#jai courtney fanfic

[oddsnendsfanfics]

I have a few ideas in my head for some fanfics, ones that I intend to finish or add to.

Henry and Nell, Uncle Sy, Some left behind Hvitserk fics, also Jai and Roo.

In the meantime, I have had this idea for an original story. It may never see daylight, but it keeps nagging me.

Now to find time to write all of them.

[moonxbat98]

Main Cast cover

Gaspard Ulliel as Dorian Kingston

Jai Courtney as Eric Coulter

Madeline Rae Mason as Mallory Thatcher

Nathan Fillion as Andrew Fallon

[p4ntsoff]

AAA Fanfiction

Hi! I'm looking for an Eric Fanfiction I've already read but I can't remember the title or if it was on Tumblr/ao3/wattpad. I just remember that Eric has a tattoo quote by Aristotle ("he who has overcome his fears will truly be free") on his chest. Thanks in advance!

[spicyspiders]

Are you still on your break?

Not really I guess. I just haven't posted anything because I haven't thought of anything to write and haven't gotten any new requests

[a-coulter-winchester]

For Sale: This is War

notes: This one might be Shorter. and Eric is an asshole for most of right now. 

With the most intense Drama experienced this morning you had no time to make anything for the BBQ so you took what small window you had to buy something at the store. You decided to bring a traditional apple pie.

After miles had a quick bathroom break you let him loose in the house and straightened out your outfit and hair one last time before picking up the pie and heading out the door.

The sun had set leaving everything mostly dark with a beautiful orange wave peaking over the houses and trees. It was being pushed down by the dark blue that would bring in the pitch black night sky.

There was lights behind Four and Tris’s house and from the front you could see into their kitchen window. Four and Tris both grabbed something and walked towards the back of their house.

Giggling and low murmurs pulled your attention towards Eric’s house. You froze, feeling your blood run cold. Finally you glanced towards his direction. He and a girl who was blonde and slightly taller than you walked by. She wore a tight black dress and heels that barely covered her thighs. She was very leggy and pretty. Her hair was long with lavender tips.

Eric didn’t seem to even notice you just his mission to try and get her into his house which seemed to be an easy mission. The whole view made you roll your eyes in disgust. You strutted your way down the small incline to the road to Tris and Four’s. The whole time you couldn’t shake a sour feeling as the image of Eric and the blonde girl all smoochie Outside his home.

A sigh left your lips as you tried to clear your mind and shake it off. Before smiling and walking into their backyard.

“I got you some pie.” You walked up to the two couples sitting around.

“Oh hey! Glad you could make it!” Four said as he and Tris took turns to hug you.

“Christina, and this is Will.” She pointed over her shoulder. Will had a mouth full of something so he awkwardly waved as Christina laughed and shook her hand.

All four of them were very easy to talk to. The conversation started with work and life, how were you enjoying the new house and neighborhood. The cooking turned out amazing.

This felt right. Sitting here with these people, you saw new and long lasting friendship in each one. Everyone laughed at a joke that Will made. When you recollected yourself your eyes landed on the half swollen dark blueish - purple patch around Four’s left eye. It seemed to be the only place Eric managed to hit Four during their scrap earlier.

Suddenly your mind flashed back to Eric in the pale sunset you couldn’t remember a single scratch or discoloration in his smooth face his chiseled features almost seemed untouched as he pulled his date in closer to him. You imagined it was hard for any girl not to melt into hands when those steely blue orbs stared into their own glittering eyes.

“You’re stronger than me.” Christina laughed pulling you back to reality. You hadn’t even realized you were lost in thought.

“I don’t know if, strong is the correct word.” You breathed nervously following it up with a forced smile. Trying to cover the fact that your were studying the evil neighbors face in your head.

“I just mean Four told us all about the situation with you and the asshole next store. I can’t imagine how patient you must be. Will and I started looking for house two weeks into living there.” Christina chorted as if she were reliving the experience.

“It helps to have good neighbors and friends. To new friendships!” You said raising your cup. The others laughed and raised theres to cheers with yours.

“To new friends.” They yelled.

The rest of the time you managed to keep Eric out of your head. You stayed behind partially because you were so close and to help Tris Four clean up.

Once things seemed manageable you hugged them both thanking them for a good night and promising them to do something this again soon. Which you genuinely looked forward to.

You took your time walking back to your house. The stars were all over the sky, and the air felt crisp and cool. It would be nice to let miles out and enjoy the air for a bit from your porch.

Something stirred you awake from your deep sleep. You groggily rolled over to look at the time. The light of your phone blinded you with glare of a thousand suns. It took several blinks to see it was 3am.

“YOU. ARE. AN ASSHOLE!!” A females voice rang through the neighborhood.

“Ugh you have to be kidding!” You muttered to yourself. It was coming from Eric’s house.

The light was on in his bedroom. At first you couldn’t hear him speaking just his irate lover screaming angrily. You peaked through your blinds to see her standing nude at the foot of his bed and partially wish you hadn’t peaked over.

Now you could hear Eric speak calmly. He was telling her to get out.

“I don’t care if this is a one time thing I can leave in the morning!” The girl screamed tears began to form in her eyes.

Eric stood his ground showing no emotion, he just threw her clothes at her hitting her in the face.

“We’re done here, leave.” He said before turning off the light and rolling over.

The girl screamed and stomped through his house in a big tantrum. You could hear few doors slam before she stumbled across the lawn half dressed. She pulled out her phone and sat on the curb in front of his car.

You partially felt bad but if someone didn’t know what kind of guy Eric was right away then they probably wouldn’t except any help from another woman who lived next to him.

You managed to fall asleep after about an hour. Not sure if the sound of the car pulling up outside was the girls ride or something in your dreams.

Taglist: @o0idk0o​ @iammarylastar​ @every-jai​  @angeli-fucking-cat​ @shitfire599 @12monkees​ @Maddisach @gracethegeek9902​

[athanza]

NSFW Alphabet: Eric Coulter

A=Aftercare: (what they're like after sex)

I think he would be good at the basics; laying there with you afterwards, holding you, stroking your back, letting you both wind down after what we all know would be a pretty wild session. I feel like he'd get more attentive over time as his feelings for you get stronger.

B=Body part: (favourite body part on you and himself)

Oh this guy is an ass-man without a doubt. In a sexual sense he loves your ass, and loves anal too. He loves seeing you in tight workout leggings or shorts and loves to work out with you just to have a nice view while he's training. In a romantic sense he really loves your smile, it seems cheesy but seeing you smile makes him melt just a little bit evey time. His favourite part on himself would probably be his arms, he loves the fact that he can pick you up effortlessly and he knows you like them too.

C=Cum: (how fast he comes and where)

Oh, he takes his time. He's had enough experience to know how to keep himself going for as long as possible. Making you cum first is top priority and he prides himself on being able to make you cum just with his mouth or fingers. This man is a pleasure dom. As for where he likes to cum, he loves to make you swallow and watch you do it. If you don't like to swallow he loves watching his cum drip down your breasts and cleavage.

D=Dirty secret: (self explanitory)

I feel like despite seeming like a complete sadist on the outside, he's secretly a masochist. He gets turned on whenever you sparre with him, especially when you land a punch, jab, or inflict any kind of pain on him. It would take him a while to admit it to you though.

E=Experience: (how much Experience he's had)

A decent amount. One night stands were his thing before he met you and he's definitely broken a few hearts.

F=Favorite position:

As an ass-man he loves doggy, whether you're doing vaginal or anal, he just loves watching your ass jiggle while he fucks the life out of you. He also likes reverse cowgirl, prone bone, snake, valedictorian, and he likes upstanding citizen because he loves being able to pick you up.

G=Goofy: (is he more goofy or serious in bed?)

Definitely more serious but he does have a playful side and loves your giggle.

H=Hair: (downstairs grooming)

He keeps it trimmed and neat, I don't think he could be bothered shaving unless you asked him lol

I=Intimacy: (how intimate does he get? Is he rough or gentle?)

I think he'd get surprisingly intimate during sex, especially if it's a longer session. He likes to hold you close against him and feel your breathing as he pleasures you, and oh my god this man loves eye contact despite liking your ass so much. This man is touch starved and the affection and intimacy he gets from you make him feel things. As for gentle or rough it's definitely more of the latter, he takes breaks sometimes to help him last longer but sex with Eric is usually rough unless you want otherwise.

J=Jacking off: (how often does he do it and why?)

He usually has you when he's horny so he doesn't usually need to jack off very often. But on the occasion that you're not around and he's a little frustrated rubbing one out is just what the doctor ordered and he loves to do it while holding your underwear.

K=Kinks:

Oh he's a kinky motherfucker and we all know it. Breath play, impact play, BDSM, edge play in general, orgasm control, humiliation, role play, this man is down for a lot but won't do anything you're not comfortable with.

L=Location: (where he likes to get it on)

He usually likes to keep it professional around his colleagues and prefers to have his time with you in your apartment, but if you can find an empty store room or closet and he's particularly horny he'll take the opportunity.

M=Motivation: (what turns him on/makes him tick?)

He loves it when you're being all tough-guy towards shitty colleagues or bratty new initiates. He loves watching you kick ass or shatter someone's pride with just one sentence, it's so fucking sexy to him. He also loves it when you call him 'sir', 'daddy' is ok too but 'sir' really gets him going. But even just saying his name during sex is enough to get him going. Also, wearing anything that shows off your ass like workout leggings/shorts, tight skirts/jeans etc.

N=No (what turns him off during sex?)

He doesn't like being humiliated or being submissive. He also absolutely not interested in cuckholding, watersports or feet.

O=Oral: (giving and receiving. How skilled is he?)

He's very skilled, and L-O-V-E-S eating you out, especially from behind. He also loves it when you go down on him and drag your nails down his chest. He LOVES leaving marks on you and when you do the same to him.

P=Pace: (how fast he is and how long he lasts)

His stamina and endurance are through the roof. Good luck.

Q=Quickie: (does he like them?)

He does, but he prefers to take his time with you.

R=Risk: (does he like to try new things?)

Tbh there's not much else to try with him lmao. He will try something new if you ask him though unless it involves lack of birth control, he prefers to be very safe in that department.

S=Stamina: (how long can he go for?)

Refer to "P"

T=Toys: (is he game to use toys on himself or others?)

Eh. He doesn't think he needs them but will use some on you if you ask.

U=Unfair: (does he like to tease or be teased?)

SO unfair. Oh he loves teasing you, he gets off so much on getting you all hot and bothered and making you wait all day (sometimes longer if he's off on an assignment) till you're alone and even then he'll hit you with orgasm control till you're pleading with him to let you cum.

V=Volume: (is he loud or quiet during sex?)

I wouldn't say he's loud per se, but he does like talking to you and letting you know you're doing good, whether that be by telling you or by letting out a moan or grunt.

W=Wildcard: (random headcanon)

This man is touch starved. He loves having physical contact with you, sexual or not. And omg he will melt if you run your fingers through his hair or rub his shoulders after a long day.

X=X-ray: (let's take a closer look under those clothes...)

Around 7 inches, a little girthy but not a lot. Nice balls.

Z=Zzzz: (does he fall asleep after sex? If so, how quickly?)

Depending on the day he's had he'll fall asleep pretty quickly. Though he does like staying awake for a bit to take in the feeling of you asleep on his chest or in his arms and hear your steady breathing. He doesn't let himself stay up too late though as he needs to be up very early for work.

[theunknown-ericfanfiction]

Chapter Fifty-Five.

The Unknown Chapter Index.

Unexpected Chapter Index

There was a particular night where Christine didn't feel good at all, she'd noticed that her sleeping pills had also numbed her legs a little, she'd tried to massage them and when she stood up from her bed to walk, her legs couldn't hold her up. She sat down in the bed, frowning in confusion.

Then another wave of numbness hit her, it was slowly spreading up her torso, and when she reached her communicator to ask anyone for help, her hand didn't respond. She fell sideways on the bed, and with a look of horror in her eyes, she looked around the room for help, finding a figure staring back at her from the love seat on the corner of her bedroom.

Her breath was picking up she couldn't feel her body, and she was pretty sure she could also feel her organs shut down one after the other.

She saw the figure stand up from the chair, and when it walked near the light, she saw her.

She tried to speak, but at the attempt Morgan simply chuckled.

"You more than anyone should know that sleeping pills in a high dose can cause a progressive system shutdown. They're usually used in suicide for most women, it gives them a nice lullabied eternal sleep. But when you're not actually expecting it it can be quite terrifying"

Morgan took the pill bottle from the nightstand and opened it, Christine noticed she was wearing thick surgical gloves.

"You must be thinking, while you still can, how could this happen, I only took the dose that was in my pill case? Well, someone should've know that you stored your dosage in a pill case and leave it in the bathroom, and some should've also slipped a modified pill inside the case, replacing it with your own" Morgan dropped half the bottle of pills on her hand "which would make it seem like you took a higher dosage. And when they find your pill bottle damn near empty, that's what they'll deem it, suicide"

Morgan left the bottle exactly where she'd found it. Making it seem untouched.

"It wasn't easy, it took me almost a year to stage this, but your death is not the only think I staged" Morgan saw Christine's eyes drop, then heavily open up, she wasn't breathing as labored, but instead in fast short breaths, trying to overcompensate the lack of oxygen she was feeling. Soon enough there wouldn't be enough oxygen reaching her brain.

"There was a little girl in Erudite once, who wanted to switch to Dauntless when her decision came. But her parents and the leaders of Erudite saw that her IQ was actually quite high for her to waste it on dauntless, so they forced her to stay. I spent months reviewing candidates to take over your place, and when I found her, I knew she was perfect. So I did what you did to my husband, and trained her for her to take Erudite, you probably know her, and she's probably your favorite new leader because that's what she was meant to be. And once she takes over your place in Erudite, she'll help serve dauntless' purpose, not the other way around."

Morgan saw her eyes drop again, heavily, and this time she didn't open them again.

Morgan gave the room one last check before exiting the house, climbing on the train back to dauntless before sunrise.

Once Morgan was inside the house, she gave Aleks a quick check before, walking to her own bedroom. Thankfully Eric hadn't moved from the position she left him in, knowing that the day had work him out so much he would be in very deep slumber. She'd made some excuse to him that Aleks wanted to spend the day with him, that she'll take care of

everything in dauntless for the day.

She secured the cameras for the night, made sure the next leader in Erudite knew her part, and of course she had an alibi for that night.

Being with Aleks was an exhausting task, taking care of a two and a half year old was a challenge on itself. Aleks spoke a lot more now, but that meant they'll have to constantly translate his works to something with sense, and Aleks spoke a lot because he was being spoken to a lot.

They had a routine that would soon change, since Eric and Morgan agreed that he should start daycare at 3 years old, to start socializing with other kids. But that didn't meant Aleks was secluded. Morgan took him after their breakfast for a stroll in dauntless, and the son of Eric still was a novelty. Everyone stopped to high five him or to talk to him just a few words, hoping to get something back. Aleks was a little reserved outside in the compound, but in the house he wouldn't shut up about anything. He always narrated what he was doing or played with his toys talking or even screaming.

After lunch he would usually hang out with Eric in his office, and Eric had prepared a little game for him, otherwise Aleks wouldn't let him work.

He had color coordinated the departments of Dauntless, and with every report he got everyday, he would have Aleks match the color to file the reports in the cabinets. Eric could tell that Aleks loved puzzles and color coordination games, and helping daddy was also something he loved to do.

Having spent a whole day walking behind Aleks, dealing with his little temper tantrums and such really work out Eric that day, and when Morgan came home that night she could tell Eric needed some silence.

When Morgan woke up the next day, she could tell that Eric had been really exhausted, he didn't wake up with her and didn't sense that she was out of bed and followed either.

As much as she would like to stay in bed all day with him she had to get her day going, knowing that Christine's death was something that would surely shake up some trees.

She took a fast shower while Aleks was still asleep, then got dressed and headed to the kitchen. She set the coffee maker and looked inside the fridge and looked for the milk, taking out the hot cake batter from another cabinet. Aleks loved hot cakes and he loved to make them with Morgan, throwing in the chocolate chips and such.

She before she got to do anything she heard Aleks calling her from the bedroom, quickly walking to it before the yelling woke Eric up.

When she walked in she saw him standing on the crib, holding himself up. She smiled and walked to him, picking him up and taking a blanket to cover him up.

"How's my baby boy huh?" She cupped his cheek and brought him in for a kiss. Aleks rubbed his eye with his hand and pressed himself to her chest.

She walked with him to the kitchen, carefully placing him on his chair.

"What do you want to eat baby?" Aleks replied to her in a made up baby way of saying hot cakes and juice, which turned out to be akes and ooze. She walked to the fridge and opened it, taking out the juice and pouring it in a cup to him, then mixing the batter with the milk and pouring the mix in the hot cakes machine. She walked back to the fridge and opened it, taking out two fruits "apple or banana?" She showed him, Aleks pointed at the banana, but Morgan still insisted "and what's this called?" She sat down next to him and peeled the banana while she looked

"Nana" he replied, looking at Morgan and feeling a little proud when she smiled.

"Yes, banana. You're a smart baby boy" she cut the banana in half with her hand and handed him one piece, leaving the other on the plate on top of the table.

She busies with getting done with the hotcakes and her tea, when it was all finished she took it all to the table.

She cut a piece of hotcake to Aleks and left it in his plate.

"Daddy?" He asked, looking at Morgan.

"Daddy's sleeping" she replied.

"Up" he made a motion with his little hand, Morgan smiled.

"No, we're not going to wake him up, he's tired" she motioned at the food in front of him.

"Ork fiz" he babbled.

"He does have to work in the office, but later. Now we have our breakfast and leave, sound good?" Aleks went back to finishing his breakfast.

Morgan could tell how this was a strange occurrence for Aleks. Eric was always up by the time Aleks woke up, and while Morgan finished preparing breakfast Eric was already out starting his day. Morgan usually staid back with Aleks until he finished, then dressed him up and headed out.

She had mentioned to Eric that it was important to have breakfast all together, that was Aleks could built his sense of a routine and family activities, and even though Eric loved Aleks with all of his being, waiting half an hour for Aleks to finish with his breakfast was something he would not do, unless he absolutely had to.

Morgan cleaned up and changed aleks to head out, and when she was at the door Aleks just awkwardly stood in the middle of the room.

"Daddy?" He asked.

"Daddy's coming later, let's go" she opened the door, hoping to distract him into leaving Eric to sleep.

But Aleks just looked to the direction of the bedroom, and Morgan rolled her eyes a bit while closing the door.

"Fine, we'll say goodbye to dad and head out alright?"

Aleks made a dash to the bedroom, knowing that Eric had been very strict with him not going into the room without permission. Aleks could sneakily hop off the crib and walk around, and one time he caught them mid frantic sex, so Eric knew that he'll have to teach him about privacy and how forbidden their bedroom was.

Morgan opened the door for him, and Aleks walked to the side of the bed where Eric was laying face down, one of his arms fell down the side of the bed and touched the floor, and he looked out as a light.

Aleks curiously stared at Eric, and even pressed his little hand to his arm whispering daddy.

"Give him a kiss and let's go" Morgan whispered at him, but Aleks instead moved Eric.

Eric took a sharp breath and leaned his head up, looking at Aleks through his lashes.

Aleks just gave an innocent smile and leaned in for Eric to hug him. Eric leaned back on the bed and his arm wrapped around his little body.

"Daddy ork?" Eric let out a little smile and nodded.

"In a mintue champ"

"You saw dad now give him a kiss and let's go" Morgan said grabbing Aleks by the hand. Aleks leaned in waiting for Eric to kiss him, which he did as he hugged him tight.

Once he let him go and Aleks' hand was still holding Morgan's, she pulled him to the exit. Aleks waved at Eric goodbye, even though Eric was still with his eyes closed.

When they were finally out, Morgan made sure to take care of everything that had to be taken care of in the mornings, and given the timing, they had to worry about the finishing touches of initiation.

She couldn't hear anything about Christine until after lunch, when she walked to Eric's office with a food container, given that he hadn't come down to the dinning room for lunch.

Aleks was walking ahead, ready to knock on the door, but unfortunately someone was going out to the office the second he raised his hand to knock, Aleks liked to answer who was behind the door.

Liam came out, giving Aleks his hand for a high five, which obviously was successful, Aleks gave him a little shy smile before entering the office with a dash and cling to Eric's leg.

Morgan came into the office just to see Eric lift up Aleks and plant a kiss on his chubby cheek.

Aleks wiggled to be put down, and since Eric had a box of toys to entertain Aleks while he was with him, he busied himself with that while Morgan left the container on her table, Eric was standing in front of the desk, paper in hand, but when Morgan got closer he trapped her in his arm and leaned on the desk, holding her to his chest.

"You were out as a light, Aleks actually thought you were dead when he saw you weren't waking up at breakfast"

Eric smirked a little, and his eyes moved on Morgan, which made her a little uneasy, but still made her lift her arms up and place them on his neck.

"What's wrong?" She asked, Eric left his waist for a second and showed her a piece of paper

"It's a letter from Erudite, but I bet you already know what it says"

Morgan just shrugged and held herself closer.

"Maybe I don't. What are you insinuating?"

Eric looked down at her, then his eyes moved to her lips, when he saw them twist in a little smirk he leaned down to trap them in a kiss.

Morgan ran her nails on his scalp while Eric slowly moved his hands down, and with one last nib of her lower lip, he gave her asscheek a sheeze and pulled back, moving Morgan from his side and walking around the desk to sit down.

Morgan took a handful of reports that needed to be filled and began walking to the door of the office.

"I'll finish this and catch you two later alright?" She said over her shoulder, opening the door. Eric just hummed in agreement and when Aleks looked up to see Morgan leaving, he quickly stood up and ran to her.

"You're gonna come back and clean all this shit up do you hear me?" Eric said to Aleks, the little one turned to him a gave him a little shy smile, then said

"No"

Eric lifted an eyebrow at him and Morgan smiled amused.

"No?" Eric asked.

Aleks cowered behind Morgan's legs, holding one with his arm, then began to laugh nervously.

"No" he said with a laugh, and Eric made a fast move to get up.

Aleks screamed a laugh and took off running in the hall. Morgan chuckled when she saw him book it, then turned to Eric who also had a little smile. After that, she closed the door.

[writingismyhappytime]

Dauntless: Daddy Dearest (Part 11)

Eric x OC

Warnings: Language, Violence

A/N: Uh…. I know it’s been a while, but here you go!

“Eric.”

I glanced over as I heard my name called, spying Max standing with Hera. I didn’t see her often, she was always buried deep in the intelligence office, so no doubt this was going to be interesting.

I glanced around, but no one had noticed Max step into the room and it was better this way. I slipped easily over to him, crossing my arms with with frown.

The Dauntless leader hadn’t called on me in a few months since my kid was born, so I was curious as to what he wanted. Need some dirty work handled? Admittedly I’d been getting a little bored with all this regular training and work, I was up for some action.

“Hera, Eric, I assume you two know each other.”

“In passing.” Hera nodded. She was a little shorter then me, with chin length blonde hair and double nose piercings. Her blue eyes were thickly lined with black and she didn’t look like she got out much or could even lift ten pounds both hands. I’d never even had a conversation with her.

“Good. Eric, you and Hera are going to be working closely together for the next week. We have a situation.”

Finally!

“What kind?”

“Better to be discussed in private,” Hera said coolly, her eyes hard. She spoke pretty soft, it was almost hard to hear her, and I vaguely wondered how much of a fighter she was; could she even hold her own or was she all brain?

“Fine.”

~~~~~~

“As you can see, we have a leak here in Dauntless.” Hera informed me, long finger pointing at the papers in front of me. “Someone is telling the other factions of some of our… rather risqué operations.”

She meant the murders that were shown as suicides or accidents, or our occasional slaughter of the faction less to keep down the population and our resources from being used too much.

“Why can’t you track it? This place is covered in cameras.”

“Unfortunately, the leak knows that and has been devising ways to get around it. We cannot even trace it back to their computer, or whatever else they’re using to convey our missions. This needs to be handled quietly.”

“So we find them and toss them in the chasm.”

“Quietly.”

Sounded easy.

“Who are the suspects?” I cracked my knuckles thoughtfully. Really, I’d just toss them all into the chasm “accidentally” and not worry about it. It wasn’t good if someone was spilling the beans about our darker movements, especially since I was involved in most of them.

I told Max he shouldn’t keep everything documented.

“This man, goes by Zeeg, works in the armory.”

“I know him. He’s a little wimpy thing.” I frowned, pressing my hands flat against the metal table as I leaned forward, looking at his photo as it flickered on the wall. I’d worked in the armory a bit when Camille was about to have the loaf, so I got familiar there. Mel knew him well.

“What are your thoughts on him?” Hera’s cold eyes landed on me, unwavering. Man, bitch might be small, but she had a harsh look.

“He’s not much of any leader, terrified if you yell at him. Lazy, but he shouldn’t have access to any files. He doesn’t even have access into the inventory system, he just stacks the ammo and takes count.” I gazed at his photo, then shook my head. “Next.”

“Next,” Hera taps her finger against the table, changing the photo. “Amanda Nuwellan. Higher level guard on the wall.”

“Don’t know her.”

“She was in your initiate class, she originated from Candor.”

“Still don’t know her. If she wasn’t on my level, she wasn’t worth my attention.” I said flatly, shrugging. “What’s her deal?”

“She left two brothers in Candor, and perhaps those obsessed with the truth would like to know our secrets. She works on the wall, but rotation has been recent and so she has been there the last three months until last week.”

“Sounds like you think it’s her.”

“Suspicions, nothing more.” Hera tapped her finger again, and the picture changed to a familiar face.

My stomach dropped.

“Tori Wu, she’s a tattoo artist in the Pit.” Hera said, but it’s the way she looked at me that let told me she knew there was a connection. “Her brother was an undesirable and eliminated, so she has reason to try to reveal our operations.”

Ahuh.

“What reason does Zeeg have?” I asked, noticing she’d neglected to mention his possible need for exposing us. I stared at her, refusing to look away.

“Zeeg is the son of an undesirable who became faction less last year. He is now dead thanks to a… well, you remember the warehouse incident you and your wife lead.”

Wife?

“His death was his own fault then for thinking he could fight against us.” I said flatly, shrugging. “how does the kid even know about it?”

“We’re currently unaware of he does, but he is on the list.”

“How did you put this list together? Just these three?”

“There have been four instances where we’ve seen the information leaked, and these three have always been in the vicinity.”

“How so?”

“Zeeg is in the armory, he has access to a number of weapons. We’ve noticed the faction less are becoming more volatile, that —.”

“You think he’s passing weapons to them? How? Mel keeps a strict log of every gun that enters that armory.” At least I thought she did.

“Melanie Koskovska, you mean?”

“Yes.”

Hera looked thoughtful. “Perhaps the weapons are not even getting logged in the first place. Is she in charge of that?”

I didn’t like where this was going.

“Yes. The head of the armory personally checks every weapon in. If it’s her being the leak, you’d have a lot more information floating around.”

“And why is that?”

“Mel and I are the ones on those lists of soldiers deployed during those operations. She knows more details than are on those reports, and she’s… not that good with technology.”

Weapons, she was great. Using the common toaster and not setting the contents on fire? Not so much.

“Hmm. I was unaware of her involvement.” Hera frowned, and I raised a brow at her.

“Do you even know what’s in the reports that have been leaked?” I asked after a moment, wondering if Max even briefed her in on what we did in the shadows. Is she oblivious to the fact sometimes you gotta murder your own for the greater good?

“Yes, I’m aware of the contents. Quiet executions, population control, reconnaissance. I know you’re the one in charge of most of them, that Max favors you for the position.”

“Im good at what I do.”

“So it seems.” She said dryly, leaning over to tap the table again. My eyes flicked down, noticing the sudden chest on display for me; her top was modest, but leaning forward definitely changed that fact. I could see the ink crawling against her skin, but I looked away before my curiosity got the best of me.

“So what about your wife? How many operations has she gone on?”

“Camille isn’t my wife. And not many; she wouldn’t agree with many of them. She’s lead some missions against the factionless for defense and rescue missions, but she’s not like me.” I said flatly, refusing to play her little mind games; this woman was all about twisting words around. She knew Camille wasn’t my wife, and I didn’t doubt she already knew everything about us that was on file.

She was a dangerous woman.

~~~~~~~

“Mel.”

“Eric.”

Mel looked at me suspiciously through the holes in the fence barring entrance to the armory. I glanced down at the tablet where I was supposed to sign in so it would show I visited but ignored it.

“How’s everything going here?” I asked after a moment, my eyes flicking behind her blonde head, searching for Zeeg.

“The normal. What do you want?”

“Just came to visit.”

“You hate the armory.” Mel crossed her tattooed arms suspiciously, and I didn’t blame her. I wasn’t going to tell her what I was up too, she wasn’t invited to the meeting for a reason, probably because she had direct contact with the suspect.

Tori was Camille’s friend, not mine, so it wouldn’t bother me too much to kill her or the like. A traitor is a traitor no matter the connections.

“How’s the counting going?” I asked after a moment, crossing my arms as I leaned against the desk.

The armory was large, walls and upper levels lined with weapons and ammunition. They were all locked behind bars, of course, just as Mel was separated me from a fence, a small curve at the bottom in case I needed to pass her something.

“What do you want, Eric?” Mel looked annoyed, the lights glinting off her piercings when she leaned back on her heels, glaring at me; we weren’t exactly on the best of terms, currently, but I knew I could rely on her if it came down to it. Strange, considering we were both murderers and backstabbers.

My eyes flicked behind her, but so far I hadn’t seen anyone else. I tilted my head slightly, gesturing for her to come out and talk to me. She stiffened, and I’m pretty sure she considered saying “fuck you” and walking off, but her curiosity had always been her downfall.

She gave a labored sigh before she glanced around. Her face was sour as she casually walked towards the gate and stepped out, letting it close firmly behind her before she followed me to one of the smaller crevices in the back, mostly where we kept the storage.

“What’s going on?” She grumbled, crossing her arms as she looked up at me, both of us hidden behind some stacked tables. “I know you’re not here for a booty call.”

I snorted, shaking my head. “No, but we got trouble.”

“How so?” I had her attention now, her dark eyes serious. Mel didn’t like complications, or basically anything that could change up her afternoon plans. Me saying something like that would have her entire focus on my words.

“We think some weapons are going missing, disappearing before they’re put into the system.” I said softly, making sure to keep my eyes on the door up ahead; I didn’t want anyone sneaking up and overhearing us.

“So of course you come to me for that.” Her face is sour. “You want me to see if anyone’s acting suspicious around here, keep a tighter watch?”

“Yup.”

“What happens when you find who it is?”

I didn’t have to answer that, I just looked at her. I’d kill them, after interrogation, of course. We couldn’t have people like that in Dauntless, risking everything for us. We needed control, right down to the smallest peon.

“Great, so I’m going to need to find a replacement. Fucking wonderful.” She groaned, tugging on one long dread. “This is going to be annoying, isn’t it?”

“Just keep a watch, let me know.” I shrugged, already stepping back. No one had even entered the armory after me, and I hadn’t seen anyone come up to the gate either. I figured we were in the clear. “Don’t do anything unless you know for sure.”

“Anyone I should watch specifically?”

“No.” I wasn’t giving names, Mel wasn’t exactly subtle and she could fuck everything up. “Just watch.”

“Aye, aye, cap'n.” She gave me a mocking salute before she walked away from me, my eyes dropping to her ass out of habit. That woman knew how to fill out a pair of jeans, it’s just too bad she didn’t keep them on long enough for anyone to appreciate it. I wasn’t throwing on Mel, she was the closest I had to a friend, but I knew who she was; just as she knew who I was.

We both had a rocky past.

~~~~~~~

I frowned as I stood on the catwalk above the cafeteria, watching the members of Dauntless ambling about. I curled my fingers around the rails, searching for the woman. I narrowed my eyes as I saw her sitting in one of the corners with a group, Zeeg among them.

Now that’s suspicious.

Nuwellan I think her name was. Slim, dark skinned with a fighters build. I wasn’t surprised she ended up at the wall, although I thought the job to be pretty boring considering nothing ever happens there.

Huh.

Nuwellan was my age, and I’d seen her around but I’d never given her a second thought. It wasn’t rare to get a Candor, they’re just blunt as hell and usually got their assess kicked during their initiate stage.

So what’s her story? Normally when people leave a faction, things with their family left behind goes two ways; either they understand and keep in touch, or they never communicate again.

How close was she with those two brothers? How close was she with Zeeg?

I watched them from above for a while, pretending just to overlook everyone instead of focusing squarely on them. They didn’t seem to notice anyhow, too caught up. Zeeg was arm wrestling with another member of the table, whereas Nuwellan was eating, enjoying her food.

Was it these two? Unless Dauntless did something to her, I can’t imagine Nuwellan turning on us. Zeeg I could, just because his factionless father was murdered and maybe he wants rid of Dauntless, or thinks it’s time for a change. But her… not so much. Of course, that made her even more of a suspect. She could have a less obvious motive, some connection none of us were aware of.

Zeeg seemed too obvious a choice.

And Tori… I didn’t want it to be here, mainly for Camille’s sake. I was pretty sure the tattoo artist was my girlfriends only close friend, and I didn’t want her to lose that — especially not if I had to kill her because I’d never live that down.

I tapped my fingers curiously, and after a moment turned away, satisfied.

I’d tell Hera to look into Nuwellan, check all her correspondence, check every move she’d made since returning to the compound. Who she was with, when and where, and who those people knew as well.

I wanted a file on her.

~~~~~~

I stepped into the tattoo shop curiously, glancing around. I hadn’t been inside in a few years, not since I got my neck tattoos colored. I glanced at my arms, debating getting a touch up on them; I had scars now that distorted one of them.

“Eric.”

Ah!

My eyes flicked over, and I smirked as I saw Tori. She and Camille looked a lot alike with the long dark hair, although my girlfriend had more visible tattoos. Tori had a tattoo of a red-eyed black and white hawk on the back of her neck I always admired but never commented on.

“Tori,” I said coolly, turning towards her where she leaned against one of the tattoo chairs, holding some designs in her hands. She was twice my age I thought, but she was an Erudite transfer as well. I didn’t remember her from my old faction, but I’d probably been too young.

She’d followed her older brother George here, but he’d turned out to be an undesirable and dealt with accordingly. I wouldn’t be shocked if the leak was her, but I definitely didn’t want it to be.

“What are you doing in here?”

“What does someone normally come to a tattoo parlor for?” I rolled my eyes, glancing around. The other artist was old, and he sort of hunched when he walked now, but so long as his hands still worked he was useful; he was the one who’d done my tats years ago.

“So you want a tattoo. What kind?” Tori seemed resigned; she didn’t like me, but the feeling was mutual. She was bitter over her brother, and she’d never gotten past his death. Still, she’d never given any inclination of being a traitor before.

“Dunno yet.”

“Look around, see what you like.”

I was just here to interrogate her actually, but I stepped to the wall, my eyes running down the designs plastered there. I didn’t really see anything that was catching my eye, I’d never been one for color or a lot of intricate lines.

I could feel her watching me suspiciously, but I ignored her, pretending I had no ulterior motives. Camille knew I was working something, that I wouldn’t be able to get Kai. Wouldn’t hurt her to pick him up for a few days anyway.

He was a handful, that one.

“How’s your kid doing?” Tori asked after a moment, as if reading my mind. Normally she was quiet around me, just glared, so I was a little surprised she was asking me anything. Camille had to keep her up to date, right?

“He’s fine.” I shrugged, my eyes landing on the different fonts. My eyes scrolled through the words and the different ways they were written curiously. “Growing.”

“That’s good. He has your eyes.”

“That’s what everyone says. Can you tattoo in this style?” My finger tapped the wall, and Tori nodded after a moment.

“Yeah. You want a word?”

“Yup. Here,” I gestured at the inside of my lower arm. Subtle, not immediately easy to see. “Surely you can do that, right?”

She scowled at me, much more what I’m used too.

“Sit down. What do you want it to say?” She muttered, slipping on some purple gloves as she started getting her equipment together.

“Kai.”

~~~~~~~

“So how long have you and Tori been friends?” I asked as I sprawled out on the sofa. Camille glanced up from the floor where she wrestled Kai into a outfit with legs, despite his kicking and whining. He might be a baby but he was getting stout.

“I’ve known her for as long as I can remember. She’s been here since I was a kid.”

“So she’s a transfer?” Feign ignorance.

“Yeah. Can’t remember where from.” Camille managed to get his outfit buttoned with a sigh. “Why?”

“Just curious. You two seem close.” I rolled onto my stomach, seeing her lean back on her hands as she looked at me. I didn’t want to delve too much, she would catch on pretty fast what I was doing. I didn’t want her to know her friend was under suspicion of being a traitor.

“She did my aptitude test when I was in school. I’d seen her around here before but that was the first time I’d ever spoke to her.”

“Yeah? What were your test results?” I was curious. I’d been Dauntless through and through, so it hadn’t been hard for me to ditch Erudite. I would have gotten myself factionless if I’d stayed there.

Camille actually hesitated.

“You weren’t Dauntless?” I asked after a moment, and she shrugged her shoulders, picking at the carpet.

“I was Dauntless, yeah, but also Candor.”

I snorted, slipping my arm beneath my head. “I can see it. You’re blunt as hell most times.”

“Yeah, but white has never looked good on me.” She gave me a wry smile, Kai rolling back and forth on his back. He’s trying to get onto his stomach, and after a few more tries he made it successfully.

“Well, you chose right, picking Dauntless.”

“Not like I was going to abandon my own faction, Eric. This has always been my home.”

“Yeah. And now you got a kid.”

“And an asshole for a man.”

“I think you made out pretty good then,” I chuckled, reaching forward to rest my hand on her shoulder. “All in all, anyways.”

“You realized that ‘pretty good’ included us getting shot, stabbed, beat up, tossed from trains —.”

“Just the minor details.”

She snorted, then her eyes flicked out to my arm. Her brows rose as she saw my new tattoo. “When did you get that?”

“Oh, earlier today.” I glanced at the black letters spelling out my son’s name on my arm, pleased. Tori had done a great job, they looked exactly how I wanted them. “Tori did it.”

“You got his name on you?” Camille hesitantly reached forward, her fingers drawing down the skin a few inches away.

“Yes. He’s my son. I might be able to dump you but I can’t get rid of him.”

She rolled her eyes, but the look she gave me — it was full of warmth, of sweetness. It was the look I always wanted her to have when she looked at me.

I gave her a small smile before I leaned forward, pressing a chaste kiss against her lips. She knew I loved my kid, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. I loved both of them, so much I was even putting off my plans of Dauntless domination until Kai was a little older and could defend himself.

Gave me plenty of time to make some allies, too.

“I love you,” I murmured, propping myself up so I could cup her cheek. “and the loaf.”

“I wish you’d stop calling him that.”

“Eh, he doesn’t mind.” I chuckled, kissing her again. Camille never changed, it was one of the things I liked about her. She still put me in my place, yelled at me, told me when I was being an asshole. She took care of her initiates, but she was stern with them; we shared the same ideologies, at least to a point.

We’d been together for years now and yet every day I didn’t mind coming home to her — at least now that she wasn’t screaming at me and ripping me apart because she’d momentarily lost her mind.

Another reminder why we didn’t need another kid.

“The loaf is escaping.” I murmured, and Camille sighed as she leaned away. We both watched as Kai tried to drag himself across the floor, arms and legs not quite ready to do the heavy lifting.

He was determined to make it to my shoe.

“If you want, I can watch him tomorrow so you can get out again.” I offered, shuffling so that I was lying on my back again, my arms pillowing my head as I looked up at the ceiling. I figured if I offered, Camille would go see Tori like she always did, and maybe I could get a little more information outta her about the elusive tattooist.

“That’s suspiciously nice of you, Eric.”

“You’re the one who said you wanted to get out a little more. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“You don’t even like Tori.”

“I don’t like most people. Now do you want me to watch him or not?”

“I guess. Just don’t set the apartment on fire or start teaching him to throw knives.”

“Of course not, that’s next week’s lesson plan.”

~~~~~~~

“So? What are your suspicions?” Hera asked from where she sat at the table, flicking through different pages on the tablet in front of her. I frowned as I leaned against the chair in front of her, glancing around her office.

Rather small, sort of like a closet. She didn’t have anything personal in here, not even a plant, just her tablet and the computer on the wall. Obsolete filing cabinets were pressed up against one wall, old but obviously used for some reason; I guessed if you put things on paper instead of uploading, it’s a lot harder for people to steal it.

“Nuwellan has my attention currently. I saw her and Zeeg sitting together in the cafeteria. Wu is a loner, she keeps to herself for the most part.” I couldn’t leave her out.

“She seems very close friends with your wife.”

Again with the intentional wrong word.

“Girlfriend. They’re friends, yes.”

“Does their friendship cloud your judgement?” Hera asked bluntly, her cold gaze flicking up. Her fingers paused, hovering above the tablet as she stared through her blonde hair at me.

“Personal ties don’t hold me back.” I said flatly. “If she’s the traitor I’ll deal with her. Max knows that, it’s why he chose me.”

“No, not really.” The small, rather vile woman in front of me sighed as she looked back down. “Max chose you to test your loyalty, he thinks you’re losing your edge since you knocked up the trainer. I do hope you’ve no attachments, although I read your file and you’re a useful executioner.”

That’s one way of putting it.

Still testing me then? Max must be on to me, why else would he still be doubting me? I frowned, crossing my arms.

“Max is a fool, he’s incapable of doing his own dirty work and when push comes to shove he would crumble without someone like me.” I finally said; fuck, what do I got to lose? If Max is already thinking I’m building an uprising he’ll take me out sooner or later anyhow. Might as well say what I gotta say.

“Instead of putting me on bullshit assignments like this making me run around like an errand boy, he should be remembering how many of our own members I’ve taken out just so this society can still work.” I said all of it very calmly, but I definitely had Hera’s attention. “I don’t like being questioned, I’ve done nothing to bring it forth.”

“You defied him,” she points out. “When your child was born.”

“It was stay or watch Dauntless collapse internally because my girlfriend was having conniptions. Camille has plenty of sway here and Max knows it.”

“So you consider yourself a power couple then?” Hera asked lightly, clasping her fingers in front of her.

“We’re  not here to discuss my relationship. We’re here to discuss a leak, which I have suspicions is Nuwellan. How about we focus on that?” I snapped, growing restless.

I was starting to feel as if I was the one trial here.

“Very well.” Hera sighed, returning to tapping her tablet. “Do you consider her and Zeeg to be in league together?”

“All that I’ve established is that they know each other. However, that could be too obvious. Wu is anti-social, and she has just as many reasons to hate this place as they do. Death of a family member is a motivating factor.”

I had to mention her, otherwise it would look as if I was ruling her out just because of my connection to her. I’m not a softy.

“Understandably. So you still consider her to be a suspect?”

“Until proven otherwise, yes.”

I had too.

~~~~~~~

I sighed as I ran a hand through my hair, standing on one of the bridges as I looked down at the Pit. Dauntless moved back and forth between the shops and other common areas, taking care of their daily business.

Fuck if this wasn’t a mess.

I watched as Zeeg moved smoothly across the bridge below me, glancing nervously over his shoulders, a bag held tightly in his hand. Could he look anymore suspicious?

The bag was small, couldn’t hold a big gun, and we typically didn’t have any smaller than the hand. He could be transporting a weapon, or ammo — hell, it could be important paperwork!

So of course I was following him.

I stayed to the bridge above him, watching the surroundings. No one was following him, it was just him in a hurry to get somewhere. I pursed my lips, curious.

Who’s he going to meet? Who’s his accomplice? Why are they willing to risk everything for this?

Dumb kids.

I seriously hoped Tori wasn’t involved.

I watched as he disappeared into one of the hallways, and I made quick work climbing down the ladder to his level. I casually started following behind him, making sure to keep the crowd between all of us. I doubted he would notice me, but I didn’t want to be sloppy.

What’s his plan here? What’s in that tiny plastic bag? What could he possibly be taking somewhere?

This is not how I wanted to spend my afternoon. I wanted to be back at the apartment, tossing my kid into the air and making my girlfriend panic. I wanted to watch him eat on one of those chew toys and even cry when I took it away from him.

Hell, I’d settle for being at the bar, drinking a few beers and talking shit with Mel like old times.

Anything would be better than this.

I wasn’t patient enough to tail people, I’d rather just shoot them.

And now where the hell is the little fuck going? I scowled, watching as he turned down a more secluded hallway, his face paling from nerves as he went. I hovered just at the corner, seeing his steps falter as he approached a place in the wall that curved.

He paused there, clutching the bag to him.

Hmm.

I waited, making sure I was carefully placed so I wouldn’t be noticed, at least by Zeeg. I lounged against the pale corner, looking down at my watch and tinkering with the buttons like it was showing me something interesting.

I glanced back, growing restless as ten minutes passed. If I wasn’t getting to shoot someone or getting an adrenaline rush, I didn’t see the point of this. I was fucking bored.

I’d rather just confront the kid and jerk the bag out of his hand than continue waiting!

Hmm?

I peered curiously around the corner as I saw someone step up to Zeeg, his face brightening as he sees the girl. I didn’t know her, but she’s blonde and slim, a little taller than him, probably his age.

Wait.

I frowned as Zeeg talked to her for a moment, than sort of shoved the bag at her. She blinked, then looked down and opened it. She sort of exclaimed something and pulled out — fuck.

Jewelry.

I’d followed this fucking kid to his girlfriend!

How disappointing.

What a fucking waste of time!

I could have been cuddling Kai or Camille this entire time.

I ground my teeth in irritation, cracking my knuckles as I leaned back against the wall.

This tailing business just wasn’t for me.

I’d have to go about this a different way… maybe I’d get to break some bones in the process.

Tags:

[komotionlessqueenmm]

Imagine # 848

Gif NOT mine.

If this gif is yours (or you know who's it is) please let me know, so I can give you/them credit.

Gif credit goes to - @bonniebirddoesgifs (Unless told otherwise.)

Year posted - 2021

----

"Alright there are three horses left, which one would you prefer (Y/n)?" Four asked his friend, who responded without thought. "I'll ride Eric." (Y/n) replied, her heart sinking when Eric and Four both snickered. "The horse, you man child." (Y/n) scolded the pair, as she crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "You can ride me anytime sweetheart." Eric smirked shooting (Y/n) a quick wink, while (Y/n) rolled her eyes yet again. "I'm going to shoot you." (Y/n) only half threatened, while Four walked off to pick out his own horse, and gather the rest of the team. "You need some help mounting?" Eric asked with a cocky twinkle in his eyes. "I can mount on my own just fine." (Y/n) sassed as she did just that, looking down at Eric from upon her perch upon the steed. "I'm sure you can sweetheart." Eric chuckled while (Y/n) secretly suppressed her own snickers. "You really want me to shoot you, don't you?" (Y/n) smirked at him as she rest her hand against her gun holster. "Oh you won't shoot me darling." Eric chuckled as he mounted his own horse. "Oh and why's that?" (Y/n) asked as they spurred on the horses. "Because you have feelings for me." Eric smiled. "Ha!" (Y/n) snorted. "Who knew you were funny." (Y/n) snorted, jumping when Eric grasped her by the arm. "I'm not joking, you can try denying it all you want (Y/n). But I know you like me, I can see it in your eyes." Eric's voice was serious, making (Y/n)'s heart flutter. "U-uh I um I." She stammered nervously, having thought she'd hidden her feelings well. "It's okay though, because I've got feelings for you too." Eric added casually, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly, before spurring his horse into a trot. "Hey you can't just say that and take off!" (Y/n) hissed as she raced after him, huffing under her breath when he laughed spurring his horse into a sprint.

----

*Eric got a little out of character there at the end, but oh well. Hope you enjoyed regardless.

Also this totally popped into my head while I was playing Red Dead Online, and riding around on my horse Eric... 👀

[frozenbreadcrumbs]

Help me find a Divergent Fan Fic, please!!

So I'm rewatching the Divergent movies, and once again developed a massive crush on Eric... Yes, yes...I know, don't judge!

I need to find a fic about Eric(not sure whether it was on Quotev or Wattpad, but definitely one of those)

It mentions the young main female character (abnegation i think) hiding in a closet with her mom/or both parents when the Erudites marched in for whatever reason. I remember the main character gets found by young Eric who was in erudite, but he doesn't say anything to the other Erudite and walks away.

Then at some point in the fic, when she joins Dauntless as a young adult, I remember the MC mentions that whole thing to him, and he lies saying he doesn't remember that happening, but after her pestering him, he snaps at her and tells her that if she tells anyone he was in Erudite he would get mad or whatever.

Please spread this around, I'm desperately trying to find this fic!!

Please and thank you!

[that1girloverthere]

Teaching the Stiff 

*warning* contains LOTS of smut

"Okay so what do you want to do?" He asks, eyes meeting mine in the hazy light of the sunset. His curtains open to the otherwise dark room, his fourth floor view one to envy.

A nervous laugh falls from my lips, my eyes falling to his bare chest. "I don't know, I've never done anything like this before."

"Well that much is obvious," he smirks. As I start to snap back at him his hand finds it's way to my hip, pulling me forward onto his lap. The satin fabric of his sheets brush my skin through the rips in my jeans.

"How do you feel about this?" He asks me, his voice lowered now that I'm pressed against him. My legs find their place on either side of his, my hands dangle at my sides.

Through a shaky breath I reply, "I like it."

He nods, that smirk still on his lips. "You can touch me, you know?" I stare down at my floating hands, then his chest. I let them find their way to his body, the tips of my fingers entwining in his patch of chest hair, the skin underneath is warm.

"That's better." He replies.

"Tell me what to do." My hands shake slightly as I speak, needing some kind of instruction.

"Ah, ah, ah. This was your idea, remember? You get to make the calls here."

My breath shakes in my chest, my eyes stuck on the thick black blocks of tattoo that rise up his neck.

"Okay." I get out, the word rushed and in no way as confident as I would like it to sound.

My hand moves with a mind of its own, my fingertips brushing over the slight scruff that decorates his jaw. I let my eyes meet his and I'm granted a wave of heat over my body at the look he gives me. His pupils have overtaken the normally stark grey irises, leaving him to stare at me like a predator does to prey. My fingers' movements pause; concern briefly flashes across his features.

"You good?"

God, even his voice has become darker.

"Yeah, yeah..." I wobble through the sentence. "Well, no." His hands leave my waist with the release of that single word, making a cold chill run up my back at the loss of warmth.

"Wait," I use my hands to guide his back to their original place, making eye contact yet again. "I still want to do this, I just really need some instruction here."

The cocky grin on his face nearly makes me lose it as he speaks, "Alright, but tell me to stop if it gets too much for you."

Before I can reply his lips are connected to mine, all brain process lost to his movements. His hands run over my hips, one settling in my back pocket, the other at my waistline. A gentle push has me meeting his lap fully, making my hips buck instinctively.

A sigh comes from his lips and my cheeks are set aflame.

He bites my bottom lip lightly, making me gasp and granting him full access to my mouth. His tongue is warm as it slides around my mouth making me pout when he pulls away.

"Why did you-" I'm cut off when his lips touch my neck. They work their way down, gently nipping and licking as he goes.

Goosebumps follow the path his hands make beneath my shirt, getting closer and closer to my peaked nipples all while his lips never leave my neck and jaw. He cups me in his palm, a finger passing over the bud, making me moan.

"No bra, huh?" He taunts, his voice husky.

"Shut up." I manage to gasp out.

His hands continue along their path, his thumb continuing to tease me. My head tilts back and my eyes shut slightly, my breath coming out in sighs.

Before I know what I'm doing I push myself against him, rocking back and forth, searching for any kind of friction.

He groans and my stomach flips.

His fingers grasp the bottom of my shirt, "Off." I let him take it over my head, arms raised.

For a moment he sits there, staring at me and I can't help but feel the urge to cover up, my hands leaving his body to shield myself from his view.

He shakes his head, "Don't, you look good."

Placing my hands back on his chest for me, he leans in slowly, letting his lips gently glide over my neck. He makes his way down to my breasts, nipping and sucking at the raised flesh. A moan escapes me at his ministrations. My back arches in response.

Before I realize what's happening i'm being flipped onto my back, Eric laying over me.

His eyes lock on mine for a moment and the sheer lust in the stare almost breaks me. His lips trail down my body, occasionally biting at the sensitive skin, only to run a soothing tongue over the area before continuing.

My hands grip the sheets above my head, holding me to reality.

"Lift your legs up," his voice is so gravelly it shocks me but I do as he says, my hips rising as the jeans I didn't even realize were unbuttoned are slid from my body. I lay there, naked besides the small piece of fabric I somehow call underwear. His gaze makes me miss the feeling of his lips on my breasts.

"What are you waiting for?" I mean to taunt, the infliction is all off however thanks to a new rasp in my voice I've never heard before.

He lets out a small chuckle. "Easy there, Stiff or I might start to think you're a Dauntless."

I raise myself onto my elbows, staring forward to the man seated between my legs.

"I am Dauntless." I say but it doesn't seem to convince him.

He raises his eyebrows as if referencing the clear "Stiff" behavior I had moments before. How this entire time I've yet to do more than lay there and moan.

Fine, two can play at that game.

I fully stand from the bed, and turn to face him. Trying my best to ignore my nakedness, I come close to his face, placing hands on his shoulders.

"Lay down." I command, not sure how I manage to pull off the air of confidence.

He seems surprised but does as I say, moving further onto the bed, his head resting at the headboard.

I trail my hands down his body, starting at his neck. Leaning forward I let my tongue follow the path my hand takes, tracing over his skin.

A sigh vaguely resembling my name comes from his lips and it only spurs me on.

His skin tastes slightly salty and I can't get enough. Without thinking I let my hand travel past his navel, my fingers sweeping over his waistband. I run my nails gently over the exposed skin, making his hips buck. I smirk in satisfaction.

"Quit playing." He groans, eyes set intensely on mine.

"Be patient." I retort, not giving him time to snap at me again as I let my hand fully dip beneath his sweatpants and boxers. The skin I'm met with is softer than any other on his body and I can't stop myself from gliding my fingertips over it multiple times.

I wrap my hand around his length, new to the experience but trying to remember the advice I was given by my friends through the years. Twisting my wrist slightly with each rise and fall, I sit in awe at the sounds that come from Eric's mouth.

Just as I feel his body tensing beneath my hand, I let go. Attempting to make quick work, I move to pull off his remaining clothing but find it impossible with a his unrelenting weight bearing down on one side of it.

I give him a look at my predicament and he moves to rise from the bed, playfully pinching my exposed nipple in the process. He chuckles at my uncontrollable moan.

I watch as he stands in front of me, finding myself on my knees before him, a faint scratch of fabric against my shins. His eyes stare down at me as he slowly removes his last articles of clothing, his entire being nude for me to observe. Its impressive, though I'd be damned before I admit that to him.

"Well?" He taunts, seeing as though I'm at a loss for words.

His cock stands at attention directly in front of my face, larger than I ever realized it was. Gripping him in my hand again, I take my time deciding to taste him. My tongue darting out to lick from his base to the tip, letting my entire mouth encircle him when I reach the end.

His hips buck slightly, a hand coming down to grip the back of my head, tangling in my hair. A moan escapes him and it shoots right to my core, burning me up.

Just as I'm about to take him fully, he pulls my head away from him, a pop sounding at the release of my lips from him. Faster than I though was possible, I'm being pushed onto my back, hands tearing at my last scrap of clothing, my underwear being thrown off to the side.

"My turn," he practically growls. I stare at him, body practically pulsating with need and lust. His callused hands grips my knees, making my legs bend and then spread, exposing myself to him fully. He gives my body a long, hungered look before leaning down. He starts at my thighs, kissing and biting them to the point that I feel like I could combust.

"Quit playing," I say, a mirror to what he said moments ago. I feel more than see his smirk as he at last stops the assault, and begins a new one. When his tongue touches me my eyes roll into the back of my head, a moan that just might be his name rasping out of me. In all my years I never knew it could feel this good.

He goes to work on me, lips sucking at my clit, tongue flicking against it. My back arches and my hands search for something, anything, to grab on to. One finds its way into his hair, the other the sheets beneath us.

"Fuck Eric, don't stop," I gasp. My body starts to tense and I know what's coming.

Eric seems to too, as he replaces his mouth with his hand, moving against me in ways I know I'll crave for the rest of my life. His eyes meet mine while he sucks on the skin around my sensitive area. I can barely see him through the building haze.

"That's it," he says, voice deep and powerful, the voice of a leader. "Cum for me like a good girl."

And with that, I do.

My vision falters and if I didn't know any better I would dare to say I passed out for a moment. My legs shake in satisfaction and I can't help but stare in awe at the man that is still between my legs.

"Come here," I nearly growl. With a hand on his jaw I taste myself on his lips, letting my fingers drift around his torso. He groans as I reach the deep V his muscles make at his waist.

"Are you sure about this?" He asks, hand reaching back down to rub against my folds, making my hips buck uncontrollably.

I'm nodding long before I can gather enough breath to answer.

"Yes," I plead. "Please, Eric."

He kisses me again, softer than before, but still with a hunger I didn't think was possible. I feel him shift against me and where his fingers - and mouth - were moments earlier the pressure of his head rests. A hand holding himself, I watch as he guides his dick to rub my clit. A similar heat builds inside of me again and I let out a sigh.

"You like that?" He questions.

I'm about to reply when his thumb replaces his member and I sense a deep pressure begin. With a gentleness I didn't know the feared leader could have, he enters me, leaving me feeling full beyond thought.

His hips begin to move, slow and deliberate, thumb moving in time.

"Oh, God." I gasp, hips pushing to meet his. A different kind of pleasure takes over and I fade in and out of reality for a moment.

"Such a dirt girl," He comments. He thrusts into me, hand reaching up to pinch my peaked nipple. "No wonder you left Abnegation. Imagine what they would think of you now, being a little slut for me."

My cheeks burn with his words but a sense of euphoria rushes through me at his degradation and praise.

He's mid movement when he flips us over, never disconnecting from me. I sit above him, his back fully against the bed, my knees digging into the sheets. He grips the back of my neck, pulling my hair slightly as he forces me down to his level, his eyes on mine.

"Now, ride me." He releases his grip on me, but quickly relocates it on my hips. I rise from my position, letting myself bounce on his cock, hearing the sounds our bodies make as they slaps together.

My hand drifts to his throat, simply resting there, feeling the fast pulse beneath the skin. I let my back arch, knowing full well that my breasts are directly over his face and feeling empowered by it.

My thrusts quickly get erratic and I can feel him begin to tense beneath me.

"I'm getting close," I practically moan, my legs shaking again. With that, his hand finds its way back to my clit, his callused fingers teasing the bundle of nerves.

"Let go," He says, out of breath. His skin glistens with sweat, his thighs twitching under me.

"Eric... Eric... fuck." I topple over the edge, shouting his name loud enough that all of Chicago can hear. My body becomes limp but he holds me up with his hands, grabbing at my ass as he thrusts into me with newfound speed.

I listen, dazed and over stimulated, as he groans and echoes my name back to me.

Slowly, he slips out of me, leaving me shivering and feeling empty. I lay on his chest, not having the bodily ability to move myself just yet.

"How was it?" He asks, wiping my sweat slicked hair from my face, kissing my forehead.

"Amazing."

[oddsnendsfanfics]

A small part of me has always felt that I should finish this. A nice little tie off at the end. Maybe go back and rewrite a few parts.

I have found myself reading it lately, but do I want to go back down that rabbit hole? Would anyone even bother to read it?

[moonxbat98]

BOOK TWO:

The Beginning of the End

Set during Allegiant and Insurgent (AU)

In thought process

[thirstyhscwriter]

The Decoy Bride Part One II Jai/OC

The wedding was exactly as all weddings should be. Exceedingly dull, and terribly awkward. The bride looked as if she had been baked into a giant white meringue.  She had been able to see the bride’s skin poking through the buttons as she walked past, the tell tale stray threads a sure sign the frustrated bride had been sewed into the garment only moments before. It was the best sight she had seen all day, she had found it so funny she had needed to bite down on her sleeve to stop herself from audibly laughing as the bride walked past.

That was the only good part of weddings. The knowledge that what happened between the bride and groom afterwards would be the worst night of their marriage, even the best fit dress was near impossible to remove, she had seen enough of them up close to know that. This however was not the best fit dress, not even close, she would be willing to wager that perhaps it was the worst.

“And so,” she said, as the final kiss was given, “The bride and groom settled for a monotonous life of pain and hatred.” “I wouldn’t be so cynical missy,” She nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of her boss’s shrill voice behind her, “It’s these weddings that pay your bills,” “They pay yours as well, I don’t see you rushing to get married.” “Aye well, you see enough of these things you learn fast enough there’s very little to want about them,” She was preparing herself to smile in victory before her boss began to talk once again, “But I’m not so cruel as to look down upon those who do. You and I are likely to live a life of loneliness and bitterness, with naught but money and snark to keep us company, you cannot begrudge these people for trying to find someone nice enough to smile against the wind with. Now, hand out the bags of rice, and smile, I don’t want any complaints about your attitude.” “You might not be able to” she muttered, as she turned to the rice bags, “but I can.” She turned back to shout after the retreating back of her boss, “And you know as well as I do that you haven’t had a complaint about me in your life.”

“You know it’s my day off.” She wished she could claim she sounded angry with her boss, who had the nerve to call her on a Sunday to come in, “Aye I do lassie, which is how I know you will not doubt that I would not ask if I was not really sick.” She made a disgruntled sound, “Can you not ask them to come again later, when you are well, or I am actually meant to be working.” “No, I cannot” Her boss broke off from the conversation, coughing on the other side, “And not I will not tell you why. Stop complaining little miss, get in that tin can you call a car, and show the nice couple around the venue. And for god’s sake you cynical girl, at least pretend to like weddings, it’s much harder the fall in love with a venue when the woman running it appears to have a heart of stone.”

“And thus, for a small price, the two of you can have the wedding of your dreams in one of the few castles in this part of America, we do know that churches are more traditional, but we know how to make every wedding…” She turned away as she uttered the next words, not wanting them to see the face she pulled as she said it, “unique.”

Why this couple could not have waited another day she did not know, there did not seem to be anything particularly extraordinary about them, except that they were both more good looking than any couple had the right to be. The woman did, however, seem like most others she saw in these halls, in love with the idea she might be a princess for a day. Her future husband had not so much as glanced in her direction since entering the venue, not that she could blame him, she felt terribly plain next to the stunning blonde. Still, he could have spared at least one smile or greeting in her direction.

“No, it’s perfect, oh Jai, I can just see myself descending this staircase, although it will require a much longer train” “I thought we weren’t going to say our names.” It was the first time he had spoken, although his fiancé did not appear to hear it, she was already hurrying towards the staircase in question, evidently testing to see if it would, indeed make for the grand entrance she imagined. It was very tempting to simply ignore her fiancés words, Jai as she now knew his name was, just as he had hers all day, but she was too curious. “It’s a wise decision not to speak your names, now that I know yours there is no escaping this wedding, you will be married, although your fiancé may still be lucky enough to escape.” The edges of his lips twitched slightly at her words as his eyes came to meet hers for the first time, she raised an eyebrow at him, waiting for more explanation as to why they wanted to keep their names a secret, but it did not come. Instead he looked her over, absent mindedly scratching an oversized bicep as he did so.

“You’re not American,” She tried again after a moment’s silence, “English, is it? Surely you’ve got enough castles back home.” Again, he smirked, taking a step closer to her, “Australian actually, but even I know…” He leaned in close, lowering his voice as if eavesdroppers surrounded them, “That this place is nowhere near as old as you claim.” He raised his eyebrows at her, settling back a little, as if readying himself for her reply. She was suddenly struck by the sheer size of him. She had thought him attractive before, in the conventional sense, all muscle and carefree smiles, only now however, when his eyes were actually engaged, did she see just how entrancing he was, she could not tear her eyes away from him, “No, it’s a very new, and cheap building. But since when have weddings been based on truth.” He narrowed his eyes at her, ready to reply. “Jai.” The call made her jump, she had forgotten the other woman was there. “How did that look.” “Hmmm.” He looked up at his fiancé, obviously having missed her decent entirely, “lovely. We should get going, you know what happens if we stay in one place for too long.”

The fiancé, still unnamed, was still inside, taking great care in placing her sunglasses and head wrap, fearful she would burst out laughing she had gone to stand by the door, ready to lock up once the couple had left. To her surprise Jai had followed her out. His large frame seemed much too large for the door. “Just one quick question for you,” His accent, so jarring before, seemed to wash over her, and she suddenly became aware of just how close to her he was standing. Her eyes drifted down, despite herself, looking at the small blonde hairs that decorated his arms. “Most of this wedding is going to be hers but…” He broke of looking slightly embarrassed, “You guys don’t serve beers do you.” “I can assure you, Jai, you are not the first man, or woman, to want beers at his wedding. I’m sure I can get them on the menu for you.” He grinned, leaning in even closer. This time however, it was her who cut him off, “You won’t tell your fiancé what I said I hope, about the castle. As stupid as it is I quite like this job.” “I can keep a secret.” He told her, they were almost nose to nose now, “Can you do the same?” He was flirting, she realised, earlier he hadn’t been able to look at her, and now he was flirting, she wandered just what his future wife would think about that, and was preparing herself to ask, when… “What was that?” She had jumped away from him in surprise, “What was what?” He was looking around, large shoulders braced, she had to force herself not to admire them. “It was nothing,” The fiancé had emerged, safely wrapped in her scarfs. “The two of you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Not a ghost. She thought, just a flash from the trees.

@fuckthatfeeling

[a-coulter-winchester]

For Sale: Dead ends

Warnings: Some confrontation and excitement. 

Sunlight filled the room, birds chirped somewhere in a tree nearby. The hum of a car on the road droned off into the distance. Miles popped his head up and huffed at something out the bedroom window. The room was mostly peaceful except the soft snores and leveled breathing coming from you.

“I LOVE BOOMERANGS!” You shot up in a blaze of glory as a loud drilling noise came from across your window.

Miles was howling and barking at the intrusive sounds. You had fallen asleep with your laptop. The sound was starting to give you a headache or the lack of sleep was. You swallowed trying to wet your throat and pushed the laptop off your lap. You checked your phone to see that it was eight in the morning.

“Miles, who the hell drills at 8 am??” You hissed your grogginess was quickly replaced with anger. 

Your back and neck felt stiff from the awkward position you had slept in. Stomping towards the window you observed the situation in shock. You could see straight into Eric’s bedroom and he could see right into yours if he wanted to.

There he stood directly in front of the window. He didn’t have a shirt on, he had what looked to be a pair of boxers or pajamas bottoms on. The V peaking out of his waist band lead your eyes to his beautiful sculpted abs. You subconsciously bit your lip while studying every little detail of his perfect body.

In that moment you completely forgot about what a jerk your neighbor was. All you could think about was how much you wanted to run your tongue over his... your thoughts were broken as you made eye contact with him. He was staring right at you and even stopped drilling. His eyes seemed to see right through you. 

“Shit.” You awkwardly turned and then did a little 360 spin to face him again.

You pulled your window open and tried to throw on your best angry face. He copied you and shoved his window open before leaning out the window picking up on the fact that you were about to yell at him.

“Can you not drill this early in the morning?” Your blood boiled as he smirked at you and looked down for a moment.

“Are you sure you don’t want to join me in here? You can get a better look that way.” He said holding onto the ledge of the window. His broad shoulders made the frame look a lot smaller. His muscles tightened with his grip on the frame giving you every detail of his hard body. 

“Wha-N-no. No! I was still waking up. Ew no thank you.” Infuriated at the comment you slammed the window shut and turned to leave the room. The drill started back up and now the image of the beautiful jerks smug smile stained your mind. “No just a dumb jerk Y/N, he’s not beautiful!”

You weren’t sure how he could literally threaten you to stay off his property and then to turn around the next day just to tease you about coming over.

A sigh left your lips as you stomped down the stairs. Annoyed with the events of the morning had you craving a hot fresh pot of coffee. While the coffee brewed you propped your elbows on the table leaning your face between your fingers. You gently massaged your temples wishing the kitchen would have been your quiet safe haven yet all you could still hear was his stupid power tools.

As If possessed you cradled your cup and walked out your front door. Was there peace on your porch? Not, now the sound seemed to echo from there so you let your feet carry you to your car which was parked on the street luckily instead of your garage. You climbed in lazily and shut the door with sigh as the sound was drowned out. You sipped on the thick warm liquid in peace while trying to recollect your thoughts. Surprisingly you had very little success in digging up any information on your Hot but Jerk of a neighbor.  He had somehow managed to keep a substantial amount of information off the internet.  

All you knew was that he was an ex-Marine and worked for Dauntless Inc. the rival company of Divergents International. That was also apparently where Four and Tris worked.  Once your coffee mug was empty you sighed and opened the car door reluctantly you had to get some work done. You prayed that he would be silent now as most of your work would be done at home from your laptop. To your surprise it was completely quiet. 

You managed to get a few hours of work done and decided it was time to take sweet little Miles out, who has been so patiently cooped up. Things seemed quiet over at the handsome devils house yet you didn’t want to assume he was out of his house.  Knowing your luck he would be creeping through his house trying to figure out how he’d control the neighborhood next. Keeping Miles close you let your thoughts drift, it was a really nice warm day out with a perfect breeze.  The Neighborhood was mostly quiet except for the distant buzzing of someone mowing their lawn, the occasional car passing by and birds chirping back and forth. 

“Hey.” Four called out walking up the hill. You shook off your trance and smiled politely at him. 

“Hi Neighbor.” You chuckled watching as he stopped a few feet away from you. 

“How was your first night?” Four asked. shifting as he looked around for a moment then back to you.

“Good...until about the ass crack of dawn.” You partially joked but there was a heavy dose of annoyance in your tone. 

“Yeaah.. He’s going to try and push all your buttons. Don’t let him.” Both of you nodded in agreement about the asshole to the left of you.  

“Why don’t you come over tonight for dinner. Will and Christine are coming. it’s a BBQ thing.”  Four offered and inside you were excited to hear that. Eric was starting to make you uneasy. 

“Yeah sure. it’d be nice to make some friends.” You smiled and crossed your arms. 

“Ok. See you at 7:00.”  You barely heard what Four said as You caught movement out of your eye. 

Miles decided the best place to poop was in the one  yard that could end up being fatal for him. You felt frozen not wanting to yell to draw Eric out but also wanting to hurry up and get your dog. Four stood there next to you probably assessing the situation. You began to move before he reached out and gently gripped your arm. 

“Wait..” Four whispered. His eyes searched the premises and the house as best as he could.  “Go low.”  He advised and so you took a minute before crouching down. 

You made it to the hedges and froze again this time at the sound of the door to Eric’s house creaking open.

“Fuck!” You hissed and faltered before bolting towards your dog. You caught Eric in your peripherals He grinned and bit his lip in a ominous way. 

He bolted across the lawn directly towards you covering more ground than you could of imagined. He was quickly closing in on you. Your heart raced and your vision tunneled in on Miles who had just finished crapping on Satan’s lawn. Your hands wrapped around Miles clutching him quickly to you. 

A yelp left your lips as you sunk to the neatly manicured lawn to embrace the impact of Eric’s body. Nothing happened except for a very gruff  “Oomph.” Followed by a hard thud. You turned to see Eric and Four wrestling on the ground. 

“Y/N! Run!” Four yelled and you didn’t hesitate, you took off and B lined straight for your door.

You shut and lock the door panting and still cradling Miles close to your chest. Your legs burned as you took off up the stairs finally in the safety of your room. Worried about Four and the tussle you experienced outside you gathered your wits and took a peek out the window. The Lawn was empty and there was no sounds. No police sirens, sounds of pummeling or two brute men having a heated conversation. You sighed and started to pull back out of the window when your heart leapt up into your throat. Eric was glaring at you through his window.

He was angry and it made you feel many things. Your fear made sense but the heat spreading between your thighs is what confused you. “Shut the curtain and walk away!” A small voice in the back of your head screamed.  

“Four won’t always be there to protect you. Next time I see you outside, You’re Mine!” He hissed and slammed his window shut. Hard enough to break the glass but it stayed in tact. 

Everything felt weird, You should have been feeling more afraid. Angry even to be threatened. Maybe it was shock. You couldn’t figure out what he meant by that. That threat could have meant so many things.  Not only did you need to Thank Four but you needed answers from all of them at the BBQ tonight. how dangerous was Eric.. The more you thought about it the more you felt something odd stirring inside of you. Something that was almost curious to push Eric’s buttons back to see how far he would really go. You took a deep breath and tried to calm your nerves chalking it up to being an Adrenaline rush.  

Tags: @o0idk0o @iammarylastar @every-jai @angeli-fucking-cat @shitfire599 @12monkees @maddisach

[losille2000]

Sugar, Chapter 1

TITLE: Sugar CHAPTER NUMBER: 1/? AUTHOR: Losille2000 WHICH TOM/CHARACTER: Actor!Tom; Actor!Jai Courtney GENRE: Romance/Drama FIC SUMMARY: Benny and Tess Sweet: Twins. Business partners. Georgia natives. Southern belles. And each others’ greatest allies against the world. Neither could predict how their lives would change when a wayward Englishman wanders into Tess’ cake and tea shop, SweetYums, in a desperate search for a proper English tea. Prepare for cavities. RATING: M (sex, language) WARNINGS:  None. AUTHORS NOTES: This will be mostly marshmallow fluff, with tons of empty calories, but hopefully a good time. Don’t know how updates will fit in with my current writing schedule with Home/Safe Upon the Shore, TCA, and Saving Grace, but I desperately needed to put this up because I have a mighty need for happy times. Story will focus mostly on Benny’s and Tess’ POV, maybe with some Tom and Jai POVs. For @cinderella1181

Also available on Archive of Our Own!

Sugar Chapter 1

Benny checked her watch for what seemed the millionth time since taking her place in the lengthy line at craft services. God, she was so late. She should have known better than to schedule her last shoot of the day so close to five, especially when it was on the opposite side of town from where she needed to be at six. Now it was almost useless to rush, knowing the traffic waiting for her on the freeways with everyone getting off work.

 The blonde actress in front of Benny—no one famous, well, not yet at least—took her time ordering her triple venti iced soy latte with one—no, two—shots of espresso. And maybe she wanted one of the baked goods. But what baked good? Were the scones low in sugar? What about the pound cake? Full of butter? Ick.

 Benny rolled her eyes when the girl finally scrunched her nose and decided not to eat anything, even though it looked like she hadn’t eaten anything in at least a month. One good wind was liable to knock her right down, Benny thought, but kept it to herself by biting her tongue. The actress floated away down the bar to await her beverage, finally giving Benny the ability to step forward.

 The thoroughly unenthused clerk behind the till looked at her as though he were daring her to compound the last ten minutes he’d spent with Ms. Actress and her indecisiveness. Benny smiled apologetically at the guy and giggled. “Just a small mocha, no whip.”

 “That’s... it?” he asked.

 Benny nodded.

 “Oh, thank god.”

 She laughed and dug out a ten dollar bill from the leather coin purse dangling from her wrist. “Keep the tip.”

 The clerk paused for a second, holding the bill tightly in his fingers. He contemplated accepting it, but his Southern modesty won out. “I can’t, ma’am.”

 She shook her head. “Keep it. Seriously. Heaven knows the shit you go through.”

 “You have no idea. Thank you,” he said and dropped the change in his tip jar. “You’re not an actress? Are you on a crew?”

 “I’m a photographer,” she replied, simultaneously pointing to the visitor’s pass hanging from her neck and the large black camera bag on her shoulder. “Mr. Perry called me in to do some promo shots for one of his new movies.”

 He grabbed a cup from a stack and grabbed a Sharpie. “That’s cool. Name?”

 “Benny.”

 He looked past her as he quickly scribbled the name and handed it off to the other person pouring and slinging the drinks with the efficiency of a seasoned barista.

 A large shadow fell over them a moment later. Benny glanced at the two men who stopped in the queue behind her. She tried to hide her shock, but she was sure she gave herself away as the one with slicked-back dirty blond hair and the sculpted body of a linebacker caught her eye. He grinned and winked, assessing her body from head to toe, but stopping for a length on her tits. She straightened her back and stuck those babies out, not one iota shy about the male attention or the size of her rack. What was the use in having twins, anyway, if they didn’t make her breasts permanently grow a full cup size, even long after she’d stopped nursing?

 The man beside the first—tall, reedy-but-well-muscled, and gorgeously English—noticed where his friend’s attention had gone. He also grinned, nodded a wordless greeting and turning back to his conversation.

 Benny thanked the clerk again and stepped away to wait for her drink to be made. She listened to the two men order and give their names to the clerk—Jai and Tom. Of course, she knew their names already, but it was nice to hear them say it in their native accents. When they joined her waiting for their drinks, she overheard bits of their conversation, but tried to stay out of it. That was, of course, until the Englishman bemoaned the lack of quality English tea in a location known for its saccharine sweet tea, which was just as much sugary syrup as it was water and tea.

 The barista slid her mocha out on the platform and gave her a smile, but Benny was busy digging through the camera bag for the stack of business cards she kept hidden for instances such as this.

 She stepped between the two men, who looked at her with mild interest, but not unhappy that she had interrupted them. She lifted the card up and held it out to Tom. “I’m sorry for eavesdropping, but I thought I could help you out with your tea problem.”

 Tom smiled. “Thank you, darling. What do you suggest I do?”

“My twin, Tess, owns a cake and tea shop in Decatur,” she explained. “It’s not close to the studio, I’ll grant you that, but she’s meticulous about serving good English tea. If you’re jonesing for a taste of home and you have some free time, you should check it out.”

 Tom didn’t hesitate to take the card from her fingers. “SweetYums?”

 But Jai was concerned about other things. “There’s two of you?”

 “I’ll take that as a compliment,” Benny laughed. “And yes, sir, a play on our surname.”

 “You should,” Jai replied. He clearly had fantasies of twins.

 Benny opened her mouth to say that they were fraternal and looked nothing alike except for a passing familiar resemblance, but the cell phone in her pocket stopped her. She knew it was probably the daycare calling about her children; she was meant to pick them up by five-thirty—and she’d clearly blown past it.

 “Oh, I’ve got to go,” she said and lifted her mocha in salute to the two men. “Have a wonderful evening!”

They voiced the same; she felt their eyes linger for a little while longer as she walked away, but she ignored them.  There were two little people elsewhere in the city she needed to focus on.

  By some miracle, traffic wasn’t as bad as usual and she arrived before the daycare closed at six. A feat she probably wouldn’t ever be able to accomplish again.  Despite every fail safe she put in place to try to be on time, she always managed to be late.  She’d be late to her funeral, too, if she had her way.

 Charlotte and Raleigh were the last two in the room, quietly sitting together with their backpacks on their five-year-old shoulders.  The teacher, Miss Kelly, gladly handed them off with nothing more than a grunt and a sigh of relief as they walked out the door.  Benny figured no news was good news where they were concerned—they were holy terrors on their best days, just as their mama and her twin had been when they were small.  She often thought it was payback for the hell she and Tess put their parents through.

 When they were finally in the car on the way home, Charlie’s voice pierced the quiet ambient noise of chattering children and radio.

 “Mama?”

 Benny glanced in the rear-view mirror, catching her baby girl’s bright blue eyes. “What, baby?”

 “Do you know who my daddy is?”

 A bolt of fear shot through Benny. After the day she had, the last thing she wanted to discuss was who had fathered the twins.  Especially since he didn’t know about them.

 “Well, um,” she cleared her throat, “why?”

 “Miss Kelly said our daddies were supposed to bring us to daycare in a few weeks for a party.”

 “Oh,” Benny said. She hadn’t heard anything about any parties involving fathers. But she supposed the information was probably in their backpacks.

“And Sarah said her daddy was going to be there and I want my daddy there, too,” Charlie said.

Oh, God. No. Not now.

Benny coughed into her hand. “We’ll talk about it later, Charlie, okay? Mama’s had a pretty busy day and Papaw may go with you.”

 “But I don’t want Papaw to go with me! I want my daddy!”

 It took everything in Benny’s soul not to shout that her daddy probably didn’t want her. Not that she actually knew that, seeing as she never summoned the courage to reach out to him after she found out she was pregnant. Well, reach out to his “people,” she supposed. There’d be no getting to him personally—even if she wanted to do that. Which she didn’t. Because it was ludicrous to even think he’d want anything to do with them—much less deal with the fallout from his wife—once it came out that he had twins from a random one night stand.

 Benny drew in a breath and looked again in the mirror, meeting her daughter’s eyes. “We’ll talk about it later.”

 “But Mama!”

 “No!”

 And that sent her off crying. Raleigh grabbed Charlie’s arm to comfort her, but Charlie batted it away and slapped him. Then they were both crying and trying to kill the other.  Benny turned around as soon as she stopped at a spotlight.

 “Stop it! Now! Both of you!” she said. “We don’t hit each other!”

 “He started it!” Charlie whimpered through large crocodile tears.

 Benny groaned. “Both of you sit still and shut—be quiet,” she stopped herself and clenched her fingers around the steering wheel. “We’ll be home in a few minutes and both of you are going to your bedrooms until dinner.”

 They wailed in unison. “Mama! No!”

 She shot them both a look, the look she had long since mastered, the one her mother had passed down to her by some freak genetic code—that one that meant business. Even at five, they understand she was at the end of her rope.

 The car behind them laid on the horn. Benny groaned and turned back in her seat, finding a green light.  She angrily waved at the car behind her, then balled her hand in a fist to prevent a lone middle finger popping up in front of the children.

 Blissful silence followed as she drove home and pulled into the driveway to find her sister unloading groceries and carrying them upstairs to her apartment.  Tess hopped back down the stairs and stopped beside her car, waiting for Benny to pull into her parking spot and cut the ignition.  Her twin looked like she’d had a long day, but she hid her exhaustion with a bright smile.  It never failed that even when she was feeling the worst, Tess always managed to ignore it.  Benny wished she had her sunny disposition sometimes.

 Tess dove once more into the trunk of the car, stretching for one of the bags that had been pushed back into the dark recesses of the vehicle.  When she emerged, she said, “Hey,” and grabbed another bag.

 “Charlie, Raleigh, take your aunt’s groceries up.”

 “Ah, Mama...”

 “Don’t make me punish you for longer.”

 Both children sighed, grabbed the last of the bags from Tess’ hands and ran full speed up the stairs and slammed the door on the upper floor apartment. Tess frowned and looked at Benny. “What’s going on with them?”

 “They got into a fight and I told them they had to stay in their room until dinner,” Benny said. “And... Charlie wants to know who her father is.”

 Tess pursed her lips and stuck out her hip, resting it against her blue Ford. “I’d like to know who her father is, too...”

 “I’m so sick and tired of this shit, Tess,” Benny replied. “Why does it even matter? He’s not in their life, I think I’m doing an okay job by myself. We don’t need him, so why should I complicate matters?”

 “Because everyone wants to know who their parents are,” Tess said. “Wouldn’t you?”

 Benny groaned and shook her head. “You just don’t understand. When you have kids, you’ll understand.”

 “When I have kids, I plan to be in a committed relationship with the father.”

 Benny squinted her eyes at her sweet, innocent sister.  Thirty-two she may well have been, but Tess was still the same optimistic—and naive—sister. She’d been on a constant parade of first dates since college. Nothing ever seemed to take, but she held out for her happily ever after.  And held out. And held out, hoping each successive try that someday some guy would come along and be everything but the sorts of losers men always turned out to be.

 “When you actually have a relationship, the world will end,” Benny said.

 “Hey, don’t jump down my throat just because you’re in a bad mood.” Tess stood tall and shook her head.

 Benny felt bad for saying what she did to Tess. It wasn’t right to criticize Tess for something she couldn’t really control, nor the shyness that prevented her from getting out of her bakery’s kitchen and spending time socializing. That’s just who Tess was, and even though she was a naturally shy person, that didn’t mean she hadn’t lived life and spent nary more than a few days at a time without being around Benny. Frankly, Charlotte and Raleigh were as much her children as they were Benny’s.

 Benny puffed up and cheeks and sighed. “I’m sorry I snapped. It’s just been a stressful day. And the daycare got pissed off again that I was late for their pick-up time.”

 “I can always swing by if you can’t make it, Ben,” Tess said. “It’s literally five minutes away.”

 “I know, I just feel bad,” Benny replied. “You’re usually busy cleaning up and prepping for the next day.”

 Tess shrugged. “Why were you late anyway? I thought your shoot was at three.”

 Benny laughed. “You know the movie industry. Hurry up and wait. And then I needed caffeine and the chick in front of me was taking forever.”

 “Ah,” Tess said and pushed away from the car. “There’s a pot roast and the fixings in the oven. I should probably go check on it.”

 Benny’s stomach grumbled at the mention of food, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten much all day. “What’s for dessert?”

 “Oh, I was fiddling around with a new cinnamon roll recipe today,” she said. “So there’s a really crumbly pan of cinnamon rolls upstairs. Tastes good, but the dough in the recipe is crap. Still can’t find anything better than Old Memaw’s recipe.”

 “Why mess with perfection?” Benny asked, slinging her arm around Tess’ shoulders as they walked to the stairs leading up to Tess’ second-floor apartment. The lights in the downstairs apartment flipped on and she heard running feet and screaming.

Great. The twins. How could two five-year-olds sound like a herd of wildebeests?

 Benny groaned. “No dessert for them tonight.”

 “That’s fine. I’ll warm those bad boys up and we’ll eat them directly out of the pan,” Tess said.

 “Then we’ll go to the gym tomorrow.”

 Tess laughed. “Maybe you will. I’ve got five weddings this weekend.”

 Benny rolled her eyes, but cracked a smile anyway. The truth was, Tess never needed to hit the gym because she never stopped moving throughout the day, and sweat off whatever she consumed in the grueling heat of a high-volume kitchen. Benny, on the other hand, didn’t have that luxury.

 “Alright. Let me go take care of these hooligans,” Benny said. “When should we be up?”

 “In an hour, tops.”

 Benny saluted and diverted toward her front door. She stood outside for a moment, breathing a few calming breaths. Sometimes, especially nights like this, she thought it would be nice to have someone else in her life. A male someone, maybe. Hell, even a female someone. But it would need to be someone willing to deal with the twins’ rampant lawlessness as much as she did. She hated always being the bad guy. Sharing the load might be nice.

 However, that someone would never, ever be their biological father. Because he was never, ever going to find out about them.

 Ever.

 Benny squared her shoulders like a conquering warrior and pushed open the door. Those two didn’t know what they were in for.