slick cleft. “Look how greedy you are for me. It’s a full-time job keeping this sweet little cunt satisfied.”

That single rigid finger pushed into me, parting the swollen tissues. I tightened around her, so close to coming I could taste it. she withdrew and lifted her hand to her mouth, licking my flavor from her skin. My hips arched without volition, my body straining toward her.

“Your fault I’m so hot for you,” I gasped. “You slacked on the job for days.”

“Then I better make up for lost time.” Sliding down into a prone position, she settled her shoulders beneath my thighs and rimmed the quivering entrance to my body with the tip of her tongue. Around and around. Ignoring my clit and refraining from fucking me even when I begged.

“Lauren, please.”

“Shh. I have to get you ready first.”

“I’m ready. I was ready before you woke up.”

“Then you should’ve woken me earlier. I’ll always take care of you, Camila. I live for it.”

Whimpering in distress, I rocked my hips into that teasing tongue. Only when I was soaked with my own arousal, creaming desperately for the feel of any part of her I could get inside me, did she crawl over me and settle between my spread thighs, placing her forearms flat on the bed.

she held my gaze. Her cock, feverishly hot and hard as stone, lay against the lips of my sex. I wanted it inside me more than I wanted to breathe. “Now,” I gasped. “Now.”

With a practiced shift of her hips, she rammed deep into me, shoving me up the bed.

“Ah, God,” I gasped, convulsing ecstatically around the thick column of flesh that possessed me. This was what I’d needed since we’d talked in her home office, what I’d craved as I rode up and down her steely erection before dinner, what I’d needed even as I climaxed around her thick length.

“Don’t come,” she murmured in my ear, cupping my breasts in her hands and rolling my nipples between her thumb and forefingers.

“What?” I was pretty sure if she’d just take a deep breath I’d go off.

“And don’t let go of the pillow.”

Lauren began to move in a slow, lazy rhythm. “You’re going to want to,” she murmured, nuzzling the sensitive spot beneath my ear. “You love to grab my hair and rake your nails down my back. And when you’re close to coming, you like to squeeze my ass and yank me deeper. Makes me so damn hard when you go wild like that, when you show me how much you love how I feel inside you.”

“No fair,” I moaned, knowing she was deliberately provoking me. The cadence of her raspy voice was perfectly timed with the relentless surging of her hips. “You’re torturing me.”

“Good things come to those who wait.” Her tongue traced the shell of my ear, and then dipped inside at the same moment she tugged on my nipples.

I bucked into her next thrust and nearly came. Lauren knew my body so well, knew all its secrets and erogenous zones. she was expertly stroking her cock inside me, rubbing over and over the tender bundle of nerves that quivered in delight.

Rolling her hips, she screwed into me, exploiting other spots. I made a plaintive sound, on fire for her, desperately infatuated. My fingers cramped with the grip I had on my pillow, my head thrashing against the driving need to orgasm. she could get me there just by rubbing inside me, the only person who’d ever been skilled enough to give me an intense vaginal orgasm.

“Don’t come,” she repeated, her voice hoarse. “Make it last.”

“I c-can’t. It feels too good. God, Lauren…” Tears leaked out of the corners of my eyes. “I…I’m lost in you.”

I cried softly, afraid to say the other L-word too soon and risk upsetting the delicate balance between us.

“Oh, Camila.” she rubbed her cheek against my damp face. “I must’ve wished for you so hard and so often you had no choice but to come true.”

“Please,” I begged softly. “Slow down.”

Lauren lifted her head to look at me, choosing that moment to pinch my nipples with just enough force to inflict a hint of pain. The tender muscles inside me clenched down so hard that her next thrust caused her to groan.

“Please,” I pled again, trembling with the effort to stave off my building climax. “I’m going to come if you don’t slow down.”

Her gaze was hot on my face, her hips still lunging in a measured tempo that was slowly stealing my sanity. “Don’t you want to come, Camila?” She purred in that voice that could lure me into hell with a dreamy smile. “Isn’t that what you’ve been working toward all night?”

My neck arched as her lips drifted across my throat. “Only when you say I can,” I gasped. “Only…when you say.”

“Angel.” One hand moved to my face, brushing back the strands of hair that clung to the perspiration on my skin. she kissed me deeply, reverently, licking deep into my mouth.

Yes…

“Come for me,” she coaxed, quickening her pace. “Come, Camila.”

On command, the orgasm struck me like a blow, shocking my system with an overload of sensation. Wave after wave of pulsing heat rolled through me, contracting my sex and tightening my core. I cried out, first with an inarticulate sound of agonized pleasure, then with her name. Chanting it over and over as she drove her beautiful cock into me, prolonging my climax, before pushing me into another one.

“Touch me,” she rasped, as I fell apart beneath her. “Hold me.”

Freed from her command to hold the pillow, I bound her to my sweat-slick body with arms and legs. she pounded deep and hard, driving strenuously toward her climax.

she came with a growl, her head thrown back as she spurted into me for long minutes. I held her until our bodies cooled and our breathing evened.

When Lauren finally rolled off me, she didn’t go far. she wrapped herself around my back and whispered, “Sleep now.”

I don’t remember if I stayed awake long enough to reply.

[amnachil]

The College Society Chapter 4 Part 2

Hope you’ll like it! 

Some bigs news in this part.

Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey Thursday March 14

Let's recall who was Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey : he was a gifted hunter, loved by many, venerated by all. He was also very proud of his cooking skills. Besides, he was smart and good-looking. There's no need to hide it : I'm the best. So he could handle everything. Or at least he thought until today. Because not only he had a date with the baboon, which already flustered him more than necessary, but he had to protect the baboon at the same time. As soon as they had come back from France, Summer had informed him about the situation. A mysterious hunter had put a price on Liam's head : 5000$. Whoever slept with Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey's boyfriend and proved it to the hunter community would earn 5000$ ! Needless to say, Liam, who was already famous, became the target number one. The community went crazy. The junior went mad. He yelled at Summer more than he ever did. He called Nancy and ordered her to find the prick who started this mess. Nobody would touch his baboon.

"Hey Dami, are you alright ?"

The lad raised his head to meet Liam's eyes. I must've looked terrible if even him noticed something was going on. Fuck that. I'm the one supposed to be worried here.

"Everything's fine." he replied. "The street is too crowded that's all."

A fuckin' good way to get somewhere with less people... And less hunters who might see them.

"Okay." smiled the baboon. "Come with me."

For someone who spent most of his time the head in the clouds, he strangely knew his ways in the town. He led Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey to a little park. I will die before I admit this place is beautiful.

"Raphaël led me here when he came to visit." revealed the baboon. "I think it's quiet and heart-warming."

They found a spot to sat and the junior thoughtlessly took his place on his boyfriend's lap.

"The soccer guy." he recalled. "Are you close ?"

Since this Muller is a very gifted hunter himself... I hope he didn't hear about the reward.

"He's my oldest friend I guess." replied the baboon, far aw ay his thoughts. "I know him for a very long time and I know we're close but... He's a mutant so I never fully understood him you know ?"

A mutant sure. I'm getting used to the idiot's delirium now. Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey was about to say something when he heard a discreet but yet audible gurgling.

"You're a walking stomach, aren't you ?" he half-asked, half-teased.

"Not my fault if your bag smells so good !" complained the baboon. "I'm restraining myself for one hour now !"

The blond junior sighed. How come he found this each time cuter than the last ? Maybe I am cursed afterall ?

They ended their date around 10 pm. Apparently, the baboon needed to sleep early or he would be sluggish the next day. To my humble opinion, he's always sluggish... But Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey still had business to do. The campus was a warzone. Those filthy hunters were up to no good. Well, he didn't fear the idiots who already tried their luck. But there were some old and smart assholes who might cause a fucking problem. Until I found out who is the damned idiotic cocky bastard who started this barbaric mess, I'll need to remind them who is the fucking boss. The junior arrived to the football premises. He entered in the lockers hastily, without taking notice of the guys and girls who where having fun around him. Some invited him but hell, he hadn't the time. Sadly. He entered in Archie's office only to find him and the midget talking. This later had swollen eyes. He looks like crap.

"Midget you go out." Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey. "You can still come back to offload later."

Nate frowned but didn't protest. The quaterback told him to wait in the next room and to help himself if he wanted something. Then, he focused back on his guest.

"Yo Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey." he smiled. "Must be very important if you show up angry like this."

"I'm pretty sure you heard about Liam's head price. A foolhardy dopey son of a bitch dared to do that."

Archie nodded. A loud gurgle made clear he was starving, but the junior didn't care. Your damned stomach isn't the priority right now.

"I told my pack to not get involved." he assured. "Do you have any idea who may do something like this ?"

"A foolish cocksucker who has a death wish." Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey replied. "I want you to keep me posted on everything you hear. I will find this motherfucker and I'll shove my dick so hard in his buttocks that he'll pray for forgiveness."

Of course, he wouldn't actually do that. A prick like that didn't deserve a taste of his wonderful cock.

"Okay." agreed Archie. "Anything else I can do for help ? You want me to ask some guys to protect Liam ?"

"There is no need for that, I'm dealing with the baboon's protection myself." explained Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey. "And I don't trust your men even if I trust you. Packs ain't so reliable when that much money is at stake. Anyway, open your eyes and ears and tell me when you find something. I want the asshole."

The blond lad was already angry. But when he arrived at his appartment this evening, things got worse. His grandfather was here to welcome him. He never comes until he has something important to tell. This time wasn't an exception.

"Your mother and sister are coming next week." he announced. "They're eager to see you."

"That's not reciprocal." Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey retorted.

"Young man, I count on you to be nicer than you tend to be around campus." warned the old man.

Fuck this shit. Now was not the time for useless distraction. He had a bigger matter to resolve than chatting with his idiotic family.

"Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey, don't give me that look. You'll behave to not embarrass me in front of your own mother. It would have been nice if you could introduce her to your girlfriend or boyfriend, but I heard you don't have an official one yet..."

What with the condescending tone ? You really are an old geezer sometimes. And I have a boyfriend so there ! The junior didn't answer. He grunted his consent and went inside. Now he was more than angry. Since he had met the baboon, everything was turning crazy. First, he, the best hunter in the world, had fell in love. Talk about nonsense ! And now, his boyfriend was the target of the community. He hadn't the time to see his mother or his sister ! Fuck it. Fuck them all. He was so pissed, he couldn't call Zack right now. First, he needed to calm down. And he knew only one way to do that. Sex. A lot a sex.

Liam Saturday March 16

The loud laughters caught his attention. He had been thinking about living pancakes for a moment now so he didn't know what was happening. He quickly noticed it was Rebecca's doing. She and her friends were grouped around Nick, who seemed unhappy about the situation. They're still making fun of him ? The forces of evil were heartless. Liam got up to help him but Theo arrived. The captain quickly stopped the teasing and everyone went in the pool. They were doing a special training today and even if he didn't participate in tournament, the young lad took the occasion to swim. He was about to dive in the ocean (yes the pool but he liked to think it was the ocean) when someone grabbed his wrist.

"Wait please." begged a soft and whining voice.

Liam turned and ended face to face with a girl he didn't know. She hadn't released his wrist yet. However, when he looked at her, he instantly understood who she was. Her curly brown hair, her charming blue eyes... These graceful curves and almost shining body... The witch. She's here.

"Hi." she smiled. "My name is Lucy Lopez and I..."

He didn't let her finish. He freed himself and cannonball dived in the ocean (the pool yes !). I need to go away as fast as possible. I can't believe she's here. The witch. He swam straight to the other edge, got out of the water and ran. The witch ! I saw her ! He was so afraid and so excited. (Afterall, it was his first time meeting such a young and yet powerful witch.)

He arrived at his flat out of breath. He had never ran so fast in his life. But well, at least he had escaped from the witch. He entered inside and went for a little snack. Nate was in the living room, eyes focused on his cell phone. Liam sat next to him, mouth full of pancake. (He had dreamed of these delicious pancakes since Dami had offered them.) (And as he expected, they were god-sent !).

"I met the witch." he announced.

His bestfriend raised an eyebrow. He looked preoccupied.

"Now isn't a good time to talk about shit." he mumbled.

The chestnut lad wasn't a very bright person but he could tell Nate was feeling worse than usual. Maybe the witch was only a distraction ?

"Is there something I can do for you ?" he asked.

He didn't know what to say. He didn't know what happened that night and why it was haunting his bestfriend. Of course, he was well aware Nate had nightmares often. He perfectly knew there was something bad his friend kept for himself. But he didn't had any idea how to help.

"I wish I wouldn't be able to think anymore." complained the short lad. "I'm stuck in here, facing my demons alone and it's so frightening. But I don't want to go outside either. I feel like I haven't the right to go outside... And I know I can't bother Archie all the time."

Liam nodded silently. What can I do for him ? (The question was more for the unicorn than himself but they remained quiet. Those ungrateful horses !).

"Let's play videogames together." suggested eventually the chestnut boy. "It will distract you from bad thoughts."

This evening, Nate went to bed early. Dami arrived around half an hour later with diner. He had brought enough to feed the whole building but well... Liam didn't want to share with said building ! Nick looked at the feast and sighed.

"How the hell am I supposed to watch my figure when you're bringing that much delicious food here ?" he asked.

"Shut up." grumbled Dami. "I'm gaining weight too and I'm not complaining."

Liam's roommate didn't reply. He took a bit of everything and left the room to go play. The chesnut lad didn't think about it anyway : he was already eating. He gobbled two dish in a mere five minutes. Then, he went for a third helping.

"You sure look happy when you're stuffing your face." commented his boyfriend.

Himself was eating at a slower pace. He moved his plate next to Liam, and sat close to him. Almost without thinking, he put his head on Liam's shoulder.

"You're gonna be sick." he whispered. "At least go for it slower."

"You won't believe me, but I was kind of a slow eater back in highschool." laughed the freshman. "I think I just missed food so much during the past ten months... I'm making up for the time."

"It doesn't mean you have to choke yourself." sighed Dami.

They continued to discuss lightly while eating. Since he took the time to talk with his boyfriend, Liam slowed his pace but it didn't prevent him to devour as much food as he could. And when he went to bed this evening, he was full and very contented with himself.

Nicolas Sunday March 17

< TheSavior : Dont feel very good. Won't play be4 one hour at least >

< Abeautifulwomen : okay. I ve work to do >

< Imagenius : Guys big news !! The hunt at my college I got sme more news ! I think i can manage to participate ! >

< TheSavior : dont wanna know and dont care. >

< Abeautifulwomen : I'm listening >

< Imagenius : So i dont hav any specifics but one of my roommate told me i can be a hunter and try my luck if i want. It's about catch a dude and hav sex with him >

< Abeautifulwoman : So you really re gay ? >

< Imagenius : Joker. Anw maybe there is a reward or smthg ? I am interested >

< Abeautifulwomen : On a unrelated topic what do you think abut a couple who hid to evryone they're a couple becuz one of them is scared for his reputation but revealing the truth could save their couple ? Askin for a friend lol >

< Imagenius : Why are you ignoring me ? :( And above all it remind me i'm single >

< Abeautifulwomen : Your fantasy hunt is booooring ! You re single becuz you suck sry to be honest. It's just i think my friend smhow ended in a relationship with someone but doesnt want to admit it cuz he isnt the kind of guy who hasn't special relationship in the first place. >

< Imagenius : i think your friend is as fake as your pseudo-feminity dude >

< Abeautifulwomen : fuck u gay man ! >

< TheSavior : You are so annoying both of you smtmes >

* TheSavior is offline * * the chat is now closed *

A knock at the door resonated in the flat. Nick removed his headset and sighed. He wasn't in the mood for social activities. But whoever waited behind that damn door was being very impatient. The young lad heavily stood up and went to the entrance. He opened with reluctance and glared at the stranger who was bothering him on a sunday afternoon. It was a tall and elegant girl. She smiled cheerfully at him. I'll end up blind if she continues to smile like this.

"Hi." she said. "I'm looking for Liam Strucker ?"

Nick didn't answer straight away. He looked closer at her first. She was truly beautiful, with soft features. Her clothes showed nicely her curvy body. She is hot but also a little suspicious if you ask me. Now, Nicolas Lawson wasn't someone who meddle in his friends business but Liam didn't need any extra problems right now. The dude was a lunatic who believed in unicorns and aliens ! I don't even know how he managed to get a boyfriend.

"He's not here." he eventually replied. "He's at the gym."

It was a lie, since Liam was with Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey for the afternoon. But Nick had quickly understood this relationship was supposed to be kept secret. Not that he knew why but he liked Liam enough to respect that wish. The girl pouted in a cute way.

"Damn that's my bad luck. I really needed to talk to him."

I'm one hundred percent sure he doesn't know you. His roommate didn't know many people. And anyway, he probably didn't remember many either.

"I'm Lucy Lopez by the way." she chuckled. "Nice to meet you."

Nick rolled his eyes. He didn't actually hate girls. He was a proud bisexual who could appreciate a beauty when he saw one. But he was so fed-up with girls. Rebecca and Barbara made sure of it. He had been very interested in the first one. He had tried to be cool, to be fun and everything but it hadn't worked at all. As for the second... I'm ashamed to admit it but yeah, I thought she would be a nice girlfriend since she was second in the promotion and all... Thus, Nick had understood not a long time ago that he just had terrible taste in girls. And Liam and Nate ain't very helpful in that department... So he decided he didn't like this Lucy Lopez. To make his point, he closed slowly the door right in front of her. She looked surprised, but let him do. And in a instant, he was happy to be alone again.

< TheSavior : taking a break to grab smthg to eat >

< Abeautifulwomen : you said that one hour ago >

< Imagenius : I'll do the same. Playin' while eating is the best >

< Abeautifulwomen : can't deny that. Now I'm hungry too. >

< TheSavior : take your snack fast and we back to game. My roommate fell asleep in the living room lol >

< Imagenius : pic ? >

< Abeautifulwomen : Gay ? >

< Imagenius : Fke girl ? >

< TheSavior : not the roommate you want to see guys. The other, and he woke up already. He's going to his room now. Evryone is rdy to play ? >

< Imagenius : Wait a sec, I spilt my beer. Fuck there are crips everywhr ! >

< Abeautifulwomen : Im rdy. Ima i'm sure you're a fatty xoxo >

< TheSavior : i am a fatty and fuck you thank you very much >

< Imagenius : You would be surprised im actually very fit... or not... but fuck me pls ? >

< Abeautifulwomen : dem gays >

To be continued

Dami has so much work to do. While his boyfriend is completely in his delirium, he has to protect the boy from a whole community!

Nate is not doing fine either, so there’s that...

And yes! Nick was interested in Rebecca, and even Barbara. But he didn’t know how to approach them, so he tried here and there. Didn’t work well. Also, his online friends are crazy, don’t mind them.

[prince-claremont-diaz]

Whatever We Become

Summary: In Lucas’ final year of high school before he has to face the real world, he comes across the new identical twins, Eliott and Leo. Needless to say, Lucas falls head over heels for both of them. 

Or The twin au absolutely no one asked for

Word Count: 2k

Ao3 version

Chapter Sixteen: We’re all here for you 

For the rest of the weekend, Lucas spent most of his time in bed, only occasionally getting up for food or the toilet. After getting home at almost midnight, after wandering around the city aimlessly for hours, he had done a poor job of cleaning and wrapping up his hand and then retreated to his bedroom for the rest of the night. He adamantly ignored his roommates' concerned questioning from the other side of the door, instead choosing to stay wrapped up in his duvet.

On Saturday evening, on his way back from the toilet again, Lucas noticed a piece of black fabric sticking out from under his shelf full of books, leaning down with knitted eyebrows as he lifted it up. As though burnt, he dropped it on the ground as he realised what it was; Eliott's hoodie.

Despite his best efforts to just ignore it, Lucas ended up wearing the hoodie for the rest of the weekend. It swallowed him whole, the sleeves going past his hands and the hem falling to mid thigh, allowing him to curl up in a tiny ball. He could smell Eliott every time he breathed in, filling his lungs with the familiar scent of cologne, a bit of smoke and something chocolatey.

At 2 in the morning on Monday, as Lucas curled up in the corner of his bed with Eliott's hood covering his head, Manon's voice filtered in through the bedroom door, accompanied by a hesitant knock. "Lucas?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

Before he could protest, the door creaked open and Manon stepped inside. She clicked the door shut behind her, leaning against the wall and looking at Lucas tucked into the corner.

"Manon, I don't wanna talk about it, okay?"

Manon shook her head, stepping closer to the bed. She had unmistakable tear tracks on her cheeks and in the low light of his table lamp, Lucas could see her eyes sparkling from unshed tears.

"Me neither," she replied in a whisper, "Can I maybe just… sit here for a while?" Lucas nodded, pulling aside his covers to allow her to climb in next to him. Wordlessly, she settled with her head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her. She sniffled, wiping away a tear from her cheek.

They stayed like that for a while, sitting together in comfortable and mutually melancholic silence. Despite the constant sinking feeling in his chest since Eliott's disappearance, Lucas felt a sort of solace like this, easily wrapped up with a close friend in quiet affection and empathy.

After a while, Manon finally spoke up, sitting up a little and looking down at the bed. "Lucas… your hand. What happened?" she asked. Lucas followed her gaze, suddenly remembering his poor hand.

"I thought we weren't talking about it."

"But you're hurt," Manon insisted, sitting up fully and trying to take his hand, "That looks really painful, Lucas."

Lucas pulled his hand away, as if her skin were made of fire. Manon gave him a look, shoulders slumping, a pleading look in her eyes. Lucas softened, taking a deep breath. Who was he to try to defy her motherly instincts? "The other night… after something happened, I was upset and took it out on a wall," he explained vaguely, fiddling with the corner of the gauze.

"Oh, Lucas." Manon delicately held his hand, inspecting the bandages up close, turning his hand over and around. "You want me to help bandage it properly? No more questions asked," she suggested, a tiny smile perking up in the corner of her lips. Lucas nodded quietly and then they clambered out of bed and out into the hall.

Once the bandage, which was covered in dark, dried blood, was off, Manon winced at the sight. Even Lucas had a double take. All of his knuckles were red and raw, bruised at the edges, skin slightly torn to reveal raw pink. His fingers were badly scraped up as well, painted with the ugly black and blue of his bruising. "Can you move your fingers?" Manon asked, looking away from his hand and up at Lucas. Carefully, Lucas was able to open and close his hand and fingers. Though it ached, he didn't feel anything out of place. "I don't think anything's broken, nothing's swollen and you can move them." Lucas nodded again.

Manon pulled the first aid kit out from behind the mirror and properly cleaned and used antiseptic on all the many cuts and gashes. Lucas hissed at the burning of the antiseptic but stayed otherwise silent as he let her fix him. Once that was finished, she moved on to wrapping the cuts with more bandages.

"Charles dumped me," she blurted after a few minutes, almost finished wrapping his hand up, "On Friday." She finished, letting go of his hand and leaning against the sink.

Lucas frowned deeper, heart sinking. He knew how Manon felt about Charles. Sure, Lucas always thought he was a bit of a prick, but when he made his friend happy, Lucas didn't care. But now. Now Lucas was having to hug her as she cried into his shoulder at 3 am in their bathroom because of him.

"Let's just go to bed," Lucas suggested once she had calmed down somewhat, reduced to just sniffles.

Manon nodded and without another word, a silent agreement between the two of them, they both went to sleep in Lucas' room.

◇

Lucas walked into school that morning like a dead man. He didn't bother fixing his hair or eating breakfast, only changing into a different hoodie besides Eliott's. His feet scuffed the pavement, ankles weighed down by invisible chains, hood pulled up, head down, running on only a couple hours of sleep. While Manon's presence had certainly helped somewhat, it had still been near impossible to get to sleep.

As he trudged into the courtyard, muttering a somber goodbye to Manon, he caught sight of Yann, Arthur and Basile standing in their usual spot, talking animatedly about something. Upon his entrance, the boys paused their conversation to greet him.

"Woah, hey, man. What the hell happened?" Yann asked once Lucas was close, glancing down at his bandaged hand and back at the deep purple bags under his eyes.

Lucas brushed his friend's comment away, swatting his uninjured hand dismissively. "It's nothing. Can we not talk about it?" His voice, which he had barely used all weekend since screaming for Eliott, came out harsh and scratchy and surprisingly bitter. He cleared his throat.

"You sure? We're always here for you. You know that," Arthur said, grabbing one of Lucas' shoulders comfortingly, a sympathetic smile on his face. Lucas shook his head. "Okay, man, that's okay. But we're still here if you change your mind," he added, ruffling Lucas' hair under the hood.

The bell for classes rang through the courtyard and Arthur, Yann and Lucas started to make their way into the building. Basile, however, stayed back. "Aren't we gonna wait for Eliott?" he asked, holding his arms up as if to say "Duh."

"I don't think he'll be coming, Bas," Lucas said bitterly, already starting towards the school once again.

The other four followed him towards the building and then Lucas and Arthur split off together to head towards Chemistry. "You sure you don't wanna talk about it? I'm all ears," Arthur said as they made their way down the science corridor together, pushing past others trying to get to class.

"Yes, Arthur. Just leave it," he snapped, scowling at his friend. "Please." He looked pleadingly at his friend.

"Okay," Arthur replied. After a beat, "Do you wanna hear about my weekend then? My mum said the most outrageous thing at dinner on Saturday…" And without any further mention of Lucas' issues, Arthur easily slipped into a usual rant about his mother.

After trying to write notes using his injured hand, Lucas was already starting to feel the extent of his injuries. Each time he gripped his pen too hard, his whole hand ached horribly, making him wince. Initially, Arthur stayed silent, watching him write through the pain without any comment.

But eventually, when the pain was too overbearing, making him clench his jaw and tears prick in his eyes, Arthur nudged his elbow, leaning closer. "I know you said to leave it, but that looks really painful. What happened?" Arthur asked, eyes pleading and concerned.

"It's so fucked up, Arthur."

"Okay, one second," Arthur said and then he was raising his hand. "Lucas' hand hurts, can I take him to the nurse?" Arthur carefully lifted Lucas' wrist to show his bandaged hand to their teacher.

"And why do you need to go with him?"

Arthur shrugged. "What if the pain is too much and he faints in the hallway? Someone's gotta catch him." he replied nonchalantly. Lucas gaped at his friend.

Not ten seconds later, they were both out in the hallway together. "Come on," Arthur whispered, grabbing his wrist and pulling Lucas along the corridor. Lucas stumbled after him for a few minutes until they reached an empty classroom, which Arthur promptly tugged him inside and settled on top of one of the desks.

"Why did you do that?" Lucas asked, sitting down in front of Arthur on another desk and fiddling with a loose strand of his bandage.

"More privacy. Less writing for your poor hand, too," Arthur said, as if it was nothing. As if he hadn't just done one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for him. "Did something happen with Eliott, then?" Arthur prompted, gesturing to Lucas' hand.

Lucas nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. "It's so fucked up, Arthur, seriously," he replied, "We went on a date on Friday and he rented out this old theatre to watch some black and white movie just the two of us and it was… so good. It was wonderful…" Lucas trailed off, remembering how Eliott had looked in the faint glow of the screen, heart aching with the ghost of a memory.

"But he was acting sort of weird and jittery and going on about this crazy story about popcorn. Then he wanted to go for a walk even though the film wasn't over yet," he continued, heart picking up pace with a distant, constant worry. "He had a joint which we smoked as well while we walked, but then I sat down for a minute and I was distracted and he just...disappeared. I had no idea where he went and I had to call Leo." Lucas broke off, breathing heavily before he could finish. "Eliott had tried to jump off a bridge."

Arthur's eyes widened, eyebrows raising almost to his hair line. "Seriously?"

Lucas nodded again. "Leo came to the bridge and he yelled at me before he got a call that Eliott had been found," Lucas continued, voice hoarse and wobbly, "He told me Eliott's bipolar." Lucas finished his explanation with tears pricking his eyes, bitterness settling in his stomach along with butterflies flapping mercilessly in his gut.

"Fuck, Lucas," Arthur said, shaking his head in disbelief, "That must have been terrifying."

"It was. I had no idea where he went and he was talking about how we should die that night because we had peaked or something." Lucas lifted his bandaged hand weakly, looking at the raw skin of his fingers, which weren't covered by the bandage. "After Leo left, I punched a wall."

Arthur winced, screwing his eyes shut. "Do you… know if he's okay now? You said they found him, but if all that happened, I wouldn't be surprised if he was still feeling like shit," Arthur asked hesitantly.

Lucas scoffed. "Leo wouldn't even let me go with him to see him, so I don't fucking know," he remarked, a sour taste in his mouth, "All I know is that he's crazy."

"You know, I'm not an expert, but I'm guessing when Leo yelled at you, he was just scared for Eliott. If he's got an actual disorder, this sort of thing could have happened before, so he was probably just worried about that," Arthur pointed out, "I know for a fact that you sometimes snap at people when you're stressed or worried."

Lucas laughed bitterly. "Am I that awful of a friend?"

Arthur shook his head intently, slinging and arm around Lucas' shoulders and pulling him closer. "I'd say you're a pretty good friend even when you're a stressed out ball of anger," he replied with a light chuckle, "But really. Just give them both time."

"But Arthur, do I need to have two crazy people in my life? I don't know if I can handle that."

Arthur squeezed his shoulders, pulling away just slightly to look him in the eyes. "You like Eliott a lot, right?" he asked.

Lucas nodded. "More than I've ever liked anyone else. He was… he was special…"

"Then isn't he worth it?" he asked, pulling away to clamber off of the desk. "If you really like him more than anyone else, if he's really that special, I think it's worth it. He's definitely worth at least trying, I think." Arthur held onto Lucas' shoulders, holding onto his gaze. "Eliott's a good guy, Lucas. It's obvious he makes you happy, so I wouldn't let him go so easily just because it's hard." Lucas sniffled and only then did he notice his cheeks were wet.

"Do you really think I'm capable of that?" he asked faintly, cheeks flushed and damp. He glanced up at Arthur, pulling his lower lip in between his teeth.

"If you can tolerate Bas, I'm certain you can handle anything," Arthur joked, lightly pushing his shoulder. He frowned again. "But really, Lucas. You've got a whole lot of love to give and I think Eliott deserves to get some of that."

Lucas huffed a laughed, wiping his nose on his sleeve and blushing once again. "Thanks, Arthur," he muttered sincerely, shooting Arthur a small yet grateful smile.

"Anytime," Arthur replied, pulling Lucas to a standing position to give him a proper bear hug, squeezing him tightly. "Now we should probably go back to class before they realise we definitely aren't in the nurse's office." Arthur pulled away from the hug and together they walked back into the corridors and made their way back to class.

Lucas felt just a little bit lighter after that.

AN Sorry for the radio silence on this fic, I started taking another class and I have virtually no free time anymore. 

[markieooh]

Prom Boy pt.1

Y/N is in her last year of high school. What happen to her a bit boring life if this b o y start to mess up with her…

Mark Tuan x reader

Fluff, smut (maybe later), suggestive

Every single one in school was talking about this stupid prom. There wasn’t day without hearing talks on dresses, makeup or hair.Y/N wasn’t a fan of it. If anyone asks she is going, but didn’t have choice. Mina would definitely kill her.

- And...

Y/N heard her best friend’s voice.

- And?- she asked.

- You still don’t have date.- she told with dangerous light in her eye.

- Whatever you want me to do…no.

Mina pouted, but didn’t give up.

- I’m going with Jackson.

- Oh really?- Y/N acted surprised, because it was most predictable.

Jackson Wang was school gangster. Well,…he didn’t do anything wrong. The word gangster was there only because he and his friends acted like they are own the whole school. He was such a flirt and most girls in this building wanted him even for a minute. Since the last party - that had place like a month ago - Mina and Jackson had a thing for each other.

- Yeah.- she smiled.

- I’m about to meet his friends today.

- That’s cool. Congratulations.

- Come with me please?- Mina asked and done puppy eyes.

- What?

- Please, please, please?- she grab yours arm and puled gently.

- Why? If he likes you as much as he tells everyone, then you don’t have anything to worry about.- you told her a bit annoyed.

- Please?

- Okay…OKAY. I’m coming.- you just roll your eyes and gave up on her.

Famous seven boys were incredibly noisy. Jackson waited for us in front of cafeteria. He was really happy to see me, but I couldn’t say the same thing about him. Nothing personal.

- This is Y/N. She’s a best friend of my precious Mina so treat her right.- told Jackson.- Take a sit.

Six pairs of eyes look at you with interest. You weren’t popular - not at all. They probably saw you for the first time in their lives.

- Hey! We have math together, aren’t we?- asked boy with dark hair, that one who looked the most normal.- I’m Jinyoung.

- Oh your name is the same as our teacher!- you told with big smile.

- Yeah, that’s why he keep calling me Junior.

- He hates it, that’s why he’s bragging about that all the time.- Y/N heard laugh of blond haired boy.- BamBam nice to meet you.

- Isn’t it cool that we are all here?- asked Jackson.- I heard you still don’t have date Y/N.

- Wow really?- this time asked Jaebom. You know him because he was good at every sport possible. - You are pretty.

- Even Youngjae found his date!- called BamBam.

- Yah!- shouted friendly boy.

- Is that even possible?- asked nice voice.

Mark Tuan. Your heart skipped the beat. You knew him since kindergarten. He was your neighbour and your mother visited his house every Sunday. Mark was very handsome. You watched his glow up from shy guy who lived across the street to confident playboy who had every girl around his little finger. He looked sooo innocent. Puppy eyes, cute pout and bright smile, but this guy was a devil. From 0 to 100 in one second. Smirking, biting his lips and flirtatious winking.

- As you can see.- you shurged and tried to ignore his burning stare.

After one hour sitting and laughing like crazy it was time to go home. You really didn’t think that this group of gangsters could be that funny.

- Y/N can you go alone?- asked Mina.

- But my last bus already left.- you replied.

- I will drive her home.- told Mark and headed to his car.- You coming or not?- he asked.

- Yeah.- you told under your nose.- I am going to kill you Mina.

- Have fun!- Jackson shouted afrer you.

- See you at school Y/N!- you heard BamBam.

Mark’s car was all black - even inside. You turn on the radio and heard What’s my name by Rihanna and Drake. You puted seat belts and checked if they are locked for sure.

- Are you scared?- he asked and small smile formed on his face.

- You look like some kind of drug dealer, I can’t trust you.

Chuckle.

- It’s not funny.

- It’s not, but YOU are.- he chuckled again.

Silent.

- You’ve changed.- you told after a bit.

- Like everybody.- he shrugged his arms.- You know…You don’t look like in primary school anymore.- Mark stared at your boobs for a second.

- Oh shut up.- you roll your eyes.- But why?

- It’s a funny thing. God made you that way and it’s biology Y/N. I thought you knew this.

You looked at him with disabelief. It’s been a long time since you two talked and it was…nice. You aren’t replied to his not that funny joke, so he was the one who started:

- I…I wanted to proof them wrong. I didn’t want to be a loser anymore.- he sight.- And I wanted you to like me. But at the end of a day I started to like being…who I am now.

- Of course you do.- you muttered under your breath.- All of girls are yours.

- Yeah…And now this dickhead is a loser, and he is the one out of the ligue.- he smiled with satisfaction.

- Me too.

- You…You are different.- it was his time to mutter under his breath.- You still like that asshole?- he asked after a second.

- You mean Jake?

- I mean that asshole.- he corected you.

- Naah.- you crinkle your nose.- I realised he was an idiot. He still is.

- Glad you see that.- he smiled softly.- I don’t have the date to prom too.

You were already in front of your house, but any of you wanted to get off.

- And? I heard other news. Gillian Roberst is talking about your invitation on and on.

- I don’t know who the hell this girl is.- he replied.

Silence.

- Do you want be my prom date?

You looked at him to find any smile on his face. You were even more shocked when Mark’s face was dead serious and his eyes stuck in yours.

- Please don’t reject me. My heart will be broken.- he added this time with smile.

Your Y/E/C eyes look at him. How stupid you were all this time not seeing his handsomnes. Pink lips like they were pinted by some artist, eyes that you could dive in them. Now when you were so close to Mark you could smell his scent and for you to know it was the much amazing perfume you ever smell.

Well one month ago you had a chance to be this close to him…or maybe even closer.

~One month earlier~

- I’m not going to wear this…thing!- you shouted at your friend.- Do I even have to go?

- Yes stupid!- she answered.- This party is really important for my future relationship with Jackson.

- Ooh that imagination relationship.

- Y/N! You promised me!- she punched your arm.

- I know and I deeply regret this already.- you huff but get up from your bed, after grabbing short dress.

You tried material if it fits on you and with dissapiontment you had to say that it is. Red dress with thin straps. It was skin tight and very, very short.

- I look like a slut.- you told.

- You look like girl who want have fun.

- Yeah.

- Oh c’mone!- your best friend shouted.- Put a smile on your face! And don’t look like you just ate two lemons!

Like you thought, as long as your friend saw Jackson, started using her flirting skills. And poor Jackie got caught on her big brown eyes. You sight and started drinking. Your place were under big painting of forest or whatever it was. You sipped your drink, but shortly after you were caught to play some drunk game.

You were fucked up, you can barely look on your eyes. BUT it didn’t stoped you from dancing on the table…how stupid of you.

- You are sure you want to do this?- you heard low voice from the bottom of furniture.

- Why not?

- Because…- mystery guy hoped on the table and face you.- You are going to fall.

- Mark!- you shouted and throw yourself on him.- Let’s dance!- you added and were ready to move your body.

Suddenly brown haired boy take you off of the table and safety put you on the floor.

- You are killing whole funny side of dancing with you.- you pouted and right after that you felt warm breath near your lips.

- And what are you going to do with this?

And this sentence lead you to dancing. Well,…you can’t name it this way. Let’s call it griding on each other. Every touch of his hand or crotch or ever his lips on your neck made you burn. You could feel how on fire you were and how you can’t get enough of him. His fingers danced on the hem of your dress that were really close to your panties. In one moment you felt so done with teasing and griding on his clothed crotch didn’t make you fun. So you turn a round and done something you shouldn’t. You kissed those lips who were teasing you a second before.

His lips were so soft and at that moment realised you wanted him so bad. You tug him by his T-shirt and put your hands a round his neck. The kiss started to become more and more heated. Mark in the other hand were so stoic. He was so happy as soon as you kissed him. He put his hand on your booty - it was like dream come true, he watched your back at school when you wear those super tight jeans. The other hand he ran up and down your side. You were a hot mess.

- Let’s go.- he told you when the kiss break cause you two have to breathe.

He grabbed your hand and navigated you through the crowd. He leaded you to one of the empty rooms at Jackson house.

And as soom as he closed the doors you were pinned to them and found yourself kissed by brown haired boy. This time kiss was slopy and much more messier that before. In one moment you pulled his t-shirt off of him and in the next you were on his laps.

- You’re beautiful.- he whispered, while gently touching your cheeks. His thumb slidacross your swollen lips.

- Shh.- you put finger on his lips and then kiss him again.

He kissed you back and rub your back, from time to time squeeze your butt. The next second you lay under him without your dress only in a bra and panties.

- You’re beautiful.- Mark whispered and kiss your neck, collarbones, breast, and tummy. In one fast move he unclasped your bra and started to nape your breast with such adoration. You tucked his hair and gasp. Goosebumps appeared on delicate skin of his back as you touch it.

You switch your position and you sit on him. You look at his toned abs it was so hypnotizing that you have to slide your hand a cross of it. You felt how his muscles tight under your fingers. You saw black paint on his ribs. A tattoo that you never seen before. Messy hair, swollen lips and hickey on his neck.

- Y/N.- he whispered. You look in his eyes and all alcohol get off your veins.

- We can’t.- you mutter under your breath.

- What?

- We can’t.- you repited. You got up and started to collected your clothes. As you had your dress on and heels in your hand, you run out of the room.

~ Now ~

- Hey Y/N!

- Where you exactly learn how to take off bras that fast?- you asked.

- What?!- he laughed.

- I agree to be your prom date.

———

English isn’t my first language so you can find some mistakes and if something doesn’t make sense I apologise. I hope you are going to enjoy anyway 💞

[laythornmuse]

Where We Begin, Chapter 19

~Claire at 20 Weeks~

“Christ!” Claire exclaimed as she turned to inspect her profile. “I’m huge.”

Claire eyed her bump and pulled the fabric of her dress flush to her skin.  

“Jamie?”

An inquisitive grunt sounded from the window. Jamie had his nose buried in the newest issue of Horse and Hound, no doubt rereading the controversial article that had he and John in an uproar for the last 24 hours. His frown was etched into his cheekbones, and if she wasn’t feeling so…enormous, she thought, she’d probably leave him to his grumbling.

The last 6 weeks at Lallybroch had been a mixed time of highs and lows. While the reporters were scarce in person, both their phones were habitually set to vibrate and they both agreed after the first week to avoid reading anything on the internet. 

Harvey’s prosecutor had called a few times for statements, but so far the hospital felt they had enough to bury him on his conduct alone.  Geneva was a different story.  As interviews were conducted, the extent of Geneva’s involvement became harder to trace. Eventually, law enforcement decided Harvey was the stronger lead to chase and dropped Geneva’s investigation. Still, restraining orders were filed, and deep lines were drawn in the sand between Jamie’s business and the provost’s daughter.  John’s relationship with his brother suffered as he pressed for his niece to disclose her involvement.  Jamie took to spending more evenings with John as his family became more estranged and in turn, John found himself spending more weekends at Lallybroch.  

The immediacy of the trial was only trumped by Claire’s quickly progressing pregnancy. After finding an obstetrician and confirming she and the baby girl Fraser were in good health, their second ultrasound delivered more startling news: A high-risk pregnancy.

“Any spotting?” Her doctor asked as she examined the ultrasound. “No. No cramping either…” Claire added. She met Jamie’s gaze and squeezed his hand as he shot her a reassuring grin.

“Well…” the Doctor began.

“What?” Claire blurted out. “Is something wrong? Is she okay?”

“You’re fine,” she began, patting Claire’s hand. “Baby is fine. Your placenta is obscuring your cervix a bit. Not uncommon for 16 weeks since baby has a lot of growing to do, but given your history I want to play it safe.”

Claire let out a breath. “Agreed. What do you suggest?”

“Well, you aren’t spotting or cramping. That’s excellent, but until the placenta shifts, I’d recommend a few weeks of pelvic rest.”

“Pelvic rest?” Jamie asked. “As in bed rest?”

“Not so severe. Just a break from strenuous activity until your next ultrasound. No exercise, heavy exertion or sex.”

“Oh,” Jamie nodded, his face turning a slight shade of pink. “All right. Well, we’ll…”

“What kind of sex?” Claire asked, her face contorted in concern. Jamie’s mouth gaped a bit as his head turned back to her.

“I’d avoid penetration, mostly.”

“Because of ejaculation or…”

“Hmph.” The redness, Claire noticed, was rising up his neck.

“Possibly, but also to avoid irritating your cervix.”

“So orgasms are fine?”

“Yes, just no excessive jarring.” The doctor scribled a note in her chart. “Let me grab these pictures off the printer.”

When the doctor exited their exam room, Jamie shot Claire a look of disbelief. “Christ, lass.”

“What?”  Claire exclaimed.

“I’m just surprised you left out your preferred positions, given what else you wished to discuss,” He grumbled.

“Jamie,” Claire laughed. “I’m pregnant. She knows we have sex.”

“I know, but…” he grimaced. “I don’t mind going without ye for a few weeks if it means you’re well.”

“This isn’t about you!” She exclaimed, barely holding back a cackle, when his lips formed a small pout. “I’ve been insatiable lately.  I don’t know if I can handle a few weeks away from you, or have you not noticed?”

A small smile played across his lips as he leaned closer. “Aye, I’ve noticed.”

“And of course we’d abstain if we had to but…” she flushed as his brows rose at her. “Well, we don’t have to.”

“Hmmph.” He pressed his brow to hers, his eyes locked to hers until they wore matching grins “You greedy thing.”

In the following weeks, Jamie had accommodated her graciously, loving her thoroughly and as many times as it took to satisfy her. He’d hitch her knees over his shoulders, or in the dead of night, would hold her back to his chest and open her thighs with his own, letting his fingers coax her to a trembling release.

Claire mentally counted the days since that appointment and realized today made her exactly 20 weeks, a benchmark that consequently lined up with her delicate swell ballooning to a pronounced mound overnight. Horse and Hound would simply have to wait.

She crossed the room until she stood a foot from his knees, and waited as he put the magazine down.

“Sorry. What did you say?”

“I’m enormous.”

He raised a brow. “You’re still wearing normal clothes. Even your trousers.”

“That’s because…” she huffed and stopped, not wanting to start a conversation on the fit of hipster trousers and knits. “Look!”

She lifted the hem of her sundress and stepped between his knees, placing her swollen, 5-month belly into his hands. His grin widened in surprise as his fingers spread across her tight skin. She narrowed her gaze as he let out a soft chuckle.

“Oh you’re no help at all,” she said begrudgingly as Jamie leaned forward to kiss her stomach.

“There ye are, mo nighean,” Jamie said softly to her belly, and despite the nervous energy flowing through her, she felt herself worries deflate. “Don’t worry about your mam. She’s just surprised you grew so fast.”

“Jamie…”

“Claire.” He spoke her name softly, reverently as his fingers slipped down her belly to loop into the sides of her knickers. He pulled at the elastic, letting it snap gently at her skin.

She let out a sigh. “Am I so obvious? My insecurity?”

“I don’t see insecurity.” He whispered against her skin. “I see freckles, and creamy skin that smells like lavender…and a gorgeous ass that’s tight and fills my hands…”

“And a pot belly…”

He snickered. “I like seeing ye this way, in truth. You seem to shift the energy of every room you walk into, pulling all the good and laughter and light to ye before radiating it out tenfold…”

“I think that's just for you…”

“Nay,” he whispered, picking up her hand and bringing it to his lips. “John sees it too. Called me a lucky bastard just the other day.” He grinned before his lips settled into a stout, thoughtful line. “In another life perhaps, John could have envied me for meeting you first.” 

“Liar,” Claire scoffed. “John views me as a sister.”

“Because he has to,” he murmured. “I’d kill him otherwise.”

Claire shuffled forward, shifting until she could settle onto his lap. “Even if your right, which I don’t think you are…” she toyed with the buttons at his neck as she dropped her eyes. “It would hardly matter. I’m positively crazy for you, James Fraser.”

A smile lit his eyes as Claire leaned forward for a kiss, though his hesitance made her pull back. “What is it?”

“Are ye feeling up for a walk to the stables?” His voice was an octave lower as his fingers interlaced with hers.

“Yes.”

“Good. Get your wellies, lass.”

Ten minutes later, she stood with Jamie by Losgann who was cheerfully munching on her hay under her tent.  

“I’ve been thinking,” Jamie began, his hand running up Losgann’s nose. “You’ll be needing a horse of your own soon.”

Claire let out an abrupt laugh, a jovial silliness taking over as she chased Jamie’s hand down Losgann’s side.  “Oh is that so? For when I’m off my pelvic rest?”

Jamie smiled. “Aye. And its tradition as well.  Every member of the family has their own horse, and with Donas insistence on me, Losgann here will be needing your company, I think.”

Claire felt a ripple of emotion flutter through her chest. “Jamie…” she started,  her eyes unexpectedly growing damp at his gesture. “But, she’s yours.”

“Aye, and so are you.” Jamie winked at her as he pulled her closer. “I asked Losgann.  She likes ye just fine, Sorcha.”

Claire found herself speechless as Losgann seemed to agree by wuffling against her curls. She let out a tearful chuckle as she worked her fingers into the think hair between the horse’s ears.

“Jamie��thank you,” she whispered, meeting his lips    As he stepped closer to her.  “I won’t be able to ride her for several months though.  Won’t she get lonely?”

“Nah, besides she’s in no condition to be ridden now.  Not until she foals.”

Claire looked up and stared at him as his words clicked into place.  Crossing her arms over her chest, her mouth gaped as she observed Losgann’s thicker flank.

“You knocked up my horse?” She asked sharply.

“Well, Donas, but…” Jamie said with a sheepish shrug of his shoulders.

“You let the biting monster knock up my horse?” She exclaimed louder, though a smirk tugged at her lips now.

“You don’t hold my bites against me, lass,” he said huskily against her ear, before dodging her swinging fist. “And the studding calmed him down some.”

“Oh, I’m sure! You bloody…Scot,” she barked out in laughter, as she clipped his side one more time before she allowed him to sweep her into a kiss.

“When is she due?”

“Och, not for another 10 months or so.  We just confirmed it the other day.”

“Poor thing.  That’s a long time to be uncomfortable.”

“I thought ye’d have some thoughts to share with her,” he said as he grinned. 

 “Oh.  Last bit. Losgann has a gift for you, so you really feel part of the Fraser clan.”

“Is it chaps? Or my own smart riding boots? Perhaps a dressage…”

Claire’s mouth slammed shut as Jamie presented her with a handsome new leather bridle that had thistle leaves stamped into the leather strips that would adorn Losgann’s nose and face.  On the ear strap, Claire found a CF perfectly embossed into the leather…

And on the bit strap, a delicate titanium ring, smooth with diamonds embedded flush against the metal.

“I thought to myself, what kind of ring would I get a doctor, nevermind a surgeon, who cuts and rends disease with her hands all day long?” He started quietly as he unfastened the ring. “Titanium, obviously.” He rolled his eyes and a laugh burst from her lips. “Something quietly beautiful and smooth, strong but delicate, like her.”

Jamie knelt in the mud at her feet, smile unwavering, and kissed her hands as Claire bit her bottom lip, willing herself to remain quiet until he spoke the words she hadn’t realized she’d been waiting a lifetime to hear.

“Marry me, Claire?”

She molded her lips to his, dropping down to her knees in front of him.  

“Of course I’ll marry you.”

His arms circled her tightly as he let out a joyous laugh. The tears streamed down her cheeks as he slid the ring onto her finger, and pressed kisses to her eyes, cheeks, and forehead.

“I love you,” she whispered to him. “I know I don’t say it enough, but always know how privileged I feel…to love you, and be loved by you.”

“I know, lass. And I love ye, as well.”

Present Day

She spun her wedding band on her finger as she eyed Geneva, muted and shrunken.  She certainly didn't appear to be a threat but given the last few months…

“You know you can’t be here…”

“I know,” her eyes locked on hers. “And I’ve never tried before but…” she let out a trembling breath. “You’re in danger.  You and Jamie both are.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Harvey was let off this afternoon.  The judge threw out the case…”

“How?” Claire barked. “That’s not possible…he…”

“I know but you have to listen, please!”

“I don’t-”

The air shattered around Claire’s head as three shots sounded outside the office.  She and Geneva ran towards the door,  out towards the mass of people gathered.

It was the type of chaos that can only ensue when blood, alcohol, and violence are combined on a palette. No one would move out of her way.  The screams and shouts were too loud to discern words, while other stood by frozen from shock.  Pushing forward, Claire first saw John, his knee in the middle of Harvey’s back as cuffs appeared in his hand, seemingly from midair. Jenny appeared next, screaming directions into her mobile for a helicopter transport. Her hands were covered in blood,  trailing down the skirt of her dress, and across the grass…to…

“Jamie,” Claire whispered.

[psychospeak-blog]

“Sorry isn’t going to help when I kick your ass!!!” and “welcome to fatherhood” from the prompt list with Kerby Rychel please!!

So, to be honest, I had no idea who Kerby Rychel is so I researched him a little bit and discovered his cat obsession.  Hope you like this!

You rolled slowly off the couch, cradling your hand under your belly.   You were just barely even 20 weeks pregnant and already your ankles were swollen and couldn't believe it was even possible to get any bigger.

You made your way to the kitchen, grabbing a spoon from the drawer and heading straight to the freezer.  You weren't even going to bother with a bowl. You flung open the feezer, but the ice cream wasn't where you left it.  And there were so many stupid frozen vegetables, which you tried to push through to find your ice cream.  And it was no where.

You groaned, tapping your fingertips on the countertop impatiently and looking at the clock on the stove.  You picked up your phone, swiping until you found Kerby's name.

And it was ringing and ringing...and ringing. You hung up only to hit the redial button.

You heard loud background noise before you even heard a voice.  "Hey...hang on..."

You heard a scuffling noise and then, all of a sudden, it was much quieted. 

 "Where are you?!"

"At dinner with some of the guys," Kirby responded.

"Well, it would have been nice if you told me!," you spat.  Your feet were feeling sore and you wanted to sit down, but rage was filling your body.  

"I did," he said in a small voice.

"No, you did not!"

"I...." he started, and then you could hear him suck in a breath, and move a little, "Hey, is everything okay?"

"No, everything is not okay!" you said, starting to pace the kitchen.

"What?! What's wrong?" Kirby's voice was growing worried and you could hear someone talking in the background.

"Well, first of all, you're not even home, " Your hand was gripping the phone so hard, "And you're barely communicating with me, and you can't just finish all the ice cream and not buy more!"

"I didn't..." he started, and then you could hear him saying 'No, no, she's fine' to someone in the background, which was totally not okay because things were NOT FINE.

"Look," he continued, "I didn't finish it.  Are you sure you didn't miss it?" "Yes, I'm sure!"

"Uh..." he cleared his throat, "Maybe you should double check? I mean, I know sometimes I can't see things even when they're right in front of me."

Grumbling, you went back over to the freezer and started flinging things out dramatically.  "It's all just stupid, fucking kale. Oh, wait, no, here's a bag of frozen peas!"  He made an indiscernible sound.

"I told you it wasn't in here," you said, looking at everything you'd just tossed over the s kitchen floor.

"...are you sure you're alright?

" "I am fine."

"Yeah...okay, um..." he spoke tentatively, "Is it possible that you maybe finished the ice cream and maybe just forgot? I mean, you have been eating a LOT of ice cream lately..."

"No, I didn't forget!" You said.

"Okay, okay, look, the good thing about ice cream is that we can get more," he said, "I can leave right now and bring you some."

"No, no, I don't want you to leave," you said.  The last thing you wanted was to be some stupid pregnancy cliche and have your boyfriend have to explain to everyone he had to leave just to bring you ice cream.

"O....kay," he said, his voice high and tentative, "So...what do you want me to do?"

"I wanted you to tell me that you finished the ice cream so I could get some on my way home from work!"

"Y/N....are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes! Why do you keep asking me that?"

"Well, you seem really upset, sweetheart.  And it's just ice cream..."

"No, it is NOT just ice cream!" you ran your hand over your face as your skin started to prickle. "Welcome to fatherhood, this is what it's all about!" Was he laughing?

"So...let me get this straight," he was saying lightly, "Fatherhood is all about making sure the freezer is stocked with ice cream?"

"No, no, no! You've got to tell me when you finished something.  And you have to tell me when you're going to be home and not home!"

"I did..." he cleared his throat, "Look, I'll...I'll try better, okay?"

By now hot tears were running down your face, "Well, trying isn't good enough, Kirby! How am we supposed to take care of a baby when we don't even have any ice cream in the house?!"

"....you know babies don't eat ice cream right?"

"Oh my god, we don't even have any baby food!" you said frantically, "Or diapers!"

"Babe.  Babe, babe, babe, babe, slow down." he said, "I think you might be freaking out a little bit."

"Well, of course I'm freaking out!"  It was really annoying you how freaking calm he was being. "I don't know why you aren't upset about this!"

"Because the baby isn't even here yet, and we don't even need baby food yet," he said, "And we've still got another four or five months to get organized." You just sniffed in response.

"Hey, hey, look," his voice was saying softly, "I'm going to come home, okay? Do you want me to stop at the store first?"

"But I said not to come home!"

"I know, I know," he said, "But you sound really upset and I think you might be a little hormonal and maybe a bit tired?"

"I am not hormonal!!"

"Okay, okay, you're not," he said quickly, "But, I mean, I really fucked up by not telling you that I was going out.  So I need to make it up to you, 'k?"

"But I just wanted ice cream," you cried.  At this point, you could tell how ridiculous you sounded, but you couldn't stop the feelings from overwhelming you.

"I know, I know," he said soothingly, "I'm gonna get you some ice cream." You ended the call in a huff and stomped down the hallway tossing your phone onto the bed.  You eyed the empty bowl of ice cream next to your bed, and fresh tears leaked out when you remembered that you had, indeed, finished the ice cream last night.

You wanted to throw yourself onto the bed but couldn't really do that with your belly, so you settled for lying down and then plopping your head down onto the pillow, shutting your eyes as you cried and didn't even know why.

The next thing you knew, you felt swiping across your face and opened your eyes to see Kirby sweeping your cheek with a tissue.

"Sorry," he whispered, "I didn't mean to wake you up."

You blinked, suddenly feel better.  And hungry.

You propped yourself up slightly on a pillow, and you couldn't help the smile that came across your face when you noticed that the empty dish from your ice cream was no longer on the nightstand, all evidence removed.

"So..." you said slowly, running your hand through your hair "I think I may have been a bit hormonal."

"Ya think?' he said teasingly, grinning at you.

"Shut up," you grumbled, but were smiling.

"I did get diapers though," he said, pulling a bag that was sitting on the bed next to him closer, "And some other things."

He placed the bag next to your legs, and gestured for you to look through it.  You reached inside, pulling out the littlest white sleeping suit with grey and blue stars, and a bottle of baby body wash.

"That smells really good," he said, gesturing at the bottle, "And I know we need more stuff, obviously, but maybe we can start working on that this weekend, yeah?"

You nodded, but then you were pulling the last item out of the bag: the most adorable and fuzzy little grey hooded bath towel, complete with elephant ears on the hood.

And now you were crying all over again.

"Oh...geez..." Kirby muttered.

"It's fine," you laughed, "I'm crying because I'm happy. And really excited to see you as a Dad."

You leaned over, kissing him softly, "And I'm really sorry I yelled at you."

"S'okay," he said easily, rubbing his hand over your belly, "I'm pretty sure that was the hormones, not you."

"So...." you said, playing with a loose thread on your shirt.  "Did you get ice cream too?"

He groaned dramatically, throwing his head back, "Ugh, I knew there was something I forgot," before he broke and started laughing, "Yes, of course I got ice cream, I wasn't going to come home without it and deal with your wrath."

"Oh my god, stop," you laughed.

"So I got three different kinds, so we should be good for at least tonight," he teased, standing up, "What kind do you want?  Cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, or cookies and cream?"

You scrunched your nose up in thought, "Could you just put all of them together in a bowl, please?"

He frowned, "Uhh...that's kind of weird, but sure?"

As he left the room you reached for your phone, planning to take a picture of the cute clothes to put on Instagram, but noticing a Twitter notification and pressed on it.  Kirby had posted a picture of the frozen produce scattered all over the kitchen as well as a screenshot of a text message he'd sent to you to say he was going out and you saying that okay because you were planning to just watch T.V. anyway.  He'd tagged you and written "Find yourself someone you still think is cute even when the hormones make them bat shit crazy." You then went over to his Instagram to see a picture of you asleep in bed with tears still on your face along with the caption “She was crying because she ate all the ice cream.”

"Kirby!" you yelled, "What the hell did you post on the internet!"

"Sorry, babe, but that's the kind of content the people want," he yelled back.

"Sorry isn't going to help when I kick your ass!" you said, trying to push yourself up from the bed but the mattress was too soft, "Can you come help me up, please?"

His laughter rang out from across the apartment. "No chance!"

[willgayers]

i havent been COMPLETELY thru your list of reddie fics so if youve already done something similar ignore this but. what about a sickfic where richie is sick? also maybe eddie just like, forgets about germs to take care of him and then ends up getting sick too and blaming richie and richies jus like, dude, were you here

i changed it a little but only the part where he blames richie and richie wonders if he was there !!! hope u like it :-)

again,,, sorry for the length?? but i cant write these short?? also again. IT IS WORTH IT 

so obviously eddie is TERRIFIED of germs and every time one of the losers has even a little flu he’s not gonna touch anything they touch and will stand 5 feet away from them and honestly in the end will probably just be that one friend who’s gonna say

“my mom said no”

just so that he won’t hurt his friends’ feelings even tho he really just doesn’t wanna be anywhere near them bc hey he could get it too and it could turn into something more dangerous like leper obviously

but then one tragic time… richie gets a flu

and eddie’s very torn bc he doesn’t wanna be with richie cause ???? he isn’t clean

but then again they were supposed to hangout

eddie is thinking whether he should ditch richie or not

“jesus i’ve been sneezin since 8am”

yeah eddie is not gonna go there

the gERMS ARE FLYING and just the thought makes him shiver

he’s thinking that oh well maybe tomorrow he’s gonna be ok again

spoiler alert: he’s not

so eddie suffers thru the day bc its boring at school without richie

they talk on the phone later that day and eddie’s like hey r u feeling any better

“i am nod” richie answers with a stuffed nose

eddie just sits on his bed with a facial expression that is nothing other than :(

then the day after that ,,, eddie goes to school in hopes of that maybe richie had a miracle healing last night and now he’s gonna be there

LMAO YOU THOUGHT EDS

now eddie is just gettin pissed off bc how dare his boyfriend be sick for this long

so again that night they speak on the phone

“richie jesus christ when are u gonna HEAL”

“i am do dorry eddi-spageddi bud i am just so sig”

eddie is gonna turn into hulk soon from the conflict bc he REALLY misses richie

should i stay or i should go™

(nice stranger things reference)

ok maybe eddie is gonna give it one more day.

so it’s friday and richie has missed school for almost the whole WEEK

“wow eddie you’ve been without richie for almost the whole school week how’s that feel must be a new record huh”

“shut up stan”

don’t be mean stan

eddie’s heart is breakin

again,,, he goes home from school and calls richie immediately

“ARE YOU,,,,STILL…. SICK?????”

“yeah i— *LEPER COUGH* i ah-ah-AMh *cough*”

eddie cringes because ???? oh my gosh he is turning into a zombie

“oK THATS IT”

eddie has had it

he hangs up and stomps out of the house and rides his bike to the grocery store and buys all kinds of stuff like non-caffeine tea ((bc he knows for a fact that it helps better than regular)),, some ice cream and chicken soup in a can even tho eddie thinks it’s disgusting and fights with one of the workers

“YOU DONT HAVE NORMAL,,, READY CHICKEN SOUP IN THE FRESH FOOD SECTION????”

“yeah not today”

“my bOYFRIenD haS bEeN SiCK!! FOR A WEEk and i hAVE TO BRING HIM A CAN????”

eddie shakes his head in disbelief and curses the store as he walks away

then he finally arrives at richie’s house

he knocks on the door first just in case his terrible excuse of parents are home but they aren’t

so he leans down to grab the key from under the doormat and opens the door

he walks in and stiffens his upper lip as he glances around at the sight of empty beer cans and liquor bottles and there’s just the smell of old booze and cigarettes in the air

like it’s normal (and eddie hates that it’s normal) but richie’s SICK and he should be breathing fresh air not the literal definition of the breath of a drunken bum who’s been living in the gutter

this wasn’t what he was expecting bc he figured that richie’s parents would at least open the fucking window because their son is sick inside the house

so quickly eddie makes his way to richie’s room that is at the end of the hallway and he knocks on it softly before opening the door

he finds richie sitting in his bed ,,, burrito inside blankets and he’s watching something from his laptop

his eyes are red and his face is a lil swollen and nose also v red

eddie wants to cry bc he looks so bad

“eddi???”

“yes,,, eddi to the rescue” he mocks his boyfriend’s stuffy nose voice a little

richie is literally starstruck bc ???? EDDIE IS THERE ???? EDDIE , IS THERE , WHEN HE IS SICK ????

“whad de fug edz u should go befor u ged dis doo”

“i’ve been to school without you for a week now richard im done”

richie wants to cry

eddie is still just staring at him bc he doesn’t know how to approach him since he’s still a little disgusted at the situation this is all new for him ok but he really wants to help his bf

“i bought u some stuff”

richie starts to smile wide

“BUT” eddie starts

“before i give u any”

“????”

“you’re gonna leave this house”

richie looks at him like he’s crazy

“r u serioud eddi every pard of ma badi hurts”

eddie feels so bad for him

“you don’t even have fresh air here richie so i am serious”

richie can’t take the fact that his boyfriend is such a knight in shiny armor

eddie leaves the bag for a moment to grab richie inside his blanket burrito and pull him up.

“ur gonna have to get rid of this blanket tho”

“no:(”

eddie looks at him

“srsly richie i can’t give you a ride on my bike you’re gonna fall down and roll down the hill”

“:(”

“i will give you my blanket once we’re there”

richie throws his blanket down way too fast and he starts feeling nauseous

the bike ride isn’t very aesthetic™ for him either bc his head is spinning and all of his muscles hurt and oh my gosh he’s doing his everything not to throw up on eddie’s back rn

eddie’s mom isn’t home so eddie can easily sneak richie in

he’s not sure how he’s gonna explain him living there until he’s healthy again tho

but he’s not gonna worry about that now

(fast forward;

i donT CARE THAT HE’S SICK AND INFECTED MOM,, i LoVE HiM!!!!)

so now they go into eddie’s room ( he’s basically holding richie up )

and richie settles down on eddie’s bed and eddie wraps him inside a blanket and richie is just smiling at him the whole time

“r u comfortable”

“very” richie says. the blanket smells like eds and he is in eddie’s bed. ofc he’s comfortable 

“here’s my laptop”

eddie hands him his macbook and goes to the kitchen to prepare the chicken soup. in the can. which eddie still thinks is unacceptable as he heats it up

“here”

richie is about to cry bc “did you really mage me chiggen soub”

eddie nods with a light frown like wtf obviously that’s what you eat when you’re sick

“there’s also ice cream”

“ice cream???”

“yeah it’s for the throat…???

eddie is kinda confused bc how can richie not know it helps

then it occurs to him that

richie doesn’t know, because

no one’s probably ever taken care of him when he’s sick????

i REPEAT, NO ONE’S EVER TAKEN CARE OF RICHIE TOZIER WHEN HE IS SICK

now eddie wants to cry

“scoot over”

he wants richie to be on the side next to the wall so he can lean his head on it if he wants to it’s more comfy  

with a lil trouble richie does move and eddie cuddles up next to him

literally cuddles

richie is SHOCKED

“are you sure u wanna do dat”

“100%”

richie wants to marry eddie

“wad r we watchin”

“kill bill”

“waid a minude… isn’d dis-”

“yours. yeah. i never watched it and i never gave it back so”

“u never watched dis?? oh my god eddi—”

“eat ur chicken soup and watch this movie with me now oKAY” eddie is a pissed off knight in shiny armor bc talking is just gonna exhaust richie more and he needs to get WELL

richie eats his soup and they watch the movie in silence,,,, glued to each other and at some point eddie realizes richie’s fallen asleep with his head resting towards eddie’s

eddie can’t move because he knows if he does he’s gonna wake up richie

but thankfully after like 15 minutes richie wakes up and he’s like “shid where am i”

“you’re with me”

he turns his gaze down at eddie and he remembers that yes,,, he is in fact with eddie and he just feels: ️️️️️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

well the weekend goes by and eddie goes hardcore nurse on richie and literally by sunday he is already pretty healthy like his voice is back to normal and so on

but… Oh… no

eddie and richie are eating in the kitchen

richie goes;

“baby can u pass me that ketchup”

“sure—”

SNEEZE

eddie’s eyes widen and he freezes in shock

richie looks at him like o'shit he done caught the flu

but then he starts to smile

“WELL I GUESS I WON’T BE GOING TO SCHOOL FOR ANOTHER WEEK”

“what do you mean?!?!?!”

“because obviously im gonna take care of u”

eddie is 😨😭💘😓😭💕😨😭💗

then later they tell the other losers why they’re both missing school and stanley uris wants to comment again

“so eddie u went to richie’s house??”

“yesh”

“and i thought i was romantic letting bill choose dinner”

@nopetaking @xbell22 @donthateonk8 @stenbroughbros @reddiebrekmyheart @itsgreywaterrichie @donvex @blueeyespurpleskies @ageorgymi @oh-youre-the-worst @eddiekaaspbraak @whipashwhipash @rissyq @richietoaster @edskasqbrak @waterlouis @wyattghouleff@urtury @bukiminajimu @kcutieeesblog @stansmansuris @adorefack@reddieaddict @icyeyes102@denbroughbill @graveyardshipper @taletellingsir @anxiety-freak-yuuri @rheddie @queertrashmouth 

[summerrrluvvv]

Chapter 11:

The next day : Day 13 in Miami

Tye:

 I woke up with huge hang over which is normal since this has been how I felt every other couple of days. The sun was beaming bright as hell. I could hear snoring, I turned over to see Julian, and instantly last night hit me. We had sex, I slowly got up and seen it was condom wrappers on the floor “Thank God” I mouthed to myself, but damn how many rounds did we go, then I see his mini trashcan full of used condoms and made a face, nasty ass nigga. I quickly grabbed my stuff and left his room. I see it was some niggas sleeping on the couch and trash everywhere it was nasty as hell in here. I hoped nobody would think I was a prostitute in this one piece with my ass out. I was happy they had a bench on the porch, I sat down and grabbed my phone out my purse and called Melody. The phone kept dialing until it went to voice mail. “Damn it! Mel”. She was the only one with a car last night. I sighed and swallowed my pride and called Samar. “Hello?” He answered. “Samar can you come get me?” I asked. He sighed “Where you at?” He asked. “I’m going to send my location” I said. We hung up and I sent him my location. I guess he wasn’t that far because it only took him 20 minutes. I felt like I was doing the walk of shame on my way to his car. I got in the passenger seat and he suck his teeth at me. “What?” I asked annoyed. I didn’t want to hear his mouth. “Nothing” He peeled out of Julian’s driveway and we rode in silence for the first 10minutes. “You fucked that nigga yo?” He finally said breaking the silence. I sighed. “Why does it matter to you Samar you got a whole bitch” I said. “Because you don’t ever learn shit like that makes you look like a hoe, you think you proving something to me that just makes me want you less” He snapped. I almost killed us both, I wanted to grab the wheel I was so mad. “Well, I don’t want you Samar or give a fuck about your opinion you fucking want to live in L.A with a bitch who still fucks industry niggas and got pregnant with another man’s baby while she was with you, and that make you want her more, ha ha okay sir! Good luck to you and your thot ass wife and your kids that aren’t really going to be yours living your best life because you think you can’t get promo on your own, and Ima be happy with my very rich man who loves all of me and doesn’t play games with me! Why would you even settle for her and not me?!” I yelled trying not to cry. He pulled into my driveway and turned off the car. “Shut the fuck up Tye the only reason I’m with Diamond is because she is safe, I’m safe with her I know how we roll I know how it’s supposed to go, I know she will fuck up and I know the pain and I can deal with her leaving my life but you it would kill me, Tye if we were to be together how do I know you won’t hurt me, or I won’t hurt you and you won’t leave me?” He said looking at me sadly. Is he for real? I thought. “Samar, you don’t even want to try to be with me over thinking you would hurt me? And I would hurt you? So, you already believe we wouldn’t work? So you rather us be friends who have feelings for each other where you constantly dictate my life like your my man, Samar regardless it seems to me I would leave your life because this friendship can’t work anymore it’s too much going on and I’m at the point where I rather risk losing you as a friend than being stuck in a toxic never going to happen love cycle, so after Lit and Wild we just need to go our separate ways” I said. He looked at me sadly laughing “Tye you don’t mean that” I just ignored him and got out the car, he grabbed my arm “Tye you serious you going to let Diamond come between us?” He asked. I snatched my hand back. “Nah Samar you did that. You knew how I felt and stepped on my feelings as if it didn’t matter and showed me how much I meant to you” I said before slamming the door. “Tye!” He yelled as I walked off to go in the house with tears running down my face. I had to do what was best for me, I been in love with this man for years and finally when I get the opportunity he spits in my face. I noticed that the other jeep still wasn’t at the house, which means once again I have time to be by myself.

 Samar:

 I was pissed driving home. I couldn’t believe Tye really wanted me out of her life like that! What the fuck, she going to go fuck this nigga probably have this nigga in her ear and shit man! I pulled into my Airbnb and sat in the car for a minute. But could I blame her, choosing Diamond over Tye was the most fucked up decision I probably made, but hopefully Diamond changed man, hopefully she wouldn’t make a fool out of me. I turned off my car and went into the house. I heard Diamond giggling. I closed the door quietly. She was in the guest bedroom, which was weird because out of the rooms she was sleeping in of course the bed with me. “Oh really, and what if he was there watching?” I heard her say seductively. “What are you doing?” I asked. She jumped. “Girl Ima call you right back” She quickly said. “What if who was watching?” I asked. She came over to me being flirtatious “You know how I told you I got to a surprise for you, so I was thinking about a threesome, me you and my friend Kimberly” She said nervously. “Kimberly sounded kind of like a nigga on the phone she a stud or something?” I asked. She laughed and shook her head “Baby now you are hearing things, I feel like we still have trust issues Sami. I told you I have changed” She said kissing me all over my face and unbuckling my pants. I moved her off me. “Move man, you in this room talking all low and shit, this the same sneaky shit you used to do Diamond. If I found out, you are cheating on me. I’m bust your shit” I said to her. She rolled her eyes. “Nigga I wish you would, and I’m not doing anything now can I have the keys please” She said holding her hand out. I looked at her crazy. “Why?” I asked. She sucked her teeth at me. “To go shopping remember I need a fit for lit and wild duh Samar” She snapped. I looked at her outfit she had on. “You are going shopping in the little ass dress?” I asked. She nodded. I threw her the keys. I grabbed her back and grabbed her face and started kissing her, I slapped her ass. “Hurry back” I said, she smirked. As She was heading out the door, I heard a familiar voice. It was Malachi “What up Di” He said to her. She smiled at him as she left. Shit like that I didn’t like. “What’s up?” He said dapping me up. He had a black eye, and his cheek was swollen. “Man, what happened to you?” I asked. He laughed. “Some cat tried to rob me man” He said.  He nodded. “Yeah, but we got my homies looking for him” He said. “I actually came over here to ask about Melody” He asked. “What about her?” I spoke. “I want to know how to win her over” He asked. “Ummm man just let shorty go. She been in love with my homie Isaac since they were young ins and I think they broke up at one point but now they seemed to be back on or idk he been hitting me up on how to get her back and stuff and so I think you just need to forget her” I told him. He smirked at me. “I like a challenge though” He said. I just looked at Malachi crazy cause word on the street was homie was obsessive and into some shit, but he knew everybody. He was cool as fuck no lie but mysterious as hell. “I mean best of luck homie” I told him. We talked about some other gigs he had for me and then he left, a couple hours had gone by and Diamond still wasn’t back. I was trying to call Tye, but she had me blocked. I started drinking some Henny and rolling me a blunt cause what the fuck man. I had Bryson Tiller blasting throughout the house. Another couple of hours went by and Diamond finally came into the house. She jumped by me being by the door when she came in. “It took you 6 hours to go shopping Diamond?” I asked. She nodded. “Yes, I needed a bomb ass fit” She stressed. I took another shot. I analyzed her for a minute. “Come here” I said pulling her close to me kissing her. I smelt cologne on her. I was testing her, if she gave in okay, we would fuck but if she didn’t, she had fucked another nigga. “Samar wait, let me take a shower. I been out all day” She moaned as I was kissing on her I could literally smell another nigga on her. I backed up off her. “Whatever” I said. I grabbed my keys and she snatched them back, “Your drunk” She said. Bryson Tiller “No Longer Friends” was playing “Oh you care?” I asked. “Samar where are you even trying to go?” She asked. “To see Tye” I said. She nodded. “Yeah Of course” She put her hand on her hip. “I see the way you look at her Samar, things have changed, haven’t they? You guys fucked or something? You have feelings for her?” She asked. “Man, Tye like my sister” I lied. “Yeah, but yall aint blood” She said rolling her eyes. “So, you guys never crossed that line?” She asks looking at me. “If we did so what” I said trying to snatch my keys. She still wasn’t giving me the keys. “So yall fucked?” She asked mad. I grabbed my bottle and went upstairs “Samar!” She yelled. I ignored her and went into my room and slammed the door. I played Music Soulchild “Half-crazy”. “Never thought that we would ever be more than friends, Now I'm all confused cuz for you, I have deeper feelings, we both thought it was cool to cross the line, And I was convinced it would be alright. Now things are strange, nothings the same, and really I just want my friend back”.

Zion:

 I woke up with a huge head ace. “Uhhh” I moaned. I slowly got up and looked around. I realised the room. I seen Kyrel sit up from the floor. “What am I doing here?” I asked confused. “You don’t remember?” He asked. I shook my head. “I just remember being at the foam party dancing on stage and that’s it. Did I get too fucked up? Why am I here?” I asked again. He sighed. “Man you know that nigga B Hunnid?” He said. I slowly nodded cause I only knew one song. “You don’t remember being in his section?” He asked. I shook my head. “What happened?” I asked still confused. “I fucked him or something, I did something crazy?” I asked. He shook his head. “Nah he drugged you, him and his homies notorious for gang raping girls, he had you on his groupie bus was touching on you and I don’t know what else” He said. I started to panic, I started crying. “They raped me?!” I asked. He shook his head. “I see you with them and I followed the bus and got you off before they could” He said looking at me. I quickly hugged him because I never been in this situation and even though we weren’t speaking he saved me. I started crying harder when he hugged me tighter. “Thank you” I said. He rubbed my back. “I kill a nigga behind you Zion” He said. I then kissed him and hugged him again. “Thank you soo much”. He just let me cry. “You want me to take you home?” I shook my head and wiped my face. “No im a little scared I want to stay here just for one more night” I said. He nodded. “Aight, You go clean up and I’m going to get you some food but we taking you to get checked out first aight?” He spoke. I nodded. “Where is my phone?” I asked. He went over to his book bag and handed me my phone. It was some messages from Tye and Mel but none from Ariana. “You going to let your girls know what’s up?” He asked. I shook my head. No I will see them tomorrow. I’m still shaking up. We got up and he let me wear his sweats to go get checked out. We waited in the waiting room for a minute, and then we were able to go to the back. The doctor gave me a rape kit and confirmed that I wasn’t raped. I sighed in relief, she asked me If I wanted to file a report but them niggas was crazy and I didn’t want no parts, so I lied and told her I didn’t know who the people were. Afterwards we grabbed some food and went back to his place.

Ariana:

The feeling of nausea woke me up out my sleep. I jumped up and looked around realizing I was not at our Airbnb. I noticed the familiar smell. I was at Anthony’s. I ran into his bathroom and started throwing up. I heard him come into the room then his bathroom. “Damn mami you good?” He said. I moaned. “Fuck no, I’m sick as fuck”. He came over and rubbed my back. I pushed him off. “Why am I even here anyways” I said in pain. I laid on his bathroom floor cause who the fuck cared about that right now. He pulled me off the floor. “Anthony stop it!” I said. He scooped me up and brought me to his bed and turned on the fan. “I’m going to take care of you RiRi” He said. He passed me some water and I drugged the whole bottle and he passed me another. I drank some of it and curled up in bed as he rubbed my back. I fell asleep for an hour or so and felt a little better when I woke up. My breath smelled like ass. “How you feel?’ He asked. I sighed. “Why am I here?” I asked him. “Nina brought you here you was fucked up at the concert” He said. I rolled my eyes remembering the talk we had. “Well I guess all is good I don’t know I need time” I said. “Take all the time you need ma” He said. He got up from the bed. “Where are you going?” I said. He covered his nose. “To get you a guest toothbrush ma, and get you some of my abuelita special hangover soup” He said. I flicked him off putting my hand over my mouth embarrassed. “Shut up!” I softly laughed.

Isaac:

“Girl they don’t know your worth, telling em your my girl and anything you want is yours mmmmhm yeah” The Internet “Girl” played as I was rolling up. Melody was still sleep in the bed. I was just vibing. She started to turn over and look at me. “What up sleepy head” I said smiling at her she had her hair all over her head. She just looked at me. “Damn nigga say good morning” I said laughing. She smiled as I climbed into the bed to tickle her. “Isaac stop!” She squealed. Trey and Freddie ran into the room. “Aye, my man’s last night was crayyyyyy” Trey said. Freddie nodded. “Chaotic”. I sucked my teeth at them and lit the blunt. “Damn Tye called” Mel said. “Man he did get one hit in, look at your eye” Trey pointed. I pushed his finger down. “That nigga got ONE, thats it” I said passing the blunt after I took a hit. We all chilled and talked for a minute, I promised Mel we could go back to her place so she can get dressed before getting something to eat. When we pulled up to her house, that nigga Malachi was there. My blood starting boiling.

Melody:

When we pulled up to my airbnb, I had seen Malachi resting against his car. The jeep we were in was tinted so I know he couldn’t see me. Isaac stopped the car slowly, and I got out quickly to diffuse the situation before things got crazy but I was also mad. “Malachi what are you doing here? You need to leave!” I said. He looked at me, he had bruises all over his face “Look Mel, I’m sorry about yesterday. I brought you flowers” He said showing me the flowers. Isaac hopped out the car. “Yo home boy what the hell you doing? Is you dumb? Are you stupid do I have to beat your ass again?!” Issac yelled. Malachi smirked, “Go ahead big boy, you mad cause I was taking care of your girl?” Malachi said. Isaac got really mad. “You ain’t did none of that, cause that’s all me right there homeboy” Isaac yelled. Tye then came outside. “Yall need to chill with all that before they call the police is this neighbourhood!” Malachi backed up with his hands up in defense. “Just wanted to apologise Melody. I’m truly sorry. I’m going to show you I’m going to be the last man standing” He said coming up to me, i moved back a little as he touched my hair softly. Isaac ofcourse got in front of me. Malachi chuckled lowly and got his car and drove off. “He aint letting up” Tye said. “Well he needs too” I said stressed. “Go get your shit, you staying with me” Isaac snapped. “Um no this is a Girls Trip nigga” Tye snapped. “Not no more” I looked at him crazy. “Isaac chill out” I said he shook his head. “Man hell naw that nigga going to keep pulling up pressed over my girl, you got me bent!” He said mad. “Oh my gosh. This trip is so stressful!” Tye stressed walking off. “Isaac pleaseee let me go get dressed we will eat and just calm down we both need to still chill with our friends this aint no couples trip” I told him. “Man aight, hurry up”. We went in the house and I came upstairs to check on Tye. “You straight?” I asked her. She wiped her face and shook her head. “Fuck no, but I will be we have a couple more days and we go back to our normal lives, you check on Zion and Ari?” She asked. “Shit! No” I checked both they locations “They seem to be at familar places” Tye said checking as well. I nodded. “Let me go get dressed before he have a fit” I said. “You know Malachi aint backing down homie is throwed” Tye said. I palmed my face. “After last night and Isaac I need him to leave me alone or things might get worse” I said. She nodded. I got dressed and went downstairs. Isaac was sitting at the bar scrolling through IG. “You good?” I asked. He nodded. He got up and came over to me and kissed me. “I’m sorry” He said. Before I could say anything back there was a knock at the door. I went to the door and seen it was the police. “Its the police” I said lowly to Isaac. I opened the door. “Hi can I help you?” I asked. “Yes were looking for an Isaac Gains?” The officer said. “I’m him what’s going on?” Isaac said coming to the door. The cops grabbed him. “You are under arrest for assault and battery against a Malachi Davis”. “What?!” I yelled. “Man I aint do nothing wrong that man freaking attacked my girl man” Isaac said. “Get on the ground and put your hands behind your back, anything you say and do will be held against you in the court of law”. Tye came downstairs. “What is going on?”. The officer held his hand out. “Malachi called the cops” I stressed shaking cause I didn’t want him to be no hashtag. They put cuffs on Isaac and walked him out. “Man I ain’t even do shit”. I followed them out with Tye neat me. “Sir be quiet!” The officer yelled. They put him in the backseat. I was still shaking Tye had her phone on her just in case. They pulled off and Isaac was mad as hell in the back seat. I stormed in the house to grab my phone and my keys. “This can’t be happening that nigga has really gon to far!” Tye yelled. I didn’t say anything I was pissed and ready to fight. “Mel where are you going?” She asked. “To that nigga house. Man hit up Freddie and Trey on IG and let them know what the fuck is going on, im going to fuck this nigga up!” Tye tried to block the door. “If you go, Im going with you!” She said. I sighed and looked at her. “Then lets go” I said as we got in the car.

[peopleandrhythm]

S2E8: Look What You’ve Done

This episode contains a musical cue. When you come upon the hyperlinked phrase, please click the link to be taken to a YouTube video that will play a song chosen to accompany that scene.

“Alright, focus.”

Hope looks up from the candle, glowering at her uncle. “I am focusing.” She retrains her attention on the flame. She tries to keep her body as still as possible, but her leg is starting to fall asleep, and her nose itches. And then, of course, there are the voices.

Kol watches, unimpressed. “You’re not focusing.”

She lets out a strangled groan and flops back onto the floor of the attic. “This is pointless.”

“It isn’t pointless,” Kol insists. “If you’d like not to go crazy before you’re old enough to drink the alcohol you keep slipping, you’d best devote your energies to keeping those ancestors at bay.”

Hope narrows her eyes. “Have you ever fought off hundreds of the most opinionated dead witches in history?”

“Yes, actually, I have.”

“Oh.”

Kol squats down, hovering just above his niece’s head. “I know this is no fun. I know you have a thousand other things you’d rather be doing, but you didn’t see what I saw in Côte d’Ivoire. There was a girl, barely older than you, her life an unending stream of misery because of the duties thrust upon her. I refuse to let that be you.”

Despite herself, Hope quirks a small smile. “And here I was thinking you didn’t like me.”

“I mean, you’re alright.”

Hope rolls her eyes and sits up. “Okay. I’m focusing.”

“Right. Let the flame consume your every sense. Watch it flicker, cast shadows on the walls. Smell the wax melting and pooling. Feel the heat warm your skin.”

Hope starts to feel floaty, as if the tenuous link between her mind and her body is stretching. The candle looms larger in field of view as the outside world falls away. Her skin feels hot as the flame burns brighter, brighter—

—not over—

They’re coming.

—dumb boy can’t find my grimoire where I left it—

Did you see what that Tremé witch did?

—It’s not over—

—out in the bayou, can you believe this—

You tell Vincent this, he should know where to go—

It’s not over—

A hot flash of pain sears across Hope’s skull, and she cries out, clutching at her head. Kol’s immediately kneeling in front of her, hands on her face. “Are you alright?”

Hope nods, despite the throbbing still sending stars behind her eyes. “I don’t think focusing is working, Uncle Kol.”

Kol stays silent for a moment before saying tentatively, “You know, another witch might have a better chance of helping you block out those voices. Another witch like, say, your aunt—”

“No.” Hope stands up, pushing Kol’s hands away. “I don’t want her help. I’ve had enough of her help.”

“Hope—”

“She’s done enough,” Hope insists. She paces for a minute, working each of her hands with the fingers of the other. After a while, she shakes out all of her limbs. “Okay, let’s try again.”

Kol sighs, and then moves out of the way so Hope can settle cross-legged in front of the candle once more. “Okay, now, focus on the flame…”

The sun beams happily on the tiny patio of Mama Rae’s. An untouched coffee and danish on the table before her, Freya ignores the hordes of passersby, mostly eager tourists traveling to their next tour through historic New Orleans. Instead, she stares at the phone in her hand, difficult to see in the bright midmorning light.

“You gonna call her?”

Freya looks up to see Mama Rae hovering over her shoulder, looking significantly at her phone. “I’m sorry?”

“You’ve been starin’ at that girl’s contact for five minutes now. Are you gonna call her?”

Freya looks back down. Amaya’s contact entry stares right back at her, the black of the numbers seeming to grow bolder by the second. She shakes her head and clicks the phone off. “Maybe later.”

Mama Rae tuts. “Ain’t gonna win her back with that attitude,” she chides, and then wanders off to check on another table.

Freya regards the phone on the table warily, as if it might spontaneously explode, before picking up her coffee and taking a long, scalding sip.

As a gesture of good faith, Hope goes to them, walking into the vampires’ favorite daytime hangout cautiously. All heads snap to her as soon as she creaks open the door. “Close that,” someone snaps. “You’re letting all the light in.”

Hope sneaks inside as unobtrusively as possible, clicking the door closed behind her. “Hi.” Silence. “So, I have good news.”

“You lettin’ Ricky and them outta the Penitentiary?”

“Um, no. They terrorized some witches and did thousands of dollars’ worth of property damage. They are exactly where they’re supposed to be.”

“Those witches’re killin’ us!” someone else shouts.

“But they’re not! That’s the news.” Hope takes a deep breath. “For the past few weeks, there has been a vampire hunter in New Orleans. He was the one killing your friends, and he was the one causing these rifts in our communities. I came here to tell you that he is dead, and that you’re safe again.”

The vampires in the bar eye each other, unsure if they believe her. “What if you’re wrong?”

“This sounds like a convenient story.”

“How do we know you’re not just tryin’ to defend the witches?”

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Hope says, “I got to my uncle Elijah seconds before he and his sire line were killed for good. I understand why you might not trust my motives, but trust that I love my family, and I don’t mess around when it comes to keeping them safe. There was a hunter. He is dead. It’s over.”

There’s a light mumbling through the crowd, and Hope can tell there’s a general atmosphere of assent. Still contemplating the sudden revelation of a hunter in their midst, the vampires return to their drinking and darts. Hope’s shoulders sag in relief; they believe her, and maybe the tension in this city can finally ease.

“So, a hunter, huh?”

Hope turns to see Josh off to the side, leaning against the wall. She half-shrugs. “He’d been here since the end of summer. If I had known, I would have told you much sooner.”

“I believe you. These guys will too, once they stop being afraid they’re going to die every time they go out after dark.”

“You know, I’m trusting you to be the one to help them see that the witches aren’t their enemies.”

Shaking his head, Josh begins, “No, that’s Marcel’s job—”

“You’re good at this, Josh. They respect you.”

“They respect Marcel.”

Hope throws up her hands in a shrug. “I’m not saying you should depose him as…whatever he calls himself. King of the vampires. I’m just saying…don’t diminish your sway over them. They listen to you.” With that, she slips back out of the bar into the bright New Orleans sun.

When Elijah wakes up, the sun is already high in the sky. He can’t remember the last time he slept so late, but then, nearly being murdered tends to take it out of a man. His eyes still closed, he doesn’t have to look over to know when he’s being watched. “Are you staring at me?” he asks, his voice low and gravelly.

There is a soft pair of lips on the bare skin of his shoulder. “I resent the accusation.”

“I’m sure you do.” He turns his head to look at Hayley, who’s looking back with soft eyes. “There’s a face I worried I’d never see again.”

Hayley brings a hand up to rest against his cheek, lets her thumb explore the warmth of his skin. “Fifteen years, I forgot how much loving someone can feel like dying.”

Elijah slides his hand up her arm, takes hers and presses its palm to his lips. “I forgot how much dying can feel like dying.”

Hayley breathes a laugh. Then she shakes her head. “I knew. I knew there was something I missed with Joel. River told us that the man who shot Hope had a scar on his neck, and I missed it.”

“Now I know that I didn’t fall in love with a woman foolish enough to blame herself for the actions of terrible men.”

She lets her head tip to the side to rest against his arm. “Fifteen years I fought to get you back, and I almost lost you.”

Elijah kisses the top of her head. “I am more thankful than ever the gift that is your daughter.”

Hayley hums in agreement, and they lay there, warm in the New Orleans sun.

Hope trudges up a rickety wooden staircase, on her way back up into the attic for some more training with Kol. She stops when she hears a voice behind her say, “Hope?”

She turns, and frowns when she spies Freya at the bottom of the stairs. “I can’t talk right now.”

“Kol told me of your efforts to keep the ancestors at bay. Perhaps I can be of some help—”

“Let me be clear.” Hope descends to stand a few steps above the bottom, so she’s staring down at Freya. “I don’t need your help, and I don’t want your help. You had your chance to help me and this city and you shot it down.”

“I made a mistake, Hope, and I am begging for your forgiveness.”

“It’s not mine to give!” Hope cries. “I was asked to defend New Orleans, to speak for the people who live here and who died here! They are the ones who suffered because of what you did, they are the ones who nearly saw war in their streets because you kept this a secret! My forgiveness doesn’t matter, theirs does.”

Freya shakes her head. “I didn’t do it to hurt you, or New Orleans. I did it to protect her.”

“I really, really wish that were enough.” Hope spins around and dashes up the stairs, leaving her distraught aunt behind.

Freya knocks on the apartment door, her fist shaking ever-so-slightly. She has to wait nearly a full minute before the door swings in, revealing Amaya’s face, swollen and red. Freya stares at her, crestfallen. “I wanted to stop by. I…heard about your brother.”

Amaya stares at her. First, it’s as if her gaze slices right through Freya, as if she’s focused on a spot on the wall behind her. Then Amaya’s eyes focus on her, and she croaks, “Come on in.”

Amaya spins and walks away, leaving Freya in the open doorway. Cautiously, Freya steps inside, pressing the door shut behind her. The apartment is littered with tissues, and Joel’s leather jacket, the collar hard and sticky with blood, lays across the couch. Amaya sits next to it, runs her hand over the leather. “I’ve been sitting with my phone since the cops left. I figured…I figured I should tell people that he’s dead. But we don’t have anyone left to tell. He’s got…he’s got some friends, I don’t know them too well. Don’t know how to tell them that he’s—” She barks out a sob, and claps a hand over her mouth.

Freya settles next to her and wraps an arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry,” she murmurs. “I’m so sorry.”

Hope and River walk through the Quarter, side-by-side, people-watching. Hope’s quiet, lost in her own head, so River gently nudges her with her elbow and says, “Thinking about Freya?”

Hope works her jaw tightly. “I’m trying to understand where she’s coming from, I really am. But she knew what was going on in this city and she chose to stay quiet about it.”

Nodding, River points out, “From what I’ve heard, Freya’s always been the big sister. She’s always put her family first. Maybe…maybe this time she wanted something for herself.”

“But it wasn’t just her family that got hurt. It wasn’t just me, or Uncle Elijah, or my mom. It was every vampire, every witch in New Orleans. I mean, god, four nightwalkers are dead, and the Penitentiary is full of people who got caught up in a mess they didn’t even understand.”

“That’s true.” River sighs. “I just…I don’t know. I just can’t help but think about how you defended me when your dad found out that my venom was the key to curing your uncles.”

Hope side-eyes her girlfriend. “Are you taking her side?”

“Hey, no.” River hooks her arm through Hope’s. “I am on your side, all day every day.”

“But.”

“But…you can be stubborn sometimes.”

Rolling her eyes, Hope argues, “Have you met my family?”

“Yeah, the headstrong apple doesn’t fall far from the ornery tree, point taken. But still. Freya screwed up, and you have every right to be mad at her, but maybe…maybe there are worse crimes in the world than falling in love with someone with a complicated family. I mean, look at me. If I didn’t love you, I would be trying to run the hell away from your crazy-ass relatives.”

Hope wrinkles her nose. “That’s fair.” She pouts. “I hate when you’re right.”

River laughs. “Better get used to it.”

Freya passes Amaya a cup of tea, and Amaya takes it with shaking hands. “They wouldn’t let me see him,” she says, voice quiet. “They told me…when they told me it was a hit-and-run, I wanted to go see him, but they said it was too…too bad.”

Freya keeps her expression as schooled as possible. Hit-and-run was what she asked Rebekah to compel the police to tell her, but the lie still hurts all the same. She runs a hand up and down her back. “It’s best you didn’t see it. You should remember him as you saw him last.”

Amaya sniffs. “I wish I knew where he was going.”

“What do you mean?”

“When he left, he seemed…excited. Like he was going to do something big.” She shrugs. “I don’t know what it was, or if he did it. But as least…at least the last memory I have of his face, he was smiling.”

On his way to murder my brother, Freya thinks. She smiles softly. “That’s good. Hold onto that.”

Amaya side-eyes Freya. “Why are you here?”

Startled, Freya starts to answered, “I told you, I heard about your brother—”

“No, I mean—” She takes a deep breath. “When you walked away from me in the farmer’s market the other day, I thought I was never going to see you again.”

Freya swallows thickly. “So did I. But then I thought about you, alone, mourning this most horrible loss, and I knew…I knew that staying away from you wasn’t an option. Not anymore. Not after…not after everything.”

“I don’t…I don’t know what that means.”

“It doesn’t matter. Just…just know that I’m sorry. For Joel, for the way I treated you, for…everything. I’m sorry and, if you’d like, I could…be here for you. In whatever capacity you need. A—a friend, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen—or, if you’d rather, I can leave you be. Whatever makes things easier for you.”

Amaya stays silent for a long time, studying the whorls of the wood grain of the coffee table. Then she says, “My parents are dead. My brother is dead. I’m living in a city of strangers.” She looks up at Freya. “I’ll take all the help I can get.”

And then she tips her head onto Freya’s shoulder, and Freya, heart heavy, rests her own head on top of hers.

Klaus finds his elder brother in the dining room, alone at the long table, a glass of bourbon in hand. Elijah sips casually as his brother pours a glass of his own. “How are you feeling, brother?” Klaus asks, settling in a seat across from Elijah.

“Oh, I can’t complain. I could very well be dead right now, were it not for your daughter.”

“I imagine we shall all get used to Hope saving us before long.” Klaus smirks devilishly. “From what I could hear, Hayley was quite relieved that you returned to us safe and sound last night. She was relieved several times, in fact.”

“Niklaus…” Elijah groans with a put-upon sigh.

Klaus waves him off with a laugh. “Fine, fine. I suppose you’ve earned a day or two of respite from your bastard brother’s reign of terror.”

“If only I knew it took nearly dying for you to behave yourself.”

After a few more sips of bourbon, Klaus asks, “Have you spoken with our sister?”

Elijah stares into his glass. “I assume you’re referring to Freya.” He looks up at Klaus. “I’m not angry with her.”

Klaus seems surprised. “You were moments from death, Elijah. And Freya knew—”

“Freya owes us nothing, brother. Since she was rejoined with our family all those years ago, Freya has sought only to put her siblings before herself, a dedication to the Mikaelson name that rivals even my own. I do not begrudge her the choice of putting someone else’s wellbeing above ours for once. After all…” He raises his glass to his lips once more. “…I know the peculiar madness of being in love.” He takes a long sip.

Klaus makes a face. “We don’t know that Freya loves this girl.”

Elijah just smiles. “Yes, we do.”

Amaya’s curled up on her couch, her brother’s jacket clutched tightly to her chest. Something thumps her ankle, and she looks down and sees a lump in the jacket. After rooting around in the pocket, she pulls out her brother’s phone. It flickers to life, and her eyes well up at his background image, a photo of the two of them at the county fair when they were teenagers. She blinks rapidly and unlocks the phone—it only takes her two guesses to figure out that his passcode is the year he was born; he never was particularly clever—so that she can search through his contacts. She sees a name scattered throughout his recent calls list: Sebastian Sharpe. She decides to give it a go, and presses the phone to her ear. “Hi, is this Sebastian? My name is Amaya Ruiz. I’m Joel’s sister. I, um. I have some bad news.”

Steptoe, Nevada

Standing in his kitchen, Sebastian Sharpe hangs up the phone. He strokes a tired hand over his gray-flecked beard, and then makes his way down the hall. He wrenches open a door to reveal a set of stairs descending into darkness below. He flips on a light switch and makes his way down into a half-finished basement. Once there, he gropes around the wall for another switch, and suddenly the entire space is flooded with light. He passes the table heavy with weapons—crossbows, handguns, knives, expertly-carved stakes—and shoves the shoulder of a man on a cot. “Wake up.”

The man groans. “Go away. I’ve only been down an hour.”

“Wake up. Joel’s dead.”

The man sits up, stunned. “Joel’s dead?”

“His sister just called. Hit-and-run.”

They’re silent for a moment. Then, “I knew that harebrained plan of his was going to get him killed.”

“Get up, Jordan, and call the others.” Sebastian walks back over to the table, selects a gun, and slides it into the back of his jeans. “We’re going to New Orleans.”

[hotcocosharing]

Lose To Win Chapter 8: Play Thing (Kaga slight smut)

Title: Lose To Win Chapter 8 Fandom: Kiss By The Baddest Bidder & Her Love In The Force Rated: Drama, Thriller, Angst, Fluff, Smut, Mystery? MPD’s MC: Mika HIJIKATA KBTBB’s MC: Mia SAKATA Characters: Goto, Kaga, Ishigami, Soma, Ayumu, Namba, Eisuke, Soryu, Mamoru, Baba, Ota, Kirisawa Summary: While Soryu’s busy banging some hot flirty chick, Mika has gone to Kaga’s room for further explanation but when can those two hold a proper conversation? Background: Another 6 months later, she was back at the Tres Spades Hotel under Eisuke’s request. (Order)

Notes: Hyogo Kaga, sigh such a tease

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ Chapter 1: The Reunion Chapter 2: RSVP Chapter 3: Recharge Chapter 4: Welcome Back Chapter 5: Decision Of A Lifetime Chapter 6: Our Story Chapter 7: Stress Release

Chapter 8: Play Thing

The door opens, Kaga gives a dry laugh then steps aside to let you in. “You do realize for a woman who ran away from me, you’re very clingy.”

“Because you wouldn’t let me explain.”

“Because I don’t wanna hear it.”

“Kaga, just…”

“No,” he interrupts, throwing his suit jacket to a chair near by. “I just want to solve the case.”

Your expression stiffen unconsciously as an awkward silence looms around the quiet room. “But if you wanna fuck, my door is always open.” He grins with his back almost touching yours, you turn around swiftly and warn him.

“Don’t do anything reckless.”

“Changing the subject?” He takes a step closer.

“I just don’t want you to get killed.” You answer with a step back.

“That comes with the job.” He shrugs, unbuttoning his shirt and cornering you to the large window frame.

“Kaga, I am serious!”

“Me too!” The man smirks at you, “Wanna fuck now?” His hot palm travels down your waist and you feel yourself heating up, you bite your lips to remain the last ounce of self-control.

He waits patiently.

His fingers dancing around the hem of your shirt teasingly.

Waiting for you to make a move.

You gulp, no, you can’t give in.

*Buzz*

His phone vibrates but he remains close and picks it up with his free hand. “What?” You’d hear Goto’s voice on the other end asking for you. Kaga cuts him off and throws the phone to the bed without answering.

“So where was I?” Kaga unbuttons your jeans and free his semi harden manhood in no time.

“Wait.”

“Seriously? Four years isn’t long enough, you still want me to wait?” His eyes darken but his hands stay busy from drawing circles on your lace panties.

“Kaga…”

“Shut up.” Inserting two fingers inside your mouth, Kaga orders you to keep quiet. “If you ain’t gonna moan then just shut up.” His lips dive directly to your bra, pushing it upwards and begins licking your nipple. This has always been your soft spot and he obviously remembers since he’s watching your reaction closely.

“Hmmm..Ka….” His fingers stop you from talking, almost gagging you. He breaks away, pulls your panties down to your knee and aims his cock to your aching entry. You take a deep breath and get ready but it never enters, he rubs his dick in and out between your wet folds, brushing your swollen clit.

“Hmmmm…..”

His tongue attacks your other nipple, flicking it repeatedly, swirling it around before biting it softly, earning a low moan from you.

“Good girl.”

You can sense his smirk but you’d care less right now, it’ll be over once you’ve cum. He is just teasing you, taunting what you have been missing out on. Taking his fingers out, Kaga now plays with your nipples with both hands, driving you crazy as he increases his pace down there.

“Ahhhhhhhh!!! I…..” You moan out loud as your orgasm hit you hard but that’s not enough.

“Pfff you aren’t getting laid, are you? You came this easily? You’re way better than this.” He teases, his tip still flickering your sensitive pussy. “I am more than happy to train you again.”

You want to slap that grin off his face and call him a jerk but he was your jerk, frankly he hasn’t changed much. You can’t hate him for being himself, he picks up his phone from the bed.

“Well so now you know where she is if you’re still looking for her.” Kaga says and puts Goto on speaker, you gulp and wonder how you’d ever looked Goto in the eyes again. “You’re on speaker by the way.”

You give Kaga an evil eye which he doesn’t gives a fuck and walks off. You fix your clothes before finally hearing Goto’s reply and meet him in his car. Kaga never says another word since he has already disappeared to the bathroom. Is this how it’s going to be? He keeps on teasing and playing you whenever he pleases because you’ve left him out of a blue. Do you consider this as punishment? When will it be even? To what end?

Endless questions flood through your busy mind till you get into Goto’s car. He remains silence till his car stops in front of your place. “Thanks,” you mutter, “wanna come in?” You have no idea why you ask but it slips through your mouth before you’d think. “Well, I just moved in so boxes are everywhere but..” “Mika.” Goto unbuckles his belt, “I would love to.”

You freeze as he leans over and unbuckles your seat belt, god he smells good!! You have been teased and tempted all night long, you really have enough. A cold shower is all it takes to clam you down or a vibrator would do the trick too. But being alone with Seiji Goto who’s comforting you moments ago then hearing your live moan as Kaga plays with you is seriously not the ideal way to end your night.

First, it’s the bidders now with Public Safety. Fuck, your life will never return to the peace and quiet!!!! There’s no proper conversation to break the awkward silence, you just pray that Goto will leave once he has finished his coffee. “Why are you letting him do this to you?” He asks, probably wants to ask throughout the whole time.

“I kind of deserve it, you know.. after what I’ve done.”

“No you don’t.” Goto answers firmly, staring right into your eyes.

You’re taken back by the way he looks at you as if he’s seeing right through you, making you feel naked. (Not literally)

“He is who he is, he hasn’t changed much really. It’s me…”

“Why?” Goto puts his coffee down and sits beside you. “Why did you date him? He’s…”

“A jerk? An ass?” The two of your crack a smile as the conversation continues. You never bother asking yourself why, you’re just attracted to him. It was some sort of police event and one look at him, you know he’s different.

And he turns out to be very different.

You’ve dated numbers of guys but Kaga’s the first you’d never walked away from. You’d always go back to him after a fight, you’d think of the good times you’ve shared and whatever it is that’s troubling you suddenly becomes insignificant. Then time flies and you two have been together for seven years, who would have known it’s you who got scared and ran away.

It’s the loud banging on your door that makes you and Goto jump, it’s only a split second but your head’s on his shoulder and his hand’s on your head. But nothing happens. Surely nothing happens, you two just fell asleep on the couch.

“About bloody time, you sleeping beauties!” Kaga bursts in and eyes you both, “Long nights?”

“What the hell are you doing here, Kaga?”

Chapter 9 here

[wrenwritesometimes]

If I Just Lay Here...

A/N: This is for @percussiongirl2017‘s 550(/580+) Follower Challenge!! SO PROUD OF YOU!! ♥️😘

I feel like an absolute jackass because I didn't even keep the right frame of mind to remember the fucking duedate... 😂🤣 I am SO sorry its late, love. 😬

I was feeling SO horrible at the time I wrote this; my unresolved feelings about Cas were poured (and maybe even over-dramatized) into this installment of my angst-driven 3am writings. So there will be... a lot of tears. And I guess spoilers?? 

So I feel it only appropriate to place the “Keep Reading” ABOVE the gif... 

Warnings: Needless to say, spoilers. Flashbacks. Horrible. Finale Content. Sad. I made myself sad writing it. 

Note on Flashbacks: I have very specifically italicized words... if you spot any normal text amongst the italics, assume both you and I aren't crazy. ;)

The soil and grass were damp and gross beneath my knees as the devastated roar of an unintelligible word ripped from my throat.

I didn't register anything else. I couldn't see anything. Anything but him.

I scrambled; my knees taking the brunt and my palms muddy and swollen.

Mary leapt over me. I didn't care all that much; I could only see him.

I couldn't hear myself. I couldn't see anything, anything besides him. I could feel my throat becoming dry and raw. But what did that matter?

I finally made it to him, I finally gripped onto his coat. He would groan and look to me. He would move. He would breathe. He would. H-he would. He would.

Wouldn't he?

I ripped my hands from him quickly, as if he had burned my skin. I fell back on my haunches and straight onto my ass. I stared over my knees. He wasn't moving. He wasn't breathing.

I was hyperventilating. My vision was swimming as I felt my chest heaving. My head was pounding.

Pounding. Pounding. Pound. Thwack! Thwack! “MOM!” ZzzZZAP

Silence.

Other than me and my sobs.

I could hear them suddenly. I didn't recognize my own voice. My throat was raw, therefore my voice was ragged and cracking. I tried to close my mouth to regain control of my breathing… It didn't work. It didn't work, it didn't work at all, all it managed to do was make me sound like I was choking and gagging.

I laid back, I laid back on my back and sobbed out.

I felt footsteps, so I shot up to a sitting position maneuvering my legs to be beneath me... …I don't really know how I did it, but I was upright and staring down at him again.

I was restless; I felt like I might throw up. I immediately laid down beside him, entangling my fingers in his coat. My head was not on his body, but tucked against his shoulder, my face pressed into his bicep as I gripped his sleeve tightly. Dean was on his knees on the other side. Staring at the sky in a silent state of shock, compared to my noisy one.

I sobbed. I sobbed. Furious sobs. I must have sounded like a child being actively slaughtered…

I… I kept remembering. It kept replaying in my head. It was burned in my memory; the moment his eyes met mine, the instant of confusion, relief, then remorse… the tip of his own blade... appearing through him…   His eyes widening in agony as the very light of his grace shone from its prison; dying in his vessel.

I sobbed. I sat up in agony; my abdomen cramping so severely that it tore another shout from my lips. I hunched, barely a foot away from him, holding my stomach and rocking back and forth, trying desperately to stop.

I felt arms, and I panicked; was he okay?? But it was just Dean. It was just Dean. Dean was silent, he was stable and steady; facing his grief in the way he knew how.

But me? I was phenomenally heartbroken and I couldn't stop myself. I physically felt like I was going to throw up.

…

I scrambled, ripping myself from Dean’s grip and dry-heaved in the grass. Dean held my hair back. His hand was on my back as I heaved. He was shushing me, comforting me with small words, his voice ragged and cracking.

I collapsed an inch and panted, trying to regain control of my stupid ass. But I sobbed again, softer though.

“De-he-HUH-ean…” I tried to speak, but my body was still convulsing. I couldn't speak. But I needed to.

“Ple-HUH-ease,” I gasped and gulped. I hyperventilated three breaths. “Lee-HUH-eeav-HUUHH-ve m-me...”

I didn't have to say anything else. Dean stood from me, and looked over Castiel. I watched him as I calmed my breathing the best I could.

His eyes became glossy and his brows furrowed in anger. Slapping a hand to his face, he violently wiped the tears from his face and clenched his jaw. He marched away. I didn't want him to leave  altogether...

I sounded like a child having a temper tantrum; the breathy sobs and the moans. I sat up the best I could.   I tried holding my breath, but I wound up gasping and hyperventilating still.

I roared, “Shhhut up!” and ran my sleeve over my face.

I finally could breathe, I could feel the cool, crisp air fill my lungs. It was still shaky. But I could speak.

“Cas…” I begged, barely above a whisper. My voice cracked. “Cas…”

I crawled over to him slowly and… I couldn't bring myself to touch him. It felt like a magnet was repelling my hand from going an inch closer to his body.

My eyes shot to the scorched wings upon the ground... Tears flooded my vision once more, and I squoze my eyes shut; my hand finally making contact with his body.

I stilled and took a deep breath in and a staggering breath out. His eyes were closed.

With a trembling hand, I ran my fingers over his eyelids anyway. I stifled a sob with my other hand.

Grabbing his lapel, I tucked myself against him… like we would before I went to sleep. Only difference was… I couldn't hear his heart. Or feel his breathing. Or play with his fingers as they rested on my shoulder.

I teared up again, but I was through with my sobbing. At least for now.

My lip trembled as the tears fell from my eyes and stained his coat.

My brain was racing a mile a minute, and I randomly settled on a now painful memory…

“We'll do it all… Ev-ery-thing… On our own…” you sang along to your radio. “We don't need… An-y-thing… Or anyone…”

“You don't?”

You jumped, your hand reflexively flying to your heart as you spun around. “Jesus, Cas!”

He squinted and tilted his head, the usual way he did… but he had the smallest smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he looked between you and the car. “Oh,” he said, clearly amused at himself. “You were singing along to the radio.”

You stared at him, mortified.

“I didn't know you sang quite so beautifully, Y/N.”

You flushed, embarrassed and silently scrambled to get to your radio in the car to turn it off.

“Wait, Y/N,” he interrupted you. “I like it.”

You glared, still embarrassed, watching as Castiel looked up to the sky.

You huffed, just watching his reaction to the stars. You never sang. No one knew you could.

But now Castiel did, the beautiful bastard...

He looked to you again, his face as blank as usual, but something shimmered in his gaze.

“C’mere,” you mumbled begrudgingly, patting the hood of your truck.  

He tentatively sat beside you and his blue eyes bored into the side of your head.

You took his hand in your own and tenderly rested your head against his shoulder.

Cas was still a moment before he brought an arm around your shoulders and held you to him. You readjusted your head placement, resting your head against the side of his neck.

You couldn't help but inhale his smell, closing your eyes momentarily.

“I don't quite know… How to say… How I feel,” you sang softly. “Those three words... Are said too much… They're not enough…” You had begun singing softer, embarrassed by the words you couldn't help but relate to.

The man, the angel, beside you… you loved him. After years of friendship, you realized you loved him.

“If I lay here… If I just lay here… Would you lie with me, and just forget the world...”

You separated yourself from him and looked to his eyes. He had already been looking at you.

“Forget what we're told… Before we get too old… Show me a garden, that's bursting into life…”

Castiel’s head perked and he straightened himself slightly. With a flutter of his wings, he was holding you steady as you physically came to terms with the fact that Castiel had flown you to an actual garden.

It was a beautiful botanical garden, in Rome… you could see easily identifiable architecture.

“Let's waste time,” you sang, laughing at Cas’s stupid little ass… You brought your hands up to frame Cas’s face after placing his hands upon your waist. You started swaying. “...Chasing cars… Around our heads…”

Cas’s face was passive and serious, his gaze meaningful as he watched you sing. You looked down, bashful again.

“I need your... grace… To remind… me… To find my own…” you looked to his eyes again. “All that I am, all that I ever was… Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see.”

His lips opened slightly, his tongue poised for him to speak, but you pressed a small kiss to the corner of his mouth to stop him. “I don't know where… Confused about how as well… Just know that these things will never change for us at all.”

You stopped swaying, and Cas did as well, his eyes soft.

“If I lay here…”

“If I just lay here…”

“Would you lie with me?”

“And just forget the world?”

“You know that I always will, Y/N.”

[inspiringcreator]

This Crappy Life: Episode Six

"Thomas, dude, you're here." Derek's relief was obvious as he fist bumped Thomas. He must've been lying earlier and wasn't sure Thomas would be here. "Is Mitch inside?"

"Yeah, but keep it down. He's passed out in back. Said he was feeling under the weather." Thomas ran a hand over his light brown crew cut as his eyes slid from Derek to me. "Dude, you're rude as hell, aren't you gonna introduce me to this vixen?"

Derek's blue eyes flicked to mine. I could see the apprehension all over him. Under the weather. We'd both heard the same thing. Mitch had an illness, and from all we'd seen tonight, it could be assumed Mitch was sick with the same thing as everyone else.

"Damn dude. Staring at the beautiful woman isn't an introduction," Without grabbing a jacket or shoes, Thomas jogged down the four steps and walked toward me, holding out his hand. "I'm real sorry about my best friend. He's known for being moronic from time to time. I'm Thomas—" Shock filled his eyes. "Holy shit! What happened to your face?"

I closed my eyes and let out a sigh. I'd forgotten about my face, but I could only imagine how bad it looked. I needed to clean it up as soon as possible. "Um... it's a long story, but I'm Casey."

His hand remained outstretched. I don't know why, but I didn't take it.

"It's okay. I don't have cooties." Thomas shrugged and smiled, revealing a perfect white smile. I bet his girlfriend was sitting inside waiting to get back to whatever it was they were doing, because the idea of this guy ever being single was just, well, irrational.

"No. It's not you." I frowned. "Do you have a bathroom? Or a first aid kit?"

Thomas let his hand fall as his smile melted. "Tough crowd tonight. What am I missing?"

"I'm just... I've had a long night." My gaze fell to the dirt. What could I say? I didn't want to tell Thomas everything. He was a stranger. I glanced to Derek for help. Compassion filled his blue eyes. I really just wanted to get cleaned up and get a move on. Mom's life was in limbo. This guy was Derek's friend. It was his job to be the bearer of bad news.

"What did he do?" The sharp note in Thomas's voice was laced with concern and anger.

My focus darted to Thomas. What was he talking about? What did who do? When I didn't answer, he started toward Derek.

With his voice low and filled with insinuation, Thomas asked, "Did you hurt her?"

"What?" Derek's forehead wrinkled as he took in his friend's anger.

Thomas seemed to grow another two inches as his muscles turned to stone. "You heard me ass wipe! What the hell did you do to her face?"

Before I could speak up, Thomas was in front of Derek clenching his collar, nearly lifting him off the ground. Thomas had about four inches on Derek, but Derek was thicker. This got ugly fast. Thomas was frigging crazy town.

"What the hell, man? I didn't do anything. Just calm down." Derek's voice remained steady.

"It wasn't Derek. He had nothing to do with this. Leave him alone!" I yelled.

Thomas glanced at me, and his eyebrows relaxed. He slowly released Derek's shirt. "Alright, someone better tell me what's going on real fast because I've lost my patience with this mess."

I wanted to ask how he defined patience, but I held my tongue.

"Derek will tell you everything. Can I use your bathroom, please?" I glanced toward the door. "Oh, and if you have bandages that would be... helpful."

Thomas wiped his hands against his sweats and waved us in. "Yeah, come on."

Derek waited for me to pass by him and grabbed my elbow. "You want me to help?"

I leaned into him. I thought about Derek cleaning my face and applying bandages. For some reason, I knew he'd be gentle and do his best not to hurt me. I wanted his help. My stomach fluttered at the image of Derek being alone with me in a bathroom.

God, Casey! Get your frigging head out of the clouds. No wonder Suzie was so attracted to Grant. The seductive allure of the brothers was uncanny. "Thanks, but our parents need medicine, Derek. Just see if Thomas will help us out, and I'll take care of myself, okay?"

His fingers tightened around my arm as he dipped his lips next to my ear. "I'm sorry about Thomas."

Those four words caused tingles to rush over my entire body. How did he do that? I had to get away from him. Thinking was impossible when he was so close and whispering in my ear like this. What was it he said? Oh, yeah. He was sorry for his hotheaded friend. I nodded in acceptance of his apology and went inside.

Derek followed me and shut the door.

Thomas's trailer was brand new inside. It was cozy and impressively clean. I didn't see a girl sitting on the nice leather couches furnishing the living room. He must've been in here alone. But why? A guy like Thomas would be fighting women off with a stick.

The massive flat screen mounted on the wall was paused on some zombie game. Was that Left for Dead 2? It instantly reminded me of Suzie. We used to play it together all the time. Back when she wasn't so distant.

"In here," Thomas said from down the hall.

I followed his voice and found him in a spotless bathroom totally themed out in blackjacks. The jack and ace of spades must hold significance to someone here. The shower curtain, rugs, toilet seat cover, and towels were all covered in blackjacks. Even the toothbrush holder was bowing down to the blackjack God.

"Here." He handed me a small box with a first aid symbol.

"Thanks." I opened the box to see its contents. Everything I could possibly need was here.

Thomas's smoky brown eyes assessed the damage of my cheek. He knelt down, opening a drawer filled with perfectly folded washcloths and hand towels. He set one of each on the polished marble counter. "Need anything else?"

"No. That's perfect. Thank you." I hadn't looked in the mirror yet. I was a little afraid to see what I looked like.

"I'm in the other room if you need me." Thomas gave me a small grin as he shut the door.

I let out a long breath. Here goes nothing. I gave my reflection a once over and hissed.

What is it about wounds? They can be there for hours, and you barely realize they exist, but as soon as someone says anything or you give them any attention the pain spikes instantly. My face was on fire now that I was staring at it.

The old woman definitely left ring marks on me. My cheek would take a while to heal. The few scuffs and scratches would heal up fast. I was more worried about the twin gashes that sliced so deep the scabs were nearly black. They were both at least an inch and a half long. The skin was hanging off the opening of the lower cut, but the smeared blood made it look a whole lot worse than it actually was.

Other than that, my fair complexion was flushed, and my long hair was frizzed out from the ride over. I was a mess.

First things first. I washed my hands thoroughly and dried them while I let the hot water run hotter. Using the washcloth dowsed in hot water, I scrubbed the wound. What if that old woman had the sickness on her rings or hands?

A whoosh of nausea from the steaming water threw me off balance as fear forced me to scrub even harder. I succeeded in removing all the dried blood and the scabs. Now it was just a gross open wound with blood working its way back in.

A slight bruise was forming under my eye where I'd been elbowed. I studied the deep injuries, searching for any red puffy skin, but nope, I just looked... beat up.

It took everything in me not to scream when I used the alcohol pads. I made sure to use a bunch to kill all the germs. Applying the first aid cream soothed the sting before I pressed three bandages over the gashes. The rest would dry and scab over quick. I went about making myself presentable.

Just as I was finishing my ponytail, I heard a yell.

Running out of the bathroom, I searched for the voices.

"Call 911!" Thomas yelled from the opposite side of the trailer.

The words were a punch to my stomach. How many times would I have to hear that tonight?

Whispers, mumbles, and grunts filled the silence.

I frantically searched for the guys until I discovered where the sounds were coming from.

I slowed my approach as I heard Thomas yell. "I don't give a shit! He needs a hospital. Grab his goddamn legs!"

When I rounded the corner, a sickening stench hit me in the face. It was worse than Mom's smell earlier in her room. The waiting room in the hospital came to mind.

Thomas seemed to breathe in relief when he saw me. "Casey, thank God. Tell him. Tell Derek that Mitch is okay and we need to get him to the hospital."

I glanced down to Mitch, an old man with light brown hair. Guessing from his facial structure and body type, Mitch could be Thomas's dad or grandfather. Dark bruises marred his wrinkled skin, but it wasn't swollen. He was most definitely pale and shiny with oily sweat. Blood leaked out of his ears and eyes.

My body started trembling uncontrollably. Mitch was... Mitch was...

I'm not sure when it happened, but Derek's arms were suddenly wrapped around me, pulling me against them. "Shhh. Shhh."

Why was he shushing me?

"It's all gonna be alright. Just calm down." Derek breathed in my ear. "You're okay. Everything's gonna be okay."

That's when I realized I was crying. How could I be so selfish? Mitch was dead or nearly dead, and Thomas was most likely losing all sanity while I cried like a baby in Derek's arms.

Derek ran a hand over my hair as I clutched him, pressing my forehead to his chest. The comfort of his arms holding me close helped me find my brain. I could finally think straight again.

"We have to go." His soft lips grazed my ear.

I gulped and nodded, clearing my throat. "I... I know. I'm sorry. Let's go."

When I pulled away, Thomas was staring at us, his face slack. He was in shock. "So it's true? Everything Derek said is true?"

I reached up to my bandages to make sure they were still attached correctly. "Yeah. It's all true."

"But how? Why?" His discouraged gaze fell to the floor.

Wiping the tears off my cheeks, I walked over to Thomas. "I don't know why. Maybe we'll find out, maybe we won't, but I know that if we do nothing when we could've done something, we'll all regret it."

"He's still breathing. He looks dead, but he's still alive." Thomas glanced over to Mitch, then back to me. "I know where they keep all the antibiotics in the warehouse. We can still help him and y'alls families."

My heart did cartwheels. Maybe. Just maybe. We could stop our loved ones from getting any worse.

"We have to go now." Derek's voice was low, controlled. "If we wait any longer it could be too late."

Thomas snapped into action. "Let's do this, Stanley. In and out. I'll get dressed and grab my gun."

Wait. What? And who was Stanley? Last name. It had to be Derek's last name.

"No one said anything about guns." I looked between them. "No one is going to get hurt, right?"

"Do you want to tell her or do you want me to?" Thomas strode past me with chilling confidence.

Derek ushered me out of the room. "We won't use it if we don't have to. And trust me when I say, I don't want to, but..."

"But you will if you have to," I finished his sentence.

Absorbed in regret and sadness, Derek nodded. "When it comes to the people I love. I'll always do what I have to do to keep them alive. Like your dad. It's just how I am."

I squeezed my eyes closed. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

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